John B. Hostetler

As printed in 1910

JOHN B. HOSTETLER.

The agricultural interests of Wayne county have no better representatives than its native born citizens, many of whom are classed among its most practical, enterprising and successful farmers. One of this number is

Mr. Hostetler, who is one of the prominent citizens of Greene township. Dependent largely on his own resources from his boyhood, he has so applied his energies and ability as to attain a success worthy the name, while his high standing in the community indicates the objective appreciation of his sterling character.

John B. Hostetler was born in Greene township, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 30th of April, 1874, and is a son of David and Barbara (Yoder) Hostetler. David Hostetler was born in Wayne township, Wayne county, Ohio, March 10, 1839, Barbara Yoder was born in Wayne county January 2, 1841. They became the parents of the following children: Malinda, the wife of M. W. Hurst, of Baughman township, this county; Samuel, who died at the age of four years; Elizabeth died at the age of two years; Levi F. married Amanda Steele and lives in Greene township, this county; John, the immediate subject of this sketch; Amanda, who died at the age of twenty-two years; David, who died at ten years of age; Minnie, who remains single and is living at home.

John B. Hostetler was reared at home and grew in close acquaintance with the routine life of a farm. As soon as old enough he took upon himself his share of the labor during the summer seasons, while during the winters he attended the common schools. He had a marked talent for music, which he studied much at home and also took one term of musical instruction at Wooster University. During the greater part of five years he was engaged in teaching singing classes, and along this line was quite successful. After he had attained his majority he started out in life on his own account and has followed the pursuit of agriculture continuously since. He is now the owner of the old Longenecker farm, comprising one hundred and forty-four acres of fine land situated in section 31, township 17 north, range 12 west. Here he carried on expensive operations in farming and stock raising, being thoroughly equipped for both lines of activity in the way of modern machinery and permanent and substantial improvements. His fields are under an excellent state of cultivation, good and substantial buildings adorn the place and its neat and thrifty appearance indicates to the passed-by the supervision of a progressive owner.

In matters of political importance Mr. Hostetler gives his support to the Republican party, and his religious preference is indicated by his membership in the Mennonite church.

On November 28, 1897, Mr. Hostetler married Anna Longenecker, who was born in 1877 in Greene township, on the farm on which she now resides.

She is the daughter of S. B. Longenecker. Mr. Hostetler has ever taken an active interest in the enterprises and undertakings which have been projected for the general good of the community and his attitude has been that of a public-spirited and progressive citizen.

As printed in History of Wayne County Ohio (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.