USA > Ohio > Preble County > History of Preble County Ohio: Her People, Industries and Institutions > Part 48
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Charles O. Acton, ex-marshall of Eaton, living at 912 North Baron. street, and now a stone and cement contractor, was born in Eaton, May 28, 1877, the son of Joseph P. and Mary I. (Cutting) Acton. Joseph P. Acton was the son of John W. and Amanda ( Bryant ) Acton. John W. Acton was the son of John and Hettie (Ward) Acton.
The Ward family were natives of Pennsylvania, but moved to Virginia during the Revolutionary War and Hettie Ward became acquainted with and married John Acton, a slave holder in Virginia, who operated a wagon shop where slaves were employed. John W. Acton, issue of this marriage, had many experiences with slaves and was much opposed to slavery. In order to secure relief from conditions prevailing in the slave section, he came to Preble county and here conducted a wagon shop for many years. John W. Acton married Amanda Bryant, to which union were born nine sons and one daughter, Joseph P., William C., George, James, John, Cary, Albert, Lewis, Elizabeth and Pleasant, all of whom are living save Joseph P. and Pleasant, the latter of whom died at the age of twelve.
Joseph P. Acton, the father of Charles O., was born in Eaton, Ohio, and learned the carpenter trade early in life. He enlisted in the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil War and served throughout the war in the Seventy-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was taken prisoner just before the end of the war and was confined ninety-eight days at Ander- sonville. He also suffered severe wounds during the war. He returned to. Eaton after the declaration of peace and married in Eaton, where he con- tinued to reside until 1870, in which year he moved to Decatur, Michigan, where he worked as a contractor and carpenter until 1890, in which year he retired and returned to Eaton. In 1893 he moved to Jackson, Michigan, where his death occurred in -1912. His widow is still living in Michigan. Joseph P. and Mary I. (Cutting) Acton were the parents of six children. Robert S., who was killed while employed as a railroad conductor on the Michigan Central railroad; Minnie B., the wife of Andrew Koons; Mary M., the wife of Robert Clampion: Edward S., of Michigan; Harley, who died in infancy ; and Charles O., the subject of this sketch.
Charles O. Acton was three years old when his parents moved to Mich- igan and there he received his education. He was employed in different oc- cupations and for different people during his early years but eventually learned the mason's trade and for years was a bridge builder on railroad jobs in Indiana. Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky, and served one term as marshal at Eaton.
On June 20, 1891, Charles O. Acton was married to Ida M. Hartin,
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who was born in Gratis township, Preble county, Ohio, March 14, 1874, the daughter of Joseph C. and Rebecca Hartin. She was educated in the Eaton public schools, having come to Eaton with her parents at the age of three months. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Acton, Clyde B., born April 19, 1892, and Hilda M., born April 3, 1906. Clyde B. was gradu- ated from the Eaton high school and took the civil service examination, now being employed as a clerk in the Eaton postoffice. He is a member of Bolivar Lodge No. 82, Free and Accepted Masons. Hilda M. is the third grade in the public schools.
Charles O. Acton is a member of Bolivar Lodge No. 82, Free and Ac- cepted Masons in which lodge he has served two terms as junior deacon and is the present tyler. In politics, Mr. Acton is a devoted and loyal Repub- lican. He is a quiet, unassuming man, but capable and worthy and enjoys the esteem of all the people with whom he has come in contact. He deserves to rank as a representative citizen of Eaton, where he lives.
JOHN C. RINER.
In the daily struggle for an honorable competence there is little in the life of the average farmer to attract the casual reader in search of a sensa- tional chapter. To a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence, however, there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who, without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgment, conquers adversity and, toiling on. finally wins not only a pecuniary independence, but what is far greater and higher, the respect and confidence of those with whom his active years have brought him into contact. Such a man is John C. Riner, a retired farmer and former commissioner of Preble county, who is now living retired in Eaton, Ohio.
John C. Riner, who formerly lived in Gratis township. Preble county, Ohio, was born on a farm in that township. April 7, 1848, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Christman) Riner. Henry Riner was born in the same town- ship and was the son of John Riner, who was born in Frederick county, Mary- land. John Riner came to Preble county, Ohio. when a young man and set- tled in Gratis township, where he married Lena Huffman, upon whose death he married, secondly, Mary Osborne, who was the mother of Henry, Wesley, Julia A., Rebecca, Mary and Elizabeth.
