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Surnames: Hoke Longanecker Metz Gisleman Bolinger Witter Shoemaker
Classification: Biography
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/gh.2ADI/5913
Message Board Post:
Martin Hoke, an old resident and prominent farmer of Clear Creek Township, is a native of
Columbiana County, Ohio, born February 2, 1827. He was the fifth of eight children, five
sons and three daughters, born to Henry and Elizabeth (Longanecker) Hoke, both natives of
Pennsylvania, the former of Irish, and the later of Dutch descent. He spent his early
life in his native county working upon a farm. He began farming for himself at the age of
twenty-one and continued to follow that pursuit in Columbiana County until 1852, when he
moved to this county and located where he now resides in Clear Creek Township. His life
occupation has been that of a farmer, and as such he has been ver successful. He was
married in his native county January 3, 1850, to Catharine Metz, who was born in Stark
County, Ohio, November 15, 1827. She was the daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Gisleman)
Metz, both natives of Ohio. The first wife of Mr. Hoke died May 9, 1861, and on the 28th
day of Febr!
uary, 1862, he was married to Rachel Metz, a younger sister of his first wife. She was
born in Stark County, Ohio, May 22, 1840. Her death occurred May 9, 1881, and the third
marriage of Mr. Hoke occurred July 23, 1882, when Mrs. Elizabeth Bolinger became his wife.
She was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 15, 1826. She was the daughter of
David and Catharine (Witter) Shoemaker, the former a native of Columbiana County, Ohio,
and the latter a native of Maryland. The first marriage of Mr. Hoke resulted in the birth
of four children: Lucy A., born September 16, 1850; Ira C., born July 30, 1854; Emry Q.,
born April 22, 1858, and Jonas O., born July 23, 1860; died July 30, 1861. He and his
second wife had born to them five children: Rosco P., born January 18, 1863; Lincoln, born
August 12, 1864; Ida B., born August 22, 1867; Jesse E., born November 30, 1873, and Amzi,
born June 17, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Hoke are members of the German Baptist Church. In
politics t!
he former is an ardent Prohibitionist. He owns 120 acres of land situ
ated in one of the best farming localities in Huntington County. His farm is fitted up
with a handsome brick residence and other substantial improvements. He began life with
but little capital but through industry, economy and perseverance he is now in good
circumstances. Mr. Hoke and his present wife were born within two miles of each other in
Columbiana County, Ohio, but never formed an acquaintance until they came to this county.
He has been a member of the German Baptist Church ever since he was eighteen, and Mrs.
Hoke has belonged to that church ever since she was sixteen.
History of Huntington County, Indiana. (Brant & Fuller: Chicago, IL) 1887.
Biographical Sketches of Clear Creek Township, p. 584 and 585.