Spanish - American Soldiers - Private Robert L. McCullough

 

# 4 - Private E.A. Schultz,  # 5 - Private J. Hildendorf,* and
# 6 -Private Robert L. McCullough    


#6 Private Robert Lattimore McCullough

Born in Defiance on July 6, 1876, to William A. and Emma (Booth) McCullough, Robert stayed busy before enlisting by searching for employment. In 1893, he traveled to Chicago looking for a job and in 1895, he was up in Saginaw, Michigan looking. In the winter of 1896-1897, he stayed in Alexandria, Louisiana working, returning home on June 1.

He enlisted when he was 24 into Company M, 6th Ohio Regiment, for the Spanish - American War. However, he was discharged on April 6, 1898, on a Surgeon's Certificate of Disability issued at the Santa Clara, Cuba Headquarters and sent home.

Robert L. was rather outspoken in his youth which caused a bit of trouble.

The Defiance Daily Crescent reported on October 29, 1898:

"POLITICS

Cause Unpleasantness Between an Editor and a Soldier

All kinds of rumors were afloat on the street this morning, concerning an affair that occurred last evening between Editor Thompson and Private Robert McCullough of Company M, 6th O.V.I., who leaves for Camp Poland, his furlough having expired.

The trouble between the editor and the soldier was caused by Mr. Thompson's paper, The Republican, attacking Private McCullough and accusing him of making statements which he (McCullough) claims to have no connection with.

When the soldier and editor met, a few words were exchanged, when bystanders interfered. The whole affair grows out of the bitter political fight now being waged."

The war with Spain was the first U.S. engagement with a foreign nation in times of modern warfare, and it split the nation. Some felt that Spain was oppressing Cuba and that we ought to intervene to protect U.S. interests there. Others felt that this butting in could begin a series of costly wars; we should mind our own business. This may have been the source of the argument between McCullough and Thompson.

On November 1, 1898, the Defiance Daily Express continued their complaint against the newspapers, including their own, for criticizing McCullough and the soldiers of Co. M.

"Robert McCullough , whom the EXPRESS has maligned outrageously is a Republican. Nevertheless, he has done nothing for which he deserves the abuse and vilification the Boss has bestowed upon him.

We are through with Mr.  McCullough. Whatever may be the result of his actions, it is not for any one here to determined. He is in the military service and amendable to military laws. The facts of his being a Republican can make no difference. A. Republican who commits a wrongful act is to be censured equally with a Democrat who has done wrong."

On June 20, 1899, Robert married Gertrude White of Defiance, when he was 22 and working as a clerk in a furniture store. Gertrude, 19, housekeeper, was the daughter of Defiance residents, Daniel and Hattie (McRoe/Roe) White.  

In the 1910 Federal Census, the family was listed in Toledo, Ohio. Robert, 34, worked as a salesman in a department store, His parents were both born in French Canada. He and Gertrude, 30, had been married ten years and had one son, Jack M., 8

In September 1918, Robert was eligible for the World War I draft at age 42, and he registered but he did not serve. His full name, including his middle name, appeared on the pension, and he lived at 854 Colburn Street in Toledo. At that point, he worked at the Willys Overland Company, possibly assembling war vehicles. He described himself as of medium height with a stout build, blue eyes and light hair.

,

The family moved to a ward of Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan, sometime between the above draft application and the 1920 Federal Census. Robert worked as a floor manager at a department store and eighteen-year-old Jack was a salesman in a department store. They stayed in Michigan after that, moving to Monroe County by 1940.

On April 24, 1947, Gertrude Mabel White McCullough died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 67. She died in Mercy Hospital, Monroe, Michigan. after being a patient for eight hours. Although the death certificate indicated a burial in Toledo, she was actually buried in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance.

At the point when Robert's health failed, he moved in with his son, Jack. It was about seven years later that Robert passed away on November 16, 1954.

This obituary appeared in the Toledo Blade, on the day of his death:

"ROBERT L. MCCULLOUGH

Robert L. McCullough, formerly of Prescott St., died today in Newport, Mich. at the home of a son, Jack, with whom he had lived for about seven years. Mr. McCullough lived in Newport about 11 years since moving from Toledo.

