OBITUARY - Hockman. On Jan 6, 1884, Mr. Joseph Hockman, of McClure, O., aged 76 years, 7 months and 28 days.
It becomes our sad duty to chronicle the death of another pioneer of Damascus tp. after an illness of some weeks. Mr. Hockman suffered much the last week of life, had a complication of diseases which hurried on the fatal hour. He was born in Fairfield county, O. In 1846 be removed to Henry county and selected a fine location on the bank of Big Creek near the center of the township, and although surrounded by dark forests, be enjoyed a strong constitution and determined will which soon drove back the forest and gave him broad acres of fertile land to till with the companion of his youth, they soon found themselves the possessors of one of the finest farms in the township. I need not remind the readers that with other pioneers of the county they endured some of those privations that are only known by those who enter the new country. They gave a noble son to their country's call, who fell by the hand of death in Southern clime during the great rebellion. I will not attempt to eulogize the character of one so well known in this part of the county. His straight forward life, his inoffensive manner, his kind and benevolent heart, won for him the love and esteem of an entire community, and although the weather was cold and stormy, a vast concourse of persons gathered on the day of the funeral and seemed to vie with each other in rendering aid or assistance. A general invitation was given to relatives and others to return to the late home of deceased and partake of refreshments together. Nearly fifty persons convened and were made the recipients of their hospitality. He leaves an aged companion, two sons and one daughter, with relatives and many friends to mourn their loss, which is no doubt his eternal gain. J. W. Myers, McClure, O., Jan. 9, 1884.