Henry Kinley

As printed in 1913

HENRY KINLEY.

Henry Kinley, a worthy native son of Wyandot county, is now serving as county commissioner. For more than four decades he has made his home on section 7, Crane township, and has won success as a farmer and stockman, owning two hundred and ninety-four acres of valuable land in Crane and Salem townships. His birth occurred in Tymochtee township, this county, on the 5th of December, 1849, his parents being Frederick and Susanna (Schoenberger) Kinley, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany, the former born in 1809 and the latter in April, 1815. Frederick Kinley was one of the pioneer settlers of Crane township, Wyandot county, here buying land in 1846, that is now in possession of George Krebbs. During the remainder of his life he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits in this county. His demise occurred on the lath of April, 1874, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 19th of September, 1906. Their children were as follows: Frederick, Mary, William, Henry, Louis C., Caroline, John H., and four who died in infancy.

Henry Kinley attended the district schools of Crane township until seventeen years of age and subsequently worked as a farm hand until 1872. In that year he took up his above on the farm which has remained his home continuously since or for more than four decades, his property now comprising two hundred and ninety-four acres of productive and valuable land in Crane and Salem townships. He raises hay, corn, oats and wheat, which he sells in the local market, and also makes a specialty of sheep, having one hundred ewes. His residence was destroyed by fire in 1885, and immediately thereafter he erected the handsome modern home which now adorns the place. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Upper Sandusky and has long been numbered among the prosperous and leading citizens of his native county.

On the 26th of March, 1871, in Crane township, Mr. Kinley was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Tilton, a daughter of Green and Maria (Smith) Tilton of that township. The father was one of the earliest settlers of this county and became an extensive property owner here. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kinley have been born twelve children, as follows: Grant W., an agriculturist of Salem township, who wedded Miss Carrie Cope and has four children, Laird H., Gladys, Mary Evelyn and Zelma; Myrtie E., the wife of Marly Gibson, a farmer of Crane township, by whom she has four children, Inez E., Hazel, Robert and Herbert; Jay J., who wedded Miss Bertha Corb and is a mail carrier of Toledo, Ohio; Edward M., a farmer of Salem township, who married Miss Maggie Hentzel and has two children, Helen and Dorothy; Ada A.; Frederick E., an agriculturist of Crane township, who married Miss Cassie Wade and has one child, Harmon; Grover C., residing at Portsmouth, Ohio, and acting as surveyor of Scioto county, who married Miss Mabel Fritz and has one child, Imogene; Miner M., a farmer residing in Crane township, who wedded Miss Maggie Gibson and has one child, Kenneth; Inda; Bessie M. and Elva, both of whom are deceased; and one who died when young.

Mr. Kinley gives his political allegiance to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to serve in several positions of public trust. He acted as trustee of Crane township for six years and has been a member of the school board for a period of nine years. In 1910 he was elected commissioner, making a creditable record in this connection. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Red Men and the Champion Grange.

While acquiring success in life he has also gained and retained the respect and honor of his fellowmen by his public service and private life, and all who know him feel honored by his friendship.

As printed in Past and present of Wyandot County, Ohio; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement; (1913). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.