Alexander E. Maugel - Civil War Soldier Buried in Farmer Cemetery

Member of the Farmer Post, G.A.R.

Pennsylvania born, Alexander Ely Maugel settled in Defiance County by 1858, one source noted, but he and his family could not be located in the 1860 census.

On the 1890 census, he reported that he first enlisted in Company K, 86th Ohio Infantry for a three month term.  He served from May 27, 1862 - September 21, 1862.  After a short leave, it would appear that he reenlisted in Company F, 14th Ohio Infantry, where he served from January 1863 - July 5, 1865.  No pension record could be found for Alex.

In 1869, he married Laura LaCost, the daughter of Ed and Marian, who were residents of Milford Township.  It was in Milford Township that Alex and Laura settled to farm and raise their son, Roy, born in 1874.  At least one child, Josephus, had died in December 1873.

Alex Maugel lived only until the age of 49, dying on June 14, 1891. Several brief obituaries appeared in the newspapers, this one from the Bryan Democrat on June 25, 1891:

"Alex Maugel, of Farmr, formerly of Milford, died June 14th and was buried Sunday in the Farmer cemetery.  He was a member of the G.A.R. and was buried by the order.  Rev. Jacobs preached the sermon.  Deceased was about 50 years old."

From an unidentified newspaper clipping:

"DEATH OF ALEX. E. MAUGLE.

Alex. E. Maugle was born August 28, 1841, and died at his home near Farmer, June 14, 1891, aged 49 years, 9 months and 22 days.  Mr. Maugle moved from Pennsylvania in 1858, and had lived in this county 26 years.  He was an honest, industrious man, a loving husband, an affectionate parent and a good neighbor.  He served his country through the whole of the late war and was a brave and gallant soldier.  His funeral was attended by a large circle of friends and neighbors, Revs. Jacobs and Crary officiating.  The G.A.R. conducted the burial service."

Laura LaCost Maugel lived more than forty years more and did not remarry. Her son, Roy, preceded her in death. In 1931, she celebrated her nintieth birthday and the community helped her celebrate:

Defiance Crescent-News - September 28, 1931

In October, 1932, the Crescent-News interviewed her about her long life and experiences.  That account may be read on Dave's History Corner.
Laura LaCost Maugel died in 1937 and is buried with her husband.