Oliver Oren Kemerer, an Antwerp fella, was born April 6, 1893, the son of Albert J., born in Ohio 1865 and Cloa L, (Rogers) Kemerer born in Ohio 1871.
This couple was married in Paulding on November 6, 1890 and were the parents of Carl J. born 1891, Oliver O. born 1893, a daughter, Florence M. born in 1900 and Kenneth born in 1903. Kenneth passed away in 1905.
By 1910, the Kemerer family was living in Carryall Township, farming. Carl and Oliver worked on the farm. Carl passed away July 1, 1912.
On June 5, 1917, Oliver traveled to the West Carryall precinct and registered for the World War draft. He was listed as medium height and build, light blue eyes, light brown hair, single and self-employed farmer.
May 1, 1918, Oliver married Mary M. Booth a school teacher from Hicksville, who was born in Hicksville July 26, 1892.
On July 22, 1918, Oliver joined the National Army out of Paulding. He was assigned to the 309th Infantry Replacement Battalion as a private 2nd class. On February 21, 1919, Mary gave birth to twin boys, Gerald Merwin and Harold.
On March 4, 1919, at Brest, France, Oliver boarded the ship, S.S. America and sailed for home. Oliver served until March 13, 1919 and was Honorably Discharged, April 1, 1919.
As a side note, Mary’s sister Clara, married Donel Cottrell. He was killed in France in World War One son, Harold, passed away June 2, 1919. He was buried in Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville. By 1920, Oliver, Mary and son Harold, were living in Carryall Township. A son, Robert Morris Kemerer was born November 27, 1920 in Antwerp.
In 1929, Oliver’s father Albert passed away and was buried in Forest Home Cemetery. By 1930, Oliver, Mary, along with sons, Gerald and Robert, were living on their farm in Carryall Township. The boys were both in school. By 1940, Oliver and family were still engaged in farming.
The sons had both graduated from school, but were still living at home. On October 16, 1940, son Gerald had to register for the World War Two draft. February 16, 1942, son Robert, also had to register for the World War Two draft. On July 10, 1942, Gerald enlisted in Toledo and served until December 28, 1945. Oliver, age 49, in 1942, did not have to register.
By 1950, Oliver’s health was so bad, that he was unable to work. He was listed as long term disability. On June 12, 1953, Oliver was sent to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Ft. Wayne where he was diagnosed by Dr. Russell L. Hiatt, of having, well there were four different heart issues, and I am not going to try and make you, the reader, pronounce them. Oliver passed away at 5:10 A.M. June 13, 1953. He was brought home to Antwerp, where services were held at the Kemerer residence. The Rev. Fred Malott, pastor of the Antwerp Presbyterian church officiated. The Cottrell- Boylan American Legion Post held military rites at the Forest Home Cemetery.
Oliver’s wife, Mary, joined him, September 23, 1968.
… Until Next Time !
