HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY OHIO From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time IN TWO VOLUMES VOLUME II Also Biographical Sketches of Many Representative Citizens of the County. ILLUSTRATED. MILFORD, OHIO THE HOBART PUBLISHING COMPANY 1914. PREFACE The present age is happily awake to the duty of writing its own records, setting down what is best worth remembering in the lives of the busy toilers of today, noting, not in vain glory, but with an honest pride and sense of fitness, things worthy of emulation, that thus the good, men do, may live after them. The accounts here rendered are not of buried talents, but of used ability and opportunity. The conquests recited are of mind over matter, of cheerful labor directed by thought, of honest, earnest endeavor, which subdues the earth in the divinely appointed way. "The great lesson of biography," it is said, "is to show what man can be and do at his best." A noble life put fairly on record acts like an inspiration, and no more interesting and instructive matter could be presented to an intelligent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by industry and economy, have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence, as statesmen, and whose names have become famous. It tells of those in every walk of life who have striven to succeed and records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of those who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued the "even tenor of their way," content to have it said of them, as Christ said of a woman performing a deed of mercy, they have done what they could. It tells how many, in the pride and strength of young manhood, left all, and at their country's call went forth valiantly "to do or die." Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it, as a sacred treasure, from the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public record, and PREFACE. which would otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work, and every opportunity possible given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written; and the publishers flatter themselves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of importance. For all the good things in volume I, of this work, credit is due to the local historian, Frazer E. Wilson, and those whom he credits as having aided him in various ways. For all the errors that have crept into volume 1I, unless the people who furnished the facts erred, all blame is to be laid at the door of the "proof readers" who serve. THE HOBART PUBLISHING COMPANY. INDEX Albright, W. D. 347 Albright, W.S. 355 Allread, James I. 32 Ammon, E.G. 336 Amspaugh, D.F. 473 Anderson, J.M. 211 Appenzeller, C. 295 Armacost, Eli 387 Armbruster, J.A. 256 Arnett, Tobias 562 B Baker. D. H. 395 Baker, Ezra 560 Baker, Guy 126 Baker, Noah 358 Bascom, J. Linus 119 Baughman, George W. 262 Bausman, A.H. 181 Bayman, N.R. 483 Beam, R. K. 471 Beanblossom, George 302 Beanblossom, J.R. 297 Beane, Samuel 469 Beck, Henry 502 Bickel, I.E. 396 Bigler, Dr. L. 494 Billingsley, T.A. 168 Bishop, W.G. 276 Boli, Ed.L. 386 Bowman, B.W. 43 Brandenburg, E.T. 440 Brandon, A.C. 84 Brandon, C.W. 547 Brawley, T.G. 204 Brown, Homer 444 Browne, Wm. A. Sr. 105 Brumbaugh, C. L. 539 Brumbaugh Family 536 Brumbaugh, William D. 542 Bryson, D.V. 285 Burns, J. C. 40 Byers, P.W. 202 C Calderwood, E. E. 418 Chenowood. W. A. 432 Cline. Fred 206 Coblentz, J. C. 235 Collett, Henry 588 Conkling, F.T. 644 Coppess, Charles 244 Coppess, H.M. 144 Coppock, F.D. 131 Crawford, G.F. 28 Culbertson, Charles 299 Cunningham. William 499 D Davenport, Charles M. 457 Davis, M.W. 367 Delk, Charles I. 428 Delaplane, Joshua 339 Delaplane, U.G. 328 Detamore, J.E. 403 Dershem, Harvey F. 505 Dininger, Jonas 269. Dininger, Lewis 279 Dininger, Riley 290 Dull, Samuel 377 Dull, W..376 Dunham, J. H. 174 E Eidson, B. G. 399 Elliott, J.C. 24 Eyer, John 449 INDEX. F Farra, Arthur 487 Fellers, Frank 447 Fellers, George F. 455 Fellers, Harry A. 445 Fellers, P. C. 463 Feltman, J. H. 160 Finnarn, Theodore 524 Fogle, Orlando 397 Folkerth, C. D. 340 Folkerth, L. D. 342 Foureman, David C. 363 G Ganger, W. H. 477 Garber, H. C. 413 Gaskill, D. L. 178 Gilbert, A. H. 329 Gilfilan, J. B. 464 Groshans,. George 110 Grubbs, E. A. 497 Guntrum, W. E. 185 H Hageman, James F. 233 Hageman, W. R. 231 Hall, C. C. 115 Halderman, R. H. 268 Hammel, Edward 266 Harnish, Samuel 208 Harper, William M. 59 Harrison, Orla E. 80 Hartman, David M. 362 Heck, J. F. 215 Helman, F. G. 412 Hoffman, C. O. 189 Hole, H. B. 222 Holland, John R. 305 Hollinger, I. K. 523 Horner, William H. 481 Hostetter, S. A. 61 Hostetter, T. J. 237 Humphreys, R. T. 134 Hunt, Bert and Ralph 365 Hunt, Washington 513 Hunter, J. E. 196 I Irelan, N. T. 453 Irwin, W. J. 155 Ivester, W. H. 213 J Jobes, George A. 38 K Karr, F. S. 292 Katzenberger, Charles A. 22 Katzenberger, George A. 224 Kelley, William V. 554 Kerlin, l. E. 35 Kerst, H. B. 378 Kipp, Conrad 78 Klinger, A. J. 182 Knupp, J. R. 368 Kolp, James B. 71 Krickenberger, O. R. 51 L Lampe, Fred 191 Landis, J. Q. 282 Layer, Henry 517 Layer, W. A. 451 Lecklider, John T. 17 Lecklider, T. A. 163 Lickel, A. J. 475 Longfellow, F. G. 351 Lutz, F. B. 303 Lutz, John H. 355 M Mace, George W. 46 Maher, M. A. 172 Marker, Leonard 192 Marley, J. R. 252 Martin, C. O. 466 Martin, Hugh L. 408 Martin, Ira H. 550 Martin, M. R. 315 INDEX. Martz, Adelbert 140 McCabe, Samuel B. 345 McClellan, Ora O. 527 McCurdy, William J. 533 McEowen, J. A. 288 McGriff, Eli 467 McGriff, Ira 425 McGriff, J. A. 420 McGriff, O. Price 531 McKhann, Charles F. 48 McNutt, O. A. 352 Meeker, David L. 30 Metzcar, S. F. 376 Metzger, Aaron 287 Meyers, E. E. 240 Meyers, S. A. 370 Miller, Harry C. 546 Miller, Jacob 218 Miller, John 344 Miller, John W. 515 Miller, M. H. 264 Miller, Roll M. 261 Millette, H. R. 242 Minnich, Levi 565 Minnich, S. E. 220 Minton, W. A. 493 Moist, Oscar 507 Monger, John E. 488 Moore, Rufus 383 Morgan, John L. 57 Mote, S. E. 152 Murphy, John 103 Musson, C. R. 187 Myers, Harry C. 479 Myers, O. H. 492 N Nauss, L. A. 520 Netzley, D. A. 323 Neiswonger, James 385 Niswonger, C. O. 273 Niswonger, Eli 438 O O'Brien, C. 142 O'Brien, J. J. 391 P Passon, J. H. 416 Patty, W. O. 138 Perry, W. J. 500 Plessinger, Ezra 313 Porter, George W. 91 R Rarick, Charles W. 128 Rarick, H. G. 281 Rehmert, G. H. 253 Rhoades, Stephen 291 Ries, J. A. 69 Rippetoe, Charles L. 311 Robeson, Alfred 325 Roland, Charles R. 124 Ross, David 381 Ross, I. M. 371 Ruh, Dan D. 312 Rush, W. D. 73 Rush, A. W. 87 Ryan, C. S. 93 S Schlechty, Charles A. 333 Scholl, B. F. 331 Schoop, Mrs. H. K. 375 Searle, A. E. 247 Selby, J. L. 170 Sellman, Charles 357 Sellman, William 326 Shafer, Ed 380 Shuffleton, Robert A. 155 Simon, John S. 552 Simpson, O. S. 229 Slade, Charles S. 117 Smith, O. O. 200 Starr, James O. 556 Steinmetz, W. V. 321 Stocker, H. P. 108 Stocker, John 307 Stocker, R. H. 408 Stutsman, Jesse 400 Stutz, Joseph 448 Swartz, William I. 510 Swope, S. Howard 165 INDEX T Taylor, C. C. 405 Taylor, George F. 76 Teaford,Ephriam 301 Teaford, Norman 511 Teegarden, George W. 484 Trainor, M.L. 316 Turpen, J.C. 147 V Vail, D.B. 309 Vance, E.E. 249 Vance, Harry136 Van Lue, J.W. 486 Vietor, S. 334 W Wale, C. E. 411 Wagner, H.A. 3744 Wagner, Madison 360 Wandle, John F. 427 Warner, A.J. 2844 Warner, Henry 298 Weaver, J.C. 319 Wehrley, W. 461 Weisenberger, M.L. 122 Wert, C.G. 476 Williams, J. Ed 55 Williams, W.H. 122 Wilson, A.N. 96 Wilson, Frazer E. 422 Wilson, T.B. 491 Winters, J. Oscar 529 Wise, D.J. 277 Witwer, D.F. 490 Woods, H. 159 Wright, E.C. 389 Y Young, William K. 442 BIOGRAPHICAL JOHN T. LECKLIDER. Darke county has produced some men of distinctive literary talent, among whom have been mentioned D. K. Swisher and Barney Collins, the former a writer on early historical and social topics, the latter a poet of recent years. In 1913 there appeared a book of over two hundred poems covering a wide range of topics, including religion, affection, travel, nature, home life, education and nearly everything else but war, all dedicated "to the good friends of my native state"—which in this case was Ohio and mostly Darke county. These poems possess distinctive literary merit and are destined, doubtless, to have a wide circulation. John T. Lecklider, the author of these poems, first saw the light of this world on the 18th day of July, 1840, from a farm house some three miles south of Dayton, Ohio, on the Lebanon pike. When about six weeks of age his father, Daniel C. Lecklider, with his family, removed to Adams township, Darke county, to carve from the then virgin wilderness a home and farm. He was the youngest of five brothers. His mother taught him to read and write. He did not attend school until he was past eight years age, and from then until he was eighteen, his average year attendance at the district school was not above thirty-five days. He recalls among his teachers (who were called "ma- ter" in those days) John Spayd, a master mathematician Greenville, Ohio. Willard Heath, from the state of Ne. York, a man of fine mind, general education, and a lover of books; Samuel Hagar (afterward doctor), a student and kindly gentleman; there were others, whose chief merit was the ambition which called them from the counter, the workshop and farm to be teachers. His first books in school were McGuffey's second reader, Talbott's arithmetic, Webster's speller. In 1858 he was reputed as so familiar with Ray's higher arithmetic, Stoddard's mental arithmetic, Kirkham and (2) 18 - DARKE COUNTY Pinneo's grammars and Mitchell's geography (in the language of those days with the "3 R's") that he was called to teach his first school in what was known as the Miller, Overhalser, Wright district at $1.35 per day. At the close of his school term, he was re-employed for the following winter at $1.50 per day. The winter of 1860-61 he taught the Beanblossom school, just west of Pikeville. It would be misleading and unjust to assume this was the sum of his education before he entered college. He had an educated mother, who early impressed upon his mind the value of high ideals and the great benefit of reading good books. He informs us that to his home, as far back as he can remember, there came the New York' Tribune, the New York Independent and the weekly Darke county paper. These were read, talked over and many times treasured for reference. Their weekly coming brought the news of the world, made the great cities and great men and events seem nearer, and filled the cleared spaces—as the clearing grew—with the thoughts of progress and deeds of