CHARLES S. TIDD, one of the sterling old farmers of Hardin County, owns a good estate in Roundhead Township, which he has developed and cultivated to a high degree.  One of those hardy pioneers who prepared a highway for civilization, he has from his early arrival in this region been active in the upbuilding and prosperity of the county.
     Mr. Tidd  was born in Logan County, this state, near Bellefontaine, Feb. 6, 1821.  His parents were Samuel and Rebecca (Hill) Tidd, natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to this state in an early day in its history.  The father was a fifer in the War of 1812. After coming to Ohio he worked at his trade, that of a blacksmith, until coming to Roundhead Township, in 1822.  In February of that year he located on section 16, and, purchasing a quarter section of wild land, gave the greater part of his attention to its cultivation, although when ready money was needed, he worked at his trade until his land began to yield good returns.  Although the Indians were numerous in the locality, they never proved troublesome, as Mr. Tidd knew just how to manage and humor them.  Being the only blacksmith there for many years, he was called upon to repair vehicles and tools of every description, and often made bells, knives and even tomahawks for the settles.  A democrat in politics, he was at various times called upon to represent his fellow pioneers in positions of trust.  He was a well informed man on all subjects of importance relating to his occupation and trade, but this knowledge was not gleaned in the schoolroom, as his attendance there was of very short duration. 
     The brothers and sisters of our subject were eight in number, and bore the respective names of Betsy, Polly, Sallie, Hugh H., Martin, Nancy, Peggy and Jane.  Of this large family Charles is the only survivor.  Feb. 16, 1843, he was married, in Roundhead Township, to Margaret A. McKennon, the daughter of Uriah and Nancy (Inskepp) McKennon, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively.  On coming to this state the parents of Mrs. Tidd located in Clark County, and engaged in farming throughout life. They had a family of seven children, four of whom are now living.  Mr. McKennon was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a man of influence in his community.
     To Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Tidd were born nine children.  Uriah Holmes was born Dec. 26, 1843, and during the late war served as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, for a period of three years; he is now deceased.  John Halsey was born November 8, 1845, and died June 31, 1846.  Martin Girard who was born Oct. 17, 1847, married Eliza Machan, and is now farming in this locality.  Maria Adeline was born Feb. 27, 1850, and died Mar. 7, 1867.  Calvin Hill was born Feb. 4, 1853, and died Aug. 11, of the following year.  George Lester, who was born Dec. 14, 1855, married Jennie Zimmerman and now lives near Belle Center, this state.  Olive Ann was born Aug. 26, 1858, and died Dec. 11, 1863.  Emeline D. was born Jan. 2, 1862, and is the wife of Levi Stinson, of Roundhead Township.  Charles Wesley was born Oct. 18, 1865, and lives at home.
     In 1867 the original of this sketch took charge of the home farm, as his father was very feeble and unable to look after its operation.  It is due to him that a large portion of the land was cleared, and in carrying on this work cattle were used instead of horses.  In order to procure bread stuff for the family a journey of ten miles was made to the nearest mill.
     Mr. Tidd may be justly termed self-made, for it is owning to this private reading and study, together with his experience of the world, and he has won his large fund of information and practical knowledge.  He has on his farm large numbers of horses, cattle and sheep, and gives his attention entirely to looking after the interests of his estate.  Mr. Tidd is a member of the Protestant Methodist Church.  In politics, Mr. Tidd never fails to cast a ballot in favor of Democratic  candidates.