250 - DARKE COUNTY and favorably known. A short review of the salient points of his career will show that his life has been one of industry and constant endeavor from earliest youth, and that the success which he has attained is but the merited result of industry, honesty and sustained and well directed effort. Mr. Vance was born in Van Buren township, Darke county, O., September 30, 1862, and is a son of Curless and Priscilla (King) Vance, natives of the Buckeye State. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Vance, Michael and Rebecca (Mills) Vance, were natives, respectively of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, from which latter State they drove overland in wagons to Montgomery county, Ohio, subsequently locating among the earliest settlers of Darke county. Both attained advanced age and died in Van Buren township, the grandfather being buried at Piedmont and the grandmother at Abbottsville. They had a family of twelve children: Curless, John, George, Harrison, J. Harvey, Mary Ann, Leathy Ann and Lucinda, and four children who died young. William King, the maternal grandfather of Elmer E. Vance, was also an early settler in Montgomery county, where he lived on a farm in the vicinity of Pyrmont. He and his wife were the parents of five children, as follows: John, Mahlon, William, Sarah and Priscilla. Curless Vance was born, reared and educated in Montgomery county, Ohio, and in early life adopted the vocation of farming. When still a young man he came to Darke county and settled north of Arcanum, and here improved a farm and reared his family. In the meantime he had returned to Montgomery and located in the locality of Pyrmont, where his wife died about 1868, in the faith of the United Brethren church. They had been the parents of ten children, of whom eight lived to maturity: Emma, who became the wife of Hiram Swank of Dayton, Ohio; Leathy Ann, deceased, who was the wife of William Delk; Mary, who married Cyrus McGrew of Dayton, Ohio; William, who is deceased; Iola May, who became the wife of George Miller, and is now deceased; Elmer Ellsworth, of this review; Rebecca, who married Isaac Robinson of Van Buren township; George Oliver, residing in Iowa, and two children who died in infancy. A few years after the death of his first wife, Mr. Vance returned to Darke county and was married a second time, taking as his bride Mrs. Sarah Pierson, widow of William Pierson, who lost his life as a Federal soldier during the Civil war. To this second union there was one son: Herschel, who is now a resident of Mun- DARKE COUNTY - 251 cie, Ind. Mr. Vance died in 1900, aged about eighty years, and honored and respected by all who knew him. He was a faithful member of the United Brethren church, an industrious and hard-working citizen and a man upqn whom his friends could absolutely depend. At the time of the death of his mother, Elmer Ellsworth Vance left his home and came to Darke county to live with an uncle, William Weikle, until he was sixteen years of age. During this time he divided his time between hard work upon the farm and attendance at the district schools, and he grew up sturdy in body and alert in mind. For two years after leaving his uncle's homestead, he worked as a hand by the month, and then went to Vincennes, Ind., where he had no difficulty in securing employment in a sawmill. Two years later he returned to Darke county, and for one year worked in a sawmill, and for two years on a farm. Believing that better opportunities awaited him in the new west, Mr. Vance journeyed to Kansas, first settling in Brown county, later going to Kinnekuck, and finally locating on a farm in Meade county, near Meade Centre. The loneliness here finally drove Mr. Vance from his claim and for about a year he was a resident of Atchison, where he worked at various employments. Returning then to Darke county, Ohio, he settled south of Greenville and worked on a farm until 1887, then going to Winamac, Pulaski county, Indiana, where for two years he was engaged in farming. At the end of this time Mr. Vance embarked in the harness business as proprietor of a store at Winimac, which he conducted for two years. He then again returned to Darke county, and for a short time was located in business at Hollansburg, from whence he removed to Greenville, and remained in that city in the harness business for six years. In February, 1897, Mr. Vance made his advent in Ansonia, which has since been his home and field of endeavor. He has continued to conduct a flourishing harness business here, has also engaged in dealing in tobacco and is president of the Electric Light Company, and in 1912 was elected president of the First National Bank of Ansonia, an office which he has continued to hold to the present time. Mr. Vance has possessed the courage of his convictions, and when his opportunities have arisen he has recognized them and has not hesitated to grasp them. His success has not been a matter of chance, for he is possessed of abilities that no doubt would have enabled him to succeed in whatever line or what- 252 - DARKE COUNTY ever locality he found himself. His management of the affairs of the First National Bank stamps him as a man of rare executive and financial ability, and his associates have the utmost confidence in his judgment. He is a popular member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Ansonia Lodge No. 605, and of Ansonia Lodge No, 356, Knights of Pythias. He is a stanch Republican in politics, but has not desired public office, although he has discharged the duties of citizenship as a member of the Ansonia school board. With his family he attends and liberally supports the Christian church. On November 15, 1889, Mr. Vance was married to _Miss Mollie Corwin, who was born in West Baltimore, Ohio, daughter of William and Margaret (Hulse) Corwin, and granddaughter of Tice Corwin. Her parents, natives of Ohio, and both now deceased, had four children: George, Mollie, Russell and Leota. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vance: Hazel, the wife of F. Scott Gillespie of Richmond, Ind.; Major W., who is employed in his father's harness store, and Marie, who is attending Miami University at Oxford, Ohio. JAMES R. MARLEY. Patrick Marley was born in Ireland, but his wife was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, although coming of Irish parentage. With his wife, Patrick Marley located on a farm in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, where they died at advanced ages. Their children were: James, William, Daniel, Mary, Nancy and Charles. The maternal grandfather, Patrick McCahan, was also a native of Ireland, who after coming to this country, married a Miss Green, born in Pennsylvania. They were farming people who were spared to round out long lives. Their children were as follows: John, Alexander, James, Mary, Ruth, Elizabeth, Ann and Jane. Charles Marley was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared, developing into a farmer. His life was spent in his native county where he died in 1877, aged seventy-one years. His wife, also born in Juniata county Pennsylvania, survived her husband for two years, dying in 1879, aged sixty-nine years. She was a member of the Methodist church, to -hose support her husband was a contributor. They had two DARKE COUNTY - 253 children, namely: Mary, who is the widow of E. Tilden of Ansonia, and James R. Like his father, James R. Marley was reared upon the farm and there given a wholesome training in agricultural duties. His educational advantages were obtained in the schools of Juniata county, and he developed into a sensible, well-balanced young man. In 1878 he left his native place to come to Ansonia, where he has since resided, being for all this period continuously engaged in the general merchandise trade, so that he is now the oldest merchant in point of service, in the village. His stock is selected with a view to meeting the needs of his customers, and his trade is one that testifies to the appreciation in which he is held at Ansonia and throughout its contiguous territory. In December, 1880, James R. Marley was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Koons, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Robison) Koons. One daughter, Anna, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Marley, and she is residing with her parents. Mrs. Marley and her daughter belong to the Methodist church. Mr. Marley is a member of Ansonia Lodge No. 408, F. & A. M. Politically he is a Democrat, but he has not desired to enter into public life, preferring to exercise his influence in favor of civic advancement as a private citizen. Possessing in marked degree those qualities which indicate a genial, sympathetic nature, Mr. Marley has won and retains warm personal friendships, and is one of the most popular men of Ansonia. Mrs. Marley was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, and her parents were born in the same State, where they died. Their children, seven in number, were as follows: Edward, Thomas, Charles, Jennie, Elizabeth, Anna and Grace. GEORGE HENRY REHMERT. While every right thinking man desires to leave to his children a proper inheritance so that their lives may be less filled with discouragements than his own, still it is much more necessary that he transmit those qualities which make for good citizenship and high moral character than to place them among the wealthy class. Perhaps the Germans pass on to their descendants more sturdiness of character and perseverance of effort than any other nation, and the men who can trace back 254 - DARKE COUNTY to this stock, oftentimes find in the lives of those gone before the partial reason for their own ability to conquer circumstances and rise from small beginnings to a worthwhile eminence in the business world. This is the belief of G. Henry Rehmert, a lumber dealer of Ansonia, whose progress has been steady and always upward from the time when a lad of fourteen years he began battling with the world until today when he is at the head of a flourishing concern and a leader in the business life of his community, for he recognizes in himself the same characteristics owned by his German forebears. His birth occurred at Pikeville, Darke county, Ohio, October 11, 1869, he being a son of the German born Henry Rehmert and his wife who bore the maiden name of Mary Huber. While she was born in Ohio, she too, was of German parentage, her father George Huber having located in Darke county, Ohio, about 1847, coming to this locality from his native land. His widow, who survives him, until November 9, 1913, was also a German by birth. The death of George Huber occurred in Greenville township when he was seventy-eight years old. He and his wife had thirteen children: Helen, Mary, Fred, Daniel, Andrew, Millie, Philip, George, Nannie, Caroline, Sophia, Matilda, and one who died in infancy. The paternal grandparents of G. Henry Rehmert were William and Charlotte (Dahme) Rehmert, who died in Greenville township, he passing away when about seventy-eight years old, and she when eighty three year old. They had seven children: William, Henry, Charlotte, Caroline, Louis, Sophia and Charles. Henry Rehmert, the father of G. henry Rehmert, was only two and one-half years old when brought to the United States by his parents from Germany, who located in Richland township, Darke county, O., and there he was reared, being taught during the formative period farming in all its details. However, the first work of his mature years was connected with railroading, but he subsequently returned to farming and is now one of the prosperous agriculturalists of Richland township, where he owns sixty-two acres of land. This property is the same one on which his children were reared. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church of their locality. Their children were ten in number, and nine grew to maturity, namely: G. Henry; Caroline, who is the wife of Ira Hollinger of Stelvideo, O.; Daniel, who is of Columbus, 0.; William, who died in 1906; Sophia, who is the wife of H. M. Byrd of Versailles, Ohio; Nannie, who died in DARKE COUNTY - 255 infancy, having been a twin sister of Sophia; Charlotte, who is the wife of J. O. Winters of Greenville, O.; Emma, who is the wife of J. W. Strader; Mayme, who is the wife of Fred Thomas of Pikeville, O.; and Luella, who is unmarried, lives with her parents. G. Henry Rehmert attended the schools of his district until he was fourteen years old and at the same time rendered efficient service to his father on the farm. When he left school at fourteen, he began working by the month among neighbors, thus continuing for several years, and then was employed at the Children's Home for some time. Being ambitious, he began learning the carpenter trade, for he wanted to have a calling upon which he could always fall back in time of need, and followed it very profitably for eight years. During that period he had formed many acquaintances and learned conditions so that he was able to branch out as a contractor. For the next eleven years he secured and executed contracts in his line at Ansonia and in its vicinity, and all this time kept on perfecting his connections until on January 31, 1909, he embarked in a lumber business at Ansonia. This latter venture has proven a success in every way and he has built up a large and steadily increasing trade. On June 24, 1890, G. Henry Rehmert married Miss Dora Sprowl, a daughter of John and Margaret (Siep) Sprowl. One daughter, Helen, was born of this marriage. Mrs. Rehmert died May 26, 1911, aged forty-seven years. She had been born near Greenville, Darke county, O., where her parents, native Ohioans, had located early in its history. There were five children in the Sprowl family, namely: Ella, Samuel, Dora, William and Maude. Mr. and Mrs. Rehmert early united with the Lutheran Church. Mr. Remert belongs to Ansonia Lodge No. 356, K. of P. He was a member of the village council for several terms, and is an independent Democrat. While not a public man in any sense of the word, Mr. Rehmert has always endeavored to spare sufficient time from his business cares to study carefully any civic problems presented to the people for their consideration so that he has cast his vote intelligently and helpfully. In the office to which his fellow citizens elected him, he showed conscientious appreciation of the responsibilities devolving upon him and left his village the better for his efforts in its behalf. As a business man, Mr. Rehmert's record is unsullied and his church and fraternal connections are desirable. The success which has been his would have been im- 256 - DARKE COUNTY possible had he not used correctly and intelligently the qualities which he inherited and aimed high, keeping in mind all the