400 - DARKE COUNTY termination, and now, in the prime of life, he finds himself the owner of a property with which many men would be satisfied if acquired only after a lifetime of earnest endeavor, Mr. Eidson is public spirited in a high degree, and local progress and national advancement are causes both close to his heart. Although his private enterprises are large, demanding the greater part of his attention, he has not been indifferent to the duties of citizenship, and in numerous ways has been influential in advancing the public welfare. A sincere friend of education, he has long been a member of the school board, and at this time is president of that body, a capacity in which he has rendered signal service. He has long been a supporter of Republican principles. On February 26, 1889, Mr. Eidson was married to Miss Retta Elston, daughter of William and Rebecca (Griffith) Elston, and four children have been born to this union: Marie, who married Mr. Davis; Willard, a resident of Greenville, Ohio; Griffith, and George, who is attending school. ELDER JESSE STUTSMAN. Probably no other church in Ohio has ever had a pastor who served it so many years and who was so universally liked by all denominations, as the Church of the Brethren, where Elder Jesse Stutsman has preached so many years. He is peculiarly fitted, by nature and endowments, for the ministry, and has given his best efforts in the cause and in the betterment of conditions in the community. He has done much for the church and has also kept his heart open to the needs of people outside his own congregation and church, and sympathized with the joys and sorrows of any who came within his sphere of knowledge. He is well remembered wherever he has entered a home for the purpose of bringing comfort to the afflicted or performing a marriage ceremony, preaching a funeral sermon, or like occasions which have called him there, as a man of sympathetic manner, dignified and kindly of speech, whose soft voice and strong personality have commanded respect and attention. He was born October 29, 1833, on a farm in Montgomery county, Ohio, son of David and Frances (Eller) Stutsman. His father was born at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, July 22, 1793, and died in 1864 near Boli- DARKE COUNTY - 401 var, Missouri, where he is buried. The mother was born in Maryland, January 18, 1796, and died in Kansas, when she was probably over eighty years of age. David Stutsman was living in Missouri at the time of the Civil war, and on account of his age did not enlist, but two of his sons and his son-in-law had to leave home to escape being forced into the rebel army, and from the hard work and worry thus engendered, the father developed a fever, which caused his death. His sons and his son-in-law lost their homes and all they owned, for the rebels stripped their houses of furniture and took their stock and belongings, with the exception of two horses and wagons, which they left for the three women to reach the railroad station. They had probably less than five dollars in money among them and were unable to sell their horses. The son-in-law, Abraham Herr, went in search of his wife and was killed by a bushwhacker in sight of his old neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Stutsman had ten children, of whom three died in childhood and the others reached maturity, Jesse being the youngest of all. Those who grew up were: Lydia, the wife of George Brumbaugh, who lived near Greenville, Ohio, and both are deceased; Elizabeth, wife of John Landis, lived south of Greenville, and both are deceased; Abraham died some forty years ago, north of Union City, in Darke county; Henry died in California; Mary, deceased, was the widow of Abraham Herr, mentioned above, who went to get his wife, with her sister and mother, and who was killed in sight of home; Sarah is the widow of Jacob Spitler and resides in Kansas; Reverend Jesse. The parents and all the children except Abraham were members of the Church of the Brethren. Elder Stutsman began his education in the schools of Randolph township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and also attended a select school in Dayton, Ohio, and before he was twenty years of age began to teach school. He taught many years in Montgomery county, beginning in 1853, and until 1879 in Monroe township, Darke county, since which time he has been engaged in farming as a means of livelihood, devoting much of his time and efforts to ministerial work. He was ordained in the church in Montgomery county in 1865, and has resided on his farm in Darke county since 1869, most of this time being pastor of the church at Pitsburg. This is now known as the Pitsburg and Painter Creek District. In po- (26) 402 - DARKE COUNTY litical principle he has been in favor of the Republican party, but since taking up the ministry has not cared to take an active part in political affairs, and has not voted except when some question of local option or prohibition has seemed to him to call for his support. In the year 1857 Elder Stutsman was united in marriage with Miss Martha E. Heisey, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 11, 1832, and died in 1898, being buried in Monroe township cemetery at Pitsburg. She was a daughter of Martin E. and Elizabeth (Engle) Heisey, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in 1850, in a private conveyance. They spent the remainder of their lives in Ohio and died in Montgomery county. They had eight children, of whom two now survive: Barbara, widow of David Engle, of Randolph township, Montgomery county; David E., of Farmersville, Montgomery county. Nine children were born of the marriage of Reverend and Mrs. Stutsman: one died when forty-eight hours old, in southwestern Missouri; David Marquis died at the age of six months, in Montgomery county, Ohio; Frances, born July 1, 1861, in Montgomery county, is the wife of Arodine Isenberger, of Pleasant Hill, Miami county; Willis H., born in Montgomery county, January 11, 1864, lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, and has four children: Huber who married Myrta Simmons, has one child, Jesse, and lives in Saskatchewan, Claude E., Winnifred and Mabel; Charles A., born September 27, 1866, in Montgomery county, married Miss Clara White, resides at Roanoke, Virginia, and they have one son, Albert Chesterfield, aged eight years; Franklin M., born December 8, 1868, lives in Detroit, Michigan, married Miss Rose Budelier, and they have one son, Marvin; Anna M., born in Darke County, keeps house for her father; Susella, wife of A. T. Lutz, of Monroe township, has seven children: Dale J., Lowell W., Anna, Leonard, James and Robert (twins), and Wilfred; Ira M., born in Darke county, Ohio, June 1, 1875, residing in Warren county, Ohio, married Miss Maude Keiser, and they have five children— Byron, Glen, Harold, Robert and Galen. Miss Anna is a graduate nurse, having taken a full correspondence course, and is of much help to her father in his church work, ministering to his needs in daughterly fashion and always ready to give her sympathy and attention to anything that concerns his work or welfare. All the children are active members of the church. The mother was a charming woman, well fitted DARKE COUNTY - 403 for the wife of a minister, a true helpmeet and one whose fine character and lovely disposition endeared her to all. Her high instincts and womanliness were radiated from her features and general bearing, so that she was the sunshine in the home and hearts of her husband and children, as well as of other circles which felt her influene, always ready to perpform little acts of kindness which were long afterward remembered with gratitude. Elder Stutsman has become well known for his inspiring funeral sermons, which have numbered some fifteen hundred, and have extended over a radius; of some twenty miles, including fourteen suicides and three persons who died from railroad accidents, two of the victims dying instantly and one the day following the accident. His words at such times have come from his heart and soul and have been of great comfort to the sorrowing families, so that he has often heard words of gratitude and commendation years after the occasion from those who had been impressed at the time. He has solemnized nearly two hundred wedding ceremonies and, in fact, has been intimately associated with the home life of people of all denominations, aside from the especial affection and trust shown by people of his own church. His own home life was ideal and his children have been a great comfort to him, all ready to call him blessed. JOHN E. DETAMORE, M. D. The techincal education of the doctor of medicine avails him but little unless he has laid a foundation for it of broad general knowledge and made a careful study of human nature. When he took up the practice of medicine, Dr. John E. Detamore brought to the profession a mental equipment such as is acquired by the majority of men only in a lifetime. For years he was a teacher of the common branches in various public schools, and his subsequent study in commercial and medical colleges so prepared him that the mysteries of medicine and surgery were quickly mastered and success was his almost from the beginning of his professional career. At Hillgrove, his present field of endeavor, he has won the universal confidence of the public through his intimate and accurate knowledge of the principles of his calling, and his broad study and research keep him fully abreast of the many advancements 404 - DARKE COUNTY constantly being made. Dr. Detamore was born January 2, 1868, near West Alexandria, Preble county, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Hildreth) Detamore. His father, also a native of that county, was a farmer by occupation and a successful man of affairs. When he came to Darke county, in 1871, he settled on a farm of 40 acres and five years after this on 80 acres, located six miles northeast of Union City, and there continued to pass the remaining years of his life in tilling the soil. He and his wife were the parents of two sons, Amos, who is engaged in farming and stockraising in New Madison, and John E. John E. Detamore was a child of three years when brought to Darke county by his parents, and here his preliminary educational training was secured in Tobin school in Jackson township. After finishing the common branches, he went to Westerville, Franklin county, where he attended a preparatory school, and later to Lebanon, Warren county, eventually going to a commercial college under the supervision of A. D. Welt of Dayton, Ohio. At this time he found himself out of funds, but, nothing daunted, he soon secured a position as teacher, and during the time he was thus employed continued to assiduously devote himself to his medical studies, he having firmly decided to become a physician. At the end of three years the young man found himself in possession of sufficient means to warrant his giving up his position as educator, and he at once entered a medical school at Lebanon, after leaving which, he became a student in the Ohio Medical College, now Starling (Ohio) Medical College, from which well known institution he was graduated with his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1898. Thus thoroughly equipped, Doctor Detamore engaged in practice for a short time in the city of Columbus, but during the same year went to Union City, and from that place came to Hillgrove in 1906. In a calling where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit, intellectual force and correct application of scientific principles to the practical needs of the sick room, he has made steady progress, and by his close conformity to a high standard of professional ethics, combined with his ability, has won the unqualified respect and admiration of his fellow., practitioners as well as of the general public. Socially, the Doctor is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, and along professional lines. He holds membership in the various societies of medicine. A leading and active member of the DARKE COUNTY - 405 United Brethren church, he. has taken an earnest interest in its. work, in which, he. is aiding materially as superintendent of the Sunday school. He is without political, aspirations, but gives his hearty support to the Prohibition party, of which. his views upon the temperance, question have made him a member. Although he has long since given up the duties of the school room he continues to be well known. in. educational circles, and at this time is superintendent of the teachers' training department of Darke county. In 1901 Doctor Detamore was married to Miss Acha Roe, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, daughter of Eli and Acha (Parent) Roe, and to this union there have been born two bright and interesting children: Kenneth and Sarah Ann. CHARLES CLIFFORD TAYLOR. As a community grows in importance so do its men and institutions. In some cases the business in which a man is engaged,: his environment as it were, becomes the dominant feature in his development. In other cases his own inherent strength of character forms the mainspring that leads him from one field of activity to that of others in which nearly all the people of a community in one way or another must place great confidence. Undoubtedly such is the case of Charles Clifford Taylor, the present cashier of the First National Bank of Arcanum. Coming to that place in 1896 as station agent for the Big Four railway, in the short time of two years he had won the confidence of the people to such an extent that his services were sought to fill the position to which he was then elected and has since held. A bank cashier fills a peculiar position. He must be faithful to