John A. Ryel - was an early settler of this township, coming in 1855; it was twelve years before he had a neighbor within two miles of him; he helped build the first road in his neighborhood, and by his influence has several other built. He was born in Lewis county, New York, November 24, 1819, and married in Portage county, Ohio, July 20, 1845, to Catherine M. Yonker, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 2, 28, 1829. They are the parents of twelve children as follows: Chester E., born November 17, 1846, died May 20, 1848; Charles F., January 31, 1849; Sarah A., May 18, 1851, died December 10, 1862; Jerome V., April 11, 1853, died December 14, 1862; Rosetta J., August 26, 1854, died September 19, 1855; Mary H., May 5, 1857, died December 31, 1862; William F., February 28, 1860, died September 14, 1862; Julia A., April 4, 1862, still born; Maria E., May 18, 1863, died February 24, 1864; Walton M., July 11, 1864; Warmer D., April 16, 1866; Willie W. April 6, 1869. John B. and Clady (Waite) Ryel, are Mr. Ryel’s parents; they died in Lorain county in 1873 and 1872 respectively. His wife’s parents were Aaron D. and Maria (Lutz) Yonker; the former died February 6, 1870, aged seventy-six; the latter October 29, 1859, aged sixty-three. Mr. Ryel has been Supervisor, School Director and Special Road Agent in Harrison township. His father was in the war of 1812, and his paternal grandfather served as an aide to General Washington in the Revolutionary war; he received a wound. Business, farming. Address, Anatwerp, Paulding county, Ohio.