J. W. Myers - G.A.R., Bishop Post

Jacob K. and Sarah Wellman Myers welcomed their son, John W. Myers, to the world on March 27, 1844.

Residents of Goshen, Ohio in Clermont County, they and their family would become residents of Defiance County eventually.

John, one of the younger sons, enlisted in the 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company D on July 18, 1862, when he was eighteen.  Organized in Toledo, Company D was composed largely of men from Defiance County and was a three-year company.

Without any training, the newly formed regiment was ordered to Covington, Kentucky, on the Ohio River to begin a series of stints serving as guards for the railroads, the necessary Union supply lines.

They had one major skirmish during the first year in Telford Station where 200 soldiers were captured while on guard duty. In the spring of 1864, the unit was sent to Knoxville, Tennessee.

The History of Defiance County, 1883, said on page 134:

"Upon arriving at Knoxville, a portion of the regiment was sent up to guard the Virginia state line to guard the railroad. The detachment, 240 strong, was captured by the enemy on the 4th of September and was sent to Richmond, Virginia."  This would have been in September, 1863, and the prisoners were probably exchanged.

Was J. W. Myers one of the prisoners?  Only his pension record from the National Archives can give that information, but we know he lived on as part of regiment and was present in the spring of 1864 to join General Sherman in his march into Atlanta. The 1883 History told us that the 100th "was present for almost every battle."  Then the 100th were sent into Tennessee to follow the Confederate, John B. Hood, and there they participated in the Battles of Franklin and of Nashville.  A trek into North Carolina took them to war's end and the unit was mustered out at Greensboro, North Carolina on June 20, 1865.  J. W. served two years, ten months and twenty-one days in service to his country.

 A few years after arriving home, he married Hester Elliott on February 9, 1868, in Defiance County.  By 1870, they lived on a farm in Richland Township with their first son, Jacob E. and her mother, Sarah Elliott.  By 1880, they had their farm in Highland Township and were firmly settled for their lives. Six children were now part of the family, and John had fully taken on the farm and community life. 

The newspapers told of his successful crops, his large ship timber contracts, and his orchard.  He served as a township trustee and on juries when called. Well thought of by his family and community, J.W. was honored in 1905 as the Memorial Day Parade marshal in Defiance, and in 1926, the Myers family reunion voted him lifetime president of the group. In addition, he was one of the most active members of the Bishop Post, G.A.R.

On March 2, 1920, his wife, Hester, died and was buried in the Hill Cemetery.  

"Mrs. John Myers

Mrs. John Myers died Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 at her home on Ayersville avenue, aged 71 years, 4 months and 26 days.  She leaves a husband, five sons and three daughters.

The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Ayersville M.E. church.  Rev. Manahan will officiate and interment will be made in Hill cemetery."

Less than one year later, John married his second wife at the age of 76. Caroline M. (nee' Greenamyer) Stone was 75 and the widow of Harry Stone. The couple was married by Rev. G. M. Baumgardner of the Methodist Church.  Caroline died about six years later and was buried with her first husband in Hill Cemetery. 

From the Defiance Crescent-News, July, 1927:

"MRS. MYERS 84, AYERSVILLE, DIES.

FUNERAL WILL BE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON; TO BURY IN HILL CEMETERY

Mrs. Caroline Matilda Myers, 84, wife of G. W. (sic J.W.) Myers, Civil war veteran, died today at 4 a.m. at her home in Ayersville after an illness after chronic myocarditis.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the home, and at 2 p.m. at the Methodist church of Ayersville, with Rev. C. D. Chiles officiating. Burial will be made in the Hill cemetery, Ayersville.

Mrs. Myers who was born June 19, 1843 in Mahoning county, came to Defiance county when a young woman after her first marriage and lived in Highland township for about 55 years.  Prior to her marriage to Mr. Myers about six years ago, she was Mrs. Stone, her first husband having died in 1900.

Surviving Mrs. Myers are four children: William Stone, Highland township; John Stone, Hillsdale, Mich.; Charles Stone, Ionia, Mich.; and Mrs. T. C. Ashton, 918 Jefferson Ave; a sister, Mrs. Hanna Cline, Los Angeles; and four brothers, Edward Greenamyre, Canton; Benjamin Greenamyre, Salem; and Martin and William Greenamyre, Sarasota, Fla."

