Notes:

Wanda L. Gines has marriage license for John W. Gines and Ida M. Burget.

Born Sumner, Illinois, Lawrence County.
Moved to Tunnel Hill, English, Crawford County, Indiana.
Moved to Davies County approximately 1914.

PRESS NOTES

John W. Gines passes away on New Year's Day.
Funeral Services to be held Sunday Morning at 11 o'clock.

John W. Gines, 73, living on Washington route one, died at his ome at 5:30 o'clock Wednesday morning. He had been ill since November 1939 and in a serious condition since last September 1.

A native of Sumner, Illinois, Mr. Gines was born June 25, 1867. He was the son of Henry and Hannah E. (Herrin) Gines, and was educated in the Sumner schools. Mr. Gines followed the occupation of farming. He came to this county 26 years ago last March.

He is survived by his wife, Ida M. Gines, whom he married November 24, 1887, and the following children: Rolla H. and Oral N. Gines, both of Washington; Herald M. Gines, of Washington rural route; Ray I. Gines and Mrs. Dorothy B. Riggs, both of Bloomington; and Mrs. Isis M. Hoss, Washington rural route.

Another daughter, Nora E. Gines, is deceased.

Mr. Gines was a member of the Free Methodist Church and one of its most enthusiastic supporters. He was a highly esteemed citizen.

Friends may call at the family residence.

Funeral services will be held Sunday morning at 11 o'clock at the Free Methodist Church with the Rev. Mr. Fletcher and the Rev. Leroy McDowell in charge, and burial at Sumner, Illinois.


WILL OBSERVE GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Gines, who live north of the Longfellow school at the north edge of Washington, will have open house Thursday from 2 to 4 o'clock, at which time they will welcome friends in observance of their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

John W. Gines was born on June 25, 1867, and Ida M. Burget was born February 13, 1867, both near Sumner, Illinois. They grew up within two miles of each other, attended day school together at old Center, and also Sunday school at old Wesley Chapel.

They were married at the age of 20 years and have spent 50 years of happily married life together. Seven children blessed their union, four being residents of this city and two of Bloomington, whle the seventh died at Sumner, Illinois at the age of nine years.

Mr. and Mrs. Gines have been in business in Sumner, for five years, and then came to Daviess county 23 years ago, being at Hyatt Station for 13 years before buying the home where they now reside.

For over 30 years the couple have been Bible Christians, keeping up the family altar in the home, and tithing their income and attending and supporting the Free Methodist Church of Washington and other worthy institutions.

The aged couple have revealed their motto as "Ready to Live or Ready to Die". They are reported ready and willing to go day or night to pray for or help in any way the sick or dying.

Names of children and grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Gines are as follows:

Oral N. Gines, and two children, Donald Ray and Carolyn Sue.

Rolla H. Gines, and three children, Nelline, Edwin and Forrest.

Ray Gines, of Bloomington, and three children, Junior, Joyce and John Thomas.

Herald Gines and children, Ronald and David.

Mrs. John Riggs, of Bloomington, and children, Archer and Joan.

Isis Hoss, of Hyatt Station and children, Ruth, Dorothy, Helen, Geneva, Virginia, Eleanor, Darlene, John and Paul.

Nora Gines, a daughter, died at the age of nine years.

Wanda L. Gines has in her files the handwritten list of guests attending their golden wedding celebration.

PRESS NOTES

J. W. Gines dies following long illness.

Funeral Sunday Morning for Well Known Local Farmer.

John W. Gines, 73, well known farmer of Washington twp., died at 5:30 o'clock Wed. morning at the family home, about half a mile north of the Longfellow school on the Edwardsport Road.

Death of the well known man was attributed to a complication of ailments, and came after a lingering illness which began in November a year ago. He had been serviously ill since last September.

Native of Sumner, Ill., the deceased was born June 25, 1867. He was a son of Henry and Hannah E. (Herrin) Gines and spent his early life in the Sumner community. He came to Daviess county 26 years ago last March and had resided here since that time.

Married on November 24, 1887, Mr. Gines is survived by the wife, Ida M. (Burget) Gines. Six of seven children born to the union also survive. They are Rolla H. Gines of Washington, Ray I. Gines of Bloomington, Oral N. Gines of Washington, Isis M. Hoss of Washington, R. R. Dorothy B. Riggs of Bloomington, and Herald M. Gines of Washington R. R. A daughter, Nora E. Gines, is deceased. There also are 25 grand children and 3 great-grandchildren surviving.

