John B. Trone was born August 27, 1827, and is the either of twelve children of George Trone, of Heidelberg Township. His grandfather, Abraham Trone, came from Germany and received a grant of 250 acres of land from the Penns, May 14, 1767. This land was located in what was then Manhaim Township, near Smith’s Station. Abraham Trone was a Revolutionary hero. He was married twice and had a family of seven children. George, the father of John B., was the first son of the second wife. He lived on the homestead farm until his death at eights years of age, and was buried at the Mennonite Meeting House (Baer’s), of which denomination he was a minister. John B. Trone spent his early life on the farm, receiving his eduction in subscription schools. At the age of eighteen he began learning the trade of blacksmithing, and continued it at Trone’s Stand, Smith’s Staion, for twenty-two years. His first marriage was to Eliza Shutt, daughter of Joseph Shutt, of Heidelberg Township. They had five children: Valentine, Franklin (deceased), John S., Lizzie and Mary (deceased). His second marriage was, May 20, 1866, to Annie Rohrbaugh, daughter of George and Sarah Rohrbaugh, of this township. They have had six children: Charles, Joseph, George an infant (deceased), Sarah and Alla Mary. Mr. Trone is now farming near Smith’s Station. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, is a prominent Democrat and has held various offices of trust and profit in church and township. His son, John S. Trone, a dealer in general merchandise at Smith’s Station, and a teacher, was born August 1, 1858, passed his early life on the farm, was educated at different schools. He taught school for several years, and is now successful merchant and also a justice of the peace of Heidelberg Township at Smith’s Station.