Edwin Kneisly
Edwin Kneisly, blacksmith at Fairfield, is a native of this county, born on a farm in Bath township, June 20, 1859, the eldest in a family of six children born to Daniel and Eliza (Dice) Kneisly, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania.
Daniel Kneisly was born on September 26, 1823, and came as a boy from Pennsylvania to Greene county. After leaving school he engaged in farming, which occupation he followed for some years, after which he went into the milling business at Huffersville, this county, where he continued in this business for four years. He then resumed farming, in which occupation he continued until 1911, when he moved to Hampton, but later he again removed to the farm, .where his death occurred in 1916. In the latter '50s he married Eliza Dice, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1835, who came with her parents to Greene county in an early day. Her death occurred on December 23, 1907. Both had been previously married. To their union there were born six children, those besides the subject of this sketch being Aaron S., a farmer living near Dowden, in Clark county, this state; John F., a molder living in Springfield, Ohio; Mrs. Jennie Trout, a widow living at Enon, Clark county; Mrs. Lulu B. Smith, a resident of Dayton, and Clyde, who died in infancy.
Edwin Kneisly received his education in the public schools of his home township, assisting his father with the work on the farm, and after leaving school, decided to take up the trade of a blacksmith, which occupation he has followed the greater part of his life. He lived eight years at Sulphur Grove, in Montgomery county, and also for some time in Springfield, in both of which places he carried on his business of blacksmithing. While living in Clark county, he owned and operated a farm for about four years, and moved from there to Fairfield about three years ago, since which time he has continued at his trade.
On September 14, 1882, Mr. Kneisly was married to Mary A. Shrodes, who is a native of this county, born on a farm south of Fairfield. To this union four children have been born. Floyd D., Ralph, Wayne W., still living at home with his parents, and Ethel, who died in childhood.
Mr. Kneisly and his family are members of the Reformed church and Mr. Kneisly served as elder in the local congregation for some years. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
From History of Greene County Ohio, Its People, Industries and Institutions, vol. 2. M.A.Broadstone, editor. B.F.Bowen & Co., Indianapolis. 1918