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Source:
A Centennial Biographical History
of
Richland and Ashland County, Ohio
- ILLUSTRATED -
A. J. Baughman, Editor
Chicago
The Lewis Publishing Co.
1901
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)
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JOHN ILER.
Such a record as is made by the able man of affairs, the
faithful and efficient public official and the patriotic
volunteer soldier is that of the popular citizen of
Jackson township, Richland county, Ohio, whose name is
the title of this sketch. A native of this
township, he was born Feb. 26, 1842, on the farm now
known as the Manuel Wise place, a son of
Andrew Iler, who was born in Pennsylvania,
married Susan Yeiger, and settled early in
Ohio. Andrew and Susan (Yeiger)
Iler had four children: Elizabeth, who is
now the widow of John Wetz and lives in
Jackson township; Sarah, who is the wife of
Abraham Straub, of Shelby; Annie, who
is the wife of Charles Newcomb, of Vernon
Junction, Ohio; and the immediate subject of this
sketch. Mr. Iler died in 1842, and
Mrs. Iler some years later married John
Welsh. John Iler remained
with his mother and stepfather until 1848, when, at the
age of six years, he was adopted by John F. Rice,
with whose family he had a home until he attained his
majority.
At the age of twenty-one Mr. Iler began
business life for himself on a rented farm. He was
a renter for twelve years all told, but proved that he
was not of the stuff of which life-long renters are
made. He used his opportunities to the best
advantage, saved his money and at the end of the period
mentioned was able to purchase his present farm.
He now owns seventy-seven acres of improved, productive
and valuable land and is widely known as a successful
general farmer.
In 1862 Mr. Iler enlisted as a private in
Company C, Twentieth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, and was in active service about a year,
participating in the fighting at Mission Ridge and in
the siege of Vicksburg. He received honorable
discharge from the service, having in all ways won the
commendation of his superiors as a brave and faithful
soldier. In 1864 he married Mary Sheets,
who has proved a good helpmeet to him and who has borne
him seven children, named as follows in the order of
birth: Charles E., William, Robert, Ida, Elizabeth,
Orpha and Annie,—the last mentioned of whom
is dead.
In political affiliations Mr. Iler is a
Democrat, and he is an active and enthusiastic worker
for the advancement of the principles of his party.
It will be seen that he is not without a good personal
political influence when it is considered that he has
been twice elected to the important office of
commissioner of Richland county, serving from 1885 to
1892, during a period of six years, to the entire
satisfaction of the voters whose interests he had in
charge. He is a member of the Lutheran church and
has served as one of its deacons. His public
spirit has been many times put to the test and has
always been equal to all reasonable demands upon it.
Ever practically interested in public education, he has
done everything in his power, as school director and
otherwise, to elevate the standard of the schools of his
township.
Source: A
Centennial Biographical History of Richland and Ashland
County, Ohio - Publ. 1901 - Page 511 |
NOTES:
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