Transcription contributed by Martie Callihan 27 February 2005

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JOHN WARD, retired farmer, Franklin, son of William and Margaret Ward, was born about two and a half miles from Franklin, June 20, 1824. His grandparents came here at an early period. He was reared on a farm, attending school till 21 years of age; he took a full course of mathematics and chemistry, and studied Greek and Latin; several years he taught school winters and farmed summers. In March, 1849, he bought 90 acres of land with his uncle, in Franklin Township, on Sec. 24; several years later, he purchased his uncle's interest; he afterward bought 104 acres adjoining on the north. He was married, in Lebanon, in 1857, to Mahala Rhoads, daughter of John and Hezekiah Rhoads, born in this township. Mr. Ward, after leading a very successful life, retired, in 1868, to Franklin, where he has a fine brick residence and 1 acre of land east of Canal; he also owns one house and lot, corner River and Sixth streets, 245 acres of land in Darke County, and 100 acres in Auglaize County.