FRANCIS M. BERRYHILL, deceased, was one of Brown Township's prominent and substantial citizens, for over thirty years being identified with its best interests. He was born June 17, 1838, in Greene County, Ohio, a son of Archibald Berryhill. Through some of his progenitors he was connected with Hon. Charles Thompson, who was one of the early men of public affairs at Washington, D.C.

Mr. Berryhill remained in Greene County until 1864, coming then to Miami County and locating on a farm north of Conover, on which he resided until 1883 and which belongs to his widow, and then came to the present place, on which he erected a commodious residence, which is one of the largest and most comfortable in this section, all the lumber used in its construction having been taken off his farm. Here his death occurred November 13, 1898. He was engaged throughout the whole of his active life in farming and livestock dealing, and being a man of excellent business abilities, acquired an ample fortune.

February 27, 1879, Mr. Berryhill married Miss Mary J. Hill, a daughter of Samuel T. and Eliza J. Hill, of Spring Creek Township, and they had two children, Cecil Laverne and Ethel Erma. The former was born February 29, 1880, and has made himself felt in township politics, at present serving in the office of township clerk. He resides at home and teaches school in Brown Township. Ethel Erma married Harley Bowne, November 26, 1903, and they have one child, Francis Thomas, a bright little lad of three and one half years. The late Mr. Berryhill was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Fletcher. In politics he was a Democrat and for a number of years he served in the office of township trustee. He will long be remembered for his many personal traits, his kindness to his family, his friendly assistance given to his neighbors, and also for his honesty and integrity as a citizen. He was one of the men whose word was always as good as his bond.