USA > Ohio > Medina County > Wadsworth > Wadsworth memorial; an account of the proceedings of the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the first settlement of the township of Wadsworth, Ohio > Part 10
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Much credit is due to the young men of that period for the efforts made in behalf of education. It was a call of young men. headed by Horatio Warner. that convened the first meeting for taking measures for a select school. in 1830.
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In 1828, the young men met in the log schoolhouse and organized a lyceum, under the name of the Wadsworth Literary Club. The same company also formed a rhetorical school, and chose Capt. George Lyman as teacher. They held weekly evening schools for speaking, acting of dia- logues and coloquies, at the house of Benjamin Agard, and concluded with an exhibition in the unfinished upper story of the new house of William Eyles.
The exhibition, after the ancient style of dramatic per- formances, was opened by the recitation of a prologue, composed for the occasion by one of the young men, * which is given verbatim, from memory, and will answer as a spec- imen of Wadsworth pioneer poetry.
Prologue.
Unused to come before an audience To speak or act, or any such pretense, Our youthful faces with confusion glow When we consider what a depth below
Perfection's standard our endeavors all,
At such a time as this, must surely fall.
But still, my friends, if you will bear in mind The many disadvantages we find, Our chance of practice limited and small, Our talents trifling, almost none at all, Our education poor, our means confined- I say if you will even keep these things in mind- .
Greatly surprised perhaps you will not be, Our imperfections and our faults to see. Some surly critic, mixed among the throng, May snap and snarl, and say that all is wrong- That not a sound salutes his ear aright, And not a graceful action meets his sight.
So he may criticise, detract, and rail, And say in every point we wholly fail. But stop, my friend, prithee don't be so fast! You may be partly wrong yourself, at last! Lend me your patience, while to you I tell An anecdote, that fits your case full well.
* A. Pardee.
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A beggar boy once met upon the road A kindly man, who generously bestowed A meal of victuals on the hungry coot, And a refreshing pot of beer to boot. The beggar ate; then turning, when he'd done, Unto his benefactor, thus begun:
" Your meal of victuals was not worth a curse. Your bread and cheese was poor-your beer was worse. I do not thank you for such stingy fare, When you have cakes and pies, and wine to spare."
" Ungrateful wretch!" the generous man replied;
" I gave it you-what could you ask beside?
It was the very best I could provide; And with the best you are not satisfied. Go-thankless cui! Go, villian, stay not here! And nevermore in human sight appear!
' Beggars should not be choosers;' so now clear!" And now, my good friend, just hear one word more, And then my prologue will all be said o'er. There is a maxim which you all have seen, Which near expresses every word I mean: Never look a gift horse in the mouth. Amen!
Criticism being thus disarmed, the exhibition was by universal consent pronounced a " success." This exhibition was enlivend by an orchestra, consisting of a flute, clarin- et, bass-viol, violin, and bassoon ; played by Uriah M. Chappel, W. S. Richards, James Newcomb, Julius Rich- ards, and Ezekiel Richards.
A little subsequently, Dr. Pardee, at the request of the young men, who contributed to defray the expenses of experiments, delivered a full course of chemical lectures. John McGregor also gave a course of lectures upon an- cient history.
Of that class of young men who, amid so great disad- vantages, " did the best their circumstances would allow," of which a poet sage says, " Angels could do no more," not one of them found life a failure. Not one lies in a drunk- ard's grave; not one has been an inmate of a prison or almshouse ; not one but has risen to respectable standing,
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and attained success in his calling. As educational insti- tutions, the saloon and billiard-hall were then unknown. Let the fruits of each tell for themselves. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
About 1829-31, the township was finally districted for school purposes, and more commodious frame structures built. These have since given way to still larger ones, principally built of brick, with the modern improvements. This brings us to the history of the public school building of Wadsworth village.
