Miami County, Ohio Genealogical Researchers -- Sponsored by the Computerized Heritage Association


    MICHAEL HONEYMAN

    Among the pioneers of Miami county who have passed to "the undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns" is Michael Honeyman, who became a resident of this locality in 1823. He was born in Pennsylvania, September 1, 1820, and three years later was brought to the Buckeye state by his parents, Benjamin and Mary (Knife) Honeyman, who made the trip westward by water and team. On reaching Miami county the father settled on the farm which Benjamin Honeyman now owns. Under the parental roof the subject of this review was reared and also became familiar with the arduous duties of developing and improving new land. He attended the common schools through the winter months, but in the summer seasons aided in the work of field and meadow. On the 18th of December, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Hoover, whose birth occurred near Milton, Miami county, on the 1st of May, 1828. She was a daughter of John Hoover, whose birth occurred on the same farm in 1804. Her grandfather was John Hoover, Sr., a native of South Carolina, who was married in his native state and thence came to Ohio, locating on the farm which was the birthplace of his son, John, and his granddaughter, Mrs. Honeyman. He erected a log cabin of two rooms and began clearing the heavy timber from his land. As John Hoover, Jr., attained sufficient strength to cope with the hard labor, he assisted his father in the work of the farm and remained at home until his marriage. He wedded Mary Carroll, and to them were born twelve children, nine of whom reached man and womanhood. For his second wife he chose Mrs. Brumbaugh, and they had a family of four children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Honeyman were born thirteen children, namely: Sarah Jane, now deceased; Webster, who has also passed away; Benjamin F., who is living in Union township; Almeda and John, both deceased; George, who is living in Tippecanoe City; Davis, a farmer residing in Concord township; Handford, who makes his home near Gettysburg, in Darke county, Ohio; Harvey, who carries on agricultural pursuits in Staunton township, Miami county; Emeline, wife of Ira Grisso, who operates the home farm; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Cora B., wife of B. F. Fritz, who is living near Kessler; and Enos, who is associated with Mr. Grisso in the operation of the home farm.

    It was in 1846 that Mr. Honeyman, of this review, removed to Monroe township, securing a tract of land which he cultivated and improved until 1860, when he came to the farm upon which his death occurred, July 26, 1893. He devoted his energies to the cereals best adapted to this climate and to the raising of such stock as was needed for home use. He first became owner of a tract of eighty acres, but to this he added until he had about two hundred acres in Monroe township. He was also the owner of eighty acres in Concord township, Miami county, besides fifty-three acres near Rochester, Indiana. In 1869 he built a fine brick residence upon his farm, and all the improvements seen there stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He was a successful agriculturist, whose progressive, yet practical, methods enabled him to annually add to his capital until he became the possessor of a comfortable competence. At the time of his death both Mr. and Mrs. Honeyman had been members of the German Baptist church for forty-two years, and were ever faithful to their professions. His life was ever honorable and upright, his business reputation unassailable, and all who knew him entertained for him the highest regard. His life was unmarked by events of startling importance, but at all times it was characterized by fidelity to every manly principle, and he thereby won a host of warm friends who greatly mourned his loss. In his death the family lost a faithful and loving husband and father, the community a valued citizen, and Miami county an honored pioneer well worthy of representation in her history.

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