Person:Henry Heeter (1)

JOHN F. HEETER.

John F. Heeter, now a prominent
merchant of Arcanum, Darke county, Ohio,
is a worthy representative of an old colonial
family, being of the fifth generation in de-
scent from Isaac Heeter, a farmer, who
was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and
came to America about 1750, with his wife
and two children, landing at Boston. He
undoubtedly died in Pennsylvania, as he took
up his residence in that state soon after his
arrival in this country.

Sebastian Heeter, a son of Isaac, was
born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
in 1760, and enlisted from that state under
General Compton at the breaking out of the
Revolutionary war, although only fifteen
years of age. He was captured by Indian
allies of the British.' compelled to run the



gauntlet and received a severe wound in
the shoulder from a tomahawk thrown by
one of the Indians, but made his escape and
rejoined his command, fighting valiantly un-
til hostilities ceased. After the war he set-
tled down to the peaceful life of a farmer
in Huntingdon county. "When a boy he
and his brother, George, would set a fish
basket in the Juniata river, and one evening
when George went to the river to look after
the catch for the day he was waylaid by the
Indians while returning home and killed.
He was sixteen years old at the time. Se-
bastian Heeter married Elizabeth Compton,
a relative of General Compton. She died
in Huntingdon county leaving four chil-
dren : John, who married Ruth Bryan and
died in Jackson township, Montgomery
county, Ohio; George, who married Eliza-
beth Heck and died at his home on Wolf
creek, Perry township, Montgomery coun-
ty, Ohio ; Barbara, who married John Rarick
and lived for a time in Perry township.
Montgomery county, Ohio, but spent her last
days in Elkhart county, Indiana; and Eliz-
abeth, who died in Pennsylvania unmarried.
For his second wife Sebastian Heeter mar-
ried Elizabeth Rarick, by whom he had
the following- children: Henry, who mar-
ried Hannah Bernamon and died in North
Manchester, Indiana; Frederick, the grand-
father of our subject; Abraham, who mar-
ried Catherine Kreitzer and died in Mont-
gomery county, Ohio; Mary, who married
John Keener and died in the same county;
David, who married Elizabeth Hay and died
in North Manchester, Indiana; Catherine,
who married John Shank; Daniel, who
married Mary Earnest and died in Clay
township, Montgomery county, Ohio; Sarah,
who married James Thompson and lives in
Huntingdon county, Indiana; Jacob, who



398



GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.



married Susan Keener and lives near Louis-
burg, Montgomery county, Ohio ; Samuel,
who married Ruhami Nation and died on
his father's old homestead in Montgomery
county ; and Sebastian, who married Cath-
erine Earnest and died on his farm adjoin-
ing the old homestead. The father of these
children came to Montgomery county. Ohio.
in 1814, traveling by wagons to Wheeling.
West Virginia, and from there drifted down
the Ohio river to Cincinnati on rlatboats.
He located eight miles west of Dayton on
a one-hundred-and-sixty-acre tract of land
on what is now the Dayton and Eaton pike.
and in the midst of the forest built a rude
log cabin, which was the home of the family
until a hewed-log house could be erected.
He died on that farm June 7, 1840.

Frederick Heeter, the grandfather of our
subject, was born in Huntingdon county
Pennsylvania, in 1798, and was sixteen years
of age when the family removed to Ohio,
where he passed through all the hardships
incident to pioneer life. In 1821 he mar-
ried Elizabeth Kreitzer, who was born in
Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1803, a
daughter of Andrew and Catherine (Geb-
hart) Kreitzer and granddaughter of Daniel
Gebhart. Her family came to this state in
181 1, and her father entered one hundred
and sixty acres of land in Montgomery
county, upon which he spent the remainder
of his life. After his marriage Frederick
Heeter lived on a rented farm north of Trot-
wood, Montgomery county, for a time, and
then bought sixty acres of land on Bear Creek,
Perry township, upon which farm he died
in 1861. His wife survived him many years.
dying in 1891. Their children were Diana,
the wife of Daniel Imler, of Perry town-
ship, Montgomery county; Elizabeth, the
wife of David Earnest, of Johnsville, the



same county ; David, who married Elizabeth
Clayton and lives in Dayton, Ohio ; Cath-
erine, wife of George Earnst, of Brook-
ville, Montgomery county ; Absalom, who
married, first, Elizabeth Cotterman and, sec-
ondly. Fanny Brant and lives in Johnsville;
Daniel, the father of our subject: Hannah,
who married David Rough, and died in
Montgomery county ; Mary, the wife of
Daniel Smith, of Preble county, Ohio ; Sarah,
the wife of Levi McNally,, of Louisburg,
Ohio; John, who married Elizabeth Shock
and lives in Johnsville ; Lucinda, the wife of
David Clemmer, of Johnsville; and Eli. who
married Lavina Stauffer and lives in Darke
county.