This was begun in 1869. The draft for the building was made by the late Col. S. C. Porter, architect, of Cleveland. It is a large brick building, erected at a cost of $25,000. The money was raised by bonds at 8 per cent. The inter- est and a part of the principal paid each year. Of that sum, there was still outstanding Jan. 1, 1875, $9,300. The building is of three stories, with Mansard roof. The whole upper story is furnished for a hall.
The school now has four departments; A. B. Stutzman, A. M., Princi pal.
FOUNDING OF A COLLEGE.
An important feature in the history of the town is the founding of a College, situated within the corporation limits. An institution that, though in its infancy, is doubt- less destined to attain a future greatness and exert a wide- spread influence, from the fact that it is the only institu- tion in the United States under the patronage of a large and wealthy Christian denomination.
The statistics of the denomination in 1860, showed that their communities in the United States and Canada num- bered 128,000 members. Having no College or Theologic- al Seminary in the United States, and being chiefly of Ger- man descent and speaking the German language, and but few of their churches paying their ministers a salary, a majority, especially of the Old School Mennonites, being
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opposed to salaried preaching, the want of a thoroughly educated ministry was extensively felt by the better edu- cated class. That branch of the church called the New Mennonites, in 1860, called a general conference of the churches in West Point, Lee county, Iowa (the first held in the United States), at which the following resolutions were passed, and are copied from a literal translation from their minutes, published in the German language :
1. That all the divisions of the Mennonite church in North America, without regard to minor points of differ- ence, should extend to each other the brother-hand.
2. That nothing should sever the brother-tie, except de- parture from the fundamental doctrines that have always been cherished by our churches since the days of Menno Simons .*
3. That each larger or smaller community can keep its own rules and regulations.
4. That foreign and home missionary work should be done in future by the churches.
5. That the Press is a necessary auxiliary to the work of the church, and a good paper should be established.
6. That a theological school should be established in our church, as soon as it can well be done.
At a conference held in Wadsworth, Ohio, in 1861, the above resolutions were reaffirmed, and the following addi- tional ones passed :
1. That our communities should be built upon the foun- cation alone laid down in 1 Cor. 3: 11.
2. That no one can be a member of the Mennonite order who is a member of any secret organization.
3. That the Press already established shall be main- tained.
*Those fundamental doctrines above referred to are baptism after in- struction, nonjuration, or not taking of oaths, and non-resistance, or the not taking up of arms.
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4. That a minister shall be employed as a collecting agent for the school about to be established.
In the meantime funds were raised, and at a third con- ference, held at Summerfield, Illinois, Wadsworth, Ohio, was decided upon as the location, and a committee of man- agement appointed. At that conference it was resolved :
1. That the school to be built shall be built upon the foundation of which Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone.
2. That the name of the institution shall be, The Chris- tion Educational Institute of the Mennonite Community, and shall be in all respects under the auspices of the gen- eral conference.
3. That only such men can be employed as officers or teachers as take a lively interest in the prosperity of the Mennonite communities, and the welfare of the Church of Christ in general.
4. Only such men can be employed as teachers in this instiution as possess a thorough knowledge of the Bible, and are conversant with the doctrines of Salvation through Christ, and of the general doctrines, of the Mennonite churches, and heartly approve them. To wit : Nonjuration, adult baptism, and non-resistance, as taught by Menno Simons, and based upon the gospel.
5. The German language shall be the principal one taught, but other languages as necessity may call for; and the full course shall be three years.
6. Since this is a Christian institution, the word of God shall hold a chief place among things taught.
In 1864, the base of the building was erected, and in 1865 the main building, a substantial brick structure, under the direction of Aaron Kent, of Pennsylvania, architect and builder. This first building is 65 feet by 38, with three stories and a basement. It stands at the geographical cen- ter of the township, and at the western limit of the cor- poration. The cost of the building and grounds was $17,000.
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The school was opened for instruction Jan. 1st, 1867, under an able corps of teachers.
Rev. Carl J. Von der Smissen, Principal and Professor of Theology.
