By: Mark Holtsberry

Lloyd Aaron Sutton was born in Grover Hill, Ohio, on October 8, 1891. He was the son of Jacob Sutton, who was born on March 7, 1842, in Randolph County, Indiana, and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Ann (Kinkade) Sutton. Jacob had two previous wives who passed away: Isabella, who died in 1874, and Charlotte, who died in 1877. Jacob and Elizabeth were married on August 30, 1879, in Paulding.

By 1890, the Sutton family was living in Blue Creek Township, Paulding County. Jacob was a farmer. The couple were the parents of John, born in 1880; Cornelius, born in 1880; Catherine “Katie,” born in 1882; Daisy, born in 1885; and twins Floyd and Lloyd, born in 1891. The older boys helped on the farm while the younger children attended school.

By 1906, Lloyd had quit school. By 1910, Jacob’s daughter Daisy had married and moved away. Catherine and her husband, Warren Hadley, had moved in with Jacob and Elizabeth. Lloyd and Floyd remained at home, working on the farm.

On June 5, 1917, in Toledo, Lloyd registered for the World War I draft. He had been living in Toledo for several years, working as an inspector for a block-bearing company. Lloyd was described as short and slender, with brown eyes and dark hair, and was single.

Lloyd joined the National Army on June 27, 1918. He was assigned to the 24th Company, 6th Training Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade, where he served until July 19, 1918. On August 1, 1918, he was promoted to Private First Class and assigned to Company A, 333rd Infantry, serving until October 5, 1918. He was then transferred to Company E, 138th Infantry, where he served until his discharge. He served in the Meuse-Argonne sector and was slightly wounded in action on October 31, 1918. Lloyd received an honorable discharge on April 1, 1919.

After returning home, he met a young woman named Mary Ann Brenner. She was born on July 11, 1898, in Ohio. The couple married and moved to Latty, Ohio, by 1920, where Lloyd worked as a farm laborer.

Lloyd’s father, Jacob, passed away on February 21, 1921, and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery. Lloyd and Mary’s daughter, Kathryn, was born in 1920, followed by Lloyd D. in 1923, Gloria in 1925, Dorothy in 1927, and William in 1929. By 1930, the family was living at 406 North Cherry Street in Paulding.

Lloyd had become a mail carrier. By 1940, the Sutton family was still living at 406 North Cherry Street, and all of the children remained at home. In 1942, Lloyd registered for the World War II draft, although he was not selected because of his age.

On April 22, 1944, Lloyd passed away and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery. Mary later worked for the Division of Aid for the Aged in Paulding as a caseworker, retiring in 1959. She passed away on September 24, 1969, and was buried beside her husband in Live Oak Cemetery.

The youngest child, William, served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He passed away in 2020 and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery.

…Until Next Time!

Congratulations to the Huber Opera House & Civic Center in Hicksville for receiving a $2,000 grant from the Hicksville Community Fund, a fund under the umbrella of the Defiance Area Foundation. This grant will be used for the stage floor replacement project taking place at the Opera House.

Pictured above are (l-r) Jim Schmidt – Hicksville Community Fund Founder and Chris Feichter – Director of Operations at the Huber.

The Baughman Tile Company recently made a second generous donation towards the Veteran’s Memorial project in Paulding to honor the wishes of the late Gene Baughman, an Army Veteran.  Gene was an ardent supporter of the memorial, and it was his intention to ensure the memorial’s successful completion. 

The memorial is nearing completion and a formal dedication is presently planned for Saturday, July 11th.  

After years of sitting quietly on a shelf, Top of the Mountain has finally found its way into readers’ hands.

The debut western novel by Antwerp resident George Forrest will be celebrated during a special book signing from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, at the Antwerp Branch Library, 205 N. Madison St., Antwerp.

Forrest, 98, is no stranger to storytelling. A former judge and attorney, accomplished artist, published poet, and one of the last surviving World War II veterans in Paulding County, he has spent a lifetime collecting experiences worth sharing. While he has published poetry for many years, Top of the Mountain marks his first venture into fiction.

The novel follows rancher Andy Steele through the rugged wilderness of the American frontier, where cattle rustlers, hidden mountain passes, and difficult moral choices test both courage and character. Along the way, readers encounter unforgettable companions, unlikely friendships, frontier justice, and a story that is as much about loyalty and perseverance as it is about adventure.

Adding another unique element to the book are the custom pencil illustrations created specifically for this edition, bringing key scenes and characters to life throughout the story.

Published locally through West Bend Printing & Publishing, Top of the Mountain represents more than the release of a new book. It is the fulfillment of a dream decades in the making and an opportunity for the community to celebrate one of its own.

