A. W. Diller
A. W. DILLER, P. O. Bucyrus is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Lauck) Diller, and was born March 31, 1832 near Carlisle, Penn. His father was of French descent, his great-grandfather being a native of Alsace, France, and emigrated to Lancaster Co., Penn. in 1685. Mr. Diller attended school in the winter, and assisted his father in the summer, he being a miller. At the age of 18, he commenced learning the carriage trade at Carlisle, Penn., serving four years. In 1851, in company with his father's family, he came to Bucyrus, and there he entered the dry goods store of A. Failor, remaining there about eight months. He next worked as journeyman in the carriage-shop of Jefferson Norton for six months, and then clerked for a short time in the provision store of J. J. Boeman. In 1853, he entered the United States Navy and was Carpenters Mate on board the U. S. Steamer Michigan, on the Northern Lakes. After two years naval service, he returned to Bucyrus, and was patternmaker for the Eagle Machine Company and the Bucyrus Machine Works. On the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in April 1861 in the 8th O. V. I., served four mouths and his term of enlistment having expired, re-enlisted in the 36th Regiment, Ill. Engineers as a Lieutenant. They were discharged after a year's service. He then volunteered in the 65th (Scotch) Regiment of Illinois, and was 1st Lieutenant of Co. G. and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry. He was paroled and sent to Annapolis, Md. He resigned on account of his eyesight and returned to Bucyrus. He next became Major of the 161st Regiment of Heavy Cavalry and was in command of Ft. Worth near Washington City for four months. After his discharge he returned home and soon after went into the 197th O. V. I., as Captain and was mustered out at Baltimore at the close of the war. In 1866 he engaged in the manufacture of Marble monuments with J. G. Sherwood. He next became traveling agent for the Bucyrus Machine Works and also for A. Monnett & Co., for seven years. In April 1879, he formed a partnership with Henry Stuckey and entered into the manufacture of portable engines, castings and general repairing, doing a prosperous business and employing from ten to twenty hands. Mr. Diller is a member of Bucyrus Lodge and of La Salle Lodge No. 51, I. O. O. F. He has been a Republican since the organization of the party. He was married in 1858. to Miss Mary A. Everett of Bucyrus born in Romulus N. Y. They have four children: Charles F., Kate, Hiram J. N. and Fennie C.
From History of Crawford County and Ohio, Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, Chicago, 1881