My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE FILBEY, retired, West Milton; born in Berks Co., Penn., April 9, 1809; is a son of William and Elizabeth Filbey, who were natives of Pennsylvania. They removed to Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1855 or 1856, and lived there until their decease; Mr. F. died April 19, 1858, he was born Aug. 18, 1781; his wife, Elizabeth Sellers, was born June 11, 1788; she departed this life Sept. 20, 1879, aged 93 years 3 months and 9 days; they were the parents of the following children, of whom six are known to be living, viz., John, Mary, George, Ellen, Robert and Catherine; the deceased are Thomas, Michael, Oliver, Elizabeth and William. G. F. was reared a mechanic and learned the Sadler’s trade in Strasburg, Penn., with his uncle, John Seller, with whom he worked five years as an apprentice, mastering his trade and continued with him two years longer. On the 31st day of March, 1833, he married Miss Barbara, daughter of Philip Folckamer, who was a native of Pennsylvania; after his marriage he opened a shop in Wrightsville, Penn., in which he labored for three years, then moved to Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn., where he started a shop, and for ten years, successfully prosecuted his business, after which he removed to Galion, Ohio, where he labored on a farm for three years, then came to West Milton in 1849, and immediately engaged in his trade, which he has followed nearly all the time since. He owns 74 acres of as fine land as is to be found in Miami Co. On this he permanently located in 1870; since he has regularly resided on the farm, which is all in a high state of cultivation. His location is good, his house and barns are very commodious, and their construction and finish prove Mr. F. to be a man of good taste; his grounds are large and well kept, which renders his home a very desirable one; he is one of our self-made men, having begun life without capital. His first shop was started with $10, but by hard work and good management, in which he has been nobly assisted by his amiable wife, they have overcome the difficulties and obstacles met with in life’s journey, and made a good home, the fruits of labor and frugality. Together they are enjoying their declining years, surrounded by all that conduces to render old age enjoyable; to their union nine children have been given, of whom seven are living, viz., Oliver, Ellen Rebecca, George, Frank, Josiah and Margaret; the deceased are Samuel and William. The latter was a member of Co. D, 94th O. V. I.; he died of small pox, in Nashville, Tenn., May 14, 1863. They were raised in the Lutheran Church, and are consistent Christian people. Mrs. Filbey was born Dec. 9, 1808.