while the fact that his ambitions could be carried out were he willingly to labor hard and save thriftily, denying himself today's luxuries to provide for tomorrow's needs. JOHN AUGUST ARMBRUSTER. John A. Armbruster, owner and proprietor of an up-to-date bakery and store at 131 Martin street, Greenville, Ohio, is well known for his business enterprise and good citizenship. He is a native of Ludington, Mason county, Michigan, born January 4, 1875, son of Matthew and Stephanie (Bertsch) Armbruster, natives of Germany, who in early life came to the United States and identified their interests with their adopted country. The father was born April 13, 1846, at Wurtemberg, Oberndorf, and the mother, December 24, 1846, at Unterhausen, Rutlingen. In 1866 he located in Wisconsin, and in 1869 removed to Butler county, Ohio, having in the meantime learned the trade of butcher in the former state. In 1879 he removed from Hamilton to Darke county, Ohio, and is now a resident of Greenville, being retired from active life. Mrs. Armbruster departed this life on April 3, 1913, and is buried in Greenville cemetery. They had three children: John August, whose name stands at the head of this sketch; Lula, wife of William C. Motzer, of Hamilton, Ohio, was born there; Anna Marie, born in Greenville, is the wife of Charles Bereis, of that place. John A. Armbruster was about four years of age when his parents came to Darke county, and it was in Greenville schools that he was educated. At the age of fifteen years he went to Hamilton to learn the trade of baker, continuing at Cincinnati, where he completed his knowledge of the technical and practical phases of the work. For some time afterwords he was employed in a baking establishment at Versailles, where he was foreman and manager, and while living there was married, August 18, 1896, to Miss Sarah C. Miller, of Sidney, Ohio, who was born in Ansonia, Darke county, June 3, 1875, and is the daughter of Isaac and Martha J. (Knieriem) Miller. Mr. Miller was born at Savona, Darke DARKE COUNTY - 257 county, January 13, 1853, is a baker by trade and works in the shop of Mr. Armbruster. Mrs. Miller was born in Ansonia, Darke county, June 15, 1857. Her father, William Knieriem, was one of the pioneer settlers, having come to Ansonia in 1830, when the region was a wilderness. Like the other early comers he had to clear his land and break the virgin, soil to put in his crops. He and his wife bravely bore the hardships and toils of pioneer life and established a family that has been identified with the best interests of Darke county. William Knieriem served in the Civil War with valor and distinction. Isaac Miller and wife had two children: Mrs. Armbruster and another daughter, Cora, wife of Arthur Seeley, who died March 12, 1914, and is buried in Greenville cemetery. Mr. Armbruster remained one year at Versailles after his marriage and came to Greenville, December 14, 1897. He purchased his present place and has made additions and improvements from time to time, until he has the largest establishment of the kind in the county, and ships his products to some thirty-five different points in the vicinity of Greenville. He turns out only first-class goods, made in strict accordance with the rules for sanitation and high quality, and buys the best of supplies for use in his plant. He started in a small way and has built up a large business through his upright dealings and good business qualities, as well as the merit of his products. He is thorough master of his trade and takes great pride in his well-deserved success. His wife has been of great assistance to him in conducting the business. They live in the second story of the building containing the store. Mr. Armbuster is a Democrat in politics and always ready to help along any cause for the public good. He and his wife are members of St. Paul Lutheran church, of which he has been a deacon, trustee and treasurer. He is a representative citizen, has a large number of friends and enjoys the respect of his fellow-citizens. He is very fond of reading; keeps abreast of the times in general affairs and they are able to enjoy many of the comforts that add to the joy of existence. Two promising children brighten the home of the Armbrusters: John MI., Jr., born November 23, 1899, a student in high school, and Amba Katherine, born November 20, 1901, also attending school. (17) 258 - DARKE COUNTY HENRY COLLETT. When the great struggle between the North and South was ended in 1865, and the men who had served their country or fought according to their principles were sent back home, many embraced an agricultural life and in the years that have elapsed have developed into successful farmers whose prosperity warrants their retirement when the shadows of declining years begin to gather about them. The requirements of farm work are of such a nature that those who have devoted themselves during mature years to such activities, feel that they have given enough of themselves to increasing their worldly holdings, and desire more leisure to devote to civic matters and consideration of problems winch interest them. From boyhood Henry Collett, of Ansonia, has proven his worth as an efficient worker and become one of the most respected and honored of the retired farmers of his locality. Never shirking a duty, however onerous, he has fairly earned his material success as well as the respect of his fellow citizens and his progress in life demonstrates that honesty of purpose and uprightness of living are valuable assets for any man. Henry Collett comes of excellent stock tracing back on his father's side to Judge Jonathan Collett, a judge of the courts at Xenia, Ohio. Judge Collett married a Miss Berry and they came from Greene county to Darke county, where they were numbered among the pioneers. On the maternal side of the house, Henry Collett's grandparents were Henry Boyce and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Lee. Born in New York State, these two came to Darke county, Ohio, during its pioneer days and here he found ready employment at his trade of cabinet making. Mrs. Boyce died some years before her husband, who passed away in 1863. They had a large family, among the children being: Frances M., Marietta, Caroline, John, Cyrus and Edward. The father of Henry Collett was also named Jonathan Collett, and he was born in Greene county, Ohio, but in young manhood came to Darke county, Ohio, settling below Greenville, where he engaged in farming, operating the old Arnold property. Later he moved to the old Gard farm, and there he died May 2, 1852, when over forty years of age. He had married Frances Boyce, a native of New York State, and they had the following children: Henry, who lives at Ansonia, DARKE COUNTY - 259 Ohio; Miranda, who is the wife of Andrew Baird of Greenville, connected with Baker's store; Jane, deceased, who was the wife of Francis Gregg, and (second) of Charles Bartling; Susan, who died unmarried, and Adaline, who also died unmarried. The mother of this family survived her husband for many years, passing away April 21, 1902, when she was seventy-one years old. Both she and her husband were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, which Jonathan Collett served as class leader and steward. While residing in Greenville township he was called upon to serve as tax collector and proved himself a man of worth in public matters, as he had in private life. Henry Collett was born on the old Boyce farm two miles south of Greenville, Ohio, September 11, 1841, and was reared in Greenville township, being taught the duties pertaining to an agricultural life, while at the same time he received the educational training afforded by the schools of his district. When he was only twelve years old he had the misfortune to lose his father, and as he was the eldest, his mother naturally looked to him for support and heavy responsibilities were laid upon his young shoulders. His grandfather took the little family to his own property and Henry found plenty of opportunity to make himself useful in farm work. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, he was twenty years old and residing with his mother and sisters. Although he was a widow's only son, he felt that his country demanded his first thought, and his patriotic mother seconded his desire to enlist so that he became a private in Company I, Fortieth Ohio volunteer infantry, his period of service extending over three years and twenty days. During this time he participated in some of the hardest fought battles of the war, including those of Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga and the Atlanta campaign, from which he was sent back to Nashville, Tenn. During the battle of Chickamauga, he was wounded by a gunshot in the left hand, but not so as to incapacitate him. With the close of hostilities, he returned to Darke county and resumed his peaceful occupation of farming, for the seven succeeding years renting land for his operations. Having by then saved some money, he invested it in fifty-two acres of land, upon which he erected a comfortable brick residence, large barn and made many other improvements, so that when he sold this property, he received an excellent figure for it. In 1890 he retired from the farm, and moving to Ansonia has 260 - DARKE COUNTY since been one of its substantial residents. A Republican, he has given his party faithful service but not cared to enter public life as an office holder. For many years he has taken pleasure in meeting his old comrades in J. M. Fifer Post, G. A. R., No. 632, of which he is the present commander. On March 26, 1867, Henry Collett married (first) Miss Sarah Ann Deardoff, a daughter of Peter and Deborah Ann (Hankerson) Deardoff. Seven children were born of this marriage, as follows: Jonathan P., Anna J., Martha, William, Charles and two who died in infancy. Jonathan P. was a school teacher in early life, but later became a dentist and is now building mausoleums, residing at Greenville, Ohio. He is married and has two children, George and Ethel. Anna J. married David Johnson. They live in Illinois and have two children, Laverne and Edward. Martha married William Minton, they live at Dayton, Ohio, and have one living child, Margaret. William married a Miss Baker, they live at Dayton, Ohio, and have one daughter, Fausta B. Mrs. William Collett died in April, 1909. He married (second) Miss Cora Ridgeway of Dayton in 1911. Charles married Beryl Tullis, they live at New York City and have a son, Marion. The first Mrs. Collett died December 13, 1906, and was laid to rest in the Greenville cemetary on November 21, 1912. whch is her final resting place, and will be the resting place of Mr. Collett and his family. On April 18, 1908, Henry Collett married Miss Lavina Sieg, a daughter of Paul K. and Rebecca (Van Meter) Sieg. Mr. and Mrs. Collett belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Collett is a trustee. Mrs. Collett was born in Hardin county, Ohio, August 20, 1850. When her father was ten years of age he was brought from Virginia to Hardin county, Ohio, by his parents, and grew to mature years in the latter locality. His wife was born in Pickaway county Ohio, in the vicinity of Circleville. Paul K. Sieg died at the age of sixty-five years, but his wife passed away many years prior to that. She was born June 13, 1816, and died May 22, 1852, so that she was only thirty-six years old at he time of her demise. She had borne her husband four children who survived to grow to maturity, they being: Lydia C., Adelia, Rosa Belle and Lavina. After the death of his first wife, Paul K. Sieg married (second) Margaret Evans, and they had nine children, all of -whom grew to maturity, they being Henry Casey, Robert E., Lovina, Jacob, David, Mary, Paul, Jonathan B. and Darius M. DARKE COUNTY - 261 ROLL MANN MILLER. A native son of Ansonia, Ohio, Roll Mann Miller has spent his entire career here, and has directed his activities so well that today he stands in the forefront among the younger generation of business men of the city. As the proprietor of one of Ansonia's leading mercantile establishments, he has proven his business worth and stability and at all times has well merited the confidence which has been placed in him. Mr. Miller was born in Ansonia, February 10, 1883, and is a son of Mann H. and Josephine (Williams) Miller, natives of Darke county. Their sketch appears on another page of this work. His paternal grandparents were Riley B. and Phoebe (Chambers) Miller, the former of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio, early residents of Darke county, while on the maternal side his grandparents were Samuel and Mary Jane (Linkenhoker) Williams, who were also pioneers of Darke county. Roll Mann Miller received his education in the public schools and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1901. In the meantime, at the age of seventeen years, he proved his industry and ambition by working as a clerk in the mornings and evenings, and after completing his schooling took up clerking as a steady occupation. After three years he resigned his position to become a rural mail carrier, and for six years was thus engaged, but in March, 1909, again entered mercantile Iife when he purchased the store of Ed Schmidt. He handles a full and up-to-date line of dry goods, clothing, shoes, groceries, novelties, etc. By industry, perseverance and up-to-date methods he has built tip an excellent business, receiving a full share of the people of his community. Mr. Miller is a popular member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Ansonia Lodge No. 605, and he and his wife hold membership in the Rebekahs. They are consistent attendants of the Christian church, and both are widely and favorably known in the younger social set, their handsome modern home being the scene of many festivities of a social nature. A Republican in his political views, Mr. Miller takes a keen interest in matters that affect the welfare of his community, and has served one term as township treasurer. On September 6, 1903, occurred the marriage of Mr. Miller and Miss Minnie Winterroud, daughter of Albert and Florence (Kester) Winterroud. One daughter, Louise, has been born to this union. Mrs. Miller was born three miles west of An- 262 - DARKE COUNTY sonia, her parents being natives of Darke county. Her mother has passed away, but Mr. Winterroud still survives. There were six children in the family, of whom four survive: Minnie, Hazel, and Ernst and Earl, twins. Mrs. Miller's grandparents were Sylvester and Elizabeth (Riegle) Winterroud, natives of Pennsylvania. GEORGE W. BAUGHMAN. The combination of human endowments which makes for success in varied fields, though a rare one, is embodied in the person of George AV. Baughman of Ansonia, Ohio. For