350 - DARKE COUNTY trustees. Mr. Cunningham was born September 17, 1860, in Sugar Creek township, Greene county, Ohio, and is a son of James and Sarah (Stratton) Cunningham. Mr. Cunningham's father was also a native of Greene county, where he was reared, educated and spent his entire life. He was a cooper by trade, an occupation which he followed for some years, but during the greater part of his career devoted his attention to tilling the soil, a vocation in which he met with a satisfactory measure of success. He died in 1883, at Bellbrook, Ohio, and was buried there. William P. Cunningham received his education in the common schools of Bellbrook, and during all of his school period assisted his father on the home farm. He acquired a thorough knowledge of farming, and when he was graduated from school adopted that vocation as his life work. Upon attaining his majority he rented land from his uncle, and after some years spent as a renter was able to purchase a small tract of land of his own. To this he added from time to time, until he had accumulated one hundred and thirty-two acres in Neave township, and this property he still owns. Mr. Cunningham continued to carry on operations until several years ago, when, feeling that he had earned a rest from his labors, he turned his business cares over to younger shoulders and since then has been living quietly, enjoying the fruits of his years of industrious toil. Mr. Cunningham has done all in his power to promote the agriculturists' interests in Darke county and to stimulate ambition and progressiveness among them, and his own energetic efforts inspired many others-. He is entirely a self-made man and the success he has achieved is the result of his own well-directed efforts. He has been very industrious and his prompt execution of any task that has devolved upon him has been one of the secrets of his prosperity. One year after coming to Neave township he was elected a member of the board of township trustees, the people only needing that length of time to recognize and appreciate his general worth and ability. He is a faithful member of the Presbyterian church at Bellbrook, and there also is connected with the J. A. M. O. U. Lodge. On March 3, 1886, Mr. Cunningham was married to Miss Jeannette Thorp, whose parents were residents of Gordon, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham have had no children of their own, but have an adopted daughter, Nellie Fryermood, who became the wife of Joseph Zay and now lives in Indiana. DARKE COUNTY - 351 FRANK GORDON LONGFELLOW. Devoting his energies to general farming and stock raising, Frank G. Longfellow still makes his home in Darke county, which was the place of his birth and which will probably be his home until he is gathered to his fathers. He is a member of the younger generation of agriculturists here, but has already made a place for himself among the substantial and progressive men of the community in which he resides, and is a renter of sixty acres under a high state of cultivation, and pleasantly situated on the Jaysville road, about five and one-half miles south of Greenville, in Neave township. Mr. Longfellow was born at Fort Jefferson, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of Stephen A. D. and Rachel C. (North) Longfellow. S. A. D. Longfellow was born at Hamilton, Ohio, a member of an old and honored family of Butler county, members of which had distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavor. He received the greater part of his education in his na -tive place, and was a youth of sixteen when he accompanied his parents to Darke county, here being married five years later. His early training had all been along agricultural lines, and upon attaining his majority he embarked in farming, a vocation which he continued to follow throughout the remainder of his life. He was justly accounted one of the substantial men of his community, who could be depended upon to further the best interests of his locality in matters of importance. Mr. Longfellow married Miss Rachel C. North, a native of Darke county, Ohio, and they became the parents of ten children, as follows: Frank G., of this review; R. G., a resident of Northwest Canada; William C., living at Germantown, Ohio; A. H., Leonard, Margaret, Lawrence, Edna, Helen and Marjorie. Frank G. Longfellow received his primary schooling in the public institutions of Fort Jefferson, and when his family moved to the farm in Neave township he became a student in the country schools. From earliest boyhood he has been engaged in farm work, for he was the oldest of his father's sons, and it was necessary that he devote all his spare time to assisting in the operation of the home tract. He was carefully and thoroughly trained in all the subjects of which it is desir- able for the successful agriculturist to have a knowledge. and proved himself a bright and zealous scholar, so that when he reached man's estate he was equipped to carry on a win- 352 - DARKE COUNTY ning fight in his battles with the world. When twenty-six years of age he was married, and at that time embarked upon a career of his own, and has since continued to successfully compete with the agriculturists of his section. The property is well improved, the fields well tilled and the neat and thrifty appearance of the whole tract well indicates his careful supervision and thrifty spirit. Mr. Longfellow was married in 1907 to Miss Pearl Hepner, daughter of Emanuel and Mary A. (Harp) Hepner, and two this union there has been born two sons, Robert, who died at the age of two years, and Ralph now three. Mr. Longfellow is a Democrat in his political belief. With his family, he attends the Methodist Episcopal church. ORVILLE A. McNUTT. The numerous friends of this rising young agriculturist of Neave township, Darke county, are safe in their predictions for him of success in his chosen field of endeavor. Energy, constant perseverance in whatever he undertakes, and many other strong traits of character are noticeable qualities in his nature and are the basis of his friends' belief in his future prosperity. The same will power and determination which he has manifested in the past, if it may be taken as a criterion of the future, will enable him to reach high places in the esteem of the community and in his struggles for material success. Mr. McNutt is now the manager of more than two hundred acres of finely cultivated land located on the old Ithaca road, which he has developed into one of the most productive farms in Neave township. He has been a lifelong resident of this community, having been born on the farm he now occupies, August 18, 1880, and is a son of John and Eliza L. (Brumbaugh) McNutt. Members of the McNutt family have long been identified with the agricultural interests of Darke county, where the name has ever been a synonym for straightforward dealing and business supremacy. Mr. McNutt's father was a farmer all of his life, and when he retired from the heavier activities of life was the owner of much land, accumulated through well-directed effort. He was not known to political life, but as an industrious, hard-working citizen, doing his share in the improvement of the land, he rendered his community signal DARKE COUNTY - 353 service. John McNutt married Eliza L. Brumbaugh, and they became the parents of three children, as follows: Orville A., of this review; Susan, who became the wife of Mr. Diller Baker, and John, who is deceased. The education of Orville A. McNutt was secured in the schools of his native vicinity, and he completed in district school No. 4, which was located near the old homestead. During his school period he spent his summers and a large part of each spring and fall in helping his father on the homestead, and thus gained excellent experience for the work in which he had determined to spend his best efforts. At the age of twenty-one years he had shown himself so capable in farts work, that his father turned the management of the place over to him, and he has continued to operate the homestead to the present time. Under his charge the land has been made to produce abundantly, the buildings are in fine repair and the machinery new and practical. He has met with success in general farming, and has also done a great deal in the way of stock raising, raising a number of cattle and hogs for the market each year. His business transactions have ever been carried on in a strictly legitimate and honorable manner, and he has gained in this way the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has had transactions. Mr. McNutt was married February 8, 1902, to Miss Gertrude Reigle, also a native of Darke county. They have n children. In politics a democrat, Mr. McNutt has served efficiently in the capacity of clerk of Neave" township, rendering his fellow citizens excellent service. At present he is assessor for Neave township. His support is given to worthy movements of religious and charitable organizations, although he is not a professed member of any church. WINFIELD SCOTT ALBRIGHT Darke county is celebrated for its fine farms and amonG those who aid in sustaining the reputation of this section at the present day is Winfield Scott Albright, an enterprising, progressive agriculturist of Neave township, who operates one hundred and five acres on the old Palestine road, about four and one-half miles south of Greenville. This is a valuable (23) 354 - DARKE COUNTY property, 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 accessories of the farm. His business methods are above question, and industry and energy are his predominant characteristics, so that in business circles he occupies an enviable position, having the confidence and good will of all with whom he comes into contact. Mr. Albright is a native son of Darke county, having been born May 18, 1859, on the old home farm near Arcanum, Twin township, a son of Henderson and Catherine (Leedy) Albright. His father, a native of the State of North Carolina, grew up at the old family home in Darke county and was there married. He was the owner of a farm and sawmill there and had large business interests and a growing family to look after, but when his country called for volunteers he laid aside his private affairs, shouldered a musket and marched to the front in the early sixties with a musket on his shoulder as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Ffty-second regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry. At close of the war, he returned to civic life with an excellent record for bravery and efficiency. All of his children were born in Twin township, and there he had an established home, but after the close of his military career he brought his family to Greenville township, which was the subpsequent scene of his endeavors as a farmer and stockgrower. Mr. Albright became well and favorably known as a man of integrity and substantiality and his friends were many throughout this section. He and his wife were the parents of five children: First died in infancy; John C. Fremont also deceased; William Dayton, who is engaged in farming in Greenville township; Winfield Scott, the subject of this sketch, and Charles Simpson, who is an undertaker in Greenville. Winfield Scott Albright pursued his education in the public schools of Greenville township and high school of Greenville, After attending high school two years he taught two winters, then returned and attended another term of high school and then taught another winter, all in same district. He was reared to agricultural pursuits on the home farm, upon which he spent his summer months. He was an industrious, ambitious youth and grew up a determined and energetic man, zealous to make a place for himself in the community. This ambition has been realized, for today he is numbered among the substantial agriculturists of his section. Mr. Albright has shown himself DARKE COUNTY - 355 to be a man true to every principle in which he believes, earnest in support of his honest convictions, industrious and energetic in the practical affairs of life, cordial and genial among his many friends, and at all times a gentleman whom to know is to respect. Mr. Albright was married (first) to Amanda Miller, and to their union there was born one child. Mrs. Amanda Albright died soon after the death of Fern Amanda, but the daughter lived to be eight months and fifteen days old. He was married (second) to Miss Esther Morris, daughter of T. B. and Angeline (Harrod) Morris, and five children were born to this union: Henderson M., Wilbur Scott, Jr., George F. and Elbert and Edith, twins. In political matters Mr. Albright is a propgressive Republican, although he is not a politician in the generally accepted meaning of the word. With his family he is a member of and attends the Methodist Episcopal church, and supports its movements liberally. JOHN H. LUTZ. John H. Lutz is accounted a progressive, enterprising citizen, and has always given his influence toward securing the betterment and progress of his community. He has carried on farming for many years with gratifying success and now contemplates retiring from active life and enjoying the rest he has so well earned. He has won a competence through hard work and good management and is the owner of a nice residence property in Pitsburg which he will probably make his future home. Mr. Lutz now lives on Section 9, Monroe township, which has been his home for some thirteen years. