52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 6 - Social Media - Jared Bortner #52Ancestors

 This episode is dedicated to my 2nd Great Grandfather, Jared Bortner.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE:  1906 Newspaper Article

Begins Bible Again For Twentieth Time -

Jared Bortner, Aged 89, or Near Glenville,

Devoted to Study of Scriptures

Hanover, Pa., Aug 21 - Jared Bortner, of near Glenville, this county, has just begun to read the Bible through for the twentieth time.  recently he finished his nineteenth reading of the Holy Book.

Bortner began his Bible reading thirty years ago, and in all that time has never failed to ive a considerable part of each day to the work.  On Sunday he spends many hours in reading.

He uses an ancient Bible, printed in German, and as he sits on the porch of his home is a character familiar to many persons.  In the accompanying photograph he is shown with his Bible.  Although nearly ninety years old, Bortner retired from his trade of shoemaking, only a few years ago.  He has selected the text for the sermon to be preached at his funeral.

Here is a poor copy of the photo referred to in the article:

I wish I had a better copy of this picture.  The above article was passed around from paper to paper.  That was the way it was in those days - with no Facebook, etc. to share information.

Obviously they reduced to picture to a head shot.  I have looked for years but can't find a better copy of the whole photo.  Maybe someday a better image will surface.

Here is his tombstone:

The following is a transcription of Jared's obituary:

OBITUARY:  Obituary from an unsourced/dated paper - May 1913

GREEN RIDGE

Green Ridge, May 18.  The funeral of Jaret Bortner, probably one of the oldest residents in York county, who died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Edward Bortner, d on Wednesday evening at 10 o'clock, was held from his daughter's home, yesterday afternoon.  Despite the inclemency of the weather, many persons attended the funeral.  Several beautiful floral designs were received.  Brief services were held at the house at 1 o'clock after which the funeral party proceeded to St. Jacob's church were further services were held.  Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.  The Rev. W. H. Ehrhart, officiated.

Of all my ancestors this is one that I actually know some details about his life beyond the basic genealogical facts.  The story about his Bible reading is especially interesting.  Wouldn't it be nice to know facts like these on all our ancestors.