On the farm where he now lives on section 1, Spring Creek township, John M. Caven first opened his eyes to the light of day December 9, 1848. His father, John Caven, Sr., was born on a farm and was a son of George Caven, who came to Ohio from Virginia, and entered the old homestead from the government, securing a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which not a furrow had been turned or any improvement made. With characteristic energy he began the development of his land and continued its cultivation until his death. There, amid the wild scenes of frontier life, John Caven, Sr., was reared, and when he had attained man's estate he married Asenath Ross, by whom he had six children, namely: Mary A., widow of William D. Suber; Ross, Sally, Maggie, John M. and Asenath A. The father spent his entire life upon the home farm, devoting his attention to its cultivation and caring nothing for the honors and emoluments of public office. He held membership in the United Presbyterian church, and died at the age of sixty-one years.

The old Caven homestead is dear to our subject through the associations of his boyhood as well as those of his later years, for it was his play-ground in youth and has been the scene of his manhood's endeavors. The common schools afforded him his educational privileges, and under his father's direction he was trained to the practical work of the farm. Upon his father's death, in 1872, he took charge of the place and is to-day the owner of one hundred and twenty acres on section 1, Spring Creek township, Miami county. Of this ninety acres are under cultivation and the well tilled fields give promise of golden harvests. He is energetic and progressive in his work and thereby has won a comfortable competence. The place is pleasantly situated four and a half miles east of Piqua and is one of the oldest farms in this locality. Mr. Caven exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant for office. His worth as a man and citizen are well known to his fellow townsmen and he is therefore held in high regard.