men. Thus he became early in life interested in politics, the world's progress, invention, science and the government's duties and responsibilities. Thus, Mr. Lecklider was, so to speak, kept in touch with the great thinkers, reformers, scientists, preachers and statesmen of the times. Such reading was needed then and is needed now to make passing events intelligble. The increment of knowledge thus acquired, who can compute? It requires little schooling to beget a habit of study. One's education is never completed, an education is more than a life work, it goes into the future. "Man is a student, Forever at school, Either courting wisdom Or playing the fool." Mr. Lecklider left the farm in 1861, and became a student of Wittenberg college, at Springfield, Ohio, and after completing the full collegiate course graduated in May, 1866, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and later the A.M. He then became a resident of Greenville, placed his letter of membership with the Presbyterian church. For two years he read law with the Hon. Wm. Allen, entering at once upon the drudgery that leads to professional life. The road seemed long. He tells us he was burdened with the fact that his DARKE COUNTY - 19 wants were many and his pockets were empty. To replenish them he became principal and superintendent of the high school at Union City, Ind., for one year. At the same time continuing his law studies and reciting regularly to his preceptor. On the 20th of May, 1868, he passed an examination and was admitted to the practice of law in the courts of Ohio. He at once entered into co-partnership with Judge Wharry, in front office over Schaible and Kipp drug store. He was admitted to practice in the United States circuit and district courts of Ohio in 1870. During his residence in Greenville he was chairman of the board of examiners for teachers in the high school, was elected and served as president of the Darke County Sabbath School Association for two terms. Was elected and served as mayor of Greenville two terms. It was during his mayoralty that the fire department was organized and equipped. In 1870 his name appeared on the republican ticket as candidate for prosecuting attorney. He felt he had received in the nomination a generous but uncertain compliment, because the democratic majority was 1,400 or more at that time. He said to a friend on the day of election, "I feel like the Irishman, who said, `Faith and its aisy to be beaten when you're almost there."' The count showed his opponent won by a small majority. He has always been an optimist, has a social, companionable nature, though aggressive for what he deems right, yet courteously tolerant of views of others. He soon had the confidence of the people and enjoyed a profitable practice. He liked his profession, but early became convinced that a general practice was not to be coveted, that too often the criminal lawyer becomes a criminal. Deciding to limit his professional life to civil business, in August, 1874, he removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, and was admitted to practice in the state, United States circuit and district courts there. Through ability and energy he acquired a large and profitable practice from which he retired the 20th of August, 1910. Mr. Lecklider was not only a successful lawyer, but a successful business man as well; his natural tastes drew him early to the fields of literature, especially poetry, a book of which he has published since retiring from the law. Many of the poems were written while he lived on the farm in Darke county. The book was in process of writing, covering a period of many years. He and his wife have traveled in the United States and Can- 20 - DARKE COUNTY ada extensively, also have traveled in Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Azore Islands, and in 1910 visited Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, England and northern France. He esteems these trips abroad and the days spent in the great cities, art galleries and museums as equal to a liberal education. Men and nations are big or little, according to their creeds; they develop according to their individual ideals. Every man is in servitude to his own or some other's physical need, and is great according to his mental and spiritual wisdom. Many poems of merit, real gems of thought and rhyme might be quoted from Mr. Lecklider's excellent collection, but we must be content to select three of the smaller ones: She Told Her Love. The night wind sweet and cool Is fanning my fevered brow, She has told her love To the roving wind And the wind is telling me now. My heart is full of bliss, My thoughts are wild with joy, She has told her love To the roving wind, Her love, so shy and coy. The heavens are soft with light, Bright stars and great round moon, Though sundered afar Her spirit is near, My soul's in a blissful swoon. Sweet fragrance is on the air, The earth with bloom is bright, For love, sweet love's On the roving wind, Our souls have met tonight. A voice is in my ear, That melts my heart; To scenes far off and dear It calls me and I start To tread the past again The paths sweet, simple, plain. DARKE COUNTY - 21 Robin's Song—The Coming Spring. Full of complaining and faulting the weather, Abusing the winter and dull skies together, I went forth at random oppressed by my mood And strayed down a path where naked trees stood; And there on the cold dead limb of a tree A robin sat carolling merrily; His heart was so glad he was forced to sing And his song was hope in the coming spring, He recited his joys so delightfully clear The day grew brighter, spring seemed more near. Then I mused on the wonderful song I had heard, I mused on the life of the timid bird, And saw tho' he lived in the present like me, His song was a song of futurity. Then my own roused soul was fain to sing Like a robin its song of eternal spring. A fairer world than this there lies Beyond earth's winter and gloomy skies. And man like robin if he would sing, Must borrow his song from the coming spring. Pearls and Roses. O, where are my pearls and roses, My jewels of long ago? So many and each one priceless! In youth they charmed me so. I know they have not perished, Tho' they vanished long ago; They still abound on happy shores, Where eyes with youth are aglow. From these it will be seen that Mr. Lecklider has the soul of the true poet, and the art of the literateur. The fact that he has written these during the years of a busy life occupied with the cares incident to a success professional career ought to add luster to the unusual attainment and be a source of pride to friends and citizens of his old home. Mr. Lecklidet is a brother of Dr. L. C. Lecklider, deceased, and of Frank and Mary Lecklider, now living on East Third street. 22 - DARKE COUNTY CHARLES L. KATZENBERGER. The student of contemporaneous history will find much to interest and especially attract him in the narrative of the active achievements of Charles L. Katzenberger, philanthropist and valued resident of Greenville, Ohio. He is a man who has taken the initiative in many of the important events of his locality, notably those which led to the establishment of the Greenville Museum and its successful conduct, and a brief resume of the salient points in his biography will add interest to a work of this class. He was born at Rastatt, Granduchy of Baden, Germany, March 14, 1834, a son of Joseph C. and Margaretha (Becker) Katzenberger. Joseph C. Katzenberger was born at Rastatt, August 27, 1788, and died December 12, 1852, while his wife was born at Sulzbach, in the Black Forest mountains, Germany, in 1798 and lived to be seventy-three years old. In 1806 Joseph C. Katzenberger received from the guild of butchers a diploma printed in colors by pen upon parchment upon the occasion when he completed his apprenticeship to the butchering trade. This document is among the cherished possessions of his son. Another document, also in the possession of Charles L. Katzenberger, is a certificate of mastership given in 1776 to Franz Jacob Katzenberger, grandfather of the former, who was born in 1752 and died in 1830. At the time of the birth of Charles L. Katzenberger, the father owned and operated a hotel known as the Zum Gildenen Schwan, but as there were eleven children in the family, the parents could do little for any of them individually and the youngest of them, Charles L., was early apprenticed to a tanner at Offenburg, although he had been given the advantages accruing from a few years' attendance at the public schools. The lad continued to work at his trade at Greensbach and Lorrach until summoned home by the death of his father, and as this disturbed his plans, he began to consider immigration. His brother Frank had come to America in 1847, and in 1849, Joseph and Anthony, who had been implicated with Sigel, Shurz and Hecker in their unsuccessful attempt to estabish a republic at Baden, also left for the "promised land across the esas." All of this led Charles L. Katzenberger away from his native land, and he went to Havre, and sailed from that seaport in May, 1854, crossing the Atlantic in sixty-three days on the Carolus Magnus. Locating at Greenville, Ohio, where his brother Anthony was already established in DARKE COUNTY - 23 a grocery business in the Potter corner of the public square, he worked for himself as a salesman until 1861, when he entered into a partnership with his brother Joseph, the two conducting a brewery on Water street. This association lasted for seven years, Charles L. Katzenberger traveling Darke and surrounding counties in the interest of the business, in addition to the duties necessary to perform in the brewery that required him to work often from 14 to 18 hours per day. After the dissolution of the partnership by sale of the property, Mr. Katzenberger was in a grocery business with Anthony Weitbrecht for three years. He then, in 1871, formed a partnership with his brother Anthony, and in 1894, when the latter died, he bought his interests and has since continued alone for about ten years. In March, 1863, Charles L. Katzenberger was married to Elizabeth Ashman, a daughter of Peter Ashman, born in 1801, who became one of the pioneers of Greenville. Mr. and Mrs. Katzenberger became the parents of two children: Mary, who only survived her mother for four years; and George A. Katzenberger, who resides at Greenville. While loyal to his adopted country Mr. Katzenberger has never lost his love for his native land and has made many delightful trips back and forth, and has