My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. BERGER, one of the best-known residents of Springfield Township, Clark County, is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, thoroughly educated, acquiring a good fund of general knowledge through his own efforts, and is looked upon as one of the most useful members of the community. He was born in Heidelberg Township, Berks County, Pa., January 21, 1830, and is the son of Daniel and Esther (Body) Berger, both of whom were natives of that county. The paternal grandfather was also born there, and was a son of Henry Berger, whose father was born in Germany. The latter emigrated to America at an early day, and thereafter spent his life in Pennsylvania.

Grandfather Berger was a resident of his native State during his entire life, spending the last years in Berks County. His son Daniel was reared and married in his native county, where he learned the trade of a brick, stone and plaster mason, and followed these trades many years. He lived in Berks County until 1838, then concluded to seek his fortunes in the West. He set out on the long journey with his wife and five children overland with a team and wagon, and after four weeks spent in travel, located in Clark County, this State. The only railroad which they came across was one leading into the city of Harrisburg, Pa. The present flourishing city of Springfield was little more than a hamlet, having only a few manufacturing interests.

Upon his arrival in Ohio the father of our subject found a vacant house in Lagonda, which he rented, and began looking about for a tract of land suitable for his necessities and means. After about one month he purchased one hundred and thirty-three acres, at $16.66 2/3 per acre, upon which was a set of log buildings, the place now being owned and occupied by his son, William H. The log house was covered with clapboards, rived by hand and held in place by weight poles. The family occupied this humble dwelling for two years, and then Mr. Berger put up the substantial brick building which now adorns the premises. In due time other buildings were erected, the land brought to a good state of cultivation, and Mr. Berger gathered around himself and family all the comforts of modern country life.

Upon some occasions the family to which the mother of our subject belonged spelled their name Boda. Mrs. Esther (Body) Berger was born in Berks County, Pa., and is the daughter of Henry Body, likewise a native of the Keystone State, and of German parentage. He followed the occupation of a farmer, and spent the closing years of his life in Berks County.

Daniel Berger was one of the charter Trustees of the United Brethren Church near Lagonda, serving many years in that capacity, and was very active in efforts to take advance steps for educating the children of the neighborhood. He died May 19, 1878, in his eighty-fourth year, his wife dying at the same age, August 31, 1881. Their remains were laid away in Newcomer Cemetery. The aged couple had lived over sixty years in the marriage relation. To them had been born seven children — Eliza, Mary, Catharine, Sarah, William H., Daniel and Ellen. Eliza died December 24, 1825, aged six years; Mary, March 31, 1825, aged four; Ellen, June, 1845, aged eleven; and Catharine, May 24, 1889, aged sixty-five.

The subject of this notice was a boy of eight years when his parents came to Clark County. As soon as large enough he commenced assisting in the lighter labors incident to opening up a farm and he acquired his education mostly in the district school, attending three months during the winter season. He, however, was fond of his books, and employed his leisure hours in gaining useful information. Later, to his great satisfaction, he was permitted to attend the High School at Springfield one year. Before reaching his majority he commenced teaching, and followed this profession in the Hunter District and Moorefield Township. Subsequently he taught six months of each year for a period of twenty-five years, six years of that time in Moorefield Township and the remainder at Lagonda. During the vacations he was employed on the farm.

Mr. Berger has been identified with the Prohibition party since its formation, and has held various offices in connection therewith. He has always maintained a warm interest in the cause of education, serving as a member of the School Board eighteen years, and availing himself of every opportunity to facilitate the proper training of the young in this direction. He has also officiated as Township Trustee, and in other local offices. He is a member in good standing of the United Brethren Church, in which he has served as Steward, Class-Leader and Trustee, holding one or more church offices each year for thirty-five years. He has also been active in Sunday-school work, being Superintendent of the Lagonda Sunday-school without intermission more than twenty years, and in all longer than a quarter of a century. His wife and children are also members of the same church. He has quite frequently been appointed guardian of children, some of whom, now doing business, still come to him for advice; and has likewise had numerous estates to settle as administrator or executor.

Miss Mary J. Jackson became the wife of our subject March 18, 1852, their union taking place in Moorefield Township. Mrs. Berger was born January 11, 1830, in Loudoun County, Va., and is the daughter of John Jackson, who was a native of Virginia and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Berger are the parents of five children, viz.: John M.; Elizabeth A., who married Albert H. Tavenner; Mary Esther, Daniel F. and William H., the last two being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Berger have taken much interest in the welfare of orphan children, quite a number having found a home with them.