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, December 8, 1860, and is a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Ditmer) Lutz, who are mentioned at some length in connection with the sketch of their son F. B. Lutz, which appears on another page of this work. They came to Darke county about 1860, and made their home on a farm in Monroe township. They were parents of eight children. In boyhood John H. Lutz attended the country school in District No. 3, Monroe township, and early began to help with the work on his father's farm. He early developed an ability as a farmer and was an enterprising worker at home. He remained with his father until he was twenty-four years of age, 356 - DARKE COUNTY and on November 9, 1884, married Miss Catherine Binkley, who was born in Montgomery county, January 13, 1861, and was a daughter of Jacob and Mattie (Weller) Binkley. Both her parents were born in Pennsylvania and they were early settlers of Montgomery county, where they were buried. They had ten children, namely: Mattie, wife of Benjamin Frantz, of Clarke county, Pennsylvania; Mrs. John Lutz; Anna, who died about 1908, was the wife of Noah Spitler; one child died in early childhood; Christian, deceased; Jacob, of Miami county; Samuel and Fred, of Montgomery county; Harvey, of Idaho, and Jesse, of Montgomery county. Mrs. Lutz died May 20, 1911, aged fifty years and seven months, being buried in Mote cemetery. She was a faithful member of the Church of the Brethren, and was sincerely mourned by her many friends. She bore her husband four children: Edith Estella, born August 19, 1885, wife of Arch Fetters, of Montgomery county, has five children—Harvey, Hazel, Leonard, John and Lowell; Jesse Earl, born April 27, 1887, at home with his father; Minnie May, born May 2, 1889, at home with her father; Delbert Claude, born December 23, 1897, also at home. After marriage Mr. Lutz for sixteen years operated a rented farm one and a half miles south of Pitsburg, where he was most successful, and in 1901 he purchased his present farm of 117 acres, moving thereto and putting up all the improvements except the house. The land is in two tracts, one of eighty acres and one of thirty-seven acres, with a house on each place, as well as other necessary buildings to make two homes, but they cultivate it as one farm. They have some fine stock on the place and raise considerable tobacco. Mr. Lutz is a Republican in politics and his first presidential vote was cast for James G. Blaine. He has been an industrious worker and has helped every worthy cause for the betterment of local conditions, numbering his 'friends by the score. He is well read and keeps abreast of the times in every way. He has given his children a fair education and interested himself in their welfare and training for useful citizens. Mr. Lutz was married on August 2, 1913, to Miss Dora V. Cool, a native of Darke county, born October 8, 1882, daughter of Samuel and Maggie B. (Wright) Cool, natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, and now deceased. Mr. Cool was born July 14, 1844, and died September 11, 1911, and his wife was born July 12, 1851, and died September 14, 1883, and both are buried • in Mote cemetery. He served in the Civil DARKE COUNTY - 357 War for three years. After the death of Mrs. Cool her children and -husband kept up the home, and Miss Dora kept house for her aged father until the time of his demise, caring for him with daughterly solicitude. There were six children in the family: William H., horn October 10, 1869, died at the age of eighteen years, in 1887; John E., born February 10, 1871, a resident of Miami county, Ohio; Mary L. died July 31, 1887, aged sixteen years; David L., born August 13, 1875, died September 20, 1887; Samuel B., born December 29, 1877, a resident of Pitsburg; Mrs. Lutz. All except Mrs. Lutz were born in Virginia. Mrs. Lutz is a member of the Brethren Church. She is a charming woman and the home over which she presides is one of refinement and true hospitality. CHARLES SELLMAN. Darke county is honored by the life and career of this honored farmer of Neave township. He is a native of Germany, from whence a large number of our thrifty and industrious citizens come, especially those engaged in agricultural pursuits. There seems to be something in the nature of the Teuton that allows the German to adapt himself to conditions in the United States, and rare, indeed, is it found that the natives of the Fatherland do not meet with success. At any rate, Charles Sellman is today one of the substantial men of his community, being the owner of one hundred acres of well-cultivated land located on the Weavers Station road, about seven miles from Greenville. He was born in Germany, October 26, 1847, and is a son of Fred and Minnie Sellman, who came to the United States with their five children, who were as follows: Frederick, Minnie, Louisa, Henry and Charles. After landing at New York City, the little family migrated to Dayton, Ohio, and thence to Greenville, and in the schools of Greenville township Charles Sellman secured his educational training. The youngest of his father's children, he was brought up to farming, was early taught the lesson that success depends upon industry and steadily applied effort, and that the surest way to a position in public esteem lay over the paths of honesty and honorable dealing. He remained under the parental roof and continued as his father's assistant until reaching the age of twenty years, at which time he em- 358 - DARKE COUNTY barked upon a career of his own, spending three years in agricultural pursuits in Illinois, then worked for a time at the carpenter trade, and spent one year in California, but eventually decided that Darke county offered him better inducements and opportunities than any other section which he had visited. After returning from California and after being married, Mr. Sellman purchased a farm of forty acres in Brown township, near Ansonia, on which farm he lived for seventeen years. After clearing and improving this land and putting it under a good state of cultivation, and erecting good buildings, he lived this farm. During these years, through perseverance and industrious labor, he had accumulated enough capital to invest in his present farm in Neave township. This he has brought to a high state of development, using modern methods and most highly improved machinery, and has added materially to the value of the farm by the erection of substantial buildings. He produces excellent crops, and each year sells a number of cattle and hogs to the markets, his livestock always commanding top-notch prices. Mr. Sellman was married in Greenville township to Miss Sophia Rehmert, daughter of William and Charlotta Rehmert, residents of Darke county, and to this union there have been born seven children, five of whom are living: John, who is a Burroughs Adding Machine inspector for the State of Kentucky, married Adelaide Ross of Louisville, Ky., and has three children, Ross, Charles and Eugene; Elmer, who is a plumber, married Cora Hill of Palestine, Ohio, and has one child, Harvey; Lottie married Harley G. Monks, a prosperous farmer, of Palestine, Ohio, and has two children, Charles and Pauline: Reuben, a telegraph operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and Paul, the youngest, who intends, and promises, to be an up-to-date farmer. NOAH BAKER. It is always interesting to watch from the beginning the growth and development of a locality; to note the lines along which marked progress has been made and to take cognizance of those whose leadership in the work of advancement and improvement have made possible the present prosperity of the locality under consideration. Noah Baker is one of those DARKE COUNTY - 359 who have seen the greater part of the growth of Neave township, for fifty-five years have passed since he first saw the light of day here, and the history of the township has been the same as his own since that time. In the line of agricultural work, Mr. Baker has achieved marked success, and today he is accounted one of the substantial men of his community, being the owner of one hundred and seven acres of fine land on the Greenville and Palestine load, about five miles southwest of Greenville. Mr. Baker was born in Neave township, Darke county, Ohio, December 25, 1858, and is a son of George and Susannah (Pitinsberger) Baker. His father, born near Salem, Montgomery county, Ohio, came to Darke county at an early period, here married, established a home, and engaged in farming, which he followed with marked success throughout the remainder of his career. He was a public-spirited citizen who did much to advance the interests of his community, and bore a high reputation in business circles because of the straightforward and honorable manner in which he carried on his transactions. At his death he left a wide circle of friends to mourn him. Mr. Baker married Susannah Pitinsberger, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, and they became the parents of eight children, as follows: Mary, who is now deceased; Henry, Noah, of this review; Emma, Ellen, Willard, who is now deceased; Samuel, also deceased, and one child who died in infancy. Noah Baker was given ordinary educational advantages, his entire training in this direction being secured in what was known as the Baker school, located in his home vicinity. This has since been supplemented by keen observation of men and affairs and he is today a very well-informed man. While still attending school he received his introduction to farm work during the summer months and almost as soon as he was large enough to reach the handles he was initiated into the secrets of plowing. It was but natural, then, that he should adopt the occupation of agriculturist on growing to manhood, and when he was twentypone years of age he commenced renting from his father. Soon, through thrift and industry, he was able to save enough to make his original purchase, and from that time on his success was assured. Today he is known as one of the representative farmers and stockraisers of his community, able to hold his own with all. Mr. Baker follows general farming in all of its varied branches, and uses the most approved modern methods in handling each. He makes a specialty of breeding 360 - DARKE COUNTY pure bred Barred Plymouth Rock, Buff Orpingtons and White Leghorn fowls. He has been content to follow farming and not to enter the struggles of the public arena. His views of the temperance question make him a Prohibitionist in politics, but in this he may be said to be somewhat conservative, as he has never been a bigot in any of the affairs of life. With his family, he faithfully attends religious services at the Church of the Brethren, of which he has long been a liberal contributing member. Mr. Baker was married to Miss Mary Crumwine, daughter of John and Sarah (Sinks) Crumwine, and to this union there have been born two children: Frank, who married Mamie McCoy, and has one daughter, Madonna, and Ira, unmarried, who lives with his parents and is the capable manager of the home farm. MADISON WAGNER. Since the very earliest pioneer days of Darke county the name of Wagner has been closely identified with the agricultural, business and public interests of this part of the State, and members of the family have distinguished themselves in various lines of endeavor here for nearly a century of time. A worthy repreentative of the name is found in the person of Madison Wagner, of Neave township, one of his community's most progressive and public-spirited men and the owner of one hundred acres of fine land on the New Madison road, about four miles north of New Madison, which he is devoting to general farming and the raising of livestock. Mr. Wagner was born November 4, 1859, on the farm which he now occupies, and is a son of Jonathan and Emmeline (Throp) Wagner. John Wagner, the great-grandfather of Madison Wagner, was the founder of the family in Darke county, Ohio, bringing his wife and children here in 1816, from Berks county, Pennsylvania, and settling on government land, on which he carried on operations during the remainder of his life. His son, William Wagner, was ten years of age at the time of the migration here, and, following in his father's footsteps, took up the vocation of farming in young manhood and continued to be engaged therein through his active career. He married Elizabeth Bowers, and both passed away in German township. Jonathan Wagner lived through much of the pioneer history of DARKE COUNTY - 361 Darke county, and his youth was passed in the hard, unremitting toil of clearing land from the virgin forest. He was reared to sturdy manhood, possessed of habits of industry and sobriety, and early decided that the occupation of his forefathers was the one in which he would spend his active years. Upon attaining his majority he entered the struggle of life well equipped to fight its battles, and in subsequent years made a decided success of his ventures, accumulating a handsome competency and becoming known as one of the substantial men of his community. He married Miss Emmeline Throp and they became the parents of eight children, namely: Madison, Elizabeth, Herschel, a resident of German township; William, who lives in Montgomery county, this State; Luella, who married a Mr. Haynes; Frank, who is deceased; Hattie, who married a Mr. Thomas and resides in Colorado, and Ed, of Greenville. Madison Wagner received his education in the Baker Store school, the Lowry school and the White school, one of his teachers being Thomas Brewer, a well-known educator of his day. He worked on the home farm throughout his school period and at the age of twenty-four years began renting land from his father, which he subsequently bought in partnership with his brother. Later he bought the latter's interests and from that time to the present has carried on farming alone. Mr. Wagner has shown himself one of the most enterprising and energetic agriculturists of his township, ever ready to give a trial to innovations which give promise of advancing agricultural work. He has long been an enthusiastic motorist, using his own machine both for pleasure and business purposes and is widely known in automobile circles of the county. However, he has never lost his love for horses, and is still a member of the Horse Thief Association. His religious connection is with the Reformed church, in the work of which he and his family have been active. His political convictions make him a Democrat, and he has served in various official capacities, being trustee of Neave township for eight years and a member of the school board for a long period. His business and social relations have brought him into contact with a large circle of acquaintances, and among them he has many warm friends. His success is most creditable, resulting from well directed and honorable effort, and he well deserves his prosperity and the regard in which he is held. Mr. Wagner was married September 26, 1888, to Miss Re- 362 - DARKE COUNTY becca Sheets, and three children have been born to this union: Vernon, who is deceased; Earnest, who is assisting his father in the work of the homestead, and Obed, who is attending high school. DAVID M. HARTMAN. For forty years the late David M. Hartman was a resident of Darke county, Ohio, and during this long period bore an unsullied reputation, his integrity and honesty gaining for him the unqualified regard and esteem of those with whom he was brought in contact in all walks of life. As a soldier in the Union army when the country was threatened by the forces of secession, he proved himself brave and faithful in the discharge of duty, and when he returned to the ranks of peace he just as faithfully discharged every duty of citizenship, at all times lending active support and co-operation to every movement for the public good. David M. Hartman was born February 23, 1840, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and was a son of John and Susannah (Messinger) Hartman, who never left their Keystone State. David M. was reared to agricultural pursuits, and received ordinary