the stockholders of the bank, guarding well their interests, and at the same time he must be a man of great genial good nature, so that those to whom he feels compelled to refuse financial accommodation will not go away offended, but that they will go away feeling that he has really their welfare at heart and will long to come to the bank time and again with their deposits when fortune shall smile upon them in the future. While not a man of great fortune financially, Mr. Taylor has great wealth of character, and has the gratification 406 - DARKE COUNTY of seeing the result of his efforts and those with whom he has been so happily associated cause the First National Bank of Arcanum to become an influential factor in the affairs not only of Arcanum, but of the wealthy country with which it is surrounded. The whole community has-reason to be grateful to the influences that brought Mr. Taylor into its midst. He is a native of the Buckeye state, having been born at New Carlisle, Ohio, September 10, 1870, a son of Horace N. and Clara (Garver) Taylor, and grandson of Ezra and Eleanor (Neeley) Taylor, and John and Catharine (Fuller) Carver. Ezra G. Taylor was born in Virginia. His parents, following the example of many of the neighbors, decided to strike out for the then undeveloped regions in Ohio, locating in New Carlisle, where they found opportunities, as he owned and conducted the first bank of that place, known as the Exchange Bank of New Carlisle, and also developed an excellent general merchandise business, conducting it for a long period. After many years of useful endeavor, during which he gave a healthful impetus to many movements looking towards progress, he retired, and died a few years later. He married Eleanor Neeley, daughter of Major Neeley. His wife died in young womanhood, having borne him two children: Horace N. and Milton Corwin. John Garver came from Maryland, his native state, to Ohio, and married Catharine Fuller, becoming an early settler on a farm three miles east of New Carlisle. They died at the latter place, he when ninety-two years old, and she when eighty-two years old. Their children were as follows: Ezra; Ella, who married D. O. Myers; Sarah, who married John Fenner; Susan, who married James Harr; Mary, who married J. N. Cory; Clara and Laura. Horace N. Taylor, father of Charles Clifford Taylor, was born in New Carlisle, Clarke county, as was his wife. He was reared in the vicinty of New Carlisle, and during his younger years was a merchant of New Carlisle, later becoming its postmaster, which position he held for some years. Failing health compelled him to retire, and he died in November, 1904, aged fifty-eight years. His widow survives, making her home at Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Taylor was reared a Quaker, and his wife was a Methodist. During the civil war, he served faithfully and gallantly as a soldier, enlisting three times, as his periods of enlistment expired, his longest service being with the Sixteenth Ohio Battery. A man of stable character, he DARKE COUNTY - 407 was chosen upon many occasions to hold public office, serving for twenty-five years as township clerk, was city clerk a number of times, and for years was a justice of the peace and a notary public. He and his wife had four children, namely: Charles C. ; Mary G., who married C. K. McConnaughey, of Dayton, Ohio; J. Garver Taylor, who resides at Dayton, and Bert C., who also resides at Dayton, Ohio. It is so often found that the men who achieve much, grow to manhood amid natural surroundings, passing their boyhood as normal human beings. Such was the case with Charles Clifford Taylor. Nothing exciting occurred during the years that he attended the public schools of New Carlisle, but during that period he was learning the lessons of honest endeavor and adherence to duty which were to be of so much assistance to him in his later life. After leaving school, he became a telegrapher for the Big Four Railroad Company, being stationed at different points, developing into station agent for the same company. In 1896 he was sent to Arcanum, Ohio, as station agent for the company, but in September, 1898, severed his connection with his old concern to become cashier of the First National Bank of Arcanum. This bank was organized in 1893 with a capital stock of $50,000 and Daniel Francis as president and C. F. Parks as cashier, who served until September, 1898, when Mr. Taylor succeeded him. The man who is now president is M. M. Smith. Needless to say that this bank stands high in financial circles, for it is a self-evident fact that its strength is admitted over the wide territory in which it operates. It now has a capital stock of $50,000, surplus and profits $35,000 and assets over $400,000. It has just completed a handsome threepstory bank building of gray pressed brick on the corner of George and High streets. On October 16, 1905, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Lovella Gilbert, a daughter of Reuben and Viola (Zuck) Gilbert. Mrs. Taylor was born in the vicinity of Arcanum, and was one of six children, namely Edward, Lovella, Sarepta, Opal, Harry and Chalmer. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert were born in Maryland and Ohio, respectively, but they now reside in Twin township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor became the parents of three children: Howard E., Florence and Catherine. Mrs. Taylor belongs to the Methodist church. Fraternally Mr. Taylor is affiliated with Ithaca Lodge No. 295, F. & A. M., and Juniata Lodge No. 162, K. of P., in which he has held all the chairs, and enjoys his associations with these orders. A 408 - DARKE COUNTY Republican, he has not only given his support to the candidates of his party, but has served it as city clerk for fifteen years. Asa banker and citizen, Mr. Taylor has lived up to high ideals, and is one whose interests are directed towards securing a betterment of existing conditions and a continuance of those worthy of preservation. HUGH L. MARTIN. A residence of more than sixty years and a life characterized by business activity and honor well entitle Hugh Martin to more than passing mention in this work as an honored representative citizen of Darke county. His career has been one of constant industry and well-applied effort ever since young manhood and his activities have placed him among the substantial men of his community as the owner of a farm of forty-three acres, located on the Armstrong road in Washington township, about five miles from Greenville, formerly known as the old Dwyer farm. Mr. Martin was born on a farm on section 14, Washington township, Darke county, Ohio, September 28, 1832, and is a son of J. C. and Cynthia Ann (Weisner) Martin. The Martin family has been known in Washington township for many years, where its members have always been of substantiality and general worth. J. C. Martin was born on the same farm on section 14, on which his son first saw the light of day, and in young manhood followed farming for some years, but subsequently became connected with the wholesale establishment of Henry St. Clair, and was identified therewith in various capacities for a period covering thirty years. Through a life of industry and energetic effort he gained material independence and as a citizen he well merited the respect in which he was universally held. Mr. Martin married Cynthia Ann Weisner, and they became the parents of nine children: Hugh L., Alice, Mrs. Amanda Rush, Sallie, Isaac, John, Luella, Otto and Henry, of whom John, Luella, Otto and Henry are now deceased. Hugh Martin commenced his education in the Cole school in district No. 2, Washington township, subsequently attended school No. 3. and completed his studies in the Coletown school. During all of this time he had spent his summers in DARKE COUNTY - 409 working at farming and at whatever honorable employment offered itself, and thriftily saved his earnings. At the age of twenty years he established himself in a home. of. his own when he began renting land from Samuel Cole, and resided thereon until he acquired his present property, the old Dwyer farm, by purchase. at a sheriff's sale. Mr. Martin has made an excellent record, in his agricultural operations and his life shows what may be accomplished by firm and earnest purpose guided by sound business judgment and keen discrimination. In politics Mr. Martin is a Democrat but without aspiration for office. He has not been indifferent to the duties of citizenship, however, and has served very efficiently as a member of the school board, being in hearty sympathy with the cause of education. Having succeeded in life himself, he has at all times been ready to assist others to succeed, and has been liberal in his donations to religious movements. In 1875 Mr. Martin was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Mergler, daughter of Andrew and Mary (Harbarger) Mergler, and to this union there have been born six children, as follows: Laura, who became the wife of William Hipple, and is the mother of two children, Hugh H., Jr., and Fay; Margapret, who married Mack McKay and has one daughter, Annetta; H. A., who is single and assists his father in the management of the home place; Clarissa, who married C. A. Hufnale and has six children, Paul, Evelyn, Catherine, Muriel, William and Irene; H. H., who married Lorinda Seers and resides in Washington township; and Florence, who marpried Lea Rupp. ROY H. STOCKER. Agricultural conditions in Darke county have changed to such an extent during the past several decades that the enterprising farmer who would achieve a full measure of success from his labors has been compelled to revolutionize his methods of treating the soil. Science has made numerous discoveries, powerful machinery has been invented, innovations of various natures have been introduced, and modern methods are so distantly different from those of the older geenrations as to make the two almost different callings. To the men of the younger generation, in large degree, are these changes due. It has been their progressive ideas which have furthered the 410 - DARKE COUNTY development of agricultural work, and to them the station will look for a continuance of this advancement until they, in turn, are supplanted by the generations who come after. One of the progressive, energetic and thoroughly business-like young farmers of Darke county, now the manager of one hundred and seventy acres of fine land in Greenville township, located on the Stocker gravel road, about one mile from Greenville, is Roy H. Stocker. He was born March 22, 1884, on his father's farm near Lightsville, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Rhoda (Coppess) Stocker. His father was a lifelong farmer, and came to Ohio from his native State of Pennsylvania as a young man, and still continues to make his home in Darke county, although at this time he is living retired from the activities of life. He and his wife have been the parents of seven children, as follows: Alva, Ora, Edward, Roy H., Bessie, who is the wife of Carl Wheeler; Orval and Clifford. Roy H. Stocker received his education in the schools of the various localities in which his father made the family hone during his boyhood, attending first in Van Buren township, later in Greenville township, and finally the Studebaker schools. With this good mental equipment, and a thorough knowledge of agricultural work gained while helping his father in the operation of the home place during the summer months, he was well prepared to begin work on his own account when he reached manhood, at which time he commenced working land on shares. He now rents land from his father and has entire management of this valuable tract, which he is working at its highest rate of production. He is wideawake, progressive and energetic and has shown that he possesses more than the average amount of business ability, so that, if the past may be taken as a criterion, he is assured of a full measure of success, as is predicted by his numerous friends. On July 8, 1904, Mr. Stocker was united in marriage with Miss Echo Stoner, of Darke county, the estimable daughter of Denton H. and Minerva (Stingley) Stoner, honored residents of this locality. Two children have been born to this union: Helen, who is deceased, and Pauline Bessie. Mr. Stocker has been interested to some extent in fraternal work, and is a popular member of the local lodge of the Improved Order of Red Men. He supports Democratic policies and candidates, but has had neither time nor inclination for public office. Jacob Stocker, father of Roy H., was for six years county clerk of Darke county. DARKE COUNTY - 411 CLEMENT E. WADE. On the Winchester turnpike, in Greenville township, not far from the city of Greenville, is located the handsomely cultivated one hundred acre farm now managed by Clement E. Wade. Mr. Wade's contribution to the agricultural interests of Darke county is one which distinguishes him as a man of good business judgment and ability, and the public-spirited citizenship which he has displayed on all occasions entitles him to the esteem and respect of his fellow-townsmen. Although not a native of Darke county, he has spent his entire business career within its borders, and the interests of his adopted community have continued during this time to he close to his heart. Mr. Wade was born in 1874, in Adams county, Indiana, and was a child when brought to Darke county by his parents, Joseph and Mary (Stover) Wade. His father was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, from whence he removed in young manhood to Adams county, Indiana, and subsequently went to Randolph county, where lie was engaged in farming in the vicinity of Deerfield. Clement E. Wade was reared to an