also visited other lands, his last trip abroad being in the summer of 1912, when he sailed July 4 on the steamer Cincinnati and visited his sister for the last time, as she died the following spring. He returned home on the steamer Cleveland in September, 1912. In all, he has crossed the Atlantic ocean seventeen times. Not only has he traveled extensively abroad, but he has also visited various points in this country, particularly the forests of the Northwestern States which reminded him of his beloived Black Forest mountains and those in the Vosges. While on these trips to western forests, he and his brother Joseph frequently took friends with them for hunting the game there abounding. While Republican principles have met with his approval and been given his support in the main, he has never hesitated to express his disapproval of any which he deemed unworthy of the party. Mr. Katzenberger was initiated into the Odd Fellows lodge August 6, 1857, later becoming a charter member of Champion Lodge No. 742, and is a member of Greenville Encampment No. 90. He became a Mason in 1868, and takes much pleasure in his fraternal associations. As a relaxation, Mr. Katzenberger binds his own books, among them 24 - DARKE COUNTY being twelve volumes, from 1867 to 1876, entitled Der Odd Fellow, and he has bound the annual Masonic Review since 1869, when volume 36 was issued. A man of broad views and kindly sympathies, he has not connected himself with any religious organizations, but has always been found ready to contribute generously of his time and means towards the furtherance of all movements, and has contributed to hospitals, fraternal homes, prospective railroads, digging for gas and similar projects, while those in need have found that they never call in vain upon him for material aid. Interested in the weather report, Mr. Katzenberger has been a voluntary observer for the weather bureau of the United States Department of Agriculture and has his records for the past twenty years in an accurate and neat form. Of late years his interest has centered upon the museum which grew out of a collection he and his brother Anthony commenced making in a room over the grocery. This collection is now in the basement of the Greenville Museum and Mr. Katzenberger is constantly adding to it. He is honorary curator of the museum and it benefits from his generous contributions as well as by his constant care of the specimens consigned to his charge. The record of the development of Mr. Katzenberger from the immigrant seeking freedom from oppression to the honored citizen, successful business man and distinguished collector of relics, reads like a marvelous story, but it is true in every respect and the example of what this one man has accomplished must be an active stimulation to the ambition of all similarly situated JAMES CALVIN ELLIOTT. For a third of a century James Calvin Elliott has been a practitioner of law, and for the major portion of this time he has honored the legal fraternity of Darke county, Ohio. An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have won honor and public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have honored the locality where they belong, would he incomplete were there failure to make specific reference to the one whose name appears at the head of this paragraph. He holds distinctive precedence as a lawyer, as a man of high intellectual attainments and as one who stood loyally by the DARKE COUNTY - 25 government during one of the most trying epochs in our national history. He has been and is distinctively a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. A strong mentality, an invincible courage, a most determined individuality, have so entered into his make-up as to render him a natural leader of men and a moulder of opinion. Although he has passed the sixty-sixth milestone on life's journey, he is still an active factor in the professional and business life of Greenville, and is counted among the representative citizens of the community. James C. Elliott is the scion of a long and sterling line of forebears, the founders of the branch of the Elliott family to which the subject belongs in this country having been Daniel Elliott, and Elizabeth (Ferguson) Elliott, who first came to Pennsylvania, Lancaster or Chester county, about 1756, and afterwards settled in Chester county, South Carolina, in 1767. They had children, William, Margaret (E. Orr), Benjamin, John, Daniel, Jane E. (Douglas), Ebenezer and James, Daniel Elliott, Sr., having been killed in 1780 by Tory Guerillas, when resisting the stealing of his horses. His sons, William and Benjamin, though young, thereafter took an active part with the Revolutionists in South Carolina under Captain McClure. The subject's paternal grandparents were Ebenezer and Esther (Gaston) Elliott, whose deaths occurred in Preble county, Ohio. They were the parents of eight children, seven sons and a daughter, namely: Joseph G., James, Jeanette (E. Douglas), tit'illiam, John, Ebenezer, Hugh and Isaiah. The subject's father, John Elliott, who was born in South Carolina in 1803, was, in 1806, at the age of three years, brought to Preble county, Ohio, the family locating near Morning Sun, where John was reared to manhood and spent his active life. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and never forsook that vocation. He died there in 1875, at the age of about seventy-two years, his wife having passed away in 1838, aged forty-five years. They were earnest and active members of the United Presbyterian Church and were highly esteemed in the community where they had spent practically their entire lives. John Elliott had been married twice, his first wife having been in her maidenhood Mary Latta. She died and left three children, all of whom also are dead, namely: Joseph; Esther, who married a Mr. Stephen Pearson, and Ebenezer Newton, who died some time prior to the Civil war. For his second wife John Elliott 26 - DARKE COUNTY married Margaret McMillan, a native of county Antrim, north of Ireland. To that union were born seven children, namely: Sarah Diantha, of College Corner, Preble county, Ohio; John Alexander, of College Corner, Indiana; James C., the immediate subject of this sketch; Dr. Hugh Henry, a successful and well-known physician at Rushville, Indiana; Mary Agnes, who died unmarried; William Scouller and David Cluster, both of whom live at College Corner. Mrs. Margaret Elliott's parents were Alexander and Sarah (Parkhill) McMillan, who were natives of county Antrim, Ireland, but who came to the United States just after the close of the Revolutionary war and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. About the year 1817 they removed to Ohio, locating in Preble county, where the father entered a tract of government land. Mr. McMillan died soon afterwards in Pennsylvania, and his widow and children thereafter made their home in Preble county, her death occurring there at an advanced age. There were five children in this family, Archibald, John, Nancy, Sarah and Margaret. James C. Elliott was born in Dixon township, Preble county, Ohio, on September 17, 1847, and was reared on the paternal farmstead. After receiving his elementary education in the district schools, he attended the Morning Sun Academy, and later Miami University. After completing his general education he engaged in teaching school for three years, and then took up the study of law at Eaton, Ohio. In May, 1870, he was admitted to the bar and entered upon the active practice of his profession at Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio. In 1873 he went to Tacoma, Washington, but the following year he returned to Ohio and located at Bradford, Darke county, where he remained until 1877, when he came to Greenville, where he has since remained and where he has steadily risen in the esteem of the people until today probably no man in the community can count more warm and loyal personal friends. Throughout the years that Mr. Elliott has been identified with the local bar he has enjoyed a large and distinctively representative clientele. As a lawyer he is sound, logical, clear-minded and thoroughly trained, being familiar with all departments of the law, from the minutiae in practice to the greater topics wherein is involved the consideration of the ethics and philosophy of jurisprudence and the higher concerns of public policy. He has always prepared his cases with the greatest care and precision, has studied every point DARKE COUNTY - 27 of law bearing upon his case and has marshalled his evidence and his argument with masterly skill. On the 5th day of June, 1877, James C. Elliott was married to Susanna B. Scott, the daughter of Abner and Esther (Hunt) Scott. She was born and reared in Preble county, Ohio, and she and Mr. Elliott were school-mates. Her parents were natives of New Jersey and beonged to the Friends' Society. They are both now deceased, the father dying in Eaton, Ohio, and her mother in Greenville. Mrs. Elliott's paternal grandparents were Thomas and Mary (Smith) Scott, while her grandparents on the maternal side were John and Ann (Brown) Hunt, all natives of New Jersey. To Mr. and Mrs. Elliott were born six children, as follows: Clarissa M. became the wife of Dr. W. C. Davis, of Lola, Kentucky, and they have three children, Mary, Chester and Calvin; Leslie A. and Annie H., twins, died at the age of six months; Esther B., who died at the age of fourteen years; Pearl L., who is a graduate of the Greenville high school and of Miami University, is now a teacher in the Greenville public schools; James S. is a graduate of the civil engineering course of the Rose Polytechnic Institute, at Terre Haute, Indiana, and is now in the employ of the General Electric Company at Pittsfield, Mass. Politically, Mr. Elliott has been a life-long Democrat and has taken an active interest in the success of the party. He was county prosecutor at one time for a period of six years and also served as city solicitor, while for a period of twelve years he was a trustee of the Children's Home. Mr. Elliott is a stockholder and a director of the Greenville National Bank and in other ways has shown a personal interest in the welfare of his city. Fraternally, he has for thirty-six years been a member of Champion Lodge No. 742, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also a member of Jobes's Post, Grand Army of the Republic, this membership being consistent from the fact that, during the War of the Rebellion, he served for four months as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry. Though