UFOs in Defiance - 1952

If you've ever watched "Project Bluebook" on television, you might be interested in life from other planets who may or may not come to visit us on Earth.  Just last April, the Pentagon released Navy plane photos of supposed UFOs.  It's been a subject of discussion and argument and believability for many years - do UFOs exist?  Is there life on other planets?  Have they visited us here?  Are you a believer?  So far, in Ohio, 23 sightings have been reported this year alone.

On January 18, 1952, the Defiance Crescent News reported on two men who were certain they spied a flying saucer in Richland Township.   

" TWO DEFIANCE COON HUNTERS SAY 'FLYING SAUCER' OBJECT LIGHTS SKYS.

Two coon hunters who were so unbelieving about what they saw Wednesday night in the sky near here that they kept quiet about it until late Thursday afternoon, were still wondering today if they had seen some type of 'flying saucer.'   They are Doug Hamilton of the Farm Bureau here, and Charles Ort of south of Defiance.

They were hunting about 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Leroy Kunesh farm in South Richland Tp. when the object appeared so bright that 'the tree branches were illuminated.'  The bright object seemed motionless above the low-hanging clouds for about five minutes, they reported to friends Thursday afternoon.

'Then it moved away to the east, slow at first and then picked up speed.' The object was reported to have seemed to rotate and somewhat resembled an immense one-bladed propeller.  The men said it seemed to have a radius of about 30 feet.

 The observers of this spectacle said they had no way to determine how high in the sky it may have been.  It was 'pretty high' though.  They were first attracted by the light shining against the wet tree tops.  This caused them to turn their gaze skyward and both say they saw the 'object.'"

 A member of my own family can remember a sighting he had in our back yard, and he was bolstered in his claim when it was discovered a neighbor had spotted it, too.  Around 1970, the Northwest Signal reported that a woman had spotted a UFO above her home in Liberty Center.

"A UFO sighting was the subject of a report filed Thursday by the Henry County Sheriff's Department.  According to the report, Mrs. Rose Jones, rural Liberty Center, reported seeing the unidentified object hovering over her home last Saturday night.

Mrs. Jones, who reportedly suffered a heart attack after the sighting and is now a patient in Heller Memorial Hospital, described the object as reddish brown in color, with an elogated  bullet shape, and soundless.  Mrs. Jones reported that what seemed to be two large spotlights were on the base of the object and two rows of blue and green lights were also visible." 



What do you think?

Medcalf A. Bell - Bishop Post, G.A.R.

It is no wonder that Mr. Bell often went by his initials, as his first name seemed to be a challenge to 19th century spellers.  He was Metcalf, Medcalf, and Medkiff in various records.  Even the United States government seemed unsure of the correct spelling on his war documents.

M. A. Bell was a Defiance County boy from birth until death.  Highland Township was his birthplace, there born to parents M. P. and Margaret Bell on August 21, 1845. In 1850, he had siblings D. L. (Demetrius), Melissa, Caroline and V. S. (?).  Later a sister, Anna, was added.  His father worked as a sawyer.






By the 1860 census, his father had died and his widowed mother moved to Defiance where Demetrius, 21, worked as a laborer and Caroline, 17, worked as a servant.  These two jobs supported the family of five, as apparently V. S. had also passed away.  Metcalf was only 13 then, according to the census, but just one year later, he would be a soldier.

According to the 1890 census and his pension card, Medcalf A. Bell enlisted in Company F, 48th Ohio Infantry on November 8, 1861 and he served four years and seven months.  His discharge was dated January 19, 1865.  The 48th was heavily involved in the bloody Battle of Shiloh in 1862, where they lost 1/3 of their men. They fought on in many other battles, including the Battle of Vicksburg.  He was just a boy.

In 1866, Bell married Mary Ann Bluff and the couple would go on to have two children, neither of whom survived infancy.  In each census, Bell was listed as working in a livery stable.  The house at 412 Harrison Street was their home for many years.  In 1910, when M.A. was 64, he was retired, but Mary Ann, at 65, worked on as a dressmaker.  

M. A. Bell last appears in the 1920 census as Alonzo M. Bell and his wife was Anna M. Bell, both in their mid-seventies.  On February 1. 1927, Medcalf Alonzo Bell died and was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance.

 

Riverside Cemetery       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!)

Prepared for the Second World War - Civil Defense

For many years, Lloyd V. Tuttle contributed historic photos and information to the Defiance Crescent-News for his column, "A Backward Glance."  This clipping, undated, appeared in one of his columns, featuring the role of Civil Defense in Defiance during WW II.

Tuttle said:  "AIRCRAFT PLAYED A BIG PART IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR and while the chances were remote that the town would ever be bombed, Defiance had one of the finest Civil Defense organizations in Ohio

More than 1250 persons participated in the activity.  Complete blackouts of the town were frequent.  When the wildcat whistles were blown, folks turned out their lights, pulled down their blinds and automobiles were driven without lights.  There was very little traffic moving during an imitation raid which lasted only a few minutes. 