Prof. Daniel F. Risser, Teacher of German Department.
Rev. Manassas S. Moyer, Teacher of English Depart- ment.
This institution being the only one in this country of a large and able denomination, it is hoped and believed that as its benefits become known, they will be induced to give it a more liberal support, that the necessity shall be felt and the way opened to the addition of such departments as shall afford facilities for a thorough classical and scien- tific education, invite the patronage of the whole commu- nity, and the institution become one of the chief attrac- tions of the place.
REVIVAL AND ENLARGEMENT OF THE CHURCHES.
A history of the early churches of the township was given in the memorial sermon. It is now in place to con- tinue the history down to the present time.
The Congregational church from 1839 to 1842 enjoyed the ministry of Rev. Aaron K. Wright, a young man of superior ability, very much beloved by his people, and re- spected by the community ; and his death was lamented by all. He was succeeded by Rev. M. H. Wilder, two years, and W. Robinson, one year. The changes of popu- lation before referred to, and emigration of members of the church, reduced it in numbers till but ten members, two male and eight female, remained in 1861.
With the revival of business came members of that de- nomination, and in 1862 the church building was repaired, and the church resuscitated. It was supplied from year to year by various ministers, till Rev. Daniel E. Hatheway was settled as pastor and ordained, Nov., 1868. During his ministry the church was enlarged and strengthened.
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He resigned his pastorate in March, 1874, and Rev. Ed- ward brown was invited and accepted the position. Ar- rived and commenced his labors August 8, 1874, the 55th anniversary of the organization of the church, at which services, he, then a little child, was present.
The Methodist church was also revived, and in 1867 their house of worship was enlarged and re-modeled. They have been supplied with a ministry since their first organ- ization, according to the itinerating system of that denom- ination. The church is now in a prosperous condition, with a commodious house and convenient parsonage, un- der the pastoral charge of Rev. A. Pollock.
The Disciple church have continued their worship in their church, finished in 1842, under various pastors, among them Revs. A. B. Green and H. Jones, and the last of whom were Rev. J. F. Rowe, Rev. J. Knowles from April, 1869, to April, 1872, and Rev. C. F. W. Cronemeyer present pastor. The present condition of the church is prosperous, with good congregation and interesting Sun- day-school.
The following history of the Reformed church is fur- nished for this work by Rev. S. C. Goss, the present pas- tor :
The organization of the Reformed church was effected on the 24th day of October, 1858. Its first pastor was Rev. Jesse Schlosser, who began his labors here about four months previous to the organization. During his pastor- ate the services were held in the Congregational and Dis- ciple churches, kindly furnished by their congregations.
Six members constituted the church at the beginning. Their names, in the order in which they appear upon the record, are Henry Yockey, Catherine Yockey, John C. Kremer, Lidia Kremer, E. K. Kremer, and Isaac Griese- mer. The first officers were Henry Yockey, Elder, and J. C. Kremer, Deacon.
Mr. Schlosser, the founder, and two of the original
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members have died, and another has moved West, leaving but three of the first membership who are now members of the organization.
The second pastorate was that of Rev. Jesse Hines, who began his labors June 1st, 1860. It was under his pastor- ate that the old octagon academy building, and lot (else- where mentioned in this work), were purchased of Aaron Pardee, for $150, and converted into a house of worship. It was dedicated October 6th, 1861 ; Revs. S. B. Leiter and Wm. McCaughey preaching the dedicatory sermons.
The third pastorate was that of Rev. D. H. Reiter, who began his labors August 1st, 1863.
The fourth was that of Rev. J. J. Excell, who began his labors in the spring of 1865, and continued until the first of August, 1866.
His successor was Rev. S. C. Goss, the present pastor, who entered on his labors August 1st, 1866. At the be- ginning of his labors the membership numbered 43. The present numerical strength of the congregation is 115.