forty years a resident of this city, he has been engaged in agriculture, the ice business and dealing in agricultural implements, and whatever he has given his attention to has yielded a satisfactory measure of success, so close has been his application and so well directed his efforts. In the meantime, in spite of the great demands made upon him by his business enterprises, he has found time to devote to the needs of his city, and for more than thirteen years has been an active and public-spirited member of the city council. Mr. Baughman was born in Brown township, Darke county, Ohio, October 28, 1869, and is a son of William and Catherine E. (Bertz) Baughman. John H. Baughman, the paternal grandfather of George W. Baughman, was a native of Germany, where he was educated, reared and married, and where he served for several years in the German army. Desiring to better his condition and to make a home for his growing family, he emigrated to the United States and located in Darke county, Ohio, where he took up government land in Brown township, and there developed a valuable farm. He lived to advanced years, passing away on his eighty-eighth birthday at the home of his son William. The grandmother passed away some years before. They were the parents of seven children: Simon, Casper, John, William, Fred, Eliza and Catherine. John Bertz, the maternal grandfather of George W. Baughman, was also born in the Fatherland, where he followed the trade of shoemaker until his death. Following this his widow brought her children to the United States and settled at Beamsville, in Richland township, Darke county, Ohio, where she died when just past middle life. Five children were born to Mr and Mrs. Bertz: Enos, George, Mary M., Catherine E. and Sophia. DARKE COUNTY - 263 William Baughman was eight years of age when he accompanied his parents to America, and his youth was spent in Brown township, where he attended the district schools and subsequently engaged in agricultural pursuits. Later he turned his attention to mercantile lines, moving to Ansonia and embarking in the hardware and implement business. A man of industry and thrift, he was successful in his operations, and when he died in 1888, at the age of sixty-five years, he was accounted one of the substantial men of his community. The mother's death occurred in 1903, when she had reached the age of seventy-six years. Both were originally Lutherans, but in Ansonia united with the Christian church. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Baughman were as follows: Solomon, residing near Bradford, in Adams township, Darke county; Mary Jane, the wife of Moses A. Hansehalder of Columbus, Kans.; George W., of this review; William A., of Brown township; Lucy B., who is the wife of Edward Schmidt of Brown township; Charles B., also of Brown township; Augustus, who is residing on the old home place, and three children who died young. George W. Baughman was given ordinary educational advantages in the public schools of Ansonia, and received his introduction to business life and methods in his father's hardware store, in which he worked for seven years. Following this he took up draying and farming, and was thus engaged for twenty years, and is still the owner of a property of seventy-five acres, located just east of Ansonia. In 1900 Mr. Baughman entered the mercantile field as the proprietor of an agricultural implement business, and this he has conducted to the present time with a full measure of success, also having been engaged in the ice business during the summer seasons for some years. He is not affiliated with any of the regularly established political parties, but prefers to give his support to men and measures rather than to any political party, and consequently casts his vote independently. He has taken, however, a keen and active interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of Ansonia, and for eighteen years has served faithfully as a member of the village council. On February 22, 1902, Mr. Baughman was married to Miss Emma Schmidt, daughter of Gottlieb and Dorothy (Wolf) Schmidt, and to this union there has been born one daughter, Dorothy. Mrs. Baughman was born in Dayton, Ohio, but reared in Brown township. Her parents were natives of Ger- 264 - DARKE COUNTY many and early settlers of Brown township, where the mother still resides, the father having met his death on the Big Four railroad in 1905, when about seventy years of age. There were eight children in the Schmidt family: Henry, William, Edward, Lizzie, Emma, Catherine, Ella and Clara. MANN H. MILLER. For thirty-five years Mann H. Miller has been closely identified with the business life of Ansonia, Ohio, and his activities during this time have given him a prominent position among the men whose energy and progressive spirit have materially aided in making this city one of the leading commercial centers of this part of the State. As directing head of the firm of M. H. Miller & Son, dealer in granite and marble monuments, he has built up an industry which has become one of the leaders in its line, while in public and fraternal life his signal services have been no less progressive and helpful. Mr. Miller was born in Richland township, Darke county, Ohio, December 22, 1851, and is a son of Riley B. and Phoebe (Chambers) Miller. John and Elizabeth (Mann) Miller, the paternal grandparents of Mann H. Miller, were natives of Pennsylvania and pioneer settlers of Darke county, where they owned the farm on the site of old Fort Brier, in Richland township, there dying in advanced years. They were the parents of nine children: Riley B., Job, Mann, Michael, Rachel, Ruth, Margaret and Ellen. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Miller were early settlers at Huntsville, Butler county, Ohio, and were the parents of four children: Phoebe, Joshua, Jane and Mary. After the death of Mr. Chambers, his widow married (second) a Mr. Akers, and they had two daughters, Margaret and Martha. Riley B. Miller was born in Pennsylvania, and was a small boy when he accompanied his parents to Richland township. He grew to manhood on the home farm and adopted agricultural work for his life's vocation, accumulating a valuable tract of one hundred and eighty acres of land. He died November 1, 1855, when aged only thirty-one years, while the mother, a native of Ohio, survived him a long period, and died December 13, 1881, aged fifty-one years, five months, twelve days. They were the parents of four children : Mann H., of DARKE COUNTY - 265 this review; Joshua, who is deceased; Elizabeth J., the widow of William J. Ross, of Rossburg, Ohio, and one child who died in infancy. Mann H. Miller was but four years of age when his father died, and at that time he went to make his home with John Hagerman of Allen township, with whom he resided until grown to young manhood. He was given but scant educational advantages, but made the most of his opportunities, and through observation and reading has gained much knowledge concerning the important things of life, so that today he is a very well-informed man. After his marriage, he was engaged in farming for two years, and then moved to Ansonia and for several years was engaged in the livery business, subsequently operating a gristmill and elevator for a little over twelve months. Eventually he turned his attention to the granite and marble business, and in this line he has continued for thirty-five years. Mr. Miller today is justly accounted one of the substantial men of business of Ansonia. He is building monuments of a high order, embodying beauty, art and permanency; he is conducting an honest, straightforward business, relying only on the merit of his product and the integrity of his intentions for success. He believes in good honest work, at a fair living price, and upon this foundation he has built up a business that has few equals in this part of the State. On March 28, 1872, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Josephine Williams, who was horn at Phillipsburg, Montgomery county, Ohio. Her father located in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1848, but later moved to Darke county, where he died January 2, 1901, aged eighty-two years. The mother passed away August 2, 1881, aged fifty-six years, eleven months, nine days. Mr. Williams operated sawmills and was a merchant, tobacco dealer and farmer and was successful in his various operations. At one time he was mayor of Ansonia, served also as justice of the peace and was a notary public for about fifteen years. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: James M., Marion, Rufus, Sarah Etta, Martha, Josephine, Clara, Lafayette, Elziah and two who died as children. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, as follows: Dell, who died at the age of one month; Russell, who is a traveling salesman for Townsend & Townsend, wholesale granite dealers of New York City, married Lucy McCabe, and makes his home in Ansonia; Capitola, who mar- 266 - DARKE COUNTY ried S. H. Mendenhall of Greenville, and has one son, Dwight; Maude, who became the wife of Ira Oliver and lives in Dayton; Roll Mann, a general merchant of Ansonia, who married Minnie Winterroud and has one daughter, Louise; Noble, in partnership with his father in the monument business, who married Hazel Trittschuh and has one son, Rodney Mann, and daughter Josephine, and Loyal, who married Ethel Clabaugh of Ada, Ohio, is a student at the Ohio Northern University at Ada. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Christian church, where he is acting in the capacity of trustee. He has been prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of Ansonia Lodge No. 605, and the Encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of both of which he served in the capacity of treasurer for several years, and he and Mrs. Miller belong to the Rebekahs. In politics a Republican, he has served as councilman for several years, and was a member of the school board for a long period, being treasurer of his district at the time the high school was built. EDWARD HAMMEL. Edward Hammel, active member of the firm of Arnett & Hammel, dealers in grain and flour, and operators of a grain elevator in Pitsburg, Ohio, is a self-made man and his success affords a striking example of what may be accomplished by energy and ambition. Probably no man in the vicinity is better known and his geniality and warm-heartedness are readily apparent, so that every one feels at home in his presence. He has taken a prominent part in the public life and affairs of the village for a number of years and has been honored by his fellow-townsmen by election to honorable public office. He was born on a farm near Brookville., Montgomery county, Ohio, July 18, 1876, and is a son of Samuel and Barbara (Minnich) Hammel, the father also born near Brookville about 1840. Samuel Hammel was always a farmer and spent a busy and honored existence near Brookville. He was a Republican in politics. His wife was born in the same neighborhood April 2, 1843, and died May 6, 1910, being buried in Pitsburg cemetery. She was a member of the Brethern church. Mr. Hammel died in April, 1884, and was buried DARKE COUNTY - 267 in the cemetery at Piermont, Ohio. They had two sons: Harvey, a painter, and Edward, whose name heads this sketch.. Harvey lives with his brother in Pitsburg. The parents of Samuel Hammel came to Ohio in an early day and were among the honored pioneers who did so much for the early prosperity of the state. Edward Hammel received his education in Pitsburg and at the age of fifteen years began to work in the employ of Edward McCue, proprietor at that time of a grain elevator there, across the street from Mr. Hammel's present quarters. By his ability and strict attention to business Mr. Hammel became a valued employee and thoroughly learned the business, so that when Mr. McCue sold out Mr. Hammel was able to purchase a half-interest in business with Mr. Abraham Arnett, father of his present partner, Tobias Arnett, whose sketch appears in this work, and who inherited his father's share. After the death of the senior Mr. Arnett the two younger men moved to their present quarters, which arrangement was made in 1905, buying the office and elevator building from Mr. McCue, who had erected them. They became the leading grain dealers in the community and have a very good business, purchasing much of the grain raised in their part of the county. Mr. Hammel is a Republican in politics and from 1900 to 1910 served as township clerk of Monroe township; he served two terms as village councilman, and in 1913 was elected Mayor of Pitsburg, to serve two years. Since 1897 he has been agent at Pitsburg for the Big Four Railroad Company. At the present time he is clerk of the village Board of Education, and has filled all offices with ability and honor. He is a Mason of the thirty-second degree, also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Order of Redmen, as well as the Junior Order. The last named is the only one of these organizations having a branch in Pitsburg, therefore, he has been unable to take a prominent part in the others,but. he is past Counsellor of the Junior Order. On October 20, 1900, Mr. Hammel was united in marriage with Pearl Katherine Limbert, daughter of Simon P. and Mary E. (Mote) Limbert, both born near Pitsburg. Mr. Limbert was a farmer in early life but has now retired from active life and he and his wife live in Pitsburg, both being about sixty-four or sixty-five years of age. He is a Republican in politics and served several terms as Assessor of Darke 268 - DARKE COUNTY county. He and his wife had five children, one of whom, Nelson H., died on February, 1913, and the others are: Willis, of Darke county; Lola, wife of L. G. McCluen, of Rockwood, Tennessee; Noah, of Columbus, Ohio, is unmarried and is in the employ of the Gwinn Milling Company; Mrs. Hammel. Mr. and Mrs. Hammel are parents of two lovely children: Carl Carlton, born December 14, 1904, a pupil in the public school, and little Mildred Katherine, born June 14, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Hammel attend the Methodist church of which she is a member. In youth he attended the Brethern church with his mother. Mrs. Hammel is treasurer of the Sunday school society and secretary of the Ladies' Aid Society. Mr. Hammel is accounted one of the most public-spirited men in his community and is much respected. He has been very successful in his business ventures and his accumulation of property and wealth are the result of his own unaided efforts, for he has cared for himself since he was a mere boy and has never been daunted by the prospect of hard work. ROLL HELM HALDERMAN. One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful agriculturists of Darke