ELIAS VANAMAN was born in Wayne County, Ind., December 26, 1822, and is one of the twelve children born to Elias and Abigail Vanaman, natives of New Jersey, and of German and English extraction. He was reared a farmer, received about three months' schooling, and worked for his father until twenty-one. October 21, 1847, he married Miss Sarah Roller, born in Virginia November 17, 1828, and daughter of Peter and Mary Roller. To this union eleven children were born, of whom seven are yet living-Mary, wife of John Barkshire; Abigail, wife of John Grandstaff; John, William, Daniel E., George and Catherine A. Mr. Vanaman came to Indiana with his parents in 1837, settled in Miami County, and there remained until February, 1849, when he came to this township, entered eighty acres of land and built a log cabin, which is now replaced by a substantial frame dwelling. Mr. V. is now the oldest living settler in the township; he was present at the first election, and he has served as Supervisor of Roads and as School Director some fifteen years each. Both he and wife are members of the Church of God.

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