Defiance County Settler and Soldier - Robert Carey

Photo from obituary, Defiance Democrat, 1897

"ROBERT CAREY AT REST

An Excellent Citizen and an Old Soldier Lost in Defiance.

Funeral Services From the Baptist Church Largely Attended by Citizens and the G.A.R. -

Personal Sketch.

'Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er

Sleep the sleep that knows no waking

Dream of battlefields no more.'

Walter Scott 

The funeral services over the remains of the late Robert Carey were held Monday morning, and at noon the body was laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery by the veterans of Bishop Post.

At 10 a.m., short services were held at the late home where Dr. Latchaw, the pastor, offered a prayer and the choir sang feelingly, 'Nearer my God to Thee.'

At the church, Rev. G. S. May, of Grace Episcopal Church read the 14th chapter of St. John, and Dr. Latchaw chose by request of the family, the first two verses for his text:

'Let not your hearts be troubled.  Ye believe in God - believe also in me.  In my Father's home are many mansions.  If it were not so I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.'

A prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Thomas, and after the excellent funeral discourse by Dr. Latchaw Rev. B. W. Slagle, of the Presbyterian church, made a few feeling remarks.  Also, Rev. Thomas, a former pastor of Robert Carey.  The Baptist choir sang hymns selected by the deceased: 'Savior, more than life to me,' and 'I'm a Pilgrim, I'm a stranger.'  The flowers were beautiful; besides those sent by friends, the Daughters of Veterans sent an appropriate funeral emblem.  

The G.A.R. conducted services and six comrades were pall bearers: G. H. Dicus. T. R. Carroll, A. W. King, A. T. Brechbill, L. W. Richardson and George Butler.

Mr. Miller, son-in-law, was present from Delaware for the funeral.  All the prominent business men of town attended the services, the church being filled to overflowing.  In this connection, it is well to state that to Hon. H. W. Hill belongs commendation, for during his first term in Congress, by the special act introduced by him, Robert Carey received a pension, which was $50 a month when he died, and has helped to sustain his family and himself for years.

Of this gentleman, the Defiance Democrat Souvenir of Ft. Defiance says:

Robert Carey was born on the first day of January, 1842, on a farm in Putnam county (then Williams county).  The farm, which was entered by his grandfather, being situated on the Auglaize river.  Mr. Carey was the son of David and Nancy (Harter) Carey.

Robert Carey remained on the farm until he was 20 years of age.  The war breaking out, he enlisted in Co. I 99th regiment O.V.I. and remained in the service two years, when he was incapacitated for further service by receiving a severe wound while skirmishing in the vicinity of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Mr. Carey was united in marriage to Martha E. Williams, Sept. 17, 1865.  They were the parents of two children: Alice V. (now Mrs. Sidney B. Miller) and Eva May, who died in childhood.  His wife and daughter survives him.

Mr. Carey located in Defiance in 1867.  Has served ten terms as Justice of the Peace.  He studied law with Hill & Myers, and has been engaged in the business of collecting soldier's pensions and claims ever since."

Obituary from the Defiance Democrat, July 22, 1897

On the 1890 Federal Veterans Census, Carey noted on his entry that he had been wounded by a gunshot and was "nearly totally disabled."  Another short obituary in the paper alluded to that wound.

"Robert Cary, of 319 Jefferson street, died at Saturday from the effect of a bullet wound received during the war.  He had been sick for many weeks.  He leaves a wife and one daughter, Mrs. Miller.  His age was 55 years.  He has been a great sufferer.  He was a consistent member of the Baptist church.  The funeral services were held on Monday morning at 10 o'clock."