John L. Netherton is a native of Daviess county; and was the first male child born in Grand River township, the date of his birth being September 20, 1836. He is a son of James and Nancy Netherton, who were among the early settlers of this county, and also sufferers at the hands of the Mormons, having had their house plundered and burned by them. Our subject, was reared upon the home farm, and has since given his attention to agricultural pursuits. His early education was received in the common schools, which he has supplemented with a private course of study under the instruction and direction of Prof. McGay, of Grand River College, Edinburg, and in addition to which he thoroughly versed himself in the spirit and teaching of theology, was admitted into the church and licensed to preach the gospel in the Baptist Church in 1868. He now has charge of the Hickory Creek Baptist Church, and the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.
Mr. Netherton was united in marriage, March 5, 1857, to Miss Rachel Glaze, who was born October 31, 1834. They have seven children; namely, Catharine, born December 29, 1857; Nancy E., born February 2, 1861; James N., born June 25, 1863; George B., born March 17, 1865; John W., born May 8, 1868; Thomas M., born May 28, 1870; Francis G., born March 28, 1876.