USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County : together with historic notes on the Northwest, and the state of Ohio, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and all other authentic sources > Part 58
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
and Benjamin F. The deceased are Daniel R., who died in Den- ver, Colorado, February 7, 1875, aged forty-four years; Mary E. (Mrs. David Steele), August 2, 1859, near Bloomfield, Iowa, aged twenty-five years; Ann C. (Mrs. George W. Smith), December 28, 1869, aged twenty-nine years. Of the living, all reside in the county, except Frank, who is in Lakeport, California, and is with- out a family. Mrs. Harbein was born September 21, 1806. Her parents lived in Pennsylvania during their early life, where her mother died. Her father was again married, and in his old age came to Ohio, and settled in Montgomery County, afterward re- moving to Tippecanoe, Miami County, where he was accidentally drowned in 1858. By his first marriage he had twelve children, of whom Mrs. Harbein is the eldest. Eight are living at present- Hettie, Nancy, Rudolph, Mollie, Maria, Sarah, Susan, and John. The deceased are Jacob, Joseph, Elizabeth, and Benjamin. By his second marriage he had one child, Anna, deceased. Mrs. Harbein, sen., was born September 27, 1786, and died October 6, 1836. Mrs. Harbein, second, was born September 20, 1784, and died in 1858. They were members of the Mennonite Church, and both died in the faith. Mrs. Harbein is a member of the Reformed Church, with which she has been connected since 1829. Jacob Harbein, son of John and Hettie Harbein, was born December 3, 1832. His . early life was passed at home, where he received the rudiments of an education in the common schools, which was developed by a year's study in a higher institution. When old enough, he was employed in the distillery and mill, which were operated by his father, and when the latter could no longer take charge of the business, his brother Daniel and himself succeeded their father, carrying on the business until 1867, when Daniel withdrew, and his brother Frank succeeded him, till 1873, when, on account of ill- health, Frank also withdrew, and went West. Since then, Jacob has carried on the business individually. Politically, he is also Re- publican. Daniel R. Harbein was born in what was the first court house in Greene County, June 21, 1830. Was married to Harriet F. Huston, April 19, 1860. She was a daughter of Israel Huston. Daniel was a public spirited and good business man, and died in Denver, Colorado. His remains were brought home, and interred in Woodland Cemetery, at Xenia, and was loved and esteemed by all who knew him.
Daniel Harner, farmer, Byron, was born near where he now lives,
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in 1825, and is a son of George Harner, deceased. In 1850, he was married to Elizabeth Huddleson, by whom he had four children, two of whom are living : Frances and Daniel L. The deceased are Elizabeth C. and Sarah H. Mrs. Harner died in 1861, aged twenty- eight years. She was a true and loving wife, and an affectionate mother. After her death, Mr. Harner enlisted in Company E, Seventy-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and passed through many of the hard-fought battles of the war-Stone River, Chickamauga, Nashville, Franklin, Lookout Mountain, the seige of Atlanta, and was with the intrepid Sherman on his glorious march to the sea. Re-enlisted in Ringgold, Georgia, in 1863, and carried the musket throughout the war. Besides the above prominent battles, he par- ticipated in many skirmishes, which were almost an every-day oc- currence. Was discharged in 1865, arriving home on the 4th day of July.
Simon Harner, retired farmer, was born on the place on which he lives, in the year 1810, and is a son of John, and Sarah (Koog- ler) Harner. His father was born in Germany, who with his father, emigrated to America when thirteen years old. They settled on a farm in Pennsylvania, where they lived till their removal to Ohio, locating where the city of Cincinnati now is. After remaining several years, they came and settled where Simon now lives. Sev- eral years before he was born, they purchased a section of wild land. They were successful in life, leaving at their death, five hun- dred and seventy-three acres of choice farming land; were both members of the Lutheran Church from childhood, and he died at the age of seventy-five years, she at the remarkable age of one hundred and two years, and some months. At this great age, she was remarkably active, having good use of her mental and physical faculties. The boyhood of our subject, was passed on the farm where he lives, remaining with his parents till twenty-one years old. In 1838, he was married to Sarah, daughter of Jacob Wolf, by whom he had ten children, nine living, William Christina, Rebecca, Mathias, Amos, Lenora, Marcellus, Cassius, and Lincoln, infant, deceased. He owns four hundred and seventy-six acres of land, mostly in cultivation, and well improved, and is a member of the Lutheran, and his wife of the Reformed Church, both having been members for many years. His son William, was a member of Company C, One Hundred and Tenth, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served throughout the war, and was in a number of the hard fought
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
battles, was severely wounded in the wilderness fight, also at Win- chester, where he was taken prisoner, and held two months before exchanged; was sergeant of his company, and made a lieutenant before the close. Mathias was a member of the One Hundred and Seventy-Fourth Ohio National Guard, served his term, and was honorably discharged.
