52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 18

 Week 18:

The theme for Week 18 is “Institutions.” The word “institution” has both positive and negative connotations. Graduating from an institution of higher learning vs being institutionalized. Then there are people who are described as institutions in their community or organization because of their longevity and knowledge.

Johan George Spahr 

Born: 11 Nov 1742

Died: 8 Mar 1830

6th great-grandfather 

Institution in their community- That was my my 6th great- grandfather, Johan George Spahr. At the time of his death, he was believed to be the oldest inhabitant of Dover Township. 

Johan went by George. George was born, raised, and died on the Spahr family farm in Dover Township. 

His obituary says "He was a good neighbor and beloved and respected by all who knew him - May he rest in peace." What a legacy! Not only was he the oldest resident in Dover, but he was apparently very loved by his community. 









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