My Genealogy Hound

LUTHER NEER. Among the well developed farms of Pleasant Township, Clark County, that of Luther Neer should not be passed unnoticed. It is under the able management of a gentleman who, though quite young in years, was reared with a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits, and possesses the natural intelligence and judgment which understandingly apply information gained. The farm comprises one hundred and seven fertile acres, and in connection with the work of general agriculture the owner raises the best of stock.

The subject of this sketch is a member of a family which has been well known in this township for nearly three-fourths of a century, and which had been previously numbered among the respectable families of Virginia. The first representative of the family in this county was Amos Neer, who came hither about 1818, settling near Catawba, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was born in Loudoun County, Va., being a son of Henry Neer, a farmer in the Old Dominion. His wife was Nancy A. Cunnard, of the same State. They belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Neer was a member of the Whig party. He left an estate of one hundred and twenty-five acres. His family consisted of the following named sons and daughters: Jonathan, Nathan; Elizabeth Ann, wife of Daniel Wynant, of Kosciusko County, Ind.; Susan, wife of Thomas Runyan; Jane, wife of Joseph Ferguson, and Matilda, wife of Andrew B. Runyan.

The second of the above-named family was born in Pleasant Township, August 5, 1822, and, beginning his career in life with about $180, accumulated a landed estate of five hundred and twenty-five acres of valuable land. He was liberal in his support of public improvements, had served his fellow-men as Township Trustee, and by his personal character won respect. In politics he was a Republican, and in religion a believer in the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died November 13, 1886. His wife was Mary J. Hunter, who was born May 2, 1823, and who breathed her last June 23, 1889. Their family consisted of seven children — Levi, William, Miranda, Luther, Charles F., Alonzo W. and Laura J. Levi died when twenty-two years old, and Miranda is also deceased. She was the wife of James H. Engle.

Luther Neer was born two miles southwest of Catawba, November 12, 1855, and received a common-school education. When he became of age he began life on a farm, in the spring of 1882, locating where he now resides. Doing honor to the teaching which he had received and in which his judgment concurred, he identified himself with the Republican party and is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the home of the bride September 11, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Mollie J. Loveless. This lady was born in Loudoun County, Va., but has lived in Ohio since her childhood. She is intelligent, well-bred, and well-versed in the practical duties of life. Like her husband she belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Two interesting children have come to bless the union, named respectively: Olive L. and Nathan L.

In the Old Dominion Charles and Frances (Lowe) Loveless lived upon a farm for some years. In 1868 they removed to Ohio, settling in Champaign County, whence they subsequently removed to this county. Here they made their home in Pleasant Township, where their daughter became the wife of our subject.