John W. O. Ahalt

From History of Frederick County. p. 1086-1087:

John W. O. Ahalt, one of the leading farmers of Middletown District, who resides on his well-improved farm of 150 acres, situated three miles southwest of Middletown, was born on the place he now owns, October 14, 1852. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Smith) Ahalt.

Henry Ahalt, the grandfather of John W. 0. Ahalt, spent his life following the occupation of a farmer. He gave his support in politics to the Whig party. In religion, he was connected with the Reformed Church. He was the possessor of the farm over a century and a quarter ago that is now owned by J. W. O. Ahalt. He was the father of two sons and six daughters: Daniel, deceased; Betsy, deceased, was the wife of John Zecher; Mary, deceased, was married to Ephraim Long; Jacob; Barbara, died unmarried; Lydia, also died unmarried; Sarah, deceased; and one daughter, name not recorded.

Jacob Ahalt, son of Henry Ahalt, was born May 13, 1806, and died September 3, 1863. He followed farming as an occupation. He was a Lutheran in church matters and voted the Republican ticket. He was married to Mary Smith. They were the parents of fifteen children : Lewis, died aged sixty-seven years; Annie, deceased, was the wife of Jacob Huffer, also dead; Malinda, deceased, was married to John Huffer; Violetta, deceased, married Henry Beachley; Mary, died unmarried; Luretta, died young; Lucinda, the wife of Frederick Phlegar, of Middletown; Carlton, a farmer of Loudoun County, Va.; Cordelia, died unmarried; Ellen, the wife of Malon Arnold; Jacob deceased; Susan, the wife of John Kepler, of Boonsboro, Washington County, Md.; Olivia, died unmarried; John W. O.; and Samuel, deceased.

John W. O. Ahalt, son of Jacob and Mary (Smith) Ahalt, was reared on the old homestead, and was educated in the public schools. Arriving at man’s estate, he chose agricultural pursuits, at which he has always remained. He is the present owner of the farm upon which his grandfather. Henry Ahalt, resided, which is located near the foot of the South Mountain. He has met with much success at farming, and is held in high esteem in the community in which he makes his home.

In politics, Mr. Ahalt is an adherent of the Republican party, but has never desired public office, although he has been a trustee of the district schools for the past several years. In religion, he is a leading spirit, and an active member in Zion’s Lutheran Church of Middletown, in which he has filled the offices of deacon and elder.

Mr. Ahalt was married to Jennie McDuell, daughter of James and Mary (Sheppard) McDuell. Mr. and Mrs. Ahalt have no children.

James McDuell, the father of Mrs. Ahalt, was a son of Henry and Magdalena (Smith) McDuell, of an old family of Petersville District, Frederick County, of Scotch-Irish origin. James McDuell married Mary Sheppard, by whom he had three children: Charles W., of Santiago, Col.; Mary Magdalena, the wife of Edward E. Wright, of Santiago, Col.; and Jennie, married John W. O. Ahalt.