John G. Oxer
1838 - 1904

John G. Oxer was widely and favorably known in Preble County, Ohio. His elementary education was acquired in the common schools and supplemented by study at Miami University at Oxford, Ohio where he pursued his education at the time of the beginning of the Civil War. One hundred and twenty seven students in that institution put aside their text books and enlisted forming Company C of the 20th Ohio Infantry. However, Mr. Oxer's services were not accepted and, since the college was closed, he returned to his home. On June 5, 1862, he married Lucinda Paddock, and after his marriage resided on a farm of 160 acres in Dixon Township until 1864 when he again attempted to enlist. This time, he became a member of Company H, 156th Ohio Infantry. The regiment was mustered in for 100 days service at Camp Dennison and proceeded to Kelton barracks at Cincinnati, Ohio where Mr. Oxer was detailed for service in the commissary department where he served until the time of his discharge.

After he was mustered out, he returned home, and in 1865 traded his land in Dixon Township for a farm in Jackson Township where he resided until 1871 when he purchased another farm of 76 acres. This farm was his home until 1884 during which time he extended its boundaries by additional purchases until it encompassed 450 acres. When his son, Orange, returned from school in 1883, they began a butchering business on the farm which continued for a year. They moved the business to Richmond, Indiana and continued business for another 4 years. Mr. Oxer then sold out and returned to his Ohio farm.

In 1892, in partnership with J.S. Middaugh, he organized the Whitewater Valley Canning Company and built the plant at New Paris, Ohio. It was a substantial success. In 1899, Mr. Middaugh sold his interest to Mr. Oxer, who soon afterward brought his son-in-law, John P. Deardorff, into the business as a partner.

Mr. Oxer was a stalwart Republican and served as township clerk. He was clerk of the elections for 17 years. He was a member of the Colonel Marker Post #656, the Grand Army of the Republic of New Paris, Ohio, and of the Christian Church. For 3 years he was a member of the school board.

His career was one of public activity in business, of faithfulness in private life and of fidelity as a citizen. Over his record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and his life was well worthy of emulation. History of Preble County, Ohio

John G. Oxer and Lucinda Paddock Oxer were the parents of;

1. Orange Eddy Oxer
2. Rosa Lee Oxer
3. Elmira P. Oxer who married John P. Deardorff

Researched by Mary Ellen Faber Stricklen

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