Wilson S. Headley - Civil War Soldier Buried in Farmer Cemetery

Wilson was a member of the Farmer post.

 Born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1843, most of Wilson S. Headley's early life was actually spent in Newville Township, Dekalb County, Indiana.  His family was found there beginning with the 1850 census through the 1880 census.  

Before the war, in 1860, Wilson Headley was there with his parents, James and Zinzah, and brother, Allen, 15. Wilson was 17 at the time of the enumeration.  On January 11, 1864, Wilson enlisted in the 129th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company F.  This was probably a reenlistment.  The 129th was often in battle, beginning with Resaca and Decatur, Georgia and moving on to Utoy Creek and Alabama.  His unit suffered heavy losses in many places.  Wilson mustered out on August 29, 1865 at Charlotte, North Carolina.

Soon after arriving home, Wilson married Sarah E. Bradley of Newville, Indiana, and that's where they were enumerated by the census taker in 1870.  The couple, with their first child, Vernon,  lived with Wilson's parents.

It was 1900 before the family was found in Farmer Township, Defiance County, Ohio.  Considering the children's ages and birthplaces, it was between 1885 and 1900 that the family moved to a farm there.  Wilson, at 56, gave his occupation as gardener.  The children at home included: Vernon, 31, a house carpenter; Leo O., 20, a farm laborer; Dot M. (Mildred), 18; and Earl S., 15, a day laborer.

In 1910, Wilson was 67 and identified himself as a house carpenter, while Sarah, at 63, was a laundress for a private family.  Dot M. was still at home and she worked as a telephone operator on the switchboard. In 1915, Dot, who was single, died at the age of 33; she was buried in the Farmer Cemetery.

 Wilson was enumerated on the 1920 census at the age of 76, with Sarah, 72, and their grandson, Donald, 13.  They lived in Section 22 of Farmer Township.  Just a few months later, Wilson died on August 5, 1920.  At some point, he was admitted to the National Veterans' Home in Dayton, Ohio, and that was where he passed away.  His name appeared on their Burial Register with the notation that his "body was sent to Bryan."  From there, it went on to Farmer, Ohio, where he was buried in that cemetery.

His obituary appeared in the Bryan Democrat on August 13, 1920: 

"WILSON S. HEADLEY

William S. Headley, son of James and Emeline M. Headley, was born in Trumble county, Ohio, June 29, 1843, and departed this life at Dayton, Ohio, August 5, 1920, aged 77 years, 1 month and 9 days.

January 5, 1867, he was united in marriage to Sarah E. Bradley of Newville, Ind.  To this union were born six children, Vernon D., and James R., of Bryan, Leo D. of Metamora and Earl S. of Honolulu, H. I., Lela Maud and Dot Mildred having preceded him in death.

Besides his wife and Children, he is survived by seven grand children and many friends.

He enlisted and served nearly three years n the Civil war. At an early age,he united with the U. B. church at Newville, Ind., later transferring to the Christian church at Farmer, Ohio, where he remained a faithful member until death called him to his reward."