John Croul acquired his education in the district schools of Jefferson township and remained on the home farm until he reached the age of twenty-sevenThe name Croul is an old and prominent one in agricultural circles in Coshocton county, for from the time of its earliest pioneer settlement members of the family have been actively connected with its development and improvement. John Croul is a worthy representative of this family, his birth having occurred on the farm which is now his home, June 12, 1850, being the youngest of three children born of the marriage of Louis and Elizabeth (Miller) Croul, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father emigrated to the United States when a boy and located in this county. The Ohio canal was at that time under course of construction and the father secured work in this connection, being thus employed for some time. After the completion of the canal he engaged in farming. He bore many hardships and trials incident to life in a new country, for the methods of farming were very crude as compared to those of the present day. He tilled his fields with the use of oxen and had to go long distances to mill and market. At one time he split nine hundred rails and carried them on his back to the place where he built a fence. He was highly esteemed in this section of the state as one of its pioneer settlers and his death, which occurred in 1886, was the occasion of deep regret to many of his friends. The wife and mother died many years before, her demise occurring in 1880. Their family numbered three children: William, a farmer of Clark township; Dora Elizabeth, deceased; and John, of this review.
 years. During this time he assisted his father in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. After establishing a home of his own he lived near his parents and continued to render assistance to his father until the latter's death. Mr. Croul now owns eighty acres of rich and arable land, forty acres of which is located in Jefferson township and forty acres in Monroe township. He has developed and improved the land, having erected a good modern home and many substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and everything about the place is kept in a neat and thrifty appearance. In addition to carrying on general farming he also raises good grades of stock and this branch of his business is proving profitable to him.

It was in 1886 that Mr. Croul was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Filler, a resident of Monroe township, who by her marriage became the mother of one daughter, Dora Elizabeth, now deceased. Mr. Croul gives his political support to the men and measures of democracy and his fraternal relations with the Patrons of Industry. He is a member of the Lutheran church and has been superintendent of the Sunday school, while his wife is a member of the Evangelical church He displays splendid judgment in carrying on his busienss affairs and to those whose good fortune it is to know him initimately, his companionship and friendship are appreciated and helpful.

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