HARNER
Contributed by: William
Brackett
brackettwilliam@yahoo.com
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The family name of Harner comes from the German name Hörner. In America it was transposed into Harner due to its pronunciation. The name Horner was spelled with two dots (umlauts) above the letter o giving it the sound as in Herner or Harner. The name Hörner appears in Baden, Germany about 1750 in the towns of Hohefeld, Wenkeim, Eichel, Dertingen and Vockenroth. A native German friend told me that the name means “horned one”, perhaps in reference to Norsemen?
There is an interesting book, German and Swiss Settlements Of Pennsylvania by Oscar Kuhns, published by Henry Holt and Company in New York in 1901. Kuhns gives good insight into why these German and Swiss immigrants came to the new world. Many of the ancestors of the “Pennsylvania Dutch” came to this country because of famine, pestilence, wars and religious persecution. Many came from the south of Germany, the Palatinate and Switzerland.
Kuhns goes on the say that the “earliest Swiss emigration to Pennsylvania was of the religious nature”. This emigration consisted of the Mennonites. Kuhns says that there was a “flood of Palatines to London, in 1709, out of which were to come the settlements of the Schoharie and the Mohawk, and later those of Tulepehocken, in Berks County, Pa.” William Penn had much to do with this emigration also by recruiting peoples from these same areas.
During the years, 1727-1775, in which, it appears that, the Hörner families came to America there were 68, 872 immigrants to Pennsylvania. Kuhns says this total may be low and could be adjusted and substantiated to a figure of over 110, 000. Some of the places of origin listed on some ship records from 1749-1754 are, Wurtemberg, Erbach, Alsace, Zweibrucken, the Palatinate, Nassau, Hanau, Darmstadt, Basel, Mannheim, Mentz, Westphalia, Hesse, Switzerland, Hamburg, Hanover and Saxony.
Daniel Rupp gives further insight into this immigration in his book, History of Northampton, Leigh, Monroe, Carbon, and Schuylkill Counties: which was published by G. Hills, Proprietor in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1845. Rupp states that “The Germans who first emigrated into the Province of Pennsylvania, came chiefly for conscience’ sake; those who arrived at a later period, came to improve their temporal, as well as their spiritual condition.”
Rupp goes on to indicate, “In 1682, a considerable number came from Cresheim-these were principally Quakers. They settled at Germantown.” He also indicates that “In 1708, 1709, 1710, to 1720, thousands of them emigrated who were known as Palatines, because they had come from the Palatinate, whither some had been forced to flee from their homes in other parts of Europe.” He also states that, “In the period between 1720 and 1725, a number of Germans emigrated from the State of New York, and settled at Tulephocken.” “From 1725 to 1740, there was another great influx of Germans of Various religious opinions,”. Rupp quotes a James Logan who says that “In 1727 6000 Germans are expected,”. Rupp states, “From 1740-1752, emigrants came by the hundreds.” “In the autumn of 1749, not less than twenty vessels, with German passengers to number twelve thousand, arrived at Philadelphia. In 1750, 1751, and 1752 the number was not much less.”
Some of these German immigrants, not having enough money to pay their passage, were exposed to public auction upon their arrival. They would serve a designated number of years to pay for their passage, known as “indenture”. Rupp tells us that, “The Palatine Redemptioners were usually sold for ten pounds, for from three to five years servitude. Many of them, after serving out their time faithfully, became, by frugality and industry, some of the most wealthy and influential citizens of this State. The years that were peculiarly remarkable for the importation of Palatine Redemptioners were, 1728, ’29, ’37, ’41, ’50, and ’51.” As you can see from these figures many German immigrants came to Pennsylvania for reasons of religious persecution, wars and to improve their lot in life. Among these early German immigrants were our Harner ancestors.
Daniel Harner came to New England on 30 Aug 1743 aboard the Ship "Francis and Elizabeth" from Rotterdam via Cowes, England. This man is believed by some to be the immigrant ancestor of the Berrien County, Michigan Harner families. The book, Pennsylvania German Immigrants, 1709-1786 was edited by Don Yoder and published by the Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc in 1980. This book indicates several by the Hörner name came to Pennsylvania from the County of Wenkheim in Baden, Germany. They were: From Wenkheim, Baden, Germany families by the name of Hörner came to "New England" and they were, Hans Hörner who on 19 May 1752 “wants to go to New England with his wife and 2 children, in the company with Joerg Hörner and Marie Hörner of Wenkheim. Johans Hörner, with Georg, Johann Melcher and Johann Jacob Hörner and other Wertheimers, Ship Phoenix, November 2, 1752”. Joerg Hörner of Wenkheim was reported as wanting to go to “New England” in 1752. Joerg Hörner was to bring his "wife and 1 child" with him. This may be the same person listed above. 19 May 1752, Marie Hörner “wants to go to New England with Joerg and Hans Hörner of Wenkheim. This Hans (John) and George appear in the Pennsylvania records. These three planned to travel together but it appears Marie came a year later. The ship “Phoenix” carried this group to Philadelphia and they took the oath of allegiance on 02 Nov 1752. On this ship were: George Hörner, Johann Melchior Hörner, Johann Jacob Hörner and Johans Hörner. Michael Hörner came to what was to become Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on 24 Sep 1753 aboard the Ship "Neptune" with his wife, Maria Barbara and their two children. They were from Hohefeld, Germany. Michael's father's name was Christoph Hörner (possibly Christian as this name appears in the next generation). On this same ship, Barbara Hörner, the widow of Wilhelm Hörner, sailed for what was to become Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Barbara was probably Michael's sister-in-law. Barbara brought with her three children, Margaretha, Maria and Sebastian Hörner. The ship passenger list reads: Hans Michel Hörner. There is also a Sebastian Hönner on this ship and this may actually be Sebastian Hörner? Adam Hörner came in1753 and Hans Albert Hörner in1753, also. Their relationship to Michael Hörner is unknown. Adam is reportedly the son of Hans George Hoerner and was named Hans Adam Hörner. Hans Albert Hörner came with "his wife and two little children" on 17 Sep of 1753 aboard the ship “Richard and Mary”. There was a Valentine Hörner who came to Pennsylvania from Dertingen, Germany in 1754 with his wife and daughter. This name also appears in the Pennsylvania records. He traveled with his wife "Anna Kuningunda and daughter Barbara". There is an interesting statement in this record, Valentine Hörner had "531 florins property" ... "The government's decision is as follows: It is very hazardous to grant the right of emigration to subjects who still have so much property and stand in the vassal relation. Hörner is to be strictly examined, as to the person through whom he was talked into emigrating. It is commanded, without delay, to issue a 'General Prohibition of this spreading desire, after the precedent of other German states.' The poor and useless subjects we can then perhaps dispense with. In the lands of other lords, where vassalage is not established, similar procedure is observed." There was a Johann Joerg Hörner who came to "America" from Eichel in1785. This record reads, “April 15, 1785 (Johann Jeorg Hoerner) wants to get cash for his goods and go with his wife and 5 children to America, since he can no longer support himself here. Still has 219 florins. Therefore he was taxed as follows: Manumission, 10 florins and 57 kreuzer and in addition, 20% supplemental tax, 39 florins and 36 kreuzer; total 50 florins and 33 kreuzer. Geo Hörner, with Anna, Jno, Jacob, George Jr, Anna Marg’t, and Kunigunda Hörner, and the Flegler family, Ship Favourite, September 5, 1785”. This name also appears in the Pennsylvania records and by 1800 in Ohio. He traveled with his wife "Anna, Jno., Jacob, George Jr., Anna Marg't, and Kunigunda Hörner". Notice reference to Kuningunda above. This might indicate some relationship? A similar name appears in the 1789 records of Snyder County, Pennsylvania. There was a Johann Phillip Hörner "with his wife and three children, along with Johann Heinrick Hörner" who came to America in 1786. The children listed were: Orchil Maria, Maria Catharina, Maria Elizabeth, Catharina and Maria Dorthea Hörner." These families were from Vockenroth. The Harner/Hörner name is prevalent in the counties of: Berks, Centre, Dauphin, Lancaster, Leigh, Lebanon, Montgomery, Northampton and Northumberland in Pennsylvania. It is spelled there as Herner, Harner, Harnor and when written in German as Hoerner or Hörner, which may be miscopied as Horner. Note: Bruce E. Harner is the son of Jonas E. and Abigail (Harshman) Harner and was born 10 Nov. 1930. He has been researching the Harner’s for the past 27 years and has compiled seven books on the Harner families. Bruce says “I have just been on the web and found your write up on the Harner’s There are a few items that are not correct on some of the Harner’s that are my ancestors. On page 2 of 20 where you refer to Michael Hörner coming to Montgomery Co., Pa on 24 Sept. 1753 on the ship “Neptune” with his wife is not completely correct, nor was he from Hohefeld, Germany. Johann Michael Hörner b ca. 1732 Dierbach, House Pfalz – Zweibrücken, did come on that date and that ship but he was a single male. This is my GGGGG grandfather. He married ANNA MARIA KREBS at St. Augustus Evangelical Lutheran Church Providence Twp., (now Trappe) Montgomery Co., Pa. 12 March 1754. Anna was the sister to BARBARA KREBS who married at St. Augustus Evangelical Church, Providence Twp,. Pa. Johann Christian Hörner b 12 Aug.1724 who was the brother to Michael and also was single when he came to the “New Land” 21 Sept. 1742 on the ship “Francis and Elizabeth” as a crewman. Michael and Christian were the sons of Johann Michael Hörner and MARIE ELIZEBETHA WESTERMANN. Michael than moved with his wife and three children to Littlestown, Adams Co., Pa. Michael and Anna did have a child named CHRISTIAN. This was their first child who was born in Montgomery Co. 28 Oct.1754 and bapt. 15 Dec.1754. This is my GGGG grandfather. In addition to Michael and Christian, I have their uncle Johann Heinrich Hörner b 10 July 1709 Dierbach, House Pfalz – Zweibrücken m 25 Jan.1729 Dierbach, House Pfalz – Zweibrücken ANNA MARIA MOCK/MOOCK came to the “New Land” 29 Sept. 1750 on the ship “Osgood” with nine children and settled in Berks Co., Pa. One of his sons owned and operated “The King George Inn”. The name was changed when the patriots torn down the sign and Nicolas renamed the Inn “The Red Lion Inn”. Most of this data comes from the archives of Bad Bergzabern and Barbelroth Reformed Church records, Palatinate, Germany. I have made two trips to this area and found six cousins living in Dierbach. Fortunately one of the cousins was also doing genealogy. I also made contact with the head of the archives department at Bad Bergzabern. I’m still working on my books as there never seems to be an end to finding data on families. After tracing my ancestors I was not satisfied as I wanted to know about the brothers and sister of my ancestors. This is reason why it will never end. It can be quite confusing when there are so many Michael’s, Georg’s and Christian’s. Hope this has been help for you in regard to some of the Harner’s.” It appears from this message that there is some confusion about who this Michael Harner on the “Neptune” was. The one I referenced was already married and had two small children and was from Hohefeld. Maybe time will tell? In the Pennsylvania German Church records there are references to: Christian Harner (possibly Christoph?) born 14 Jan 1754, to Michael and Maria Barbara Harner, in Montgomery County. This is the Michael Hoerner family from Hohfeld, County Wertheim, Germany, 1753. Michael Harner and his wife Maria in 1758 sponsored a child at baptism in the New Hanover Lutheran Church in Montgomery County. Mary, wife of Adam Harner, who died 15 July 1858 age 69 years in the Christ Episcopal Church in Upper Merion Township of Montgomery County. George Harner and wife Apollonia (Spiegel) had their daughter Elizabeth baptized on 17 Apr 1791 in Leigh County, Pennsylvania. In the records of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Whitemarsh, Montgomery County you can find: Barbara Harner who died 05 Feb 1818 age 95 years. Elizabeth Harner, daughter of Samuel and Ann Harner who died 05 Apr 1828 age 1 year. Jacob Harner who died 18 Feb 1820 age 39 years. John Harner, Sr. who died 04 Dec 1827 age 78 years. Rosanna Harner who died 03 Mar 1847 age 92 years. She is listed as a relative of John Harner Sr.. Samuel Harner who died 06 Dec 1830 age 10 years. Ann Harner wife of Samuel Harner died 25 Feb 1845 age 41 years. John Harner, Jr. died 28 Nov 1863 age 84 years. Henry Harner died 04 Sep 1869 age 81 years. In St. Peter's Lutheran Congregation in Barren Hill, Montgomery County: Mary Harner wife of John Harner died 03 Mar 1873 age 52 years. These are probably the descendants of Michael and Barbara Hoerner of Hohfeld, Germany, 1753. The Barbara Harner who died in 1818 was probably Barbara the wife of Michael Hoerner. "The Pennsylvania German Society Proceedings and Addresses" contains references to: Marriages in the Augustus Evangelical Lutheran Church of Trappe, Pennsylvania for: Christian Horner and Barbara Krebsin on 08 Mar 1750 and for John Michael Horner and Anna Maria Krebsin, daughter of Simon Krebsin in April 1754. The Birth and Baptisim Registers of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster, PA. include: Ernestina Catharina Horner daughter of Michael and Barbara, b. 12 Aug 1761, bap. 11 Oct 1761. Johann Michael Horner son of Michael and Barbara, b. 07 Jan 1766, bap. 19 Jan 1766. Susana Marageth Hoerner daughter of Michael and Barbara, b. 21 Apr 1770, bap. 02 May 1770. Christoph Hoerner son of Michael and Barbara, b. 14 May 1772, bap. 24 May 1772. Johann Ludwig Hoerner son of Michael and Barbara, b. 02 Nov 1774, bap. 13 Nov 1774. Johann Jacob Hourner son of Michael and Barbara, b. 16 Dec 1776, bap. 12 Jan 1777. Anna Maria Hoerner daughter of Michael and Barbara, b. 03 Dec 1778, bap. 10 Jun 1779 Wilhelm Hoerner son of Michael and Barbara, b. 20 Apr 1781, bap. 26 Apr 1781. Magdalena Hoerner daughter of Michael and Elizabeth, b. 13 Jul 1786, bap. 30 Jul 1786. The books in the "Pennsylvania Archives Series" includes early entries for land records and taxes for the counties of Pennsylvania. Some of those listed are: Nicholas Herner Philadelphia 1760 Nicholas Harner Berks County 1767 Mathias Herner Berks County 1767 Henry Harner Berks County 1767 Frederick Herner Berks County 1767/68 Nicholas Herner Berks County 1768 Henry Herner Berks County 1768 Nicholas Harnor Berks County 1779 Mathias Harnor Berks County 1779 Frederick Harnor Berks County 1779 Jacob Hoerner Berks County 1816 Andrew Harner Lancaster County 1771/72 *Michael Harner Lancaster County 1771 *Michael Herner Lancaster County 1772 *Michael Harner Lancaster County 1773 Andrew Harner Lancaster County 1777 William Harner Philadelphia County 1777 as being a recruit for the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Line Michael Harner Lancaster County 1779/82 Christian Harner Philadelphia County 1779 Christian Harner Jr. Philadelphia County 1779 Jacob Harner Philadelphia County 1779/80 John Harner Philadelphia County 1780/83 *Michael Harner Lancaster County 1782 as a Lieutenant having served in the Second Battalion of the Lancaster County Militia Jacob Harner Northhampton County 1782 having served in 6th Battalion John Harner County ? 