Sunday, October 30, 2016

Isaac Elias Fickle - Civil War Soldier Buried in Farmer Cemetery



Isaac Elias Fickle
Isaac was a member of the Farmer G.A.R.


















Isaac Elias Fickle, the son of Isaac H. and Nancy Fickle came early to Jefferson Township, Williams County, Ohio, with his parents. The family appeared on the 1850 census.   George Fickle, previously discussed, was the older brother of Isaac

By 1860, brother George was already married, and Elias was the only son at home with his older parents, Isaac, 63, and Nancy 65.  Elias was 12, it was reported.  Just three years later, on September 2, 1863, he would enlist in Company H of the 9th Regiment, Ohio Cavalry.  The 9th was sent all over in the south during the war, from Alabama to Georgia to South Carolina, as they were attached to various brigades throughout the war.

Elias Fickle's cavalry sword, well preserved and in the hands of a descendant.

Dated 1864

The grip and length of the sword indicates use by a cavalry soldier.
 

 

Elias was wounded in the left knee and had an injury to his chest, as he reported on the 1890 Veterans Census, and his other disability, a common one among the soldiers, was chronic diarrhea.  He mustered out on July 20, 1865, in Lexington, North Carolina, having served one year, seven months, and nineteen days.

Married three times, his first wife and the mother of all of his children, was Eliza Philppena Wasnich (a sister to his brother, George's, wife).  They had children: Margaret Elizabeth, Theodora Rena, Eliza Minerva, and William Wendel.  The family first settled in Williams County, but by 1880, they had relocated to Farmer Township.  

After Eliza died in 1882, Elias married Sabrina Bash in 1884.  The marriage was short-lived, however, as Sabrina died in 1889
Defiance County, Ohio, marriage record
 On October 22, 1890, Elias married Ellen Margaret McKibben, and it was Margaret who collected the widow's pension when Elias died on August 28, 1892.  His son, William, was only 15 when his father passed away.  Did the pension folks refer to him as William McKibben, in error, per the pension card shown above?

A short notice of death appeared in an unidentified newspaper:

"FICKLE.  At his home near Farmer Center, on Friday, Aug. 28th, Elias Fickle, age 44 years and 5 months.

Mr. Fickle was a member of Co. H., 9th Ohio Cavalry, Capt. Caldwell's company.  The funeral, which occurred Sunday, was conducted by the G.A.R. Post at Farmer, of which he was a member, and was one of the largest every held in the county." 

 

Friday, October 28, 2016

W. P. A. Cemetery Survey - Kibble Cemetery, Tiffin Township

The Works Progress Administration was formed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in reaction to the Great Depression as a means of employing Americans and stimulating the economy.  Established in 1935, one of the projects of the W.P.A. was to conduct Historical Records Surveys, one of which included finding information on cemeteries and the graves of veterans.  The W.P.A. was disbanded in 1943, but the historical information provided on these surveys continue to be of interest and are, thankfully, preserved.

In this series, some of the general surveys of Defiance County cemeteries will be shared, transcribed as written with a few punctuation and/or spelling changes for readability.  The surveys were probably done around 1936.
 
For more up to date information on the cemeteries, check out this chart on our website:
 http://defiancecountygenealogy.org/cemeteries.html

Kibble Cemetery 

1. Name:
 Kibble Graveyard, named after Wm. Kibble, on whose land it is located.

2. Location:

7 1/2 miles north west of Brunersburg in section 29, Tiffin Township, on East side of North and South road, called the Blanchard Road, which is two miles east of Route 15.

3. Caretaker: Tiffin Twp. trustees

Photo at www.findagrave.com
4. Description: 

A very nice and well kept cemetery located on a wooded knoll, overlooking Black Creek, sloping land, 25 nice grave stones, 10 modern ones of granite.  Fenced in with wire and metal gates and a driveway.  Contains one acre of land.

5. First burial:
Catherine Kibble, a child, daughter of P. and C. Kibble, buried here in 1844.

Catherine Kibble at www.findagrave.com
6. Important persons:

Catherine Kibble -1796-1865
Purmenus Kibble - 1797-1870
Dan Myers - 1847-1902
Wm. Kibble - 1830-1903
Chas. Brown - 1844-1921
All of the above are pioneers of Tiffin Twp., settling there around 1840 - 1850. 

Charles Brown at www.findagrave.com
7. Markers:
25 nice stones of granite, 15 old mosaic stones, and 3 obelisk markers.

