Gibsonburg in Sandusky County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Watching Over Them
May 21, 2018
100 years ago this coming December my paternal grandmother, Hazel Thomas Hathaway, died as a consequence of the great influenza epidemic, leaving her five children with her husband.
My grandfather, James Blain Hathaway, was then living with his children in Gibsonburg. But just two years later, almost to the day of Hazel's death, James died leaving his five children, the youngest barely two, to be scattered to the wind, despite his expressed wishes that they not be separated.
The children were never to live together again but found themselves placed among different families throughout northwestern Ohio. The youngest and last surviving member, Loren, passed away in 2015.
Hope Celestia, the oldest daughter, married Virgil Kent, a cement casting business owner and lived in Defiance, Ohio. Audry married a prosperous farmer, Bill Kuhlman, and lived just north of Woodville. Her grandson still farms that land. Florence Hazel married a minister, Walter Vogelmann, and lived in a number of places including Shaker Heights, Ohio and Merrill, Wisconsin. Loren was adopted by the Trautman family and became half owner of Brandes & Trautman, a meat packing business in Elmore, Ohio. Loren distinguished himself as a pilot in Europe during World War II. He married Annette Margaret Willett. James, the oldest brother, worked for Frigidaire during the Depression, then took over a farm in Lindsey, Ohio. Hazel and James Blain are buried in the Quinshan Cemetery near Gibsonburg. Their children are now all resting peacefully for eternity.
This sculpture entitled "Watching Over Them” was created to honor them. An angel-like figure, it is entwined with vines attached to which are various elements or icons. Most of these leaf-like icons are based on the number five and are divided into five parts representing the five children. This angel watches over them, as well as all others who have made that journey to another place.
Busce Hatheway
Erected 2018 by Busce Hatheway.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Disasters • Industry & Commerce • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 2015.
Location. 41° 23.217′ N, 83° 19.117′ W. Marker is in Gibsonburg, Ohio, in Sandusky County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Stone Street and Hurlbet Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gibsonburg OH 43431, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Survivor Tree (a few steps from this marker); On September 11, 1941, Ground Breaking Started On The Pentagon. Exactly 60 Years Later… (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bent And Twisted Metal Before You (within shouting distance of this marker); Lockhead T-33A "Shooting Star" (within shouting distance of this marker); Gibsonburg Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Village Of Gibsonburg Welcoms You To Williams Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory Of Sandusky County's POWs (about 400 feet away); Dedicated To All Submariners (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gibsonburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 8, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.