John W. Rust, a prominent manufacturer of Herbst, Grant county, Indiana, was born in Clarke county, Ohio, on the 22d of February, 1856, and is a son of Henry and Rusilla A. (Cost) Rust. He received a good education in the public schools and high schools of his native county, where he began life's work as a teacher.

        In March, 1878, he engaged in the manufacture of drainage tile in Dileton, Clarke county, continuing that business until 1882, and on the 30th of October, of that year, purchased the manufacturing plant of Lane & Roy and located in Herbst, Grant county, Indiana. On the 9th of February, 1893, his entire establishment was destroyed by fire and he at once engaged in rebuilding it on a much larger and more modern plan. The capacity of the plant is now one car-load daily of finished products, and gives employment in the various departments to an average of about fifteen men. This industry is one which meets a practical everyday want in the community, besides being a profitable investment for its enterprising owner. Mr. Rust has been prominently identified with the public affairs of Sims township for many years. He is public-spirited and enterprising, and a useful and highly esteemed citizen in the community. For fourteen years he has served in the capacity of justice of the peace, a position of honor and responsibility, which he still holds. This is an evidence of his popularity, integrity and high standing as a citizen.

        John W. Rust was married on the 21st day of August, 1877, to Miss Sarah E. Friermood, daughter of Reuben and Mary (Kiblinger) Friermood, who were descendants of German ancestors.

        Mr. and Mrs. Rust are the parents of five children, named as follows: Clifford G., born June 29, 1878; Clara Edna, born December 6, 1881, and died April 9, 1884; Guy L., born September 14, 1888; Roger V., born December 13, 1892; and Hobart McKinley, born December 27, 1895. The name of the youngest child furnishes a clue to Mr. Rust's political affiliations.

        John W. Rust, like his estimable wife, is descended from German ancestors. His great-grandfather, Abraham Rust, was the founder of the family in America. He emigrated from Germany and settled in Virginia. There his son Jacob, paternal grandfather of John W., was born and married Elizabeth Baker. He subsequently removed to Ohio, where he died. Mr. Rust is at present remodeling his plant with modern machinery, and when finished it will double its present out-put.