My Genealogy Hound

AHIMAAZ JACOBS. As a man who forms one of the substantial landmarks of Miami Township, Greene County, Mr. Jacobs is worthy of more than a passing mention. He settled here in the early days, taking up a tract of land on section 26, and to the cultivation of this has successfully bent his energies. His land is more than usually fertile, yielding to the proprietor a comfortable income. Mr. Jacobs is a plain, unassuming man, contented to live in a modest manner, careful and methodical, and pursuing the course which has gained him the esteem and confidence of those around him.

The State of Maryland has contributed many substantial men to the settlement of Greene County, and among these is Mr. Jacobs, who was born in Alleghany County, that State, October 13, 1821. His schooling was obtained in a log cabin, into which light was admitted through greased paper for window panes, which was heated by a fireplace, with a chimney built outside of earth and sticks, and where the children sat upon slab benches, with their feet unable sometimes to reach the puncheon floor. If the teacher could read, write and “cipher” he was considered competent as an instructor and his pupils could not be expected to go beyond him. The school days of Mr. Jacobs were very limited, and he was required at an early age to make himself useful about the farm, remaining there with his parents until a youth of nineteen years, he then set out with his elder brother, Samuel (now deceased) for the prairies of Illinois. They settled on land in Ogle County, where they sojourned two years and then our subject returned home where he remained until after his marriage.

This important and interesting event in the life of Mr. Jacobs was celebrated March 10, 1846, the maiden name of his choice being Miss Emily, daughter of Jacob and Sally (Jacobs) Trollinger. The newly wedded pair settled in Allegheny County and a few years afterward upon their present farm and bent their energies to the establishment of a permanent home. In due time there was born to them a family of six children, only four of whom are living: J. Cicero married Miss Miriam Johnson; they have five children and live on the home farm; Jacob Thomas, Mary L. and William Austin, are unmarried and remain with their father.

Mrs. Emily Jacobs departed this life August 19, 1888. She, with her husband, became identified with the Christian Church many years ago. Of this church Mr. Jacobs has been a Trustee and has contributed annually to its support. He cast his first Presidential vote in 1844. For years he has been a member of the School Board, but has carefully refrained from assuming the further responsibilities of office, and although elected Township Supervisor, declined to serve. In politics he has been very conservative and for the last few years his interest in the temperance movement, has constrained him to cast his vote with the Prohibitionists. His farm embraces one hundred and seventy-two acres of land, all enclosed with substantial fencing and all under good cultivation, with the exception of twenty-five acres in timber.

The immediate progenitors of our subject were Gabriel and Margaret (Jackson) Jacobs, who were natives of Maryland, the father born July 7, 1781. Gabriel Jacobs learned carpentering during early manhood, but in later years turned his attention almost exclusively to farming. The parents were married in their native State, and the father there spent his entire life, departing hence, October 11, 1848. The mother remained a widow until her death, which took place October 20, 1855, in Greene County, this State. Eleven children were born to them, six of whom are living.

Mrs. Jacobs who was the third child of her parents, was born April 4, 1826, in Alleghany County, Md., of which State her parents were also natives. They lived there several years and then Mrs. Trollinger died and a few years later Mr. Trollinger emigrated to Ohio and settled on the land now owned by Nimrod Trollinger. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living.