My Genealogy Hound

JACOB HERING. This upright and honorable gentleman, now living a quiet life in Xenia, has probably been as thoroughly identified with the interests of Greene County, and particularly of Beaver Creek Township, as any man now living. He is the fourth child and only son of Jacob Hering Sr., a native of Switzerland, who after his marriage with Miss Barbara Richenbaugh, came to America in 1795. They settled in Maryland, but in 1806 came to this county then almost an unbroken wilderness. Mr. Hering bought six hundred acres of land in Beaver Creek Township, clearing the entire place himself, and living for some years in the log house in which our subject was born. He continued his agricultural labors there until 1836, when he entered into rest. His wife had departed this life in 1810, leaving three daughters and a son, the latter scarcely more than an infant.

Mr. Hering was not only a believer in the principles of Christianity, but one who manifested that belief in his daily walk and conversation. He belonged to the United Brethren or German Reformed Church, and did much to build up that organization in his section. He thoroughly appreciated the need of good schools and used his utmost efforts toward their institution and support. He was not a politician but one whose fitness to serve his fellowmen was understood, and by them he was made Road Supervisor and a school officer.

The daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Hering, Sr. are: Elizabeth, who married Joseph Kent of Montgomery County; Margaret, the wife of Isaac Kent, of the same county and a brother of Joseph; and Barbara, who married Adam Kline of this county.

Jacob Hering, Jr., with whose name we introduce this sketch, was born June 9, 1808, and grew to maturity on the homestead, on which he lived until 1882. He received an excellent common-school education, and assisted his father in the work of the estate until after he had become of age when he married, but remained with his father until the death of the latter. Becoming the owner of three hundred and thirty-five acres of the old homestead, he continued to reside upon it making many improvements and prosecuting a successful career until he determined to retire from active duties. Buying a neat new cottage on West Market Street, Xenia, he moved into town where he is now enjoying merited repose from the labors of life, cheered by the companionship of many friends and his surviving children. He has seen this country change from a forest to the improved land of to-day, where flourishing towns and highly cultivated farms take the place of a few and primitive dwellings and small improved tracts which he recalls in his boyhood. He still retains his ownership to the splendid farm in Beaver Creek Township, which is now operated by two of his sons.

On February 2, 1831, our subject led to the hymeneal altar, Miss Mary Steele, daughter of Ebenezer Steele, a prominent county official. The bride was born in Maryland and came to this county with her parents in 1812. She is a sister of John Steele, whose grandson, J. D. Steele, is well known here and is represented in this volume. She faithfully discharged her duties as wife and mother until July 2, 1868, when she was called from time to eternity. She had borne nine children, six of whom reached years of maturity and four are yet surviving. Amanda is now living with her father and taking charge of the household; Ebenezer lives on the old farm; Angeline was the wife of Lester Arnold, whose sketch appears on another page in this book; Henry Harrison who was born in 1840 and named for the General whose name was so prominently before the public at that time, was a member of the Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry during the Civil War, and Captain of Company F, proving himself to be a valiant soldier; John J. died from fever contracted in the service of his country, being enrolled in the One hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and held a Lieutenant’s commission at the time of his death, being then in his twenty-second year; Albert Franklin is living on the home farm.

Mr. Hering filled the position of Township Clerk for a number of terms and held the offices of Township Treasurer and School. Director for many years. He considers himself a lifelong Republican, his first vote having been cast for Henry Clay, and his adherance being naturally given to the party which grew out of that to which he first belonged, and which carries on the work it began; he is proud of having voted for both Harrisons. He belongs to the Reformed Church with which he has been identified during all his mature life. Looking back over a long life, like all mortals he can see wherein he might have practiced more thoroughly the small virtues which are needful to a perfect character and life, yet having ever endeavored to do the right, he finds no cause for serious regret, knowing that “to err is human, to forgive divine.” His influence has ever been on the side of morality, religion and high civilization, and is felt throughout a wide circle.