Person Page - 73

     William was born in 1780.¹ He was the son of John Bonner and Sarah Walker.

     Nathaniel was born at Mifflin County, PA, on 27 November 1780.^1,2 He was the son of John Bonner and Sarah Walker. He married Jane C. Ghormley at Fayette, OH, on 2 June 1815. Her last name is given as Gormely - the source given for this information and the date is "LDS 0292630". Deborah Coffey indicates they were married 29 Nov 1815..^1,2 Nathaniel died on 22 September 1860 at Greenfield, Highland County, OH.^1,2 His body was interred at Greenfield, Madison Twp., Highland Co., Ohio, at Old Burying Ground.³
     Nathaniel was a at First Presbyterian Church member at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH.¹

     Sarah was born in 1784. She was the daughter of John Bonner and Sarah Walker.

     Jane was born. She was the daughter of John Bonner and Sarah Walker. Jane died on 6 April 1844.
     Jane was a at First Presbyterian Church member at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, in 1826.¹

     Thomas was born on 16 October 1766.^2,1 He was the son of Hugh Ghormley and Mary Catherine Covington.¹ He married Judith Bonner at Ohio on 5 March 1787.^2,1 Thomas died on 17 May 1840 at Ohio.^2,1 He was buried at Greenfield, Highland County, OH.³
     He resided in 1813. Thomas was a at First Presbyterian Church member at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH.

     Hugh Ghormley was born on 2 March 1732 at Tyrone Co., Ulster, Ireland..¹ He was the son of Jamesa Ghormley Ghormley.¹ Hugh Ghormley married Mary Catherine Covington in October 1756 at Tyrone Co., Ulster, Ireland.¹ Hugh Ghormley died in November 1813 at Ohi. The source for this information states he died in Cumberland Co., Pennsylvania or Greenfield, Ohio.¹
     He came to America in May of 1759 landing on Cape Cod. He settled in Mifflin, Chester County, Pennsylvania with his brother James. They then moved to Cumnberlabnd County, near Carlisle. He was a soldier in the Revolution in 1777 under Capt. William Blaine.¹

     Sarah was born on 29 March 1788.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Ghormley and Judith Bonner. She married Ebenezer Erskine McElroy on 13 April 1813.¹ Sarah died on 20 April 1871.¹ Her body was interred at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, at Old Greenfield Cemetery.¹
     As of 13 April 1813,her married name was McElroy. Sarah was a at First Presbyterian Church member at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, in 1820.

     Hugh was born at Cumberland Co., PA, on 7 July 1790.^1,2 He was the son of Thomas Ghormley and Judith Bonner. He married Nancy Stewart on 12 December 1813. "Luman-Iles Family" indicates 1815. No source cited..^1,2 Hugh died on 10 November 1854 at Greenfield, OH.^1,2
     He resided.

     Jane was born at Mifflin County, PA, on 10 June 1792. Deborah Coffey says 11 Jun..^2,1 She was the daughter of Thomas Ghormley and Judith Bonner. She married Nathaniel Bonner at Fayette, OH, on 2 June 1815. Her last name is given as Gormely - the source given for this information and the date is "LDS 0292630". Deborah Coffey indicates they were married 29 Nov 1815..^2,1 Jane died on 1 August 1870 at Perry, Fayette County, OH.¹ Her body was interred at Greenfield, Madison Twp., Highland Co., Ohio, at Old Burying Ground. Her tombstone identifies her as the wife of Nathaniel..³
     As of 2 June 1815,her married name was Bonner. Jane was a at First Presbyterian Church member at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH.²

     John was born on 29 August 1794.¹ He was the son of Thomas Ghormley and Judith Bonner. John died Unmarried.. Unmarried..¹

     Margaret was born on 22 February 1798.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Ghormley and Judith Bonner. She married George K. Bingham on 15 April 1819. Deboarah Coffey indicates that George Bigham married Jane Ghormley not Margaret..¹ Margaret died on 18 May 1827.¹
     As of 15 April 1819,her married name was Bingham.

     Thomas was born on 2 February 1801. "Luman-Iles Family" says born 3 Feb..^1,2 He was the son of Thomas Ghormley and Judith Bonner. Thomas died Unmarried.. Unmarried..¹

     Eleanor was born on 10 March 1803.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Ghormley and Judith Bonner. She married Rev. William Dickey on 25 February 1836.¹ Eleanor died on 3 January 1870.¹
     As of 25 February 1836,her married name was Dickey. She resided.¹

     William was born on 16 December 1808.^1,2 He was the son of Thomas Ghormley and Judith Bonner. He married Hannah Beatty on 8 February 1836.¹ William died on 21 July 1886 He was buried in Greenfield, Highland Co., OH.. He was buried in Greenfield, Highland Co., OH..¹
     William was named for William Logan, the first pastor of Fermanagh Church in Juniata County, Pennsylvania.