By 1930, J. W. had moved in with his son's family - John B. Myers, Merle, his wife, and grandson, Jack.  John W. was 86 by this time, and he would not live much longer, passing away on March 2, 1931. 

From the Defiance Crescent-News, March 2, 1931, page 1:

"JOHN W MYERS, WELL-KNOWN CIVIL WAR VETERAN, EXPIRES

John W. Myers, 87, twice a colonel on the staff of the national commander, and thrice on the staff of the state department of the Grand Army of the Republic, died of infirmities of age today at 7:10 a.m. at the home of a son, Walter E. Myers, 843 Wayne avenue.

Mr. Myers was prominent in the heyday of Bishop post of the G.A.R. here; and in the days when much was made of Memorial Day observance under the auspices of Bishop post, he was parade marshal and always rode a horse at the head of the column.

He held many offices in Bishop post and during a year that he was commander, never missed a meeting, although he had to drive a horse and buggy to Defiance from his home at Ayersville, six miles away.

The funeral will be held at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday in the home of his son here and at 2 p.m. in the Methodist church, Ayersville, with Rev. S. E. Kaetzel, pastor, officiating.  Burial will be made in the Hill cemetery, one and half miles southeast of Ayersville.

He was born in Goshen O., on March 27, 1844, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jacob K. Myers.  When he was two years old, he came to Highland township where his father had taken up land on a government claim.

He was married twice. His first marriage occurred at Independence.  His bride was Hester A. Elliott, a daughter of the late Judge and Mrs. Samuel Elliott. She died 11 years ago.  In February of 1921, he was wedded to Mrs. Caroline Stone of Highland township. She died in August of 1927.

Mr. Myers served two years and eleven months in the Civil war, having enlisted in company D, 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He engaged in 17 battles and skirmishes without a wound. His entire service was as a private.

After the sale of his property in Highland township three years ago, he lived with a son, John B. Myers, Ayersville. He came to the home of Walter E. Myers here on Feb. 1 to be closer to his physician. He had been in failing health several years. His condition had been serious since Jan. 5.

Surviving are three daughters: Mrs. L. E. Allen, Elyria; Mrs. George Baringer and Mrs. Karl Henrch, the last two of Ayersville; four sons, John B. Myers, Ayersville; Clayton E. Myers, Wauseon; Walter E. Myers, Defiance and Russell I. Myers, Hillsdale, Mich.; a brother, Sumner B. Myers, Goshen, O., a sister, Mrs. Samuel Boday, Fostoria; 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

From the Defiance Crescent-News, March 5, 1931, p. 5:

"FUNERALS - JOHN W. MYERS

Veterans of the Civil and World Wars took a major part in the last rites Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Methodist church at Ayersville for John W. Myers, Civil War veteran who twice served on the national and thrice on the state staff of the Grand Army of the Republic.  There was a large attendance.

Rev. S. E. Kaetzel, pastor of the Ayersville church, assisted by Dr. F. M. Swinehart, pastor of St.Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, Defiance, conducted the services.  Burial took place in the Hill cemetery.

Civil War veterans who attended were L. P. Rife, John Myers and George Solley, Defiance, and John L. Johnson, Sherwood.  Members of the Women's Relief Corps attended in a body.

World War veterans who participated were:

Color bearers - F. C. Duerk and Richard Greenler

Color guards - Frank Cleaves and Charles Rogalatti

Bugler - F. A. Troeger

Firing Squad - Oscar Bauer, Ralph Baringer, Harvey Baringer, Carl Schlembohm, Frank Weber, Harry Woodward, Martin Schatz, Cecil March, Edward Bloir and Hal V. Arnold; and

Pall-bearers - Frank Gaylord, George Steingass, Charles Davis, Lloyd Roth, Harry Brown and Harry Milligan

His Legacy

Sarah Gertrude Myers Baringer

Ruby G. Myers Henrich

Ada A. Myers Allen

Walter Earl Myers

Russell Irwin Myers

Clayton E. Myers

John B. Myers

Clinton E. Myers

Jacob Elliott Myers

(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!)