agricultural life, and his whole career has been devoted to tilling the soil. He was the only son of the family, although there were two daughters, Maggie and Stella, both of whom are now married, and it was necessary that he assist his father in the work of the home place, although his education was not neglected, he acquiring his literary training in the public schools of Deerfield, Indiana. Reared to traits of industry and thrift, he carefully saved his earnings, made the most of his opportunities. He has a comfortable home, fitted with modern conveniences, commodious barns for the shelter of his livestock and grain and substantial outbuildings. He is a firm believer in the use of the most highly improved machinery, and through good management and skilled methods makes his land produce full measure for the labor which he expends upon it. Reliable in his transactions, lie has won and retained the confidence of those with whom he has had business engagements, and, although he has been alive to each opportunity that has presented itself, has never been one to take advantage of another's misfortune. On April 19, 1898, Mr. Wade was united in marriage with Miss Clara Grote, a native of Darke county and a member of a well-known family. They have been the parents of two children : Mary, aged thirteen years, and Elmer aged nine. Mr. 412 - DARKE COUNTY and Mrs. Wade are consistent members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which they have taken a more or less active part. Mr. Wade's political views make him a Democrat, but it has been no part of his nature to seek public preferment. His acquaintance is wide and his friends many. FRANK G. HELMAN. Even in an age in which youth is recognized and in a community where young men are vital forces in business and public life, few have so early attained such distinction as has come to F. G. Heiman of Hillgrove, Ohio. Still under his thirtieth year, he has not only gained an enviable position in commercial circles of his community as the proprietor of a flourishing general merchandise business, but has also been brought before the public in positions of responsibility and trust, and at this time is serving both as postmaster of Hillgrove and as treasurer of Washington township. A brief revrew of the salient points of this young man's career should prove instructive and beneficial to those youths who without capital or influential friends are struggling for a foothold upon the ladder of success. Mr. Heiman was born June 14, 1884, near Union City, Darke county, Ohio, on the farm of his father, J. Q. Heiman. The family was founded in Darke county at an early period in its history by Adam Heiman of Indiana county, Pennsylvania, who came to this locality and entered government land. J. Q. Heiman was born near the town of Indiana, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, and was a child when brought to Darke county. Following his father's example, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which he became successful by reason of his industry, energy and perseverance, and left to his family not alone a comfortable competent, but the heritage of an honorable and honored name. He married Miss Maggie Coblentz, and they became the parents of six children, namely: Roland; F. G.; Gaius; Mildred, now Mrs. Hindsley; Russell and Emmett, who are living at home. F. G. Heiman was given excellent educational advantages in his youth, attending the independent and Jackson township district schools, the Union City high school and the North Manchester College. At that time he took up the vocation of DARKE COUNTY - 413 educator, but after two years decided that commercial life was more adapted to his abilities and inclinations, and accordingly went to Brookville, Ohio, where for three years he was engaged in the grocery business. Following this, he returned to the home farm for five years, and then, in 1909, came to Hillgrove, where he recognized an opportunity for business advancement. Here he bought out an established grocery business, to which he has since added a full line of general merchandise, and from that time to the present the venture has been growing in volume and importance. He is well qualified for the successful conduct of the enterprise which he is now carrying on, and has wrought along modern business lines, recognizing opportunity and utilizing the means at hand toward the acquirement of desirable success. In 1901 Mr. Helman was married to Miss Emma Stoner, of Darke county, and they are now the parents of four bright and intelligent children: James E., Robert, Miriam and Daniel W. In political opinions a Republican, Mr. Heiman has been interested in public matters since attaining his majority. During the administration of President Taft he was appointed postmaster at Hillgrove, a position which he still retains, and he has since been elected treasurer of Washington township. In both capacities he has shown marked executive ability, and the conscientious manner in which he is discharging his official duties leaves no doubt in the minds of his fellow citizens as to his public spirit and high ideals of citizenship. HON. HARVEY C. GARBER. "Poets are born, not made." What is said of poets is true also, in a measure at least, of statesmen. We read much of the "self-made man," but, in an absolute sense the appellation is a misnomer. Every man has inherited powers and characteristics as well as weak tendencies which may be largely instrumental either in his making or undoing. In a large sense, however, we are what we make ourselves. It is with these reflections that we review the life of Harvey C. Garber, who was born in a humble home in the village of Hill Grove, Darke county, Ohio, on July 6, 1865. His father, although not a professional man, was well read and took a 414 - DARKE COUNTY keen interest in the public affairs of his day. In 1867 his parents moved to Greenville, the county seat, which was to be the place of his education and the scene of his early career. Here he entered the public school and attended regularly until about thirteen years of age, when he secured a position as messenger boy with the local office of the Western Union Telegraph Company. This was the modest beginning of a remarkable career, and the boy soon showed his talent and mettle by mastering the art of telegraphy in his spare moments when not delivering messages or doing chores. During the Hancock presidential campaign, although only fifteen years of age, he manifested a keen interest in politics, and dates his entry into political life from this time, no doubt being stimulated by the receiving and posting of bulletins during the campaign. When sixteen years of age he secured a position as operator at one of the stations of the P., C., C. & St. L. railway and continued to serve this company until 1884, when he was appointed manager of the Western Union Telegraph office at Greenville, a place of considerable trust and responsibility. In this office he became acquainted with many of the influential men of the town and community, and got some insight into the working of state and national affairs. Being a Democrat by birth and training, Mr. Garber early manifested much interest in the local affairs of that party, and on September 16, 1889, went before the Democratic convention and was nominated for representative to the Ohio general assembly. He was successful at the polls in the following November, and entered the sixty-ninth assembly as its youngest member, being then in the twenty-fifth year of his age. His zeal and activity in the affairs of his party won for him a second nomination and election in the fall of .1891. While in the Ohio legislature Mr. Garber put through the county official salary law, which has since been repealed and re-enacted. He also introduced the bill providing that a railway trainman after serving continuously for twenty-four hours should have eight hours' rest before going on duty again, and another bill compelling the railways to raise all bridges crossing their right-of-way to a sufficient height to insure the safety of freight crews. On May 21, 1890, Mr. Garber married Miss Daisy Curtis, of Logan, Ohio. This union proved a most fortunate one, as Mrs. Garber is a woman of unusual tact, refinement and abil- DARKE COUNTY - 415 ity, and has assisted her husband very materially both in a social and political way, taking a keen interest in his various campaigns and helping him with advice as well as with sympathy. In 1896 Mr. Garber became manager of the Central Union Telephone Company for the Dayton district; in 1897 was advanced to the position of assistant superintendent for Ohio, with offices at Columbus, Ohio; and in 1898 he became assistant general solicitor for the same company with headquarters at Chicago, which position he held until 1902. During this period he kept up his interest in politics, and in 1900 was a member of both the state central and executive committees, being vice-chairman of the former. In these important positions he formed the acquaintance and won the support of many Democrats high in state and national politics and laid the foundation for a larger career. In 1902 he was elected a member of the national house of representatives for his district with a majority of about 4,500. In 1904, during the Roosevelt campaign, he was re-elected with a majority of about 1,700, being the only Democratic congressman elected from Ohio at that time. While in congress he served on the naval committee and introduced some important measures. He also was largely instrumental in securing a government building for Greenville, which is said to have been the smallest city in the United States getting all appropriation for such a purpose up to that time. At the expiration of his second term in congress he returned to the service of the Central Union as assistant to the president. Upon the suggestion of Robert B. Jamison, of Greenville, it is said, Garber, then chairman of the state committee, picked John H. Pattison, president of the Union Central Life Insurance Company, to run for governor of Ohio in 1905, and was largely responsible for his election. From that time to tbe present the state has regularly gone Democratic, and Garber is credited with formulating the plan that broke up the old Republican state organization. He was elected member of the national committee from Ohio in 1908 and served until 1912, acting also as vicepchairman of the congressional executive committee. In 1912 he was chosen manager of the Wilson presidential campaign in Ohio and helped to break Governor Harmon's hold on the Ohio delegation. About this time he became a stockholder in the Ralston 416 - DRAKE COUNTY steel Car Company at Columbus, Ohio, of which he was made vice-president in 1912. Among his striking traits of character to which is attributed his remarkable political success are: indefatigable industry during a campaign, at which time it is a common practice for him to work sixteen hours a day; relentless prosecution of the workers of the opposite party, following the real or reputed enemy to his lair and crushing out opposition; exacting attention to minor details, following up the suggestion of subordinate workers and leaving no stone unturned until he has satisfied the complaints of the disgruntled and aligned every possible worker for the fray. With him political success is no mere matter of chance, but comes largely as the result of careful planning, perseverance and hard work. Mr. Garber is still in the prime of life and may add many trophies to his long list of accomplishments before his life force is spent. JAMES H. PASSON. While Darke county's commercial and industrial interests are large and well represented, it is essentially a farming community, and its most substantial citizens are connected in one way or another with agriculture. Its soil and climatic conditions are of a nature nearly ideal for the raising of large crops of grain, its pasture lands afford excellent opportunities for the raising of stock, and its railroad facilities are such as to encourage the tiller of land. Nevertheless, here as elsewhere, success does not come for the mere asking. In the brisk comppetition of modern times, the man who gains a full measure of prosperity from his operations must be possessed of more than the ordinary business ability, must be alive to opportunity and must study closely the advancements which mark the progress of his chosen calling. An excellent example of scientific farming is found at the Midway farm, a tract of one hundred and thirteen acres, located on the Union City turnpike, about six miles from Greenville, in Washington township, the owner of which, James H. Passon, is conceded to be one of his locality's premier agriculturists. Mr. Passon's career has been one of unflagging industry from early manhood. He was born October 28, 1853, near Pikeville. Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of William and DARKE COUNTY - 417 Margaret (McKee) Passon. His father was a native of Miami county, Ohio, and was twelve years of age when he came to Darke county, and here completed his education, learned the trade of plasterer, which he followed for some years, and finally engaged in farming, in which he spent the greater part of his active life. He was a man of industry and enterprise and through well-directed effort was able to amass a competency for his declining years. He and his wife were the parents of two children, James H. and Mary, who is now the wife of Benjamon Deavor. The early education of James H. Passon was secured in the subscription schools near Brock, later went to the Avery school in Greenville township, and completed his studies in the Coletown school. During this period, in the summer months, he worked for his father, but the first money he earned on his own account was in cutting wood, which he sold to a railroad company, the D. & U. railroad, in 1870, with which money he bought a young horse. With his father, he learned the trade of plasterer, but this did not claim his attention for any protracted period, as his inclination was for farming, and he found more profit therein. 