100 - DARKE COUNTY 000 was secured with which the colonial style postoffice building on the public square was soon built. He has been a member of the Odd Fellows for over forty years and is also a member of the G. A. R. With all his interest in public affairs Mr. Wilson never neglected his business. Being especially interested in the selling and making up of carpets, he invented a clamp for holding together strips of carpet which were to be sewed. This clamp was patented under date of August 5, 1890, and proved to be a practical invention, being sold to progressive merchants in various sections of the United States. In disposition Mr. Wilson is firm, aggressive, industrious, persevering and faithful and has that determined spirit which scarcely knows defeat. He has raised a large family, carried on an extensive business, served the public, and today, at the age of seventy-two years, is more active than many men at fifty, taking an active and very important part in the necessary details and routine incident to a successful business. For relaxation he enjoyed his annual hunt of two or three weeks in the forests of Michigan, Wisconsin, Maine or some of the southern States, not missing a season for a period of thirty years or more. Mrs. Wilson was born in Euphemia, Preble county, Ohio, June 23, 1847. Her father's father was David Niswonger, who was born in Virginia in 1770 and died in 1844. He was of German descent and married in the Gunder family. George Niswonger, the father of Mrs. Wilson, was born in Preble county, March 9, 1817, and died at Greenville, Ohio, March 9, 1884. He married Miss Elizabeth Ducker Frazer, October 1, 1843, and they became the parents of Sarah Catharine (Wilson) ; John N. Niswonger, born December 19, 1852, died April 24, 1895; Jas. A. B. Niswonger, born July 19, 1851, died March 22, 1899. Mrs. Wilson's mother's father was Jas. A. B. Frazer, son of William Frazer, who came from Scotland, claiming direct descent from Sir Simon Fraser (Lord Lovat). The Frasers (sometimes spelt Frazer or Frazier), were of Norman French descent and settled in Scotland at an early date, becoming one of the most prominent families in the isle whose descendants are found scattered in the United States and the British colonies generally. The present seat of the family in Scotland is Invernessshire and the City of Inverness, where they form a large per cent, of the population. DARKE COUNTY - 101 James A. B. Frazer was born in 1791 and learned the trade of a miller, probably from his father, who, it seems, operated a mill near Baltimore, Md. He came to western Ohio about 1820, where he engaged in milling at Lucas's mill on Brown's run in the northern part of Butler county. He also taught school in the Heck neighborhood near this place, where in September, 1823, he married Catharine Heck, whose parents also came from Maryland. While living at Brown's Run, a daughter, Elizabeth D. (mother of Mrs. A. N. Wilson), was born August 14, 1824. The family soon moved to the neighborhood of Georgetown, Preble county, where Mr. Frazer taught school for a while. In 1827 he leased a mill of John Lock on Twin Creek, just above Euphemia and in 1828 he bought the property which then consisted of an old mill and saw mill. This mill had been built by Jesse Swisher in 1817, and had three run of burrs—one French, one Raccoon and a corn burr made from a gray-head stone, with a capacity of about twenty-seven barrels of flour in twenty-four hours. A distillery was added to this with a capacity of about twenty bushels per day with mashing done by hand. Later horse power was installed to do the mashing and pumping, thus increasing the capacity to thirty bushels per day. In 1838 Mr. Frazer built a stone mill just west of the old mill from limestone quarried along the creek nearby. This mill was about one hundred feet Iong and was considered one of the substantial buildings of the State at that early date. It cost some $12,000 to $14,000 in addition to $3,000 which Mr. Frazer had paid for the old mill with one hundred and forty acres of land and the water right extending from west of his dam to the national road east of Euphemia. When the new mill was completed he was offered $28,000 for the entire property and water right, with the provision that he would not build another mill within the bounds of the customs of said mill. He refused this offer, but a few years proved his mistake as he went into bankruptcy in 1844 and died August 20, 1849, grieving his loss and failure. His estimable wife, who was known for her benevolent disposition, lost the sight of both eyes about the time of her husband's failure, probably from paralysis of the optic nerve, and died at the home of her daughter in Richmond, Ind., from apoplexy, March 27, 1854. Their children were Elizabeth D., Henry, John, Nelson and Daniel, all of whom are now dead, exceptional Henry, who is eighty-nine years of age. Elizabeth D. Frazer was a woman of exceptional mental 102 - DARKE COUNTY powers, with strong moral convictions, sane piety and a very industrious disposition. In spite of many discouraging experiences along the road of life she bore up bravely and won for herself an enviable reputation. After the death of her husband, George Niswonger, in 1884, she made her home mostly with her daughter, Mrs. A. N. Wilson, in Greenville, Ohio, where she died September 29, 1901, at the age of seventy-seven years. Sarah Catharine (Niswonger) Wilson inherited many of the characteristics of her grandmother Frazer, whom she resembled in outward form, being inclined to stoutness, and enjoying good living. She was a woman of large heart and mind, a tender, yielding disposition and optimistic tendencies. She thought well of mankind, caring but little for distinctions of creed, color or mere outward circumstance and was charitable almost to a fault with the unfortunate. The family circle was the center of her affections, but she was sociable to all and exceedingly hospitable to her friends. So-called society made no appeal to her and she disliked its posings, affections and shams to a marked degree. Being of a lively and active disposition she enjoyed life and expected others to do likewise. Although disabled by partial paralysis during the last five years of her life she bore her affliction with patience and fortitude and passed to her reward April 7, 1914, mourned by a host of friends and admirers. Her remains, together with those of her parents and brother James, and son George are buried in the Wilson lot in the Greenville cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were the parents of eight children, of whom seven still survive, as follows: Gertrude, who married Mr. William H. Mann; Osborn, who married Miss Lillian Harrison, and is now a mailing clerk in the Greenville post-office; Frazer E., who married Miss Pearle Larimer (see sketch in this work) ; Bessie, now at home; Carlton F., author of musical ballads, now member of firm of A. N. Wilson & Sons; Grace A., who married J. L. Ewing, now living at Erie, Pa.; Frank G., musician and musical composer, now with Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. The grandchildren are: Kathryn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Mann; John Larimer, Wayne Alden and Miriam, children of Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Wilson; Harrison Augustus, son of Mr. and Mrs. Osborn Wilson. DARKE COUNTY - 103 JOHN MURPHY. There could be no more comprehensive history written of a city or a community than that which deals with the life-work of those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have placed themselves where they well deserve the title of "prominent and progressive," and in this sketch will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active and less able plodders on the highway of Iife and attained to a position of relative distinction in the locality honored by his citizenship. John Murphy is a native son of the old Buckeye State, having been born in Clarke county on the 10th day of May, 1845, and is a son of William H. and Mary (Sipe) Murphy. The subject's father, who also was a native of Ohio, was a carpenter by trade and also farmed to some extent. In 1856 he came to Darke county, locating just south of New Harrison, where he followed agricultural pursuits until 1859, when he moved to Miami county, locating on a farm on Panther creek. Eventually lie moved to Covington, this State, still later locating just south of Bradford, Darke county, and in 1865 came to Versailles, where he engaged again in farming, and was also interested in the hardware business. He became a man of prominence in the community, serving as mayor of Versailles, and for twenty years gave effective service as justice of the peace. He was also to some extent interested in the lumber business and in many ways contributed to the commercial prosperity of that locality. Both of the subjects' parents were born in the year 1818. He died at Versailles in 1893, when nearly seventy-five years of age, having survived his wife many years, she passing away in 1862, at the age of forty-four years. They were both earnest members of the Christian church. Mrs. Murphy was a native of Pennsylvania, and her parents were natives of Germany, who, upon their emigration to the United States, settled in the Keystone State, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Their children were as follows: John, Henry, Jacob, Mary, Susan, Catherine and Esther. To Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were born the following children: Catherine, Leander, Sarah, Simon, Angeline, John, William H., Mary Margaret, Ellen, Esther, Elizabeth, Susanna and Joseph. John Murphy was reared as a farmer boy, spending the first years of his life with his parents in Miami, Darke and Greene 104 - DARKE COUNTY counties, and securing his education in the district schools of the various localities where the family resided. On February 22, 1864, he enlisted as a private in Company B, Eighth (chic' cavalry, and with that command took part in some of the most hotly contested battles of that period of the war, being mustered out of the service on the 30th of July, 1865. Among the engagements in which he had a part were those of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, besides many skirmishes, marches and campaigns. After the war Mr. Murphy returned to the home farm and completed his public school studies. He then engaged in teaching school, being thus engaged during sixteen six-months terms of winter school and two summer terms. He then turned to the operation of his farm of one hundred acres, located three miles north of Versailles, where he remained until the fall of 1884, when he came to Versailles and embarked in the drain tile manufacturing business, in which he continued until 1914, a period of nearly thirty years. The plant which he operated is up-to-date and well equipped in every respect and a number of expert workmen were employed, a large amount of tile of a high quality being turned out, which commands a ready sale in the market. Mr. Murphy has prospered in his business efforts and has bought two more farms, being now the owner of four hundred acres of splendid land. His success has been due to his indefatigable industry, sound business judgment and staunch integrity, elements of character which will insure success in any undertaking, and he has earned the high place which he has long occupied in the esteem of his fellow citizens. On March 4, 1869, John Murphy was united in marriage with Martha J. Marker, the daughter of Martin and Margaret (Weaver) Marker, and to their union have been born the following children: Charles, who died at the age of nine months; Margaret became the wife of Rev. William Flammer. They lived in Wyoming until the fall of 1913 and then returned to Miami county, where he was born and reared and is now pastor of the Christian church at Covington, the town where he was born. They have three children, Marian, William and Robert; Francis Marian was a merchant for some years in Versailles, eventually was graduated from the law department of University of Michigan, and is now a successful lawyer at Greenville. He married Margaret Ward and they have three children, Pauline, Martha and Louisa; Cora married Andrew Reed; Forest, who is in the clothing business in Versailles, DARKE COUNTY - 105 married Marie Wills, and they have three children, Helen. L., Jennie M. and John E.; Jennie became the wife of Earl Ryan, and they live inColumbus, this state, where he is studying medicine. They have a daughter, Marthel; Algie, who married Martha Helen Wright, of Greenville, is engaged in the clothing business in partnership with his brother at Versailles; Mary is a graduate of the Conservatory of Music at Ann Arbor, Michigan; Mabel is a graduate of the Versailles high school and college at Oberlin, Ohio, as are all of her brothers and sisters. