B. F. PROSSER was born December 21, 1834, in Washington County, Ind., and is
the fourth son in a family of seven children born to Jacob and Phebe
(Hackett) Prosser who were natives of the State of New York.  In 1821 the
family settled in the county where our subject was born where Mr. Prosser
carried on the millwright trade, and where he died in August, 1864.  His
widow died in Lawrence County in June, 1880.  He was a Captain in the old
State Militia, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one of the
prominent early settlers of Washington County. Benjamin F. Prosser lived
with his parents until his marriage, May 14, 1857, to Miss Jane M. Simmons,
who was born October 2, 1835, a daughter of Abraham and Abigail (Ruff)
Simmons, who were also natives of York State, and to their union have been
born seven children, named:  Willis, Emily M. (Mrs. William Wigley), Francis
S. (deceased), L. E., Minnie, Benjamin F. and Ralph M. (deceased).  For many
years Mr. Prosser was engaged in the lumber business, but in later years has
turned his attention more exclusively to agricultural pursuits.   He owns a
farm of 600 acres, is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.


Data Entry Volunteer:  Diana Flynn  "ivie@tima.com"