1 or five years he was a renter of land, and he then heard the call of the west, but did not long remain away from his native county. He remained at home with his mother at Coletown and worked at his trade for one year, but in 1881 located on the Benjamin Deavor farm, which he operated for one year. His next venture, and one which proved very profitable, was the renting of the John Fox farm, on which he continued agricultural operations until he was able to purchase his present property. This he has developed into one of the finest country places in Washington township, and the general air of prosperity which hovers about the land evidences forcibly the presence of his able management and thrift. Modern ideas have always found in Mr. Passon a stanch supporter. While he is practical and conservative, he is ever ready to experiment with something that promises to aid his work, and in this way has discovered many useful devices and accessories. His buildings, stanchly built, are handsome and commodious and tend to make the Midway farm still more valuable. In addition to his general farming operations, Mr. Passon makes a hobby of raising livestock, and each year sells a number of cattle and hogs to the shippers. Mr. Passon was married in 1880 to Miss Mary Trostle, who (27) 418 - DARKE COUNTY died in 1892 and was buried at Coletown cemetery. Two children were born to this union: Myrtle L., who is now deceased, and Elva P., who is the wife of Russell Stump. Mr. Passon's second marriage was to Mary C. Lane, the daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Vanderveer) Lane, the former born near Carlisle, Montgomery county, Ohio, and the latter in Warren county, this State. There were seven children in the Lane family: Elinor, James, Gilbert P., Margaret, Mary C., who married Mr. Passon, and Benjamin D. and Jennie, who are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Passon there have been born five children: S. Loure, Ray, Bessie J., James E. and Robert E. Mr. Passon has ever been liberal in his donations to religious and worthy charitable movements, as, having succeeded himself, he is ready to assist others to success. His political views make him a Republican, and he has long been accounted one of the stalwart supporters of the grand old party in Darke county. The high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens has been frequently expressed by his election to places of responsibility and trust, he having served for many years as a member of the school board and for five years as trustee of Washington township, and on one occasion was his party's candidate for a position on the board of county commissioners, but met with defeat by reason of political conditions here in Darke county at that time. His public service has ever been characterized by faithful performance of duty and high ideals of the responsibilities attending office, and has only served to further him in the confidence of those anion, whom he has lived so long. HON. ELMER ELLSWORTH CALDERWOOD It would be difficult to name an essential element in the progress and development of Greenville, Ohio, that does not bear the impress of the strong individuality of Elmer Ellsworth Calderwood. An important factor in the field of law, a prominent figure in finance as the head of a prosperous loan business, a public-spirited citizen striving always for his community's educational and moral interests, he gained the approval of the people in such a degree that in 1913 they elected him Greenville's mayor. A worthy son of a worthy and honored father, he steadfastly endeavored to maintain the reputation built up by the elder man, and Greenville had every reason to name him as one of its most representative sons. DARKE COUNTY - 419 Mr. Calderwood was born in Greenville December 19, 1860, and was a 'son of Judge Andrew Robinson and Mary (Thorp) Calderwood, a complete review of the father being given on another page of this work. Elmer E. Calderwood had the usual public school experience, and proved himself an industrious pupil. On leaving school he entered the office of the Greenville Courier, where he learned the trade of printer, and in 1887 became manager of the Braddock (Pa.) Daily News, but in the following summer returned to Greenville and took up the study of law. He had excellent benefits under the preceptorship of his father, and soon after his admission to the bar, October 5, 1893, opened offices in Greenville, where he continued to the time of his death. His practice was confined to the larger financial matters and handling of estates, and in each direction he showed his profound knowledge of his calling, his devotion to its best ethics and his conscientious attention to the interests of his clients. Mr. Calderwood, however, was probably better known in the money loaning business. Having paid considerable attention to property values, he added the real estate and loan business to his practice soon after his admission to the bar. This brought him into correspondence with capitalists and financial institutions throughout the country, who engaged him to make loans for them in the middle west. His career in this line was an extensive one and was marked by an unequalled success. Mr. Calderwood cast his first presidential vote in 1884 for James G. Blaine, and he never ceased to be a stalwart adherent of Republican principles. He became his party's candidate for mayor in 1913, and although Greenville usually gives a Democrat at least 300 plurality, Mr. Calderwood carried the election by the comfortable margin of 108 votes. His business and official duties, with his law practice, demanded the greater part of Mr. Calderwood's time. What remained was usually spent in his home, although he enjoyed the companionship of his fellow men and was a popular and valued member of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias. On July 31, 1901, Mr. Calderwood was united in marriage with Miss Ida Gilbert, who was born and reared in Greenville, a daughter of C. Wesley and Cora B. (Van Tilburg) Gilbert. Four children blessed this union, as follows: Mary Ann, born September 24, 1903; Andrew Robinson, born December 13, 1904; Kathryn Louise, born March 3, 1907, and Frances Belle, born December 28, 1911. 420 - DARKE COUNTY J. A. McGRIFF. With supreme faith in the future of Darke county, with the ability to profit by present conditions, and possessing a desire to assist others in doing so, T. A. McGriff, of Neave township, is considered one of the most progressive and enterprising men of his community. Mr. McGriff has been an extensive traveler and has visited many states, so that his judgment in regard to the desirability of conditions in the section in which he lives may be taken as an experienced and reliable one. At this time he is the owner of ninety-seven acres of well-cultivated land, situated about one mile west of Weavers Station. Mr. McGriff is a native son of Darke county, having been born on the old McGriff farm in Twin township, April 29, 1849, a son of Price and Jane (Mulnix) McGriff. Thomas McGriff, the great-grandfather of J. A. McGriff, was born in the north of Ireland, and came to America during colonial days, settling in Virginia. There he took part in much of the Indian warfare that took place in tbat colony, and on one occasion he and two brothers were captured by the hostiles and until they made their escape experienced a great deal of suffering. Thomas McGriff was married in Virginia, had a family of eleven children, and spent his days in agricultural pursuits. Patrick McGriff, the grandfather of J. A. McGriff, was born in Virginia in 1786, grew to manhood as a farmer, and purhcased his father's claim. During the war of 1812 he fought valiantly as a soldier from the Old Dominion, and some time after the close of that struggle joined the tide of emigration westward and settled in Preble county, Ohio, where he died in 1854, burial being made at Vest Manchester. He married Elizabeth Price, who was also a native of Virginia, and they became the parents of several children. Price McGriff was born in Preble county, Ohio, August 18, I820, was educated in the common schools near his father's farm, and discharged the duties that fell to the lot of the 'farmers' sons of his day. At the age of twenty-three years he became a pioneer of Twin township, Darke county, and for about three years was employed in clearing land, then becoming a renter on a Twin township farm, on which he remained for some seven years. At this time he purchased land in Butler township and established a'home, having one-half section in that locality as well as some land in Twin township. DARKE COUNTY - 421 He was known as one of the substantial farmers of his time, and at his death left his family in possession of a valuable property, as well as the priceless heritage of an honored name. Mr. McGriff married Miss Jane Mulnix, and they became the parents of seven children, namely: John B., who is deceased; Mary E., who married Mr. Melling, and is deceased; J. A., of this review; W. P.; Phoebe J., who married Mr. Wolverton and is deceased; Samantha, who married Mr. McLear, and Cordelia, who married Mr. Broderick. J. A. McGriff was about four years of age when taken by his parents to Butler township, and there he began his, education in the district schools, this being subsequently supplemented by attendance in the public schools of Castine. During all of his school period he assisted his father with the work of the home farm, and by the time he reached his majority he was thoroughly capable of handling a property of his own. Accordingly he began renting land from his father, and several years later, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Jacob Wolverton, he purchased 175 acres of land, which, after three years of this association, was evenly divided. Not long thereafter Mr. McGriff sold his share back and for a short time traveled through various southern states, but finally located in Illinois, where he also remained a short time. After the death of his first wife, he returned to Darke county and entered the implement business, but after some experience in this line again took up farming, which he has followed with a full measure of success to the present. At this time he has ninety-seven acres of good land, all under cultivation, which he is making produce abundantly for the labor expended upon it. His methods are modern and progressive, and in every branch of his vocation he has had the satisfaction of "making good." Mr. McGriff has been a member of the Christian church since his boyhood days. In political matters a progressive Democrat he has been prominent in the ranks of his party, serving as treasurer of Butler township for eleven years and as a member of the school board, and on one occasion being a candidate for the state legislature. Mr. McGriff, although having reached advanced years, is wide-awake and progressive, and he and his family have a wide circle of friends, to whom the hospitality of their own pleasant home is freely and graciously accorded. Mr. McGriff was (first) married to Martha Jane Holesapple, daughter of David and Ann (Crawford) Holesapple, and to 422 - DARKE COUNTY this union there were born two children: Levi, who married Carrie Krickenbarger and had one daughter, Cora, who married Mr. Neff, and O. P., who married and had two children, Roland and Grace. Mr. McGriff was married (second) in Darke county, Ohio, to Miss Lizzie Emrick, daughter of Daniel and Frances (Micksell) Emrick, and five children were born to this union: Walter, who married Jennie Long and has seven children, Ruth, Opal, Harry, Jay, Mary, Gertrude and Dorothy; Granville, who married Mary Rodgers and has two children, Wealthy and Hazel; Perry, who married Pearl Fleet and has three children, Doris, Muriel and Kenneth; Gertrude, who lives at home with her parents, and Herbert, also at home. FRAZER E. WILSON. The compiler and editor of the historical volume of this work is the son of Augustus N. and Sarah C. (Niswonger) Wilson, whose biographies appear in this book. He is the third of a family of seven living children and was born in Dallas (now Ansonia), Ohio, on Sunday, September 10, 1871. In the spring of 1873 the Wilson family moved to Greenville, Ohio, and it was here that the subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days, and received his early education. On May 23, 1890, he was graduated from the Greenville high school and later attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and Oberlin College. In 1892 he became a member of the firm of A. N. Wilson & Sons, in the dry goods and carpet business, in which business he has been engaged most of the time since. The pursuit of a mercantile career, however, has never completely engrossed his attention, and he has devoted much of his spare time to the cultivation of his natural talents and peculiar inclinations. In his high school days he manifested much interest in natural science, especially in geology, but later turned his attention to the study of local history, archeology, ethnology and kindred subjects. Desiring to reconstruct a brief, reliable and readable account of the early campaigns of St. Clair and Wayne and the peace which followed he published "The Treaty of Greenville" in 1894 on the eve of the centennial of that important event. This work he later rewrote and published it in 1909, under the