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Henry Riner was reared in Gratis township and there married Elizabeth Christman, a member of an old and respected family in Preble county, to which union three children were born, Susanna, the widow of Doctor Quimby; John C., the subject of this sketch; and C. W., of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
John C. Riner was reared on the farm and attended the district schools, later attending a select school at Seven Mile, Butler county, Ohio. He lived in this latter county until twenty years of age, at which time he returned to Gratis township, where he lived for five years, after which he returned to Butler county, where he was married, June 18, 1873, to Elizabeth A. Speer, who was reared at Seven Mile, in Butler county, and was educated at the academy at that place. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Riner lived at Seven Mile for one year and then came to Preble county, locating in Gratis' township, where they remained until their removal to Eaton in September, 1907. Mr. Riner owns ten acres on the Lewisburg road, known as the Henry Kester place, which is his home. He also owns two hundred and three acres of excellent land in Gratis township, practically all of which he has acquired by his own efforts.
Mr. and Mrs. Riner are the parents of seven children, Charles Hawley, Harry, Edward J., Nellie, Clifford, Edith and Glenn S., all of whom are mar- ried except Edith and Glenn S.
Charles Hawley Riner, who was a farmer, married Agnes Young, to which union two children were born, John Alden and Lloyd Young. He died in 1905 and his widow is now living in Wisconsin. Harry Riner, who is a traveling salesman for the Rumley Products Company, married Neda B. Englar and is living at Columbus, Ohio. Edward J. Riner married Laura Harrell and is living at Spokane, Washington, where he is engaged as super- intendent of grounds and buildings of the Spokane public schools. Clifford Riner, who is a traveling salesman for a lumber company and lives at Colum- bus, Ohio, married Bessie Englar and has one son, J. Englar. Nellie mar- ried C. V. Zimmerman, an attorney, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and has two chil- dren, Margaret and Elizabeth. Edith is living at home with her parents. Glenn S. Riner lives at Dayton, Ohio, where he is employed as a salesman with the Rike-Kumler Company. These children of Mr. and Mrs. Riner received their elementary education in the home schools, supplementing the same with courses at the Ohio State Normal.
For many years Mr. Riner was one of the substantial and enterprising farmers of Gratis township. He is a descendant of one of the oldest families in Preble county. By his sound judgment, he has accumulated a handsome
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farm that is well kept. he having kept abreast of the latest agricultural methods. Mr. Riner's wife has been a faithful and loving helpmate, her assistance having been a very material factor in the attainment of the dis- tinct success which has marked their efforts.
Mr. Riner is a Republican and was elected county commissioner in 1884 and served until 1891, a little more than six years. Mr. and Mrs. Riner and family are members of the Presbyterian church. As a neighbor, he has held a high place in the esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. He made a faithful member of the board of county commissioners and looked well after the interests of the county while holding this office. Mr. and Mrs. Riner now live at the north end of Maple street in their large brick dwelling, situated on ten acres of land, and are now enjoying the fruits of their early labors. Few people in Preble county are better known or more highly re- spected than Mr. and Mrs. John C. Riner.
JOSEPH L. BAKER.
The men most influential in promoting social growth and development and in giving character to the times in which they live are men of influence. Men may exercise influence in two ways, first by example and second by the precepts which they expound. J. L. Baker, a farmer living on Rural Route 9, out of Eaton, Ohio, is a man whose life serves as a worthy exam- ple to the rising generation. Moreover, Mr. Baker for many years was a school teacher in Ohio and still later a preceptor in Indian schools in the west. His life therefore combines the two most important functions by which man is enabled to serve humanity. Mr. Baker is a man who com- bines the elements of the student and the energy of the public-spirited man of affairs. A considerable part of his life has been devoted to the noble and humane work of teaching a race that is fast disappearing in this country. With this wide and varied experience behind him and his unusual success as a farmer, Mr. Baker is entitled to rank as a representative citizen of Preble county.
