By: Mark Holtsberry
Asa Raymond Pease was a young man who was born on December 14, 1896, in Grover Hill, Ohio.
He was the son of Elwood Israel Pease, born on July 28, 1849, in Ohio, and Samantha Caroline (Elston) Pease, born in June of 1866, also in Ohio. The couple married in 1884 in Ohio. By 1890, they had become the parents of William Harrison Pease, born in 1885, followed by Frederick Ralph in 1887, Clarence Clifford in 1894, and Asa in 1896. The family was living in Grover Hill, and Elwood was a farmer. By 1900, the family had added children: Elwood D., born in 1900, who died the same year and was buried in Middle Creek Cemetery. Walter Ray was born in 1903, and Florence E. in 1906. Elwood was still farming outside Grover Hill. By 1910, the family remained in the Grover Hill area. On May 6, 1910, Elwood passed away and was buried with his infant son in Middle Creek Cemetery. Asa, aged 13, along with his brothers Clarence and Fred, worked the farm.
On June 5, 1918, Asa Raymond Pease traveled to the draft board and registered for the World War One draft. He was listed as medium height and build, with blue eyes and light brown hair. He was working for Charles Fiester in Grover Hill. Charles was a farmer who had a son, Edwin, who would later be killed in World War Two. Additionally, Asa joined the National Army on September 5, 1918. He was assigned to serve with the 32nd Company, 8th Training Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade, at Camp Sherman, Ross County, Ohio. While at training camp, Asa developed bronchopneumonia. On October 4, 1918, his mother, Samantha C. Dearing, was notified. She had remarried and moved to Michigan. Asa’s body was transported by train to Melrose and then taken home to Grover Hill, where he was laid to rest in Middle Creek Cemetery, lot 87, grave 3. Asa’s cousins, Alva Edgar Pease, Clarence W. Pease, and Russell E. Pease, all served in World War One.
…Until Next Time!
