By: Mark Holtsberry
Ora Crone was a Grover Hill fella who was born September 18, 1888 in Scott, Van Wert, Ohio. The son of George Washington, born December 8, 1861 in Mercer County, Ohio and Julia Elizabeth (Ross) Crone born November 15, 1867 in Van Wert, Ohio. They were married August 7, 1884 in Van Wert. They were the parents of Clyde born in 1885, Curtis 1887, Ora 1888, Floyd 1891, Zelia 1893, Francis 1895, Everett 1899, Mildred 1901 and Alice 1905. By 1900 the Crone family was living in Latty Township.
George was farming and the boys helped out. Most of the kids were in school, but Ora quit school in the eighth grade. The family had a hired hand named Elwood Hall, a twenty year old, living with them.
By 1910, Ora 22, had moved out west to a place called Ontario, Hand County, South Dakota, living as a boarder on Broadway Street. He was working odd jobs to make a living, at least he had company, as his brother Floyd had moved out west with Ora.
By 1917, Ora and Floyd had moved back to Grover Hill, from there, Floyd moved to Van Wert County. On June 5, 1917, Ora registered for the draft. He was a farm laborer working for his dad. Ora was listed as 5’6″, light brown eyes, dark brown hair, dark complexion and single. Ora’s brothers, Floyd, Everett and Francis all registered for the draft, only Floyd was not selected. Ora’s mother, Julia, passed away November 16, 1917. She was buried in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.
In 1918, Ora married a gal named, Almeda McClure. She was born February 1, 1899, the daughter of John O. and Emma Jane McClure. Ora joined the National Army out of Paulding on August 2, 1918, he was sent to 33rd Company Recruit Camp, Syracuse, New York.
On September 4, 1918, Ora was promoted to Private 1st Class, he was assigned to Quarter Master Company Guard and Fire 314th Port of Embarkation, Newport News, Virginia. He was discharged December 16, 1918, and after Ora returned home from service he moved to Union Township, Van Wert. By 1920 he was working as a laborer on a farm.
On April 18, 1920, Ora and Emma were blessed with a daughter, Audrey Murl. By 1930, the Crone family was living in Van Wert on 933 McKinley Street. Ora was working as a trooper for a carnival company. By 1935, the Crone family had moved to Grover Hill.
Sometime after 1936, Ora and Emma divorced. Almeda had moved in with her daughter at 207 North Chestnut Street, Van Wert. They worked at the Tobacco Factory in Van Wert. Ora moved to Latty to live with his dad, George. Ora was working as a hired hand. In 1942, Ora had to register for the World War Two draft. He was working for the Latty Township Trustees at the time, but at the age of 53, Ora was not selected. By 1950, Ora was living with his father, at 21 Road 4, Latty, Ohio. On December 16, 1950, Ora passed away. He was buried in Middle Creek Cemetery. His upright Military stone was shipped August 1951. On November 13, 1951, Ora’s father George passed away and was buried with his wife, Julia in Van Wert.
… Until Next Time!
