John M. Sanders, of the firm of Gardiner & Sanders, dealers in real estate, was born in Union County, Ohio, August 25, 1837; and is a son of Samuel R. and Peggy (Hopkins) Sanders, natives of Kentucky, of English descent.  He received a common school education, and remained on his father's farm until twenty-two years of age, after which he farmed for himself about four years.  In 1862, he came to Richwood, and for three years conducted the Atlantic Hotel, which he sold to O. Beem.  He then spent one year in the West, after which has purchased the era House, and one year later sold it to Wesley Abrahams.  Subsequently he purchased a farm in Jackson Township, and soon afterward he purchased sixty-five acres more in the same township.  After his father's death, he purchased a four-fifths interest in the home farm of 185 acres, and now he owns 165 acres of good land, in addition to a neat residence, and two lots in Richwood.  In 1859, he married Elenor Blue, a native of Jackson Township, Union County, and a daughter of Michael and Elenore Blue.  This union was blessed with three children, William D. being the only survivor.  Mrs. Sanders died April 10, 1870, and on October 10, 1872, Mr. Sanders married Artemissa Stacey, daughter of Ira and Ellinor R. Stacey, of Madison County, by whom he has two children-Clarence M. and Percival H.  Mrs. Sanders is a member of the Disciples Church.  Mr. Sanders is a Democrat in politics, and has served as a delegate from his township to the county convention of his party.  He is a member of the Lodge and Encampment of I, O. O. F.  He has been in active business since eighteen years of age has a wide business experience, is a good judge of land, and has succeeded in all his business undertakings.  He shipped the first poultry from this point, in 1864, and also the first from Larue, Marion County, at that time being engaged with W. W. Manughu, of New York City.  He was also engaged for a time in selling threshing machines, is thoroughly versed in all the points of a thresher, and has sold more machines than any man in the surrounding country.  He is said to be one of the best salesmen in Union County.