county is R. H. Halderman, whose splendid and well-kept farm is located in Greenville township, about four miles southwest of Greenville. He is public spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of his locality, and for many years he has been numbered among its most valued and honored citizens. R. H. Halderman was born on September 4, 1875, on the farm on which he now resides, and is the son of Jacob and Frances (Helm) Halderman, his mother having been a member of a sterling old Pennsylvania family. The subject is the youngest in a family of seven children, the others being Mrs. Lottie Bishop, Mrs. Alice McNeil, Herschel of Texas, Mrs. Bird Wagner, Mrs. Elnora Clapp and Mrs. Pearl Bishop. R. H. Halderman received his education in school No. 12, which was located on the home farm, completing his studies in the public schools of Greenville. He has spent his entire life on the home farm, in the work of which he early took an active part. At the age of twenty-one years he rented the place from DARKE COUNTY - 269 his father and after the latter's death, December 4, 1908, he bought the interests of the other heirs and is now the sole owner. The place comprises one hundred and eighty acres of as good land as the township affords and in the raising of general crops and the handling of live stock he has met with a very gratifying degree of success. He gives proper attention to the rotation of crops and other features of intelligent farming, while the buildings, fences, implements and other departments of the farm work are all carefully looked after, no phase of his business being neglected. R. H. Halderman was married, on November 19, 1902, to Laura Henning, of Washington township, this county, and the daughter of Isaac and .Mary (Schaffer) Henning. Her father, who was a prominent farmer in his community, is now deceased, being survived by his widow. To Mr. and Mrs. Halderman has been born a daughter, Helen, born May 23, 1910, Politically, Mr. Halderman has always affiliated with the Democratic party and is at present rendering effective service as a member of the school board. Religiously, he and his wife are earnest members of the Presbyterian church, to which they contribute of their means. In all his methods, Mr. Halderman is progressive and enterprising, and he has succeeded in his endeavors, as a result of intelligent, well directed effort. He is held in the highest esteem in his locality, and he not only represents an honorable old family, but also personally stands for all that is best in the life of the community. Mr. Halderman's father was township trustee for many years. JONAS DININGER. The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his neighbors and fellow citizens. In touching upon the life history of the subject of this sketch the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extravagant praise; yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life—a life characterized by perseverance, energy, broad charity and well defined purpose. To do 270 - DARKE COUNTY this will be but to reiterate the dictum pronounced upon the man by the people who have known him long and well. Jonas Dininger, who is numbered among the progressive and public-spirited citizens of Greenville township, was born on September 1, 1854, on the old Jonas Dininger farm, about three miles from his present location, and therefore has been a lifelong resident of this locality. He is the son of Jonas and Mary E. (Holtry) Dininger, the former of whom was born near Germantown, Montgomery county, this State, moving to I )arke county when about ten years old with his parents. The latter were Jacob and Sevan K. Dininger, the former of whom was a native of Germany, who, after coming to this country, first located at Germantown, where he made his permanent home. To Jonas and Mary Dininger were born two children, the subject of this sketch and George, who now lives in Greenville. Jonas Dininger, to a review of whose life the following lines are devoted, spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and his education was secured in the Halderman district school. When about twenty-two years old he began farming operations on his own account, renting a tract of land from his grandfather Holtry, where he remained two years. He then returned to the home farm, devoting himself to its operation during the following six years, at the end of which time he located on his own present farm, on which he has resided continuously since. He has made many permanent and substantial improvements since locating here and the place is now considered one of the most productive and best improved farms in Greenville township. The farm, which comprises one hundred and twenty-two acres of land, lies on the Nashville road, about two miles west of Greenville, and is practically all in cultivation. Mr. Dininger raises all the crops common to this locality and also gives special attention to the breeding of pure bred live stock, which are now considered so important an adjunct to a successful farm. About four years ago Mr. Dininger erected a splendid modern and attractive residence, located a short distance from his former home, and has attractively and tastefully furnished and finished it. Mr. Dininger was married, on October 14, 1875, to Irene Keister, and they are the parents of three children, Mrs. Cora Welker, Mrs. Edna Warner and Earle E. Dininger. Politically, Mr. Dininger has always been an earnest advocate of the Democratic party and has taken a prominent DARKE COUNTY - 271 part in local public affairs, having served as a member of the school board and in other ways exhibiting a commendable interest in the prosperity and welfare of the community. Religiously, he is a member of St. Paul's Reformed church, in which he has been an elder for many years. He is recognized as a man of executive ability and enterprise and is numbered among the leading and representative citizens of his locality. Erie E. Dininger was born on November 5, 1884, and received his elementary education in the Shady Glenn district school No. 11, and was graduated from Greenville high school He then took a commercial course in Jacob's school, in Dayton, where he was graduated, following which he became a student in the agricultural course at Cornell University. Thus well equipped for life's battle, he returned home and took charge of his father's farm, and pure bred live stock, in the handling of which he has demonstrated not only the advantages of special training, but also the possession of those natural qualities which are absolutely essential to success in any line of effort. He has served as assessor of his township and is one of the active and influential young politicians of his community. On July 3, 1907, he was married to Amy Sollenbarger, and they have two children, Corliss Burdette and Lora Irene. WILLIAM G. BISHOP. Industry, perseverance, intelligence and good judgment combine to form the price of success in agricultural work in these modern days of farming, when the hard, unremitting toil of former years has given way to scientific use of modern machinery and a knowledge of the proper treatment of the soil. Darke county has many skilled farmers, who treat their vocation more as a profession than as a mere occupation and take a justifiable amount of pride in their accomplishments. Among these may be mentioned W. C. Bishop of Greenville township, whose well-tilled property is located on the Fort Jefferson turnpike, about one mile from the city. Mr. Bishop is thoroughly versed in soil and climatic conditions in this section, as he has lived here all of his life, having been born on the farm he now occupies, in 1870, a son of T. L. and Cynthia (Dunham) Bishop. Reared in a family of industry and thrift, Mr. Bishop early learned that hard work is the surest road to success, and that 272 - DARKE COUNTY he was expected to do his full share in contributing to the family income. He was instructed thoroughly in the thousand and one things necessary for the modern farmer to know, and as soon as he was large enough to grasp the plow handles began to be one of his father's best helpers. During the winter terms, he acquired his education in the district schools, but in the remainder of the year gave his service faithfully to his father, remaining under the parental roof until reaching maturity. When he was twenty-one years of age, Mr. Bishop embarked upon a career of his own, first starting as a renter. Through hard and intelligent labor he was able to put by enough to purchase a few acres of land, and to this he has subsequently added from time to time, as his finances have permitted, until he is now the owner of one hundred and thirty-seven acres of some of the best land to be found in Darke county, and which includes the old homestead place. Mr. Bishop is progressive and enterprising, and the improvements on his land are of a modern and valuable nature. He believes in the use of the best machinery, directs his labors along modern scientific lines, and is able to make his land produce to its fullest extent for the work expended upon it. He has a comfortable home, and the buildings for the housing of his stock, grain and machinery are large and commodious. It is interesting to note that the majority of men in Darke county, especially among the farmers, are possessed of success because of the force of their own efforts, and Mr. Bishop is no exception to this rule. He is considered one of the best judges of stock in his part of the country, and his judgment is often sought on questions connected with agricultural interests. Mr. Bishop was united in marriage October 24, 1895 with Miss Pearl Halderman, daughter of Jacob H. Halderman, a review of whose career will be found on another page of this work. Two children have blessed this union: Mildred, who is now fifteen years of age, and Robert W., six years old. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop and their children are consistent members of the Baptist church, where they have numerous friends. In political matters Mr. Bishop supports the candidates and principles of the Republican party, but has not been an office seeker himself, preferring the honest toil and peaceful life of the farm to any of the doubtful honors of the political arena. However, he is public spirited, and any good movement in his township immediately enlists his stanch and enthusiastic support. DARKE COUNTY - 273 CLIFFORD O. NISWONGER. Clifford Niswonger, an honored and respected citizen of Pits-burg, is a leading merchant and successful business man. He is largely a self-made man, for his position is chiefly due to his ambition and enterprise, coupled with his business acumen and sterling qualities. He was born in Monroe township, Darke county, Ohio, December 21, 1887, and is one of the ten children born to David Warner and Elizabeth (Olewine) Niswonger. He has recently added the middle initial "O`' to his name, which stands for the name of his mother's family, Olewine. David Warner Niswonger, now retired from active life, was a carpenter by trade and now lives on a farm in Monroe township, not far from Pitsburg. He was born on the section where he now resides, January 6, 1843, son of John and Susannah (Warner) Niswonger, both of well-known Darke county families of pioneer times. John Niswonger was born on a farm near Salem, Montgomery county, Ohio, May 28, 1815, and was a son of John and Elizabeth (Circle) Niswonger, both born, reared and also married in Rockingham county, Virginia, the former also son of a Virginian named John Niswonger and a farmer of Rockingham county, Virginia. The American progenitors of the family were three brothers who came from Germany, of whom one located in Canada, one in Maryland and one in Virgina. Susannah Warner was born on a farm near Union, Montgomery county, Ohio, June 2, 1815, daughter of David and Hester (Brumbaugh) Warner, who came from Pennsylvania to Montgomery county, Ohio. It is supposed that this family of Warners were descended from a passenger on the Mayflower. In 1832 the John Niswonger who married Susannah Warner located in Darke county, having purchased 189 acres of land, part of it located in the same section as the one where his son, David W., now resides. This was located in thick woods and was secured from the Government. He erected a log house there and occupied it some forty years. Their first home was a story-and-a-half building of hewed logs, roughly built, with one room above and one below, but this was soon added to and remodeled, and finally replaced. The original house was finally removed to Pitsburg and David Warner Niswonger lived in it a number of years until it was finally (18) 274 - DARKE COUNTY torn down and used for fuel. John Niswonger and wife became parents of five sons and seven daughters, all of whom reached maturity and married and eight of whom now survive. They are: Mary, who married Henry Swank, and all their descendants except two grandchildren, Mrs. Leibbie (Hullinger) Long and Miss Margaret Hullinger, have passed away; Catherine, who married Peter Layer, is deceased and her descendants are scattered in various parts of the county; George, a resident of Dawn, Darke county, married Keziah Bear; Elizabeth, deceased wife of George Layer, whose descendants reside in Darke county; David `'earner; Hettie, wife of Harvey Mote, of Chicago, whose descendants are much scattered; Lydia, wife of Josiah Baker, of Pitsburg; Lucinda, wife of Mathias Corwin, of Arcanum; Harriet, wife of John Regan, of Brown county, Indiana; John, of Los Angeles, California, married Emma Giblin ; Harvey married Mary Roser and lives in Arcanum; Nicholas, who married Mary Reed, died at Ardmore, Oklahoma. In boyhood David Warner Niswonger helped on his father's farm and attended school three months in the year. In 1861 he was apprenticed to the trade of harness maker in Greenville, boarding with his employer, but did not receive any regular wages during this time. His employer often gave him a little spending money and treated him well. On July 16, 1861, while on his way to a point in Indiana, he enlisted in Company K Ninteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, being the first man from Monroe township to offer his services, but being accredited to Indiana. From Indianapolis they were sent to Washington, arriving there a few days after the first battle of Bull Run. He participated in the second battle of Bull Run, also at South Mountain and Antietam. At the latter battle he Ras shot through the left lung but got up and walked a quarter of a mile, then was taken to the hospital, and was sent to West Philadelphia. He remained six months in the hospital and was discharged for disability, April 8, 1863. In the next few months, spent at home, he fully recovered, and on January 30, 