Mr. Gines was a devoted member of the Free Methodist Church of this city, and had been quite active in past years in developing young men for the ministry. Several of these will participate in the final rites for Mr. Gines.

Funeral services have been arranged for 11 o'clock Sunday morning, and will be held at the Free Methodist church. Rev. Fletcher and Rev. McDowell will have charge, with burial following in Sumner, Illinois.

The body of Mr. Gines has been returned to the family home, after burial preparation at the Gill Funeral Chapel. Friends may call at the home to pay respects.


OBITUARY OF J. W. GINES

We are taught in the work of God that man was created a little lower than the angels. Whatever this may mean to us, we are sure that the Marvelous Cabinet consisting of reason, Will, and Conscience, are God-given powers and by these man is distinguished from the beasts sof the field with capacity for higher rational life and Spiritual insight.

To this truth John Wesley Gines was awakened years ago by the birth of a moral personality.

In Bible terms we wold say he was "born again" or truly converted to Jesus, and later saw the consistency of the teaching of God's word relation to the doctrine of heart holiness, and our ransom powers being fully dedicated to God.

This was the experience that gave this good man a never dying zeal and fervor for the salvation of men and the prosperity of the cause of Christ.

It was the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that pressed the matter of a place of worship upon the heart of Bro. Gines while living near Taswell Crawford County Indiana.

There was no finance and not many people interested but despite the prevailing indifference and unfavorable surroundings - his faith touoched the God of Miracles and the church was erected. Grand revivals followed and many who were converted to Christunder the labors of John Gines have long since gone to their heavenly reward.

It was almost 26 years ago since Bro. Gines located in Daviess County North of Washington. Again the revival fire was kindled in his heart and plans were set in operation for an ingathering of Souls.

As a result of this inspiration more than one hundred and fifty people were converted to Christ in the old theater building on West VanTrees St. and a Free Methodist Church organized with forty-four Charter members.

Later followed the erection of the building, we worship in today. Bro. Gines has served the Church through all the reverses and problems that are common to those who carry responsibility in religious activities. Many times has he been elected as delegate to the Annual Conference of his Church. Also served as Local Preacher, Class Leader and Chairman of various committees. Yet with an humble attitude and congenial Spirit he won the hearts and love of many people in and outside of Church circles.

We would not forget while we mention the many virtues of this good man that a consecrated devoted mother in Israel shared her life in all the efforts which were crowned with success. Ida M. Burget to whom he was married November 24, 1887. Never failed to play the part of a faithful wife and an affectionate mother. For 53 years they have journeyed together and reared a family of six children. One having died at an early age.

Living are Rolla H. Gines, Washington, Indiana; Ray I. Gines, Bloomington, Indiana; Oral N. Gines, Washington, Indiana; Isis M. Hoss, Washington, Indiana; Dorothy B.Riggs, Bloomington, Indiana; and Herald M.Gines, Washington, Indiana beside 23 grand children and 3 great grand children.

Well done thou good and faithful servant, are the words of our dear Lord. Your toils have won for you a crown, up here is your reward.

What glorious things you shall behold. Eye hath not seen nor hath ear heard. But mansions fair so we are told, are for the saints so says the Lord.



Wanda L. Gines has funeral book with the following information:

In Memory of
John Wesley Gines
Born Sumner, Illinois, June 25, 1867

Entered into rest
Washington, Indiana, January 1, 1941
73 yrs. 6 mo. 6 days

Interment
Sumner, Illinois, January 5, 1941; 2:30 p.m.

Father's Father Henry Geines
Father's Mother Easter (Ester) Geines
Father Henry S. Geines
Mother Hannah E. Herrin Gines
Deceased John Wesley Gines
Wedded to Ida Mary Burget

Other Members of Family: Rolla Harrison Gines
Raymond Irl Gines
Nora Ethel Gines (deceased)
Oral Norval Gines
Isis Matilda Gines Hoss
Dorothy Burget Gines Riggs
Herald Marshall Gines

Services: Washington, Indiana
Free Methodist Church
January 5, 1941; 11:00 a.m.

