The Gebhart Families of Montgomery County, Ohio

ELIAS GEBHART, farmer, P. O. Miamisburg, was born in Miami Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, August 9, 1817. His father, John Gebhart, and his mother, Christina Gebhart, were natives of Berks Co., Penn., where they grew to manhood and womanhood, and where they were married. In 1805, they moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, and settled on a farm about two miles southeast of Miamisburg. Mr. John Gebhart was a carpenter by trade, but devoted his time exclusively to farming after his arrival in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. G. were members of the Lutheran Church, and among the originators of the first organization of said denomination in their neighborhood. He died May 31, 1842, and she August 25, 1870. They were true followers of Christ, and were much respected by all who knew them. Of their nine children, but two survive — Jonathan and Elias. Elias learned the cooper trade, at which he worked until his marriage, and since then has followed farming. He was married March 22, 1840, to Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Christina (Hubler) Gebhart, who was born in Preble County, Ohio, June 20, 1822. Her mother died in 1850. The father is still living at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. G. have followed the teachings of their parents, and have been consistent members of the Lutheran Church since 1835, Mr. Gebhart serving officially in the church quite a number of years, filling the office of Deacon and Elder. Mr. G. financially is in very easy circumstances, having started a poor boy. He now owns 300 acres of land, besides a considerable amount of personal property.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

MAHLON O. GEBHART, a prosperous farmer of German township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Miami township, in that county, February 27, 1852. His parents, George S. and Magdelena (Gebhart) Gebhart, were also born in Miami township. George Gebhart, his paternal grandfather, and his maternal grandfather, John Gebhart, were both natives of Pennsylvania and both pioneers of Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, whither they came in the early days of the settlement of this section, and where they passed the remainder of their lives.

George S. Gebhart, the father of Mahlon O., was reared on the homestead farm in Miami township, but, some years after his marriage came to German township and settled on the farm now occupied by his son, Mahlon O., and after a prosperous and honorable life, died here October 8, 1888, leaving a widow and ten surviving children. The family of children born to George S. Gebhart numbered fifteen, of whom, however, but eleven reached the age of maturity, viz: Urias, Cornelius, Henry, Mahlon O., Julia (Mrs. Jacob Gebhart), Magdalene (now deceased), Sarah (Mrs. James Small), Susan (Mrs. Frank Gable), Hannah (Mrs. Andrew Organbright), Agnes (Mrs. Samuel McClain), and Emma (Mrs. Joseph Koeppel).

Mahlon O. Gebhart, the fourth named of the children of George S. Gebhart who grew to adult years, was reared a farmer and passed the days of youth and early manhood in Miami and German townships. He has devoted much of his time to tobacco culture, and for six years of his life lived in Tennessee, in order to perfect his knowledge in the cultivation of this staple product. Excepting this absence, Montgomery county, Ohio, has always been his home.

The marriage of Mahlon O. Gebhart took place March 18, 1881, to Lydia Lease, daughter of Daniel and Mary Lease, of German township. Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart are consistent members of the Lutheran church, and in politics Mr. Gebhart is a free-silver democrat.

Mr. Gebhart bears a good name in the community in which he lives, and, while still a young man, he deserves much credit for the active part he has taken in the material advancement of German township.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Howard Gebhart, a progressive and well known agriculturist, was born on the farm where he now resides on section 25, Jackson township, his natal day being July 7, 1868. His parents were Cornelius and Mary Jane (Silknitta) Gebhart, the former being a son of George and Magdalena Gebhart. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Harp) Silknitta, who came to this state from Pennsylvania.

Howard Gebhart acquired his education in the common schools, and has always followed the occupation to which he was reared — that of agriculture. He has always continued to reside on the farm where his birth occurred and is actively engaged in its cultivation and improvement, his well directed industry constituting the basis of the gratifying success which has crowned his efforts in his chosen field of labor.

