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The Daily Review
Decatur, Illinois
10 Jun 1912
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"In passing though the country to the
southwest of Clarksdale in Christian County, IL,
one finds a certain piece of land that excites
curiosity, since the timber thereon does not
conform with the natural growth in that vicinity.
The place is covered with trees of large size,
some two feet through their body. While
wondering why this fifteen acre patch is
different from the neighboring woods, one might
find a few fragments of broken pottery. There is
nothing on the market today that resembles the
place. One is reminded of mound builders or
cliff dwellers. This place is two miles from
Clarksdale and about the same from Palmer,
near Bear Creek. Investigation shows that his
timber was once a “clearing”, a farm and the
timber has grown thereon since it had fallen into
disuse for agricultural purposes.
ONCE A HOMESTEAD
This fifteen acres was the original homestead
of the Durbins, who settled there at a date that
must be several years in advance of the setting up
of Illinois. Records written only in memory,
transform into tradition with the next generation
and therefore the most interesting part of the
story must be omitted for lack of facts
concerning the earliest settlers of Illinois.
The curious looking patch of timber was where
the Durbins saw fit to locate, but there would
seem to be no particular reason why as
everything must have been woods alike, and
this place would have been in what was then
heavy timbered land on all sides. An opening
may have been there, but most likely the
Durbins cleared the place of timber in building
cabins, fences, etc. All trace of buildings has
disappeared beyond the memory of the present generation and the forest has reclaimed the
tract so many years since that huge trees
occupy the once cultivated land.
TRACES OF INDIANS
A crude watermill was operated in the vicinity
of Bear Creek where fragments of the dam and
millstones were in evidence many years
afterward. It is known that Indians traded at
this place and nearby is where Black Hawk
camped on his march to Starved Rock. In
connection with this, a long string of Indian
beads were plowed up at that point about
three years ago which is believed to have
belonged to the Black Hawk warriors. They
are now in the possession of Q. S. Simpson of
Palmer.
BACK TO 1776
Still in evidence are fragments of a log cabin
which was in ruins with the first recollection of
the oldest inhabitant and a cemetery are near.
There, gravestones bear inscriptions, rudely
cut, dating back to 1776. Among the early
settlers were the Lees, Boyds, Vandeveres,
Simposons,Hewitts,Clarks, Murphys, Taylors,
Logsdons and Durbins, but it is claimed that
the Durbins and Logsdon families were many
years in advance of the other families.
Bringing the story down to a more recent
date, we must give the Logsdons a place since
our story is of the Durbin-Logsdon settlement.
“Aunt Betsey” Logsdon of Taylorville, now
ninety years of age, but with faculties fifty
years younger, is the living monument of the
older generation of Durbin-Logsdon families
of which we have any record.
BACK 200O YEARS
The connection of the two families must
have started at an early day, since we find on
record in Baltimore, MD., that ELijah Logsdon
and Nancy Durbin were married nearly 200
years ago. Going on down through the records, we find that Dan Cupid rarely every
ventured outside of the two families to make
“two hearts to beat as one.”
Josephus Durbin, born on Bear Creek ninety-three
years ago, was wedded to a Miss Logsdon,
taking, it is said, the first marriage license in
those parts. On down the records we find the
Logsdons marrying Durbins and the Durbins
marrying Logsdons in amazing regularity. A
complex relationship that in some cases would
be difficult to untangle. It is claimed by some
that the two types, Logsdons on one side and
Durbins on the other, are so pronounced that
a stranger might segregate the two families.
MILL WAS OLD LONG AGO
Daniel Durbin was probably the first white man
to locate here, but the date is lacking. “Aunt
Betsey” Logsdon played about the Mill when
she was eight years old, that is eighty years
ago, and the Mill was then very old and about
past its usefulness. Daniel was then quite an
old man.
The two families were very prolific, both
Durgins and Logsdons, rearing large families
and strong ties of friendship always existed to
the extent that any unusual occurrence, such as
a dance or a butchering was a signal for all
members of both families to be present. On
these occasions a delegation from another
community, a sort of branch of the same family,
would attend, coming in several wagons from
near Owaneco, several miles across the prairie.
While these people had some unusual traits
they were a kind-hearted, honest family, and it
is said that they have contributed to the upbuilding
of the community in many ways and
perhaps more abundantly that any other of the
early settlers.
ALL JOHNS OR WILLIAMS
One characteristic trait of the family is that of
making a namesake of every male child born
into these families. Each of the many families
have their “John” and their “William”, Durbin or
Logsdon as the case may be. So many of these
names are used that it becomes absolutely
necessary to use a second name or letter or nickname in connection as a means of
distinguishing them. Where “John B”, “John
C.”, “John L.”, etc., failed to suffice, a
suggestive prefix was used, such as “Rugger
John”, ”Bee Hunter John”, “Mule Jim”, “Pious
Joe,” etc. through a long list of Jims, Johns
and Bills: one Bill got in a little late–one of the
younger set–and failed to connect with a
prefix, so he must be content to worry along
through life with an affix and be known as
“Billy Beans” so as to distinguish him from a
grandfather, two uncles, some nephews and
about sixteen cousins.