title "The Peace of Mad Anthony," placing it in some of the largest DARKE COUNTY - 423 and best libraries in the United States. He was instrumental in founding the public museum in 1901, and has served as one of its curators ever since. He was also a charter member of the Greenville Historical Society, serving as its first president and now holding the office of secretary in that organization. This society placed the memorial bronze tablet commemorating the Treaty of Greenville, in 1906, erected the Fort Jefferson boulder monument at Fort Jefferson in 1907, and has assisted materially in building up the museum. For his contributions to the publications of the Ohio Archeological and Historical Society and the promotion of its work he was made a life member of that society July 5, 1907. He is also a member of the Fort Recovery Monumental Association. On Tuesday, June 7, 1904, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Pearle Larimer, eldest daughter of John Wright and Caroline (Mowen) Larimer. The Larimer family was of Scotch-lrish descent and settled at an early date in Pennsylvania. Isaac Larimer, the grandfather of John W., settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, with the pioneer families. He enlisted as a volunteer from Fairfield county in the war of 1812, serving as ensign in Captain George Saunderson's company, Ohio Militia, from April 16, 1812, to April 16, 1813, was taken prisoner at the capture of Detroit, and is said to have been the only officer in his regiment who was allowed to retain his sword, which now hangs in the public museum in Greenville. Isaac Larimer, his son, was born September 14, 1808, and was a man of great decision of character and vigorous intellect. With meager schooling he applied himself to the study of the literature and politics of his day, and became a forceful and ready impromptu speaker. He was a Democrat, but became a strong advocate of abolition during the Lincoln and Douglas campaign. He represented his district, comprising Perry, Hocking and Fairfield counties, in the Ohio legislature, in which he served two terms. On October 9, 1838, he married Margaret Ray, daughter of Samuel and Mary Ray. Isaac Larimer and his wife were both stanch Presbyterians, and took an active part in the work of that church. To them were born two sons and four daughters. John Wright Larimer, the fifth in order of birth, was born near Lexington, Perry county, June 24, 1846. He spent his early days in Perry and Fairfield counties, where he assisted in the work of farming and received his education, which was cut short by the breaking out 424 - DARKE COUNTY of the civil war. He enlisted in Company B of the 17th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, February 23, 1864, and served to the close of the war, being present in all the battles of the Atlanta campaign on Sherman's famous "march to the sea." In 1865 he came to Darke county with his parents, who settled about two miles southeast of Greenville. On November 12, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret C. Mowen, daughter of David and Sarah (Hartle) Mowen. To them were born one son, and four daughters, the son, Isaac Wright, having died at the age of nine years. His daughters are Pearle (Wilson) ; Ethel; Sara, who did much of the transcribing of Vol. I of this book, and Virginia, who graduated from the Greenville high school in 1906. Mrs. Larimer and daughters are members of the Reformed Church, in the work of which they have shown much interest. Mrs. Larimer is the daughter of one of the pioneer families of Richland township, where she was reared and educated, and is a woman of high character and ideals and manifests much interest in the affairs of state and church. After spending the most active years of their married life on the farm where, by inheritance, purchase, hard labor and sacrifice, they secured and greatly improved a fine farm of about 160 acres, they moved to Greenville in 1901, where they later purchased themselves a home on Wayne avenue, in which they still reside. Mr. Larimer has taken an active interest in the local affairs of the Republican party, having served its interests in various capacities. He has been for many years an enthusiastic member of Champion Lodge No. 742, I. O. O. F., having passed all the chairs, and has been a faithful member of Jobes Post, G. A. R., of Greenville, in which he served as commander. Like his father, he is a man of decided convictions, and manifests much interest in public affairs. Mr. Larimer's mother died November 28, 1873, and his father January 25, 1874. Pearle Larimer Wilson has taken much interest in the work of the Reformed Church, which she joined in her youth. Frazer E. Wilson has been identified with Sunday school work since a child, being during his boyhood years a member of the M. E. Sunday school of Greenville. In the spring of 1896 he joined the Central Congregational Church of Dayton, in which city he then lived, and took an active part in the work of that church until it disbanded about 1899. After his DARKE COUNTY - 425 marriage he transferred his membership to St. Paul's RcfoReformedch October 2, 1904, and has remained an active member ever since, having served as superintendent of t1 Sunday school, teacher of the men's class, deacon and chur clerk, and member of the building committee, believing t?. the work of these organizations is second in interest and it portance to no other. For years he has been a student church history and religious literature, in which subjects is much interested. On November 7, 1901, Mr. Wilson was elected treasur of the city of Greenville on the Republican ticket and sere two years in that capacity, and as treasurer of the board education. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson reside on the corner of Wayne aven and Sater street, where they built themselves a home in summer of 1904. They are the parents of three childchildren Larimer, born October 13, 1905; Wayne Alden, b( November 29, 1908, and Miriam, born March 30, 1912. IRA McGRIFF. During the past several decades so many changes have been made in agricultural pursuits as to almost have revolutionized the world-old calling. Today the farmer is one of the most independent men in the country, for to him humanity looks for its sustenance, and for this and other reasons the farmer makes money and enjoys luxuries which his forebears would have never dreamed of. One of the substantial and progressive men of Darke county who is assisting to maintain the county's agricultural supremacy and is thereby furthering his own interests, is Ira McGriff, a member of a family widely and favorably known in this part of the State. Mr. McGriff is now the owner of eighty acres of fine land lying on the township line between Twin and Butler townships, and has acquired his property solely through the force of his own industry and good manpagement. Hee wa sorn on the farm which he now occupies, in 1873, and is a son of Alfred and Martha Jane (Rynearson) McGriff. Both parents are deceased and are buried in the Twin Chapel cemetery. Alfred McGriff was born in Preble county, Ohio, a son of Patrick McGriff, also born in that county, where the family was founded by the great-grandfather of Ira Mc- 426 - DARKE COUNTY Griff, who emigrated to the United States from the north of Ireland at an early period in this country's history. He landed at New Orleans and made his way up the Mississippi river, finally locating in Preble county, where he took up land from the government, under the administration of President John Adams. Since that time the family has been closely identified with the agricultural interests of this part of the State, and has also been prominent in the work of he United Brethren church. Alfred McGriff was a young man when he came to Darke county, here settled in Twin township, where he continued active agricultural operations throughout a long and useful life. He was married here to Martha Jane Rynearson, and they became the parents of six children: Pernielia and Ardilla, who are deceased; Amanda, a resident of Castine Ohio; Eli, a resident of Butler township; George, who is deceased, having passed away at the age of twenty-one years, and Ira. Ira McGriff was given good educational advantages, attending the district school of his native locality and the high school at West Manchester. Upon the completion of his studies he concentrated all of his energies upon farming, to which he had been devoted from earliest youth during the time he was away from his studies. He commenced by renting land from his father, and gradually accumulated the home property by purchase, in the meantime making numerous improvements and adding to the equipment and stock. He is now recognized as one of the substantial men of his community and is widely and favorably known in business circles, where his name is a recognized one on commercial paper. On May 5, 1897, Mr. McGriff was united in marriage with Miss Ella Moist, of Darke county, and to this union there has been born one daughter, Marie Dale, fifteen years of age, who is attending the same school in which her father started. Mr. McGriff is interested in fraternal work, and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, in both of which he has numerous friends. He supports religious movements liberally, but is not a professed member of any denomination. Mr. McGriff's political opinions make him a Democrat, and at this time he is a member of the Central Committee. His home is often the gathering place for many of his warm friends, who delight in visiting him and enjoying the generous hospitality which is characteristic of both Mr. and Mrs. McGriff. DARKE COUNTY - 427 JOHN F. WANDEL. The business interests of Arcanum, Ohio, are heavy and varied, offering opportunities for development and advancement, for the city is in the midst of a rich farming community that looks to this point as a source of supplies, as well as a market for farm products. While the opportunities are great, however, here as elsewhere the men who succeed in business life are those possessed of superior ability, steadfastness and fidelity, and in this class stands John F. Wandel, the proprietor of a flourishing farm implement business and a citizen with large and varied connection. While Mr. Wandel has been a very busy man he has found time from his manifold interests to serve his community in offices of trust and responsibility, and as president of the board of trustees of Twin township and a member of the board of county commissioners of Darke county he is doing much to promote the welfare of his community. Mr. Wandel was born in Madison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and is a son of George F. and Christina (Couch) Wandel. George F. Wandell was born in Wurtenburg, Germany, was there reared and educated, and, as is the custom, served three years in the German army. Like thousands of his fellow countrymen he felt that better opportunities for advancement awaited him in the new world, and accordingly, in 1847, he emigrated to this country. He arrived in time to participate in the Mexican war as a soldier in the United States army, and following his discharge took up farming operations. At the outbreak of the Civil war he answered his adopted country's call for troops, enlisting in the Seventy-first regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, with which organization he fought for three years, meeting a soldier's death on the field of battle. His record was an excellent one and he was esteemed alike by officers and comrades. He left a widow and five children: George F., Emanuel, Mary A., who is now Mrs. Mock; Rose, who married Mr. Murray and resides at Salem, Ohio; Barbara F., who married Mr. Giskey and makes her home at Dayton, this State. George F. Wandel received his education in the schools of Union City, the Mount Pleasant school near Dayton, and the schools of Stringtown, but the early death of his father made it necessary that he early begin his struggle with life, and he bravely gave up his education and started out to work by the 428 - DARKE COUNTY day and later by the month, his earnings being contributed to his mother for the support of the family. At the age of twenty-two years he commenced farming on shares in Montgomery county, and for four years was a resident of Madison township, following which he came to Butler township, Darke county, and took up a tract of land. He continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits there until 1900, at which time he embarked in the implement business at Arcanum, and this has since been his field of endeavor. Through progressive methods and able management he has been able to build up a fine trade, and is known at this time as one of his community's most substantial men. In politics he is one of his county's most prominent Democrats, and has served as township treasurer of Butler township and is now president of the township board of trustees of Twin township. At the elections in 1913 he was made a member of the board of county commissioners, and took office in September of that year. His service has been characterized by a devotion to duty and conscientious regard for the responsibilities of his position that are as rare as they are commendable. His religious connection is with the Reformed church, which he attends at Arcanum. On April 8, 1875, Mr. Wandell was united in marriage with Miss Dora C. Wetzel of Franklin township, Darke county. They have had no children. CHARLES IRVEN DELK. Charles Irven Delk, an enterprising and successful builder and contractor of Pitsburg, Ohio, has erected the majority of the modern residences and barns in his part of the county and has also had the contracts for a large number of public and business buildings in the surrounding country. One of the excellent buildings he has put up is the two-story brick hotel, of which he is proprietor and which is now the family home. He was born in the village of Liberty, Montgomery county, Ohio, June 22, 1857, second child of Joseph and Mary Ann. (Gilbert) Delk, the former born on a farm near Greenville, Darke county, Ohio, January 25, 1834, the son of Ethelred and Nancy Delk. Ethelred Delk, thought to have been a native of Pennsylvania (although his grandson is not positive of this fact), was DARKE COUNTY - 429 born February 16, 1784, was a man of good education and in early life taught school in Darke county. Mr. Thomas, formerly a merchant of Ithaca, and now succeeded in business by his son Will, at the age of eighty years related that he attended school near Ithaca when Ethelred Delk was the teacher. He died February 14, 1838, when his son Joseph was but four years old, and his wife, who was born December 23, 1799, died August 19, 1835, when Joseph was but one year old. There were nine children in the family, Joseph being the youngest. In early childhood Joseph Delk was taken into the home of a stranger, who put him to work at a tender age and gave him small opportunity to obtain an education. Joseph's boyhood was one of toil and deprivation and as a young man he served four years' apprenticeship to learn the trade of blacksmith at Liberty, Ohio. Later he worked at Gettysburg, Darke county, where he conducted a shop on his own account for a period of three years. He subsequently removed to a farm near New Lebanon and there carried on his trade in conjunction with farming, having a shop on his land. He was married February 15. 