George W. Cruse was born in Piqua, December 17, 1838, and spent the first eight years of his life in that city. He then accompanied his parents on their removal to a farm in Spring Creek township, where he was reared to manhood, the duties and labors of the fields becoming familiar to him throughout the time he remained under the parental roof. At the age of nineteen he began farming for himself, and has made that pursuit his life work. After the inauguration of the civil war he put aside all personal considerations, enlisting on the 2d of August, 1862, as a private of the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, for three years. He participated in the battles of Winchester and Mine Run, and then went into winter quarters. The following year he took part in the battle of the Wilderness, and was with Grant's command at Spottsylvania Court House and at Cold Harbor. His regiment was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and in the winter of 1864-1865 he was detailed for service at the headquarters of the Sixth Army Corps as a mounted police, remaining with that corps of the headquarters' train until honorably discharged, July 2, 1865. He was always found at his post of duty, faithfully performing the tasks assigned him.

Upon returning to Spring Creek township Mr. Cruse resumed farming and was identified with its agricultural interests until 1900, with the exception of three years which he passed in Kansas. He was a general farmer, and the success which he achieved has resulted from earnest and steady application. He has never engaged in speculation, but has depended upon honorable and resolute purpose to bring him the necessaries of life.

On the 2d of August, 1868, occurred the marriage of Mr. Cruse and Miss Josephine H. Statler, by whom he has six children, namely: Della I., Alberta M., Earl S., Clyde E., Forest C. and Helen B. In February, 1900, Mr. Cruse retired from farming and with his family moved to Piqua, where they will enjoy the comforts of city life the remainder of their days. They have a pleasant home and are well and favorably known in the community. In politics Mr. Cruse is a Democrat, and socially is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. As a citizen he is as true to-day to his duties as when he followed the stars and stripes upon the battle fields of the south in defense of the Union.