educational advantages in the public schools of Pennsylvania, but when twenty-one years of age left the parental roof and came to Ohio, first locating in Greenville, where he secured employment as a farm hand for the McCabe family, early settlers of Darke county. He was thus engaged when the Civil war broke across the country in all its tury, and when President Lincoln made his call for volunteer troops, Mr. Hartman was one of the first to offer his services, joining the Eleventh regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, among the men who enlisted for a term of three months. At the end of this period he again enlisted, this time becoming a member of the hard-fighting Sixty-ninth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and when his term with that organization had expired he veteranized in the Fourth United States cavalry. During the time that he was in the army, Mr. Hartman participated in no less than thirty-four engagements, in addition to marches, skirmishes, etc., a record of which any soldier might be proud. He at all times bore himself with the utmost gallantry and earned the admiration of his comrades and the esteem and regard of his officers. Upon receiving his final honorable dis- DARKE COUNTY - 363 charge, he returned to Palestine, Ohio, where he learned the trade of harnessmaker, and this vocation he followed for some time thereafter in Wabash county, Indiana. Later, however, he returned to agricultural pursuits, in which he continued to be engaged throughout the remainder of his active career. He was successful in his ventures because of industry, energy and perseverance, and accumulated a valuable tract of eighty acres of land, located on the Fort Jefferson road, about three miles from Greenville. There he was engaged in farming and stock-raising at the time of his death, which occurred February 7, 1901. Mr. Hartman had formed a wide acquaintance in Neave township during his long residence here, and in it numbered a number of warm friends. He was a man entirely free from ostentation, was kindly and genial in manner, and was always ready to assist those who had been less fortunate than he. In his death his community lost one of its substantial men. In 1867 Mr. Hartman was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Jenkinson, daughter of William and Mary (Thompson) Jenkinson, early settlers of Darke county, who came from Pennsylvania. Mr. Hartman was a Democrat in politics, but no politician. He lent his support to all religious and charitable movements, although not a professed member of any church. His widow, who survives him and makes her home on the old place in Neave township, is widely known in this vicinity, and a wide circle of friends hold her in the warmest regard. DAVID C. FOUREMAN. A sturdy citizen of Darke county, who has witnessed the wonderful changes and lived through the vital drama that has made this one of the agricultural paradises of the Buckeye State, is David C. Foureman of Van Buren, a citizen who has won his way to success over the difficult selfmade paths, and who today can look back over a wellspent and useful career, in the enjoyment of the fruits of his long years of labor. Mr. Foureman is now the owner of six hundred acres of fine land, located on the old State road, about six miles southeast of Greenville. He was born about four miles east of his present home, on the old Henry Foureman homestead in this township, March 12, 1848, and is a son of Henry and Susannah (Baker) Foureman. 364 - DARKE COUNTY Jonathan Foureman, the grandfather of David C. Foureman, was the founder of the family in Darke county, Ohio, whence he came from Berks county, Pennsylvania, during the administration of John Quincy Adams, and entered six hundred and forty acres of land. Here he spent the remainder of his life in clearing his land and preparing a home for his family, and became one of the solid, substantial men of his community. He was the father of eight children, as follows: Henry, John, Samuel, Mrs. Elizabeth Baker, Jacob, Joseph, Mrs. Mary Baker and William, all of whom are deceased and buried in Darke county. Henry Foureman was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and attended the schools there until sixteen years of age, at which time he accompanied his parents, brothers and sisters to Darke county, and while here went to a subscription school at Ithaca and a district school in Van Buren township, both of these being held in old log buildings. He assisted his father and brothers to clear the home farm, and worked with his father until he was twenty-four years of age, at which time, in recognition of his faithful services, the elder man gave him one hundred and sixty acres, located in section thirty five, in the southeast corner of Van Buren township. To this he added several acres, and later purchased one hundred and sixty acres to the north, and on this property the rest of his active years were spent, but at the time of his retirement he went to Arcanum, Ohio, and theie he and his wife both passed away. They were laid to rest in Abbottsville cemetery. David C. Foureman spent his entire school period in district No. 6, known as the Foureman school, and in the meantime spent the summer months in working on the homestead place. At the age of twenty-one years he received eighty acres of land in section twenty-six, and to this he subsequently added one hundred acres in section fourteen, but later sold both of these tracts and went back to the old homestead. There he remained twelve years, but in 1894 bought one hundred and sixty-one acres of land where he now resides, and to this he has since continued to add until he now has six hundred acres. He has shown himself skilled in all branches of agricultural work, and is a business man of far more than ordinary ability, but at this time is living somewhat retired, feeling that he has earned a rest from his years of strenuous endeavor. He is a most public-spirited and enterprising man. He was rocked in a Republican cradle and has been faithful to the principles advocated by that party ever since he became a voter. As one of DARKE COUNTY - 365 his locality's most capable and influential men he has been called upon to fill positions of trust and responsibility, having been a member of the school board for fourteen years, trustee of the school board for three years, and a member of the board of trustees of Van Buren township for twelve years, and in all of these capacities has shown himself possessed of high ideals of citizenship and public service. He is not a professed member of any church, but gives his support to worthy religious and charitable movements. On October 14, 1866, Mr. Foureman was married to Miss EIiza Unger, daughter of George and Sarah (Merkley) Unger, who came to Darke county, Ohio, from Lancaster county, Pennsylvinia, with their four children: Isaac, John, Eliza and Manda, the last named deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Foureman there have been born the following children: Sarah, deceased, who married Albert, Foureman and had four children, Wordsell, Ruby, Jesse and Irena; Isaac, who is deceased; Susannah, deceased, who married Frank Michel and had two children, Estella and Eliza; Amanda, deceased, who married W. Byers, and has four children: Flossie, Ruth, Ralph, and Sadie; Delilah, who married James Allread, and had three children, Archie, Harley and Amal; Lydia, who married John Judy, and had three children, Leonard, Herbert and Raymond; Anna, who married Willis Davis, and has four children, Mildred, Herman, Robert and Everett; Harlus, who married Diana Townsend, and has three children, Melvin, Treven and Pement;; Charles, who married Opal Reigle and has three children, Pauline, Helen and Dorothy; Pharon, who married Blanche Dines and has two children, Ward and Martha; Worley married Iva Burns. There are twenty-eight grandchildren in this family, and all except three are living in Darke county. BERT HUNT. Probably there can be no more satisfactory business connection than that which exists between father and sons. The older man's experience and hard-earned knowledge, added to the enthusiasm and progressive ideas of youth, produce a combination that is one hard to defeat, and some of Darke county's most successful partnerships are thus composed. There is no exception to this rule in the field of agriculture, and an ex- 366 - DARKE COUNTY ample of success gained by father and sons is found in Neave township, where Washington Hunt and his two sons, Bert and Ralph Hunt, have carried on farming and stockraising for a number of years. Bert Hunt, the direct subject of this review, known as one of the youngest stock buyers and shippers of the county, and at this time is operating three hundred and eighty-six acres of excellent land on the Eaton turnpike, opposite the poor farm in Neave township. He was born northwest of Greenville, near Weimer's grist mill, on the Union City pike May 21, 1880, and is a son of Washington and Mary (Snyder) Hunt. The father, a native of St. Louis, Mo., was brought to the northern part of Darke county, Ohio, when s ill a lad, and was here reared and educated, and has since spent his life in tilling the soil and in raising valuable livestock. He and his wife have been the parents of eight children, as follows: Jesse, Nettie and an infant, all of whom are deceased; Bert, of this review; Ralph, who is in partnership with his father and brother; Ada, who is now the wife of Orville McEowen, and Clara and Ed, who live at home with their parents. Bert Hunt received the greater part of his education in the country schools, commencing at the Sugar Valley school house and ending at the Pewee school in Neave township. He was thoroughly trained from earliest youth in the numerous subjects which it is necessary for the successful farmer to know, and even as a lad showed himself an excellent judge of cattle and other livestock. Accordingly, when only sixteen years of age he was admitted to full partnership with his father, and when his younger brother reached that age he also was taken as a partner, this connection having since proved a most satisfactory one in every particular. The extent of the stock business built up by this firm may be seen, when it is known that about one hundred and fifty to three hundred head of cattle are kept on hand all the time, and that in addition to this great numbers of hogs are shipped annually. Mr. Hunt, it would seem, is an extremely busy young man with these large interests under his control, yet he has found time to take an active and helpful interest in all matters that pertain to the welfare of his township and county, and no movement is considered complete that does not have his co-operation and support. A man of genial personality, loyal to his word and sincere in his friendships, he is popular all over this section and few men are better known. In politics he has allied himself DARKE COUNTY -367 with the new progressive party. A friend of education, he has served for some time as a member of the school board. On August 22, 1903, Mr. Hunt was married to Miss Rose Suter, daughter of John and Lizzie (Smallenberger) Suter, and to this union there have been born five children: Hildred, John, Carl, Washington, Jr., and an infant. MURRAY WILLIAM DAVIS. In naming the representative citizens of any community, it is almost invariably found that among the most important and influential are men who embarked upon their careers with little or no advantages, either of an educational or financial nature, and have worked their way to position and affluence through the medium of their own unflagging industry and indomitable spirit. It would be difficult, perhaps, to find a better example of this class of self-made men than Murray Willis Davis, of Van Buren township, who several years ago was starting his battle with life with little more than willing hands and a sturdy heart, combined with a firm determination to succeed, and who today is the renter of one hundred and twenty-three acres of fine land on the Miller road. Mr. Davis was born April 16, 1870, in Newton township, Miami county, Ohio, and is a son of William L. and Mahala (Hay) Davis. His father, who was born and reared near Pattysville, passed his entire life in agricultural pursuits and became one of the substantial landowners of his community. He and his wife were the parents of six children: Minnie, who became the wife of a Mr. Stump; Jennie, who married a Mr. Hinchaw; Della, who married a Mr. Nye; Anna, who became the wife of a Mr. Dille; Frank, who is deceased, died in the State of Arkansas in the year 1879, aged five years. Murray Willis Davis, who is, perhaps, better known as Willis Davis, secured his educational training in the public schools of Pattysville, and in the meantime was thoroughly trained in agricultural pursuits on his grandfather's farm. At the age of twenty-two years he left the parental roof and secured employment by the month on the Foureman family farm, in Van Buren township, where his sister resided, and continued to be thus occupied until his marriage, when he moved to his present farm. Mr Davis' subsequent career has been 368 - DARKE COUNTY one of continuous advancement, his sturdy self-reliance and skill as a farmer and stockraiser gaining him a full measure of success in his chosen field of endeavor. He has added to his property from time to time, and has made it more valuable by the erection of good buildings and various other modern improvements. He is known as a business man of acumen and foresight, able to grasp any recognized opportunity and to make the most of it, but also a man of the strictest business integrity. He has won many friends through his straightforward manner of handling his affairs, while his good citizenship has never been doubted. The greater part of his time is being devoted to the raising of grain, but other branches of farm work are also being taken care of, and in all departments a mill measure of success is being attained. In political matters Mr. Davis is a Republican, but he has been too busily engaged in his agricultural operations to enter political life as a seeker for public preferment. With his family he gives his support to religious and charitable movements. On September 19, 1897, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Anna Foureman, daughter of David C. and Eliza (Unger) Foureman, of Van Buren township, whose review will be found in another part of this work. