My Genealogy Hound

PHILEMON CROMWELL, retired farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Ithaca. The subject of this sketch is entitled to a place in the advance lines of the early pioneers of Darke Co.; he was born March 23, 1803, and is a son of Philemon and Mary Cromwell, natives of Maryland, both dying in their native State—his father at the age of 84, and his mother at the advanced age of 92 years; he removed to Ohio and settled in Darke Co. in March, 1838, and purchased 156 acres of land in its wild state, and by his energy and unflinching will, combined with the assistance rendered by his industrious and amiable wife, overcame all the obstacles incident to pioneer life, and they have as a reward of their toil and privations, a beautiful home, surrounded by every comfort and convenience, in which to enjoy their declining years. His marriage with Miss Rebecca, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Snook, was celebrated March 12, 1835; nine children have been given to this union, viz.: William W., born Feb. 21, 1836; Catherine V., Nov. 14, 1840; Henry H., Sept. 4, 1843; Josiah O., Nov. 14, 1845; Sarah J., Nov. 9, 1847; Philemon, Feb. 14, 1850; John W., Nov. 30, 1852; Alverdo, Dec. 13, 1857; Catherine, wife of Francis Huffen, died Feb. 22, 1874; Henry H. was a member of Co. D, 110th O. V. I., and at his country’s call went nobly forth in defense of his country, and to help save the honor of his flag; on the 5th of May, the first day of the great and ever-memorable and disastrous battle of the Wilderness in Virginia, he fell, pierced by the enemy’s bullets, while charging on a rebel stronghold and, like many of his brave comrades in arms, his body lay for days between the contending lines of vast armies, amid the clash and turmoil of incessant battle, and today his remains are peacefully at rest on the ground where he fought to win. Mr. and Mrs. Cromwell have been members of the United Brethren Church for forty years, and their large family of children are co-workers with their parents in the cause and advancement of the Christian religion.