Copies of the book will be available during the event. Community members are encouraged to stop by, meet George Forrest, hear the story behind the novel, and help honor a local author whose first work of fiction proves that it is never too late to share the stories waiting to be told.

By: MELINDA KRICK

20 Years Ago

From the Paulding County Progress, June 21, 2006:

The Paulding Pool was busy last week as the high temperatures brought in a record attendance. Water aerobics and swimming lessons also are being offered.

Verl Dasher, who has spent most of his life working with the Boy Scouts, has published a book, The Adventure Patrol. In it, the longtime scoutmaster details many of his backpacking and canoeing outings.

Oakwood EMS and Fire Department will hold a groundbreaking for the new fire/EMS station on June 29.

Paulding County Relay for Life exceeded its goal by raising $50,000 June 2-3 at the fairgrounds. Thirty teams walked around the track to support the American Cancer Society and raise awareness. There were 82 cancer survivors at the opening ceremonies this year, compared to 60 last year.

60 Years Ago

From the Payne Reflector, June 16, 1966:

Two long-time Payne school teachers are retiring. Mrs. Clara Gorrell has taught 47 years. An estimated 2,000 children have passed through her classroom. Her first year of teaching was in Jackson School with all eight grades. Miss Enid Kilpatrick has set a record of teaching 48-1/2 years at Payne. She taught second grade. She began her career at Logtown, Benton Township for a year, then a year at Happy Corners in Harrison Township.

A group of 40 workers will begin a religious census of all Paulding County residents on June 17.

The free public museum, based on the collection of the late Otto E. Ehrhart, well-known naturalist and photographer, has been completely refurbished for the summer season. The museum is located in the Antwerp City Hall. Installed in two large display cases are murals depicting early scenes in Paulding County. Local artist Norma Jean Hughes has contributed a large painted mural showing scenery along an early mud road.

From the Paulding Progress, June 16, 1966:

Governor James A. Rhodes will be the guest speaker at a groundbreaking ceremony of the industrial shell building at the new 75-acre industrial park on Road 144 [Gasser Road] at Paulding.

Water flowed for the first time Monday in Paulding’s new $1 million water system. The system includes a water reservoir, a fresh water storage tank, pumping station to pump purified water into the distribution system, and a 250,000-gallon water storage tower. The purification system has a daily capacity of 1.5 million gallons.

85 Years Ago

From the Oakwood News, June 19, 1941:

Due to a misshipment of type, the Oakwood News is unavoidably late this week.

The removal of Oakwood’s historic iron cage calaboose from the building that had housed it for many years just off Main Street and its consignment to the acetylene blowtorch of Kohart’s Auto Wrecking Co. marks the obliteration of some of the somber history of erring sons as well as the memory of some notorious criminals housed there, for safe keeping, until they could be transferred to the county Bastille at Paulding. Chief of the dramatic incidents that featured this grim old cage was the time the building was dynamited, in the dead of night, to prevent the incarceration of a “leading citizen” who had been caught selling liquor on Sunday.

Due to the great response to the free shows sponsored by the merchants of Oakwood, it was decided to have an additional program on Saturday nights beginning June 21. The show last Wednesday was interrupted so that the Joe Louis–Billy Conn fight could be presented over the loudspeaker. After the bout, the picture was finished.

Fire caused by an overflowing water heater fuel tank in the rear room of Bidlack’s new barber shop burned it so badly that it will have to be rebuilt.

From the Paulding County Republican, June 19, 1941:

The Shawnee Council Boy Scout camp, on the Auglaize River south of Defiance, was dedicated last Sunday as the council’s permanent camp. Eight scouts from Paulding Troop No. 27 attended a three-day camporee: Ralph Holesworth, Alvin Loop, Justice Parrish, Red Kipker, Herbert Haney, Gene Stahl, Robert Davis and Ralph Nicelley.

Fort Brown Park will be hosting three celebrations: Northwest Ohio coon hunters’ “Big Coon Chase” on June 22; “Old Fiddlers’ Reunion” June 29; and July 4 festivities including ball game (Kalida vs. Fort Brown), races (row boat, swimming, obstacle, slow bicycle), greased pole, duck chase and boat rides.

Ray Guerin, proprietor of the Guerin’s Electric Shop, and Homer Zimmer, manager of the Grand Theatre, returned from a week’s fishing trip in Canada with a catch of 76 trout and wall-eyed pike. The sportsmen “weighed in” at the Community Lockers and a weight slip of 110 pounds of fish supported their report.