1864, enlisted in Company B, One Hundred Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was sent to join the Army of the Potomac and participated in the Battle of the Wilderness, went on into the Shenandoah Valley and was taken prisoner and sent to Danville, whence he was sent to Libby Prison. After being a prisoner seven months and thirteen days he was exchanged and his honorable discharge took place June 2, 1865. DARKE COUNTY - 275 He resumed the harness trade and in 1867 started a shop in what is now known as Old Pitsburg. On May 19, 1867, David Warner Niswonger was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of David and Nancy (Gray-bill) Olewine. After four years spent in business Mr. Niswonger abandoned this line of work on account of his health and after spending six months working with and for a boss carpenter he began to take work on his own account. He lived at Old Pitsburg and followed the trade of carpenter until 1893. He and his wife had ten children, seven of whom reached maturity and now survive, namely: William, superintendent of an electric light plant at Bad Axe, Michigan, married Helen Williams; Hettie, married Charles Mote, of Monroe township, and has five children; Effie married James L. Gilbert, of Logansport, Indiana, and they have two children; Clifford O., of this sketch; Harry, of Dayton, works for the National Cash Register Company and married Helen Blose; John is unmarried; Roy is a clerk in his brother's store in Pitsburg. The father of these children is a Democrat in politics and has served thirteen terms altogether as township assessor, seven terms in succession, and for five years was township clerk. He was a member of the school board several terms and in 1890 was appointed to appraise the land in Monroe township. He was reared in the German Baptist faith, as was his wife, and she is a member of the church now. Her father, David Olewine, was a son of Anthony Olewine, who was born in Pennsylvania and after his marriage brought his family to Montgomery county, Ohio, when his son David was about fifteen years old. The latter received a good education and for many years was a teacher in Montgomery and Darke counties. In an early day he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Van Buren township, which he had to clear of timber. The youngest child of David Warner Niswonger, Roy, was ready at the age of twelve years to pass the Boxwell examination, but was not allowed to do so, though he had an opportunity to take it four years later and passed. He wished to enter the high school at Arcanum but his parents would not allow him to do so until a year later. After he had attended a few months his parents went to Florida for a trip and took him along, receiving his later education through observation and the books he read by himself. Upon his return he worked for some time in Dayton for the N. C. R. Co. but a few years 276 - DARKE COUNTY since accepted a position in the store of his brother, Clifford, and has done well in this work. he is well known as a young man of good character. Clifford O. Niswonger began his education in Monroe township schools, which he attended some years, and for one year he took a general business course at North Manchester (Indiana) University. He then took a position as clerk in Fetter's general store in Pitsburg, where he remained two and one-half years, then he and his brother-in-law, Harry Vance, bought the present store on Jefferson street, but for the past seven or eight years Mr. Niswonger has owned the entire store. He eventually bought the store building and the vacant property south of the store. He is interested in the general movements for the good of the community and state, and is accounted a useful and public-spirited citizen. He is a Democrat in politics and cast his first presidential vote for Bryan, although in local affairs he follows the principle of voting for the man he believes will best conserve the interests of the greatest number. He has held various village offices and for the past five years has been postmaster of Pitsburg. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge of Arcanum and the Scottish Rite at Dayton. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge, at Arcanum, and to the Junior American Order of Mechanics of Pitsburg. He is president First National Bank of Pitsburg, Ohio, having assisted in its organization, served a number of years as its vice-president, and for a number of years he has served as town treasurer. In 1910 he erected his present elegant residence on Jefferson street and he and his family are well known in social circles. On December 24, 1901, Mr. Niswonger was united in marriage with Rose, daughter of J. Harvey and Mary (Schreel) Vance. Mr. Vance was born in Pyrmont township, Montgomery county, Ohio, October 30, 1844, and came to Darke county at an early age, located on a farm in Van Buren township and lived there many years. He has now retired from active life and resides in Greenville. He served one hundred days in the Union army during the Civil War. He is now a Prohibitionist in political views. He served some time as a member of the school board in Van Buren township. He and his wife joined the United Brethern church after coming to Darke county. She was born in Preble county May 4, 1846, and died April 22, 1908, being buried in Abbottsville cemetery. She had been a Lutheran before DARKE COUNTY - 277 coming to Darke county but she and her husband were active in church work for the United Brethren faith. They were well known in the community and highly respected by all. Of the four children now living: Harry married Annie Cline and they reside in Greenville; Daisy is the wife of James C. Martin, of Greenville; Mrs. Niswonger; Virgil, of Greenville, married Abbie Baker. Three children are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Niswonger are parents of three children, all born in Monroe township: Mary Elizabeth, October 21, 1902; Lois, April 7, 1904, and Clifford Roland, March 24, 1907. Mrs. Niswonger is a member of the Methodist church. DAVID J. WISE. It is always inters :sting to watch from the beginning the growth and development of a locality, to note the lines along which marked progress has been made and to take cognizance of those whose leadership in the work of advancement and improvement have made possible the present prosperity of the locality under consideration. David J. Wise, of this review, is one of those who have seen almost the entire growth of Union City, for forty years ago he cast his lot with the early settlers here. He has also been an important factor in its continued progress toward the vanguard of civilization, and his name is therefore indelibly engraved upon its history, and well deserves a place in a record of the representative men of Darke county. Judge Wise was born in Greene county, Ohio, April 11, 1843, a son of Henry D. and Mary (Snedecker) Wise, natives of Ohio. Both parents were left orphan children, and were married in Greene county on the farm where David J. Wise was born. They had nine children, as follows: David J., Samuel P., who died during the Civil war; Rachel, deceased, single; James M., deceased; Albert O., deceased; Charles Ellen, deceased; Mary Ellen, deceased, who was the wife of James Thompson, and a pair of twins, Abraham and Isaac, who died in infancy. The father was reared a farmer, but subsequently learned the trade of cooper, which he followed during the greater portion of his life. When he was about seventy years of age he retired and his last days were spent in the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, where he died in July, 1911, at the age of 278 - DARKE COUNTY ninety years, six months. The mother passed away in Darke county, in 1881, aged sixty years. They were members of the German Reformed church. The father served as a soldier during the Civil war, being a member of Company D, Forty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, for fourteen months, and from the close of the struggle until his death he continued a resident of Darke county. David J. Wise was reared in Greene county, 0., where he first learned farm work and later the cooper's trade, the latter of which he has followed during the greater part of his active career. He attended the district schools, and at the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted, in 1861, in Company D, Forty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, continuing as a soldier until the close of the war in 1865. He participated in numerous engagements, including the siege of Knoxville, and ever proved himself a brave and valiant soldier. When the war had closed and he received his honorable discharge, he returned to his home, from whence he went a short time later to Sullivan, Ind. That city was his home for five years, during which time he worked at his trade, and in 1874 he returned to Darke county and settled in Union City, where he has resided to the present time. In all business matters Judge Wise is discriminating, sagacious and diligent, and his careful management and industry have unlocked for him the portals of success and brought out some of its rich treasures. On May 9, 1867, Mr. Wise was married to Miss Sarah A. Isenbarger, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ditmore) Isenbarger. Seven children were born to this union: Laura J., Mary Ellen, Harry Danner, Cora Elizabeth, Telitha Pearl, Earl Waldo and Edith Madge. Of these, Laura J. is deceased. She was the wife of Charles Eagy and they had one son, who died in infancy. Mrs. Eagy was an accomplished musician. Mary Ellen died at the age of ten months and ten days. Harry Danner is a substitute mail carrier and resides at home with his parents. Cora Elizabeth married George Sharp and they had three children—Rhea Maude,. Claude and Gaynell. For her second husband she married Thomas Shumaker, and they live in Dayton, and have two children, Robert Earl and Charles Wayne. Telitha Pearl married William Briney, and they reside in Union City, Ind. Earl Waldo, who is in the meat business at Winchester, Ind., married Olive Longenecker, and they have two sons, Lloyd Eugene and David Edwin. Madge mar- DARKE COUNTY - 279 ried Cleve Vincent Pitinger and they reside in Jackson township and have one child, Ralph Vincent. Judge Wise is independent in his political views. His first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, and since that time he has affiliated with both Republican and Democratic parties. He served one term as township clerk, was for two years corporation clerk, was mayor of Union City one term, and for the past eight years has acted in the capacity of justice of the peace. In his various official capacities he has shown himself conscientious and painstaking and possessed of high ideals of public service. Mrs. Wise was born near Georgetown, Miami county, Ohio, October 23, 1844, and was about seventeen years of age when her parents moved to Darke county, settling at Coletown. Later they moved to Mississinnawa township, where the father passed away in 1886, at the age of sixty-six years and the mother in 1889, when sixty-three years of age. They were the parents of seven sons and five daughters: Sarah A., Simon P., David, Wesley, Mary Jane, Amanda, William, Perry, Sinora, Oradine, and two who died in infancy. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Wise was John Isenbarger, and he and his wife Mary were the parents of ten children: John, Jacob, Joseph, William, Daniel, Peter, Polly, Esther, Betsy and Sallie. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Wise was Jacob Ditmore, who married Katie Brenner, and had twelve children: George, Henry, Daniel, Jacob, Aaron, Samuel, Polly, Elizabeth, Sallie, Barbara and two who died young. LEWIS DININGER. The agricultural interests of Darke county are in charge of efficient, capable men who have given to their labor that application of scientific effort that is bound to bring the best rsults. Years of observance of the best methods have brought the occupation of farming forward until it is nearly on a level with the professions, and the constant improvement of farming machinery has made the harvesting of banner crops a practical surety. One of the progressive farmers of Darke county is Lewis Dininger, who has passed his entire life in tilling the soil in Greenville township, and is now the owner of 100 acres of land on the Palestine road, about four miles 280 - DARKE COUNTY from Greenville, to the west. e was born in a log house on this farm, which then belonged to his father, March 30, 1840, and is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Swank) Dininger. The Dininger family originated in Germany, where its members were principally engaged in agricultural lines, but the grandfather decided to try his fortunes in the United States, and left the Fatherland for this country in a sailing vessel. While on the ocean he contracted an illness, and died and was buried at sea. After their arrival in America, the family became scattered, three daughters remaining in Baltimore, and three sons and one daughter making their way to Germantown, Ohio. Jacob Dininger was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to this country, and was still a youth when he came with his sister and brothers to Ohio. In 1837 he located in Greenville township. buying 240 acres in the timber, which he proceeded to develop, and on which he passed the remainder of his life, succeeding in removing the timber from the greater part of the property. He was married at Germantown to Margaret Swank, and to this union there were born nine children: John, Jonas, Mrs. Dorothy Helmer, Mrs. Maria Stevens and Michael, all of whom are deceased; Jacob, Lewis, Mrs. Elizabeth Beichler and Christian, who is deceased. Lewis Dininger received ordinary educational advantages in the public schools of Greenville township, and was brought up to farming and reared to habits of honesty and industry. He early became his father's assistant, and some of the best land which he now owns is property that he himself cleared from the timber. He remained at home until reaching the age of twenty-five years, at which time he took up a tract of eighty acres for himself, and to this he has since added one hundred acres. One of his community's old and honored citizens, Mr. Dininger well merits the respect and esteem in which he is held, for his life record has been that of an upright and honorable man whose operations and activities have been carried on in a strictly legitimate and straightforward manner. On February 8, 1866, Mr. Dininger was married to Miss Elizabeth Kerst, daughter of Samuel and Anna (Moyer) Kerst. The father of Mrs. Dininger came to Germantown, Ohio, with four brothers, from Berks county, Pennsylvania, and