John and Lydia are Walt’s great-grandparents.

John Swisher Hoel was born on November 4, 1840 to James Anderson and Mary Ann Swisher Hoel in Darke County, Ohio. Lydia Margaret Finkbone was born March 11, 1845 to John F. and Rachel Mendenhall Finkbone (also spelled Finkbohn) in Darke County, Ohio.

They were married on June 3, 1866 in Darke County, Ohio by Milton Coble, JP. They lived in Ohio and had 10 children, one of whom died in infancy.

John and Lydia and their 9 surviving children.

John and Lydia had a farm in Ohio. I found this 1880 census record, with them still living in Darke County, Ohio.

It is not terribly clear, but it lists, John, Lydia, William, Stephen, Mary R. , Charles, Johnny, Lydia Ellen and “Alvy” Finkbone, laborer. Alva was Lydia’s brother.

John died on March 26, 1911 while visiting Manton, Michigan. Lydia died May 3, 1932 in Celina, Ohio.

You can read more about spelling of names in this post.