John C. Harshman, farmer, deceased, was born in this township, in 1807, and is a son of Philip and Frances Harshman of Mary- land, who were among the pioneers of this county, living in their wagon till they could erect a house on the land they first settled, where they lived and died. Were the parents of six children, of whom only two survive. Our subject was raised on the farm, on which he labored for his father, until he was twenty-one years of age, receiving his education in a school house made of logs, slabs for seats, and greased paper for window lights. In the year 1841, he was married to Anna M., daughter of Samuel Miller, by whom he had nine children, of whom seven are living, Sarah E., Ephriam F., Anna M., Martha E., Reuben M., Freeman, and Lincoln. The deceased are Samuel H., and Mary C. After his marriage, he came to the farm on which his widow now lives. He originally pur- chased two hundred acres of woodland, erected a small cabin, and with his bride, occupied the same. They cleared the land, were prosperous, and by their united efforts, succeeded in adding to their original purchase, and at his death, he owned four hundred acres. He was a man of more than ordinary mental ability, and loved to investigate the principles of science and theology. Their son, Samuel H., was a member of Company C, Seventy-Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisted first in the one hundred day service, after which he enlisted in the same regiment for three years, and was in some of the hard fought battles. Army life broke down his health. He died at the age of twenty-three. Mr. Harshman was a man held in high respect, occupying positions of honor and trust. He departed this life, June 27, 1880, having lived a long, and well spent life. Mr. Harshman, was born in this town- ship, in 1819. His parents came from Pennsylvania, Lancaster County, about 1817, living here till their death, the father at the age of sixty-three years, the mother at the advanced age of four score and four years. To them seven children were born, four living. Samuel, Martha, Anna M., and Alosa. The deceased are John, Daniel, Reuben, and Eliza.
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Adam Hawker, farmer and minister, was born where he now lives, in 1813. He is a son of Andrew and Susanna (Coy) Hawker, who were born in Maryland, where they were married. In the year 1800 they came to this county, and located on the farm adjoining the one on which their surviving child resides. They were parents of ten children, nine deceased, Jacob, Frederick, Abraham, Eliza- beth, Mary, Catherine, Susanna, Eve, and Barbara. From childhood they had been members of the German Reformed Church, and were very exemplary people. He died August 10, 1850, aged eighty- two years; she departed this life, November 19, 1867, aged ninety- three years. Mr. Hawker was reared on the farm, and received a limited education in the common schools. November 10, 1836, he was married to Hannah Westfall, a daughter of John and Mary Westfall, of Maryland, and who were early settlers of this county, in which they died. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. After his marriage, Mr. Hawker settled on land where he has since lived, and gave his attention to farming, till the fall of 1871, when he en- tered the ministry ; though previously he had been an exhorter. To them nine children have been born, seven living, David W., John A., Jacob, Adam F., Mary C., Harriet, and Pamelia. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is nicely improved. Mrs. Hawker was born in this county, June 15, 1819. Their chil- dren are all members of their church. Mr. Hawker has served as trustee of the township for five years.
