John D. Platter
John D. Platter was born on Brush Creek in Adams County just below Jacksonville, near Fristoe's, April 7, 1846. His father was John Platter, and his mother, Mary Davis, a daughter of John Davis. When he was six years of age. his father moved one and one-fourth miles east of Peebles, where our subject resided until he was twenty-five years of age. He obtained a common school education, and in 1871 he engaged in the mercantile business at Locust Grove. He resided there in the same business until 1881, and then he moved to the location of the town of Peebles. He built the first business house in Peebles, being the warehouse now occupied by J. F. Wickerhani. After locating in Peebles, he engaged in the grain business for four years, and then took up the hardware business, which he has followed ever since. For several years he was in this business with his brother-in-law, James C. Copeland, but now Mr. Platter has the business alone. He has one of the largest business houses in Peebles and does very extensive business in hardware, farm machinery, wagons, etc. He enlisted in Company I, 141st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, May 2, 1864, and was discharged September 3, 1864. He is a Republican, and as such was a candidate for Auditor on that ticket in 1874, but was defeated. He was a member of the School Board of Franklin Township for several years. He has served as a member of the Peebles Council for three years, and of the village School Board for four terms. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Peebles, and has been an elder in it since its organization.
He was married to Mary Copeland, daughter of Chambers Copeland, in 1867. Her father emigrated from Ireland, and was among the first settlers in Adams County. His widow, Salome Tener Copeland, is still living. Our subject has five children, two sons and three daughters; Raymond, Winifred, Anna, Susan, and Blanche, all living.
Mr. Platter is a man of the highest character, a Christian gentleman, honorable in all the affairs of life, and successful in his business.
From History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900