George W. Partee, G.A.R, Bishop Post

George Washington Partee was born in Tiffin Township to Lawrence and Rebecca Partee in June, 1840.  

These early settlers of Defiance County were enumerated in the Federal Census of 1850, just two years after George's mother, Rebecca, died, leaving her husband, Lawrence, with six children still at home.  Rebecca died in 1848 at the age of 46. Lawrence, 45, a farmer, had the care of Hannah,19; Obadiah, 17, farm laborer; Louisa, 14; Lucretia, 13, George, 10; and Joseph, 7.

The children were home safely in 1860, but as the War Between the States began to brew, so did the patriotism in the three sons of Lawrence Partee.  First the youngest son, Joseph enlisted on April 17, 1861, at barely 17 into Company F of the 48th Ohio Infantry.  George enlisted on August 21, 1861,  into Company E of the 14th Ohio Infantry, and Obadiah followed in November of that year into the same company as Joseph.  Suddenly Father was left with no more help on the farm, but was hopefully proud of the commitment of his sons.  The President had called for volunteers after the attack on Fort Sumter, and all his boys stepped forward.

  

When George enlisted, his regiment quickly made its way after training  to Kentucky  to Camp Dick Robinson. Soon after, news of a Confederate attack sent them into battle at Wildcat, KY. After wintering in Kentucky, the 14th was the first group to enter into Confederate territory in Louisville and then Nashville. They fought at Shiloh, Corinth and then headed to Georgia and Chickamauga.  In October, 1863, records stated that George was discharged due to illness. It was unclear whether he went home, but it is likely if he was discharged.  He had served 2 years, one month and 14 days.

Maybe he felt that he had not completed his contract, so on December 16, 1863, he reenlisted as a Corporal in the Third Regiment, Ohio Cavalry where he served another year, seven months and eighteen days.  From all of his battle encounters, he reported no disabilities on the 1890 Veterans Census, even though his unit surely saw some of the worst battles in the war.  Corporal George W. Partee was discharged on August 4, 1865.

Upon his arrival home on August 18, 1865, he wasted little time in finding a wife and settling down. On December 3, 1865, he married Margaret Swinehart.  He was 26 at the time and she was 16.  In the Federal Census of 1870, the couple lived in Noble Township, next to her parents and siblings.

By 1880, they had moved into a home on Perry Street, Defiance where George, 39, had a job at the spoke factory.  Margaret, 31, was at home with their children, Elsworth, 9, and Lulu B. (Belle), 7.  Next door was his brother, Joseph, who also worked at the spoke factory, and his family.

The family rented the home at 727 Perry Street where they still lived at the time of the 1900 census.  Margaret reported on that census that she had had four children, but only three were living.  Another child appeared on this census: Hattie, 16.

Lulu, at 27, was still at home in this census, while Elsworth had married Mary Alice Green and moved out of the home.

Great joy and grief found the George Partee family in 1901-1902.  In April, 1901, Lulu would marry.

"NOFFSINGER-PARTEE WEDDING.

A marriage license was issued last evening to Chas. W. Noffsinger, 23, and Lulu B. Partee, 27, both of Defiance.  Rev. P. O. Rhodes was named as the officiating minister.  The young couple were married last night at the parsonage by Rev. Rhodes.  Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes will go to housekeeping on Perry street."

Defiance Crescent-News, April 4, 1901, p. 4

By March, 1902, she would pass away suddenly.

"Mrs. Lulu Noffsinger, wife of C. W. Noffsinger, bookkeeper for Henry Wilson, the plumber, died Monday about 10:30 o'clock at her residence, 727 Perry street of inflammation of the kidneys.  She was aged 28 years, 11 months and seven days.  She was formerly Miss Lulu Partee, and was married to Mr. Noffsinger some ten months ago.

Mrs. Hopkins was a member of the Hopkins street U. B. church and the funeral was held there Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Rhodes to conduct the services.  Interment in Hires Cemetery.  Her death caused a profound shock to her many friends who sympathize deeply with her husband and parents."

Defiance Democrat, March 20, 1902, p. 1

                   Photo posted on Ancestry by Alan Partee.  The George Partee family -

                   L to R: Hattie, Lulu, Elsworth, Margaret and George

Hattie, 20, married Albert Goldenetz, 21, on December 18, 1903.  Albert would become known as a successful businessman and grocer in Defiance.  But, in the Federal Census of 1910, the couple and their two children, Thelma, 6, and Marjorie, 3, lived with their grandparents, George, 69, now retired, and Margaret, 60 on Seneca Street in Defiance.

