*From the Circleville Union Herald dated March 27, 1897:

Isaac E. Dreisbach, one of the early settlers of Pickaway county, and an honored retired farmer, died at his home on east Union street at 7 o'clock this morning, at the age of 78 years, lacking one day. Mr. Dreisbach has been sick for the past five weeks with a complication of heart and lung trouble, terminating in dropsy.

Deceased was born in East Buffalo township, Union county, Pa., March 28, 1819. He was the son of Rev. John Dreisbach and grew to manhood in the Keystone state and at an early age he became inured to the hard labors of the farm. When the family emigrated to Ohio, Mr. Dreisbach drove a team, and after twenty-one days of travel, reached Pickaway county. the family settled on a farm and the boys engaged in its cultivation. Their evenings were devoted to study and in this way the subject of our sketch obtained his education. Mr. Dreisbach remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age when he rented a farm and started out in life for himself.

February 9, 1841, he married Miss Lydia Hittel, of Walnut township, and in February 1891, they joyously celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dreisbach, all of whom are living except one son. They are: Mary, who is the wife of Professor H.C. Smith, of Naperville, IL,; B.F. Dreisbach, of Circleville township; Martha, wife of Lewis Earnest, of Garnett, Kan.; Rosalie, wife of David Ludwig of this county; Rev. Charles Dreisbach, pastor of the Congregational church at Lebanon, South Dakota; Emma, wife of Rev. T.W. Woodside, a missionary in Central Aftica, and Reuben, who died in May 1893.

In 1840, Mr. Dreisbach bought a farm in Pickaway township on which there was a log house. He afterwards purchased 160 acres of his brother, making in all 320 acres. In 1853 he built a brick residence thereon and subsequently purchased more land and engaged in general farming and stock raising. His home farm was one of the most highly cultivated in the community and yielding him a golden tribute. In 1890 he left the farm and has since lived a retired life in Circleville.

In 1850, Mr Dreisbach became a Freesoiler, in 1852 voted for John P. Hale and in 1856 for Fremont and then supported the Republican party until 1884 when he bacame a Prohibitionist.

Mr Dreisbach united with the Evangelical association in his boyhood and has ever since been a consistent member. He was a class leader for half a century and for many years superintendent of the Sunday school. His life had been a busy and useful one and he had won the high regard of all.


*From the Circleville Democrat and Watchman dated April 2, 1897:

Isaac E. Dreisbach was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1819, and died March 27, 1897, thus lacking one day of being 78 years of age.

He was converted to Christ at twelve years of age at a campmeeting in his native state. Sixty-six years he spent in the service of his divine Master. In his thirteenth year he, with the rest of his father's family, emigrated to this county where he has since continuously resided.

Seven children grew up to manhood and womanhood under his roof and in the religious atmosphere that there prevailed; they have all inbibed the principles of the Christian religion, and have been active members of some Evangelical church.

He was a man of very deep convictions and conscientious scruples, hence could not brook wrong in any form.

Although of a retired nature, he was fearless in the expression of his ethical and religious views, yet remarkably tolerant of differing views and was quick to recognize the good he saw in others.

His children can unite in paying this tribute to his memory. He never spoke evil of anyone intentionally. His religion was of the positive practical form. He was a class leader for fifty years, and for many years Sunday School Superintendent and up to his late illness was a Bible class teacher, never absenting himself from the sanctuary except for sickness.

He always took a keen interest in all the live questions of the day, throwing the full weight of his influence on the side of the right, as he saw it. Love to God and love to man were the fundamental principles that governed his conduct and moulded his life. Profound reverence toward God and deep sympathy for humanity were among his most striking characteristics. While he manifested little emotion in his religious life, he was deeply moved by the truths of the Gospel. His life was an epistle known and read of all men.

His household piety has borne living fruit in that his youngest daughter is a missionary in the far off Dark Continent. One of his sons a minister in the Home Missionary field of the west, and the others active workers in various positions in their respective churches. The son that preceded him several years to a better land, was always at his post in the home church activities.

A loving husband and father, a dutiful citizen, a devoted Christian now rests from his labors.