Defiance County Archives — Ohio Genealogy

Biography of George M. Benner

A Standard History of Williams County Ohio, Vol 2, Title Page

George M. Benner was a self-made success story from Williams County, admired for his determination and ethical conduct in business. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Jacob and Irish-native Mary Benner in 1874, George moved to Ohio at a young age after his father’s death. He started his independent life as a farm laborer at 18 and eventually owned a thriving 60-acre farm where he focused on general farming and stock raising. On October 8, 1902, George married Mabel Thompson, and both were active in their Methodist Episcopal Church. Though politically active as a Republican, he did not seek office. George’s reputable character and business acumen earned him widespread respect in his community.

Biography of Daniel P. Koch

Elder Daniel P. Koch, born on August 23, 1858, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, was the son of Moses and Sarah Koch from Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. His father had settled in Williams County after several relocations. Daniel grew up there, received a common school education, and worked on the family farm until adulthood. After marrying Cora Keiser in 1878, he rented and later bought land, ultimately settling on a 190-acre farm. Daniel and Cora had two children, Pearl and Homer Dale. As the head of the local Church of the Brethren, Elder Koch was respected for his character and positive community influence.

Men and women in the armed forces from Defiance County

One of the county-wide “yearbooks” published after the end of World War II was titled “Men and Women in the Armed Forces from Defiance County.” These books contain a roster of the known participants from the county who served in the war, along with brief biographical sketches and photographs of the soldiers, when available. However, as the authors of these publications acknowledge, not everyone was always included in these records. Free to search, read, and/or download.

Biography of M. M. Cameron of Jefferson Township Ohio

M. M. Cameron. — Among the earnest and enterprising men whose depth of character has gained him a prominent place in the community and the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, is M. M. Cameron, farmer and stock raiser of Jefferson Township. A man of decided views and laudable ambition, his influence has ever made for the advancement of his community and in the vocation to which his energies have been devoted through a long lapse of successful years he ranks among the successful farmers of the community. M. M. Cameron, who operates a well cultivated and productive farm … Read more

Biography of Walter S. Tomlinson of Williams Center, Ohio

Walter S. Tomlinson, breeder of Holstein Friesians and a farmer upon an extensive scale, owns one of the best stock farms in Defiance County, which is located three-fourths of a mile southeast of Williams Center, Defiance County, Ohio. He was born at Bryan, Ohio, on June 16, 1843, a son of Giles Hawkins Tomlinson. Mr. Tomlinson was married to Emily Lane of Williams County, Ohio, and they had two children. The first Mrs. Tomlinson died on December 10, 1905. In 1908 Mr. Tomlinson was married to Loretta Coy, widow of Albert Coy, who was born in Melford Township, Defiance County, Ohio, on January 24, 1853.

Biography of William M. Kurtz of St. Joseph Township, Ohio

Mr. Kurtz, whose home is a mile and three-quarters southeast of Edgerton, was born in Milford Township, Defiance County, Ohio, March 24, 1871. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Kurtz, were natives of Germany and were married in that country. January 23, 1898, he married Martha M. Fisher, who was born in Center Township of Williams County, February 3, 1878, daughter of Michael and Mary (Laufer) Fisher. They have two children.