Joseph L. Baker was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 21, 1856, the son of Emillian and Sarah (Quigley) Baker, the former a native of Ger- many who came to the United States and settled at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at his trade of tailor until he enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War. He was a member of Company C. Thirty-fifth Regiment
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Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in September, 1861, and serving nearly four years. The last battle in which he was engaged was that of Nashville, Tennessee. He took part in many battles and throughout his career as a soldier was never wounded.
In 1850, at New Orleans, Louisiana, Emillian Baker married Sarah Quigley, who came from Germany to New Orleans with a friend and be- came acquainted with Mr. Baker in that city. After their marriage, they located at Jacksonboro, Butler county, Ohio, where Mr. Baker lived as a farmer the rest of his life, his death occurring in 1904. His widow sur- vived him ten years, her death occurring in December, 1914.
Emillian and Sarah (Quigley) Baker were the parents of seven chil- dren, six of whom are now living, John Q., the postmaster of Middletown, Ohio; William E., a well-known engineer of Middletown, Ohio; James M., a successful physician and surgeon at Decatur, Illinois; Albert L., who is in the cement business in Houston, Texas; Mary, the wife of James Rainey, of Decatur, Illinois, and J. L., the subject of this sketch.
Joseph L. Baker was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and when three years old moved with his parents to Jacksonboro, Ohio, where he attended the graded school, finishing the course. In 1873 Mr. Baker began to teach and for some years taught in the schools of Jacksonboro, Somerville, West Middletown and Amanda.
On October 1, 1881, Joseph L. Baker was married at Jacksonboro, Ohio, to Henrietta Owsley, who was born March 25, 1857, the daughter of Samuel and Lucy (Betterton) Owsley. After their marriage, Mr. Baker was made superintendent and Mrs. Baker matron of the Indian schools at Ft. Peck. Montana. After they were there four years the institution was destroyed by fire and they were transferred to Ft. Shaw, Montana, occu- pying similar positions there for six months, at the end of which time Mr. Baker was sent to Ft. Hall. Idaho, Mrs. Baker occupying the position of ma- tron at that place also. They remained there one year and were then trans- ferred to Harrison Indian Institute in Oregon, both retaining the positions they had occupied at their previous stations. After being there one year, Mr. Baker resigned and was out of the service six months. At the end of that period he was reinstated and sent to the Sisseton Indian school, in South Dakota, at which point Mrs. Baker again was made matron. They held these positions for six years and were then transferred to the Osage Indian school in Oklahoma. After being at this latter school for three and one-half years, both quit the Indian education service permanently and Mr. Baker purchased his present farm in Dixon township, Preble county.
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Mr. and Mrs. Baker are the parents of two daughters, Anna, who is the wife of Orville Flora and lives on the same farm as Mr. and Mrs. Baker, and Jessie, who was graduated from the Germantown high school and is still at home.
Mr. Baker is independent in politics. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge at Middletown, Ohio: . The Baker family are well known and highly respected in Preble county, and it is unnecessary to say that they merit the esteem in which they are held by their many friends.
GEORGE W. STRAW.
George W. Straw needs no introduction to the people of Preble county, since his entire life has been spent in this county. His life has been devoted, not only to fostering his own interests, but also to the welfare of his neigh- bors. An honorable representative of one of the esteemed families of his section, and a gentleman of high character and worthy ambition, he has filled no small place in the public eye. He is a splendid type of the intelli- gent, self-made American in the full sense of the term, and is regarded as one of the very enterprising farmers of Preble county. Mr. Straw is now living retired at 531 North Baron street, Eaton, Ohio.
George W. Straw was born on a farm in Washington township, Sep- tember 14, 1850, a son of Peter and Maria ( Huffman) Straw. Peter Straw was born in Germany, and was educated in that country. He came to the United States when a young man and located in Twin township, this county. His wife also was a native of Germany, and came to the United States when young, her parents also locating in Twin township, this county. Peter Straw had but seventy-five cents when he landed in this country, but with true German thrift, he set to work at once, first being employed on a farm by the month, and when he was married had saved but little. He was a man worth ten thousand dollars when he died in 1874. His wife died in 1880.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Straw were the parents of the following children: William, a retired farmer, who lives on Maple street, Eaton, Ohio; Joseph, a farmer of Washington township, this county; George W., the immediate subject of this review; Emma, the wife of George Boner, of Kansas, and Sarah, the wife of Robert Appleby, who lives on Cherry street, Eaton.
