John Thomas Dashiell was born in Lancaster County Maryland, September 30th, 1817, and was the son of John and Amelia Dashiell of French descent. When six months of age his parents moved to Dearborn County near Moore’s Hill. He received his education in the subscription schools of Moore’s Hill. He was raised on the farm but learned the coopers trade under Joshua Cottingham. He had worked at his trade somewhat ever since he learned it. On January 17th, 1844, he married Miss Elizabeth Montgomery of Delaware Township, Ripley County. For two years after their marriage they lived at Moore’s’s Hill Here he worked at his trade. In February of 1846 he moved on the Montgomery place, which he had previously purchased. He served two terms as Township Treasurer and two terms as Trustee Delaware Township under the old law. He was elected as Representative of Ripley County in 1860 by the Republican party. During the war he was enrolling officer. He also took up several deserters and returned them Indianapolis. Mr. Dashiell, now 71 years of age, was living on his farm five miles north of Delaware Although he was most too old to take an active part in politics, yet his interest is with his old party. He had four children, John W. a M. R. Minister, at Southport, Noah D. farmer and machinist, in Decatur County, Mary J. (Brown) in Decatur County and Sarah A. (Risinger) on the home place