For fifteen years Franklin A. Deweese has resided upon the farm in Staunton township, which is now his home, and has there engaged in the raising of garden and hothouse vegetables for the market. His entire life has been spent in Miami county. He was born on the farm where Ed Rusk now lives, his natal day being September 19, 1854, and is a representative of one of the old Virginia families. His grandfather, Joshua Deweese, was born in the latter state December 4, 1796, and having arrived at years of maturity wedded Mary Girard, who was the first white female child born in Miami county, her birth occurring April 21, 1800. Their marriage occurred in June, 1818, and unto them were born fifteen children: Samuel W., born July 14, 1819; Bertha, born February 1, 1821; Sarah, April 27, 1822; Catherine, February 16, 1824; Henry G., January 8, 1826; George W., January 1, 1828; Rachel, July 7, 1829; John, February 10, 1831 ; Joshua, September 1, 1832; Joseph, May 30, 1834; Thomas, May 5, 1839; Mary A., who died in infancy; Mary A., the second of the name, born July 18, 1849; and James, who was born November 9, 1853, and died during the war.

Henry G. Deweese, the father of our subject, was a native of Staunton township, and in early manhood entered land from the government, thus becoming owner of the farm now the property of Isaac Peck. He was born and reared on a farm of eighty acres, which his father had entered, and there made his home until his marriage to Miss Lucy Estey, who was born in Lost Creek township, Miami county, February 21, 1830, and passed away March 26, 1900. She was a daughter of David Estey, whose birth occurred in Nova Scotia July 31, 1792. Her mother bore the maiden name of Ann Knoop and was born in Nova Scotia March 19, 1792. Mr. and Mrs. Estey had a family of eleven children, as follows: James E., born September 17, 1814; Michael, born April 13, 1816; Eunice, born February 24, 1818; Charles, born April 5, 1820; George, born December 2, 1821; Simon, born January 24, 1824; Mary, born March 9, 1826; William, born April 6, 1828; Lucy A., born February 27, 1830; Jotham, born October 5, 1833; and Maria, born February 7, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Deweese became the parents of nine children: Annetta, born July 16, 1849; Zelia A., born April 10, 1851; Jotham, born January 16, 1853; Franklin; Henry H., born May 17, 1856; Maggie, who was born May 2, 1860, and is now deceased; Florence, who was born September 8, 1862, and has also passed away; Docia, born September 18, 1869; and Alva W., born March 13, 1873.

When Franklin Deweese was a lad of twelve years he accompanied his parents on their removal to what became known as the old De Freese farm, in Staunton township, and there he was reared to manhood, devoting his time and energies to the work of the farm through the summer months, while in the winter season he pursued his education in the common schools. On attaining his majority he began operating a stone quarry on his father's farm, and was thus employed for two years, after which he removed to Shelby county, where he followed farming one year. He then came to Staunton township and rented his father's farm for five years. In 1885 he removed to the place where he now makes his home. He has five acres of land, which is devoted to the raising of garden products. He has two green houses, one 72X20 feet, the other 44x16 feet. He raises lettuce in his hothouses and places upon the market some of the finest specimens of garden vegetables raised in this part of the county. He has made a close study of the business to which he gives his attention and thoroughly understands the needs of the different plants. His close attention to his business, his careful management and his enterprise have resulted in bringing to him a good income.

Mr. Deweese was married, November 29, 1879 to Miss Nettie Small, who was born February 24, 1859, and is the daughter of David and Ellen (Conklin) Small. David B. Small was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, November 3, 1832, and was six months old when brought to Miami county. The mother was born in New Jersey December 7, 1836, and came to Miami county when three years of age. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Deweese has been blessed with five children: Lester, born March 26, 1882; Clyde, born July 10, 1884; Mattie, born July 16, 1887; Elwood, born July 26, 1890; and May, born May 25, 1892. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. The parents are members of the Christian church, and Mr. Deweese gives his political support to the Republican party. He has served as superintendent of the Troy and Piqua pike for sixteen years, and is interested in everything pertaining to the substantial improvement and upbuilding of the county.