My Genealogy Hound

J. A. DUER, retired farmer; P. O. Fletcher. Another of the pioneers of Miami Co. is J. A. Duer, who was born in Bucks Co., Penn., in 1809, and is a son of William and Charlotte (Anderson) Duer. J. A. was raised to farm life until 17 years of age, during which time he procured a common education. In 1826, he engaged in the blacksmith trade, which he completed in 1830; the same spring he emigrated West, first stopping in Warren Co., Ohio, as a journeyman; in the fall of 1830, he came to Miami Co., and bought 80 acres of land in Sec. 8, Brown Township, where he opened up a shop in the wilds, to do such smithing as the pioneers might need. Remaining a few years, he located in Fletcher, and continued his trade until the purchase of his present farm of 160 acres in Sec. 13, Brown Township, and afterward worked at his trade in Montgomery Co., Ohio, a quarter of a century; from that time thence to 1874, his entire time was devoted to the farm; he then turned it to his son, and now lives retired on the same. Mr. Duer came to Miami Co., when wilds abounded, and since then, he with other pioneers, has made many changes. In 1833, married Sarah Fryback, who was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1814; ten children have been born to them, of whom five sons are living, viz., George W., William A., John, Elias F. and James T. Mr. and Mrs. Duer have been consistent members of the Presbyterian Church of Fletcher for nearly two score years.