Military History in Paulding County
By: Mark Holtsberry
Charles Franklin Stiner was born on October 20, 1886, in Antwerp, Ohio. He was the son of John Stiner, born in 1831 in Switzerland, and Mary Jane “Jennie” (Cram) Stiner, born in 1859 in Ohio. John was a Civil War veteran who served with Company G, 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a unit comprised of Paulding County men.
John and Mary were married on November 12, 1876, in Paulding County. By 1880, they were raising Annie, born in 1866; Maggie, born in 1868; and John A., born in 1871. These were children from John’s first marriage to Sarah Susanna (Cluts) Stiner, who was born in 1844 and passed away in 1875. Sarah and John were married in 1864.
John and Mary had Susanna in 1877 and Jacob in 1879. John was a farmer. John and Mary later added Simeon N., born in 1884, and Charles F., born in 1886. This farming family was busy raising children when tragedy struck. John passed away on February 1, 1887. He was buried in Slough Cemetery in Antwerp.
By 1890, Mary had moved the family to Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan. Simeon and Charles were in school. By 1900, with only two children remaining at home, Mary found it easier to raise the boys.
In 1907, Mary remarried a man named Eli Maynard Munson. By 1910, Eli, Mary, and Charles were living in Battle Creek, Michigan. Charles was working as a laborer in the laundry business.
On June 5, 1917, Charles found himself back in Antwerp, where he registered for the World War I draft. He was listed as short (5’3”), medium build, with gray eyes and light red hair. He was single and working as a clerk for Joseph Yager, who operated a local laundry.
On June 25, 1918, Charles joined the National Army out of Paulding County. He was assigned to the 158th Depot Brigade for training. He served until July 31, 1918, when he was transferred to the Quartermasters Corps. He was honorably discharged on March 14, 1919.
By 1920, Charles was working in Antwerp as a laundryman. His work with restaurants, hotels, and other patrons earned him the respect of the town’s residents. His honest dealings were his stock and trade.
By 1930, feeling the effects of the Great Depression, Charles moved back to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he continued in the laundry business. After a short stay, he returned to Antwerp. He was working as a salesman for a local restaurant and living with Charles and Rosetta Bissell at 215 South River Street.
Charles’s mother, Mary, passed away in 1939 and was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan. By 1940, Charles was still living in Antwerp, residing with his sister and brother-in-law.
In 1942, Charles registered for the World War II draft. At the age of 55, he was not selected. Around this time, he moved in with his employer, Hattie Yager, the wife of Joseph Yager, who continued to operate the Antwerp laundry service.
Within the next two years, Charles moved back to Battle Creek, Michigan. With his health failing, he passed away on April 4, 1949. He was buried alongside his mother and stepfather at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lot J-100, Grave 1.
… Until Next Time!
