ANDREW STALEY, one of Bethel Township's most respected retired citizens, resides on the old Staley homestead, a tract of 160 acres, situated in the north-western part of Section 12, Bethel Township, Miami County, Ohio, on which he was born May 26, 1833. His parents were Elias and Hannah (Ritter) Staley.

Elias Staley was born in Maryland and when he came first to Ohio he settled as a millwright on Mad River, not far from Dayton, and also bought a farm of eighty acres, on which he built a mill and a distillery. He later sold this property, subsequently built and sold another distillery near Dayton, and in 1816 came to Bethel Township and bought the farm of 160 acres which is now owned by his son Andrew. He never engaged in farming the place although he made all the improvements, building the mill and distillery which are old landmarks of the county. He carried on distilling and milling for many years, his death occurring in 1866. In 1826 he married Hannah Ritter, who died in 1880, and both are interred in Saylor's Cemetery, in Bethel Township. There were seven children born to Elias Staley and wife: Sarah, Mary, Simeon, Andrew, John, Levi and Elias, the three survivors being Andrew, Simeon and Levi.

Andrew Staley attended the district schools in his home neighborhood during his boyhood and then gave his father assistance on the farm, in the distillery and in the flour and saw-mills. The father built three saw-rails on the place, the last one of which is still standing, although it is not in use any more, and the distillery and flour mill have not been operated since 1905. During his active years he was a very busy man and was able to turn his hand to almost anything, being a good carpenter and millwright as well as distiller, farmer and miller. On account of failing eyesight he was obliged to retire some years ago. He owns an additional farm of 105 acres, which lies in Elizabeth Township. Although his father erected all the farm buildings now standing, he has kept them in excellent repair. In his political views, Mr. Staley is a Democrat.