his period of enlistment was not a long one, it was characterized by duty faithfully performed and by intense loyalty to the cause of the Union. Mrs. Elliott is an earnest and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal 'Church. She is a woman of rare qualities of head and heart and is a popular member of the circles in which she moves. Personally, 28 - DARKE COUNTY Mr. Elliott has, because of his acknowledged ability, genuine worth and fine social qualities, won a host of friends and is eminently worthy of representation in the annals of his county. Mrs. Elliott is a member of the Emersonian Club. GEORGE F. CRAWFORD. Success does not depend so much upon the possession of talents or powers unusual to the majority of mankind, as upon the exercise of those qualities which are common to all. Hope is of the valley, while Effort is climbing the mountain side, so that personal advancement comes not to the one who hopes alone, but to the one whose hope and faith are those of definite action. We may then hold in high regard the result of individual accomplishment and accord due credit and honor to the man who has won success by worthy means. The subject of this review, who is numbered among the well-known and successful members of the legal fraternity of Darke county, has been characterized by consecutive effort and integrity of purpose, while his advancement and success have come as a direct result, and to him has not been denied the fullest measure of confidence and esteem. George F. Crawford was born on June 29, 1869, in Twin township, Darke county, Ohio, and is the son of Joseph B. and Christina R. (Hoffman) Crawford. Joseph B. Crawford was born and reared on a farm in Butler township, this county, southwest of Arcanum, and in young manhood he engaged in teaching school for a few years. He then engaged in farming in Twin township, on the old Hoffman farm, where his children were all born. He was a careful and painstaking man in his operations, was successful and owned one hundred and fifty-three acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred there on August 19, 1906, at the age of seventy-three years and nine months. His widow, who still survives him, at the age of seventy-five years, lives with her son, George F., in Greenville. The subject's paternal grandfather was Alexander Crawford, who married Eliza Scofield, and they became early settlers of Warren county, Ohio. He was a farmer and in an early day they came to Darke county and brought large tracts of land, their home being located in Butler township. To them were born the following children: DARKE COUNTY - 29 Andrew J., Joseph B., Ann, Alexander, Thomas and William R. The subject's maternal grandparents were Michael and _____ (Zigler) Hoffman, who were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. Emigrating to the United States, they settled in Darke county, Ohio, and became successful farmers in Twin township, where they spent the remainder of their lives and died. Their children, seven in number, were Jacob, Frederick, Sophia, George Frederick, Christina R., David and John. The subject of this sketch is one of five children born to his parents, the others being Emma, deceased, who was the wife of Richard H. Burke; Edwin A., who died in early childhood; Alma is the wife of Orange W. Greer, who lives on the old home farm in Twin township; William H., who lives on and operates the old Jesse Branbarger farm in Twin township. George F. Crawford was reared on his father's farm in Twin township, to the cultivation of which he gave his assistance as soon as old enough. After attending the district schools, and the Arcanum high school, he became a student in the National Normal University, at Lebanon, Ohio, where he prepared himself for a pedagogical career. For a number of years he was successfully engaged in teaching school two years of the time in Texas, and he won an enviable reputation as an educator. He then took up the study of law and in 1901 he was admitted to the bar, and immediately afterwards entered upon the practice at Greenville. He met with a favorable reception on the part of both the legal fraternity and the public and from the beginning of his professional career to the present time he has had no reason to regret his choice of a life work. He owns and lives on a cozy little farm, just outside of the corporation, where his most enjoyable hours are spent. Thorough training, natural aptitude and a love for his profession have combined to give Mr. Crawford a standing in professional circles in Greenville, which could not have been purchased by other means. He has been connected with some of the most important litigation tried in the local courts and has uniformly met with a gratifying measure of success. On December 25, 1894, George F. Crawford was united in marriage with Jane McClain, the daughter of Andrew and Martha (Wieland) McClain, and to that union was born a son, Leo. C. Mrs. Crawford was born near Gordon, Monroe township, this county. Her father, who was one of the 30 - DARKE COUNTY early settlers in that locality, died on January 6, 1913, aged sixty-nine years and nine months, and is survived by his widow. They were the parents of three children, namely: Nelson, who died in infancy; Jane, wife of the subject, and Myrta, who is the wife of One O. Weisenbarger, a druggist in Greenville. Mrs. Jane Crawford was a woman of excellent qualities of character, beloved by all who knew her, and was an earnest member of the Baptist Church. Her death occurred on April 11, 1910, at the age of thirty-six years and eleven months. Her paternal and maternal grandparents were, respectively, Nelson and Amanda (Gordon) McClain and Jacob and Olive Wieland. Politically, Mr. Crawford has always given his support to the Democratic party, in the success of which he is deeeply interested, though he is not in any sense a seeker after public office. Fraternally, he is a member of Greenville Lodge, No. 161, Knights of Pythias, in the work of which he takes an appreciative interest. Mr. Crawford is a man of high intellectual attainments, being a close and critical reader, and holds broad views of men and things. In him there are combined to an unusual degree those qualities which inspire personal friendships of uncommon strength, and all who know him have the highest admiration for the excellent qualities of his head and heart. JUDGE DAVID L. MEEKER. The history of jurisprudence in Darke county shows no more distinguished name than that of the late Judge David L. Meeker, who for years led his professional associates and also rendered invaluable aid to those struggling to gain an advance in civic matters. Residing at Greenville, Ohio, from there he directed his efforts and centered his affections, and when he died the whole community mourned the loss of a citizen of worth and a man of merit. Judge Meeker was born in Darke county, near Castine, Ohio, in 1827, a son of David L. Meeker. The latter married a Miss Miller, who like himself was born in New Jersey. They became early settlers of Darke county, Ohio, where they developed a farm, owning land in Butler township, and there both died, she living to an advanced age. Their children were: Nathaniel, William, Frank, John, Rufus, David L., James, Emeline, Charlotte and several others whose names are not on record. DARKE COUNTY - 31 Judge David L. Meeker, while growing to manohod on his father's Butler township farm, acquired an excellent educational training in the public schools and an academy, and while still young began teaching school to earn the money to further prosecute his studies. He began reading law at Greenville, Ohio, in the office of Judge Ebenezer Parsons of Miami county, and was admitted to the bar in 1851. Two years later he opened an office at Greenville, and entered upon a general practice that extended over a number of years and brought him into contact with a number of celebrated cases as he was a lawyer of more than ordinary ability, a profound thinker and a man of excellent judgment. In 1856 his ability received signal recognition by his election to the office of prosecuting attorney of Darke county, and he was re-elected to the same office in 1858. Following this he was elected to the bench as common pleas judge and held that office for twenty-two years. In 1872, he was appointed by Governor Noyes to fill a vacancy on the same bench caused by the resignation of Judge J. C. McKenny, and in 1873 was elected to the same office without opposition. Again in 1878, upon the recommendation of all parties, he was unanimously elected. The first wife of Judge David L. Meeker was Miss Mary A. Deardoff, a daughter of David and Sarah (Rush) Deardoff, and one in the following family: Isaac, Jacob, Peter and Mary A. Judge and Mrs. Meeker had the following family: Frank D., Sarah E., Walter S., Mary C., Virginia G., Nan E., Alice M., and Carrie W. Frank D. is in the real estate business and also negotiates loans and writes insurance, being located at Greenville, Ohio. He married Cora Studebaker, who died without issue, and he then married (second) Emma Anderson, and they have one son, David A. Sarah E. is deceased, having been the wife of D. L. Gaskill, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Walter S. is an attorney at law, who was admitted to the bar in 1886, having been graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in that year. He began practicing law at Greenville and became a member of the firm of Meeker, Bowman & Meeker, which connection lasted for several years, when Mr. Bowman withdrew and the firm became Meeker & Meeker. Later D. L. Gaskill was associated with the two Meekers, the name becoming Meeker, Meeker & Gaskill, thus continuing until the death of David L. Meeker, when the present style of Meeker & Gaskill was adopted. Walter S. Meeker 32 - DARKE COUNTY married Minnie Lowry on April 20, 1887, she being a daughter of Jasper and Louisa (Studebaker) Lowry, and two children have been born of that union—Corrine, who died at the age of three years, and Louanna. Mary E. Meeker married J. R. Smith of Greenville, Ohio, and they have three children—Helen, Robert and Paul. Virginia G. married William H. Gilbert, an attorney of Troy, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Virginia. Nan E. Meeker lives at Greenville, Ohio, Alice M. Meeker married Albert R. Crawford, and they have two children, James and Virginia. Carrie W. Meeker married Charles C. Allen; they live at Troy, Ohio, and have two children, Richard and Morris. The