Thomas L. Karr - Bishop Post, G.A.R.

THOMAS L. KARR 

Born in Coshocton County, Ohio, on April 6, 1833, Thomas and his family came to Defiance County sometime after 1870. He was an established farmer in Clark Township, Coshocton County in 1870, with property worth $3500 and personal property of $900. He and his wife, Zipporah (nee Elliott,) had five children together at that time: John M., 12, Guy Eugene, 7, Margaret, 6, Thomas Elliott, 3 and little Melissa, aged 1.

Thomas would have finished a short stint in the Union Army in the Civil War.  He enlisted on May 2, 1864,and was mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, with his company on September 13, 1864, having served four months in Company H, 143rd Infantry (National Guard.)  He signed up for 100 days and was at Camp Chase the whole time. He listed diarrhea as his disability on the 1890 Veterans Census, which he suffered from while in service.

By 1880, he was firmly settled in Defiance County in the Hicksville area. Thomas farmed with the help of his three oldest sons, John, Eugene and Thomas. The three younger children listed were: Jane, 10; Ray G., 9; and Dora Bell.  The family had one servant, Nancy Carsner, and two young men boarding. 

On August 27, 1891, the Defiance County Republican Express reported that:

"T. L. Karr lost his sight of an eye and is now suffering intensely with stomach troubles. Dr. Slocum is the attending physician."

As the Karrs aged, they sought a home in Defiance City at 137 Main Street, Ward 4, and that was where they were enumerated in the census of 1900. Thomas, 67, and Ziporah, 65, had been married 44 years.  Now he gave his occupation as landlord..  The only child living with them was Dora, 26, then divorced from a first husband.  Later, in June 1901, she would remarry at age 27 to Harris (Harry) C. Weaner.

Thomas L. Karr died on March 13, 1910.  The Defiance Democrat reported his death:

"THOMAS L. CARR

The funeral of Thomas L. Carr who died Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. L. Johnston of Hicksville will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 at the St. Paul's M.E. church. Rev. W. W. Lance, pastor of the church will officiate assisted by Rev. B. W. Slagle.  Interment wlll be in Riverside.

Thomas L. Carr is an old and very well known resident of this part of the county.  He was born at Coshocton, April 6, 1833, and at the time of his death was aged seventy six years, ten months and seventeen days.

He is survived by a wife, four sons and two daughters, J. M Carr of Little Rock Arkansas; G. E. Carr and R. G. Carr of Defiance; T. E. Carr and Mrs. H. C. Weaver of Butler, In, and Mrs. W. L. Johnston of Hicksville"

"FUNERAL.  THOMAS L. KARR

The funeral of Thomas L. Karr was held at the St. Paul's Methodist Church, Tuesday afternoon, at 2:00.  Rev. W. W. Lance officiated, assisted by Rev. B. W. Slagle. Interment was at Riverside.

The remains arrived in the city at 1:30 p.m.  via the B. & O. and was met at the depot by a delegation of the local G.A.R. of which the deceased was a member."

The land in the center of this photo belonged to Zipporah Karr - her part being over 700 acres just south west of the city and on the north side of the Auglaize River. Was this the land that Thomas was renting out to someone to farm, as he called himself a landlord? The land does have a residence on it along the river, as well as, the Auglaize Methodist Church.

Land Ownership Map of Defiance County, 1890

At some point, Thomas's wife, Zipporah, moved in with a daughter in Newville, Dekalb County, Indiana, and that was where she passed away in 1927.  The local newspapers reported:

"EARLY RESIDENT DIES AT AGE 92

Death claimed Mrs. Zipporah Karr, one of the early residents of Defiance County, Sunday, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harry Weaner of Newville, Indiana after a few days illness, resulting from the infirmities of age.  Her age was 92 years.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Newville United Brethren Church.  The remains will then be brought to the home of her son, Ray Karr, 830 Perry Street, where friends may view the remains from 12 until 2 o'clock..  Last rites will be held at the son's home at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. R. B. Foster, pastor of the St. Paul's M. E. church officiating.  Interment will be in Riverside cemetery.

