By: Mark Holtsberry
Lionel David McCreary
Lionel David McCreary was an Antwerp boy who was born February 11, 1877 in Antwerp, Ohio.
By 1880, Lionel was living with his uncle and aunt, George W. And Izbella Coffelt in Antwerp area. George was a Civil War Veteran who served with Company G. 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. It is unclear why Lionel was not living with his family. His parents were David Benjamin and Caroline (Bruner) McCreary. By 1890, Lionel had two brothers and two sisters. In February of 1893, tragedy struck the McCreary household. Lionel lost his three sisters to disease, I figure. Four year old, Julia on February 1st, twelve year old Myrtle, on February 10, and one year old Zelda February 17. They were buried in Banks-Coffelt Cemetery, Antwerp. In 1898, with war looming with Spain, Lionel joined Company M. 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This Company was formed in Pauling. He was mustered into service June 23, 1898.
Medium height, slender build, dark hair, blue eyes. He was mustered out of service February 10, 1899. By 1900, with Lionel home from the military, he lived with his parents and four brothers. Two more brothers were born since the death of his three sisters. Lionel worked as a day laborer in Antwerp. In 1902, Lionel married a gal named, Ina Viola Bauserman. She was born December 8, 1883. By 1910, Lionel, Ina and five children, were living in Antwerp. Lionel was working as a fireman at the Oil Mill. April 28, 1910, Lionel’s mother, Caroline passed away. She was buried in Maumee Cemetery. On September 12, 1918, Lionel registered for the World War One draft. He was listed as working for F.E. Reeb as a clerk. But at age 41, Lionel was not selected to serve. By 1920, Lionel, Ina and eight children, plus Lionel’s dad David, were living on Ervin Street in Antwerp. Lionel was a salesman at the local grocery store. Lionel’s father passed away, October 1, 1926. He was buried with his wife at Maumee Cemetery. By 1930, Lionel, Ina and five children and two grandchildren were living at 115 Ervin Street in Antwerp. Ina’s mother Sara passed away, July 16, 1932 and was buried in Maumee Cemetery beside her husband Abraham. By 1940, Lionel’s health was in decline. Lionel, Ina, a son Merle and a grandson Ronald were living in Antwerp. On March 22, 1940, Lionel passed away. He was buried in Maumee Cemetery, Lot 247, Old Block, Grave 2. Ina signed for Lionel’s military tombstone in 1941. Ina passed away, March 14, 1959. She was buried beside Lionel. About two years ago, while doing research on Paulding County Spanish American War Veterans for publication, I came across his military stone. I took the time cleaning and weed trimmed his grave. But I would not have found his grave if it was not for Mr. “Pudge” Kennedy.
…Until Then!
