John Veley
John Veley, residing on his farm of 140 acres, which is situated in a desirable section of Troy Township, has devoted himself for many years to general farming and dairying, finding in it both pleasure and profit. He was horn in Delaware County, Ohio, January 14, 1836, and is a son ol Peter and Margaret (Main) Veley.
The father of Mr. Veley was born in New York and the mother in Virginia, the latter in 1813. She was three years old when her parents brought her to Delaware County, settling in Troy Township. They were John and Mary Main, who became well-known farmers in this section. Peter Veley, father of John, made his first visit to Troy Township when he brought a lady to this neighborhood, with a two-horse team, but he returned to New York after a short stay, and it was some years later before he came to remain permanently, buying lands, a part of which his son John still owns. When he settled here his neighbors were Indians and the uncleared forest covered a large part of the land which is now in so fine a state of cultivation. He died in October. 1838. Of his children two still survive—John and Harriet, the latter of whom is the widow of Francis Ashwill. Mrs. Ashwill lives near Cincinnati. Ohio.
John Veley was deprived of his father's care and protection when in his third year. He remained with his mother until he attained his majority, in the meanwhile securing his education in the district schools. On March 10, 1859, he was married to Charlotte Surles, who was born in Berlin Township, Delaware County, November 15, 1836, and is a daughter of Charles and Esther (Bockoven) Surles. The father of Mrs. Veley was born in Connecticut, and be died when she was in her fourth year. On the maternal side, her grandparents came from New Jersey and they were early settlers in Berlin Township. To John Veley and wife were born nine children, seven of whom survive, namely: Carrie, who married Edgar Main, residing in Delaware County: Milo, also a resident of Delaware County; Esther, who married E. W. Pittman, residing in Troy Township; John A., residing in Troy Township; Peter B., residing in Marion, Ohio; James, a resident of Troy Township; and Lester H., also residing in Troy Township. Emma and Mitchell are deceased.
Mr. Veley has ever been a loyal and public-spirited citizen. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which left Delaware on May 10th, for Camp Chase and was then sent to Arlington Heights and served 100 days, the period of enlistment. Mr. Veley then returned to his farm and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits here ever since. He operates a large milk business, including a daily route to Delaware, under the name of the Horse-shoe Dairy.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908