     Hannah was born on 10 July 1808.¹ She married William Logan Ghormley on 8 February 1836.² Hannah died on 6 March 1898 She is buried in Greenfield, Highland Co., OH.. She is buried in Greenfield, Highland Co., OH..¹
     As of 8 February 1836,her married name was Ghormley.

     He married Eleanor Ghormley on 25 February 1836.¹

     George was born on 21 January 1791.¹ He married Margaret Ghormley on 15 April 1819. Deboarah Coffey indicates that George Bigham married Jane Ghormley not Margaret..¹ George died on 14 October 1852.¹

     Nancy was born on 31 October 1795. Deborah Coffey indicates Nancy was adopted 1 Nov 1795..¹ She was the daughter of Rev. William Stewart and Margaret Bonner. She married Hugh B. Ghormley on 12 December 1813. "Luman-Iles Family" indicates 1815. No source cited..^1,2 Nancy died at Brimfield, IL.^1,2,3
     As of 12 December 1813,her married name was Ghormley.

     Rev. William Stewart was born circa 1764..¹ He was the son of George Stewart and Margaret Harris.¹ He married Margaret Bonner circa 1794.²
     Probably of Mifflin Co., Pennsylvania. William was a at First Presbyterian Church member at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, in 1826.²

     Ebenezer was born on 22 December 1791. He was the son of Hugh McElroy and (?) (?). He married Sarah Ghormley on 13 April 1813.¹ Ebenezer died on 31 March 1845. His body was interred at Greenfield, OH, at Old Greenfield Cemetery.¹
     He resided in 1813.¹ He resided at Ohio in 1813.¹ He resided at three miles west of Paint Creek, Ohio, circa 1816.¹ Ebenezer was a at First Presbyterian Church member at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, in 1820. They were from Scotland and County Down, Ireland.

     He married (?) (?).
     Who came to America from Scotland and County Down, Ireland.

     She married Hugh McElroy.
     Her married name was McElroy.

     Hugh was born.¹ He was the son of Ebenezer Erskine McElroy and Sarah Ghormley.

     (?) McElroy was the child of Ebenezer Erskine McElroy and Sarah Ghormley.

     (?) McElroy was the child of Ebenezer Erskine McElroy and Sarah Ghormley.

     (?) McElroy was the child of Ebenezer Erskine McElroy and Sarah Ghormley.

     (?) McElroy was the child of Ebenezer Erskine McElroy and Sarah Ghormley.

     She married James Bonner in 1806.
     As of 1806,her married name was Bonner.

     Elizabeth was born at Washington Co., Maryland, on 17 August 1789.² She was the daughter of Joseph Reynolds and Sarah Smith.¹ She married David Smith Bonner at Champaign Co., OH, on 1 July 1805. After their marriage they settled in Urbana, Ohio.
The Rennolds-Reynolds book indicates in the details of Joseph Reynolds that his daughter May married first James Davidson and second David Smith Bonner. However in the details for Elizabeth Reynolds it indicates that she married David Smith Bonner..^3,1,4 Elizabeth died on 25 November 1836 at Urbana, Champain Co., Ohio.²
     As of 1805,her married name was Bonner. She was "of Champaign Co., Ohio". She is listed in her father's will [Joseph Reynolds 5 Jul 1808] as the wife of David G. Bonner amd as having land in Greene Co., where David now lives.

     Joseph Reynolds was born on 10 November 1747 at Washington County, MD..² He was the son of John Reynolds and Elizabeth McKee.² Joseph Reynolds married Sarah Smith on 5 April 1774.² Joseph Reynolds married Sarah Smith.¹ Joseph Reynolds died on 7 July 1808.²
     This is the famed Indian fighter, Joseph Reynolds, sometimes confused with another Joseph Reynolds. They settled in Urbana, County, Ohio.²

     Sarah Smith married Joseph Reynolds, son of John Reynolds and Elizabeth McKee.¹
     Her married name was Reynolds.

