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| He was a member of the Farmer and Bryan G.A.R. posts |
In 1852, Charles Donze was naturalized as an American citizen in Williams County, and by 1860, he and his expanded family had settled in Farmer Township. Frederic, the second son and subject of this story, was listed as only 14 in the 1860 census, but by the next year, he had enlisted in the Union Army. On September 1, 1861, he enlisted with Company D, 182nd Regiment where he served until the end of the war, mustering out on June 19, 1865. On the 1890 Veterans Census, he reported his disability as "disease of the stomach."
After returning from the war, he married Lydia Oxenrider in 1870, and they settled in Farmer Township. Lydia reported on one of the later censuses that she had had ten children, but only six were living by 1910. Surviving were Sophia, James, Amanda, Stella, Effie and Lee. Gone by 1910 were Russell, Erma, Gertrude and Eli.
Frederick farmed the rest of his life in Farmer township until his death on July 31, 1911 at the age of 65.
On August 25, 1911, Frederick Donze's obituary appeared in the Bryan Democrat:
"DONZE. Frederic Donze, the second son of Charles and Catherine Donze, was born May 5, 1846, near Paris, France, and died at his home in Farmer township, Defiance county, Ohio, July 31, 1911, aged 65 years, 2 months and 26 days.
When about three years old, he came with his parents to the United States and located in Williams county where his childhood was spent. In September 1861, he enlisted as a private in Co. D, 182d regiment, O.V.I., and served to the end of the war. He has been a member of the G.A.R. at Bryan and Farmer and a member of the grange since 1898.
April 10, 1870, Frederic Donze and Lydia Oxenrider were united in marriage. To this union were born ten children, four sons and six daughters; two sons and two daughters have preceded him to the other side.
Mr. Donze is survived by a wife, six children, four grandchildren, five brothers, two sisters, and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn their loss.
The funeral service was conducted by Rev. J. H. Williams of the church at Farmer. Interment in Farmer cemetery."
Frederick's wife, Lydia, lived until 1923.
"LYDIA DONZE
Lydia, the oldest of five children of James and Christena Oxenrider, was born in Center township, Nov. 22, 1851. Died at her home in Farmer township, Feb. 23, 1923. Aged 71 years, 3 months, and 1 day.
April 10, 1870, she united in marriage with Frederick Donze. To this union were born ten children: Sophia Ellen, Russell Willard, James Louis, Amanda Anyce, Stella Jane, Effie Catherine, Erma Alverta, Lee Arthur, Gertrude May, and Eli Sterl. Mrs. Donze devoted her life to her family, she was a good neighbor and a cheerful friend.
For over a half century, she has lived on the home place, having spent all her married life there except a short time when they were building, when they lived in the log house that used to stand just west of George Beerbower's orchard.
Her husband and five children preceeded her to the other side. She leaves five children: James Donze and Effie Steward of near Montpelier, Amanda Ware and Stella Beerbower of Bryan; and Sophia at home; one brother, J. R. Oxenrider and two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Rhoads and Mrs. Ella Hubbel of Bryan. Four grandchildren and many other friends.
The funeral was held in the home of the deceased Feb. 26 at two P.M., conducted by Rev. C. E. Longbrake, pastor of the Williams Center U.B. church. Interment in the Farmer cemetery.
CARD OF THANKS
The family wishes to thank all who have helped during the sickness and death of their mother. James Donze, Effie Steward, Amanda Ware, Stella Beerbower, Sophia Donze"
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| Farmer Cemetery |
Where was George Beerbower's orchard located? I live on Beerbower Rd.
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