Sam Muenzenmayer
S.W. (Sam) Muenzenmayer was born December 15, 1869 and died June 11, 1937 in
Tokyo, Japan.
His wife, Hannah Catharine Weil, was born April 14, 1873 and died November
12, 1969.
They came to Woodbine in 1892. Before moving to Woodbine he farmed. On his
farm he built a lake which was a very popular place called "Oak Grove." He let the
public use these grounds without a charge. He and his family had a summer cottage
at the lake.
He was elected mayor of Woodbine April 5, 1909, when Woodbine was incorporated
and served to 1915.
He had a general merchandise store. Lou Shank and Emma Fengel were two of his
employees. He was bandmaster and was a civic leader in educational and church affairs.
He was also a translator of German for the new immigrants.
S.W. built the house where Verland Middletons live in 1900. His phone number
was #1. His house boasted a bathtub with running water.
He sold his general merchandise store to Shank and Hiebert in 1914.
In 1919 he moved his family to Baldwin City, Kansas. May was to enter Baker
University. Ruth was married to Everett Staatz and lived near Lyona. Naomi and
Warren were 8 and 6 years old.
Daughter Ruth Staatz, born June 17, 1895, died January 10, 1981 at San Jose,
California. May Roberts, born May 18, 1901, lives in Claremont, California. Naomi
Darrigrand, born January 4, 9, lives in Victoria, Canada. Warren, born January 26,
1913 lives in Tokyo, Japan.
Source: Woodbine, Kansas Centennial, 1887 - 1987,
Woodbine through the years pg. 104
Submitted by Inez Kensit