Jacob Hering, retired farmer, was born on the place on which he resides, June 9, 1808. He is a son of Jacob and Barbara (Rich- enbaugh) Hering, who were born in Switzerland, where they were married, and after two children were born. to them, Elizabeth and Margaret, in the year 1793, emigrated to America, and located in Frederick County, Maryland, where they resided till 1806, the time of their coming to this county. Their journey was made by team over the mountains, to Wheeling, Virginia, and from that place down the river to Cincinnati by boat, then overland hither, He purchased a section of land, on which a small cabin had been erected, and a few acres cleared. Into this he moved his family, which gave them shelter, till 1812, when he built a brick house, in which our subject now lives, it being one of the first erected in the township. Here this old couple of pioneers lived, cleared up a portion of their land, and made their improvements. They were parents of four children, of whom our subject alone survives.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Barbara was born on the home farm. He was born in 1763, died June 2, 1836, aged seventy-two years. Barbara, his wife, was born in 1770, died February 10, 1810. They were life-long members of the German Reformed Church, and were strict observers of scrip- tural truths. The boyhood of our subject, passed as was common with pioneer boys, and he received a good education for that day. He remained at home till he attained his majority, at which time he began life for himself. February 3, 1831, he was married to Mary, daughter of Ebenezer Steele, by whom he had nine children, four of whom are living, Amanda, born December 2, 1831; Ebene- zer, born in 1832; Henry H., born October 31, 1840; Albert H., born December 16, 1845. The deceased, John W., born March 10, 1834, died August 23, 1835; Nancy A., born July 16, 1835, died October 1, 1836; David E., born October 10, 1838, died June 10, 1844; An- geline, born February 1, 1837, died in March, 1874. Ebenezer was married to Mary E. Lantz; Angeline was married to Lester Arnold; Henry was married to Allie Murphy. They have three hundred and thirty-five acres of land, on which to enjoy his declining years. Mrs. Hering, died July 2, 1868, aged sixty-six years. She was a member of the German Reformed Church, and an exemplary Christian woman. Mr. Hering is a member of the same church, with which he has been connected a greater portion of his life. His children are members of the same church, which is an enjoya- ble fact to their aged parents. He has filled many of the offices of the township trustee, supervisor, school director, etc., all to the satisfaction of his constituents.
Eli A. Kershner, retired, Alpha, was born in Washington County, Maryland, August 18, 1809. He is a son of Benjamin and Eliza- beth (Ankeney) Kershner. His father died February 22, 1826, and after his death, his wife, with her family, came to Ohio, in the spring of 1828, settling in Beaver Creek Township, in which she lived till her decease, which occurred in 1864, aged upwards of eighty years. Her second marriage was with Jonathan Snyder. The boyhood of our subject was passed in his native state. Three years after coming to Ohio, he returned to Maryland, and for more than twenty years thereafter lived first in the one state and then in the other, until 1851, when he returned to Ohio and located in Alpha ; here he has since lived, with the exception of four years he passed on a farm in the township. March 4, 1861, he was mar- ried to Elizabeth Steele, by whom he had two children, one living,
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Emma ; Etta, deceased. £ Mrs. Kershner departed this life in Sep- tember, 1864, aged thirty-seven years. She was a member of the German Reformed Church, as is her husband. Politically he is a Republican, having cast his first ballot for Henry Clay.
George Koogler, retired farmer, Zimmermanville, was born on the old home place, near Union, August 11, 1806; son of Jacob and Kinley (Harner) Koogler. Ilis father was born in Pennsyl- vania, his mother in Germany, and when six years old immigrated to Pennsylvania with her parents. About the year 1800 Jacob and Kinley, with their parents, came to Greene County, and about 1802 were married by Judge Huston, being the second couple married in the county. Grandfather George Harner had a small copper still, and as Indians were plenty, he had frequent calls from the noble red man, who had a particular love for fire-water. Jacob Koogler was a soldier in the war of 1812, having been twice drafted, but only served a short time, as he procured substitutes. They were parents of ten children, eight of whom are living: Catherine, George, Mary, Samuel, Solomon, Simon, Jacob, and John. The deceased are Mettrias and Sarah. Jacob Koogler and wife were members of the Lutheran Church till death; he died in 1871, at the age of eighty-six; she died previous to the late civil war, up- wards of sixty years. The boyhood of our subject was passed on the farm, on which he labored for his father until he was twenty- two years of age. In 1828 he was married to Mary, daughter of Matthew Black, who settled here in 1821 or 1822. For two years after marriage, he lived on the old home farm, then moved to the place on which Oliver Moler now lives, where he resided until 1833 or 1834, when he came to where he now lives. He erected a house, the same in which he yet lives, and began the Herculean task of clearing up his land, which in after years he got in condition to receive the improved implements of agriculture. On this place he has passed nearly half a century, has seen the forests disappear, and improved fields spring up in their stead. Owns one hundred and ten and one-half acres of fine land, which is the fruit of energy and untiring industry. Mrs. Koogler died about 1850, aged forty- one or forty-two years. To them nine children were born, six living: William, Mary M., Martin, Catherine, Eliza, and George. The deceased are John, Andrew J., and Matilda. His second marriage was celebrated with Eleanor, daughter of John Ivens, who was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio when a man
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grown. Six children have been the result of his last marriage, three living: Sarah M., Isabella I., and Jacob K. The deceased are Eleanor F., Elizabeth C., and an infant. Mr. Koogler and wife are members of the German Reformed Church, with which they have been connected for ten years; they are exemplary, Christian people, take much interest in the church, and endeavor to carry their Christian standard high. Their children, with the exception of one, are members of the same church, as are also two of the children by the first wife, which affords the parents much gratifi- cation. Mrs. Koogler was born in Huron County, in 1823.