There's No Train to Clarksvlle

 

Clarksville - Milford Township

A Ghost Town of Defiance County

Also called Panama at first, Clarksville began at the intersection of the Williams-Defiance County Line Road and the Hicksville-Edgerton Road (Hwy 109) along the St. Joseph River.  All sources agreed that the town was founded by Elisha Clark and Jacob Meiden around 1836.  In those days, Williams County and Defiance County had not yet separated, so technically, the town was in Williams County until 1845 when the division happened. Clarksville was then a part of Milford Township.

From the 1866 Defiance County plat map

According to Mrs. Darla Fusselman, who was interviewed in 1976 by staff writer, Karen Geitgey for the Defiance Crescent-News, fur trappers came first to the Clarksville area as the first white men, "but the first settler, Samuel Slater, didn't arrive until 1834. Later that year, Thomas Green and six employees arrived.  Both men had sons born the next year - Luther Slater and Anthony Green, making them the first white children born in the township."

The area was also populated with Indians even earlier, who remained in the Clarksville area for many years. The banks of the St. Joseph River were their campgrounds until about 1839 when they were removed by the federal government to Kansas.

It was in 1836 that Elisha Clark bought 160 acres of land from Ohio, costing him $200.88. He sold some of the land to the Town of Clarksville and officially filed a plat in September, 1836, with 36 lots and a public square.  Samuel Slater's name was on the original plat as Justice of the Peace; Elisha Clark also served in that capacity later.

 North -South streets were numbered from 1st to 7th, and East-West streets were given the names: Jackson, Pleasant, Monroe, Water, and Cherry. 

From the Defiance County 1866 Plat Map

Jacob Weldon built the first house in the village in 1837, probably a log cabin, because the prize for first frame house went to Solomon Palmer.  A saw mill and a grist mill were built and a Lutheran Church in 1843. The first schoolroom was constructed of slabs in 1840 on Lot 10, and taught by Solista Hayes, according to Mrs. Fusselman. Later the school was replaced by Milford Township #2 (Clarksville School) located about 3/4 of a mile south at the intersection of Hicksville-Edgerton Road and Kramer Road on a 39 acre farm owned by the Green family. The first store was opened in 1839, followed by a blacksmith shop. grocery store, barber shop, saloon, and others.

Ladd's Lake nearby was named after Clarksville's doctor, Dr. Ladd, who was assisted by Dr Albert Kraeer.  Jeradet Ball, the first white man married in the township to his wife, Melinda Slater, built the Clarksville Bridge, which was then replaced in 1888.  The bridge area was the sight of many a bootlegging deal.  See the booze boat story here.

Reuben Sisco brought a tread powered threshing machine to the area in 1845, followed by a horse powered thresher in 1847.  This was a booming town, with one big problem.

The railroads did not choose Clarksville for any of their routes. Edgerton and Hicksville won out, so in a relatively short time, the town began to empty and the buildings deteriorated, and by the time the Defiance County History was written in 1883, only twenty-five inhabitants were left.  The now defunct Clarksville Cemetery was across the river from the town, so some residents are there, but others just left for a brighter future

Clarksville made it into the 1931 atlas, but the plat had mostly reverted back to farmland by then."

Sources with this and more information on Clarksville:

- Defiance County History, 1883

- Ghost Towns in Defiance County blog

- "Yes, Virginia, There Was a Clarksville" by Karen Geitgey, Defiance Crescent-News, July 9, 1976  Interview with Darla Fusselman

- "Clarksville" by Don Allison, Bryan Press, September 15, 1982.

Ransom Osborn - Early Settler of Hicksville - Part 2

 

What happened to Ransom Osborn after his experience in the woods and the partial amputation of his limbs?

In 1836, Ransom opened the first school in Hicksville with five pupils - two were his daughters, Mary and Caroline, who were joined by Joseph and Sarah Bunnell and Alexander Yaxley.

"In the spring of 1837, he moved into the double cabin occupied by Mr. Comstock where Mrs. Osborn kept the workmen that cleared away the dense forests, and also the men that built the first grist mill."  Mr. Osborn's family consisted of his wife and one son and five daughters - Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Joseph M., Mary and Caroline "

When A. P. Edgerton arrived at the village on April 17, 1837, he found a log cabin in the middle of the crossing of Main and High Streets where Ransom Osborn kept a boarding house. His wife was using a spring pole pestle to pound corn for hominy to feed her boarders.

