John D. Marlin, a farmer, was born in Johnson County, Clark Township, December 30, 1836, and is a son of Nathaniel and Mary (Doty) Marlin. The former was born in Mount Holly, N. J., November 29, 1810. He immigrated from New Jersey, about 1833, and entered the land on which J. D. Marlin now lives. He died in Bartholomew County, May 2, 1878; the latter was born December 12, 1810, in Virginia, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wilson) Doty, who removed to this state from Virginia, May 8, 1821, and settled in White River Township, and is still living. Mr. Marlin spent his early life in Bartholomew County, on the farm. He received a common school education in the district school, and through the books and newspapers has become conversant on subjects of general interest. At twenty years of age he began to work at the carpenter’s trade. He followed this trade for about two years, and then commenced farming, which he continued four years, and removed to Johnson County, and purchased land in Clark Township, where he has since remained. February 20, 1862, he was united in marriage to Jeretta Spaugh, a daughter of Timothy E. and Elizabeth J. (Robbins) Spaugh. Mrs. Marlin was born June 20, 1841. To this union the following children were born: Alta, August 26, 1863; Sherman N., November 21, 1864; Adda M., June 6, 1866, all of whom are deceased. Mrs. Marlin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Marlin owns 143 acres of well-improved land.