Coming soon to the Grand Theatre: Henry Fonda in “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine”; “The Singing Hill” with Gene Autry plus Episode 5 of “Adventures of Capt. Marvel”; “That Night in Rio” with Carmen Miranda; and “The Flame of New Orleans” starring Marlene Dietrich.

110 Years Ago

From the Paulding Democrat, June 22, 1916:

National Guard in Mexican Conflict: An order was issued last Sunday by President Wilson and the war department for the mobilization of practically the entire National Guard of all states for service. Capt. R.C. Leslie, of Company B, Second Regiment, Paulding, received an order by telephone Monday morning to mobilize his company and prepare for orders to move as soon as possible.

There are plans for a petition for a vote of the people of the county on the subject of issuing and selling bonds for constructing and equipping a county hospital.

Paulding business men have decided Paulding shall have a Fourth of July celebration. One of the star features planned is a mammoth automobile parade, with at least 600 machines in parade. It is also planned to have a motorcycle parade. A ball game is booked between Payne’s fast team and the Paulding boys. Fireworks, a high-class band to give concerts on the square day and night, races, a merry-go-round and other special features are being arranged.

By Ed Bohn

Few machines in American history captured the imagination as the steam locomotive. The massive size, the moving parts, all powered by steam. The last of its kind and the largest ever built, came through northeastern Indiana and northwest Ohio, as part of the coast-to-coast celebration of the United States 250th birthday, Saturday June 6th.

The Union Pacific Railroad recommissioned one of eight “Big Boy” steam locomotive engines, that still existed, back to fully operational, after a number of years of bringing a museum piece back to life. In 2019, Engine 4014 after being restored and repowered to a more efficient means of producing the steam needed to power such a massive locomotive, was converted from being fueled by coal in its original construction in 1941, to No. 5 fuel oil. The restoration took two years to complete and Union Pacific put it back on its rail line, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental railroad expansion out west.

The Union Pacific Railroad decided to do its part in celebrating the 250th years of the United States, by putting together this special train, and having the only fully functional “Big Boy” steam locomotive engine, travel from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast, and back to its home in Cheyene, Wyoming.

Residents in northeastern Indiana and northwest Ohio, got a glimpse of the largest steam powered locomotive in the world, on Saturday, June 6th, as it made it way from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where it was serviced overnight to Bellevue, Ohio, where it once again received service. Along the way, people in the small towns of Edgerton, Indiana, Payne, Latty, Broughton, Melrose, Oakwood and a brief stop in Continental, Ohio, all took part in history in the making.

This 1.2-million-pound, 133-foot mechanized, marvel piece of machinery, that is able to produce over 6,000 horsepower, for the first time has crossed the Mississippi River and traveled into the eastern part of the United States. Today the Big Boy Engine 4014, remains a symbol of American engineering achievement and industrial determination. The concept of the journey is simple, but an ambitious one, departing from the Pacific coast on April 10th of this year, steaming eastward, across deserts, mountains, the plains, passing through small towns and big cities, before reaching the Atlantic coast. This railroad excursion is a rolling piece of American history. Union Pacific ordered 25 of these mammoth steam locomotives, to transport freight over the Wasatch Mountain Range, transporting military equipment to the shipping ports of the pacific ocean, during World War II and through the economic boom years of the Fifties. 

The journey has been a demonstration of cooperation among the major railroad companies to travel from coast to coast, on the different railroads. Norfolk Southern Railroad Company owns the section of tracks that the Big Boy locomotive traveled from Ft. Wayne across the state of Ohio. People lined the tracks along the way, gathered at railroad crossing, in the country as well as in towns and cities along the way. Well over a thousand people, from grandparents, moms & dads, along with their children and grandchildren, all took part in the gathering, in Continental, Ohio. The train stopped for around a half hour for people of all ages to get a look at the mammoth piece of industrial history and the other rail cars of its era, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt personal rail car used during his presidency, that was at the end of the train.

Once the train makes its way to the Atlantic coast, it will take part in this country’s Semiquincentennial in Scranton, Pennsylvania, it heads back across the United States. If you missed it last weekend, you will get a chance to see it once again, in northwest Ohio. It will make a stop in Fostoria, Ohio on Tuesday, July 14th, scheduled from 9:00am to 3:00pm, then after getting serviced overnight, Big Boy 4014 will take off the next morning making its way once again for a stop in Continental, Ohio, on Wednesday, July 15th, from 11:30am to noon, 

For more information about the “Big Boy” Engine 4014, go online to the Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 website or get on YouTube and type in Union Pacific Big Boy and watch the number of videos capturing the restoration of the enormous steam locomotive and its journey across this great United States. 

