William W. Demaree, a wealthy farmer and prominent freeholder, of Pleasant Township, was born in Shelby County, Ky., February 10, 1828, and was the son of Peter and Mary (Johnson) Demaree, both of whom were also natives of Shelby County, Ky. His father was born January 1, 1796, and was the son of David and Rachel (Bruner) Demaree. David Demaree was the son of Samuel and Susan (Brewer) Demaree. The mother of our subject was born May 6, 1804, and was the daughter of John B. and Ruth (Beckley) Johnson. His parents were married in Shelby County, Ky., but immigrated to Johnson County, Ind., when he was but nine months old. The family settled on a tract of land which the father had entered, one mile west of Hopewell. Here Peter Demaree spent the rest of his life, his death occurring on the 22nd day of August, 1837. His wife afterward was married to Cornelius Covert, but she died a few months later, or [sic] January 24, 1842. Our subject then found a home with Isaac Vannuys in the vicinity of the old home farm. He remained with him until the age of twenty-one, when he returned to the old homestead and began farming for himself. In 1864, he removed to his present home in Pleasant Township. His occupation has always been that of a farmer, and in this pursuit he has been very successful. His farm contains 350 acres of excellent land, over 250 of which are under cultivation. Mr. Demaree was married to Lydia Ann Carnine, October 21, 1852. She was born in Union Township, this county, January 14, 1831, and was the daughter of Andrew and Nancy (Banta) Carnine, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. Her father was the son of Andrew and Lydia (Bice) Carnine, and her mother was the daughter of Abram and Mary (Demaree) Banta. Mr. and Mrs. Demaree have had a family of thirteen children, as follows: Laura I., born August 7, 1853, deceased; Dewitt C., July 17, 1855, deceased; Clara J., November 22, 1856; Electa A., July 22, 1858. Mattie C., and a twin sister, who is deceased, November 11, 1859; William L., November 18, 1861; Ira M., September 13, 1863; Victor B., December 13, 1865; Edith A., October 19, 1867, deceased; Mary E., December 29, 1869; Anna O., February 6, 1872, and George W., May 22, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Demaree are members of the Presbyterian Church. in politics, Mr. Demaree is a republican. He and wife are very highly respected. Mr. Demaree’s great grandparents were both natives of Holland, where they were reared and married. They came to America in about 1642.