This information gleaned from the internet 11/2001 from a Davis Marvin Family2 file. 11 children are listed in the Family History and states 2 deceased children. In 1870-1880 he was living in Gilmore, Washington, Twp, Tuscarawas, OOH. In 1884 he owned 200 acres of land and was a man of integrity and respected. While returning home from protecting Cincinnatti Israel nearly drowned while swimming under a bridge but was rescued by his brother R.I. per the History of Tuscarawas Co, OH. Warner, Beers & Co., 1884 gives some family history.

Contacting descendant: LYnda Bailey 3320 N. Manor Dr., Tucson, AZ 85750

Was of Moravian Religion, a farmer the raised sheep.

Served in Civil War.

Peter Ginther also input information.
Taken from the History of Tuscarawas Co, Washington Twp., OH 1884; pages 985-986.
Israel Berskshire, farmer P.O. Gilmore was born in Belmont Co, OH, September 2, 1823/
Israel emigrated to this country with his parents in 1832. At that time this section of the country was mostly a wilderness. Mr. Bershire is son of Robert and Leutitia Berskhire of English descent. He married Maria, daughter of John and Mary Kendrick, December 3, 1946. The next year they moved on the farm on which they now live. They raised a large family two of the children are dead. Robert F. dided at the old homestead, after marriage, and William H. dided in Missouri. The children living are Eliza, wife of George Fedrick, of this township; Mary E., wife of John Miller, living in Gilmore, Samantha, wife of Eli A. Morris, of Rush Township, Sarah L., wife of Reuben M. Sinsey, of this township; Olive L., wife of Charles Schneider, of Gilmore; Henry H. and MAggie G. at thome. Our subject has lived near his present home since 1832; most of his family are members of the Moravian church. Sheep-raising is his principal branch of farming. When he took possession of his farm, he was $500 in debt; he even borrowed $1 to pay the preacher who married him. But he now owns 200 acres of fine improved land. He attributes his success to being benevolent to those in need, and in aiding all enterpries that are beneficial to the human family. He volunteered to aid in the protection of Cincinnati when the Governor called for men for that prupose in 1863. When he was returning home, he was very nearly drowned while swimming under the bridge at Port Washington. He was rescued by his brother R.L. Berkshire, and Jackson Rusher. Leader at the West Union Church in Gilmore, OH.

• Married: 3 Dec 1846 in Tuscarawas, OH

1. Eliza BERKSHIRE b: 1848 in Tuscarawas, OH
2. William H. BERKSHIRE b: 1849 in Tuscarawas, OH
3. Mary E. BERKSHIRE b: 1852 in Tuscarawas, OH
4. Samantha J. BERKSHIRE b: 1854 in Tuscarawas, OH
5. Sarah L. BERKSHIRE b: 1856 in Tuscarawas, OH
6. Robert L. BERKSHIRE b: 1858 in Washington Twp, Tuscarawas, OH
7. Clarinda J. BERKSHIRE b: 1859 in Tuscarawas, OH
8. John Knowles BERKSHIRE b: 7 Aug 1861 in Tuscarawas, OH
9. Olive L. BERKSHIRE b: 15 Nov 1863 in Tuscarawas, OH
10. Henry H. BERKSHIRE
11. Maggie G. BERKSHIRE b: 1869 in Ohio