John D. Ward, a thriving farmer of Dallas Township, was born in Adams Township, De Kalb County, on June 4, 1847. He is the second of ten children born to William H. and Ellen (Chrisham) Ward. They are both natives of Scott County, Ky., and in early life came with their respective parents to Indiana. They were married in Fountain County of that State in 1844, and soon after immigrated to Missouri, settling in De Kalb County, where they now live. The father has given his exclusive attention to farming, and has met with deserved success. He and wife are worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat. John D. was reared on his father's farm, and in his youth received a good academic education. In 1868 he purchased, and the next year settled, the farm where he now resides. He owns 420 acres of land. In 1882 he built a neat residence upon his farm, at a cost of $1,800. On April 1 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda J. Reed, of Texas, who is the daughter of George and Mary Reed. They have seven children as follows: Mary E., deceased; Emma N., deceased; Luther T., William E., Franklin A., Orva H., and Iva A. (twins). Mr. Ward is a decided Democrat. Mrs. Ward is a member of the Christian Church.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), pp. 589-590.