Officiating: Rev. Leroy McDowell
Rev. Noah Fletcher

Other Speakers: James Bright Ralph Bright
Cleo Denbo Elmer Riggs
Clayton Cassidy Rex Fortner

Music: Jesus Lover of My Soul
He Hideth My Soul
Asleep in Jesus
Will the Circle Be Unbroken

Selections Rendered by: Ina Horton Rena Green
Dorothy Horton Hazel Horton
Noah Fletcher Guy Horton
William Horton Elmer Riggs

Bearers: A. M Perkins Walter Hand
Ray Tharpe Rodney Delphia
Alvin McCracken Clifford Chattin



Note on back of sales slip carried in his billfold.
Just one year ago today the dearest flower on earth to me was taken away to be with God who gave her to me for awhile and in our ups and downs and our trials we shared such (maybe it's each) other love we had our heart aches and so on but through God there is some day we may join hands again around God's white throng.

Wanda L. Gines has what remains of the Local Preacher's License for J. W. Gines for Wabash Conference. The bottom was eaten away so we do not know the date or the superintendent.


There was a page in the family bible entitled: "Family temperance Pledge"
Believing it to be better for all we, the undersigned solemnly promise, by the help fo God, to abstain from the use of all intoxicating drinks as a beverage.
The following signatures appear below this: J. W. Gines, Rolla H. Gines, Raymond I. Gines, and Oral N. Gines.


A document was found dated Mt. Carmel, Ill., Nove. 3rd, 1904. In consideration of Two Hundred received of J. W. Geines, I hereby sell and transfer to J. W. Geines a 1/32 interest in the lease of 80 acres more or less on the farms of H. L. Herrod, M. E. Eggleston G'd'n and J. M. Baker in Allen County Ohio, and I agree to drill one test well into the Trenton Rock sand without further cost to said parties. These leases provide for one sixth (1/6) of the oil to go to the land owner and a money consideration for the gas if used off the premises.
H. J. Rodgers (difficult to read/may not be correct)

WARRANTY DEED, City of Sumner, Ill. to John W. Gines, Sumner, Ill.
This Indenture Witnesseth, that the grantors H. A. Murphy Mayor and wife Christy, city clerk of the City of Sumner in the county of Lawrence and State of Illinois for and in consideration of the sum of Five dollars, in hand paid. conveys and warrants to John W. Gines of the City of Sumner County of Lawrence and State of Illinois the following described Real Estate, to-wit: Lot #124 in Second addition to City Cemetery situated in the City of Sumner in the County of Lawrence in the State of Illinois hereby releasing and waiving all rights under and by virture of the Homesteach Exemption Laws of this State. Dated, this 8th day of October, A. D.: 1898.
signed by: H. A. Murphy, Mayor
Wife Christy City Clerk

John married BURGET Ida Mae on 24 Nov 1887 in M. at res by W. H. Wagy; witnessed by Emma Wagy, minister's wife, & Isis Kilgore. Ida (daughter of BURGET Daniel and WAGNER Matilda Almeda) was born on 13 Feb 1867; died on 20 Dec 1946 in Indpls., IN. Nursing Home; was buried in City Cem, Sumner, IL. [Group Sheet]

1. GEINES Rolla Harrison was born on 19 Jan 1889 in Dob may be January 18, 1889; 19th is from family Bible; died on 12 Mar 1979 in IN; was buried in Bethany Christian Ch. Cementery.
2. GEINES Nora Ethel was born on 30 Jul 1890; died on 6 Oct 1898 in Buried City Cem., Sumner, Illinois.
3. GEINES Raymond Ira was born on 3 Mar 1892 in DOB may be March 13, 1892.; died on 19 May 1969 in Bloomington, Vigo Co., IN; was buried in City Cem, Sumner, IL.
4. GEINES Oral Norval was born on 2 Sep 1894 in Sumner or Billet Station, Illinois; or Bridgeport, Il.; died on 10 Jul 1962 in Vincennes, IN; was buried in Oak Grove Cem, Washington, IN.
5. GEINES Isis Matilda was born on 28 Jun 1898; died on 28 Dec 1958; was buried in Plainville Cemetery, Plainville, IN.
6. GEINES Dorothy Burget was born on 19 Feb 1906 in Vincennes, Indiana; died on 18 Jun 1982 in Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA; was buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Hollywood Hills, CA.
7. GEINES Herald Marshall was born on 10 Dec 1911 in Taswell, Crawford County, Indiana.; died on 21 Feb 1993 in Good Samaritan Hosp., Vincennes, IN; was buried in Sugarland Memorial Gardens, Washington, IN.