Daniel Heeter, our subject's father, was
born on the Higgins farm, Madison -town-
ship Montgomery county, June 19. 1830, and
grew to manhood on the old homestead.
When his services were not needed on that
farm, and that was seldom, he attended the
subscription and public schools until nine-
teen years of age, but the greater part of his
education was gained by subsequent read-
ing and observation. He remained at home
until his marriage, at the age of twenty-
four years, and then lived on one of his
father's farms for a time, after which he
lived on the Daniel Schneck farm, owned
by his mother-in-law. At the end of five
years he returned to the farm he had pre-
viously occupied and remained there until
1861. the following two years being passed
on his uncle Abraham Heeter's farm near
Liberty. M< mtgomery county. He then pur-
chased thirty acres of land of William Dik-
ler, and after residing there for seven years
exchanged it for a forty-acre tract in Frank-
lin township. Darke count}", t< 1 which he sub-
sequently added twenty acres, but in 1878
he sold it and moved to Arcanum, being-



GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.



899



employed for a time as foreman of bridges
on the Big Four Railroad. Afterward he
followed contracting, house building, etc.,
until 1892. when he retired from active life.
He is a highly esteemed citizen of Arcanum,
a consistent member of the Lutheran church,
with which he united at the age of seven-
teen years, and a stanch Democrat in politics.

On the 6th of April, 1854, he married
Catherine Schneck. who was born near Pine
Grove, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, De-
cember 2, 1835, and is a daughter of Daniel
and Magdalena (Stine) Schneck. Her fa-
ther also was a native of Schuylkill county,
Pennsylvania, and a son of Peter and Cath-
erine Schneck. In 1839 his family came
tc Montgomery county, Ohio, and settled
on the farm in Perry township purchased
for him by his father. Owing to illness he
remained with his father in Pennsylvania
until 1848, when he joined his family in this
state. He died upon his farm in 1853, his
wife in 1869. Our subject is the eldest in a
family of seven children, the others being as
follows: Mary, born November 25, 1856,
died young; Amanda Magdalene, born Feb-
ruary 18, 1859, is the wife of George Steck,
living near Brookville, Montgomery county ;
Laura Alice, born July 12, 1862, died at the
age of twenty-two years; William Allen,
born April 24, 1867, died young; Ida Eliza-
beth, born March 10, 1870, died in infancy;
and David Orville, born April 28, 1876. is a
school teacher of Arcanum.

John F. Heeter, our subject, was born
near Pyrmont, in Perry township, Mont-
gomery county, Ohio. February 19, 1855,
and was eight years old when his parents lo-
cated near Liberty, but two years later they
removed to Perry township. He was reared
in about the usual manner of farmer boys
and attended the country schools until sev-

24



enteen years of age, the last year being spent
in Franklin township, Darke county. He
remained with his father until twenty-two
years of age, and then returned to Perry
township, Montgomery county, for a short
time. Later he worked by the day in Ar-
canum, and then had a rented farm in Frank-
lin township, this county, for a time. He
next rented the Tillman farm in Van Buren
township for two years, and at the end of that
time returned to Arcanum, where he was en-
gaged in teaming for five years. Subse-
quently he followed farming on the old
Swinger homestead near Painter, and while
engaged in agricultural pursuits devoted
considerable attention to stock-raising. In
April, 1899.be opened his present store in Ar-
canum, and although in business at that place
but a short time he has reason to be proud of
his success, for he has already built up a large
and constantly increasing trade, and by fair
and honorable dealing has gained the confi-
dence and respect of all with whom he has
come in contact. He is a faithful member
of the Dunkard church and a stanch Demo-
crat in politics. In the fall of 1876 he was
united in marriage with Miss Anna Maria
Stauffer, who was born on the Samuel Bean
farm in Franklin township, this county, in
1857, a daughter of David and Sarah
(Swinger) Stauffer. By this union have
been born three children, namely : Viola
Catherine, now the wife of George Wine, of
Adams township, Darke county; Delia Alice.
wife of Jesse Rhodes, of Franklin township;
and Charles Albert, at home.

