By: Mark Holtsberry
Leonard William and Earl Vernon Main
Leonard was born in Allen County, Indiana, November 6, 1898, and Earl was born in Allen County, Indiana, April 24, 1897. Both are sons of Frank Marie, born January 1, 1870 in Indiana and Nancy M. (Meeks) Main born June 13, 1871 in Allen County, Indiana. This couple was married in 1896.
By 1900, while living in Milan, Allen County, Indiana, Frank was a day laborer. He and Nancy were raising sons Earl, and Leonard. By 1910, Frank and Nancy added children, Enno born July 15, 1902, Cora July 23, 1906, and Agnes U. in 1909. Frank was a field worker on farms. The family lived on Staham Road in Allen County, Indiana. In 1914, a daughter, Agness was born. By 1917, it was evident, that America was going to war.
Leonard joined the National Guard out of Hicksville, Ohio, June 4, 1917. He served in Company E. 21a Ohio National Guard. In late 1917, Leonard was sent to Camp Sheridan, Montgomery County, Alabama to serve in Company L. 146th Infantry.
On January 26, 1918, Leonard contracted pneumonia and died. His body was brought back to Antwerp and services were held at the Methodist Church. The service was largely attended. Rev. Sessions preached an eloquent sermon. The gun squad that fired the honor salute at the grave was made up of Spanish American War Veterans. All places of business was closed during the time of the funeral in respect to a brave soldier who was serving his country. Leonard was buried in Antwerp Riverside Cemetery, February 1, 1918 in the Soldiers Field, space 24.
Leonard’s brother, Earl, registered for the draft June 5, 1918 in Paulding. He was listed as a farmer, 5′-7″ tall, brown hair, brown eyes, ruddy complexion and single. He was sent overseas to serve in Battery E. 69th Artillery, 95th Division. He was Honorably Discharged, December 29, 1918. Earl came home and lived with his parents, working as a farm hand.
In 1925, sister Agness passed away. She was buried in Antwerp Riverside Cemetery. By 1930, Earl was still living at home with his parents in Carryall Township, Earl’s health was not the greatest.
By 1935, Earl and his parents were still living in Paulding County. By 1940 the family had moved to Tiffin, Defiance County, Ohio, Earl was still single. On February 16, 1942, Earl registered for the World War Two draft, but was not chosen due to his age and health. The mother, Nancy, passed away in 1947. She was buried in Antwerp Riverside with her children.
By 1950, Earl was disabled and not working. He was living in Hicksville at his own place, 114 West Arthur Street. His brother, Enno, sister Marion and father Frank were living with him. Enno and Marion were working at a factory. On August 23, 1953, Frank passed away, and was buried alongside his wife. On August 11, 1955, Earl passed away at the Veterans Administrative Hospital in Ft. Wayne due to pulmonary edema from heart disease. His brother Enno, took care of the paperwork for his military tombstone.
… Until Next Time!
