By: Mark Holtsberry
Delta Hugh Reeb was an Antwerp boy known by the local fellas as “Doc”, and was born June 4, 1894 in Antwerp, Ohio, the son of Joseph Edward and Jennie Elnora (Oswalt) Reeb. Joseph was born January 12, 1873 in Ohio. Jennie was born September 9, 1877 in Ohio. They were married April 28, 1894 in Paulding, Ohio.
By 1900, Joseph, Jennie and three children, Delta, Gay and Irene, were living in Carryall Township. By 1910, Delta, living at home, quit school after the fifth grade to work on the family farm.
The Reeb family had grown four more children. Eva, Herman, Virgil and Wilbur. On March 8, 1914, Delta joined the National Guard out of Hicksville. He served on the Mexican border. He was listed as 5’10”, auburn hair, blue eyes, fair complexion. He served in Company E. 2nd Infantry, Ohio National Guard. He served with this unit until October 1, 1916.
He was transferred to Supply Company 2nd Infantry Ohio National Guard and served until August 12, 1917. Then he was transferred to the 4th Company Ohio National Guard to serve as a wagoner. As World War 1 broke out, Delta was transferred to Supply Company 166th Infantry, 42nd Division, as a wagoner.
Before he was sent to France, Delta married a gal named, Mabel Irene Bennett. The daughter of George and Dora Bennett. Mabel was born January 3, 1899 in Latty, Ohio. The couple were married in Allen County, Indiana. Delta suffered severe wounds on July 15, 1918 and again severely wounded, October 16, 1918. He served in France October 31, 1917 to February 15, 1919. Delta lost an arm after the armistice was signed in November, as he was knocked down by a four ton truck which passed over him.
He was honorably discharged April 12, 1919 on a Surgeon’s Certificate of Disability. Delta spoke highly of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. He credited the Red Cross for helping him in getting on the right train to come home. His discharge papers listed him as having excellent character. While Delta was in France, Irene was living in Latty with her parents. By 1920, Delta, Mabel and two children, Madeline, born March 16, 1917 and Edward Dallas, born December 9, 1919, were living in Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana. Delta was an auctioneer.
By 1930, Delta, Mabel and now three children, (Betty J. was born July 29, 1924), moved to Antwerp on 225 Stone Street. Delta was working odd jobs as a laborer. A daughter, Clarice Ann was born August 14, 1930. Another daughter, Carol Janice was born September 10, 1936. By 1940, the Reeb family was living on Erie Street in Antwerp.
In 1942, Delta registered for the World War Two draft. At age 47, he was not selected to serve, but his son Edward, registered. Edward had already served October 15, 1940 to November 6, 1941. He had served in the National Guard. Listed as 5’11” 145 pounds, light complexion, brown eyes and brown hair.
By 1950, at age 56 and living in Antwerp, Delta’s health began to decline. He had heart disease and diabetes. On December 13, 1952, Delta passed away in Ft. Wayne, Indiana at the Veterans Administration Hospital. He was buried in Maumee Cemetery.
On July 1953, Delta’s wife Mabel signed for his flat granite marker for his grave. Mabel passed away in 1982 and was buried beside Delta in Maumee Cemetery.
…Until Next Time!
