John Oatney is the son of Benedict Otteni and Christina Hauser. Benedict and Christina were born in Germany and came to the United States in 1831.
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FAMILY NAME
Over the years, there have been many different spellings of the family name. The original spelling, found on German records and signatures on early land transactions in the United States, was OTTENI. The spellings used today in the U.S. are: OTTENI, OATNEY, OTNEY, and OTTNEY. All trace back to Urloffen, Germany to Hans Georg Otteni, John's GGG Grandfather.
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John is 1 of 11 known children of Benedict and Christina. Eight of his older siblings were born in Germany. His siblings are:
• Maria Elizabeth Walt (1815-aft 1858)
• Franziska "Frances" Welker (1816-1858)
• Maria Magdalena Stortz (1819- ? )
• Theresia "Teresa" Flemm (1820-1895)
• Cresentia "Nancy" Wald (1822-1864)
• Josef "Joseph" (1825-1897)
• Andreas (1827-1850)
• Moritz (1829-1831)
• Maria Emily Schefler (1831-1912)
• Louisa Thimmes (1836-1911)
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Per the 1850 U.S. Census, John resided in Pleasant Township, Fairfield, County, Ohio with his parents and siblings. Listed are:
-Benedict Otney, age 60, born Germany
-Christina Otney, age 60, born Germany
-John Otney, age 16, born Ohio
-Louisa Otney, age 14, born Ohio
-Emily Otney, age 19, born Atlantic Ocean
-Andrew Otney, age 23, born Ohio
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On 5 Mar 1857,John married Lavina Coon in Pickaway County, Ohio.
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Per the 1860 U.S. Census, John and Lavina Oatney resided in Hocking Township, Fairfield County, Ohio. Listed are:
-John Oatney, age 24, born Ohio
-Lavina Oatney, age 20, born Ohio
-Joseph Oatney, age 2, born Ohio
-Mary Oatney, age 1, born Ohio
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John and Lavina are known to have 12 children. They are:
• Joseph Otney (1857-1932)
• Mary Ann Oatney Pearce (1858-1931)
• Elizabeth Oatney Powers (1860-1940)
• John Daniel Oatney (1862-1939)
• Emma Oatney Brandt (1865-1923)
• Clara Oatney Miller (1866-1935)
• Henry Oatney (1869-1952)
• Rose Ann Oatney Davis (1871-1934)
• Minnie Oatney Getz (1873-1943)
• Sarah Oatney (1875-1875)
• Grace Lavina Oatney Shugert (1876-1965)
• Franklin Pierce Oatney (1879-1964)
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OBITUARY
Lancaster Eagle Gazette, Lancaster Fairfield County, Ohio, Oct 1897

The funeral of Mr. John Oatney, who died at his home in Greenfield township one and one-half miles west of Dumontville, Monday morning, took place from his late residence, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and was largely attended.

He was born on the 10th day of October 1833 and was 63 years 5 months and 5 days old when he died. He leaves an aged wife, seven daughters, four sons, two sisters, twenty five grand children and a host of friends to mourn his departure. He had been a consistent member of the Reformed church for twenty-four years, and was a highly respected citizen and valued member of his church. Rev. Dr. Schindel, of Dumontville, conducted the funeral services and was assisted by Rev. A. C. Derr, of Lancaster. Rev. Schindel took as a foundation for his sermon, the 44th verse of the 24th chapter of Mathew; "Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh." From these words, which were so well suited to the christian life and character of the deceased, he preached a very able discourse, which was listened to with marked attention.

Rev. Schindel is a very earnest and forcible speaker, and his pathetic and elegant manner is presenting his theme, deeply impressed his hearers.

A number of the members of the Reformed church choir of Lancaster, composed of Rev. A. C. Deer, Col. J.C. Hite, Miss Ida Wachter and Miss Clara Bowser sang three very suitable and well rendered selections, which drew forth from Dr. Schindel some highly complimentary remarks. After the sermon was concluded, the remains were brought to Forest Rose cemetery in Lancaster, and placed in the cemetery vault.