Following was copied from page 1092 of the book:"History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Volume II" By Abraham J. Baughman, published by THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO. of Chicago in 1908 (courtesy of Stan Myers)

DAVID LEEDY GARBER.

When Richland county was a frontier district the Garber family was established in this section of Ohio, and in both paternal and maternal lines David L. Garber was a representative of early families of this section who established their homes here on the frontier.

David Leedy Garber was born in Jefferson township, Richland county, Ohio, April 3, 1831. His parents were Samuel and Catherine (Leedy) Garber, who were pioneer residents of the southern portion of Richland county. They were prominent in the early days of the county and the father followed the occupation of farming. Mrs. Garber was the daughter of John Leedy, who was the first settler in that section of the country, arriving there in 1811. He took an active and helpful part in the early development of the county as the wild land was transformed into beautiful farms, while here and there a village sprang up, and the work of improvement and development was carried steadily forward. John Leedy was a man of gigantic proportions and at one time weighed four hundred and fifty pounds. His mother weighed three hundred and fifty pounds, and some of her daughters weighed between three hundred nnd three hundred and fifty pounds. Both Mr. and Mrs. Garber were of Swiss descent and they were married in 1825. As the years passed they assisted largely in the early development of the county, and among pioneer surroundings and environments David L. Garber was reared. He acquired his education in the e«rly district schools, although opportunities of that day were very limited. The school buildings were often constructed of logs and were furnished in a very primitive manner. Comparatively few branches were taught at that date, but Mr. Garber was naturally a bright student and soon mastered the courses that comprised the curriculum at that time. He early learned what hard work on the farm meant as he assisted in agricultural pursuit", developing nnd' cultivating new land. He carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life. He was a very successful farmer and made more than usual progress in his choosen occupation.

On the 8th of April, 1852, David L. Garbcr was married to Miss Susan Leedy, his mother's cousin. She is still living, having long survived Mr. Garber, who passed away April 5, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Garber reared a large family, who have been a credit and honor to their name. Their eldest son, Aaron Leedy Garber, was married to Mary Etta Myers and resides in Ashland, Ohio. He is editor, publisher, author and minister, and is well known and honored by reason of his life of general usefulness. Unto him and his wife were born one son and two daughters. Elihu Leedy Garber, the second son, married Ida Hitter, and has one son. He deals in musical instruments, teaches music and was for a number of years editor of the Bellville Star. Franklin Leedy Garber married Lovina Carpenter. He has five sons and four daughters, and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising, making his home upon the old farm which was originally the property of John Leedy. He also is known as a writer on agricultural subjects. Levi Leedy Garber wedded Alma Mooman, by whom he had one son and two daughters. For years he has been at the head of the normal department of the Ashland College, of Ashland, Ohio, and is the author of a series of study outlines for use in schools and colleges. Martha Elizabeth Garber is the wife of Mr. Shireby, by whom she has two children, and they make their home near Butler, Ohio. Jennie Alice Garber is the wife of Edwin Grain and the mother of eight children. Ezra, the next member of the family, died when six months old. Mrs. Susan Leedy Garber, the mother, some years after the death of her first husband, became the wife of Stephen P. Dyer and had one son, who is now deceased, and one daughter, Mrs. Bell Keyser, who is living in Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. Dyer is still living and enjoying good health at the age of seventy-seven years. Her first husband, Mr. Garber, is well remembered in Richland county, where he spent his entire life and where he was widely known as a representative of the agricultural interests. He enjoyed the full respect of all with whom he came in contact."