L. F. Diffendal

As printed in 1908

L. F. DIFFENDAL,* a prominent citizen of South Charleston, Clark County, Ohio, has for many years been extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock. He is a successful business man and a substantial citizen, and has a wide circle of acquaintances and friends throughout this section of the county. He is a native of Frederick County, Maryland, the date of his birth being January 11, 1860. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Eyler) Diffendal, and on both sides of the house comes of old Maryland families.

Samuel Diffendal was born and reared in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where his father had for many years been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In early life he moved to Maryland, and was there joined in mai-riage with Elizabeth Eyler, whose father was a farmer in Frederick County. They later lived in Washington County, Maryland, and in the spring of 1877 Samuel moved west with his family, locating near South Charleston, in Clark County, Ohio. Here he continued to farm until his death. He and his wife were parents of nine children, sis of whom are now living, and of these our subject is the youngest.

L. F. Diffendal was but one and a half years old when his mother died. He was reared and educated in Washington County, Maryland, and in 1877 came to Clark County with his father. He also took to agriculture and upon leaving the home place was for ten years engaged in farming for himself. He has always been an expert judge of stock and stock values, following his inclinations along that line even in his younger days. Since locating in South Charleston, he has operated on an extensive scale and success has crowned his efforts. For fifteen years prior to his marriage he made his home at the Ackley House in South Charleston.

Mr. Diffendal was united in marriage October 30, 1907, with Miss Anna Myrtle Walker, a daughter of R. P. Walker, a respected citizen of South Charleston. Politically, he is a stalwart Democrat, and although his party is very much in the minority, he was elected mayor of the village by a large majority, and this in spite of the fact that he made no effort to win votes. He was the first man of his party to hold that office, and although strongly urged to make the race a second time, he declined for business reasons. He also ran for county commissioner, receiving a large vote that evidenced the esteem in which he is held, but the odds against him were too great to be overcome. Fraternally, he is an Odd Fellow, serving as district deputy one year; a member of Blue Lodge, F.'& A. M., at South Charleston; Adorian Chapter at London, and the Knights Templar Commandery at Springfield. Religiously he belongs is the Methodist Church.

As printed in 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.