Redfield-Kitter

One of the early families of Henry County were the Redfields, who were of English origin and lived in New York State for a number of generations. Albert R. Redfield was born in Jefferson County, New York, February 11, 1822. When he was about 8 years old, in 1830, the family left New York and settled in Wyandot County, Ohio. There amidst the woods and swamps his father built a log cabin and cleared a tract of land for planting. They put out an orchard and after living in that location about twelve years, came to Henry County in 1845, settling in Liberty Township, Section 32. Again it was necessary to build a log cabin and clear a tract of land.

On December 18, 1851, Albert R. Redfield married Harriet Hudson. She was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, July 15, 1835. When she was 15 years of age, she came to Henry County to live with a sister, where she made the acquaintance of her future husband. After their marriage Albert and his father secured from the government eighty acres of land in Section 32 and 5, building a log cabin on Section 32; there they started primitive pioneer housekeeping. The log house gave way in time to a frame building, and other farm buildings were erected. The land was cleared and put into cultivation, and they were able to live in comfortable circumstances.

Mr. Redfield did his part in local affairs, serving as a school officer and was active in the Christian Union Church for many years.

The children born to Albert and Harriet were a son Daniel who died in young manhood and a daughter Alfaretta as an infant. Their other children were George, Laura, Polly, and Evalena. Albert R. Redfield passed away March 11, 1881, at the age of 59 years. Harriet died June 19,1922. Their son George, who was a farmer in New Mexico married Carrie Slentz of Henry County and had a daughter Ruby. Laura married Lloyd Sayers, a farmer of Fulton County and their children were Martin, Coral, Hattie, Erwin, and Polly. Evalena married Lewis Linthicum, a farmer in Liberty Township and their two children were Albert and Mary.

Polly Redfield attended the district school, also one year of public school in Napoleon, Ohio, and taught seven years until her marriage to John Kitter of Freedom Township. He operated the old homestead for Mrs. Redfield.

The three children born to John and Polly Kitter were John Clarence, Vera L. and Lawrence D. John Clarence, now deceased, married Jennie Reiter; they had one daughter, Lucille. Vera married Glenn H. Frysinger; to this union was born Dorothy, Doyle, Weldon, Burdette, Wylodene, Delmar, and Jeanette. Glenn Frysinger died February 2, 1962. Doyle was killed in World War II. Lawrence D. Kitter married Alta Steward; their children were Norita and Marianne. Alta Kitter passed away June 7, 1974.

Submitted by the immediate family of the late John and Polly Redfield Kitter