PETRO-L. W. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

L.W. PETRO, blacksmith, Linden, emigrated from his native state (Ohio) at the age of 11 with his parents and settled in Fountain County, this state in 1826, where they (his parents) both departed this life. His early education is such as the pioneer schools of that time could furnish. He was married in 1840 to Minerva GROGAN, who died in 1848, leaving five children: Margaret E; Mary E; Emiline J; Elizabeth and Bird W. Mr. Petro was married a second time, in 1849, to Miss Margaret PAXTON, by whom he has 12 children: Samuel H; Minerva H; Nancy H; Charles W; Harriet F; Leonard W; Mary E; Oliver P.M.; John E. and Tamzon I (twins), Effie A and Thomas W. He and his wife are zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Linden; and he is present treasurer of the IOOF [Independent Order of Odd Fellows] of which society he has been a member for 30 years. In politics he is a republican of the first rank. During the war he was a member of the Montgomery County home guards, and was called out in the Morgan raid. He was the first blacksmith to locate in Madison Township and has successfully followed his trade here since 1829. He is known as a generous man and an honest workman.