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Christian church at Versailles. Politically, he is a strong supporter of the Democratic party, having been actively engaged in politics for a number of years and standing high in the councils of his party. He has served as township clerk, and as a member of the school board, and was also a member of the city council in all of which positions he has discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citizens. He is a man of a high order of mentality, progressive and discriminating in the management of his business affairs, and who maintains a deep and abiding interest in all that makes for the general prosperity and advancement of the community in which he lives and where he is honored by all who know him. He never asked a man to vote for him and never was defeated when a candidate for member of council or school hoard. WILLIAM A. BROWNE, SR. It is a well recognized fact that the most powerful influence in shaping and controlling public life is the press. It reaches a greater number of people than any other agency and thus has always been and, in the hands of persons competent to direct it, always will be a most important factor in moulding public opinion and shaping the destiny of the nation. The gentleman to a brief review of whose life these lines are devoted is prominently connected with the journalism of western Ohio, and at this time is editor and publisher of the Greenville Advocate, one of the most popular and influential papers of Darke county, comparing favorably with the best local publications in this section of the state in news, editorial ability and mechanical execution. The county recognizes in Mr. Browne 106 - DARKE COUNTY not only one of the keenest newspaper men, but also a representative citizen, whose interest in all that affects the general welfare has been of such a character as to win for him a high place in the confidence and esteem of the people. William A. Browne, Sr., was born in Wilkesbarre, Pa., on the 19th of April, 1842, and is a son of William A. and Hester A. (Touchstone) Browne, both of whom were natives of Maryland. He is one of five children, three of whom lived to maturity, namely: Mrs. Emma Alice Beaver, deceased; Mrs. Melissa Kennon, deceased, whose husband was a surgeon in the. United States army, located at Silver City, New Mexico; William A., the subject of this sketch, and two who died in early childhood. William A. Browne, father of the subject, was reared in Cecil county, Maryland, and became a successful minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died in his native state in 1844, being survived by his wife, who died in Danville, Ill., when about seventy-five years of age, being buried in the cemetery at Greenville, Ohio. The subject's paternal grandparents were farming folk in Cecil county, Maryland, where they spent their lives and died when well advanced in years. The subject of this review was but two years of age when deprived by death of the care and protection of a father, and he was then placed in the home of an uncle, James Touchstone, in Reading, , Pa., where he lived until 1854, during a part of which period he received the advantage of attendance in the public schools. He then went to live with his mother, who had gone to Port; Deposit, Md., to live, and there he also received some schooling. In 1860 Mr. Browne went to St. Louis, Mo., and entered the employ of the Republican, one of the leading newspapers of that state, as a printer. Shortly afterwards he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and until 1874 was employed by the Robert Clarke Book Company. He had been a steady, industrious and economical man, and at that time embarked on the journalistic sea on his own account, buying the Covington (Ohio) Gazette, which he published for nine years, with a fair degree of success. In 1883 Mr. Browne came to Greenville and established the Democratic Advocate, the success of which has become a matter of local history. In 1892 Mr. Browne gave further evidence of his faith in the community with which he had cast his lot and started a daily edition of the Advocate, which, like the weekly edition, has proven a most notable success. Mechanically, the Advocate office is one of the best DARKE COUNTY - 107 equipped in western Ohio, and, in addition to the publication of the journals mentioned, particular attention is given to job printing, in the execution of which this office has gained a wide reputation because of the high quality of the work turned out and the courteous and prompt treatment accorded to the patrons of the office. Mr. Browne has wisely maintained a personal supervision over all details of"his business, and to his personal efforts and sound business methods is due the splendid success which has rewarded his efforts. Financially, Mr. Browne has been deservedly prosperous and he has acquired other business interests in Greenville, being a stockholder in and a director of the Greenville National Bank. On the 25th of June, 1863, Mr. Browne married Sarah A. Hawkins, of St. Louis, Mo., a daughter of Samuel and Ann Hawkins, and to them were born nine children, namely: Walter L., who died at the age of twelve years; William A., Jr., the first, died when about two years old; Annie became the wife of N. J. Kuntz, of Middletown, Ohio, and they have five daughters, Hester, Helen, Anna B., Mary and Thomasene ; Agnes is the wife of G. T. Wolf, of Greenville, and they have three children, Virginia, John Thomas and Walter; Hester died in infancy; William A., Jr., the second, is connected with the Advocate office; he married Elizabeth Murray of Springfield, Ohio, and they had two children; for his second wife he married Winifred Westbrook and they have one child, Will-ham A., the third; Walter E., who also is employed in the Advocate office, married Daisy East and they have one child, Walter East Browne; Linnius, who is an electrician in Greenville, married, first, Gertrude Guyer, to which union was born a daughter, Bernice, and for his second wife he chose Augusta Mason, who bore him a daughter, Eleanor; Virginia died at the age of sixteen years. Politically, Mr. Browne has been a life-long supporter of the Democratic party and has been a prominent figure in its councils, having, in 1912, served as a delegate from the Fourth Ohio congressional district to the national convention at Baltimore. Fraternally, he is a member of Covington Lodge No. 168, Free and Accepted Masons, at Covington, Ohio. Religiously, Mrs. Browne is a member of the Baptist church. Personally, Mr. Browne is a man of forceful personality and has wielded a large influence in the community. As a writer he wields a trenchant pen, and, possessing an unusual instinct for "news," he has succeeded in making his papers indispens- 108 - DARKE COUNTY able in thousands of Darke county homes. Genial and companionable, a splendid conversationalist and well informed on a wide range of subjects, he is a man of representative character in his community and as such is clearly entitled to specific mention in a work of this character. HENRY PHILIP STOCKER. Henry P. Stocker, who by the inherent force of his own industry, determination and tact has achieved success in his chosen vocation, and who is rightfully numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of Greenville, is justly entitled to recognition in the annals of his county, and in the following brief sketch will be found a resume of the leading facts in his career. Mr. Stocker was born in the quaint and wealthy old city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on December 16, 1864, and is a son of Andrew and Margaret (Rader) Stocker. The subject's father was a native of Germany, where he was reared and educated, and where, upon attaining mature years, he learned the trade of a butcher. Eventually coming to the United States, he located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1865, when he removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, and from there, in 1873, to Darke county, Ohio, settling on a tract of land in Adams township, five miles northeast of Greenville, his original farm there comprising sixty-two acres, to which he later added forty-nine acres more. To the improvement and cultivation of this land he devoted his energies and there he reared his family, and still makes his home. Andrew Stocker's parents, who also were natives of Germany, were people of respectability and prominence in their locality. The father died in his native land, and his widow, whose maiden name was Kipp, afterwards came to America and eventually died in Montgomery county, Ohio. They were the parents of several children. Margaret (Rader) Stocker was also a native of the fatherland, where both of her parents died, and by her marriage with Andrew Stocker she became the mother of the following children: John, who lives near Wandington, Ohio; Jacob, of Greenville; Andrew, of Miamisburg, Ohio; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Andrew Sneller; Mary, the wife of D. W. Young, of Dayton, Ohio; Catherine, who died at the DARKE COUNTY - 109 age of two years; Henry, of Greenville, the immediate subject of this sketch; Albert, deceased; Flora, the wife of James Knick, of Greenville township, this county; William, who lives near Portland, Indiana; Adam, who lives east of Greenville; Elmer, of Vincennes, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Stocker both gave faithful allegiance to the Lutheran church. Mrs. Margaret Stocker died on the home farm in Adams township in 1875, and subsequently Mr. Stocker married Barbara Fashner, whose death occurred in 1910, and he is now living in Greenville, being practically retired from active business pursuits. Henry P. Stocker was about seven years old when the family came to Darke county, and he was reared on the paternal homestead in Adams township, receiving his education in the district schools. He remained at home until eighteen years of age, then for a time he worked out by the month at farm labor. Then for two years Mr. Stocker was employed as a clerk in a grocery store at Miamisburg, after which he was a street car conductor in Cincinnati for five years. He then returned to Miamisburg and worked for his brother, Andrew R., in the furniture and undertaking business for seven years. He gave careful and thoughtful attention to the work in hand, and on April 1, 1896, came to Greenville and started in the undertaking business on his own account, buying out Curtis & Sarff, and he has conducted this business continuously since. He has, by industry and close application, attained to an eminent success and has for a number of years been numbered among the leading tindertakers and funeral directors of Darke county, and has commanded his full share of public patronage during the years in which he has been identified with local business circles. On December 27, 1893, Mr. Stocker was married to Mary Stocker, who was born in Miamisburg, Ohio, the daughter of John and Louise (Mackenheimer) Stocker. Her parents, who were natives of Germany, were for many years honored residents of Miamisburg, Ohio, where their deaths occurred. They were the parents of four children, Lena Aelhardt, Mary, Theodore and John. To Mr. and Mrs. Stocker have been born five children, Harry, Louise, Dewey, Carl and Mary. Politically, Mr. Stocker is an earnest supporter of the Democratic party, but his business affairs have made such heavy demands upon his time as to preclude his taking an active part in public affairs. He has taken a deep and intelligent interest in fraternal societies, and he holds membership in the follow- 110 - DARKE COUNTY ing bodies: Greenville Lodge No. 243, Free and Accepted Masons; Greenville Chapter No. 77, Royal Arch Masons; Matchett Council, Royal and Select Masters; Dayton Consistory of Scottish Rite Masons, thirty-second degree; Champion Lodge No. 742, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Miamisburg Lodge No. 44, Knights of Pythias; the Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Modern Woodmen of America. Genial and unassuming in his relations with his fellow citizens, Mr. Stocker has, because of his personal worth, strict integrity and uniform courtesy, won a host of warm personal friends in his adopted city and is deserving of the popularity which he enjoys. He takes a deep interest in the general welfare, giving his support to all movements which promise to benefit the community in any way. GEORGE GROSHANS. Darke county has been fortunate in the number and character of its newspapers, those advance agents of modern progress and indispensable aids to social and industrial development, and none in this section of the state has to a greater extent influenced its readers in the direction of those things which tend to their upbuilding and improvement than the Greenville Tribune, published at the county seat by Groshans Brothers, the senior member of which firm is he whose name appears at the head of this paragraph. The Tribune has persistently endeavored to keep the torch of enterprise lighted in this thriving community and it has long enjoyed a marked popularity throughout the county. George Groshans was born at New Harrison, Darke county, Ohio, on the 27th day of December, 1875, and is the son of Frederick and Wilhelmina (Keck) Groshans. These parents were both natives of Germany, in which country they were reared, and there the father became a fine cloth weaver by trade. Some time prior to his marriage he came to the United States and, coming direct to Greenville, was here married. He obtained employment in the grain elevator owned by Dan. iel Henne, remaining continuously connected with that concern up to the time of his death, which occurred on May 2, 1901, at the age of fifty-five years. He is survived by his widow, who is a faithful member of the Lutheran church, as DARKE COUNTY - 111 was her husband. Mr. Groshans was a veteran of the Franco-Prussian war of 1871, and was a man of most excellent parts, enjoying to a marked degree the esteem of all who knew him. 11r. and Mrs. Groshans were the parents of the following children: Anna, the wife of Jacob D. Hinderer, of Darke county; George, the immediate subject of this sketch; Frederick, who is a partner of his brother George in the Groshans Brothers' Publishing Company, at Greenville; Wilhelmina, the wife of Harvey Winn, of Lockland, Ohio; Catherine, of Greenville; Lucy, who died in young womanhood; Christina, the wife of John E. Hoelser, of Indianapolis, Ind. George Groshans was reared at Greenville and during his youth was given the advantage of attendance at the public schools. Upon the completion of his school life, he began to learn the printing trade, with which he has been identified continuously since. His first employment was in the office of the Greenville Tribune, where he continued about five years, then went to Marion Ohio about a year then to Mt. Vernon, Ohio, where he was foreman in the offices of the Mt. Vernon Banner and the Mt. Vernon Republican about four years then went to Newark, Ohio, where he was made foreman of the American Tribune, then to Canton, Ohio, for two years, then to Greenville in 1911, where he and his brother Frederic purchased the Greenville Tribune, newspaper, plant and good will, of which they are still the owners. The paper, which was established in 1890, is Republican in political affiliations, is numbered, and justly so, among the clean, newsy and popular papers of this section of the State. The mechanical equipment is up to date in every important particular and special attention is given to all kinds of general job printing, in which success has attended their efforts because of the high quality of work turned out and the courteous and prompt attention given to their customers. On October 14, 1902, George Groshans was married to Ethelyn May McKay, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, where her birth occurred January 11, 1880. She is the daughter of William W. and Sarah (Pipes) McKay. Her father was born at Manchester, England, November 26, 1845, and was a son of Robert S. and Emma (Hurst) McKay, the former of whom was born at Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, October 31, 1813. The latter was born March 6, 1827, in Manchester, England. William W. McKay served in the Civil war. Mrs. Groshans' mother, Sarah (Pipes) McKay, was the daughter of Harvey 112 - DARKE COUNTY Pipes of Knox county, Ohio. Her father was the son of Daniel Pipes, who was a son of Joseph Pipes of New Jersey and later of Pennsylvania, whose forefathers came to America in the Sixteenth century. Joseph Pipes and his brother were out gathering nuts when a band of Indians came upon them. The brother ran around the swamp and hid, but Joseph . ran into the swamp and was captured and carried away, was kept by them seven years until he was grown. Several times he tried to get away, but was guarded too closely. Once, when he ran away and was overtaken, he pretended he was lost and was glad to see the Indians. Later he escaped. Her mother is still living at her home in Mt. Vernon, O. They were the parents of six children, of whom Mrs. Groshans is the oldest; the others are: Dwight, Blanche, Charles, Elnora and Clyde. By a former marriage