Notes:

Wanda L. Gines has the original "Certificate of Birth and Baptism" which reads as follows. To these two parents: As Henry Geines and his Wife Easter a daughter of Moellinger was born a boy on the 11 day of Mardch in the year of our Lord 1843.
This Child was born in Lukin Township in Lawrence County, in the State of Illinois in North America; was baptized by the Rev. A _______ (unreadable) and received the name of Henry S. Geines.

Wanda L. Gines has the original discharge papers as discussed below.

DISCHARGE

Henry S. Gines, a private of Captain Cyrus D. Kindall's Company, (Kl;) 11th Regiment of Missouri Infantry Volunteers who enrolled on the 26th of July 1861 to serve 3 years. Discharged August 5, 1864 at Memphis, Tennessee
by reason of being mustered out of service on the expiration of this turn.
Born in Lawrence County, Illinois.
Eighteen years of age. 5'8", fair complexion, grey eyes, light hair.
Farmer when enrolled.

US OF AMERICA DEPT. OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF OF PENSONS

HANNAH E. GINES
Wanda L. Gines has pension document.

Widow of Henry S. Gines who was a Private Co. R ll Reg Missiouri Vol.
Infantry is entitled to a pension under the provisions of the Act of June 27, 1890
amounting to $8 per month.
Commencing 17th July 1890 through 16th birthday, she also receives $2 per month for any children - George A. Gines until
September 11, 1896.

Given at the Dept. of the Interior this 8th day of March 1895.

John Wesley had a store in Sumner, Illinois. He had a soup kitchen in Sumner when B & O RR was being straightened and made enough to pay for farm in Crawford County at Tunnel Hill (English, Indiana, County Seat). He had a grocery store in Vincennes.

Henry Geines fought three years in the Civil War. He always returned thanks in German according to his son, John Wesley Gines.

Found a page from an old letter from W. F. Cunningham to Henry: (copied as it was written)

Well, Henry I will give you some of the prices of things here. Hogs fat $2.25 % hundred gross. Fat Cattle 1 1/4 to 2 cts. gross. Flour $2.75 to $3 per hundred. Corn meal 35%, bushel corn 20 cts. Potatoes 50 cts. New potoes shiped from Texas in $1.00. Coffee 4 to 5 lbs to $1. Calice 5 cts. % yd and other things in proportion. Wheat looks well has rust in the blades but not on the stalks yet. Well we are having a mill built in our town now comenced a few days ago. intend to have it runing against the first of August. There will be plenty of apples here in a year or two There was lots of them shiped here all winter sold for $1.00 and $1.25 % bushel Dried peaches 7 cts % lb. Eggs 7 cts % doz. butter 8 cts has been 15 and 20 cts all winter Will I have wrote you all of importance So I will close for this time.
W. F. Cunningham

Henry and Hannah can be found on the 1880 census records for Lawrence Co, IL where they are listed with their son John Wesley, 13 years old and born in IL, and Samuel Landis, 16 years old and step son to Henry. They are living a few doors away from Henry Gines and his wife Easter.

Henry married HERRIN Hannah Elizabeth on 27 Sep 1866. Hannah (daughter of HERRIN Elijah and THOMPSON Sarah Elizabeth) was born on 13 Aug 1835 in Putnam, IN; died on 27 Apr 1916 in Steele Twp, Hyatt Station, now Capehart; was buried in Brian Cemetery, Lawrence Co, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Death Records: DAVIESS COUNTY, IN.1882-1920 - FT. WAYNE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK H-21, P.33

Elizabeth apparently took at least one child from her first marriage with her into the second marriage. Samuel Landis is found living with Elizabeth and Henry Silas Gines in the 1880 census records. They are living by his parents in Luken Co, Lawrence Co, IL.

Notes:

Henry and Ester were married by a justice of the peace, C. Wilson, in Wayne Co, Ohio.

Henry patented land in 1839 in IL, he was listed as living in Wayne Co, Ohio on the application papers. Henry and Ester were married in Wayne County, Ohio in 1837 and shortly after that they were given $500 by Ester's father, Benedict Mellinger. Henry and Ester are listed in the will of Benedict Mellinger as receiving $500 from him on May 9, 1840, Benedict did this for all of his married children. There was a legal dispute over the will and a case file for Henry Geines versus the estate of Benedict Melliger, and in the final accounting there is a note that Christian Mellinger, administor of the estate, paid $500 to Henry and Ester Gines. Henry and Ester remained in Lawrence County, IL till their death.