These families, locating in the wood as was
the custom of early settlers, have always
adjusted themselves to the environment and
while hunting and trapping occupied their time
in earlier days, the march of civilization was
gradually brought upon them the necessity of
agricultural pursuits. But their ambition has
never been such that the accumulation of
wealth would interfere with the enjoyments of
life and while very content with little of the
country’s wealth, they have always made the
best of their surroundings and kept pace with
their neighbors in up to date methods.
There is considerable talent and
progressiveness in the present generation of
the Durbin and Logsdon families since they
are weaned from the backwoods ways of their
ancestors and it is said that Dan Cupid is now
being given more free rein in matching hearts
and there is more often marriages with those
outside of their own people than formerly."
M.S. P. (Author)
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"BURGLARIES AT ST. MARYS.
Three Residences Robbed to Amount of $1,200-Diamonds Taken by Thieves
ST. MARYS. O.. Nov 8-Three residences were broken into some time during the night and valuable to the amount of $1,200 taken. Entrance was gained through pantry windows at all places. The residences robbed are only one block apart. D. F. Moorey, an attorney, lost a diamond stud watch and $10 in cash. Albert Herzing lost diamonds worth $500 and Albert Durbin lost $200 in cash. There is no clew [sic] to the robbers."
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Below, Margaret Durbin died 9 May 1909. I'm still researching this relative on ancestry.com. The article calls her "the young girl who died suddenly". At this point, until I find her direct relatives, I can only guess that she must be a niece or young cousin to Albert Durbin.
"SAD SERVICES
Held Over Remains of Miss Margaret Durbin
The last rites of the church were performed over the mortal remains of Miss Margaret Durbin, the young girl who died suddenly at her late home on west McKibben street, Sunday morning at St. Rose church Wednesday morning at 8:30.
The requiem mass was sung by Rev. . E. Manning, who also preached an impressive funeral sermon. The out of town relatives were George Durbin of Celina; Albert Durbin of St. Marys; Mesdames Lynch, Coffey and Axe of Celina, and the Misses Mary, Lee and Florence Durbin, of Muncie, Ind. The pall-bearers were: Harry Small, John Biracree, Mike Carney, Frank Callahan, Roy Shafer and James Dimond. Interment was made in Gethsemani [sic]."
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M.S. P. (Author)
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| The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette Fort Wayne, Indiana 9 Nov 1907 |
Three Residences Robbed to Amount of $1,200-Diamonds Taken by Thieves
ST. MARYS. O.. Nov 8-Three residences were broken into some time during the night and valuable to the amount of $1,200 taken. Entrance was gained through pantry windows at all places. The residences robbed are only one block apart. D. F. Moorey, an attorney, lost a diamond stud watch and $10 in cash. Albert Herzing lost diamonds worth $500 and Albert Durbin lost $200 in cash. There is no clew [sic] to the robbers."
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Below, Margaret Durbin died 9 May 1909. I'm still researching this relative on ancestry.com. The article calls her "the young girl who died suddenly". At this point, until I find her direct relatives, I can only guess that she must be a niece or young cousin to Albert Durbin.
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Lima News
Lima, Ohio
12 May 1909
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Held Over Remains of Miss Margaret Durbin
The last rites of the church were performed over the mortal remains of Miss Margaret Durbin, the young girl who died suddenly at her late home on west McKibben street, Sunday morning at St. Rose church Wednesday morning at 8:30.
The requiem mass was sung by Rev. . E. Manning, who also preached an impressive funeral sermon. The out of town relatives were George Durbin of Celina; Albert Durbin of St. Marys; Mesdames Lynch, Coffey and Axe of Celina, and the Misses Mary, Lee and Florence Durbin, of Muncie, Ind. The pall-bearers were: Harry Small, John Biracree, Mike Carney, Frank Callahan, Roy Shafer and James Dimond. Interment was made in Gethsemani [sic]."
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Lima News
Lima, Ohio
13 Sep 1920
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"AUGLAIZE-CO JURORS DRAWN FOR OCTOBER TERM
CT. [sic] MARYS--Grand and petit jurors have been chosen for the Auglaize-co. October term of common pleas court. They are: Grand Jury--John Naus, Jacob Bigler, Arthur Makley, Fred Goeke, Wm. Patterson, Fred Kellermeyer, Leo Kellermeyer, Earl Doering, H. Molenkamp, J. H. Wright, Fred Neuman, Adolph Pape, H. H. Katerheinrich, E. M. Veenfilet, George B Collins; Petit Jury--Ed Ankerman Fred Ziegenbusch, F. G. Ripploh, August, Stevely, Alvin Seibert, Ernest Holtkamp, W. H. Butcher, Clinton Decker, Art Spyker, W. L. Hastings, Benj. Eisley, D. B. Stiles, Charles Lottridge, Chris Schnell, John Gross, A. N. Parish, Ald Waters, Julius Brodbeck, Chris Burke, Albert Durbin, H. M. Hoge, Herman Roettgerman, Wm. Copeland."
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Lima News
Lima Ohio
6 Jul 1924
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"Mrs. Albert Durbin, St. Marys and Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Durbin of Lima, are visiting in Detroit with Mark Durbin."