Born in Defiance, O., Mr. McCullough lived in Toledo 40 years. For 18 years, he managed the ladies' coats alterations department of Lasalle and Koch's. He also was a salesman in the hat department of the B. R. Baker Co., three years, retiring about 11 years ago.

Mr. McCullough was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Calumet Lodge F & AM, and was a member of the United States Spanish War Veterans, Defiance.

Surviving also are sisters, Mrs. Bertha Beardsley, Mrs. Etta Schlosser, Mrs. Helen Steele, and Mrs. May Ellerman, all of Toledo; brother George, Detroit. 

The Rev. Arthur W. Hargate, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, will conduct services Friday at 11 a.m. in the Walter Mortuary. Burial will be in Old Riverside Cemetery, Defiance."

Old Riverside Cemetery

Dianne Kline, Researcher

*No proof could be found that Private Hildendorf left with Company M. He was in the photo that preceded their departure, but not in the company lists after that. Hence, no profile will be written for him.

Spanish American Soldiers - Private Edward A. Schultz

 

#4 Private Edward Adam Schultz

An Old Settler in Defiance County - Samuel Kepler

 

An Old Settler in Defiance County -

Samuel Kepler

Born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on March 3, 1793, to Benjamin and Marian Kepler, Samuel Kepler was one of the earliest settlers, along with his parents, in the Northwest Territory, and eventually, Ohio. 

He was in Ohio by the time of the War of 1812. We know because he had on record four different recruitments out of Delaware County, Ohio. The militia (all men between 16 and 45) were mostly defending against Indian raids and assisting with support and supplies. His last terms were with Captain Ichabod Plum from May 4 - May 27, 1813, and July 26 - August 18, 1813.  According to records, the company served along both the Ohio and Auglaize Rivers. 

Samuel married Rachel McGinnis of Hancock County, Ohio in Findlay Township, Wood County.  They had come to the Maumee Valley in 1824.

After he died, this was published in The Findlay Jeffersonian on Dec. 27, 1872, reprinted from the Napoleon Northwest.  His death brought up 

"early times in Hancock county."

"Mr. Kepler was one of the oldest pioneers of the Maumee Valley, having settled at the same point he died in about 1822. On Dec. 2, 1824, he married Rachel, daughter of Robert McGinnis, who then resided on the Blanchard, six miles below Findlay.

The following account of the marriage is given in his own words: 'At that time the territory now comprising Hancock, Putnam, Paulding, Defiance, Williams, Lucas, Henry and Wood were all included in Wood County, with the county seat at Maumee City. I sent for my license by mail, to Robert Forsythe, Clerk of the Court. Not knowing me, he refused to grant it, so that my future father-in-law had to go 45 miles to procure it. We were married by Wilson Vance, Esq., being the first couple married in Hancock County.

After making a canoe, which took five or six days, my wife packed her little outfit of household goods into it, and we literally paddled our own canoe to where I now live."

They paddled their canoe to the confluence of the Blanchard and Auglaize and then downstream to the Maumee. From there they went to their new home on the south bank of the Maumee, four miles below Fort Defiance, where they arrived after three days journey. They built a house there and reared a family of eight children, two sons and eight daughters. They lived there for fifty years, until Samuel's death.

The census of 1850, Richland Township, Defiance County, named Samuel, 57, farmer, real estate value $8225 (a great amount for 1850) and Rachel, 46, his wife. Their first child, Nancy Poe Kepler (Case) was gone by that time. In the household were Mary Ann and Betsy (Elizabeth) Ann, 24; Robert, 18, and Josiah, 16, both farming; Rachel, 11; Sarah, 9; Lucy,6, and hired help, James Carpenter.

By the census in 1860, his real estate value had gone up to $10,000 and his personal estate to $6,000. Only Sarah, Lucy and Josiah were at home. But her father, Robert McGinnis, 83, had moved in with them, along with two laborers, Benjamin F. Winery and Henry Bakin. They also had a servant, Amanda Ward.  Josiah had $100 worth of real estate and an $1100 personal estate.**

Unbelievably, by 1870, Samuel, at 77, had $23,000 worth of land and a personal estate of $5,000. Rachel, at 66, still had Sarah, 29, helping her, along with Minerva McCauley, a domestic servant.  Sadly, on December 10, 1872, Samuel Kepler passed away.  

