My Genealogy Hound

DAVID LANGSTON, farmer; P. O. West Milton; born in this township Aug. 16, 1834; is a son of Leonard and Frances (Christ) Langston; his father was born in Georgia, his mother in Maryland; they came to Ohio in 1807, and left their native home in a two-wheeled vehicle, but, while crossing the mountains, the cart broke down, which necessitated its abandonment; their earthly effects were transferred to the backs of their steeds, as were also grandmother and the children, who were unable to endure the fatigue of travel, while grandfather, rifle in hand, made the entire journey on foot; they first settled in Preble Co., in which they lived for a while, then removed to this township, in which he entered 160 acres of land in Sec. 17; while on a return trip to Preble Co., the wolves made a raid on his flock of sheep, and devoured every one; they were the second lot of sheep brought to the township; a Mr. Duncan had brought a few previously; he moved his family into a cabin, and began the great labor of clearing; he was without means, having spent the last shilling for tobacco, when he crossed the Ohio River; his rifle was his support, supplying both food and raiment; he was a great hunter, and the crack of his rifle was never heard but what some inhabitant of the forest would fall a victim to his prowess and unerring aim. They were the parents of eight children, seven daughters and a son. Grandfather L. died in the spring of 1840, aged 60 years; his wife died at the advanced age of 96 years; to her descendants she used to describe scenes of the Revolutionary war, in which she had carried water to the famished soldiers who were worn with fatigue, or the more unfortunate ones who were burning with fever, caused either by gaping wounds or the malaria which arose from pestilential swamps. Peace be to the ashes of these veteran pioneers. They have done a good work; like the gladiators of the arena, they bared their arms for the conflict, and, with measured strokes, hewed their way into the heart of a wilderness, in whose winding labyrinths perils of every nature met them at each advancing step. David’s father is living, and resides in Darke Co. they are the parents of ten children, of whom all are living but one, Leonard; the living are Benjamin N., John C., Martha, David, Henry C., Mary A., Hannah E., Jesse S. and Parolee; Leonard was a member of the 8th O. V. C, and was one of the daring and successful spies and scouts of the Union forces, who did so much for the success of our armies; he was frequently with the enemy in disguise and was one of them, so far as he could further his purpose. In one instance, he was taken prisoner by our own men, and would have suffered death, had not his brother recognized him; the blood of the boys was up, and they would listen to no explanation he might make, thinking they had caught a spy, and were bound to have an execution; he passed through every danger incident to his calling, and was, in November, 1864, decoyed by a company of the enemy who were dressed in blue uniform, and flying the stars and stripes; upon discovering their true character, he refused to surrender, knowing death would be his portion if he did, made the attempt to cut his way out, and, after slaying their Captain and others of the party, he himself was shot, and soon after died from the effects of the terrible wounds he received. His remains were brought home and interred in the cemetery on Greenville Creek. Our subject was drilled for two years in the Covington Blues, after which he was appointed drill master in the 11th Ohio, assigned to Co. E, and given a Sergeant’s commission. He was afterward 2d Lieutenant of Co. B, 110th O. V. I., and still later was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, which he held till sickness compelled his resignation. Word of his decease was taken to his regiment. The Chaplain summoned the boys, and David’s funeral sermon was preached in good earnest. Upon his return to health, he was given the commission of a 1st Lieutenant, in Co. G, 147th Regiment, 100-day men, in which he served his time; he was in the engagement at Ft. Stevens; the commanding officer was suddenly taken sick (?), and the command devolved upon David; he was discharged from the service of his country in September, 1864. His first marriage was celebrated with Rachel Hyer, in March, 1857, by whom he had one child, viz., Daniel W. Mrs. Langston died Jan. 2, 1860. His second marriage was celebrated with Lucy Slade, April 7, 1864. He owns 26 acres of land, which is in a good state of cultivation and well improved. Mr. and Mrs. Langston belong to the Christian Church. Four of his brothers were in the army during the late war; John was Captain, of Co. E, 11th O. V. I. afterward Captain of Co. B, 44th O. V. I, and was mounted at Lewisburg May 23, 1862. Benjamin was 1st Lieutenant of Co. D, 147th Regiment, 100-day men. Henry was a member of Co. D, 147th O. N. G., and Jesse served three years in the 110th.