first Mrs. Meeker died in 1876, having been a member of the German Reformed Church. She was born in Darke county north of Greenville and her parents were also natives of Ohio. After the death of his first wife, Judge Meeker married Jennie C. Crisler, who survives him and makes her home at Greenville, Ohio. Judge Meeker died September 5, 1896. During his lifetime he was a member of Greenville Lodge No. 143, F. & A. M., and Greenville Lodge, I. O. O. F. Politically, he was a Democrat, but when he was before the people for election to office, he received the support of the best class, for all, regardless of party lines, recognized his sterling honesty, clearness of judgment, professional ability, and probity, and desired to have a man of his character administer justice and enforce the law. HON. JAMES I. ALLREAD. No student can carry his investigations far into the history of Darke county without finding the name of Allread figuring conspicuously on its pages, in connection with the account of its development along material, moral and intellectual lines. In searching the geneological record of the Allread family we learn of one William Allread, a hero of the Revolutionary war who served under the command of General Wayne. Among his children we learn of a Henry Allread, who came to Ohio and settled in Butler county in 1820, entering land from the government in the midst of a dense forest where he secured one hundred sixty acres. Later Henry Allread moved to Darke county where he died after a few years of struggling with primitive forests, ague, malaria, etc., for supremacy. His widow with her family moved back to Butler county. DARKE COUNTY - 33 Some of the children were old enough to aid in the support of the family, but Isaac being too young to be of much help was bound out for a term of years. After he had served through his indenture he worked and saved his earnings until he had $1,000, when he came to Darke county to buy land. It was summer time and as he looked at a piece of land he dug the toe of his boot into the soil which to him appeared to be all right and very rich. He bargained for 160 acres and made a first payment. The next spring he moved with his mother and two sisters to Arcanum and when he looked for his purchase he found it covered with water deep enough to swim a horse. He wanted to forfeit what he had paid, but his mother persuaded him not to do that. He subsequently found that the place could be easily drained, which was done. It became one of the best farms in the county and was the first farm to be sold for one hundred dollars per acre. On this farm in 1826 was born a son, Isaac Aliread, who became a farmer by occupation. He married Hannah C. Houk, who was born in Darke county in 1830. She was the daughter of James and Abagail (Shepherd) Houk, who came to Darke county in 1820. Isaac Allread and his wife became the owners of a farm in Twin township adjoining the present village of Arcanum and there were born their three children, the oldest of whom was James I. Allread, the subject of our sketch. Probably little did the parents at that time think that the little lad who made his appearance on September 29, 1858, would some day reflect great honor upon the name by occupying a position of great honor and trust, that of a member of the Court of Appeals of the great state of Ohio. At the proper age for admission to the public school he entered the class in A B C's and from that time he fought his way through the schools of Arcanum, which fitted him both mentally and physically for the greater battles in which he was to take part in the high school at Greenville and still later at the State University at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Of a naturally kind disposition he was not inclined to either sit idly by and see others imposed upon nor to submit too tamely to being imposed upon himself. When not attending school he was with his parents on the home farm until he was nineteen years of age when he entered the law office of William Allen of Greenville, Ohio. After three years of close application he was admitted to the bar October 6, 1880. He at once "hung out his shingle" as an attorney at law. After (3) 34 - DARKE COUNTY the usual time of waiting for clients he began to get a little practice so that on August 1, 1883, he felt justified in taking a better half to aid him in the remaining battles of life. The lady accepting this important position was Miss Emma S. Roland. She is the daughter of Charles and Amelia (Hill) Roland. Her father for many years was editor and proprietor of the.Greenville Democrat. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allread have been born children as follows: Marie A., who was partly educated in the schools of Greenville, and was graduated from the North high school in Columbus. Later she attended Wells College, Aurora, N. Y., and then spent two years at the Conservatory of Music in Boston. She now resides with her parents in Columbus, Ohio, where she takes an active part in the work of the Episcopal church. The second child of Mr. and Mrs. Allread is Charles Harold, who was born in Greenville, Ohio, August 13, 1889. He attended the Greenville public schools and was graduated from the Greenville high school. Entered the law department of the Ohio State University and was graduated with class of 1911, and was admitted to the bar the same year. In 1912 opened office in Columbus in partnership with Orla E. Harrison under firm name of Harrison & Allread. He is single and makes his home with his parents. Recognizing the beneficial effects of a restful nature upon a weary mind of social relaxation and being favorably impressed with the high moral teachings of the Masonic fraternity, in the year 1882, he became a member of Greenville Lodge No. 145, F. and A. M., in which he worthily filled Worshipful Master for several years. In due time he was permitted to become a member of Greenville chapter No. 77, R. A. M., in which he served as High Priest for many years, and later a member of Coleman Commanders No. 17. Knight Templar, of Troy, O. In 1899 Judge Allread was selected by the local lodge to represent it in the Grand Lodge of the state. Here he received the honor of being appointed to serve as Junior Deacon of the Grand Lodge. Born and reared a republican, the judge, after due deliberation, saw no cause for changing his political belief and so identified himself with that party. He became an earnest defender of its principles and at many meetings showed that the battles he had fought as a lad in school were a good preparation for the political contests. In 1898 he was chosen as DARKE COUNTY - 35 a member of the republican state committee and his services secured recognition from his co-workers. When Judge Shauck was elected as a member of the Supreme Court of the state, Gov. McKinley appointed Judge Allread to fill out the unexpired term, which he did with great satisfaction to the people of the constituents of the judicial district which comprise the counties of Franklin, Montgomery, Madison, Champaign, Fayette, Clark, Miami, Shelby, Greene, Preble and Darke. No one has ever accused the judge of rendering biased decisions on account of social, political or religious prejudice. Judge Allread was chosen as delegate to the national republican convention held at Minneapolis, Minn., in 1892, which nominated Benjamin Harrison for president, and again in 1896 to the one held in St. Louis, which nominated William McKinley. He took an active part in both campaigns. From January, 1901, to May, 1903, he served as assistant secretary of state, and was then elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas for a term of five years, beginning May, 1903. The judicial district included counties of Darke, Preble, Miami, Champaign and Clark. An act of the legislature extended the term from May to January so that the Judge served nearly six years. In 1908 he was elected judge of the Circuit Court in the same district for a term of six years. Amendment to the constitution changed name to Court of Appeals. Mr. and Mrs. Allread are members of the Presbyterian church at Greenville, Ohio. A prominent citizen of Greenville, who is also prominent in the democratic party, said the best evidence of the popularity of Judge Allread can be seen in the act of the democrats of Darke connty who formed an organization among themselves to aid in his election and that he led the ticket in Darke county by a large majority. The writer of this article thinks it was a mistake that the vote in Darke county was not unanimous. LEO. E. KERLIN. In no profession is there a career more open to talent than is that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life or of the underlying principles which 36 - DARKE COUNTY form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application and intuitive wisdom and determination fully to utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice, and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be encountered and overcome and the battles to be won, for success does not perch on the banner of every one who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the legitimate result of capability. Possessing all the requisites of the able lawyer, Leo E. Kerlin stands today among the eminent practitioners of Darke county, Ohio. Leo E. Kerlin was born in Greenville, Ohio, on the 15th of September, 1877, and is the son of William K. and Hannah B. (Jeffries) Kerlin, both of whom were natives of Indiana. William K. Kerlin was reared on a farm in Wayne county, Indiana, but eventually moved to Darke county, Ohio, settling near New Madison, Harrison township, where he bought and improved a farm. While living there he was elected treasurer of Darke county, and was elected to succeed himself, thus serving two terms. After retiring from that office, he organized the Second National Bank of Greenville, and thereafter remained identified with that institution until his death, which occurred in May, 1903, at the age of seventy-one years. His wife died in April, 1909, at the age of seventy-eight years. She was a Quaker in her religious belief. Her parents, who were descended from sterling old Pennsylvania Quaker stock, were early pioneers in Indiana, where they reared a large family, and there they spent the remainder of their lives and died. The subject's; !paternal grandfather, Elijah Iles Kerlin, was an early pioneer of Wayne county, Indiana, and lived to the advanced age of nearly ninety-five years. He was a native of Tennessee and was a man of strong