John J. Kayler

As printed in 1900

JOHN JACOB KAYLER.

Labor forms the foundation of all prosperity, and it is to his enterprising and well directed efforts that our subject owes his position as a leading and representative farmer of Washington township, Preble county. He was born November 17, 1849, on the farm which is still his home and which has been in possession of the family for eighty-five years. His father, William Kayler, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1808, a son of John and Catherine (Haynes) Kayler. They, too, were natives of Rockingham county, the former born in 1776 and the latter in 1782. With their family they emigrated westward, taking up their above in Ohio in 1814. John Kayler served in the war of 1812. There was quite a romantic chapter in his life record, occasioned by his elopement. The lady whom he loved was the daughter of wealthy parents, her father owning a large plantation and many slaves. On account of the poverty of Mr. Kayler the parents opposed him, and in consequence an elopement was the result. After their marriage they remained in Virginia for ten years, and then on account of the unfriendly spirit of her parents they decided to come west. Arriving in Ohio they cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Preble county and here spent their remaining days, the grandfather of our subject passing away in 1856, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1862.

William Kayler was only six years of age when he accompanied his parents to the Buckeye state. He experienced the usual hardships and trials which fall to the lot of pioneer settlers and was reared to the work of the farm, following the plow almost as soon as old enough to reach the handles. In 1837 he wedded Rebecca Delawater, who came to Ohio from Maryland in 1822. His death occurred in 1876 and his wife, surviving for some years, passed away in 1890. In his business affairs he was quite successful and was accounted one of the leading landowners of this locality, having seven hundred and forty acres of land in addition to considerable money. He was an active and influential member of the Lutheran church, in which he long held office, and to the support of the church he contributed very liberally. In politics he was a zealous Democrat. In his family were eleven children, eight of whom are yet living, namely: Josiah, a resident of Union City, Indiana; Mary Jane, wife of Samuel Kesler, of Monroe township,

Preble county; Malinda, wife of F. C. Harshman, of Eaton; John J., of this review; Eliza, wife of J. B. Everding, of Twin township; Sarah, wife of Henry Elder; Laura, wife of F. J. Dalrymple, and Olive E., wife of George Elder, of West Alexandria.

Mr. Kayler, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the country schools and spent his boyhood upon the old family homestead. In 1875 he purchased a farm in the same locality, and when his father died he bought the interests of the other heirs in the home property which he has since owned and operated. He has here three hundred and eighty-eight acres of valuable land and is successfully carrying on general farming. He also raises hogs on an extensive scale, and that branch of his business brings to him a good income. All his trade transactions are carried on with the strictest regard for the ethics of commercial life, and in business circles his reputation for honesty is above question.

Mr. Kayler belongs to Bolivar Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Eaton, and has filled all of the offices in the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He is also a Forester, is trustee of that lodge and has been a representative to the grand lodge. A Democrat in his political affiliations, he was a candidate for sheriff in 1892, but was defeated. He has served on the school board, and for fourteen years was a member of the agricultural board, serving for three years as its vice-president.

On the 28th of October, 1875, occurred the marriage of Mr. Kayler and Miss Sarah Dalrymple, a daughter of John Dalrymple, of Preble county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kayler have been born six children, five of whom are yet living, namely: Benjamin, who since early life has served as a Sundayschool teacher and is now superintendent of the Sunday-school; Estie, Charles and Bertha, all intelligent and interesting children. The parents are very active and zealous members of the Christian church of Eaton and take a leading part in its work, doing all in their power to promote its growth and success. Mr. Kayler contributes liberally to its support and withhold his co-operation from no* public movement or measure which he believes will prove of benefit to the community.

As printed in A Biographical history of Preble County, Ohio : compendium of national biography (1900). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.