John J. Filbrun, one of the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of Bethel township, was born on the farm on which he now resides, November 22, 1859, a son of John and Lydia (Heck) Filbrun, the former a native of Rockingham county, Virginia and the latter of Clark county, Ohio. He came to Clark county and here married. He came to Miami county about 1840, and settled in Bethel township. Here he bought 160 acres of land, to which he later added 160 acres. He was a Democrat, and a member of the Dunkard Church. He died June 10, 1896, his wife having preceded him, dying April 28, 1880. To their union have been born five children, of whom the subject of this sketch, and two sisters survive. Mr. Filbrun received a public school education and was reared on the home farm, where he has always resided and where his extensive operations have met with such gratifying results. He married November 20, 1873, Elizabeth J., daughter of. Elias and Barbara (Deitrick) Brenner, and four children have been born to this union: Dora, who married Ray Mann, and resides in Bethel township. They are the parents of two children, Chester and Viola; Elias; Erma, who is the wife of Russell Boddeker, and they reside in Bethel township. They are the parents of three children, Gladys, Elwood and Clifford; and one daughter, Emma, who died September 28, 1892. Mrs. Ella Weinbrenner, a niece of Mr. Filbrun, had a brother and two sons, who served in the United States Army during the World war, and one of these sons met death in action in France. Charles Whistler, a nephew of Mr. Filbrun, was in the United States Army during the World war period. Mr. Filbrun. has lived a very active and industrious life, and has always been regarded as an upright, public-spirited and useful member of society. He is a Democrat, and has been township trustee and a member of the school board. He attends the United Brethren church.