Mrs. Karr was born in Coshocton County and came to Defiance County in 1880.  She lived here until 1909, moving then to Newville.  Her husband, T. L. Karr, died 17 years ago this spring, two years after they had moved from Defiance.

She is survived by three sons, Guy E. and Ray G. of Defiance, and Tom E. of Hicksville and two daughters, Mrs. Weaner of Newville and Mrs. W. L. Johnson of Hicksville.  Eighteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren also survive."

The Coshocton Tribune, Coshocton, Ohio, also ran an obituary on March 24, 1927.

 

"MRS. THOS. KARR, FORMER RESIDENT OF COUNTY, DIES

Funeral services for Mrs. Safora Karr, aged 92, former resident of this county who died of infirmities of age at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harry Weiner of Butler, Indiana, were conducted at the home of another daughter, Mrs. Lissie Johnson of Hicksville, Defiance Co., Ohio Wednesday afternoon.

Safora Elliott, who was a sister of the late Harrison Elliott, this city, and the late Mrs. John Q. Endsley of Keene, was born and reared in Clark Tp., this county.  She was the widow of Thomas Karr who died 18 years ago.  The Karrs lived their early married life in Clark Tp., this county and moved to a farm near Defiance 43 years ago.

Mrs. Karr was a member of the Presbyterian church before leaving this county.  After moving to Defiance, she and her husband were instrumental in founding a Methodist congregation and building the church on their farm.  She remained a member of the M.E. church for the remainder of her life.

Five children, 18 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren survive Mrs. Karr.  The children are Guy and Ray Karr of Defiance; Thomas Karr and Lissie Johnson of Hicksville and Mrs. Harry Weiner of Butler, Indiana.  A son, Harry Karr, died several years ago.

Samuel T. Elliott, Route 3, one of the numerous nephews and nieces of this county, attended the funeral."

 

**This research for this post was a spelling challenge as Karr was spelled also as Carr in some documents.  Zipporah was Sophora, Ziporrah, Zip Lora, Tiporah used interchangeably.  

(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!)

Born in Log House - John Barrick

 "JOHN BARRICK TO BE 90 MONDAY

Memories of nearly a century will be recalled by John Barrick as he visits with friends at open house Sunday on the eve of his 90th birthday anniversary.

Barrick, who has spent his entire life in the Sherwood vicinity, recalls life in a log house...horseback rides or long walks to school...25 to 60 cents daily wages for farm labor...coffee at 10 cents a pound...a 1926 model T Ford, the only car he ever owned...truck farming and huckstering that brought him a host of friends throughout the country.

A son of the late Leonard and Elizabeth (Fair) Barrick, he was born Oct. 9, 1871, in a log house about three and a half miles from Sherwood.  He lived within a quarter of a mile radius of the Buckskin Road until 1954.

STARTED TO MASON SCHOOL

There were few roads in those days and most of the land was covered with timber.  As a boy, he road horseback or walked.  At the age of six, he started to school at the Mason School, now a shed on the Vernon Sprow farm.  He recalls that his first teacher was Bertie Spindler.  He attended that school through the eighth grade.

His youth was spent working for the few farmers in that area for 25 cents to 50 cents a day.  He remembers that Sherwood had only two frame buildings in those days.  One was a small grocery store, where coffee sold for 10 cents a pound.  There were no streets, just a dirt or mud path, depending on the weather.

He and the late Sarah J. Parker were married in the early spring of 1897.  They started housekeeping in their own log house, which he and his father had built from timber cut on his small farm.  He had purchased the land from an uncle, the Rev. John Kintner.

One daughter, Mrs. Fay (Florence) Ridenour, Bryan, was born to this union.  She is a cook and helper at Lamar's Restaurant.  Two grandchildren, Mrs. Sarabelle Gambler, Sherwood, and Doyle Ridenour, Williams Center, and 10 great-grandchildren complete the family circle.

Barrick tilled the soil on his own farm with horses and old-fashioned tools most of his life.  He also farmed for many years for the late Chancey Shong.  When he left the farm, he bought the home and seven and a half acres of his parents.