1785 depreciation pay for having served as a Corporal Thomas Harner Northhampton County1790 Samuel Harner Luzerne County 1792 Samuel Harner Jr. Luzerne County 1792 James Harner Luzerne County 1792 Peter Harner Huntinton County 1792 Henry Harner Montgomery County 1790 Christian Harner Montgomery County 1790 Christian Harner Jr. Montgomery County 1790 The census records include: *Micael Harner Dauphin County 1790 Casper Harner Dauphin County 1790 Christian Harner Montgomery County 1800 Jacob Harner Montgomery County 1800 Andrew Herner Berks County 1800 Daniel Herner Berks County 1800 Henry Herner Berks County 1800 Jacob Herner Berks County 1800 John Herner Berks County 1800 Andrew Horner Dauphin County 1800 George Horner Dauphin County 1800 *Michael Horner Dauphin County 1800 *This appears to be the same individual, Michael Hörner/ Harner who was a Revolutionary War Soldier and lived in Bethel Township. Note: It is difficult to find the Harner families in the 1800 census as they are mixed with Horner families. Barbara Harner Montgomery County 1810 John Harner Lancaster County 1815 Jesse Harner Lancaster County 1815 Jacob Harner Philadelphia County 1810 Benjamin Harner Philadelphia County 1810 Abraham Harner Berks County 1810 Daniel Harner Berks County 1810 Daniel Harner Berks County 1810 Frederick Harner Berks County 1810 Henry Harner Berks County 1810 Jacob Harner Berks County 1810 Jacob Harner Berks County 1810 John Harner Berks County 1810 Nicholas Harner Berks County 1810 Thomas Harner Northhampton County 1810 Joseph Harner Northhampton County 1810 Joseph Harner Jr. Northhampton County 1810 Frederick Harner Adams County 1810 Mary Harner Adams County 1810 John Harner Adams County 1810 Peter Harner Adams County 1810 George Harner Centre County 1810 John Harner Centre County 1810 Andrew Harner Northumberland Co. 1810 Michael Horner Dauphin County 1810 Michael Harner Union County 1820 Ann Harner Montgomery County 1830 Daniel Harner Montgomery County 1830 Abraham Harner Montgomery county 1830 Jacob Harner Montgomery County 1830 Jacob Harner Montgomery County 1830 Joseph Harner Montgomery County 1830 Samuel Harner Montgomery County 1830 Abraham Harner Bucks County 1830 Abraham Harner Adams County 1830 Jacob Harner Sr. Adams County 1830 Jacob Haner Jr. Adams County 1830 Jacob Harner Jr. Adams County 1830 John Harner Sr. Adams County 1830 Jane Harner Centre County 1830 John Harner Centre County 1830 Andrew Harner Centre Coutny 1830 Andrew Harner Centre County 1830 William Harner Centre County 1830 Daniel Harner Philadelphia County 1830 John Harner Philadelphia County 1830 John Harner Philadelphia County 1830 John Harner Lancaster County 1830 Frances Harner Lycoming County 1830 Frederick Harner Dauphin County 1830 Jacob Harner Berks County 1830 Jacob Harner Berks County 1830 George Harner Berks County 1830 Pennsylvania Harner families cont.: Henry Harner Lehigh County 1830 Jacob Harner Somerset County 1830 Adam Harner Somerset County 1830 Frederick Harner Somerset County 1830 Henry Harner Somerset County 1830 John Harner Somerset County 1830 Michael Harner Somerset County 1830 Solomon Harner Somerset County 1830 Solomon Harner Somerset County 1830 Solomon S. Harner Somerset County 1830 Michael Harner Union County 1830 Nathaniel Harner Potter County 1830 There were three brothers by the Harner name in Berrien County, Michigan at an early date. John Harner was here as early as 1834 in Lake Township and Michael Harner is seen in Oronoko Township by 1840. Michael F. Harner, John’s son reported being born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania 23 Jan 1830. John Harner Sr. was born about 1803 and his brother Michael was born about 1810. Michael Harner’s wife’s name was Sophia Plank and their family is buried in the Storick Cemetery in Oronoko Township, Berrien County, Michigan. Their death records give their parents names as “unknown”. John Harner married Susanna Haney in Pennsylvania about 1825. The Haney, Plank and Harner names can both be found in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania in 1820. There is a Land Patent for Jacob Harner and Wellington Kimmel who jointly purchased sixty-three acres of land in Berrien County, Michigan in 1841. Wellington Kimmel was the son of George Kimmel of Pennsylvania. Jacob Harner “of Oronco township” married Lucy “Rushaberger” on 14 Apr 1841 in Oronoko Township of Berrien County, Michigan. George Brong was the Justice of the Peace. Witnesses were: David Hill and Isaac Melan. Jacob Harner was 26 years of age and Lucy was 21 years of age. Jacob Harner appears to be the younger brother of John and Michael Harner. He would have been born about 1813 making him just three years younger than Michael and 10 years younger than John. By 1845-50 Jacob and Lucy (Rushenbarger) “Harnar”were having children in Lindley in Mercer County, Missouri. Mercer County is on Missouri’s northwest border with Iowa. Jacob and Lucy A. (Rushenbarger) Harner had children: Hiram Harnar b. abt. 1842 possibly in Indiana Nancy Harnar b. abt. 1844 in Missouri Mary Harnar b. abt. 1845 in Lindley, MO Sarah Harnar b. 1846 in Lindley, MO Celia Harnar b. abt. 1852 in Lindley, MO Seana Harnar b. abt. 1856 in Lindley, MO Jeff Harnar, of Kansas, is a descendant of Jacob Harner, who was a brother to Michael and John Harner who came to Berrien County, Michigan. Jacob married in Berrien County and then moved on to Missouri. Jeff supplied me with some genealogical charts that were compiled by Ramona (Harnar) Brown in 1985. This branch of the family spells the last name as “Harnar”. These charts are well done and well researched. According to this research John, Michael and Jacob’s father was a Michael Harner (Jr.) of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This Michael Harner was married to Christina Stoever on 04 Jul 1802 at the Salem Lutheran Church in what was then Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. I will borrow liberally for Ramona’s work in the following few paragraphs: Daniel Harner married Anna Kern and sailed to America in 1743, the “same year as Michael Harner is said to have arrived” according to some researchers. They were the only Harner’s with family to come to America in 1743. They arrived aboard the ship Francis and Elizabeth from Rotterdam. They are strong possibilities to be the parents of Michael Harner (Sr.). If Michael Harner arrive in 1753, using the 1746 birth year there were several Harner immigrations in 1753 year. The most likely candidate in the 1753 arrivals is: Michael Hörner who came to what was to become Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on 24 Sep 1753 aboard the Ship "Neptune" with his wife, Maria Barbara and their two children. They were from Hohefeld, Germany. Michael's father's name was Christoph Hörner (possibly Christian as this name appears in the next generation). Note: At this time period the family name gets spelled in a variety of ways: Harner, Herner, Hoerner, Hörner, etc. and even as Horner. I have chosen to stick with the Harner spelling. Michael Harner (Sr.) was born on 16 Nov 1746. The year 1746 comes from the age at time of death given in church records. He was born in Germany and came to America when he was seven years old in 1753. Michael married Margaretha Loresch on 24 Apr 1770 in Zoar’s Lutheran Church in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The ceremony was performed by Johann Casper Stöver. Margaretha Loresch was born on 08 Apr 1753 in Bethel Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania and was the daughter of Jacob Loresch. In the book Early Pennsylvania Baptisms And Marriages In Southeastern Pennsylvania you can find the birth record for Margaretha and their marriage record. This book was published by the Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc. Baltimore in 1982. In the baptism section you can find on page 44 under the name Jacob Loresch (Bethel) Margaretha Loresch b. 08 Apr 1753 and baptized 22 Apr 1753 and her sister Maria Barbara Loresch b. 21 Mar 1755 and baptized 13 Apr 1755. Their marriage record, in this same work, is included on page 74, 24 Apr 1770 “Michael Hoerner and Margaretha Loresh, Bethel”. Margret is buried in Zoar’s Lutheran Churcy Cemetery in Mt. Zion, PA next to her husband. Margret died on 07 Jul 1804. Some of Michael and Margret (Loresch) Harner’s children are believed to be: Michael Hörner (Jr.) b. about 1775 married Christina Stöver on 04 Jul 1802 Margaret Harner married George Tobias on 16 Dec 1800 Catarina Harner married George Vogt on 29 Mar 1802 Anna Maria Harner married John Noll on 19 Apr 1802 According to the Zoar’s Evangelical Lutheran Church records Michael (Sr.) was married when he was 25 years of age (1770). The Zoar Evangelical Lutheran Church is located in Mount Zion, Bethel Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. Michael (Sr.) is said to have had eleven children and ten survived him. There was an inventory of his goods dated 1807. Some believe this Michael Harner (Jr.) was the one who served in the Revolutionary War as a 1st Lieutenant in the 6th Co. of the 9th Battalion of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Militia. There is a discrepancy here as the tombstone for Michael Harner gives his birth date as 16 Nov. 1746. It appears, to me, the Revolutionary War soldier was Michael (Sr.) not (Jr.). Michael (Jr.) was probably born after 1770. These Church records state that Michael Hörner (Sr.) was “buried in August of 1806 and was born on 15 Nov 1746 to Christian parents in Germany, he was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He came to America in his 7th year and married in his 25th year. He had 11 children, 10 still living. Wife died 4 years ago. His age was 59 years, 9 months less 9 days old. He was sick with abdominal obstruction and blockage.” Michael’s birth date is seen as 16 Nov 1746 on his tombstone and in some research as15 Nov 1736. If his age at the time of death is used to calculate his birth year it would appear to be that the 1746 date is correct. Michael Hörner died on 07 Aug 1806. The Pennsylvania Archives, Fifth Series, Volume VII shows a Michael Herner in Capt. Stoever’s Company, 3rd Co., 2nd Battalion of the Lancaster Co. Militia. The Fourth Series of this same publication includes a Michael Harner as a Lieutenant in the 3rd Co., 2nd Battalion of the Lancaster Co. Militia in the year 1782. The Third Series of this same publication includes a Lt. Michael Hernner in the 6th Co. of the 8th Battalion under Capt. Stoever in the year 1777. It is not clear if these are one in the same. Michael Hörner/Harner appears in the tax, military and census records of Bethel Township. Bethel Township was settled about 1737 and was at that time in Lancaster County. In 1785 Bethel Township became part of Dauphin County and in 1813 it became part of Lebanon County where it is located today. The 1790 census of Dauphin County includes the Micael Harner household, which included: two males over 16 years of age and eight females. The 1800 census of Bethel Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania includes the Michael “Harner” household, which included: one male under 10 years of age, one male 16-25 years of age, one male over 45 years of age, 2 females under 10 years of age, one female 10-15 years of age and one female over 45 years of age. Michael and Margret (Loresch) Harner are buried in the Zoar Lutheran Church Cemetery near Mount Zion, Pennsylvania and the tombstones read: Michael Hörner tombstone German: Hier ruhet Michael Horner Geboren den 15 November 1746 Starb den 7 August 1806 Alt 59 Jahr 8 Mona 3 Woche Text Lucas 2 Kapt. 29 vers Herr nun lassest du dienen Diener in frieden fahren. Transcribed with the help of Tim Gruber and Iris Mensing-Goerner and an 1850 German Bible: Lucas Das 2 Capitel 29 ver: Herr, nun laffeft du deinen Diener in Friden fahren,( wie du gefagt haft;) Michael Hörner tombstone English: Here rests Michael Horner Born the 15 November 1746 Died the 7 August 1806 Age 59 year 8 months 3 weeks Text Luke 2nd Chapter 29 verse Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace English Bible Luke 2-29: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace (, according to thy word.) Margret Hörner tombstone German: Margret Hornerin war geboren ……..A…….1753 und strab …………1801 47 Jahr 11 mon ………………………….. Fr. Johannes…………….. Transcribed with the help of Tim Gruber. Margret Hörner tombstone English: Margret Horner was born 8 April 1753 and died 7 March 1801 47 years 11 months …………………………First John…………………. Some dates: Supplied from known records. Michael Harner (Jr.) married Christina Stöver or Stoever on 04 Jul 1802 in the Salem Church in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Christina was the daughter of Johann and Anne (Kiesecker) Stöver. Stöver is also seen as Stoever and Stover in the records. Johann was a son of Joahnn Casper Stöver. Christina Stover was bon on 03 Dec 1780 in Sunnyside, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania and appears to have died by 1835. Michael Harner (Jr.) died after the 1830 census and probably before 1835 in Union County, PA. According to Ramona (Harnar) Brown Michael Harner (Jr.) purchased land, in 1817, in Union County, Pennsylvania with his brother-in-law, George Shafer. George Shafer married Magdalena Stoever. Some of Michael and Christina (Stoever) Harner’s children were: John Harner b. 17 Jun 1803 in Lebanon Co., PA baptized in Sep 1803 Elizabeth Harner b. 21 Apr 1806 in Lebanon County, PA baptized on 25 May 1806 Michael Harner b. 26 May 1810 in Lebanon Co., PA baptized in Jul 1810 Jacob Harner b. 19 May 1813 in Lebanon Co., PA Michael Harner (Jr.) is believed to be the son of Michael and Margaretha (Loresch) Harner also of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Margaretha was the daughter of Jacob Loresch of Bethel Township, Lebanon County, PA. Three of the four Harner children named in the above will were baptized in the Zoar Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mount Zion, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. In this church cemetery are buried Michael and Margret (Loresch) Harner who were also married in Zoar Church. All three of these Harner sons were in Berrien County Michigan in 1840/41. John and Michael Harner lived out there lives in Berrien County and Jacob “Harnar” moved on to Vineyard Township of Lawrence County Missouri and raised his family there. In the 1820 census of Penn Township, Union County, PA Michael Harner had in his household, 1 male under 10 years of age (Jacob), 1 male 10-16 years of age (Michael), 1 male 16-18 years of age (John), 1 male 16-26 years of age (?), 1 male over 45 years of age (Michael), 1 female under 10 years of age (?), 1 female 10-16 years of age (Elizabeth) and 1 female over 45 years of age (Christina). Note: This census gives us an unknown older male and probably an unknown younger sister, but she does not appear in the 1830 census. The 1830 census of Penn Township, Union County, PA includes Michael Harner and in his household, 1 male 15-20 years of age (Jacob), one male 50-60 years of age (Michael) and one female 40-50 years of age (Christina). This proves both were still alive in 1830. Note: The sons of Michael and Christina (Stoever) Harner appear to have been the Harner brothers who appear in Michigan by 1840. The will of John Stoever dated 1823 confirms that Christina Stoever had married Michael Harner as she is in the will as Christina wife of Michael Harner. The four Harner grandchildren, John, Michael, Elizabeth and Jacob are named as heirs of John Stoever. Michael Harner (Jr.) can be found in Penn Township, Union County, Pennsylvania in the census records as early as 1820. This is the same Township were John Stoever’s will was filed. Note: In 1813 Lebanon County was formed from parts of Lancaster County and Dauphin County. Northumberland County also came out of Lancaster and Bedford County in 1772. Union County was formed in 1813 from Northumberland County and in 1855 Snyder County was formed from Union County. Michael Harner (Jr.) lived in a part of Union County that is now in Snyder County. Some of the dates in this information are not the same, leading one to wonder if there was more than one Michael Harner in military service during the Revolutionary War. If Michael Harner (Jr.) was born in 1770-1775 he would have been too young to have served. It appears it to me that it was Michael Harner (Sr.) who served having been born in 1746. If Michael Harner Sr. married when he was 25 that would have been in 1770-71. Zoar’s Church records indicate he married Margreta Loresch on 24 Apr 1770.
The children of Michael (Jr.) and Christina (Stoever) Harner married as follows: John Harner married Susana Haney, Elizabeth Harner married Daniel Seesholtz, Michael Harner married Sophia Plank and Jacob Harner married Lucy Rushaberger. John, Michael and Jacob were in Berrien County, Michigan around the year1840. There is a legal document that was
found in Stark County, Ohio where Michael Harner Jr. is attampting to
gain his share of the estate of his grandfather, John Stover.