1855, at Gettysburg, to Mary Ann Gilbert, daughter of Isaac Gilbert, and a native of Maryland. Her mother died when she was a child, and at the age of nineteen years, with her two younger sisters, she walked all the way from her old home to Germantown, Montgomery county, Ohio. to make a home with their father's brother, James Gilbert. She met her future husband in the hotel at Liberty and they located on a farm in the neighborhood, where their first children were born. They moved thence to Painter Creek, and from there to what is now known as Old Pitsburg, where Joseph Delk bought a lot and erected a home. and there the mother died June 25, 1879, after a residence of fourteen years there. Joseph Delk worked some twenty years at his trade in Old Pitsburg. There were six children in the family, namely: John Allen, of Twin township; Charles I., of his sketch ; James M., of Dayton; Altha, wife of Philip Waybright, lives near Dayton in Trotwood, Montgomery county ; Silas. a farmer living near Pitsburg : Carlton G., of Pitsburg. Joseph Delk married again, but there were no children by the second marriage. He lived for a time at Miamisburg, but subsequently came to live with his son John at Pitsburg, where his death occurred May 16, 1885. He is buried by the side of his first wife in Mote cemetery, at Old 430 - DARKE COUNTY Pitsburg. He was a Democrat in politics and at one time served as turnpike commissioner of Monroe township. He and his wife belonged to the German Baptist Church and were much interested in church work. After receiving a common school education, Mr. Delk helped his father in the shop, having commenced this occupation as a child by blowing the bellows and learning to strike hot iron on the anvil. He became quite proficient and would have finished learning the trade of blacksmith, but his mother thought it too hard work and wished him to take up some other line. At the age of eighteen years, therefore, he became apprentice to the trade of carpenter, and received fourteen dollars per month while learning. He spent four years with Mr. David W. Niswonger, at the end of which time he was taken in as partner by Mr. Niswonger, which arrangement lasted another four years. He then began contracting and building on his own account, which he has since continued. He purchased a lot in Pitsburg at a time when there were but four buildings there—a store, blacksmith shop and two residences, the former being the present building of the first National flank, the blacksmith shop being near it and the two houses south of the shop. The fifth building to be erected was Mr. Delk's one-story frame house, on the second lot south of the other two residences. After Charles I. Delk had erected a home in Pitsburg his sister kept house for him and they made a home for the younger brothers until they made homes for themselves, and the sister continued to reside with the subject for some fifteen years after his marriage, until her own marriage. These two helped the younger ones to gain a start in life and took a commendable interest in their welfare. The following March he moved to Dayton and enjoyed a profitable business there, but he much preferred to live in Darke county, and seven months later returned to Pits-burg. When he married he mortgaged his home for $500 and used it in his business. He has prospered well in business and there are probably not over twenty houses in the town of Pitsburg that were built by anyone else, and he has put up most of the modern farm houses in the country surrounding Pitsburg. In 1906 he secured a contract to erect the hotel for Mr. Young, which is the best built country hotel to be found in the county. In 1907 he erected the combined residence and store now occupied by Mr. William Young, and in 1909 erected a house for himself DARKE COUNTY - 431 on the main street of the town, but the following year sold it to David Baker, and in 1912 erected a home on the corner of Baker and Oak streets. This is a two-story brick building 36 by 34 feet, not including porches, with a basement under the entire building, with slate roof, hot air heating sysptem, hot and cold water system and a motor pump to raise water from the cistern, which holds 150 barrels. He has put in hardwood floors and the finishing is of quarter-sawed oak. This was the family home until February, 1914, when they moved to the Hotel Pitsburg, which he had purchased a short time previously. It was at the earnest request of Mrs. Delk that he embarked in hotel business, which she conducts and leaves him free to look after his contracting. He has a large force of men in his employ, many of whom have been in his employ for years. In 1909 he erected the Franklin township high school building, and besides a large number of fine residences, he put up in 1914 a large garage in Arcanum. In 1895 he erected the high school building in Arlington, the other substantial and handsome buildings for which he has executed contracts. being too numerous to mention. In politics Mr. Delk is a Democrat. He has never cared for office, but has served as councilman from the time Pits-burg was incorporated until 1914. In 1910 he was active in the promotion and organization of the First National Bank in Pitsburg, served as second vice-president from that time to the present, as well as a director. In 1909 he became interpestered in the manufacture of cement posts, and took stock in the company in order to help local industry. On December 14, 1890, Mr. Delk was united in marriage with Miss Dora Ella Niswonger, of Monroe township, born April 17, 1862, on a farm near Salem, Montgomery county, Ohio, daughter of Eli and Mary Ann (Coffman), Niswonger. who was but two years old when her parents moved to a farm of ninety acres the father had inherited in Monroe township. This was not cleared of woods and the father cleared a place for a home, erecting a two-story log house, which is still used as a dwelling, having been enlarged and remodeled. Her father was born on the same farm as Mrs. Delk, and was a son of George and Betsy (Warner) Niswonger, the former also born on the same farm. In childhood Mrs. Delk walked two miles to school, often through deep mud, but was determined to make the most of her opportunities for education. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Delk: 432 - DARKE COUNTY Margaret, born in Pittsburg May 12, 1892, a graduate of academic work in the North Manchester College at North Manchester, Indiana, has had one year of college training there; Fred, born March 27, 1895, and William, born July 8, 1900, also in Pitsburg. The parents of these children have been active members of the German Baptist Church, now Church of the Brethren, in Pitsburg for many years, and their daughter, who is a Sunday school teacher, is also active in church work in the same society. They have a number of warm friends and are well known for sincere hospitality. WILLIAM ALBERT CHENOWETH. William Albert Chenoweth, a successful merchant of Glenn Karn, Ohio, belongs to one of Darke countiy's old and honored families, whose name stands for integrity, honesty and good citizenship. He is the owner of a modern and well-organized department store and is one of the most progressive men of the county. He is well known in the region, where he has taken a prominent part in various affairs for many years. He was born in Randolph county, Indiana, December 26, 1854, and is a son of Charles Wesley and Minerva (Harrison) Chenoweth, the latter a daughter of James Harrison, granddaughter of Jesse Harrison, who was a grand-nephew of the Indian fighter, William Henry Harrison. Charles Wesley Chenoweth was born six miles from Hampstead, Carroll county, Maryland, near Baltimore, in 1830, and now lives retired in Hollansburg. He is a son of William and Keturah (Murray) Chenoweth. William Chenoweth and wife removed, with their children, to Darke county, in 1838, but two years later went on west to Randolph county, Indiana, where they spent the remainder of their lives. He was born on the same farm as his son Charles W., near Hampstead, in 1804, and died in 1876, and his wife was born near the same place in 1806 and died in 1894. They had eight children born in Maryland and five born in Randolph county, Indiana, and four now survive: Charles Wesley; Oliver Murray and Edward Milton, of Lynn, Indiana; Joshua Bayson, of Fountain City, Indiana, who is seventy-two years old and a veteran of the Civil war, having served with an Indiana regiment. Two sons, William C. and Benjamin Franklin, died within the last DARKE COUNTY - 433 two years, and another son, Frank, served from in the Fifty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry Charles Wesley Chenoweth is now retired from active life and resides in Hollansburg, but was for many years a farmer in German and Harrison townships, locating in the latter about 1875. He served in the Civil war and participated in a number of sharp skirmishes. He helped clear his father's farm Indiana and knew all the hardships and trials of pioneer existence, as well as its joys and compensations. His wife, who was born in German township, Darke county, in 1837, died in 1878, and was buried in Hollansburg. There were seven children born to him and his wife, of whom five now survive, namely: William Albert, whose name is at the head of this article; James A., of Hollansburg; Keturah, wife of George Sharpe, of Harrison township, deceased; Washington E., who died in 1908, was a resident of Indiana; Morton M., of Richmond, Indiana; Ella Belle, wife of Carl Woods, of Hollansburg; E. E., of Hollansburg. He has been a deacon since 1864 in the Christian church and is one of the largest contributors, being always generous in his help. He has served many times as trustee of the church. In early manhood lie amassed a fortune of some thirty thousand dollars, to which he has added continuously since. He has been one of the most successful farmers in his portion of the state, and stands high as an enterprising business man and a solid, substantial and exemplary citizen. He has been a delegate to the conference of the church many times and has always greatly enjoyed these trips, sometimes accompanied by his wife and sometimes going alone. He belongs to the G. A. R., but they have no local organization, so he seldom has an opportunity to attend their meetings. His second wife was Mary Ann Felton, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, born September 27, 1846, daughter of Charles D. and Hannah G. (Priesley) Felton, also natives of Pennsylvania. This marriage took place September 4, 1879, and two children have been born of this union, the elder of whom died in infancy, the other being Ethel Olga, born near Hollansburg March 11, 1886. She took a course in business college at Richmond, Indiana, and is now the wife of Lert Reid, of New Paris, Ohio. She is also a member of the Christian church. William A. Chenoweth attended the rural schools in boyhood and later studied at Whitewater and Lynn, Indiana, and (28) 434 - DARKE COUNTY took a course at the Union Christian College at Marion, Indiana, after which he taught school five years, with gratifying success, in Randolph and Wayne counties, Indiana, also in Darke county, Ohio. He then took up farming and carried on this occupation for five years in German township, and one year taught school in connection with his farming. During this time he worked three years for his father and two years on his own account, and has a natural aptitude for this kind of work. He was married January 25, 1877, to Miss Rosa Thomas, born on the farm in Glen Karn, German township, which is now the family home of Mr. Chenoweth, January 5, 1858, daughter of Harrison and Sarah (Miller) Thomas. Mr. Thomas was horn in Greene county, Ohio, in 1821, and died in 1890, esteemed and respected by all who knew him. He was one of those rare men who are able to go through life without forming enemies and who inspire interest and friendship wherever they go. He was a farmer and carpenter by occupation, also a local preacher for the Methodist church and always a