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Minnie (Borgman) Goeke was the sister of Bernadina Borgman.
Bernadina married August J. Holtgreven and was the mother of Caroline (Carrie) Holtgreven, wife of Albert C. Durbin.
Mrs. Matt Anderson, spoken of below, is Carrie's sister Mary Ann (Holtgreven) Anderson, and Albert C. Durbin's sister-in-law.
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| Lima News Lima, Ohio 21 Feb 1927 |
"MISS MINNIE GOEKE DIES AT AGE OF 78
Mrs. Minnie Goeke, 78, of 547 W. Haller-st, widow of the late Mathias Goeke, died at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Rita's hospital following a nine month illness. She was the step-mother of J. H. Goeke, prominent Lima attorney.
In addition to the step-son, she leaves two step-daughters, Mrs. Mary Behrens, with whom she resided and Mrs. Elizabeth Sherman, Minster; two sons, John, Wapakoneta and Robert, Orlando, Fla. A brother, George Borgman, Somerset and two nieces, Mrs. Matt Anderson and Mrs. Albert Durbin, St. Marys, also survive.
The body will remain at the Cantwell funeral home until late Monday when it will be removed to Minster. Funeral services will be held at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Catholic church. Burial will be made in the Catholic cemetery."
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"2 RESCUED FROM WATER BY CANAL FOREMAN
[Special to the Lima News]
ST. MARYS, May 23 - In an unsuccessful attempt to prevent her grandfather, Samuel Burden, from falling in the dry dock at Lake St. Marys, Mrs. Harold McMullen lost her balance and fell in the water, more than six feet deep at the point where the two went in. They were rescued by John Sunderland, canal foreman, and Marcellus Durbin, employed at the state office at the lake. Both Sunderland and Durbin heard the commotion caused as the two plunged head first in the water.
Burden is 72 years old and his granddaughter is about 21.
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"The marriage of Miss Helen Margaret Jolley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph C. Jolley, 748 W. Wayne-st, and Virgil Foster of Dallas, Texas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ola Foster, of Wapakoneta, was solemnized Tuesday noon in the home of the bride's parents. Rev. E. W. Bloomquist, pastor of the First Baptist church, officiated.
The bride wore a costume of blue georgette and carried a bouquet of pink roses. Mrs. H. L. Stelzer, sister of the bride, was the bridesmaid, and was attractive in a frock yellow georgette. Her flowers were lavender sweet peas.
Dr. H. L. Stelzer was best man.
Following the ceremony, luncheon was served to 30 relatives and friends. Members of the bridal party and close relatives were seated at one long table while smaller tables were placed thuout [sic] the living room. Pink roses adorned the center of the tables and other appointments were in pink and white.
The couple will leave Thursday for their home in Dallas.
Guests included Mrs. W. D. Day and son Jimmie, Mrs. Charles Bergman and children, Margaret and Charles, all of Montpelier, Ind.; Mr. and Mrs. Ola Foster, Miss Lucille and Donald Foster and Miss Helen Chesborough, all of Wapakoneta; Marcellus Durbin of St. Marys; Mrs. Dot Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Jolley, Mr. and Mrs. John Allgier and children, Mary, Louise and Jack; Miss Eleanor Webb and members of the immediate families and bridal party."
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Ola Foster, Lucille's Father, died Wednesday, December 11, 1929.
"WAPAKONETA MAN DIES FROM BROKEN NECK RECEIVED IN FALL FROM LADDER
Injuries suffered when he fell from a stepladder as he was putting up Christmas decorations caused the death of Ola Foster, 49, of Wapakoneta, Wednesday afternoon at the Toledo state hospital. His neck was broken.
Mr. Foster is survived by a widow, two sons, Virgil, of Dallas, Texas, and Donald, at home and one daughter Miss Lucille Foster at home. One brother and four sisters also survive.
Funeral services for him have not been arranged pending word from the son, and daughter in law driving through from Texas."
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"PHEASANTS DISTRIBUTED
ST. MARYS, Aug. 31 - Twenty-five half-grown pheasants were distributed thru Auglaize-co by Albert Wells, conservation officer, and Marcellus Durbin, secretary of the Western Ohio Fish and Game-assn. The pheasants were from the state games farm."
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"NOBLE HEADS WESTERN FISH AND GAME ASSN
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Lima News
Lima, Ohio
23 May 1929
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[Special to the Lima News]
ST. MARYS, May 23 - In an unsuccessful attempt to prevent her grandfather, Samuel Burden, from falling in the dry dock at Lake St. Marys, Mrs. Harold McMullen lost her balance and fell in the water, more than six feet deep at the point where the two went in. They were rescued by John Sunderland, canal foreman, and Marcellus Durbin, employed at the state office at the lake. Both Sunderland and Durbin heard the commotion caused as the two plunged head first in the water.
Burden is 72 years old and his granddaughter is about 21.
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This next article is special in that it shows several Durbin family members at the same wedding ceremony... before they themselves were married.
The wedding was for the brother (Virgil) of Marcellus' future wife, Lucille.
The wedding was for the brother (Virgil) of Marcellus' future wife, Lucille.