     Jane was born at Franklin Twp., Warren Co., OH, on 21 July 1798.^2,3,1 She was the daughter of Alexander Woods and Mary (Polly) Robinson. She married David Bonner at Ross Co., Ohio, on 13 March 1841. This was her second marriage. First husband's name is unknown. Although the Woods family publication says it's source for the marriage date is the Ancestral File, the Ancetral File actually gives the marriage date as 1 Apr 1841..^4,5,1 Jane died on 17 October 1862 at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH.^6,3,1
     Her Ancestral File Number is RVR8-HM. As of 13 March 1841,her married name was Bonner. She was the defendant in a lawsuit at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, on 14 January 1854.

     James was born at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, on 14 July 1814.¹ He was the son of David Bonner and Eleanor "Nelly" Johnson. He married Caroline C. Herrick at Fayette, OH, on 27 February 1840. The Chillicothe Probate Court does not have any record of a wedding between James T. Bonner and Caroline C. Herrick from 1838 through 1841..¹ He married Jane (?). James died on 3 May 1884 at Chillicothe, Ross Co., OH.¹ James's will was probated in 1884. 1182The sole heir was William Thompson after Anna Bonner's death.
     James Taylor Bonner was deed from 1841 to 1846; The Recorders office has several deeds for James T. Bonner and Caroline during this period, all for land in Greenfield.

Deed Book #, page #/ date details
10/303/4 Feb 1841 David to James T. Bonner
13/38/16 Feb 1846 James T. and Caroline to Henry J. Bonner
13/215/9 Feb 1846 James T. and Caroline of Highland Co. to James Davis of Ohio.




Family legend says that when James was about four years old he was stolen by gypsies and rescued by his sister Margaret. In any case, he was a merchant miller with a feed store on Water street, a farmer, and a saw mill operator. The Chillicothe City Directory lists

Bonner, J.T. west end of 5th, foot of Old Limestone Road.
Bonner & Steel - wholesale, retail grocers, manufacturers, & dealers in flours, feeds, etc. NS Water opposite the Clinton House.

He was an elder and member of the Third Presbyterian Church and in 1868 part of the movement that saw the church withdraw from the United Presbyterian Synod and join the Synod of the Old School Church. That session included James T. Bonner and the minister was Rev. William H. Prestley. Church historians describe him as "a through going Presbyterian, positive in his convictions, and controlled in his life be sense of duty." In his family there were five generations who were active in the Third Church. He himself was ordained an elder in 2 Apr 1865 and attended Presbytery 9 Apr 1872.

The following letter was written by him to his son James Toy Bonner in 1864:
Homer, January 7, 1884
Dear son
We received your letter a shorttime since and are always glad to hear from you all and would like to hear more frequently than we do. Since I wrote last Mother Bonner has had quite a sick spell was confined to bed for about two weeks and house another. Doctor was up four or five times. Severe pains through her breast and side. Some fever. (?), saidwas neuralgy. Seems to be in all her usual health now. I had my hands full to attend to the cows, milk, churn up butter, and all pertaining there to. Churn twice a week. 9, 10 lbs. at a churning - if I had not been clear of the store I don't see how I could have gotten through but there is always someway provided for all who desire to love and serve God.
We have had a very cold spell for a few days down to 20 below zero. Not quite so bad today. Have had lots of snow. Gout our ice put in Saturday so it may moderate as soon as it pleases and I hope soon. I am so poor and thin in flesh I cannot stand the cold. I am much better than I was ssome time since and for two years I quit. But my stomach is not right by a long piece but I hope that I may improve gradually.
I have been very unwell for a long time and it has nockd the bottom out of my business and my income and put me in debt. I was not able to be out of bed all the time for the last year and if Will had not come and taken charge of affairs I would have had to quit business. I feel under great obligation to the sons for coming to my help. Will left a good situation one he liked and a good salary. We had to borrow money here to get under headway again. The mill machinery he put in works very nice and is worth one thousand dollars all attachments. The only trouble with it is it is expensive power but is nice - always ready when called on. The water passes through a meter and we pay for waht is used. Will has more orders coming in for feed grain and meal than he can fill for the present until he gets under headway - and I hope he may bring it out all right. I do hate to be in debt and have my name to obligations promising to pay. Money can be had here on mortgage but not likely any one would on property out west. I don't want you to think we would do more for Jo and Will than for others but consider that all we have was accumulated by getting a start on our feet by their mothers means as I had nothing left at all when the foundry blowed up and what we have was made by great labor and most rigid economy on our part.
The holidays are past again and we another year nearer our eternal home. Oh may we all do and be better if spared to see another New Year - Christmas Day we were at home by ourselves, had a good turkey dinner gotten us by family - New Years day we had Jo C(?) B and family with us. Had a pleasant day a good turkey dinner by mother - Jo has been traveling for the past 6 or 8 weeks drummming their business. They do a good business work 75 hands now - Nelly and baby stay with her aunt Dolly Turner in Circleville. He expects to travel until February. Sleeping car all night and work all day - a great change in traveling in the last 50 years.
We hope and trust you all keep well this winter. Henrys family also let him read this letter if you please. I want to write oftener after while, now it takes nearly all my time to attend to the cows, 2 calves andlots of chickens. -Tuesday morning had another big snow last night, about 6 inches, near a foot now - there is no particular news that I have heard. I have not been down town but once a little bit for a month. Will is busy and I don;t hear much. If you put in your machine do hope you may do well. We all send you our New Years happy greeting. Our best love to all, Henrys family included. As ever your most affectionate father.
Jas T. Bonner