8. Epitaphs:

The Catherine and Purmenus monument is of obelisk type - six feet high and gives a small history of the Kibble family, mostly of which is faded and cannot be read.

9. The Graveyard is still used, a burial taking place here in 1936.  Originally, it was a private burial ground, until 1870, then affiliated with a Methodist church, now torn down until about 1900, from 1900 to 1925, the graveyard was not kept up.  Since 1925, the Trustees of Tiffin Twp. have taken care of it.

C. Cadwallader - handwritten report 

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Defiance County Pioneers - Elizabeth McMaken Hilton Haymaker

Elizabeth Haymaker was married twice, first to Eber Hilton, and then to William Haymaker; she was his third wife.  Born in 1821, she came early to Defiance County and lived here until her death in 1898.
Eber Hilton ( 1818 - 1848)
William D. Haymaker (1813 - 1859)
Elizabeth McMaken Hilton Haymaker (1821 - 1898)

"DEATH OF MRS. HAYMAKER.

A Highly Respected Pioneer Lady Gone To Her Reward.

Mrs. Elizabeth Haymaker died at her home on Jackson street last evening at 6 o'clock, aged 76 years 8 months and 8 days.

Mrs. Haymaker was born in Butler County, Ohio.  Her maiden name was McMaken.  She was twice married.  First to Bert Hilton, and afterward to Mr. Haymaker. Her funeral services will be conducted on Saturday morning by Rev. A. Edwin Smith and the interment will be in the Brunersburg cemetery.  

The deceased came to Defiance county from Butler county, O., in 1832, when she was but twelve years old.  She first came on a visit, but since that date, has spent nearly all her life hereDuring her long residence in the county, which covers a period of sixty-six years, she witnessed the remarkable transformation scene, saw the vast and dense forest gradually give away before the progressive pioneers who converted the wilderness into beautiful farms.  She viewed the growth of Defiance from a village to the present enterprising city.

The subject of this obituary was born in Butler county, O., December 22, 1821, and came to Defiance in 1832.  She was married to Eber Hilton, brother to Brice Hilton, and of the union, three children were born - Joseph J. Hilton, who died in the army; Mrs. E. L. Kingsbury, now living at Perrysburg, O., and Eber E. Hilton, now county surveyor at Plattsmouth, Neb.

Some time after the death of her first husband, she was married in 1854 to Judge William D. Haymaker at Brunersburg and of the marriage, three children were born - Miss Carrie Haymaker, who died in 1877; Miss Mary Haymaker, a teacher in the schools here; and Attorney K. V. Haymaker, of this city.

Kidder Vance Haymaker
 
 Nearly all of her residence in this county was spent in Brunersburg.  The death of Grandma Haymaker was sudden and unexpected and occurred at the corner of Harrison and Fourth streets where she, with her daughter, Miss Mary, has been making her home.

Tuesday she was up and about and was enjoying fair health for one of her age (77 years.)  She was in East Defiance calling on friends and was yesterday able to be about.

The death occurred while seated in her room.  She had been conversing with Mrs. W. H. Lenhart, a neighbor, who departed, leaving her in apparently good health.  Mrs. Elizabeth Morse heard Mrs. Haymaker speak and stepped into the room where the old lady beckoned her, and said that she was so warm and asked to be fanned; the request was granted.  About 3:30 she suddenly suffered a severe stroke of paralysis which rendered her unconscious and in this condition, she passed away at 5:30 o'clock.

Grandma Haymaker was a dear, old lady, who during her long life, took great pleasure in advancing the happiness of others.  She was a kind and devoted mother, a most affectionate and loving wife and a true friend.  She enjoys an extensive acquaintance throughout the county and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew her.

The funeral will be held Saturday morning at her late home, corner Harrison and Fourth streets, and interment will take place in the cemetery at Brunersburg. Rev. A. Edwin Smith will conduct the service."


www.findagrave.com


"MRS. HAYMAKER'S FUNERAL
The Services Were Largely Attended and Impressively Conducted.
The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Haymaker occurred Saturday morning from her late residence and was very largely attended.  Rev. A. Edwin Smith had charge of the services.

The pall bearers were Rolie Gleason, C. I. Morse, Dr. Ed. Myers, Judge J. H. Hockman, J. P. Cameron and R. W. Wortman.

