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Below is a family biography included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1880.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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HENRY CAVENDER, farmer; P. O. West Milton; born in Staunton Township in the year 1825; is a son of John and Rachel Cavender, who were born in the State of Maryland. They came to Miami Co. about 1804 or 1805, and at the time of settlement Indians were plenty, but all dangers were faced, and a settlement effected. For a number of years he labored on leased land, having had all his money, $700 in gold, stolen while he was on the move from Maryland. Through hard work and frugality, he was soon able to purchase 80 acres of land, on which he made his home till death, in 1840, called him hence, aged 60 years; his wife departed her life in the 63d year of her age. They were the parents of eight children, of whom four are living— Robert, Abigail, John and Henry; the deceased are Wesley, Samuel, Mary and Thomas. At the age of 13, our subject was deprived of his father by death, but he remained with his widowed mother on the farm until he was 22 years of age. In 1854, he was married to Louisa Hearn, by whom he had six children, of whom three are living, viz., Charles W., Clara M. and Sylvester G.; the deceased are William H., George F. and Edward M. Mrs. C. departed this life June 8, 1875; was born June 30, 1833. His second marriage was celebrated with Elizabeth Amlin, Nov. 13, 1878; she is a daughter of Samuel and Hannah Amlin; he was born in New Jersey, she in West Virginia; they came to Ohio about 1830, and settled in Richland Co. Mr. A. died in 1872, aged 90 years, 5 months and 11 days. Her mother is still living at the advanced age of 83 years. He was the father of thirteen children by three marriages; the latter with Mrs. C.’s mother, by whom he had four children, viz., Amy A., Alfred, Samuel and Elizabeth. Alfred was a member of Co. A, 35th O. V. I., and fell in the battle of Mission Ridge, pierced in the breast by a ball; Samuel died at the age of 13 months. Mr. C. moved to the place where he now resides in 1861; he has 50 acres of fine land, which is situated west of Milton, all being in a good state of cultivation, and his improvements are number one in every particular. The beautiful grounds, commodious house and bam, in conjunction with other improvements of more than ordinary character, tend to make his home a very desirable one. He and his most estimable wife are exemplary church members, and are consistent Christian people, taking a lively interest in the cause and development of the Christian religion. He is one of our self-made men, having begun life without a dollar, but, by hard work and good management, he has accomplished the great object in life—made a good home, which is the fruit of toil and frugality, where his declining years are being spent, surrounded by all the comforts of life.

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This family biography is one of 964 biographies included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published in 1880 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Miami County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Miami County, Ohio family biographies here: Miami County, Ohio Biographies

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