In attendance were:
Mr and Mrs Ola Foster (Lucille, Virgil, and Donald Foster's parents)
Marcellus Durbin and "Miss Lucille Foster" (later married: July 22, 1931)
Donald Foster and Miss Helen Chesborough (later married: April 6, 1931)
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Lima News
Lima, Ohio
4 Jun 1929
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The bride wore a costume of blue georgette and carried a bouquet of pink roses. Mrs. H. L. Stelzer, sister of the bride, was the bridesmaid, and was attractive in a frock yellow georgette. Her flowers were lavender sweet peas.
Dr. H. L. Stelzer was best man.
Following the ceremony, luncheon was served to 30 relatives and friends. Members of the bridal party and close relatives were seated at one long table while smaller tables were placed thuout [sic] the living room. Pink roses adorned the center of the tables and other appointments were in pink and white.
The couple will leave Thursday for their home in Dallas.
Guests included Mrs. W. D. Day and son Jimmie, Mrs. Charles Bergman and children, Margaret and Charles, all of Montpelier, Ind.; Mr. and Mrs. Ola Foster, Miss Lucille and Donald Foster and Miss Helen Chesborough, all of Wapakoneta; Marcellus Durbin of St. Marys; Mrs. Dot Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Jolley, Mr. and Mrs. John Allgier and children, Mary, Louise and Jack; Miss Eleanor Webb and members of the immediate families and bridal party."
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| Dec 1929 |
"WAPAKONETA MAN DIES FROM BROKEN NECK RECEIVED IN FALL FROM LADDER
Injuries suffered when he fell from a stepladder as he was putting up Christmas decorations caused the death of Ola Foster, 49, of Wapakoneta, Wednesday afternoon at the Toledo state hospital. His neck was broken.
Mr. Foster is survived by a widow, two sons, Virgil, of Dallas, Texas, and Donald, at home and one daughter Miss Lucille Foster at home. One brother and four sisters also survive.
Funeral services for him have not been arranged pending word from the son, and daughter in law driving through from Texas."
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Lima News
Lima, Ohio
31 Aug 1931
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ST. MARYS, Aug. 31 - Twenty-five half-grown pheasants were distributed thru Auglaize-co by Albert Wells, conservation officer, and Marcellus Durbin, secretary of the Western Ohio Fish and Game-assn. The pheasants were from the state games farm."
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ST. MARYS, March 5 - S. S. Noble was elected president of the Western Ohio Fish and Game assn for 1932 at the annual meeting of the association held in the city council chamber. Dr. C. P. Kite was elected vice president, Marcellus Durbin, secretary, and Alton Kellermeyer, the treasurer. New directors are Roy Dutton, Charles Keller and H. M. Blair, elected for periods of three years, two years, and one year, respectively.
Fred Magill was named as curator of the organization. He volunteered to mount any fish caught in native waters of Ohio without any cost to the association provided the specimens would become the property of the organization."
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"Members of the Crescent Bridge club were guests of Mrs. George Koch at her home in St. Marys Wednesday evening.
In the play Miss Mary Buchs was high and Miss Errahle Ferguson, second, of members, while Mrs. Clyde Long received guest award.
After the cards a dainty lunch was served.
Guests were Mrs. Martin Larkin, Mrs. Marcellus Durbin, Mrs. Paul Darnell, of St. Marys, and Mrs. Clyde Long.
Members are Misses Helen Ferguson, Pauline Vossler, Blanche Wasterman, Errahle Ferguson, Vera Rousculp, Katharine Vossler, Mrs. Paul Runyan, Mrs. Harold Stemle, Mrs. James Stowe, Mrs. Harlow Herrmann, Mrs. Frank Coolahan, Miss Mary Bachs of Wapakoneta, and the hostess.
Miss Blanche Wasterman, Richie av, will entertain in two weeks."
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"ST. MARYS, Jan 12 - Mr. and Mrs. Marcellus Durbin are the parents of a son, Thomas Albert, born Thursday at their home in Villa Nova."
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"GOOD BASS FISHING
Bass fishing has been exceptionally good this fall, according to Marcellus Durbin, of Villa Nova, who is Sunderland's first assistant. Crappies have been the largest for many years, the average catch weighing more than just a pound. Cat-fishing is just beginning to get good.
Catfish, Durbin says, are caught by the hundreds in Lake St. Marys. They are large ones, too - the kind that put up a fight and provide the angler with a thrill."
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"Miss Mary Buchs, W. Benton-st, this city, Wednesday evening was the guest at a party arranged in her honor by Mrs. Harold Sunderland, St. Marys. Miss Buchs will be united in marriage to Charles Wierwille on Oct. 15. Guests were Mrs. J. A. Krabach, Miss Errahle Ferguson, Miss Helen Ferguson and Miss Rita Krabach, all of Lima; Mrs. C. F. Wierwille, Mrs. Jacob Werner, Mrs. Alton Kellermeyer, Mrs. Martin Larkin, Mrs. H. M. Blair, Mrs. Thomas Reynolds, Mrs. Marcellus Durbin, Mrs. H. F. Pence, Mrs. Thomas Sunderland, Mrs. Paul Durnell and Mrs. Albert Bruss, St. Marys; Mrs. Oliver Hamilton, Marion, and Miss Adalia Wehner, Miss Stella Wehner, Mrs. J. W. Buchs and the honor guest, Miss Buchs, all of this City."