This is further proof of his relation ship to John Stover through his
mother Christina (Stover) Harner. My family line is through the John Harner and Susana Haney marriage. The Haney name, at least in Pennsylvania, appears to be from Germany also. In the books, Pennsylvania German Pioneers, by Ralph B. Strassburger and edited by William J. Hinkle, published by the Genealogical Publishing Co. in 1980 in Baltimore contains two references to the name. In volume one on page 421 you can find Phillip Haney. Phillip Haney is included in a list of foreigners who arrived on the ship “Lydia” that was captained by John Randolph and had come from Rotterdam via Cowes, England. They are listed as having taken “the usual Qualifications to the Government” on 09 Oct 1749. In volume two on page 26 you can find Andrew Haney. Andrew Haney is included in a list of persons “who took the Oath of Affirmation of Allegiance to this State” on 10 Oct 1786. Andrew Haney is reportedly “of this City” and was a “Hatter”. This city would have been Philadelphia. Michael Harner’s wife was Sophia Plank. The name Plank or Planck also appears in the Pennsylvania German Pioneers books. In volume one on page 485 there is a reference to Friederich Planck. Friederich is included in a list of foreigners who arrived on the ship “St. Andrew” that was captained by James Abercrombe and had come from Rotterdam via Plymouth, England. He was taking the “Oaths to the Government in the usual Form. No.111”. This record is dated 23 Sep 1752. On page 652 of this same volume you can find a reference to David Plank. David is included in a “List of Mens Names Imported in the (ship) Halifax”. Thomas Coatman was listed as the “Master”. This ship was from Rotterdam and also came via Plymouth, England. This list is dated 20 Oct 1754. So it appears all three of these names, Harner, Haney and Plank have some connections to The Palatinate, which would eventually become Germany. 1820 Census of Pennsylvania Haney/Harner/Plank: John Harner married Susanna Haney about 1825 probably in Union County, Pennsylvania. His brother, Michael Harner married Sophia Plank about 1829 in Selinsgrove, Union County, Pennsylvania. I did a name comparison by county to look for correlations.
Haney, Charles Allegheny County Indiana Haney, John Allegheny County Ross Township Haney, Stewart Allegheny County Pitt Township Haney, Acker Bedford County Cumberland Haney, Patrick Bedford County Colerain Haney, William Bedford County Southhampton
Haney Isaac Fayette County Wharton Haney, Samuel Fayette County Germon Township Haney, Willam Fayette County Germon Township Haney, William Fayette County Wharton Haney, William Fayette County Springhi.. Haney, Susannah Huntington County Tyrone Township Haney, James Huntington County West Township Haney, Abraham Montgomery County Upper Salford Harner, Christian Montgomery County Upper Dublin Harner, Christian Montgomery County Upper Dublin Harner, Daniel Montgomery County Upper Dublin Harner, Henry Montgomery County Lower Providence Harner, Jacob Montgomery County Upper Dublin Plank, John Montgomery County Upper Hanover Plank, William Montgomery County Upper Hanover Haney, Thomas Philadelphia County Moyamens Plank, John Philadelphia County Ward # 1 Plank, Mary Philadelphia County Moyamens Haney, Paterick Westmoreland County Derry Township Haney, James W. Westmoreland County Donegal Harner, Alexander Adams County Cumberland Harner, Alexander Adams County Franklin Harner, David Adams County Gettysburgh Harner, David Adams County Gettysburgh Harner, James Adams County Franklin Harner, John Adams County Germany Harner, Peter Adams County Germany Harner, Robert Adams County Gettyburgh Plank, Andrew Adams County Cumberland Plank, Conrad Adams County Menallen… Plank, George Adams County Cumberland Plank, John Adams County Huntingd… Plank, John Adams County Cumberland Plank, William Adams County Huntingd.. Harner, Daniel Berks County Exeter C… Harner, Peter Berks County Greenwich Plank, Christian Berks County Caernarv… Plank, Peter Berks County Caernarv… Harner, William Centre County Rush Township Harner, Henry Cumberland County Carlisle
Plank, Christian Mifflin County Union Township Plank, Christian Mifflin County Union Township Plank, Christian Mifflin County Armaugh Plank, Jacob Mifflin County Union Township Plank, Jacob Mifflin County Union Township Plank, John Mifflin County Union Township Plank, John Mifflin County Wayne Township Harner, Frene Perry County Greenwood
Harner, T. James Northampton County Lehigh Township
Harner, George Schuykill County L.. Mahant Harner, Michael Union County Penn Township Planck, George Adam Northumberland County Mifflinburg Harner, John Washington County Smith Township Plank, John Bucks County Rockhill Plank, Jacob Chester County West Whi… Plank, Daniel Columbia County Fishingc… Plank, Jacob Dauphin County Lower Pa… Plank, Jacob Dauphin County Lower Pa… In Montgomery County all three family names, Haney, Harner and Plank, come together in 1820. In 1810 all three names come together in Northumberland County. Union County was formed out of Northumberland County. The given names, Michael Andrew, Abraham, Henry, John and William appear in the Berrien County Harner families. You see Haney and Plank together in Philadelphia County. You see Harner and Plank together in Adams, Berks, Lancaster and Mifflin Counties. The County, which probably holds the key to our Berrien County, Michigan Harner ancestors is most likely Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. In searching for the family connections of John and Michael Harner in Pennsylvania there are two clues in Berrien County, Michigan. These two clues are both located in A Twentieth Century History of Berrien County Michigan, by Judge Orville W. Coolidge, published in 1906 by The Lewis Publishing Company of Chicago and New York. The biography that this work contains on Michael F. Harner you can find that he was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania in 1830. Michael F. Harner is a son of John and Susana (Haney) Harner. A daughter of John and Susana was named Susan and she married Joshua Feather. In the biography of Joshua Feather you can find that Susan Harner was born in Ohio and her father, John Harner was born in “Snyder county, Pennsylvania”. It has also been found that a letter dated 30 Jan 1945 from Mrs. Frank J. Hall to a Dr. Chas. A. Fisher indicates that Michael Harner was born on 10 May 1810 in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Hall was the State Treasurer of the State of Wisconsin Daughters of the American Revolution. This same letter also indicates Sophia Plank was born in Selinsgrove on 03 Dec 1810. Selinsgrove is in present day Snyder County, Pennsylvania. This area of Pennsylvania was once in Northumberland County and for a while was in Union County and is today in Snyder County. There is an indication that Michael Harner administered the estate of a Christian or Christina Herner in Snyder County in 1835. This is probably Michael Harner and his mother’s estate and may have given him the impetus to come to Michigan. This estate is likely for the Christina (Stoever) Harner that Ramona (Harnar) Brown indicates was the mother of John, Elizabeth, Michael and Jacob Harner and this would mean that Michael Harner was their father. If it was Christina’s estate her husband, Michael Harner, had probably died before her. It would be most unusual for him to administer her estate so it is presumed it was her son Michael who administered this estate. In order to understand the census records of Pennsylvania you need to see how the counties developed. Snyder County was separated from Union County in 1855. Union County was separated from Northumberland County in 1813 and Northumberland County was established in 1772 from parts of Lancaster and Bedford Counties. If the history of Berrien County is correct there should be a Harner family in Northumberland County around 1803 when John Harner was born. You can find an Andrew Harner in this county in 1810 and in 1820 a George Herner. Michael F. Harner was born in Northumberland in 1830. When looking at the townships Andrew and George lived in you find that it was Shamokin Township. Interestingly there is a town in this county named Snydertown. It is possible that the Berrien County History meant Snydertown and not “Snyder county”? Even if Snyder County is correct in 1803-10 when John and Michael Harner were born this would have been Northumberland County. There was also a Michael Harner in Penn Township of Union County in the 1820 and 1830 census. Both Union and Snyder Counties adjoin and are on the east side of Northumberland County. After looking at this information I believe John and Michael Harner were probably the sons of Michael Harner of Penn Township, Union County, Pennsylvania seen in the 1820 census. We find Michael, John, George and Andrew as given names in the Harner descendants of Berrien County, Michigan. Harner/Haney Northumberland County, Pennsylvania: The 1790 census shows: Heney, Adam Heney, Christopher Heney, Frederick Heney, Ferderick Heney, Hieronimus Heney, John Heney, Phillip Horner, George this may also be Herner or Harner The Pennsylvania Archives Third Series edited by William H. Egle, volume XIX, published in 1897 in Harrisburg, PA by Wm. Stanley Ray, State Printer contains the tax records for Northumberland County. These tax records for the years 1782-1787 show:
Heany, Christopher taxed 1782 in Potters Township Heany, Reunimous taxed 1783-84 in White Deer Township Henay, Frederick taxed 1783-84 in White Deer Township Heany, Hironimous taxed 1783-84 in Potters Township Henny, Frederick taxed 1785 in Buffaloe Township Haney Frederick taxed 1785 in White Deer Township Haney, Hieronymus taxed 1785 in White Deer Township Haney, Christian taxed 1785 in Potters Township Haney, Adam taxed 1785 in Potters Township Haney, Ronimus taxed 1785 in Potters Township Heny, Frederick taxed 1786 in Buffaloe Township Haney, Christian taxed 1786 in Potters Township Haney, Adam taxed 1786 in Potters Township Haney, Ronimus taxed 1786 in Potters Township Henny, Frederick taxed 1787 in Buffaloe Township Herner, George taxed 1787 in Buffaloe Township Haney, Ronimus taxed 1787 in White Deer Township Haney, Frederick taxed 1787 in White Deer Township Henny, Frederick taxed 1787 Potters Township non-resident Henny, John taxed 1787 Potters Township non resident Looking at these records it appears that the Haney and Harner names came together in Buffalo Township of Northumberland County in 1787 when George Herner and Frederick Henny were taxed there. Christopher Heany (1782) was taxed on 700 acres of land. Since he came to this area just after the Revolutionary War this was possibly “bounty land”? Checking the Revolutionary War records contained in the Pennsylvania Archives Fifth Series, volume VII you can find a Michael Harner who served in 1777 in the First Battalion of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and served with the First Company under Capt. Casper Stoever as a Court Martial Man. He is later seen as a Lieut. in the 1780s. In the Seventh Company of the Sixth Battalion of Lancaster County you can also find an Andrew Horner in 1777 who may have been Andrew Harner/Herner. There was also a William Harner who served Lancaster County in 1777. In the Eighth Company of the Sixth Battalion of Lancaster County you can also find the Haney’s of Northumberland County. Adam Heney served as a Drummer, Frederick Heney as a Fifer and a Stophel Heney was a 2nd Seargent and a Stofel Heney in the 7th Class. There are also records of Ronimus Haney that appears in Northumberland County. Stophel and Stofel are short for Christophel. The Pennsylvania Archives Third Series, volume 17 consists of the tax records for Lancaster County from 1771-1782. These tax records include: Heiny, Christopher taxed 1771 in Lancaster Borough Herner, Michael taxed 1771 in Bethel Township Harner, Andrew taxed 1771 in Stoumpstown Plank, Jno. taxed 1771 in Salsbury Township Heiney, Christopher taxed 1772 in Lancaster Borough Herner, Michael taxed 1772 in Bethel Township Harner, Andrew taxed 1772 in Bethel Township Plank, John & Son taxed 1772 in Salsbury Township Heiney, Christoph, tinner taxed 1773 in Lancaster Borough Harner, Andrew taxed 1773 in Bethel Township Harner, Michael taxed 1773 in Bethel Township Haney, Stophell taxed 1773 in East Hanover Township Plank, Jno. taxed 1773 in Salsbury Township Heyne, Christoph, tinman taxed 1779 in Lancaster Borough Herner, Michael, tanner taxed 1779 in Lancaster Borough Horner, Andrew taxed 1779 in Hanover Township (Andrew Harner?) Herner, Michael taxed 1779 in Bethel Township Planck, John taxed 1779 in Salsbury Township Horner, Andrew taxed 1782 in Hanover Township Herner, Michael taxed 1782 in Bethel Township Plank, Jno. taxed 1782 in Salsbury Township Plank, Jno., doctor taxed 1782 in Salsbury Township Bethel Township and the Zoar Church records appear to be the key to tying this family together. Bethel Township was settled about 1837 and was then part of Lancaster County. Michael Harner of the revolutionary War served from Bethel Township in Lancaster County. In 1785 Bethel Township became part of Dauphin County. In 1813 Bethel Township became part of Lebanon County where it is located today. Zoar Evangelical Lutheran Church is in Mount Zion, Bethel Township, Lebanon County, PA. This church cemetery is where Michael Hörner of the Revolutionary War is buried, the county where Michael Harner married Christina Stöver and where three of their children were baptized in Salem Church in Lebanon, PA. Looking at the records for Lancaster County we see the Harner, Haney, Plank names in three townships. In 1779 we see Haney and Harner together as businessmen in Lancaster Borough and in 1782 a Dr. Jno. Plank in Salsbury Township. Bethel Township is in Lebanon County today but in 1771 was part of Lancaster County. It is believed that Michael Harner (b. 1770-1775) of Bethel Township was the father of the Berrien County Harner brothers and that Andrew and probably George were his brothers. They could have been sons of Michael Harner (b. 1746) also of Bethel Township.