George W. Straw was reared on a farm until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he moved to Eaton and there learned the harness trade.
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He did not like this trade, however, and presently purchased fifty-four acres of land in Washington township, this county. By industry and economy he paid for this land and finally became the owner of ninety-five acres of good farming land. He remained on this farm for sixteen years, when he returned to Eaton and worked at his trade for John Deem for four years, after which, in 1905, he retired from active life.
Mr. Straw was married November 19, 1874, to Elizabeth Siebert, who was born November 19, 1856, the daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth (Shafer) Siebert, the former a native of Germany and the latter a native of Preble county, Ohio, who were the parents of ten children, four of whom are now living as follow: Catherine, the wife of Christian Gugel, of Day- ton, Ohio; Augustus, of Millville, Ohio; Maria, the wife of Joseph Straw, of Washington township, this county; Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Straw, who received her education in the public schools of Eaton.
To George W. and Elizabeth (Siebert) Straw four children have been born: Albert, a farmer of Washington township, this county; Cora, the wife of Bruce Rollman, who lives in Coldwater, Ohio; Augustus, a farmer of Washington township, this county, and Myrtle, the wife of Lerton Lin- coln, who lives in Montgomery county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Straw have ten grandchildren.
Mr. Straw is identified with the Republican party and was at one time a trustee of Washington township. Fraternally, he is a member of Eaton Lodge No. 30, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a past grand in that lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Straw are now enjoying the fruits of their early labors, and surrounded by every convenience are thoroughly equipped to enjoy their declining years. They are honored and respected in the com- munity where they live.
EDWIN O. MURRAY.
The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of an intelligent community is a protracted and honorable residence there. Ed- win O. Murray has resided in Jefferson township, Preble county, Ohio. practically all of his life. His career has been a commendable one and well deserves to be perpetuated. on the pages of a historical work such as this. Mr. Murray applied himself diligently to his work and waited for the re- ward which the fullness of time has brought. Today he is one of the sub- stantial financiers of Preble county, a successful merchant, a wise and ju- dicious banker and a capable farmer.
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Edwin O. Murray was born south of New Paris in Jefferson township, Preble county, Ohio, on April 13, 1873, the son of James and Martha (Mills) Murray. James Murray, who died March 25, 1905, was the son of Mitchell and Lydia (Brazier) Murray. Mitchell Murray was reared, educated and married in Delaware. He came to Preble county, Ohio, about 1840, and located in Eaton, then a mere village, where he lived for several years. Later he located in the southern part of Darke county, Ohio, north of Eldorado, and there lived on a farm. Subsequently, he moved to a farm in Jackson township, Preble county, and after several years of residence there purchased a farm in Darke county, Ohio, where he spent the rest of his life. Mitchell Murray was the father of ten children. Seven of his sons, David, Joseph, Lemuel, John, James, Alfred and Henry, enlisted from Jack- son township, Preble county, in the Union army and served their country during the Civil War. John Murray was confined in Libby prison for eigh- teen months, but survived the war. Besides these children, there were Tunard, Amos and Sarah, the latter the wife of John F. Ervin, of Eldorado, all of whom are now deceased.
James Murray was the father of seven children, six of whom are liv- ing: Edwin O., the subject of this sketch; Olive M., who married J. W. Tyler and died July 16, 1914; Charles A., a graduate of New Paris high school and a farmer of Jackson township; Elwood, who was graduated from the Jackson township high school at Campbellstown and lives at home in Jefferson, township: Cora, who was graduated from the New Paris high school and is the wife of Dr. W. H. Swisher, of Dayton, Ohio; Ethel, who is unmarried and at home, and Elbert J., who was graduated from the New Paris high school and also is at home.
