John B. Knisely was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, November 27, 1830, a son of David and Sarah Knisely. He was reared in his native county, and when 21 years of age left home and came to Steuben County and settled on 106 acres of land on Section 6, York Township, which his father entered when the land first came into market.  He has been industrious and frugal and has added to his land till he now owns 360 acres.  His wife owns her father's old homestead of 80 acres.  Their residence and other farm buildings are large and comfortable, and they have one of the pleasantest homes in the county.  Mr. Knisely was married May 22, 1853, to Emma S. Johnson, who was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, May 22, 1836, daughter of Silas and Aseneth Johnson.  Her mother died October 9, 1849, in the 49th year of her age.  In the fall of 1852 she came to this township with her father and was his housekeeper till the following spring, when he married Mrs. Betsey Johnson, widow of Cutler Johnson.  He located on Section 7, where he died in 1866, and his widow five years later.  Mrs. Knisely has one sister and two half sisters living; the former is Mrs. Lucretia Smart, of White Pigeon, Michigan and the latter Mrs. Betsey Bevington, of Nebraska, and Mrs. Caroline Ward, of Portage County, Ohio.  Mr. and Mrs. Knisely have had five children, three of whom are living -- Letta E., wife of George Osfall; Frankie T. and Nellie C.  Marion and Mary died in infancy.  In politics Mr. Knisely is a Republican.  He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Mr. Knisely's father died in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in the fall of 1877, aged 87 years.  His widow is living in that county with a daughter, Mrs. Sarah Everett.

Submitted By: Mindee Gleason