On the anniversary of the day on which the independence of the nation was declared, George M. Sanders became a citizen of the republic. His birth occurred July 4, 1855, on the farm where he now lives, his father being John Sanders, who was there born March 7, 1825. The grandfather was Benajah Sanders, who entered the land from the government, becoming the owner of a quarter-section, and thus established what has long been known as the old Sanders homestead. He married a Miss Taylor, and there reared his family, including John Sanders, the father of our subject. Benajah Sanders was one of the party who found Henry Dilbone, who was killed by the Indians in the atrocious massacre which is elsewhere described in this volume. Having arrived at man's estate, John Sanders chose as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Miss Elizabeth Hunt, and their marriage was blessed with two children, but the daughter, Hannah F., who became the wife of Benjamin F. Hetzler, is now deceased. The father spent his entire life on the old home farm, cleared and improved the land and made it a valuable property. In politics he was a Democrat and for twelve consecutive years served as township trustee, a fact which well indicates his promptness and fidelity in the discharge of his duties and the confidence reposed in him. He was a member of the Christian church and a man of strong decision of character and high moral principle. He died August 15, 1896, and was laid to rest in Fletcher cemetery. His business career had been crowned with a high degree of success, and he was known as one of the substantial agriculturists of his community. His schooling was limited, and he often went barefooted in winter months, although it was some distance to his school. He was a great reader and thereby increased his education so as to enable him to conduct his business in an intelligent manner.

During his youth George M. Sanders attended the common schools of the neighborhood, and there secured a good education which has been a source of great pleasure to him. He early became familiar with all the work of the farm, and his practical training well fitted him for the work which he now performs. When he married he rented the old home place, and at his father's death he inherited the property. It was on the 24th of October, 1876, that he was joined in wedlock to Sarah A. White, and their home has been blessed with two children, Eveline, who died at the age of four years, and John G., who was born March 20, 1884.

Mr. Sanders carries on general farming, and his place is located five miles to the east and one mile to the north of Piqua. It comprises eighty acres on section 2, Spring Creek township, and, with the exception of sixteen acres of timber land, all is under cultivation. It is rich soil and good harvests are yearly garnered. Mr. Sanders is a member of the Christian church, and in politics is a Democrat.