Cecil Rayle Family

Cecil Rayle's great-greatgrandfather was William Rayle. He bought land that now belongs to Mrs. Joe Jackman 11/2 mile south of Hamler to the Zion Church of God, turn left about 1/4 mile (east) and it lies just before you cross the railroad. This was thought to have been bought from the government for $1.25 an acre. He paid for it by trapping and hunting and selling the skins. Then Cecil's great- grandfather Jackson Rayle bought the farm across the railroad where Billy Bishop now lives and built the house that is there now. Some of the rocks that are still in part of the foundation was hauled by team and wagon from the Blanchard River, south of there.

Cecil and Ethel were very kind hearted people. Cecil's Aunt, Mary Porter, known by all as Auntie Mame, always worked out for people. Then when the Rayle's twins Floyd and Cloid was born, Auntie Mame came to the Rayles to help out with the housework, twins and chores, she just stayed on to help. Then in a few years Auntie Mame's twin brother Charles Porter (who had lived with an older sister who passed away) and Uncle Charlie couldn't stay alone because he was crippled. So again the Rayles asked Uncle Charlie to come home with us. So he did. All the children learned to respect Aunt Mame and Uncle Charlie. Uncle Charlie just loved children. They lived with Cecil and Ethel until they passed away.

Cecil Rayle was well known around the Deshler and Hamler, Ohio area. He was better known as "Cec". He always had a cigar in his mouth, and it didn't matter whether it was lit or not. He was in the hay and straw business from 1917 to 1923. He was also manager of the Hamler Baseball team around 1918-1919. He farmed near Deshler from 1923-1939. He retired from farming to truck driving. He hauled horses to Bucyrus, Ohio to the auction for different people. He also hauled cattle and other stock. He was chief of Police in Deshler, Ohio 1953 to 1960.

Cecil was also active in organizing the horse pulling association in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. He had champion pulling teams and at the time of his death, he had enough trophiess for each of his grandchildren.

Then on November 26, 1927, Norma Louise was killed by a train 2 miles west of Deshler, Ohio. She was 6 years old and in the 1st grade of school. A Korak boy was killed at the same time. John Korak, a brother lives in McClure. This was a great tragedy in the community. I, Edna (Blue) Grant, was one of the 10 or 12 flower girls.

Walter Lutz, who lived with an Uncle of Cecil's, Ike Porter, went to the service. While he was gone, Ike Porter died, and in the time between his death and when Walter came home they had taken his Aunt Annette to Detroit, Michigan to live with a daughter. So again Cecil couldn't see Walter living alone on the farm so he wanted him to come live with them and he did. Walter farmed their 40 acres. Helen Rayle the oldest daughter was working away from home at the time, but eventually Walter and Helen were married and now reside in Deshler.

Submitted by Mrs. Helen (Walter) Lutz and Mrs. Edna (Blue) Grant