History of Knox County says that they lived in Pike Twp. in 1881 and gives his birth date as 1859, vs 1853 from death certificate, 1854 from census records, and 1855 in Melva's bible.
Was a day laborer in 1900, owned his own home in Middlebury Twp, Knox Co and was out of work for 4 months that year. At that time they were listed as married 24 years with 5 children living. The oldest son, John was the only one not at home. Daughter Emma was living at home with her son and listed as married one year.
He was renting a farm in Chester Twp, Morrow Co in 1910. The census said they had 9 children, 7 of which were living, but I have records for only 8.
1920 census lists him as a laborer (56) renting with his wife and daughters Lottie & Goldie. All of them and parents born in OH.
His grandson, Fred Toms remembers that he came to live with them (Lillie & Burr) the last year of his life when his health began to fail. Rosa stayed at the family home in Batemantown. He recalls his grandfather being a quiet, reserved man (but this may have been due to his health). Fred says he was a hard worker, he hired out to local farmers and did a lot of ditching (back then the farmers were busy clearing the land and putting in tile to drain the fields).
Death Cert lists him as a laborer, having lived in Berlin Twp for 3 yrs. He died of Endocarditis and was 70 yrs, 4 mos, 27 days and is buried in North Fork Cem.