generous contributor towards its support. Such men are the salt of the earth, and it is a great privilege to know and associate with them. He was buried at Hollansburg. Mrs. Thomas, born in Kentucky in 1823, died in February, 1910, and was buried beside her husband. She was a true helpmeet and left many friends to mourn her loss. They had six children and five are now living, namely: Emily, who died at the age of one year; Mary, wife of John Hartzell, of Greenville; Enos, of Harrison township; W. I., of Darke county; Mrs. Chenoweth; Jennie, widow of Monroe Albright, of Glen Karn. The Thomas farm is well known by that name and was first owned by George Thomas, father of Harrison Thomas, who bought a large tract of land from the government, then in the wilderness and covered with trees. He had to clear and lay out his fields, and in those early days there were Indians roaming about these woods, hunting the wild deer, which were plentiful. There were also wild turkeys and other game in plenty. The settlers were more or less afraid of the Indians, but grew accustomed to seeing them pass their homes. According to pioneer custom, they established a graveyard in one corner of the farm. The house which now stands on the Thomas farm was erected by Harrison Thomas. For five years after his marriage Mr. Chenoweth remained on his father's farm in German township, then spent two years DARKE COUNTY - 435 at Hollansburg, during which he opened a grocery store in Glen Karn in 1882. He also had a grain business, which he dropped after carrying it on a couple of years, but enlarged the store and still conducts it. Mr. Chenoweth put up the first residence in Glen Karn, occupied the first business house, shipped out the first carload of grain, and shipped in the first goods, which arrived before his building was finished. He began to sell goods before the store was finished. During the first year he did a $6,000 business with a $500 stock, the room in which it was conducted being the present parlor and the stockroom the present sitting room. In 1890, however, his father built an appropriate building for his business and he moved into it. This building was burned in August, 1894, and Air. Chenoweth then purchased the lot where his business now stands, and built a more modern store building, so that he was able to increase his stock. He then carried some $10,000 worth of goods and his yearly sales aggregated from $18,000 to $20,000 annually. He has steadily progressed in his business and in 1902 added two or three more rooms and added to his stock, so that he carries about $15,000 worth of stock and his yearly sales amount to $50,000 to $60,000. He has taken a prominent part in all the affairs of the town and he it was who chose the name of Glen Karn, prefixing the word Glen to the name of Karn, Mr. Karn then owning land there which is now the property of Mr. Chenoweth. In 1910 he bought the farm where the town was started, formerly owned by Mr. Thomas, and now owns ninety-seven acres of land, three acres having been taken off this farm for the railroad. He was largely instrumental in having a postoffice established there and in securing a good school. He has been active in bringing about many needed improvements in the community, such as good roads and proper ditching and drainage. He has been ambitious to secure all the good things possible for Glen Karn, and works with such enthusiasm and to such good purpose that he is wonderfully suc- cessful in his undertakings. He stands high in business arid financial circles and is known to have high principles in his dealings with others. He is a Republican in politics and has served in many offices locally. He was an assessor of German township, for many years a member of the school board and at present is a member of the special district school board, being much interested in the cause of education. This is partly because he was a teacher in early life and remembers 436 - DARKE COUNTY his own ambition to gain the best education possible, and also because he is the friend of progress in everything. His first presidential vote was cast for Rutherford B. Hayes (whom he had met personally), in 1876. He is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Hollansburg, and is popular in all circles. Six sons and two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth, all in Darke county: Vernon E., born January 22, 1878, married Lelah Downing, lives at Glen Karn, and their only child, a daughter Norma, who is a graduate of Hollansburg high school and of Greenville high school, will .attend college the following winter, being now seventeen years of age; Oral 0., born September 11, 1880, married Cora Skinner, lives at Owens, Ohio, and they have one son, Harold Chenoweth, six years old; Shirley D., born July 26, 1882, a resident of Glen Karn, married Lessie Pittenger, and they have a daughter, Helen, born in May, 1909; Nettie May, born December 11, 1884, married William I. Harrison, of Union City, Indiana, who is a railway mail clerk, running on the Big Four Railway from Cleveland to St. Louis; Clarence R., born October 2, 1886, of Glen Karn, married Della Foutz, and they have two sons, Howard and Lester; Harry Wesley, of Glen Karn, born June 17, 1888, married Mary Smith; Harley E., born October 5, 1893, at home, is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, took the scholarship in Jatel College with honors, and will attend college in" Cleveland during the comping year, studying law; Sarah Idris, born January 8, 1901, has taken and passed the Patterson examination and is attending high school in Hollansburg. The wives of Vernon E. and Harry W. Chenoweth were teachers at the time of their marriage and are still engaged in their profession, the former having completed her twentieth year as a teacher and the latter having taught about eight years, and both are very successful in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth are devout members of the Methodist church, and he has been a trustee many years and one of the principal supporters, and chorister for a period of thirty-five years, while she was organist for many years. Both are gifted in music, of which they are very fond, and he took a two-year course in music in college. Their daughters are well known for their musical gifts. Mr. Chenoweth is regarded as the most public spirited man in his neighborhood, and is one of the best known and most poplar men of Darke county, liberal in his opinions, kind-hearted and courteous at DARKE COUNTY - 437 all times, and always ready to support any measure for the good of the public. He has reason to be proud of the work done by his family in the early days of the county and is much interested in the early history of the region where his entire life has been spent. SAMUEL DULL. Prominent among the leading factors in the upbuilding and development of Darke county's agriculural interests is found Samuel Dull, who, in addition to being the owner of Fair View farm, a handsome tract of one hundred and seventy-four acres located in Twin township, is widely engaged in the contracting business. A man of versatile business talents, he has won financial independence and a leading position through the exercise of good business management, judgment and foresight while as a citizen he is honored by those who have recognized in him a stanch friend of progress. Mr. Dull is a native of Darke county, having been born on a farm in Van Buren township, November 18, 1874, and is a son of W. J. and Mary (Fourman) Dull, a review of whose lives will be found in the sketch of the father on another page of this work. Reared to agricultural pursuits, Samuel Dull was given educational advantages in the public schools of Van Buren township and Franklin, and received also an excellent training in the schools of experience and hard work. When not devoted to his studies, he applied himself to the tasks which fall to the lot of the farmer's son, and early showed himself to be industrious and energetic, performing faithfully the duties devolving upon him and making the most of his opportunities. When still a youth he accepted his first contract for ditching, and the successful carrying out of his agreement and the profits which accrued therefrom led him to. make this work a part of his regular business. As the years have passed he has taken and fulfilled many contracts, principally of a ditching nature, and those who have had business dealings with him have every cause to place confidence in his ability and word. It was but natural that Mr. Dull should take tip farming, upon which he has concentrated the major portion of his energies. For some years he was a renter, but he was finally able to purchase a small tract of land in Twin township, which formed 438 - DARKE COUNTY the nucleus for his present handsome property. At this time he has one hundred and seventy-four acres under cultivation, having been a resident of his community for seven years, and in addition to carrying on general farming does an extensive business in raising and shipping live stock. He has a handsome set of substantial buildings, uses modern methods in his work, and is succeeding therein because of his well-applied industry. In 1895 Mr. Dull was married to Miss Emma May Shelly, daughter of Abraham and Nancy (Lodge) Shelly, who died April 29, 1913, in the faith of the United Brethren church, of which she had long been a member. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dull, namely: Vernon S., Olive P., M. H., flubert, Nancy Pauline and Martin. Mr. Dull enjoys fraternal work, and is a popular and valued member of the local lodges of the Knights of Pythias and the Masons. A Republican in politics, he has not sought public office, being contented to express his good citizenship by supporting good men and measures. ELI NISWONGER. Eli Niswonger, a highly respected citizen of Pitsburg, is a retired farmer and has a comfortable home at tbe corner of Madison and Harrison streets. He was born on a farm in Clay township, Montgomery county, Ohio, August 31, 1836, son of George and Elizabeth (Warner) Niswonger. The father was born on the same farm in 1809 and was a son of John and Elizabeth (Circle) Niswonger. John Niswonger and his wife carne to Darke county from Virginia in 1808 and located in the woods in Clay township, and his fatber, also named John, was a native of Germany. The second John was a farmer and spent the remainder of his days in Clay township. He became owner of a large tract and one of the largest landholders in Monroe township, Darke county, including the land where the town of Pitsburg now stands. He was the father of nine children who reached maturity. He died comparatively young, being in the sixties. Of his five daughters three married men of the name of Baker, two of them being brothers. George Niswonger and his wife died in Montgomery county. Of their six children five reached maturity: David died when about sixty-five years of age; Eli is the second child; Cath- DARKE COUNTY - 439 erine married John Peffly, lived in Darke county many years and then removed to Montgomery county, where both passed away; Mary married Joseph Wenger and they live in Montgomery county; Moses is a retired farmer and resides in Oregon. The parents of Mrs. George Niswonger were reared and married in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and there she was born and was a babe in arms when her parents came to Montgomery county, Ohio, with a one-horse wagon, her mother walking most of the way and carrying the young child in her arms. Eli Niswonger received a common school education and worked for his father until attaining his majority, then attended school one year. He rented land of his father, who allowed him every fourth bushel of his crop of grain. On February 3, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Coffman, a native of Montgomery county, born July 29, 1838, daughter of Jesse and Eliza (McCord) Coffman. Her parents were born, reared and married in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1836, driving from Pennsylvania with a horse and wagon. Her father worked at his trade of cooper in Nest Milton, Miami county, where he located when his daughter Mary was ten years old. Her great-grandfather, William McCord, was a native of North Ireland, but of Scotch ancestry, and on her father's side was of German ancestry. She is not positive, but believes his given name was George and that the family then spelled the name Kaufmann. About five years after his marriage Mr. Niswonger located on a farm about one mile east and a half mile south of where Pitsburg now stands, in Monroe township. His father gave him eighty acres of land in the woods, where he cut and hewed logs for a house. Later he weather-boarded his house and added to it. making this his home until 1889, and adding ten acres to his land. He and his wife became parents of nine children, three of whom were born in Montgomery county, and there were two sets of twins. The first child died in infancy: Ella and Bella, twins, never looked much alike, and while Ella has never weighed over ninety-seven pounds, Belle weighed one hundred sixty-five pounds; James O., a merchant of Columbus, is married and has three children; George E. lives in Arcanum; Jesse and Ira, twins, who looked very much alike, the latter of whom died in infancy, and the firmer married and has three children and a resident of 440 - DARKE COUNTY Pitsburg; Willie Roy is a stock dealer of Pit burg; Granville W. died at the age of two years. Belle, mentioned above, married Arodine Isenberger, and died, leaving two children, and her twin sister, Ella, married Charles Delk, whose sketch appears in another part of this volume. Mr. Niswonger trade a success at farming and in the