- 100 - HON. HARVEY C. GARBER. THE subject of this sketch was born at Hill Grove, Darke county, Ohio, July 6, 1865. His parents moved to Greenville two years later. He entered the Public school and attended regularly until 1878, when he became messenger boy for the Western Union Telegraph company ; he readily acquired the art of telegraphy and at fourteen years of age was capable of taking charge of an office, but was not permitted to do so until he was sixteen years old, when he was employed by the " Pan Handle " railway, working at some of their most important stations. He resigned in 1884, and was appointed manager of the Western Union Telegraph office at Greenville, Ohio, which position he still holds. September 16, 1889, he went before the Democratic convention and was nominated for Representative to the Ohio General Assembly, and was elected at the November election in 1889. Mr. Garber, although a young man, is well up on the ladder of fame, and high honors doubtless await him. It is needless to add that he is very popular and highly respected. He is the youngest member of the Sixty-ninth General Assembly, but his record as a legislator shows that he truly represents the best interests of his people. HON. DAVID BAKER WAS born in Darke county, Ohio, March 3, 1850. He began teaching school in 1867, and entered Earlham college the following year ; he then taught school for nine successive years ; was elected justice of the Peace in Darke county in 1878 ; was nominated and elected as Representative of Darke county on the Democratic ticket in 1883, and served in that office four years. For a period of about seven years he was engaged in the manufacture of drain tile. He now resides in Greenville and is engaged in the life insurance business. Mr. Baker is one of the brightest and most respected young men of Darke county, and although an ex-official, he is by no means beyond the point wherein he can serve the people of his city and county in business and official circles. LOUIS C. KLIPSTINE, AUDITOR of Darke county, was born on a farm in Wayne township, of the same county, May 6, 1854. His education was secured in the common schools of his native township, and by close application he had fitted himself for teaching at the early age of sixteen. Mr. Klipstine followed his profession of teaching winter terms of school for seventeen years, and associated with it agricultural pursuits during the summer months. His high standing- in the county induced his party to place him in nomination for County Auditor, and he was elected by a handsome majority. His splendid administration of the affairs of that important office more than sustains his previous popularity. Mr. Klipstine was married to Rosa Belle Kinney, September 26, 1878, and his family consisted of himself, wife and two sons, Percival W. and Artemus R., until death robbed them of wife and mother in January, 1886. - 109 - HENRY M. BICKEL, COUNTY Treasurer, was born January 2, 1831, in Montgomery county, Ohio. He removed to this county with his parents in March, of the same year, locating in Washington township, where he received a common-school education. After finishing school he followed the construction of road beds for railroads for about two years and then began farming, having followed that calling ever since. He also taught school during the winter months in his early life. In his early manhood he was quite an expert with the axe, and the first dollar he ever earned was one he received for cutting and racking eight cords of four-foot wood, and he still posseses the identical coin, which is a Mexican dollar. He was married June 12, 1856, to Miss Mary Crumrine, of this county. They have had born to them six children; four of whom are living ; Lucy Jane and Dora D. died in infancy, and the surviving ones are John C., Mary Adaline, Harrison C. and Henry Irvine. In 1886 he was elected Treasurer of Darke county, and was re-elected in 1888. It is needless to say that Mr. Bickel is one of the most highly respected citizens in the county and he has been highly successful as a financier, having accumulated quite a fortune. JUDGE LEWIS C. ANDERSON WAS born on a farm in Montgomery county, January 15, 1850, where he was reared, removing to Ansonia, Darke county, in 1867. His education was obtained in the district school and at the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. Like many of our public men who have reached the highest round on the ladder Of fame, Mr. Anderson laid the foundation of a useful life by teaching school in the winters of 18691869-70-71 took up the study of medicine at the