The flowers were very beautiful.  There was a pillow formed of white carnations with the word 'Mother' in purple on white ribbon.  In the one corner, a bunch of golden gate and white roses.  In the opposite corner, mixed pink and cream,the decorations being maiden hair ferns.  An anchor three feet and one half high, with the base formed of white asters.  The upper part of the anchor was formed of bride and golden gate roses with small pink rosebuds containing the words, 'At Rest."   The lower part of the anchor was formed of pink roses with white rose buds.  This was presented by the directors of the Security Building and Loan.

A handsome spray of white carnations was sent by several associate teachers of Miss Mary Haymaker.  One spray of palm leaves with white carnations, and several others, a pink rose spray and one of pink and white carnations.  The interment was in the Brunersburg cemetery." 

(No sources provided.)

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

George S. Fickle - Civil War Soldier Buried in Farmer Cemetery

George was a member of the Farmer Post, G.A.R.


George Silas Fickle's parents, Isaac and Mary, were early settlers of Jefferson Township, Williams County, Ohio.  They were there by the 1850 census with their children; George was 14.  Born on March 13, 1836, in Williams County, he proved even further the early arrival of his parents to the region.



Mary A. Wasnich became his wife on October 28, 1858, in Williams County and the couple settled into housekeeping there.  In 1860, as war loomed, George and Mary were farming in Jefferson Township with their baby daughter, Nancy, 8 months old.  When George left to fight in the war, the family had already grown by two, adding Joseph and Eliza.

George was 28 when he enlisted on April 27, 1864, into Company F of the 180th Ohio Infantry for a one year term.  Later his unit was transferred and helped form Company G.  The 180th was sent to Nashville where their duty was to guard the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, the pipeline of supplies to the Union army in the South.  On January 6th, they were ordered to accompany a wagon train to Mississippi, but before they could make it there, they were called back and transferred to North Carolina to help the Union take Fort Fisher.  But, the fort surrendered before they made it there!

Their final duty was to join forces with Cox's army to open the railway lines for Sherman's army.  The unit fought in the Battle of Kingston, preparing the way for Sherman.  They repaired the railroad as Sherman advanced.  Eventually, at the end of the war, they moved to Charlotte where they mustered out on July 12, 1865.   On the 1890 Veterans Census, George reported his disability as chronic diarrhea. 




George S. Fickle's mustering out papers.

 Sometime between 1870 and 1880, George and Mary Fickle moved to Farmer Township, Defiance County.  They were enumerated there in the 1880 census with a large family: Delia, 20; Joseph, 18; Ida, 16; Isaac W., 14; Mary, 11; Samuel, 9; Sarah E., 6; George B., 4; Sylvester L (Leroy), 10 months.
Mary reported in 1900 that she had had eleven children, and ten survived.  George continued farming in Farmer Township, but in 1900, it appeared that he had given it up. In that census, he was listed only as a landlord.

George S. and Mary Wasnich on the occasion of their 50th anniversary in 1908, surrounded by their children. Back row (l to r) - Roy, Clyde, Claud, Joe   Front row (l to r) - Cassie (Mary Catherine), Ida, Delia (Janey), Ella

George Silas Fickle died on October 8, 1913 in Quincy, Michigan where he had gone to live with one of his children.  Mary Fickle lived on until 1926. 

The obituary of George S. Fickle appeared in the Bryan Democrat on October 21, 1913:

"FICKLE.

George S. Fickle was born in Williams county, Ohio, March 13, 1836, and departed this life in Quincy, Mich. October 8, 1913, aged 77 years, 8 months and 25 days. 

He was united in marriage with Mary A. Wasinick, October 28, 1857.  To them were born eleven children, seven sons and four daughters.  One son preceded him to the spirit world.  The children who survive him are: Joseph of Sturgis, Mich.; Ida, now Mrs. Lord of Farmer; Isaac of Quincy, Mich.; Cassie, now Mrs. Culler of Farmer; Ella, now Mrs. Bays of Farmer; George of Portland, N.Y.; Roy and Clyde of Quincy, Mich.; Oland of Farmer; Adelia, now Mrs. Hutchins of Bryan.

After marriage, they settled in Williams county, Ohio, where they resided until about three years since.  He was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War, a member of Company F, 180th O.V.I., and was honorably discharged at the close of the war.

In 1861, he united with the German Reformed at Pulaski, Ohio.  Soon after the erection of the Dry Creek church about 1890, he joined the United Brethern in Christ, and on moving to Farmer, by letter, joined the M.E. church at Farmer Center.