Mr. McKay had two children: Robert S. and Clifford. To Mr. and Mrs. Groshans have been born two children: Robert Kirkwood, born in East Church street, Newark, Ohio, on March 26, 1905, and Mildred Eleanor, born in Newark, Ohio, in Ninth street, on April 29, 1908. MARTIN L. WEISENBARGER. As a man's means increase, so do his responsibilities, not only those which pertain to the individual, but those which are founded upon humanity in the aggregate. A man of the importance and wealth of Martin L. Weisenbarger, second vice-president of the Farmers' National Bank of Arcanum, and one of the city's most progressive merchants, has calls made upon his time and attention that one less influential could escape. He is called upon to discharge without remuneration duties which carry with them perplexities and annoyances far in excess of the empty honor the office in question bestows; he is expected to give advice and settle disputes; to uphold the dignity of the city upon state occasion; to entertain important guests; to lend his name and a substantial amount of his money to the furtherance of public improvements, and to confer stability upon those organizations with which he is connected. These are but a few of the duties devolving upon a leading man of any community. That Mr. Weisenbarger meastires up well to the highest standards of citizenship and those pertaining to men who have really earned the right to be DARKE COUNTY - 113 called prominent and influential, demonstrates beyond question that he has not failed to respond to the calls of his fellow townsmen. He was born in Twin township, Darke county, September 8, 1851, so is a product of the Buckeye State, and is proud of his Americanism, although he is equally proud of the fact that his immediate forebears were of German birth, for he rightly considers that many of the characteristics which have enabled him to win out in his life work, come from his excellent parents, John and Catherine (Trager) Weisenbarger, natives of Wurtenburg, Germany. Philip Weisenbarger, the paternal grandfather, was also of German birth, and he and his wife had the following family: Frederick, John, Jacob and two daughters. John Weisenbarger, the father, grew up in his native land, but realizing how little chance there was in that day for a man of moderate means to succeed, he came to America, and first located at Lebanon, Ohio, where he was married, and immediately thereafter, he engaged in farming in the vicinity of that city. Subsequently he came to Darke county, Ohio, and in 1840 located in Twin township, where he bought eighty acres of land, to which he added more from time to time until he owned three hundred acres prior to his death. A large portion of this was cleared by him, and he put it under a fine state of cultivation. His death occurred when he was eighty-two years old. His wife was also eighty-two years old at the time of her demise. Both were earnest and consistent members of the Lutheran church. The children of John and Catherine Weisenbarger are as follows: Jacob, Darke county; Elizabeth, deceased, wife of Henry Odell; Hannah, wife of Noah Odell; John, deceased; Frederick, deceased; Adam, deceased; Mary, deceased; Caroline, widow of Jesse Burke, Preble county; Martin L., subject of this sketch; Joseph, deceased; George, resides in Miami county; Daniel, deceased. The boyhood of Martin L. Weisenbarger differed very little from that of any ordinary country boy of his period and locality. Growing up in Twin township, he was sent to the schools of his district, but at the same time was expected to render himself useful on the farm, and did so willingly and effectively. Later he attended the normal school at Lebanon, and then taught school one term, but discovering that his inclinations pointed toward the marts of trade rather than the (8) 114 - DARKE COUNTY schoolroom, he began clerking. A year later, he left that employment for the calling in which he had been trained from childhood, and for twenty-three years was one of the most successful agriculturalists ;of Darke county, operating his eighty acres of land until he sold it and moved to Arcanum in 1900. A man of his active spirit could not remain idle and the following year he purchased the general store of Charles Minch, and has since conducted it upon broad lines, carrying a full and complete stock of all goods to be found in any modern department store of the best class. Some idea of the volume of business may be gained from the fact that twelve clerks are required to handle the customers, and attend to their wants. During these active years of Mr. Weisenbarger's life, he has sought safe investment for his money, and is now serving as second vice-president of the Farmers' National Bank, one of the soundest financial institutions of Darke county. Much of the credit for the phenomenal success of the annual fairs of this county are due to his interest, efforts and progressive ideas, and he has served as president of the Darke County Agricultural Society for many years. A man of mature judgment and wide experience, he is called upon to lead the trend of public events in his community, and he does not fail to respond no matter what personal sacrifice is involved. On May 17, 1878, Mr. Weisenbarger was united in marriage with Miss Martha Schaar, a daughter of John and Nancy (Niely) Schaar, and they had the following children: Cleatus, who married Clara Hunt, has one child, DeWitt; Earl, Hol, who married Estelle Cress, and they have two children, Gladys and Donald, and Roy, who died in infancy. While Mr. Weisenbarger is a Lutheran, his wife belongs to the United Brethren church. In fraternal matters he affiliates with the Odd Fellows. While he is enthusiastic in his support of Democratic principles and candidates, he has not cared for office, although he did consent to act as precinct assessor for one term. Mrs. Wiesenbarger was born in Darke county, her father, a native of Germany, being a farmer of Twin township. Her mother was born in Pennsylvania, and both she and her husband are deceased. Cleatus, Earl and Hol are associated with their father in the mercantile business and Mr. Weisenbarger is now enabled to place the greater responsibilities upon their shoulders, thus leaving him as their adviser. DARKE COUNTY - 115 CHARLES C. HALL. The subject to whose life history attention is now directed has been a life-long resident of Darke county, and has, by a life of earnest endeavor, won a place among the enterprising and progressive business men of Greenville. He has not been, in any sense, an idler, but has persistently labored for the advancement of his interests along honorable and legitimate lines, so that he has honestly merited the high place which he holds in the esteem of the community. Mr. Hall was born about two and a half miles southeast of Greenville on December 7, 1866, and is the son of John W. and Frances D. (Carnahan) Hall, both of whom were also born in the old Buckeye state. John 1V. Hall was born in Darke county and became a successful farmer near Greenville, where he owned one hundred and twenty acres of good land. In 1875 Mr. Hall was elected sheriff of Darke county, assuming the duties of that office on January 1, 1876, and holding the position four years, retiring from the office with the commendation of all concerned. He then engaged in the livery business and was interested in the breeding of horses. His death occurred on December 30, 1901, aged sixty-seven years and seven months. His widow is still living, being nearly eighty years of age. Both were earnest members of theChristian church. They were the parents of the following children: James Monroe, deceased; Isaac William, of Camargo, Illinois; Catharine, the wife of Charles O. Lucas, of Dayton, Ohio; Elias M., of Monroe, La.; Idella May, deceased, who was the wife of John K. Foster; Charles C., the immediate subject of this sketch; Junie E., wife of H. H. Davis, of Greenville; Roll S., of Versailles, this county. The father of these children was a man of deserved prominence in his community for many years, having served as township treasurer for several years, as a member of the city council a number of terms, and he was also a member of the county agricultural board, serving as president of that body several terms. He was interested in military affairs and had served as a colonel in the Ohio National Guard. John W. Hall was the son of James and Sarah (Culberson) Hall, both of whom were early settlers in Darke county. James Hall was a farmer and cabinetmaker, and his death occurred in Greenville township, this county, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife, who was a native of Pennsylvania, went from that State to Cincinnati, in 1812, when but seven years old, the 116 - DARKE COUNTY trip down the Ohio river being made on a flat boat. She lived to be nearly ninety-four years old. By her union with James Hall she became tile mother of four children, Samuel, Frances, John W. and Mary. James Hall was also the father of a son by a former marriage. The subject's maternal grandparents, Elias and Catherine (Martin) Carnahan, were early settlers in Darke county, Ohio, but eventually moved to the State of Illinois, settling near Emden, Logan county, where they spent the remainder of their lives, dying when well advanced in years. Among their children were Elias, Elizabeth, William, Lottie, Francis D. Martin C., and Sarah. Charles C. Hall was about nine years of age when his father moved the family to Greenville, and here he secured a good education in the grade and high schools. He then became a clerk in the hardware store of A. F. Koop & Co., entering their employ at the age of fourteen years, and remaining with them ten and a half years. He was then employed in a like capacity by J. P. Duffey for six years. During the following three years he was on the road as a commercial traveler for Smith Brothers Hardware Company, of Columbus, Ohio, following which he engaged in the retail hardware business on his own account at Arcanum, Ohio, to which his attention was devoted for about seven and a half years. Then, for a few months, he was again on the road, but on the 15th of August, 1908, he opened a news stand and cigar store at No. 505 South Broadway. He has been very successful in this venture and, because of his uniform courtesy and efforts to please his patrons, he commands his full share of public patronage. On December 29, 1909, Charles C. Hall was united in marriage with Vinora Thompson, who was born in Greenville township, Darke county, the daughter of William and Amanda Thompson, both of whom also were natives of this county. Her father, who was a successful farmer in this locality, died February 12, 1912, aged seventy-five years, and is survived by his widow. They were the parents of two children, Mrs. C. C. Hall and Alice, the wife of L. U. Jobes. Fraternally, Mr. Hall has long taken a deep interest in the Masonic order, holding membership in the following branches: Ithaca Lodge No. 295, Free and Accepted Masons, at Arcanum, of which he was worshipful master two years; Greenville Chapter No. 77, Royal Arch Masons; Matchett Council, Royal and Select Masters; Coleman Commandery No. 17, Knights DARKE COUNTY - 117 Templar, at Troy, Ohio; Dayton Consistory, Thirty-second degree, Scottish Rite. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, both subordinate lodge and Uniform Rank. Politically, Mr. Hall is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, and has taken a deep interest in public affairs of a local nature. As a public-spirited and progressive citizen, he has given his influence to the furtherance of good government and all that conserves the general welfare, while to him is accorded in his native county the fullest measure of confidence and esteem. CHARLES S. SLADE. It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens, who see him in every phase of life's activities in which he engages, and are therefore competent to judge of his merits and his demerits. In this connection it is not too much to say that the subject of this sketch has passed a life of unusual activity, that he has been industrious and has the confidence of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. Charles S. Slade was born in the same street in which he now lives, on November 30, 1871, and practically his entire life has been passed in Greenville. His parents were Hamilton and Mary Jane (Hall) Slade, natives, respectively, of Preble and Darke counties, Ohio. They had two children, the subject and a sister, Margaret, who became the wife of Karl H,. Schmermund. Hamilton Slade was reared in Darke county and during his early manhood years he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Slade enlisted in the Ninety-fourth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, being later transferred to Company B of the One Hundred and Tenth regiment. He proved'a valiant and faithful soldier, serving about two and a half years, and at the battle of Spottsylvania, May 12, 1863, he was seriously wounded, losing his left arm. Prior to that he had endured the horrors of Libby prison for six months. After the war Mr. Slade was postmaster of Greenville for a short time, resigning in order to accept the office of county clerk, which position he held through two terms, a period of six years. Then for a number of years Mr. Slade engaged in general contracting but eventually retired from active business pursuits. His 118 - DARKE COUNTY death occurred on March 6, 1913, at the age of seventy-seven years and four months. He is survived by his widow, who is past seventy years of age. Mr. Slade was an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic and had served as a member of the city council with credit. The subject's paternal grandfather was John Slade, a successful and well-known farmer in this county, of which he was an early settler. He married Eliza Weaver and they had thirteen children, Alfred, Lark, Isaac, Hamilton, Susanna, Lucinda, William Allen, who died in the army during the war; Wesley and George, Jane, Eliza and Harvey. One died in infancy. Mary Jane Slade, mother of the subject of this sketch, was a daughter of James and Sarah (Culberson) Hall, and she lived to the remarkable age of ninety-three years, having borne the following children: John W., Samuel, Frances, Mary Jane, Margaret and Amos. Charles S. Slade was reared under the parental roof in Greenville, and secured his elementary education in the public schools of this city. He then pursued a technical course of study in Vandernaillen's School of Engineering, in San Francisco, Cal., where he completed his studies in 1893. He then returned to his home city and has since followed his profession here with most pronounced success. His ability in his line has been widely recognized throughout this locality and he has commanded his full share of work. He served one full term as city engineer of Greenville, following a special term, and is now serving his second term as county surveyor. By careful and painstaking attention to every piece of work entrusted to