Levi B. Kunkle. — Among the native born citizens of Williams County who have spent their lives within its precincts, and have aided in every possible way its growth and development, is Levi B. Kunkle, whose birth occurred, April 26, 1858, on the farm where he now lives, it being located one mile south and one-fourth of a mile west of West Unity, in Brady Township, where his father, John H. Kunkle, located in pioneer days. He comes of distinguished patriotic stock, his grandfather, Henry H. Kunkle, having fought bravely in the War of 1812, while his great-grandfather, Jacob Kunkle, served for seven years in the Revolutionary war.
Born January 26, 1818, in Perry County, Pennsylvania, John H. Kunkle remained there until 1835, when he made his way to Shelby, Ohio, where he learned the trade of a tailor. Removing from there to Mansfield, Ohio, he followed the trade of a carpenter for a while. Deciding to change his occupation, he came to Williams County in 1841, and invested what money he had, all of which, with the exception of 50 cents that constituted his entire wealth when he arrived in Ohio, he had accumulated in Richland County, in land. He bought eighty acres in Brady Township, and as a general farmer met with good success. As his means increased, he added other land by purchase, at the time of his death having title to 215 acres of good land. He was active in public affairs, and served one or more terms as township trustee. He married, in 1848, Lavina Bargahiser, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, where her parents, Levi and Susan Bargahiser, were pioneer settlers, and into their household five children were born, as follows: George, Susan, Lavina, Hattie, and Levi B. Both parents were active and faithful members of the Presbyterian Church.
The youngest child of the parental household, Levi B Kunkle grew to manhood on the farm where he now lives, and as a boy and youth attended the district schools of Brady Township, in the meantime becommg familiar with the various branches of agriculture. Succeeding to the ownership of a portion of the home farm, he is successfully following his chosen vocation, having, in sections 17 and 18 173 acres of fertile land, which he cultivates with desired results the soil being rich and fertile.
On July 23, 1884, Mr. Kunkle was united in marriage with Elizabeth Neaster, who was born and reared on a farm in Brady Township and they are the parents of two children, namely: Blanche born’ March 8. 1885; and Golda, born March 20, 1893. Blanche, who was educated in the West Unity High School, married George Stevens a farmer living just across the road from Air. Kunkle, and they have one daughter, Elizabeth Stevens, born December 13, 1912 Golda the younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kunkle. a high school graduate, married Frank Hoover, of West Unity, and they have one daughter, Mary A., born September 18, 1916. Mr. Kunkle is a faithful Republican in politics, and has served as township trustee for seven years. Both he and his wife are esteemed and valued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: Bowersox, Charles A. ed. A standard history of Williams County, Ohio: an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development , 2 vols. Publisher Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1920.