James A. Dresbach

As printed in 1906

AMES A. DRESBACH, a representative agriculturist of Pickaway Coun- ! ty, who has been identified with the: interests of Pickaway township ail his '. life, was born on his present farm of ! 182 acres, on December S. *839. and is a son of William and Margaret (Earnhart) Dres- > bach.

The founder of the Dresbach family in Pickaway County was George Dresbach, the paternal grandfather of our subject, who brought his family with him from Pennsylvania, and at an early day settled on the farm that is now owned and occupied by Scott Dresbach, our subject's brother. At that time the little pioneer home was built in the forest, all the present fruitful land, which is now so highly productive and so thoroughly cultivated, was heavily timbered. Here George Dresbach died, leaving a number of descendants.

Both William Dresbach and wife were born in Pickaway township and the former died on the old farm on which our subject resides. He was a man of prominence here in 1 his day and served as township trustee and in other offices. He was a Republican. His surviving children are: James A., of this sketch;; Mary, widow of Albert Coombs, now a resident of Mount Pulaski. Illinois; George E., of Pickaway township; Harriet, wife of Elias Julian, residing near Remington, Indiana; Milton, of Salt Creek township; Catherine, wife of Nelson Reichelderfer, of Salt Creek township; Amanda, wife of A. Iv. Shride. of Franklin County, Ohio; and Scott, of Salt Creek township.

James A. Dresbach grew to maturity in his native township and in boyhood attended the subscription schools which afforded the only educational advantages the children of his youth and locality enjoyed. His life has always been one devoted to agriculture, and in following this with persevering industry during his active years he has provided for a comfortable evening of life. His farm is one of value and would command a high price in the market.

Mr. Dresbach was married February 28, 1867, to Mary E. Alexander, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, not far from Tarlton, September 24, 1844. She is a daughter of John and Margaret (Martz) Alexander. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania. They came at an early date to Ohio and located for a short time in Fairfield County and then settled in Pickaway County, near Tarlton, where Mrs. Dresbach was reared. Her father was one of the pioneer school teachers in the vicinity of Tarlton. He served at one time as deputy sheriff of Pickaway County. He died at Circleville, Ohio, in 1891, having been a resident of the city for many years. The mother of Mrs. Dresbach died in 1852. Mr. Alexander married a second time and he is survived by these children: Nancy D., widow of William A. Empie, residing at Circleville; Margaret L., wife of George Moore, of Circleville; Mary E., wife of our subject; Charles, of Columbus; and Emma, wife of Charles Epps, of St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Alexander was a soldier during the Civil War.

Mr. and Mrs. Dresbach have had four children, the three survivors being: William R., James A., Jr., and John S., all residents of Pickaway township.

Politically a Republican, Mr. Dresbach has frequently been chosen for office and has served as township trustee and in other offices. Mrs. Dresbach is a member of the German Reformed Church.

As printed in History of Pickaway County, Ohio and representative citizens (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.