My Genealogy Hound

DR. ISAAC HOSTETTER, deceased, one of the early pioneers of Darke Co., Ohio; born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Nov. 30, 1810; he received his preparatory education at Lancaster, Penn., and graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in the year 1834; he emigrated from Pennsylvania to Montgomery Co., Ohio, and, about the year 1835, commenced the practice of medicine, and, in 1836, came to Darke County and located in Richland Township, where he followed his profession, in connection with farming, until 1849, when he left his farm and removed to Beamsville, erected a good residence and continued to practice until within a short time of his death; he was elected to represent the counties of Miami, Shelby and Darke in the General Assembly of Ohio during the session of 1844-45; the above counties, at that time, constituted one district; he was also Major General of the Ohio State Militia, his uniform and sword now being held by his son, Dr. Samuel A. Hostetter, and valued very highly by him as an heirloom; the Doctor was one of the first practitioners of the county, the practice of medicine at that early day being attended with difficulty and hardships, extending over one-half a degree of latitude and longitude, traveling on horseback and dispensing his medicine from his saddle-bags; he was married in Montgomery County, to Hannah Hager; she was born in Hagerstown, Md., Nov. 5, 1813, the above town being named in honor of her grandfather; they were the parents of four sons and three daughters, viz., Hiram H., Salinda A., Elizabeth C., Samuel A., Thomas J., Nancy E. (deceased) and Franklin P. In 1859, the Doctor received a stroke of paralysis, which was followed, in February, 1861, by a second stroke, and the following month, March 2, he passed down the dark valley, respected and beloved by all who knew him, and one of whom his contemporaries could truly say, His life was not a failure, nor did he live in vain. Of their children, the eldest son, Hiram, lost his life while serving his country during the late rebellion; being taken prisoner, he was taken to Libby Prison, where he died after seven months; the oldest sister, Salinda, is married, and lives in Missouri; Elizabeth C. is also married, and lives in Missouri; Dr. Samuel has been a member, for four years past, of the Ohio Legislature, and is now, with Thomas J. engaged in the drug trade at Ansonia; Frank P. is engaged in the stock business’ in Kansas.