him, Mr. Slade has demonstrated in an unmistakable manner his- fitness for the profession which now claims his attention, and he is held in high regard by all who are familiar with his record as a civil engineer. On December 24, 1900, Mr. Slade was married to Nancy P. Cunningham, who was born in Huron, Erie county, Ohio, the daughter of Lewis E. and Adelia (Cleveland) Cunningham, and to this union has been born one son, Allan Cunningham Slade. Mrs. Slade's parents were natives of Ohio, and her father died at Port Clinton, this state, in November, 1908, aged sixty-three years. His widow still survives him, at the age of sixty-four years. Both were Episcopalians in their religious faith. During the Civil war Lewis Cunningham was a member of Company B, One Hundred and Fiftieth regiment, Ohio vol- DARKE COUNTY - 119 unteer infantry, serving in response to the last call for volunteers. Prior to that he had been a member of the Cleveland Home Guards. He was a railroad man and for a number of years was employed by the Lake Shore Railroad Company. He was the son of Archibald and Nancy (Taylor) Cunningham, who were natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of Cuyahoga county, Ohio. Archibald C. died at the age of eighty-three years and his wife died when fifty-six years old, Their children were George, Lewis, Elsie, Andrew and William. Mrs. Slade's maternal grandparents were Josiah W. and Phoebe (Hatch) Cleveland, the father born in New York and the mother in Portland, Maine. They came to Ohio in an early day and both died when about eighty years of age. They had three children, Josephine, Isabel and Adelia, the two first (lying in infancy. Josiah Cleveland was a son of John Cleveland, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, as was also Mrs. Slade's great-grandfather Hatch. The children of Lewis and Adelia (Cleveland) Cunningham were Josephine, Josiah, Nancy, Samuel, George and Elsie, all of whom are still living but Josiah, who died at the age of four years. Fraternally, Mr. Slade is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is also a valued and appreciative member of the Greenville Historical Society and the National Geographical Society. Mrs. Slade is a member of the Episcopal church, of which she is a regular attendant. Mr. Slade's career has been characterized by an inflexible integrity of purpose and he has ever commanded the fullest measure of esteem in the community. Genial and companionable in his relations with his fellow men, he possesses to a marked degree those qualities which beget and retain friendships and his position in the city where he lives is an enviable one. JOHN LINUS BASCOM. One of the most important branches of public service in any municipality is that of the department of public safety, especially as relating to the policing of the city and the preservation of law and order. When the annals of the city of Greenville are written years hence, a high place will be given in them to the services rendered to his community by him whose name appears at the head of this sketch, and who for many 120 - DARKE COUNTY years has been a terror to evil-doers and a guarantee of safety to our citizens. Not only has he been guardian of the public safety in days of peace, but during the dark and ominous days of the early sixties, when the national integrity was threatened by armed treason, he gallantly gave what assistance he could in defense of Old Glory and, all that it represents. For these and other reasons, Mr. Bascom is eminently entitled to representation in a work of the character of the one in hand. John L. Bascom was born on the present site of the fire department building in the city of Greenville, Ohio, on December 25, 1841, and is a son of John Sanford Bascom and Susanna (Sprecher) Bascom. His father was born near Dayton, Ohio, and his mother near Harrisburg, Pa., and they became the parents of two cihldren, James, who died in infancy, and John L. John S. Bascom came to Darke county with his parents when a small boy, the family settling near what is now called Weiner Mill. From there, about 1840, they moved into Greenville, and settled on the Public Square on what for many years was known as the Bascom corner. There he grew to manhood, received his education in the city schools, eventually became a lawyer and practiced his profession here. He died June 3, 1844, when still a comparatively young man. At the time of his death he was deputy county treasurer and postmaster, holding a high position in the estimation of his fellow citizens. The subject's paternal grandfather, Linus Bascom, was a native of Vermont and a farmer until his removal to Greenville, when he became an Indian trader, opening a grocery and trading store, which he conducted for a number of years. He died July 26, 1861, on the Bascom corner, where he settled, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. His first wife was Mary Armstrong, who died in middle life. They had four children, John S., Erastus, Linus, Jr., and Mary A. For his second wife he married Jane Devors, and they had one child who died in infancy. Linus Bascom was a soldier of the war of 1812. The subject's maternal grandparents were John and Sarah A. (Renshaw) Sprecher, who were natives of Ohio. The father was a bricklayer in his early days, and later a farmer, living retired during his later years. To him and his wife were born five children, John, Philip, Mary, Sarah and Henry. John L. Bascom was reared in Greenville, which has been his home during practically his entire life. After completing his education in the public schools, he learned the painter's trade, DARKE COUNTY - 121 at which he was employed at the outbreak of the Civil war. When Fort Sumter's surrender fired the patriotic spirit of the loyal men of the north, Mr. Bascom was among the first to offer his services to his country, enlisting, on April 26, 1861, in the First regiment, Missouri volunteer infantry, under Col. Frank P. Blair. He was first in camp at Jefferson barracks, St. Louis, after which he was sent to the front and took part in battles of Wilson's Creek, Shiloh, at which place he received a flesh wound, but was too plucky to pay any attention to it at the time, and kept on fighting; Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Corinth, Miss., Iuka, siege of Vicksburg, then came back to Lookout Mountain and participated with Sherman in all battles from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and from Atlanta to the sea, the last battle fought under Sherman was at Bentonville, N. C. In the battle in which McPherson was killed, Sergt. Bascom had a horse shot under him, but he was unharmed, he soop secured another mount and was soon again in the thick of the fighting when his second horse was shot and killed. For gallantry on that day while yet on the battle field he was promoted from orderly sergeant to rank of second lieutenant. After the last battle he took part in the grand review at Washington and on June 20, 1865, was mustered out and honorably discharged as second lieutenant of Company H, First Missouri light artillery, the commanding officer of which was Capt. C. M. Callahan. In a publication entitled "A Review of the Ohio Police Association," the following tribute was paid to him: "John L. Bascom was one of the bravest, most gallant and most efficient officers in the United States army." At the conclusion of hostilities, Lieutenant Bascom returned to Greenville and was, in the Spring of 1866, elected marshal of the city, in which position he served three years. In February, 1877, he as appointed on the police force of Greenville, on which he has served continuously since, a period of thirty-six years, and in 1902 he was honored by appointment as the head of the department, both on account of his demonstrated efficiency as an officer and also in testimony and appreciation of his high character as a man. His record has been a most honorable one and has been characterized by a strict and faithful performance of his official duties and a wise and judicious conduct of the department under his direction. On December 5, 1869, Mr. Bascom married Mary A. Hamilton, who was born in Greenville, Ohio, the daughter of Thomas W. and Mary A. (Meeks) Hamilton, who were natives 122 - DARKE COUNTY of Fredericksburg, Md. They came from there to Greenville in an early day, and here spent the rest of their days, both dying when well advanced in years. They had seven children, Nancy, John, Phoebe, Caroline, Mary, Eunice and Alice. To Mr and Mrs. Bascom have been born two children, Lona B., who is the wife of George T. Foltz, of Dayton, and Susanah who married Ulysses McCoy, but is now living at home with her father. Mrs. Bascom and daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Bascom was reared in the Presbyterian faith, but is not identified with any religious society. Fraternally, he is a member of Champion Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and to Jobes's Post, Grand Army of the Repubic. Politically, he is an ardent supporter of the Republican party and at one time was elected mayor of Greenville, in which position he gave general satisfaction. Personally, Mr. Bascom is genial and companionable and, because of his splendid character and genuine personal worth, he has earned and enjoys to an eminent degree the confidence and good will of the people of his community. WILLIAM H. WILLIAMS. The task of providing work for many bread winners naturally assumes a position of prime importance, a fact that is recognized by William H. Williams of the William H. Williams Company of Greenville, Ohio, who realizes his responsibilities as the head of a large importing firm, and in the conduct of his business he demonstrates that he is a capable, energetic, likable and efficient man. He was born in Randolph county, Indiana, January 27, 1867, a son of James and Rebecca J. (Arthur) Williams. The paternal grandfather of William H. Williams married a Miss Ross and they had five children, namely: Joseph, James, Ready, who died as a soldier during the Civil war; Hetty, Maria, and a son who died in infancy. The parents of these children survived to an advanced age. The maternal grandfather was John Arthur and he married Sarah Baird, both being natives of Darke county, Ohio, and farming people. She died when about sixty years old, while he lived to be over eighty years. They had a large family, among the children being Rebecca J., Abner, who resides at DARKE COUNTY - 123 Union City, Ohio; Millie, William, Joseph and Elizabeth. The Williams family is of Welsh stock and the Arthurs, Scotch. James Williams was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, while his wife was a native of Darke county the same state. He came to Darke county, Ohio, with his parents in childhood and grew to manhood within its confines, becoming a farmer who operated in Butler township. Later he moved to Randolph county, Indiana, where he died in 1867, aged forty-seven years. His widow lived to be seventy-nine years old, dying June 28, 1903. They were devout members of the Christian church, in which he held numerous offices. Their children were: John B., who is deceased; Joel S., who resides at Greenville, Ohio; Jason D., who resides in Randolph county, Indiana; James M., who resides at Greenville, Ohio, where Emma J., who is the wife of L. I). Yeaton of Indianapolis, Ind., and William H., whose name heads this review. There were three others who died in infancy. William H. Williams was fourteen years old when he came from Randolph county, Indiana, to Greenville, Ohio, where he has continued to reside ever since. His scholastic training was secured in Wayne township, Randolph county, Indiana, during which period he was performing a man's work on his father's farm. When he located at Greenville, in 1881, he began clerking in a grocery store, and also worked for the first telephone exchange at Greenville in the room he now occupies, thus early learning habits of thrift and industry which have remained with him. Still later he went into the restaurant business, and conducted it for ten years, when in 1901 he was made manager for the long distance telephones in the house of representatives at Columbus, Ohio, holding this position until 1912. A number of years ago he recognized the demand for novelties suitable for use in the advertising business and traveled at first for the Spottswood Specialty Company of Lexington, Ky., but after a couple of years, founded his present company, now handling a high grade of calendars, fans and similar novelties, importing manufacturing and jobbing specialties used for advertising purposes, being conveniently located at No. 440 South Broadway, Greenville. His residence is at No. 311 East Main street. On September 10, 1895, Mr. Williams married Miss Frances B. Troxell, a daughter of John W. and Nancy M. (Anderson) Troxell. Two children have been born of this union: Paul James and Robert Harvey Garber Williams. Mrs. Will- 124 - DARKE COUNTY iams belongs to the Christian church. Mr. Williams is a member of the United Commercial Travelers' Association. Politically, he is a Democrat and has been an enthusiastic admirer of William Jennings Bryan, as well as a stalwart worker in the ranks of his party. Mr. Williams had the distinction of not only being a very pronounced progressive Democrat, but the honor of perfecting and managing a winning campaign for the two candidates for delegates to the Democratic national convention at Baltimore, 1912, from the Fourth congressional district, in direct opposition to the wishes of the State administration. The delegates, Mr. Browne, Sr., and Mr. Fox, having cast their every vote for Woodrow Wilson. Mrs. Williams was born in Preble county, Ohio. Both her parents reside at Fitzgeralds, Ga. They had six children, namely: Mayme, Frances B., Ethel, Daisy, Jesse and Hazel. CHARLES ROLAND. In no avenue of business do men become so widely known as in journalism, not always as personalities, but as influences, their printed thoughts reaching thousands where their spoken ones would be heard perhaps by only a score. Hence the responsibility of a journalist is of exceeding weight, and there have been times when a newspaper has forced reformatory legislation—even been instrumental in changing public policies. Although he is now retired from his journalistic work, Charles Roland of Greenville, Ohio, can look back upon a career filled with usefulness and power, for in his day of activity, he belonged to the class defined above. He was born in Washington county, Ohio, August 6, 1831, a son of Edward Roland. Edward Roland was born on the Isle of Wight, and came from thence with two brothers and three sisters, locating in Washington county, Ohio, at a period when all of that section was in a pioneer state. Subsequently Edward Roland made a trip to Europe, and probably died on his journey, as he never returned and no traces could be found of him. He left three sons: Charles, Edward and Perry, of whom Edward resided near French Lick, Ind., up to the time of his death in 1912, and Perry lives near