subsequently moved to Darke county. He spent the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits in German township, and was widely known and highly esteemed. He and his DARKE COUNTY - 281 wife were the parents of seven children: Morgan, and Mrs. Sarah Clapp, residents of Greenville township; Elizabeth, who married Lewis Dininger; Angeline, who married Mr. Nogle, and is now deceased; Evan, a resident of German township; Mrs. Candy Craig and Mrs. Hattie Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Dininger have had eight children, as follows: Stella, who married J. C. Trump and has two children, Herbert and Charles; Anna and Charles, who are both deceased; Elizabeth, who married Charles Henning and has two children, Thuron and Willard; Harley, who married Edith Johnson, and has two children, Donald and Elizabeth; Bessie, who married Albert Suter, and has two children, Ruth and John R.; Carl, who married Ethel Shaw, and has had four children, Louise, Joseph, Martin and Richard, the last two being deceased, and Otto, who is single, and makes his home with his parents, being his father's assistant on the homestead farm. The members of the family are consistent attendants of the Lutheran church, in the work of which all have been prominent. In politics a Democrat, Mr. Dininger has not sought public office, but has discharged the duties of citizenship in the capacity of school director of Greenville township. H. G. RARICK. Although H. G. Rarick is numbered among the more recent acquisitions to the agriculturists who are representing Darke county's farming interests, H. G. Rarick has already won recognition as a progressive, alert and energetic citizen, whose knowledge of modern methods make him a decidedly desirable addition to those who are striving earnestly to further this section's standard in the tilling of the soil. Like many other successful agriculturists in this locality, he spent some time in another line of endeavor, but ultimately decided that the vocation of farmer was best suited to his abilities and inclinations, and that in it he could meet with the largest measure of success. His subsequent success has vindicated this belief, for his standing today is high among the younger generation of hubandmen in Greenville township. Mr. Rarick was born December 12, 1880, on the farm which he now occupies, just off the Winchester turnpike, about one mile west of Greenville. He is a son of Dr. Charles W. and Ella J. (Griffin) Rarick, whose sketch appears in this work. 282 - DARKE COUNTY H. G. Rarick enjoyed liberal educational advantages, attending first the public and high schools of Greenville, and later Jacob's College, Dayton, Ohio. Upon graduating from the latter institution, he secured a position with a Dayton financial concern, and for seven years was connected therewith. It was at the end of that period that he decided to give his attention to agricultural work, and this he has followed with a full measure of success ever since. At this time he is the owner of fifty-three and one-third acres, part of the old homestead farm of one hundred and six acres, upon which he has made numerous modern improvements. He has brought to his work an enthusiasm and ambition that has brought gratifying results, and is eminently worthy of representing the old and honored name which he bears. Mr. Rarick was married to Miss Bertha Baldwin, also a member of a widely-known family, and daughter of E. C. and Henrietta Baldwin. Mr. and Mrs. Rarick are consistent members of the Baptist church, where they have numerous friends. His political views make him a stanch Republican. JOHN Q. LANDIS. The career of John Q. Landis, one of Darke county's substantial stock dealers, furnishes a striking example of the rewards to be gained through perseverance and industry. His rise to success has been no light task, for he has been forced to overcome obstacles and to recover from misfortunes which would have discouraged a less courageous spirit, but he has kept steadfastly striving toward his goal, and has finally reached a position of independence where he may point with a pardonable degree of pride to what he has accomplished. At this time he is the owner of a handsome property on the Fort Jefferson turnpike, about one mile southwest of Greenville, and in this locality is widely and favorably known in business circles. Mr. Landis was born July 2, 1864, on a farm two miles east of Fort Jefferson, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Stutsman) Landis. John Landis was born on a farm near Circleville, Pickaway county, Ohio, and was a boy when he accompanied his parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Landis, in 1828. in their migration to Darke county, the family driving through in  true pioneer style DARKE COUNTY - 283 Here he was educated in the common schools and grew up to agricultural pursuits, giving his father the benefit of his assistance until embarking upon a career of his own, in young manhood. He became successful in his operations, and at the time of his death was justly accounted one of the substantial men of his community. Mr. Landis married Miss Elizabeth Stutsman, and they became the parents of eight children, as follows: David, Andrew, who lives in Greenville; Lydia, a resident of Canada; Abraham, Mary, a resident of Dayton, Ohio; Jacob, Mrs. Frances Price, and John Q. John Q. Landis received ordinary educational advantages in the public schools of :Heave township, and in the meantime pursued his studies in the evenings. He assisted his father in the work of the home place throughout his school period, and continued to live with his parents until the close of their lives, at which time the old home farm was purchased by his sister Lydia. The land was later sold out of the family, but John Q. bought sixty acres thereof and embarked upon his career as a tobacco grower. The first crop was almost a complete failure, and Mr. Landis disposed of his interests and went to Alberta, where he received his introduction to the livestock business as a buyer. On his return he again engaged in farming, but for three years had little success, although this he did not allow to discourage him, but kept steadily persevering. Finally, he purchased the old McCabe farm, at Weaver's Station. and from that time to the present his success has been assured. He gradually drifted more and more into dealing in stock, and to this line of endeavor he now devotes almost his entire attention. Lately he sold all of his Darke county land and invested in Canadian land, being at this time the owner of two thousand acres in the vicinity of Medicine Hat, Indian Head and Swift Current. His life shows that industry and persistence will eventually bring success, and that neither financial aid, adventitious circumstances nor the assistance of influential friends are necessary to the man of self-reliance and indomitable spirit. Among his associates Mr. Landis is held in the greatest confidence, his integrity and honesty being unquestioned. He takes an active interest in political matters, but only as an influence, as he has never found time to enter the arena as a candidate for public preference. Although a member of no especial religious creed, he has at all times displayed a commendable willingness to aid church and charitable movements. 284 - DARKE COUNTY On October 30, 1898, Mr. Landis was married to Miss Lily M. Townsend, daughter of Joshua and Mary (Bierley) Townsend, and to this union there has been born one child, Bierley. Mr. Landis was a candidate in 1898 for county treasurer in a strong Democratic field, and came within one hundred and thirty votes of being elected, and was no doubt elected, but counted out. For years up to that time no Republican had been elected. ANDREW J. WARNER. It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such is the record of the well-known farmer whose name heads this sketch, than whom a more whole souled or popular man it would be difficult to find in the locality where he has his home. A. J. Warner, who is successfully engaged in farming and stock raising on his fine farm of one hundred and ten acres in Greenville township, was horn on August 4, 1874, in German township, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of William H. and Sarah (Flory) Warner, both of whom are now deceased. William H. Warner was born in Montgomery county, this State, and came to Darke county in boyhood, the family settling in German township. His parents were Henry and Lot-tie (Williamson) Warner, both of whom have passed away, and he was one of their two children, the other being a brother, Horatio S. The subject of this sketch remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and secured a good practical education in the common schools of the home neighborhood. On starting out in life on his own account he occupied one hundred and ten acres, which was his share of two hundred and twenty acres of which he was one of the heirs, to the cultivation of which he has devoted himself continuously since. His place, which is most eligibly located on the Jeffries road, about four and a half miles southwest of Greenville, is well improved, and in its operation Mr. Warner gives proper attention to the maintenance of the fertility of the soil, carrying on his operations according to the most advanced methods, the result being a return in bountiful crops and corresponding profits. In addition to soil cultivation. Mr. DARKE COUNTY - 285 Warner has gained an enviable reputation as a successful breeder and raiser of live stock, which he has handled in large numbers and which he has shipped to distant parts of the country. He handles none but high-grade animals and his sound business methods and integrity of action have won for him not only a large patronage, but the confidence and respect of all with whom he has had dealings. On October 24, 1895, Mr. Warner was married to Edna E. Dininger, the daughter of Jonas and Irene (Keister) Dininger, Mr. Dininger, who is one of the prominent and successful farmers and stock raisers of this locality, is a native of this part of the country and is the son of Jonas and Mary (Holtrey) Dininger. To him and his wife were born three children, Mrs. Warner, Mrs. Cora Welker, and Earl, who is engaged in farming in Greenville township. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are the parents of three children, Paul C., Doyle D. and Freeman D. Politically, Mr. Warner is a stanch Democrat, but has never entertained any ambition for public office. His religious affiliation is with the Reformed church, in the various activities of which he is keenly interested. In all affairs affecting the welfare of the community he is found to be a warm supporter and he enjojys a well deserved popularity in the circles in which he moves. D. VOLNEY BRYSON. The farming element is very strong in Greenville township, for this is essentially one of the principal agricultural centers of Darke county, both soil and climate being extremely favorable for general farming and stock raising. With the farming interests of this township, D. Volney Bryson has been identified since reaching man's estate, and at this time he is the owner of one hundred and fifty-eight and one-half acres of land on the old Palestine turnpike, about three miles southwest from Greenville. Mr. Bryson has spent his entire career in this locality, having been born on the old Bryson homestead place, located northwest of Greenville,. in Darke. county, Ohio, March 3, 1861, and is a son of Morris and Mary Ann (Cole) Bryson. The progenitor of the Bryson family in Ohio was James Bryson, who came from the east, and settled in Darke county 286 - DARKE COUNTY at an early day among the pioneers. He was long connected with agricultural activities here, and was at all times known as an industrious and public-spirited citizen, worthy of the high regard in which he was universally held. He married a Miss Creviston, and among their children was Morris Bryson, the father of our subject. He was born in 1818 on the farm on which D. Volney Bryson now resides, was educated in this vicinity and for some years was engaged in teaching the district schools of Darke county. Subsequently, however, he returned to the soil, and continued to follow agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. Like his father he was a hard working man, reared his children to lives of industry and thrift, and died respected by all with whom he came into contact. He married Mary Ann Cole and they became the parents of seven children, as follows: James, Rachael, Joseph, Newton, Clarissa, D. Volney and David. D. Volney Bryson received his education in the common school at Rush Station, and, as was customary, worked with his father on the hone place when not engaged at his studies. He accepted farming as his field of endeavor when still a youth, and when he reached his majority, embarked upon a career of his own as a renter. He has continued to follow farming to the present time with marked success, and is now the owner of one hundred and fifty-eight and one-half acres, all under a high state of cultivation. The large, old-fashioned home on this property, as well as the commodious barn, are landmarks in this locality, both being nearly one hundred years old. Modern improvements of a substantial nature have been made by Mr. Bryson, and his machinery is of the latest design and manufacture. He has directed his efforts so intelligently, and with such a wide range of knowledge of his chosen vocation, that he has been able to make his land produce fully for all labor expended upon it. An acknowledged authority on agricultural matters, he is frequently consulted as to matters pertaining thereto, and has ever been ready to assist others in overcoming the obstacles that arise to confront those who till the soil. In 1885 Mr. Bryson was married to Miss Mollie Vail, daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Katey) Vail. Mr. Vail, who came to Darke county from Butler county, Ohio, became one of the leading farmers and substantial farm owners of this township. To Mr. and Mrs. Bryson there have been four children born, as follows: Chloe, who married John I. White; Elmer, Belle, DARKE COUNTY - 287 who married Elsey Michael and Olive, at home. With his family, Mr. Bryson attends the Christian church, which he has ever been ready to support liberally. His political faith is that of the Democratic party. Although he has sought no public preferment, Mr. Bryson is known as a good and public-spirited citizen who favors progress and is willing to co-operate with others in advancing the interests of his community. AARON METZGER. Among the substantial, industrious farmers of Monroe township, Darke county, Aaron Metzger deserves prominent place. He and his wife have an interesting