By: Mark Holtsberry
David Rube Myers was born November 9, 1879 in Emerald, Paulding County. The son of Frederick born 1853 in Ohio and Margaret Romana (Ankney) born 1856 in Ohio.
This couple was married February 8, 1874 in Paulding. By 1880, this couple, along with children Edward born in 1875, Olive born September 13, 1877 and David were living in Emerald, Paulding County.
Frederick was a farmer and Margaret kept house. By 1890, the family added a son, Isaac E. born September 4, 1883. By the time the Spanish War broke out in 1898, David volunteered to serve in Company M. 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry out of Paulding. After being mustered out of service, February 10, 1899, David reenlisted to serve with Company L. 31st United States Volunteer Infantry, and was shipped to the Philippines to fight the rebels trying to overthrow the government. He served until 1901.
By 1900, Margaret passed away. It is unclear where she is buried. Frederick went to live with his son Edward and his wife and child. By 1900, David was in the military, serving with Company L. 31st United States Volunteer Infantry. He was stationed in the Philippines, living at 166 West Weck Street. He was listed as a private, 5’7″, fair complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. He served until March 23, 1905, he had attained the rank of Sergeant. He was discharged at Angel Island, California.
On June 10, 1914, David returned to serve in the military. He re-enlisted to serve with Company B. 26th United States Infantry stationed in Texas. On April 15, 1915, David’s brother Edward passed away in Toledo, Ohio. David served with Company D. 3rd Machine Gun Battalion. David was promoted to Sergeant June 3, 1915, First Sergeant August 1, 1916.
On July 21, 1918, David was severely wounded. David was also reported missing in action. David’s father, Frederick, who was living on North Cherry Street, received word of his son. Postmaster of the Post Office, Frank Miller, decided to try and get answers for Frederick, who was very upset. Frank inquired by mail to see if he could help.
Mr. Miller received a letter from Chaplain Williams, of the 26th Infantry, October 24, 1918. The Chaplain referred the letter to David. David assured his father and family that he was well and recovered from his wounds. David was promoted to Battalion Sergeant Major October 12, 1918. David served in the Montdider-Noyan, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne defensive sectors. David was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Cited in General Orders #3 Headquarters 2nd Infantry Brigade on official reports to high command, May 24, 1919.
David transferred to serve with the rank of 1st Sergeant with the Headquarters Department, 3rd Machine Gun Battalion, August 1, 1919. Then transferred to Company C. 3rd Machine Gun Battalion September 30, 1919. David was Honorably Discharged September 30, 1919. David retired after serving 30 years in the military. After the war, David came home to settle at 630 Dakota Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. He passed away with stomach cancer, January 13, 1928. He was buried in Ft. Hayes Ohio Post Cemetery, lot D., section 71, grave 39. His military upright tombstone was installed in 1930.
…Until Next Time!