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Albert C. Durbin
(6 Nov 1859 - 5 May 1939)
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Lima News
Lima, Ohio
9 Feb 1933
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In the play Miss Mary Buchs was high and Miss Errahle Ferguson, second, of members, while Mrs. Clyde Long received guest award.
After the cards a dainty lunch was served.
Guests were Mrs. Martin Larkin, Mrs. Marcellus Durbin, Mrs. Paul Darnell, of St. Marys, and Mrs. Clyde Long.
Members are Misses Helen Ferguson, Pauline Vossler, Blanche Wasterman, Errahle Ferguson, Vera Rousculp, Katharine Vossler, Mrs. Paul Runyan, Mrs. Harold Stemle, Mrs. James Stowe, Mrs. Harlow Herrmann, Mrs. Frank Coolahan, Miss Mary Bachs of Wapakoneta, and the hostess.
Miss Blanche Wasterman, Richie av, will entertain in two weeks."
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Lima News
Lima, Ohio
13 Jan 1935
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Lima News
Lima, Ohio
15 Aug 1935
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Bass fishing has been exceptionally good this fall, according to Marcellus Durbin, of Villa Nova, who is Sunderland's first assistant. Crappies have been the largest for many years, the average catch weighing more than just a pound. Cat-fishing is just beginning to get good.
Catfish, Durbin says, are caught by the hundreds in Lake St. Marys. They are large ones, too - the kind that put up a fight and provide the angler with a thrill."
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Lima News
Lima, Ohio
2 Oct 1938
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Albert C. Durbin
(6 Nov 1859 - 5 May 1939)
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| 1939 |
"ALBERT C. DURBIN DIES SUDDENLY TODAY AT HOME IN MEMORIAL PARK
Albert C Durbin, age 79, died suddenly a **** o’clock this morning at his home in Memorial Park. An acute heart attack caused his death.
Albert C Durbin, age 79, died suddenly a **** o’clock this morning at his home in Memorial Park. An acute heart attack caused his death.
Mr Durbin had been in failing health for more than a year but in recent weeks had been improving. His death came as a shock to family members and to friends.
He was a son of the late Dan and Mary Ann Durbin, born November 6, 1859 in Mercer county. On September 3, 1898 he married Caroline Holtgreven who is left to mourn his death. To them were born four children, all of whom survive. They are Miss Mary Margaret, Columbus, Mark of Detroit, Jerome and Marcellus A Durbin of St. Marys. There are two grandchildren.
Mr. Durbin was the last member of his family, three brothers and three sisters having proceeded him in death.
Since the establishment of Memorial Park here in 192*, Mr Durbin had served as its efficient caretaker. He took great pride in the appearance of the park and worked diligently to maintain it.
He was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic church and had been a member **** the Holy Name society and of the Volunteer Firemen.
Funeral services are arranged for Monday morning at 9 o’clock at the Holy Rosary church with the Rev ******* Burial will take place in Gethsemane cemetery."
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| Lima News Lima, Ohio 7 May 1939 |
"Albert C. Durbin
ST. MARYS, May 6 - Funeral services will be held at 9 o'clock Monday morning at the Holy Rosary Catholic church for Albert C. Durbin, age 79, who died of heart disease at his home in Memorial Park.
Durbin is survived by his wife, Caroline, and four children: Miss Mary Margaret, Columbus, Jerome and Marcellus A. of St. Marys and Mark, of Detroit."
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| May 1939 |
"Albert C. Durbin, 79, caretaker of Memorial Park at St. Marys since the park was created in 1920, died Friday morning at his home in the caretaker's residence at the park."
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| Lima News Lima, Ohio 29 Sep 1943 |
"The war department Wednesday announced that Marcellus Albert Durbin of St. Marys has been promoted temporarily from the rank of first lieutenant to captain. It also announced that Oren Doyle of Sidney has been ordered to active duty as a second lieutenant."
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Lima News
Lima, Ohio
25 Feb 1953
|
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Lima News
Lima Ohio
8 Jul 1955
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"Reserve Unit Leaves For Camp Sunday
The first contingent of Lima Army reservists leaves for summer training at 8 a. m. Sunday from the Army Reserve Training Center, 1580 Greenlawn Ave.
Scheduled to leave for Ft. Knox, Ky., by chartered bus, is the 387th Engineer Aviation Group. The 10 officers and 36 enlisted men will start actual training Monday and finish July 23, returning to Lima on Sunday July 24.
Lt. Col. Marcellus A. Durbin, St. Marys, is commanding officer of the 387th, senior unit of a training contingent that also will include on Ohio battalion and three from Kentucky."
The first contingent of Lima Army reservists leaves for summer training at 8 a. m. Sunday from the Army Reserve Training Center, 1580 Greenlawn Ave.
Scheduled to leave for Ft. Knox, Ky., by chartered bus, is the 387th Engineer Aviation Group. The 10 officers and 36 enlisted men will start actual training Monday and finish July 23, returning to Lima on Sunday July 24.
