JOHN YOUNCE, a leading farmer of Butler Township, is a native of Ashe County, North Carolina, born near Jefferson Court House, May 22, 1832, being next to the youngest in a family of six children born to Joseph and Elizabeth (Sheets) Younce, who were 'also natives of Ashe County, North Carolina. They emigrated to Miami County, Ohio, in 1842, where they lived until the fall of 1848, when they came to Miami County, Indiana, and located on the ground where the village of Peoria now stands. In 1856 they removed to Minnesota, living there three years. Then they moved to Green County, Missouri, staying there until 1861, when he was compelled to leave that county and State in consequence of his views on the question of slavery. They then returned to Miami County, where they lived until their death. John went with the family to Minnesota, but only resided there two years, returning direct to this county, where he has since lived. In early life he had no opportunities afforded for obtaining an education. After attaining the age of eighteen he pursued a course at his home without the aid of a teacher, acquiring in that way a reasonably good education. His father was a blacksmith and wagon maker, and he learned that trade, following it until January 16, 1862, when his marriage to Rachel Smith was solemnized, and to their union three children were born, of which these two are now living—Lettie, wife of Frank Kilander, and Webb. Since his marriage his occupation has been farming, and he has been very successful. He now owns 140 acres of well-improved land, the accumulation of his own industry and economy. He is a member of the M. E. Church. In politics he has always been a Republican, and he was honored with an election to the position of Township Assessor, filling that office for two terms in a very creditable manner to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. April 8, 1868, Mr. Younce suffered the bereavement of his loving and beloved wife.
(History of Miami County, Indiana: From the earliest time to the present ... By Brant & Fuller, Chicago. Contributed by Barb Z.)