Francis Rain, farmer; P. O. Piqua; born in Philadelphia in 1802; is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Case) Rain, both of whom were born in Philadelphia, their ancestors coming from England with William Penn; they were parents of six children, all now deceased except two. Mr. Rain, our subject, was thrown upon the world by the death of his father when he was only 6 years of age; there were then five little children, and, their parents being without means, the children were placed out and scattered here and there, just as places could be found for them; Francis was bound out by his mother to Isaac Hawkins, till 17 years of age; when his time, expired, Mr. Rain sought and obtained a situation to learn the blacksmithing trade, at which he served four years , when he arrived at his majority, and hired out at $9 per month; he continued work at his trade till 1838, when he emigrated to Ohio, locating at Wapakoneta, but, not finding, business to suit him there, came to Piqua and went to work at his trade, at which he continued for six years; then he bought out the shop and tools of his employer, and carried on the business till 1856, when he came and located on the farm where he now lives, having bought the farm about five years previous. Mr. Rain was united in marriage, in 1823, with Sarah Roney, daughter of Silas and Mary Roney, who were both natives of Pennsylvania; by this union they had thirteen children. viz., Lewis, Elizabeth, Silas, William (deceased), Thomas (deceased), Deacon C., Mary, Sarah Ann, John H., James Phinley (deceased), Clara Jane, Harriet Eliza and Frances I. Mr. Rain, when locating upon his farm, opened out right in the woods, and had to clear up and erect his buildings and make all improvements, during which he had to endure the hardships and deprivations incident to pioneer life; he now owns two good farms, consisting of 152 acres, most of which he has brought into good cultivation; he has good buildings on both farms, and everything for comfort and convenience; this was all accomplished through his own industry and economy, being thrown upon the cold, unfeeling world when a mere child, having to work his way through without any means and a very limited education; but now he has a competency, and can live in comfort the remainder of his days.