Military History in Paulding County
By: Mark Holtsberry
Harry Wilson Perl was born on April 14, 1897, in Payne, Ohio. He was the son of John D. Perl, born in 1863 in Ohio, and Carrie M. (Crocker) Perl, born in 1864 in Ohio.
This couple was married on December 27, 1888, in Paulding, Ohio. By 1900, they were living in Payne, Ohio, along with their children: Ralph E., born March 1890; John R., born March 1892; Alice, born March 1892; Charles, born May 1894; Ethel, born 1896; Harry W., born 1897; and Agnes, born 1899.
In February 1902, John D. Perl passed away and was buried in Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne, Ohio. In 1903, with John’s grave not yet settled, Carrie M. Perl also passed away and was buried alongside him.
After Harry’s parents died, the children went to live with their aunt and uncle, Adolph and Alice Heck, in Payne. By 1910, John and Charles had moved out on their own. Harry quit school after the eighth grade. On June 5, 1917, Harry registered with the local selective service board in Paulding for the World War I draft. He was described as 5’11” tall, with brown hair, light brown eyes, a fair complexion, and working for Ed Heck in Latty, Ohio.
On September 5, 1918, Harry joined the National Army. He was assigned to Camp Sherman in Ross County, Ohio, serving with the 321st Company, 8th Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade. He served there until October 24, 1918, when he was transferred to Company M, 4th Battalion, 1st Gas Regiment. He was honorably discharged on December 17, 1918.
After 1920, Harry met Letha Edith Daugherty, who was born on April 29, 1906, in Corder, Missouri. She was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Daugherty. Harry and Letha were married on April 29, 1927, in Wellington, Lafayette County, Missouri.
On November 3, 1927, Harry and Letha became parents to a daughter, Lois Fern Perl. On December 25, 1929, they welcomed another daughter, Teresa Dean Perl. By 1930, Harry, Letha, and their daughters were living in Wellington, Missouri, where Harry worked as a riverboat pilot. By 1940, the family was still living in Wellington, and Harry continued to work as a boat operator.
On February 16, 1942, Harry registered for the World War II draft. At age 44, he was described as 5’11” tall, weighing 145 pounds, with a light brown complexion, brown hair, and brown eyes. At the time, Harry was working for the Massman Construction Company.
Harry passed away on November 22, 1949. On December 27, 1949, his wife, Letha, filed for Social Security. Harry was buried in Wellington City Cemetery, Wellington, Missouri. Letha went on to work as a nurse’s aide. She passed away on October 19, 1965, from pancreatic cancer.
Their daughter Lois passed away in 2004, and Teresa passed away in 2018.
… Until Next Time!