George B. Lafong, deceased, Zimmermanville, was born in Rich- mond, Virginia, February 26, 1787, and was a son of George La- fong, of Bordeaux, France, who emigrated to America and located in Richmond, near where he lived until his death. The boyhood of our subject was passed in his native place, where he received his education, and laid the foundation of a life that became mark- ed after arriving at maturity. July 24, 1813, he was married to Casandra Lovel, who was born in Bristol, England, April 22, 1796. After his marriage he engaged in mercantile pursuits, until his re- moval to Ohio. Enlisting in 1813, he served in the war of 1812, and acted as clerk to his superiors during his term of service. The journey from Virginia to Ohio, in 1830, was accomplished by team, through an almost impenetrable wilderness. Upon his ar- rival, he located on land near the southeast part of the township, where he purchased one hundred and four acres of land, which was partially improved. In February, 1847, he removed to two hundred and eight acres, on which the remaining portion of his life was passed. He was a 'man of large mental calibre; a great student, loving to delve down into the mysteries of science ; storing his mind with a fund of general information, which intellectually gave him superiority over his fellow man. As a grammarian he ranked high ; excelled in history; and understood fully the princi- ples and truths of theology, to which he was ardently attached; was well versed in the current events of the day, and was able at all times to discuss them. Generous to a fault, he was ever ready to lighten the cares and burdens of the more unfortunate wayfarer. In his church (the Lutheran) he was an ardent and zealous mem- ber-ready at all times to assume any responsibility, however grave, that would tend to develop and advance the cause of Chris- tianity. Was an exemplary and consistent Christian gentleman,
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and held the office of deacon in the church. His death was sud- den. A week's sickness carried him beyond all earthly help and pain, and on the 18th of April, 1875, he quietly passed away-thus ending a long and well-spent life. To Mr. and Mrs. Lafong were born eight children, four of whom are living: Mary, A. L. (now Mrs. Wall), Orlando B., Elizabeth E. (now Mrs. Kemp), and Ferd- inand L. The deceased are Sylvester G., Cassandra M., Minerva A., and Marcellus. Mrs. Lafong is a daughter of Joseph and Mary Lovell, who were born in England, where they were married. Mr. Lovell died in his native country. After his death his wife and children emigrated to America, landing in Boston, from whence they went to Richmond, Virginia, where they remained during the ensuing winter. Here she married her second husband, James Breem, and afterwards located in Kanawha County, West Virginia, where they lived till their death. By her marriage with Mr. Lovell she had fourteen children, of whom Mrs. Lafong alone survives. By her last marriage she had two children, both deceased. Mrs. Lafong is a member of the Lutheran Church, and has been for the last quarter of a century; is an exemplary Christian lady, and is passing her declining years amid peace and plenty.
Jesse Lamme, farmer, was born on the place of his present resi- dence, in. 1821, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Martin) Lamme, natives of Kentucky, who came to Ohio early in the nine- teenth century, and settled near the Little Miami. Our subject is one of nine children-Henry, Nancy, Lucy, Miranda, Marilla, and Jessie, living, and Powell, Nathan, and Sarah, deceased. Nathan was a captain in the revolutionary war, and Samuel was a soldier in the war of 1812. They literally cut their farm out of the forest. Samuel died in 1866, aged eighty-four, and his wife in 1874, also aged eighty-four. The former was a Presbyterian, the latter be- longed to the Protestant Methodist Church. Our subject was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and in 1852 mar- ried Margaret, daughter of Samuel and Mary Spieler, of Maryland, who bore him two children, Ida Alice, living, and Emmet, deceased. Jesse has always lived on the old homestead, caring for his parents during their old age. Both himself and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Is the owner of one hundred and seventy-three acres of excellent land, well improved. In politics he is a Repub- lican. Mrs. Lamme was born in Washington County, Maryland, in 1832, and removed with her parents to Ohio, in 1840, locating
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temporarily in Knox County, and afterward removing to Mont- gomery County, where they died.
