Martin Barnhizer

Martin Barnhizer was the father of William B. Barnhizer, the grandfather of Sarah E. Barnhizer Wellons, the great grandfather of James H. Wellons and the great great grandfather of Ralph Wellons, my grandfather. The name is sometimes spelled with an s instead of a z.

He was born on August 6, 1782 in Exeter Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. His parents were John “Big John” Barnhizer (1742-1849) and Gertrude Neikirch (1750-1800).

He died in Wayne Township of Hamilton County, Indiana. The date is unknown, partly because there is no headstone or grave marker. See below.

He married Sarah McDonald on December 30, 1809 in Washington County, Maryland.

The 1820 census in Washington County, Maryland shows the family, including:

5 boys under 10 years

1 girls under 10

1 girl aged 10-15

1 female aged 26-44

1 male aged 26-44

Their son, William B. Barnhizer, was born on November 17, 1822 in Maryland. He was one of at least 8 kids.

The 1830 census in Frederick, Maryland shows 2 adults and 8 children.

On March 20, 1837 Martin Barnhizer purchased 80 acres of federally owned land in Hamilton County and we have the sales document.

The 1840 census in Wayne Township of Hamilton County, Indiana shows 4 boys, 1 male aged 20-29, and 2 adults of parental age.

The 1850 census in Wayne Township shows only Martin, aged 68 and Sarah, aged 64 and no children still at home. Both claim to be born in Pennsylvania.

His wife Sarah died on August 29, 1855 in Wayne Township. She was buried at the Commons-Lennen Cemetery in Hamilton County, Indiana.

A story was shared by a Harvey Barnhizer (sic) of Indianapolis and attached to the FindaGrave web site:  “... we learned that a stone (Ed. Note: a headstone) was taken to the home of Martin’s son William...and used as a part of a sidewalk for many years.” This is the explanation for why there is no grave marker for Martin Barnhizer in the Commons-Lennon Cemetery.