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Below is a family biography included in The History of Darke County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1880.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JONAS HARTZELL, retired farmer; P. O. Greenville; another of the old settlers of Darke Co., born in Adams Co., Penn., May 10, 1803; he was one of six brothers, who came to Darke Co. between the periods of 1833 and 1836; Jonas located upon Sec. 8, Greenville Township, where he has since lived—a period of nearly half a century; he purchased 120 acres, and afterward added until he had accumulated 400 acres; he devoted his attention to farming until about the year 1865, when he retired from active labor; during the past three years, he has been confined to the house by sickness, and has been kindly cared for by his sons Charles and Jonas, who are managing the home farm. Jonas Hartzell, Sr., and Elizabeth Welty were united in marriage, in Pennsylvania, Feb. 12, 1829; she was born in Pennsylvania Aug. 9, 1807; they had twelve children, of whom ten are now living, viz.: Louisa J., born March 11, 1830; William, born March 3, 1832, died in infancy; Elizabeth and Catherine (twins), born Feb. 9, 1834; Sarah Ann, born Nov. 20, 1836; Charles Wesley and Edward Spencer (twins), born Sept. 1, 1839; Jonas W., born May 2, 1841; Hannah M., born March 18, 1843; Lauretta D., born Feb. 23, 1845; James, born April 28, 1847, and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hartzell have been members of the Methodist Church for a period of thirty years. Of the above children, Charles Wesley may be considered one of the old settlers, having always lived upon the home farm, upon which he was born in 1839; he was married, March 7, 1867, to Sarah E. Shophard; she was born in Twin Township, Darke Co., March 20, 1846; they had four children by this union—Jonas Elmer, Lillian R., John H. and Olive M; the latter is deceased.

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This family biography is one of 659 biographies included in The History of Darke County, Ohio published in 1880 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Darke County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Darke County, Ohio family biographies here: Darke County, Ohio Biographies

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