HANCOCK COUNTY OHIO *********************************************************************** File contributed for use by Ohio Biographies Project by Carolyn J. Burns January 2003 *********************************************************************** Wilson C. Stoker Centennial Biographical History, Hancock County, Ohio Page 464-465 Photos available for W. C. Stoker and Katie (Grubbs) Stoker The above named is one of the children of Jacob and Mary R. (Pence) Stoker, whose family history is fully given in the sketch of their son Darius and need not be repeated at length. As therein stated three of the brothers served in the Union army and two of them, as the lamented Lincoln said at Gettysburg, "paid the last full measure of devotion that the nation might live." Stoker Post, Grand Army of the Republic at Findlay, is named in honor of the brothers who wee killed on the field of battle at Stone River, and this is only one evidence of the high regard in which the Stoker family is and has long been held by the people of Hancock county. Since their father's arrival in 1845, there has been no time when the Stokers were not conspicuously identified with the county's farming interests and they have grown in wealth and influence, as well as numbers, from year to year during the last two generations. Wilson C. Stoker, youngest of the children by his father's second marriage, was born in Hancock county, October 18, 1845, and as he grew up he received a common school education while learning farm work between terms. When he reached manhood he became a farmer on his own account and has achieved unusual success in this occupation. He is practical in his methods, progressive in business and thorough-going in everything relating to agricultural pursuits. As a result he at present owns two valuable farms in the county, consisting of three hundred and twelve acres, and on his land are found twenty-three producing oil wells. He ranks among the leading farmers of the county and is a representative citizen in every sense of that term. Mr. Stoker was fortunate in the selection of a wife, to whose wise counsel and good management he owes much of his success. His marriage occurred December 30, 1869, the bride being Miss Katie, daughter of Jacob and Mary Grubbs, who was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 1846. This union, which proved happy and congenial in every way, resulted in the birth of three children: Laura M., David D., and Elmer O. David D. Stoker, the only one of the children now living, was born February 14, 1874, and was given a good education by his parents and teachers as he grew to manhood. April 25, 1901, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella M., daughter of Nelson and Hannah Altman, who are residents of Hancock county and the former one of the leading farmers of Marion township. Mr. Wilson C. Stoker's political affiliations are with the Republican party and he and wife are members of the United Brethren church. The family are among the best people of the county socially and no man enjoys higher reputation in the business world than Wilson C. Stoker.