Daniel Overly was born in 1836 in Noble County, Indiana to Thomas and Emeline (Asher) Overly. Thomas and Emeline had eleven children; Daniel (1836), Martin (1837), Isaac (1838), Matilda (1839), Mary Ann (1842), Samuel (1844), Thomas(1846), Dedimus(1849), David (1854), William (1858), George (1860).

In the 1850 Federal Census, Emeline and six of the children are found in Lafayette township, Allen County, Indiana, including a thirteen-year-old Daniel. In the 1860 Federal Census, Daniel is still living with his parents in Allen County, Indiana. He lists his occupation as a laborer.

Daniel enlisted as a Private in the 5^th Calvary, Indiana Company D on November 29, 1864. He was severely wounded in the Stoneman Cavalry during the Atlantic Campaign. He was honorably discharged at the end of the conflict.

Daniel and Sarah Jane Sargent married in LaPorte County Indiana on September 8, 1866.

In the 1870 Federal Census, Daniel and his family are found in the 5^th Ward of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He and Sarah, who are mistakenly recorded as Everley instead of Overly, have one daughter, Mary who is three years old. His occupation is translated as a farmer in the database but when looking at the census record it almost looks more like “teamer”.  In the 1880 Federal Census, Daniel and Sarah Jane now have two children; Mary (1867) and Harry (1872). Daniel’s occupation is listed as a laborer.

In the 1900 Federal census, Daniel and Sarah have been married 34 years. They have had three children of which two are still living. Harry is twenty-six and lives at home.  His occupation is listed as a day laborer. Daniel is sixty-four years old and his occupation is well digging and he is self-employed. They have Thomas Overly living with them. Thomas is Daniel’s brother but he is listed as a border. In the 1910 Federal Census, Daniel is listed in the Marion Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Grant County, Indiana.

Daniel was admitted to the hospital in Marion, Indiana on September 22, 1908. The records state that he is disabled and blind in his left eye. He has had a fractured right hand and ankle. I believe this to be old wounds that he sustained in the war. He is also listed as senile. He was living in Fort Wayne with his wife prior to coming to this hospital. He is receiving ¼ of his pension and his wife who lives in Fort Wayne is receiving the remainder. His occupation was listed as Well Digger. This information comes from his admittance papers at the hospital.

One of the buildings at the Marion Hospital for Disable Veterans – By Rosenthal, James W., creator – https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/in0509.photos.574762p, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34076976

One hundred and six years ago today, Daniel died at the Marion Home for Disabled Soldiers of heart failure. He was buried in the Marion National Cemetery on February 23, 1912.

The following is an Obituary which was published on page six of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette on February 28, 1912.

Another pioneer resident and veteran of the civil war, one Daniel Overly, aged 76 years, a lifelong resident of Allen County, and a veteran of the civil war, died at the soldiers’ home at Marion, Ind., February 20, and was buried in the National Cemetery in Marion February 23. His widow and son Harry, and daughter, Mrs. James Wells, attended the funeral.

Daniel Overly enlisted in Company D. Fifth Indiana cavalry, in 1863, during the critical period of the war. He was severely wounded in the Stoneman cavalry raid in the Atlantic campaign and was honorably discharged at the end of the war. He was married in 1865 to Sarah J. Sargent, who survives him. Mr. Overly was one of the pioneer well diggers of Fort Wayne and Allen County and was a brave soldier. Peace unto his ashes.

Rest in peace, Daniel. He is my first cousin 4X removed.

Love, Jan