Benjamin Brobst
Benjamin Brobst, with Houston & Burnham. hardware, London, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 21, 1842. He is a son of Peter Brobst, a native of Berks County. Penn., and a farmer by occupation. He accompanied his father, Jacob Brobst, to Ohio in 1806, the latter locating in Fairfield, near Pickaway County. Peter Brobst is yet living and is in his seventy-seventh year. He married Elizabeth Fellers, a native of Fairfield County. They were the parents of ten children, seven now living, our subject the only one in this county. Mrs. Brobst departed this life in 1879. Our subject was reared on the home farm in Pickaway County, and in early life "farmed it" for three years. In the fall of 1865. he came to Madison County, locating at Jefferson. He there engaged in mercantile pursuits for four years. He then sold his stock and removed to London, engaging in the sewing-machine business. He remained at that for seven years, and then clerked for P. C. Cowling for four years. Since 1880 he has been connected with Houston & Burnham. Mr. Brobst is an influential member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. and Deacon and Clerk of the official board. Politically, he is Democratic. Mr. Brobst was married. April 7, 1862, to Loraine Culp. a native of Pickaway County, Ohio. They have three children -- Ernest E., Sarah E. and Anna F. Mrs. Brobst is also a member of the Lutheran Church.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]