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis: Mildred, Herman, Robert and Everett. JAMES R. KNUPP. James R. Knupp has established a good business in Greenville, Darke county, through business enterprise and integrity, and has won the esteem of his fellow citizens in a gratifying degree. He and his father-in-law conduct a high-class garage and shop at the corner of Third and Walnut streets, and have built all the taxicabs operated in the streets of Greenville. They have also rebuilt a great many cars, and in this work have a high reputation. The firm has been established for about five years and has been successful from the start, at the present time operating the largest garage in the county. Mr. Knupp was born at Thomasboro, Illinois, March 11, 1880, son of Samuel P. and Louisa (Mendenhall) Knupp, the father born in Virginia in 1851 and now a resident of Sidney, Ohio. Samuel P. Knupp went to Illinois when he was about DARKE COUNTY - 369 fifteen years of age and made his home in that state until about 1904, when he came to Ohio. He is a machinist by trade. His wife was born at Woodington, Ohio, in 1853, and died in 1907, at Dayton, Ohio, where she is buried. Their fourteen children were bcrn in Illinois and ten of them reached maturity: Lydia, wife of O. E. Ashmore, of Dayton; Fannie, deceased, wife of Lew Clark, died in Illinois; Eva, wife of C. J. Bullington, of Tiskilwa, Illinois; James, of this sketch; Mary, wife of John Judd, died at Springfield, Illinois; Anna, wife of Claude Ryder, of Dayton; Erva and Ervin, twins, of whom Erva married Elmer Brandenburg, and lives in the west, and Ervin married Lottie Aldrich and resides at Sidney, Ohio; Samuel, of Sidney, married Clara Kinsey, of IIlinois; Glenn, at home. Mr. Knupp received a common-school education in the town of Mansfield, Illinois, and then learned the machinist's trade with his father, who conducted a machine shop. Later he spent four years in the employ of the Seybold Machine Company, of Dayton, Ohio; three years with the Stoddard-Dayton Automobile Company, and for about four years afterwards was foreman in the motor department of the Penn Automobile Company, at Philadelphia. In June, 1909, he and M.r. Wolfe established their present business in Greenville. Both are enterprising and progressive in their methods and they have many good friends in Darke county, although they are comparatively recent comers to Greenville. The quality of their product is well known in the surrounding country and their customers come to them with the assurance that they wlil receive the best class of work in every particular. Both are experienced mechanics and largely self-made men. Mr. Knupp is a Republican in politics and cast his first presidential vote for William McKinley. He is active in various local affairs and is now serving as treasurer of the Good Roads and Automobile Club. Fraternally he is a member of the Elks and he is well known for his geniality and pleasant manner. On December 19, 1900, Mr. Knupp was united inmarriage withh Miss Sadie Wolfe, born at Ithaca, Darke county; in 1880, daughter of Daniel and Emma (Black) Wolfe. Mr. Wolfe was born in Darke county and is fifty-five years of age. When hits daughter Sadie was about six years old the Wolfe family moved to Illinois, where they lived some twenty years and (24) 370 - DARKE COUNTY then came back to Darke county. Mrs. Wolfe is also a native of Darke county and is near the same age as her husband. They reside in Greenville and their only child is Mrs. Knupp. Two sons have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Knupp, both born in Dayton: Ralph W., born October 26, 1901, and James Dwight, October 19, 1903, both attending school. Mrs. Knupp is a pleasant, refined woman and they have a comfortable home at 441 Locust street. She is a member of the Presbyterian church. The children are bright and promising and a credit to their parents. Mr. Knupp's interests are identified with Greenville and Darke county and he is ready to work for any cause he believes is for the general good of the community. It is such enterprising, public-spirited men who form the bulwark of the nation and make for its progress and prosperity. SYLVESTER A. MEYERS. Through a residence of more than forty-five years in Darke county, Sylvester A. Meyers has become known to his fellow townsmen as a man who can be trusted at all times and in all places—one who is honorable in business affairs, loyal to the highest principles of citizenship and faithful in his friendships. The success he has gained in life has been well earned, for he lost his father when he was eight years old, and much of his boyhood was spent in hard, unremitting toil. Topday, however, he can look back over a useful life, and as the owner of- a fine farm of eighty-seven acres, located about six miles from Greenville, in Neave township, he is known as one of his community's substantial men. Mr. Meyers was born on the farm which he is now operating, March 20, 1868, and is a son of William and Lydia (Tillman) Meyers, who came to Neave township from near Arcanum, Ohio. There was one other child in the family, Edwin, who now resides at New Madison, Darke county. Sylvester A. Meyers attended district No. 4 school in Neave township, now known as special No. 5, but his educational advantages were somewhat limited, owing to the fact that his father died when he was still a lad and it was necessary that he help as much as possible in carrying on the operation of the home farm. It was necessary that he practice habits of in- DARKE COUNTY - 371 dustry and economy in his youth and these have since proven important factors in his success. At about the age of eighteen years, he was given the management of the farm, having proved his capability, and he has since continued to operate it with a full measure of success. His land is splendidly improved, the great fields of waving grain giving evidence of his careful supervision and industry, while the buildings are large and substantial and kept in the best of repair. Mr. Meyers also raises fine stock and has engaged in shipping cattle and hogs for some years, and his well managed business affairs have brought him a very desirable competence. Mr. Meyers' mother, who still survives, makes her home with her son and is one of the well-known and greatly beloved old ladies of the township. On September 1, 1891, Mr. Meyers was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Jenkinson, of Darke county, and to them there have been born ten children: Mabel, who is the wife of Clyde Drake: Opal, Juna, Ruth, William, Frank, Charles, Samuel, Mary and Paul. The children have all been given good educational advantages, have been reared to lives of industry and honesty, and fitted for whatever positions they may be called upon to fill. Although Mr. Meyers is not affiliated with any particular church, he supports liberally all worthy religious and charitable movements, and has ever been ready to lend a helping hand to the unfortunate. .In politics, he is a stalwart supporter of Democratic principles and candidates, and has been honored by election to the office of township trustee of Neave township, in which he has rendered excellent service for a period of six years. His useful career is one well worthy of emulation by those of the younger generation. ISAAC M. ROSS. The record of men who have gained success in their chosen fields of endeavor needs no introductory preface among the citizens of their native county, and the gentleman who is the subject of this review is undoubtedly a member of the class just referred to. By his strict personal integrity and honorable dealings, combined with brilliant business qualifications, this honored veteran of the great Civil war has become one of the leading citizens of German township. Now, in the evening of life, he may look back over welispent years, surrounded by his family and friends, enjoying the comforts of retirement in his 372 - DARKE COUNTY pleasant home on the Ross gravel pike, one mile east of Palestine. Mr. Ross was born August 25, 1841, on his present farm, and is a son of Robert S. and Maria (Mitchell) Ross. Henry and Sarah (Cook) Ross, the paternal grandparents of Isaac M. Ross, belonged to the first families of Virginia, and migrated to Darke county in 1817, after a short stay in Franklin county. The grandfather settled on a farm in section twenty-four, German township, here cultivated a farm, reared his family, and became one of the substantial men of his community. Robert S. Ross was three years of age when he was brought to Darke county by his parents, and here he received his education in the public schools and was reared to agricultural pursuits. After his father's death lie bought the interest of the other heirs in the homestead, and this he continued to cultivate throughout the remainder of his life. Mr. Ross married Maria Mitchell, daughter of Robert Mitchell, a soldier of the war of 1812, and granddaughter of a Revolutionary soldier, and they became the parents of twelve children, as follows: Josiah, a Union soldier during the Civil war, who died on the field of battle while fighting with Company H., One Hundred Fifty-second regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry; Isaac M., of this review; J. S., a veteran of the Civil war, who was wounded in battle at Liberty, Va., and is now a resident of Arkansas City, Kan.; Mary, who married Mr. Wenger and now lives at New Carlisle, Id.; Charlotte, who married Mr. Wheeler and is now deceased; Rebecca O., the widow of Mr. Berry; David, a resident of Rossberg, Ohio; Amanda, who married Mr. Herculin and lives at Leesville, Ohio; Robert W., a resident of Allen township, Darke county; Sarah C., who is deceased; Jane, who married Mr. Francis, and resides at Columbus, Ohio, and William T., a resident of British Columbia. Isaac M. Ross attended district school No. 8, in German township, and was engaged in assisting his father and brothers in the work of the home farm at the outbreak of the Civil war. At that time, with his brothers and a number of other young men of his neighborhood, he offered his services to the government for duty in the ranks of the blue, and being accepted was assigned to the Forty-fourth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry. After the expiration of his term with that organization, he re-enlisted, becoming a member of the Eighth regiment, Ohio volunteer cavalry, and in all his service covered four years, he being connected with the Army of the Po- DARKE COUNTY - 373 tomac, under Cols. A. S. Gilbert of the infantry, and Colonel Moore of the cavalry, and Colonel Owens of the regular army. For a time he was in the command of General Crook, who distinguished himself at South Mountain, Antietam, Chickamauga and Appomattox and after the war achieved celebrity in campaigns against the Indians as commander of the districts of Idaho and Arizona. Mr. Ross saw an active service. On one occasion he was wounded when a bullet struck a rock in front of him and the fragments flew in his face, and he also had several other narrow escapes. Among his more prominent engagements were Lewisburg, Va.; Siege of Knoxville, Cumberland Gap, Liberty, Va., where his brother was wounded; Lynchburg, and Beverly, Va., the latter being a hand-to-hand struggle, in which Mr. Ross was captured five times by the enemy before breakfast and escaped as many times. Upon the conclusion of a brave and faithful service, Mr. Ross returned to his home and again took up the duties of citizenship. He completed his education in the schools of Palestine, and then resumed agricultural work, in which he continued until advancing years and a well-earned competence caused his retirement. During his active years he was known as one of the skilled agriculturists and good judges of stock of his township, and he still takes a keen interest in the progress and advancement of agricultural work. He still maintains his pleasant home in German township, but spends his winter months at Zephyr Hills, Fla., where he has a commodious residence. On March 23, 1867, Mr. Ross was married to Miss Eliza Jane Peden, daughter of Gibson and Phoebe (Wright) Peden. Mrs. Ross was born at Hollansburg, Darke county, Ohio, September 15, 1845, and died September 5, 1908, at the homestead in German township. She was an active member of the Hollansburg Christian church, did much for charity, and was generally beloved by those who knew her. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ross: Ida Mae and Herschel M. The former married J. J. Ross, of another family, and had four children, the oldest among whom, Claude, graduated from an Indiana high school, spent two years in study in Delaware, and is now preparing for the Christian ministry. Herschel M. Ross was educated at Ada. Ohio, where he took a classical course. He is now engaged in farming in German township, with his home at Palestine, and is known as one of the progressive and enterprising young agriculturists of this section. 374 - DARKE COUNTY HERSCHEL A. WAGNER. For four generations, a period covering nearly ninety years, Oak Valley farm, located in German township, has been the property of the family of Wagner, whose representatives during this period have been closely identified with the agricultural interests of Darke county. The present owner, Herschel A. Wagner, is a man of prominence and influence in his community, where he has long been known as a friend of progress and advancement. He was born January 30, 1863, on the old Wagner home place in Neave township, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of Jonathan and Emmeline (Throp) Wagner. John Wagner (or Waggoner, as the name was then spelled), the great-grandfather of Herschel A. Wagner, was the founder of the family in Darke county, Ohio, bringing his family here in 1816, from Berks county, Pennsylvania, and settling on government land, although it was not until 1825 that he entered this land, the deed for which, dated August 12th of that year, is now owned by Herschel A. Wagner. John Wagner continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits in German township throughout the remainder of his life and was known as one of his community's substantial men. His son, William Wagner, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and was ten years of age at the time the family migrated to Darke county, Ohio, where he likewise was a lifelong farmer. He married Elizabeth Browers, who was born in Frederick county, Maryland, and both died in German township. Jonathan Wagner, son of William Wagner, and fattier of Herschel A. Wagner, lived through much of the pioneer history of Darke county, and his youth was passed in the hard, unremitting toil of clearing and improving land. He early adopted the vocation of farmer as his life work, and upon attaining his majority entered upon his career well fitted to rely absolutely upon his own ability, in subsequent years making a decided success of his ventures and accumulating a handsome cempetency. He married Miss Emmeline Throp and they became the parents of eight children, namely: Madison, who is engaged in farming in Neave township; Herschel A., of this review; William, who lives in Montgomery county, Ohio; Luella, who married a Mr. Haynes; Frank, who is deceased; Hattie, who married a Mr. Thomas and resides in Colorado, and Ed, a resident of Greenville. Herschel A. Wagner received his education in the Neave DARKE COUNTY - 375 township schools and those of German township, and was reared to become an agriculturist, a vocation which he adopted immediately upon reaching manhood. At the age of twenty-one years he began renting land from his father and continued as a renter until, by industry, thrift and good management, he had accumulated enough to purchase the old original homestead, upon which he has since continued to make his home. A typical, hardpworking, self-made man, his success in life is well-merited, and his ready willingness to help others has made him well liked and respected by those who have come in contact with him, either in business or social life. He has made numerous improvements of a modern character on his property, and his residence is one of the beautiful dwellings of the township. Although he carries on general farming, he makes somewhat of a specialty of raising corn, in which he has met with excellent success, and for a hobby does much in raising Duroc swine. His views upon the temperance question make him an ardent Prohibitionist, and he takes a lively interest in any enterprise for the welfare of his community, being recognized as a public-spirited citizen in every way. On October 26, 1889, Mr. Wagner was married to Miss Lou Baird, daughter of Andrew and Miranda (Collett) Baird, residents of Neave township. Andrew Baird was born in Warren county, Ohio, and came to Darke county in young manhood, subsequently serving in the Civil war, becoming prominent in Republican politics, and achieving success in business life. