Miami County, Ohio Genealogical Researchers -- Sponsored by the Computerized Heritage Association


    DAVID A. KESSLER

    David A. Kessler follows farming in Miami county, where his birth occurred on the 28th of July, 1839. His father, Henry Kessler, was born in Monroe township, Miami county, February 21, 1813, which fact indicates that the family has been identified with the history of this locality since pioneer days. The father was reared in his native township, and after his marriage removed to Union township, purchasing a farm near Kessler Station. This was the property now owned by our subject--a tract of one hundred and eighty acres, which Henry Kessler placed under a high state of cultivation. As the years passed he added to his landed possessions until his property covered a considerable area, and this he left to his children. His life's labors were ended in death January 12, 1878, the community thereby losing one of its valued citizens. He was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was first a Whig and afterward a Republican in his political affiliations. He married Serene Goings, who was born in West Virginia, November 15, 1816, and about 1834 came with her parents to Ohio. She, too, belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church and died in the faith of that denomination, January 1, 1898. In the family of this worthy couple were twelve children, as follows: John W., a farmer of Miami county; Mary A., wife of S. Buffington; David A.; Susan E., wife of J. Pearson; Thomas J., who is living in Union township; Rebecca E., wife of Henry Earhart; one who died in infancy; Michael M., who is living in Auglaize county, Ohio; Martin S., a farmer of Union township; Charles W., who also is living in the same township; Sarah D., who was born in 1857 and died in 1859, and one who died in infancy.

    David A. Kessler spent the days of his boyhood and youth with his parents, and to the public schools of the neighborhood was indebted for the educational privileges which he received. His attention has long been given to agricultural pursuits, and marked energy, promptness and enterprise characterize his business career.

    On the 4th of December, 1858, Mr. Kessler was married to Miss Lydia C. Pierce, who was born in Union township, July 13, 1839. Their marriage has been blessed with ten children: Sarah J., wife of L. E. Younce; Gaynor H. and Charles E., who are resident farmers of Union township; Ettie, wife of Adam Smallenberger; Delia, wife of Frank Fagan; David B., a farmer in Union township; Marcellus, a telegraph operator and station agent on the Chicago, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad; and George F., Gussie and Dollie M., all at home. The son, David, is a railroad agent at Kessler Station.

    On the membership roll of Stillwater Lodge, No. 165, I. O. O. F., appears the name of David A. Kessler, who is a stalwart representative of the order, and in his life exemplifies its beneficent principles. His wife is a member of the Christian church. In politics he is an unflinching advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and served as township trustee for ten years and as a member of the school board for twenty years, discharging his duties with marked promptness and fidelity, enjoying the confidence and respect of his fellow men in an unusual degree and is widely known for his sterling worth and fidelity to principle.

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