He was a well-known truck farmer, selling strawberries, raspberries, and other home-grown fruits and vegetables to homes in Sherwood and vicinity.

WIFE DIED IN 1954

His wife was an invalid for about eight years prior to her death Aug. 27, 1954.  He did all the housework weekdays, and his daughter came on weekends to help him.  

Following his wife's death, Barrick lived for a few months with the daughter in Bryan, moving Feb. 23, 1955, to the home of the granddaughter, Mrs. Gambler.  He enjoys fairly good health and needs glasses only to read.  Although a little hard of hearing, he enjoys TV and reads the paper daily.  Barrick also enjoys a daily walk and playing with great-grandchildren.

Two years ago, he was stricken with skin cancer, but recovered from the ordeal very well.

He has a sister, Mrs. Daisy C. Wimcompleck, 109 Summit Street, Defiance. Another sister, Mrs. Emma Sanders, Bryan, and a brother, David Barrick, Ney, also are deceased.

The family invites all friends, young and old, to attend the open house at the Gambler home, first house back of the Ford garage in Sherwood, and wish John a 'Happy Birthday' Sunday."

Defiance Crescent News, October 5, 1961, p. 8   

John Barrick died on July 10, 1962, and was buried

in the Sherwood Cemetery.

Is OTTO SCHLIESSER in Your Family Tree?

 

Identification on photo - Otto Schliesser, buried in Lutheran Cemetery,  Ridge Road, WW I, died of flu

The Bryan - Defiance Road, Route 15

 "HISTORIAN RECALLS BRYAN - DEFIANCE ROAD

"How many of the Press readers know that the Defiance - Bryan road was not always what is now State Route 15?

The first road made after Bryan was located in 1840 and made county seat of Williams County, ran to the lower Langdon corner northwest of Brunersburg, then north on Evansport road to Bean Creek where Rural Chapel was built in the '50s, then running west along the river through Larry Partee land, over Mud Creek, then on through Justice and Kibble lands, over Kibble Run (small streams were called runs, later made county ditches), then through the Figley woods, over the hill across Lick Creek as a good fording place, on through the Cameron lands, over Prairie Creek, and on to Bryan.

Later, the road ran on Bellefontaine Pike to Ney and then up the present road, and that road was a corduroy and something like a pontoon, as it swayed in travel, so wet and marshy for years, logs pinned together by planks and wooden pine.

  

When two teams met, it was natural for one to get off into the mud and go back after passing.  For years, the plunk-plunk sound of the corduroy could be felt and fairly heard after the road was built up and later graveled.  

The Old Man well remembers the open space in the Figley woods where the first road was made in the early '40s and how the timber gradually grew up and filled the empty place.

UG. Figley"

Bryan Press, Bryan, Ohio, May 27, 1943, p. 8

Is JOSEPHINE DIETRICH in Your Family Tree?

 

Information on photo:

Josephine Dietrich, April 27, 1902, parents Frank and Lena (Tena?) Oelfke, Napoleon Twp.

Laura LaCost Maugel, Revered Citizen of Farmer, Ohio

 

Laura Maugel was an "influencer" in Farmer Township, Defiance County, before the word was ever known.

Not only were she and her husband pioneers in the township, but after his early death, she continued to be active in her community and loved by many.

Born in 1841 and married to Alexander Ely Maugel in 1869, the couple established an 80 acre farm in Section 8 of Farmer Township.  It was located about 2 miles northwest of Farmer Center. 

When she died at the age of 96 on March 5, 1937, Madge Cunningham, President of the Lew Bowker chapter of the Women's Relief Corp wrote a tribute to her.  Laura was a charter member of the then diminishing group who served as the auxillary for the Grand Army of the Republic.

Mrs. Cunningham wrote:

"TRIBUTE TO AN OLD FRIEND

Mrs. Laura V. Maugel was a charter member of the Lew Bowker Women's Relief Corps, organized in January 1891, and its first president.  Since that she has filled the offices of secretary, treasurer and chaplain, the last being her position at the time of her demise on March 4, at the fine old age of 95 years and six months.  The last meeting she attended was at the home of Mrs. Alice Wilder in October, 1934, when the Corps was inspected by Mrs. Ida Fee of HIcksville and a fine visit was had with her.

