For thirty-four years Mr. Diehl has successfully conducted a wagon and blacksmith shop in Troy and his marked industry has resulted in bringing to him a comfortable competence which he justly merits. He was born in Hessen-Cassel, Germany, October 1, 1839, and attended the public schools until fourteen years of age, in accordance with the laws of his native land. Subsequently he worked for three years at the cabinetmaker's trade with his father, and at the age of seventeen be crossed the Atlantic to America, making his way to Dayton, Ohio, where he joined his eldest brother. He learned the trade of wagon making and blacksmithing in Sidney, Ohio, under the direction of Jacob Piper, who is still living there, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. In 1863, however, Mr. Diehl put aside all personal considerations and responded to the call of his adopted country for aid, and joined the boys in blue of the Eighth Ohio Battery. On the wall of his home he has framed a memorial in the shape of a record of the officers and men of his battery, together with a list of the battles in which it achieved renown for skill and valor. Among the engagements are those of Vicksburg, Nashville, Yazoo and Arkansas junction. Although always found at his post, Mr. Diehl was never wounded and returned in safety to his home, when his company was mustered out at Camp Dennison, August 9, 1865. His patriotism and love of military life caused him to organize, the Troy Battery of two guns, of which he was captain.

In 1866 Mr. Diehl took up his abode in Troy and opened a blacksmith and wagon shop, which he has conducted for thirty-four years, although he is now living partially retired. As the result of his close application to business, his excellent workmanship and his honorable dealing he secured a liberal patronage, and this brought to him a comfortable competence so that he is now the owner of the nice residence that stands in the midst of a well-kept lawn on one of the valued corners of Main street.

Mr. Diehl has been twice married. He wedded Mrs. Mary Ann Prill, of Troy, a native of Miami county, and to them were born five children: Charles, of Tippecanoe City; William and George, who are residents of Lima, Ohio; Mrs. Walter Brown, of Piqua; and Lida, who is also living in Piqua. After the death of the mother, Mr. Diehl married Mrs. Catherine Shell, a native of Covington, Ohio. Mr. Diehl is a charter member of Coleman Post, G. A. R., and takes an active and helpful interest in those affairs which relate to the welfare of his comrades in arms. He has always been noted for his loyalty as a citizen and respected for his industry and integrity in business affairs. From the little German home across the sea he made his way to the new world and entered upon his career which has been alike honorable and successful.