Jame died soon after this letter. He clearly felt obligated to his sons by his second wife for their assistance in running the business. That feeling was not shared by the children of the first wife. This is very evident in a letter written by his son James Toy Bonner to his wife when Toy was in Chillicothe for his father's funeral and to claim his inheritance as the eldest son.

May 13, 1884
Dearest Wife.
I received your very kind letter yesterday. I was very glad to get it. I think you got a nice picture of Walter and Hattie. Bessie's don't look quite natural. I am proud of them and I take great delight in showing them to my friends. I got a nice presenty from some friend last night for Walter and Hattie. Iam going to make quite a box to send home. Henry and Mary started for Iowa yesterday. Mother dont want me to go yet so I will not get home before next week. Father made a will, a most unjust one, everything is left to mother and at her death Will gets it all. But they have got Father so involved that there will be nothing left by that time. Will's wife is terribly extravagant. I thought I would like her but the more I see of her the less I think of her. I wont tell you anything before I get home. I dread coming home and shouldering my heavy load again, but I dont think Iam a coward. I must go ahead with out ever thinking of getting anything except what I make by my own energy and care - with you assistance -. I want my babies so much. I wish you could be here but I dont suppose I will ever come home again. It is not home anymore. I hope more flowers come through nicely. You need not answer this for I will start for hime either Friday or Saturday. Jos wants me to go andsee him. It will not cost any more, I may go that way rather than through Indianapolis. I have seen Lizzie but I will never call on her. I can't bear her. Iam thankfull that I have been saved from such a wife. I will wait until I get home to tell you the rest.
Your affectionate husband
James T. Bonner
Kiss the children for me, Walter, Kitten and Bessie. Kiss yourself for me.

     Sarah was born at Mifflin, PA, on 11 January 1800.¹ She was the daughter of David Bonner and Eleanor "Nelly" Johnson. Sarah applied for a marriage license on 3 February 1823.² She married Rev. John Graham at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, on 2 April 1823.¹
     As of 3 February 1823,her married name was Graham. Sarah's occupation: PastorHe was elected Pastor of the new Presbyterian Church erected the same year. at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, in 1835.³ She resided at Greene Co., Ohio, in 1854. She resided in 1854.

     Margaret was born at Chillicothe, OH, on 10 May 1806.² She was the daughter of David Bonner and Eleanor "Nelly" Johnson. Margaret applied for a marriage license to wed an unknown person at Highland Co., OH, on 20 October 1825.³ She married Rev. Joseph Claybough at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, on 25 October 1825.² Margaret died on 14 September 1884 at Lafayette County, IN.²
     Her married name was Claybaugh. As of 25 October 1825,her married name was Claybough. She resided in 1854.

     John was born on 27 December 1808.¹ He was the son of David Bonner and Eleanor "Nelly" Johnson. He married Margaret Jane Wead on 6 April 1836. Lisa J. Porter-Burt believes her name was Margaret Jane Little..¹ John died on 14 March 1888.¹
     Rev. John Henry Bonner was deed from 1838 to 1844; The Recorders office has several deeds for Henry J. Bonner and Martha "housewife" during this period, all for land in Greenfield.

Deed Book #, page #/ date details
7/461/28 Aug 1839 David Bonner to John H.
11/478/1 Oct 1844 John H. and Margaret of Boone Co., IN to James Hudson and Mary B. of Highland.



