The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Brown Township, page 478
John Marvel was born in Hendricks County, Ind., Feb.10, 1837, a son of Robert and Sarah Marvel, early settlers of Brown Township. He was reared in his native county, receiving but a limited education, as his services were early required at home. He has always devoted his attention to agriculture, and is one of the representative successful farmers of the township. He owns a fine farm of eighty acres, and his improvements are among the best in the township. He was married in February, 1859, to Mary L. Wilson, and to them have been born eight children, but three of whom are living--Canada, Evert and Annie.