My Genealogy Hound

JAMES BROOKOVER, farmer, P. O. Aberdeen, was born in this township in the year 1811; he is a son of Aceal and Margaret (Guffin) Brookover, natives of Virginia; the former was a son of Jacob Brookover and was born July 21, 1775; Jacob Brookover was of German descent and lived and died in Virginia. Aceal Brookover was reared in Virginia, where he was married, and, about the year 1800, he emigrated to this county, after a residence of one year in Mason County, Ky. Locating on this side of the river, he purchased fifty acres of land, which he afterward lost an account of defective title. He purchased other lands and was very prosperous, owning a large tract in the aggregate during his life. His land he cleared up and improved. He held the office of Trustee and Constable of this township for some years; while in the latter office his fees for one year amounted to about $2. He was a liberal-minded man and always gave liberally to the building of churches, or in assisting to maintain charitable institutions. Although a Universalist in religious belief, he was never radical. He prospered during his life, and accumulated a good property. To them were born ten children, of whom four are living, namely: Sarah Grimes, Adams County, Ohio; Matilda Lusely, Missouri; Mary G. Campbell, Aberdeen, Ohio; and our subject. The deceased are Richard, this county; John, Adams County; George W., Indiana; Andrew J., Brown County; Nancy Case, this county; and Polly, who died in infancy Mr. Brookover died October 25, 1850. Mrs. Brookover died in 1860, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Mr. Brookover was an honored member of the Masonic order. George and Mary Guffin, parents of Mrs. Margaret Brookover, came from Virginia with the Brookovers, and lived one year in Mason County, Ky.; then settled in Brown County, Ohio, living with Mr. Brookover. He died shortly afterward, and she soon after the death of her husband. They were parents of several children, who came to this country with them. He a native of Ireland, and she of Germany. Their children were: Andy, Virginia, Elizabeth, Mary. He was reared on the farm, and in the district schools received a common education. He remained with his parents till of age. May 28, 1833, he was married to Margaret, the daughter of Wilson and Ruth (Ousler) Haymer, old settlers. After his marriage, he located on land he rented for a short time, when he purchased the old home farm on which he has since lived. He has no aspirations politically. He and his wife are members of the Bethlehem Christian Church to which they have been connected for nearly half a century. To them have been born nine children, five of whom are living, namely: Exira, Ann W., Naomi, Mary and Lewis. Mr. Brookover owns 240 acres of well-improved and highly cultivated land.