Her tales of pioneer days in Farmer Township were filled with interest, as she was born in a log cabin on the farm where she ended her days and had resided ever since, except 15 years after her marriage to Alexander Maugel in November 1869.

Mr. Maugel had fought throughout the Civil War, and it left him with an ailment from which he never recovered and from which he died in 1894, after which Mrs. Maugel remained with her son, Roy, on the home farm to which they had returned some time before.

This old lady was a believer in all things good, having been reared in the Universalist faith, and always held to that belief, although she attended all churches when able to do so. She was active in the Corps and social affairs, a fine neighbor, a loyal friend, and 'Aunt Loll' to many families.

There having been about six families to settle this township in the beginning, of course, they intermarried and descendants were related to all in some manner. She always enjoyed family gatherings and soldiers' reunions, conventions of her beloved Relief Corps, and until the past two years, the latter order met with her at her home or in some other member's home to celebrate her birthday on September 24, which she enjoyed so much, and was always pleased to see her friends up to the last days. Her place can never be filled and her death means that of old Lew Bowker corps, as well, as it leaves but five members and no meetings are held.

Her first schooling was in a log school house, standing where the cemetery grounds now occupy several acres, and she crossed the woods to get there. Once while taking water to her father out in the woods, she met a large animal which she thought to be a 'big doggie' but on description, her father concluded it had been a wolf, so he allowed no more water carrying by her without her brothers along.

She always considered her life to have been a happy one, saddened only when her friends or members of her family were taken by death, and has often said that she never knew any hard times, as there was always plenty to eat, warm clothes and firewood.

She was born one year after her family came here from New York, so never knew any other life and hers grew better as the years moved on. She kept young with her grandchildren and her four great-grandchildren and was as happy over the advent of the fifth as the other grandparents and the mother and father.

Her greatest sorrow was the loss of a granddaughter in her early teens, a shock from which she never recovered, until a great-granddaughter, bearing the same name came to take her place.

There is nothing more to add than that we will miss her."

**Roy had a daughter, Doris, who died in 1915 at about 14.

The Bryan Press reported on her 90th birthday

party on October 1, 1931, on page 1:

"MRS. LAURA MAUGEL'S 90TH BIRTHDAY NOTED AT 

HOME OF GRANDSON

Mrs. Laura V. Maugel's 90th birthday was observed Wednesday when old friends and neighbors met at the home of her only grandson, Donald Maugel, near Edgerton in her honor.

Daughter of Edward and Laura Hopkins, she was born on the farm where she has lived since, excepting 15 years of her early married life when she lived near Logan.  She was married to Alexander Maugel in 1869, her uncle, Charles Barney, justice of the peace performing the ceremony.  One daughter died early in life and their son, Roy, lives with her at her farm northwest of Farmer.  Mr Maugel died in 1891.

Mrs. Maugel was a charter member of Lew Bowker W.R.C. and its first president when organized in January 1891.  Her husband's death left her with a son about 16 to run the farm.  She has been in excellent health until the past six months, and her mind is as clear as a bell, and not only does she tell of old times, but keeps up her interest in the present.  It's a pleasure to talk with her on any line of interest.  She has been and still is a great reader of good books and takes a broad view of all matters, religiously or politically.

Among the guests present were her cousin, Celestio Maxwell of Chicago Mr and Mrs. Emory Potts, cousins of Edgerton, Mrs. Susan Crossland, Mrs. Hattie Rogers of Edgerton, and Mrs. Ida Rice of Bryan, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Tomlinson, Mrs. Effie Roan, Della Conkey, Mrs. Ella Hastings, Mr. and Mrs. V. E. Cunningham, Mrs. Roy Maugel, Mrs. Donald Maugel and children.

The Corps will hold a meeting in a short time with an invalid member, Mrs. Ruth Lloyd.  A potluck dinner will be served at noon and at which Mrs. Maugel confidently expects to attend."

