Erhard and Anna Christena Fusselman came to Mahoning County, Ohio, from Lehigh County, Pennsylvania in 1829. They moved "overland in a covered-wagon drawn by oxen."(1) Lovina was the youngest of their 10 children and was six years old when they joined the burgeoning settlement of the Youngstown area.

Erhard's father had immigrated from Germany, and while we don't know the maternal side's story, we do know that both Erhard and his bride, Christena* Jaxtheimer were born in Pennsylvania; he in 1779, and she in 1782.

Not long after their arrival in Mahoning County, they moved again to Southington Township, Trumbull County. Belle (Templeton) Hine tells us, rather primly, that "Great-grandfather Fusselman was a native of Germany. The Fusselmans were nearly all engaged in farming. They have all been people of prominence and high respectability."

Michael Templeton and Lovina Fusselman were married in Warren, Ohio, March 19, 1847, with Harvey Brocket performing the ceremony. Between 1848 and1865, Lovina gave birth to ten children. Belle relates, "One baby boy died in infancy, the others were all married and reared their families. There were fifteen grandchildren."

Lovina and Michael were steadfast members of the Disciple Church. Lovina Templeton died September 9, 1904. She is buried with her husband in the family lot in Braceville, Ohio.

* Anna Christena was known by her middle name, which is variously spelled "Christena" and "Christian" by her Templeton grandchildren.

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NOTES:

1. Letter from Frank Lewis Templeton to Marie Templeton, March, 1933. Collection of Roger Templeton.