Centennial portrait and biographical record of the city of Dayton and of Montgomery County, Ohio: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of the presidents of the United States and biographies of the governors of Ohio. (A.W. Bowen, 1897), 1136.
SEBASTIAN B. KEENER, [pages 1136-1137] one of the substantial farmers of Jefferson township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born on the old Keener homestead in Madison township, in the same county, November 17, 1832, and is of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock.
Daniel Keener, his paternal grandfather, was the founder of the family in America, having come from Germany with a part of his family and settled in Pennsylvania prior to the Revolutionary war. John Keener, son of Daniel, was born in the Keystone state, was reared to farming, and was married, in his native state, to Miss Mary Huffer, the union resulting in the birth of the following-named children: George, Jacob and David (twins), John, and also nine daughters, of whom the names of seven are remembered, viz: Christine, Elizabeth, Nancy, Lydia, Kate, Barbara and Susan. John Keener, the father of this family, was a well-to-do farmer of Dauphin county. Pa., was a member of the German Reform church, and died in that faith in his native state.
John Keener, son of the John named above and father of Sebastian B., was born in Dauphin county, Pa., about the year 1805, and, while yet a young man, came to Montgomery county, Ohio. Here he married Miss Mary Heeter, who was born in Berks county, Pa., and was brought by her parents to Madison township, Montgomery county, when she was about five years of age, and here died in 1896, at the age of eighty-six years.
Sebastian Heeter, the father of Mrs. John Keener, was a native of Pennsylvania, a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was one of the pioneer farmers of Madison township, Montgomery county, Ohio. He married Miss Elizabeth Rerick, the union resulting in the birth of the following children: John, George, Henry, Frederick, Abraham, David, Daniel, Jacob, Samuel, Sebastian, Barbara, Mary, an infant that died unnamed, Catherine and Sallie. The father, Sebastian Heeter, lived to the advanced age of eighty-six years, and died an elder in the Lutheran church—his wife dying at the age of eighty-four.
John Keener and wife, soon after marriage, settled on a tract of 160 acres of land in the woods of Madison township. Mr. Keener cleared up a good farm from the wilderness, and by his thrift was able to add to his estate until he owned 370 acres. He was an elder in the Lutheran church, was a democrat in politics, was one of the most substantial farmers of his township and died an honored and respected citizen. The children born to John and Mary Keener were named: Sebastian B., Abraham, John J., Daniel, Jacob, Elizabeth and Catherine.
Sebastian B. Keener was educated in the common schools of his native township of Madison, and was reared to the hard work of the farm. January 3, 1856, he married at Dayton, Ohio, Miss Lucy Humerickhouse, who was a resident of Perry township, but was born in Pennsylvania August 8, 1835, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Heckel) Humerickhouse.
John Humerickhouse, father of Mrs. Keener, was born in Germany, was a miller, and came to America shortly after the birth of his first child. He died nine miles from Little York, Pa., a member of the Reformed church and the father of the following named children: George, John, Jacob, Daniel, Eli, Lizzie, Katie, Mary, Sarah, Susan, Lucy and Caroline.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Keener settled on eighty acres of land in Madison township, on which they lived until 1880, and then moved to Jefferson township, where he bought 195 acres, which were partly cleared and which he has since greatly improved, erecting substantial farm buildings. To this tract he subsequently added twenty-one and one-quarter acres, and in 1895 erected the fine residence he now occupies. To Mr. and Mrs. Keener have been born the following children: John F., Mary E., Cephas H., Samantha J., Benniah, Eli W., Charles A., Sarah C., Nora A., William A,, Dora I., Ezra A. and Amelia A, The parents are members of the Lutheran church, in which Mr. Keener is a deacon. In politics he is a democrat, and for three years was a trustee of Madison township and for a number of years a member of the school board. Mr. Keener is one of the most honored farmers of Jefferson township, and well deserves the high position which he holds in the esteem of his neighbors.