character and active in the development of the community where he spent his active years. To him and his wife were born ten children, namely: James, William K., Joseph, John, Polk, Mrs. Rachel Hart, Mrs. Belle Pickett, Mrs. Mattie Alexander, and two who died in their youth. To William K. and Hannah B. Kerlin were born eleven children, as follows: Oscar C., of Greenville; John D., of Stelvideo, Ohio; William L., of Greenville; Edward J., of Houston, Texas; James R., of Iowa; Leo E., the immediate subject of this sketch; Anna E., the widow of Enoch B. Seitz, of Greenville; Emma, of DARKE COUNTY - 37 Greenville, Ohio; Ellen, who died in young womanhood; Belle, the wife of D. W. Bowman, of Greenville; Carrie, wife of Melville M. Hunt, of Chicago, Ill. Leo E. Kerlin was reared in Greenville, and received his education in the public schools, graduating from the high school in 1898. He then entered the law department of the University of Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1902, and in June of the same year he was admitted to the bar. He immediately entered upon the practice of his profession at Greenville and has continued here since. Bringing to the practice a mind naturally adapted for its multitudinous details, and thorough training in the fundamentals of jurisprudence, he also possessed that enthusiasm without which one's work is always futile. Years of conscientious work have brought with them not only increase of practice and reputation, but also that growth in legal knowledge and that wide and accurate judgment the possession of which constitutes marked excellence in the profession, and today he is the peer of any member of the local bar. Mr. Kerlin served two terms as city attorney, and from 1906 to 1910 was city solicitor, his performance of his official duties being entirely satisfactory to his fellow citizens. In 1912 Mr. Kerlin was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney, which office he now holds. He has successfully represented the State in a number of important cases, in all of which he has displayed an ability and energy that has reflected credit upon himself and honor on the position which he holds. On the 7th of July, 1906, Mr. Kerlin was united in marriage with Mollie Wurlitzer, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Constantine and Phillipine (Kirsch) Wurlitzer, both of whom were natives of Germany, the father born in Schoenick, Saxony, and the mother in Rheim Phlatz, Bavaria. They now reside in Cincinnati.] They are the parents of seven children, namely: Oscar, of Chicago, Ill.; Tecla, wife of William Sandberg; Eugene; Mollie, Mrs. Kerlin; Arthur; Hugo C.; Erna, deceased, who was the wife of John Dreher. To Mr. and Mrs. Kerlin have been born three children, Constance, John L. and Phillis. Politically, Mr. Kerlin has always given his support to the Democratic party and has been actively interested in the success of the party. Fraternally, he is a member of Greenville Lodge No. 161, Knights of Pythias. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Kerlin are identified with the Presbyterian Church. 38 - DARKE COUNTY They move in the best social circles of Greenville, enjoy a wide acquaintance and are popular with all who know them. Mr. Kerlin is a symmetrically developed, broad minded and public spirited man, who takes a commendable interest in everything affecting the general welfare of the community and gives his support to every worthy enterprise. Because of his large professional success and genuine personal worth he merits the high position he holds in the community. GEORGE A. JOBES. George A. Jobes was born in Palestine, Darke county, Ohio, on January 8, 1864, and is the son of Dr. John A. and Almena (Hecker) Jobes, natives, respectively, of Union, Montgomery county, Ohio, and Allentown, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. He is descended from a line of sterling progenitors, his paternal grandparents having been John and Mary (Reeder) Jobes, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Virginia. They became pioneer settlers of Darke county, and resided in Greenville, where he followed the trade of hatter. He held at one time the office of postmaster at Greenville, and also held some minor local offices there. To them were born the following children: John A., Daniel H. R., a prominent lawyer of Greenville, and at one time probate judge of Darke county; George P., Allen L., who was killed in the battle of Jonesboro, near Atlanta, during the Civil war; Adeline E., Charles C., Lavinia J. Bevans, who resides in Iowa; Frances E. and Wm. A., all of whom, with the exception of Lavinia J., are deceased. The subject's maternal grandparents were Jacob and Mary (Nagel) Hecker, natives of Pennsylvania, who came from that State with their family by wagon, were early settlers in Neave township, Darke county, Ohio, where the father and mother developed a fine farm and spent the remainder of their days, and both died there at an advanced age. To them were born twelve children, all of whom grew to maturity, namely: Mary, Benjamin F., Caroline, Almena, Charles Henry, Willoughby J., Sarah A., Maria, Albert M., Dr. Edwin A., Amanda and Clarence L. Dr. John A. Jobes, father of the subject, was reared from early childhood in Darke county; taught school many years, DARKE COUNTY - 39 and secured a good medical education, graduating from the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, and also later at New York. He began practicing in Indiana in 1852, and afterwards located in Darke county in 1858, and followed the practice of his profession until 1875, when he was elected probate judge of Darke county, and re-elected to that office in 1878, retiring from said office in 1881. He was U. S. Pension Examiner for many years, and held that position at the time of his death, which occurred May 16, 1903, at the age of seventy-five years. His widow, who still survives, is now past seventy-seven years of age, and resides in Greenville. During the Civil war Doctor Jobes served as assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Fifty-second regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, but the major part of his service as an array surgeon was performed at Pittsburg Landing and other places before his enlistment. Doctor Jobes was twice married. By his first marriage he had one child, Alonzo V., now residing in Greenville, Ohio. By his second union seven children were born, of whom five are still .living, namely: Frank H., of Greenville; George A., the immediate subject of this sketch; Lawrence U. and Eugene C., twins, and Almena, wife of Harry J. Brenneman, of Dayton, Ohio, and two who died in infancy. George A. Jobes was reared at Palestine, this county, until twelve years of age, when he came to Greenville and attended the public schools, graduating from the Greenville High School on June 2, 1882. He became a student of law at the office of Devor & Allread, in Greenville; afterwards entered the University of Cincinnati, and graduated from the law department in 1887, and was admitted to the bar that year. He at once opened a law office at Greenville, and has since continued in the active practice of his profession, giving especial attention to practice in the probate court. Politically, Mr. Jobes has been a lifelong Republican. In 1891 he was elected city solcitor of Greenville, Ohio, and re-elected in 1893. He was elected probate judge of Darke county in 1899, and served in that office until 1903, when he resumed the practice of law in Greenville. Fraternally, he is a member of Greenville Lodge No. 143, Free and Accepted Masons; Greenville Chapter No. 77, Royal Arch Masons; Matchette Council No. 91, . Royal and Select Master; and is also a Thirty-second Degree Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton, and a member of 40 - DARKE COUNTY Antioch Temple, Nobles of Mystic Shrine of Dayton. He was a member of the building committee of the Masonic Temple of Greenville, and actively participated in the erection of the Masonic Temple. On January 8, 1890, Mr. Jobes was married to Josephine Wilson, of Richmond, Ind. To them were born four children, namely: Robert W., John C., deceased; James A. and Richard A. Mr. Jobes is desirous of giving to his sons a good education, and they are now at Oxford, Ohio, the location of five good educational institutions, attending school, near which village he owns a nice country home. JOHN C. BURNS. Few men of Darke county, Ohio, are as widely and familiarly known as John C. Burns, of Greenville, Ohio, who is efficiently and satisfactorily discharging his duties as sheriff of the county. He is one of the strong and influential citizens whose lives have become an essential part of the history of this locality and for years his name has been synonymous for all that constitutes honorable and upright manhood. Tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose, combined with every-day common sense, are among his chief characteristics and, while advancing individual success, he has also largely promoted the moral and material welfare of his community. John C. Burns is a native of the county which is now honored by his citizenship, having been born in Richland township on the 25th of September, 1842, and he is the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Farmer) Burns, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Darke county, Ohio. The Burns family name is an old and honored one and was originally spelled Born, being later changed to Burn, and finally to Burns, the form in which it is now universally used. The paternal grandparents of the subject were natives of Pennsylvania and became pioneer settlers of Miami and Darke counties, Ohio. Mr. Burns was a farmer, but after beginning to clear one of his farms he went West, and lost his life by an explosion on a boat on the Mississippi river. His wife survived him some years and married again. By her first marriage she became the mother of seven children, DARKE COUNTY - 41 namely: George, Abraham, Daniel, Jacob, Julia, Susan and Eliza. The subject's maternal grandfather was William Farmer, a native of North Carolina, as was his wife. They were among the early settlers of Darke county, Ohio, locating on a farm in Richland township, where they lived to advanced ages and died. They had three children, Solomon, Elizabeth and Daniel. Abraham Burns, father of the subject of this sketch, was reared in Miami and Darke counties, Ohio, having been but six years of age when the family removed to this State. He was reared to the life of a