Ira D. Crow, who owns and occupies a farm pleasantly situated in Monroe township, about eight miles from Troy, was born in Randolph township, Montgomery county, Ohio, on the 7th of November, 1861. He was there reared upon a farm and in the common schools of the neighborhood obtained his education. His father was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1830, and came to Ohio in 1836. On the 1st of January, 1849, he was united in marriage to Sarah Curtner, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Waymire) Curtner. She was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, May 1, 1829, and became the mother of eight children, three of whom are living: Ira D.; Harry S., of Montgomery county, and Anna, wife of Samuel Betz, of Montgomery county, Ohio. The mother died September 14, 1892. The father passed away July 18, 1896.

Ira D. Crow began work in the nursery when ten years of age. He remained upon the home place until he had attained the age of twenty-two and then entered upon an independent business career, purchasing a arm of sixty-five acres in Union township, Miami county. There he engaged in the nursery business until 1894, when he sold his land, but retained his nursery stock and moved to his present farm in Monroe township, where he owns one hundred and forty acres of rich land. He still deals in nursery stock and carries on general farming, having twenty-five acres planted to nursery products, while the remainder is planted to the cereals best adapted to this climate. His place is known as the Fidelity Nursery, and his long and practical experience in the work, combined with his unflagging industry, has made him very successful in his chosen occupation.

On the 15th of November, 1884, occurred the marriage of Mr. Crow and Miss Nannie I. Johnson, of Chambersburg, Ohio, a daughter of Jesse and Sarah Belle Johnson. The father was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, August 4, 1839, and the mother in Greenville, Darke county, Ohio, October 14, 1842. They were married in August, 1858. Three children were born to them: Sella, wife of Edward Kline, of Chambersburg; Mrs. Crow, who was born May 1, 1864, and Edward F., of Montgomery county. Mr. and Mrs. Crow now have one child, Grace E., who was born February 24, 1887. In his political associations Mr. Crow is a Republican, but has never aspired to office, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs. Socially he is connected with West Milton Lodge, K. P. In all trade transactions he is reliable and trustworthy, and his well directed efforts, keen sagacity and capable business affairs have gained him a comfortable competence and won him a position among the substantial citizens of his adopted county.