Laura Volera LaCost Maugel

d. 5 March 1937

Farmer Cemetery

Is BILL SCHLIESSER in Your Family Tree?

 

Only name is on the back of photo

Workmen Excavate Giant Fish in East Side Lowland of Defiance

 

From the Crescent-News, April 1, 1918, p. 2 --

"WORKMEN EXCAVATE GIANT FISH IN EAST SIDE LOWLAND

Workmen excavating in the East Defiance flats came upon a remarkable find this morning in the skeleton of what must have been a giant prehistoric fish.  While the remains resemble a fish, yet they might be that of a giant bird of some kind.  The fish theory is thought to be the most plausible; however, as scientists have always maintained that this section of northwestern Ohio was once a part of Lake Erie.  Evidence of this fact is shown in the North Ridge and the South Ridge, which it is claimed, were the shores of the old lake.

The lake, however, was never thought to have reached Defiance.  There is a possibility that inlets might have reached as far south as the city, however, or the great fish might have been cast this far south by a great storm.  Nevertheless, the remains were there.

The skeleton is fifteen feet, seven inches in length The fish evidently had the form of a lizard with a horrible saw tooth back.  The jaws resembled those of an alligator but were much longer.  There are monster teeth showing that the big fish fed on other fish.

Only the head of the fish was found in the excavation for the house, but the workmen followed the line of the skeleton and dug back, uncovering the entire skeleton.  The Ohio Geological Research Society has been notified by telegraph and will send a representative here who will properly pack the bones and take them to Columbus.

Folks who have read this story must not forget that it is April 1st, commonly referred to as April Fool's Day..,"

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Old Account Book of the Norway Store, Williams Center and Farmer, 1863

 

The Home of Clyde and Gertrude Norway in Farmer, probably the early 1920s.

From The Bryan Press,  Bryan, Ohio, 4 February 1932:

"Norway's 1863 Book Oldest Yet Reported

Clyde Norway, of Farmer Center, has brought to the Press office another old account book to be entered in the contest.

It is the cash book begun by his father, John Norway, when he opened a general store in Williams Center, Nov 2, 1863.  Some time between 1863 and 1869, John Norway moved his store, which he had started in partnership with a brother-in-law, Mills, to Farmer and the store has been located there in possession of the Norway family ever since

Clyde evidently has the winning entry in the contest with his 1863 book, but says his grandfather was in business at Farmer previous to 1863 and that if anyone shows up with an older book, he will dig into the attic and see what he can find.

Among the unusual entries in the 1863 book is one of five dressed wild turkeys, bought of Isiah Johnson for five cents a pound.  Clover seed sold to James Lane for 11 1/2 cents per pound.  Elias Tharp purchased sugar at 15 cents a pound and coffee at 40 cents a pound.  A muskrat skin brought 10 cents. Wood was $1 per cord. Muslin was 35 cents per yard.  Eggs were 10 cents per dozen.  Dressed ducks and chickens sold for 5 cents per pound.  The book bears a note of sale to James Wines for candle molds and two pairs of coffin hinges

Among the familiar names in the Norway book are O. E. Ensign, P. Castor, James Gardner, William Lane, J. Dillman, T. C. Biglow, William Griswold, Jacob Rager, Phillip Stohl, Ed Eager and others who have descendants living around Williams and Farmer Centers today."

Assuming this photo was taken in 1946, the year Farmer won the Ohio Class B Basketball state championship.  

The Aloha, 1923, advertisements

Any information on this record book from the Norway store?  Please share, if you do!

"

Is RALPH COBURN in Your Family Tree?

 Over the years, we collect photos that folks donate to us.  We would like to get these photos back to the family where each belongs.  

Please message us or email defiance genealogy2002@yahoo.com if you are interested in having a certain photo and we will send it to you? Perhaps you could mention how you are related to the person in the photo.

RALPH COBURN'S commencement announcement from

Hicksville High School, 1904

Is FRIEDA V. SPANGLER in Your Family Tree?

 

Over the years, we collect photos or memorabilia that folks donate to us.  We would like to return these things back to the family where each belongs.  

