a part of genealogytrails

Highland County, Ohio

Obituaries

At Hillsborough, Highland county, Ohio, on Sunday morning last, 10th inst., Mrs. Margaret Galloway, (mother of the present Secretary of State) in the 80th year of her age. The deceased was a native of Adams county, Pennsylvania, and had been communicant of the Presbyterian Church for 63 years. She died in the full assurance of faith and hope, bearing testimony to the preciousness of her Saviour.

Daily Ohio Statesman
Feb 25, 1845

Departed this life, on the 26th day January 1845, Mrs. Susan Rees, wife of Samuel Rees, of Highland county, Ohio.

In announcing the death of Mrs. Rees, it becomes our painful duty to refer back to her suffering and affliction, the Christian fortitude with which she endured all her pain, and the triumph and manner in which she left this world, with the bright prospect of a better one. She was confined to a bed of an affliction for something like nine months, with what is called pulmonary consumption. Mrs. Rees was a Christian in every sense of the word. She belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a warm hearted and devote server of all its rules and of its discipline. She was an ornament to the society to which she belonged and was respected and beloved by all the members of the church. As a companion, she was amiable and respectful, knowing no other path but that of virtue.- She was interesting and agreeable, and has left behind her one who, no doubt, feels the aching void created by her untimely death, with many bright prospects they had before them. She has left a number of brothers and sisters to lament and mourn after the loss of one who, to all her friends, who was so benevolent and kind. She has left a band of motherless children to mourn the loss of a friend who is best calculated of all others to direct the youthful mind, and to bring them up in the way they should go. Her death to them is sad and heart-rending. She has left behind her a large number of friends and acquaintances, who most seriously deplore her loss to them. She was kind and benevolent, and those who were best acquainted with her, esteemed her most. Her death has caused many a tear, but those tears may be dried to a greater extent, by reflecting that she has paid a debt we all owe, and that she was so well prepared and willing to submit to Him who giveth and who taketh away. She was I believe about 38 years of age.

Daily Ohio Statesman
Feb 25, 1845

Departed this life, on the 16th day of February, 1845, Mrs. Matilda Henley, wife of John Henley, of Leesburg, Highland county, Ohio. In announcing the death of Mrs. Henley, it becomes our duty to speak of her affliction- her Christian fortitude under that affliction- of her standing in society- the respect and influence she had among her neighbors, by her kind and benevolent treatment towards them- of the doting fondness of a disconsolate and heart-broken companion, and a father and mother, who must feel as though there was nothing in this world that is worth living for, and of brothers and sisters and friends, who must no doubt feel that they have been bereaved, and had to part with a relation and friend that was an ornament to society and a blessing and a consolation to all of her female friends and acquaintances. But such is the way of the world and the treasures thereof. Mrs. Henley was a Christian in every sense of the word. To her Maker, she paid the most strict and devoted veneration, not only as duty, but with feelings of gratitude and submission. As a companion, she was amiable, consoling and kind, and was possessed of all those qualities that are so well calculated to smooth the troubled sea of man's pilgrimage whilst he sojourns here below. She has left a companion who had looked up on her with the fondest and brightest hopes of their future happiness and prosperity. But now uncertain are all things here below, and yet our prospects fair. She has left behind her a kind and benevolent father, and a fond and doting mother, to lament the early loss of one whom they had every prospect would be permitted to remain with them. But in this their hopes have been disappointed, and now have to mourn the loss of a kind and amiable daughter, and one in whom they had built the brightest prospects of future happiness. She has left behind a large number of brothers and sisters, and a large circle of relatives, who no doubt mourn the loss of one so worthy of their respect and esteem. She has left behind her a number of fon and motherless children, to mourn the loss of that mother, who, of all others, is best calculated to direct and protect the growing, inexperienced and tenderminded. To them the loss is irreparable and heart-rending. As a friend and neighbor, Mrs. Henley was true, warm-hearted and kind, and all those who knew her best, respected her most. She has therefore left a void in her social circle that will rarely be filled by one so worthy. She was confined to a bed of affliction for something like six months, with what is called pulmonary consumption, of which disease she died.

