Joseph Mark DeGroft

GEDCOM Note

The DeGroft family history currently begins in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania where Joseph DeGroft ived. He probably was born around 1850 and died in 1815. His son, Joseph Mark DeGroft II was born on Novemeber 25, 1814, just one year before his father's death.

Joseph DeGroft II grew up in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He married Mary A Chambers on January 1, 1849. Mary was the daughter of Thomas Chambers, a blacksmith. A year after his wedding, when he was 35 and with a son just a few months old, he moved his family to Ohio, locating in Madison Township where he purchased 80 acres of land, all covered in timber. His first work there was to build a log cabin upon the site. The family began life in a true pioneer style and from the wilderness they developed a highly cultivated farm.  The pioneer days passed and the log cabin was replaced by a substantial frame residence: barns were erected and the work of improvement carried forward until they became owners of a model farm. Mr. DeGroft was trustee of his township for several years and because of his deep interest in the cause of education, he was a school director for many years.  Joseph DeGroft and Mary Chambers had ten children: eight sons and two daughters.   Their first six children were all boys.  Sadly, three of their children died in infancy: two sons and one daughter.

Story provided by David Hochanadel, his great, great, grandson through Shannon Robert DeGroft, his fifth son.
Source: http://www.mundia.com/at/Person/13492485/-59126179#