Ebenezer W. Poe was born at Hancock County, Ohio, on a farm near Findlay.

After his father enlisted in the Union Army in 1862 during the American Civil War, he enlisted at age 16 in Company G of the One Hundred Thirty-Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the Cumberland until mustered out in August, 1864.

In 1881, the Republicans nominated him for Wood County Auditor, he won, and was re-elected in 1883.

[2] Poe was married October 8, 1868, to Caroline Thomas of McComb, Ohio, and had four children.

[6] He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Grand Army of the Republic, and was a Methodist.