300 - DARKE COUNTY they were written upon the walls of their buildings. One of the men who has borne his part in demonstrating the practicality of modern methods in farming, is Charles Culbertson, who owns and operates 240 acres of excellent land on the Culbertson Grove road about three and one-half miles southeast of Greenville. Charles Culbertson was born on the farm he now owns, September 12, 1862, a son of Thomas W. and Elizabeth H. (Harper) Culbertson. Thomas W. Culbertson was born in Greenville township, where he grew to manhood's estate and developed into a prosperous farmer and stock raiser, although during his younger days he worked as a plasterer and bricklayer. With the money he earned working at these two trades, Thomas W. Culbertson bought land and settled in what was then a wooded region in 1857. For some years thereafter he worked very hard clearing off his land and placing under cultivation, but later had things easier, as his sons grew old enough to assist him. He and his wife had seven children: William H., who is deceased; Frank, who resides at Chicago; Edward, who resides at Greenville; Charles; Harry; Cora, who married E. R. Emrick; and Pearl, who is leader of the National and Home Military Band of Dayton, Ohio. After taking a course of study in the schools of his district, Charles Culbertson attended the schools of Greenville, while at the same time he made himself useful on the homestead, doing a man's work long before he attained to adult stature. When he was twenty-two years old, he decided to go into the business of farming, and rented land from his parents so that he has always been on the farm that was his birthplace. This is a valuable property and his efforts have aided in adding to its comfortable features as well as increasing its fertility. On February 13, 1890, Charles Culbertson was married to Luella Trump, a daughter of Joseph and Mary J. (Ernest) Trump. The Odd Fellows hold his membership and he takes pleasure in his fraternal associations. While not a member of any church, he believes in their good work, and contributes towards their support. For the past five years he has been a member of the school board, having been elected on the Democratic ticket, for he is staunch in his support of its principles, and a firm believer in its doctrines. For sixteen years Mr. Chas. Culbertson has been secretary of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company. DARKE COUNTY - 301 EPHRIAM TEAFORD. The more intelligent men of the country are not resting content with mediocre achievements, but are launching out and through experimentation discovering the line of work for which they are best suited. An example of this progressive spirit is shown in the career of Ephriam Teaford, sole owner and proprietor of the Teaford Dairy, who, living in Greenville township, finds a ready market for his product at Greenville. Although he had made a success of his agricultural operations, he did not rest upon the laurels already gained, but developed his present business from his private herd, and is now looking forward toward another experiment in truck gardening. Ephriam Teaford was born in German township, this same county, on May 13, 1862, a son of Jonathan and Sophia Tea-ford, farming people, who lived in German township. Jonathan Teaford was born and brought up in Darke county, where he developed into a farmer and stock raiser. He and his wife had children as follows: Mary J., Barney, George, Leander, Eli and Ephriam. The mother of these children died and her remains were laid to rest in Palestine cemetery. Ephriam Teaford attended school in district No. 7, his educational opportunities being limited to this one school. When he was twenty-six years old he purchased sixty acres on Section 12, German township, adding to it until he owned one hundred and eight acres. After improving this property he sold it and bought sixty acres, which he still owns, and lived upon it until 1910, when he purchased his present forty-acre tract about a mile from Ft. Jefferson. In addition to these holdings. Mr. Teaford owns forty acres in German township, so that in all he has one hundred and forty acres of land, all of which is in prime condition. His dairy is a modern one, and his operations are conducted along strictly sanitary lines, so that his product meets all regulations and sells readily. Although he has always succeeded in his undertakings, for he puts energy and thought into them, Mr. Teaford has achieved more in his dairy work than along any other line and is recognized as one of the leading dairymen of his township. Ephriam Teaford was united in marriage with Florence D. Mills, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Jeffries) Mills. Mr. and Mrs. Teaford have had the following children; Echo, who married Noah Wenrick and they have a son Stanley; Deo, who married Mae Lane; Arno and Reno. The Universalist church 302 - DARKE COUNTY finds in Mr. Teaford an intelligent and helpful member, and he never fails to give his hearty support to all measures advocated by it that he deems will work out for the ultimate benefit of the majority. Since he first availed himself of the right of franchise, Mr. Teaford has cast his vote for the candidates of the Democratic party, for he is a firm believer in its principles. Although a good party man, his time has been se occupied that he has not found opportunity to go into public life, preferring to confine his efforts for civic betterment to his work as private citizen. GEORGE BEANBLOSSOM. George Beanblossom, of Greenville township, belongs to a class of men who are the most independent in the world; the men who feed those whose necessities of inclinations take them far from the source of supply of foodstuffs. Mr. Beanblossom comes of an agricultural family and in adopting his life work followed the example of his father and carried out the traditions of his people, who believed that from the soil was man intended to gain his living. At present George Beanblossom manages a very valuable farm of 122 acres of land on the range line between Greenville and Washington townships, and conducts it according to modern methods. He was born on the Beanblossom homestead about two miles northwest of Greenville on August 24, 1858; a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Potter) Beanblossom. The father, born and reared near Pikeville, spent his entire life in Greenville township, owning prior to his death a considerable amount of farming property. He married (first) Rhoda Brandon, by whom he had three children: T. A., who lives at Cleveland, Ohio.; Mary, and Walter. His second wife was the mother of George Beanblossom, and a daughter of David and Maria (Ullery) Potter. George Beanblossom was one in the family of five children born of his father's second marriage: John R., who is a farmer of Greenville township; George; Frank; Maria, who married William Nevell, has two children, Teddy and Adah, and an unnamed infant. Like his brother, John R. Beanblossom, George went to the Lindenmuth school in his native township, and before and after schools and during vacations worked hard on the DARKE COUNTY - 303 farm, as children of those days were expected to do. Since taking charge of his present property he has proven himself an excellent farmer and capable business man and his success is well merited. George Beanblossom married Anna Merkle, a daughter of Danied and Hannah Merkle. Daniel MerkIe came to Greenville township from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Beanblossom became the parents of four children: Elizabeth, Russell, Anna and Verna. The Beanblossom family attend the Christian Church. Since casting his first vote, George Beanblossom has been a Republican, but the duties of his farm have not permitted him to enter public life. FRANK B. LUTZ. The Lutz family are among the oldest in Monroe township, Darke county, where they have always had a good standing as useful and public-spirited citizens. Frank B. Lutz, residing on his farm on section 18, Monroe township, post office address, Arcanum, Ohio, was born there October 27 1862. son of Jacob Lutz, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born in 1837. The great-grandfather of Frank B. Lutz A. Lutz came from Germany to Pennsylvania in early life and later located in Darke county, Ohio. Jacob Lutz has lived in Monroe township many years. He was brought to Ohio at the age of two years by his parents, who located in Montgomery county, but later removed to Darke county, Ohio. As a young man he worked as a farm hand and later carried on farming for himself. He was a Republican in politics and served as school director several terms. His wife was born in Miami county, Ohio, in 1843 and reared in Montgomery county. She died in 1910 and is buried in Monroe township, Darke county. Jacob Lutz and wife had eight children, all born in Monroe township: John H., whose wife was Katy Binkley, who died May 1911, and second wife was Dora Cool and lives in Monroe township; Frank B., of this sketch; Mary Etta, wife of Isaac Landis, of Monroe township; Hannah Emma married Samuel R. Spitler and died in December, 1888; Nicholas married Gertrude Williamson and they reside in Montgomery county; William B., of Monroe township, married Flora Snider; Alpha T. married Susie Stuts- 304 - DARKS COUNTY man and they live in Monroe township; Pharas S. married Mollie Norris and died in 1908. In boyhood Frank B. Lutz attended the country schools and helped his father at home and as a young man ran an elevator for William Smith in Pitsburg for three years and eight months after which he rented his present farm consisting of eighty acres. He operated this farm several years and in 1889 purchased eighty acres of it, since which time he has made many improvements. He is very successful in general farming and for fourteen years carried on the manufacture of tobacco boxes in connection with his farm work. At the incorporation of the Pitsburg First National Bank, in 1909, he was elected a director and in June, 1914, he was elected to the vice-presidency. In politics Mr. Lutz is a Republican and his first presidential vote was cast for Rutherford B. Hayes. He served eight years as township trustee and four years later was elected again to that office, so that he will soon have served twelve years therein. For some twelve or fifteen years he has been a member of the board of education. On November 9, 1890, Mr. Lutz married Lillie B. Williamson, who was born in Montgomery county, December 22, 1871, daughter of Garrett and Caroline (Spangler) Williamson. Her father was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, August 22, 1827, and died June 15, 1907, and her mother was born in Elkhart county, Indiana, September 7, 1839, and lives in Preble county, Ohio. He was a plasterer by trade, but carried on farming in conjunction with his other work and served some four years in heavy artillery regiment from Ohio in the Civil War. He was wounded several times and his hearing was greatly impaired. He and his wife had eight children : Henry Alvin lives with his mother; Jesse Calvin married and lives in Nebraska ; Mrs. Lutz ; Lewis C. married Jessie P. Wilson and they reside in Sheldon, Iowa; Philemon Westley married and they live in Vale, South Dakota; Ella May married Emanuel Leach, lives near Akron, Ohio; Rosetta, wife of Theodore Mahaffy, of Monroe township; Charles A., of Hamilton county, Ohio, married Beatrice Brady. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson were members of the Church of the Brethren, as are Mr. and Mrs. Farnk Lutz, his parents having been of the same faith. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz have two children, both born in Monroe township: Pearl May, born November 28, 1893, and Alpha DARKE COUNTY - 305 C., April 22, 1897. The daughter was graduated from the local school and also from the Franklin township high school in 1912; taught school one year in Monroe township and for one year studied in a theological school in Chicago. She married Herschel Jobes, May 3, 1913, and he is now taking a course in North Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana, preparing for work as a missionary. Mr. Herschel Jobes taught one term in the Boys' Industrial School at Lancaster, Ohio, also three years in the Darke county schools of Van Buren township. He has also taken two years in Bethany Theological school at Chicago. Meanwhile Mrs. Jobes resides with her parents and is preparing herself in various ways to assist her husband. Should the church see fit to send him to foreign fields as a missionary she will be well prepared to assist him. She conceived the idea of helping him in his chosen field of usefulness and since that time has devoted herself to preparing to be an inspiration to him. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Lutz, Alpha C., attends the public school of the locality and helps his father on the farm. Mr. Lutz and his wife are well known for their industry and good management and they have accumulated many comforts and the means to satisfy their desires, in a material way, during which time they have also fcund time to cultivate many warm friendships. They are held in high esteem for their many good qualities and for the quiet exemplary life they have led. They have a pleasant home and have given their children many advantages. JOHN R. HOLLAND. It is due to the efforts of the energetic, progressive and skilled farmers that agricultural conditions in Darke county are now in such a healthy condition. Intelligent working of the soil, clear recognition of the value of crop rotation and the use of modern machinery are some of the agencies that have combined to improve conditions wonderfully during the past several decades, for the farmer of today has not been slow to reap the benefits accruing from scientific research and investigation. Darke county has been fortunate in that it has among its agriculturalists men of the most enlightened views, who not alone benefit their community by their own intelligent labors, but by their example encourage their neighbors to adopt the methods that develop the greatest measure (20) 306 - DARKE COUNTY of success. One of these modern tillers of the soil is John R. Holland, the owner of eighty acres of well-tilled land, a part of the old Holland estate, located on the range line on the Holland gravel road, about five miles north of Greenville,. in Greenville township. Mr. Holland has been a resident of this community all of his life, having been born on his present farm, October 6, 1872, a son of Charles and Margaret (Hoke) Holland. John R. Holland, the grandfather of John R. of this review, was a printer by trade and early entered the employ of the Cincinnati Enquirer, where he rose to a foremanship. A charter member of Lodge No. 1, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, he was long associated with that fraternity and became widely known among its members. When past middle age, he brought his family to Darke county, and here spent the closing years of his life in agricultural pursuits. He was the father of five children; Laura, who married a Mr. Crosson; Ada, who married a Mr. Lindamood; Mary, who married a Mr. Atcheson; Charlotte, who married a Mr. Gentner, and Charles Steward. All the children are now deceased with the exception of Mrs. Mary Atcheson. Charles Steward Holland, the father of John R. Holland, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was a small lad, still in his schooldays, when brought by his parents to Darke county. Here he grew up as a farmer, and this vocation he adopted as his life work, accumulating, through industry and well-directed effort, a handsome competency, and winning as well the confidence and regard of his fellow men. Like his father, who was one of the first commissioners of Darke county and made an honorable record in office, he was much interested in the affairs of his community, and his signal services in the office of director of the school board demonstrated his public spirit no less than his friendliness to education. Both father and grandfather are buried in the cemetery at Greenville, where the family has a large lot. Charles Steward Holland married Miss Margaret Hoke, and they became the parents of two children: John R., and Harry, who married Miss Marie Miller. John R. Holland received his early education in the Woodington school, following which he attended the Bethel school, and during this entire period spent his summer months in assisting his father on the home farm. He did not embark upon a career of his own until he reached the age of twenty-six years, at which time he began renting land from his father, DARKE COUNTY - 307 and from that time to the present his efforts have been marked by decided success. While general farming has occupied a large part of his time, he has also given considerable attention to the breeding of livestock, and his operations in this line have developed so rapidly that today he is accounted one of the leading breeders of Duroc-Jersey swine of the county, if not of the State. Straightforward in his dealings, his associates have implicit confidence in his integrity, and his judgment is rated so highly that he is often consulted on matters of importance in the livestock line. Mr. Holland is a follower of the Christian Church, is interested in all of its movements, and has been a liberal contributor to its charities. In political matters he is a Democrat and has been active in the ranks his party, although more as a directing force than a seeker t ;r personal benefits. He may be justly numbered among Darke county's representative men. JOHN STOCKED. An important factor in the agricultural life of Greenville township, John Stocker has gained his present position through his own unaided efforts. Recognized as a skilled agriculturist, his standing in public confidence is equally high, and as a member of the township board of school directors he is rendering signal service to his community. He came to Darke county with no capital save his sturdy heart, his willing hands and his indomitable spirit; today he is the owner of seventy-five acres of excellent land on the Fort Recovery road, about five miles northwest of Greenville. Mr. Stocker was born January 24, 1856, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Andrew and Margaret (Rater) Stocker, natives of Wurtemburg, Germany. Andrew Stocker received a somewhat limited education in the schools of his native country, he being obliged to go to work at an early age, owing to the death of his father. He made the most of his opportunities, however, and in his youth was thrifty and industrious, so that at the age of twenty years he was able to pay his passage to the United States, having decided that a better future awaited him here than he could see before him in the Fatherland. On locating in America, he made his home in Lancaster county, Penn- 308 - DARKE COUNTY sylvania, there engaging in agricultural pursuits until his removal to Montgomery county, Ohio. While living there, at Miamisburg, his mother, who had followed him to this country some years after his emigration, passed away. Mr. Stocker is now living a retired life and is one of the substantial old citizens of Greenville. He married Margaret Rater, also a native of Germany, and they became the parents of twelve children: John, Jacob, Andrew, Elizabeth, Mary, Kate, Henry, Albert, Flora, Adam, Elmer and William, of whom Elizabeth, Katie and Albert are now deceased. John Stocker received his primary education in the old subscription school in the vicinity of his home in Lancaster county, Pa., and later received the benefits to be derived from attendance at the public schools of Darke county. His boyhood and youth were spent in the hard farm work that devolved upon him as his father's eldest son, but he thus gained experience that has proven invaluable to him in subsequent years. On attaining his majority he at once embarked in operations on his own account, beginning as a renter and saving his first $500 from the sale of corn at eighteen cents per bushel. After leaving his first property, he spent eight years on the Jackson farm, and then moved to the vicinity of Webster, Darke county, and there rented 165 acres of land of J. J. Ryan for twenty years, during which time he accumulated the means wherewith to buy his present property, bought August 30, 1906. He carries on general farming operations, raises good stock, and is acknowledged to be thoroughly proficient in every line of his chosen work. As president of the Mutual Insurance. Company he has the full confidence and regard of his associates and his. executive ability has made this one of the strongest concerns of its kind in this part of the State. Mr. Stocker is a Democrat and has taken an active interest in public matters,. although his only office has been. that of school director, a capacity in which he is acting efficiently at the present time. With his. family, he attends the Lutheran church. On March 14, 1878, Mr. Stocker was married to Miss Elizabeth Eshelman, who is now deceased, since February 15, 1900. She was born in. Montgomery county, Ohio, April .3, 185,1.. When. a child. of three or four years she came, with her par ents, Jno. and Mahala Eshelman, to Adam, .township, Darke county, Ohio, near Stelvideo. Mr. and. Mrs. Stocker were the parents of six children: Bertha Pearl,, born December 20, DARKE COUNTY - 369 1878, who married Daniel Crowl April 20, 1902, and has four children, Sherman Emery, Clarence Omar, Maurice J., and Herman Ullery; Earl Roscoe, born July 21, 1880, who married Miss Florence Katherman July 7, 1901, and has three children, Velma Loy (deceased), Kathryn Isabel, and Dorothy Maxine; Lula May, born February 24, 1882, died September 6, 1896; Ruda Morris, born November 28, I883, who married Miss Maud Sipple December 26, 1906, has two children, Chalmer S. and Clara Elizabeth; Orla and Ortha (twins), born January 5, 1886. Orla married Miss Nora Katherman, December 24, 1912, and has one child, Lois Evelyn. Ortha married Miss Lucinda Smith, January 29, 1913. Mr. Stocker celebrated his second marriage with Mrs. Anna J. Ullery (nee Rohr) on April 23, 1902. She was a daughter of Joshua and Louisa (nee Koester) Rohr, Mr. Rohr being a pioneer settler and farmer of Adams township, Darke county, Ohio, near Webster. Mrs. Rohr was a native of Hanover, Germany. Mrs. Stocker was born and reared on the same farm on which her father was born. Mr. Rohr is now a retired and substantial citizen of Greenville, and has passed his eightieth milestone in life. Mrs. Stocker was born March 5, 1864. She celebrated her first marriage with Frank W. Ullery, May 29, 1884, to whom two children were born; Hugh Emmett was born September 22, 1886, and died May 8, 1891, in Los Angeles, Calif. Inez Frances was born in Lordsburg, Calif., June 1, 1892; was married to Orville L. Hart, June 30, 1912, and has one child, Georgiana Maxine. DANIEL B. VAIL. Darke county is celebrated for its fine farms, and among those who aid in sustaining this reputation at the present time is Daniel B. Vail, an enterprising, progressive farmer and tobacco raiser of Greenville township, who owns and operates an excellent property, pleasantly located about three miles northeast of the city of Greenville. This is a valuable tract, owing to the well-directed efforts of the owner, who has placed the fields under a high state of cultivation and made many excellent improvements in the buildings and other accessories of the farm. His business methods are above question, and industry and energy are his dominant characteristics, so that in business circles lie occupies an enviable 310 - DARKE COUNTY position, having the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought into contact. Mr. Vail was born in Middletown, Butler county, Ohio, August 22, 1849, and is a son of Aaron and Sarah (Katy) Vail. His father came to this county as one of. the pioneers, and through a life of industry and sustained effort became one of the substantial agriculturists of his community, while his honorable dealing and public-spirited citizenship made him honored and esteemed by all with whom he had transactions. He and his wife were natives of Montgomery county, Ohio, where they were married, and where they early joined the faith of the Dunkard Church, to which they were true throughout life. They were the parents of a family of eight children. Daniel B. Vail received his education in the public schools of his native locality, and this has since been supplemented by wide experience and close observation which have combined to make him a man well educated in the important matters of life. He early learned the lesson of thrift and industry, and decided to follow in the footsteps of his father and become a tiller of the soil. Accordingly, while living at home and assisting his father, he carefully saved his earnings until he was able to embark in business on his own account, purchasing a small tract of land, to which he has since added until he now has forty acres. This tract he has developed into one of the finest tobacco farms to be found in Darke county, with a large brick residence and modern buildings of substantial character for the housing of his implements, stock and tobacco. He has no hobby outside of his business; his whole time and attention has been devoted to the development of his land, and he has found no time to enter the political field, although he supports the men and measures which he feels will advance the interests of his community. He has not been active in fraternal life, but is genial and sociable and enjoys the companionship of his fellows. His support is given to all religious creeds and no worthy cause is refused his contribution. In 1883 Mr. Vail was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Puterbaugh, daughter of David and Amy (Parent) Puterbaugh, well known agricultural people of Darke county. Mr. and Mrs. Vail have had two children. Aaron and Abbey, both of whom live with their parents and assist their father in tobacco raising. DARKE COUNTY - 311 CHARLES RIPPETOE. Darke county is essentially a farming community, but its thriving towns and villages, its numerous large industrial concerns, its excellent schools and its influential churches prove that a vigorous life underlies every activity, although, here, as in every section of the world, dependence is necessarily placed upon the products of the land and the labor of those who develop it. It is of no moment how or inwhat. manner men may toil, or how much they may achieve in any direction—they must be fed, and it is the farmer in the background who turns the wheels and furnishes the sustenance for the world's workers. Happily, in Darke county, there are owners of land who intelligently and willingly carry on the peaceful pursuits of agriculture and, although they do not seek such a term of approbation, are, nevertheless, benefactors of mankind. A native son of the Buckeye State whoiss meeting with well-merited success along agricultural linesis; Charles Rippetoe, the owner of eighty acres of fine land of the Ansonia road, about five miles north of Greenville, in Greenville township, who is also extensively engaged in the threshing business. Mr. Rippetoe was born. October 13,1876, in the vicinity of Brush Lake, Champaign county, Ohio, an' is a son of William and Sarah (Benedict) Rippetoe. The father was a native of Greenbrier county, West Virginia, (the Virginia), from whence he came as a boy to Champaign county, Ohio, and here received his educational advantage,. He took up farming as a vocation in young manhood, and ac cumulated a property in Champaign county, upon which he resided until 1890, in that year coming to Darke county and purchasing his present farm. He still resides in Greenville township, where he is known as a substantial farmer and in fluential citizen. The only child of his parents, Charles Rippetoe received the greater part of his education in the city schools of Urbane, Ohio. He worked with his father on the farm during the summer seasons, and thus grew up to sturdy manhood, training alike his mind and his body for his subsequent battle with life. On attaining his majority he started farming or, his own account, and after several years invested in a trac tion engine and modern thresher, and each year his business in this direction has increased. During seasons he travels all over his section of the county, and his thorough relia- 312 - DARKE COUNTY bility and strict adherence to honorable business methods have given him an enviable reputation among those with whom he has had transactions. Mr. Rippetoe has always taken an interest in the breeding of good livestock, and the animals on his property are of excellent breed and in a healthy, sanitary condition. In 1895 Mr. Ripetoe was married to Miss Bertha Boxwell, daughter of George and Henrietta (Edmonds) Boxwell, prominent farming people of Darke county, who were formerly residents of Warren county, Ohio. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rippetoe, namely: Glenn A., Helen L. and Mabel E. The family does not hold membership in any particular church, but Mr. and Mrs. Rippetoe have always supported religious movements and their charities have been many. Their friendships are many throughout Greenville township. DANIEL D. RUH. The appeal of the soil is very strong to some men, who after years spent in other lines of endeavor return to the peaceful vocation of tilling the land, and find its rewards compensating for the industrious toil it demands. Not all, however, have met with the success that has attended the efforts of Daniel D. Ruh, of Greenville township. Reared on a farm, he gave up agricultural pursuits for a few years. Since his return to farming he has met with prosperity, being now the owner of 162 acres of well-cultivated and valuable land on the Ruh road, about two and one-half miles north of Greenville. Mr. Ruh was born on the farm, which he now cultivates, August 12, 1868, and is a son of Anton and Barbara (Rinck) Ruh. His -father, a native of Germany, fought as a soldier in the Prussian army as a young man, and on completing his service emigrated from his native Baden to the United States, subsequently becoming a substantial agriculturist of Darke county. Here he passed away in advanced years, as did his estimable wife. They were the parents of five children: Eddie, who is deceased; George, a resident of Ansonia; Daniel D.; Mary, who married a Mr. Hoffman, and Barbara, who married Mr. Sczerwinski. Daniel D. Ruh was given the educational advantages attainable in the Lindenmuth school, in Greenville township, DARKE COUNTY - 313 in the meantime assisting his father in the work of the home farm, in which he has continued to the present time, succeeding his father in the ownership of the old homestead. In addition to general farming, he is greatly interested in breeding stock of all kinds, and has met with particular success in raising Red Polled cattle, of which he ships a large number each year to the markets. He is progressive, enterprising and energetic, and through good management and well-applied effort makes his broad acres pay him handsomely for the labor he expends upon them. In politics he is a Republican, but takes only a good citizen's interest in public matters. With his family, he attends the Lutheran church and for some years has been active in its work and charities. Mr. Ruh was married October 14, 1901, to Miss Augusta Clara Ostermann, daughter of Herman Ostermann, and to this union there have been born five children, as follows: Mildred, Marjorie, Helen, Elsie and John. EZRA PLESSINGER. Among Darke county's sons who have attained distinction in fields of active usefulness is Ezra Plessinger, who was born on the farm which is now his home, February 16, 1864. His valuable property comprises a tract of forty acres, situated on the Winbigler road, about nine miles north of Greenville, in Richland township, which he has brought to a high state of development, and the well-tilled fields of corn and other products, the handsome buildings, the well-fed and contented stock and the general air of prosperity which marks the place, all speak eloquently of the presence of good management, thrift and industry. Not alone in the field of agriculture has Mr. Plessinger attained prominence, for in various public offices he is showing his worth and capability and his constant and earnest endeavors in behalf of his community mark him as one of his township's most public-spirited men. He is a son of George and Mary (Harmon) Plessinger, and a grandson of Philip and Fay Plessinger, who came from Bedford county, Pa., and took up government land under the administration of President Jackson. George Plessinger was born in Bedford county, Pa., and was a lad of ten years when he accompanied his parents to 314 - DARKE COUNTY Darke county. He grew to manhood among pioneer conditions, securing his educational training in the subscription schools, and assisting his father to clear the land from the virgin timber. As a young man he was employed during the winter terms as a teacher in the early schools, but never gave up farm work, and finally gave his entire attention to the tilling of the soil, becoming one of Richland township's substantial agriculturists. Mr. Plessinger married Miss Mary Harmon, and they became the parents of twelve children, as follows: Lawson and Fay, who are deceased; Sarah J., who married Mr. Davidson; Anna Mary; George A.; Lucy, Emma and Almeda, who are deceased; Philip; Ezra; Millie and Joseph. Ezra Plessinger was given good educational advantages in the common schools and when not busy at his studies assisted his father and brother in cultivating the home farm. He always showed himself an industrious and hard-working youth, and thriftily saved his earnings, so that at the age of twenty-one years, when he was married, he was able to enter upon a business career of his own. He has continued to be engaged in farming and stockraising to the present time, making a specialty of raising corn, in which he has attained some very satisfactory results. His reliance has been placed in the substantial qualities of perseverance, untiring enterprise, resolute purpose and commendable zeal, and his actions have been guided by an honesty of purpose that none have questioned. Since attaining his majority he has been interested in public matters, and in the exercise of his right of franchise has supported Democratic candidates and principles. At this time he is serving as a member of the board of trustees of Richland township, and is ably discharging the duties devolving upon him. Believing that good roads are vital to economic country life, he has interested himself in the building and upkeep of highways, and is now serving as superintendent of roads. Mr. Plessinger is a staunch friend of education, and for ten years served as a member of the school board of Richland township. His family belongs to the Christian church. In 1885 Mr. Plessinger was married to Miss Belle York, daughter of Joseph and Hulda (Shook) York, the former of whom, a prominent farmer, came from York township, while the latter belonged to a family of near Wabash, Ind. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Plessinger: Mattie, DARKE COUNTY - 315 who is deceased; George H., a carpenter of Versailles, Ohio, who married Mamie Martin, and has two children, Floyd and Robert; Richard, residing with. his parents, and operating a tract of eighty acres of land adjoining his father's homestead; Hazel, who married Walter Gerlack, and has one daughter, Dorothy B.; and Ray, at home, who is managing his father's farm. M. R. MARTIN. Business circles of Woodington find a worthy representative in M. R. Martin, a well known merchant who is dealing in dry goods, groceries and notions, and whose methods are such as to insure him a liberal patronage. Every branch of commercial activity is represented at Woodington, for this locality is not only a flourishing community itself, but furnishes a large contiguous territory that looks to it as a base of supply. For this reason, many progressive men who seek the best field for the prosecution of their lines of endeavor have settled here, confident in the future of the place and their ability to make their mark upon its development. The men who succeed here, as elsewhere, in forging ahead to the front ranks have to possess more than average ability, sound judgment and unswerving integrity of purpose. Among the younger generations, Mr. Martin has raised himself to an enviable position, and at the same time has secured and maintained a reputation for good citizenship among his associates. Mr. Martin is a native son of Darke county, having been born in the city of Woodington, October 29, 1881, and is a son of H. Theodore and Lizzie (Mendenhall) Martin. H. Theodore Martin, who for many years was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Darke county, became, through industry and well-directed effort, one of the leading citizens of his community. For some years he has been living a retired life, and at this time makes his home in Woodington. He married Miss Lizzie Mendenhall, and they became the parents of two children. M. R. Martin was granted excellent educational advantages in his youth, being well fitted for whatever position in life he might be call upon to fill. After completing his primary course in the schools of Woodington, he entered the public schools of 316 - DARKE COUNTY Greenville, and became a student in the Marion Normal school, at Marion, Ind. Mr. Martin entered upon his business career at the age of twenty-six years, when he opened a general store at Woodington, but about four years later, when he was nearly settled, he had the misfortune to lose his stock in a disastrous fire. Nothing daunted, however, he found a new location and stocked it with a new and complete line of goods, and through good management and fair dealing has built up a large and prosperous business. In the fall of 1913 he erected a new establishment, which the growth of his trade demanded and which is a welcome addition to the business structures of the city. Mr. Martin is popular in fraternal circles of Woodington, where he holds membership in the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. With his family he clings to the Christian Church. Mr. Martin is also agent for the P. C. C. & St. L. Railway Company and Adams Express Company, and is also postmaster. In August, 1911, Mr. Martin was united in marriage with Miss Ethel Cox, and one child, Lorene, has been born to them. The Cox family is widely and favorably known in Darke county, Mrs. Martin's parents, Abraham and Maria (Bowman) Cox, being residents of the vicinity of Coaltown. There were five daughters in their family: Sylvia, who married Mr. Hart; Elva, the wife of Mr. Shade; Minnie, who married Mr. Bailey; Glenna, who became the wife of Mr. Dubois and Ethel, who married Mr. Martin. HONORABLE MARTIN BRYANT TRAINOR. Probably no man in Darke county is more popular with all classes than the Hon. Martin B. Trainor, the well-known editor and proprietor of the "Greenville Democrat,". He is known as one of the leading Democrats of the county and is prominent in social and fraternal circles as well. He is a man of pleasing address, straightforward and sincere in speech and his public spirit and kindly courtesy endear him to all. He has become successful through his own efforts and furnishes an excellent example of what may be accomplished by pluck, ambition and singleness of purpose. He has been identified with Greenville and its various interests over thirty years, during which he has established a high standing and an unex- DARKE COUNTY - 317 celled reputation among his fellow citizens. He has ever kept before him an ideal of honesty and upright dealings with the public, in private and political life, and has given the public his best efforts and faithful loyalty to the best interests of the people. He has the trust of his fellow-citizens who have every confidence in his ability and faithfulness to duty. Mr. Trainor was born on a farm near Tyner, Indiana, January 29, 1860, and is a son of John and Phoebe Ann (Johnson) Trainor, who spent the last years of their life there and were there laid in their last resting-place. John Trainor was born at Knockfree, County Mayo, Ireland, about 1823 and died in Tyner in 1870, and his wife, who was born on a farm near Tyner, Indiana, died when her son Martin was but two years of age. The father came to America at the age of nineteen years and soon afterwards was employed in Indiana as a woodcutter, and later superintendent of the construction of the Peru Railroad, and thereafter a farmer, that being then a pioneer state. He served in the Civil War from Indiana, having enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. At the death of his father, Martin B. Trainor was taken into the home of his uncle, Morgan Johnson, who owned a store in LePaz and one in Tyner, in company with his brother, LeRoy Johnson. Mr. Trainor began his education in the country schools and the public schools at Tyner and at the age of fourteen years taught one term in what was known as the "Trowbridge" School,, about two miles from Tyner. He had already been working as clerk in the stores for his uncles and they were interested in his education. He taught two terms near Tyner and two more terms in LePaz, then entered Plymouth high school, of which Professor Chase was superintendent, and there made an exceptional record as an apt and bright student, ranking at the head of his class, with a general average of 98.6 per cent. His uncle Morgan then decided to send him to the University at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and there he made a. brilliant showing, graduating a half year ahead of his class in the classical course. On March 19, 1884, Mr. Trainor was united in marriage with Miss Katherine May Lecklider, a native of Darke county, born March 19, 1861, daughter of Dr. Lewis G. and Nancy. (Otwell) Lecklider, having made her acquaintance when she was a 318 - DARKE COUNTY student at the University of Michigan. Dr. Lecklider was in Montgomery county, Ohio, and for many years was a successful and prominent physician in Greenville and vicinity. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Trainor established himself in business, in partnership with his uncle, owning a small elevator and buying grain on the Pan Handle Railroad under the firm name of Johnson & Trainor. This arrangement lasted some two years; then he built a grain elevator along the line of the D. & U. Railroad, where he carried on good business and during this time was spending his evenings in the study of law. He studied to such good advantage and so diligently that he was admitted to the Bar in 1886, since which time he has practiced his profession in Greenville and won high standing as a lawyer. He is active in the councils of the Democratic party, having cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He is a member iii good standing of the Benovelent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd 1F ellows. On July 11, 1910, Mr. Trainor purchased the Greenville Democrat, one of Greenville's leading weeklies, from Roland Brothers, and in 1914 erected the substantial two-story brick building, known as the Trainor Building, occupying a part of the lower floor for his paper and having his law offices on the second floor. The remainder of this building is rented out to a restaurant and for offices. He owns many house lots, several farms and the Trainor Opera House. He is director and vice-president of the Banner Lumber Co. and its chief stockholder. He has many other investments. It can truly be said of him that he is an able lawyer, a distinguished editor, a great writer and a prominent and successful business man. No man in Darke county has excelled so well in so many different vocations in life. He has one of the handsomest homes in the city, which is located at 200 Pine street. This home of Mr. Trainor and family shows many evidences of refinement and good taste, being furnished rather luxuriously and presided over by a woman who shares much of the popularity and esteem of her husband and is known for her own virtues and kindly hospitality. They have a library of good books and are progressive in their views of public affairs, keeping well up to the events and issues of the times, but finding time for social duties and pleasures. Mr. Trainor is very well read and has DARKE COUNTY - 319 a comprehensive understanding of a diversified number of subjects, having an analytical mind and a desire for knowledge of anything which might add to his liberal education and enlarge his powers of usefulness. He and his wife have three children: Morgan Lewis, an attorney at law, a brilliant young man with a future; Mabel and Agnes, both accomplished and educated ladies, at home. J. C. WEAVER. J. C. Weaver, proprietor of a modern and well-stocked drug store in Greenville, is highly respected as an upright and useful citizen and an able business man. His success is due to his own efforts and he well remembers his early efforts to gain a good education and get a start in the business world. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, July 18, 1849, son of Abraham and Sarah (Flory) Weaver. The father was born near Dayton, Ohio, in 1806 and died near his birthplace on May 12, 1896. He spent his entire active life in farming and milling in Montgomery county. His wife was born in Pennsylvania in 1820 and died in 1861. Their seven children were born in Montgomery county, namely: Abraham, of Greenville; J. C., who is the youngest of the family; five are deceased. In boyhood J. C. Weaver attended the common schools in Montgomery county. He early formed a desire to gain a higher education and made his other desires subservient to this ambition, undergoing many privations in order to accomplish what he had set out to do. He attended a normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, and later graduated from the University of Michigan. He later took a position with a pharmaceutical establishment, selling to the wholesale trade and doing retail work among many physicians thruoghout the country. Since May 24, 1876, he has been identified with the drug business in Greenville. He has made a reputation for the best kind of drugs and supplies and for honorable dealings. He owns the property where he conducts his business and some years ago bought the pretty home at 401 Gray avenue which the family occupy. He owns some property in the south. He has a fine physique and an impressive personality, polished and easy manners. He has won success by energy and 320 - DARKE COUNTY close application to work and is naturally of a modest and retiring disposition. For many years he had little time for social matters, as his study and work engrossed his whole attention. He made teaching the stepping-stone to his higher education and never lost sight of his main object, making the best use of his time and making the most of his opportunities for advancement. He is much esteemed by his many friends for his manly qualities, has an unusual command of the English language and his pleasant voice is noticed at once by any one who meets him for the first time. He is a Republican in politics, with liberal views and his first presidential vote was cast for James A. Garfield. He was appointed a member of the board of control and served in that capacity during the construction of the Greenville City Water Works. Later he served nine years as trustee of the Water Works Department. He is a Royal Arch Mason. On September 27, 1878, Mr. Weaver married Miss Flora Tomlinson, born in Greenville, Ohio, in 1855, daughter of Henry and Ellen (Creagher) Tomlinson. Her father was horn in Darke county and served as a lieutenant in the civil war. Later he served as bandmaster in a military company. He was a saddler by trade and a Democrat in politics. He died in Greenville about 1878. Mrs. Tomlinson was born at Ithaca, Darke county, and now resides at Dayton, being about seventy-eight years of age. They had two children: Minnie, wife of Joseph Fischer, of Dayton; Mrs. Weaver, who died in July, 1889, and is buried in Greenville. She left one child, Bonnie, horn in 1881, wife of J. C. Coppock, of Red Bank, New Jersey, has one child, J. Carlton Coppock. Mr. Weaver married (second) September 28, 1893, Miss Anna R. Cunningham, born at Pendleton, Indiana, January 7, 1870, daughter of Dr. Henry and Emma Rebecca (Mills) Cunningham. Dr. Cunningham, whose ancestors came from Germany to America, was born in Pennsylvania, and for many years lived in Indianapolis, where he practiced his profession and for sixteen years held a chair in one of the colleges there. He died at the age of seventy-one years and was buried in Indianapolis. His wife was descendant of a relative of the well-known Scotch poet, Robert Burns, and was born in Pennsylvania. She died at about the same age as her husband. They had three children, all born at Pendleton, namely: Mrs. Weaver; E. M. Cunningham, M. D., of Chicago; Elizabeth, wife of Charles Reeves, of St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. DARKE COUNTY - 321 Weaver have two children, both born in Greenville, Howard E., born in 1895, and Esther, born March 30, 1898. The son is a graduate of Greenville high school and is now taking a special course in chemistry and biology in Michigan University, standing near the head of his classes and making an excellent record. The daughter is a student in Greenville high school. Mrs. Weaver is a member of the Methodist church. WILLIAM V. STEINMETZ. William V. Steinmetz is one of the most prominent business men of Greenville, Ohio, and has built up a large establishment from a very modest beginning. He has spent all his life in the tailoring business and has built up a reputation for fair dealing and honesty that is one of his best business assets. He is known as a public-spirited citizen and is held in high regard by all who know him. He has helped many others to get a start in life, and has never forgotten his early struggles to gain a foothold in the business world. Mr. Steinmetz has a first-class business at 440 Broadway, and there employs from five to eight tailors all the year. He has one of the finest homes iii the city, and all his success has been won by hard work and good management. He is a native of Darke county, born at Fort Jefferson, November 11, 1867, son of Adam B. and Susan (Gottschall) Steinmetz. His father was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1832, and died in 1904, and was a tailor by trade, as were his father and grandfather before him, in Germany. The great-grandfather came to America before the revolution, with his three brothers. His name was Jacob Steinmetz, and he located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, while his brothers were: Israel, who located in Arcanum, Ohio, also a tailor, and Adam B. Steinmetz worked for him; Henry located in Indiana; Isaac, who went west and was never heard from afterward. Adam B. Steinmetz came to Darke county, Ohio, as a young man and became known as a tailor and merchant throughout the region, making suits for a large number of his fellow-citizens. He enlisted for one hundred days in the 152nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. His wife was born at Fort Jefferson, Ohio, in 1843 and died in 1907. Both were (21) 322 - DARKE COUNTY buried at Palestine, Darke county. They were parents of eight children, all born in Darke county, and of these six now survive, namely: Agnes, wife of Reason Ketring, living south of Palestine; Sadie, wife of Newton Wilcox, also living south of Palestine; Leota, of San Francisco; William V., of this sketch; Trixy, wife of Dr. A. M. Snyder, of Bloomington, Indiana; James, a merchant tailor of Bloomington. The parents of these children were members of the Church of Palestine. The mother was reared in the Dunkard faith. William V. Steinmetz was educated in Greenville public schools, with a finishing course at West Manchester. He graduated from the John J. Mitchell Cutting School of New York in 1890, and in 1900 from the Rude Cutting School, then in Cleveland but now in New York city. Also of the Croenburg School of Chicago, Ill. He had learned the trade from his father, but had an ambition to become expert in modern methods. For eight years he had a tailor shop in Ansonia, then moved to Greenville, which has since been the scene of his operations, and where he now operates the largest tailoring establishment in Darke county. He makes clothes for most of the leading men in the county and for people outside the state as well, and sends his product to Sidney, Winchester} Union City, Dayton, Piqua and many other cities. He follows the most modern methods of workmanship and it is an advantage to a tailor to work under him, for he turns out none but the best of work. He has one employe who has been with him over twenty years, and all who work under him recognize and respect his ability in the line of work he has followed all his life. He started out in life with a capital of ten dollars and by good management soon made his ability recognized, steadily progressing in prosperity, until he is one of the wealthy men of his county. He was dutiful to his parents in their old age, giving them every care and assistance in his power, and at their death paid the expenses of fitting funerals, erecting a suitable monument at their last restingplace. He has always been very faithful to his family in every possible way. Mr. Steinmetz is interested in all that makes for progress and betterment in the community and has held various public offices. He is a Republican in politics and in 1908 was a delegate to the national convention. From 1906 to 1908 he served in Greenville city council, and in 1911 was appointed deputy state supervisor of elections, which will hold good until 1916. His first presidential vote was cast for William McKinley. DARKE COUNTY - 323 He is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Woodmen. On June 27, 1891, Mr. Steinmetz married Miss Effie Banta, who was born at West Manchester, Ohio, August 20, 1869, daughter of Henry and Mollie (Brower) Banta. Her father was born on a farm in Preble county, Ohio, in 1842, and resides in Dayton, being retired from active life. He was a nurseryman by occupation and enlisted as a Squirrel Hunter during the Civil War, but never went farther than Cincinnati. His wife was born near Euphemia, Preble county, in 1844. They have four children: Asa is a wholesale nurseryman and lives at Indianapolis, Indiana; Charles lives in Lewisburg, Preble county; Mrs, Steinmeth; Mazie, unmarried, living with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Steinmetz have two children: Henry Vier, born at Ansonia, August 26, 1895, and Kathryn Louise, born in Greenville, August 3, 1905. Henry V. is a graduate of Greenville high school and is attending a dental college of Indianapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Steinmetz are members of the M. E. Church and help in its support. They have a modern home at 519 Central avenue, and it is fitted up in a manner that shows the good taste and refinement of the owners. DAVID A. NETZLEY. During the pioneer epoch in the history of Ohio the Netzley family was founded within its borders, and its representatives have since figured prominently in promoting its development and substantial improvement. For years men bearing this name have been identified with agricultural pursuits, and in Darke county the family is worthily represented by David A. Netzley, the owner of eighty acres of fine land on the Fort Recovery turnpike, about two and one-half miles northwest of Greenville, in Greenville township. Mr. Netzley was born on the old family homestead in Darke county, Ohio, near Laura, August 30, 1871, and is a son of George and Catherine Coffman Netzley. George Netzley, the grandfather of David A. Netzley, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., and in 1836 migrated to Ohio, bringing with him his wife and four children, the latter being: 324 - DARKE COUNTY David, now deceased, whose family resides in the vicinity of Union City, Ind.; John, deceased, whose family lives near Gettysburg, Ohio; George, the father of David A., and Nancy, who is deceased. George Netzley was also born in Lancaster county, Pa., and was but a lad when he accompanied his parents to Ohio, where the greater part of his education was secured in the common schools. He was reared amid pioneer surroundings, lived in a log cabin, and assisted materially in clearing the timber from his father's land. Later he entered agricultural pursuits on his own account and was in the main part successful in his operations, although he passed away when still in the prime of life. He married Catherine Coffman, and they became the parents of eight children: Mary, who married a Mr. Lowry; Uriah ; Joseph, who is deceased; Eli, Allen and Jesse, all agriculturalists of Darke county; Rose Etta, who married a Mr. Litten; and David A. David A. Netzley received his education in the district schools of Darke county, but early gave up his studies to engage in work, as he was but eight years of age when his father died, and he considered it but fair that he should contribute his share to the family support. He remained on the home farm with his mother and the other members of the family until 1892, in which year he went to Muncie, Ind., where he spent several years in a manufacturing plant. There is no yearning in man so strong, however, as the yearning for the soil, and Mr. Netzley soon answered the call and again embarked in agricultural work, remaining in the vicinity of the old homestead until 1900. At that time he removed to a farm about two and one-half miles from Greenville, to the south, in Darke county, but after a short stay removed to his present property on the Fort Recovery turnpike, which he has developed into a valuable and productive farm. Here he has erected one of the nicest residences in Darke county, and has surrounded it with buildings of modern architecture and substantial character. He gives his attention to general farming almost entirely and there are few who have greater reason to be proud of the results attending their efforts. Mr. Netzley's life is that of a thoroughgoing business man; he is particularly prompt in keeping his business engagements and he expects the same consideration from others. He is at all times reliable and his business career and private life are alike above reproach. DARKE COUNTY - 325 Mr. Netzley was married in 1891 to Miss Rachel Brumbaugh, daughter of J. R. and Mary A. (Erbaugh) Brumbaugh, prominent farming people of Monroe township, and four children have been born to