Looking at these townships, the following census records for 1800, 1810, 1820 and 1830 it appears that Michael Harner and Frederick Haney were probably the ancestors of our John and Susanna (Haney) Harner. This George Harner appears to be too old to be their father. The Andrew Harner of the 1810 census in Shamokin Township of Northumberland County could have been the son of George Herner. The Michael Harner of the 1820 & 1830 census of Penn’s Township of Union County (which was in Northumberland till 1813) appears to be related to Michael Harner of Lebanon County. Penn’s Township ends up in Snyder County in 1855 and this County is where our John Harner was supposed to have been born. There is also records here of a Daniel Harner who may have been another brother? George Adam Planck appears in Northumberland County in Mifflinburg of Mifflin Township in 1810. In 1790 George Horner had two members of his household that were males above 16 years of age, one male that was under 16years of age and 3 females. The History of Centre and Clinton Counties, Pennsylvania by John Blair Lynn, published by J.B. Lippincott & Co. in Philadelphia in 1883 contains interesting correlations. You can find in Brush valley in 1794 a John and Sarah Hörrner as well as a George and Magdalena Hörrner associated with the Lutheran/Reformed Church there. This church was located in Miles, Township of Centre County. You can find in this same history the family names of Reber, Critzer and Wietzel as well as Henney all these family names are associated with the Harner name in Berrien County, Michigan. There is a book titled, Early Pennsylvania Births, 1675-1875, compiled by Dr. Charles A Fisher and published by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. in 1986. According to this book there is a church called Row’s (Rau’s) or Salem Lutheran Church, which is located about two miles west of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. It is in Penn’s Township of Snyder County. There is a record of the “Communicants of Row’s Lutheran Congregation” dated 05/27/1789. In this list there is a George and Cugipunta Herner as well as a John and Jacob Herner. It is not clear if John and Jacob were brothers or unmarried sons of George. This name Cugipunta is very similar to a name in the record of Johann Jeorge Hörner who came from Eichel, Germany in 1785 and may indicate a relationship. Two of Johann Jeorge Hörner’s sons were John and Jacob and another George. His daughter or sister was named “Kunigunda Horner”. This may be the same family and may also be our Harner’s attachment to Germany. John Harner, of Berrien County, Michigan, was reported as a native of Snyder County, Pennsylvania and was born there about 1803. There was a George Herner from this area who remarried the “Widow Koogler” and moved to Ohio by 1800 with his five children and her two children. This appears to have been the George Hörner who arrived aboard the ship “Favourite” in 1785 as the children’s names match. This is not the ancestor of John and Michael Harner of Berrien County, Michigan although the Koogler or Kugler family name does appear here. Regardless of my speculations these must be the Harner, Plank and Haney families we are searching for. They were in Northumberland County as early as 1787 and Lancaster County as early as 1771. There was also a large group spelling the name Hoerner or Hoerrner who live in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The naming patterns in our Harner families closely resemble the naming patterns in this group and they are the descendants of the Hörner families who came from Wenkhiem and Hohefeld, Baden, Germany about 1753. This family can be traced back in Hohefeld to the early 1600’s. You can search for these names in Germany at www.familysearch.org Once at this website you can limit your search to Hoerner and the country Germany and you will find there George, John, Andreas (Andrew), Jacob, Christian and Michael Hoerner. The Harner and Haney names appear to have come to Penn’s Township of Northumberland County from Lancaster County about 1782-87. Christopher Haney’s will was written on 22 Sep 1790 and names his sons, Hironimus, Christopher, Adam, Frederick and John. He also appears to have had three daughters, Eva, Elizabeth and Anna Margaret. This will says Christopher Haney was “of Haines Township”. They actually may not have moved but as Northumberland separated from Lancaster their county of residence changed. In a book, Snyder County Pioneers by Dr. Charles Fisher he includes the Haney families as Pioneers of that county. This is the same Dr. Charles Fisher that Mrs. Frank Hall wrote to in 1945. It appears that the Immigrant ancestor was the group of Hörner families who came to Pennsylvania in 1753 from Wenkheim and Hohefeld in the County of Wertheim in Baden, Germany. Michael Hörner came to what was to become Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on 24 Sep 1753 aboard the Ship "Neptune" with his wife, Maria Barbara and their two children. Two of their children were possibly Andrew and Michael who in 1771 were taxed in Lancaster County. In 1754 Michael Harner had a son Christian. The Lebanon County, Pennsylvania Harner family is the most likely the ancestors of Andrew Harner that was living in Northumberland County in 1810. The Michael F. Harner (b.1830) whose father, John Harner (b.1803), came to Berrien County in 1834 was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. I believe they are the descendants of Lt. Michael Harner the Revolutionary War soldier of 1777 Lancaster County, Pennsylvania John Harner was born in Jul 1803 in “Snyder County”, Pennsylvania. In 1803 this was still Northumberland County. In 1848 it appears on the maps as Union County and later became Snyder County. I have also seen his birth date as 1798 and 1805 according to census records. John appears to be one in the same as Johannes Hörner who was born on 17 Jul 1803 in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. John Harner married Susana Haney, also from Pennsylvania about 1824. Susana Haney was born about 10 Jun 1799 but perhaps as late as 1801. She was four years older than John. John Harner’s death record says he died 04 Jun 1884 when he was 80 years 10 months and 27 days old. This would make his birth date 08 Jul 1803. His wife Susana died 14 Nov 1876 when she was 77 years 5 months and 4 days old. According to this record Susana would have been born on 10 Jun 1809. John and Susana Harner's children were: 1. Caroline Harner born 20 Nov 1825 Pennsylvania who married George Smith 2. Michael F. Harner born 23 Jan 1830 in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania who married Francis Morris 3. Elizabeth Harner born 1831 in Ohio who married Moses Feather 4. Susanna Harner born 1832 in Ohio who married Joshua Feather 5. John Harner born 1834 in Ohio, died in 1914 who married Elizabeth Quick 6. Levi Harner born 1836 in Ohio who married Katherine A. Clark Note: Caroline Harner married on 08 Mar 1846 in Oronoko Township George Smith. Present were John Harner and Peter Smith. Caroline was 23 years of age and George was 32 years of age. The 1850 census of Berrien County shows George Smith 37 years of age with daughter Mary A. Smith 3 years of age and in the same household were Michael Smith 73 years of age, Mary Smith 71 years of age and Joshua Hartline 15 years of age. All were born in Pennsylvania except for Mary who was born in Michigan. Caroline (Harner) Smith does not appear in this census. By looking in the cemetery records for Storick Cemetery you can find Caroline Smith b. 20 Nov 1825 d. 20 Mar 1849. Mary was George and Caroline’s first child and was born about 1847. She was about two years old when her mother died. There is also a Smith, infant daughter buried here with no dates. This may have been George and Caroline’s second child. There is also a Henry Smith who was b. 13 Feb 1849 and died 05 Mar 1849 and he may have been the second child. Caroline and the second child both may have died of complications in childbirth. Death records were not kept in Berrien County until 1861. There is no death record for Caroline (Harner) Smith. This Harner family lived in Summit County, Ohio (1830's) prior to coming to Michigan. Summit County separated from Stark County about 1835. You can find what appears to be George and Magdalena (Stover) Shafer in Stark County, Ohio. In the Lutheran Evangelical cemetery that was located near Uniontown in Lake Township of Stark County, Ohio you can find George Shafer d. 1867 age 82 and Magdalena Shafer d. 1845 age 60. This would have been John’s aunt and uncle. The Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery was located near the Summit and Portage County borders with Stark County and was replaced by a parking lot for the church in the 1960’s. Looking at some of their children’s census records it appears they moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio about 1829. In Stark County you can find many by the Haney/Henney name. John and Susan Harner are buried in the Hinman Cemetery near Baroda, Michigan, which is in Lake Township. John Harner (b. 1803) settled in Lake Township in 1834 on section 25 on Hills Road, north of Mt. Tabor Road. John Harner is recorded as the first settler in Lake Township. Some of John and Susan Harner's children were born in Pennsylvania and the rest in Ohio. Levi Harner the youngest was born in 1836 in Ohio. John Harner’s original land grant in Lake Township reads: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CERTIFICATE No. 23824 To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greetings WHEREAS John Harnar of Berrien County Michigan has deposited in the GENERAL LAND OFFICE of the United States, a certificated of the REGISTER OF THE LAND OFFICE at Kalamazoo whereby it appears that full payment has been made by said John Harnaraccording to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled “An Act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands for
the North half of the South East quarter and the South half the North East quarter of Section twenty five in Township six South of Range nineteen West, in the District of Lands subject to the sale at Kalamazoo, Michigan, containing one hundred and sixty acres
according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the SURVEYOR GENERAL, which said tract has been purchased by the said John Harnar NOW KNOW YEA That the United States of America, in consideration of the Premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, HAVE GIVEN AND GRANTED, and by these presents DO GIVE AND GRANT unto the said John Harnar and to his heirs, the said tract above described: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same , together with all rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, unto the said John Harnar and to his heirs and assigns forever
In Testimony Whereof, *, Martin Van Buren PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, have caused these Letters to be made PATENT, and the SEAL of the GENERAL LAND OFFICE to be hereunto affixed.
GIVEN under my hand, at the CITY OF WASHINGTON, the fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine and of the INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES the Sixty fourth. BY THE PRESIDENT: Martin Van Buren By M. Van Buren Jr. Sec’y, Jos T. Wilson, acting Recorder of the General Land Office ad interim
Berrien County Probate Court Deceased files: # 1264 for John Harner Sr. John Harner Sr. left a will and it states: “I John Harner of Lake Township of the County of Berrien County State of Michigan being of sound mind an memory and realizing the uncertainty of life do make this as my last will and testament hereby revoking any and all former wills made by m First I desire all my just debts and expenses of my funeral be paid Second to my grand son William son of my deceased daughter Caroline I have already advanced about $ 925 and now bequeath unto him the further sum of seventy five dollar Third to my grand daughter Mary Ann Parketon wife of Gordon N. Parketon the sum of two hundred dollars. The above named bequest to be paid out of the proceeds of my personal estate within six months after my decease Fourth all the remainder of my Estate both personal and real I give devise and bequeath To my five children Michael Harner Elizabeth wife of Moses Feather Susannah wife of Joshua Feather John Harner and Levi Harner share and share alike Fifth I hereby nominate and appoint Moses Feather my son in law as the Executor of my last will and direct him to sell the real Estate and Execute deed or deeds for the same at such price or prices as he may deem just and fair and divide the proceeds of sale Equally among my five children as herein before named In Witness whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affix my seal this 10th day of June A.D. 1881 Johanes Härner Seal Subscribed by the testator in the presence of Each of us and acknowledged by him as his last will and Testament on this the 10th day of June AD 1881 Roscoe D Dix Berrien Springs Michigan John F. Wilkinson Berrien Springs Michigan” The total amount of personal property was $ 1569.10 Minus expenses of -767.35 _______ Total Cash in hand $ 801.75 This cash was divided and each of the five children received $ 160.35 Moses Feather filed a petition for expenses for board, care and nursing of the deceased who had stay with his family during his final days for $ 252. The court awarded him $ 200.00 for this claim. The property was sold and several notes were owed to the estate totaling $ 1466.00. There is no document showing the distribution of this money but if $ 200 went to Moses Feather, $ 75 went to Caroline’s son, William and $ 200 went to Mary Ann Parketon that would leave another $ 991 to be divided amongst the five living children. The will appears to have been read on 30 July 1884 in the Presence of: Jeremiah Wetzel Jr. Michael Harner David Sassaman John Harner Jr. Frances Harner Mary Ann Parketon Laura Feather Susanna Feather Sarah Feather Elizibeth Feaher ? Bouir? Levi Harner William Harner These individuals all signed their names except John Harner Jr who made his “X”. In the 1840 census of Oronoko Township of Berrien County there is included: John Harner who was between 30 and 40 years of age and in his household were, 2 males under five years of age, one male 10-15 years of age, 2 females 5-10 years of age, one female 10-15 years of age and one female 30-40 years of age (his wife). In the 1850 census of Lake Township of Berrien County there is included:
John Harner age 52 years, his wife Susan Harner age 54 years, their son Michael Harner age 22 years, their daughter Elizabeth Harner age 20 years, their daughter Susanna Harner age 18 years, their son John Harner age 16 years and their son Levi Harner 14 years of age. According to these census records John Harner would have been born in 1798 and Susan Harner in 1796. Note: John and Susan's ages do not seem to be correct. and Oronoko Township: Michael Harner and his wife Sophia Harner. Michael is listed as being 43 years of age and Sophia as being 42. Michael would have been born in 1807 and Sophia in 1808. Michael and Sophia Harner's children in 1850 were, Jeremiah Harner age 21 years, Samuel H. Harner age 20 years, Lovena Harner age 18 years, Harriet Harner age 16 years, Isaac Harner age 15 years, Betsy E. Harner age 14 years, Eli T. Harner age 11 years, Benjamin F. Harner age 7 years, Andrew M. Harner age 5 years, William H. Harner age 4 years and Levi S. Harner age 4 months. Note: Isaac Harner is later seen as a “Vet. Surgeon” in Galien, Michigan. He served in the Civil War for Indiana.
The 1860 census of Lake Township included: John Horner as being 35 years of age and he was living alone. Note: This is thought to be the John Harner who married Elizabeth Quick in 1862. “Hained”, John 58 years of age b. PA, Susanna 60 years of age b. PA, Michael 28 years of age, Elizabeth 26 years of age, Susanna 24 years of age, Levi 22 years of age, Bert William 16 years of age and Mary Anne Smith 16 years of age. This is John Harner someone misread the name. Mary Anne Smith is the daughter of Caroline (Harner) Smith. The 1860 census of Oronoko Township included: Michael Harner and his wife Sophia. Michael is listed as being 52 years of age and Sophia as being 50 years of age, both having been born in Pennsylvania. Their children were, Lovina age 29 years born in Ohio, Eli Thomas 21 years of age born in Indiana, Benjamin F. 18 years of age, Andrew M. 16 years of age, Willim H. 14 years of age, Levi S. 11 years of age, Abraham 7 years of age, and Ranson L. Penwell 4 years of age. From Benjamin down the children listed were born in Michigan. Ranson L. Penwell’s relationship is not known. Note: Samuel H. Harner and Andrew M. Harner’s death records give their mother’s maiden name as Plank. Jeremiah and Mary J. Harner. Jeremiah is listed as being 32 years of age and Mary as being 21 years of age. Jeremiah was born in Pennsylvania and Mary in Michigan. Their daughter at this time was Mary D. who was 5 months old. In 1870 the census of Lake Township includes: John Harner and his wife Susan Harner with their son Levi Harner who is 34 years of age. Levi Harner served with the 12th Michigan Infantry in Company “I” during the Civil War. He later lived in St. Joseph County, Indiana. When John Harner died in 1884 the Niles Democrat, a Niles, Michigan newspaper carried a short obituary in it’s “Our Neighbors” section. It was on page 8 and reads “John Harner, an old resident of Oronoko township, died suddenly of heart disease on the 7th inst.” The Niles Weekly Mirror, another Niles newspaper, also carried a short obituary “Mr. John Harner, a resident of this county for nearly half a century, died of heart disease, at the residence of his son-in-law, (Moses Feather) on the 14th of June, aged 81 years.” Both these dates are incorrect as his death record indicates he died on 04 June. The Feather family came to Berrien County from “Selin’s Grove”, Pennsylvania about the same time as John Harner did. The Feather name was spelled Fetter and Vetter in Pennsylvania. From the Berrien County records it appears that Michael and Sophia (Plank) Harner had children: Jeremiah Harner b. 1829 in Pennsylvania Samuel H. Harner b. 1830 Lorena or Lovena Harner b. 1832 in Ohio Harriet Harner b. 1834 Isaac Harner b. 1835 Eli Thomas Harner b. 1839 in Indiana Benjamin F. Harner b. 1843 in Michigan Andrew Michael Harner b. 1845 William H. Harner b. 1846 Levi Stephen Harner b. 1850 Abraham Augustus Harner b. 1853 Note: Eli, Levi, Andrew and Abraham went by their middle names in adulthood. In 1870 the census of Oronoko Township includes:
Isaac and Amelia Harner with their children; George Harner who is 9 years old and John Harner who is 8 years old. Isaac is 36 years of age and Amelia is 31 years of age. Michael and Sophia Harner with their children; Michael Harner who is 24 years of age, Stephen Harner who is 20 years of age and Augustus Harner who is 17 years of age. Note: This Michael Harner (24 years of age) is likely Andrew M. Harner and this Stephen Harner is probably Levi S. Harner and Augustus is likely the Abraham A. Harner from the 1860 census. John and Elizabeth aka Besty Harner with their children; Caroline Harner who is 5 years of age and Moses Harner who is 2 years of age. John is recorded as being 33 years of age and Elizabeth as 24. The 1880 census of Oronoko Townships includes: John and Elizabeth (Betsy) Harner with their children; Caroline 15 years of age, Moses 14 years of age, George 8 years of age, Jennie Harner 3 years of age and “Baby” son who was 2 months old. John is recorded as being 49 years oaf age and Elizabeth as being 38. This “Baby” must have been Charles Harner who appears in the 1900 census as George? The 1900 census of Oronoko Township includes: John and Elizabeth (Betsy) Harner with their children: George who was 19 years of age and born in Aug 1880 and Jerry who was 15 years of age and was born in July of 1884. John is recorded as having been born in Apr of 1834 and being 66 years of age. Elizabeth is recorded as having been born in Jan of 1844 and was 56 years of age. William and Mary Harner with one child, Rosa who is 2 years of age. John Harner Jr. (b. 1834) married Elizabeth Quick, born 08 Mar 1842. Elizabeth died 08 Jan1923 and is buried by her husband in the Hinman Cemetery in Lake Township of Berrien County, Michigan. John Harner died on 28 Aug 1914 at the age of 80 years and 5 months. According to his death record he would have been born in Mar 1834. John Harner farmed 145 acres in Oronoko Township of Berrien County. Elizabeth Quick was the daughter of John and Catherine (Raver) Quick. According to the 1900 census Elizabeth Harner had given birth to eight children but only six were living in 1900. Those children appear to have been: Louise Harner b. 1862 d. at 22 days old Norman Harner b. 1864 d. 1866 Caroline (Carrie) Harner b. 1865 d. 17 Dec 1926 Moses Harner b. 1868 d. 1942 Johnnie Harner b. 1871 d. at 1 month 14 days old George A. Harner b. 1872 Jennie Harner b. 10 Jul 1877 d. 09 Oct 1952 Charles Harner b. Aug 1880 Jerry (Jeremiah) Harner b. July 1884 Note: This list includes nine children and since Elizabeth said she had given birth to eight children, in the 1900 census, one has to wonder about the other name? These names were collected by descendants and I am not sure which one does not belong but it must have been Louisa, Norman or Johnnie. All three of these children are buried in the John Harner plot in the Hinman Cemetery.
John and Elizabeth (Betsy) Quick’s marriage record reads: “This certifies that John Harner Jr. aged 25 years and Betsy Quick aged 17 years were after due Examination legally married by me on the 25th day of February 1862 in presence of Michael Dixon and Loren Heathman the parties and witness all being residents of Lake Township , County of Berrien and State of Michigan.
