Saturday, March 16, 2024

Is ANNA REBESEL HECKENBERRY in Your Family Tree?

 Over the years, we collect photos or items that folks donate to us.  We would like to return these back to the family where each belongs.  

Please email defiance genealogy2002@yahoo.com if you are interested in having a certain photo and we will send it to you? 

Perhaps you could mention how you are related to the person in the photo.



The back of the photo states:

Anna (Rebesel) Heckenberry, lived in Akron, Ohio

No date.


Monday, March 11, 2024

World War I Series - Charles Butler

 


Charles Butler

Charles Butler, the last of the soldiers in this series, was an enigma for quite a while.  He was born in Michigan, was on the 1900 and 1910 censuses with his parents in Minnesota, lived in Defiance for a short time, and enlisted in Ohio and then joined the National Army in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Charles was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan, on November 15, 1889, the son of Charles Carroll Butler, Sr. and his wife, Alice M. Parmalee.  Charles, the soldier, was actually a junior to his father, but he never used his middle initial or the junior on the documents for the military.  His parents were born in Wisconsin, adding to their travel journey.  From at least 1900 until their son's death, the family lived in Virginia, St. Louis County, Minnesota.  

Why Charles was in Defiance, Ohio in 1917 when he enlisted is a mystery, but the book, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, placed him there, living at 814 Clinton Street. He seemed to claim Defiance as is residence in all things military. Nothing could be found on his life in Defiance.  


After enlisting on November 23, 1917, into the National Army at 28 years old, he was placed in Company A, 304th Engineers where he stayed until January 7, 1918.  By occupation, Charles had trained as a civil engineer at the University of Wisconsin, and on the 1910 census was employed by the city of Virginia, Minnesota as such. He was last assigned in the Army to Company A, 301st Battalion TC (Tank Corps). 

On March 28, 1918, Charles departed New York City on the ship Olympic, headed for France. His contact person was his mother, Alice P (Parmalee) Butler.  He was with the 65th Engineers, Company A, Heavy Tank Section. (It is unknown if his father was alive at this time.)

He moved up the ranks quickly from his first assignment as a Private until he was promoted to Captain on February 25, 1918, and finally, Sergeant on March 3, 1918.  He was part of the Somme Second Offensive, often called one of the bloodiest battles of the war.


At first, Charles was reported as Missing in Action during the Battle of St. Quentin Canal, but later that was changed to Killed in Action.  He was declared dead on September 28, 1918.  His name rests on the "Tablets of the Missing" at the Somme American Cemetery, Bony, Aisne, France.


His body, if found later, was memorialized in the Somme American Cemetery. For his bravery, he was awarded a Purple Heart and a World War I Victory Medal with one bronze service star, posthumously.  No obituary or photograph of him could be found.

Defiance Crescent-News, May 17, 1921


"Butler Street 
Sgt. Charles Butler
 Co. A 301st Tank Battalion 
Killed in Action 
Somme Offensive, France 
September 28th, 1918"



In Memoriam
Charles Carroll Butler, Jr.

Saturday, March 2, 2024

World War I Series - Edward Wilson

 


Edward R. Wilson




The following announcement appeared in several local papers:

"EDWARD WILSON, FIRST DEFIANCE BOY KILLED IN FRANCE

In the announcement of the American casualty list from France appears the name of Edward Wilson, Defiance, Ohio.  This is the first Defiance County man to meet death in France in the battle for worldwide liberty and democracy.
The Crescent News today received the following telegram: Meredith, N.H. - April 12, Edward Wilson, Defiance, O., killed in France.

It was impossible to find any information concerning the young man.  His name is not contained on the county registration list, nor is it on the list of men to go through the local recruiting station."

But now the mystery is solved as to why his name appears on the Defiance County World War I memorial...he was BORN in Defiance, and he was killed in action.

A small article in the Defiance Crescent-News, April 15, 1918, cleared up the mystery:

"GRANDMOTHER OF EDWARD R. WILSON LIVES IN DEFIANCE

Edward R. Wilson, the Defiance boy who was killed in France, as stated on the casualty list in the Crescent-News Friday was born in Defiance and is the son of Mrs. O.A. Wilson of Summerville, Mass, who will be remembered in Defiance as Nellie Rieker.
The young man enlisted in the service at Summerville. He was born here at the home of his grandmother, Mrs. Esther Rieker, 623 Sessions street, North Defiance.