Hutchinson, Kas. Charles Roland was left an orphan in childhood, but was DARKE COUNTY - 125 taken by Harry Hill and reared in his family, being adopted by his foster parents. Until he was fourteen years old, he made himself useful on a farm, and attended whenever he could, the schools of his district, but having attained to that age, he began learning the printer's trade at Lancaster, Ohio, in the office of the Ohio Eagle. He continued in the employ of this paper until the death of the editor, when he purchased the plant, in 1856, and continued to issue the Eagle until 1866. At that time he came to Greenville, Ohio, and bought the Greenville Democrat, of which he continued editor and publisher for thirty-two years, or until 1899, when he retired in order to have more time to attend to his private interests. In 1900 he relaxed and took a trip to Europe in company with a party of ninety-six, visiting Italy, Germany, France, England, Holland, Belgium and Ireland, spending three months. The itinerary embraced the leading points of interest in the countries visited, and was not only productive of pleasure, but instruction as well. The party was in charge of competent guides, who were able to speak the language of each country, and looked after the baggage so that many of the annoyances incident to such a trip, were eliminated. In 1852 Mr. Roland married Miss Amelia Clark, a daughter of Lewis Clark, and they had nine children born to them: Arthur A., who is a practicing physician of osteopathy at Greenville, Ohio; Mary E., who married James H. McAIpin, a train dispatcher on the Pennsylvania lines for forty-eight years, now resides at Columbus, Ohio, having two children—Maude and Vera, both of whom are married; Charles W., who was in the Democrat printing office with his father for some years continued the business for nine years in partnership with his brother Edward, and married a Miss Davis, who bore him four children: Ernest, Gertrude, Virgil and Gladys; Clara J., who married Harry Rhotchamel, has one child, Roland; Emma S., who married Judge James I. Allread, lives at Columbus, Ohio, and has two children, Harold R. and Marie; Edward H., who is a printer at Winchester, Ind., is unmarried; Horace G., who died in infancy; Ida A., who married Sherman Dorman, now deceased, as is his wife, leaving no issue; Grace V., who married J. A. Spencer, a broker, at Greenville, and all are highly respected in the several communities in which they live. Mr. Roland has three great-grandchildren. Mrs. Roland died September 19, 1905, aged seventy-two years. She was born in Scioto county, Ohio, her mother being a native of that State, although her father was born in New York State. 126 - DARKE COUNTY While he has always been a Democrat, Mr. Roland has never been willing to go upon his party ticket for office. He owns a beautiful brick residence at No. 423 West Fourth street, which he built in 1876-7, and he also built his office building in 1870. At present he owns, in addition to his home, the corner of Fourth and Broadway, occupied by Horn's grocery, and the Second National Bank building at Greenville. The postoffice occupied Horn's corner for twenty years, or from 1890 to 1910. A resident of Greenville for forty-seven years, Mr. Roland has witnessed some of the most important changes in it, and is a recognized authority upon matters pertaining to its earlier history. To show Mr. Roland's fearlessness and independence of action at all times and without regard to the possible effect his action might have upon him financially or physically we must relate something that took place in 1862 while he was editing and publishing the Eagle at Lancaster, Ohio. He had published an article in which he took exceptions to the manner in which the war was being conducted. Governor Todd requested him to come to Columbus. He did so, taking the prosecuting attorney of Fairfield county with him as witness. The Governor charged a tone of disloyalty and threatened suppression of the paper and imprisonment of Mr. Roland at Fort Warren. Mr. Roland took the ground that he was justified in all he did by the Constitution and the laws of the land. Governor Todd again threatened him. "Constitution or no Constitution, laws or no laws unless he should change the tone of the paper." Mr. Roland published an attested account of the interview in the next issue of his paper and continued to publish his views as before, but was never again molested. GUY C. BAKER. Although numbered among the younger members of the bar of Darke county, Guy C. Baker is recognized as one who is guided by high purpose and sincerity, and in him the law has a stern, inflexible and learned exponent, although personally he possesses deep sympathies and wide interests. He is the junior member of the legal firm of Bickel, Baker & Murphy, of No. 531 Broadway, Greenville, Ohio, and possessed of a large practice. Mr. Baker was born in Neave township, Darke county, DARKE COUNTY - 127 Ohio, December 11, 1876, a son of David and Lucy A. (Shuber) Baker, and grandson of David and Rebecca (Breidenstein) Baker, and Titus and Deborah (Brumbaugh) Shuber. David Baker and his wife were born in Pennsylvania, but be-became early settlers of Darke county, Ohio, where they became substantial farmers in Neave township. Both lived to an advanced age. Among their fourteen children were: George, Henry, Jacob, David, Nannie Noll, Barbara Calderwood, Esther Bookwalter, Mrs. Betsy Phillippi and Mrs. Catherine Wagner. Titus Shuler was also a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife, too, was born in that State. Like the Baker family, they became pioneers of Darke county, Ohio, but they settled in Butler township, where they died, having been engaged in farming all their lives. Among their many children were: Arrandus, Samuel, Wilson, Frank, Jennie Clark and Lucy A. Baker. David Baker, Jr., father of Guy C. Baker, was brought up in Darke county, Ohio, and in young manhood taught school. A man of more than average ability, he was chosen to represent his district in the State assembly and acquitted himself so capably that he was re-elected to serve a second term. Following this he embarked in an insurance business at Greenville, continuing in it up to his death in 1899, when he was forty-eight years old, by drowning. His widow survives him, and both early joined the Reformed church. Their children were: Ril T., who resides at Dayton, Ohio; Guy C., who resides at Greenville, Ohio; Don D., who resides at Greenville, Ohio, and Nellie S., who is the wife of Carl P. Metz of Los Angeles, Cal. All these children were born in Ohio, as were their parents. Guy C. Baker grew to manhood at Greenville, where he profited by the excellent public schools, being graduated from the high school of this city in 1894, following which he was made deputy probate under Judge J. M. Bickel. In the meanwhile he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1897, remaining in the probate office until 1900, when he formed a partnership with Judge Bickel which continues to this day, the firm enjoying a large and lucrative practice. The extent of Mr. Baker's learning and the rapidity and thoroughness of his research are marvelous, and as he is possessed of natural ability of a high order, his success in his practice has been steady and healthy. On September 14, 1499, Mr. Baker was united in marriage 128 - DARKE COUNTY with Miss Maude Ditman, a daughter of John and Sarah (Schlaggenhaupt) Ditman, and one son has been born of this union: Joe W. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are earnest members of the Reformed church. He belongs to Greenville Lodge No. 243, F. & A. M.; Greenville Chapter No. 77, R. A. M., and Matchett Commandery No. 91, R. & S. M. In addition he is a member of Greenville Lodge No. 161, Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a democrat, and his value to his party was evinced by his place on its ticket for city solicitor for two terms, while his popularity was proved by his election both times by a large majority. At present he is secretary of the Greenville Commercial, club for he has ever been a most conscientious public servant, alive to the needs of his city. Mrs. Baker was born at Greenville, Ohio. Her father is deceased, but her mother survives. They had the following children: Mrs. H. T. Miller, who lives at Kenton, Ohio; J. W. Ditman, who also lives at Kenton, Ohio; Gertrude Ditman, who resides at Greenville, Ohio; Inez, who is also a resident of Greenville, Ohio; Mrs. Dr. A. W. Rush, and Mrs. Guy Baker. CHARLES WESLEY RARICK, M. D. The art of healing is as old as man, but it has been given to moderns to penetrate into the mysteries of Divinity and comprehend that much that once was accounted criminal and depraved is but the outcome of ill health, and should be treated carefully as such. The modern physician must have a well-trained and well developed mind and nervous system, which can come only by conforming to the laws of health and by familiarity with the facts that are demonstrated by science and not through the influence of the metaphysical theories of the present time. Darke county, Ohio, has always given an earnest support to its regular practitioners, and one who has won a well merited distinction in his learned profession is Dr. Charles Wesley Rarick, of 1i Public Square, Greenville, Ohio. He was born in Darke county, Ohio, December 9, 1843, a son of Philip and Sarah (Chenoweth) Rarick, and grandson of Philip and Susanna (Mikesell) Rarick, and John and Betsy (Foster) Chenoweth. The American founder of the Rarick family was Conrad Rarick, born in Germany in 1722, who came to America in DARKE COUNTY - 129 1749 and died at Gettysburg, Ohio, in 1790, being buried in the cemetery at that place. Among his children was Henry Rarick, who was the great-grandfather of Doctor Rarick. Philip Rarick, Sr., grandfather of Doctor Rarick, and son of Henry Rarick, was born in Pennsylvania and his wife was a native of the same State, where they married, later coming to Ohio, settling first in Montgomery county, but subsequently settled in Darke county at a time when it was still under pioneer conditions, with which they had to contend. He served the American cause during the War of 1812, and did his full duty as a soldier, and carried his sense of obligation to his country into his after life, never losing it, and transmitting his patriotism to his children. The farm he secured from the government was located six miles west of Greenville in Washington township, and this he cleared and developer, no easy task in those days when the major portion of the land was covered with a dense growth. This property is now owned by Boyce Eidson. On it he died, but his wife passed away at Deerfield, Ind., each being seventy-two years old. They had thirteen children, as follows: Christina, Jacob, Daniel, Elizabeth, Philip, Catherine, John, Susanna, Andrew, Nancy, Levi, and two who died in childhood. The maternal side of Doctor Rarick's family is traced still further back than his paternal ancestors, for John Chenoweth, his great-great-greatgrandfather came to the colonies in the historic Mayflower. John Chenoweth had a son, Arthur, whose son Thomas was the greatgrandfather of Doctor Rarick, and his son, John, was the grandfather. The latter, born in Ohio, married an Ohioan and they located in Washington township, Darke county, on a farm in 1818, he having rendered efficient service during the War of 1812 by fighting against the enemy of his country. As he was born December 23, 1785, and died in 1871, and she was born July 16, 1789, and died in 1875, they were both about eighty-six years old at the time of death. Thirteen children were born to them, all of whom attained to maturity, they being as follows: Thomas F., Joseph F., Sarah, Casandra, Mary, Benjamin L., Richard P., John F., Rebecca, Isaac S. and Jacob L. (twins), James P., and Rachel A. Philip Rarick, Jr., son of Philip Rarick, Sr., and father of Doctor Rarick, was born in Pennsylvania, while his wife was born in Ohio. He came to Darke county, the latter State, with his parents when ten years old, in 1818, and grew to manhood in Washington township, developing into a farmer and becom- (9) 130 - DARKE COUNTY ing very successful in his chosen calling. He cleared and developed a farm in that township, and later became the owner of 280 acres in Pike township, Jay county, Indiana, and cleared 120 acres of it, his first property being located in Darke county, Ohio, and his second in Jay county. His death occurred in the latter county in 1886, when he was seventy-eight years old. His first wife, mother of Dr. Rarick, died in 1863, aged fifty-one years, having borne him ten children, namely: Abraham C., who died at the age of seventy-four years; Isaac N., who lived in Jay county, Indiana, until October 6, 1913; Jacob J., who is deceased; Adam C., who is deceased; Dr. Charles W., whose name heads this review; Ira 0., who is deceased; Susanna B., who is the wife of Charles Morehouse, resides six miles east of Portland, Ind.; Caroline, who is the wife of Samuel S. Roberts, of Mitchell, Neb.; Catherine, who died at the age of sixteen years; and David, who died at the age of six months. After the death of his first wife, Philip Rarick married (second) Mary Vail and they had no children. She died, and he married (third) Isabel Watson and they had five children, namely: Elsie, who is the wife of Harvey Green; Rosa, who married John Thorp; Clara, who married Burleigh Wall; Cora, who married a Mr. Carbaugh, and after his death she married (second) Philip Saxman; and John A., who was the youngest child. Dr. Charles W. Rarick was only seven years old when the family migrated to Jay county, Indiana, and he grew up in the latter locality upon his father's farm, he assisting in the operation of clearing 120 acres of land. He attended the old fashioned district schools of his day and locality. With the breaking out of the Civil war, he felt the call to arms, and responding enlisted in Company H. One Hundredth Indiana volunteer infantry, served for three years, principally in the Fifteenth army corps, as a private. He was in the battles of Vicksburg, Jackson, Missionary Ridge, the Atlanta campaign, March to the Sea, and that up through the Carolinas, and his regiment participated in the Grand Review at Washington, being in the advance of Sherman's army. Returning home, tie resumed his studies, attending school for fourteen months at Liberty, and still later went to Marietta College, from which he was graduated in 1874 with the degrees of A. B. and A. M., in 1877. Taking up he study of medicine, he was graduated with the degree of M. D. at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1883, having paid his way through college by his own work. In 1883 he located at Greenville, Ohio, in an office over the Farmers' Na- DARKE COUNTY - 131 tional Bank, where he can still be found, having occupied these same quarters for over thirty years. His home is on a farm just west of Greenville, and he finds recreation in directing its operation, the property comprising 