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wagner: Carl B., aged twenty-two years, who is now managing his father's property, and Edith, who is the wife of Walter Bratchie. MRS. H. K. SCHOPP. Mrs. Hildegard (Koeberlin) Schopp, widow of Colonel J. Schopp, is a woman of independent thought and action, and although naturally of a retiring, modest disposition, is ready to give her earnest support to any movement for the general good. Hildegard Koeberlin was horn at Ironton, Ohio, daughter of Reverend Constantine Koeberlin, who presided over the Lutheran church at Greenville from 1869 to 1876. Both parents were natives of Germany and are deceased. Rev. Koeberlin is remembered by the older residents of Greenville as an earnest worker for the church and an upright citizen. 376 - DARKE COUNTY He and his wife had two children, Mrs. Schopp and another daughter, Miss Amelia, for a number of years a teacher in Greenville public schools. The Koeberlin family has been identified with church work in Germany for many generations; in fact, some member has been in religious work since the time of the Reformation. Mrs. Schopp received her education in Illinois and Ohio, attending the public schools of St. Clair county, Illinois, and of Greenville, Ohio, which was supplemented by a course in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was married April 15, 1891, to Colonel Philip J. Schopp. Mr. Schopp enlisted for services in the Union Army and served as Captain, Adjutant-General and later Colonel of his regiment, the Seventy-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers. After he passed away he was buried with full military honors, conducted by Jobes Post, G. A. R. He was well known and had many warns friends. By occupation he was a civil engineer, a member of the U. S. surveying corps. Mrs. Schopp is a member of the Civil League of Greenville and has served as chairman of the Children's Auxiliary of this association, a worthy cause. She is broad and progressive in her views and of a practical turn of mind, making her influence strongly felt wherever she enlists it. She belongs to the Sorosis Club, a literary society and to church missionary and other societies. Her greatest joy is found in doing for others and she is interested in everything affecting the general progress of the county or state. She is well read and keeps up with the times in regard to general affairs and public issues. She has the happy faculty of making friends with young and old alike and enjoys the full confidence of her associates. She is quiet and dignified in manner, but easy of approach and very friendly in disposition. She has a pleasant home at 423 West Third street. SAMUEL F. METZCAR. Numbered among the men who are maintaining Darke county's supremacy in the field of agriculture is found Samuel F. Metzcar, of German township, who for many years has carried on farming and stockraising and is now living a somewhat retired life on his eighty-acre farm, located about one and one-half miles from Palestine. He is a native of this county, DARKE COUNTY - 377 having been born on his father's farm in Wayne township, in 1853, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Puterbaugh) Metzcar. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Metzcar, Jacob and Barbara (Graymire) Metzcar, came from the vicinity of Xenia, in Greene county, Ohio, during the administration of President John Quincy Adams, the grandfather entering eighty acres of land in the uncultivated region of Wayne township. There he passed the remainder of his life in making a home for his family, and died in advanced years, the owner of a valuable property. His son, Jacob, the father of Samuel F. Metzcar, was born in Greene county, Ohio, and was a lad when he came with the family to Darke county. He was reared to farming, and at the time of his father's death inherited the homestead, known as the old Murphy farm, this being the scene of his activities throughout the remainder of his life. He did not enter actively into public life, being content to follow the pursuits of tilling the soil, but was nevertheless known as a good citizen and one who had the interests of his community at heart. Jacob and Elizabeth (Puterbaugh) Metzcar were the parents of eleven children: Lavina, who married a Mr. Harper; Mary A., who became the wife of Mr. English; John, who enlisted during the Civil war in Company E, Fortieth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and died of smallpox at Shields Mills, Eastern Tennessee, when only seventeen years of age; Charlotte, deceased, who was the wife of a Mr. Browder; four children who died in infancy; Samuel F., of this review; Barbara, who married a Mr. Penny, and Jacob W. The district schools of Neave and Patterson townships furnished Samuel F. Metzcar with ordinary educational advantages, and as a youth he assisted his father and brothers in the work of the home place. Being of a mechanical turn if mind, he learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed at various times for short periods, but the greater part of his attention has been devoted to farming, which occupation has been the medium through which he has achieved his success. About the time of his marriage, he began operations on his own account, and he is now the owner of a good farm of eighty acres in German township, on which are found all modern and substantial improvements. He has given close application to his farming and stockraising interests, but of late years has turned the heavier work of his land over to younger hands, feeling that he is entitled to a rest after his years of strenuous endeavor. 378 - DARKE COUNTY Mr. Metzcar was married in 1878 to Miss Milandi Ballinger, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Hassafoos) Ballinger, and to this union there have been born five children: Orlando, who married Ada Hill; Doilard, who married Dona Sawade and has two children; Bessie, who married Clifford Carpenter, and has six children, Dwight, Knoll, Alberta, Florence, Marvin and one deceased; Mabel, who is single and lives with her parents, and Lottie also single, a teacher in the Normal school. Mr. Metzcar is independent in his political views, exercising his prerogative of voting rather for the man than the party. He is a supporter of all worthy charitable and religious movements. He enjoys the companionship of his fellow men, and is a popular member of the Knights of Pythias, in which he has passed through all the chairs and represented his lodge, No. 652, Palestine, in the Grand Lodge of the State. He also holds membership in the Grange and the Horse Thief Association. As a farmer and stockraiser Mr. Metzcar has exercised excellent ability in the management of his affairs and has thereby acquired a competence that enables him to provide a comfortable living for himself and his family. He has ever been known to be reliable in all trade transactions, so that he has won the confidence and good will of his fellowmen, as evidenced by the fact, that in 1907 he was elected justice of the peace, which position he has held continually since. HORACE B. KERST. Many of the agriculturists of the younger generation are carrying on operations on the farms on which they were born, and with the conditions and possibilities of which, accordingly, they are thoroughly familiar. These are the men who are progressively carrying forward the development commenced by their fathers, and which has changed Darke county from a wild and unproductive waste into one of the garden spots of the Buckeye State. The owner of a handsome tract of one hundred and fifty acres of land in Greenville township, three miles northeast of Palestine, Horace B. Kerst has resided on this property all of his life and is known as one of his community's most energetic and enterprising farmers. Like many of the more progressive men of his locality, he has devoted his energies to specializing, his specialty being the raising of live- DARKE COUNTY - 379 stock, in which he has met with well-merited success. Mr. Kerst was born June 16, 1882, in the old family homestead in Greenville township, and is a son of Morgan and Cynthia (Diveley) Kerst. The Kerst family has been known in Darke county since pioneer days, the progenitor being the grandfather of Mr. Kerst, Samuel Kerst, who married a Miss Moyer and came to this section from Berks county, Pennsylvania. Morgan Kerst was born at Bakers Store, a small hamlet of this county, and was a farmer and stockraiser throughout his life, his earnest and well-directed efforts gaining him a handsome competency, while his good citizenship at all times assured him a high place in public esteem. Mr. Kerst married Cynthia Diveley, of Darke county, and they became the parents of the following children: Anna and Georgia, who are deceased; Stella, who married Mr. O'Brien; Wilber, Horace B., and one child who died in infancy. Horace B. Kerst may be truly termed a self-made man, for he started out in life without capital, and through his industry and perseverance has steadily advanced as the years have gone by until he is now numbered among the leading and influential men of his community. He received his education in the country schools, in the meantime assisting his father in cultivating the fields of the homestead farm, and when he reached years of maturity adopted the vocation of agriculturist for his field of endeavor. In order to secure capital with which to pursue his chosen occupation, he rented land for some years and carefully saved his earnings, with the result that he was soon able to invest in his original piece of property. That he has prospered in his venture is indicated by the fact that he today owns a valuable farm of one hundred and fifty acres, the property being improved with good buildings and a nice home, which is supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories. He is carrying on general farming, following the most practical and progressive methods in the cultivation of his fields, so that he is meeting with a most gratifying success. For about ten years he has been interested in breeding Duroc hogs, and his success in this line encouraged him to experiment with cattle, and he is at this time shipping a large number of stock to the markets. In addition he is the owner of a number of blooded jacks and a fine Belgian horse, which he keeps for breeding purposes. Mr. Kerst is a member of the Horse Thief Association, a local protective organization. In political mat 380 - DARKE COUNTY ters he is a progressive Republican, and in community affairs he takes an active and helpful part and his labors have been directly beneficial and far reaching. He has made for himself an honored place in business circles, and his signature bears weight on commercial paper. On December 16, 1912, Mr. Kerst was married to Miss Cressie Henry, daughter of Joseph and Amanda (Bell) Henry, the latter of whom is deceased, while the former is a resident of Castine, Ohio. ED SHAFER. Ed Shafer, clerk of Darke county courts, is a young man of promise, progressive and earnest in his thoughts and ideas, and well fitted by nature and training for the responsible position he fills. He has the full confidence of his fellowmen throughout the county and stands well with all classes. He is a native of Richland township, Darke county, born February 27, 1881, a son of John C. and Rachel (Earhart) Shafer, also natives of Darke county. John C. Shafer. was born in Richland township May 13, 1858, and was a farmer by occupation, having now retired from active life. His wife was born in Greenville township, March 17, 1861. They now live in Greenville, the father having retired from active life. They had two children, Ed, the elder, and one daughter, Bessie, at home. Mr. Shafer attended the rural schools and his first work after leaving school was assisting in the work of the home farm. He continued until his marriage, October 16, 1904, to Miss Bertha Kley, who was born in Wayne township, Darke county, April 17, 1884, and died September 10, 1912, being buried in Greenville Cemetery. She was the daughter of Lewis and Hulda (Taylor) Kley. Mr. Kley was born in Cammerforst, Germany, September 17, 1832, and Mrs. Kley, who was born in Wayne township, August 11, 1829, near Versailles, Darke county, Ohio, died April 29, I913. He still resides in Wayne township. They had six children, three of whom survive-: Salem, of Wayne township; Anna, wife of Ed Williams, of Versailles, Ohio; Charles, of Wayne township; three who are deceased, including Mrs. Shafer. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer had one child, a daughter, Ruth Vivian, born September 22, 1911, who lives with her father's parents, DARKE COUNTY - 391 where he also now makes his home. Mrs. Shafer was a devoted member of the Christian church in Versailles and Mr. Shafer belongs to the church of the same denomination in Greenville. Mr. Shafer had lived in Greenville from March until October, before his marriage, and continued his residence there until after their marriage and there made many friends in various circles. Mrs. Shafer was a charming young woman and her death was a sad loss to her family and friends. For five years after locating in Greenville Mr. Shafer was employed as a traveling salesman for the firm of A. G. Keighley, wholesale dealers in confectionery. In August, 1909, Mr. Shafer was appointed deputy clerk of the courts, serving until August, 19,13, when, having been elected the preceding November to his present office of clerk of the courts, he began filling that position, which continues to August 1, 1915. He is a Democrat in politics and cast his first presidential vote for William J. Bryan in 1904. He is well known fraternally, being affiliated with the Blue Lodge of Masons at Greenville. He is Past Chancellor Commander in the Knights of Pythias, belongs to the Knights of Karrassons of Sidney, Ohio, and for three years served as secretary of the United Commercial Travellers of America, Royal Council No. 270, and has also served as Page of this society. He is well liked and popular and makes friends easily, wherever he goes, He is fond of reading and good literature and is well informed on the questions of the day. He is looked upon as a representative citizen who may be counted upon to do his share for the good of the community. DAVID ROSS. David Ross is one of the self-made men of Darke county. No fortunate family or pecuniary advantages aided him at the outset of his career. On the contrary he started', out to earn his own living when still but a by and has since been, dependent entirely upon his own resources. Obstacles and difies have confronted him, but these he has overcome by determined effort, and, as the years have passed, he has worked, his way steadily upward until today he finds himself in an independent position, the owner of one hundred and twenty acres cif fine land located on the Ross gravel road, about one and, one-half 382 - DARKE COUNTY miles northwest of Palestine, and an influential and widely known citizen of German township. A native of Darke county, having been born on the farm which he now occupies, August 2, 1852, Mr. Ross is a son of Elias and Rebecca (Furry) Ross. The Ross family originated in Scotland, from which country in young manhood came Henry Ross, the grandfather of David Ross. The progenitor settled first in Pennsylvania, from whence he subsequently moved to Franklin county, Ohio, and finally to Darke county, where he passed the remaining years of his life on a farm. Elias Ross was born in Franklin county, Ohio, on Darby Creek, in the vicinity of the city of Columbus, in 1811, and was six years of age when brought to Darke county by his parents. Here he was reared amid pioneer surroundings, experiencing all of the hardships and privations of early life in the uncultivated country and obtaining an indifferent education in the local subscription school held in log cabins. He was engaged in farming during all the years of his active life and accumulated means, being known as an industrious and thrifty citizen. He was married (first) to Miss Lucy Chapman, and they became the parents of four children: Francis, Van Enoch, Solomon and Rachael, of whom Solomon is the only survivor. Mr. Ross married (second) Miss Rebecca Furry, she was born in Berks county Pennsylvania, August 24, 1822, moved to Dayton, Ohio when eight years old and shortly after to Germantown, Ohio, where she worked in a hotel until eighteen years of age, when she married John Souders. Three children were born of the union. Mr. Souders died and she married Elias Ross in October, 1851, who was then living on his farm in German township, now owned by the subject of this sketch. Six children were born of this union, three of whom died in infancy; David Wesley, who is deceased; Della, who married Mr. Harter; Benjamin, Jonathan and Maria. David Ross was furnished his literary training in the public schools of Palestine, upon leaving which he began to be self-supporting as a laborer in the woods of German township, and continued to be thus engaged until he was able to acquire some land, when he concentrated all of his energies upon tilling the soil. Determined purpose and unfaltering perseverance have characterized his entire, life, and he stands today a strong man, strong in his honor, in his name and in his success. His farm shows the beneficial results to be obtained from intelligent treatment of the land and good management, DARKE COUNTY - 383 and his improvements are of substantial character and modern design. Mr. Ross is known in fraternal circles as a popular member of Palestine Lodge No. 652, Knights of Pythias, where he is highly esteemed as one whose sterling qualities are in harmony with the principles of the order. He is a stalwart Republican in his political views, and while his business interests leave him but little time for political work, he nevertheless stanchly supports the principles which constitute the platform of the organization. His religious connection is with the United Brethren church, in the work of which he has been active. In 1884 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ross and Miss Phoebe Wilson, daughter of Eli Wilson, and a cousin of the editor of this work. A review of the Wilson family may be found in the sketch of Frazier. Wilson, on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have two children: Jesse A., who married Belle Perry and has two children, Louise and Charles; and Hazel, who married Riley Dininger. Mrs. Ross, the faithful and devoted wife, died December 17, 1913, and her remains were buried in the village cemetery at Palestine, Ohio. RUFUS MOORE. The utilization of the splendid soil and desirable climatic conditions of this section of the State has brought Darke to the forefront among the agricultural counties and among its most successful men are those who have devoted their lives to farmping. To this class undoubtedly belongs Rufus Moore, of German township, a business man of marked enterprise and keen discernment, who in the careful control of his interests has gained a place among the substantial residents of his locality. His energies have at all times been concentrated on the tilling of the soil, and today he finds himself the owner of one hundred acres of highly-cultivated land, located on the Weavers Station and Arley turnpike. Mr. Moore is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born October 2, 1843, in the vicinity of Richmond, Wayne county, and is a son of Alfred and Rebecca (Druley) Moore, and a grandson of John Moore, a South Carolinian by birth, who migrated to Ohio among the pioneers of the State. Alfred Moore was also born in Wayne county, where his life was 384 - DARKE COUNTY passed in agricultural pursuits, his labors being rewarded by marked success. He was also a Dunkard minister of the old order, and a man of far reaching influence in the community in which he resided. For a number of years he made his home at Hollansburg, Darke county, and there both he and his wife passed away, in the faith of the church of which they had been members for so many years. They were the parents of ten children, as follows: Rufus, of this review; Albert, Emmett, a resident of Hagerstown, Id.; Jennie, Etta, John, who is now deceased; Charles, Lizzie, who is also deceased; Walter, and Emma, who is the widow of Mr. Witter. Following the usual custom of farmers' boys of his day and locality, Rufus Moore divided his boyhood between attending the public schools in the vicinity of his home in the winter months and assisting his father with the farm work during the rest of the year. As a youth he chose farming for his life's vocation, and when he came of age entered upon a career of his own, which has since been marked by steady advancement and worthy achievement. His present farm is conceded to be one of the most valuable and highly cultivated of the township, its high development being due to Mr. Moore's constant industry, and his strict adherence to the highest ideals of business has given him an enviable reputation for integrity and probity among those with whom he has had transactions. While private interests have claimed much of his time and attention, he has also found opportunity for the advancement of public interests, and no citizen has the welfare of his community more deeply at heart. Mr. Moore was married December 24. 1876, to Miss Mary E. Ensley, daughter of James Ensley of Wayne county, Indiana, and to this union there have been born six children: Jesse, who married Orlie Ketring, had two children, Aletria and Roy, is deceased; Etta, who married William Rush, and has two children, Eugene and Bert; Walter, who married Esther Brown, and has three children, Guy, Mildred and Irene; Carl who was married December 17, 1913, to Miss Mary White of Whitewater, Ind., is at home and assists in the management of the homestead, and Clarence and Bertha, who are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are consistent members of the Christian church, and have always taken a deep interest in its work. In political matters he is a democrat, but has never sought preferment of a public character. DARKE COUNTY - 385 JAMES NEISWONGER. James Neiswonger belongs to one of Greenville's old and honored families and is financially a self-made man. He was born in Greenville, September 21, 1861, son of Daniel and Rebecca (Gorsech) Neiswonger, natives of Maryland. The father died about 1904. He came to Darke county as a young man and for many years was engaged in business in Greenville as a dealer in second-hand goods. He served in the Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. His widow now lives in Greenville, aged seventy-six. They had several children, all born in Darke county: Albert, of Greenville; Clara, wife of Joseph Whiteley, of Greenville; Jennie, wife of Arthur Avis, of Alabama; James, of this sketch. After completing the course in the common schools of Greenville, James Neiswonger began learning the trade of carpenter, in Greenville, and when he became expert in the trade he and his brother Albert entered into partnership and they have since continued in this line. They began taking contracts on their own account and have been very successful in every undertaking. They have built many business buildings and a number of fine residences, including buildings for Charles Herr, Guy Baker, John Whiteley, and many others. They have also put up buildings in other parts of the county. James Neiswonger erected his present beautiful residence at 301 Gray avenue, which is a good sample of the high class of work turned out by the firm. They are among the leading contractors of the county and their work testifies to their ability in planning and executing their work. Mr. Neiswonger was married, April 30, 1909, to Mrs. Grace (Yost) Pearce, who was born near Arcanum, Darke county, February 13, 1877, daughter of Peter and Mary Ann (Downing) Yost. Mr. Yost was born in Darke county in November, 1845, and his wife was born near New Madison, Ohio, 1831, and died at the age of forty-three years. Mr. Yost is a farmer by occupation and lives near Arcanum. He served as 100-day man in the Ohio Volunteer Regiment in the Civil War. He and his wife had three children, all living: Nora, wife of Russell Corwin, living near Arcanum; Elizabeth, wife of Frank Beedle, of Norwalk, Ohio; Mrs. Neiswonger. Mrs Neiswonger is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fort Jefferson. Her mother was a member (25) 386 - DARKE COUNTY of the Mennonite church of the same place. Mr. and Mrs. Neiswonger have friends by the score, with whom both are popular. Their home is one of refinement; both are fond of reading, and they are pleasant and courteous in manner. They have the welfare of the community at heart and are always ready to help along any worthy cause. Mr. Neiswonger is a Democrat in politics. His business associations are very pleasant, for he is progressive and enterprising in his methods and upright in all his dealings. Three children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Neiswonger: Ralph, born April 1, 1909; James and Janet, twins, born December 5, 1912. ED L. BOLI. Mr. Boli is a native son of Darke county and was born at Ithaca July 9, 1852, a son of Lewis. and Julia (Trager) Boli. His father, a native of Gaugrehueiler, Bavaria, Germany, emigrated to the United States as a lad of sixteen years, landing at New York alone. Traveling by way of the Hudson river and Erie canal to Buffalo, N. Y., steamer to Cleveland then canal to Navaree, Stark county, as at that day there was no other mode of travel; where for a short time he was employed by his elder brother. Subsequently he went to Cincinnati and was employed by Mitchel & Rammelsburg Furniture Company as cabinet maker. On June 11, 1848, he was married to Miss Julia Trager. In the spring of 1832 they moved to Ithaca, Darke county, Ohio, traveling as far as West Baltimore by train, and the rest of the way by wagon, as train only came that far. At Ithaca, Ohio, he established himself in the furniture and undertaking business, being one of the earliest funeral directors of that place. He was a man of good business ability and made the most of the opportunities offered him and became a substantial and highly respected citizen, holding many offices of public trust. To their union was born six children: Ed L. and Charles Theodore, who survive. They received their education in the public schools of Ithaca. Ed L., when but ten years of age, secured employment on a farm. Later he was for sometime associated with his father in the furniture and undertaking business and also accepted whatever other honorable employment presented itself in the mean- DARKE COUNTY - 387 time carefully saving his earnings with the idea of becoming his own employer. On February 6, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Hunt, daughter of James and Eliza (Seybold) Hunt, who lived at different times in both Montgomery and Preble counties. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Boli: Virgil T., Pearl B., Opha and Clara, the two latter are deceased. Virgil T. Boli was married to Ulree L. Broderick, daughter of Lem and Lutisea Broderick of Harrison township, January 27, 1909. Two children, Velma and Eugene, bless this union. Mr. Boli now resides in Greenville and is a mail clerk on the P., C., C. & St. L. railroad, between Pittsburgh, Pa., and Indianapolis, Ind. On May 24, 1909, Mrs. Ed Boli was laid to rest in the cemetery at New Madison. She was well known, industrious and respected and was mourned for by a wide circle of friends, being a devoted mother to her family and a woman of influence in the neighborhood in which she lived. Ed L., since marriage, has always followed the occupation of farming and moved but three times, always living in Darke county, now residing on the Boli homestead in German township with his brother C. T. and daughter Pearl. ELI ARMACOST. The name of Armacost has long been an honored one in agricultural circles of Darke county, the family having resided here since 1837, covering a period of more than three-quarters of a century, and since that time its representatives have been numbered among the leading and influential residents of this part of the State. Among those bearing this name, one who for years was engaged actively in farming and stockraising operations, but who, in the evening of life, is living quietly in his comfortable home, surrounded by family and friends and by the comforts which his early years of labor brought him, is Eli Armacost, of Washington township, the owner of 217 acres, included in two farms. Mr. Armacost is a native son of Darke county, having been born on his father's farm in Harrison township, February 1, 1838, a son of Christopher and Sarah (Hoover) Armacost. Christopher Armacost was born in Baltimore, Md., and was there reared and educated. Having decided to try his 388 - DARKE COUNTY fortune in the rapidly growing West, he acquired a property in Randolph county, Indiana, and it was while on a visit of inspection to this land that he passed through Darke county, Ohio, as a young man of twenty-one years, and became favorably impressed with the possibilities opening up here. Upon his return to his native city he prepared, himself for another journey, and in 1837 drove across the mountains in a two-horse wagon. camping on the way in true pioneer style and finally reaching Harrison township, where he took up land. Here he continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life and became known as one of the substantial and highly esteemed men of this part of the county. Mr. Armacost married Miss Sarah Hoover, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom five are still living: Mrs. Lydia Harnish, Mrs. Mary Mikesell, Mrs. Millie Jones, James and Eli. During short winter terms of the early days, Eli Armacost attended the district school at Dobson Cross Roads, and in the summer months, as was customary at that trme, helped his father with the farm work. When he had concluded his studies he applied himself to the work which he had chosen for his field of endeavor, and upon attaining his majority entered upon the struggle of life self-reliant and thoroughly equipped with knowledge. His subsequent success has been attained through no adventitious chance or circumstance. He has labored faithfully, has been the architect of his own fortunes, and has builded well. He is a public-spirited man, loyal to the best interests of his community, and may always be relied upon to support movements which his judgment tells him will be to its advantage. He is not a member of any particular religious denomination but gives liberally of his means to worthy enterprises of a religious or charitable nature. He also taught school for twenty years. He served the township and county in various official capacities—justice of peace, township trustee for two years, township assessor for two terms, assistant land appraiser for his county, deputy county surveyor under W. S. Harper, county surveyor for two terms, 1876-1882, and served on the board of land equalization in 1880 and 1881. He was re-elected county surveyor for a fourth term, from 1892 to 1895, and as justice of the peace from 1896 to 1899. Eli Armacost died January 15, 1914, aged 76 years 11 months and 14 days. Mr. Armacost was married in 1856 to Miss Catherine DARKE COUNTY - 389 Stephens, who died in 1898, and to this union there were born eight children, of whom five survive: Mrs. Eva Craig and Mrs. Sarah L. Swank, Mr. James H. Armacost, W. J. Armacost and Mrs. Blanche Piatt. Mr. Armacost's agricultural interests are at present under the careful and capable supervsion of Virgil Piatt. EDWIN C. WRIGHT. Edwin C. Wright is well-known as an upright andprogressivee citizen of Greenville and has for several years been prominent in Darke county's affairs. He is a practicing attorney at law, with offices on south Broadway, and stands well in his profession. He was born near Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, September 18, 1866, only son of Edward H. and Allettah V. (Dunn) Wright. The father was also born in Greene county, April 24, 1841, and the mother in Maryland, January, 1844, and they now reside in Greenville township, Darke county, Ohio. hee father enlisted in the Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served four years with honor and credit. ff their six children five survive: Edwin C., of this sketch; Kate, wife of Harry Lamb, of Darke county; Ida Ellen, wife of C. J. Riegel, of Darke county; Jennie, wife of Edward Reck, living near Nashville, Tennessee; Stella, wife of Charles Porter, of Henderson, Kentucky. The parents are devout members of St. Paul Reformed church, in which the father has held various offices. They are held in respect and esteem by all who know them as worthy and estimable members of the community. After finishing the course in the rural school, Edwin attended Greenville High School and later read law with the late Judge John C. Clark and with L. E. Chenoweth, with which firm he remained three years and studied to such good advantage that he was admitted to the bar December 4, 1891, and during the next month opened an office at Greenville with J. C. Elliott, former prosecuting attorney of Darke county, as his partner. This arrangement lasted one year and since then Mr. Wright has conducted his practice alone, always in Greenville. His worth and ability have been recognized from the beginning of his practice and he has been very successful. His fellow-citizen showed their appreciation of his merit and ability when they elected him mayor of Greenville, 390 - DARKE COUNTY which office he filled creditably from 1905 to 1909. By successive elections he also served as city solicitor during 1912 and 1913, but has not cared for office during the last few years on account of his growing practice. He is a Republican in politics but has been well supported by all parties in local elections. He was the Republican candidate for Congress in 1900, but as Darke county is Democratic in sentiment, he was defeated. He served as a member of the Republican State Central Committee during 1904 and 1905 and has many times served as a member of the county Republican Committee. For two years he served as clerk of the election board of Darke county. His first presidential vote was cast for Benjamin Harrison in 1888. Mr. Wright is well known in fraternal circles and has held many offices of honor in various organizations to which he belongs. He has been a trustee of the Champion lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows for the past twenty years; served six years as representative to the Grand Lodge of Ohio and is the only Odd Fellow of Darke county ever elected to any offrce in the Grand Lodge and is deputy grand master of the Grand Lodge of the State at this time. He also belongs to the Foresters and to the Little Turtle Tribe of Red Men, as well as the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has served as secretary of Greenville Commercial Club. He attends the Methodist church. On August 28, 1890, Mr. Wright was united in marriage with Miss Mary Elizabeth Schultz, who was born in Greenville township, Darke county, March 1, 1869, daughter of W. H. and Martha A. (Noggle) Schultz. Mr. Schultz was born in Maryland, August 7, 1843, and came to Darke county as a young man, in the early 60's, becoming a prosperous farmer and spending the rest of his life there. He died August 22, 1910. Mrs. Schultz was born in Darke county, January 18, 1846, and now resides at Greenville. They had five children, all born in Darke county, namely: Mrs. Wright; Maggie, wife of Carl H. Craig, of Greenville; Julia Pearl, wife of Jacob Menke, president of city council of Greenville; John William, of Muncie, Indiana; R. R., living with his mother in Greenville. Mr. and Mrs. Wright had three children, all born in Greenville: Martha Helen, born October 20, 1891, attended Greenville High School, later attended Ohio Wesleyan University and the Conservatory of Music at Cincinnati, became a gifted DARKE COUNTY - 391. pianist, and is the wife of Algy R. Murphy, a clothing merchant of Versailles, Ohio; Edwin Henry, born December 1, 1893, also attended Greenville High School, is in the second year of his course at Culver (Indiana) Military Academy; Robert, born in 1899, lived but one day. Mrs. Wright and the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Greenville. In 1897 Mr. Wright built the present comfortable home on Washington avenue, Greenville, and he is also the owner of other city property and several farms in the county. He did not inherite his start in life but made it himself and is truly a self-made man. He is a representative American, interested in the welfare and progress of his community and ready and able to serve the best interests of the people as opportunity offers. He has a number of sincere friends and is one of the most popular men in Greenville. JEREMIAH JOSEPH O'BRIEN. Jeremiah Joseph O'Brien, familiarly known to his friends and associates as "Joe," is a city letter-carrier in Greenville and belongs to an old family of Darke county. He was born in Greenville township, March 25, 1874, and is a son of Cornelius and Louisa (Bryant) O'Brien. His great-grandfather, Michael O'Brien, was born and died in Ireland. He had a son Cornelius, who married Margaret Ryan, and their son Cornelius is the one mentioned as the father of the subject of this sketch. Two children of Cornelius and Margaret O'Brien now survive: Ellen, widow of Simon Bisgood, a resident of St. Marys Home at Hartford, Connecticut, and whose husband was serving in the United States Navy at the time of his death, and James O'Brien, retired farmer and stock-raiser, now lives in Des Moines, Iowa. These are the only ones surviving of nine children. The second Cornelius O'Brien, was very well known in Darke county, being a contractor of public work. He was an upright and public-spirited citizen and did much for the good of the community. He was born in the winter of 1829 and died July 26, 1907, being buried at Greenville. He came to Wayne county, New York, from county Tipperary, Ireland, in 1848. He came to Darke county in 1854 and settled near Baker store in Neave township. Here he lived until 1870, 392 - DARKE COUNTY when he purchased and moved on the Elijah House farm adjoining the city of Greenville. He sold the east part to the Darke County Agricultural Company and this with a portion of the Jacob Martz farm comprise the Darke county fair grounds. He improved the remaining portion and opened the Bunker Hill gravel pit, which is still operated by his son, R. Emmett O'Brien. He was a candidate of the early Whig party but was defeated. He married Louisa Bryant at Newark, New York, May 8, 1853. She was born at Sommersetshire, England, March 6, 1833, and died January 17, 1889, and she and her husband were buried at Greenville. Her father, Joseph Bryant, was an Episcopal minister and died when she was about six years old. Her mother, Harriet Adams Bryant, married William Westlake as her second husband, and they came to this country in 1849, settling in Newark, New York. Mr. Westlake enlisted from New York in the Union Army, died and was buried at Cumberland Gap. Mrs. Louisa Bryant O'Brien had a brother, Joseph Bryant, and a half sister, Jennie Westlake, who married James Coons and resided in Newark, New York, but both are deceased. Mrs. Westlake died at an advanced age near Greenville, February 8, 1871, and was buried in Greenville. Cornelius and Louisa O'Brien had eleven children and nine now survive: Jeremiah J., born March 25, 1855, died at the age of eight months; Ellen J., born June 18, 1856, widow of Stephen A. Tullis, of Dayton, had three children, Cornelius, died 1906; Louisa, and Joseph Bryant; Louisa, born March 8, 1858, died at the age of two years; William Smith, born September 15, 1861, a resident of Greenville, married Lydia S. North, August 13, 1844, and they have two children, Margaret Lee and Albert Earl; Cornelius, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work; Harriet Margaret, born February 7, 1866, married James F. Keefauver, of Indianapolis, and they have two children, Ruby May and Sylvia lone; Albert Adams, born October 18, 1868, married Anna Zeicht and they live at Union City,. Indiana; Robert Emmett, born January 24, 1872, married Estella Kerst and they live on the old homestead, near Greenville, and have one son, Robert Morgan; Jeremiah J., subject of this sketch, who bears the same name as the firstborn son, who died; Edward Washington, horn July 18, 1876, of Greenville, married Cora E. Lehman and they have three children, Ruby, Henry C. and Francis; James Lincoln, born April 18, 1879, of Dayton, Ohio, married Laura DARKE COUNTY - 393 Schoemaker and they have five children, Alva, Ora, Rheba, Glenna and Roma. Cornelius O'Brien, father of the above-mentioned children, had more than an ordinary education, being educated in a private school in a neighboring county, and being naturally enterprising and progressive and fond of reading. He was reared in a refined home, amid surroundings which gave him an ambition to make most of his opportunities. He enlisted in Company I, One Hundred Fifty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was a much-respected citizen and identified himself with the best interests of his community. His death was widely mourned and his children have very tender memories of their parents. They reared a large family to useful man hood and womanhood. Jeremiah J. O'Brien began his education in the Studebaker and Greenville schools and took a two-year course in Wayne Technical school, after which he helped his father in the contracting work. Later he worked for the surveyor at Greenville and May 1, 1900, began to carry rural mail. He was soon transferred to city service, however, and is now carrier No. 1. He is a Republican in politics and for several years served on the County Central Committee. His first presidenptial vote was cast for William McKinley in 1896. He is well informed on all subjects relating to the postal service of the government and takes an active interest in them. He performs his duties with ability and efficiency and enjoys the confidence and respect of his associates. He is well known in fraternal circles, being a thirty-second degree Mason and having held all offices in the Blue Lodge at Greenville, No. 143, Free and Accepted Masons. He was worshipful master in 1909-10, and