Transcription contributed by Arne H Trelvik 5 June 2005

Page
899

WILLIAM L. DEARTH, farmer; P. O. Springboro; born on the place where Samuel Dearth now lives, Nov. 7, 1810; is a son of James E. and Elizabeth (Long) Dearth, he a native of Fayette Co., Penn., and she of Virginia. The grandparents were Edward and Elizabeth Dearth, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Ohio and located in Warren County, on the place where Isaac Dearth now lives, in 1798, and there spent the balance of their lives; they were among the true pioneers of the county, enduring all the many deprivations and hardships of the log-cabin life; he finally purchased more land and became owner of 1,150 acres, all in one body of land. The first burying-place was at Franklin, where many of the early settlers were buried – their last resting place. But, as public improvements advanced, the canal was built and passed through the burying-grounds, The bodies were then removed and buried further back; and again, when the railroad was built, it passed through where the bodies were deposited, and again they were taken up and removed to Springboro. Thus were they troubled in early times, being unable to see the progress and demands of the future. They had five sons and one daughter, all deceased. James E., the father of our subject, was a young man of 19 years of age when the family came to Warren County, and here was married and became the father of seven children; five now survive - Allen, now resides in Iowa; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Bedford; William L., Samuel, and Eleanor S., now Mrs. Earnhart. Mr. Dearth passed his entire life on a part of the old home place; was one of the prominent farmers of this community; was a Justice of the Peace for many years; a good neighbor and an excellent citizen. He died March 24, 1856, aged 77 years; his wife died Dec. 18, 1860, aged 78 years. William L., our subject, at 15 years of age was placed as an apprentice at the tailor's trade, in Richmond, Ind., where he remained five years, thence returned to Springboro and carried on the business twelve years; then engaged in farming, which business he has since followed. He resided in Clinton County six years, and while there served as Township Trustee two years. In the spring of 1854, he located on his present farm, where he has since resided. He was married, Jan. 1, 1833, to Elizabeth Ann, daughter of Thomas and Jane Bedford, he a native of England and she of Pennsylvania; by this union they have had six chlidren, two now living-James B. and Cornelia Jane, now Mrs. Crockett, residing at Lima, Ohio.