His grandmother is grieved over the loss of her grandson, who has given his life that the cause of worldwide liberty might be successful."

Edward Rieker Wilson was the only child of Ellen Elizabeth Rieker and Otis A. Wilson. Edward was born in Defiance on July 21, 1894, but by 1900 the family had settled in at 26 Laurel Street, Somerville, Massachusetts. In the Federal Census of 1900 in that place, Otis, age 42, was a railroad clerk, and he and Ellen, 32, had been married seven years.  Litle Edward had already started school at age 5.

So, it makes sense that Edward registered for the draft there on June 5, 1917. He was 22 years old, and he was in the Engineering Department of the Boston and Maine Railroad. He had recent military experience in the 1st Massachusetts Engineers of the National Guard for a four-week stint in May, 1917.  He was tall and of medium build with gray eyes and light brown hair.

He waa put into the military, Company E, 101st Engineers, 26th Division and traveled overseas on September 26, 1917. The 26th Division was known as the "Yankee Division" because it was mostly young men from the New England states. Edward was killed near Bouconville, France and buried in France for a while before his remains were sent home in June, 1921.


The Defiance Crescent-News reported back home on April 23, 1918, what the events were in Somerville, reporting back from the Massachusetts newspaper:

"GIVES ACCOUNT OF SACRIFICE OF EDWARD R. WILSON

The Sommerset, Mass. Journal contains the following account of the death of Private Edward R. Wilson, who met death in France, and who was born in Defiance and has relatives here:

'The parents of Private Edward R. Wilson of Company E, 101st Engineers were notified that he had been killed in action in France.  He was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Otis A. Wilson of 11 Willoughby Street.

The young man was born in Defiance, Ohio and was 24 years of age.  He came to Sommerville in 1898 and attended the Sommerville schools, and afterwards attended Sommerville High School, and later Mt. Hermon school.  He then entered the engineering department of the Boston & Maine Railroad.  He enlisted in Company E.  He was a member of the Winter Hill Baptist church and had many friends.

His relatives at Sommerville wrote the following to his grandmother, Mrs. Esther Rieker of this city: 
'A letter has come from the War Department confirming the telegram and giving assurance that Edward would be buried with all proper religious ceremonies and military honors. The letter also said that the grave would be marked and that the bodies of the soldiers are to be returned to this country after the war.'


Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts

The Boston Evening Globe of June 20, 1921, reported the burial of Edward in the United States:

"SOMERVILLE
The funeral of Edward R. Wilson, the first Somerville soldier killed in action in France, will be held at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otis A. Wilson, 11 Willoughby Street.  He was born in Defiance, O., July 21, 1894, and was educated in the public schools of this city.  
He served with Co. C, 101st United States Engineers and was killed in action on April 8, 1918.  What was formerly Oak Square, this city, was renamed Edward Wilson Sq. in his honor by the City Government."

The 26th Division was fighting near Belleau church during the part of the war when Edward was killed; in fact, the American artillery destroyed the church even prior to the final assault by their division.
"General Edwards told villagers that he would ensure the church was rebuilt. Money was raised by the Division's veterans and on Oct. 10, 1926, the (new) church was dedicated...  Within are commemorations, plaques and stained class windows honoring those, including Edward R. Wilson, who died in France.  It is the only memorial to this division."

A very nice online pilgrimage through the church, including the honorary plaques, is available by clicking here.

In Memoriam
Edward R. Wilson







Saturday, February 24, 2024

World War I Series - Earl R. Myers

 


EARL R. MYERS

Earl R. (LeRoy) Myers began life in Paulding County, Ohio, on September 18, 1897. The son of Peter and Mary Myers, he was the youngest child listed on the 1900 census with five older siblings. At two, he was called Earlie. Within the next five years, the family would take up residence in Hicksville Township.

At 19 years old, Earl enlisted in the Ohio National Guard, Company E, 2nd Infantry where he stayed until October 16, 1917, when his unit was included in the Army as Company L, 146th Infantry. The group trained in Camp Sheridan, Alabama, then just a piece of land with cotton fields and wastelands. Construction took place on the grounds at the same time as their training. 