His obituary appeared in the Defiance Democrat on December 21, 1872:

Samuel Kepler was born in Bedford county, in the town of Bedford, Penn. on the 3d day of March, 1793, and died December 10, 1872, aged 79y 9months and 7 days. 

At an early day, his father sold out and moved West, settling in Ohio, on the Sobota River in Franklin county where he bought quite a large tract of land in and around where Columbus now stands.

In a short time after his arrival, he took sick and died; their goods swept away, where they were stowed, by a flood; their stock sickened and died and one calamity befell them after another until they became poor. Then they removed to Delaware county, Ohio. Notwithstanding all their afflictions, the widow and her helpless children struggled on and enduring all the hardships of an early pioneer's life.

The deceased staid and cared for his mother and family until he seen them comfortably situated. At the age of 28, he left the parental roof to do for himself. Penniless, he startedout to battle with the world.

In 1821, he came to the Maumee Valley and entered a small tract of land four miles east of Fort Defiance. December 1, 1827 (1824) he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel McKinnis of Hancock county, Ohio, being the first white couple ever married in that county. In two weeks after their marriage, they moved to their new home; there being a scattering of whites and the wild Indians of the forest their only neighbors. Through trials and hardships, they have shared each others joys and sorrows for forty-nine years.

Their family consisted of two sons and six daughters, all of whom they raised to woman and manhood. The youngest son poured out his life blood upon his country's altar in our late war.**  By the hand of Providence, the rest of children were permitted to follow his remains to their last resting place. He (Samuel) died of pneumonia. Though sick but a few days, he suffered much. A short time before he breathed his last, he became calm and peaceful. His last words were prayer, and I trust, fell asleep in the arms of Jesus."

An obituary from the Northwest Signal, December 19, 1872, added these details, revealing his character:

"When he came to the Maumee Valley, it was a howling wilderness; his strong arms and trenchant axe broke the dense forest and let in the sun, transforming it into fertile fields, fruitful orchards, and comfortable improvements.

He was a faithful and loving husband and a kind and exemplary father, leaving a number of affectionate children and a bereaved widow to mourn his loss. Noted for industry and frugality, tender of heart as a woman, easily moved to tears at the distresses of others, compassionate and charitable, he sent none hungry or empty away. 

He wrote his own epitaph in works, not words. and like a ripened sheaf, has been gathered home."

                        Rachel and Samuel are buried together.

His Graves Registration card from the military for his service in the War of 1812 provided for an upright stone in Hires Cemetery, Richland Township, Defiance County.

After Samuel's death, Rachel applied for a widow's pension. It has not been determined if she received it.

Rachel lived until 1880; her obituary appeared in the Defiance County Express on March 11, 1880:

"ONE OF THE PIONEERS OF THE VALLEY PASS AWAY

Rachel, wife of the late Samuel Kepler, was born Butler County, Pa. May 14th, 1804, and died of dropsy (edema) at her residence near Defiance, February 25th, 1880, aged 75 years, 9 months, and 11 days.

When the deceased was about five years old, her father, Robert McKinnis, with his family moved to Ross county, O. and after remaining there some ten years, in 1820 they moved on the Blanchard, four miles below Ft. Findlay, in what is now Hancock county, but at the time with a number of other counties, was called Wood county, with the county seat at Maumee City.

In the 22nd year of her age, she was married to Samuel Kepler, Dec. 2d, 1824...at the residence of her parents...

In the year 1845, she united with the Presbyterian Church, of which she was ever an exemplary member, always ready and willing to lend a hand in time of need.

It will be a source of comfort to her many friends, both in Defiance and Hancock counties, to know that through all her illness, which lasted seven months, she suffered but little. She was perfectly resigned to the will of the Lord, and on the evening of the 25th, sweetly fell asleep in Jesus.

Funeral services on the 27th, conducted by Rev. Slagle, of Defiance, assisted by Rev. Morrison of Ayersville...also a very fitting eulogy by Dr. Parry of Florida. The large funeral showed how highly she was respected by all who knew her near and far."

**Sidenote on Josiah Kepler, the youngest son

Josiah enlisted in the Civil War and was killed in Lovejoy, Clayton, Georgia, on September 6, 1864. He was a First Sergeant, Company E, 111th Infantry, and he was buried in Marietta National Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia. A funeral was held at home for him at Independence Church, as reported by the Defiance Democrat, October 29, 1864.

