Benjamin F. Barnett, a farmer of Nineveh Township, was born July 8, 1842, son of Ambrose and Sopronia (Riggs) Barnett. The father was a native of Bourbon County, Ky., born July 24, 1809, of Scotch descent, and died May 20, 1885. The mother is a native of New York, of Scotch descent, born January 23, 1817, and is now living. Our subject was reared on a farm in Johnson County until eleven years old. He then went to Hamilton County, Ind., where he remained until twenty-one years of age; then to Johnson County, where he now lives. He received a good common school education, and at the age of twenty-one years he began life for himself by teaching in the country schools. He taught four winter terms. He then gave up teaching and began farming, which he has continued since. August 18, 1864, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Middleton, a daughter of Arthur and Eliza (Smith) Middleton, both natives of Ireland. To this union the following children have been born: Ida E., July 2, 1865; Cora F., August 31, 1866; Dilla A., March 28, 1868; Maggie J., December 16, 1869; Deochia A., September 12, 1871; Wilson H., June 2, 1873; Myrtle V., March 31, 1875; Daisy E., July 30, 1877; Mamia 5., June 6, 1879; Catharine M., May 11, 1881, and Thomas F., November 10, 1883. The mother of these children was born October 4, 1842. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. He was a Granger during the continuance of the order. In politics, he was a democrat until 1876, when he became identified with the greenback party. He now owns 115 acres of fine land in Nineveh Township, which is well improved.