Defiance County men mustered up in 1898 to help in the Spanish-American War. A panoramic photo was taken of Company M, 6th regiment soldiers, probably before they left for Cuba. From this photo, a few soldiers at a time will be featured on this blog throughout 2026.
Numbered and identified on the panoramic photo which is in the hands of Auglaize Village, the first soldiers researched were #10, David Phillips, and #36, Joseph Gardener.
#10
THIRD SERGEANT DAVID PHILLIPS
Very little could be found on Sgt. Phillips, although his residence was listed on military records as Defiance. He mustered into the company at age 27 and mustered out with the company. No vital records could be found for him in Defiance County. He may have joined the group from another county, yet he was a member of the Red Men Society in Defiance and
was well thought of there. His burial place is unknown.
"BRILLIANT RECEPTION
IN HONOR OF SERGEANT DAVID PHILLIPS OF CO. M
The Red Men and ladies of Pocahontas Council gave a grand reception Tuesday evening in honor of Sergeant David Phillips of Company M, who recently returned from Cuba.
He presented each of the ladies with a small sea shell with a gold ring attached and a bow of National colors.
To the men he gave each a sea bean and all the Cuban cigars they could smoke. These relics he brought from Cuba.
He also displayed all the photographs of different views in Cuba, which he had brought home with him.
The evening was spent in dancing, Prof. Gessner's orchestra furnishing the music. The ladies served a fine supper during the evening. It was a brilliant affair."