     (Not Earl Myers, but another soldier from the 147th Infantry)

Unfortunately, Earl became quite sick in the camp, sick enough that his father came down to Alabama to help in his recovery. In the process, Earl missed the departure of his Company L for France, so he was attached then to Company M, 147th Infantry for the rest of his military time.

Private Earl Myers left for France where he was killed in action on September 29, 1918 in the Meuse Argonne offensive. Months later, the parents were notified and a notice was published.



In the Hicksville Tribune on page 3 of the Jan.30, 1919, paper, a letter appeared from one of Earl's commanders to the local Lutheran Pastor, Rev. Geo. F. Dittmer, who must have inquired about more information on Earl's death.


Earl was first buried in a temporary cemetery near the battlefield, as shown below in the photo, near Epinonville. Later, he was disinterred and moved to Grave 56, Section 61, plot 2 in the Argonne American Cemetery where he received his white cross to mark the gravesite.

Temporary gravesites near the battlefield

Earl' family held a memorial service for him in late January,1919, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Hicksville. His obituary appeared in the January 23, 1919, Hicksville Tribune on page. 4:

"Myers, Earl LeRoy, youngest son of Peter Myers, was born near Payne, Ohio, September 18, 1897.  He died in action in France while fighting for his country, September 29, 1918.  His early life closed at the youthful age of 21 years and 11 days.

He was seven years old when the family came to Defiance county and located on the present homestead north of Hicksville, amidst pleasant surroundings and the comfort of a good Christian home, he grew to manhood.

His parents dedicated him to God by Holy Baptism in early infancy and was confirmed in the Lutheran Church, March 20, 1910, remained a faithful communicant member until death.  Even while in camp, he did not forget his church, but voluntarily continued his contribution for its support.

When declaration was made that a state of war existed and the conscription law was passed, he was not old enough to be drafted, but on June 4, 1917, the day before the first registration, he volunteered and enlisted in Company E..

He left Hicksville with the company September 30th for Camp Sheridan, Alabama. At camp, the company was merged and he became a member of Co. L, the 146th Infantry.  While at camp, he became seriously sick with measles and pneumonia, but with a timely visit of his father,he grew better and completely recovered.

June found the Company at Camp Lee, ready for duty overseas.  In early July, they landed in France.  Early August found him again in hospital due to mumps.  His company, in the meantime, moved forward.  When he recovered, he was put in Company M of the 147th Infantry.

His last letter was dated September 8th and November 25th, word was received that he had been killed in action September 29.  This message, received so long after the armistice, came as a great shock to the community and especially, the bereaved family.

He was a fine young man. Physically strong, tall, erect, with a soldierly bearing, morally clean, upright and conscientious. He had a high sense of honor. Homesick as he often was, he would not make a mis-statement to get to go home, saying he would rather not have a furlough than gain it dishonestly.

He was the noblest type of patriotism, not of words, but of deeds. Quietly, without ado, he did what he thought was his duty. His patriotism was manifest to all.  For this, he volunteered, for this he endured great hardships, sufferings and sacrifices. For this, he gave at last the full measure of devotion, the supreme sacrifice of life itself.

An impressive service was held at St. John's Lutheran Church Sunday, in memory of the departed."

CARD OF THANKS.

We take this means of thanking the community for the deep sympathy and interest taken in the loss of our loved son and brother. We thank also the pastor for the glowing tribute and consoling words. Also the choir for the appropriate and excellent music.

Peter Myers and Children"


In Memoriam
Earl LeRoy Myers


Sunday, February 18, 2024

World War I Series - Russel W. Bolley

 


RUSSEL WILLIAM BOLLEY


Born in Highland Township, Defiance County, on March 27, 1896, Russell was the son of Theobald and Carrie (Demland) Bolley. His address was R.F.D New Bavaria, as Highland Township touches Henry County on the east side. His father was a longtime farmer in Highland Township.

On June 5, Russell filled out his World War I draft registration in Highland Township.  He waa a single farmer and claimed exemption as he said he had a father and mother, brother and sister to support.
His father's obituary noted that the father was a diabetic and often sickly which may be the grounds for Russell's plea for an exemption. In the end, he was not exempted, but instead called to duty and assigned as a Private in Company G, 28th Infantry Regiment, First Division.
He left for France on the ship "Grampian" on June 11, 1918.


