Benjamin Ditmars
Benjamin Ditmars, a prominent farmer of Ripley Township, was born in Prairie Township, Holmes Co., Ohio, in 1848, a son of William and Martha (Taylor) Ditmars. William Ditmars was born in Somerset County, N. J., and came to Ohio with his parents when eighteen years of age, living first in Wayne County. His first purchase of land was in Prairie Township, Holmes County, where he is now one of the most successful farmers, owning over 500 acres of valuable land. He has had a family of seven children, five of whom are living: Cornelia, James, Benjamin, Ellen and Douglas.
Benjamin spent his early life on his father's farm, where he learned the lessons that have been of value to him in his later life. He has lived in Ripley Township about ten years, and his farm is one of the best in the township, his improvements being comfortable and convenient, and his surroundings indicate a thrifty and enterprising owner. Mr. Ditmars was married, in 1874, to Louisa, daughter of John Graven, and they have four children: John Wallace, Zetta N., Lulu Pearl and Ida Fern. In politics Mr. Ditmars is a Democrat, and has held various offices in the township.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889