Joseph R. Van Meter

JOSEPH R. VAN METER, farmer; P. O. Horr's; was born in Clark Co., Ohio, July 31, 1817. He is a son of Jacob and Sarah R. Van Meter. Jacob was of Virginia parentage; and Sarah R. of Maryland. They were married, after coming to this State, on Mad River. They at first located in Clark Co., where they remained for several years, after which (probably about 1825), they removed to this county and settled on the farm where William J. Van Meter now lives, where they remained to the time of their death, he dying Feb. 22, 1857, and she dying July 27, 1859. They were parents of eight children, six girls and two boys, one girl dying in infancy. Mrs. Bretner died June 14, 1877, and Harriet E., Oct. 5, 1849. The other members of the family are still living. Jacob's mother, a widow, came to this State in an early day with her family of seven children-Henry, Jacob, Solomon, Isaac, Ann, Rebecca and Sallie-and located on a farm, enduring the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life. Our subject was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He has given his especial attention to farming and the raising of stock. He has a farm of 240 acres, well adapted to the purpose. Feb. 1, 1847, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Sarah A. Bretner. They are parents of four children-Edwin R., born March 6, 1848; Charlie R., Oct. 12, 1849; Lee H., March 7, 1852, and Jacob L., Nov. 21, 1853-all of whom are living, one in Illinois, the remaining three near home. Edwin R. and Lee H. are married. Mr. and Mrs. Van Meter are active and effective workers in the M. E. Church, with which they have been connected for more than thirty years. Mr. Van Meter continues the management of the farm, though so afflicted with rheumatism as to keep him from active employment.

THE HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO, CONTAINING A History of the County; its Cities, Towns, etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Champaign County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, etc., etc. ILLUSTRATED CHICAGO: W. R. BEERS & CO. 1881.

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