Henry and Ester Geines are first found on the 1840 census records for Lawrence Co, IL Since there were no names for family members it is difficult to determine if it was really the right Henry Geines, but it seems likely. There were no listings for Henry in Ohio at that time.

1850 Lawrence Co, IL census records:

Henry Gines, 36 years old, farmer, born in PA
Esther, 36, born in Ohio
Amanda, 11, born in Ohio
Christina, 9, born in IL
Henry, 7, born IL
Philip, 3, born IL
Catharine, 4, born IL

1860 Olive Township, Lawrence Co, IL census records:

Henry Goines, 48 years old, farmer, owns 3,500 acres, born in PA
Easter, 47, born in Ohio
Amanda, 21, born in Ohio
Henry, 14, born in IL
Philip, 13, born IL
Catherine, 11, born IL
Fannie, 9, born IL
Easter, 2, born IL

1870 Olive Township, Lawrence Co, IL census records:

This is a very strange census record and it is not clear what to make of it. This seems to be true for many census records in 1870 where either the family is missing, or has inaccurate information written about it. It appears as if the census taker did not go to the house but got information from neighbors. It seems likely that this is the correct Henry, partly due to the fact that the neighbors are the same as in the 1860 census records, but it cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Henry Guines, 50 years old, farmer, born in PA
Susan, 47, born in PA
David, 22, born in IL
Maria, 19, born Il
Martin, 16, born in Il
Margaret, 12, born IL

1880 Lawrence Co, IL census records:

Henry Gines, 67 years old, farmer, born in PA, both parents born in PA
Easter, 66, born in PA, parents born in PA (this is obviously incorrect.)
Catharine, 31, born IL
Easter, 22, born in IL

They are living a few houses away from Henry Silas Gines.

Henry married MELLINGER Esther on 16 Nov 1837 in Wayne County, Ohio. Esther (daughter of MELLINGER Benedict and BINKLEY Barbara) was born on 30 Jan 1814 in Lawrence Co, Ohio; died on 12 Feb 1890 in Lawrence Co, IL; was buried in Brian Cemetery, Lawrence Co, IL. [Group Sheet]

Elijah married THOMPSON Sarah Elizabeth in ABT. 1830 in KY. Sarah was born on 29 Dec 1812 in Rockcastle County, KY; died on 12 Apr 1890 in Lawrence Co, IL; was buried in Brian Cemetery, Lawrence Co, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Henry Geines stated in the 1880 census records that he and both of his parents were born in PA. Henry and Catherine Gines are listed on 1850 Lawrence Co, Il census records, not far from Henry.
1850 Lawrence Co, IL census records:

Philip Geines, 65, farmer, 1,500 acres, born in PA
Catharine, 55, born in PA
They are living next door to Washington Grove and his wife Sarah, Philip and Catharine's daughter, she was born in PA in 1827.

1860 census records, Philip and Catharine cannot be found.

1870 Lawrence Co, IL census records:

Philip Geines, 86 years old, born in PA. Philip is found living with Washington Grove, his wife Sarah and son Philip. There is a marriage record for Sarah Grimes to Washington Grove in Lawrence Co, IL in 1849. Philip must have taken his family from PA sometime in the late 1820's or early 1830's and then moved them to IL sometime before 1850.

The bible of Philip Geines has been found, it was owned by a descendant of Emma Jane Schmidt who married Adolph Weber. Emma was the daughter of Christian Schmidt and Christina Gines, and the bible, plus the bible for Christian Schmidt has been in the family all these years. It was discovered in December, 2003.

Bible of Philip Geins

Front sheet (the actual cover of the bible is missing.) Done in Fraktur:

This Bible Belongs to Philip Geins

First page:

Philip Geins was born 12/18/1785
Married
Catharine Gutthatel on 7/29/1810
She was born 5/1/1794

Children:

Elizabeth born 5/23/1811 at noon between 11 and 12 under the sign of the fish.
Died 10/13/1813
Henrich born 9/17/1813 in the morning at 6 under the sign of Pisces
Anna born 10/30/1815 in the morning at 6 under the sign of Libra
Philip? (illegible) born 1819 in the morning
Sarah born 12/6/1826 in the morning at 1.