As well as a teacher, Ransom also served several terms as Justice of the Peace and helped grow the mail service in the Hicksville area.

On August 14, 1837, he purchased a hundred acres of land from George Norrick for $5.00 an acre, part down and part on time. The land was located in Section 17 of Hicksville Township.

"He owned the property where Dr. Rakestraw now lives, and also the farm on the Edgerton road where Mrs. Herrick now lives."

Mrs. Osborn died March 8, 1843, aged 48 years. In 1857, Mr. Osborn went to Geneseo, Illinois to live with his oldest daughter, Mrs. Buenos (Sarah) Ayres. On October 14, 1872, he ate his dinner as usual, and in the afternoon, died sitting in his chair. Almost three years before his death, he received his second sight, which was a great pleasure to him, as he was a great reader."

He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Genesco, Henry County, Illinois.  The information given on findagrave.com is a bit different than that given in the 1883 History of Defiance County.  The tombstone has Ransom's birthdate as April 5, 1790, and his death date as October 14, 1872.   It would appear that Ransom was buried with a young granddaughter, Helene, who had died ten years earlier, daughter of B. Ayers and Ransom's daughter, Sarah.

*All quoted material was taken from the History of Defiance County, 1883.  Photo of Ransom Osborn, courtesy of Dianne Grimm.

Ransom Osborn - Early Settler of Hicksville - Part 1

 

Ransom Osborn was missing his legs from six inches below the knee, amputated because of a life-threatening experience.

"Ransom Osborn was born in Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut, April 4, 1795, and married Miss Sarah Hurd of Humphreyville, Connecticut on January 15, 1815.  Sixteen years after, he removed to Geauga County, Ohio, remaining there eight years; from there, he went to Litchfield, Medina Co., Ohio, and in the fall of 1836, he removed with his family to Hicksville Township.

When he arrived, he found but two cabins, built by Hicks & Co, and occupied by Daniel Comstock and Robert Bowles. Mr. Osborn build the third cabin, near where the homestead of A. P. Edgerton now stands.

As soon as he had his family domiciled, he started for Fort Wayne with a load of wheat and corn, and two yokes of oxen, the former he converted into flour for the use of the family.  The distance was twenty-five miles through a dense forest, and the only road was a winding path from which a few bushes had been cut.

He reached his destination in safety, got his grain ground, and started for home about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. After traveling some miles, it commenced to rain and snow, and the weather which had been mild, turned bitterly cold. The path lay through a level country, and the heavy fall rains had covered the lower portion of the trail with water, which commenced freezing, and the oxen soon grew weary, as, at every step, the ice would break, cutting their legs; but he urged them on with the skill of an experienced driver.

The cold increased, and he began to be alarmed for his safety, as the night was rapidly approaching. He tried to kindle a fire, but everything being covered with sleet, it was impossible. He moved slowly along and as the darkness deepened, he had to feel his way and guide his team. The weather grew colder and colder - ice forming on his clothing, and his body became chilled and benumbed. For a long time, he urged his team forward, but at length, they halted and refused to go.

He then unyoked them and let them loose in the forest, hoping to reach some habitation where he could obtain shelter and relief. His feet became so wet and frozen that he could not walk without the support of the limbs of the trees, with which he swung himself from tree to tree, often stopping to rest against some oak or beech while he called loudly for help.

But no help came until he had remained in the woods all night, when a Mr. Brant, at whose house he had stopped on his way up to Fort Wayne, thinking he was probably lost in the woods started out to look for him. As Mr. Osborn cried again and again for help, and he heard no sound save the dismal howling of the wolves and the echoes of his own voice, he gave up in despair.

But hark! What was that? A shout! The barking of a dog. Mr. Brant assisted him to his cabin where everything was done to alleviate his sufferings that could be done.

All this time, his wife and children were anxiously waiting his return. The cold wind whistled among the trees, and after waiting in great suspense until after midnight, they barred the door and retired, but could not sleep. As quickly as possible, word was sent to Mrs. Osborn of her husband's misfortune, and she went to him, staying a week, and then he was taken to his home in Hicksville.

Medical assistance was called from Defiance. Dr. Colby and Dr. Kibby examined the case and found that nothing but amputation of the limbs would save his life The same evening of their arrival, they amputated them just six inches below the knees. This fearful ordeal was passed through by Mr.  Osborn without a murmur, but he was crippled for the rest of his life.  