also belongs to Greenville Chapter No. 77, Royal Arch Masons, as well as Machette Council No. 91 Royal and Select Masons. He was thrice illustrious master during 1913 and 1914 and is much interested in work of this order. He has for years taken an active interest in the Greenville Historical Society and was one of the early members. For some years past he has served as president of this society. He is president of the local organization of city letter carriers, which is a branch of the National Association. He is fond of good literature and has studied along various lines in which he took especial interest, as his parents were ambitious for him to acquire a good education. He has had to work out his own success materially and financially and did not disappoint 394 - DARKE COUNTY their ambitions in his behalf. He is well known in the city, where most of his life has been spent, and is much liked for his pleasant courteous manner, which is the true index of his character and feeling. He has lately remodeled his pleasant home at 242 East Main street and there he and his good wife dispense a fine hospitality. On June 28, 1906, Mr. O'Brien was united in marriage with Miss Mary Edith Howe, born in Greenville township, near the city of Greenville, June 29, 1891, daughter of John E. and Mary (Hicks) Howe. Her great-great-grandfather, William Ashley, was a patriot in the Revolution and was present at Burgoyne's surrender, entitling his descendants to admission to the Revolutionary societies and the daughters of the family to Daughters of American Revolution. The frrst of the Howe family to come to America was John Howe, who helped lay out the town of Marlboro, Massachusetts, of which he was one of the founders, in 1838. Laomi Ashley Howe, great-grandson of William Ashley, grandson of Laomi Ashley and son of Rhewindle Ashley Howe, and served in the Civil War, entering the service in 1862 as a member of Company K, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged in July, 1865. Laomi A. Howe married Susan Witters, October 10, 1847, at Backman, Montgomery county, Ohio. Twelve children were born cf this union, of whom eleven survive and ten were present at the sixty-first wedding anniversary of the parents, October 10, 1908. He died in 1909 and Mrs. Howe in 1911. Their son, John E. Howe, was born in Montgomery county, February 8, 1847, and is a carpenter by trade. He now resides in Dayton. Mrs. Howe was born in Greenville township, Darke county, October 16, 1853, daughter of James M. Hicks and Hester A. (Duckson) Hicks. They had six children, and four now survive: Benjamin Franklin, of Cincinnati; Florence, wife of Charles Cobo, of Columbus; Mattie, wife of James Cochran, of Greenville; Mary Edith, Mrs. O'Brien; Harrison Wayne, died in 1911; an infant, Vinal, deceased. The eldest, Benjamin F., served in the civil engineering corps in the Spanish-American War. Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien have three children, born in Darke county: Joseph Ashley, April 2, 1907, attends school; Cornelius Howe, April 30, 1912; John, March 26, 1914. The parents of these children are members of the First United Brethren church of Greenville, and he is a trustee and president of the Otterbein Brotherhood. DARKE COUNTY - 395 DAVID H. BAKER. David H. Baker, who for many years has figured prominently in connection with the agricultural interests of German township, belongs to that class of representative American men who, in promoting individual success, also contribute to the general prosperity. With the exception of one year spent in the west, he has been a resident of Darke county since 1881. His home is on the Neave turnpike, one-half mile south of Palestine. He has gained the confidence and regard of his community as a progressive and public-spirited citizen. Mr. Baker was born May 4, 1860, in Muskingum county, Ohio, near the city of Zanesville, and is a son of George and Sarah J. (Ryan) Baker. His father, a native of Pennsylvania, moved in young manhood to Muskingum county, Ohio, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for some years, but eventually went to Richland county, Illinois, and there, on a valuable property, continued to cultivate the soil throughout the active period of his life. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, as follows: Luther, who is deceased; Julia and Albertine, twins; Albertine deceased; Louise, who has also passed away; David H., Alma, who married Mr. Elston of Jasper county, Illinois; Charles, Albert, Ida, living in the west, and Elhert. David H. Baker was but a lad when his parents moved to Richland county, Illinois, and there he secured his literary training in the public schools. He remained a resident of that locality throughout the period of his minority, during two years of which he worked by the month as a farm hand. Upon reaching the age of twenty-one years he came to Darke county, Ohio, where he secured employment with J. Woodman, but in 1886 decided to try his fortunes in the west, and accordingly moved to Kansas, where he spent one year. Upon his return to Darke county, he began farming in German township, and since that time he has concentrated his energies upon general agricultural pursuits. Through the exercise of industry, judgment and good management, he has succeeded in developing a handsome and valuable farm, upon which the numerous improvements give every evidence of careful supervision and an intimate and correct knowledge of the best methods of conducting farm work. Mr. Baker's political allegiance is given to the Democratic party and in all life's relations he stands for those things which work for upright man- 396 - DARKE COUNTY hood, for loyalty in citizenship and for fidelity in friendship. He is a valued and popular member of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias, and his religious connection is with the Christian church. In 1889, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Elnora Martin, the estimable daughter of Ira and Mary (Ward) Martin, and to this union there have been born five children: Bessie, who became the wife of Harry Manning and has one child, Paul F.; Mary J., who married Mr. D. Spencer, and Elsie, George and Orville, who reside at home with their parents. IRA BICKEL. In all communities there are found men of enterprise, initiative and business discrimination, who are the leaders in commercial and agricultural circles and whose labors form an important element in the substantial upbuilding and development of their various sections. In this class stands Ira Bickel accounted one of the substantial men of Washington township, the owner of 133 acres of well-developed land and a man of undoubted influence in political circles. He belongs to one of Darke county's old and honored families, and was born February 28, 1866, in Washington township, a son of Daniel W. and Rebecca (Chenoweth) Bickel. Tobias and Elizabeth (Maccadam) Bickel, the grandparents of Ira Bickel, came to Darke county from Clermont county, Ohio, and here became prominent in agricultural circles, both living long and useful lives and dying when nearly ninety years of age. Their son, Daniel W. Bickel, was born in Clermont county and was a lad when brought to Darke county. Here he received a public school education, and, following in his father's footsteps, early adopted the vocation of farmer, which he followed for many years with marked success. At this time he is living retired, being one of the highly esteemed residents of Union City, Ind., and seventy-five years of age. lie and his wife had two sons: John H., who is a successful farmer of Wayne township, Randolph county, Indiana, and Ira. Ira Bickel was reared upon the home farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He worked in the fields throughout the sum- DARKE COUNTY - 397 mer months and in the winter seasons attended the district schools. When he had finished his studies, he for three years taught in the country schools, although he continued his activities as an agriculturist in season, and at the end of that period concentrated his entire energies upon farming, beginning his operations for himself upon a tract of 80 acres in Washington township. Subsequently he disposed of his interests here and moved to Randolph county, Indiana, but after five years returned to the old homestead and here has continued his activities to the present time. He has been successful because of his industry and sustained effort, and his present farm is one of the most valuable in this locality. In partnership with H. M. Oswald he carries on threshing with modern, highly-improved machinery, and this venture has also proved a prosperous one, the business constantly increasing in volume and importance. Mr. Bickel's business standing is high and his personal popularity widespread. Mr. Bickel was married to Miss Frances Huffman, who was born in Darke county, daughter of George W. and Maria (Stapleton) Huffman, and to this union there have been born four children: Maude married Mr. Hiram Hedrick, Daniel W., Mary and Bertha. All the children were students in the Spring Hill school, while Daniel W., is a graduate of the Union City High School and is now attending the academy at Ada. Since attaining his majority Mr. Bickel has been interested in state and county politics, and has served as central committeeman for fifteen years. He has served as delegate to several senatorial and state conventions. His family attends the Christian church at Carnahan. ORLANDO FOGLE. No richer or more productive land can be found iri Ohio than is embraced in Darke county, and a fine farm of 150 acres, situated on the Jefferson turnpike, about five and one-half miles southwest of Greenville, gives illustration of the thrift and energy which have characterized the career of Orlando Fogle, of German township. Although one of the younger generation of agriculturists here, he has made a reputation and place for himself among the men who are upholding the county's supremacy as a farming center, and is particularly 398 - DARKE COUNTY well known as a raiser of fine Poland-China hogs. Mr. Fogle was born on the farm which he now occupies, June 18, 1875, and is a son of John and Diana (Harter) Fogle. She was a daughter of John Harter, of New Madison, Ohio. His father, a native of Greene county, this State, grew up in the vicinity of Xenia and was there educated, and as a young unmarried man came to Darke county, Ohio, securing a tract of land in German township. His subsequent operations made him one of the substantial men of his community, and at the time of his retirement he had a comfortable competency. He and his wife were the parents of five children, namely: Junetta, who married Mr. John Mosier, of Palestine, Darke county, Ohio; Rosella, who married Mr. Wm. Confer, who lives at Yellow Springs, Greene county, Ohio. She is now deceased; Minnie, who married J. F. Reichard, of Van Buren township, Darke county, Ohio; Orlando, and Lurenzo, who is a resident of Rock Island, Ill. Mr. Fogle was reared to agricultural life, assisting his father in the operation of the home place during the summer months, while during the winter terms he attended the Sassafras district school, and proved himself a zealous and attentive scholar, applying himself assiduously to his studies and making the most of his opportunities. When he embarked upon a career of his own he chose farming as the medium through which to win success, and after a sbort stay in German township went to the vicinity of Peru, Illinois, where he continued, two years as a farm hand. In 1898, however, he returned to German township on account of his father's sickness and after his father's death was given the management of the home farm, which his father left to Mrs. Fogle and the heirs. He has continued to cultivate this valuable land and recently purchased an additional twenty acres just west of the homestead, which he has also placed under a high state of cultivation. His earnest and indefatigable efforts, his capable management and his keen discernment have combined to win him well-merited success, and his intelligent use of modern methods and inventions marks him as one of the progressive men of his calling. In addition to general farming he has devoted much of his attention to the breeding of swine, and his hogs of the Poland-China breed bring top-notch prices in the big markets. In his political views Mr. Fogle is a Democrat, but his extensive interests have left him no time to seek public preferment, although he is ever ready to lend his support to men and DARKE COUNTY - 399. measures whom he believes will advance the interests of his community. Although not a professed member of any particular church he contributes to all worthy movements. His acquaintance is large and few men have a wider circle of friends. BOYCE G. EIDSON. The agricultural interests of Washington township find a worthy representative in the person of Boyce G. Eidson, who has spent his entire life in Darke county, and who has made farming his occupation since earliest manhood. His career has been one of tireless industry, and through the force of his own merit and well-applied effort he has placed himself among the substantial men of his part of the country, being at this time the owner of a valuable tract comprising 240 acres of some of the best land to be found in Washington township. Mr. Eidson was born in Palestine, Ohio, November 5, 1864, and is a son of Frank and Lucetta (Kester) Eidson, and a grandson of Boyce and Rebecca (Griffin) Eidson. Frank Eidson was born at Farmersville, Preble county, Ohio, at which place his parents had located at an early day. As a young man he mastered the trade of tanner, and to this occupation gave the years of his active life, attaining a satisfactory measure of success and at all times holding the respect and esteem of those with whom he was brought in contact. Some short time after his marriage he located in Palestine, and there he and his wife passed the remaining years of their lives. They were the parents of five children: Clara, who married Mr. Schafer; Boyce G.; Virginia, who married Mr. Harrison; Mack and Murray. Boyce G. Eidson was granted the educational advantages to be obtained in the public schools of Greenville and at the Studebaker school where he completed his studies. He acquired a knowledge of the tanner's trade from his father, but early showed a preference for farm work, and during the greater part of his school period spent his summer months in working industriously among the agriculturists of his locality. He remained under the parental roof until attaining the age of twenty-two years, at which time he came to Washington township. His life has been characterized by unfaltering diligence and perseverance, by laudable ambition and firm de-