Please message us or email defiance genealogy2002@yahoo.com if you are interested in having a certain photo or item and we will send it to you.  

Perhaps you could mention how you are related to the person represented.

Invitation to the Commencement Exercises at Farmer Township High School, 1928

May 18th at the Church of Christ, Farmer, Ohio

Is ANNA REBESEL HECKENBERRY in Your Family Tree?

 Over the years, we collect photos or items that folks donate to us.  We would like to return these back to the family where each belongs.  

Please email defiance genealogy2002@yahoo.com if you are interested in having a certain photo and we will send it to you? 

Perhaps you could mention how you are related to the person in the photo.

The back of the photo states:

Anna (Rebesel) Heckenberry, lived in Akron, Ohio

No date.

World War I Series - Charles Butler

 

Charles Butler

Charles Butler, the last of the soldiers in this series, was an enigma for quite a while.  He was born in Michigan, was on the 1900 and 1910 censuses with his parents in Minnesota, lived in Defiance for a short time, and enlisted in Ohio and then joined the National Army in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Charles was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan, on November 15, 1889, the son of Charles Carroll Butler, Sr. and his wife, Alice M. Parmalee.  Charles, the soldier, was actually a junior to his father, but he never used his middle initial or the junior on the documents for the military.  His parents were born in Wisconsin, adding to their travel journey.  From at least 1900 until their son's death, the family lived in Virginia, St. Louis County, Minnesota.  

Why Charles was in Defiance, Ohio in 1917 when he enlisted is a mystery, but the book, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, placed him there, living at 814 Clinton Street. He seemed to claim Defiance as is residence in all things military. Nothing could be found on his life in Defiance.  

After enlisting on November 23, 1917, into the National Army at 28 years old, he was placed in Company A, 304th Engineers where he stayed until January 7, 1918.  By occupation, Charles had trained as a civil engineer at the University of Wisconsin, and on the 1910 census was employed by the city of Virginia, Minnesota as such. He was last assigned in the Army to Company A, 301st Battalion TC (Tank Corps). 

On March 28, 1918, Charles departed New York City on the ship Olympic, headed for France. His contact person was his mother, Alice P (Parmalee) Butler.  He was with the 65th Engineers, Company A, Heavy Tank Section. (It is unknown if his father was alive at this time.)

He moved up the ranks quickly from his first assignment as a Private until he was promoted to Captain on February 25, 1918, and finally, Sergeant on March 3, 1918.  He was part of the Somme Second Offensive, often called one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

At first, Charles was reported as Missing in Action during the Battle of St. Quentin Canal, but later that was changed to Killed in Action.  He was declared dead on September 28, 1918.  His name rests on the "Tablets of the Missing" at the Somme American Cemetery, Bony, Aisne, France.

His body, if found later, was memorialized in the Somme American Cemetery. For his bravery, he was awarded a Purple Heart and a World War I Victory Medal with one bronze service star, posthumously.  No obituary or photograph of him could be found.

Defiance Crescent-News, May 17, 1921

"Butler Street 

Sgt. Charles Butler

 Co. A 301st Tank Battalion 

Killed in Action 

Somme Offensive, France 

September 28th, 1918"

In Memoriam

Charles Carroll Butler, Jr.

World War I Series - Edward Wilson

 

Edward R. Wilson

The following announcement appeared in several local papers:

"EDWARD WILSON, FIRST DEFIANCE BOY KILLED IN FRANCE

In the announcement of the American casualty list from France appears the name of Edward Wilson, Defiance, Ohio.  This is the first Defiance County man to meet death in France in the battle for worldwide liberty and democracy.

The Crescent News today received the following telegram: Meredith, N.H. - April 12, Edward Wilson, Defiance, O., killed in France.

It was impossible to find any information concerning the young man.  His name is not contained on the county registration list, nor is it on the list of men to go through the local recruiting station."

But now the mystery is solved as to why his name appears on the Defiance County World War I memorial...he was BORN in Defiance, and he was killed in action.