N. E. Lauelen Received May 9th 1862 Justice of the Peace Guyn Hillendoch Clerk” Note: The name of the Clerk and the J.P. are not clear? In the 1900 census it states that John was born in Ohio and his parents were born in Pennsylvania. Elizabeth (Betsy) states that she was born in Ohio and her parents were born in Germany. This is interesting as Elizabeth Harner (whose maiden name was Quick) parents are also recorded as being born in New Jersey and Ohio? The 1850 census also lists Elizabeth Quick and her family. She was the daughter of John and Catherine (Raber) Quick. There is a later marriage record in 1869 when Catherine Quick maiden name “Critser” married George W. Lake. It is not clear if Catherine was a Raber or a Creitzer. Berrien County Probate Court Deceased files # 5455 for John Harner Jr. John Harner Jr. apparently did not leave a will. Carrie E. Wetzel daughter of the deceased petitioned the court on 19 Sep 1914 to appoint Moses Harner as executor of the estate, which she estimated to be valued at $2500.00. The heirs are listed as his wife, Elizabeth Harner 69 years of age living in Oronoko Township, Carrie Wetzel, daughter, of Weesaw Township, Moses Harner, son of Lake Township, George Harner, son of Lake Township, Jennie Upson, daughter of Weesaw Township, Charles Harner, son of Sentinel Butte, North Dakota and Jeremiah Harner, son of Oronoko township. Elizabeth Harner, the widow, agreed to the appointment of Moses Harner as the executor of the estate. An inventory of the estate was made on 22 Sep 1914 and the total was $17, 535.92. Real estate equaled $13, 627.00 of that total. The court had decided the real estate would be divided and 1/3 would go to Elizabeth, the widow, 2/15 would go to each of the children. The property was divided and the widow, Elizabeth Harner was given 67+ acres, Moses Harner was given 47 and one half acres, Carrie Wetzel was 33+ acres, Jeremiah Harner was given 29 acres, George Harner was given 33+ acres and Jennie Upson 21 acres “more or less”. There is a map in these documents showing this division of the property. Jennie Harner received the least in acres but it also included the house. The total property was over 230 acres. There is a map in these documents showing this division of the property. Jennie Harner received the least in acres but it also included the house. It is assumed Elizabeth, the widow, was allowed to live in the house until her death. Moses Harner also submitted a receipt for the Harner monument and markers totaling $294.00 There is no document showing the distribution of the personal property. The 1871 Oronoko Township Directory includes: John Harner Jr. as a land owner on section 31 Michael Harner as a land owner on section 30 Michael Harner Jr. as a farmer on section 31 William H. Harner as a land owner on section 8 Berrien Springs The 1892 Berrien County Directory includes: Ada Harner as a farmer in Lake Township near Berrien Springs Augustus Harner as a farmer in Oronoko Township near Berrien Springs A. M. Harner as a farmer in Oronoko Township near Buchanan Edward Harner in Oronoko Township near Baroda E. T. Harner as a farmer in Chickaming Township near Lakeside Isaac Harner as a Vet. Surgeon in Galien Township near Galien *John Harner as a farmer in Oronoko Township near Glendora Michael Harner as living in Oronoko Township near Berrien Springs Michael F. Harner as a farmer in Oronoko Township near Baroda *This is John Harner who married Elizabeth Quick in 1862. Their daughter, Jennie Harner married William Upson (1897). Their daughter Cora Upson married Walter Brackett (1915). 1892 Berrien County Directory cont.: Michael Harner in Lake Township near Berrien Springs Samuel H. Harner as a farmer in Oronoko Township near Berrien Springs Stephen Harner as a farmer in Oronoko Township near Berrien Springs William B. Harner as a farmer in Bainbridge Township William H. Harner as a farmer in Oronoko Township near Hinchman William H. Harner as a farmer in Lake Township near Berrien Springs
John Harner Jr. family photo circa 1905 left to right Back row: John Harner Jr., George Harner, William Edward Upson, Jerry Wetzel, Nora Harner, Maude Harner and Moses Harner Middle row: Charles Harner, Jerry Harner, Norman Wetzel, Jay Wetzel, Jennie (Harner) Upson holding John Upson, Carrie (Harner) Wetzel and Elizabeth (Quick) Harner; John’s wife. Front row: Clyde Upson, Cora Elizabeth Upson holding the doll, Lavina Harner and Rose Harner Liber “G” of the Berrien County Marriages records the marriage of William E. Upson and Jennie Harner, on page 282. “William E. Upson 20” years of age married “Jennie Harner 19” years of age. William E. Upson was living in “Sodus” and Jennie Harner was living in “Oronoko” Township. It states that William E. Upson was a farmer. It also says that William E. Upson was born in “St. Joseph” and that Jennie Harner was born in “Oronoko” Township. It records that William’s father was “Nelson Upson” and that Jennie’s father was “John Harner”. William’s mother is listed by her maiden name of “Elizabeth Gow”. They were married on “June 20 1897” in “St Joseph” by “James Hamilton” a “Minister”. The witnesses were “John W. Needham of “St. Joseph” and “Jennie Long” of “Derby”. John Harner and Susana Haney were married in Pennsylvania about 1827. Their son was John Harner. John Harner (Jr.) and Elizabeth Quick were married in Berrien County, Michigan in 1862. Their daughter Jennie Harner married William Upson in Berrien County, Michigan in 1897. Their daughter Cora Upson married Walter M. Brackett in Berrien County, Michigan in 1915. Their son Harold Earl Brackett married 2nd Arvena Daniel (nee Hambrick) in Berrien County, Michigan in 1947. Their son William Brackett married Jane Hauch in Lakeside, Berrien County, Michigan in 1970. Descendants of John and Susanna (Haney) Harner
John Harner, his brother Michael and his brother Jacob Harner came to Michigan before 1834. John and Michael stayed here in Berrien County. Jacob married here and then moved on to Missouri.
Note: In order to delineate the following generations I have devised my own numbering system. Starting with John Harner as number 1, his children are 1.1 Caroline Harner, 1.2 Michael F. Harner, 1.3 Elizabeth Harner, 1.4 Susanna Harner, 1.5 John Harner and 1.6 Levi Harner.
1. John Harner was born in Aug 1803 in Snyder County, Pennsylvania. In 1803 this was still Northumberland County. In 1848 it appears on the maps as Union County and later became Snyder County. I have also seen his birth year as 1798 and 1805 according to census records. John Harner married Susanna Haney, also from Pennsylvania about 1824. Susana Haney was born about 10 Jun 1799 but perhaps as late as 1801. She was four years older than John. Susanna’s maiden name appears in some of her children’s death records as Haines. John Harner’s death record says he died 04 Jun 1884 when he was 80 years 10 months and 27 days old. This would make his birth date 08 Aug 1803. His wife Susanna died 14 Nov 1886 when she was 77 years 5 months and 4 days old. This would make her birth date as 10 Jun 1809. They are buried in the Hinman Cemetery in Baroda Township. In most census records she appears to be older than John. John and Susanna Harner's children were:
An obituary for Willis Harner was carried in the Niles Daily star on 21 Nov 1932 and it reads: “Willis Harner Funeral services of the late Willis Harner, of Indian Lake, were held in the North Union church on Friday. Mr. Harner’s death Tuesday, followed an illness of two years duration. Among those who attended the services were Mrs. Ollie Steiner, of Niles; Mr. and Mrs. John Hartmen, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Henning, John Feathers, Mrs. Will Storick and son Harold and daughter, Lucille, of Berrien Springs.”
Serena Harner died in September of 1880 and William B. Harner married 2nd Nancy A…. Note: William B. Harner’s death record gives his father’s name as John Harner and his mother’s name is recorded as unknown. John Harner’s will indicates he was the son of John’s daughter, Carolyn. A William Harner signed at the reading of the will as being present. William does not appear to be the son of George Smith. 1.1.2 Mary Ann Smith b. 1847 who married on 09 Jun 1864 Gordon N. Parketon b. 1837 d. 1928. Mary died on 21 Apr 1908. They are buried in the Storick Cemetery in Oronoko Township. Gordon and Mary Parketon had children:
Note: Caroline Harner married George Smith on 08 Mar 1846 in Oronoko Township, Berrien County, Michigan. Present were John Harner and Peter Smith. Caroline was 23 years of age and George was 32 years of age. The 1850 census of Berrien County shows George Smith 37 years of age with daughter Mary A. Smith 3 years of age and in the same household were Michael Smith 73 years of age, Mary Smith 71 years of age and Joshua Hartline 15 years of age. All were born in Pennsylvania, except for Mary who was born in Michigan. Caroline (Harner) Smith does not appear in this census. By looking in the cemetery records for Storick Cemetery you can find Caroline Smith b. 20 Nov 1825 d. 20 Mar 1849. Mary was George and Caroline’s first child and was born about 1846. She was about two or three years old when her mother died. There is also a Smith, infant daughter buried here with no dates. This may have been George and Caroline’s second child. There is also a Henry Smith who was b. 13 Feb 1849 and died 05 Mar 1849 and he may have been their second child. Caroline and a second child both may have died of complications in childbirth. Death records were not kept in Berrien County until 1861 so there is no death record for Caroline (Harner) Smith. John Harner’s will names his grandson William as “son of my deceased daughter Caroline”. William Bert has not been found in the 1850 census. He may have gone by the name William Harner and appears to be one in the same as William B. Harner seen in later census records. In the records of the distribution of John Harner’s property there is a signature of William Harner as being present.
Note: Harold and Almeda Myers are buried in the Rosehill Cemetery in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
The Berrien Springs Era carried a mention of Fred Harner’s death on 16 Jun 1921 and it reads: “Mrs. George Miller was called to Galien last Thursday by the death of her brother Fred Harner. Mr. Harner was well known in this vicinity and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. The funeral was held in Galien Sunday.” This would make the date of death for Fred Harner 09 Jun 1921. He and Anna are buried in the Galien Cemetery in Galien. No other death records have been located. An obituary for Anna Harner was carried in the Benton Harbor News Palladium on 11 Sep 1961 and it reads: “Mrs. Anna Harner Galien-Mrs. Anna Catherine Harner 81, died at her home in Galien at 2:10 a.m. Sunday. She had been ill for six years. She was born April 19, 1880, the daughter of the late Frederick and Fredericka Burger, in Galien, where she spent her entire life. On Feb. 5, 1906, She married Fred Harner in Three Oaks. He died in 1921. Survivors include a son, Michael Harner, at home; one niece and several nephews; a brother, Gregory Burger died in 1957. Requiem high Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Three Oaks, of which she was a member. The Rev. Julius Hengesbach, church pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will take place in the Galien cemetery. The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. today at the Connelly-Noble funeral home in Galien, where friends may call.” Fred and Anna (Burger) Harner had a son:
An obituary for Michael Harner was carried in the Benton Harbor New Palladium on 11 Oct 1968 and it reads: “Michael Harner, 57; formerly of Galien, died at 2 a.m. today in Pontiac State hospital. He was born July 18, 1911 in Galien. Surviving are several cousins. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Connelly-Noble funeral home, Galien. Burial will be in Galien cemeterry. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. Saturday.” The spelling of cemetery is the papers not mine.
An obituary for Alta Harner was carried in the Benton Harbor New Palladium on 15 Dec 1954 and reads: “Mrs. Alta B. Harner Galien, Dec. 15-Mrs. Alta B. Harner, 86, well known Galien woman, and sister of Clayton, Glenn and Vera Beckwith of Benton Harbor, died Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Osteopathic hospital in South Bend. She had been a patient there for the past week, after suffering a fractured hip in a fall. Born in Weesaw township, Feb. 10, 1866, the daughter of the late John T. and Mary Young Beckwith Mrs. Harner was a lifelong resident of Berrien county. She was married to Edward Harner in 1891. He died in 1924. Her three brothers in Benton Harbor, all prominent in this area, are her only close survivors. A sister, Mrs. Minnie Kool, and a brother, Earl Beckwith, preceded her in death. Mrs. Harner’s body will be taken to the Kenny-Connelly funeral home, where funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. The Rev. William Des Autels, pastor of the local Methodist church, will officiate. Burial will be in Galien cemetery.” Edward is also buried in this cemetery.
1.2.4.1 Warren F. Schultz b. 1900 1.2.7 Elvin J. Harner 1.2.8 Ora Harner b. 10 Nov 1878 d. 26 Nov 1918 who married Delwin Fisher on 07 Nov 1900 and had children:
Note: In the 1920 census Delwin Fisher’s wife is recorded as Maude.
married George Miller on 15 Mar 1898 and had children:
An obituary for Linnie Miller was carried in the Benton Harbor News Palladium on 10 Feb 1951 and it reads: “Mrs. George Miller Mrs. Linnie May Miller, 70, a lifelong resident of Oronoko township near Baroda, died Friday at 1:55 p.m. at Mercy hospital, Benton Harbor, where she had been seriously ill for a week. She had been in ill health since last November. Mrs. Miller was born Feb. 1, 1881, in Oronoko township, the daughter of the late Michael and Frances Harner. Surviving is her husband, George; three daughters, Mrs. H. K. Cupp, Stevensville; Mrs. Vern Kegel, Sawyer; and Mrs. Roy Liskey, St. Joseph; one son, Myron Miller, Baroda; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2:30 p.m. at the Kerlikowske funeral chapel with the Rev. Frederick Williams, pastor of the Congregational church of Bridgman, officiating. Burial will be in Riverview cemetery.”
John married 2nd Priscilla … and had a daughter:
Note: Cemetery records indicate there were three infant children of Moses and Elizabeth Feather buried in the Feather-Harner cemetery in Oronoko Township.
William and Bertha (Feather) Binger are buried in the Hinman Cemetery in Baroda Township. William A. Feather married 2nd Maud Gildwell.
Stephen Feather married 2nd Minnie Caldwood and their children were:
Note: Cemetery records for the Feather-Harner Cemetery in Oronoko Township indicate that Anna and Allie were the children of Joshua and Susanna Feather but dates are not given. Hiram is also buried in this cemetery but the dates on his marker are “below ground”.
“This certifies that John Harner Jr. aged 25 years and Betsy Quick aged 17 years were after due Examination legally married by me on the 25th day of February 1862 in presence of Michael Dixon and Loren Heathman the parties and witness all being residents of Lake Township, County of Berrien and State of Michigan.
N. E. Tauelen Received May 9th 1862 Justice of the Peace Guyn H Murdoch Clerk” Note: The name of the Clerk and the J.P. are not clear and this spelling may be incorrect. The 1870 census of Oronoko Township, Berrien County, Michigan included: John Harner age 38 years b. PA a farmer Eliza Harner age 24 years b. MI Caroline Harner age 5 years b. MI Moses Harner age 2 years b. MI The 1880 census of Oronoko Townships, Berrien County, Michigan includes: John Harner age 49 years b. OH a farmer Betsy Harner age 38 years b. MI Caroline Harner age 15 years b. MI Moses Harner age 14 years b. MI George Harner age 8 years b. MI (Charles?) Jennie Harner age 3 years b. MI “Baby” Harner age 2 months b. MI Note: This name can be read as Horner in this census.
John Harner 1834-1914 circa 1890
The 1900 census of Oronoko Township, Berrien County, Michigan includes: John Harner b. Apr 1834 in OH age 66 years a farmer Betsy Harner b. Jan 1844 in MI age 56 years George Harner b. Aug 1880 in MI age 19 years Jerry Harner b. Jul 1884 in MI age 15 years Note: In the 1900 census it states that John was born in Ohio and his parents were born in Pennsylvania. Elizabeth (Betsy) states that she was born in Ohio and her parents were born in Germany. This is interesting as Elizabeth Harner (whose maiden name was Quick) parents are also recorded as being born in New Jersey and Ohio. The 1850 census also includes Elizabeth Quick and her family. She was the daughter of John and Catherine (Raber) Quick. There is a later marriage record in 1869 when Catherine Quick, maiden name “Critser”, married George W. Lake. Catherine has been found to have been a Raber not a Critzer. Catherin'es mother was Elizabeth Everhart, duahgter of George Everhart of Stark County, Ohio. It is believed Elizabeth married Conrad Raver/Raber who died in 1826 and then she married as Elizabeth "Raver" to John "Kritzer" in 1831 in Stark county, Ohio. John and Elizabeth (Everhart) Crietzer came to Berrien County, Michigan. Elizabeth's Raver children were part of this blended family. John Harner (Jr.) married Elizabeth Quick who was born 08 Mar 1842. Elizabeth died 08 Jan1923 and is buried by her husband in the Hinman Cemetery in Lake Township of Berrien County, Michigan. John Harner died on 28 Aug 1914 at the age of 80 years and 4 months. According to his death record he would have been born in 28 Apr 1833. John Harner farmed 145 acres in Oronoko Township of Berrien County. According to the 1900 census Elizabeth Harner had given birth to eight children but only six were living in 1900. Those children appear to have been: 1.5.1 Louise Harner d. at 22 days old on 22 Sep 1862 1.5.2 Norman Harner b. 11 Jan 1864 d. 26 Oct 1866 1.5.3 Caroline (Carrie) E. Harner b. 22 Oct 1865 d. 17 Dec 1926 married on 10 May 1884 Jeremiah Wetzel b. 22 Apr 1861 d. 15 Feb 1930 and had children:
The Wetzel family is buried in the Weesaw Township Cemetery near Glendora.
