And History Repeats Itself...

Social distancing?

As we shelter-in-place in our homes this month and possibly longer, it's interesting to read about former epidemics that rampaged our country, putting our ancestors in much the same position as we are today.  Only science wasn't as good; medicines, tests, or vaccinations had not been developed for these diseases.  No drive-throughs or deliveries or online shopping was available.  Think of it.  Several of my ancestors were lost because of the influenza epidemic of 1918.  It was a common thing for families.

From the Crescent-News, October 12, 1918 -

Sound familiar?  Many of the arguments concerning the origin of the flu were present in 1918, too.  It was called the Spanish influenza, but Spain claimed it didn't start there, but in the Orient.  And it wasn't toilet paper and hand sanitizer that was in shortage, but Vicks VaporRub, thought to help cure the disease.

Defiance Crescent-News, March 8, 1919

Edward J. Hall - G.A.R., Bishop Post

Born in Michigan in 1844, Edward James Hall was the first child of John and Lydia Bayless Hall. After his birth and probably before 1848, the family moved to Seneca County, Ohio, where they were enumerated on the 1850 Federal census.

They lived in Reed, Seneca County, Ohio, when the record keeper found them.  Father John, 26, and mother, Lydia, 25, had three children: E. J. (Edward) who was 6 and born in Michigan; Joshua, 2, and Charley E., both born in Ohio. 

This Hall family settled in Highland Township, Defiance County, at least by 1860, as they appeared on the census then.  Edward J. was 16 and still in school at the time. His siblings included Joshua, 12; Charity, 10 (perhaps
this is Charley, wrongly transcribed); 
Mary A., 7; Sarah, 3; and John P., 9 months old.
Edward's father, John at 35, was quite a successful farmer with real estate valued at $2500 and a personal estate of $600. 

Just before his twentieth birthday, on May 2, 1864, Edward joined the newly formed hundred day company in Cleveland, the 169th Ohio Infantry Regiment, Company F.  This unit was immediate sent to defend the nation's capital in Washington, D. C., while stationed at Fort Ethan Allen, south of the Potomac River.  They protected supply routes and the railroad, as well.  The regiment had at least one battle with the Confederates during Early's campaign on July 11 - 12 and were successful.  Edward's name proudly stands on the name of the Company F roster of men, forty-one of whom were lost to disease during their assignment.  Edward was honorably discharged on September 4, 1864.
The 1890 Veterans Census noted that he served 4 months and 2 days, with disabilities listed as "brocites" and heart trouble. 

Just a few months after discharge,on November 2, 1865, he married Susan Fauble in Seneca County, Ohio.  They did live in Highland Township in 1870, where Edward was a prominent farmer at the age of 26, owning land worth $6000 and having a personal estate at $910, according to the census of the time. In 1870, they had two children - a daughter, Alpha A. (Alice), 3 and a son, Franklin, 11 months.  One other child, James Elmer, was born in March, 1878.

Edward continued to farm and raise his family in Defiance County, and he played an active role in the G.A.R. here.  All of his children married.  Altha A., his only daughter, married William F. Mentley in 1896; James Elmer married Rosa Friend in 1901; and Edward Franklin married Amy Doenges in 1903.

Edward J. Hall died on January 16, 1910, in Defiance County at the age of 65 years, 8 months and 9 days.  He was buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Putnam County.

His obituary appeared in the Defiance Crescent-News several times, first on January 17, 1910 on page 4.

"Edward J. Hall, a very prominent farmer, died January 16 at two o'clock at his late residence in Highland township one half mile east of Southerton  The funeral will be held Tuesday at 1:30 at the M.E. church, nine miles south of this city on the old Ottawa Pike.  Burial will be at Mt. Zion, Reverend J. F. Harshbarger will officiate.  The deceased is survived by a wife and several children.  The deceased was a member of Bishop Post and of Co. D  O.V.I.  He enlisted March 2, 1864 and was honorably discharged Sept. 6, 1864."

 (Several conflicting facts concerning his military service appeared in both obituaries.  Official Civil War rosters indicated his company was F and gave different enlistment and discharge dates.)

On January 20, 1910, on page 6 of the Defiance Crescent-News, this obituary ran:

Edward's wife, Susan, died in August, 1915, at the age of 74 years in their home near Southerton.  Her funeral was in the Sharon M.E. Church and she was buried with her husband at Mt. Zion.

(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!)

Vintage Clinton Street

For many years, Lloyd V. Tuttle contributed historic photos and information to the Defiance Crescent-News for his column: "A Backward Glance."  This clipping was undated.

"FOLKS are often heard to remark that the business section of Clinton St. has hardly changed in appearance in the last 50 years.  But it has!  Very much so.  For instance, here is an old time scene in the block between Fourth and Fifth Sts., probably where the Western Auto store is now located.  It is of the W. P. Fox confectionary, taken back in the days when sleighride and hayride parties were popular, even bobsled parties!

Guy F. Hatfield, 113 Wabash Ave., who brought in the picture said that 'usually the gang met at the Fox store for the party.'

THE BOY at the popcorn machine at the left is Ralph Adams.  Back in those days, strolling along Clinton St. of a summer evening, eating hot buttered popcorn or munching peanuts was the thing.  There was a number of popcorn and peanut machines along the street.

The man in the center is W. P. Fox, the proprietor.  Sitting on the bench at the right is 'Doc' Nedry, veterinarian and philosopher.  He is talking to Guy Tippin who operated a livery barn.

It is thought the picture was taken in 1908.  Next to the Fox store was a barber shop with bath. Practically all progressive barber shops had baths in those days.'"

George Allison - G.A.R., Bishop Post

George Allison, son of John and Maria Allison, was one of a large family.  In the 1860 census, he, 16, and his sister, Pernina were the oldest of eight.  Two other sources claim ten children in the family eventually. 
In 1860, the family was settled in Springfield Township, Williams County, where John was a very successful farmer, with land valued at $4500 and a personal wealth of $600.

On January 28, 1864, at the age of 19, George enlisted in Company C, 38th Ohio Infantry.  George was just in time to join in the Atlanta campaign and then follow Sherman through the Carolinas.  After the surrender, his union marched to Washington D.C. to participate in the Grand Review in May, 1865.  In the 1890 Veterans' Census, George reported his only disability suffered as sunstroke.

By the 1870 census, George had married and resided in Harrison Township, Henry County.  On December 13, 1868, he was married to Currence Bostwick in Henry County, according to the marriage records there.  In 1870, the couple had Willie Page, 12, living with them and attending school. No clue is given as to a relationship, if one existed.

Sometime before 1880, George and his family moved to Tiffin Township, where George and Currence would spend the rest of their lives.  Their first child, Orie, was born in 1870, but was not alive by the time of this census.   Son, John L. was born in 1877 and later a daughter, Eunice A., would join the family in 1887.

By 1900, only Eunice was left at home at the age of 13. In that census, George's birthdate was reported as October, 1944, and Currence's as October 1847 on that census.  He and Eunice farmed in Tiffin Township until his death on December 23, 1924.

The findagrave.com site named his burial place as Boynton Cemetery, near Stryker, in Williams County.

Currence Allison lived on until October,1930.  Her obituary gave her maiden names as Barnes, so more research would be necessary on that. 

  (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!)



















(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!)