A small article in the Defiance Crescent-News, April 15, 1918, cleared up the mystery:

"GRANDMOTHER OF EDWARD R. WILSON LIVES IN DEFIANCE

Edward R. Wilson, the Defiance boy who was killed in France, as stated on the casualty list in the Crescent-News Friday was born in Defiance and is the son of Mrs. O.A. Wilson of Summerville, Mass, who will be remembered in Defiance as Nellie Rieker.

The young man enlisted in the service at Summerville. He was born here at the home of his grandmother, Mrs. Esther Rieker, 623 Sessions street, North Defiance.

His grandmother is grieved over the loss of her grandson, who has given his life that the cause of worldwide liberty might be successful."

Edward Rieker Wilson was the only child of Ellen Elizabeth Rieker and Otis A. Wilson. Edward was born in Defiance on July 21, 1894, but by 1900 the family had settled in at 26 Laurel Street, Somerville, Massachusetts. In the Federal Census of 1900 in that place, Otis, age 42, was a railroad clerk, and he and Ellen, 32, had been married seven years.  Litle Edward had already started school at age 5.

So, it makes sense that Edward registered for the draft there on June 5, 1917. He was 22 years old, and he was in the Engineering Department of the Boston and Maine Railroad. He had recent military experience in the 1st Massachusetts Engineers of the National Guard for a four-week stint in May, 1917.  He was tall and of medium build with gray eyes and light brown hair.

He waa put into the military, Company E, 101st Engineers, 26th Division and traveled overseas on September 26, 1917. The 26th Division was known as the "Yankee Division" because it was mostly young men from the New England states. Edward was killed near Bouconville, France and buried in France for a while before his remains were sent home in June, 1921.

The Defiance Crescent-News reported back home on April 23, 1918, what the events were in Somerville, reporting back from the Massachusetts newspaper:

"GIVES ACCOUNT OF SACRIFICE OF EDWARD R. WILSON

The Sommerset, Mass. Journal contains the following account of the death of Private Edward R. Wilson, who met death in France, and who was born in Defiance and has relatives here:

'The parents of Private Edward R. Wilson of Company E, 101st Engineers were notified that he had been killed in action in France.  He was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Otis A. Wilson of 11 Willoughby Street.

The young man was born in Defiance, Ohio and was 24 years of age.  He came to Sommerville in 1898 and attended the Sommerville schools, and afterwards attended Sommerville High School, and later Mt. Hermon school.  He then entered the engineering department of the Boston & Maine Railroad.  He enlisted in Company E.  He was a member of the Winter Hill Baptist church and had many friends.

His relatives at Sommerville wrote the following to his grandmother, Mrs. Esther Rieker of this city: 

'A letter has come from the War Department confirming the telegram and giving assurance that Edward would be buried with all proper religious ceremonies and military honors. The letter also said that the grave would be marked and that the bodies of the soldiers are to be returned to this country after the war.'

Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts

The Boston Evening Globe of June 20, 1921, reported the burial of Edward in the United States:

"SOMERVILLE

The funeral of Edward R. Wilson, the first Somerville soldier killed in action in France, will be held at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otis A. Wilson, 11 Willoughby Street.  He was born in Defiance, O., July 21, 1894, and was educated in the public schools of this city.  

He served with Co. C, 101st United States Engineers and was killed in action on April 8, 1918.  What was formerly Oak Square, this city, was renamed Edward Wilson Sq. in his honor by the City Government."

The 26th Division was fighting near Belleau church during the part of the war when Edward was killed; in fact, the American artillery destroyed the church even prior to the final assault by their division.

"General Edwards told villagers that he would ensure the church was rebuilt. Money was raised by the Division's veterans and on Oct. 10, 1926, the (new) church was dedicated...  Within are commemorations, plaques and stained class windows honoring those, including Edward R. Wilson, who died in France.  It is the only memorial to this division."

A very nice online pilgrimage through the church, including the honorary plaques, is available by clicking here.

