The Klepinger Family of Montgomery County, Ohio

HENRY KLEPINGER is a son of one of the pioneers of Montgomery county, and a successful farmer of Madison township. His father, George Klepinger, was born in 1800, in Westmoreland county, Pa., and came of Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestry. The father of George Klepinger came from Pennsylvania to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1815, settling on a farm, which he cleared and improved, and upon which he lived for some time, when he removed to Indiana with his family, his children at that time being John, George and Mary. The Montgomery county farm was in Madison township, and not long after leaving this farm for Indiana, the father of these children, whose name was Henry, died. His entire family consisted of the following children: Jacob, Henry,

David, Samuel, John, Isaac, George, Mary and one that died unnamed.

George Klepinger was but fifteen years of age when he came with his father from Pennsylvania to Montgomery county, Ohio, and upon reaching his maturity he married Maria Loutzenhizer, settling on a farm in Randolph township. Upon this farm he remained until 1840, when he removed to the farm on which Henry Klepinger now lives, which farm contains 172 acres of excellent land. Mr. and Mrs. Klepinger reared the following children: Susan, Henry, John, William, Aaron and Maria, and had several that died while yet young. Politically Mr. Klepinger was an old-line whig, and in religious belief a German Baptist. While on a visit to Westmoreland county, Pa., he died, in 1858.

Henry Klepinger, the subject of this sketch, was born August 11, 1832, in Randolph township, and was thus eight years old when he came with his father to the present homestead, upon which he has lived ever since except for a short time when he was a young man. Early in life he learned the carpenter trade in Dayton, and remained there about four years, working at his trade, however, in all about eight years. On October 22, 1857, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Miller, who was born in Harrison township, November 6, 1836, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Bowser) Miller, the former of whom was the son of Daniel Miller, the well-known pioneer of Wolf creek. Daniel Miller was born in Pennsylvania, May 5, 1776. His old family Bible, printed in German)', is still in existence, and according to its title page was published MDCCLXXVIII. It is bound in wooden covers, with leather back and brass class, and contains the family record. It was valued highly by grandmother Miller, who was a native of Pennsylvania and whose maiden name was Bowman.

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

FRANKLIN KLEPINGER, farmer; P. O., Little York. The subject of this biography is the son of John KJepinger, who came to Ohio with his parents and located in Montgomery County. After serving an apprenticeship at the carpenters trade, he accompanied his parents to Indiana, where he remained one year, and ( returned to Ohio and celebrated his marriage with Elizabeth Boyer. They were the parents of six sons and two daughters, viz: Franklin, Newton, Samuel, Harvey, John, Oliver, Matilda and Harriet. Soon after his marriage he purchased 50 acres of land and gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. By hard labor he accumulated quite a large amount of property, both personal and real. Mr. Klepinger departed this life Dec. 7, 1880. He was a member of the German Baptist Church, and his exemplary habits won the esteem of a large circle of friends. The subject of this sketch was born in this county, Randolph Township, Aug. 23, 1832. He obtained an ordinary education and served an apprenticeship at the carpenter’s trade, which he followed until he was 30 years af age, and then purchased 62 acres of land. May 25, 1862, he took for wife Anna Hisey, and as a result of this union had three children; David is now living. Mrs. Klepinger departed this life in the spring of 1866. After the death of his wife, Mr. Klepinger rented his farm, and put his children under the care of his mother, and returned to his trade, which he followed until 1868, at which date he married his second wife, Miss Anna D. Syler. This union was blessed with five children; one daughter and three sons are now living, viz: Aaron W., John A. and Warren T. After his marriage he returned to his farm, which he has increased to 225 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Klepinger are both members of the German Baptist Church, and their children are co-workers with their parents in the cause of religion.

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

DAVID W. KLEPINGER.

David W. Klepinger, one of the farmers near Dayton, is well known through his activity in local affairs. His farm embraces thirty acres of excellent land about five miles north of this city, on the Covington pike. It is a well cultivated tract, in this giving evidence of the character of the man who owns it. The subject of the sketch was born January 2, 1859, on the old Miller farm on Wolf creek, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Miller) Klepinger, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Alfred Klepinger in another part of this volume. At home on the farm and in the schools of the county David Klepinger received his preparation for life, for work at home and at school were not dissociated, but went side by side, each supplementing and enhancing the value of the other. In comparatively recent years he sold about sixty acres of the old estate, including the homestead, and but a short distance from it built his present house, a fine modern building of eleven rooms fully equipped with all the conveniences provided for the householder today.

In 1882 Mr. Klepinger was married to Miss Laura Wampler, a daughter of Jesse and Susan (Peterbaugh) Wampler. One daughter, Gertrude, was born to the union, but did not long survive life’s struggle. When he married a second time, Mr. Klepinger those as his bride Miss Ida Slonaker, a daughter of George and Belle (Myers) Slonaker. The parents came from West Virginia to Ohio and are still living the useful lives of farmers in Miami county, this state.