Brother Fickle was one of our most noble citizens, industrious and upright, he commanded the respect and esteem of all who knew him.  The wife has lost a devoted husband, the children an indulgent father and the community an obliging neighbor.  He leaves to mourn their loss, a devoted wife, ten children, one brother, three sisters, twenty eight grand children, five great grand children, with other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services occurred form the church at Farmer Center on Friday, conducted by Rev. J. W. Lilly.  Interment at Farmer."

Another short, but informative, obituary appeared in an unnamed paper:

"FATHER BRYAN WOMAN DEAD.
George Fickle, a former citizen of South Jefferson township, then of near Farmer Center, died of paralysis at the home of relatives in Michigan, where he was visiting.  He was one of the earlier settlers of this county, his father settling the farm on Leatherwood now owned by T. F. Oberlin, and his grandfather, an old Revolutionary soldier, died there.  George Fickle served in the Civil war and he was the father of Mrs. Adelia Hutchins of Bryan.  His remains were brought to Farmer for burial." 





Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Jewel Elementary Students - 1920 - 1921

ELISE DREXLER, Teacher

FIRST GRADE: Lee Noffsinger, Thelma Patten, Curtis Patten, Gale Seiple, Ella Kimberly, Richard Patten, Roger Rodocker, Robert Berkebile, Yvonne White, Michael Cleary

SECOND GRADE: Glenadene Warren, Clarence Baker, Lucille Flory, Leroy Seiple, Valeria Peter, Burke Cleary

THIRD GRADE: Virgil Hane, Alva Dickey, James Berkebile, Francis McCabe

FOURTH GRADE: Virginia Warren, Valeria Rath, Marjorie Patten, Laverne Harader, Basil Flory, Harold Kamm, Duane Peter




J. E. DILS, Teacher

FIFTH GRADE: Pearl Baker, Ruth Dunbar, Lelah Noffsinger, James Cleary, Helen Rath, Edwin Seiple, Nelson Kimberly

SIXTH GRADE: Ruth Dils, Joseph Archer, Coy Kamm

SEVENTH GRADE: Valeria Mekus, Hazel Baker, Kenneth Gackel, Wade Patten, Alpha Ott, Henry Noffsinger, Paul Gackel, Roy Hammon, Raymond Hammon, Edmund Minsel

EIGHTH GRADE: Mabel Hane, Katherine Archer, Gertrude Dils, Lee Patten, Clarence Kamm, Irvin Flory, John Berkebile


Monday, October 24, 2016

Play Along With the Defiance Spark Plugs

Defiance Spark Plugs
It appeared that the Defiance Spark Plugs girls' basketball team was an independent team, sponsored by different businesses during the 1930s.  The article below related that they were once the Slocum Realty Girls.  But really, little could be found about them, even though they were considered a premier team in the area and they played all around northwestern Ohio.  

This article was from the Norwalk Reflector Herald of January 31, 1939:



If someone has further information on this team, please comment below or email.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

George H. Discus - G.A.R., Bishop Post



George H. Dicus owned and was president of the Dicus Cooperage Company in Defiance at the turn of the century and beyond.  

George grew up in Paulding County and was found in the 1860 census there with his parents, Burges and Hannah, and siblings, Joshua, Rachel, Henry, and Alonzo.  On December 8, 1863, at about the age of 22, he enlisted in Company C of the 68th Ohio Infantry.  He served 1 year and 8 months until his discharge on July 10, 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky.

He began his service in Mississippi, but quickly moved on to Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia and eventually participated in the Siege of Atlanta.


After his discharge, he returned home and married Anna Listerman Frick/Freck, a widow, on January 17, 1867.  Her former husband, John, had died at the age of 29, because of wounds received at Vicksburg.  By 1870, the couple had settled in Defiance where George worked as a cooper.  They had children Emmit, Della, and Lola.  Living with them was a boarder, Benjamin Lowe, 17, an apprentice to a wagon maker.

George and Anna left Defiance at some point and returned to Paulding County to take up the farming life.  They were enumerated there in 1880 in Auglaize Township with children: Viola F, 16; Emmett, 12; Emma, 10; Anna, 10; Generva, 8; Bertha, 7; Mary, 4; Tracy, 3; and Henry B., 4 month.  

Perhaps this occupation was not lucrative enough or George decided he was not suited for this life because by 1890, George was listed in Defiance on the Veterans Census. He ran for Second Ward councilman on the Republican ticket in 1892.  