"Grampian - Canadian Shipping Lines

The First Division, where Bolley was assigned, really took much of the front line fighting in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Russell Bolley was killed on October 6, 1918, in the midst of a terrible battle.  As described in the History of the First Division compiled and published by the Society of the First Division:

"There was never a more trying period for the First Division then October 6, 7,8, when it waited for the Army to renew the assault.  The men dug, as best they could, shallow holes for protection.  In these, they lay under a downpour of shell, gas and bullets.  Frequently, the Montrefage looked like a veritable volcano.
For hours at a time the smoke from bursting shell in the Exermont raine and in the depressions north of it, resembled forest fires.  Every valley was drenched with gas.

The casualties among the burial parties...were so numerous, they were discontinued.  All batteries were shelled in their exposed positions.  Streams of wounded flowed from every part of the zone of action. Ambulances could not operate forward...and the ever increasing groups of bodies about their receiving stations told of the wounded who died on stretchers while being brought from places where they fell.  

Corpses lay in the trails and at night one constantly avoided stumbling over them.  ...So effectively was their fire maintained that, during this period, the occupants of the hill were cut off from food and water, and, as it was afterward learned, the commanding officer of the position could neither receive nor issue orders."




Funeral Service first held in 1919 at home.

Russell W. Bolley was first buried near his place of death on the battlefield near Exermont, and then disinterred on June 7, 1919, and buried in the Argonne American Cemetery. Then, at last, on July 25, 1921, he was disinterred and sent home, shipped out to Hoboken, New Jersey and then home to Defiance where he was trusted to the hands of E. W. Hoffman, Undertaker, Defiance, Ohio. 



 

Russell Bolley rests in Section 23, Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, OH.


In Memoriam
Russell W. Bolley



Sunday, February 11, 2024

The World War I Series - George D. Jackson

 


George Dorsey Jackson


Charles Wesley Jackson and Pluma A. (Dorsey) Jackson of Scipio Township, Allen County, Indiana were the parents of one son, George Dorsey Jackson.  Born on January 28, 1895, George was born at the old homestead farm about 2.5 miles from Hicksville across the state line. In all of George's military records, his address was given at R.F.D. 4, Hicksville and the family attended church there. George had one older sister, Birdena. 


 In the 1910 census, George, at 15, helped his father on the home farm. He lost his mother in 1904 when a young boy, so his mother's cousin, Sarah Dorsey moved in with the family to help with housekeeping and care of the children.  


When he was 22, he filled out his World War I Draft Registration card, as required, on June 5, 1918.  He described himself as tall and slender with blue eyes and light hair. Single and a self-employed farmer, his address was Hicksville, but he farmed in Scipio Township in Indiana.

George went into the American Expeditionary Forces on December 12, 1917, and after training in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, he went overseas in March, 1918.  He was assigned to Company K, Machine Gun Battallion, 38th Regiment, Third Division.  

The Hicksville Tribune reported on Thursday, April 25, 1918, that he had safely arrived in France:

"Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Jackson are in receipt of a post card announcing the safe arrival in France of their son, George D. Jackson of Co. K, 38th Regiment, expeditionary forces.
He pays the Red Cross a handsome compliment for its treatment and looking after the soldier boys.  The young man is the first known Scipio township boy to land in France, as near as can be told."

Just a few short months later, he was killed at the Second Battle of the Marne. That battle began on July 15 near the city of Paris when 23 German divisions attacked the French armies. The Allies counterattacked, adding the use of tanks, and eventually defeated the Germans, but it was too late for George Jackson.







 

The papers reported that George had been killed in action while operating a machine gun along the western front.  Buried first in France, his body was not sent home until 1921 when he was reburied in Scipio Cemetery and a funeral service was held at Scipio Methodist Church.






His informative obituary appeared in the Hicksville Tribune on Thursday, July 21, 1921:

"JACKSON, GEORGE DORSEY

George Dorsey Jackson, only son of Charles W. Jackson and Pluma Dorsey Jackson, was born in Scipiio township, Allen county, Indiana, January 28, 1895 and gave his life for his country and humanity, Monday, July 22, 1918.

