By: Mark Holtsberry
Don Randall Mell was born November 12, 1891 in Oakwood, Ohio. The son of Peter, born May 1836 in Ohio and Cyntha (Good) Mell born January 1847 in Ohio.
This couple was married in 1869 in Ohio. Peter served with Company C. 151st Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War. By 1880, Peter and Cyntha were the proud parents of Cyrus Winfred born May 1872, Luella R. December 1878, Ninnie 1879, Ewing Edgar February 1880. This family was living in Jackson Township, Van Wert County. Peter was a farmer.
By 1890, this family was still living in Van Wert County. By 1900, this family added Don Randall. They were living in Grover Hill. Peter was working as a house carpenter. By 1910, the Mell family had moved to Cleveland Street in Latty, Ohio. Don was working as a machinist. He was living with his parents as the bread winner of the family. Sometime during 1910, Don had moved to 1235 Washington Boulevard in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He was a laborer at the Ft. Wayne Wagon Works.
On July 6, 1911, Don’s father, Peter passed away. He was buried in Middle Creek Cemetery. On June 5, 1917, Don registered in Grover Hill for the World War 1 draft. Working as a painter, living in Grover Hill, he was listed as 5’7″tall, light brown hair, blue eyes, light complexion.
Don was inducted into service out of Paulding, August 5, 1918. Don served in the 327th Guard and Fire Company. Don was promoted to Private 1st Class, September 4, 1918. He will serve until November 15, 1918. He was then assigned to 314th Guard and Fire Company until December 4, 1918. Promoted to Corporal, March 20, 1919, then transferred to 734th Motor Transport Corp serving until June of 1919. He was honorably discharged June 27, 1919. He came home by 1920. Don moved back to Cleveland Street, Latty, living with his mother, where he started making a living at painting houses.
On March 8, 1926, Don’s mother, Cynthia, passed away. She was buried by her husband in Middle Creek Cemetery. Limited information on Don between the years 1930-1940. In 1940, Don was living in Grover Hill working as a Pool Room Operator. In 1942, Don had registered for the World War 2 Draft. At the age of 50, he was not selected to serve.
On July 14, 1946, Don passed away in Paulding. He was buried in Middle Creek Cemetery, lot 63, grave 1. Don was never married.
… Until next time!
