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| Image as it appeared in the newspaper - 1924 |
"UNCLE BILLY VINEGAR, BLIND,
PASSES CENTURY MILESTONE
For a hundred years, he prayed to be allowed to live. Now he prays every day for 'the good Lord to take him home.'
That is the story of William Vinegar, negro slave who came to Ohio after the Civil War, prospered until he owned a couple of farms, finally went blind, lost his property and spent five years in the Defiance county home after he had been thought dead by his relatives
He was finally discovered by his niece, Miss Dolly Vinegar of Paulding and taken to her home in Jackson street, Paulding, in time to celebrate his century anniversary on March 10.
Asked for his formula for living a hundred years, 'Uncle Billy' replied, 'Ask the good Lord to let you live to be a hundred, you will.'
Uncle Billy had twelve brothers and three sisters. The last one died twenty-four years ago. He was born in New Columbus, Ky., on the plantation of James Harrington. At his death, Harrington's will divided his land among a number of former slaves, among whom was Vinegar. He had come north, however, and never went back to claim the property.
Settling thirty years ago in the vicinity of Paulding, Vinegar and his brothers acquired some farm property. Later he sold his holdings and came to Defiance nearly twenty years ago. He had a farm near Brunersburg and some land near the Defiance city limits.
Later he sold this and bought a house and lot near the Maumee river back of the Diehl brewery office.
About this time, Vinegar went blind, and he says he believes he signed some papers that he should not have, for he found himself penniless and was taken to the Defiance county home.
Although he is blind, his hearing is well night perfect. If he could see, the picture might never had been taken, for taking pictures is contrary to Uncle Billy's religious beliefs. He heard the click of the camera shutter, but didn't understand what it meant."
Defiance Crescent News - April 24, 1924
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