Ernest B. (Barney) Rettig

Son of Nicholas and Anna (Bortz) Rettig was born in Flatrock Township, on August 20, 1886. After his mother died he made his home with his sister and her husband, Nick and Mariah Rettig for some years. Then he worked for Edward Meyers farming for several years. Then he worked as a carpenter for three years at which time he married Idella (Knipp) Rettig, daughter of John B. and Regina M. (Grauer) Knipp. They then made their home on the property now known as the Bob Clady farm on State Route 281, north and west of Holgate. There to them was born four children: Elden R. Rettig - March 23, 1912, Vida M. Rettig - July 26, 1914, Florence R. Rettig - May 10, 1916, and Orley B. Rettig – December 4, 1920-1921. Later they moved to Bartlow Township where he had a farm. While there, Lloyd M. Rettig was born on May 8, 1923. The next year they moved back to Flatrock Township on the Adam Curns farm for seven years, then moved to Marion Township on the Philip Rettig farm for nineteen years. In 1941, they moved to their present home which he bought in 1938 from Tode Shockey, one and one-half miles East of Holgate on County Road F-1 and lived there till death. E.B. Rettig died November 10, 1954, age 68. Idella G. Rettig died November 26, 1973, age 81.

Elden and Florence live on the home place at the present time. Elden served in the Army in World War II. He entered service October 3, 1940, and had his U.S: Army training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. He served at Inchantown Gap, Pennsylvania and Amazon Park, San Francisco, California. His date of embarkation was May 26, 1942, returning April 20, 1945. During this time he served in the Asiatic, Pacific Theatre. His engagements were Northern-Solomons. He was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Asiatic- Pacific Theatre Ribbon, W/1 Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal. Elden received his discharge at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, June 5, 1945, serving 56 months, 3 days; Rank - Technician Fourth Grade. His occupation now is farming. Florence lives with Elden and takes care of the home at the present time.