David Lamme, farmer, deceased, was born in Garrard County, Kentucky, January 1, 1791. Was a son of Nathan and Nancy (Ralston) Lamme, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Pennsylvania. They removed to Kentucky when they were mar- ried, and in the spring of 1796 removed to Ohio, and settled in Sugar Creek Township, on land where the widow of David Lamme yet resides, making there a permanent home, as will be found in the history of the township. Nathan was captain of a company in the 'continental army, during the struggle for liberty in the dark days of 1776, serving until the close of the war. David was a sol- dier in the war of 1812, serving as a volunteer, substitute, and drafted soldier. Nathan Lamme died in 1834, aged eighty-nine years, and his wife died in 1814, aged forty-seven years. Eight children were born to them, all of whom are dead: Josiah, William, Samuel, James, David, Jesse, Anna, and Martha. The sons, with the exception of William, who died in Iowa, lived and died in this county. Nathan was also a captain during the Indian war, and was at Point Pleasant. In this war he went as a substitute, for which service he received buckskin enough to make a pair of moccasins. Was the first sheriff of Greene County, and also acted as assessor of the county for many years. Was a prominent man, and stood high in the Masonic fraternity. In religion he trained with the old school Presbyterian Church, and was much interested in religious matters-strict in integrity, and a strong advocate of the truths and principles of the Bible. David Lamme was raised a farmer, and in 1824 was married to Margaret, daughter of William and Jane Frazier, by whom he had seven children, six living: William, John, Josiah, Francis, Nancy, Sarah, and Margaret, deceased. Da- vid made the home of his father his place of abode during his natural life, and died September 11, 1859. In politics he was an old-time Whig. Nathan, his father, was a federalist. The parents of Mrs. David Lamme came to Ohio in 1814, and settled in this township, south of Bellbrook, on land now owned by Matt. Morris. On this land Mr. Frazier lived till his death, which occurred in August, 1815. Mrs. Frazier died in Sidney, May 10, 1850. They were parents of six children, three of whom are living: Margaret, John, and William. The deceased are Cyrus, Sarah, and Samuel. They were both members of the Associate Church. Francis Lam-
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me enlisted in Company E, Seventy-Fourth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, and was discharged on account of sickness the following year. The children of David Lamme are residents of this county, except John, who resides in Illinois.
John Lantz, deceased, Alpha, was born in Washington County, Maryland, August 27, 1806, his boyhood being passed in his native place, on the farm. In 1826, he was married to Catharine, daugh- ter of John and Barbara Rhodes, after which he engaged in mill- -
ing and distilling, which he followed till 1836, the time of his re- moval to Ohio. Their trip was made overland, by team, consun- ing four weeks' time. They made a temporary stop in Hardin County, where they remained from spring till fall, when they came on to Greene County, and settled in the neighborhood where Mrs. Lantz now lives. After remaining a few years, they went to Spring- field, Ohio, where he followed milling for several years, and then came and located where his widow now lives. Officially, his ability was recognized and sought by his townsmen, whom he served in the capacity of trustee, and a number of the more minor offices of the township, to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Six chil- dren were born to them, four of whom are living: Barbara A., John D., Eliza E., and Jacob L. The deceased are Catharine J. and Mary E. Mrs. Lantz is a member of the Lutheran Church, with which she has been connected many years, and is a consistent Christian lady. Barbara A. was married to George S. Lafong, on the 19th of February, 1852, who departed this life, January 30, 1877. Eliza E. married John A. Harner, and has three children, Maggie K., Jonathan HI., and Ann J. Mrs. Lantz was born in Maryland, in 1807, and her parents were born in the same state, in which they lived, died, and are buried. They were parents of eight children, two of whom are living: Catharine and Rose Ann. At Mr. Lantz' death, he left two hundred and seventy-six acres of land. He was a self-made man, a hard worker, and was beloved and respected by all who knew him. On the 14th of July, 1871, he passed away, after a long and well-spent life.
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