ORISSA COFFMAN LYONS

Orissie B. Lyons, wife of C. A. Lyons, and only daughter of Lewis and Mary Coffman, was born near Buford, Highland Co., O, on March 20, 1863 and died at Council Bluffs , Ia. On March 20, 1893 , at 2:30 a. m., aged 30 years and 14 days.  The fruits of this union are two beautiful little boys, Harry and Arthur.  They both survive her.  She, with her husband, went to Council Bluffs in October, 1890 where they resided until her death.  She united with the church of Christ , January 19, 1880 , under the labors of the writer, and has since lived a consistent Christian life.  Sister Orissie was raised by pious Christian parents, and she was an exceptionally good girl.  She had a great reverence for Christ and his Church. Her remains were brought from Council Bluffs by her husband and her brother back to her home near Buford, where they slept quietly one night.  On the next day, it being the 24^th of March, 1893, the remains were taken to the old church building in which she had confessed her faith in Christ, where was gathered a very large concourse of sympathizing relatives and friends. The occasion was more touching and the sympathy the greater because Sister “Rissie”was taken down with a violent attack of pneumonia and with a razor in hand, unknowingly obtained, she inflicted two serious and fatal wounds upon her person; but we all think that Sister Orissie’s spirit is happy in the presence of Christ.  Weep not, then, dear and loved ones, but prepare to meet her where sorrows will be past.  The funeral services were conducted in the old Buford Cemetery .  

                            “The bowl is broken, the captive’s free,
                                The soul has left its house of clay.
                              The loved ones in eternal day,
                                Her spirit is now among the blessed,
                              The bowl is broken and “Rissie” is at rest.”  

Pricetown, O., April 3                                                 

J. W. Ruble  

We knew the dear departed young sister as one of the excellent of earth.  Bright in intellect, pure in heart and religious in her aspirations, she walked with God, took pleasure in the things of the Church of Christ , and was always found at the post of duty.  God, in his mercy, took her to himself as a bright particular star, and her spirit now shines as a jewel in heaven.- Ed.

(Submitted by Corinne K. Palko)

The News-Herald,
Hillsboro , Ohio
Thursday, May 7, 1908

LEWIS COFFMAN  

Lewis Coffman, son of Lewis and Magdaline Coffman, was born the 22^d  day of December, 1835, at the place now owned by Sanford Moler, in Clay township, Highland county, O., and died at midnight, April 21st., 1908, age 72 years and 5 months.  He was brought up on the farm; his boyhood days were spent assisting his father in clearing the ground and doing other farm work.  He had but little opportunity for an education.  The free school law was not in force at that time and parents had but little opportunity for educating their children.  About all the schooling he got was after he was 21 years of age.  He attended for two months the first public school built in this district.  Nevertheless, under these disadvantages he acquired a fair business education.  He was a great reader and always kept thoroughly informed on the live issues of his time. He was brought up like most of the boys in pioneer days.  Their first lesson, when large enough to carry an ax, was to cut down trees, pile the brush and burn it, preparing for next year’s crop.  When they could get a day off their amusements would be (hunting?) --–or fishing.  On Sundays when opportunities -------afford, he would attend church -----ing school.  In 1855, during a meeting held by David Thompson at Buford, O., he united with the Church of Christ .  He was an active worker in the church until 1897, holding at different times the office of clerk, treasurer, deacon and elder.  Then certain innovations, which he believed to be unscriptural, and not with apostolic teaching, was introduced into the congregation.  His faith was such that he no longer could be an active worker with these innovations. While his faith in his blessed Master grew stronger, and from his testimony from time to time, we knew he was prepared to meet his Master.  He was married to Mary Florence on the 23d day of January, 1862.  To this union were born one daughter and two sons.  Orrissia B. was born March 6, 1863 , and died at Council Bluffs , Iowa , March 20, 1893 , Thomas C. was born August 2, 1864, and Ozro O. December 12, 1869.  They bought five acres of land one mile east of Buford from their brother, William, where they commenced housekeeping and farming.  They lived there and farmed on his father’s farm until the fall of 1865, selling his 5 acres he bought 60 acres one-half mile north and adjoining his father’s farm, afterwards he purchased enough of the home farm to make 125 acres, and there he has lived since 1865.  Mary Florence, his wife, died June 24, 1898 .  He then sold his personal property and went West to visit his sons and brother, John.  This was the only time he ever was away for an extended time, his love for his old home was so great that he soon returned to his farm.  On September 20, 1899 , he was married to Lizzie Livingood who survives him.  He always took an active part in local affairs.  Politically he was a staunch Republican, holding various township offices for more than thirty-five years.  His interest and love for the welfare of his country was so great that no influence could be brought to have changed his conviction in what he believed to be right.  In his last illness, he realized that the end was near and ---Christian faith for the -----------Master.  