March 12, 1904, when but nine years of age, he suffered a great bereavement in the death of his mother

He was born on lands which were purchased from the United States August 5, 1837, by his great grandfather, Thomas Jackson, who migrated from Mottrm, England to America in 1829.  He was born n the house that was formerly occupied by his ancestor, and with the exception of a few years, all of his life was spent on the ancestral farm.  This farm has been in the ownership of his great grandfather, grandfather and father from the date that the U.S. parted with its title to it until this day. And it was the expectation of the father that some day this farm would be owned by George.

Upon graduation from the schools of this township, he took a commercial course at Fort Wayne and then two years at the Winona College of Agriculture from which he graduated in 1912.

December 12, 1917, he voluntarily enlisted in the military service of the United States at Fort Wayne, and after training, he was sent to France in March 1918 where he was assigned to Company K of the 38th Infantry. In this service, he and two comrades were engaged in operating an automatic rifle. At the Second Battle of the Marne, in the midst of heroic action, he passed into the life beyond. 

 Deceased had a good intellect and a lovable disposition.  He was kind to all he came in contact.  He was ever devoted to his family and loved his home and life work most dearly.  During his military service, his mind ws ever on his loved ones and home.

The last letter deceased penned to his family before his death bears the date of 13th of July, 1918, which was received by them after they were advised of his death, contains this touching paragraph concerning his dear sister, Birdena, and his old ancestral home:

'Was asleep this forenooon and dreamed of being at home.  Thought I came in from the barn and Birdena was baking a cake. Just then they woke me up and it nearly broke my heart to find it nothing but a dream. Such is life.'  
He concluded his letter with these words: 'It was just seven months ago that I enlisted. Can think of nothing more, write often and take good care of yourselves.'

He was interested in the Sabbath schools, and was a member of the Brotherhood class of the Methodist church of Hicksville.  Shortly before entering the service of his country, he ws made an Entered Apprentice in Hicksville Lodge of Masons, but on account of enlisting, he did not have the opportunity of taking any further degrees.

Of his own household he leaves heartbroken, his dear parents, Mr and Mrs. Charles W. Jackson; his devoted sister, Mrs. Earl Omo and husband, and an affectionate cousin, Miss Sarah Dorsey."

"CARD OF THANKS - We declare in this way to thank the American Legion and all the friends who were so kind to us and honored our dead soldier boy. The flower gifts wer beautiful, the music splendid, and the pastor's address consoling indeed.  We are thankful to all from the depths of our hearts.  Charles W. Jackson and family."


In Memoriam
George Dorsey Jackson



Saturday, February 3, 2024

World War I Series - Alfred Prigge

 


ALFRED PRIGGE


Alfred Prigge, son of Frederick and Emma Prigge, grew up in Adams Township, Defiance County. Born June 5, 1893, Alfred was raised with a house full of siblings, and in 1900, his paternal grandmother, Catherine Prigge. By 1910, at the age of 16, he was working as a farm laborer full time, living with Arnold and Laura Davis.

On June 5, 1917, he filled out his World War I draft registration as a single man, aged 24.  Then he was a farm laborer for Ed Precht.  
He stated he was born in Okolona, but currently resided in Jewell.
By the next year, he was an enlisted man.

The Army took him on May 29, 1918, into the 68th Replacement Regiment of the 68th Company, 6th Infantry in Fort Gordon, Georgia.  He was there until July 16, 1918, and eventually he was reassigned to Company K of the 102nd Infantry as a Corporal.


His was called a replacement draft to fill in for all those men lost overseas.  Alfred sailed on the ship Beltana on July 24, 1918, destination France and the Meuse-Argonne Defensive Sector.

On the left is the seal of the 102nd Infantry; their motto was "Stand Forth."  

Alfred went to the Chauteau Thiery region in France, first, where he engaged in fighting at the battles of Champagne, the Marne, Alsace-Marne and the Second Battle of the Marne.  On August 5, 1918, his group went to St. Mihiel and eventually, Verdun, where Alfred met his death on October 26, 1918, at the age of 25.


Corporal Prigge was awarded the Purple Heart and the World War I Victory Medal for his service.

Alfred was buried in the Argonne American Cemetery, but it was noted that he has an honorary grave in the Bethlehem Cemetery near Ridgeville, Ohio in Lot 18, Block B, Grave 2.

No picture or obituary could be found.















In Memoriam
Alfred Prigge