family of children, to whom they are giving all possible advantages and whom they intend to rear to be useful citizens. Mr. Metzger was born in Wabash county, Indiana, January 4, 1867, and is a son of Solomon and Barbara (Brumbaugh) Metzger. Solomon Metzger belonged to an old Ohio family, was born in Montgomery county, west of Dayton, in 1829, and died in 1904. He was buried in Wabash county, Indiana, where he carried on farming for a large part of his life, having located there among the pioneers. He and his wife had twelve children: Sarah and David, residing in Indiana; Jacob, of Montana; Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Blickenstaff, of Indiana; Mary, who died at the age of twenty years; John and Daniel, also deceased; Barbara, wife of Wilfred Cook, of Indiana; Joseph, also of Indiana; Aaron, of this sketch; Benjamin, of Darke county; Lydia, wife of David Garber, of Montgomery county, Ohio. The mother of these children was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, and died several years before her husband. As a boy Aaron Metzger helped with the work on his father's farm in Indiana and attended the country schools, remaining at home until his marriage, December 13, 1891, to Frances, daughter of Martin and Susan (Flory) Miller, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1873. After marriage they settled down on a farm in Montgomery county and six years later removed to a farm in Monroe township, which was the family home until their removal to their present place, in the spring of 1914. Mr. Metzger carries on general farming and stock-raising with a very fair degree of profit and is accounted one of the more able farmers of the community. He is 288 - DARKE COUNTY energetic and a fine manager so that his farm shows the results of intelligent operation. While living at Pitsburg he owned an implement store and took an active part in local affairs. He is a Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He has been school director and has also served as a member of the council in Pitsburg. His wife is a member of the Dunkard church. Her father, Martin Miller, was born in Meyersdale, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1835, and died in Darke county, Ohio, August 3, 1909. His father was John Miller, a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and his mother was Sarah (Beeghley) Miller, died some twenty years ago. Six children were born to John A. Miller and his wife: Samuel J., of Pennsylvania; Daniel J., of Ohio; Mary, wife of Jonathan Moore, of Toledo, Iowa; Martin J., deceased, was a resident of Darke county; Abraham J., of Darke county, Ohio; and Susannah, deceased. Martin Miller and wife had seven children, all born in Montgomery county, Ohio, namely: Josiah, of Texas; Annie, wife of Isaac Metzger, of Indiana; Susie, deceased wife of Valentine Yost, of Montgomery county; Lizzie, wife of Benjamin Metzger, of Monroe township; Mrs. Frances Metzger, wife of Aaron Metzger, and two who died in infancy. Six children have blessed the home of Aaron Metzger and wife, namely: Edna, born in Montgomery county, January 13, 1895; Roy, born in Montgomery county, August 11, 1898; Earl, born in Darke county, May 9, 1900; Mildred, born in Darke county, January 13, 1903; Paul, born August 9, 1907, and Helen Frances, bcrn April 20, 1914, also in Darke county. JOHN A McEOWEN. It is gratifying to the biographer to find a subject like John A. McEowen, for in his career is given the successful attempts of a man who entered upon his life work without any particular training, or inherited riches, and yet through native ability and earnest perseverance gained the goal he had in view from the beginning. His work has been directed along agricultural lines. He has not tried to accomplish the impossible, but in doing his duty each day, has become the owner of a large acreage and established himself in the confidence of the people with whom he is constantly associated. Mr. Mc- DARKE COUNTY - 289 Eowen is conveniently located on the West Milton turnpike and also owns a fine property on the Jaysville road, both farms being in Greenville township. John A. McEowen was born in Darke county, January 10, 1855, a son of Henry H. and Melissa (Millett) McEowen. Henry H. McEowen was born in Warren county, Ohio, but came to Darke county in young manhood. A mechanic by trade, he was profitably working at his trade when he responded to the call of his country and enlisted for service during the Civil war in the Forty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry and re-enlisted in the Eighth Ohio cavalry. After a faithful service, Henry H. McEowen received his honorable discharge and returned home to engage in farming within the confines of Allen township, Darke county. A man of more than ordinary intelligence, although his educational opportunities were confined to the country schools of Warren county, he developed into one of the prominent men of Darke county, and his influence was felt during his day. Owing to his father's superior attainments, John A. McEowen was given better advantages than many of his associates, for he not only was sent to the local rural schools, but those of Greenville. While he was attending school, he was taught to make himself useful on the farm and in this way gained a knowledge of the work which he was to follow all his life. When he was twenty-three years old, he began farming for himself, for the first three years thereafter conducting his uncle's property. Recognizing the worth and possibilities of this land, he purchased another farm of one hundred and two acres on the Jaysville road, joining his other farm, making three hundred and eighty-four acres in all, at the expiration of the three years, and has since devoted it to general farming and stock raising. His homestead comprises two hundred and twenty-five acres, while his other farm contains one hundred and thirty-five acres, and all of the land is very fertile, while the improvements are strictly modern, carrying out the latest ideas with regard to sanitation and conveniences calculated to assist in the work. John A. McEowen married Angeline Emrick, a daughter of Henry Emrick, who came to Darke county from Preble county. Mr. and Mrs. McEowen have had two sons: Hugh E., who married Edna Palmer, has two children, John and Mary; and Orville, who married Ada Hunt, has one child, Roy. Fraternally, Mr. McEowen is a Mason and finds pleas- (19) 290 - DARKE COUNTY ure in his connections in this direction. While not a member of any religious denomination, he is in sympathy with the work of all churches, and gives them material assistance. Not only is he serving on the public school board, but for the last twelve years he has been acting as a director of the Children's Home, and is a man of public spirit, who discharges his responsibilities ably and conscientiously. RILEY DININGER. Riley Dininger is connected with the development of the resource that nature has provided in Darke county, being well known as a representative of the agricultural interests of Greenville township, Although still a young man, lie has made a decided success of his operations, and at this writing is meeting with satisfactory results in the cultivation of one hundred and thirty-five acres of fine land, located on the new Palestine turnpike, about five miles southwest of Greenville. He has resided in the community which is now his home throughout his life, having been born on this present farm, December 12, 1888, the oldest son of George and Sophia (Smith) Dininger. The Dininger family needs no introduction to the people of Darke county, for it has been represented here for many years and its members have always been people of industrious and honorable habits. George Dininger received an ordinary school education, and from boyhood followed the vocation of farming. He was a hard-working and intelligent agriculturist throughout his active period, and although now living retired still takes a keen interest in the affairs of his township. He and his wife were the parents of three children, namely: Riley. Glenn and Mary, who live with their parents. The boyhood of Riley Dininger was passed much the same as that of other farmers' sons of his day and locality. During the winter months he secured his educational training in the Halderman school, while the remainder of the year was spent in assisting his father to till the soil and make the home farm productive. At the time of his father's retirement, lie succeeded to the management of the homestead, which he has continued to conduct in an able and conscientious manner. Benefitting by the teachings of his father's wide experience, DARKE COUNTY - 291 Mr. Dininger has been able to succeed where many others would have failed. He endeavors to keep fully abreast of the various advancements in his chosen field of endeavor and to take advantage of new discoveries and inventions. His machinery is of the latest manufacture and he is at all times read-, to give a trial to innovations which his judgment deems prat ticable. In addition to general farming he has experimented in stockraising, and has found this an excellent means of adding to his income. On December 6, 1911, Mr. Dininger was united in marriage with Miss Hazel Ross, daughter of David and Phoebe (Wilson) Ross, farming people of Darke county, where they own a large tract of land. STEPHEN RHOADES. The time has long passed when an agriculturalist was regarded as merely a toiler of the rural regions; a tiller of the soil and a man who laborered simply to provide food and shelter for himself and his family. With the awakening of the country to the importance of the farmer and the dignity of his work has come a realization of what he is accomplishing each day in the development of his community and the consequent advancement of the agricultural supremacy of his section. There are a number of intelligent, progressive men of Darke county who have been content to confine their activities to developing their properties, for they realize what the fertile land in this locality can be made to produce, and among them one who is daily working out practical ideas to his own and his community's benefit, is Stephen Rhoades of Greenville township. He was born November 29, 1865, upon the same property that is now his home, that at the time of his birth was in the possession of his father, Abraham Rhoades. Abraham Rhoades was one of the early settlers of Greenville township, selecting for his homestead one hundred acres of land on the old Palestine turnpike road, about two miles southwest of Greenville. He married Mary Pitsenberger and reared a family. Stephen Rhoades grew up amid conditions that were similar to those surrounding any farmer lad of his time and locality, and while attending school held in the old schoolhouse in district No. 13, he assisted his father on the 292 - DARKE COUNTY farm in spare moments and during vacations, so that he was thoroughly grounded in this kind of work from childhood. A portion of the labor of clearing the timbered part of the farm fell to his share and he can point with pride to fertile fields which his own hands have redeemed from the forest. When he was twenty-two years old he rented the farm from his father, and after the death of the latter made some improvements in order to bring his property up to his ideas of modern convenience and sanitary regulations. On January 29, 1895, Stephen Rhoades was united in marriage with Clara Stephens, a daughter of John and Matilda (Resser) Stephens. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoades have become the parents of children as follows: George H., Ray, Morris H., Mary M. and Charles F. The Lutheran church finds in Mr. Rhoades a consistent member and liberal contributor, and he never fails to take an active and helpful interest in the good work carried on by that congregation. Being a man who takes an intelligent interest in current events, Mr. Rhoades casts his vote and gives his support to the candidates of the Republican party, as he believes that organization the one best calculated to carry the country to prosperous ends. A recognition of his interest in local affairs was shown by his election as a member of the school board to represent his district, and in that office, as in the life of his community, he is proving himself a man in whom full and implicit trust can be placed. Further comment is unnecessary. FRANKLIN SYLVESTER KARR Franklin Sylvester Karr, whose home is on east half of southwest quarter of section 25, Monroe township, belongs to one of the oldest families in his part of the county and is highly respected as a substantial and representative citizen. He was born in the pleasant home where he now resides, June 23, 1864, son of John and Mary (Gordon) Karr. His paternal grandparents, James and Elizabeth Karr, removed from New jersey to Ohio, in 1835, locating on a farm in Preble county, where the city of Baltimore now stands. The parents of Mary Gordon, Philip and Elizabeth Gordon were also from New Jersey, whence they came to Monroe township, Darke county, in 1839, locating near the present farm of their grandson. Franklin S. Karr, and DARKE COUNTY - 293 near the village of Gordon, which was named in honor of Philip Gordon. For some forty years Mr. Gordon was the "squire" of Monroe township, and during this time probably performed more marriage ceremonies than any one else who ever held a similar office there. He also laid out the highway which became known as the Gordon and West Milton Road. He and his wife are buried in the cemetery at Gordon on land which was a part of his farm when he came to Darke county, before 1840, and which was later donated for cemetery purposes by his son-in-law, David Lair. They were held in high esteem as a family and were respected for their upright, useful lives. Such men have paved the way for a higher idea of life in their descendants and are worthy the reverence with which their names are held in memory. James Karr, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was an expert farmer and became well acquainted with section and township lines in his and surrounding counties, as well as with the value of the land in that region, and thus became a valuable guide to newcomers from other states who were looking for suitable sites for their pioneer homes. He was always ready to give such men the benefit of his advice and experience and was highly regarded for his good judgment and his kind and courteous treatment of his fellows. He was fair in all his dealings and interested in the development of the country where he had located. He was buried in Tillman cemetery, Harrison township, Preble county. His wife died some years later, while visiting her daughter and was buried near Niles, Michigan. John Karr