From THE VALLEY OF THE UPPER MAUMEE and ANNALS OF THE TOWN-SHIPS, 1887 edition, reprint by Brant and Fuller, Madison, Wisc., page 329

ALEXANDER STIRLEN was born in Holmes county, Ohio, December 24, 1832.  His parents, SAMUEL and DELILAH (PRAIG) STIRLEN, natives of Westmoreland county, Penn., came to Ohio about 1828, traveling in the once familiar emigrant wagons.  In 1853, Alexander settled in Allen county, and was employed about four years as a day laborer.  He then farmed on shares two years, after which he purchased land.  His schooling was that of pioneer days.  In 1858 he was united in marriage with MAGDALENA, daughter of GEORGE and MAGDALENA KELL, early settlers of Allen county.  She was born February 6, 1829.  This union gave them five children:

MARTHA, JOHN, WILLIAM, GEORGE, and EDGAR.

MRS. STIRLEN departed this life February 26, 1880.  She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Mr. Stirlen has always been an active worker for the democratic party, but has not held office except as a school director 4 years.  When he first came to Allen county he was without resources, and had the usual wearisome experiences of early days.  But his success has been remarkable, and he possesses 532 acres of excellent land in Perry and Cedar Creek townships.  His home place, in Perry, is handsomely improved.