His Commander was Lt. Col. Isaac R. Sherwood, who wrote this report:

"- On September 1, moved out a daybreak, marching east, struck Macon railroad, after marching two and a half miles; destroyed track at Red Oak Station and moved south along railroad to within two and a half miles of Jonesborough where the One hundred and eleventh Ohio went out a mile in advance on reconnaissance; returned to brigade and went into position at dark.

On September 2, marched by a circuitous route about ten miles and reached point near Lovejoy's Station and went into position on left of Fourth Corps. At dark we were under fire somewhat, as Fourth Corps were engaged with enemy as we went into position.

On September 3, we changed position, retiring our left and building a line of works. Remained in this position (being considerably exposed to shell and musketry) until 9 p.m. of September 5, when we moved out, marching all night and going into camp two and a half miles from Jonesborough on the morning of the6th.

Left this camp 11 a.m. on 7th and marched to within seven miles of Decatur, where we camped for the night. 

My casualties are: Killed: Josiah M. Kepler, first sgt. Co. E, on Sept 6."

 

Dianne Kline, Researcher

A Spanish- American Soldier in the Sherwood Cemetery

 

Robert Smith Peterson, born in Decatur, Indiana, on November 11, 1873, grew up in Adams County with his parents, Sylvester Wesley and Elizabeth Jane (Blossom) Peterson. Robert and his brothers, Henry, Frank and Charles enlisted in the 16th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.

Robert enlisted on September 16, 1898, in Indianapolis, and after being in several camps until January 1899, he then went to Matanzas, Cuba. It was a very short-lived event as the group was sent back to the U.S. on March 16, basically seeing no action.

When Robert returned home, he married Lillian L. Noll in 1899, and they had six children: Harry Noll, George John, Robert Paul, Gertrude Blossom, Ruby M. and Gladys.

Robert managed a baseball team, the Rosenthals, for a while. Two of his brothers played on the team.

Robert, manager, in the back; brother Charles in the third row, far left; and brother Frank in the third row, second from the left.  The baby in the front is Charles' son, Cal.

When Robert was hired by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, he moved to Sherwood, Ohio, where he raised his family. However, by the 1930 Federal Census, the family had moved to Fort Wayne. His wife, Lillian, passed away on March 21, 1956, and Robert on April 8, 1958. Both were buried in Sherwood Cemetery with their son, Sylvester Wesley, who died in 1916 of tuberculosis.

Lillian's obituary appeared in the Sherwood Chronicle in 1956:

"FUNERAL RITES HELD FOR MRS. PETERSON.

Mrs. Lillian Peterson, 77, wife of Robert Peterson of Fort Wayne, former resident of Sherwood, died Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. She had been a patient five weeks and in failing health for some time.

The funeral was conducted at 1:00 p.m. Saturday in Klaehn Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, with gravesite rites at the Sherwood Cemetery at 2:30 - 3:00 on Sunday.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Peterson leaves three sons: Harry, Cincinnati; John, Toledo; Paul, Rockport, N.Y. and three daughters; Mrs. Gertrude Jergens, Roanoke, Ind,; Mrs. Ruby Collins, Toledo; and Mrs. Gladys Schultz, Fort Wayne; two brothers: William Noll, Paradise Mills, Ind. and T.R. Noll, Decatur, Ind. and two sisters: Mrs. Clarice Garard, Fort Wayne and Mrs. Roy Miller, Sherwood, O.

Mrs. Peterson was a native of Pleasant Mills, Indiana.

Robert's obituary appeared on Wednesday, April 9, 1958, in the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette:

"Robert Peterson, 83, a retired railroader, died at 8:30 a.m. yesterday in a local nursing home, where he had been a patient two years. He was a veteran of the Spanish-American War.

Surviving are three sons, Harry, Cincinnati; George, Toledo; and Paul, Lockport, N.Y.; three daughters, Mrs. Erwin Juergens, Roanoake; Mrs. Gustav Schultz, Fort Wayne; and Mrs. Ruby Collins, Toledo; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, a brother, Frank, Decatur, and a sister, Mrs. Loretta Whitman, Monroe.

Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Klaehn Funeral Home where friends may call after 3 p.m. today. The Rev. George Brittenham will officiate and burial will be in Sherwood, Ohio. 

Dan Hasch, Researcher