Our subject was born in Winchester, Aug. 12, 1847, and is the third child of Joseph and Nancy (Barnhart) Longnecker, whose sketch appears in this work. He was one year old when the family moved to the farm where he now lives, and as soon as large enough he used to assist his father in its cultivation, and then attended school in the winter seasons. He was an ambitious, bright student, and he managed to fit himself for a teacher, and was engaged at that profession in Scott County, five years, but with that exception he has given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He began for himself when he was twenty-one, his father hiring him to assist him till he was twenty-three, when he took charge of the home farm, his father retiring to private life, out subject continuing to make his home with his parents until he was married and established a home of his own. That auspicious event in Mr. Longnecker's life occurred March 25, 1875, on which day he was wedded to Miss Ella Young, a woman whose amiable and lovely disposition has won her many warm friends. Their home is one of the prettiest and most attractive in the precinct, and to any one crossing its threshold and sharing its hospitality, the evident union of spirit between the members of the family gives the impression that happiness and love dwell here and reign supreme. In this pleasant dwelling four children have blessed the parents, of whom the following is the record: Carrie, born Feb. 17, 1876, is an apt scholar and attends school in Winchester; Mable, born May 15, 1878, is also a promising pupil in the same school; Emma, born Oct. 30, 1880, a bright, quick little scholar, is in the third grade at school; Nancy, the youngest, was born April 14, 1884. Besides instruction in the public schools, Carrie and Mabel receive music lessons at home, their parents being anxious that they shall be accomplished and well educated.

Mrs. Longnecker was born June 12, 1857, on the old homestead in Scott County, that was the birthplace of her father, Alexander Young, sixty-two years ago, and which is still his dwelling place and that of his wife, whose maiden name was Emily McGlassen, she also being a native of Scott County. Of their six children, two are dead and the remainder are married and have left the old home. Mrs. Longnecker was their fourth child in order of birth, and she received a good common school education, and remained at home until her marriage with our subject.

Our subject is a fine representative of the so-called self-made men of this county, as, being well endowed mentally and physically, by energy, shrewdness, and sound management, he has made his way to a high place among the solid, reliable citizens of the community with whose interests his own are bound up, and while working hard for himself he has materially aided in securing the prosperity of the precinct and the county. He is active in politics, lending his influence to the Democratic party in general elections, but in local elections voting for the man rather than for the party, and he has been delegate to the county conventions repeatedly. He and his wife are prominently connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, as two of its most valued members. He is a Trustee of the church, and has been Secretary of the Sunday school. Mrs. Longnecker belongs to the W.C.TU., and is also a member of the Ladies' Foreign Missionary Society. Mr. Longnecker is a member of Pioneer Lodge No. 70, I.O.O.F., and has been Secretary and Trustee of this lodge. He is an active member of the Scott County Stock Breeder's Association, and is prominently identified with the Anti-Horse Thief Association of Scott County, and has served as Financial Secretary since its organization.