In 1900, the family was settled in at 825 Jackson Street where George indicated his occupation was cooperage manufacturing.  The house was still full of children, including Bertha, 24; Tracy, 21; Henry, 18; Edith, 16; George, 14, and Ellen, 9.   Lydia Cornell, 79, a single boarder, also lived with them.  In a later census, Lydia was identified as an aunt.  

The caption on this photo refers to the Dicus Cooperage Company.  It appeared in the Crescent-News on January 25, 1968.
 Mrs. George Dicus died in 1908 and her obituary appeared in the Crescent-News on August 24, 1908:



 George Dicus lived on until 1921.  In the 1920 census, he lived at 723 Jackson Street with a single daughter, Jenate, 46.  His obituary appeared in the Crescent-News on March 14, 1921:


Both are interred at Riverside Cemetery in Defiance.


More information may be found on George H. Dicus at www.findagrave.com




















Thursday, October 20, 2016

Five Ney Residents Killed in Railway Grade Crossing Tragedy

From the Marckel Scrapbook...

"FIVE NEY RESIDENTS KILLED IN 
RAILWAY GRADE CROSSING TRAGEDY
NEAR WAUSEON THURSDAY EVENING

The Dead.
Roy H. Moats, of Ney, Cashier, The Ney Banking Co.
Mrs. Roy Moats, of Ney
W. F. Moats, of Ney
Mrs. W. F. Moats, of Ney
Mrs. E. G. Reynolds, of Ney

A great shadow of sadness hangs over the little village of Ney eleven miles north of Defiance, today as the result of five of the citizens of the village having met death Thursday evening, two and a half miles east of Wauseon, when a Wabash freight train struck the car in which they were driving enroute from Toledo to Ney.

The accident occurred at exactly fourteen minutes till six, as the watch worn by Roy Moats stopped at that time.

1920 Buick

The party had been to Toledo on the day and were enroute home.  Crossing the Wabash railroad tracks at Harrison crossing...a stub freight train ran down the closed Buick automobile driven by Mr. Moats.  The engine of the car stalled as it was on the track.  It is said that an orchard obscured the view of the track.




 Roy Moats, 38, Mrs. Roy Moats, 33, wife of Roy Moats, W. F. Moats, 65, father of Roy Moats, Mrs. W. F. Moats, 60, wife of W. F. Moats, met instant death.  Mrs. E. G. Reynolds, 26, who was a member of the automobile party died six hours later in the Wauseon hospital.

Bernard Moats, 12 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Moats, jumped thru the glass window of the car and escaped with slight injuries.  All of the automobile party were from Ney or the immediate vicinity of Ney.

Roy Moats was cashier of the Ney Banking company, which position he has held almost 13 years.  He was a member of the Methodist church at Ney, the Masonic Lodge and K. of P. lodge at Ney, and of Defiance lodge, B. P. O. Elks.  He leaves four children: Wendell, 15, Bernard, 12, MIldred, 8, and Russell, 18 months, who was born on Armistice Day.

Mr. and Mrs. Moats resided on a farm just outside of Ney.  He was highly respected by his fellow townsmen and by the people of the countryside.

This morning, the directors of the Ney Banking company met and adapted resolutions of condolence and respect.  In addition to being cashier of the Ney Bank, he was township treasurer and village treasurer.  He was well known in Defiance.

The remains of the victims of the crossing tragedy were to arrive in Ney this afternoon.  The time of the funeral has not yet been set, but it is expected that it will be held Sunday afternoon from the Methodist church at Ney.  

W. F. Moats is survived by a son who resides at Garrett, Ind.  Mrs. Reynolds leaves a husband."

Both are buried at Moats Cemetery, Defiance County, Ohio
 Mrs. Roy (LeRoy) Moats was Jessie Calysta Smith.
For another newspaper article concerning the accident, go to this article on www.findagrave.com, posed by Gene Cooper
 
Susie, wife of Emory George Reynolds, buried in the Ney Cemetery

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

The Black Sea School #4, Noble Township, 1915 -1916

Black Sea School
District No. 4
Noble Township
1915 - 1916

Wm. Walker, Dist. Supt.
Chas. Dowe, Clerk
W. W. Heater, County Superintendent

Leorah Dreher, Teacher
First Grade - Dora Lewis

Second Grade - Daniel Singer, Louis Beindorf

Third Grade - Agnes Weaner, Edward Hiler, Jacob Lewis, Gertie Hiler, Fredrick Hiler, Willis Rauth

Fourth Grade - Albert Hiler, Gilbert Ward, Thomas Ward, Carrie Lewis, George Ward, Mable Beindorf

