John Hill was born in Stark county, Ohio, March 27, 1834, and died at his late residence, August 31st, 1905, aged 71 years, 5 months and 4 days. With his parents he moved to Wood county, Ohio, in 1840, and as pioneer boys were required to do, helped clear up the land where Custar is now located. He was united in marriage to Caroline Brown, March 26th, 1857, and went to housekeeping about three miles east of Portage, Wood county. At this home three children were born -- two boys and one girl -- the girl having preceded him to the spirit world.

In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, of the 111th Ohio Regiment of the U. S. Army, and remained in the service until the close of the civil war, when he was honorably discharged.

In 1869 he moved his family to what was known as the Dean farm in Wood county, and in 1868 [sic] to the Walker farm, and in 1870 to his own home, two miles south of Deshler. While living here, on November 1st, 1876, his wife died.

On February 13th, 1879, he was united in marriage to Lucinda Firman. To this union three children were born -- one girl and two boys. In 1890, with his family, he moved to his late residence.

He was elected to the office of township clerk of Bartlow township several times, and filled said office to the satisfaction of everybody.

In his earlier days he was quite active in church work, having connected himself with the U. B. church, but in later years did not attend so regularly. He was a charter member of the G. A. R., L. S. Holmes Post, serving as chaplain for two years and the remainder of his life as Quartermaster. He was a quiet, honorable, upright citizen, having the confidence and respect of all.

He leaves a wife, five children, eleven grandchildren, one greatgrandchild, one sister and one brother to mourn his departure.

Funeral services were held at the U. B. church of Deshler, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 2, conducted by Rev. G. W. Feltz, of West [smudged], after which his remains were taken to East Belmore cemetery for interment, at whose grave the L. S. Holmes Post rendered the beautiful and impressive ritual of the Grand Army of the Republic.