LEVI SWITZER, a prominent retired farmer residing in his comfortable home at No. 213 South May Street, Troy, Ohio, for many years was one of Miami County's leading agriculturalist. He was born in October, 1837, in York County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of William and Elizabeth Switzer.

The parents of Mr. Switzer came to Ohio about 1852, settling at what is now Dialton, in Clark County, but not finding conditions to suit them there, soon came into Miami County, where the balance of their lives were spent. Of their family of children there are four survivors, namely: Levi; Jacob, who resides at Covington; Mary, who is the wife of Samuel Diven, and lives near the old home at Pleasant Hill; and Catherine, who is the widow of John Varner, and lives with her son George at Covington.

Levi Switzer obtained his education in his native state and after accompanying his parents to Ohio, continued to follow agricultural pursuits almost continuously, until he retired to Troy. He served during a period of 100 days in the Civil War, a member of Company A, 147th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and while receiving no permanent injury during this time, he experienced enough hardship to understand what a soldier's life means. His service was faithfully performed, he being stationed near Arlington Heights.

On January 29, 1869, Mr. Switzer was married in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, to Miss Sallie E. Zeigler, who was born there in 1840. She is a daughter of the late Jesse and Mary Ann (Peffer) Zeigler. Her father died in 1881 and her mother in 1895. Of their eight children six survive, namely: Sophia E., who resides in New Jersey; Mrs. Switzer; John H., Jesse P. and William A., all three of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and Mrs. P. C. Ratcliff, of Troy. To Mr. and Mrs. Switzer were born two sons , Jesse and Edward, the former of whom is one of the officials of the Cash Register Company of Dayton, the latter being a substantial farmer in Miami County.

For many years Mr. Switzer was active in all that concerned the public affairs of his township, serving in local offices and lending his influence to all that advanced the Community's best interests. He is one of the older members of the Lutheran Church at Troy, in which he has long served as an elder. For over fifty years he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity and is known well in that organization all through this section. Mr. Switzer has witnessed many changes since he came to Miami County and has done his full share in making these of practical importance.