People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 27-25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1896 — JOHN M. WASSON. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

JOHN M. WASSON.

Capt. Wasson was born on a farm near Union City, Drake county, Ohio, May 16, 1839. His mother was a native of Virginia, of English ancestry and is now in her eightieth year. His father was born in Miami county, Ohio, January 11, 1811, of Irish parentage. Captain Wasson. worked on the farm during the summer, attending the county schools in the fail and winter. In the winter of 1858-9 he taught sehool. He enlisted in Company O. 40th O. V. 1., September 25, 1861; took part in many skirmishes and battles, including the battle of Chicalhauga; was taken prisoner September 22.1863; spent seven months in Libby, prison and escaped through the noted Libby prison tunnel February 10, 1864. Was mustered out of the service April 10, 1865. The Captain married Miss Martha J. Wood of Rensselaer, October 19, 1865. They cammenced keeping house Christmas day, 1865, on a farm four miles south-east of Rensselaer, where they resided until Nov. 1,1889, when they moved to Rensselaer. Their children are Mrs. Nellie Coen, Mrs. Cora Nowels, and the Misses Pearl and Gail. Captain Wasson is a member of theM. E. church and prominent in the councils of the G. A. R. His was an eventful military career; entering the ranks as a private he was promoted to a captaincy. They reside in their very pretty home in Rensselaer, as per illustration below.

CAPT. JOHN M. WASSON. VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE COMMERCIAL STATE BANK.

RESIDENCE OF JOHN M WASSON.