The people of Harrison township have given more than one indication of their confidence in Mr. Klepinger as a man interested in promoting the welfare of the community. During the past eight years he has served at their behest as a trustee of the township, and at the sitting of the national republican convention he was the delegate elected by the voters of Harrison township. He has also for years been a factor in advancing the cause of education in this locality, and for seven years has been a member of the school board, of which body he was for four years president. By his life he has given evidence that his adherence to the Christian church is not a matter of form. He takes an efficient interest in both the religious and social work of this body, which in appreciation of his services has elected him deacon and clerk. Mr. Klepinger is a man not slightly to be put aside, one whose views are not to be held in small regard.

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

The Klepinger family is an old and prominent one in Ohio and its representatives have constituted substantial and progressive citizens whose labors have been an important element in the work of public progress. To this family belongs Ellsworth Klepinger, who is now well known in the business circles of Dayton as a draftsman. He was the fourth in order of birth of nine children, whose parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Miller) Klepinger. Like many of the pioneers of the state, the Klepingers came first from Pennsylvania, the grandfather, George Klepinger, removing from the east that he might enjoy the better business opportunities offered in this new and growing western country. Pie therefore cast in his lot with the early settlers who were reclaiming this region for the purpose of civilization and, while he met with difficulties and hardships incident to pioneer life, he resolutely bore his part in the work of general improvement. Henry Klepinger, the father of our subject, was born in this county in 1832 and has long been numbered among the widely known and valued citizens of this part of the state. For many years, he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits but is now living retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, for his activity and careful management in former years brought to him a comfortable competence. He wedded Elizabeth Miller and they became the parents of nine children: David W.; George, deceased; Alfred L.; Ellsworth; Charles; Mary, also deceased: Llewellyn G., practicing medicine; Edwin; and Howard.

The experiences of Ellsworth Klepinger in his youthful days were not unlike those of most farm boys of the period. He was reared upon the old homestead and through the period of his youth not only mastered the lessons taught in the public schools of the neighborhood, but also learned in the school of experience the best methods of tilling the soil, while nature also taught him many lessons that have been forces in his later success and he is now well known in Dayton as a draftsman.

On the ist of January, 1890, occurred the marriage of Ellsworth Klepinger and Miss Libby Denlinger, a daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Garber) Denlinger of Madison township. The young couple are well known in Dayton and enjoy the warm friendship of many with whom they have been brought in contact.

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

ENRY KLEPINGER, proprietor of the Dayton Leather & Collar company, the business of which is located on Second street, resides in Madison township on a farm, and is considered-one of the solid men of Montgomery county. He succeeded his son Charles in the enterprise in which he is now engaged, and which was established in 1853. It is one of the most prosperous concerns in the city of Dayton, being employed in the manufacture of horse collars, leather nets and leather specialties of numerous kinds, which find a market throughout the central and southern states. This business is under the management of Charles Klepinger, son of Henry Klepinger, who was born on the home place in Madison township, December 16, 1865. He received his preliminary education in the public schools of Dayton, and later took a course of study in the Miami Commercial college, remaining at home until he was twenty years of age. Then accepting a position as bookkeeper with Claude M. Mitchell, he served in that capacity for six years, after which, in company with George K. Hill, he succeeded to the business of Mr. Mitchell, then on Second street, and which consisted of the manufacture of collars. These two gentlemen continued as partners until January 1, 1895, when Charles Klepinger took the entire business, and in August, 1895, it was removed to the present location, Charles having then been succeeded by his father, Henry Klepinger, as owner of the establishment.

Charles Klepinger was married October 3, 1893, to Miss Etta May Anderson, of Dayton, and a daughter of J. I. Anderson. They have one child, Edith M., and reside at No. 52 McOwen street, Dayton, Ohio. They are members of the United Brethren church, and Mr. Klepinger is one of the popular and progressive young men of the city of Dayton, and the manager of one of its most successful commercial industries.

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

LLEWELLYN G. KLEPINGER, M. D.

Dr. Llewellyn G. Ivlepinger, who is widely recognized as a successful and popular representative of the medical fraternity of Montgomery county, has offices in the Arcade building in Dayton, while his home is on Fairview avenue, just outside the corporation limits of the city. He was born on the 24th of June, 1870, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth (Miller) Ivlepinger, both of whom still survive and enjoy excellent health. George Ivlepinger, the paternal grandfather, was the first representative of the name to come to Ohio, making the journey from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Henry Ivlepinger, the father of our subject, was born on the old Klepinger homestead in Montgomery county and has long been numbered among the most prominent and influential citizens of his community. He holds membership in the German Baptist church and his life has ever been in conformity with its teachings. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, namely: David; George, deceased; Alfred; Ellsworth; Charles; Mary, who has also passed away; Llewellyn G., of this review; Edwin; and Howard.