Notification of the practice raid would come from Columbus.  To simulate reality, aerial bombs would be shot from the ground and small planes circled overhead.

The CONTROL center from which all activity was directed was in the basement of the Northwestern Telephone Co. building.  It was completely equipped.  There were mop-up squads, fire squads, rescue squads, and air raid wardens in each block.

All members of the organization wore the CD arm band.  Wardens wore white helmets.  The ambulance girls wore white outfits.  The organization worked with military precision.  Much of the credit for its success was due the commander, John P. Reed.  John loved military activity.

Members of the executive committee were: Director, Virgil F. Kent; Commander, John P. Reed; Mayor Robert W. Galliers, Lloyd V. Tuttle, Victor L. Mansfield, and Glenn B. Hiatt.

PERSONNEL OF the control center shown here are: from left, Reed, Norman Kreischer (rear), Walter Speiser, Fred W. Bechdolt, L. E. Smart, Fire Chief Harvey Hughes (in light cap), Howard Squire (seated in front, A. F. Schatz (rear), Ora D. Symonds (seated, George A. Bolley, Wade L. Stever, Police Chief Karl A. Weaner (seated front), Ralph Goldenetz (rear), S. S. Evans (seated extreme right)."

Benjamin F. Houck - Civil War Soldiers Buried in Farmer Cemetery

Member of Farmer G.A.R.

When Benjamin Houck joined the Union Army on November 7, 1862, he was placed into an elite group known as the 5th Independent Company, Ohio Sharpshooters.  He had just turned 23, and he probably traveled to Cleveland to muster in, as that was where the group organized.  The Sharpshooters were a hand-picked group, chosen because of their physical abilities and their results on tests of markmanship.



He left his parents and a houseful of siblings  in Williams County to join in the cause.  His unit spent several months drilling and practicing near Cleveland.  They were one of the first groups to obtain the new Spencer rifles which could shoot seven shots without reloading, a big change from the guns then in use.  
 
Once they left Cleveland, in March, 1863, they were attached to the Army of the Cumberland and General Rosecrans for special service.  They had some engagements, but mostly they were near headquarters and sent out when needed in tight situations.  Part of the time, they were positioned on gunboats in the Tennessee River, watching for raiders and Rebels.

Unidentified 5th Ohio Sharpshooter

At some point in 1864, Benjamin must have had a military leave because he married Synthia (Syntha, Cynthia, Sindy) Jane Donley on November 5 in Defiance.  But he did return to battle where he stayed until the very end of the war, mustering out on May 26, 1865, in Cleveland, Tennessee. 

Benjamin and his wife could not be found in the censuses of 1870-1900, but the birth records of their children indicated they were in Washington Township when Nellie was born in September, 1872, and still when Edith was born in October, 1886.

By the 1890 Veterans Census, Benjamin was enumerated in Farmer.  He indicated he suffered from rheumatism and a general disability as a result of the war.

In 1900, Benjamin, 70, and Synthia, 65, lived in Farmer with their grandson, Burnell F. Smith, 7.  The census revealed that the couple had four children, three living.  One of those was a son, W. F. Houck, who married Mable Ilett.  

At some point, they moved to Bryan and settled into 416 South Walnut Street where they were found in the 1920 census.  Burnell, then 17, still lived with his grandparents.  On March 12, 1922, Benjamin died in Lucas County.  Perhaps he was in the hospital there or a home of some kind.  

His obituary appeared in the Bryan Democrat on March 24, 1922:

BENJAMIN F HOUCK

The funeral of Benjamin Houck was held from the residence Wednesday, March 15.  He was born October 21, 1839, and died March 12, 1922.  He was married to Syntha Jane Donley on November 3, 1864.  To this union were born four children: John, who departed this life at the age of 21 years, William F., Mae, and Pearl.  Besides these, he is survived by his wife, one sister, Mrs. G. Goller of Ney and three grandchildren, Dale F. Everitt, Burnell F. and Carl Smith.  Also one great grandson, Charles Franklin Everitt.

He was a Civil war veteran, being a member of the G.A.R. for many years.  His church relations were with the Church of God at Ney.

The funeral service was conducted by Rev. C. F. Pearce of the Christian church, assisted by the G.A.R. who rendered their beautiful service.  Interment was made at Farmer cemetery."

     

The Harley Shoe Store

For many years, Lloyd V. Tuttle contributed historic photos and information to the Defiance Crescent-News for his column, "A Backward Glance."  This undated clipping of Harley's shoe store, operated by Perry Harley, was located on Second Street, Defiance.

"THIS OLD TIME picture is of Harley's Shoe Store, which was located on Second St. in what was known as the National Union Building.  The structure, once three stories, has been cut to two.  Note the wooded hitching rack.

Second St. was paved with what was known as macadam (crushed stone)  Farmers who would come to town in the farm wagon, always brought along the family dog to protect the wagon, and also a quantity of feed for the horses.  They would unhitch the horses and tie them to the back of the wagon so they could feed while the family spent the day in town.  This was alongside the court house on Second St. that was seldom cleaned.