On the 16th of July, 1908, Mr. Gebhart was united in marriage to Miss Ada Kline, a daughter of John and Anna Kline, of Miami township, Montgomery county. They now have a little daughter, Edna Irene, born on the 3d of February, 1909.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Gebhart has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democrat party and has been a member of the board of elections for many years. He is well known and greatly esteemed throughout the community in which his entire life has been passed and the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

RICHARD M. GEBHART.

Richard M. Gebhart, who is at present capable serving as county commissioner of Montgomery county, owns and operates a fine farm of eighteen acres on the Dayton and Lebanon pike. His birth occurred on the old family homestead in Miami township, Montgomery county, on the 22d of September, 1849, his parents being John A. and Mary Anna (Gebhart) Gebhart. The paternal grandparents were Andrew and Elizabeth (Miller) Gebhart, the grandfather coming to this state from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He drove across the mountains and took up his above on the farm on which the birth of our subject occurred, first clearing the land of the timber. He also engaged in business as a contractor and was awarded a contract for the construction of a certain portion of the Erie canal. The work was completed within the allotted time and has proven of a most excellent and durable character, the banks being in good condition at the present day. He was widely recognized as one of the most prominent and respected pioneer settlers of the community and lived to attain the venerable age of ninety-two years. His wife was one year his junior.

John A. Gebhart, the father of Richard M. Gebhart, was also born in Miami township on the farm which the grandfather had cleared on coming to this county. In early manhood he drove a stage coach from Dayton to Cincinnati but subsequently returned to the home farm and through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests gained a gratifying measure of prosperity and became a landowner. His success was due entirely to his own well directed labor and industry and throughout this county, in which his entire life was passed, he was well known as a most substantial and public-spirited citizen. He was twice married and by his first wife had seven children, namely: John A.; Richard M., of this review; Frank E.; Augustus A., who is deceased; Arthur A.; Clarence; and George G., who has also passed away. Subsequent to the death of his first wife John A. Gebhart was again married, his second union being with Anna Skiles, by whom he had one child, Lillie May.

Richard M. Gebhart was brought to Van Buren township when but four years of age and here obtained his education, the school being about three miles distant from his home. He supplemented his early mental training by a course at St. Mary’s Institute and subsequently went to Lebanon, where he completed his education. After the death of his mother the care of the younger children devolved upon him and he continued to look after their interests until the time of his father’s second marriage. He is now the owner of a valuable and well improved tract of land of eighteen acres in Van Buren township and has been very successful in his farming and stock-raising interests, having long been numbered among the progressive and enterprising citizens and business men of the community. In 1904 he erected his present residence — a modern and attractive dwelling containing eight rooms— and also has a new barn which is considered one of the best in the county.

On the 2 ist of December, 1869, Mr. Gebhart was united in marriage to Miss Catharine G. Lamme, a daughter of James and Susan (Otey) Lamme. The father, a native of Miami township, was one of the county’s most prominent and prosperous agriculturists. His parents were Robert and Catharine (Ridgley) Lamme, the former, who came from Maryland, being the first representative of the name in this county.

In his political views Mr. Gebhart is a stalwart democrat and is an active worker in the local ranks of the party. He served as pike commissioner of Miami township for three terms and also acted in that position in Van Buren township for a similar period. For three terms he was a member of the fair board and is now assessor, which position he has held for four or five years. That his services in this office have proven entirely satisfactory to all concerned is indicated by the fact that at the last election he was chosen by a handsome majority. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias at Dayton. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart have an extensive circle of friends throughout the county in which they have always resided and are worthy representatives of two of the prominent and honored pioneer families whose labors contributed to the early development and upbuilding of this section of the state.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