In Memoriam

Edward R. Wilson

World War I Series - Earl R. Myers

 

EARL R. MYERS

Earl R. (LeRoy) Myers began life in Paulding County, Ohio, on September 18, 1897. The son of Peter and Mary Myers, he was the youngest child listed on the 1900 census with five older siblings. At two, he was called Earlie. Within the next five years, the family would take up residence in Hicksville Township.

At 19 years old, Earl enlisted in the Ohio National Guard, Company E, 2nd Infantry where he stayed until October 16, 1917, when his unit was included in the Army as Company L, 146th Infantry. The group trained in Camp Sheridan, Alabama, then just a piece of land with cotton fields and wastelands. Construction took place on the grounds at the same time as their training. 

     (Not Earl Myers, but another soldier from the 147th Infantry)

Unfortunately, Earl became quite sick in the camp, sick enough that his father came down to Alabama to help in his recovery. In the process, Earl missed the departure of his Company L for France, so he was attached then to Company M, 147th Infantry for the rest of his military time.

Private Earl Myers left for France where he was killed in action on September 29, 1918 in the Meuse Argonne offensive. Months later, the parents were notified and a notice was published.

In the Hicksville Tribune on page 3 of the Jan.30, 1919, paper, a letter appeared from one of Earl's commanders to the local Lutheran Pastor, Rev. Geo. F. Dittmer, who must have inquired about more information on Earl's death.

Earl was first buried in a temporary cemetery near the battlefield, as shown below in the photo, near Epinonville. Later, he was disinterred and moved to Grave 56, Section 61, plot 2 in the Argonne American Cemetery where he received his white cross to mark the gravesite.

Temporary gravesites near the battlefield

Earl' family held a memorial service for him in late January,1919, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Hicksville. His obituary appeared in the January 23, 1919, Hicksville Tribune on page. 4:

"Myers, Earl LeRoy, youngest son of Peter Myers, was born near Payne, Ohio, September 18, 1897.  He died in action in France while fighting for his country, September 29, 1918.  His early life closed at the youthful age of 21 years and 11 days.

He was seven years old when the family came to Defiance county and located on the present homestead north of Hicksville, amidst pleasant surroundings and the comfort of a good Christian home, he grew to manhood.

His parents dedicated him to God by Holy Baptism in early infancy and was confirmed in the Lutheran Church, March 20, 1910, remained a faithful communicant member until death.  Even while in camp, he did not forget his church, but voluntarily continued his contribution for its support.

When declaration was made that a state of war existed and the conscription law was passed, he was not old enough to be drafted, but on June 4, 1917, the day before the first registration, he volunteered and enlisted in Company E..

He left Hicksville with the company September 30th for Camp Sheridan, Alabama. At camp, the company was merged and he became a member of Co. L, the 146th Infantry.  While at camp, he became seriously sick with measles and pneumonia, but with a timely visit of his father,he grew better and completely recovered.

June found the Company at Camp Lee, ready for duty overseas.  In early July, they landed in France.  Early August found him again in hospital due to mumps.  His company, in the meantime, moved forward.  When he recovered, he was put in Company M of the 147th Infantry.

His last letter was dated September 8th and November 25th, word was received that he had been killed in action September 29.  This message, received so long after the armistice, came as a great shock to the community and especially, the bereaved family.

He was a fine young man. Physically strong, tall, erect, with a soldierly bearing, morally clean, upright and conscientious. He had a high sense of honor. Homesick as he often was, he would not make a mis-statement to get to go home, saying he would rather not have a furlough than gain it dishonestly.

He was the noblest type of patriotism, not of words, but of deeds. Quietly, without ado, he did what he thought was his duty. His patriotism was manifest to all.  For this, he volunteered, for this he endured great hardships, sufferings and sacrifices. For this, he gave at last the full measure of devotion, the supreme sacrifice of life itself.

An impressive service was held at St. John's Lutheran Church Sunday, in memory of the departed."

CARD OF THANKS.

We take this means of thanking the community for the deep sympathy and interest taken in the loss of our loved son and brother. We thank also the pastor for the glowing tribute and consoling words. Also the choir for the appropriate and excellent music.

Peter Myers and Children"

In Memoriam

Earl LeRoy Myers