Philip married GUTTHATEL Catharine on 29 Jul 1810 in PA. Catharine was born in 1795 in Pennsylvania; died in BEF. 1870 in Lawrence Co, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Came to America when 2 years old, his mother had died and was buried at sea. Landing at Baltimore, his father immediately removed to Lancaster County, PA where he followed the occupation of a weaver. After marriage, Benedict worked at weaving 12 years and removed to Ohio sometime before 1807. He can be found on the Ohio Census Records for 1807 and 1809 in Columbiana County.

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www.the-daily-record.com-10/22/2002


Mellinger land donated for research, education
By MARC KOVAC
Staff Writer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WOOSTER


The Mellinger Farm, located located about eight miles northwest of Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, has been donated to OARDC and its development rights to the state and a local land trust to ensure the site remains agricultural for generations to come. Ken Chamberlain photo
The Mellingers came to Wayne County to farm close to 200 years ago.

The family had come to the United States from Germany and first settled in Lancaster County, Pa., before Benedict Mellinger loaded a covered wagon and began clearing 300-plus acres not too far from what today is Ohio State University's Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

In total, five generations of Mellingers farmed the site, and numerous tenant farmers planted crops there after Patricia Miller Quinby and her sister, Virginia Miller Reed, inherited the site in the 1940s.

Earlier this month, Quinby, who lives in Upper Arlington in the Columbus area, and the estate of her late sister donated the farm to OARDC and its development rights to the state and a local land trust to ensure the site remains agricultural for generations to come.

"Out of respect for all of (the Mellingers') work, and for Wayne County too, I think it's important that it's not all paved over," Quinby said.

The donation of the land to OSU will ensure the site remains a working farm. The 324 acres, located about eight miles northwest of OARDC, will be used for agricultural research, education and conservation activities by students and faculty.

Steve Slack, OARDC director, said in a release, "We were in need of an outdoor laboratory to bring together the research in integrated systems by our faculty during the last decade. This is a unique opportunity for us, and we are indebted to Mrs. Quinby."

The donation of the easement to the Killbuck Watershed Land Trust and the Ohio Department of Agriculture will prevent future nonagricultural development. The easement donation prevents present and future owners from developing anything on the land other than agricultural uses, except by judicial order.

Howard Wise, executive director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Office of Farmland Preservation, said the easement donation is the 10th his office has received and the first in Wayne County.

"We're working on several (more) right now," he said.

The Mellingers purchased the land from the government and went to work making it a farmstead.

"It was all in timber," Quinby said. "They had to clear the land."

The Mellingers were weavers and opted to raise flax and sheep at the farm. They were skilled in designing patterns for linens and coverlet, Quinby said.

Quinby's father's sister married a Mellinger, which is how the Wayne County farm eventually was passed down to the siblings. Since 1946, the farm has been rented to tenants; it was operated a dairy for some time and was used for crops.

Quinby said she and her sister wanted to find someone to continue to farm the land. They contacted OARDC and finalized the details earlier this month.

More than half of the farm is used for crop production. Mixed hardwoods cover another 120 acres, and the remaining area includes buildings, pastures, a stream and road right-of-ways.

According to OSU, the farm "will incorporate integrated systems of forestry, crops and livestock, emphasizing the linkages among production, environmental quality, economic feasibility and social responsibility. Research will be conducted at multiple levels -field, landscape, whole farm with diversified enterprises. These include balancing field crop and livestock management, development of high-value food and 'nutraceutical' products, creating cropping systems with the use of new species and combinations of species, composting and nutrient management studies, precision agriculture and environmental quality, and whole farm/landscape modeling."

Ownership of half of the property (the portion held by the Virginia Miller Reed estate) already has been transferred to the university. The remainder will be transferred during the next six years.

WAYNE COUNTY OHIO
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The farm has been in operation since 1816, when Wayne County pioneer Benedict Mellinger purchased land from the United States government to raise sheep and flax for his family's weaving business.


"History of Wayne County, Ohio, From the Days
of the Pioneers and First Settlers to the
Present Time", published in 1878, by
Robert Douglass, Publisher

BENEDICT MELLINGER, SR.

Benedict Mellinger, Sr., was born
in Germany, over one hundred years ago, and
removed to America when but two years of
age, landing at Baltimore. His mother died
on the ocean, his father immediately re-
moving to Lancaster County, Pa., where he
followed the occupation of a weaver. After
marriage he worked at weaving twelve
years, and removed to Plain township, Wayne
county, Ohio, in 1816, locating where
Christian Mellinger now lives. He had
eleven children--seven daughters and four
sons--the names of the latter being David,
John, Benedict, and Christian. He died
twenty years ago, at the age of eighty.