Reunited and it feels so good! The Antwerp class of 1976 is at it again, this time to celebrate their 50th class reunion! The festivities were held at The MAC Gym in Antwerp, with over 65 classmates and friends in attendance. The event, hosted by, Pam (Slight) Helms, and Elaine (Carr) Phillips was deemed a great success. Steve Bechtol of MRB Tunes graciously provided the music, while Stan Spryn prepared a scrumptious buffet including brisket, chicken and sides. Cupcakes were provided by Kathy (Knapp) Whitney.

Attendees enjoyed a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to the class fund, with the winner Randy Ott donating a portion of his prize back to the fund. Gag gifts were also given to those who were married the longest, had the most grandkids, retired first, travelled the farthest to attend the reunion (Rick Eblen and his wife travelled over 1,100 miles!), and other categories. Classmates were also eligible to win gift cards that were generously donated from local businesses.

Overall, everyone had a wonderful time reminiscing about days past, and catching up on life since then. Attendees visited the memories table which included photos, the 1976 Archers yearbook, and a tribute tree for those who have passed. The class song “We May Never Pass This Way (Again)” by Seals & Crofts brought back memories as it echoed through the crowd.

“And all the secrets in the universe, whisper in our ears.

All the years will come and go

Take us up, Always up”

Organizers wish to thank those who helped with the set up and clean up. Your efforts helped tremendously. Congratulations to the class of 1976 for 50 years of solidarity and friendship. up”

Organizers wish to thank those who helped with the set up and clean up. Your efforts helped tremendously. Congratulations to the class of 1976 for 50 years of solidarity and friendship.

By: Mark Holtsberry

John Irvin Swisher was born July 3, 1893, in Paulding County, Ohio, the son of George M. Swisher, who was born in December 1850 in Ohio, and Mary E. (Ayers) Swisher, who was born in 1864 in Ohio. The couple was married on January 13, 1885, in Van Wert, Ohio.

By 1890, the family was living in Paulding County, where George worked as a day laborer. A daughter, Laura Gertrude Swisher, was born in October 1885, followed by Francis John in July 1889. By 1900, the family was still living in Paulding. A daughter, Anna Elizabeth, had been born, followed by Joseph Marion in January 1895, Candice Allene in March 1897, and Vera Cleora in June 1899. John was a grade school student at the time.

By 1910, the family had moved to Bethany Township, Gratiot County, Michigan. George found work as a farm laborer. The birth of Bernard R. Swisher in 1902 completed the family. John was working odd jobs as a laborer. John’s mother, Mary, passed away, although details of her burial could not be found. George remarried within the year.

By 1915, John had moved to Erie County, Ohio, where he worked various odd jobs. There he met a seventeen-year-old young woman named Carla R. Hill. They were married in 1915. Sadly, she died on October 26, 1915, and was buried in Sand Hill Cemetery in Margaretta Township, Erie County, Ohio.

George’s second wife, Darlah Ruby Swisher, passed away on Wednesday, January 5, 1916, at 2:30 in the afternoon at her parents’ home. Funeral services were held at the home on Saturday afternoon.

John registered for the World War I draft on June 5, 1917, in Erie County, Ohio. He was described as being of medium height and build, with brown eyes and auburn hair, and was noted as having a disability in his right ear. At the time, he was working as a teamster for Woodside Farms in Breckenridge, Michigan.

On August 26, 1918, John joined the National Guard out of Sandusky, Ohio. He served with the 39th Company, 10th Battalion, 159th Depot Brigade until September 28, 1918. He was then transferred to Battery B, 70th Field Artillery. He received an honorable discharge on January 30, 1919.

On December 31, 1919, John married Ruth Bartley Sedore. She was born on August 24, 1902, in Isabella County, Michigan. In 1920, John and Ruth lived with John’s father and stepmother in Wheeler, Michigan, on Cedar Street. John was engaged in farming.

After their divorce in 1922, Ruth, for whom this was her second marriage, went on to marry two more times. John moved to Colorado, although it is not known what took him there. He passed away on December 31, 1924. His body was returned home and buried in Sand Hill Cemetery beside his first wife, Carla.

Ruth passed away shortly after her fourth marriage on July 14, 1929. She is buried in New Mexico.

… Until Next Time!

The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce has selected longtime resident Jan Reeb as the recipient of the 2026 Gem of the Year Award. Reeb will be formally honored during Rotary’s Day in the Park celebration in August.

A lifelong Antwerp resident, Reeb has spent 75 years calling the village home and graduated from Antwerp High School in 1969. Following graduation, she attended beauty college at Ravenscroft and later opened her own beauty shop, “The Shadow Box,” becoming a familiar and friendly face to generations of Antwerp residents.