He had a pair of cushions or sort of knee shoes constructed, and as he recovered, with the help of a cane, he was able to walk about and taught the first school in Hicksville..."

Next - Part 2

Ulysses Grant (U.G.) Figley, Newspaper Correspondent

 Ulysses Grant Elmer Figley, usually known as U. G. Figley in the area newspapers, was born in Tiffin Township, Defiance County, on November 18, 1864.  He was a teacher, Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, and Ney Mayor in Washington Township where he lived for much of his life.  

But, he was probably best known as a newspaper correspondent, keeping the readers up on the rural Ney gossip and contributing historical pieces to the Defiance Democrat.  Many probably did not know he was the author of a book called, Life in the Stone Age, published in 1890 when he was 26, the same year he married Winifred H. Ryder.

U.G. and Winifred had two children: Thomas Warren Figley (1892-1983) and Margaret M. Figley (Whiton) (1894-1956).  Near the end of his life, Ulysses, a widower, moved to Hillsdale County, Michigan to live with his daughter and died there of a stroke on June 5, 1945.  He was buried in Fulton County, Ohio at the Lyons Cemetery.

 

Lyons Cemetery, Fulton County, Ohio

As you browse the old newspapers, keep an eye out for U.G. as he wrote many very informative historical articles that add to our knowledge of days gone by here in Defiance County.

Charles Goller Had the Flag and The Buckskin Band Played

 In the midst of the Civil War, part of the Democratic party split off and were called Copperheads or Peace Democrats. They opposed the War of the Rebellion and wanted peace made immediately and the war halted.  The women who followed this movement were called Butternuts and often wore pins carved of butternut hulls. When cross-sectioned, these hulls looked like two joined hearts, which was seen as the tie between North and South.   The movement was alive and well in Northwest Ohio.

From the Bryan Democrat, June 24, 1924:

"Charles F. Goller, 84 years young, of Ney, has the large U.S. Flag that was carried at the head of the Washington township delegation and its Buckskin band of fifers and drummers, to the big Vallandigham meeting at Defiance, August 15, 1863, and was one of the most interesting and exciting meetings of the season, the so-called Copperheads being out in full force, and the Butternut girls bravely wearing their brooches or breast-pins made of butternut shells sawed into slices, and each slice had a red, white and blue ribbon interwoven in its openings, and indeed, it made a nice pin."

The rally mentioned was in support of Clement Vallandigham, leader of the Copperheads and candidate for Ohio governor.  He had already served two terms in Congress as an Ohio representative but had been court martialed in 1863 because he was so outspoken in opposition to the war.  He was supposed to be exiled to the Confederate states, but instead went to Canada. Now he wanted to be governor in Ohio and rally the Copperheads.

A side note on the Buckskin Band from the Bryan Press, Nov 15, 1922 -

"This is the story in brief of a little scrap in the summer of 1862, at Ney, then Georgetown, as to whether a certain bass drum should be used in a Buckskin Band to lead a delegation of Farmer Democrats captained by Orley Ford, and a Washington delegation captained by John Campbell to a big Democratic meeting at Defiance where the chief speaker was Congressman C. L. Vallandigham...

Those 'buckskin bands' were what are generally known as fife and drum corps. This bass drum had been paid for by donations and it was naturally understood should be used impartially by each party.

Johnnie, the 10 year old son of John Campbell was the snare drummer, and a good one, ad was always with the band at meetings for recruiting soldiers or anything else the and was called for.  Sad to say, Johnnie was drowned when about 1, with a little brother, Charley.

Well, Grif Hatfield, Republican committee man, a bigger man than Campbell, as everyone remembers Uncle John as small and wiry, swore the drum should not be used at a d... Democratic speech, and other bad words, and said a fight as to who was the best man should settle it.  John was willing and they sailed in and soon Grif was down with John on his wishbone busy putting match pockets on his eyes, pushing his nose one way and then another, and so on, and having a full head of steam, and being a trifle hard of hearing, didn't hear Grif's squeals that he had enough, till finally some of the onlookers told John that Grif said he had enough.

'All right,' said John, getting off Grif. 'I didn't hear him. Now we'll get that drum.

