Hon. Van S. Deaton, M.D. Because of his high standing in the medical profession and the value of his services in official affairs, Dr. Van S. Deaton is justly accounted one of the most prominent citizens of Troy, of which city he is at present mayor. He was born at Christiansburg, Ohio, in 1847, a son of Nathan and Sarah (Scobey) Deaton, and a grandson of George Deaton. George Deaton, who was a native of Virginia, fought as a soldier during the War of 1812, and married Susan Ream, who was born in Virginia in 1787. Sarah Scobey, the mother of Doctor Deaton, was daughter of William Scobey, of Christiansburg, The parents of Doctor Deaton had the following children: Lydia, who became the wife of Jason Cutler, of St. Paul, Kans.; Emory G. (Grover), who was a neighbor of the famous John Brown, of Kansas; Emma D., who became Mrs. John McMorrow, of St. Paris, Ohio; William Dyke,. who married Mary Stafford and is a resident of New Carlisle, Ohio, and Dr. Van S. Van S. Deaton was primarily educated at Christiansburg, subsequently attended the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, for two years, and in 1864 entered the Union army and saw service at New Orleans. Subsequently, he taught school and during this period began to read medicine. His professional education was furthered at the Medical College of Cincinnati, from which he was duly graduated June 9, 1873, and at that time began practice at Christiansburg. Later he established himself at Alcona, but about 1885 came to Miami county, locating near Troy, and in 1915 took up his residence in this city, where he has an excellent practice. He stands high in his profession, and in the respect of his fellow-practitioners and the confidence of his patients. Doctor Deaton's first political position of any consequence was that of coroner of Miami county. He was a member of the board of examiners for teachers for twelve years, and pension examiner for soldiers for more than twelve years, likewise serving on the school board. Doctor Deaton was elected to the State legislature in 1893 and served eight years in that body, during which time he rendered valuable services to his community, constituents and State. He was the author of the bill providing pensions for all dependent blind persons who have been residents of Ohio for five years or more and of the bill for the placing of American flags on all schoolhouses, and was one of the floor leaders in the house of representatives during his terms. He became a candidate for the office of mayor of Troy and was elected thereto in 1919 by the largest majority ever given a candidate for that position. His administration has been characterized by municipal reforms, enforcement of the laws and the acquirement of needed improvements. He has always been a supporter of enterprises for civic betterment, was instrumental in placing state archaeological and geological reports in all high schools of Miami county and was prominent in the movement to enact a law which, by treatment of all children's eyes at birth, provided for prevention of blindness. During the period of the great war, he was a four-minute speaker. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Grand Army of the Republic. Doctor Deaton was married to Laura, daughter of Henry and E lizabeth Shidaker and to this union there were born two sons: Ross, and Dr. Ernest Heber, who graduated from Ohio Medical College, served three years in the regular army and saw service in the Philippines, and at his death left one child, Laura Ernestine.