By: Mark Holtsberry
George Keezer Bennett was an Oakwood fella who was born August 21, 1892 in Paulding County, Ohio. The son of James Buchanan and Sanorah Jane (Keezer) Bennett. James was born in Melrose, May of 1857. Sanorah or also known as Jennie, was born in Henry County, Ohio November 15, 1854.
By 1900, the Bennett family: James, Jennie and nine children (George being the sixth child) was living in Auglaize Township. George lost his mother, Jennie, October 1, 1906 and she was buried in Sherman Cemetery.
By 1910, George, age 17, no longer in school, he had quit after eighth grade, was helping his dad on the farm, and by 1917, George went out on his own to farm. With Europe at war, George had to register for the draft. On June 5, 1917 at Auglaize precinct, this single, medium build, 5’9″ tall young man with brown eyes and red hair with fair complexion, was now on the rolls.
On June 14, 1917, George traveled to Toledo and joined the National Guard. He was assigned to serve in Company G. 5th Infantry Ohio National Guard, or also known as Company G. 145th Infantry. He served with his company until December 17, 1917. George was sent to serve with Headquarters Company 147th Infantry, which he served until May 24, 1918. May 18, 1918, George was promoted to Private 1st Class, he was sent to serve as wagoner with 156th Depot Brigade October 28, 1918.
George was Honorably Discharged, May 2, 1919. George met a gal named Elizabeth Mae Brown, born September 18, 1901, the daughter of Lewis and Lydia Brown. George and Elizabeth were married February 18, 1919 in Paulding. By 1920, George and Elizabeth were living on 12th Street in Toledo, Ohio.
A daughter Elaine was born in 1921, followed by a son, Lester, born April 23, 1922, but passed away November 30, 1922. A son, Douglass George was born August 23, 1923, William was born March 23, 1925, Oliver Eugene was born January 30, 1927, Opal Marie was born October 31, 1928. While living in Huron, Michigan, a son Edward was born September 24, 1931, he passed away August 4, 1932 of whooping cough. George was working as a carpenter.
By 1940, the family was living in Auglaize Township, Junction area, with George still working as a carpenter. George also had his in-laws living with the family. In 1942, George Keezer Bennett, at age 49, registered for the World War Two draft. On September 8, 1944, George passed away in Paulding. His wife, Elizabeth filled out the forms for George to receive his military tombstone. George is buried in Junction Cemetery. Elizabeth passed away, October 16, 1950 in Defiance and is buried in Junction Cemetery beside her George.
…Until Next Time!