Last Will and Testament of Benedict Mellinger

I, Benedict Mellinger of the County of Wayne in the State of Ohio do make and publish this my last will and testament in the manner and form following that is to say that it is my will that all my funeral expenses and all my just debts be fully paid. Second, I give, devise and bequeath to my wife Barbara Mellinger in the lieu of her dower the plantation on which we now reside in Plain Township and County of Wayne during her Natural life and all the live stock horses cattle sheep and hogs by me now owned and kept thereon also all the household furniture and other items not particularly named and otherswise disposed of in the will during her natural life. Third, to Each of my married children I bequeath five hundred dollars at my decease. Fourth but if any children which are now single should marry after my decease one year after marriage shall receive five hundred dollars out of my estate. Fifth if any should marry after my wifes decease each shall receive five hundred dollars out of my estate one year

Benedict Mellinger

Signed published and declared by the above named Bennadict Mellinger as and for his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request have signed as witnesses to the same.

George McCulley
Jane Mc Culley
Elizabeth Mc Culley

We the undersigned appraisers of the estate and property of Benedict Mellinger deceased after being duly sworn have made an inventory and appraisement there as follows:

One note on David Mellinger calling for five hunderd dollars. Date May 28th 1831 wtihout interest.
One note on John Mellinger calling for five hundred dollars. Date May the 28th 1831 without interest.
One note on Benedict Mellinger calling for 5 hundred dollars dated May 28th 1831 without interest.
One note on William Spitler calling for 5 hundred dollars dated July 18, 1835 without interest.
One note on HENRY GEINES calling for 5 hundred dollars dated May 9th 1840 without interest.
One due bill on Mathias Rittenhouse calling for $157 dated November 7th 1851 with interest from date.
One due bill on Thomas Pallips calling for $107.54 dated November 11, 1851 with interest from date.
One note on Henry Long calling for $25 dated July 8, 1851 with interest from date.
One note on Joseph rittenhouse calling for $40 dated June 15, 1849 with interest from date.
One note on William Beck since callinge for $95.41 dated November 6, 1851 with interest from date.

The final account of Christian Mellinger Administrator with the will annexed of the estate of Benedict mellinger deceased.

Signed Paid HENRY and ESTER GEINES No 1 $4500.00
Amount paid to SR. Barnuf as per receipt No 2 $28.00
Amt paid for clerk of court of Lawrence Co, IL $6.40
Amount paid probate judge $2.63
Amt returned as .... ..... $500


This is to certify that Benedict Mellinger my father in law gave me on my marriage with his daughter the sum of five hundred dollars. Lawrenceville Illinois docket number 1854.

Signature of HENRY GEINES


Benedict is found on the 1809 census records for Columbiana County, Ohio

Benedict is found on the 1820 census records for Wayne County, Ohio, Plain Twp. This part of Columbiana Co became Wayne Co in 1812.

Benedict is found on the 1830 census records for Wayne County, Ohio, Plain Twp, he is living close to his sons David and John.

Benedict is on the 1840 census records in Wayne County, Plain Twp, living next to his sons David and John.

Benedict is found on the 1850 census records for Wayne Co, Ohio, Plain Twp,
Benedict, 79 years old, born in Germany, 7,000 acres
Barbara, 77, born in PA
Francis, 56, born PA
Anna, 53, born PA
Barbara, 51, born PA
Mary, 49, born PA
Elizabeth, 47, born PA

The family is living next to the sons Christian and David.

Benedict married BINKLEY Barbara on 3 Sep 1793 in First Reformed Church, Lancaster County, PA. Barbara (daughter of BINKLEY Christian and SHULMAKER Elizabeth, daughter of BINKLEY Christian and ELIZABETH) was born on 12 Apr 1773 in Lancaster County, PA; died on 27 Apr 1863 in Wayne County, Ohio. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Barbara can be found on the 1860 census records for Wayne Co, Plain Twp, Ohio. She is livng with her children: Fanny, Anna, Barbara, Mary, and Elizabeth. The family is living between the families of David Mellinger and Christian Mellinger.

Isaac married COLLIER Hannah in 1811 in Pulaski Co, KY. Hannah was born in Oct 1781 in Pulaski Co, KY. [Group Sheet]