close of his last term and graduated with honor from the Miami Medical college in the spring of 1874, and pursued the practice of medicine at his home, in Ansonia, for fourteen years. Judge Anderson has served his party as Central committeeman and on the County Executive committee for four campaigns, being its chairman during the Cleveland campaign. He was elected Probate Judge of Darke, county in 1887. He was married to Miss Olive Tullis, April 29, 1875, and has one son, John Milton, who was born in 1876, and is now attending the Ohio Military academy at Portsmouth. While Mr. Anderson is a Democrat in politics, he is a broad-minded citizen whose many good qualities shine beyond party lines. - 113 - GEORGE W. PERRY, DEPUTY PROBATE CLERK. ONE of Darke county's sons, was born in Washington township, April 3, 1842. He has filled various township and corporation offices ; was Postmaster in Greenville during Andrew Johnson's administration ; was Deputy Postmaster for two years during Cleveland's administration ; was appointed Deputy Probate Clerk, July I, 1889. When treason threatened the destruction of our Government, Mr. Perry was prompt to answer his country's call ; he was the first soldier to enlist from Darke county. On the morning after Fort Sumter was fired upon, Mr. Perry came to Greenville, and just at sunrise signed the enrollment prepared by Captain Newkirk, it being the first one presented in the county. Mr. Perry served three months in the 11th Reg't, 0. V. I., and three years in the 94th Reg't, 0. V. I., and received an honorable discharge. He was married to Miss Fannie McGinnis, October 22, 1868, and to them have been born four children : James, Howard, Pearl and Robert E. Mr. Perry is an active Democrat whose party service is appreciated as is shown by his official record. - 115 - JAMES CALVIN ELLIOTT, PROSECUTING ATTORNEY, BORN September 3, 1847, in Preble county, Ohio. His ancestors emigrated to South Carolina (Chester District), before the revolutionary war, and fought for independence under General Francis Marion, his great-grandfather being killed by the Tories while defending his home. His grandfather, Ebenezer Elliott, came to Israel township, Preble county, in 1806, and settled near Morning Sun, Ohio, and died in 1849 ; his grandmother, Esther Gaston, dying in 1814. His father's name was John Elliott and his mother's maiden name was Margaret McMillan ; the former died in 1875 and the latter in 1858. The Elliott family on both sides were United Presbyterians and Covenanters, and left the South on account of opposition to slavery. The nationality of the family is somewhat shrouded in uncertainty, but is supposed to be Scotch-Irish on the grandfather's side and Norman on the grandmother's. Mr. Elliott has living five brothers and two sisters. In 1864 he was a member of the 34th Ohio Battalion, under the call for one hundred day men ; was in May, 1864, mustered into the 'United State's service as a private of company A, 156th Reg't, O. V. I. , and served as such until September, 1864, at expiration of service. His company was stationed at Cincinnati, O. , and Cumberland, Md. He was a student of Morning Sun Academy in 1866-7, and of Miami University, class of 1868 ; studied law with Hon. J. H. Foos, of Eaton, O. , and was admitted to the practice of law in May, 1870 ; taught school two winters ; went West intending to locate in Washing-ton Territory, but becoming dissatisfied with the country returned and located in Darke county, O., in 1874, where he has been engaged in the practice of his profession ever since ; was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Darke county in 1885, and re-elected in 1888. He intermarried with S. S. Elliott, of Eaton, O., in June, 1877. The children born of this union were Clarissa Mary, Leslie Addison and Anise Hyacinth, (twins,) Esther Viola and Pearl. The twins died when six months old, twenty-four hours apart ; the other children are still living. - 117 - JOHN WELKER, SHERIFF, FORMERLY a resident of Butler township, Darke county, Ohio, was born in Henry county, Ind., October 11, 1843, where he passed his boyhood days upon the farm with his father. In October, 1862, at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the 54th Reg't, Ind. Vol. Inf., and was in the "hard-fought battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Jackson, Champion Hill, Black River, Siege of Vicksburg, and others along the Mississippi. For his gallant and unflinching bravery he was promoted. Returning from the war, he was. married on December 21, 1865, to Elizabeth Juday, from which union four children