Dayton Daily News - Wednesday, January 2, 1889
Abner Prugh
Born in Frederick County, Maryland. January 1, 1789
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Three months ago, the Prugh tribes from all over the land assembled at Abraham Prugh's, in Washington township, for a reunion of old and young folks of the families, as preliminary to celebration of the centennial anniversary of the birth of Abner Prugh, whose home is now with his son Abraham. Details of that joyful September gathering were given in the Journal at the time.
Yesterday, January 1st, 1889, Abner Prugh's four sons and five daughters, Levi, Abram, Abner and Nathan; Elizabeth, Sallie, Mary, Lydia and Martha, with their families and a few other relatives and invited friends, about fifty people in all, assembled at Abraham's house in Washington township to unit with the patriarch in a celebration of his hundredth anniversary. The folks gathered early in the day, and had a good social time until noon. Uncle Abner was brighter and in stronger physical condition than three months ago, probably from the fact that there was less excitement around. He certainly enjoyed with the rest the activities, greetings, dinner and all. Fair, milder weather contributed largely to the pleasures of the day, for, as was generally observed, it was an exceptionally fine New Year's Day.
Dinner was an old fashioned bounteous feast, such as would be looked for in any of the comfortable farm homes of this valley, but is to have special mention because it was prepared entirely by a quartette of Uncle Abner's granddaughters, the Misses Annie, Sallie, Martha and Emma Prugh, and it was no slight task. There were generous supplies of chicken and meats, vegetables, fruits, preserves, jellies, pies, cakes, relishes, etc., and there were appreciative people to enjoy all.
Abner, son of Conrad and Mary Prugh, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, January 1st, 1789, the day that Washington was first elected President of the United States and came to Ohio during the war of '12, returned to Maryland and married Martha Ensey, brought her to this county and settled in Van Buren township in 1817, and his wie died there January 27, 1872.
Dayton Daily News - Thursday, June 9, 1904, Pg 9
Ripe Age of Noble Woman
Mrs. Sophia Lorenz Celebrates Her Ninety-Fourth Birthday
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Germantown, O., June 9 - Another year has been added to the remarkable age of Mrs. Sophia Lorenz, a well-known woman of this village, who has on this day attained the age of 94 years. Mrs. Lorenz was born June 9, 1810 at Harper's Ferry, Va., and while young spent a number of years at Hagerstown, Md. She was a twin sister and had three sisters and two brothers--Peggy, Polly and Betsey Billmire, and Samuel and Jacob Billmire. Her father's name was Samuel Billmire, and in later years lived at Salem, O. He was a Revolutionary soldier and well respected citizen. As to her mother, no information can be learned. Her twin sister lived at one time near Lebanon, O., but nothing has been heard from her for many years. When but a young girl Mrs. Lorenz came to Cincinnati down the Ohio river by boat, and thence to Germantown by wagon. On Oct. 19 she married Peter Lorenz, a Frenchman, who was a man always held in highest esteem by his neighbors, and from the time of his settlement here to the time of his death was regarded by all as one of the best citizens. At the age of 76 he died, June 2, 1876, leaving an aged widow, two daughters and five sons to mourn his loss. They are as follows: Mrs. John Bechtolt of Germantown, Mrs. Euphemia McCrainer of St. Joseph, Mo.; George E. Lorenz of Toledo, president of the Manufacturing Perfumers' association of the United States; Henry Lorenz, a prominent lawyer of Washington, D.C.; John Lorenz of Germantown, and Charles and Philip Lorenz, both of whom are dead.
Mrs. Lorenz united with the Lutheran church at the age of 13 years, and has been a devoted Christian woman all her life. At the present time she is in fairly good health, thanks to the excellent care taken of her by Mrs. D. Eberhart, who, with her two sons, lives with the old lady, and who hopes to carry Mrs. Lorenz through to the century mark by patient watchfulness and attendance. Her mind is somewhat enfeebled by age, but she can still tell a few anecdotes that happened years ago. She has living eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, who can refer with pride to the aged grandmother who has attained a ripe old age.