Uncle John (Campbell) lived to the good old age of 76, passing away May 14, 1904.  His children live here - Wesley George and Carrie (Neff)."

.

What School? What Year? What Occasion?

 In looking through the DCGS storage room, we have come across many donated photos with no identification on them.  This one, luckily, has everyone in the picture identified on the back.  But all other information about it is a mystery.  Maybe you can help with that!

Also, if you appear in the photo or have a relative in it, we would love to pass the photo on to you for your family archives.

Ladies in the front, left to right: 

Martha Clemens, Ellen Whetstone, Mildred Brown, Roxanna Hanker, Caroline Relyea, Marilyn Relyea, Jaline Arthur, Lynette Wilder

Gentlemen, left to right:

Mr. Virgil Applegate, Principal - Richard Sharover, Gary Detter, Richard Burley, Neil Andrews, Micheal Moninger, Therman Smith, Larry Stork, Dick? Zaris?, Ralph Brinkman, ? Jackson, Leo Royal

Please comment or email defiancegenealogy2002@yahoo.com with information.

Thank you for the comments that identified this 1958 photo from Anthony Wayne School in Defiance, Ohio.

Franklin M. B. Winans - Oldest Man in the County, 1903

The Defiance Crescent News, in their December 26, 1903, issue, named Franklin M. B. Winans as the current oldest man living in Defiance County. Franklin Winans and his father, Mathias, especially, lived adventurous lives, especially in their military experiences and as pioneers. 

"OLDEST MAN IN COUNTY

LIVING AND BORN IN DEFIANCE IS FRANKLIN WINANS

First Saw Day in Hut near Auglaize.

Father was a Soldier under Gen. Wayne and Helped Build Fort.

Franklin M. B. Winans, residing in Mark township, is undoubtedly the oldest man in Defiance county who was born in this city.

Mr. Winans was in the city Thursday and told a short history of his family to a representative of this paper.

His father's name was Mathias Winans who was a soldier under General Anthony Wayne and assisted in building Fort Defiance.  He was born in 1776, and after the fort was built and the troops withdrawn, he returned to Miami county where he married Miss Lettie McCully.

Mathias Winans liked the location here so well, that in 1827 he moved to Defiance with his bride

Franklin Winans was born in this city in 1837 in a hut on the ground where the homes of Mrs. Eunice Knapp and Perry Helpman are located. At that time. Defiance was but a settlement, and contained, all told, about a half dozen houses.

The only enterprise of a business nature then in the city was a grist mill.  Flour was made by use of large stones and in one end was a new mill.

At the age of three years, Franklin Winan, with his parents, went to Fremont.  The next time that he saw Defiance he was nine years old and came through here as an employee on the canal.

There is another incident in Mr. Winan's life which is of historical significance.  His grandfather was in the British navy and before he finished his term of enlistment, he deserted by jumping overboard into the ocean and swimming ashore.  He then came to America and immediately enlisted with the Revolutionary War patriots fighting until the Declaration of Independence had been recognized by the mother country.

Mathias Winans fought in the Indian wars under General Wayne and in the Mexican War.  

The son, Franklin Winans, at the outbreak of the rebellion, enlisted with the Union troops and fought bravely through the entire conflict. Thus, this last act of the son completed a patriotic history for the Winan's family from this country's first to last great war.

After the Civil War, Mr. Winans returned to this county.  He settled first in Tiffin township, but for a great number of years has made his home in Mark.  He had two children, a son and a daughter.  The former, with his wife, have long since died.  He now makes his home with his daughter.

Mr. Winans is full of historical reminiscences which are interesting. He says he was a Democrat before the war and during the war has been since and ever will be.  He is sincere in his opinion that he is the oldest living Defiance resident who was born here, and as far as is known, there is no other claimant to the honor."

Mr. Winans died on August 17, 1913, at the age of 76 in Branch County, Michigan. His death certificate shown above (click for larger view) indicated that he died of erysipelas, which is a bacterial skin infection which is accompanied by a severe red rash. It would be a milder form of cellulitis which today might be treated with an antibiotic and creams.  No effective treatments were available yet, so that, and "debility of old age" brought about his death

Although he died in Michigan, he was buried in the Sherwood  Cemetery.

He had two children: William E. and Catharine Phoebe.