EMANUEL A. GEBHART, a prominent farmer of Montgomery county, Ohio, was born September 24, 1849, in Miami township, where he still resides, a son of John and Elizabeth (Kreitzer) Gebhart. His paternal grandfather, Henry Gebhart, came to Jefferson township, Montgomery county, Ohio, from Pennsylvania in 1827, cleared and improved a farm, a portion of which is still owned by his heirs, and upon which he died at the age of eighty-four years, his remains being buried in Ellerton cemetery. His children were Hettie ( Mrs. John Billman Hannah (Mrs. John Rider), Lucy (Mrs. Solomon Kreitzer), Rebecca (Mrs. John Kreitzer), John, and Sarah (Mrs. John Shuder ) — all natives of Pennsylvania. John, the only son, was born in 1818, was reared in Jefferson township, Montgomery county, from his ninth year, and in early manhood purchased a farm in Miami township, on which he resided until his death, in June, 1884. His wife was a daughter of Thomas and Sarah ( Gebhart ) Kreitzer, of Jefferson township, and his children were nine, of whom five grew to maturity: Jacob A. (now deceased), Emanuel A., John A., Minerva (Mrs. Charles Kline), and Mary (Mrs. Morris Kline

Emanuel A. Gebhart was reared in Miami township, was educated in the common schools and lived on the homestead until twenty-four years of age. He then lived seven years in Jefferson township, and, since 1882, has resided on the farm he now occupies in Miami township.

September 27, 1870, Mr. Gebhart married Miss Jennie, daughter of David and Julia A. ( Walburn ) Bolander, of Miami township, and has five children, viz: Luie, Elsie ( Mrs.

Charles Rice Daisy M. ( Mrs. Howard Bloss), Emma and Harry. David Bolander, father of Mrs. Gebhart, was born in Pennsylvania in 1802 and came to Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1817, where he farmer ' until his death in January, 1887.

Julia A. Walburn, wife of David Bolander, was also born in Pennsylvania, and came to Montgomery county, Ohio, when a girl. She has, since her husband’s death, resided in the family of her son-in-law, Mr. Gebhart.

Emanuel A. Gebhart is a progressive farmer, a member of the Reformed church and has served eleven years as school director of Miami township; he is one of the directors of the Montgomery county Mutual Fire association, and, politically, is a democrat. He is one of the thoroughgoing business men of his township, is public spirited, and ever ready, with his time and means, to assist in any enterprise designed for the benefit of the community. He is a true citizen, and, as guch, holds the confidence, good will and respect of all his fellowcitizens of Miami township.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JACOB B. GEBHART.

Jacob B. Gebhart, a leading farmer of Miami township, Montgomery county, owns one hundred and twenty-two acres of fine land on the Centerville road about two miles from Miamisburg. He is one of the oldest agriculturists of this county and comes from a family who have for generations been identified with agricultural interests. His father, Peter Gebhart, was also born here and was one of its best known men. He was a farmer all his life, but was also a man of affairs, taking an active part in the local matters of government. He was very prominent in the councils of the democratic party. He married Miss Margaret Brosius, who bore to him nine children: George; Jacob B.; Amos; Wilson, deceased; Elmore; Perry; Elizabeth; Sarah and Lucinda.

Jacob B. Gebhart was born in Montgomery county and attended the common schools here. As was natural he soon commenced farming, even before the close of his school period, and when he attained to man’s estate he engaged in that line of work for himself. His industry and his knowledge of the principles of soil culture have united to reward his efforts with more than the average amount of success and to give him a comfortable income.

When Mr. Gebhart looked forward to establishing a home of his own he those as the woman to be his helpmeet Miss Louisa Heinecke, the daughter of Henry and Catherine (Hertel) Heinecke. Pier father had come from Germany to this county, where he became one of its well known farmers. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart, of whom six are still living: William Henry, Charles L., Albert T.. Minnie R., Elmer, Anna A., deceased, and Edmund H. Charles L. is the virtual head of the family and upon him devolves the responsibility of the farm.

