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.
Born 1863
From Centennial history of Summit County, Ohio and representative citizens (1908)
WILLIAM D. BAUER, a prosperous agriculturist of Norton Township, who owns and operates a tract of 151 acres of fine farming land, situated on the Akron-Wadsworth road, about five miles west of Akron, was born in this township, June 14, 1863, and is a son of Joseph D. and Sarah (Surf ass) Bauer.
Daniel Bauer, the grandfather of William D., was one of the first settlers of Norton Township, whence he came from Northampton County, Pennsylvania, in 1843, and, locating about one mile northwest of Loyal Oak, purchased land and eventually became the owner of several hundred acres. His son, Joseph D. Bauer, was but eleven years of age when he came here with the family. In about 1869 he located with his family on the farm now owned by Ed Laubaugh, and in the spring of 1888 settled at Loyal Oak, where Joseph b. Bauer died July 16. 1903. In March, 1894, Mr. Bauer purchased the present farm of his son AVilliam D., which the latter has been operating since 1895. Joseph D. Bauer was married to Sarah Surfass, who was born in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Andrew Surfass, who came to Noi'ton Township a few years after the arrival of Daniel Bauer. Four children were born to Joseph B. and Sarah Bauer, namely: AVilliam D.; Fietta E., who is the wife of Ed Laubaugh; and two who died in childhood.
William D. Bauer was educated in the schools of his home vicinity, and was reared on the farm now owned by Ed Laubaugh, whence his parents had removed when he was about six years old. In 1895 he located on his present property, where he has earned on general farming with much success to the present time.
In 1887 Mr Bauer was married to Phcebe Stimson, who is a daughter of Robert Stimson, of Copley Town.ship, and they have eight children: Warren F., Celia L., Blanche May, Joseph R., Grace F., Nellie B., Elva P. and Floyd O. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are members of the Lutheran Church of Loyal Oak.
As printed in Centennial history of Summit 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.