Lt. Col. Marcellus A. Durbin, St. Marys, is commanding officer of the 387th, senior unit of a training contingent that also will include on Ohio battalion and three from Kentucky."
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Lima News
Lima, Ohio
24 May 1958
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"ST. MARYS - Pvt. Thomas A. Durbin, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marcellus A. Durbin, Villa Nova, St. Marys, recently completed eight weeks of basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo."
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Caroline (Holtgreven) Durbin
(1 May 1875 - 8 Jul 1958)
(1 May 1875 - 8 Jul 1958)
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| 8 Jul 1958 |
"Mrs. A. C. Durbin Dies; Funeral Services Thursday
Mrs. Carrie Durbin, age 83, widow of A. C. Durbin, died at 1:40 a. m. today at the St. Marys Nursing Home where she had been a patient since June 3rd. Mrs. Durbin had made her home with her daughter, Miss Mary Margaret, at 2420 North High street, Columbus, for some years. Three months ago she suffered a fractured pelvis in a fall at Columbus and was in the hospital there for about two months before coming to the Nursing Home.
Mrs. Durbin was in ill health for several years.
She was a native of Minster, born there on May 1, 1875.
On Spetember 6, 1898 she was married to Albert C. Durbin, remembered here as the Memorial Park caretaker for some years. He died in 1939.
Surviving her are four children, Jerome, of this city, Mark, Detroit, Michigan, Marcellus A., Villa Nova and Miss Mary Margaret, Columbus; two grandchildren, Tom Durbin, now at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, and Miss Diane Durbin, Dayton; one sister, Mrs. Matt Anderson, of this city, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Durbin was a member of the Holy Name church in Columbus and the Altar society of Holy Rosary church, St. Marys.
Funeral services will be at 9 a. m. Thursday at Holy Rosary church with the Rev. Thomas J. Hack officiating. Burial will take place in Gethsemane cemetery. Friends may call at the Vore & Folk Funeral Home after 7 tonight until the hour of the services. Ladies of the parish will have prayers at 7:30 p. m. Wednesday at the Funeral Home."
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Jerome Daniel Durbin
(30 Jun 1899 - 27 Jun 1975)
(30 Jun 1899 - 27 Jun 1975)
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| 27 Jun 1975 |
"DURBIN
ST. MARYS - Jerome D Durbin, 75, 612 Augustus St., St. Marys, died at 3:30 p.m. Friday in Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys. He had entered the hospital on Monday, and had been in failing health for two years.
Born June 30, 1899 in St. Marys, he was the son of Albert and Carrie Holtgreven Durbin. In 1923, he married Hazel Coines who preceded him in death in 1969.
Survivors include one brother and one sister, Marcellus Durbin of St. Marys and Miss Mary Margaret Durbin of Columbus.
One son and one brother preceded him in death.
Mr. Durbin was a salesman for the National Biscuit Co. for a number of years and most recently sold advertising for the S and E Advertising Co. of Indianapolis, Ind.
He was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and of the Holy Name Society of that church.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday from the church with the Reverend Anselm Boeke, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will be in Gethesemane [sic] Cemetery, St. Marys.
Friends may call at the Yoder, Long and Folk Funeral Home, St. Marys, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday."
ST. MARYS - Jerome D Durbin, 75, 612 Augustus St., St. Marys, died at 3:30 p.m. Friday in Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys. He had entered the hospital on Monday, and had been in failing health for two years.
Born June 30, 1899 in St. Marys, he was the son of Albert and Carrie Holtgreven Durbin. In 1923, he married Hazel Coines who preceded him in death in 1969.
Survivors include one brother and one sister, Marcellus Durbin of St. Marys and Miss Mary Margaret Durbin of Columbus.
One son and one brother preceded him in death.
Mr. Durbin was a salesman for the National Biscuit Co. for a number of years and most recently sold advertising for the S and E Advertising Co. of Indianapolis, Ind.
He was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and of the Holy Name Society of that church.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday from the church with the Reverend Anselm Boeke, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will be in Gethesemane [sic] Cemetery, St. Marys.
Friends may call at the Yoder, Long and Folk Funeral Home, St. Marys, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday."
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Mary Margaret Durbin
(14 Jan 1908 - 15 Sep 1987)
(14 Jan 1908 - 15 Sep 1987)
"Mary Margaret Durbin, 79, retired banking employee
Mary Margaret Durbin, 79, of Whetstone Convalescent Center, Columbus, died at 6 a.m. Tuesday at the Center, where she had been a patient for seven years.
She was born January 14, 1908 in St. Marys to Albert C. and Caroline (Holtgreven) Durbin.
She is survived by one brother, Marcellus A. Durbin of St. Marys.
Two brothers, Mark and Jerome, preceded her in death.
A member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbus, Miss Durbin was a retired banking employee of the Huntington National Bank and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in Columbus.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Marys, Rev. Leo A. Hoying officiating. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Long & Folk Funeral Home in St. Marys from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday."
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Mary Margaret Durbin, 79, of Whetstone Convalescent Center, Columbus, died at 6 a.m. Tuesday at the Center, where she had been a patient for seven years.
