My Genealogy Hound

CAPT. JOHN H. JACOBY, proprietor of the Valley Mills, an institution familiar to all the residents of Xenia Township, is one of the solid men of Greene County, and a universal favorite, both in social and business circles. In fact he is a born gentleman in the broadest sense of the term, and this comprises all the qualities which can reasonably be required in the makeup of one man. Of stanch Pennsylvania stock, he was born on the 31st of December, 1814, in Northumberland County, that State, and is a representative of one of its finest old families.

Henry Jacoby, the father of our subject, came with his family to this county in 1815, and settled in Oldtown, where he was employed by his father, the grandfather of our subject, John Jacoby by name, for about two years. He then removed to Massies Creek, where he built a small cornmill and distillery, which he operated successfully for about ten or twelve years. He next turned his attention to farming, and in 1844 built the mills now operated by his son, John H. In the meantime the latter had developed into manhood, and became familiar with both the arts of milling and farming. Father Jacoby rested from his earthly labors in the latter part of December, 1859, passing peacefully away at the old farm. His wife bore the maiden name of Rebecca Corry. She also died at the old homestead about 1867. Their family consisted of seven children, two of whom are living.

The subject of this notice was the second child of his parents, and has spent his entire life in the township of his birth. From the time of reaching manhood until the death of his father, he was associated with the latter in business, and availed himself of the judgment of that disinterested friend in his business operations, and it is probable that this contributed largely to his success. Since the death of the elder Jacoby, John H. has carried on the mills and farm, the former of which have a capacity of seventy-five barrels per day. They are equipped with modern machinery, including the roller process, and have become an institution quite indispensable to the people of this part of the county. The Captain is quite independent, financially, having besides his mill property four hundred acres of land in this county. His parents were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and John H. since a young man, has faithfully followed in their footsteps, giving also his adherence and support to this religious denomination. He commenced attending religious services at a very early age, being first carried to the old church in the town of Clifton on a pillow by his mother.

The Captain earned his title by assuming the command of a company of Light Horse Volunteers which had its existence prior to the late war. He has always taken an active part in political affairs, and is prominent in the ranks of the Republican party in this county. If he has failed in any respect in the performance of all the duties of a good citizen, it is that he still remains a bachelor.