(Clipping was torn)

(Submitted by Corinne K. Palko)

CLARA MOON COFFMAN  

Barry was saddened Tuesday, June 2, 1942 by the death of one of its most beloved matrons, Mrs. Clara M. Coffman, who passed away at her home at the noon hour.  Mrs. Coffman had been in failing health for over two years, and confined to her bed for many months, but she bore her suffering patiently and was happiest when her friends and family gathered at her bed side.  She was a faithful worker in the Christian Church in Barry, giving much time and thought to its welfare.  During World War I, Mrs. Coffman was a leader in the Red Cross activities here and was also very active in the United Charities of Barry. Clara M. Coffman, daughter of Alva and Delilah Sewell Moon, was born April 21, 1863 in Brown Co. near Buford , Ohio .  She graduated from Buford schools and taught music in that community.  She was also organist in that community.  She was also organist in the Methodist Church there.  She was married to Thomas C. Coffman at Buford and they became the parents of three children, Roberta Marie, wife of L. C. Strubinger of Jacksonville , Illinois , Gladys Florence, wife of Ewart B. Knight of Knoxville , Tennessee and Clarence Moon Coffman of Barry.  Mr. Coffman preceded her in death February 13, 1938 .  In 1899 the Coffman family moved to Barry where they have since resided and taken a prominent part in the city’s business and social life.  Mrs. Coffman is survived by her three children; five grandchildren, Carol Ann and Linda Sue Coffman, Corinne E. and Keith C. Knight and Clara May Strubinger; sisters Mrs. Martha Matthews of Buford, Ohio and Mrs. A. F. Moberly of Normandy, Missouri and many nieces and nephews.  Six brothers and two sisters preceded her in death.  Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at two-thirty o'clock from the residence with Rev. Lee Anthony officiating.  Interment will be in Park Lawn Cemetery.

Submitted by Corinne Paklo

Hillsboro , Ohio

JOHN W. COFFMAN

John W. Coffman, son of William and Sarah Coffman, and one of a family of six children, was born in Highland County, Ohio on September 17, 1857 and departed this life July 3,`1935, at the age of 77 years, 9 months and 16 days.  On January 24, 1883 , he was united in marriage to Margaret Ann Archer. To this union was born one daughter, Bessie, who brought sunshine into their home for about eight years. Their married life was filled with the deepest devotion, each being very thoughtful of the other, and for over fifty years they have been almost inseparable.  The celebrated their “golden” wedding anniversary January 24, 1933 .  He accepted Christ as his Savior and became a member of the Buford Church of Christ in February, 1883, under the ministry of Washington Ruble.  About 43 years ago he moved his membership to Hillsboro and placed his membership to the Hillsboro Church of Christ and has ever been faithful in attendance, and a true and loyal member.  During his long residence in Hillsboro , Mr. Coffman made many friends, 8 years and acquaintances.  He served 8 years as a member of the fire department, and was a member, and was also an employee of the Bells Foundry, closing his work there in 1931.  He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, one sister, Mrs. George Dewitt of Buford , Ohio and a number of relatives and friends.  Since 1832 he had been in declining health but was able to be up and around most of the time until the last ten days.  While every effort was made to prolong his life, his body grew weaker, and he quietly slipped away in response to his Masters call.  And while the hearts of loved ones are filled with sorrow, they bravely strive to say, “Thy will be done.”

Submitted by Corinne Paklo

Hillsboro , Ohio

JOHN WESLEY MATTHEWS

For John Wesley, second son of Joel and Deliha Matthews, life dawned September 8^th, 1852 .  He passed through the sunset of life’s day November 3^rd, 1929 .  As night’s curtain separates the sunset from the dawn, the sleep called death separates mortal life from life immortal.  It seems I can almost hear the words, “Well done good and faithful servant,” enter into thy eternal home and rest.  On October 15^th, 1881 , Dr. Matthews was married to Martha E. Moon.  To this union came one son, Walter, who was their pride and joy.  On December 22^nd, 1907 , Walter was married to Ada Crawford.  To these splendid young people were born two sons, one of whom died in infancy.  The other, Robert, is left to mourn the passing of his grandfather.  The great grief that came into the lives of Dr. and Mrs. Matthews was the death of their beloved son, Walter, October 12^th, 1918 .  The community has lost a friend.  Dr. Matthews labored faithfully healing rich and poor alike.  The Methodist church of which he was a faithful member since early youth, has lost a wise counselor and guide. The passing of such a man means a vacancy in the community which never can be filled.  Dr. Matthews’ kindness to the school children will be gratefully remembered through out their lives.  His work in this community will stand out as brightly as the beams from the light house that guide the storm tossed sailor on a dark night.  We can say truthfully he was a friend to man.  “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

                                          CARD OF THANKS

I take this method of expressing my sincere thanks to all friends and neighbors for their assistance and expressions of sympathy during the sickness and death of my beloved husband Dr. J. W. Matthews.

                                                                              Mrs. Dr. Matthews

Submitted by Corinne Paklo