She was born January 14, 1908 in St. Marys to Albert C. and Caroline (Holtgreven) Durbin.
She is survived by one brother, Marcellus A. Durbin of St. Marys.
Two brothers, Mark and Jerome, preceded her in death.
A member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbus, Miss Durbin was a retired banking employee of the Huntington National Bank and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in Columbus.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Marys, Rev. Leo A. Hoying officiating. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Long & Folk Funeral Home in St. Marys from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday."
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For future reference: The obituary names her as "Lucille G.". I have only changed the title to "Gertrude Lucille" to match her birth record which I have saved on ancestry.com.
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| Clipping showing "Gertrude Lucille Foster" See ancestry.com for full birth record. |
Gertrude Lucille (Foster) Durbin
(19 Jul 1908 - 2 Dec 1987)
"Lucille G. Durbin, 79
Lucille G. Durbin, 79, 113 Ohio St., St. Marys, died at 5:20 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1987, at the Valley Nursing Home where she had been a patient since Nov. 7.
She was born July 19, 1908 in Geyer, the daughter of Ola and Emma (Geyer) Foster. On July 22, 1931 she married Marcellus A. Durbin who survives along with a son, Thomas A., Castle Rock, Colo.; a daughter, Mrs. Edward (Diane) Vincent, Fort Worth, Tex.; and five grandchildren. Two brothers, Virgil and Don, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Durbin was a retired employee of the Ohio Department of Public Works and a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the Altar Society of the parish.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Leo Hoying at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at Gethsemene [sic] Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Miller Funeral Home from 2 until 4 p.m. and 7 until 9 p.m. Friday. A rosary will be said at 9 p.m.
The preferred memorial is the Holy Rosary Building Fund."
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"Lucille G. Durbin, 79, former employee for the Department of Public WorksLucille G. Durbin, 79, of 113 Ohio St., St. Marys, died at 5:20 a.m. Wednesday, December 2, in the Valley Nursing Home where she had been a patient for one month.
Born July 19, 1908 in Geyer, Ohio, she was a daughter of Ola and Emma (Geyer) Foster. On July 22, 1931, she married Marcellus A. Durbin, who survives.
Other survivors include one son, Thomas A. Durbin of Castle Rock, Colorado; one daughter, Mrs. Edward (Diane) Vincent of Fort Worth, Texas; and five grandchildren.
Two brothers, Virgil and Don, preceded her in death.
A former employee for the Department of Public Works in St. Marys, Mrs. Durbin was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the Holy Rosary Altar Society.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Rev. Leo A. Hoying officiating. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Miller Funeral Home where a rosary will be recited at 9 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Church Building Fund.
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Marcellus Albert Durbin
(13 Jan 1905 - 18 Sep 1992)
"Marcellus Durbin, 87
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. - Marcellus A. Durbin, 87, 2300 Emerald Drive, died at 10:50 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 1992, at Castle Rock Care Center.
He was born Jan. 13, 1905, in St. Marys, Ohio, to Albert C. and Carrie (Holtgreven) Durbin. On July 22, 1931, he married Lucille Foster, who died Dec. 2, 1987.
He is survived by a son, Thomas A., Castle Rock; a daughter, Diane Vincent, Ft. Worth, Tex.; and six grandchildren, Susan Durbin Ryan, Los Angeles, Calif.; Amy Durbin and Julie Durbin, both of Boulder, Colo.; Diane Scholten and Michael Scholten, both of Dallas, Tex.; and Kristi Hapner, Ft. Worth, Tex. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Mark and Jerome, and a sister, Mary Margaret Durbin.
Mr. Durbin a veteran of World War II, serving in Army in the Philippines, was retired from the Army with the rank of Lt. Colonel and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts in Ohio and Colorado. He was a former manager and superintendent of the Grand Lake St. Marys State Park and was a supervisor of the Findlay District, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation when he retired. He was a member of the BPOE (Elks) and Knights of Columbus organizations in Ohio and Colorado. He was a former member of Holy Rosary Catholic Churc in St. Marys.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church in St. Marys with the Rev. David A. Heinl officiating. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by VFW Post 9289, St. Marys.
There will be no visitation. Family and friends will gather at the church for the funeral service.
Arrangements were made by Long & Folk Funeral Home, St. Marys."
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The Decator Democrat Newspaper Oct. 23, 1964
THE OLD SETTLERS
Durbin Family arrived in Maryland in 1638.
Last week in duscussing the Durbin family we mentioned that they had come from Maryland by way of Ohio to Indiana, but had no more early history on them.
A few hours in the Fort Wayne Public Library's genealogy section this past weekend turned up some very interesting facts.
One early writer claimed that the Durbins were of German descent. This is possible but those early names indicate an English or Irish background.
A Mercer county, Ohio, history states the following:
"The American progenitor of the Durbin family came to this country with the colony brought over by Lord Baltimore in 1638, and settled on the spot where each of the ancestors was born and reared."
This may be so, but we could find no record of it. We did find early evidences of the family, however. In 1676, in Baltimore county, MD., Thomas Durbin bought 220 acres of land from Walter Dickerson and wife, and three years later bought 200 more acres from John Dickerson.
