My Genealogy Hound

JOHN BINGHAM, a limb from the branch of the noted Bingham family, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, February 17, 1826. His father, Joseph Bingham, was born on Cape May, in 1797, and his mother was a native of Chester county, Pa. Both died in Ohio, about 1875.

John was the eldest of twelve children and started out for himself at the age of eighteen. He learned to be a wagon-maker of an uncle, and followed his trade in Morgan county, Ohio, from 1844 to 1873. From Ohio he came to Nebraska in 1878, settling in Kearney county, and took a homestead in May township, where he has since resided. His pioneer residence consisted of a dug-out, which was superceded by a comfortable sod house. He came to Hartwell in 1884, when that town was first started, conducted the first hotel, and did a successful business while the town was booming. He was also interested in a store, which was stocked with a general line of merchandise. He was married, December 26, 1853, to Minnie Mitchner, who was born in Chester county, Pa., on March 10, 1824. She is the daughter of John and Mary (Good) Mitchner, both of whom belonged to a noted Quaker family.

The Bingham family consists of six children, namely — Foneta, born October 15, 1855 (deceased); Laurena, born June 22, 1857; Francis, born July 21, 1859; Mary A., born May 4, 1861; Alice, born March 5, 1863, and Joseph J., born September 20, 1864 (deceased).

In 1863, while a resident of Morgan county, Ohio, Mr. Bingham joined the state militia in an effort to capture John Morgan, who was then raiding the southern part of the state. He is perfectly familiar with every detail concerning the famous pursuit and final capture of that noted Southern rebel. He firmly believes John Morgan was assisted in his escape from the Ohio penitentiary by persons holding high official positions in the state. Mr. Bingham has been justice of the peace of May township, and is recognized as one of the best informed men in the town. Several of the daughters are school teachers and their ability to successfully conduct a district school is not confined within the boundary lines of their own township.

Mr. Bingham and his estimable wife are zealous members of the Christian church, and both take great interest in Sunday-school work. In politics, Mr. Bingham is a republican.