On January 13, 1914, the veteran, George W. Partee, died.  The Defiance Crescent-News reported his death in the January 17, 1914, edition on page 6:

"OBITUARY - GEORGE W. PARTEE

George W. Partee, son of Lawrence and Rebecca Partee, was born June 5, 1840 and died January 13, 1914, aged seventy-three years, seven months and eight days.

December 3, 1865, he as married to Margaret R. Swinehart, who survives to mourn the loss of one who has been a faithful devoted husband for forty-eight years.

This union was blessed with four children two sons and two daughters, Mr. Ellsworth Partee of Tiffin and Mrs. A. G. Goldenetz of this city, and a son and daughter have preceded the father in death.  The deceased is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Philip Gastle of Jamestown, Missouri and a brother, Mr. Joseph Partee, of Anderson, Ind. an four grandchildren.

Mr. Partee has been a lifelong resident of this city.  He was a faithful husband, a kind father, and a good citizen.  He served his country well, was proud of her in times of peace, and was ready to give his life for her in time of war.  August 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, 14th Regiment Ohio Infantry, and was discharged on a surgeon's certificate of disability, October 5, 1863. On December 16, 1863, he enlisted again in Company G, 3rd Regiment of Ohio Cavalry Volunteers.  He was appointed June 1, 1865 and was discharged August 4, 1865.  He was a member of Bishop Post, G.A.R. and will be missed by his comrades who have gathered here this afternoon to pay this last respect to a comrade who has fallen from their ranks.

Mr. Partee has been a Christian for a number of years and has been a faithful member of the United Brethren Church of this city for about sixteen years.

The earthly life of the deceased came to an end Tuesday morning very suddenly and without warning, but he has fought a good fight, finished his course, kept the faith, and to such is promised the crown of life.

The funeral was held at the United Brethren Church Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.  The funeral was in charge of the G.A.R. with Rev. W. C. DeMuth, pastor of the church officiating.  Interment in the Riverside Cemetery."

Mrs. Margaret Partee lived until 1928.  Her obituary appeared in the Defiance Crescent-News on October 18, 1928 on page 1.

"MRS PARTEE, 80, DIES IN FOSTORIA.  Funeral Will be Held At U.B. Church Here Friday.

Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Partee, 80, widow of George Partee will be held at the United Brethren church here Friday at 3 p.m. with Rev. O. E. Knepp officiating and burial being in Riverside Cemetery.

Mrs. Partee, a former relative of Defiance, died of a paralytic stroke Wednesday after being sick for one hour at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Thelma Goldenetz-Milligan of Fostoria.  The body will be brought directly to the church here.

Mrs. Partee's maiden name was Swinehart and she was born in Defiance May 24, 1849.  She was married to George Partee at Defiance, December 3, 1865.  Her husband died Jan. 13, 1914.  

Those who survive are one son, Elsworth Partee, Tiffin; three grandchildren, Mrs. Thelma Milligan at whose home she died, Marjorie Huber, Canada, and Donald Partee (son of Elsworth), Tiffin; one brother, Freeman Swinehart, Fort Wayne, and two sisters, Mrs. Priscilla Clutter, of Detroit, and Mrs. Elizabeth Francisco, Ligonier, Ind."

Joseph Partee - Bishop Post, G.A.R.

Joseph Partee was one of a host of Partees in Williams and Defiance County.  Born on May 17, 1844, in Williams County to Lawrence and Rachel (Webb) Partee, Joseph was one of the youngest children in the family.  

He and his older brother, Obadiah, both enlisted in the Civil War.  At just 17, Joseph signed up on April 17, 1861, as a private into Company F, 48th Ohio Infantry, where he served until he transferred into Company E. 83rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  He advanced himself to Corporal, spent 7 months as a prisoner of war from April 1861 - November 1861, and was injured in battle.  Joseph served patriotically until his discharge on May 9, 1866.

When Joseph returned home from the war, he married Rachel L. Cook in Defiance, Ohio, on September 16, 1866.  In 1870, the census enumerator found them in Defiance Township.  Joseph, 26, was farming, and Rachel, 23, was keeping house and caring for two small children - Mary, 3 and Jessie, 1.  With them were James Dellett, 22, an engineman, and Daniel Smith, 8.  The relationships, if any, are unknown.

The family moved into Defiance City on Perry Street by the 1880 census.  Joseph and Rachel had daughters, Mary L., 13; Jessie I., 11 and Milo, son, 8.  Joseph and his next door neighbor, brother George, both worked in the spoke factory.  

Rachel Cook Partee died in July 1899, at about age 52,  Her obituary appeared in the Defiance Daily Crescent on July 29, 1899, page 2.

