Albert J. Lovejoy - Civil War Soldier Buried in Farmer Cemetery

The family of Albert Lovejoy were early settlers in Defiance County, arriving about 1844 into Farmer Township from Yates County, New York.  David and Charity Lovejoy had children, John, Simeon and Albert when they were enumerated in the 1850 census here.  David was a carpenter and he and all the family were born in New York - Albert on November 10, 1842.


In 1860, at the age of 17, Albert still attended school in Farmer Township, but just a few years later on August 12, 1862, he volunteered to serve the Union in Company C, 111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry for a three year term.  Company C was mostly from Fulton and Williams County, and they were very active throughout the war.  They began in Kentucky with Buell's forces, and later in May, 1863, served on the left wing of Sherman's forces in the march through Atlanta to the sea.  Their service ended in North Carolina where Albert mustered out with his company on June 27, 1865.

During a furlough home from the war in 1863, Albert married Temperance Wartenbe and together they settled near Williams Center in Williams County, Ohio, and had six children.  In 1880, the enumerator listed the children as William -13, Anna - 11, Frank -8, Jay - 4, Otis - 2 and Arthur - 6 months.  In 1870, Albert worked as a farm laborer, but by 1880, he had a job in the sawmill.

On the Veterans Census of 1890, he was enumerated with the Defiance men.  He counted his service as 2 years, 10 months and 15 days, with disabilities named - chronic diarrhea and piles - a common complaint of all the old soldiers.  He also was a member of the G.A.R. in Farmer.

 Albert's first wife, Temperance died and he remarried Martha Aurilla Wartenbe in 1893.  (The relationship to his first wife, if any, is unknown.)  It was a first marriage for Martha who was about ten years younger than Albert.  They continued to live in or near Williams Center until the end of his life on March 18, 1911.

The Bryan Press ran this obituary on March 30, 1911:

"Albert J. Lovejoy was born November 10, 1842 in Yates county, N. Y., and departed from this life March 18, 1911 age 68 years, 4 months and 3 days.  In September, 1848, he moved with his parents to Williams county, Ohio and on August 3, 1863, he was married to Temperance Wartenbe.  To this union were born six children, five sons and one daughter.

In 1890, his first wife died, leaving him with the care of the family.  He was married again Sept. 3, 1893 at Hicksville, Defiance county, Ohio, to Aurilla Wartenbe.  He was converted in 1865 and joined the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Lovejoy enlisted in defense of his country in August, 1862, and served until the war closed in Co. C, 111th Regt. O.V.I.  He was a good soldier and stood in front rank during his whole time of service and came home honorably discharged.  He has suffered ever since with diseases caused from army life but now his days of marching and tramping are all over.  When the summons came, he was ready to answer to the call of his commander.

Mr. Lovejoy was a patient sufferer during his last illness and left this testimony that he was going home to be with Him who has been his stay and comfort during his illness.  He leaves to mourn his loss a loving wife, one daughter, five sons, one brother, and many friends and loved ones."