The Puntenny Family
George Hollingsworth Puntenney, was a son of Joseph Puntenney, whose father was a French Protestant, and was compelled to leave his native home in France on account of his religion. George H. Puntenney brought his family to the West Indies to an island called Eustatia, intending to make that his home, but being dissatisfied with this place, he embarked for Ghent in Holland, and from there went to Oxford, England, where his son, Joseph Puntenney, married Mary Hollingsworth. After remaining some years in England, the whole family emigrated to America, and settled at Little Gunpowder Falls, in Maryland. At the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, George Puntenney was fourteen years old. His father died in the second year of the war, and his property was sold by the administrator for $22,000.00, which was paid in Continental money, which soon became worthless. The family then moved to Braddock's old battlefield in Pennsylvania, and George H. Puntenney became an Indian scout and a trader with the Delaware Indians, and subsequently he was engaged with a surveying party in the Green River country, Kentucky. In going down the Ohio River he passed the present site of Cincinnati twice before the virgin timber on that site had been touched by the white man.
He subsequently married Margaret Hamilton and settled in Bourbon County, Kentucky. In March, 1800, he removed to Greene Township, Adams County, Ohio, and settled at Stout's Run, where he lived until his death in 1853. On this farm, his son, James Puntenney, was born September 1, 1800, and resided there all his life, until his death on May 7, 1890. James Puntenney was the second white child born in Greene Township, and he was a man who was loved, honored, and respected by all who knew him.
James Puntenney was a Whig and Republican, but at all times he was anti-slavery in sentiment and might be called a downright Abolitionist. He never failed to aid the fugitive slaves who called on him on the way to freedom.
He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in the latter part of his life, and prior to that, was a member of and a ruling elder in the Reformed Presbyterian Church for a number of years.
He was married April 10, 1823, to Miss Martha Wait, a woman of remarkable character. There were seven children of this marriage, but only four survived. Their children were John, Elizabeth, Mary Jane and James Hollingsworth Puntenney. John, the eldest child, carried on a tannery for a number of years on Stout's Run. He went to Colorado in 1886 and died there in 1899, in his seventy-seventh year. Mary J. was married October 4, 1864, to Hon. Andrew C. Smith. She and her husband own and reside on the James Puntenney estate on Stout's Run. Elizabeth married Henry Ousler, November 7, 1850, and died at her home on Stout's Run, May 15, 1891, in her seventy-first year. James H. Puntenney, the youngest of the family, was born October 10, 1848. In his childhood, he showed great fondness for music, and as a youth, he became a violoncellist in a string band. As he grew older, he became a skilled pianist, and cultivated his voice to a great extent. He was bright, quick, and disposed to study and learn all within reach of him. Until fourteen years of age, he attended the district schools, and at the age of fifteen, he attended the North Liberty Academy, then under the supervision of the Rev. D. MacDill, D. D. He spent two years at this academy, and in the Fall of 1886, entered Miami University and graduated in June, 1871. It was his father's idea that he should study for the ministry, but the son preferred a business career.
In the Fall of 1871, he located in Cincinnati. He obtained a position in the music store of D. H. Baldwin & Co., and in the course of time, he became the book-keeper of the firm and held that position for ten years. In the year of 1882, the firm of D. S. Johnson & Co. was organized and Mr. Puntenney became a member until the business was closed. At that time, he located in Columbus, where he has been Engaged in the piano business ever since. Mr. Puntenney is now the senior member of the well-known house of Puntenney & Eutsler, of Columbus. They have built up a large and prosperous business, in their line, in the center of the State.
On April 25, 1876, Mr. Puntenney was married to Miss Eliza Love. To them were born two children: Harry, who died at the age of four years, and Mary Martha, who resides with her father in Columbus. His first wife lived but four years. He was married to Miss Belle Love on December 21, 1882, and to them two children have been born: Belle, aged sixteen, and James Hollingsworth, aged twelve years.
In politics, Mr. Puntenney is a Republican. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church. He is an elder in the Neil Avenue U. P. Church. He is a genial, courteous gentleman of the strictest integrity, and highly esteemed for his sterling qualities as a business man. He is firm in his attachments and conscientious in all his dealings. He has always identified himself with any and every movement for the uplifting and betterment of mankind. He is known as a liberal-minded, largehearted citizen, whose soul is concerned in the welfare of humanity. He is not devoted solely to his own affairs, but is known as thoroughly unselfish, with the disposition of a true philanthropist.
From History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900