From later records, the Durbins appear to have been farmers and were located east of the present City of Baltimore. In the mid 1700's they spread into Harford county to the northeast and to Frederick, and finally Alleghany counties to the west. Then they spread into Greene, Fayette, and Cambira counties, Pennsylvania, before entering Knox county, Ohio. From Knox county, they scattered everywhere.
In 1699, Christopher Durbin turns up on the South Side of Patapsco Hundred. In 1702, John and Christopher Durbin were in the North Side Patapsco 100. In 1703, Christopher Durbin was taxable in South Side Gun Powder and John and William were on North Side Patapsco. In 1704, Christopher was in the same 100, John was South Side Back river, and William, with two slaves, was in the upper part, North Side Patapsco.
In 1705, John Durbin was north side Patapsco, and 1706, he was Back river. A Christopher Durbin estate was listed for Baltimore county in 1769. In 1730, John Durbin was listed among those on a levy allowance list in Baltimore county.
In 1748, on September 27, John Durbin Sr., made out his will, listing as children, John, Thomas, Daniel, William, an unborn child, daughter Averela, Hannah and Mary, and a son-in-law, James Princhard.
The Averela name is particularly interesting. It turns up twice in Harford county, MD., in 1776 , in The Susquehannah hundred, in Adams county in the 1850's. There is a Phabine Durbin listed beside Henry Durbin in Monroe township.
In 1752, we have the first evidence that the family is beginning to spread out in search of more family land. The will of a Samuel Durbin is probated in Frederick county, MD.
These early Durbins appear to have been Catholic, the faith of Lord Baltimore and his early settlers.
Then in 1756, from All Saints Parish, Fredrick county, MD., Thomas, John, Samuel and William petition Gov. Horatio Sharp.
In 1777, the Ann Durbin will is probated in Baltimore county, and in 1774, Daniel Durbin dies there.
Apparently the Durbins, shifted around during the war. None are listed for Baltimore county or Fredrick county in 1776, but two Averillas, and Delilah and the 34 year-old Daniel Durbin and his family show up in Harford county, MD. In 1778, John, Edward, Nicholas, William and Samuel took the patriot's oath.
Samuel Durbin served as a second lieutenant in one unit, John Durbin enlisted 6-Sep.1778 in the 4th regiment, and transferred by 15-Mar.1779 to Col. Moses Hazen's regiment. In 1783, he was listed as a prisoner of war from Capt. Carlyless' company of that regiment.
In 1790, the Durbin's had shifted to Harford and Frederick counties. Farming was probably passed in the area around Baltimore by then. Listed in Harford county, were Cassandra, with one male under 16, three females and five slaves; Daniel, with himself, two boys under 16, and four females, and one slave; and Sine, with three females.
At the same time in Frederick county there were eight Durbin families listed, none with slaves. Benjamin, with a son under 16, and eight females; Thomas, with three other males over 16, and three females; Thomas Bond Durbin, with another male over 16, two under sixteen, and four females; William, with one male besides himself over 16, four under, and 16 females; Mary, 2 males above 16, 1 under, and 3 females; Cornelius, 1,2; and John 1,2, and 5.
By 1800 they had all left Harford and Frederick, and were further west--ten were listed in Alleghany county. Ben, Edward, Elijah, John, Nicholas, Samuel, and William were in Wills Town; David was at George's Creek, and John and John, Jr., were at upper Old Town.
In 1810, Benjamin, Edward, Stephen, and Thomas were in Richhill township, Greene county, Pa., Nicholas Sr., and Nicholas Jr., and Thomas were in Dunbar township, Fayette county, Pa., and Thomas B. Durbin was in Cambria county, Alleghany township.
In 1820, there were several Durbins living in Knox county, Ohio, and they were still there in 1830. As stated, before, they reached Adams county, Indiana, by 1841, and were in numerous areas of Ohio by 1820, and 1830 census reports.
The Mercer county, Ohio history relates the following history concerning on of the Durbin branch: Basil Durbin was born in Maryland, near Baltimore June 22, 1812, and was a son of Daniel Durbin, who was born near Baltimore in 1778, Daniel's father Thomas, was a native of the same locality.
Daniel Durbin was reared on a farm, educated in Maryland, and was married in that state. his son Basil was the youngest of 13 children born to him.
Daniel located on the home farm in Maryland, removed thence to Pennsylvania in 1814 where he bought a farm and remained until 1819. Then selling his Pennsylvania farm, he emigrated to Knox county, Ohio, purchased a farm there, during the first part of his residency there not being a neighbor within 40 miles in either direction, north or west.
About 1830, he sold out and moved to Muskingum county, where he purchased 100 acres of land which was sold for taxes. This land he improved and lived upon for 20 years, and then lost it all, at least, but 16 acres, for which he sold for $100 an acre, a very good price then.
He lived in Muskingum county, the rest of his life. His first wife having died in 1814, he was married the second time, to Nancy Alkenrode, by whom he had three children, non of whom survived until 1896. He lived to be 88 (78?) years old, dying in 1856. Politically he was an old line whig; in religion he was a member of the Catholic church.
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