...Note the display of boots.  Many folks wore boots those days as Defiance was just a trifle muddy."

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

Born in 1839, James Bable spent most of his life in Paulding County, first with his parents, Joseph and Jane Bable, and later with his wives, Caroline Matty and Diana (Diadama) Forsyth.  

He first enlisted as a private in Company G, 14th Ohio Infantry on April 22, 1861, for a three month term.  After being discharged from that in August, 1861, he reenlisted in Company C, 68th Ohio Infantry in November of that year and he served until the end of the war. Company C was made up of mostly Paulding County men. In the 1890 veterans census, James noted that he had suffered from sunstroke on July 5, 1863; his unit would have been at the battle of Vicksburg in Mississippi.

James Bable married his first wife in July, 1860, before his enlistment.  When she died in July, 1866, he married again rather quickly, perhaps because a young child was left motherless.  In September of that year, he married Diana Forsyth. (Diadama on the wedding record.)  The couple settled in Auglaize Township, Paulding County where they can be found on censuses through 1910.  Diana had 14 children, but in 1900, only 10 were living.  

James worked as a day laborer here and there.  For awhile, he was a road supervisor in Paulding County and a cemetery sexton.  His children included Martha Ellen, Eva Estella, Emma Celestial, William Edmund, Edith, John, Hubert, Hollie F., Ray V., who were all named on the censuses.  In 1912, James and Diana moved to 1124 Perry Street in Defiance when they were quite elderly.

James died on January 31, 1922 and is buried in Riverside Cemetery.

 

James Bable at www.findagrave.com

On June 2, 1966, this photo, brought in my Mrs. Ray Kochel, a granddaughter of James Bable, was placed in the Crescent-News by Lloyd Tuttle.  Her information is a little wrong in that her grandfather moved to Defiance in 1912 and died in 1922, living in Defiance but 10 years.  Since, James Bable is the only one identified, maybe a reader will be able to identify another Civil War veteran.

Obituaries - Margaret Jane Waltenberger and George Isaac Gruver (Grover) of Hicksville

From Northwest Ohio Pioneer Obituaries (clippings from unidentified papers with no other information).  The book is available in our Defiance County libraries.

" WALTENBERGER

Margaret Jane Moore was born near Dublin, Ireland, June 6, 1840.  When about 9 years old, she came to America, the family settling first in Medina county, Ohio, but not long after coming to Defiance county, and locating a couple miles south of Hicksville.

One June 1, 1862, she was married to J. J. Waltenberger, who died in May, 1902.  To them were born three sons, Frank, Cyrus and John, and one daughter, Mrs. Clara Gorrell.

About 14 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Waltenberger came to Hicksville to live.  They both united with the Presbyterian church shortly after.  When the husband died Mrs. Waltenberger went to reside with her daughter, Mrs. Gorrell, six miles southwest of Hicksville, where after several years of patient suffering, she fell asleep April 5, 1909, aged 68 years, 9 months and 29 days.  A few years before she had transferred her church membership to North Scipio M.E. church.

She lived a consistent Christian life, and longed for the time to come when she might go to be with her Lord.  She leaves her four children, eight grandchildren, five brothers and three sisters.  The brothers and sisters are Elliott, Henry, Thomas, John and Frank Moore, Mrs Mary Lybarger, Mrs Kate Hoffmeister and Miss Sarah Moore.  Mrs. Waltenberger was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed by her many loved ones.

The funeral was held at the M.E. church, Hicksville, Thursday, April 8, conducted by Rev. D. F. Helms.  Burial at Forest Home." 

 

 

 *****

"GRUVER   (GROVER)

George Isaac Gruver, son of John L., Sr. and Harriet L. Gruver, was born in Greenfield township, Huron county, Ohio, May 3, 1882, and the same year moved with his parents to Hicksville township, Defiance county, Ohio, where he has since made his home.

After attending the local school, he began work on the farm.  As a young man he was industrious and enterprising and early showed considerable business ability.  Up to the time of his sickness, he was a strong, ambitious boy and one of his great desires was to be a soldier.

When the militia was organized in Hicksville, he was one of the first to enlist and was always a steady and conscientious member until his health failed him and he was honorably discharge on December 3, 1908.  At this time a very severe trouble manifested itself in the form of a tubercular disease of the back and right thigh bone.  Since then he was a great sufferer and underwent a number of severe operations.  The disease is rarely curable but his condition had so far improved during the winter that there was some hope for a favorable result.

But these hopes were not to be realized.  He died at his home on March 16, 1911, after a long and lingering illness, at the age of 28 years, 10 months and 13 days.  He leaves to mourn their loss, a father, mother, two sisters, five brothers and a host of friends.  One sister preceded him to a better world.

He was always very patient in his four years of suffering, a kind and obedient son, a loving brother, and kind to his fellow men.  Only those who constantly attended him can appreciate how patient and hopeful George had been.  

Funeral services were conducted at his home Monday at one o'clock p.m. by Rev. Dunnigan of Cecil.  Interment at Forest Home."