was born in New Jersey, May 25, 1815, and died January 15, 1872, and his wife, who was born January 25, 1819, died November 17, 1892. Both are buried in the cemetery at Gordon. She was a member of the Baptist church of the old school beliefs. John Karr and wife had six children, all born in the same house where Franklin S. Karr resides, which was the home place of James Karr in 1835. The latter gave enough of his land to his son, John, on which to build himself a house but which had to be cleared by the young man. Their children were: Elizabeth Ann, married A. A. McElwaine and both are deceased, she having passed away February 1, 1875, and is buried beside her parents; Zephaniah Selby, born September 5, 1844, died May 11, 1872; Rachel Jane, who was born September 2, 1852, died the same day as her sister Elizabeth, February 1, 1875; John Iser, born March 294 - DARKE COUNTY 31, 1858, died October 22, 1860; Sarah Emma, born March 16, 1860, died April 13, 1878; Franklin Sylvester, the youngest child, whose name heads this sketch. Franklin S. Karr received his education in the schools of his home district and after the death of his father (which occurred when the boy was eight years old) remained with his mother until he took himself a wife. He was united in marriage, March 25, 1883, with Miss Sarah E. Nickle, who was born in Twin township, Darke county, May 16, 1863, daughter of John and Catherine (Dancer) Nickle. Mr. Nickle was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, July 4, 1820. In May, 1852, he started for America, making the voyage in a sailing vessel, which took months to cross; landed in New York in August. He lived for a short time in Hamilton, Ohio, and there married Miss Catherine Dancer, also a native of Wurtemburg, born in 1822. He died June 15, 1899, and his wife November 6, 1898, both being buried in Twin township cemetery. He moved from Hamilton county to Darke county, in 1853, and first built a small house on a half-acre of land in Twin township. He later purchased twenty acres of land in Monroe township,, to which he added from time to time, and built another house as his fortunes improved. Three of the children were born in Twin township and one son in Monroe township, namely: Amelia, born January 17, 1855, wife of David Sutterbeck of Twin township; Mary Ann, born August 13, 1859, wife of David Idle, residing near Gordon; Mrs. Karr; John Henry, born November 1, 1866, died at the age of nine years. After marriage Franklin S. Karr engaged actively in farming on his own account. He now owns eighty acres of choice land in one of the most fertile parts of the county and has added many conveniences to the house, being the owner of the home, which was his birthplace and which was owned successively by his grandfather and father before him. He came into part of his land by inheritance and purchased the remainder from his sister. He has become well known in the county for the high grade and pure bred Jerseys which he raises and they always have a fine flock of high-grade white leghorn fowls. The home shows the signs of culture and the family are fond of reading and intend to keep up with the events and issues of the day. Mrs. Karr has a fine sense of the meaning of a typical American home, of the best sort, and an appreciation of the things that develop the DARKE COUNTY - 295 best in family life. Mr. and Mrs. Karr belong to the old- school Predestinarian Baptist church at Gordon. He .is a Democrat in politics and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He was township assessor in 1889 and 1890 and has served several times on the township school board, having been on the board of education when the, schoolhouse was erected in Pitsburg. The family are very well known, being among the oldest residents of the region, and they count their friends by the score. Nine children have blessed this home: Ibbie Jane, born January 29, 1884, on February 13, 1902, married Charles Baker, of Monroe township, and they have three children, Cora Hazel, Delbert and Orlan Otho; Charles Curtis, born May 29, 1885, lives on a farm adjoining that of his father, married Miss Hazel Corwin, October 9, 1909, and they have two children Corwin LeRoy and -Susie Evelyn; Emma Hazel, born December 18, 1886, on January 1, 1912, married Edward Mattis, of Monroe township; Cora Ann, born July 21, 1888, on October 16, 1912, married Harry B. Falknor, of Monroe township, and they have one child, Richard Karr; Ija Gordon, born March 25, 1890, at home; Maude Belle, born June 6, 1892, on August 9, 1913, married Ralph Aubrey Hart, a teacher in Darke county, and they reside in Monroe township; Ellie May, horn February 27, 1894, and John Russell, born April 4, 1896, both at home; Edith Marie, horn September 24, 1898, in 1914 graduated from the district school near home and is at home with her parents. HON. CHRISTIAN APPENZELLER. It is possible for an inefficient man to secure office through various accidents incident to political life, but it is very seldom that he is returned to that same office by the people whose interests he has been representing. It is therefore considered that re-election to an office puts the stamp of approval upon the man and his administration. In these days of incessant activity when so many divergent questions come up for careful and thoughtful consideration on the part of the men in office, it is very necessary that those who make the laws be men of progressive ideas and intelligent capability. The Hon. Christian Appenzeller, of Greenville, is one of the legislators 296 - DARKE COUNTY of Ohio whose efforts have been centered upon accomplishing important things and furthering wise measures. His business is that of contracting for pike and street paving, although within recent years he has been an agriculturalist of note in the county, and is still the owner of some very valuable farming property in Greenville township. Mr. Appenzeller was born in Montgomery county, 0., March 6, 1861, a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Clemmons) Appenzeller. The father was born at Baden, Germany, but when twenty years old, he left his native land for the United States. A miller by trade, he sought work at Cleveland, and later at Cincinnati, but finding no opening in either of those cities, he went to Germantown. As he was still unable to get work as a miller, he learned basket making, and going to Butler county, built up a good trade. Still later he located at Seven Mile, where he bought property. This he later sold, and removed to Dayton, from whence he went to Greenville. Finding conditions in this latter city to his liking, he bought property, but after the demise of his wife he gave up his own residence to live with his namesake son. Christian Appenzeller, the younger, attended the common schools of Dayton, and assisted his father in making baskets. By the time he was nineteen years of age he was proficient enough to go into business with his father, and they added the handling of the willow for basket weaving, to their stock. Later he began farming and found in that work congenial employment until he became a paving contractor. At present he owns twenty-five and one-half acres on the edge of Greenville, and an eighty-acre farm three miles west of the city on West Branch creek. The political career of Mr. Appenzeller began with his election to the office of township trustee of Greenville township, to which he was re-elected, but resigned. In 1892 he was elected county commissioner and served for over six years, in addition to an unexpired term to which he was appointed to fill a vacancy. Having by this time proved his ability and strength, he was further honored by election to the lower house of the State Assembly, and while in that office he was on some important committees—was chairman of committee of county fairs, was on committee of privilege and election, and was on the committee on waterways. While he has already accomplished much, he is not yet through, for his constituents have not permitted him to retire to private life. DARKE COUNTY - 297 Men of his calibre are needed in Darke county, and he will doubtless be called upon frequently in the future to give his people what he has in the past, an honorable and efficient service. On August 22, 1880, Christian Appenzeller was married to Matilda Rhoades, whose parents were farming people of Darke county. Mr. and Mrs. Appenzeller have had four children: Mary C., who married Earl C. Reinheimer, and has two children, Christian, Jr., and Elizabeth; Grace, who married William Micksell and has one son, Byron; Pearl, who married -Clyde Moore and has a son, John; and Jessie. Mr. Appenzeller belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic order. For a number of years he has been a member of the German Lutheran Church and attends the services of that denomination in addition to giving it material support. Mr. Appenzeller is an independent Democrat. In 1910 Mr. Appenzeller built his modern two-story house of ten rooms and bath room. Has running water, electric lights; in fact, it is modern in every particular. JOHN R. BEANBLOSSOM. While many of the business men of Darke county are engaged in tilling the land they have purchased, others are engaged in various activities, some of which are allied with farming. One of the men who is utilizing the knowledge gained during years of work as a farmer in his present occupation is John R. Beanblossom, of Greenville township, a man of experience and ability whose standing in his community is unquestioned. Mr. Beanblossom was born on the 140acre farm they still own, about two miles northwest of Greenville, June 29, 1857; a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Potter) Beanblossom. Joseph Beanblossom was born and reared in the vicinity of Pikesville, in Greenville township, as this family is one of the old settled ones of Darke county. In time he became one of the heavy landowners of his neighborhood. The educational training of John R. Beanblossom commenced at the Lindenmuth school, and he spent but little time elsewhere. As there was a good deal of work on the farm his services were required from an early age and he did a man's work for years prior to the time he was twenty-two 298 - DARKE COUNTY years old when he began farming for himself. From then on until about 1910, he continued farming, but in that year began working for the creamery at Greenville, and as such he has since continued. John R. Beanblossom was married (first) to Mary Lytle and they had the following children: Rena, who married William Fisher, has three children, Charles, Mae and Robert; William, who married Bertha Eib, has two children, Herman and Everett; Joseph, who married Lizzie Lickenfelt, has two children, Treva and Mary; Daisy Mae, who married Earl Roth, has one son, Robert; Charles, who is deceased; Cecela; an unnamed infant, and Maggie. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Beanblossom was married (second) to Katie Arnett. There are no children by the second marriage. The family belong to the Christian Church and take an active part in all affairs pertaining to their denomination. Politically, Mr. Beanblossom has always been a Republican and has served upon the school board. Although he has not cared for other office, he is very prominent in politics in Darke county, and is a recognized leader in his party. HENRY WARNER. While material success is desirable, the affectionate regard of those with whom a man is associated during his mature years, and the respect and confidence of the community, are the real wealth. They are the riches that cannot be corrupted, and which live after a man has gone to his eternal home. While Henry Warner has proved his worth as a business man and his ability as a farmer, he has accomplished much more for he has worked long and faithfully for his church; has promulgated and carried to favorable termination many projects tending towards the moral uplift of his community, and has ever striven to bring into his daily life the principles of the golden rule. It is his pride that he knows everyone in Darke county, and certainly no one knows aught but good of him. Although he has lived in this county for so many years, he was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1835, a son of John and Charity (Hill) Warner. John Warner moved from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he became an early settler of Randolph township. He and his wife had fifteen children, among them being the following: Samuel, Albert, Joel, Enos, Marion and Henry. DARKE COUNTY - 299 Henry Warner, while attending the schools of his district, assisted his father in operating the farm, beginning to do a man's work long before he attained his majority. When he was thirty-eight years old he sought a new territory for his operations and came to Darke county, which has continued his home. After looking over the farms in this neighborhood, he purchased his present one in Greenville township, four miles east of Greenville on the Warren Grove road, which comprises ninety acres of as fertile and well developed land as can be found in the locality. His buildings reflect his good judgment and thrift and he takes pride in his premises and machinery. While his farm is not numbered among the largest in the township, it certainly is one of the best, and he has made a success of all of his undertakings. The marriage of Henry Warner occurred in Miami county, O., and six children were born to him: Agnes, who is deceased; William H., who is married and has two children; Clemmons V., who is married and has three children; Samuel A., who is married and has eight children; German, who is married and has three children; and Catherine, who married a Mr. Evans, and has one child. For many years Mr. Warner has been one of the leaders of the Dunkard congregation, and has held many of its offices. Whenever assistance of any kind is needed in the church work, a call is always made upon Mr. Warner, and never in vain if the measure meets with his experienced approval. A conscientious man, he has endeavored to live up to what he believes to be his duty, and knowing as many as he does, his influence for good is widespread and powerful. Mrs. Warner died April 26, 1902. CHARLES CULBERTSON. To farm intelligently and successfully in these days of advanced agriculture, requires more than ordinary ability and a fair knowledge of soils and their requirements. The work on the farm is being systematized and the farmer is adopting new methods to assist him in his operations and eliminate waste of labor and materials. In passing through an agricultural county like that of Darke, it is easy to differentiate between the farmer of the old school and one of the advanced ones for their properties reflect their ideas as surely as though