Fifth Grade - None

Sixth Grade - Pearl Beindorf, Aubrey Dreher

Seventh Grade - Gladys Lang, Margaret Weaner, Earnest Kennedy

Seventh Grade (repeated, could be mislabeled and could be 8th grade?) -
Marie Multz, Otto Beindorf, Walter Smith, Donald Smith

"Yesterday's Trails." Vol. II, No. 1, 1983

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Frederick Donze - Civil War Soldier Buried in Farmer Cemetery

He was a member of the Farmer and Bryan G.A.R. posts
From near Paris, France, the Charles and Catherine Donze family immigrated to America and settled in Williams County, Ohio.  In the 1850 census, Charles Domsey (Donze), 33, a tailor, was settled in Brady Township, Williams County.  Catherine, 27, and children: Charles, 6; Friedric, 4; Peter, 2, and Catharine, 2 months were there, along with Lewis Plencom, 17, a shoemaker, and Mary Plencom, 21.  It was possible these were siblings of Catherine Donze, whose maiden name was Planson.

In 1852, Charles Donze was naturalized as an American citizen in Williams County, and by 1860, he and his expanded family had settled in Farmer Township. Frederic, the second son and subject of this story, was listed as only 14 in the 1860 census, but by the next year, he had enlisted in the Union Army.  On September 1, 1861, he enlisted with Company D, 182nd Regiment where he served until the end of the war, mustering out on June 19, 1865.  On the 1890 Veterans Census, he reported his disability as "disease of the stomach."


After returning from the war, he married Lydia Oxenrider in 1870, and they settled in Farmer Township.  Lydia reported on one of the later censuses that she had had ten children, but only six were living by 1910.  Surviving were Sophia, James, Amanda, Stella, Effie and Lee.  Gone by 1910 were Russell, Erma, Gertrude and Eli.


Frederick farmed the rest of his life in Farmer township until his death on July 31, 1911 at the age of 65.
On August 25, 1911, Frederick Donze's obituary appeared in the Bryan Democrat:

"DONZE.  Frederic Donze, the second son of Charles and Catherine Donze, was born May 5, 1846, near Paris, France, and died at his home in Farmer township, Defiance county, Ohio, July 31, 1911, aged 65 years, 2 months and 26 days.  

When about three years old, he came with his parents to the United States and located in Williams county where his childhood was spent.  In September 1861, he enlisted as a private in Co. D, 182d regiment, O.V.I., and served to the end of the war.  He has been a member of the G.A.R. at Bryan and Farmer and a member of the grange since 1898.

April 10, 1870, Frederic Donze and Lydia Oxenrider were united in marriage.  To this union were born ten children, four sons and six daughters; two sons and two daughters have preceded him to the other side.

Mr. Donze is survived by a wife, six children, four grandchildren, five brothers, two sisters, and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn their loss.
The funeral service was conducted by Rev. J. H. Williams of the church at Farmer.  Interment in Farmer cemetery."

Frederick's wife, Lydia, lived until 1923.

"LYDIA DONZE 

Lydia, the oldest of five children of James and Christena Oxenrider, was born in Center township, Nov. 22, 1851.  Died at her home in Farmer township, Feb. 23, 1923.  Aged 71 years, 3 months, and 1 day.

April 10, 1870, she united in marriage with Frederick Donze.  To this union were born ten children:  Sophia Ellen, Russell Willard, James Louis, Amanda Anyce, Stella Jane, Effie Catherine, Erma Alverta, Lee Arthur, Gertrude May, and Eli Sterl.  Mrs. Donze devoted her life to her family, she was a good neighbor and a cheerful friend.

For over a half century, she has lived on the home place, having spent all her married life there except a short time when they were building, when they lived in the log house that used to stand just west of George Beerbower's orchard.

Her husband and five children preceeded her to the other side.  She leaves five children: James Donze and Effie Steward of near Montpelier, Amanda Ware and Stella Beerbower of Bryan; and Sophia at home; one brother, J. R. Oxenrider and two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Rhoads and Mrs. Ella Hubbel of Bryan.  Four grandchildren and many other friends.

The funeral was held in the home of the deceased Feb. 26 at two P.M., conducted by Rev. C. E. Longbrake, pastor of the Williams Center U.B. church.  Interment in the Farmer cemetery.

CARD OF THANKS
The family wishes to thank all who have helped during the sickness and death of their mother.  James Donze, Effie Steward, Amanda Ware, Stella Beerbower, Sophia Donze"

Farmer Cemetery