Transcription contributed by Martie Callihan 8 February 2005

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809

JAMES McLANE, farmer; P. O. Franklin; son of William and Margaret (Clark) McLane, was born in Middletown, Butler Co., Ohio, Sept. 19, 1816. His father was a native of Loudoun Co., Va., his mother of Pennsylvania; they were pioneers of that county; his father was in the war of 1812; they came to Franklin in 1833. He attended school at Middletown and Franklin. He served an apprenticeship of three years at the harness-maker's trade, and then returned to Franklin and opened a saddlery store, corner Front and Sixth streets. In 1839, be opened a livery stable (first one in Franklin), which he kept thirteen years, clearing $6,000. In 1852, he bought 140 acres of land on Sec. 23, which he still owns; he also has 70 acres adjoining on the east, and 30 acres near Monroe, Butler Co. He has been in the habit of raising 100 acres of broom corn until the last few years; he still raises 60 acres, besides buying. He manufactures annually 30,000 brooms, which he sells chiefly in Montgomery, Hamilton, Butler and Warren Counties; he employs on an average fifteen