were born, viz : Edgar, born June 14, 1867, died January 27, 1868 ; Eli M., born December 27, 1868 ; Stella B., born October 24, 1873 ; Orla, born December 22, 1878. Mr. Welker has always been a Democrat of the truest stamp and has received rewards, holding township offices: He was Postmaster of New Madison, under Cleveland's administration ; was nominated for Sheriff of Darke. county by the Democratic convention assembled at Greenville, September 16, 1889, and elected November 5, 1889. His ambition is of that determined kind which aims to excel in whatever it undertakes. His moral qualities are in perfect harmony with that which is pure, noble and exalting ; duty is the ruling principle of his conduct ; truth, integrity and justice are deeply rooted in his mind. E. M. WELKER, DEPUTY SHERIFF. M. R. WELKER was born in Henry county, Ind., Dec. 27, 1868, and lived with his father on the farm and attended the Public school during the winter months. In March, 1868, when but seventeen years of age, he received his first certificate to teach school and began teaching when eighteen years of age. Was a student of the Ohio Normal University for one year, where he endeavored to acquaint himself with the practical lessons of life. He was born and raised a Democrat, and from his commanding ability was appointed Postmaster of New Madison, Ohio, under Cleveland's administration. Not being of age he was unable to accept this position and was appointed principal assistant. In November 1889, he resigned his position as teacher of school district No. I, Butler township, to assume that of Deputy Sheriff, being the son of Sheriff Welker. He is a bright, self-reliant, progressive young man, and has many warm friends and admirers. - 121 - THOMAS LECKLIDER. EX-SHERIFF. ON April 14, 1837, occurred the birth of Mr. Lecklider, in Darke county, O., on a farm three miles north of Greenville, which he now owns. In 1883 he was elected Sheriff of Darke county, and filled the office for two terms with great credit to himself and the satisfaction of the people. In December, 1877, he was married to Miss Catharine Wright, of Darke county ; they had born to them one child, Harry T., on February 13, 1882. Mr. Lecklider is one of the well-to-do and respected citizens of Darke county. - 123 - C. W. GILBERT, EX-DEPUTY SHERIFF. IN Dayton, Montgomery county, Ohio, the subject of this sketch was born March 20, 1849. He located in Darke county, in 1874. He received a common-school education in Dayton, and on September 10, 1874, was united in marriage to Miss Cora B. Van Tillburgh. They have had born to them two children, viz : Earl and Ida May. Was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Darke county in 1887, and is a contractor by profession. Mr. Gilbert is one of the most popular and pleasant citizens of his county, and although a true Republican in politics, he has many warm friends in all political parties. - 125 - PATRICK H. MAHER, CLERK OF COURTS, IS a native of Ireland, was born in 1845, and emigrated with his parents to America in 1849, and settled in Darke county, Ohio, in 1864. In 1873 he was married to Miss Ellen Manix. In 1874 he was elected to the office of Recorder of Darke county on the Democratic ticket and was re-elected in 1877, serving six years in that office. In 1885 he was elected Clerk of the Courts for Darke county, and in 1888 was re-elected. Mr. Maher is one of the most creditable and highly respected citizens of Darke county. He is a whole-souled Democrat, but by his pleasant, gentlemanly and accommodating manners has host of friends from all sources. - 127 - DANIEL SNYDER. COUNTY RECORDER. MR. DANIEL SNYDER was born January 20, 1842, in Darke county, O. He is the son of John K. and Amy Hidley Snyder. His parents settled in Darke county in 1839. He was married October 31, 1869, to Miss Lydia I. Winterrowed. The fruits of this union have been eleven children. He enlisted in the 187th Reg't, O. V. I., February, 1865, and was mustered out at Macon, Ga., January 20, 1866. He served as treasurer of Mississinawa township for eight years. Was appointed Postmaster at Rose Hill under Cleveland's administration, in July, 1885, and resigned in November, 1886, upon his election as Recorder of Darke county on the Democratic ticket in October, 1886, and was re-elected in November, 1889. Mr. Snyder is a thorough Democrat whose host of friends are not limited by party lines. - 129 - JAMES W. MARTIN, DEPUTY COUNTY RECORDER, IS a grandson of William Martin, Sen., one of the earliest settlers in Darke county, who located about two and one-half miles east of Greenville in the