Llewellyn G. Klepinger obtained his preliminary education in the district schools of Madison township and when not busy with his lessons he worked at farm labor, thus earning enough money to enable him to go to college. For three terms he was a student in the Northern Indiana Normal School and subsequently was connected with manufacturing interests for about two years. He afterward pursued a course in the Miami Commercial College of Dayton and then, having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, entered the Ohio Medical College, from which institution he was graduated in 1901. In 1905 he took a special course of study in Chicago and on returning to Dayton opened an office in the Arcade building, where he has remained to the present time. An able and skilled practitioner, his labors have been attended with well merited success and, although still young in years, he has already gained an enviable reputation as a representative of the medical profession.

On the 15th of October, 1901, Dr. Klepinger was joined in wedlock to Miss Grace Markey, a daughter of Nathaniel and Anna (Wampler) Markey, of Montgomery county. By this union there is one child, Paul Markey. The-family attend the United Brethren church, while fraternally Dr. Klepinger is identified with the Modern Woodmen. He is a worthy and respected native son of Montgomery county and his life has been actuated at all times by high and honorable principles, manifested in his professional labors and in his private life.

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

DANIEL W. KLEPINGER.

Daniel W. Klepinger, superintendent of the Harrison township public schools of Montgomery county, was born October 7, 1862, in Madison township and represents one of the oldest families of the county. It is known that John Klepinger was the ancestor of the Klepinger people. He was born in Germany January 31, 1774. On the 31st of December, 1799, he married Elizabeth Benkard, who also was born in Germany. Unto this union were born ten children. The two oldest were George, who was born October 19, 1800; and John, born May 26, 1802. All of the Klepingers now living in Montgomery county are descendants of these two sons. John Klepinger, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and his wife removed with their family from Pennsylvania, where they first settled after coming to this country, to Ohio in 1815 and settled on a farm in Madison township, Montgomery county. Later they removed to Indiana, locating near Lafayette on the Tippecanoe battleground. This John Klepinger died October 12, 1833.

Daniel W. Klepinger was a grandson of the second son of the above mentioned union and is the third child in a family of six children born unto Newton and Sarah Klepinger. His boyhood days were spent on the farm in Madison township, a mile southeast of Trotwood. While a boy he did such work as naturally falls to the lot of a farm lad, working diligently in the fields through the summer months, while in the fall he entered the rural school, therein pursuing his studies until with the return of spring he was again obliged to assist in the farm work.

Determining to become a teacher, Mr. Klepinger entered the Ohio Normal university at Ada in the fall of 1882. After spending thirty weeks in this university, he began to teach in subdistrict No. 9, Madison township, then known as the Keener school. Two years later he temporarily gave up teaching for further study and was graduated from the university at Ada in 1888. Since that time he has been continually engaged in the profession of teaching, having had charge of elementary schools in Harrison, Jefferson and Van Buren townships. After which he served as superintendent of Washington township for two years and of Madison township for four years. During the past ten years he has been superintendent of the Harrison township schools. He has always regarded the profession of teaching as a very responsible but also as a delightful one.

Under his supervision the high schools of both Madison and Harrison townships were placed upon a firm foundation. As an educator he has done excellent work, holding to high ideals and continually seeking out new methods to improve the schools and enhance the grade of work done therein. On the

ist of September, 1908, he was appointed a member of the comity board of school examiners for a term of three years.

In 1892 Daniel W. Klepinger and Jennie May Miller were united in marriage and unto them were born five children, one son having died in infancy. The others are: Miriam Edna, Troy Emerson, Robert Miller and Evangeline. The family home is now in Harrison township near Dayton.

Mr. Klepinger has thus far spent his life in this county, giving his attention to educational work. He has displayed much ability to impart readily and clearly to others and the power which he has manifested as an organizer have made the schools under his supervision of the highest grade.

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

HOWARD R. KLEPINGER.

Howard R. Klepinger, county surveyor of Montgomery county, was born in Madison township, this county, May 25, 1883, and was reared amid rural surroundings, working in the fields through the summer months, while the winter season was devoted to the acquirement of an education. He graduated from the high school of his native township at the age of fifteen years, but ambitious to secure a more advanced education he pursued a preparatory course in a school at North Manchester, Indiana, and later entered the Ohio Northern University, at Ada, Ohio, there pursuing an engineering course, from which he was graduated in 1900 with the degree of civil engineer. His life has since been devoted to the practice of his profession, which he began in Dayton immediately following his graduation. He has been accorded a gratifying patronage and won public recognition of his ability in his election to the office of county surveyor, in November, 1906. He has made a very creditable record for one of his years and his ability argues well for substantial advance in the future. Aside from his profession he is to some extent connected with business interests, being vice president and director of the Montgomery County Building & Loan Association.

Mr. Klepinger is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the community and cooperates in all movements and measures for the city’s welfare that are instituted by the Chamber of Commerce, of which he is a member. In fraternal lines he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is one of the active workers in its ranks, belonging to the Garfield Club and otherwise promoting its interests as far as lies within his power. He years not that laborious attention to detail so necessary to success and in all that he does is actuated by a laudable ambition to perform his duties in such a way as will promote his business interests in both volume and importance.

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