this union: Clyde, connected with the Goodrich Rubber Company; Claude, also a resident of Dayton; Della, residing with her parents; and Otho. Mr. and Mrs. Netzley are consistent members of the Christian church. In politics he is a Republican, with progressive ideas, and always endeavors to support those measures which will make for the advancement of his community. ALFRED ROBESON The record of Alfred Robeson is that of a man who has by his own unaided efforts worked his way upward to a position of affluence. His life has been one of industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable business methods which he has followed have won him the support and confidence of many. He not only occupies a leading position among the agriculturists of Neave township, where he has a fine farm of two hundred acres, but is also prominent in public and political circles, and has served in various official positions within the gift of his fellow citizens. Mr. Robeson was born in section one, Butler Township, on the old Robeson homestead, in 1841, and is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Reed) Robeson. Andrew Robeson was born in Pennsylvania in 1811, and as a lad he accompanied his parents to Ohio, the family first settling near Dayton, in 1819, and about a year later moving to Butler township, Darke county. There he was educated and reared to manhood, his choice of occupation being farming, in which he was engaged during a long and useful career in which he became known as one of his community's leading citizens. He married Miss Elizabeth Reed, who was born and brought up near Palestine, Ohio, and they became the parents of six children, who grew to majority and are yet living. Alfred Robeson was granted the educational advantages to be secured in District School No. 1, at Beech Grove, and the "select schools" at Greenville, and elsewhere in the county, and one term at Dayton. Subsequent study, experience and observation have made him a man well informed on numerous im- 326 - DARKE COUNTY portant and worth-while subjects. Like the sons of neighboring farmers, he assisted his father in the fields, thus securing experience which has been of great value to him in later years. Afterward, he taught school and spent a short time clerking in a grocery store. Constant and prudent industry has been characteristic of the man throughout his life. During the nine winters that he taught in Darke county, Mr. Robeson became one of this section's best-known and most popular educators. A good manager in all his pursuits, Mr. Robeson has prospered accordingly, his industrious hands having produced a comfortable living, and his honorable dealings establishing a good reputation. As the years have passed, he has added to his acreage from time to time, as well as to the improvements, stock and equipment on his property. As a result this is one of the most valuable country homesteads in this part of the county. On October 22, 1868, Mr. Robeson was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Clark, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Parkhill) Clark, of Darke county. He is an attendant at the Reformed church, in the movements of which he and his wife have taken an active and helpful part. In political matters a Democrat, Mr. Robeson has taken a keen and intelligent interest in the success of his party in this section, and his fitness for office has been recognized by his fellow citizens on numerous occasions, he having served as a member of the County Agricultural Board, land appraiser, and filled the various other school and township offices. WILLIAM SELLMAN. Individuals of ability and integrity constitute a prosperous community, particularly if public sentiment is such that that class of men can give a voice in the community's government. It is invariably found that those who have made a success of their private affairs may be relied upon to best govern the affairs of the people, and this fact is exemplified in the person of William Sellman, a successful farmer and stockraiser, who has been elevated to the position of president of the board of trustees of Richland township, an office in which he has been able to do much to forward the interests of his lo- DARKE COUNTY - 327 cality. A native of Greenville township, Darke county, Mr. Sellman was born February 18, 1869, and is a son of Fred and Charlotte (Rehmert) Sellman, and a grandson of Fred Sellman, of Germany. His father, who was also born in the Fatherland, came to the United States with his parents as a lad of fourteen years, and was reared and educated in Greenville township, where he has continued to reside to the present time, now being the owner of 200 acres of good land. During the Civil War Mr. Sellman fought as a soldier in a Missouri regiment of volunteers, and his record, whether in war or peace, has been a highly honorable one. He and his wife, also a native of Germany, had six children: William; Callie, who married a Mr. Wm. Steffen; Minnie, who married a Mr. C. F. Meyer; Henry, a farmer of German township; Edward, of Greenville township, and Fred, of Richland township. William Sellman grew up on the homestead farm, where, as his father's eldest son, he assisted materially in developing and cultivating the land. In the meantime, he received his literary training in district school No. 7, where he proved an industrious and earnest student, and thus grew to manhood, strong in body and alert in mind. When he reached the age of twenty-nine years, he accepted the opportunity offered to embark upon a career of his own, commencing to rent land from his father, and since that time his advancement has been steady and continuous. At this time he is cultivating a handsome property of 100 acres, located in Richland township, where he carries on general agricultural operations and raises good stock. Upon his property are located a commodious and modern residence, a large and substantial' barn, the latest improved machinery and all the accessories and conveniences of the model farm. He may truly be called a self-made man, for success comes to the busy toilers of the world, of whom he is one and in the acquirement of his property his methods have ever been honorable and commendable, winning him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact. For some years Mr. Sellman has been interested in matters of a public nature, and his activities in behalf of his township have brought him favorably before the people of this section. As president of the board of trustees of Richland township, he is giving to his duties the same close and conscientious attention that has gained him success in his agricultural 328 - DARKE COUNTY work, and the township is benefitting accordingly. With his wife, Mr. Sellman attends the Lutheran church. On December 17, 1896, Mr. Sellman was married to Miss Anna Steffen, daughter of William and Mary Steffen. They have no children of their own, but have an adopted son, Virgie Smith, the son of Ronzo and Ida (Dohme) Smith. Mr. Smith was born in Adams township, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of Andrew Smith, who for many years was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Adams township. Ida Dohme was the daughter of Frederick and Minnie (Sellman) Dohme, and is now deceased, being buried at Zion church cemetery, Wakefield. ULYSSES G. DELAPLANE. Having the honor and respect of all, there is no man in Darke county who occupies a more enviable position in the field of agriculture than Ulysses G. Delaplane, not alone on account of the success he has achieved, but also because of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and by his close application to business and his excellent management has gained a large measure of prosperity. Mr. Delaplane was born January 20, 1865, in Butler county, Ohio, and is a son of Joshua and Harriet (DeCamp) Delaplane. His father was also born in that county, his natal day being October 18, 1831, while the grandparents, James and Jane (Harper) Delaplane, had located in that county as early as 1805, when the grandfather, who had been born in Frederick, Md., in 1779, purchased land at $2.50 an acre. Joshua Delaplane was reared and educated in Butler county, and his entire career was devoted to agricultural pursuits, his well-directed efforts resulting in the accumulation of a large and handsome property. He was known as one of the substantial men of his community, and as a public-spirited citizen who always had his locality's interests at heart. He and his wife were the parents of four children, namely: Ulysses G., Laura, who married a Mr. Folkerth; Minnie, and Theresa, who married Mr. Rodgers. The educational training of Ulysses G. Delaplane was secured in the public schools of Butler county, which he attended DARKE COUNTY - 329 until six years old, at which time the family came to Darke county, Ohio, and here he finished at Fort Jefferson. An industrious and ambitious youth, during the summer months and in his spare time he assisted his father in the work of the homestead, and thoroughly prepared himself for his battle with the world. At the time he embarked upon his own career he settled on his present farm in Neave township, where he is the owner of one hundred and seventy acres of land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation and upon which he has erected handsome and substantial buildings. Although for several years he has been practically retired from the activities of life, he still maintains an interest in the progress of agriculture, and keeps fully abreast of all advancements and discoveries. In 1889 Mr. Delaplane was married (first) to Miss Zua Crawford, who died leaving four children: Joshua, who married Miss Moist and has one child, Rosetta; Blanche, who married Charles Zimmer and has one son, Paul D.; James, who married Martha Trojan; and Joel. In 1904 Mr. Delaplane was united in marriage with Miss Emma Norris, and this union resulted in the birth of five children: Earl, John, Harriet, George and Hazel. Mr. Delaplane's political views make him a Republican, and while he has not been an office seeker he has faithfully discharged the duties of citizenship as a member of the school board, an office which he is capably filling at the present time. ALVIN H. GILBERT. Placed at the head of a great charitable institution, carrying the responsibility for the welfare of unfortunate children, and imbued with an earnest desire to further their interests, Alvin H. Gilbert, superintendent of the Darke County Children's Home, is respected by his fellow citizens and beloved by his charges and is widely known throughout his part of the county, having been president of the Pioneer Association for ten years. Mr. Gilbert is a native of Darke county, Ohio, having been born in the city of Greenville, March 4, 1848, a son of Jonathan and Eliza Ann (Hayes) Gilbert. He is a member of a family long known in this part of the State, and on the maternal side is descended from Revolutionary stock, his great-grandfather Hayes having participated in the war for 330 - DARKE COUNTY American independence and subsequently being one of the earliest pioneers of this part of Darke county (Eastern Greenville township). Jonathan Gilbert, the father of Alvin H. Gilbert, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and there was educated and reared to manhood, early adopting the trade of plasterer. He emigrated to Darke county, Ohio, in 1832, and settled at Greenville, there following his chosen vocation during the remainder of his active life. Mr. Jonathan Gilbert married Miss Eliza Ann Hayes, and they had six children: William, who is deceased; Francis (deceased) ; Helen, who married Mr. Peyton; Callie, who is deceased; Alvin H., of this review, and Edwin, who is deceased. Alvin H. Gilbert was given ordinary educational advantages in his youth, and under his father learned the trade of plasterer, at which he was engaged for fifteen years. It had always been his desire to become a farmer, however, and during the time that he worked at his trade he carefully saved his earnings until he was able to purchase a small property. Of late years, however, he has given up active work as a farmer, and followed his trade as plasterer for twelve years. On March 1, 1913, he began his labors as superintendent of the Darke County Children's Home, to which he was appointed in February of that year. During his administration the possibilities the home for doing effective work have been greatly inreased, innovations have been made and equipment and improvements installed. Another thing that is deserving of special mention is the fact that during the time Mr. Gilbert has peen in charge of this institution, not one breath of scandal has ever been whispered concerning the administration or the reatment of the small wards of the county. Nothing of gloom or despair pervades this retreat, but throughout each department there exists that spirit of helpful co-operation which goes far to look after the interest of each charge. Mr. Gilbert was formerly an active member of the Grange, and has long been a member of the Pioneer Association, of which he has been president for the past ten years. Although not connected with any particular religious body, Mr. Gilbert is liberal in his support of the movements of the various churches and his charities have been numerous. His genial manner and kindly nature make him revered and beloved by the little ones who have been placed in his care. In 1870 Mr. Gilbert was married to Miss Mary Shepherd, daughter of Joel and Saphronia (Clarke) Shepherd. To this DARKE COUNTY - 331 union there have been born four children: Willen P., who is married and has three children, Alvin, Harold and Cora B.; Cora, who married John Myers, has three children, J. W., Genevieve and Robert; Cassius, who married Amelia Brosinki, of Spokane, Wash., near which place they now reside on their own ranch, and Cleone, living with her parents. BENJAMIN F. SCHOLL. B. F. Scholl, mayor of Greenville, is well known and highly respected as a public-spirited and upright citizen, and for his public services as well. He enjoys the full confidence and esteem of his fellow-townsmen and counts his friends by the hundreds. He is a man of high principles and the courage of his convictions, ready to do his duty at all times and in all places. