There is particular satisfaction is reverting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this review, since his mind bears the impress of the historic annals of the state of Ohio from the early pioneer days, and from the fact that he has been a loyal son of the republic and has attained a prominent position in the county of his adoption. He is now one of the revered patriarchs of the community, for he was born on the 27th of January, 1806, his birth occurring near Mifflintown, Juniata county, Pennsylvania, his father being Henry Hildebrand, who was born and reared in Montgomery county in the Keystone state. He removed to Juniata county, where he married Miss Mary Ann Marks, daughter of Jacob Marks. During the fall of 1812 he loyally served as a member of the American army. His father was Casper Hildebrand, who came to the United States from Germany and took part in the war of the Rebellion.

Mr. William Harrison Hildebrand, of this review, was reared upon the old home farm in the state of his nativity, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade. When a young man he came to Ohio, locating upon his present farm, comprising one hundred and thirty acres in Washington township, Miami county. Throughout his active business career in this county he carried on agricultural pursuits, his labors bringing to him a comfortable competence. He married Miss Jane Adams and they raised a large family. His wife died on the old homestead. Mr. Hildebrand, however, has been spared to reach the advanced age of ninety-four years. His career has been an honorable one and now, in the evening of life, he can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear. His sterling characteristics have gained him high regard and no man in the community is more respected than this venerable gentleman.