W. T. Cress

Among the leading farmers of Benton Twp is W T Cress, who was born inMiami Co OH November 29, 1833. He is the son of George M and Sylvilla(Baetz) Cress, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio. George M Cress was born in Floyd county in 1806; came to Benton township in 1852, and settled upon the farm where our subject now resides. He and his wife are venerable residents of the county, and live with their son on the old homestead. Their family consisted of Cynthiana (deceased), William T, John (deceased), Jackson (deceased), and James M (deceased). The marriage of these parents occurred March 19, 1829. W T Cress, our immediate subject, was raised in his native county, acquiring his schooling there. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1861, when he enlisted in Company D, Thirtieth Indiana volunteer infantry, serving six months. He was discharged for injuries received on the march from Virginia to Green River Ky. Returning home, he settled upon the homestead farm and engaged in toiling the soil. He was married on the 11th of September 1856 to Mary, daughter of Jacob Lehman of Benton Twp. They have four children, named Emmett, Chester B, U S, and George M. Mr Cress, who is a Republican, is a member of the John M Stabler Post No 179 GAR.