Andrew A. Traylor was born May 25, 1891, in Antwerp, Ohio, the son of Charles W. Traylor, born in 1856 in Ohio, and Francis America (McNabb) Traylor, born April 29, 1863, in Allen County, Indiana. The couple was married in 1880 and were living in Antwerp, where Charles worked as a laborer.
On March 13, 1882, in Antwerp, they welcomed a son, Harlow M. Traylor, followed by Mary Bell, born March 3, 1883. Andrew was born in 1891. By 1900, the Traylor family was still living in Antwerp. Charles was working as a day laborer, Harlow was employed as a dairyman, and Mary and Andrew were attending school. Andrew left school after the sixth grade.
By 1910, Andrew was working odd jobs while the family lived on Wilhelm Street in Antwerp. On March 9, 1914, Andrew grabbed his haversack, traveled to Paulding, and joined the National Guard. He enlisted with Company B of the 2nd Ohio National Guard as a Private First Class and reported to the State Armory for inspection and the election of officers. He was promoted on January 1, 1917…