By: Mark Holtsberry
Alfred B. Lighthill was born in Oakwood, Ohio November 30, 1891. The son of Franklin Henry born January 11, 1863 in Paulding County. And Anna Mary (Bobenmyer) Lighthill born July 18, 1865 in Brown Township. This couple was married November 23, 1884 in Putnam County. A son, David Ellsworth was born in 1885, followed by Ethel Grace 1888, and Clinton Henry was born December 25, 1889. Franklin was a farmer in Brown Township.
By 1900, while farming in Brown Township, Franklin and Anna added children Alfred in 1891. By 1910, Franklin and Anna, added children Viola Edith and twin brother Edward Vance in 1901. Ed passed away in 1902. He was buried in Prairie Grove Cemetery. Archie Franklin in 1903 and Venus Opal in 1907. Franklin was still farming in Brown Township.
By 1911, Alfred was serving in the National Guard. He was Honorably Discharged October 24, 1914. By 1915, Alfred was living in Lima, Ohio at 1162 Atlantis Avenue. He was working as a laborer at the Solar Refinery. He apparently had joined the National Guard out of Lima.
On June 5, 1917, while living at 825 Holly Street in Lima, Alfred registered for the draft. He was listed as short and medium build, brown eyes, black hair and single. On June 5, 1917, Alfred’s brother Clinton registered in Continental, Putnam County. He was medium height and build, blue eyes, dark hair, married with two children. He was working as a teamster, self-employed. He served from August 27, 1918 to December 17, 1918, where he was serving with the 159th Depot Brigade. Alfred was inducted into service July 24, 1918. He served as a wagoner to October 11, 1918. Promoted to Corporal, December 11, 1918. Served with Truck Company 8th Company Artillery Park until discharged. He was Honorably Discharged, January 2, 1919.
By 1920, Alfred and his bride, Lydia Ann (Balmer) Lighthill, were living in Jackson, Michigan, on Monroe Street. Lydie was born 1896 in Ohio, the daughter of John and Emma Balmer. Alfred was working as a laborer for a furniture company. On December 4, 1925, a son, Dale Leonard was born, followed by a daughter, Donna Lee, November 21, 1928. She was born in Nebraska.
By 1930, the Lighthill family had moved to Monroe, Putnam County, Ohio. Alfred tried his hand at farming. By 1935, the Lighthill family moved back to Nebraska. In 1936, a son, Wayne Darrel Lighthill was born. By 1937, the Lighthill family moved to Salem, Marion County, Oregon. Alfred was working as a laborer for the Schindler Dairy.
By 1940, with the family still living in Oregon, Lydia took a job working at a cannery. Alfred was still working for the diary. On September 6, 1940, while filling silos, his team of horses bolted. Alfred was ran over by the team. He was taken to the Deaconness Hospital where he lingered for five hours. He suffered a crushed chest, multiple broken ribs, punctured lung, fractured skull, fractured leg, and lacerations to the head and arm. On September 12, 1940, Alfred’s body was brought back to Oakwood. Services were held at the Oakwood United Brethren Church with the Rev. Willis Howell officiating. Burial at the Prarie Chapel Cemetery. Alfred received his military stone November 1, 1940. His wife Lydia remarried by 1950, living in Kansas. Not sure when she passed away or buried.