Early in this pastorate, the congregation greatly beauti- fied the old academy building. A new roof was put on, and it was re-painted outside and inside; also papered after a most beautiful design. Besides this, other improve- ments, which taken together gave a most delightful inside appearance to the "Eight-Cornered Church."
The growing interest and membership, however, began to point to the need of a larger house of worship. A movement in this direction was originated in the Consis- tory, early in 1872. Subsequently it was seconded by the congregation, and actual work in getting out material commenced in October of that year.
The cornerstone was laid June 29th, 1873, and on the 28th of December of the same year, the congregation was per- mitted to witness the dedication of their present beautiful church building, situated on the old site, on High Street, where now stands a sanctuary which, for architectural
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beauty is probably second to none in the county. Its en- tire cost, including furniture and all, falls below $1,500.
The présent officers of the church are: David Waltz, J. Jas. Hoffman, J. C. Kremer, Elders; Hiram Yaukey, Henry Shelly, Deacons. Together with the pastor, these constitute the Consistory, and they also are the trustees in charge of the church property.
Emmanuel's Church, Reformed and Lutheran, is noticed in the memorial sermon as being organized as a Union church of the two denominations; its location being in the corners of the three townships of Wadsworth, Norton, and Chippewa. The first log meeting-house was built on the Chippewa, or Wayne county side of the line, and the town line cemetery located on the same side. This church has continued in existence ever since. Their different pastors, as nearly as I have been able to ascertain, were-Lutheran, Messrs. Merrick, Weigant, and Fast; Reformed, Benja- min Faust, Solomon Sonnerdecker, Charles Zwisler, John W. Harmer, E. D. Miller, and S. B. Leiter. About 1832, a large frame church was erected on the Norton side, and in 1873 the present new and commodious building, on the site of the old log church.
There was for a few years in the southern portion of the township, a small church of the denomination known as Albrights (one of the offshoots from the Methodist church), but as a church it has for some years been extinct. The Baptist church formed in the northwestern portion of Wadsworth and southwestern of Sharon, has likewise for several years been out of existence.
Of the denomination known as Mennonites, a name de- rived from their founder, or, as it is claimed, restorer of · the church, Menno Simons, there are three divisions in Wadsworth. First, the Old Mennonites.
The first of that order who became a resident was Mr. Henry Geissinger, in 1825; the same year, Martin Over- holtz and Joseph Overholtz, In 1827 they were joined by
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Philip Geissinger, Daniel Wideman, John Long, Nicholas Kurtz and son, Samuel Kurtz, and Abraham Beam. In 1833, Rev. William Overholtz came, who was their first stationary preacher, and a church, or society was organized. After the death of Mr. Overholtz, Abiah Rohrer became the stated preacher. Mr. Rohrer is at this time (Feb., 1875) still living, at an advanced age. Jacob Coppes was also a preacher among them during the pastorates of Messrs. Overholtz and Rohrer. I have not been able to procure any definite statistics of their membership. They have a good house of worship near the township line, but within the limits of Guilford township.
The New Mennonite church was organized in October, 1852. Original members, Rev. Ephraim Hunsberger and wife, Jonas Nice and wife, Henry Nice and wife, Jacob Overholtzer and wife, Elias Smith and wife, and John Alderfer. Mr. Hunsberger has been the pastor of the church since its first organization. A brick church-build- ing was erected soon after the organization of the church, at the junction of the Medina road, one mile west of the corporation. The present membership numbers 95. The Mennonite College, of which we have given a history, is under the auspices of this branch of the denomination.
The Evangelical Mennonites have also an organization, inade in 1873, and purchased the octagon church, once used for an academy building, and have repaired it and fitted it up in convenient form. Rev. Eusebius Harsha is their present pastor.
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THE WAR RECORD OF WADSWORTH.
Among the pioneer settlers of Wadsworth, there were accounted seven who had borne arms in behalf of their country in the war of the Revolution, which we give with the State from which they enlisted.
Joseph Bartholomew, C'onnecticut.
