Death of the First Settler in Marion Township

Hon. John Hamler Passes Peacefully Away

Hon. John Hamler, one of the oldest and best known residents of Henry county, died at his home in Hamler on Wednesday of last week, from heart trouble. Uncle John, as be was familiarly called by almost everybody, had been in comparatively good health for the past few years, but on the 20th of last month he paid a visit to Columbus on business, expecting to be absent some time, but he was only there a few days when he became ill and was compelled to return home, and from that time he gradually grew worse until death relieved him from all earthly suffering. He passed peacefally away at his home, surrounded by those whose loving hearts had done all they could. Grandma, with her three daughters, Mrs. J. Hitt, Mrs. Geo. Fredricks and Mrs. D. Ebersole, survive him. The funeral took place on Saturday, and was largely attended.

John Hamler was born in Marietta, Penn., April 20th, 1817. In 1843 his parents left the old State of Pennsylvania and moved to Franklin county, Ohio, where they lived for a short time and then moved to Crawford county, this state. It was while he was living in Crawford eounty that he merried bis wife, who survives him, in the person of Mias Mary Ann Hollingshead, who was born in Morgan county, Ohio, Dec. 7, 1827

In the year 1846, with his wife and one child, be moved to southern Henry county, locating upon land which is now in Marion township. They arrived here on the night of Sept. 26th, and from that time to the time of his death be has been a resident of this county.

In the spring of 1847 the township of Marion was organized. At that time the township only contained seven chattle tax payers, as followa: John Hamler, Samuel H. Harshberger, Daniel Harshberger, Wm. Bales, Wm. Rayle, S. K. Warrick and W. M. Warner. Of these old pioneers, John Hamler was the first settler in the township. At that time his nearest neighbor was 14 miles away; it was 20 miles to the nearest trading point, and 30 miles to a mill. He has lived to see the forest give way to fertile, smiling fields, and the pony paths to carriage roads. He leaves a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who will miss him. He was a kind husband, an affectionate father, a good citizen, beloved by all who knew him. He was aged 76 years, 7 months and 16 days

The stricken family have the heartfelt sympathies of the entire community in this their hour of mourning.