Local writers and stories
By: Mark Holtsberry Iris Mae Gaut was born June 2, 1888 in Ohio, the daughter of Eli and Mary Elizabeth (Outland) Gaut. Eli Gaut was born January 18, 1835 in Ohio. He was a Civil War Veteran serving with Company C. 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry at the rank of Corporal. He served four years and…
Penny For Your Thoughts by: Nancy Whitaker This year I played it smart and got a pneumonia and a flu shot. (And yes I got my Covids) I thought I was all set for the cold winds of winter, but I found out about a week ago that there are other ailments which are “such…
“Serving overseas as a small-town boy from America is intense, stressful and humorous! Enjoy a light-hearted story with me from our last 20 years overseas!” – Matt Protective, Political … or Practical All over middle America (and the world) people are dealing with issues about wearing a mask during the pandemic. Many feel it is a…
By: Mark Holtsberry Don Carlos Jaquette was born April 7, 1894 in Washington Township, Paulding County, Ohio. The son of Charles H. born August 28, 1861 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and Mary Jeannette (Hickerson) Jaquette, born April 16, 1862 in McComb, Ohio. It was thought that Don was born in the house on the farm where…
Penny For Your Thougths By: Nancy Whitaker Keys, keys keys. We have keys for everything. There are keys to get in the house, start our cars, mowers, golf carts and keys to get in the garage. I really don’t like carrying keys because I can never find them, especially in my cluttered purse. By the way, has anyone ever…
“Serving overseas as a small-town boy from America is intense, stressful and humorous! Enjoy a light-hearted story with me from our last 20 years overseas!” – Matt BEING LOCKED TO YOUR CAR I was sweating, scared, and dumbfounded as to what I should do next. My finger was locked in the door of our 1974 Chevy…
“Serving overseas as a small-town boy from America is intense, stressful and humorous! Enjoy a light-hearted story with me from our last 20 years overseas!” – Matt Under and Over Dressed I remember growing up with full length parka style winter coats with fake fuzzy fur around the edge of the hood to keep my face…
Penny For Your Thoughts By: Nancy Whitaker When we were young kids, one thing we used to do was sit around at night and tell scary stories. The stories were usually about creepy monsters grabbing children. Of course we all made up stories trying to scare maybe a friend as well as each other to…
6/27/1924 — 1/13/21 This issue of West Bend News marks nearly one year since our beloved Stan Jordan passed through those “pearly gates”. We still miss his office banter, his jolly chuckle, and his fierce devotion to family, to Antwerp and to Paulding County. Sit back and reminisce with us a few of Stan’s articles…
By: Mark Holtsberry Riley Finley Ennis (part 2) After Pearl Harbor was bombed, the United States Army was looking to keep current educated officers. Riley was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel February of 1942, by December 11, 1942, he was promoted to Colonel. Military records are unclear as to his placement with high command. I sense…
Penny For Your Thoughts By: Nancy Whitaker When I think of apples, apple cider, apple pie and apple dumplings come to mind. Who can resist the smell and taste of a fresh baked apple dumpling or the all-American favorite, apple pie? We always think that the apple was the fruit that Eve used to trick…
By: Mark Holtsberry When we see names of people who served in the military, we assume that they served in one war. Well, here is the story of a man from Paulding County, who served in three wars, and here is his story. Riley Finley Ennis was born April 23, 1897 in Paulding, Ohio. The…
By: Mark Holtsberry Paul Philander Gusler was born June 29, 1895 near Grover Hill, Ohio. He was the son of Simon Allen and Catherine Eunice (Gilbert) Gusler. By 1900 Simon, Catherine along with 8 children, were living in Latty, Ohio. Simon was a farmer who made sure that Paul received an education. Paul was schooled…