"DEATH OF MRS. JOS. PARTEE

A Good, True and Kind Woman Passes to Her Reward

Death last evening come to the relief of Mrs. Joseph Partee, who has been a sufferer for the past four years, a part of which time she was perfectly helpless from the effects of paralysis.  Mrs. Partee was a lady of a very generous disposition and was ever ready to assist her neighbors and friends and was greatly beloved by all who knew her and highly esteemed in the community.  She was a kind and affectionate mother and loving wife and her presence will be greatly missed by all who knew her.  The death occurred last evening at 6:30 o'clock at her home in South Defiance.

Deceased was born in Columbiana county, O., near Salem, in 1847 and was therefore 52 years old.  She was two years old when her parents moved to Defiance county where she has since resided.  Her maiden name was Jessie Cook and her parents settled in Washington township.

The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at St. Paul's M.E. church and will be conducted by Rev. A. Edwin A. Smith.  The remains will be interred in Riverside Cemetery."

Joseph remarried to Ella Phillipps Hudson, daughter of George and Ella (Howel) Phillips.  At the time of the marriage, Ella, a widow, was 38 and Joseph was 56.  The bride's residence was Bryan, but the couple married in Defiance on May 16, 1900.  

They settled in at 1143 Emery Street, Defiance, where they were enumerated in the 1900 census.  Joseph and Ella were there with Nellie Knudson (Hudson), 5, step-daughter and Hary W. Knudson, 3, stepson.

Ella was born in Indiana and by 1910, the family had moved back to Anderson, Madison County, Indiana. In the 1910 census, they were found at 2629 Jackson Street.  Joseph, 66, worked in a factory there, while Ella kept house and cared for Floyd Hudson, 18; Neiley (Nellie) Hudson, 16, and Harry W. Hudson, 19 (13).  Ella reported she had had seven children and all seven were living.  

The family could not be found in the 1920 census, but Joseph's second wife, Ella, died in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana, on February 18, 1927.  Hence, it seemed likely that the family remained at their same home as in 1910.

Ella was 68, born on March 8, 1858.  She was buried in Maplewood Cemetery there.

"RECEIVES WORD OF DEATH OF MOTHER

Word has been received by John Hudson, 420 Hoyt Ave. of the death of his mother, Mrs. Ella Partee, of Summitville.  Mrs. Partee is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Roy Dunlap and Mrs. Joe Wisenfraund of Chicago; and Mrs. Sam Barke of Oklahoma; six sons, George and Arzie Hudson of Indianapolis, Harry, Floyd, and Ernest Hudson of Anderson, and John Hudson of Muncie.  Funeral services were held at Sells Brothers chapel in Anderson at 2:30 today.  Burial took place in the East Maplewood Cemetery."     Muncie Evening Press, Muncie, Indiana, February 21, 1927, p. 2

At some point after Ella's death, Joseph moved to Wyandotte, Michigan, to live with his daughter, Jessie Partee McTaggart.  He was enumerated there in the 1930 census with his son-in-law, George McTaggert, head, 61, who owned a home worth $7000, and worked as a superintendent at the Alkali No. 2 factory.  Jessie, 60, his wife; Ethel Miller, 38, single, step-daughter, a teacher and Joseph Partee, 85, father-in-law, makes hoops, Civil War veteran, joined the McTaggerts.

Joseph died in Wyandotte, Michigan on March 18, 1931, and he was brought home to Defiance for burial with Rachel.

His obituary appeared in the Defiance Crescent-News on March 19, 1931, on page 1:

"JOSEPH PARTEE TAKEN BY DEATH

The body of Joseph Partee, 86 year old Civil War veteran who died Wednesday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. G. D. McTaggart, Wyandotte, Mich., will be brought to Riverside Cemetery Saturday for burial.   The body is expected to arrive at the cemetery at 1 p.m. Saturday when members of the Grand Army of the Republic will conduct services.

Mr. Partee served in the 48th O.V.I. during the Civil War.

He was a native of Defiance and had lived in the vicinity until about 20 years ago.

Besides the daughter, Mrs. McTaggart, he leaves seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Dr. F. M. Swinehart, pastor of the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church here, will be in charge of the services at the grave.

Joseph's son, Milo William Partee, born April 23, 1872, in Defiance County, served in the Spanish American War.  He enlisted on May 16, 1898 and was discharged in May, 1899.  He preceded his father in death on January 25, 1917.

Joseph's daughter, Jessie, married four times - to John Sontchi, Persey Bessey, John Miller and finally, George McTaggert.  Born in 1869, she passed away on January 23, 1962, at the age of 92.  Her sister, Mary, born in 1867, has yet been found in the death records.

(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!)