Throughout her life, Reeb has worn many hats in the community. In addition to operating her beauty shop, she worked as a babysitter for numerous local families and later served for many years as a member of the town council and most recently as Mayor. Her caring personality and ability to connect with people left a lasting impact on many of the children and families she cared for over the years.

Reeb said one of the things she treasures most about Antwerp is the people.

“Your town’s only as good as the people in it,” Reeb said. “People make the town. You’ve got to have good people, and I think we do. I think we’ve got a lot of good people. It’s just a great old town, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

She also spoke proudly of the welcoming nature of the village and the way residents look out for one another. Whether visiting local businesses, attending ballgames, or simply chatting with neighbors, Reeb said she enjoys the sense of connection that comes with living in a small town.

“It amazes me when people call me by name and talk to me,” she said. “It’s a friendly little town. I love it.”

Reeb and her husband John have two sons, Matthew and the late Jason, along with grandchildren and extended family members who remain closely connected to the Antwerp area. She said she is encouraged to see younger families continuing to return to the community and is hopeful for future growth and development in the village.

Nominations submitted on Reeb’s behalf repeatedly highlighted her years of dedicated service to Antwerp and the lasting impact she made on the village through her leadership and compassion for residents.

One nomination stated, “Jan showed her long-standing dedication to Antwerp by serving on town council and as Mayor for many years. She demonstrated her commitment to the well-being and growth of our community. Jan put in countless hours to improve Antwerp by listening to residents and guiding thoughtful decisions to better our town.”

Another nomination praised Reeb’s decades of service, noting, “20+ years serving on Council and Mayor, she has given many years and time to Antwerp.”

Others pointed to her journey from business owner to village leader, writing, “She has given many years to Antwerp – first as a business woman owning a beauty salon and then for our town as an office worker and bookkeeper. She then became a council woman voted in by the Antwerp people. As Council President she replaced Ray DeLong and finished his term, then was voted in as mayor twice before her retirement last year.”

Several residents emphasized the personal care Reeb showed toward community members. “She really cared about the people and businesses of our town,” one resident wrote. “Please make her our Gem of Antwerp.”

Another nomination stated, “She has shown genuine love for our community with all of her years of service in the village. Even when faced with extreme personal challenges she continued giving the town all she could until she was no longer able. She deserves to be recognized for decades of love, loyalty and dependability to this town. She is a true Gem.”

Other nominations credited Reeb’s leadership with helping guide improvements and growth throughout the community during her years in office.

When informed she had been selected as this year’s Gem of the Year, Reeb said she was both surprised and humbled.

“I’m in shock,” she said. “I just can’t believe it. I love everybody. I try to be friendly and talk to everybody.”

The Gem of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting positive impact on the Antwerp community through their service, kindness, and dedication to others. Chamber members said Reeb’s lifelong commitment to the village and her warm, caring spirit make her a deserving recipient of this year’s honor.

The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce invites the community to join in celebrating Jan Reeb during Rotary’s Day in the Park on August 8.

The Paulding County History Museum is excited to announce its 2026 Quilt Show, continuing a cherished local tradition celebrating the artistry, craftsmanship, and history of quilting in Paulding County.

Now in its second year at the museum, the event carries forward a long-running quilt show tradition originally started by the Patchwork Pals, a sewing and quilting group from Paulding County Hospital, which was previously held during the Flat Rock Fall Festival. Visitors will enjoy a beautiful display of traditional, modern, and artistic quilts showcased throughout the museum.

The free event will run Monday, June 8 through Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily at the Paulding County History Museum, located at 600 Fairground Drive, Paulding, Ohio. In addition to the quilt show, the entire museum will be open for visitors to explore and enjoy throughout the week.

Special programming during the week will include a presentation from Threads of Love, a quilting ministry from Westgate Chapel, on Saturday, June 13 at 1:00 p.m. The group will share the story behind their ministry and how quilting is used to support and encourage others through handmade gifts.

Guests will also have opportunities to participate in several raffles throughout the week, including daily quilt and sewing package giveaways. Tickets will also be available for purchase for a chance to win a beautiful quilted wall hanging donated by Red Barn Quiltery of Monroeville, Indiana, with the winning ticket to be drawn on Saturday, June 13.

Community members who would like to display a quilt during the show are encouraged to participate. Quilt drop-off dates are scheduled for Saturday, May 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Tuesday, June 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information about the Quilt Show or quilt submissions, please contact Guy Dasher at 419-769-7269 or Jennifer at 419-796-9098