Andrew Jackson Sanford - G.A.R., Bishop Post

ANDREW JACKSON SANFORD

When the Civil War broke out, A. J. Sanford was a young farmer in Highland Township living with his wife, Rachel Rickner Sanford, and infant son, Francis.  Yet, when the call for volunteers came, Andrew enlisted in Company B, 68th Ohio Infantry on October 24, 1861.  He served in this company for nine months and two days, being discharged on July 24, 1862.

 He enlisted twice more.  On March 2, 1864, he joined Company F, 68th O.V.I and served a little over six months.  Within a few weeks of his discharge on September 4, 1864, he reenlisted, joining Company F, 185th OVI.  He served another ten months and fourteen days.  The disabilities listed on the 1890 veterans census were many - catarrah in the head (inflammation of mucous membranes, affecting the respiratory system), bronchitis, "weak ever since 1865," and chronic diarrhea and epileptic fits for 25 years.  

 His pension record differs from what he reported on the 1890 census as to regiments, stating he was in the National Guard, 169th Regiment, Company F and in the 183rd Regiment, Ohio Infantry.

Andrew Jackson Sanford

 In the photo on the right, A. J. Sanford's G.A.R. badge is visible.  The badge was authorized by Congress for wearing by the Union veterans.  The bronze star depicts in relief a soldier and a sailor holding hands in front of a statue symbolizing Liberty.

 

Sanford returned home from the war and resumed farming in Highland Township, with his wife, Rachel, and children Frank (Francis) and Rozella.  He was active politically with the Republican party and served in various offices in the county, including commissioner, township trustee, Justice of the Peace, and member of the Republican Central Committee.  He lived on his farm in Highland township, next to son, Frank, and family until sometime between 1900 and 1910.

The 1910 census enumerator found Rachel and A. J. in Defiance, Fourth Ward, both 70 years old.  Andrew was working as a mail carrier and they were renting their home.  Living with them was Gertrude Sanford, their granddaughter, 24 and single.  Gertrude worked as a saleslady in a dry goods store.

Born March 6, 1840, Andrew Jackson Sanford died on July 30, 1915 and was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance. He lived 75 years. 

Defiance Crescent-News - July 31, 1915

www.findagrave - son of John Miller Sanford and Electa Cassity Sanford