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The
NEW Hoobler
Family Home Page
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In 1827, when Jemima was three years old, the Rev. John and Rebecca, their two children, Jerry and Jemima, and the grandparents, left Ohio and headed West in a covered wagon. They located in Vermillion County, IN. It was here that Jemima fell from a wagon, severely crushing her leg. With considerable trouble, the parents managed to find a doctor who set the leg. After a few days, however, it was apparent the leg was not doing well and, to save Jemima’s life, amputation was necessary. Jemima’s father and another minister performed this unpleasant, heartbreaking task. The limb was amputated close to the hip and, as anesthetics were unheard of then, the suffering must have been great. Still it was not long before she was running around on her two hands and one foot. A visiting preacher made a pair of crutches for Jemima and she eventually learned to walk by placing a crutch under one arm. This handicap never stopped Jemima from accomplishing any task throughout her long life. Many troubles confronted the Hoobler family during those days. Indians were revengeful and one, known as Captain John, was the terror of Jemima’s childhood. The slavery issue touched them, for her father was an ardent sympathizer with the oppressed. In 1847 the family moved to Vermillion County, IL, where they remained four years. In 1851 they moved to Livingston County, where they laid claim to some government land and, with much hard work, succeeded in making a comfortable home. In this home were born their eight children. Three of those children died of diseases during childhood and a fourth was killed in a runaway. Jemima was very small, weighing less than 100 pounds her entire life. She prepared huge Sunday meals for her family, children, and grandchildren for many years. Jemima’s crutch is currently in the possession of a g-g-granddaughter. Jacob Kuns was one of the pioneer farmers in Livingston County. He was the son of Daniel Kuns and Louisa Speace. He was born May 16, 1823 in Union County, PA and died August 29, 1908. He is buried at Phillips Cemetery, Livingston County, IL. Daniel was a weaver by trade and was a soldier in the War of 1812. In 1852 they moved to Newtown Township, Livingston County, IL. There were no roads at this time and the county was sparsely populated. Jacob and Jemima made several trips traveling by wagon, to Ottawa where all of the lumber for their house was purchased. Through hard work and business acumen, Jacob Kuns became not only one of the largest farmers and stock-raisers in the township, but one of its most highly respected citizens. At 85 years of age, Jacob died at his home. Children of Jemima Hoobler and Jacob Kuns are:
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