My Genealogy Hound

MICHAEL SHINKLE, farmer, P. O. Higginsport, is a grandson of Christian Shinkle, who is mentioned in the pioneer history of this township. He was the father of thirteen children, of which John B. was the eldest son, and was born in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, in the year 1789, where he reached his sixteenth year. At this time, his father emigrated to Ohio, where he matured amid the primeval forest of the State, assisting in all the pioneer family duties and giving his time to his parents until about the year 1812, when he married Susanna Gray, whose parents were early settlers near Felicity. He was a Democrat. Early in life, he became a supporter of Christianity and joined the Christian Church, under the ministerial service of Elder Gardner. In this, his chosen denomination, he reared his family, who imbibed the same doctrine. He died, a worthy citizen much respected, in the year 1844, and his wife, in 1865. Their children were nine in number, of whom six grew to maturity. Of the family, our subject is one of three sons, and is the second eldest of the family; he was born March 6, 1815, in what is now Lewis Township, Brown Co., Ohio, and is one among the oldest native-born citizens now living in the township. In early life he endured many privations, but now in advanced age he enjoys the fruits of his labors. His education was acquired in the common schools of his day, but from fourteen years of age he devoted his time to teaming until his majority, when, on December 1, 1836, he united in marriage with Miss Sally A., daughter of Elder Matthew Gardner; she was born December 5, 1815, in Brown County, where she has ever since resided. Soon after their marriage, they settled on the farm where they now live. He has devoted his entire life to farming, and is one of the well-to-do citizens of the township. He and wife have been members of the Christian Church for many years, and he has been a Trustee. Their children were eight in number, of whom six are now living, and all married. The youngest, Michael E., was born February 7, 1854, and still resides on the old home farm. During his early life enjoyed the benefits of the common school and assisted his father. In 1876, he married Miss Sarah Marsh, by whom he has had two children.