In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1902) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1831
From History of Greene County : together with historic notes on the Northwest, and the state of Ohio, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and all othe (1881), History of Greene County, Ohio : embracing the organization of the county, its division into townships, sketches of local interest gleaned from the pioneers from 1803 to 1840, together with a roster o (1902)
David Ankeney, retired farmer, Byron, was born, June 8, 1831, near Alpha, and is the son of David and Elizabeth Ankeney, who were born in Washington County, Maryland, where they were reared, and after reaching their majority were married. They immigrated to Ohio in 1830, locating near Xenia, and soon after purchased the farm on which Albert Ankeney now lives, near Alpha, making it their permanent home. The land purchased was only partially cleared, and had a small log house, in which our subject was born. He only lived a short time after settling here, dying very suddenly, while in his chair at supper, November 2, 1830, from a paralytic stroke, aged forty-two years. His wife survived him until December 23, 1851, aged thirty-two years. They were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living: Mary (Mrs. John Steel), Sarah, Margaret (Mrs. Rev. George Long, of Indianapolis), John, Nelson, Jacob, and David. The deceased are Samuel, Henry, and Martha (Mrs. Shank). His father and mother were members of the German Reformed Church until their death. The boyhood of our subject was passed on the farm, receiving his education in the district school. Soon after twenty-one years of age, he began life for himself, and was married, August 27, 1852, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Varner, a native of Maryland, and subsequently a citizen of this county, now deceased. After marriage he located in Alpha, and after residing here for upward of twenty years, purchased a farm of two hundred and ten acres, where lie now reside?. He owns, in the aggregate, two hundred and forty-four acres of land, which is mostly in a high state of cultivation, and tastefully improved, making one of the most desirable locations in the township. Several years afterward he closed active labor, and sought the quiet of retirement. His well-tilled and productive farm furnishes a handsome income. Jacob was a member of the One Hundred and Seventy-Fourth Ohio National Guard, receiving an honorable discharge at the expiration of his term of service. Two children have been born to them, Alice E. and Edward H. Politically, Mr. Ankeney is a strong Republican, casting his first vote for John C. Fremont.
As printed in History of Greene County : together with historic notes on the Northwest, and the state of Ohio, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and all othe (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
DAVID ANKENEY.
David Ankeney, now deceased, was a self-made man, who through resolute purpose and untiring industry became the owner of a fine farm. He was born in this county upon the farm now owned by Albert Ankeney, near Alpha, Ohio, his natal day being June 8, 1831. His parents were David and Elizabeth Ankeney, both of whom were natives of Washington county, Maryland, where they were reared and married. In the year 1830 they emigrated westward, locating near South Charleston,
Ohio, and in August of that year the grandfather purchased a farm of about two hundred and ten acres near Alpha, upon which Albert Ankeney now resides, paying nine hundred and forty-six dollars and sixty-six cents for the property. Upon this place he and his wife spent their remaining days.. When it came into his possession a small log house constituted the only building and almost the entire tract was covered with a dense growth of forest trees. David Ankeney was only permitted to enjoy his new home for a very short time, as he was called to his final rest on the 2d of November, 1830. He died in his chair while at the supper table, suffering from a paralytic stroke. He was then forty-two years of age. His wife passed away December 23, 1851, at the age of sixty-two years. In their family were ten children, including* David Ankeney.
Our subject was educated in the common schools of Beavercreek township and remained at home until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 22d of August, 1852, the lady of his choice being Elizabeth Varner, a daughter of John Varner, a representative of an old pioneer family of this, county, who came to this county from Washing-ton county, Maryland. Her parents died during her early girlhood. She was born and reared in this county and after her marriage accompanied her husband to the farm which is now occupied by Daniel Ofoerbolser. There they lived for about twenty years. Mr. Ankeney purchased two hundred and ten acres of land, where his widow now resides, the greater part of which was then covered with a dense growth of forest trees, but in the course of time the monarch of the forest
.756 fell before his sturdy strokes and the land was cultivated and improved. He also added to his property from time to time until at his death his landed possessions comprised about six hundred acres. Unto our subject and his wife were born two children. Alice Elizabeth became the wife of Lawrence F. Beck and lives with her mother. She has two children, Franklin and Charles. Edward H., who makes his home west of Alpha, where he carries on farming, married Rosa Ashbaugh, and they have one child, Lena.
Mr. Ankeney died June 15, 1898, and was buried at Woodland cemetery, Xenia. He gave his political support to the Republican party from the time that John C. Fremont was its first presidential candidate until his death. He took an active part in public affairs, served as trustee of his township, and also as the clerk of the school board. During the last few years of his life he lived retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He had started out in life on his own account as a poor man, but he became a well-to-do citizen, prospered in his undertakings, and gained an excellent competence and also an untarnished name. He left to his family a fine home and a well improved farm. He was honest and upright in all his dealings, reliable in all transactions, was faithful in friendship and a devoted husband and father.
As printed in History of Greene County, Ohio : embracing the organization of the county, its division into townships, sketches of local interest gleaned from the pioneers from 1803 to 1840, together with a roster o (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: Albert Ankeney (b. 1846)
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.