John W. Ditmars was born in Franklin Township, September 5, 1852, being the eldest child to his father’s first marriage, and son of Cornelius and Caroline (Banta) Ditmars. He received a good common school education, and began life’s battle for himself at the age of twenty-one years, as a farmer; he has been very successful, and he now owns an excellent farm of 240 acres, and what is far better, he has won hosts of warm and true friends, and but few or no enemies. In addition to farming, he buys cattle. September 6, 1877, Mr. Ditmars was married to Miss Hattie, daughter of Oliver Ong, who died December 1, 1881; and February, 1886, he was again married to Miss Etta Graham, born August 8, 1860 and daughter of David and Caroline Graham. By his last marriage is one child: Maria, born September 29, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Ditmars are members of the Franklin Presbyterian Church. He is thoroughgoing, industrious, and a liberal supporter of all public enterprises.