Hasrshbarger, Jacob - 1866 - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Daniel H. Himes departed this life August 9, 1894, surrounded by most of his family, at the age of 71 years, three months and 22 days and we think it but due his family and friends that a full account be given.

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Will Harshbarger and Elder Joel Ridge at his late residence one mile north of Ladoga at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, August 11, which was filled and surrounded by his relatives and neighbors. All his eleven surviving children were present. But few witnessed the last sad rites at the tomb on account of a threatening storm, yet the clouds passed away with the setting of the sun.

He was born near Bonsack Station, Botetourt County, Va., April 17, 1823. At the age of three years his parents moved to Ross County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood in the hardy pursuit of farming, but having a mechanical turn of mind, he later on turned his attention to the cooper’s trade and still later on became a carpenter and a gunsmith. In the winter of 1846 he came to this state and located near Ladoga on the Britts’ farm and followed his trade till May 16, 1850, when he was joined in hold wedlock to Miss Margaret L. Harshbarger. Two years later he joined the Dunkard or Brethren Church and clung to its simple principles for forty two years and died and was anointed in the same faith.

Both of his parents and his wife’s parents died at his house and in the same place. The dates are as follows: Jacob Harshbarger, Sr., died Jan. 6, 1866, aged 74; his wife, Salome Harshbarger, died June 6, 1879, aged 76; Daniel Himes Sr., died Feb. 17, 1879, aged 84; his wife, Mary Himes, died Oct. 19, 1866, aged 70. So the old homestead is fraught with sacred memories for the children and near relatives.

Daniel H. Himes, or Uncle Dan, as he was commonly called by those who knew him well, was the father of twelve children, all of whom are living and were present to do him their last honor, except one son, George, who died at home, April 6, 1864, at the age of 13. Mr. Himes had lived many years on the farm where he died.

Thirty eight years ago when he and his loving wife settled there it was densely covered with primeval forest trees. By years of toil and close economy they improved and added to it from time to time, till by the aid of their devoted children it was left the cozy, homelike place it now is. However, much credit must be given to the executive ability of “Mother” Himes. He could have left his bereaved family no richer legacy than near a half century of Christian life, which should help to gild their future and be to them a star of hope.

He lived out the allotted three score years and ten. While his illness lasted nearly three years, yet his suffering was not great and no man had better care, and his spirit passed away as gently as the morning star, to shine in another sphere. He said, “I am at peace with the world and with God,” and his last word was “mother!”, and it was over.

He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a good citizen, a true neighbor, and friend. He was honest and temperate and was a tireless lover of music and was often moved by its sweet harmonies.

To the many true friends and neighbors who attended constantly during his later illness, the family tenders their lasting gratitude. ‘Tis hard, with words to gild a grief or drive the pang from sorrow. We strive in vain to solve the mystery of this life—it is a dream, deep, broad, sublime.

The history of every man may be summed up in three short words, “He is dead” but hope is morning to the mind and says, “He lives.” Let us so believe. We cannot grasp the problem of our being. God’s omniscient eye pierces the web and roof of life and disposes aright. Through the dark shadows of the valley of the river of life, all must pass sooner or later, with glory for the pillow of fire or remorse for our cloud. The sun of life will set in darkness or in eternal day.