In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908)
SAMUEL S. ZERKLE, who owns almost one hundred and one acres of fine farming land in German Township, was born on a farm lying on the line between Clark and Champaign Counties, Ohio, October 29, 1835, and is a son of Jonathan and Regina (Zerkle) Zerkle.
Jonathan Zerkle, who was a son of Jacob Zerkle, married a daughter of Abraham Zerkle, who was a brother of Jacob Zerkle. Jonathan Zerkle was born and reared in Virginia. His wife was born in what is now West Virginia and she was brought to Clark County, Ohio, in girlhood. Jacob Zerkle owned a part of the farm now occupied by Samuel S. Zerkle, and Abraham Zerkle owned a farm that lay in both Clark and Champaign Counties, his residence standing on the county line. Jonathan and Regina Zerkle had eight children, all of whom grew to maturity and married, but there are now only three survivors: Samuel S.; Michael, residing in Indiana; and Mary, who is the widow of John Tshan. The father of the family died in Clark County, Ohio, but the mother died in Illinois.
Samuel S. Zerkle had the advantage of living in two counties during his boyhood and attended the schools situated nearest to his home. Farming has been his main occupation in life, but not the exclusive one, as he ran a sawmill for eight years at Terre Haute, in Champaign County. Prior to coming to his present place he resided on a farm on the Valley turnpike, south of Treraont. On March 16, 1892, he took possession of his present farm, which, to be exact, contains one hundred and seven-tenths acres of land and is situated about nine miles northwest of Springfield and two miles northwest of Tremont, on the road that runs from Lawrenceville to Terre Haute. He carries on general farming, grows fruit and raises a considerable amount of good stock.
Mr. Zerkle married Catherine Michael, who died in 1890, leaving one son, Walter. The latter married Clara Belle Swartzbaugh, who is a daughter of Philip Swartzbaugh, and they have two children: Ernest and Mertie. Walter Zerkle assists his father on the farm. Both are highly respected citizens and are widely known through both Clark and Champaign Counties.
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.
The printed record stops around 1908. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.