William Lampson,
Jedediah Richards,
Moses Shaw,
66
Michael Waltz,
Pennsylvania.
Peter Waltz,
James Gifford.
Maryland.
To this list may be added the names of four other vete- rans, whose residence was just over the line in Norton, but were a part of the same community.
Philemon Kirkum, Connecticut.
Elisha Hinsdale,
Simeon Humphrey,
Clement Clark,
Vermont.
Of those who served in the war of 1812, we find 34. Luman Beach,
William K. Beach,
Samuel McCoy,
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Christian Ritter,
Daniel Shatto,
66
Michael Simcox,
66
Adam Smith,
Adam Smith, 2d.
Jacob Smith,
Christopher Auble,
Pennsylvania.
William Cronymiller, U. S. Marines,
66
John Glasgo,
George Mellick,
Thomas Reese,
.John Scott,
Ohio. 66
Christopher Rasor,
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New York.
Phineas Butler,
Cyrus Curtis, sr., Captain,
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.John Smith, Surgeon,
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Nathaniel Eastman, Assistant Surgeon,
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Luther Hemmingway,
Andrews May.
Allen Pardee,
John Pardee,
66
James Platt,
J. VanOrsdoll, 66
Philo Welton, Colonel,
66
George Lyman, Orderly Sergeant,
Connecticut. 66
W. Steward Richards, Musician,
Joseph Dean,
Vermont.
Calvin Dorwin,
William H. Wright, Drum Major,
In the great struggle for the nation's life, the part borne by citizens of Wadsworth was one worthy to be commem- orated in the history of the town.
The first enlistments were in the 29th Reg., O. T. I., Co. H. Thomas Folger, Hiram Root, Frank H. Boyer, and Eli Overholt. They enlisted Oct. 28th, 1861. They were in the battle of Winchester, Virginia, and at Port Repub- lic, June 9th 1862, in which Hiram Root and Eli Overholt were taken prisoners. Root, being wounded, was sent to Libby prison; Overholt to Belle Isle. Root was ex- changed Sept. 1st, 1862, and joined his regiment. Over- holt was exchanged, and returned Sept., 1862, and joined his regiment in 1863. F. H. Boyer and Thomas Folger were in the battles of Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run, and Gettysburgh. Root was discharged on account of his wound.
Overholt was wounded in the left leg, in Hooker's cam- paign, and after lying in hospitals at Acquia Creek, Wash- ington, and Cincinnati, for eight months, was discharged.
Norman Curtis,
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Boyer served his time of enlistment, and re-enlisted one year in Hancock's Veteran Reserve Corps. Folger re- mained with his regiment, re-enlisted, and participated in the grand march of Sherman "from Atlanta to the sea," and reached the rank of First Lieutenant.
In October, 1861, three citizens, T. W. Screene, R. McNaull, and John Reed enlisted in the 6th Ohio Battery. They were in the battle of Mill Springs, Jan. 10th, 1862 ; the siege and taking of Corinth ; the rapid march to save · Louisville, Ky .; the battle of Paynesville; at the taking of Chattanooga ; the battle of Chicamauga, and the battle of Missionary Ridge. December, 1863, they re-enlisted in the battery ; after which, they were in the bloody battles of Resaca and Adairsville, and at Dallas; at the six weeks constant fighting at Atlanta. Then in the engagement at Columbia, Tenn., Nov. 27th; at Spring Hill, Nov. 29th ; and with Foote's Cavalry at Franklin, Nov. 30th. Again at Nashville, Dec. 14th; at Oveton Hill. In April, 1865 were marched to Richmond, when Lee surrendered. They were in all the engagements with the battery.
The 42d Regiment, O. V. I., was represented from Wadsworth by the following :
Don A. Pardee, Maj. promoted to Col., Brev. Brig. Gen. Enlisted, October, 1861.