Henry Heeter
View Tree
Sex
Male
Birth
19 July 1796
,Philadelphia Co,Pa
PARENTS
Mother
Elizabeth Rarick
Father
Sebastian Heeter
CITING THIS RECORD
"Pedigree Resource File," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/2:2:99G6-2C2 : accessed 1 August 2018), entry for Henry Heeter; file (2:2:2:MM9R-P76), submitted 17 April 2000 by fgroth2719549 [identity withheld for privacy].
ANCESTRAL FILE
Ancestral File Number
3KZS-3LS
PEDIGREE RESOURCE FILE
Person Count
6,468
Submission ID
MM9R-P76

Henry /Heeter/
View Tree
Sex
Male
Birth
19 July 1796
Philadelphia Co.,PA
Death
2 October 1860
Montgomery Co.,OH
PARENTS
Father
Sebastian /Heeter/
Mother
Elizabeth /Rarick/
MARRIAGES (4)
Spouse
Hannah /Vannaman/
Marriage
9 May 1819
Montgomery Co.,OH
Spouse
Hannah /Vannaman/
Marriage
9 May 1819
Montgomery Co.,OH
Spouse
Hannah /Vannaman/
Marriage
9 May 1819
Montgomery Co.,OH
Spouse
Hannah /Vannaman/
Marriage
9 May 1819
Montgomery Co.,OH
NOTES (1)
there are other children of Elizabeth Rarick and Sebastian Heeter; names not
known 3/19/94

there are other children of Elizabeth Rarick and Sebastian Heeter; names not

known 3/19/94
CITING THIS RECORD
"Pedigree Resource File," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/2:2:SR2B-PMF : accessed 1 August 2018), entry for Henry /Heeter/; file (2:2:2:MM3B-858), submitted 12 May 2011.
PEDIGREE RESOURCE FILE
Person Count
5,392
Submission ID
MM3B-858

Henry Heeter
Birth: 19 Jul 1796 Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, USA
Death: 2 Oct 1860 (aged 64) Indiana, USA
Burial: Old Cripe Cemetery, North Manchester, Wabash County, Indiana, USA
Memorial #: 43779644
Family Members
Parents
Sebastian Heeter 1760-1846
Elizabeth Rarick Heeter 1777-1868
Spouse
Hanna Vaniman Heeter 1800-1886
Siblings
Frederick Heeter 1798-1862
Abraham Heeter 1800-1887
Catharine Heeter Shank 1802-1885
David Heeter 1805-1872
Daniel Heeter 1807-1894
Sarah Heeter Thompson 1814-1906
Samuel Heeter 1816-1882
Half Siblings
John Heeter 1787-1864
Barbara Heeter Rarick 1788-1860
Margaret Heeter Hoover 1791-1823
George Heeter 1795-1854
Children
Abraham Heeter 1819-1889
Lydia Heeter Garber 1822-1903
Jacob Heeter 1825-1904
Christina Heeter Ulery 1829-1901
George Heeter 1833-1870
Hannah Heeter Ohmart 1834-1914
Created by: Cindy Goodrich (46835688)
Added: 31 Oct 2009
URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/43779644/henry-heeter
Citation: Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 01 August 2018), memorial page for Henry Heeter (19 Jul 1796–2 Oct 1860), Find A Grave Memorial no. 43779644, citing Old Cripe Cemetery, North Manchester, Wabash County, Indiana, USA ; Maintained by Cindy Goodrich (contributor 46835688) .

Henry /Heeter/
Male
Birth
19 July 1796
Huntingdon, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, United States
Death
2 October 1860
Pleasant, Wabash, Indiana, United States
PARENTS
Father
Sebastian /Heeter/
Mother
Elizabeth /Rarick/
SOURCES (1)
Ancestry Family Trees, Ancestry Family Tree Ancestry.com :
NOTES (1)
Quoted text: http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=72082200&pid=66
CITING THIS RECORD
"Pedigree Resource File," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/2:2:3ZV7-8XV : accessed 1 August 2018), entry for Henry /Heeter/, cites sources; "Heeter tree" file (2:2:2:MMDR-5YC), submitted 24 August 2016 by Ldenne [identity withheld for privacy].
PEDIGREE RESOURCE FILE
Person Count
746
Submission ID
MMDR-5YC

Heeter family letters, 1842-1888 :including the first and second generations of Sebastian Heeter, 1760-1846 /edited and annotated by Lester H. Binnie.
Albion, Ind. :L.H. Binnie,1978.
Binnie, Lester H.

Here is a sample of some of the information that can be found in this book.
page 111, letter from Henry to Abraham 1858.
page 112, letter from Henry to Abraham 1858. George and Leah had a son, Henry, who did not survive for long (27 days).
page 113 Henry and Hannah to Abraham and Caty and the baby (Mary), etc.
118 Henry reports that George and Hannah were baptized.
120 clarifies that Hannah's mother was Catherine Martin Vaniman.
247, 248 some genealogical information
265 a map showing H. Heeter's land.