By: Mark Holtsberry
Henry Jackson Donnell
Henry lived to the ripe old of 98, earning him the distinction of being Paulding County’s oldest veteran, let’s look at his life’s story. Henry was born October 27, 1900, in Antwerp, Ohio. The son of Oscar Eugene and Barbara Manilla (Boyd) Reed, those who knew her best called her, may. Oscar was born, April 12, 1868, in Ohio. Barbara was born November 8, 1873, in Jackson Township, Seneca County, Ohio. This couple was married on August 2, 1891 in Sandusky, Ohio. After the birth of Henry, the couple and child, moved to Paulding, living on Harrison Street. Oscar was a farmer and Barbara a housewife. Not sure what happened with their marriage, Barbara and Oscar divorced. September 23, 1908, Oscar remarries a woman, Julia A. Matzen in Allen County, Indiana. Julia was born, April 12, 1887, Harrison Township, Paulding County. Oscar changed vocations, becoming a Teamster, Julia became a laundress.
Henry had signed up in Hicksville, Ohio, to serve in the Ohio National Guard, July 14, 1917, not knowing his training and abilities would be needed in the upcoming months. August 1917, he registered for the draft. He was a farmer, 5-10” tall, brown hair, brown eyes, fair complexion, excellent character. He was serving with Company E. Ohio National Guard Infantry when called to service. He was sent to serve with Company F. 145Th Infantry, as a private up to the date, November 20, 1917, then was sent to headquarters of the 145th Infantry until he was discharged. He served in Muese-Argonne, Ypres-Lys defensive sector. American Expeditionary Forces, June 15, 1918 to March 27, 1919. Honorable discharge May 1, 1919.
Returning home, he became a baker, working in a bakery, but he still stayed in the Ohio National Guard. Where he rose from a private, to sergeant, to 1st sergeant, October 23, 1924 to July 25, 1926. Then promoted to 2nd lieutenant July 26, 1926.
Then he found a girl, Devota Maria Johnson. Born December 5, 1902 the daughter of Andy and Pearl (Sebert) Johnson. Henry and Devota, were married December 4, 1926 in Paulding, Ohio. They moved to Railroad Street in Antwerp, Ohio. Henry was a plasterer and Devota was a homemaker. June 6, 1927, a son was born to Henry and Devota, Henry Kenneth Donnell.
Staying in the Ohio National Guard, he was promoted to 1st lieutenant, June 14, 1932. Promoted to captain, February 7, 1936. Henry still was earning a living as a plaster and his wife a homemaker. They had moved to Oswalt Street in Antwerp. August 19, 1939, a daughter, Andrea Maria Donnell was born.
The United States military promoted Henry to infantry captain October 15, 1940. Became a graduate infantry school battalion commanders and staff officers course 1941. Promoted to infantry major, July 8, 1942. His father Oscar passed away in Antwerp, September 14, 1944. He was buried in Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne, Ohio.
Henry stayed in the Army Reserves and Ohio National Guard for 41 years. He retired from service in 1958. Among his rewards are the bronze star, army commendation medal and combat infantry badge. In that time he saw his son Henry Kenneth marry Edna Ailene Lentz, August 2, 1947. Henry became a salesman and worked in the construction industry. His birth mother, Barbara Manilla, passed away, May 3, 1965. She was buried at Wiltsie Cemetery, Antwerp, Ohio. Henry’s stepmother Julia A. (Matzen) Donnell, passed away in 1973 and was buried beside Oscar Donnell in Wiltsie Cemetery.
Henry’s daughter, Andria Maria, married Robert M. Brooks, August 18, 1949. Robert served in the navy for 17 years. Henry would become a commander of 1st district V.F.W., member of Antwerp V.F.W. Post 5087, become a National Aide-De-Camp, member of American Legion Post 253. Henry passed away June 10, 1999, at Community North Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana. Henry was buried in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp, Ohio.
