Martha A. Doty

As printed in 1905

, This estimable and well-known lady, whose life has been as an open book in which there are no pages married or soiled by conduct unbecoming true womanhood, and whose influence has always made for the good of the large circle of friends with whom she associated, is a native of Warren county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Sarah Harkrader. John Harkrader’s father was Benjamin Harkrader, and his wife was the daughter of Samuel Kyle, both families having been among the early settlers and substantial citizens of Warren county.

Martha A. Harkrader was born June 10. 1844, grew to maturity on a farm and early became accustomed to the routine of characteristic of the majority of prosperous country household. When young she accompanied her parents on their removal to Butler county, and in the district schools of Lemon township, where the family settled, obtained a fair English education. Meantime in the rugged school of experience she received a practical training which fitted her for the duties of womanhood and until her twentieth year she remained under the parental roof, assisting her mother by every means at her command. On November 1 6, 1864, Miss Harkrader entered the relations of matrimony, the husband of her choice being George R. Doty, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, January 2, 1836. The Dotys came originally from New Jersey and were among the early settlers of Butler county. The first of the family to become residents of this part of Ohio were Daniel C. and Elizabeth (Crane) Doty, who settled in what is now Lemon township, about the year 1800; among the children of this couple was a son by the name of Joseph Doty, who married, when a young man. Miss Mary Vail, daughter of Samuel Vail, a soldier of the war of 1812, the union resulting in the following sons and daughters: George R., Gilbert H.,

Ruth Jane and Zina Doty. George R. Doty, the oldest of this family, was reared to agricultural pursuits and after his marriage with Miss Harkrader engaged in farming for himself and made.that vocation his life work. He became a man of considerable local prominence, was highly esteemed as an energetic, public-spirited citizen and took an active interest in whatever made for the material development and moral advancement of his community. In politics he wielded a strong, influence for the Democratic party. In religion he was a prominent member of the Baptist church and in all essentials of manhood and citizenship he was easily the peer of any of his friends and associates. He died on September 23, 1876. To Mr. and Mrs. Doty were born four children, two sons and two daughters, namely: Mary, John Russell, Sarah Jane and Homer.

Socially Mrs. Doty and her family stand among the best and most widely respected people of Lemon township and the name has long been synonymous with integrity and the high sense of honor which never fail to gain and retain public confidence. A shining example of tine wifehood and motherhood, and a typical representative of the intelligent. clear-brained, practical class of women whose sterling virtues and devotion to duty contribute so much to the stability and moral tone of society, Mrs. Doty has made her influence felt for good in the community and all who enjoy the privilege of her acquaintance speak in high terms of her beautiful Christian character and the many amiable qualities which make her life worthy of emulation.

As printed in Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio (1905). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.