James Alton Kessler was born Feb. 20, 1897, to Florence Skates Kessler and Benjamin Kessler in Washington Township, Henry County.

He was united In marriage to Sadie Whitmire on Jan. 11, 1910. They celebrated their golden wedding this year.

To this union were born ten children, three of whom preceded him in death. One son, Marion, was killed in service in France.

His entire life was spent in Washington and Liberty townships. He served as township trustee for 10 years. He farmed until 1955 and continued on with carpenter work until he retired about a year ago.

He leaves to mourn, his wife, Sadie; sons, Lawrence, Liberty Center; Melvin, Colton; Harold, Liberty Center; daughters, Mrs. Mildred Amos, Walbrldge; Mrs. Bernice Moore, Colton; Mrs. Grace Seymour, Milan, Ill.; Mrs. Pauline Lambert, Delta; 28 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, Homer and George, Napoleon; Royal and Wilbur, Liberty Center; sisters, Florence Ridenour, Delta, and many other relatives and a host of friends.