Columbia Township Ear Marks, 1791-1820

This is the 4th in a series of posts written by John Tholking. Proving that you have ancestors who lived in Cincinnati before December 31, 1820 can be quite a challenge, but the rewards are worth it. Your ancestors could be recognized as part of the "First Families" lineage group. Proving their residence in Hamilton County may require consulting some unusual records, such as those described by John in this post. 

Genealogists use many different records to establish the location or residency of their ancestors.  Birth, marriage and death records, the census, land and court records, and voter’s lists are some of the more common official records.  One of the more unusual official records used by local genealogists is the Columbia Township list of Ear Marks. 

The clerk of the township assigned marks of identification to be cut in ears of cattle.  Fences were not plentiful and it was common for livestock to be pastured together or to wander off.  Branding did not appear until 1820.

A slit, a penny, a crop, a half penny, a swallow fork, a nick, a saw tooth, a slope, and a "poppler" leaf were markings used to form numerous patterns cut into the ears of cattle for identification.   

The original documents at the Cincinnati Historical Society cover the period 1791 to 1861.  This list from 1791 to 1820 was extracted from an article in Hamilton County Court and Other Records  v.2  p.14 - available at the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library. The name of the pioneer, the date recorded and the description of the ear mark is listed.

Membership in First Families is open to descendants of pioneers who were residents of Hamilton County before December 31, 1820.  Applications or requests for forms may be sent to FFHC, Hamilton County Chapter OGS, PO Box 15865, Cincinnati, OH 45215-0865

HCOGS Welcomes New Members to Lineage Groups

First Families Honorees

The HCOGS held its annual luncheon to recognize new inductees into the lineage groups sponsored by the Chapter. The luncheon was held at the Clovernook Country Club. The Chapter now sponsors three lineage groups:  First Families, Settlers and Builders and Century Families.

The Chapter's first lineage group, First Families of Hamilton County, was started in 1988 and has established 419 members with over 1000 pioneer ancestors who were proven to be residents of Hamilton County before December 31st, 1820. Nine new members were able to prove 38 direct ancestors who lived in Hamilton County during this time period.

Settlers and Builders Inductees

In 2007 the Chapter established Settlers and Builders of Hamilton County honoring ancestors who lived in the county between January 1st 1821 and December 31st 1860.  They now claim 53 members who have proven 209 Settlers and Builders ancestors.  Four new members were inducted as well as two members who submitted additional ancestors through a supplemental application.

Charter Members of the Century Families Lineage Group

This year a third lineage group was established by the Chapter called Century Families.  This group honors ancestors who resided in Hamilton County 100 years before today's date or January 1, 1861.   Twenty-two charter members honoring 135 Hamilton County ancestors were inducted.

Our guest speaker for the luncheon was Michael Morgan who entertained us with stories of Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.  It was known for its large population of German immigrants, beer gardens, saloons and breweries.  You can read more about his program by checking this previous post that discusses "When Beer Was King."

It's not too early to start thinking about next year's luncheon.  Download an application at the Chapter's website. There are several Chapter members who would be happy to share advice on how to complete the application.  Perhaps next year we will be able to recognize even more Hamilton County ancestors who had a part in creating such a great community.

You can view individual pictures of Century Families inductees by clicking on this link. 

Photo Credits:  John Tholking