Miami Union

April 21, 1910 

LOY, JOHN W. - John W. Loy was born January 1, 1821 in Butler county, Ohio.  At an early age his parents removed to Preble county and thence to Jay county, Indiana, where he remained with them until twenty-four years of age when he came to Miami county, where he resided until his death on April 14th at his home in Springcreek township.  He was married to Cynthia A. Buckles on February 14, 1849, who survives him.  To this union were born nine children, six sons and three daughters, seven of whom survive and unite not only in mourning the loss of an honored and revered father but in consoling the declining years of their equally beloved mother who by the hand of death is now separated from her loving companion of more than sixty one years.  Fifty-seven of these years were spent on the farm two miles southeast of Piqua which was purchased in 1853.  This picturesque home has been the scene of many happy gatherings of friends and neighbors and the members of the unusually large and congenial family circle.  For many years it has been the custom of the family to hold the annual reunion on January 1--the father's birthday--and these occasions have always been ones of genuine pleasure, nothing being permitted to mar the happiness of those present except the ever-increasing fear during the last few years that the father, in whose honor these reunions were held and who so greatly enjoyed this annual home coming of his children and their families, might not be spared for the next one.  Mr. Loy united with the Union Baptist in 1873 and retained his membership in that church until a few years ago when it was transferred by letter to the First Baptist church in Piqua where it remained to the time of his death.  He always took an active interest in the affairs of his church and although by reason of impaired hearing and failing health he has been denied the pleasure of church attendance for more than ten years yet his interest in its welfare has never lagged.  In politics he affiliated with the republican party and for many years was a familiar figure at county conventions and other political gatherings.  Even up to the days of his last illness he was keenly alive to the political, as well as commercial affairs of his county, state and nation.  His first vote for president of the United State was cast for William Henry Harrison.  At the time of his death he was the oldest member of Warren Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M., Piqua, Ohio.  Early in life he apprenticed himself to the carpenter trade and followed this occupation for many years, until compelled through failing strength to give it up.  A large number of buildings erected by him throughout the county still remain as monuments to his handiwork.  The funeral services, held at his late home on Saturday afternoon, April 16, 1910, were conducted by his pastor, Rev. F. B. Noel, assisted by Rev. John Montgomery, D. D., of Piqua.  This is recorded the passing of another pioneer resident of Miami county, a man of sterling qualities and worth, and one not only dearly beloved by his own family and friends, but highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances.

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