farmer, a vocation which he followed during his active life, developing a fine farm in Richland township, where he reared his children. He owned eighty acres of land and was numbered among the enterprising and successful agriculturists of the community. He died at Greenville in 1894, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, having outlived his wife nearly thirty years, her death occurring in 1865, aged forty-seven years. They were members of the Newlight Christian Church, while, politically, he was a strong supporter of the Democratic party and served as township trustee for several years. To Abraham and Elizabeth Burns were born four children, namely: Susan, deceased, who was the wife of Samuel Hollinger; Henry, of Patterson township, this county; John C., the immediate subject of this sketch, and one who died in infancy. John C. Burns was reared on the paternal homestead in Richland township, this county, and his education was secured in the common schools of that neighborhood. He then engaged in teaching school for eighteen winters, his summer vacations being spent in farm work. His first agricultural efforts were put forth on the home farm, but he eventually bought eighty acres of land in Wabash township, Darke county, Ohio, to which he devoted his attention for a time and which he developed into a fine modern farmstead. He sold that place in 1891 and for two and a half years he rented a farm six miles west of Greenville. At the end of that period he purchased a transfer line and feed barn in Greenville, to which he devoted his attention during the following ten years. He was successful and during that time he bought sixty-two acres of land in Wayne township, this county, which, however, he never lived upon himself, and sold it two years later. Under Sheriff Smith, Mr. Burns served nearly four years as deputy sheriff, and after retiring from that position 42 - DARKE COUNTY lived practically retired for ten years, or until 1910, when he was elected sheriff, assuming the duties of his office in January, 1911. So eminently satisfactory was his administration of the office that in 1912 he was re-elected, and is now serving his second term. John C. Burns married Sarah E. Frampton, the daughter of Hugh and Mary (Coppess) Frampton, and five children have been born to that union—Atta, Lulu, Cary F., James H. and Otto A. Atta became the wife of Ad Fields and they reside in Stoy, I11. They were the parents of nine children, namely: Rollo B., Kersey (deceased), Ermo, Hershel, blanche (deceased), Leona, Ray, Russell and Glenn. Lulu is the wife of E. E. Brown, of Auburn, Ind., and nine children were born to that union, namely: Oreda, Agnes, Guy, Harold, Robert, Eugene, Gerald, Claude and Everett. Cary F., who married Ocie Reck, lives on the farm in Richland township, where his father was born and reared. They have four children, Orvael E., Virgil, Herbert and Treva. James, whose home is in Greenville, spends much of his time in Canada, being engaged in the real estate business. He married a Miss Armacost, who is now deceased, leaving one child, Gladys. Otto A. remains unmarried. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Burns signified his patriotism by enlisting in defense of the Union in the onehundred-day service as a private in Company I, One Hundred and Fifty-second regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and gave faithful service to his country in the Army of the Potomac. Politically, he is a Democrat and has always taken an active interest in the success of that party. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Christian church, of which he is a trustee. Mrs. Burns is a native of Darke county, having been born in Richland township. When quite young, she suffered the loss of her mother, her father dying at the age of about sixty years. They were the parents of five children, Martha, Mary Jane, Sarah E., William and Adam C. Mr. Burns has by a life of integrity and honor won a high place in the esteem of his fellows and enjoys a well deserved popularity throughout Darke county. Indolence and idleness have ever been foreign to his nature, and, although he started out in life on his own account practically empty-handed, he placed his dependence in the substantial qualities of perseverance and energy. DARKE COUNTY - 43 DAVID WELLER BOWMAN. It is with marked satisfaction that the biographer adverts to the life of one who has attained success in any vocation requiring definiteness of purpose and determined action. Such a life, whether it be one of calm, consecutive endeavor or of sudden meteoric accomplishments, must abound in both lesson and incentive and prove a guide to young men whose fortunes and destinies are still matters for the future to determine. The subject of this sketch is distinctively one of the representative lawyers of Darke county, Ohio. For a number of years he has directed his efforts towards the goal of success and today he stands in the front rank of his profession. David W. Bowman is a native son of Darke county, having first seen the light of day in Butler township, about two miles east of New Madison, on the 20th day of January, 1860. He is one of five children born to his parents, George W. and Phoebe Jane (Noggle) Bowman, as follows: Addison M., who died in 1890; David W., of Greenville; Herschell V., of Danville, Ill., general freight agent of the Frisco railroad lines; Ella Dora, who died at the age of fifteen years; Mary Elva, the wife of William Hageman, a merchant in New Madison, this county. George W. Bowman, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, came to Darke county, Ohio, with his parents in 1838. He was reared on a farm, but learned the carpenter's trade, building many of the large barns and substantial houses in that neighborhood. He took an active part in local affairs and held several minor township offices. In 1867 he left his Butler township farm and moved onto a farm of one hundred acres in Harrison township, where his death occurred in 1884, in the forty-ninth year of his age. His wife, who had been born in Darke county, Ohio, on April 26, 1841, died on September 19, 1872, aged thirty-one years. In Pennsylvania, the subject's father had been identified with the Lutheran Church, but after coming to Ohio he joined the Reformed Church. After the death of his first wife, George W. Bowman married Rachel A. Neibert, and they became the parents of two children, namely: Jacob, who now fills the chair of medieval history in the University of Washington, at Seattle, and George W., of Dayton, Ohio. For his third wife George W. Bowman mar- 44 - DARKE COUNTY ried Sarah Roberts, who is now deceased, no children being born to that union. The paternal grandparents of the subject were Abraham and Mary (Bowman) Bowman, the former born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and the latter born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. Though of the same family name, they were not related. Abraham Bowman, who was a farmer, came to Ohio in 1838 and bought a tract of land in German township. In 1851 he moved to Harrison township, this county, where his death occurred on October 8, 1877, aged about seventy-two years. He was survived nearly a score of years by his widow, who died in 1896, aged eighty-four years. They were the parents of eleven children, briefly mentioned as follows: Sarah, deceased; George W., father of the subject of this sketch; John, of Paulding county, Ohio; Mrs. Mary Arthur, of Union City, Ind.; David P., deceased; Martin, deceased; Levi, deceased; Jacob, of Covington, Ohio; Abraham deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Lindamood, of Greenville township, this county; and Augustus, also a resident of Greenville township. On the maternal side, the subject's grandparents were Michael and Mary (Mote) Noggle, both of whom were natives of Darke county, Ohio, where, in Harrison township, the father followed agricultural pursuits, having cleared and improved a fine farm. He had lived there practically all his life from the age of six years until his death, which occurred when almost eighty years old. His wife, who was born in 1821, died in 1891, aged seventy years. They reared a family of six children, namely: Phoebe Jane, mother of the subject of this sketch; Alfred, who was born in 1843 and died in 1896; Ephriam, born in 1845 and still living; George M., born in 1847, still living, as is David, who was born in 1849; Susan, the wife of Noah Brown, of Harrison township, this county; Jonathan died in young manhood. The subject's maternal great-grandfather, George Noggle, was bound out in boyhood, his father having been killed while fighting on the side of the colonists in the Revolutionary war. He had a severe master, from whom he ran away, coming from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and locating in Darke county in 1816. He was a very powerful man physically and it is said of him that he was the strongest man who ever lived in Darke county. He died in 1852, aged about seventy-five years, and his wife, who was born in 1777, died in 1865. DARKE COUNTY - 45 David W. Bowman spent his boyhood days on his father's farm in Harrison township, and received his preliminary education in the district schools and the Greenville high school. He then attended the Greenville Normal School, teaching during the winters for three years. On the 4th of April, 1881, he began the study of law in the office and under the direction of Judge William Allen, who died on the 6th of July following. Mr. Bowman then entered the office of Judge Sater, under whom he acquired a knowledge of Kent, Blackstone and other standard legal authorities and on May 1, 1883, he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Ohio. From that time to the present he has been continuously engaged in the practice of his profession and has won a reputation second to none in this section of the state as a sound and safe practitioner. On the 1st of July, 1888, Mr. Bowman formed a partnership with Charles M. Anderson, who was formerly a partner with the subject's uncle, David P. Bowman. The latter, who died in 1878, was a brilliant lawyer and a man of marked ability in many ways. Prior to the partnership mentioned, the subject had been for four and a half years associated in the practice with Judge D. L. Meeker. As a lawyer Mr. Bowman has been connected with much of the most important litigation tried in the Darke county courts and for many years he has enjoyed a large and lucrative legal business. In the trial of cases he is uniformly courteous to court and opposing counsel, caring little for display, never losing a point for the purpose of creating a favorable impression, but seeking to impress the jury rather by weight of facts in his favor and by clear, logical argument than by appeal to passion or prejudice. In discussions of the principles of law he is noted for clearness of statement and candor; he seeks faithfully for firm ground and having once found it nothing can drive him from his position. His zeal for a client never leads him to argue an argument which in his judgment is not in harmony with the law, and in all the important litigation with which he has been connected no one has ever charged him with anything calculated to bring discredit upon himself or cast a reflection upon his profession. On April 20, 1887, David W. Bowman married Mary Belle Kerlin, the daughter of William K. and Hannah (Jeffries) Kerlin, and they have become the parents of four children, namely: Helen, David W., Robert A. and George William. Mrs. Bowman was born in Wayne county, Ind., of which 46 - DARKE COUNTY county and State her parents were natives. In 1865 they came to Darke county, Ohio, and settled in Harrison township, where they spent the remainder of their days, the father dying there on May 28, 1903, at the age of seventy-one years, and the mother dying on April 9, 1909, aged eighty years. They were the parents of eleven children, namely: Mrs. Anna Sites, Emma, Ella (deceased), Oscar, Mary Belle, John D., Edward, William, Mrs. Carrie Hunt, James and Leo. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Bowman has ever since attaining maturity taken an intelligent interest in public affairs and has been an active factor in the progress and development of the community. For seven years he rendered efficient service as a member of the board of education, being president of that body during the erection of the St. Clair Memorial Hall. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Bowman is a vestryman. He has for a number of years been prominent in the councils of the church and at the present time is a member of the committee on church canons of the diocese of Southern Ohio. In the midst of the thronging demands of a busy life he is always approachable, being gracious in his association with his fellow men and enjoying a personal popularity which is a natural result of his characteristics, while his professional ability has given him marked prestige throughout this locality. GEORGE W. MACE. As a native son of Darke county and a representative of one of the earliest pioneer families in this section of the Buckeye State, George W. Mace is eminently entitled to representation in a compilation which has to do with those who have been the founders and builders of this commonwealth, while such is his personal honor and integrity of character and such his standing as one of the successful and progressive business men of his community that this consideration is all the more compatible. George W. Mace, senior member of the firm of Mace & Mansfield, seed merchants at Greenville, was born in German township, this county, on November 27, 1852. He is the son of Rufus and Martha (Brooks) Mace, natives, respectively, of. North Carolina and Virginia. They were the parents of DARKE COUNTY - 47 six children, of which number two lived to mature years, the subject of this sketch and John F., now deceased. Rufus Mace was, when but a boy, brought to Ohio by his parents, who located on a farm in Harrison township, this county. On this farm he was reared and attended the district schools. He afterwards learned the trade of a cooper, which he followed until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company E, Sixty-ninth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, with which command he served about two years, returning home an invalid and dying from the effects of his army life in 1869, aged thirty-eight years. His wife died ten years later at the age of forty-nine years. Both were Methodists in their religious belief. The subject is descended on the paternal side from Nathan R. and Dorcas (Fodrea) Mace, who came from North Caroilna, about 1818, taking up a tract of government land in Hamilton county, Indiana. The father died soon after locating there, and his widow and children went to that land in Hamilton county, Indiana, locating near Sheridan, where she spent the remainder of her life. Their children were James, John, Jesse, Jonathan, Caroline and Rufus, father of the subject. The maternal grandparents of the subject were natives of England, who became early settlers in Darke county, their home being in German township, where they died in old age. Their children, five in number, were Polly, Susan, Martha, John and George. George W. Mace was reared in the village of Palestine, German township, and received his education in the public schools there. After taking a course in a business college in Dayton, Ohio, he began clerking in the dry goods store of Augustus Wilson in Greenville, where he remained from 1875 to 1895, with the exception of about six years, which he spent on a farm in German township. In 1895 Mr. Mace embarked in the seed business, in which he met with success from the outstart and in which he has continued to the present time. In 1904 he took Albert Mansfield into the business as a partner, under the firm name of Mace & Mansfield, and they are now numbered among the substantial and succeassful business houses of Greenville. They handle all kinds of seeds, bulbs, and kindred lines, and they have, by courteous treatment and high quality of their goods, built up an enormous trade, commanding the major part of the local business in their line. On August 29, 1875, Mr. Mace was married to Malinda 48 - DARKE COUNTY Mikesell, the daughter of Samuel and Fanny (Kunkle) Mikesell, both of whom were natives of Darke county, and both are now deceased. Mrs. Mace was born and reared in Harrison township, this county. Politically, Mr. Mace is a Prohibitionist, believing that the temperance question is the most important issue before the American people. He has been interested in local public affairs and served as clerk of German township one term. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, while, religiously, he and his wife are earnest and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Mace is a member of the official board. He has lived in this community during his entire life and has gained a wide acquaintance, among whom he is held in the highest esteem because of his estimable personal qualities and his splendid business record. Modest and refined, he seeks no notoriety, but honestly endeavors to live as a man among men and to earn their approval and approbation. CHARLES FREMONT McKHANN, M. D. Dr. Charles Fremont McKhann is a prominent resident of Greenville, born at the corner of Main and Vine streets, in that city, July 12, 1856, a member of an old Ohio family. He is a son of James and Margaret E. (Carnahan) McKhann, the former born in Greenville March 3, 1828, died at Chattanooga, Tenn., April 29, 1907, and was buried in Forest Hill cemetery there. The mother was born March 10, 1836, and died July 2, 1858. She was buried in Sharpeye, Darke county, Ohio. The Carnahan family were very early settlers of Darke county, and William T. Carnahan located two miles east of Greenville (coming from Pennsylvania) in 1811. He served in the Second regiment, Ohio volunteers, from April 27, 1812, until April 26, 1813, being one of the three ancestors of Dr. Charles F. McKhann who served in that war and served in the battle of Tippecanoe and Falling Timbers. Doctor McKhann's ancestry has been traced back for many generations of several lines, one of them to the year 1632, and did space permit we would deal at length with this interesting topic; however, we will give some of the leading facts which are of general interest. His great-grandfather, Azor Scribner, came from New York to Darke county in 1805, and for many DARKE COUNTY - 49 years carried on an extensive business with the Indians as a fur trader. One of his eight daughters was the first white child born at Middletown, where he first settled. He spent three years trading with the Indians in Darke county while his family remained in Middletown, and in 1808, as above stated, located permanently. His youngest daughter, Rhoda. was stolen by the Indians, but subsequently restored to her family. His granddaughter, Mrs. Avery, of Greenville, recalls that when a child she heard her grandmother relate that it was her grandfather and Colonel Johnson who shot and killed the Indian chief, Tecumseh, but fear that he might be killed by the Indians led Azor Scribner to tell only his wife of the circumstance. This story is further borne out by the possession of the gun with which Tecumseh was shot, which was owned by the subject of this sketch until quite recently. Azor Scribner served in the War of 1812, under Captain Joseph Ewing, from August 9, 1812, until February 8, 1814. Another ancestor of Doctor McKhann, on the maternal side, his great-grandfather, Joseph Adams, was a soldier in the Revolution, enlisting in 1782, at the age of thirteen years. He also served in the War of 1812 from September 26, 1812, until March of the following year. Nathaniel Adams was the father of Joseph Adams, and was born at Braintree, Mass., January 19, 1745. He enlisted for service in the Revolution September 9, 1778. He was first cousin to John Adams and second cousin of John Quincy Adams, presidents of the United States. The Adr ms family is presumably the oldest in the history of the world, and the branch here mentioned dates known ancestry back over six hundred years to Sir John Ap Adam (the letter "s" being then omitted), who was summoned to Parliament as Baron of the Realm, 1296 to 1307. The fifth generation after this added the letter "s" to the name and it has since been retained. An early member of this family, Henry Adams, married Mary Alexander, daughter of Lord Sterling, came to America in 1632 and located at Braintree. Samuel Adams, brother of Rev. Joseph Adams (father of President John Adams), was the father of Nathaniel Adams, who married Rachael Chambers, of Trenton, N. J., They settled at Frederick, Maryland, and in 1780 removed to Harrison county, Virginia (now West Virginia), where they became owners of a large plantation. Doctor McKhann has in his possession a copy of Nathaniel Adams's will and original of contract and bill of sale of personal property, slaves, etc., dated January 28, 1824. (4)