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, February 10, 1857, and is a son of Jacob and Philipine (Fantz) Scholl. His father was a native of Germany, brought to America by his parents at the age of eleven years. The latter located on a farm in Hocking county and there Jacob Scholl remained until 1863, when he located in Lancaster, Ohio, and there conducted a grocery business three years. He conducted a similar business for three years at Bremen, Ohio, after which he located one mile east of the corporation line of Greenville, Darke county, Ohio. He was an industrious and useful citizen and a Democrat in politics. His wife, who was born in Ohio, in 1823, died in 1909, and both are buried at Union City, Indiana. He moved near Union City in 1875 and spent his last years in that town. Their seven children, born in Fairfield and Hocking counties, all reached maturity. They were: Sarah married Isaac Schoemaker and both are deceased; Henry, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Jacob Miller; Louisa, wife of Franklin Paulis, of Union City, Indiana; Nancy, wife of L. A. Martin, of New Corydon, Indiana; B. F., subject of this sketch; Eli resides near Union City, Indiana. The parents of these children were devout members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Scholl received his early education in the district east of Greenville, which is now within the corporation and later attended other schools, the last southeast of Greenville. His first work on his own account was done on a farm in Madison county, Iowa, where he was employed two years by Mr. I. C. 332 - DARKE COUNTY Woods. Returning to Union City, he worked two years as a farm hand. On September 12, 1878, he was united in marriage with Miss Cora F. Zimmerman, a native of Gettysburg, Darke county, born November 14, 1860, daughter of John H. and Amanda (Mark) Zimmerman. Mr. Zimmerman was born in Pennsylvania in 1827 and located on a farm near Gettysburg, Darke county, about 1841. He died in 1868 and was buried at Greenville. His wife was born at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1829, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Scholl. After marriage Mr. Scholl carried on farming two years at Painter Creek, then sold out and moved to a farm he had purchased east of Union City, which was their home seventeen years. Upon selling the latter farm they bought one east of Greenville, Ohio, and there spent three years. This farm, which contains 161 acres, is still owned by Mr. Scholl. In 1898 he moved to his present beautiful home on Thirteenth street, Greenville, which he then purchased. For six years after coming to the city he worked as salesman for D. W. Spidel, but since then has been retired from active life. Mr. Scholl has always been a Democrat in political views and cast his first presidential vote for Hancock. He served in 1890 as assessor in Jackson township and seven years as president of the school board of that township. He was elected two terms councilman at large, serving from 1908 to 1912, and in 1914 was elected president of the city council. By the death of Mayor E. E. Calderwood, which took place on June 24, 1914, he became mayor by virtue of his office. His record as councilman and in all other public offices he has held have shown his true worth. He is courteous and kindly in manner and worthy the trust that has been reposed in him. He is a member of the First Christian Church, and is president of the board of trustees and chairman of the financial board, also a member of the official board of that organization. His wife belongs to the Reformed Church east of Greenville. Both are respected by one and all and have well earned the title of good citizens. They have worked hard to gain their present standing and .position and have been true friends and kind neighbors wherever they have lived. Mr. and Mrs. Scholl have two children, both born in Darke county, one in Franklin and the other in Jackson township, Harvey C. and Ida A. Harvey C. was born near Painter Creek, February 16, 1880, and lives on his father's farm. He married Sarah J. Crawford and they have three children: Earl, DARKE COUNTY - 333 aged ten years; Mary, aged nine, and Russell Benjamin, aged four years. Ida A. Scholl was born near Union City, February 20, 1884, and married George Hupman, a stockraiser, and they live on a farm near Greenville, in Greenville township. CHARLES A. SCHLECHTY. That farming in Darke county is a profitable occupation is attested by the subject of this sketch, who, although he has been in business for himself for comparatively only a few years, is now the owner of one hundred acres of valuable land, this being located on the New Madison road, about six miles south of Greenville, in Neave township. Mr. Schlechty belongs to that class of men who, horn in Darke county, have grown up and developed with its growth and development, and have at the same time built up and shared its prosperity. His birth occurred on the farm on which he now resides, his natal day being June 18, 1870, and he is a son of George and Rebecca (Winters) Schlechty. Four generations of the Schlechty family have resided in Darke county. The great-grandfather of Charles A. Schlechty was horn in Switzerland, from whence he moved to Germany, and from that county emigrated to the United States and settled in Berks county, Pennsylvania. Christian Schlechty, the grandfather of Charles A., was a lad when he came to this country, he being a native of the Fatherland. He grew up in Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he received an ordinary public school education, and early adopted the vocation of agriculturist, which he followed throughout his life. With his wife Susannah he migrated to Darke county, Ohio, in middle life, and here both grandparents passed away. George Schlechty was born on the farm in Darke county which is now occupied by his son and here he passed a peaceful existence as a tiller of the soil, accumulating a competence for his declining years, rearing his children to habits of industry and honesty, and gaining the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens because of his many excellent traits of character. He married Rebecca Winters, and they became the parents of six children: Willis M., Eason V., David, Jasper N., John F. and Charles A., of whom David is deceased. Charles A. Schlechty received his preliminary educational 334 - DARKE COUNTY training in the Fort Jefferson public schools, following which he took a course at Valparaiso, Ind., and completed his studies in the Haynes Business College, Chicago. He was well prepared to adopt the vocation of educator, and began to teach when but seventeen years of age, and as such spent some time in the South, but eventually returned to his home, where he remained until reaching the age of twenty-one years. At the time of his father's death, he took charge of the farm, and later, in partnership with his brother, he bought the interests of the other heirs, and since that time has conducted the operations on this highly desirable piece of land. His labors in the active affairs of life have been crowned with a fair degree of success, and his well cultivated fields yield to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestowes upon them. In his political views, Mr. Schlechty is a stanch Democrat, and takes a commendable interest in local affairs, although he is not a politician in the sense of the office seeking. However, his fitness for office has occasioned his selection on the part of his fellow townsmen for the office of justice of the peace of Neave township. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and takes much interest in its work. His time, however, is usually given to his farm and home interests, and he is accounted one of the practical and progressive agriculturists of the community. While he is not a member of any particular church, he liberally supports all religious and charitable movements, and is strictly honorable in all things, owing his success solely to energy, industry and perseverance. On May 22, 1901, Mr. Schlechty was married to Miss Minnie Hunsinger, daughter of Max and Lena (Wertmiller) Hunsinger, and to this union there have been born two children: George F. and Forest Eugene. SEBASTIAN VIETOR. The United States can boast of no better citizens than hosts of its German-Americans, who, although they ever hold dear and sacred their beloved fatherland, are no less devoted to the fair land of their adoption. Nearly sixty years ago Sebastian Vietor cast his lot with the citizens of Darke county, and during the intervening years has not only been an interested witness of this section's steadily increasing prosperity, DARKE COUNTY - 335 but has also aided greatly in the attainment of this desirable condition of affairs. Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied never fails to win success, and the life of Mr. Vietor is but another proof of this statement. With limited advantages in his youth, he started out to make his own way in the world, and his diligence and judicious management have brought him a handsome reward for his labors, he at this time being the owner of a well-cultivated property of one hundred and thirty acres in Neave township. He has also been a prominent factor in the public life of his community and as president of the board of trustees of his township has played an important part in the progress and development of its varied interests. Mr. Vietor was born in Germany, in February, 1849, and is a son of Peter and Elsie (Worch) Vietor. Peter Vietor was a native of Germany, and was there reared and educated and learned the trade of tailor. Feeling that he could better himself in America, in 1854 he emigrated to this country with his family, and after landing at New York city made his way to New Madison, Harrison township, Darke county, Ohio, where he made the family settlement. He continued to follow his trade during the remainder of his life here, and was an industrious and hard-working citizen. He and his wife had seven children: Mrs. Catherine Faulstick, deceased, and Sebastian, both born in Germany; Eckert, deceased, who was born on the ocean while the family was coming to this country; John, born in Germany, deceased; Mrs. Anna Henry, William, a resident of Butler township, Darke county, and Mrs. Lizzie Ganger. The last three named were born in Harrison township. As a small lad Sebastian Vietor received his early education in the schools of his native land, and after coming to Harrison township he attended the public schools here. He was an ambitious and industrious lad and during his entire school period worked among the neighboring farmers, carefully saving his earnings with the end in view of establishing a home of his own. When twenty-six years of age he left the parental roof and purchased a farm, on which he at once began operations. His first few years were filled with hardships; obstacles constantly arose in his path; misfortune attended many of his best planned efforts; yet he never allowed himself to become discouraged, and he eventually became one of the solid, substantial men of Harrison township. Later he moved to Neave township, where he has his home at this time, and is ex- 336 - DARKE COUNTY tensively engaged in truck gardening. He has also done a great deal in the line of carpentry and painting, and his entire career has been one of industry and usefulness. On October 17, 1875, Mr. Vietor was married to Malissa Schlecty, and to this union there have been born six children, as follows: Elsie, who lives at home with her parents; Elmer, who married Maude Wood; Oscar, who married Hazel French and has one child, Lowel; Luna, who married Elmer Brumbaugh and has a daughter, Majorie; Earl, who married Mabel Ludy and has one child, Bessie; and Carrie, who is single and resides with her parents. The mother of these children died in the faith of the Christian church, to which Mr. Vietor also belongs. A Democrat in politics, he has long taken an active interest in public matters, and is now serving efficiently in the capacity of president of the township board of trustees. He is a publicpspirited and highly esteemed citizen and takes a deep interest in the welfare of his adopted community. EDWARD AMMON. Edward Ammon conducts one of the largest grain elevators in Darke county, and is interested in many of the other leading enterprises in his region. He has an extensive real estate business, is interested in the local bank and has invested in many other business projects. He has a business in Gordon, where he resides, and is well known as an enterprising and progressive citizen, ready to help any worthy enterprise for the good of the community and known to be upright in all his dealings. He is prominently identified with Darke County Agricultural Society and much interested in its operations. Mr. Ammon was born at Liberty, Montgomery county, Ohio, November 28, 1846, and is a son of Levi and Margaret (Bier-ley) Ammon. Through both his parents he is descended from a Revolutionary soldier and some of his cousins are tracing the ancestry. He will then be entitled to become a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and has reason to be proud of this distinction. Levi Ammon was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and died in 1914, at the age of eighty-five years. His wife was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1820, and died in 1913. They were among the substantial pioneer settlers who did so much for Montgomery county and DARKE COUNTY - 337 made their permanent home there, winning the respect and esteem of all who knew them. In early life Levi Ammon was bound out to learn the trade of shoemaker, which he followed subsequently until he was twenty-four years of age, when he came to Ohio. He drove a huckster's wagon in Cincinnati for thirty or thirty-five years, and during this time made his home at Liberty. In 1860 he located in Miami county, Ohio, and in 1864 went into mercantile business at Potsdam, remaining in this until his death, under the firm name of Levi Ammon & Sons, having branches at Gordon and at Laura, also one at Painter Creek. After the death of the father the sons closed out the business at all the branches except those at Potsdam and Gordon, the former being now conducted by a grandson of the original proprietor, Harry Ammon, while a son, Charles Ammon, conducts the one at Gordon. There were fourteen children in the family, of whom but seven reached maturity, and most of them were born in Montgomery county: Mary Ann, deceased, wife of Charles Welbaum, of Potsdam; Jane M., deceased, wife of Floyd Stoneman; George H., deceased; Edward; William, deceased; Belle, wife of G. P. Ditmer, of Potsdam; Charles M., a resident of Potsdam, whose business is at Gordon. The parents and the children who are deceased are buried in the cemetery at Potsdam. John Baird, grandfather of Mrs. Margaret (Bierley) Ammon, an Englishman by birth, was one of twelve Englishmen chosen by George Washington to be his bodyguard, but refused. In company with a great-uncle of Mrs. Ammon, he