My Genealogy Hound

THE JOHN FAMILY is one of the old and well-known families of the county. James John (deceased), was a native of Clermont County, Ohio, where he was born April 9, 1809. He was the eldest son of a family of nine children. His father was Thomas John. His parents about 1800 removed to Clermont County, where he was reared, and remained until 1854, when he came to Spencer County. He was united in marriage with Sarah Witham, by whom he was the father of the following children: Thomas L., born March 31, 1836; Mary A. (deceased); Benjamin B., born January 7, 1840; Alonzo A., born December 9, 1841; Lorenzo D., born March 21, 1844; Martin T., born August 22, 1846, and Emily A., born December 18, 1849. Benjamin B., at the age of fourteen came with his parents to Spencer County. He received a common school education in this and his native State. January 1, 1865, his marriage with Hester S. Sutton was solemnized, and to their union seven children have been born. Those living are Logan M., Emma F., Harrison H., Esther M., Bertha K. and Forrest W. Mr. John was reared as a farmer, which vocation he followed until 1859, when he learned the plasterer’s trade. July 4, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until July 28, 1864, when he was honorably discharged. He participated in the battles of Thompson Hill, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, Big Black River, the siege of Vicksburg and many minor engagements. In 1868 he began reading medicine with A. J. Smith, with whom he continued the study for two years. In the winters of 1869-70 he attended a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati. In 1870 he formed a partnership with A. J. Smith, which lasted one year. He was afterward located successively at Huffman’s Mills and Buffalo. In 1878 he came to his present location, where he has a good practice. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He also belongs to the G. A. R. Martin T., the next youngest in the family, was eight years of age when his parents came to Spencer County. At the age of sixteen, in company with his brother Lorenzo D., enlisted in Company K, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, with which he served about three years. He was present at the battles of Chickamauga, Dandridge, Strawberry Plains, and being in the cavalry was in numerous skirmishes. Of this family there were five brothers in the service, all of whom served about three years, and came home without a scratch. February 7, 1868, he was united in marriage with Maria F. Hancock. Four children have been born to them, only one of whom, Maggie B. is living. John and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and he, of the G. A. R. Politically he is a Republican, and is the trustee of Hammond Township.