spring of 1814. His father, William Martin, Jr., was one of the early merchants of Greenville. The subject of our sketch was born in Greenville, September 24, 1845, where he now resides. He began to learn the harness making trade in 1863, at which occupation he continued until November, 1883, when he was appointed Deputy County Recorder by Recorder Richard Hunt and served with him until 1887, when he was reappointed by the present Recorder with whom he is associated. He was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Jones, May 19, 1875. They have had born to them one daughter, Jessie. - 131 - THOMAS C. MAHER, DEPUTY CLERK OF COURTS. DEPUTY Clerk of the courts of Darke county, Ohio, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, August 20, 1859. He received a common-school education, and followed agricultural pursuits until eighteen years of age. From 1877 to 1882 he served as Deputy County Recorder, and as clerk in the County Auditor's office for about two years. Since February, 1886, he has served in his present position. On November 3, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Kate C. Ryan, of Greenville, O., and the fruits of this union are two daughters, Cecelia and Mary Clare. He is a sterling Democrat, and very popular with the people in Darke county. SAMUEL J. STAPLETON, COUNTY COMMISSIONER. AT Whitewater, Wayne county, Ind., the subject of this sketch was born, February 16, 1841, but when quite young he removed to Darke county, O., where he has since resided. He received a good common-school education, and has that determination and self confidence that has enabled him to make life a success. He was married to Miss Rebecca Rupe, February 16, 1862, and had born to them a family of six children. His wife and one child were called from this earth to their happy home above leaving him to battle in life's rugged pathway alone. He was married the second time to Mrs. Catharine Clapp, June 2, 1888. He has filled several prominent positions in his life, and was called upon by the Democracy of Darke county to fill the office of County Commissioner, being elected in 1886, which office he is filling at this time. SAMUEL WILSON, COUNTY COMMISSIONER, FARMER and stock-raiser, resides on Sections 15 and 16, York township, Darke county, O., Versailles, P. O., and was born February 21, 1829. Samuel Wilson, Sen., his father, lived in Greenville township, Darke county, and married Mary Frances Stoner whose father was killed by the Indians ; also the Wilson sisters, aunts to the subject of this sketch, were killed near Greenville. Samuel Wilson, Sen., was drowned in Greenville creek, and his wife died soon after. Mr. Wilson lived with his parents until their death, after which he was compelled to live among strangers until the age of eighteen, when he apprenticed himself to Orrin Culbertson as a carpenter. He remained with him until the age of twenty-one when he became a contractor for himself. In the year 1853 he married Mary C. Eyler. Jacob Eyler, her father, was a native of Maryland, who married Ann Rebecca Staup. Mr. Wilson owns four hundred and thirty-two acres of land in Sections 15 and 16, and has two good brick residences and two good barns. They have eight children, viz Cynthia H., William J., Minerva J., Iola Belle, Ida May, Mary F., Edith G., and Minnie Blanche. The subject of this sketch served as Treasurer in York township, Darke county, for four years ; Trustee one year in 1879 ; was elected County Commissioner for Darke county and served six years. The family of Mr. Wilson is one of the foremost of Darke county, and none is more highly esteemed. - 139 - R. K. BEAM, COUNTY COMMISSIONER. DECEMBER 28, 1851, in Brown township, Darke, county, O., our subject was born and still resides. His father died when he was a mere boy, leaving him at the age of fourteen to care for a mother and five younger children. He was dependent upon his own exertions to make his way through life. He did not sit down and weep at the sad situation before him ; his was not a spirit so easily Overcome. But with becoming courage he took up his task like a father and went to work. At the age of twenty-five he married Miss Sarah C. Rue and now has a happy family of seven children. In politics he has always been active and very successful. He was elected Township Assessor at the age of twenty-two ; served as Township Trustee, always running ahead of the ticket. At the age of thirty-three he was elected Commissioner, and in 1888 was nominated for a second term. Some of the opposition sought his defeat. This caused him to go to the people of his. county and