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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
Portrait and Biographical
History of
Fayette, Pickaway and Madison Counties, Ohio.
Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros.
1892
JOSEPH
NOTHSTINE enjoys the distinction of being not
only one of the pioneers of Pickaway County, Ohio, but
one of its highly esteemed and honored citizens.
He was born in Madison Township, of this county, April
14, 1823, and his parents, John and Gertrude
Nothstine, were natives of the Keystone State, and
both of German descent.
John Nothstine was married in his native State,
and remained there until about 1810, when he became
possessed of a great desire to settle in Ohio, and with
his wife and family made the journey to that State.
They settled in the woods of Madison Township, Pickaway
County, in a log cabin, and immediately began making
improvements and
clearing the farm. They were among the very first
settlers, and here their large family of children were
born, only our subject now surviving. Mr.
and Mrs. Nothstine passed the
remainder of their days on this farm, and were
universally respected.
The early life of our subject was passed among pioneer
surroundings, and when but a small boy he became inured
to hard labor. He has done his share toward
developing the resources of this wonderful State, and in
every way has aided in its advancement and progress.
His advantages for receiving an education were limited
to the pioneer schools, taught in a log cabin with a
huge fireplace, slab seats, and greased paper for window
lights. Schoolhouses were not on every hill-top,
as they are at the present time, and the young pioneers
were obliged to go many miles to get their little
learning. Mr. Nothstine is mainly
self-educated, and has an excellent knowledge of the
German language.
On the 3d of October, 1843, our subject was married to
Miss Caroline Rinesmith, who was
born in Pennsylvania, on the 23d of April, 1818, and
whose parents, Daniel and Barbara
Rinesmith, were natives of the Keystone State.
They were also of German descent, and when Mrs.
Nothstine was but eight years of age, they left
their native State to come to the fertile lands of Ohio.
They settled in the woods of Madison Township, Pickaway
County, and she who is the companion of the joys and
sorrows of our subject knows by actual experience in
youth many of the hardships as well as the adventures of
pioneer life. Of the six children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Rinesmith, only one beside Mrs.
Nothstine is now living, Jesse, who is a
resident of Illinois.
The six children who were granted to our subject's
marriage are all deceased except one daughter, Mary
A., who married Abram Strorts and
became the mother of ten children, as follows: Joseph,
Charles, James, Mary, Caroline,
Annie, Bertie, John, Samuel
and Ella. Eliza (deceased), a
daughter of our subject, was the mother of nine children
but only five survive: Sarah, Joseph,
William, Stella and Annie. Those
deceased were Emma, Samuel, Gracie
and an infant. Mr.
Nothstine owns two hundred and sixty-five acres of
good, productive land, with excellent improvements, and
has one of the most attractive agricultural spots in his
section. It is conspicuous for the management
that, while making it neat and attractive, still shows
prudence and economy Mr. Nothstine is one
of the representative pioneers of Madison Township, of
this county, and has filled a number of local positions.
He is active in all worthy movements and takes a deep
interest in educational matters. He and wife are
members of the Lutheran church and he has served as
Deacon in the same.
Now, after the turmoil and worry of pioneer life, Mr.
Nothstine and his estimable wife, who has been
his co-worker and loving partner for many years, can sit
down and enjoy the fruits of their industry and
perseverance. They are well known in Madison Township
and are highly esteemed by all.
Source: Portrait and Bio raphical
History of Fayette, Pickaway and Madison Counties,
Ohio. Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 472 |
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