By: Mark Holtsberry
Milo Ames Kittle was born in Decatur, Indiana September 22, 1890. The son of Elmer Ellsworth born May 17, 1867 in Mercere County and Mary Susan (Wade) Kittle born September 12, 1867 in Van Wert County. By 1900, the Kittle family was living in Brown Township. Elmer was a farmer and he and Mary had four children. Ethel E. born February 22, 1889 in Mercer County, Milo September 22, 1890, Forest Emory June 23, 1894 and Samuel Daniel October 15, 1896. All the children were in school.
By 1910, the Kittle family were helping out on the farm. In June of 1916, Milo had joined the National Guard out of Paulding. Serving with Company B. 2nd Ohio National Guard. His brother, Forest, enlisted at Columbus Barracks on June 17, 1916. On June 5, 1917, while living in Oakwood, Milo signs up for the National draft. Milo was listed as medium height and build, blue eyes, dark brown hair.
Milo was working in Detroit, Michigan for the American Car Company as a shell worker, probably assembly worker on the body of car. On June 5, 1918, Samuel, while living in Coldwater, Ohio, registered for the draft. Listed as medium height and build, blue eyes, light brown hair. No record of him being selected to serve. On November 28, 1917, Milo married Altie Thomas, born 1898 in Ohio, the daughter of Robert and Irene Thomas from Van Wert. Milo boarded the ship, “Leviathan”, on August 31, 1918 at Hoboken, New Jersey and set sail for France. He served with Battery D. 1420d Field Artillery as a private. Milo’s brother Forest rose to the rank of sergeant in the National Guard. He served with Company K. of the 6th Ohio National Guard. Forest was assigned to serve in the National Army with Company A. 5th Ammunition Train until October 16, 1918. Forest saw action in St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne defensive sector. Wounded in action severely, November 5, 1918.
On July 13, 1919, Forest boarded the ship, “Agamemnon” from Brest, France and set sail to Hoboken, New Jersey, arriving July 21, 1919. He was then assigned to Military Police until December 1, 1919. Forest was Honorably Discharged December 1, 1919 on a Surgeons Certificate of Disability. He was 50% disabled. Milo came home in June of 1919. He was Honorably Discharged June 23, 1919.
By 1920, Milo, Altie and Milo A. Jr., born October 8, 1918, was living in Mandale in Washington Township. Milo Sr. was working as a farm laborer. On August 1, 1920, a son, Alexander E., was born August 1, 1920, followed by a daughter Irene Lillian, born December 8, 1922 and a son Delvain E. “Stoney” was born July 27, 1924. On March 8, 1926, while in Celina, Ohio, Milo was killed in an accident. He was brought back to Melrose and be buried in Little Auglaize Cemetery, lot 42, grave 7. Milo received his military tombstone August 2, 1933.
The Oakwood American Legion Post #341 took care of arrangements. Altie Marie passed away in 1936 and buried with Milo. As for the children, Milo Jr., Alexander, and Delvain all served in World War Two. Daughter Irene, married a fella who served in World War Two. All have now passed away, but I thank you all for your service.
…until next time!