An obituary for Moses Harner was carried in the Benton Harbor News Palladium on 29 Dec 1942 and it reads: “Mose Harner, 74, Well Known In County, Dies Baroda, Dec.29-Mose Harner, 74, prominent Berrien county man and member of a family well known in this locality, died at 4:30 oclock yesterday afternoon in his home in south Baroda township. Mr. Harner had been ill for five weeks and in critical condition, due to pneumonia, for the last few days. Hw was the son of John and Elizabeth Harner, and was born in Oronoko township, not far from the present home in south Baroda. His parents were pioneers in this county. Surviving are a son Harry Harner of Baroda, two daughters, Mrs. Rose McMillen and Mrs. Lavina Critzer, Baroda, 14 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Jennie Upson of Berrien Springs, and three brothers, George and Charles Harner of Baroda and Jerry Harner of St. Joseph. The body is at the Kenney funeral home in Galien. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, pending word from three grandsons, inducted in the Army within the past few months.” Moses and Maud (Nelson) Harner had children: 1.5.4.1 Rosa May Harner b. 15 Sep 1894 d. 08 Aug 1955 who married on 24 Dec 1912 Clarence W. McMillen b. 11 Apr 1889 d. 24 Jul 1967 and had a son:
An obituary for Rosa McMillen was carried in the Benton Harbor News Palladium on 09 Aug 1955 and it reads: “Mrs. Clarence McMillen Buchanan, Aug. 9-Mrs. Clarence (Rosa May) McMillen, 60, of the Hills Corner district, died at her home at 3:15 p.m. Monday. She had been ill two years. She was born Sept. 15, 1984, in Baroda, the daughter of the late Moses and Maud Harner. On Dec. 24, 1912 she was married to Clarence McMillen, who survives in St. Joseph. Surviving beside her husband, are one son, Lester, of Route 1, Buchanan; one brother, Harry Harner of Baroda; and one sister, Mrs. Lavina Critzer, of Buchanan. She also leaves five grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Swem funeral home. The Rev. Frederick Williams, pastor of the Olivet Congregational church of Bridgman, will officiate. Friends may call at the Swem funeral home.” Clarence and Rosa McMillen and Lester and Pauline McMillen are buried in the Hinman Cemetery in Baroda Township. 1.5.4.2 Lavina Harner b. 27 Feb 1898 d. 25 Oct 1969 who married on 15 Sep 1917 Edward Critzer b. 13 Jun 1890 d. 29 Mar 1959 and had children 1.5.4.2.1 Leonard Critzer b. 1909 1.5.4.2.2 Myrtle Critzer b. 1910 who married Albert Gaul 1.5.4.2.3 Raymond Critzer b. 1912 1.5.4.2.4 Chester Critzer b. 1913 1.5.4.2.5 Esther Critzer b. 1915who married Herbert Gaul 1.5.4.2.6 Marie Critzer b. 1917 who married Edward Schutze 1.5.4.2.7 Ralph Critzer b. 10 Dec 1928 d. 27 Jun 1936 1.5.4.2.8 James Critzer 1.5.4.2.9 Dorothy Critzer who married Ernest Barker An obituary for Lavina Critzer was carried in the News Palladium on Monday 27 Oct 1969 and it reads: “Mrs. Lavinia Critzer Bridgman-Mrs. Lavinia Critzer, 72, Browntown road, Buchanan, died at 8 a.m. Saturday in Memorial hospital, where she had been a patient three weeks. Mrs. Critzer was born in Baroda township, Feb. 27, 1897. On Sept. 15, 1917 she married Edward Critzer, her preceded her in death on March 29, 1959. Surviving are four sons, Leonard of Baroda, James and Raymond of Buchanan and Chester of Berrien Springs; five daughters, Mrs. Albert (Myrtle) Gaul of Stevensville, Mrs. Kenneth (Louise) Schultz and Mrs. Herbert (Esther) Gaul, both of Bridgman, and Mrs. Edward (Marie) Schutze of Buchanan and Mrs. Ernest (Dorothy) Barker of Baroda; 26 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A son, brother and sister preceded her in death. Funeral services are scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. today in the Boyd funeral home, Bridgman. The Rev. Raymond Brendle, pastor of the Baroda Bible church, will officiate. Burial will be in Hinman cemetery.” The phrase “her preceded her in death” is the papers not mine. Edward is also buried in this cemetery. Harry L. Harner b. 07 Oct 1905 d.17 Jan 1966 who married on 07 Oct 1926 Marie Fatter b. 09 May 1909 d. 06 Nov 1993
An Obituary for Harry Harner was carried in the Benton Harbor News Palladium on 20 Jan 1966 and reads: “Harner Rites Set Bridgman-Funeral services for Harry L. Harner, 60, of Hills road, Baroda, who died Sunday at his home, were held yesterday at 2 p.m. in the Boyd funeral home. The Rev. Reginald Shepley, pastor of the Olivet Congregational church, officiated. Mrs. Roy Dehring was the soloist and Clarence Miller was the organist. Casket bearers were Art Schutze, Nelson Schultz, Roland McMillen, Anson Raber, Henry Weber and Alfred Jones. Burial was in the New Troy cemetery.” An obituary for Marie Harner was carried in the Benton Harbor Herald Palladium on 07 Nov 1993 and it reads: “Mary Harner Berrien Center-Mrs. Mary M. Harner, 84, of Berrien Center, died Saturday at Berrien General Hospital, Berrien Center. The funeral will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, where friends may call Monday from 4 to 9 p.m. Burial will be in New Troy Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Mattix Geriatrics Center, Berrien General Hospital, Berrien Center. Mrs. Harner was born May 8, 1909, in Three Oaks. She was a lifetime area resident. Survivors include: Two sons-John, of Baroda and Robert of Sawyer; a daughter, Arlene Payne of Bridgman; two brothers-William Fatter of Bridgman and Edward Fatter of Niles; and a sister, Rose Dorah of Benton Harbor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, in 1965, and a son Harold, in 1983.” Harry and Marie (Fatter) Harner had children:
An obituary for George Harner was carried in the Benton Harbor News Palladium on 09 Sep 1948 and reads: “George A. Harner Baroda, Sept 9-George A. Harner died suddenly in his farm home yesterday at 5 p.m. he was stricken with a sudden heart attack. His parents were John and Elizabeth Harner, prominent Berrien residents. He married Nora Mae Nelson Lamphar, adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lamphar, Benton Harbor, on Nov. 1, 1897, in St. Joseph. He is survived by his widow, two brothers, Jerry and Charles Harner, both of route 1, Buchanan, and a sister, Mrs. Jennie Upson, Berrien Springs. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Swen funeral home in Buchanan. The Rev. Frederick Williams of the Bridgman Congregational church will officiate, with burial in the Hinman cemetery.” An obituary for Nora Harner was carried in the Benton Harbor News Palladium on 18 Feb 1957 and it reads: “Mrs. Nora M. Harner Baroda, Feb. 18-Mrs. Nora M. Harner, 81, died at 5 a.m. today at the home of her nephew, Harry Harner, route 1, Baroda. Mrs. Harner had made her home with her nephew for the past year. She was born Jan. 29, 1876 in Benton township, and on Nov. 3, 1897 was married to George Harner. The couple lived on a farm on route 1, Baroda. Mr. Harner died Sept. 8, 1948. In addition to her nephew, Harry Harner, Mrs. Harner is survived by several other nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Boyd funeral home, Bridgman. The rev. Frederick Williams, pastor of Olivet Congregational church of Bridgman, will officiate. Burial will be in Hinman cemetery, near Baroda. Friends may call at the Boyd funeral home on Tuesday.”
who married William Upson b. 03 Nov 1876 d. 22 Aug 1939. Liber “G” of the Berrien County Marriages records the marriage of William E. Upson and Jennie Harner, on page 282. “William E. Upson 20” years of age married “Jennie Harner 19” years of age. William E. Upson was living in “Sodus” and Jennie Harner was living in “Oronoko” Township. It states that William E. Upson was a farmer. It also says that William E. Upson was born in “St. Joseph” and that Jennie Harner was born in “Oronoko” Township. It records that William’s father was “Nelson Upson” and that Jennie’s father was “John Harner”. William’s mother is listed by her maiden name of “Elizabeth Gow”. They were married on “June 20 1897” in “St Joseph” by “James Hamilton” a “Minister”. The witnesses were “John W. Needham of “St. Joseph” and “Jennie Long” of “Derby”. The 1910 census shows a William Upson family living in Oronoko Township of Berrien County. His wife is Jennie Upson. Jennie's maiden name was Harner. He was 33 years of age and she was 32 years of age. Their children were: 1.5.7.1 Clyde W. Upson b. 26 Apr 1896 married Eva Huff on 20 Oct 1915 and had one child: 1.5.7.1.1 Georgia May Upson married Rollie Diethrich
1.5.7.2.1.1.1 Phillip Ryan Brackett born 09 Nov 1975 in Niles, Michigan, married Jennifer Cuthbert on 19 May 2001 in Berrien County, Michigan and had a son: 1.5.7.2.1.1.1.1Garrett Ryan Brackett b. 28 June 2004 1.5.7.2.1.1.1.2 Lillian Brackett b. 15 Mar 2007 1.5.7.2.1.1.1.3 Sarah Brackett b. 15 Mar 2007 1.5.7.2.1.1.2 Stephen Troy Brackett born 08 Oct 1977 in Niles, Michigan, married Shannon McKeand on 29 Nov 2002 in Indianapolis, Indiana 1.5.7.2.1.2. Charlotte Alice Brackett, born 19 Dec 1951 in New Troy, married Marvon Walk of New Buffalo, Michigan and had sons: 1.5.7.2.1.2.1 Christopher Walk 1.5.7.2.1.2.2 Gary Walk 1.5.7.2.1.3. Harlen Ula Brackett, born 11 Apr 1953 in New Troy, married 1st Paul Bradlaw Heppler of New Buffalo, Michigan, married 2nd Larry Whitney. They divorced and she returned to the Heppler name. By Paul Heppler she had a son: 1.5.7.2.1.3.1 Paul Heppler and had a daughter 1.5.7.2.1.3.2 Heather Heppler 1.5.7.2.2. Sarah Jennie Brackett, born 19 Oct 1917, died 15 Apr 1938, married Gus Pollock, she is buried in the Brackett family plot in the New Troy Cemetery. No children. 1.5.7.2.3. Walter Lavern Brackett born 12 Dec 1918, died 1921, buried in the family plot in New Troy Cemetery. 1.5.7.2.4. E.L., born 12 Dec 1919, died 13 Mar 1983, buried in the family plot in New Troy Cemetery. “Ed” never married. 1.5.7.2.5. Mary Brackett, born 03 Feb 1927, died 4 February 1927, buried in the family plot in New Troy Cemetery. 1.5.7.2.6. Adelia Mae Brackett, born 04 Feb 1928, married Martin Mensinger, died 26 Feb 2004, buried in the New Troy Cemetery. They had children: 1.5.7.2.6.1 Don E Mensinger 1.5.7.2.6.2 Joyce Mensinger 1.5.7.2.6.3 Karolyn Mensinger 1.5.7.2.6.4 Jon Mensinger 1.5.7.2.7. Marjorie Lucille Bracket, born 04 Jan 1930, married Ellis Shepardson. They had children: 1.5.7.2.7.1 Guy Shepardson 1.5.7.2.7.2 Dean Shepardson 1.5.7.2.7.3 Kay Shepardson 1.5.7.2.7.4. John Shepardson 1.5.7.2.8. Donna Mae Brackett, born 14 Jan 1933, married 1st Elwin Teadt in 1951, married 2nd Ollie Jackson. Donna and Elwin Teadt had children: 1.5.7.2.8.1 Ray Teadt 1.5.7.2.8.2 Connie Teadt 1.5.7.2.8.3 Donna Teadt 1.5.7.2.8.4 Judy Teadt 1.5.7.2.8.5 David Teadt 1.5.7.2.9. Jack A. born, 01 Dec 1935, married Joy Vinnedge. Joy’s maiden name was Glassburn. They had children: 1.5.7.2.9.1 James Brackett 1.5.7.2.9.1 Joy Marie Brackett 1.5.7.2.10. Robert O'Dean Brackett, born 21 Jun 1938, married Mildred Melton. They had children: 1.5.7.2.10.1 Bonnie Brackett 1.5.7.2.10.2 Susan Brackett 1.5.7.2.10.3 Tammy Brackett 1.5.7.2.10.4 Cheri Brackett 1.5.7.2.11 Caroll Ann born, 17 Jun 1940, married in 1990 James Stuckey. No children 1.5.7.2 John D. Upson b. 1900 d. 1981 never married 1.5.7.3 Vernon N. Upson b. 09 Dec 1902 d. 04 Mar 1938 had one son: 1.5.7.3.1 William Edward Upson 1.5.7.4 David W. Upson b. 28 Mar 1905 d. 17 Jun 1931 never married David and Verna (Vernon) Upson are buried in the Weesaw Cemetery near Glendora. An obituary for Jennie Upson was carried in the Berrien Springs Journal on 16 Oct 1952 and it reads: “Conduct Services For Jennie Upson Native of County, Resident of Berrien Springs for 12 Years Dies At Hospital After Brief Illness Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon from the McLauchlin funeral home for Mrs. Jennie Upson, 74, life-time resident of Berrien county, who died last Thursday morning in Mercy hospital, Benton Harbor, after an illness of only a day. Rev. E.A. Walden of the Evangelical United Brethren church officiated, with burial in Weesaw cemetery at Glendora. Pallbearers were Norman Wetzel, Jay Wetzel, Edward Christzer, Harry Harner, Orville Harner and Henry Martin. Mrs. Upson made her home with her son in Berrien Springs for the past 12 years. Surviving besides the son are a daughter, Mrs. Walter Brackett of New troy; two brothers, Charles Harner of near Buchanan and Jerry Harner of St. Joseph; 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.” 1.5.8 Charles Harner b. 07 May 1880 d. 06 Nov 1967 who was the Charles Harner of Sentinel Butte, North Dakota mentioned in the will of John Harner. He married Louise Decker on 26 Apr 1905. He had children:
An obituary for Orville Harner was carried in the Benton Harbor News Palladium on 13 Sep 1957 and it reads: “Orville Harner Buchanan, Sept, 13-Orville Harner, 52, Route 1, Red Bud Trail, died at 9 a.m. Thursday in Pawating Hospital in Niles where he had been a patient for several weeks. He was born July 27, 1905, he married Eva Lolmaugh in Buchanan. Surviving besides his widow are his parents, Charles Harner and Mrs. Louise Bates; a daughter Mrs. Lester Schoenfeldt, Buchanan; a son, James, in the U.S. Marines Corps, stationed at San Diego, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Otto Novak of South Bend, and Mrs. Henry Martin of Baroda. A half-brother, Renvue Harner, resides in Seattle, Wash. Services are schedules for 2 p.m. Sunday in the Swem funeral home at Buchanan with the Rev. Fredrick Williams, pastor of the Olivet Congregational church. Bridgman officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Ridge cemetery. Pallbearers for Mr. Harner will be Kenneth Young, Robert Lausman, Donald Gast, Alex Martin, Ben Sill and Jay Shunkwiler, all former fellow workers with Mr. Harner in the Baroda Hardware store, Baroda where the deceased had worked for many years as an electrician. Friends may call at the Swem funeral home after 7 p.m. today.” The Oak Ridge Cemetery is in Buchanan. Orville and Eva (Lolmaugh) Harner had children:
An obituary for William Lester Schoenfeld was carried in the Niles Daily Star on 10 Mar 1982 and it reads: “William Schoenfeld Galien-William Lester Schoenfeld, 51, of Rt. 1, Box 383, Galien, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Unity Hospital in Buchanan at 11:50 a.m. Tuesday following a sudden illness. He was employed as a tool and die maker at Parrish Tools and Die in South Bend. Mr. Schoenfeld was born on May 29, 1930 in Berrien County and had been a lifetime resident of this area. He married Betty May Harner on April 28, 1956 in Berrien Springs. His widow survives. Also surviving are two sons, William Curtis Schoenfeld of Glendora and Douglas Schoenfeld of Glendale, Arizona; a daughter Kathy Lynn, at home; three sisters, Mrs. John (Helen) Whiteoak of Dowagiac, Miss Dorothy Schoenfeldt of South Bend and Miss Elsie Schoenfeldt of Niles. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Hoven Funeral Home in Buchanan. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery at Buchanan. Friends may call from 2 to 9 p.m., Thursday at the Hoven Funeral Home.” The different spellings of the name Schoenfeld are the papers not mine.
