Samuel Hamner, fifth son of John and Nancy (Lash) Hamner, was born in Johnson County, Ind., November 18, 1842. He was raised on a farm and received but limited educational training, having attended a single term of school in an old log school-house, which formerly stood upon the spot now occupied by his residence in Blue River Township. At the age of eighteen, Mr. Hamner began life for himself as a renter on his father’s farm, and later obtained a tract of land of his own, which he subsequently sold, and purchased his present place in the western part of Blue River Township. October 29, he married Miss Honorah E. Abbott, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Warner) Abbott. Mrs. Hamner was born in Johnson County, but the marriage was solemnized in the town of Bedford, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Hamner are the parents of nine children, four of whom, John T., Andrew, James and George E., are living. Mr. Hamner owns a valuable farm of 100 acres, and is one of the substantial citizens of the township. He is a democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Church, as is also his wife.