Kentucky: A History of the State, Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, ed. 8-B, Pulaski County J.E. Girdler was born in Somerset, Ky., August 2, 1860, and is a son of J.H. and Viletha (Floyd) Girdler, J.H. Girdler was born in Pulaski County, Ky., in 1827, was a saddler by trade, and also engaged in merchandising in Somerset for several years. He also had charge of the tanyard for quite awhile. He died in August, 1887, having been for many years before his death a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and a liberal contributor to all church and charitable organizations. He was a son of Thomas Girdler, who was a tailor by trade. Our subject has one living brother, Atticus M, born October 7, 1863, in Pulaski County. J.E. Girdler was educated at the common schools and at the Masonic College, Somerset, Ky.. In 1881, in partnership with his brother, he opened a grocery store in Somerset, which they operated a year or two. In 1884 they opened a hardware store, carrying a full line of farm implements, stoves, tin and iron-ware, cutlery, groceries, et. In September, 1879, J.E. Girdler married Sophia Gilmore, of Pulaski County, a daughter of Smith and Elizabeth (Smith) Gilmore. Of the four children born to their union, two are living, viz: Maud and Lena. Mr. And Mrs. Girdler are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. In politics Mr. Girdler is Democratic. Floyd Girdler Gilmore Smith = none http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/pulaski/girdler.je.txt