J. J. Antrim
J. J. Antrim, physician, Germantown, is a son of Jacob Antrim, a pioneer minister of illustrious fame. He was born in Berks County, Penn., in the year 1791. From childhood, he was a Bible student and adhered closely to the principles of a Christian life. In early manhood, he connected himself with the U. B. Church, and subsequently filled the pulpit, teaching the doctrines of his denomination. In 1821, his nuptials were solemnized with Miss Mary Zeller, who was a native of the same county and State as her husband, and was born in the year 1800. The issue of this marriage were six children of whom five are now living, viz., Jabez J., Cyrus, Titus, Jacob and Katura (now Mrs. Dr. Eckerd, of Trenton, Ohio). In 1819, he located near Germantown, Montgomery Co., Ohio, purchased 120 acres of land in Butler County. Subsequently entered upon his duties as an itinerant minister and circuit rider. In his circuit of 400 miles, he would frequently become associated with the Rev. James B. Finley, a pioneer Methodist minister. Rev. Antrim removed from his farm to Germantown about 1828, and was chosen Presiding Elder of the Miami Conference of the United Brethren denomination. His district consisted of the counties of Montgomery, Preble, Darke, Mercer, Miami, Hamilton and Warren. In 1850, death summoned his daughter Drucilla to her last abode, and, in 1858, the same messenger called his wife to her eternal home. Rev. Antrim survived her several years, finally taking a trip to his native State to visit his friends; while there was taken very ill and lived but a short time. The brittle thread of life was broken; his labors on earth had ceased; having fought the good fight of faith and finished his course, his spirit had entered into the joys of his Lord. His body was conveyed to Germantown, where it was interred, and there rests the body of a noble, just and esteemed citizen. His death occurred in the year 1860, escaping the scenes of the late rebellion. Dr. J. J. Antrim, whose name heads this sketch, was born near Germantown, Ohio, October 26, 1823; having limited school privileges his early education was the same; his summer months were devoted to framing, and the winter to his books. However, early in life his mind was directed to human and medical sciences, which he subsequently engaged in, being only eighteen years of age; two years later, entered the medical college at Cincinnati, Ohio; graduated in 1844, and entered upon the practice of his profession in New Paris, Preble Co., Ohio. Soon after, thought a trip through the Southern States would be a professional benefit; he prosecuted his thought, treating cancers and tumors. In May, 1846, when the United States was in strife with Mexico, he enlisted in the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Col. G. W. Morgan; was mustered on the non-commissioned staff of the regiment tot he office of Hospital Steward. His services continued in this capacity two months, when upon a satisfactorily examination, he was promoted to Assistant Surgeon, and in rank that of Lieutenant, discharging his duties on the battle-field as well as in the hospital. He served until the close of the war, participating in the battles of Buena Vista, the siege of Saralvo, Puebla and Rio Frio Pass.
Soon after his return, the California gold fever was raging, and he, with a company, traveled through by a private conveyance, completing the trip in seven months, traveling through an inhospitable country sparsely settled with an uncivilized race. His stay was two years, when the unsettled and semi-civilized condition of the country caused him to return. He came by the Isthmus of Panama, then known as the Ocean route, landing at New Orleans, thence up the river home. Subsequently, he took a trip to the metropolis of United States (New York City) and other Eastern cities; returned to Germantown and embarked in the mercantile pursuit. This demanded his attention two years, when he resumed the practice of medicine, in which he is still engaged. His marriage was celebrated January 20, 1853, with Miss Ellen, second daughter of Gabrael and Sarah Oblinger; she was born Jan. 24, 1832. The issue of this union were three children, viz., Ida S., Williard and Frank. Seventeen years of their united life had elapsed when the dreaded disease, consumption, took her from earthly cares. She was an exemplary member of the United Brethren Church, having connected herself with that denomination at an early age, remembering her Creator in the days of her youth. Her death occurred December 8, 1870. With the cares of the Doctor’s children and the demands of his profession, he was married a second time, July 18, 1872, to Mrs. Kate Clemmer, widow of the late David Clemmer. She was born in Adams County, Penn., in 1828, and in 1834, moved with her parents to Montgomery County. At the age of seventeen, united herself with the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was a thoroughly devoted Christian, as was proven in her life and conduct, that religion was not merely a system of ethics and doctrinal truths, but a living principal, hidden in the soul as the leaven is in the meal. After the death of her first husband, she returned to the home of her parents, and owing to the inconvenience of the Methodist Episcopal Church, she united herself with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. From the time of her last marriage to her death, May 28, 1880, she was a resident of Germantown. She merited and received the esteem and love of all who knew her. She was a faithful wife, a good neighbor and constant friend, hospitable and every ready to help the poor and needy. She was a sixter of D. E. McSherry, of Dayton, Ohio, the patentee of the McSherry Grain Drill.
From The History of Montgomery County, Ohio, W.H. Beers & Co., 1882