Madison [Township]

John Olinger, father of our subject, was born in Bucks County, Pa.; his mother, Mary, was born in the same State and County; five children were born to bless the union of John Olinger and his wife Mary. Of these five children Judge George Olinger is the youngest. He was born in Bedford County, Pa., on the 18th of February, 1793; reared on a farm, and possessed of an active physical constitution, he never wholly forsook his first honorable calling. His early advantages, especially in educational matters, were very limited; but being of an inquiring disposition, he sought for and gathered a mass of information which could only be acquired by profound reading and continued reflection. October 21, 1813, he was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony to Margaret Hardman, of Kentucky; ten children were born to them, viz., Israel H., Catherine, Jessie P., Susan, Margaret, Sarah, Mary, Maria, Agnes, and Eliza Ann; all are living, excepting Catherine, Susan, and Margaret. Mrs. Olinger was a member of the "German Baptist Church;" she died May 17, 1863, leaving a large family to mourn her loss. Judge Olinger is one of the pioneers of this County, and has occupied a prominent position in its history. In the year 1827 he was elected a Justice of the Peace for his township, and he continued in office for twelve years, when he declined further honors in that direction. About the year 1856, Mr. Olinger was elected a Judge of the Common Pleas; a position of honor, which he held to the public acceptance and credit to himself for two terms, comprising a period of about six years. In the year 1829, Judge Olinger was elected one of the Commissioners of the County, and he continued in office for six or seven years; and so popular was his administration of the affairs of the County, that his friends desired him to "keep on running;" he declined, however, and attempted to retire to private life. But it was insisted that he must do something in a public capacity, and he was put into the position of Land Appraiser for a number of years. Judge Olinger is a gentleman of the "old school," but he belongs to that progressive class of old men who recognize the fact that the world moves. In politics he has always been a firm and consistent supporter of the Democratic party. James Monroe was the first President for whom he voted. The Judge, although not in favor of total abstinence, is, however, an advocate for moderation and temperance in all things. The common-school interests of the County find in him a faithful friend. His life having been spent mainly in a continued round of mental and physical activity, Judge O. has at last withdrawn from the urgent cares and annoyances of life, and is prepared to spend the evening of his days as becomes one who has borne the heat and burden of the day, and would rest from his labors. He is now in his eighty-second year, and is in the enjoyment of good health, and retains a good share of the physical vigor of his younger days.