Edwin O. Murray was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools and the New Paris high school. He also .was graduated from the Richmond (Indiana) Business College, after which he accepted a position in the First National Bank at Richmond, Indiana, where he remained about two years. At the end of this time, Mr. Murray was elected cashier of the Farmers Bank at New Paris, Ohio. Mr. Murray assisted in the reorganiza- tion of this latter bank, which is now known as the Farmers Banking Com- pany. He served ten years as cashier and is still in the bank as one of the directors. He also is a director of the bank at New Madison. Mr. Murray also spends considerable time looking after his heavy farming interests.
On June 18. 1908, Edwin O. Murray was married to Minnie Coons, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, and who was graduated from the Eldorado high school. She also attended the National Normal School at
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Lebanon, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Murray began housekeeping at New Paris, where they now live. They have two children, Janice, born January 19, 1910, and Stanley J., born November 17, 1912.
Mr. Murray is a Republican and for years has possessed considerable local influence in politics. . He has served as a member of the New Paris town council. Mr. Murray is a member of the Presbyterian church and has served as one of the trustees of this church. Fraternally, he is a member of Harmony Lodge No. 396, Knights of Pythias, in which he has served as keeper of the records and seal. He is a man of modest and unassuming de- meanor, possessed of much natural good sense and sound judginent. His heavy financial interests have not interfered with his duties to the public. His larger obligations to the community have been faithfully fulfilled. He is a man who, in every way, deserves the esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.
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JOHN J. KAYLER.
Among the successful, self-made men of Preble county, Ohio, whose efforts and influence have contributed to the progress and prosperity of this county, John J. Kayler, a farmer and stockman and ex-president of the Preble County Fair Association, occupies a conspicuous place. Being am- bitious from the first, Mr. Kayler has surmounted difficulties and has arisen to a prominent position in the commercial, agricultural and financial circles of his community. Not only this, but he has won the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has had relations in either a business or social range and for years has been considered one of the representative citizens of Preble county. Early in life, Mr. Kayler realized that there is a definite purpose in life and that no honor is worth while which is not founded on worth and no achievements of any consequence that are not founded on unremitting zeal. His life and labors have been worthy in every respect, because they have contributed to a proper understanding of the life and the problems of the community in which he lives.
John J. Kayler, one of the leading factors in the Preble County Fair Association for twenty-five years and the proprietor of "Lowery Hill" farm, consisting of two hundred and sixty acres, four and one-half miles north of Eaton, was born on the farm he now owns November 17, 1849. He is the son of William and Rebecca ( Delawter) Kayler, the former of whom was born in Rockingham county, Virginia. At the age of six William Kay-
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JOHN J. KAYLER.
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ler came with his parents to Ohio and here grew to manhood. He married Rebecca Delawter, the daughter of Jacob Delawter. John Kayler, the father of William Kayler, came to Preble county, Ohio, from Virginia, settling in 1815 on the farm which Mr. Kayler now owns. William Kayler was a prominent worker in the Lutheran church and throughout his life was an active and mfluential Democrat. He died in 1876, his wife dying in 1892. They were the parents of eleven children, three of whom died in infancy, Matilda, Levi and Franklin; Josiah and Elizabeth died after reaching mature years. Six are still living, Mary J., the wife of Samuel Kesler; Malinda, the widow of Francis Harshman; Sarah, the wife of Henry Ehler; Laura, the wife of Frank Dalrymple; Nora, the wife of George Ehler, and John J.
John J. Kayler was reared on the home farm where he now lives, and was educated in the public schools. He obtained a certificate to teach school early in life. He remained with his father until his marriage at the age of twenty-seven, on October 28, 1875, to Sarah V. Dalrymple, who was the daughter of John Dalrymple and was reared in Preble county, Ohio.
To John J. and Sarah V. (Dalrymple) Kayler were born six children, two of whom are now living, Estie, who married Tresie Morris; Bertie, the wife of Wilbur McMechan, of Campbellstown, Ohio; Benjamin L., who died at the age of thirty-three; Charles, who died at the age of twenty- eight, and Maude, the wife of Alvin House, who died at the age of eighteen. The mother of these children died December 31, 1908, and Mr. Kayler married, secondly, October 28, 1910, Gertrude Thompson, to which union four children have been born, Paul, born in November, 1911; Wilson, born October 23, 1912; Leonard, born October 14, 1913, and John J., Jr., born April 3, 1915.
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