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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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JOSEPH OLWIN, farmer; P. O. Laura; was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., May 1, 1828. His father, Anthony Olwin, was born in Pennsylvania, July 18, 1783, and departed this life in April, 1869; his mother, Elizabeth Olwin, was born in the same State Sept. 1, 1790, and died in June, 1854; they removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, when Joseph was only 6 months old, in which they lived till their decease. They were parents of ten children, three of whom are living, viz., Joseph, Catherine and Susanna. The deceased are Daniel B., John, Abram, Jacob, Adam, Esther and David. Joseph was reared on the farm, his boyhood days being spent in a manner incident to youth, and, after years had developed his frame and muscles, he became a valuable auxiliary to his father in the labors on the farm. Nov. 2, 1854, he was married to Margaret Ann Hiestand, by whom he has eleven children, of whom seven are living, viz., Anthony, Isabelle, Samuel J., Sherman, Nina M., Lora Pearl, and James. The deceased are Joanna, Elmer E., Jessie E. and John E. Anthony is one of the leading educators, having taught four years in the district and graded school of the county; his education was received in the common schools, in which he fitted himself to perform well the responsible duties that devolved upon the profession. Mrs. Olwin is a daughter of Samuel, and Mary (Prizer) Hiestand. Her father was born in Lancaster Co., Penn.; her mother in the State of Maryland; they came with their parents to Montgomery Co. in a very early day; he was born Oct. 13, 1796, and departed this life Sept. 24, 1854; her mother died in the year 1842, aged 36 years. They were parents of six children, of whom five are living— Benjamin, Jesse, Hiram, Rachel and Margaret A.; Mary and Jesse, deceased. In 1863, Mr. Olwin removed to Crawford Co., Ill., in which he resided seven years, then came to Miami Co., and purchased 155 acres of land, on which he how resides; his land is pleasantly situated, and all in a high state of cultivation, which, taken in conjunction with the beautiful surroundings, commodious house, barn, etc., prove Mr. Olwin to be a man of cultivated tastes as well as one of Miami’s successful farmers. Mr. Olwin has filled the office of Trustee four years, Supervisor and School Director many times. His amiable wife is an exemplary member of the Adventist Church, and a consistent Christian lady; her husband belongs to the Christian Church.

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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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