ask a thorough investigation of his official transactions and he was vindicated in his election by a larger majority than the National ticket had in the county. Mr. Beam is a Democrat in whom there is no guile, and although warmly attached to his party principles, he has that magnetism about him which wins friends from the opposite side. - 141 - ELI ARMACOST, COUNTY SURVEYOR. HIS father, C. M. Armacost, and mother, Sarah Hoover Armacost, were born about twenty miles west of Baltimore city, Md., and moved to Darke county in the spring of 1837, and settled on what is known as the Old judge Brawley farm in Harrison township. Here the subject of this sketch was born February 1, 1838, and moved with his parents upon what is known as the " Old Home farm " in Section 28, German township, Darke county, where he in after years labored to help clear and fence a portion of the farm. He resided here with his parents until the fall of 1865, when he was married to Miss Catharine M. Stephens, daughter of David Stephens and Lydia Wagner Stephens of German township. Mr. Armacost is the father of eight children, all living. He attended the country school of this township until twenty-one years of age, which was conducted in the winter from ten to fifteen weeks. After twenty-one years of age he attended a select school at Hillsboro, Wayne county, Ind., in the springs of 1860--61, taught by M. Hollingsworth, Prof. L. A. Gray and Prof. Frank Tufts. He served in the capacity of common-school teacher for a period of twenty years. He also served as justice of the Peace in German township and Trustee of his township two years from April 1867 to 1869. Fie served as Township Assessor for two terms and was assistant Land Appraiser of his township in 1870. He was appointed Deputy County Surveyor under Mr. W. S. Harper in March, 1872 ; was elected County Surveyor in the fall of 1875 and was re-elected in the fall of 1878, and served on the Board of Land Equalization in 1880-81. He was re-elected County Surveyor in the fall of 1888. His present residence is in Section 36, Washington township, four miles -west of Greenville, and his post-office address is Greenville, Darke, county, Ohio. - 143 - ANDREW W. RUSH, M. D., COUNTY CORONER. ON May 12, 1860, occurred the birth of Mr. Rusk on a farm in Harrison township, Darke county, O. He obtained a common-school education and at the age of twenty-four graduated from Miami Medical college at Cincinnati, O. He began the practice of medicine and surgery at Chattanooga, Tenn., immediately after graduating. In 1886 he removed to Greenville, Ohio, where he has since continued his practice. He was elected to the office of County Coroner at the last election. The doctor is a wide awake, active citizen, and has a large and growing practice. DARKE COUNTY EDUCATORS. JACOB T. MARTZ. EX-COUNTY EXAMINER. LAWYER and educator, Greenville, Ohio, was born in Darke county, Ohio, September, 14, 1833. He is the son of John Martz, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, June 1, 1798 ; settled in Darke county, in 1829, and died at the home of his son, January 5, 1883, aged eighty-four years, seven months and four days. His wife, Barbara Hardinger, the mother of this subject, and a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, died in 1841. Our subject attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, from which institution he graduated in June, 1856. During the nine succeeding years he was engaged in teaching in his native county, six of which were spent in teaching in and superintending the schools in Greenville. During part of this time, and while engaged in teaching he also read law under Judge D. L. Meeker, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1860. In March, 1865, he resigned the superintendency of the Greenville school and formed a law partnership with the Hon. J. R. Knox. In August, 1865, he was appointed receiver of The Cincinnati and Mackinaw Railroad company, which occupied his time for nearly five years. In 1871 the superintendency of the Greenville school was tendered to him without his solicitation, which he accepted, but at the end of that school year he asked to be relieved by the board of education from further supervision of the school ; but his work had been done so well, (having brought the schools out of a state of chaos, as it were, to one of order and efficiency,) the hoard prevailed upon him to continue his good work, which he did for seventeen consecutive years, and closed his labors as superintendent on the first of June, 1888. In this year the enumeration in the district was 1211 , and the