In both church work and local affairs Mr. Gebhart takes an active and efficient interest. He belongs to the Lutheran church, being one of its oldest members, but nis participation in the work of the church is not so active as a few years back, though he is still devoted to its welfare and is regular in his attendance at its services. In local affairs, he has on many occasions served the people as judge of the elections and always with discrimination and justness, and in other matters and on other occasions has given evidence of his concern for the welfare of the community in which he lives and of the good judgment that is characteristic of him. Aside from this he is a man who finds his greatest delight and recreation in the bosom of his family; and although he is a sociable neighbor, he could never be persuaded to join one of the fraternal organizations that aim to promote good feelings and kindly intercourse among the people in whose midst they are located. But after all is said Mr. Gebhart remains a man who is respected and honored for the sterling qualities of character he exhibits, for his industry and his integrity.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

HOWARD CLEVELAND GEBHART.

Howard Cleveland Gebhart is the manager of the Mound farm of ninety acres of rich and arable land located southeast of Miamisburg, on the Mound road. He was born on the old family homestead on the Alexanderville road, southeast of Miamisburg, his natal day being March 3, 1888. His parents are Arthur and Elizabeth (Leasure) Gebhart. The father was educated in Montgomery county and has been actively and successfully identified with agricultural and stock-raising interests throughout his entire business career, being now the owner of a valuable and well improved farm in this county. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, namely: Myrtle; Bessie; Howard C., of this review; Arthur; Richard; Edna; Clyde, deceased; and one who died in infancy.

Lloward Cleveland Gebhart acquired his education in the common schools of Miami township and since putting aside his text-books has devoted his time and energies to general farming pursuits. As above stated, he now operates a tract of land comprising ninety acres, known as the Mound farm, and in its cultivation is meeting with gratifying success, the well tilled fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestow upon them. He likewise raises some stock and expects to take up that branch of business on an extensive scale in the near future. Though he has just attained his majority, he has already won a measure of prosperity in his undertakings that augurs well for the future, and he is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as a most enterprising and progressive citizen.

On the 8th of January, 1908, Mr. Gebhart was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary H. King, a daughter of Nicholas D. and Mary Jane (Watson) King, of Kentucky. Her paternal grandparents were Abel and Mary (Dunn) King and the former was one of Kentucky’s early settlers, having made his way to that state from Virginia. Nicholas D. King, the father of Mrs. Gebhart, is a prominent and prosperous citizen and a veterinary surgeon by profession. Unto him and his wife were born twelve children, as follows: Samantha; John W., who is now deceased; Lida B.; William N.; Martha; Willis, who has also passed away; Elizabeth M.; Eli; James N.; Alexander; Mrs. Gebhart; and one who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart now have one child, Truman C. They belong to the Reformed church, in the works of which they take an active and helpful interest. Mr. Gebhart fully realizes the benefits of travel and has taken a number of trips for educational purposes, as well as for the pleasure to be derived therefrom. He has a large circle of warm friends throughout the county in which he has resided from his birth to the present time, having ever displayed those sterling traits of character which everywhere command admiration and regard.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE H. GEBHART, member of the Dayton bar, was born in this city, November 5, 1867. He is a son of George A. Gebhart, junior member of the firm of S. T. & G. A. Gebhart, of Dayton. His grandfather was Judge Herman Gebhart, whose name is familiar to every one acquainted with the history of Dayton.

George H. Gebhart was educated in the public schools and the high school of his native city. Leaving the high school in the third year he entered the select school of John Truesdell, which was established in the fall of 18815, for the purpose of fitting young men, with thoroughness, for such colleges as they might wish to enter. In this school young Gebhart prepared for Yale college, and afterward spent one year in that institution and returned to Dayton. In 1888 he entered the Cincinnati law college, remaining there until 1890, when he was graduated, and in the same year was admitted to the bar at Columbus, Ohio. He next entered the law office of Gottschall & Brown as a student, remaining with them until

1894, and engaged in office work for the firm. Beginning the practice of law in Dayton, he has since continued with credit and success.

Mr. Gebhart was married in March, 1894, to Miss Daisie Brock, of Cincinnati, and to them a daughter has been born, named Ellinor. Mr. Gebhart is a young man of industry and ambition, and, being well educated in schools and colleges of high standing, he is well equipped for the work of an arduous and honorable profession.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.