James R. Oldfield - G.A.R., Bishop Post

Although born in Stark County, for most of his life James Richard Oldfield was a resident of Williams County.  Born in February, 1847, James enlisted as soon as he could into Company C, 38th Regiment on January 4, 1864, just shy of his 18th birthday.  He was just in time to join with the forces who were fighting to take Atlanta.  After the grand review in Washington, D. C. at the end of the war, the regiment was mustered out in Louisville, Kentucky on July 12, 1865.

Upon his return home, he married Samantha J. Over in 1868.  They would have four children: James E., Myrtle, Cora and Maude.

He worked as a "wood farmer" as he described himself on several censuses, living in Pulaski Township, Williams County.  However, he was quite active in the G.A.R., Bishop Post, and in the reunions of his old regiment, the 38th.  

By 1910, he and his wife and their two single daughters, Myrtle Bell and Maud, moved to West High Street in Bryan.  Myrtle, 38, worked at crocheting lace, and Maud, 30, was a saleslady in a dry goods store. One more move would take them to South Beech Street in Bryan, where James lived until his death in 1930.
His wife, Samantha, died in 1924, and Maud and Myrtle continued to live at home.  

In his later years, at least by 1920 when he was 72, he had a position as court bailiff in the Williams County Courthouse in Bryan.  He held that position at his death when he was 83.

His obituary was found in the Bryan Press, October 16, 1930:

"JAMES R. OLDFIELD FUNERAL THURSDAY

James R. Oldfield died at his home in Bryan shortly after noon on Tuesday, October 14.  If he had lived to the next February, he would have been 84 years old.  Death ame to him after a few days of illness.  He was on the streets last Thursday, although not at all well.  He failed rapidly from that time, and the final scene was preceded by several hours of unconsciousness.

Mr. Oldfield leaves three daughters, one living in California, and the other two in Bryan, and one son, who lives in Ft. Wayne.

James Oldfield, for many years was a familiar figure in Bryan.  He was appointed court bailiff by Judge Killits when he was on the common pleas bench here, and held the place under all the judges since that time.  He was a very efficient and painstaking officer, and always on duty, devoted to his work and making a fine appearance, always in cheerful humor and walking like a soldier with his tall, straight figure.  Up to the last week, he attended to his work and gave it up reluctantly.

He was a veteran of the Civil War and for years served as secretary of the 38th O.V.I., arranging for its reunions held here each fall.  Even in recent years, when the attendance has become very small, Mr. Oldfield gave just as much time and attention to these gatherings as when the reunion brought together a large number of comrades.  He devoted much time to the Grand Army and always maintained his interest in military affairs, acting as commander in local parades and working untiringly to keep the veterans together.  He attended the state encampment at Cincinnati and the national gathering at Boston this fall, and had not missed a national encampment for many years.

He was well respected and his memory will be honored by all who knew him.  

Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock at Deck's funeral home and the interment will be in Fountain Grove cemetery."

James Richard Oldfield at www.findagrave.com

 

(This is part of a series on Civil War veterans of Defiance County who were part of the G.A.R., Bishop Post, that headquartered in the city.  Formed in 1879, the post was named after a local man, Captain William Bishop, Company D, 100th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Army who died as a result of wounds received in battle.  The veterans' photos are part of a composite photo of members that has survived.  If you have other information or corrections to add to the soldiers' stories, please add to the comments!)