Jacob Bonawitt

N.B. The name as it appears on the stone is Jacob Bonewitt, but this is a very unusual spelling.

Jacob was the son of George and Maria Catharina (Koppenhöfer/Koppenheffer) Bonawitz. He was the oldest of six siblings and eleven half-siblings. His father remarried after his mother's death in ca. 1812.

Jacob married Hannah Chestnutwood (also Chesnutwood) April 13, 1826, near Canton, Stark Co., Ohio.

It is possible that Jacob and Hannah returned to Pennsylvania for some period of time after their marriage. They kept some land in Berrysburg until November, 1833 (Deed Book G-2, Grantees, Page 92). Further, researcher Gail Breitvard recorded gravestones in the Berrysburg (Peace) Cemetery for two infant daughters of J.M. & Hannah Bonawitz. She states that Jacob moved from Dusquesne County, Pennsylvania to west of Wayne, Wood Co., Ohio.

According to Oby Bonawit, "Jacob and Hannah lived near Canton for several years, then moved to Wood County, Ohio in 1837 and to a farm near Risingsun, Ohio in 1842.

A history of Sandusky County describes Jacob as a bricklayer, mason and farmer." The same history notes Jacob cleared much of the 120 acres that he came to own and was satisfied to build simple structures--a log cabin and barn. He was a keen marksman and was fond of hunting.

Jacob was a Democrat and a member of the Evangelical Church. He served as both a township trustee and a School Board member.

The flag on Jacob's grave suggests that he served in the G.A.R., but this has not been verified.

An eleventh child not listed below: Caroline (1846-1846)* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Mar 21 2020, 21:05:07 UTC