PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM 

page 195, 196 

JOHN NESBITT.  The farming community of Xenia Township is made up of prosperous men—those who have been the architects of their own fortunes and who are amply deserving of the comforts by which they have been enabled to surround themselves.  Many of them were born and reared within its limits as in the case of Mr. NESBITT, who first opened his eyes to the light July 25, 1853.  He is the son of an old and highly respected couple who were early pioneers of this county—Nathan and Clara (BRETNEY) NESBITT, the former of whom was a native of the town of Clear Springs, Md., and born in 1809.  He came to this county with his parents, and his father, Jacob NESBITT, secured a tract of land in Beaver Creek Township, upon which they settled.  The father was a potter by trade and carried this on in connection with farming, for a number of years. 

Finally Nathan NESBITT, removed to Xenia and operated a pottery.  In 1856, however, he resumed farming, locating on the land now occupied by his son, John, our subject.  This comprises one hundred and forty-six acres which is very fertile and upon which had been erected a substantial set of buildings.  The parental family consisted of nine children, six of whom grew to mature years, viz:  Rebecca, the wife of the Rev. Samuel BREWSTER; Anna who married the Rev. John W. Mason; Jennie and Clara, deceased; Sally, Mrs. John M. MURRAY, and John, our subject.  Nathan NESBITT departed this life at the old homestead November 10, 1879.  The mother is still living and with all her children belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.  She is the daughter of Tobias BRETNEY, who spent his last years in Ohio.  Nathan NESBITT in early life affiliated with the Whig party but died a Republican. 

John NESBITT spent his early years in a comparatively uneventful manner, assisting in the labors of the farm and attending the common school mostly during the winter season.  He completed his studies in Xenia College and celebrated Thanksgiving Day, 1886, by his marriage with Miss Anna E. STINE.  Mrs. NESBITT was born in London, this State, and is the daughter of John D. and Jennie STINE, the former an ex-editor of the Xenia Torchlight. Mr. and Mrs. NESBITT are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.