left home and served seven years in the Revolution on the side of colonists, both being disinherited by their parents, who were strong Tories. They had gone on a fishing expedition and it was some time before their people knew they had not been drowned. The river was dragged in the effort to recover their bodies, and it was some time before they were able to send word back home where they had gone and what they were doing. The bitter feeling of the parents can well be imagined. Edward Ammon secured his education in the public schools at Potsdam, and upon leaving school took a position as clerk for his father in the store there. Upon reaching his majority he was taken into partnership by his father, who treated each of his sons in this way as they reached the age of twenty-one years. He has thus always been connected with mercantile (22) 338 - DARKE COUNTY affairs, for which he early developed a liking and considerable ability, and some thirty-five years ago established his elevator business at Gordon, doing this with. proceeds from the father's estate, which belonged to the firm, and which he controlled. This is the only elevator in the village and Mr. Ammon is one of the oldest agents on the line of the D. & U. Railroad. He has kept himself well informed of the activities of the leading business enterprises in his part of the county and has invested in those which appealed to his good judgment. He is vice-president of the Farmers' Bank of Arcanum. He has a handsome residence property on Main street, Gordon, near his place of business, which he purchased and remodeled to suit his own tastes. He also owns some fine farming land, comprising three farms, aggregating some 275 acres of land in Darke county, 160 acres in Preble county and forty acres in Miami county, making nearly 500 acres altogether. He has been a member of the agricultural society for twenty-three years and is now its treasurer. He and his brothers, like their father, have fine business records and their honesty and probity have always been thoroughly recognized. He is a Democrat in politics and cast his first presidential vote for General Grant. He has served as county treasurer and served nine years as a member of the Union Township School Board. The schoolhouse at Ithaca, one west of Arcanum and the one at Gordon, were erected under his directorship, and he has always been much interested in the cause of education. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also the Grand Army of the Republic. In February, 1864, Mr. Ammon enlisted in the Eighth Ohio Cavalry, and participated in engagements at Lynchburg, Va., Liberty, Va., Salem, Va., and two at Beverly, Va., serving creditably to the close of the war. His brother George served in the 44th Ohio Infantry, was taken sick, and afterwards enlisted for one hundred days in the same regiment. In November, 1874, Mr. Ammon was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Falkner, born near Milton, Miami county, Ohio, daughter of Andrew and Catherine (Niswonger) Falknor. The Falknor family lived east of Phillipsburg, and were farmers by occupation. The parents are buried at West Milton and they were well known as useful members of the community and the father held local offices in the township. They were parents of three children, of whom two grew to maturity: Granville, of West Milton, and Amanda, Mrs. Ammon. Two sons have DARKE COUNTY - 339 blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ammon, Earl and Roy. Earl was born in Miami county in 1875, is unmarried and lives at home. He is associated with his father in business and fraternally belongs to the Order of Eagles. Roy Ammon was born in Darke county in 1880 and is a member of the firm of Ammon & Sons. He is a thirty-second degree Mason. The sons are young men of business ability and promise and have shown character and behavior of which their parents may well be proud. Mrs. Ammon is a devout member of the United Brethren Church. She is a woman of good taste and refinement and presides over a most pleasant home and family circle. JOSHUA DELAPLANE. For thirty-three years the late Joshua Delaplane was a resident of Neave township, and in a history of the prominent and influential citizens of Darke county he is certainly deserving of mention, for his well spent life, his ability, his loyalty to public duty and his fidelity in private life all gained him a place among the leading residents of the community. From his arrival here in 1872 until his death in 1905, he was identified with the agricultural interests of this township, and so well directed were his efforts that he accumulated a property of four hundred and fifty acres, in the meantime winning also the respect and esteem of his fellowmen. Mr. Delplane was born near Hamilton, in Butler county, Ohio, October 18, 1831, and was a son of James and Jane (Harper) Delaplane. James Delaplane was born in Frederick county, Maryland, from whence he removed to Butler county, Ohio, as a pioneer about the year 1799. Locating in the woods, he cut the timber and made a home for his growing family, and eventually became one of the substantial men of his day and locality. He and his wife were the parents of six children, namely: John, William, Joshua, James, Margaret, who married a Mr. Longfellow, and Catherine, who married Mr. Scott. Joshua Delaplane secured his educational training in the public schools of Butler county, Ohio, which he attended during the winter months, while in the summer he helped his father and brothers to cultivate the home property. As a young man he chose agricultural work as his life occupation, and while still living in Ohio carried on general farming and 340 - DARKE COUNTY stockraising operations for about' six years. He also had a business experience in Missouri, but this was of short duration owing to the fact that the country did not impress him favorably at that time, and in 1872 he disposed of all other interests and came to Darke county, settling on land in Neave township. This property has not left the family, for it is now owned and operated by Mr. Delaplane's son, Ulysses Grant. He started his operations in a modest manner, but as the years passed and his finances permitted he added to his land from time to time, made numerous improvements, bought new equipment and livestock, and eventually became one of the leading agriculturists of Neave township, and was especially known as a stock man. When he died, in April, 1905, the farming interests of Darke county lost a man who had been ever among the most progressive and energetic; his community an upright citizen, who had never failed in his public spirit, his family a kind and indulgent husband and father and his wide circle of friends one who had demonstrated his loyalty on numerous occasions. Mr. Delaplane's views on the temperance question made him a Prohibitionist in politics. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and always endeavored to live according to its teachings. Mr. Delaplane was married to Miss Harriet DeCamp, daughter of William and Isabelle Thorn) DeCamp, farming people who came to Darke county from Butler county, Ohio, at an early day, and, entered land in Neave township. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom Mrs. Delaplane is the only survivor. Both Mr. and Mrs. DeCamp were kindly Christian people and were buried in Darke county. Mr. and Mrs. Delaplane had. four. children: Ulysses. Grant, a substantial farmer of Neave township; Laura, who married a Mr. Folkerth; Minnie, and Theresa, who married. a Doctor Rodgers. CHARLES D. FOLKERTH. A native son of Darke county, Charles D. Folkerth was born on a farm in Greenville township, November 20, 1870, and is a son of L. D. and Rachael (Cox) Folkerth. His father, the present treasurer of Greenville township and a. retired farmer, is living on Switzer street, in the, city of Greenville. L. D. Folkerth was born April 2, 1842 , in Greenville township, DARKE COUNTY - 341 and is a son of Jesse and Anna (Curtis) Folkerth, the former of whom came from Montgomery county in 1808 and located in Greenville township, where he entered land from the government. Jesse Folkerth was one of the early stockmen of Darke county, carried on extensive operations and became widely and favorably known in business and agricultural circles. He and his wife were the parents of five children, as follows: William, Maria, who married Mr. Swank; L. 1).; George, who is deceased, and Christ. L. D. Folkerth was given ordinary educational advantages in the district schools, principally in Van Buren township, and at the age of fifteen years entered upon a career of his own by working by the month. For forty years before his retirement he resided on the Studebaker farm, and then located in .Greenville, where he purchased the property on Switzer street, where he now resides. He was married in 1862 to Miss Rachael Cox, and they became the parents of four sons: William, who is married and has three children: Jesse, who is the father of six children; Thomas, who has one child; and Charles D. Mr. Folkerth's second marriage was to Miss Fannie Purdy, and they became the parents of three children: George, who has one child; Ora, who has two children, and Harry, who is deceased. Mr. Folkerth is a veteran of the Civil war, having fought gallantly in the Union army as a member of Company G, Forty-fourth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and has proved himself just as faithful and courageous in fighting the battles of peace. A Democrat in his political views, he has been prominent in the ranks of his party, whose candidate he became for the office of township treasurer, being elected thereto at. theensuing election by a satisfactory majority. In this office he has rendered his fellow citizens signal service and is proving conscientious and faithful in the discharge of his duty. With his family, Mr. Folkerth attends the Christian church. At the age of seven years, Charles D. Folkerth began to receive his educational instruction in the Studebaker school, which was located south of Greenville in Greenville township. This was subsequently supplemented by attendance at an insituation at Daleville, Va., where he took a business course, and upon his return to Ohio worked on a farm up to the time of his marriage. He then rented a property from Joshua Delaplane for some time, subsequently entering the stock business, and then went to Castine, Ohio, where he embarked in dealing in agricultural implements. He continued thus in connection 342 - DARKE COUNTY with buying and selling stock, and by good judgment, foresight and well-directed management was able to make an unqualified success of each venture. Later, however, he answered the call of the soil, purchasing his present farm of one hundred acres, located on the Fort Jefferson road, one-half mile south of Fort Jefferson, where he has continued to follow agricultural pursuits to the present time. Mr. Folkerth has worthily won the proud American title of "self-made man," for all that he possesses he owes to his own efforts and energy. In addition, he has not only won a comfortable competence, but also shares in the high regard of his fellow-citizens, and justly merits the esteem which is so generously accorded him. In political matters he is a Democrat, and his religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife and children are also members. Mr. Folkerth was married (first) to Miss Laura Delaplane, who is deceased, and to this union there were born four children: Thomas D., Robert J., James O. and Ralph R., the last-named being deceased; Mrs. Folkerth died May 10, 1902, and was buried in Fort Jefferson cemetery. On November 28, 1907, Mr. Folkerth was married (second) to Mrs. Luella (Royer) McCabe, the widow of Mack McCabe, who had three children by her first union: Fay, Sylvia and an infant deceased. Mr. Folkerth has a pleasant home, surrounded by handsome and substantial buildings. Until destroyed by a windstorm five years ago, there was located on this property one of the largest coffee-nut trees in this country, to see which people came from all over the United States. A picture of this tree is now hung in the Smithsonian Institute, New York. L. D. FOLKERTH. Among those leading and representative farmers of Darke county, whose labors have contributed to the material advancement and general welfare of the community is L. D. Folkerth, now living a retired life at Greenville, where his pleasant home is located on Switzer street. His life has been a busy and useful one and furnishes an example of honorable dealing, steadfast purpose, fidelity to principle and invincible moral courage that is well worthy of emulation. He has rendered his fellow-citizens signal service in offices of responsibility and trust, and DARKE COUNTY - 343 at this time is acting efficiently in the capacity of treasurer of Greenville township. Mr. Folkerth was born April 2, 1842, in this township and is a son of Jesse and Anna (Curtis) Folkerth. Jesse Folkerth was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, whence he came to Darke county in 1808 and located in Greenville township, entering land from the United States government. His first operations were in the line of general farming, but gradually he became interested in stock raising, and in this connection became widely known in this section of the county. He and his wife were the parents of five children: William, Maria, who married Mr. Swank. L. D.; George, who is deceased, and Christ. L. D. Folkerth attended the country schools and secured the greater part of his education in VanBuren township, although his school days ceased when he was fifteen years of age, when he commenced working by the month. He gradually obtained property of his own, and for forty years resided on the Studebaker farm in Greenville township. At the time of his retirement from agricultural pursuits, Mr. Folkerth came to Greenville and now resides on Switzer street, where he has a commodious and comfortable home, fitted with the most modern conveniences. At the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. Folkerth, with other youths of his locality, offered his services to the Union cause, and being accepted was made a member of Company G, Forty-fourth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry. His was a commendable service, his bravery and cheerfulness under all conditions winning him the respect of his comrades, and his faithfulness to duty gaining him the esteem of his officers. Mr. Folkerth is still interested in the stock business, and makes a hobby of handling horses, of which he is an excellent judge. In politics a Democrat, he has been an active worker in the ranks of his party, and is now serving his third term as trustee of Greenville township. His administration of the affairs of this position has always been safe, yet progressive, and while connected with the township government has been able to do much to advance his community's interests. Mr. Folkerth is a member of the Christian church, to the movements of which he has been a liberal contributor. In 1862 Mr. Folkerth was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Cox, of Greenville township, and to this union there has been born four children: William, who is married and has two children; Jesse, who is the father of six children; Thomas. 