Jesse T. Landis. Of the men who have contributed to the advancement and development of Miami county through participation in agricultural activities and their connection with public affairs, few are more favorably known than is Jesse T. Landis, a substantial farmer of Newton township and a member of the township board of trustees. Mr. Landis has been a resident of this community all his life, having been born on his father's farm in Newton township, April 1, 1885, a son of John and Lydia (Welbaum) Landis. He is one of a family of twelve children, of whom two died in infancy, the other ten growing to maturity. The parents were farming people throughout their lives and were well known and highly esteemed in their locality. Jesse T. Landis obtained his education in the country schools and from young manhood has been engaged in agricultural operations, at this time having sixty acres of valuable land in Newton township, on which he carries on general farming and stock raising. He is one of the influential Democrats of his locality, having been for three years treasurer of the party in Miami county, for two years deputy state supervisor of elections and formerly for ten years central state committeeman. He is at present a member of the board of trustees of Newton township, a position which he has held for four years, and in which he has rendered faithful and efficient service to his fellow-citizens. During the period of the World war he was placed in charge of a certain territory in all the loan drives, Red Cross, war chest, etc., and in each case was successful in putting his district "over the top." Mr. Landis married Alice, daughter of Fred Reed, of Newton township, and to this union there have been born five children: Herman LeRoy, Glenna Irene, Helen Grace, Lydia Ellen, and Orpha May, all residing at home.