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


    W. E. LYTLE

    W. E. Lytle, a leading and reliable member of the Miami county bar, who has been engaged in practice at Troy for some years, was born near Lancaster, Ohio, on a farm July 1, 1871, a son of William and Margaret (Bretz) Lytle. John Lytle, grandfather of W. E., was a Perry county farmer who enlisted in the Union Army during the war between the States, and met a soldier's death. William Lytle was born in Perry county, Ohio, and during the Civil war enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. While still in camp he met with an accident that not only incapacitated him for further service but crippled him for life. He was engaged in farming throughout his career and was one of the highly respected citizens of Darke county. The Bretz family came originally from Pennsylvania and settled in Pickaway county as early as 1803. There were eleven children in the family of William and Margaret Lytle: W, E., Mary, Frank, Charles, Milton, Elmer, Rachael, Emma, Julia, Isabel and Carrie. Of these, Mary and Emma are deceased. W. E. Lytle was Educated in the public schools and the Ohio Northern University, at Ada, and began his career, like many other attorneys, as a teacher in the country schools. During ten years he instructed the youthful mind of the country districts of Darke county, spending his leisure hours in the study of law. Admitted to the State bar, he practiced in Tippecanoe City for seven and one-half years, and in 1908 was elected prosecuting attorney of Miami county on the Republican ticket. In 1911 he established himself, in practice at Troy, but when the United States entered the great World war, he was appointed first as a Red Cross worker for overseas service. being appointed a first lieutenant. While awaiting his summons for duty, he closed his office and patriotically devoted his time and energies to farming on his tract of 103 acres of land near Troy. In October, 1918, he suffered the loss of two fingers, which incapacitated him for service in the Red Cross and was discharged. Since page 187 the signing of the Armistice Mr. Lytle has resumed his activities as an attorney in Troy, Ohio, where his standing is excellent and his reputation among his fellow-practitioners is that of a member of the profession who observes its highest ethics. He s till maintains his beautiful country home, one mile north of Troy which is one of the most modernly equipped farms in this part of the State. He is fraternally affiliated with the local lodges of the Knights of Pythias and the junior Order of United American Mechanics. With his family, he belongs to the Methodist church, where he holds membership on the board of trustees. Mr. Lytle married Zella, daughter of Frank N. and Catherine Rank, of Greenville, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Lytle have had no children, but have an adopted son and daughter, Pearl and Paul Swank, twins, who came into their home when three years of age and are now nine years old, attending the public schools of Troy.

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