1.5.8.1.2.1 Suzanne R. Harner b. 27 Jul 1965 d. 30 Sep 1965
Stella married 2nd Otto Novak and lived in Zephyr Hills, Florida
An obituary for Henry Martin was carried in the Niles daily Start on 08 Sep 1987 and it reads: “ Henry James Martin Henry James Martin, 79, 2615 U.S. 31 North Niles, died Monday at 11:20a.m. at Berrien General Hospital in Berrien Center. He was born Sept. 24, 1907 in Baroda and was a lifetime resident of this area. He was a member of the Baroda bible Church and was a retired truck driver for Pet Milk in St. Joseph. He married Ruth Irene Harner Dec. 25, 1927, in Buchanan. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Robert Martin of LaPorte, Ind. and Charles Martin of Connecticut; two daughters, Irene Riggs and Patricia Wolford, both of Buchanan; two brothers, Stephan Martin of Buchanan and John Martin of Jones; 12 grandchildren; and 14 Great-grandchildren. Services are 1 p.m. Thursday at Hoven Funeral Home in Buchanan. Rev. Richard Watson, assistant minister of the Buchanan Church of Christ, will officiate. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Rosehill Cemetery is in Berrien Springs. Charles and Louise Harner divorced. He married 2nd Gladys … and had children:
Louise (Decker) Harner married 2nd Claude Bates on 19 Sep 1912. Louise Bates died at 100 years age on 09 Oct 1987 in Niles, Michigan. An obituary for Louise Bates was carried in the Niles Daily Star on 12 Oct 1987 and it reads: “Louise Bates Louise Bates, 100 Silverbrook Manor, Niles, died at 3:45 p.m. Friday at her home. The homemaker was a member of the Buchanan Church of Christ. Born Nov. 11, 1986, in Baroda, she was a lifetime area resident. On Sept. 19, 1912, in Buchanan she married Claude Bates, who died Feb. 2, 1977. Surviving are two daughters, Ruth Martin of Niles and Stella Novak of Zephyr Hills, Fla.; seven grandchildren; 19 great-grand-children; and 24 great-great-grandchildren. A son, Orville Harner, died in 1957. Graveside services are 1:30 p.m. today at Oak Grove Cemetery in Oronoko Township with Rev. Richard Watson of the Buchanan Church of Christ officiating. Hoven Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.” The date of her birth should read 1886 not 1986. Note: In 1927 the children of Charles Harner filed a petition with the Berrien County courts for their share of John Harner (Jr.’s) estate. They state that their father “disappeared in the year1916” and had not been seen since. In the 1900 census his name is included as George. He was the child born between Jennie and Jeremiah (Jerry) Harner. Orville Harner’s obituary indicates he had a half brother, Renvue Harner. By the 1940s Charles Harner was back in Berrien County Michigan where he died in 1967. An obituary for Charles Harner was carried in the Benton Harbor News Palladium on 08 Nov 1967 and it reads: “Charles Harner Bridgman-Charles Harner, 87, of route 1, Buchanan, died Monday at 4:40 p.m. in the Berrien county hospital, Berrien Center. Mr. Harner, a local resident for the past 28 years, was born May 7, 1880, in Oronoko township. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Otto (Stella) Novak of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Mrs. Henry (Ruth) Martin of Baroda and Mrs. Melvin (Avada) Wagner of Long Beach, Calif.; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. One son preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Boyd funeral home, Bridgman. Dr. Herbert Webber, pastor of the Olivet Congregational church, will officiate. Burial will be in Hinman cemetery, Baroda.” The 1920 census of Calumet Township of Lake County, Indiana includes Charles and Gladys Harner with their son Renvue who was one year an eleven months old. Charles was working as a machinist in a steel mill. The 1930 census of Port Isabel Town in Cameron County, Texas includes Charles Harner, a widower, and his son Renvue Harner who is listed as being 13 years of age. Charles was working as a mechanical engineer in a canning factory.
1.5.9.1 Walter J. Harner b. 15 Jun 1910 d. 17 Jul 1990 married 03 Dec 1929 Bernice B. Hall and had children. The 1917-1922 Rural Directory of Berrien County includes Jerry and Mary Harner as farmers living on Route 1 Buchanan. At this time they had one child. Jerry had a WW I draft registration card, which gives his name as “Jerry Mire Harner” and his wife is included as Mary. Their place of residence was at that time “Oronoko Township, Route # 1 Buchanan”. His birth date on this card is 07 Sep 1883 and he was a farmer. Jerry M. Harner died in Grand Haven, Ottawa County, Michigan on 01 May 1971. His birth date is given as 06 Nov 1883. He lived at that time near Coopersville in Ottawa County and is buried in the Maplewood Cemetery in Tallmadge Township. Records in Berrien County for Jerry indicate he lived in Niles in 1923, St. Joseph in 1942, at Route # 1 Buchanan in 1948 and in St. Joseph in 1952. This appears to be one in the same as the Jerry Horner of the 1920 Kalamazoo, Michigan census. He and his wife Mary and their son Walter J. were living in a hotel at that time. Jerry worked for the M C Railroad and Mary worked in the Kalamazoo Paper Mill. Their ages match those for Jerry and Mary Harner and the son was born after their marriage date. Their son Walter Harner who died in 1990 also died in Grand Haven.
Note: Mary Harner is buried in the Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor. They were living in Benton Harbor, Berrien County, Michigan at the time of her death.
There is a marriage record that ties this branch together. On 03 Dec 1929 Walter J. Harner, of Buchanan married Bernice B. Hall of St. Joseph in St. Joseph, Berrien County, Michigan. Walter was 19 years of age and Bernice was 17. Walter’s father is recorded as “Jerry” and his mother’s maiden name is given as “Emerich”. Bernice’s father is recorded as “Isaac” and her mother’s maiden name is given as “Waters”. From this we can gather that Jeremiah Harner (1883), Jerry Horner (1920) and Jerry M. Harner (1971) are one in the same.
Note: On 06 Jul 1959 Walter J. Harner Sr. remarried to Edna Ebright in Muskegon, Michigan.
An obituary for Jerry M. Harner was carried in the Grand Haven Tribune on 01 May 1971 and it reads: “Jerry M. Harner Dies at Age 87 Jerry M. Harner, Ottawa County Community Haven, passed away this morning at a local nursing home. He had suffered a lingering illness and had been in the nursing home about three weeks. He was 87. He was born Nov. 6, 1883 in Berrien County. He was married to the former Miss Mary Emerick. She passed away in 1936. Mr. Harner came to this area from Benton Harbor about 1950. He was a farmer. Survivors include one son Walter of Robinson Township, two grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and five step great-grandchildren. The body is at the Kinkema-Bartels Funeral Home” and “Funeral Notice Harner, Jerry M. (Formerly Robinson Twp.) Mr. Jerry M. Harner, age 87, passed away Saturday morning at a local nursing home. The funeral service will be held Monday afternoon at 1:30 O’clock from the Kinkema-Bartels Funeral Home with Rev. Noah L. King officiating. Interment will be made in Robinson Twp. Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning this evening.”
An obituary for Walter J. Harner was carried in the Grand Haven Tribune on 17 Jul 1990 and it reads: “Walter John Harner Walter John Harner Sr., 80, of Grand Haven, died Tuesday July 17, 1990 at a local nursing home. He was born June 15, 1910 in Baroda, Mich. To Jeremiah and Mary Harner. He married Edna Ebright July 6, 1959 in Muskegon. He came here 30 years ago from Muskegon. He retired in 1973 from Anderson Bolling Manufacturing. He was a member of Robinson Grace Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Sgt. Alvin Jonker Post #2326, member of Dad’s, member of Retirees Chapter of AFL-CIO and served in the United States Army during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Edna; daughter, Mrs. Janice (John) Seabury of Covert, Mich. and Mrs. Verna (Gustav) Becker of Grand Haven; sons, Walter J. Harner Jr., of Hampton, Va., Edward Raskiewicz and James Raskiewicz, both Grand Haven, Michael Raskiewicz, U.S. Navy, Virginia Beach, Va.; 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are being handled by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad of Grand Haven.” and “Funeral notices HARNER, MR. WALTER JOHN SR. Grand Haven, MI The funeral Service for Walter John Harner Sr., age 80, will be conducted 1:00 PM Friday from VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven with Rev. Robert Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Robinson Township Cemetery. Full Military Rites will be performed by V.F.W. Sgt. Alvin Jonker Post #2326. Friends may meet the family 2-4 & 7-9 PM Thursday. Memorials may be given to Robinson Grace Church.”
Note: This list includes nine children assigned to John and Elizabeth (Quick) Harner. Since Elizabeth said she had given birth to eight children, in the 1900 census, one has to wonder about the other name. Descendants collected these names and I am not sure which one does not belong but it must have been Louisa, Norman or Johnnie. All three of these children are buried in the Harner plot in the Hinman Cemetery. Perhaps the census taker made an error and there were nine not eight children as they recorded.
The South Bend Tribune carried a death notice for Katherine Harner on Saturday December 23, 1893 and it reads: “Mrs. L. Horner, of 324 north Scott street, died at 4:30 o’clock this morning, aged 62 years. The cause of death was dropsy of the heart. Her husband, three sons and one daughter survive her. The funeral will take place at the residence at 10 o’clock Monday forenoon, Rev. N. D. Williamson officiating, and the remains will be taken to Brady, Mich., for burial. Leaving at 1:15 p.m. of that day over the Vandalia.” This name should read Harner not Horner and Brady, Michigan should read Baroda, Michigan. For some reason people from the older generations in this area pronounce Baroda as Barodee.
The South Bend Tribune carried a death notice for Levi Harner on Thursday October 21, 1915 and it reads: “Levi Harner Announcement comes to-day of the death of Levi Harner, former South Bend man, who died Oct. 13 at Glendora, Mich. He is survived by three step-children, Mrs. Lucinda Walton, George and Tobias Allen, all of Glendora. Mr. Harner was born April 25, 1838, in Ohio. He was married in 1864 to Mrs. Katherine Allen, whose death occurred in 1893. Mr. Harner was a member of the 12th regiment of Michigan infantry during the civil war.” Lucinda Walton was the wife of Richard Walton of Lake Township, Berrien County, Michigan. It appears that Levi Harner had no children of his own. There is a record on www.familysearch.org for a marriage between Levi Harner and Catherine A. Clark on 19 Sep 1864 at the First Lutheran Church in Albany, Albany County, New York. At first glance this does not to appear to be this Levi Harner as he was from Michigan. The 1860 census of the 9th ward of the city of Albany, New York combined with the 1870 census of Berrien County, Michigan prove it is the same person. The 1860 census of Albany includes: John Allen 41 years of age Catherine Allen 26 years of age Tobias Allen 10 years of age Lucinda Allen 5 years of age George Allen 3 years of age Elizabeth Allen 1 year of age The 1870 census of Lake Township, Berrien County, Michigan includes: Levi Harner age 24 years b. PA Catherine Harner age 27 years b. PA Lucinda Allen age 20 years b. MI George Allen age 18 years b. PA Three of these same Allen children in the 1860 census of Albany, New York are mentioned in Levi’s obituary as living in Glendora, Berrien County, Michigan. Levi Harner’s service record indicates that he enlisted at Oronoko Township on 21 Oct 1861 in company I, Twelfth Infantry of the Michigan Volunteers for three years at the age of 25 years. He mustered 19 Dec 1861. He was transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. in the month of August of 1864. He was discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Albany, New York on 20 Dec 1864. He married Catherine A. Clark on 19 Sep 1864 in Albany. Death records for Lucinda (Allen) Walton and George Allen were checked as were the marriage records for Tobias and Lucinda Allen but none of these records contain the name of their mother. Lucinda (Allen) Walton and George Allen are buried in the Weesaw Township Cemetery near Glendora. They died in the same automobile accident on 28 Aug1939. Descendants of Michael Harner and Sophia (Plank) Harner: Michael Harner was a brother to John and Jacob Harner all of whom came to Berrien County, Michigan about 1836. Jacob Harner married in Berrien County and then moved on to Missouri. Note: I have used my own numbering system to assist in following these lines. In some census records this family name is misread as Horner. The 1880 census of Oronoko Township, Berrien County, Michigan includes: Michael Harner age 71 b. PA Lena Baker age 22 his grand daughter Henry Harner age 50 his son Thomas Harner age 40 his son Leah Harner age 39 his daughter-in-law Next door is: Augustus Harner age 22 b. MI Lottie Harner age 22 Eddie Harner age 3 And also: William H. Harner age 35 born in MI Mary A. Harner age 35 Rosa P. Harner age 13 Franklin Harner age 8 Nellie S. Harner age 6 Lourie Harner age 6 Jessie Harner age 4 Luther W. Harner age 1 And also: Stephen Harner age 30 born in MI Mary Harner age 31 Roscoe Harner age 7 Elbert Harner age 2 And also: Andrew M. Harner age 35 born in MI Lousia Harner age 31 William Harner age 2 Orrin Harner age 10 months 1. Michael Harner was born, according to the age on his grave marker, on 10 May 1813 in Pennsylvania. Michael died in Berrien County, Michigan on 27 Nov 1894. He married Sophia Plank who was born, according to the age on her grave marker, on 28 Nov 1809, also in Pennsylvania. Sophia died in Berrien County, Michigan on 14 Feb 1880. Both are buried in the Storcik also know as (aka) Oak Grove cemetery in Oronoko Township, Berrien County, Michigan. It is reported that they had 16 children. Their know children appear to have been: 1.1 Jeremiah Harner b. 28 Oct 1828 d. 28 sep 1868 1.2 Samuel Henry Harner b. 19 Jan 1830 d. 21 Jun 1898 aka Henry Harner 1.3 Lovina Harner b. about 1832 1.4 Harriet Harner b. about 1834 1.5 Isaac Harner b. 12 Nov 1836 d. 29 Mar 1901 1.6 Betsy E. Harner b. about 1836 1.7 Eli Thomas Harner b. about 1838 aka Thomas Harner 1.8 Benjamin F. Harner b. about 1842 1.9 Andrew Michael Harner b. 28 May 1844 d. 18 Jun 1928 1.10 William H. Harner b. 03 Feb 1846 d. 06 Jun 1867 1.11 Hiram J. Harner b. 13 Jul 1848 d. 22 Apr 1849 1.12 Levi Stephen Harner b. 09 Apr 1850 d. 24 May 1911 aka Stephen Harner 1.13 Abraham Augustus Harner b 03 Feb 1853 d. 10 Sep 1929 aka A. A. and Augustus Harner
1.1.1 Eva M. Harner b. 30 Jan 1860 d 09 Oct 1868 1.1.2 Mary D. Harner 1.1.3 Charlie Harner b. 26 Aug 1867 d. 04 Sep 1868 Note: After Jeremiah’s death Mary J. Harner remarried to Orlando Nelson. She died on 28 Mar 1916. Jeremiah, their son Charlie and daughter Eva M. Harner are buried in the Storick aka Oak Grove Cemetery in Oronoko Township, Berrien Co. MI in Plot # 36. Mary J. (Boyle) Nelson is also buried here
1.2.1 Fred N. Harner b. 1881 who married 1st Betha M. Shultz and 2nd Alice Snyder 1.2.2 Jay Z. Harner Note: Samuel, Leah and their son Jay Z. Harner are buried in the Storick aka Oak Grove Cemetery in Oronoko Township, Berrien Co. MI, in Plot # 23. Fred N Harner and both of his wives are also buried in this cemetery but in Plot # 114.