He bought property at property purchased 27 Dec 1813, Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, on 28 August 1839. He resided in 1844. John's occupation: preacher at Bethel ChurchThe Carmel congregation. He also preached at Hopewell, Scott Co., Indiana and at Grayfriars 3 1/2 miles west of New Washington in Clark Co., Indiana. at United Presbyterian Church in April 1845. He resided in 1854. He was alive in 1865 but not in Chillicothe, Ross Co., Ohio.

     Eleanor was born at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, on 26 May 1817.¹ She was the daughter of David Bonner and Eleanor "Nelly" Johnson. She married Joseph M. Toy on 12 May 1840.¹ Eleanor died on 26 April 1846 at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH.¹
     As of 12 May 1840,her married name was Toy.

     David Toy was the son of Joseph M. Toy and Eleanor (Ellen) Jane Bonner.

     He married Eleanor (Ellen) Jane Bonner on 12 May 1840.¹

     Martha was born at OH on 13 February 1816.^1,2 She was the daughter of Nathaniel Bonner and Jane C. Ghormley. Martha Bonner married Isaac C. Wilson (?) in 1852.² Martha Bonner died on 24 July 1871.²

     Thomas was born at OH on 17 January 1818.^1,2 He was the son of Nathaniel Bonner and Jane C. Ghormley.
     He was mentally incompetent and William Smith was appointed his guardian. In 1865 he and his guardian were sued in Fayette Co., Ohio by Thomas's brother James. The subject of the suit was their father's estate.

     Margaret was born at OH on 31 January 1820. Deborah Coffey says she was born 16 Feb 1820..^1,2 She was the daughter of Nathaniel Bonner and Jane C. Ghormley. She was baptized at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, on 9 November 1820. Religion:. Margaret Bonner married Robert M. Lavery.² Margaret died on 16 December 1887.¹
     Her married name was Lavery.

     Jane was born at OH on 17 February 1822.^1,2 She was the daughter of Nathaniel Bonner and Jane C. Ghormley. Jane died on 14 April 1890.¹ Her body was interred at Greenfield, Madison Twp., Highland Co., Ohio, at New Greenfield Cemetery. She and her sister Judith share a tombstone..

     Sarah was born at OH on 8 January 1824. Deborah Coffey says 7 Jan..¹ She was the daughter of Nathaniel Bonner and Jane C. Ghormley. Sarah Bonner married Henry Wilson Irwin on 26 March 1846.¹ Sarah died on 7 May 1855.
     As of 26 March 1846,her married name was Irwin.

     James was born at OH on 17 February 1826.^1,2 He was the son of Nathaniel Bonner and Jane C. Ghormley. He married (?) (?). James died on 2 March 1896 at Greenfield, Highland County, OH.^1,2 His body was interred at Greenfield, Madison Twp., Ohio, at Old Burying Ground. On his tombstone are also listed Sarah E., Alice E., William A., Martha J., Minnie E., George E., and Esther M..¹

     John was born at OH on 18 April 1828.¹ He was the son of Nathaniel Bonner and Jane C. Ghormley.

     Judith was born at OH on 14 April 1830.^1,2 She was the daughter of Nathaniel Bonner and Jane C. Ghormley. Judith died on 25 July 1906.¹ Her body was interred at Greenfield, Madison Twp., Highland Co., Ohio, at New Greenfield Cemetery. She and her sister Jane share a tombstone..¹
     Judith was a at First Presbyterian Church member at Greenfield, Highland Co., OH, in 1843. She was a member of the Women's Crusade Against Liquor in Greenfield. A group which atttempted to persuade saloon orders to close theri doors, held vigils on sidewalks, and when all else failed held impromptu prayer meetings inside the saloons. They were not as aggressive as an affiliate group in Chillicothe which had gone on a rampage breaking all liquor bottles in the town and inflicinting heavy damage on many saloons. That famous action ended up in the State Supreme Court.

     Priscilla was born at OH on 23 September 1833.¹ She was the daughter of Nathaniel Bonner and Jane C. Ghormley. She married Edwin Christopher Irwin on 1 March 1853.¹ Priscilla died on 8 November 1890.
     As of 1 March 1853,her married name was Irwin.

     Benjamin was born on 8 September 1806. He was the son of William Henry Harrison and Anna Tuthill. He married Louisa Smith Bonner on 18 April 1828. Benjamin was divorced from Louisa Smith Bonner. Benjamin died on 17 June 1840.

     He married Anna Tuthill.