In many sources, he was known as "Joe." Born in November, 1834, in Jasper Township, Fayette County, Ohio, William Joseph Gatlin spent a large part of his life there before moving to Highland Township in Defiance County.
In 1850, at the age of 16, he lived with the Simeon and Ann Creamer family and their eight children in Jasper Township. Creamer had land worth $5000 at the time, so although Joe attended school while there, it was likely that he also was a farm hand.
On 22 or 27 July, 1855 (sources differ), Sarah Jane Jacobs became the wife of Joe Gatlin. Still in Fayette County, their first and only child, Soloman (called Sam) was born there in 1856. Joe was a farmer.
Joe was 29 years old when he entered the 1st Cavalry, Company A, on February 24, 1864, for a three year enlistment. The company was stationed in Alabama at the time, so William probably joined them during their winter encampment. But by May, the fighting began again in Alabama and that was soon followed by the Atlanta campaign in Georgia in August. In late October, the 1st Cavalry was ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, for new horses, reaching there on November 17. Another winter in Alabama, and then it was back to Georgia to finish up the war. Gatlin mustered out on September 13, 1865.
He returned to his wife and son, now about nine years old, in Fayette County, near Washington Court House. By 1870, William, at 35, had real estate worth $885. Sarah, often called Sallie, 31, and Soloman (called Sam), 14, completed the household.
The Gatlin family could not be located in the 1880 census; however, an article in the Defiance Crescent News on February 16, 1888, describe the situation of the Gatlins.
On October 1, 1891, further news was heard of Solomon, in person!
Solomon (Sam), in fact, was known as one of the first pioneers in El Paso. Active in the community, he owned race horses and was recognized as quite an equestrian. Single in 1900, he was enumerated in a boardinghouse at the age of 45, working as an Express Company clerk.
One wonders if that was the last time that Solomon visited his parents. In 1890, William J. and Sarah Gatlin had 40 acres designated on the county plat map in Section 16 of Highland Township. At some point, they moved here and settled in. William joined the G.A.R. and they became part of the Defiance community.
When William died on November 8, 1917, no mention was made of his son and his wife became executrix.
His obituary appeared in the Crescent News on November 9, 1917, on page 2:
"DEATH
William Gatlin
William Gatlin died Thursday at one o'clock at his home near Ayersville aged 83 years, 11 months and 9 days. He was a member of the G.A.R., having served in Co. A, First Cavalry.
The members of the G.A.R. are asked to meet Saturday at 12 o'clock at memorial hall to attend the funeral. "
Sarah lived on until July 14, 1921 and her obituary appeared the next day.
"Sarah Jane Jacobs
Sarah Jane Jacobs was born in Morehead county, Virginia on the 21st day of December, 1838, and departed this life on July 14, 1921, aged 82 years, 6 months and 22 days.
On July 20th, 1855, she was united in marriage to William J. Gatlin, to this union was born one son, Solomon Johnson, of El Paso, Texas. Her husband preceded her in death on November 8, 1917.
The funeral services were held at the Center Baptist Church on Friday morning, July 15, 1921 with Rev. C. M. Baumgardner of Ayersville in charge. Interment was made in the Hill Cemetery."
So she was buried the very next day with no time for the son to come. A thank you note in the newspaper for condolences was placed by a Mrs. Kennedy. How sad this estrangement between parents and only son!
Ten years later, on August 10, 1931, Solomon/ Sam Gatlin passed away in El Paso, with his Elk brothers to mourn his passing. From the El Paso Herald Post, August 10, 1931:
"LAST RITES FOR E. P. PIONEER
Elks Services Read at Funeral of Sam J. Gatlin
His last wish to attend dedicatory services of the new El Paso Elks' club, unfulfilled, funeral services for Sam J. Gatlin, 75, pioneer El Pasoan, were held at Kaster & Maxon chapel at 10 a.m. Monday.
The full Elks' service was held.
Active pall bearers were Judge James R. Harper, J. H. Pollard, Don A. Carpenter, V. B. Andreas, F. D. Colman and Tom Conner.
Honorary pall bearers were R. E. Thomason, W. W. Turney, W. H. Burges, Dr. J. B. Brady, A. E. Sweet, M. Coblentz, Maurice Schwartz, C. A. Kinney J. C. Deane, C. E. Kelley, Dr. W. H. Allen, W. W. Bridgers, W. A. Goff, W. G. Roe, Jake Miller.
Gatlin was exalted ruler of local Elks' lodge in 1906, 1907, and 1908. He was active in the early growth of El Paso and in civic affairs
Gatlin died Sunday at his home, 1301 E. Rio Grande, after several weeks' illness."
(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!)
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