1.3.1 Cathy J. Wire 1.3.2 Callie J. Wire Note Andrew wire is buried in the Rose Hill cemetery Berrien Springs, MI
1.5.1 George Harner b. 1862 1.5.2 Alta Harner b. 1872 1.5.3 Bertha Harner b. 1875 1.5.4 Lula Harner b. 1873 Notes: Isaac, Permelia (Melia) and Lula Harner are buried in the Galien Cemetery, Galien, MI. Isaac has a Civil War marker, which in 2009 was broken off and lying face up in the ground in Row 26 Plot # 289.
Note: Benjamin F. Harner is buried in the Storick aka Oak Grove Cemetery in Oronoko Township, Berrien Co. MI next to Hiram Harner in Plot # 37.
1.9.1 William Harner b. 1877 1.9.2 Orin Harner b. 1879 1.9.3 Alfred Harner b. 15 Mar 1882 d. 05 Mar 1954 1.9.4 Oma C. Harner b. 08 May 1884 d. 08 Aug 1955 1.9.5 Bessa Harner b. 1885 1.9.6 Leroy Harner b. 1886 1.9.7 Murray P. Harner Note: Andrew M and Lousie A. Harner along with Alfred L and Oma C. Harner, their sons, are buried in the Storick aka Oak Grove Cemetery in Oronoko Township, Berrien Co. MI in Plot # 16
1.10.1 Rosa Harner b. 1867 1.10.2 Joshua Harner 1.10.4 Frank A. Harner b. 1872 who married on 04 Jan 1893 Maggie Bedinger 1.10.3 Nellie Harner b. 1874 1.10.5 Linnie Harner 1.10.6 Jessie June Harner b. 1878 1.10.7 Luther William Harner b. 1879 1.10.8 Grace Laura Harner 1.10.9 Kittie May Harner Notes: William H. and Mary A. (Feather) Harner are buried in the Feather Cemetery in Berrien County, MI. William’s obituary was carried in the Niles daily star and gives his survivors as: “his widow” and children, Mrs. George Sattier, Mrs. William Canfiled, Mars. June Caldwell, Mrs. George Moyer, Luther Harner, Joshua Harner and Mrs. George Stem. His funeral took place at the Hinchman Methodist Church. There is an extensive marriage announcement for Frank A. Harner and Maggie Bedinger that was found in the scrapbook of Evelyn Wirth. Unfortunately the source is not marked. The article reads: “Married Wednesday evening Jan 4, at the home of the bride’s father, by Rev. S.P. Fryberger, Frank A. Harner and Maggie, daughter of Martin S. Bedinger. The high contracting parties to this affair were born and raised in the neighborhood where they live and in which they propose to live in the future. They are among the best respected young people in Oronoko and it was to be expected that numerous friends should assemble to see them launched on what they all hoped might prove the placid sea of matrimony. The big house was well filled with interested friends and all enjoyed themselves. As will bee seen a lot of presents were turned in that will go far toward equipping the young couple in style. Grandpa Harner, set of silver teaspoons; Cal Wire and Amelia Ender, fruit spoon; Dr. and Mrs. Mason, set Christie knives; F. A. Zerby, ‘The Old Oaken Bucket;’ Mr. and Mrs. Bilss, silver toothpick holder; Ved Murphy, toothpick holder; Mary Shunkwiler, breakfast caster; Mr. and Mrs. Michael Harner, bread plate; John Stemm, pepper and salt set; Mr. and Mrs. Bowles, silver napkin rings; Nina Magill, set nut picks; Herbert and Chas Ewalt, crumb duster; Harriet Feather, sugar sifter; John Feather, glass fruit dish; Mrs. and Mrs. A. Lemon, set silver teaspoons; Paul and Clare Bedinger, set silver teaspoons; Mr. and Mrs. S.H. and Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Harner, set silver teaspoons; Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Feather ; Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Feather, set silver teaspoons; Geo. Dunklebarger and family, silver pickle caster; Alden Stover and Zella Skinner, fancy pickle caster; Mrs. Mary K. Ewalt and daughters, china fruit dish; Roscoe Harner and lady, glass tea set; Mr. and Mrs. Will Harper, silver butter knife; Mrs. and Mrs. Harry Myers, glass fruit set; Loy, Nie and Zella Skinner, stand lamp; Gus Feather, cracker jar and butter dish; Mrs. George A. French, china cup an saucer; Geo. J. French, china moustache cup; Linne and June Harner, glass water set; I. R. Stemm and family, glass tea set; Mar. and Mrs. A. Harner; celery dish and china cake plate; D.A. and Calvin Feather and lady, stand lamp; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Jones, caster and silver napkin rings; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Dester, bread and milk set; Edna Boyd, fancy lace picture throw; Mr. and Mrs. Willis Wire, set linen napkins; Mr. and Mrs. John Lord, set linen napkins; Mr. and Mrs. Geo Satler, Jr. set linen napkins; Chas. Cohn, set linen napkins; Adalina A. Feather, linen table cloth; Mr. and Mrs. L. Satler and mother, linen table cloth; Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Feather, linen table cloth; A.J. Barnhart and family, linen table cloth; Michael Martin, two pairs line towels; Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Camfield, pair line towels; Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Stemm, pair linen towels; Mr. and Mrs. Shunkwiler, linen towels; Mr. and Mrs. C. Fisher, linen towels. Mrs. M. Feather, pair linen towels; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Snuff, two fancy plates; Mr. and Mrs. Bedinger, $ 20; Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Harner, $20. There was eating and drinking galore and all hands felt that it was good to be there. And the excellent judgment displayed in not appointing the evening for the wedding has since been highly commended.”
Note: Hiram Harner is buried in the Storick aka Oak Grove Cemetery in Oronoko Township, Berrien Co. MI next to Benjamin F. Harner in Plot # 37.
1.12.1 Roscoe A. Harner b. 1873 1.12.2 Elbert Harner b. 13 Sep 1877 d. 06 Aug 1893 1.12.3 Eva G. Harner b. 16 Nov 1878 d. 1880 1.12.4 Clyde W. Harner b. 1882 Note: Stephen L. and Mary Harner and their children Eva G. and Elbert S. Harner are buried in the Storick aka Oak Grove Cemetery in Oronoko Township, Berrien Co. MI in Lot # 25.
1.13.1 Eddie Harner b. 1877 1.13.2 Edna V. Harner who married Carl Pennell 1.13.3 Elden C. Harner Note: A. A. and Lottie are buried in the Storick aka Oak Grove Cemetery in Oronoko Township. Berrien Co, MI in plot # 26. A Twentieth Century History of Berrien County was authored by Orville W. Coolidge. It was published in 1906 by the Lewis Publishing Company in Chicago, Illinois. On page 787-788 you can find a biography of Abraham A. Harner and it reads: “ABRAHAM A. HARNER whose residence, known as ‘The Maples,’ in Berrien County dates from February 3, 1853-his natal day-his birth having occurred on the farm on which he now lives, on section 28, Oronoko township, is the son of Michael Harner. The father was born in Pennsylvania and became a resident of Berrien county, Michigan, in 1837, when he cast his lot with early settlers who were subduing the wilderness and extending the frontier. He was closely associated with the early history of the county in its development and upbuilding and as the years passed by he prospered in his business undertakings, becoming owner of three hundred and ninety-nine acres of land. He was well known in the county and his word was as good as his bond. He enjoyed the respect and trust of his fellowmen from the time of his arrival here up to the day of his death, which occurred when he was eighty-four years of age. He married Miss Sophia Plank, a native of Pennsylvania, and theirs was one of the largest families of the county, their children being sixteen in number. Abraham A. Harner is the youngest of this family and upon the old homestead property he spent the days of his boyhood and youth. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him during that period, his time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. After leaving school he assisted in cultivating his father’s land and he has made farming his life work, having now one hundred and eighty-two acres, constituting a well improved property. The place is devoted to the raising of fruit, grain and stock and he gives personal supervision to his business and also takes an active part in the actual work of the fields. March 23, 1876 Mr. Harner was married to Miss Lottie Van Patten, a daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth (Borst) Van Patten, and a native of Oronoko township, born May 1, 1853, where her girlhood days were passed. Mr. Harner took his bride to the old homestead, and their union has been blessed with two children: Edna V., now the wife of Carl S. Pennell, of Berrien Springs; and Elden C., who is engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Benton Harbor. Mrs. Harner’s parents are both deceased. Her father, Aaron Van Patten, was a native of New York, born February 5, 1817, and died December 25, 1901. By trade he was a blacksmith, but later in life when a resident of Berrien county, Michigan, became a very successful farmer. He was reared, educated and was married in New York, and when he and his family came to Michigan the trip was made in a wagon. There were born seven children to Aaron and Elizabeth (Borst) Van Patten-three sons and four daughters, and only four are living, the eldest being Martha, widow of John Ingleright, and she is a resident of Berrien Springs. She was born in New York; Mary, wife of Stephen Harner, resident of Oronoko township, and he is a farmer, also in insurance business; Rufus, resident of Oronoko township, farmer, and he wedded Miss Sadie Shearer; Mrs. A. A. Harner is the youngest living. She was educated in common schools, and in a religious sense id a devout Christian lady. Her father became owner of two hundred and seventy acres of land in Berrien county and was a man in whom the people reposed the utmost confidence. He was a successful man in business, since he accumulated his property all by himself. He traced his lineage to the Mohawk Dutch. He held the office of supervisor, township treasurer, and superintendent of the poor, and fraternally he was a Mason. Mrs. Elizabeth (Borst) Van Patten was a native of New York and was born in November, 1818, and died December 18, 1882. She was a faithful advocated of the principles of baptism. The children of Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Harner are as follows: The eldest, Edna V., received her education in the high school of Berrien Springs, where she graduated. She is an artist in oil painting and her handiwork adorns the home of her mother and also her own home. She is the wife of Carl S. Pennell and they have two children, Letha H. and Lynn Odell. Eldon C. was graduated at the age of sixteen at Berrien springs and the Ypsilanti Normal at twenty, and held the chair of science at Benton Harbor and at present is one of the school examiners of Berrien county. He wedded Miss Mollie Comstock, of Ypsilanti, and she is also a graduate of the same college. They reside in Benton harbor, where Eldon is engaged in the real estate business. Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Harner have three of the old parchment deeds executed September 10, 1838, by President Martin Van Buren, which now makes seven deeds of the kind found to date in the county. They have one of the old spinning wheels as a relic of ye olden days, which is close to a century old. Mr. Harner has been identified with the making of the county in which his entire life has been passed, and his co-operation may always be counted upon in matters relating to the general welfare. He votes with the Democracy and has acted as township treasurer. He has also been called upon to settle many estates and his business integrity and trustworthiness stand unquestioned facts in his career. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen camp at Berrien Springs.” Descendants of Jacob Harner and Lucy (Rushabarger) Harner: Jacob Harner was another brother of John and Michael Harner. Jacob Harner age 26 years married Lucy Rushabarger age 21 years, on 14 Apr 1841 in Berrien County, Michigan. The 1860 census of Lindley Township, Mercer County, Missouri includes: Jacob Harner (Horner) age 45, a farmer, born in PA Lucy Harner age 36 born in PA Hiram age 18 born in IN Mary A. Harner age 15 born in MO Sarah Harner age 13 born in MO Celia Harner age 8 born in MO Serilda Harner age 8 born in MO John H. Harner age 5 born in MO W M Harner age 3 born in MO Serna Harner age 10 months born in MO The 1870 census of Vineyard Township, Lawrence County, Missouri includes: Jacob Harner age 54, a farmer, born in PA Lucy A. Harner age 45 born in PA Celia Harner age 16 born in MO John Harner age 15 born in MO Michael Harner age 12 born in MO Cenia A. Harner age 10 born in MO Frances Fishbourn age 12 born in MO Thomas Harner age 32 born in IN Note: This Thomas Harner appears to have been Eli Thomas Harner the son of Michael Harner of Berrien County, Michigan. The 1880 census of Vineyard, Lawrence Co. Missouri includes: Jacob Harner (Horner) age 70 years born in PA Lucy A. Harner age 60 years born in PA Celia Harner age 25 years born in MO Michael Harner age 22 years born in MO Abigail Harner age 19 years born in MO Jacob and Lucy (Rushabarger) Harner’s children were: Hiram Harner b. about 1842 Nancy Harner b. about 1844 Mary A. Harner b. about 1845 Sarah Harner b. about 1847 Celia Harner b. about 1852 Seana Abigail Harner b. about 1859 Serilda Harner John Harner William Michael Harner In 2007 Jeff Harnar from Lawrence Kansas supplied family group sheets, which helped sort out this family. He indicates that Jacob’s father was Michael Harner of Pennsylvania. The following is my own numbering system to help track these lines. Jeff indicates that from the Zoar’s Church records: 1. Michael Harner (Horner) married on 04 Jul 1802 in Salem Church in Lebanon, PA to Christina Stoever who was born on 03 Dec 1780 in New Holland, Lancaster Co. PA. Their children were:
Note: The following is from family supplied information: 1.4 Jacob and Lucy (Rushenbarger) Harner had children: 1.4.1 Hiram Harner b. 01 Feb 1842 who married Harriet McClaran 1.4.2 Nancy E. Harner b. 1844 who married Harvey Jones 1.4.3 Sarah Harner b. Mar 1847 who married William E. Elmore 1.4.4 Celia Harner b. May 1855 twin with Serilda who married John J. Beck 1.4.5 Serilda Harner b. May 1855 died young twin with Celia 1.4.6 John H. Harner b. 10 May 1855? 1.4.7 William Michael Harner b. 1858 who married Julia Hill 1.4.8 Seania Abigail b. 1859 who married P.H. (Hiram) Baker. Note name change to Harnar: 1.4.1 Hiram Harnar married Harriet McClaran and lived in Kansas. Hiram died on 25 Jul 1920 and is buried in Burrion, Harvey Co. Kansas. Harriet died on 08 Feb 1923. Their children born in Mercer Co, MO were: 1.4.1.1 William Henry Harnar b. 15 May 1867 who married Cora Hutchins 1.4.1.2 James Emery Harnar b. 05 Nov 1868 1.4.1.3 George Michael Harnar b. 07 Mar 1870 who married Ruth McFall 1.4.1.4 Minnie Bell Harnar b. 14 Jul 1872 who married Cuyle Montford 1.4.1.5 Harvey Benton Harnar b. 05 Oct 1874 who married Minnie Jackson 1.4.1.6 Wilbert Earl Harnar b. 01 Jan 1877 who married May Howard 1.4.1.7 May Ethel Harnar b. 01 Feb 1883
1.4.1.5.1 Myrtle Madonna Harnar b. 22 Apr 1900 in Kansas who married Howard Clark 1.4.1.5.2 Robert Hiram Harnar b. 19 Dec 1901 in Kingfisher, Oklahoma who married Lenore Cashion 1.4.1.5.3 Harold Irwin Harnar b. 21 May 1905 in OK who married Dorothy Hanks 1.4.1.5.4 Helen Willardean Harnar b. 26 Aug 1907 in OK who married Edward Allen 1.4.1.5.5 Paul Benton Harnar b. 29 Mar 1910 in OK who married Jean Wilson 1.4.1.5.6 Ramona Eileen Harnar b. 23 Sep 1916 in OK who married Harold Brown Note: Some of this research appears to have been done by Ramona (Harnar) Brown. This research also indicates that Michael Harner (#1) was the son of Michael Harner (Horner) and Margreta (Loresch) Harner of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. This Michael Harner was a 1st Lieutenant in the 6th Company, 9th Battalion of the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Militia in 1777.
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