160 acres of finely improved land. On March 10, 1880, Doctor Rarick was married to Miss Ell J. Griffin, a daughter of David and Mary (Conover) Griffin, and they have one son, Harry G. The latter took a high school course at Greenville, supplementing it with one at a commercial college, and then for seven years he was a clerk in a bank, but he is now engaged in farming in Greenville township, just outside the corporate limits of Greenville. Harry G. Rarick married Bertha Baldwin, of Dayton, Ohio, and they have a son, Robert Griffin Rarick, born December 5, 1913. Doctor Rarick and wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, which finds in them generous supporters. Dr. Rarick is a genial comrade of Jobes Post, G. A. R., of Greenville. In political faith, Doctor Rarick is a Republican, but although repeatedly urged to accept of office, has refused the honor as his practice and his private affairs have fully occupied his time and attention. Mrs. Rarick was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, but was brought to Darke county, Ohio, with her parents when only five years old. The family located in Greenville township, where she grew to womanhood, and there she still resides. Her father was born in Ohio, and his wife in New Jersey, but they (lied in Darke County, Ohio, he at the age of eighty-four years, and she when ninety-four years old. They had eight children, two of whom grew to womanhood: Mrs. Rarick, and Mrs. L. F. Jones. FRED D. COPPOCK. The position held by Fred D. Coppock with relation to the construction of many of the most substantial buildings of Greenville, Ohio, has been of a character to leave its impress upon the city for many years to come, for he is a dealer in sand and gravel and has held contracts for furnishing these commodities to the leading builders of Darke county. As a result of years of successful business operations he is now a man of wealth, while his commercial standing is of a high rating. He was born near Pleasant Hill, Miami county, Ohio 132 - DARKE COUNTY September 14, 1878, a son of Allen and Maria (Furnas) Coppock, and grandson of Joseph and Amelia (Jay) Coppock and Joseph and Margaret (Spencer) Furnas. Joseph Coppock and his wife were born in Pennsylvania, where they resided until after their marriage, but later migrated to Ohio and he operated a flour mill in the vicinity of Pleasant Hill. Both he and his wife died in their new home. His birth year was the same as that which marked the outbreak of the war of 1812. Joseph Coppock and wife had a large family, among the children being the following: William, Amanda, Allen, Frank and Henry. Joseph Furnas was born in Maryland and his wife was a native of the same State. Early in their married life they came to Miami county, Ohio, where they followed farming, and died after living long and useful lives. Their four children were: Mary, Boyd,, Sarah and Maria. Allen and Maria (Furnas) Coppock were born in Miami county, Ohio, where their lives have been spent. He was a farmer until 1903, when he retired to Pleasant Hill which continues to be his home. He and his wife are members of the Society of Friends, coming of good, old Quaker stock. During the Civil war Allen Coppock enlisted in the 100 days' service as a private, and after the expiration of his period of service, resumed his agricultural pursuits. Active in politics, he served as supervisor of his township, and member of the city council of Pleasant Hill, being a man of more than ordinary ability. He and his wife have had the following children: Sallie, who is the wife of L. A. Kessler, a resident of the vicinity of Pleasant Hill, Ohio; Joe F., who resides at Mechanicsburg, Ohio; Maggie, who is the widow of W. O. Patty of Greenville, Ohio; Fred D., who resides at Greenville, Ohio; Jed, who resides at Philadelphia, Pa.; Ethel, who is the wife of Harry Brown of Greenville, Ohio; Allen, Jr., who resides at Weaver Station, Ohio. Fred D. Coppock was reared in his native county, attending theschools of his district and the high school of Columbus, Ohio, in which he took a three years' business course. Until he was seventeen years old, he assisted his father, and then began working on his own account, making his own way through school, carrying newspapers and doing chores. While at school, he lived alone and did his own cooking, sparing himself in nothing, so anxious was he to minimize his expenses. Having completed his studies, he returned to Pleasant Hill at DARKE COUNTY - 133 the age of twenty, and was married, following which, for the first year, he and his wife resided with her father, he assisting in raising a tobacco crop. He then purchased an interest in the Peerless Wall Plaster Company of Pleasant Hill, and lived in that city for one year. Selling his interest in that concern,, Mr. Coppock was interested in a sawmill business for two years, and during that period bought a sand pit at Ludlow Falls, Ohio. For a year he operated this pit, but moving to Greenville in the fall of 1903, in partnership with his father-in-law, J. H. Miles, W. O. Patty and Joe F. Coppock, he began the shipping of sand and gravel at Fort Jefferson. In time he purchased the holdings of his father-in-law his brother-in-law died, and his brother sold his interest, so that Mr. Coppock and his sister, Mrs. Patty continue the business which has developed into one of the important industries of Greenville. When he started it at Greenville, Mr. Coppock had $1,500, but now the company is incorporated with a capital stock of $240,000. He is interested in other enterprises, being vice-president of the U. S. Chemical Company of Greenville, and shows in every undertaking the same determined energy and untiring attention to detail that characterized him as a boy. On May 11, 1899, Mr. Coppock was married to Miss Maude E. Miles, a daughter of John H. and Susanna (Coppock) Miles. 1Ir. and Mrs. Coppock became the parents of four children Miles who died at the age of nine months; Dorotha, Eugene and one who died at birth. They belong to the Society of Friends, attending meeting at Ludlow Falls. He belongs to I'leasant Lodge, F. & A. M.; Greenville Chapter No. 77, R. A. M., and Greenville Council, R. & S. M. He is also a member of the United Commercial Travelers' Association No. 270, and the Elks. In politics he is a Republican. A wideawake, enterprising and public-spirited man, he has built up a splendid business, and although in the very prime of life is enjoying a prosperity that oftentimes does not come to a man until he is too old to enjoy it. Mrs. Coppock was born on a farm in the vicinity of Laura, Miami county, Ohio, her parents being natives of the same State. She lost her mother when she was still a small child, but her father died some years later, passing away at Ludlow Falls, Ohio. These parents had two children: Clare) ce, who resides at Ludlow Falls, Ohio, and Mrs. Coppock. 134 - DARKE COUNTY ROBERT T. F. HUMPHREYS. To have given the best years of a well-spent life to the faithful performance of daily duties connected with a large enterprise, is to have achieved a record worthy of a place in the list of honored men of Darke county. Such is the history of the business career of Robert F. Humphreys, roofing contractor and manufacturer of galvanized iron cornice of Greenville, Ohio, a man who has always responded when opportunity knocked at his door. He has given more than he has received in the way of faithful, conscientious service, and as a result enjoys a well-earned prosperity. Mr. Humphreys was born at Poultney, Vt., May 8, 1867, a son of Richard and Jane (Owens) Humphreys, natives of Wales, and grandson of a man and his wife who were also natives of Wales. The paternal grandfather and his wife spent their entire lives in Wales. Among their children were: Richard, Griffith, Ilugh, David and William. The maternal grandparents also were of Welsh birth and rearing who died in their native land. Among their children were: Robert Thomas, Owens, deceased, David and Jane. Richard Humphreys was reared at Bangor, Wales, while his wife grew up at Bethesda, Wales. After their marriage they came to America and located at Fair Haven, Vt., where he made slate. Later he went to Poultney, Vt., and from there moved to Granville, N. Y., his death occurring in the latter city in 1889, when he was sixty-nine years old. His wife died in 1900, aged sixty-nine years. She was reared in the Methodist faith, while he was a Presbyterian, and after her marriage she attended church with him. Their children were as follows: John who is deceased; David, who lives at Indianapolis, Ind.; Richard, who resides at Alpha, Idaho; Owen, who resides at Rutland, Vt.; Humphrey, who resides at Alpha, Idaho; William, who is deceased; Robert T., whose name heads this review; Elizabeth, who resides at Sioux City, Iowa; Jennie, who is deceased, was the wife of A. B. Sargent; Margaret, who is the wife of H. W. Evans of New York city; Mary, who is deceased, was the wife of Robert Roberts; Catherine, who is the wife of Williarn Davis of Poultney, Vt.; Anna, who is the wife of Albert Canada, and two who died in infancy. Robert T. Humphreys passed his boyhood at his native place, and spent his time attending public school and assisting his father. At that age he came as far west as Fort Wayne, DARKE COUNTY - 135 Ind., and began working at the tinning and roofing trade which he has followed ever since, thus laying the foundation of his later success. Later he went to Indianapolis, Ind., where he spent thirteen years and then came to Greenville, Ohio, in 1900, establishing his present business, owning a finely equipped plant which comprises all necessary machinery and appliances of the most modern pattern. His product is rccognized for its excellence and his volume of trade shows an annual healthy and legitimate increase. On June 28, 1899, Mr. Humphreys married Miss Tunna Daisy Cunningham, a daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Emily (Stout) Cunningham. Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys have three children, namely: Robert C., Mabel Florence and Richard Franklin. They are members of the Methodist church which Mr. Humphreys is serving as trustee. He belongs to Greenville Lodge No. 143, F. & A. M., of which he was master for two years; Greenville Chapter No. 77, R. A. M.; Matchett Council, R. & S. M.; Reed Commandery No. 6, K. T.; .\ntioch Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and is a thirty-second degree Mason, being a charter member of the Dayton consistory. Politically, he espouses the principles of the Republican party, but has not sought office, as his own affairs have fully occupied him. Mrs. Humphreys was born at Paragon, Ind. Her parents were natives of the same State, and her father died in that State, at Martinsville, aged thirty-eigthy years, having been a druggist. His widow survives. Their family consisted of seven datughters, namely: Callie, who is the wife of H. H. Nutter; Emma, who is the wife of Gus Abbott; Anna, who is the wife of Charles O. Abbott; Tunna Daisy, who is Mrs. Humphreys ; Ida F., who is the wife of Clarence Neal, and Rana, deceased, who was the wife of C. E. Watson, and Lula, who is the wife of Paul Begeman. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Humphreys was Dow Cunningham, who married Sarah Watkins. They were natives of Virginia, becoming early settlers of Morgan county, Indiana. There they died while still in middle life, as did many pioneers of frontier States who worked so hard and suffered so many privations. They were not able to withstand the ravages of disease prevalent in undeveloped countries. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Humphreys, John and Eleanor (Ellett) Stout were also born in Virginia, coming of Holland-Dutch stock. They came to Monroe county, Indiana, in early married life, locating at 136 - DARKE COUNTY Ellettsville, which town was laid out on the site of their farm, and named for Mrs. Stout's family. There they died, having accumulated much of this world's goods, at an advanced age. Among their children were: Sarah, Mary, Amanda, Belle, Hannah, Emily, Lou and James K. Polk Stout. HARRY VANCE. That men do not find the niche for which they consider themselves especially fitted is due largely to their inability to fit themselves for those niches which they could occupy with profit and honor. They are content to plod along in a groove without trying to better their condition or changing their environment, but Harry Vance of Greenville, Ohio, does not belong to this class. Although he has done well whatever he has attempted, he has never ceased to forge ahead, making every change for the better and today stands among the leading grocers of Darke county, his establishment being conveniently located at No. 438 South Broadway, while his residence is at No. 615 Washington avenue. He was born in Van Buren township, Darke county, Ohio, March 5, 1870, a son of James H. and Mary C. (Schreel) Vance, and grandson of Michael and Rebecca (Mills) Vance and George Schreel and Rose Schreel. Michael Vance was born in Pennsylvania, while his wife was born in New Jersey, and they became early settlers of Montgomery county, Ohio, later moving to Van Buren township, Darke county that same State. There they died after they had attained to a considerable age, he being over sixty and she over eighty years old at the time of their demise. They had a large family as follows: George, John, James H., Curiess, Mrs. John Livingston, Mrs. Anthony Olwine, Mrs. William Wikle and Mrs. Mary Small. The maternal grandfather, George Schreel married a Miss Gentner, a native of Pennsylvania, but he was born in Germany. They became settlers of Preble county, Ohio, at a day when pioneer conditions prevailed, and they lived on their property near Pyrmont until death claimed them at an advanced age. Their family consisted of the following children: John, Charles, George, William, Julius, Isaac, Mary, Rose (first wife of Samuel Westerfield), Sophia, Dora and Nettie. DARKE COUNTY - 137 Both James H. Vance and his estimable wife were natives of Ohio, and he was reared in Montgomery county, developing into a farmer, but came to Darke county, locating in Van Buren township. For many years he operated an excellent farming property, and was engaged in these agricultural pursuits until his removal to Greenville, Ohio, about 1903. This city has since been his place of residence, he living here retired. His wife died in 1908, aged fifty-seven years. Both early connected themselves with the United Brethren church. Durthe Civil war James H. Vance was a soldier in the Union army, being in the one-hundred-day service. He and his wife had seven children, five of whom grew to maturity: Harry, who resides at Greenville, Ohio; Daisy, who is the wife of J. C. Martin of Greenville, Ohio; Rose, who is the wife of C. O. Niswonger of Pittsburg, Ohio; Virgil, who resides at Greenville, Ohio; Charles, who is deceased, and two who died in childhood. Harry Vance was brought up on his father's farming property in Van Buren township, where he attended the neighborhood schools, later going to the Van Buren academy, a select school established by C. L. Brunbaugh, now a representative in congress. Still later he went to the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, following which he taught school for thirteen years. During this period he studied men and their needs so that when he went to Pitsburg, Ohio, he was able to conduct successfully a general store in partnership with C. O. Niswonger for four years. At the expiration of this period, Mr. Vance sold to his partner, and coming to Greenville opened his present store and for seven years has supplied a large number of people with fine and staple groceries, building up a profitable business and winning the confidence and esteem of all with whom he is associated. On December 25, 1894, Mr. Vance was united in marriage with Miss Anna Cline, a daughter of Henry M. and Mary C. (Shephard) Cline. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vance, namely Herbert, Howard, William, Ralph, Mary, Florence, John and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Vance belong to the United Brethren church of which they are consistent members. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias. In his political views he is a Democrat, and he represents his party on the school board. The birth of Mrs. Vance took place at Arcanum, Ohio. Her father was horn at Salem, Ohio, and her mother in Darke 138 - DARKE COUNTY county, this State, and both are now residing at Arcanum. Their children are as follows: David, Michael, Albert, Anna, Harry and Elma. Mr. Vance is one of the live, progressive men of Darke county and one who can be depended upon to give his support to all measures which make for good citizenship. He is fully awake to the possibilities of his neighborhood and his ambition leads him to look forward to a further advance in his own fortunes and those of his associates in civic matters. Mr. Vance has also a large grocery store at 112-114 E. Third street, which is managed by his eldest son, Herbert A. Vance. The above store for many years was known as the bock% ood grocery. W. OMER PATTY. Through various changes in business, the late W. Omer Patty of Greenville, Ohio, maintained his standard of high principles, and while he was enterprising, industrious and successful, he was a man of intelligence and high ideals, although modest and retiring in disposition. He interpreted life and duty in the terms of manliness of character and faithfully strove to be a living example of his faith. With a high sense of honor and integrity, he was true to his convictions of right and duty, and fearless in advocating those things which he believed would be for the betterment of the world. Governed by principle rather than policy, he earned and retained the respect of his associates, and his integrity of character was universally recognized. A kind and loving husband and father, he left his family and community bereft of one who made life better for his living. From early childhood he was a member of the Christian Church and his faith bore fruit in his earnest Christian character. He believed in prohibition and voted as he prayed and did much effective work for his cause and won his associates to his way of thinking. The purity of his life and his admirable character contributed much to the moral tone of his community, and his business industry, ability uprightness have added materially to its wealth and prosperity. W. Omer Patty was brought up at Pleasant Hill, Ohio, where he was graduated from the public and high schools. DARKE COUNTY - 139 He later attended college at Ada, Ohio, and the Wilks Business College at Dayton, Ohio. Following this thorough preparation he embarked in the grain business at Pleasant Hill with C. M. Patty and John G. Myers, which association continued profitably for a couple of years. Later he moved to Fletcher, Ohio, where he continued his grain operations for four years. In 1903 he moved to Greenville and was associated with Fred D. and Joe F. Coppock and his father, Doctor Patty, in the lumber business, the firm operating the landed estate of Mr. DeCamp. At the death of Mr. Patty his widow and sons and her brother, Fred Coppock, continued the business. In the spring of 1891, W. O. Patty was united in marriage with Margaret A. Coppock, a daughter of Allen and Maria Furnas Coppock. To this uinon were given three sons, Clarence E., born Jan. 22, 1892; Joseph Charles, born Nov. 15, 1896, and Wm. Allen, born Feb. 6, 1907. Allen Coppock was a son of Joseph and Sarah Jay Coppock. He enlisted in Company A, 147th regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and served 11 four months as a soldier in the Civil war. He joined the Ma- sons in 1868, and is a member of Dan Williams Post, G. A. R. No. 369. Margaret Spencer, the mother of Maria Coppock, was born in South Carolina, and the father, Joseph Furnas, was born and reared in Miami county, on the farm his father entered. In 1849 Doctor Patty and Sarah Jane Dowell, daughter of Charles and Nancy Dowell, were united in marriage, an at the age of sixty-two years her spirit took its flight to the "far away home of the soul," from a very kind, affectionate and devoted home life where her qualities shone most brilliantly. Doctor Patty was born in 1827 in Montgomery county, Ohio. He was Scotch descent on his father's side and on his mother's side French and English. He was the son of Chas. and Phoebe Pearson Patty, of South Carolina. For fifty-two years he practiced medicine at Laura and Pleasant Hill. He was not only active as a physician, but as a citizen; was a member of the Masonic Order of Pleasant Hill. He was a man characterized by a strong mind and did much reading and thinking. The last thing he wrote in his own autobiography were these words, "Glad day when I shall set out to join not only that great company of disembodied spirits, but my own son, Omer, than whom was never better man born, nor more full of filial affection." Then after two years of eager waiting he was called to this 140 - DARKE COUNTY reunion from the home of Mrs. W. O. Patty, after a life of eighty-five years, rich in ministrations and usefulness to a large community of people in which he was a friend and counsellor. ADELBERT MARTZ. Efficiency and practical application of advanced ideas with regard to finance have marked the career of Adelbert Martz, cashier of The Greenville National Bank, which is located on the corner of Fourth street and Broadway. He has bent every energy in this direction, seeking to broaden and deepen every possible highway of knowledge, to afford the patrons of the bank every facility, and to place upon a firm foundation the credit of his institution. To Mr. Martz and men of his type Darke county owes much of its advance not only in substantial material lines, but on the higher level of good citizenship. Their lives should stand as examples for their associates, and their work honored in the years to come. Mr. Martz was horn in Darke county, Ohio, September 28, 1868, a son of Jacob T. and Esther Mary (Jamison) Martz, and grandson of John Martz, and James M. and Elizabeth (High) Jamison. John Martz and his wife were born in Pennsylvania, where he became a farmer, but moved to Darke county, Ohio, as early as 1816, when he was eighteen years of age. He located on property four miles south of Greenville, and became the owner of 160 acres of government land. This he farmed for many years, but died at Greenville in 1882, aged eighty-four years. His wife died when still comparatively young, having borne him the following children: George H., Jacob T., Elizabeth Rice, Rebecca Boyer, William, and a daughter who died when about eighteen years old. The maternal grandfather, James M. Jamison, and his wife, were also natives of Pennsylvania, who early located at Delaware, Ohio, where Mr. Jamison found good land for his agricultural operations. After many years of useful endeavor, both died, having had a good sized family, among their children being the following: Angeline E., Esther M., George W. Millie H., Lizzie, and Robert H. Jacob T. Martz was born in Darke county, Ohio, while his wife was a native of Delaware, Ohio. He had more complete educational advantages than fall to the lot of most farmers' sons, as he was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University DARKE COUNTY - 141 at Delaware, Ohio, in 1858, having taken the classical cow Following this he took up the study of law, and practiced hiS profession for many years, attaining to distinction in it. A man of unusual ability he naturally became a distinctive factor in the life of his community and served as city superintendent of schools from 1867 to 1888. In the latter year he resumed the practice of law and so continued until his death on February 28, 1911, when he was seventy-eight years old. His wife had passed away in 1902, aged sixty-two years, dying, as did he, firm in the faith of the Methodist church, of which during life they had been earnest and conscientious members. Their children, four in number, were: John H., who resides at Greenville; Adelbert; and James J., who also resides at Greenville; and Benjamin F., who resides at Indianapolis, Ind. John H. is in the insurance business with offices on Broadway. James J. is superintendent of Greenville schools, taught for eleven years, and on April 7, 1908, was elected superintendent of schools and is now serving his sixth year as superintendent. Adelbert Martz is a product of Greenville where he was reared and educated, being graduated from the grammar and high schools, leaving the latter in 1887. Immediately thereafter he entered upon his financial career as a messenger boy for the Greenville National Bank, seeking in this way to learn the business from the bottom tip. The natural ability and dependable qualities of the lad received recognition and he was promoted in due time to be bookkeeper and teller, and in 1893 was made assistant cashier, which office he retained until the death of F. T. Conklin, the cashier. Mr. Martz was the logical man for the vacant position and was immediately promoted to fill it, the action on the part of the board of directors receiving the approbation of the patrons of the bank who appreciated the sterling qualities of Mr. Martz. The old Greenville Bank is one of the sound institutions of Darke county, and was established in 1874, as a private bank, developing into a state bank in 1889, and assumed its present form in 1904 with a capital stock of $100,000. Much of its present standing is due to Mr. Martz, who is a past master of its affairs, and one of the most thoroughly informed men tipon banking matters in this part of the State. On May 20, 1891, Mr. Martz was married to Miss Lillian Gable, a daughter of Lucian and Mary A. (Scott) Gable. Mr. and Mrs. Martz have had two children: Joseph A. and Beatrice. Both Joseph and Beatrice are graduates of the Green- 142 - DARKE COUNTY ville High School. Joseph was graduated in 1909, and Miss Beatrice in 1911. Joseph later attended the Ohio State University and is now in his senior year. He is taking a ceramics engineering course. Miss Beatrice is now in her third year at the Ohio State University. Mrs. Martz is and has been for years a member of the Columbian Club. Mr. and Mrs. Martz are members of the Methodist Church and are highly esteemed in that connection. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and is active in that order. A Republican, he has cast the strength of his influence for the candidates of his party, although himself not being willing to assume the duties of public office, believing that his energies ought to be conserved for those of his responsible position. CORNELIUS O'BRIEN. With a natural love of flowers, Cornelius O'Brien combines a practical knowledge of their needs and the best methods for producing them. As a florist he has earned a well-merited distinction and his greenhouses are noted throughout Darke county, although they are little more than a decade old. He is conveniently located at No. 146 North Broadway, Greenville, Ohio, and markets his product over a wide territory. Mr. O'Brien was born in Neave township, near Baker's store, Darke county, Ohio, January 1, 1864, a son of Cornelius and Louisa (Bryant) O'Brien, and grandson of Cornelius and Margaret (Ryan) O'Brien, and Joseph and Margaret (Adams) Bryant. Cornelius O'Brien, the grandfather, was born in Ireland and lost his wife prior to his leaving his native land for America. His death occurred in New York State. Their children were: Michael, Patrick, James, Cornelius, Ellen, Maggie, Bridget and Mary Ann. Joseph Bryant, the maternal grandfather, and his wife were natives of England, where he died while a minister of the Established Church. His widow came to America and was a resident of Darke county, Ohio, for a number of years, dying there in 1873, when about seventy years old. She and her husband had three children: Jennie, Albert and Louis;.. Cornelius O'Bri!n, the father, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, while his wife was born in Somersetshire, England. The father was re lred in his native land until he was eighteen DARKE COUNTY - 143 years old, when lie came to the United States, and located in Neave township, Darke county, Ohio, in 1853, moving to Greenville during his latter years, living there retired, his death occurring in 1908, when he was seventy-seven years old. His wife died in 1889, aged fifty-five years. Although he was reared a Catholic and she an Episcopalian, they both joined the United Brethren Church of Mount Zion, Neave township, and died firm in the faith of that denomination. During the Civil war, the farther enlisted for the 100-day service in the 152nd Ohio volur~eeer infantry as a private and did his duty as a soldier, as h , carried out his obligations as a private citizen faithfully and well. He and his wife had the following children: Ellen, who is the wife of Stephen A. Tullis, of Dayton, Ohio; William S., who is of Greenville; Cornelius, whose name heads this review; Hattie, who is the wife of James Keefauver, of Indianapolis, Id.; Albert, who is of Union City, Id.; Emrnett, who is of Greenville, Ohio; Joseph J., who is of Greenville, Ohio; Edward W., who is also of Greenville; James, who is of Dayton, Ohio, and two who died in childhood. Cornelius O'Brien, of whom we write, grew to manhood on his father's farm in Greenville township near the fair grounds, and attended the schools of his district. Until he had become of age he resided at home, rendering a filial assistance to his parents, but after that he worked for others by the day. In 1902 he established his present business and has developed it into a flourishing concern, his greenhouse comprising about 12,000 feet of glass, and his floral gardens covering ample I space for his needs. On May 18, 1889, Mr. O'Brien married Miss Cora A. Judy, a daughter of Samuel and Amanda (Karn) Judy. Mr. and 11rs. O'Brien are earnest members of the Reformed church of which he is a deacon. In politics Mr. O'Brien is a Republican, but he has never sought or desired office, as his inclinations are not for a public life, for he prefers to devote himself to his business and his home. The latter is an excellent one, his residence being modern and surrounded by two acres of land. Mrs. O'Brien was born in Greenville township, Darke county, Ohio, March 29, 1868. Her parents were both natives of Ohio, her father having been born in Darke county, and her mother in Butler county, this State. The former died June 16, 1901, aged sixty-four years, but the latter survives, now being seventy-three years old. They were farming people and during the winter months he taught school for some years, as he was 144 - DARKE COUNTY a well informed man of superior ability. During the Civil war he served his country as a soldier for three months in the Forty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, and for three years in the Ninety-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, being captain of Company I, in the latter. During his service he participated in a number of the important and decisive battles of the war. He and his wife had five children: Cora A., Minnie M., Mildred, Clarence, and Wilbur. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. O'Brien, Michael Judy, married Margaret Kurtz, and both were born near Germantown, Ohio. They became early settlers of Darke county and helped, in developing, as did their seven sons; David, Matthias, vIichael, John, Daniel, Jacob and Samuel. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. O'Brien was Henry Karn and his wife bore the maiden name of Susan Good. Both were rborn in Pennsylvania, but later moved to Ohio, where he was a miller and operated a saw and flour mill and a distillery in Butler county, that State. The grandmother died in middle life, but he attained to an advanced age. They had the following children: Reuben, John, Henry, David, Nathan, Susan, Elizabeth and Amanda. HENRY M. COPPESS. Descended from honored ancestry and himself numbered among the leading citizens of Darke county, Ohio, the subject of this sketch is entitled to specific recognition in a work of this character. A lifelong residence in this county has but strengthened his hold on the hearts of the people with whom he has been associated, and today no one here enjoys a larger circle of warm friends and acquaintances who esteem him because of his sterling qualities of character and his business ability. In an official capacity he is now discharging his duties to the entire satisfaction of all concerned and is adding to the prestige to which he had already attained. Henry M. Coppess was born in Richland township, Darke county, Ohio, on the 15th day of November, 1858. He is descended from a sterling line of ancestors, his paternal grandfather, David Coppess, who was a native of North Carolina, having been a pioneer settler of this county. In his native State he married Mary Smith and together they entered Darke DARKE COUNTY - 145 county at a time when the land was mainly covered with a dense forest growth, which was infested with Indians and all kinds of wild game. They cleared and improved a farm, built a log cabin and started life here under typical pioneer conditions. This first log cabin home was subsequently replaced with a more modern and substantial residence. Some of their early experiences were far from pleasant, it being related that they found it necessary to build fires around their cabin home at night to frighten the wolves away, and that squirrels were so numerous that they practically ate up the corn crops. Here David Coppess spent the remainder of his days, his death occurring there, and he was survived by his widow, who died at the home of her son, John S. They had a large family of children, namely: Daniel, Cyrus, Adam, John S., David, Chipman, Nancy, Catherine, and Mary Ann, of whom John S. was the father of the subject of this sketch. The latter was born and reared and spent his entire life in Darke county, receiving his education in the district schools. He was reared to the life of a farmer, which vocation he followed in Richland township, where he developed a fine farm of one hundred and forty-two acres, in addition to which he also acquired the ownership of forty-four acres of land in Brown township, this county. He and his son Henry engaged in the grain business for some years at Stelvideo, this county, but he retired from active business pursuits some years before his death, which occurred in 1903, at the age of seventy-Iwo years. He had survived his wife many years, her death occurring in 1873, at the early age of thirty-eight years. Religiously, John S. Coppess was a member of the Newlight Christian church. During the war of the Rebellion he was twice drafted for service. The first time he hired a substitute, while the second time he went as far as Camp Chase, where his company was discharged. He was prominent in the civic and public life of his community, having served as township trustee for a number of years, and was also at one time a director of the county infirmary. John S. Coppess married Rebecca Hitz, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio. Her father, John Hitz, was a native of Germany, who came to America with a brother, landing at New York city, where they became separated and never again met or got into communication with each other. John Hitz removed to Pennsylvania, where he married. He and his wife started for Ohio in a one-horse wagon, their jour- (10) 146 - DARKE COUNTY ney terminating near Dayton, where for a time Mr. Hitz engaged in farming. He then came to Darke county and settled on a farm in Richland township, where they spent the remainder of their days, the mother living to the advanced age of ninety-three years. They became the parents of four children, Rebecca, Charlotte, Henry V. and Isaac. To John S. and Rebecca (Hitz) Coppess were born the following children: Henry M., the immediate subject of this sketch; Harman CC., of Ansonia, Ohio; C. L. V., of Covington, Ohio; Charlotte, deceased, who was the wife of Charles Hollopeter; Ida May, wife of Milton Boyer, who resides on the old home farm in Richland township, and George W., who died at the age of eighteen months. Henry M. Coppers was reared on his father's farm in Richland township, receiving his education in the common schools. lie remained at home until his marriage, when he rented his father's farm, which he operated for six years. In 1886 he engaged in the grain business at Stelvideo, in partnership with his father, and is now the owner of that enterprise, which during the years has had a successful record. In 1910 Mr. Coppess, having acquired enough of material wealth to insure him against embarrassment, moved to Greenville, with the intention of retiring from active affairs and spending his days in the enjoyment of that rest which he had so richly earned. However, in March, 1913, he was prevailed upon to accept the appointment of deputy sheriff of Darke county, which position he is now filling. The duties of the office are not particularly onerous, though demanding thoroughness and careful attention, and Mr. Coppess is filling the position with satisfaction to all concerned. On November 21, 1879, Henry M. Coppess married Lucy A. Bowman, who was born in Greenville township, Darke county, Ohio, the daughter of Edward and Sarah (Honness) Bowman. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers in Darke county. Both are now deceased. They were the parents of five children, Elizabeth, Joseph, Lucy A., Mary J., and one who died in early childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Coppess have no children of their own, but they have an adopted (laughter, Marguerite. All three are members of the Newlight Christian church. Fraternally, Mr. Coppess is a member of the Knights of Pythias, while his political views are in harmony with the tenets of the Democratic party. He is numbered among the solid and substantial men of the community, in the DARKE COUNTY - 147 welfare of which he maintains an intelligent interest. He is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of farm land, eighty of which are a part of his father's old farm and forty acres of his wife's former home. His career has been that of an honorable, enterprising and successful business man, and in all of life's relations he has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has come into contact. JOHN C. TURPEN. There has been no period in recorded history when the caring for the dead has not been a feature of even savage life, and the ceremonies have been of a character that has been marked by the measure of civilization. Study the habits and customs of every nation and it will be found that a reverence has been paid to the dead, oftentimes such as was not given to the living, and even the most brutal savage tribes in the deepest wilderness, even those who make human sacrifices as a part of religious rites, can point to their stone crypts, their burning temples, their funeral barks, or their tree-top burials. There never has been, however, a time when the proper, dignified, sanitary conduct of funerals and disposal of the remains of those whose life work has ended, have been so complete as at present. Funeral directors and undertakers of the present day in America are no longer mere mechanics, but on the other hand are carefully trained in their profession and often are graduates of more than one college. Methods of body preservation which formerly were considered lost arts, are well known now, and have been vastly improved upon. Taking all these considerations into account it is easy to understand the importance and dignity of an undertaker, and one who fully lives up to the expectations of him and his profession is John Calvin Turpin of No. 118 West Fifth street, Greenville, Ohio, whose residence is at No. 214 Washington avenue. He was born four miles north of Greenville, Ohio, October 31, 1845, a son of Thomas P. and Mary Jane (Hunter) Turpen, and grandson of Henry Turpen, and John and Hannah (Deardorff) Hunter. Henry Turpen married Mary Hubbard, daughter of George Hubbard the fifth, one of the prominent families of Middletown, Conn., George Hubbard first, came to Middletown in 148 - DARKE COUNTY 1650. He was on the committee of court March, 1657, with Talcott, Mason and others. He was one of the first settlers in the colony, and was appointed with two others in 1656, to survey the town of Westfield. He was born in England in 1590 and married Elizabeth Watts. Henry Turpen located in Darke county in 1837, and he and his wife died within its confines. Their family consisted of children as follows: George TI., William S., Joseph J., Thomas P., Enos, Maria, Emeline, Jeannette, Sophronia and Lucy. The Turpen family is of English origin, the American founder of it coming from England to New York State, where representatives are doubtless to be found. John Hunter was a farmer, who seeking cheaper rand, came to Darke county, Ohio, when it was still a wilderness, moving hence from Warren county, same State. Both of them attained to a dignified old age. They had the following children: Mary Jane, Margaret, Eliza, Daniel D. and David. Thomas P. Turpen and his wife were born in Warren county, Ohio, but he was taken to Darke county when seventeen years old, and lived with his parents in Greenville township until attaining his majority. Later on he moved to Greenville, where for some years he was a prominent factor in the dry goods business of that city. He was also employed by the United States government mail service. During the Civil war, when the service of loyal competent men was required and so sorely needed, he was county treasurer for two terms, and while discharging the duties of this office, was also engaged in conducting a grocery. In 1871 he built the Turpen House, and conducted it for several years. His energetic nature found further expression in the manufacture of furniture, but at last, a few years prior to his death, in September, 1889, he retired, passing away at the age of sixty-nine years. Mrs. Turpen survived him until the following January, when she, too, passed away, both having been firm in their membership in the Presbyterian church. Their children, five in number, were as follows: John C., the subject of this review; William V., who is deceased; Daniel B., who is at Sacramento, Cal.; Frank, who resides at Birmingham, Ala., and Lucy, who died in early childhood. John C. Turpen while attending the public schools of Greenville participated in the sports of his day, and grew up a healthy, normal boy. Later he continued his studies at Adrian College, Adrian, Mich., and for one term at Albion College. Returning to Greenville, Ohio, he took a course DARKE COUNTY - 149 at the commercial college of Dayton, Ohio, leaving it to become a deputy under County Auditor O. C. Perry, which position he held for five years. He then embarked in the undertaking business, beginning his association with it in February, 1873, and for over forty years has followed that profession, now being the oldest in his line in Darke county, and certainly one of the most efficient and reliable. In 1878 he was elected county auditor on the Democratic ticket and held that office until 1884. On January 21, 1869, Mr. Turpen was united in marriage with Miss Martha Wharry, a daughter of Judge John and Eliza (Duncan) Wharry, and they became the parents of seven children: Mary, Fred, Clara, Maggie, Richard, John. and one who died in infancy. Of these children Mary married Lewis Steinhilber and has two children, Margaret and Clara Steinhilber. Fred is living at Mobile, Ala., where he is in the employ of the New Orleans, Mobile & Chicago Railroad Company's general offices. He married marie Esquerre and they have two sons, John E. and Fred W. Clara married William F. Grimes and they live at Dayton, Ohio. They have had three children—Turpen, William and John C. Richard lives in St. Paul, Minn., being secretary of the Northwestern Lime Company. John Iives at Oklahoma City, Okla. He married Mary Little and they have two children—Dorothy and Benjamin. Mr. and Mrs. Turpen are members of the Episcopal church, of which he has been junior warden for eighteen years. Fraternally he belongs to Greenville Lodge No. 143, F. & A. M., and is secretary of the lodge. He also belongs to the consistory or the Valley of Dayton, and is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, and an Odd Fellow, being connected in that order with Champion Lodge. Mrs. Turpen was born at Greenville, Ohio, August 20, 1843, her parents being early settlers of the city. Mr. Wharry was an attorney-at-law and judge of the probate court, but is now deceased, as is his wife. Their children were: Kenneth, Duncan, James, John, Martha, Margaret, Eliza, Mary, Lucy and Abbie. Mr. Turpen is one of the substantial business men of Greenville, and is held in highest esteem by his large circle of friends and acquaintances, who are to be found all over Darke county Mr. Turpen has in his possession a paper by Capt. George Hubbard, written May 29, 1781, giving the number of