344 - DARKE COUNTY who has one child; and Charles D., a farmer and stockraiser of Greenville township, who is married and has three children. Mr. Folkerth's second marriage was to Miss Fannie Purdy, and they have had three children: George, who has one child; Ora, who has two children; and Harry, who is deceased. JOHN MILLER. The public in general takes great interest in following the history of a young man who has started out in his life's career handicapped in innumerable ways, without capital or influential friends, and who, notwithstanding all these obstacles, pushes manfully toward the goal of success which he has set before him. Such a man is the one whose name heads this article, and who is now well and favorably known as a general merchant at Weaver's Station. In almost every respect he is self-made and self-educated, and too much credit cannot be given him for the brave and manly way in which he has overcome difficulties that would have made the spirit of most men despondent. Mr. Miller is a native son of Darke county, Ohio, having been born on a farm about one mile east of Nevada, in Richland township, and is a son of Isaac and Mary (Kershner) Miller. Isaac Miller was horn in Fulton county, Pennsylvania, and was there educated in the country schools. When a young man he migrated to Darke county and took up land in Richland township, on which he continued to be engaged in operations for many years. He was an earnest, industrious and skillful farmer, made the most of his opportunities, and achieved a satisfactory measure of success. At this time he is living retired from the activities of farm work, but continues to take a keen and intelligent interest in all that pertains to the progress of agriculture. Mrs. Miller is a native of Darke county, and also survives, making her home with her husband and son in their comfortable dwelling at Weaver's Station. They have been the parents of three children: John, George, who is engaged in farming on a property in Neave township, and one child who died in infancy. John Miller secured his educational training in the public schools of Brown and York townships, and proved himself a zealous and industrious scholar. During the summer periods DARKE COUNTY - 345 he assisted his father in the work of the home farm, but at the age of nineteen met with a serious accident, the nature of which precluded any idea of his doing hard work. Doing such light tasks as his strength would permit, taking advantage of every opportunity to advance himself and thriftily and wisely saving his earnings, he accumulated enough capital to come to his present location, buying a grocery store which had a small established trade. From this modest beginning he has built up a fine and healthy business, which attracts trade from all over the surrounding country. Mr. Miller has ever been honorable in his business methods, and through his straightforward dealings has won the respect and esteem of the community and the utmost confidence of those with whom he has done business. For some years he worked at the carpenter trade in various parts of Darke county, and examples of his skill and good workmanship are still to be found. Mr. Miller is a Democrat in his political views. For three years he served in the capacity of assessor, and at this time he is acting as postmaster. His genial and courteous manner make him one of the most popular officials this village has had, and few men here have a wider circle of friends. SAMUEL B. McCABE. In the death of Samuel B. McCabe, which occurred January 4, 1908, Darke county lost a citizen whose memory is still held in the deepest respect and veneration. His path was ever that of integrity and, virtue, of trustworthiness and fidelity, and his mind bore the impress of the historic annals of the State of Ohio from an early period in its history. For many years he retained his residence about onephalf mile south of Weaver's Station, where he was the owner of one hundred acres of fine land, and was one of the revered patriarchs of the community. Such a life contains many lessons well worthy of emulation, and it is with pleasure, therefore, that his record is presented in these pages. Mr. McCabe was born in Middlesex county, New Jersey, September 30, 1832, and was a son of Isaac and Rachael (Brown) McCabe. His father brought the family from the East to Ohio when Samuel B. was still a child, and settled at Franklin, Warren county, where he spent the remainder of his 346 - DARKE COUNTY career in agricultural pursuits. Both he and his wife died at Franklin and were laid to rest in the cemetery there. They were the parents of five children, as follows: Mary, who is making her home in Missouri in advanced years, and James, John, Samuel and Wesley, all of whom are deceased. Samuel B. McCabe received his preliminary instruction in the public schools of his native State, and after coming to Ohio completed his education in the district schools of Warren county. On leaving the Franklin schools, he worked on the home farm until he was of age, in the meantime carefully saving his earnings, with the result that when he was still a young man he was able to purchase the nucleus of what was to become one of the handsome properties of Darke county. He was long known to the people of Neave township as a man of sterling integrity of character, generous in all things, and with a degree of public spirit that kept his community's interests all foremost in his heart. As a farmer and stockraiser he was skilled in his methods, using the most modern machinery with excellent results. At the time of his death he was living somewhat retired, being in the enjoyment of the fruits of his many years of industrious labor. Mr. McCabe was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Knee, daughter of Henry and Christina (Harp) Knee, who came from Pennsylvania and located at Germantown, Ohio, and subsequently located on a farm in German township, Darke county, where Mrs. McCabe was born, educated and reared. Mr. Knee was a member of the United Brethren church, a well-known Democrat of his day and locality, and a successful agriculturist. He and his wife had five children: John, Silas and Jacob, who are all deceased; Elizabeth, who married Mr. Finnarn, and Sarah, who married Mr. McCabe. Mr. and Mrs. McCabe became the parents of the following children: Ula, who married Frank Crumine, and had one daughter, Zelma, who married William Brown, and has one child; Dora, who married Alfred Niswonger, and had six children; Reo Wealthy, wife of Howard Ketty, with two children, Robert and James; Lester, who is deceased; Arden, who married Ward Williams and has one child, Samuel; Mary and Leo, who married Dave Gray and has one child, Stephen A.; Elizabeth, who married Lemuel Payne, and had two children, Earl, who married Ethel Thorn, and has four children: Leroy, 'Mary, Mildred, and Andrew, who married D. Curtner, and had two children, Marion and Helen; Oscar, who married Anna Lautenschlager, DARKE COUNTY - 347 and had six children, Clo, Icey, who married Earl, and had two children, and Frank, Ethel, Carl and Ruth; Ora, who married Charles Townsend, and had one child, Vernie; Bert, who married Sadie Jenkerson, and had four children, an infant, Raymond, Harry and D. Wilbur; Max, deceased, who married Luella Royer, and had two children, Fay and Sylvia; and Samuel B., living on the old homestead, who married Julia Zonia and has five children, Gladys, Sylvester, Shirley, Alpha and Warren. Mr. McCabe was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal church and earnestly endeavored to live up to its teachings. He was a Democrat in politics, but did not care for the struggles of the public arena. Aside from the pleasures of his home, he most greatly enjoyed to set forth with his rod or gun, and it was seldom that lie returned from these excursions without some trophy of the furry or finny tribes. His life was one of industry, sobriety and probity, and his success came only as the result of constant and well applied effort. WILLIAM DAYTON ALBRIGHT To some individuals success appears as an elusive thing, but it will he found that failure generally results from the lack of one of the elements which may be acquired by all— perseverance, energy. industry and resolute purpose. An analysis of the life records of successful men show that these qualities have been the causation of their prosperity, and such is the case with William Dayton Albright, a leading and successful farmer of Darke county, who owns and occupies a good farm of eighty acres pleasantly situated on the old Palestine turnpike in Greenville township, about three and one-half miles southwest of Greenville. Mr. Albright is a native of Darke county, having been born April 11, 1857, one-half mile south of Arcanum in Twin township, a son of Henderson and Catherine (Leedy) Albright. Henderson Albright was born in the State of North Carolina and shortly after moved with his parents to Tennessee, and on growing to manhood came to Darke county, where he was married. He located on a farm in Twin township, which he carried on a few years and then sold out and moved to Gordontown, where he bought and successfully conducted a 348 - DARKE COUNTY sawmill which he leased in 1864 and enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-second regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry. Three of his brothers became soldiers at the same time, and in same regiment. Three other brothers had gone into the army earlier in the service. Of these seven brothers all lived to come home. Three of them received wounds. Adam C., the youngest of the seven, was in from 1861 to the close of the war, having re-enlisted after his first term had expired. He was one of the three wounded, having received a ball in the foot. He now lives at Hastings, Neb. At the battle of Mine Run a ball struck the canteen worn by William K. and after passing through it struck the plate containing the letters "U. S." with such force that the shock made a severe contusion on the abdomen that caused him to think he was severely wounded, but he soon recovered sufficiently to know that what he had mistaken for blood was only the warm water from the canteen. He is now a retired minister in the United Brethren church and lives in Greenville. Phillip was one of the three wounded ones. After the war he became a farmer in Darke county, where he passed away on March 20, 1908. All of these men proved faithful and gallant soldiers and their military record was an excellent one of which their descendants may well be proud. Henderson Albright's children were all born in Twin township. May 17, 1865, he moved his family to a farm in Greenville township,, which he had bought a short time before. Here he passed the remainder of his life in tilling the soil. He was a good and public-spirited citizen and showed himself as constant and persevering in discharging the duties of citizenship, as he had been when he fought in the ranks of the blue. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Albright were born five children. The first died in infancy, John C. Fremont was married, December 20, 1888, to Sarah Harnish. He passed away June 12, 1906. His widow lives at 320 West Broadway, Greenville, Ohio. William D., the subject of this sketch, and Charles Simpson, an undertaker in Greenville, Ohio. William D. Albright attended the district schools in Greenville township in the winter months and assisted on the farm in the summer. After finishing the work in the country schools he attended a more advanced school in city of Greenville two terms. He thus mastered the elementary branches of English education. In the summer months his labors were needed upon the home farm, and from the time of early planting in the DARKE COUNTY - 349 spring until crops were gathered in the late fall he assisted in the work of the fields and the other departments of farm labor. Mr. Albright was also inclined to mechanical work, and for some time was engaged at the carpenter trade, but soon returned to tilling the soil, and is now known as one of the substantial agriculturists of Greenville township. He has a pleasant home, large stock and feed barns and other substantial buildings, uses modern machinery, and makes his land pay him well for all labor expended upon it. In addition to general farming operations, he has been interested in the breeding of various kinds of livestock, and has made a decided success of raising pure bred Duroc hogs. In politics Mr. Albright is a Republican, but his interest in public matters has been limited to casting his influence with those things which he believes will benefit the community in the greatest degree. Like all the members of his family, he belongs to the United Brethren church. In February, 1893, Mr. Albright was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Morris, who died November 25, 1904, and was buried at the Greenville cemetery. She was a direct descendant of William Morris, one of the signers of the American Declaration of Independence. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Albright, namely: Paul M., born April 30, 1894, and Catherine Ruth, born April 20,1896. Henderson Albright passed away October 27, 1908, and was buried at Greenville. His wife is now living With William D. Albright. WILLIAM P. CUNNINGHAM. Through a long period of more than a quarter of a century William P. Cunningham was numbered among the leading and enterprising farmers of Darke county, Ohio. His life was well spent and commanded the confidence of all with whom he came into contact in business circles, and although he is now living retired he is still widely and favorably known, for his career continues to be characterized by strict fidelity to all the duties of home and of citizenship. He started out in the world empty handed, but by his perseverance and energy has accumulated a handsome confidence, and is still the owner of one hundred and thirty-two acres of land in Neave township, where his fellow citizens have expressed their confidence in his ability and honor by electing him to the board of township