Abraham Kreider, Private, Musician, Mustered out, 1864. Jacob Kreider, Private, 66
Quincy A. Turner, Private,
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66
IN 1862 :
Geo. K. Pardee, Private, Lieut., Capt., Mustered out, 1864. IN Co. B, 1861 : Private, Mustered out, 1864.
Harrison Sours,
Andrew Herrington,
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66
Frederick Sporn, 66
66
66 66
Robert Brown,
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66 66
William Benner,
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Died *
* *
They were engaged in 13 decisive battles, principal of
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which were Cumberland gap, Chicasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Magnolia Hill, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jackson, Comite River.
In the Ohio 2d Cavalry, enlisted Sept. 9th, 1861, were :
Allen P. Steele, Capt. Resigned, 1862.
Richard H. Pardee, Ist Lieut.
Mustered out, 1864. 66 66
James K. Pardec, Sergt.
Albert M. Beck, Private,
66
Charles Grotz "
66 66
"That regiment was in 97 battles and engagements, marched an aggregate distance of 27,000 miles, served in 5 different armies forming a continuous line of armies from the head waters of the Arkansas to the mouth of the James; and its dead, reposing where they fell, form a vi- dette line half across the continent-a chain of prostrate sentinels, 2,000 miles long."*
In August, 1862, part of Company I, Regiment 103, O. V. I., was made up in Wadsworth. First enlistment: Edward Andrews, 2d Lieut. Resigned, May 19th, 1865. Henry A. Mills, Sergt., Ist, and 2d Lieut.
Mustered out, May 19, 1865.
J. G. Lattimer, Corp., Sergt.
June,
Jonathan Ebner, Private.
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Jonas Swartwood, 6
.‹
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66
66
James Houghland, 66
T. C. Hard, 66
66
66
66
Henry B. Yoder, 66
66
66
66
66
Jasper Turner,
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66
66
66
Joseph Kunkler,
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66
66
66
Henry Seiberling,
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66
66
Charles Fenton,
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66
66
66
George Reed,
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66
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HIenry Mussulman,
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66
66
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Frederick Webster, 66
*Ohio in the War, page 761.
Wounded and discharged.
Jonas Bitner, 66
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66
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WADSWORTH MEMORIAL.
Recruits of Company I, 1863 : Loyd Seiberling, Private, Mustered out, June, 1869.
Charles Seiberling,
..
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Amandus Rogers, 6
Henry Nash,
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66
66 66
* Kreider
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6.
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Overholtz,
..
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The following three names are of those now living in Wadsworth, who belonged to the 16th Reg., O. V, I. : T. D. Wolbach, Mustr'd in, Oct. 1, 1861 ; out, Oct. 31, 1864. Levi Lile,
J. Dennis, 66 1862; 6. 66
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These served through campaigns in the Kanawa Valley, West Virginia, Southeast Kentucky, East Tennessee, Ar- kansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Participated in the battles of Tazwell, Tenn., Aug. 6th, 1862, Chicasaw Bluffs, Miss., Dec. 27, 28, and 29, 1862. Magnolia Hill, Miss., May 1st, 1863, Champion Hill, or Baker's Creek, Miss., May 16th, 1863, Black River Bridge, Miss., May 17th, 1863, siege and capture of Jackson, Miss., from July 7th to 15th, 1863. Campaign on the coast of Texas, and on Red River, Louisiana ; building of Great Dam at Alexandria, La., to float the gunboats over the rapids, besides numer- ous other forays and skirmishes in the enemy's country.
Three young men, natives of Wadsworth, who had re- moved, died in the service. James L. Grotz, son of Abra- ham and Caroline Grotz, in the 7th Illinois Cavalry, died July 5th, 1862. Frederick G. Dean, born March 1st, 1834 ; died at Quincy, Ill., May 17th, 1862. Stowell G. Dean, born Oct. 30th, 1838; died at Camp Dennison, May 6th, 1862; sons of Benjamin Dean; members of Co. G, 13th Reg., Ia. V. I. Also a Mr. Shafer, died in service.
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