On October 23, 1861, { Residing in Genesee Co. at the age of 22 } he enlisted in the Second Michigan Infantry, Company F, and served until discharged, January 5, 1863, for disability from epilepsy, caused by a gunshot wound in the head, received at the battle of Fair Oaks, May 3, 1862. He had previously fought in the siege of Yorktown, at the battle of Williamsburg, and in other encounters.

He suffered much from the wound for about eight years, and received a pension during this time, but his disability ceased, and he voluntarily reported the fact and gave up his pension: and received compliment as being the first soldier who have been known so to do since the war.

He settled in section 17, in Ellington in the spring of 1866. He was married to Miss Malvina Mallory, of Ellington, May 12, 1867. She died April 24, 1868. She left one son, Daymond S. Mr.

Dietz was married May 1, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Mallory, who died August 21, 1877, leaving three children, James B., Lucy E., and John H. The funeral of Mrs. E. Dietz was conducted by Hon. Judge Wilder, of Watrousville, and was the first spiritual funeral ever held in Ellington.

His third marriage was to Miss Mary L. Davis, of Caro, Februry 1880. She was born in York, Mich., August 7, 1849. They have 21 acres of land, about seventy of which are under cultivation. They have also a thriving orchard of the best varieties of fruit, and he is about to erect a new dwelling to perfect their home comforts.

He has been school moderator, highway commissioner and justice of the peace, and is now serving as treasurer of his township.

{He died in 1905 and he was buried in Ellington Cemetery, Dutcher Road near Caro}