management of his affairs showed the effects of his excellent training in early youth. His ancestors have been thrifty and industrious and he inherited a strong desire to conduct his affairs with care and foretbought. He was a Democrat in early life but has now espoused the cause of the Prohibitionists. He has served as township trustee and school director. His grandfather and father were members of the German Baptist church and his wife was reared in the Methodist Episcopal church, but feeling she was not wholly in sympathy with that belief, she began reading the Scripture; for guidance, and she and her husband, through her influence, eventually joined what was then known as the Ludlow church, now in Pitsburg. He gives his wife great credit for laving the courage of her convictions and for her influence upon him in this connection. They have a host of friends and enjoy the respect and honor of their children and all others who know them. They worked hard in early life and now enjoy the fruits of their toil. Mr. Niswonger, though nearly seventy-eight years of age, is still able to do a man's full day's work and both he and Mrs. Niswonger are hale and hearty. EDMOND T. BRANDENBURG. The growth and development of Darke county has been swift and sure, and its present wealth and prosperity have resulted from the efforts of citizens who have been steadfast and earnest in furthering progress and advancement. One of these men, Edmond T. Brandenburg, furnishes in his career an example of tireless industry, unflagging perseverance and strict fidelity, which, when combined with good judgment and business acumen, have brought him a full measure of success. He was given no advantages in youth, outside of those to be obtained in the country schools, and when he entered upon his career possessed little capital save a willing pair of hands and a sturdy heart. With these and a rugged determination, he has DARKE COUNTY - 441 wrought steadily, until today he finds himself not alone the owner of a handsome farming property, but also a citizen high in the esteem of the people of Twin township, who elected him a member of the township board of trustees. Mr. Brandenburg was born January 3, 1856, in Clear Creek township, Warren county, Ohio, and is a son of Joseph and Lydia (Throckmortin) Brandenburg. The family was founded in the Buckeye State by the grandfather of Mr. Brandenburg, Jacob Brandenburg, who came from Virginia and settled in the vicinity of Lebanon, Ohio, there continuing to be engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of a long and useful life. Joseph Brandenburg was born in Warren county and as a young man learned the trade of shoemaker, but after a number of years spent at the cobbler's bench turned his attention to agricultural pursuits on rented land. He was highly regarded for his good citizenship and was known as a man who at all times held the welfare of his community close at heart. I'd r. Brandenburg married Miss Lydia Throckmortin, and they became the parents of four sons and three daughters: Edmond T., Hugh D., Anna, who is deceased; May, Howard, Harry, a resident of Greenville, and Leah, of Greenville township. Edmond T. Brandenburg's boyhood experiences were much the same as those of other farmers' sons, for, when he was not attending the district schools he was employed in helping his father on the homestead. When he entered upon a career of his own he chose to accept employment by the month until he could accumulate enough capital to purchase a propery of his own. Since then, with the assistance of his capable wife, he has developed one of the handsome homes of Twin township. with a comfortable dwelling, large barns, substantial outbuildings and modern appurtenances and conveniences of every nature. His forty-acre tract is situated about two and one-half miles southwest of Arcanum, and its prosperous appearance notifies the visitor at once of the presence of careful and capable management. Progress continues to mark his enterprises, and few men have more right to the proud American title of "self-made man." On December 16, 1877, Mr. Brandenburg was united in marriage with Miss Laura Judy, the estimable daughter of John and Maria (Fall) Judy. John Judy was born near Germantown, Ohio, and early in life went to Preble county, where he became a farmer and land owner near New Paris. He and his wife had six children: Samuel, deceased; Catherine. Wesley, 442 - DARKE COUNTY Eliza, deceased; Laura and Ida. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg: Leroy and Sylvan, the former of whom married Alice Whitney, and the latter Lena Rose, Sylvan being the father of one child, Kenneth. Mr. Brandenburg is interested in fraternal work, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has filled all the chairs and has represented them in great council; the Junior Order United American Mechanics and the Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. Brandenburg and wife are members of the United Brethren church. WILLIAM K. YOUNG. Among the most public-spirited citizens of Pitsburg, Ohio, may be mentioned William. K. Young, general merchant. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, October 8, 1865, son of Jacob B. and Martha (Kentner) Young, the father born near Reading, Berks county, Pennsylvania, September 26, 1838, and the mother a native of Montgomery county, Ohio. Jacob B. Young was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and at the age of eighteen years came to Dayton. He found employment on a farm at fifteen dollars per month, and continued this occupation until he reached his majority. He was married in June, 1860, and rented a large farm, which he operated a number of years. In 1875 the crops were a failure on account of excessive rainfall, soon after which lie sold his farm and the following spring located in Twin township, Darke county, Ohio, where he operated a rented farm nine years, and in 1882 purchased an eighty acre farm in Monroe township at a price of $6,500.00. He remained three years longer on the rented farm and in 1885 moved to his own home, located near the present town of Pittsburg, then merely a railway station. In the fall of 1888 he purchased a lot, 120 by 60 feet in Pitsburg, containing a residence and store building, and soon afterwards put in a stock of goods. His son William K., worked in the store for a number of years and he himself continued farming. In March, 1890, the father moved into town and William K., who in the meantime had married, moved to the farm. While engaged in mercantile business, Jacob B. Young saw the need of a hotel in Pitsburg, also a livery, and started both DARKE COUNTY - 443 in connection with his mercantile business, this being the first hotel there. After spending twelve years in mercantile business he sold his interest in this branch, but continued the hotel and livery business. About five years after he had sold the store it was destroyed by fire, sweeping away the hotel as well and the following spring (1906) he erected the present beautiful and commodious two-story and basement white pressed brick hotel, 60 by 40 feet, equipped with a water system. Ile continued in the hotel business until his demise, July 11, 1910, and his widow conducted the hotel until her death, November 29, 1913. Both are buried in Abbottsville cemetery. Mr. Young was a lifelong Democrat and much interested in public affairs but never sought public offrce. He and his wife were parents of ten children, eight sons and two daughters, viz.: Charles, a farmer by occupation, died December 20, 1904, leaving a widow and two children; William K., the second chile' subject of this sketch; Cora. of Pitsburg, wife of Allen Spitle has no children; John is married and is a bookkeeper employed in Kansas City; Jacob C., unmarried, who lost his eye sight in a mine explosion in Colorado, and is now a business man in Pitsburg, Ohio; Mary, wife of William North, of Pitsburg, has one child; Joseph B., a farmer of Monroe township, married and to him were born six children; Levi died in childhood; Jesse died at the age of nineteen years; Ira O., of Greenville. is married and has one child. William K. Young worked with his father until his marriage. February 9, 1890. to Miss Mary Katherine Tobias, cat Twin township, horn on a farm near Salem, Montgomery county, Ohio, October 16, 1868, daughter of Frederic and Esther (Arnold) Tobias. She was six weeks old when her parents located in Darke county. After marriage Mr. Young remained four years on the home farm, and later returned to work in his father's store in Pitsburg, eventually starting in mercantile business for himself. in 1907 he erected his present commodious and convenient two-story pressed brick combined residence and store, with a basement under the entire building, and having 52 feet on the principal street and 60 feet extending east and west on Harrison street. He has a complete water works outfit. He has taken great interest in the progress of Pitsburg and has helped every worthy enterprise there. He became a stockholder in the First National Bank which was promoted in 1909, and is always ready to give his aid in anything that he thinks will tend to better conditions in 444 - DARKE COUNTY general in his vicinity. He has never cared for public office but takes great interest in local affairs. Like his father before him, he is a Democrat in principle. He does a large business and is one of the best known and most popular men in his part of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Young have one son, Ray E., born on the Young farm March 1, 1892. He has a good common school education and at the age of sixteen years, on first trial, passed the Paterson examination. From boyhood he has helped his father in the store and now drives the wagon four days a week, which is an important part of the business. He has inherited his father's business instinct and is of valuable assistance to his father. The family have a large number of friends. HOMER BROWN. Nearly two decades have passed since Homer Brown cast in his fortuntes with the inhabitants of Darke county, and during all these years his name has been a synonym for sterling citizenship and strict integrity. The architect of his own fortunes, Mr. Brown has builded well, and at this time is the owner of a handsome eighty-acre property, in Twin township, which has been developed under his care and supervision into one of the most valuable of its size here, but while he has been thus busily engaged, he has not neglected the needs of his community, and his public-spirited support of all that tends to make for advancement well merits him notrce in a review of his community's representative citizens. Mr. Brown is a native Ohioan, having been born in Preble county, in 1867, a son of Nelson and Louisa (Diller) Brown. His father was born at West Manchester, Ohio, was a farmer throughout his life and owned valuable property in Harrison township. He was a man of industry, demonstrated his good citizenship in many ways, and by his pleasant personality surrounded himself with a number of sincere friends. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were the parents of seven children, as follows: Rillie, Homer, Jennie, who married D. Howell; Ira, Levi, who is deceased; Katharine and Bessie. Mr. Brown's boyhood was spent much the same as that of other farmers' lads of his day and vicinity, the winter terms finding him an earnest student in the public schools of the DARKE COUNTY - 445 various localities in which the family resided, while during the rest of each year he helped his father to plow, sow and reap, and in this way secured the training which has made him a successful farmer. His early years were for the greater part passed in Preble county, where he accepted such honorable employment as came his way, chiefly in Harrison township, and at all times made the most of his opportunities, so that when he came to Darke county, in 1895, he was possessed of some small capital. At first he engaged in farming as a renter, continuing to practice thrift and industry, but later bought his present farm and has since continued as one of the progressive men of his section. He has good buildings, made improvements of a modern and substantial character, and in the cultivation of his fields has used the most up-to-date methods. He has made a thorough study of the calling to which he has devoted his life, and continues to keep abreast of the various advancements which modern agriculture is making. Mr. Brown was married in Preble county to Miss Clara Pundt, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Ryder) Pundt, and they have two children: Victor and Ralph, both of whom reside with their parents. In his political views Mr. Brown is a Democrat, but the arduous duties of his agricultural work have precluded the idea of his entering actively in political affairs even had he any desire for preferment, and he contents himself with merely acting the part of a good citizen. His religious connection is with the Lutheran church. HARRY A. FELLERS. A member of the younger generation of agriculturists of Darke county, reared to agricultural pursuits and possessed of a thorough knowledge of the value of modern methods, Harry A. Fellers is making his twenty-five-acre farm, known as Cedar Crest, pay him a full measure of profit for the labor expended upon it. It is true that the pioneers of this section claimed and developed the ground here from the wilderness of nature, but it is likewise a fact that were it not for the earnest and industrious efforts of such men as Mr. Fellers, Darke county would not be in the prosperous and flourishing condition it now is, and which makes it one of the leading farming communities of the Buckeye State. 446 - DARKE COUNTY Mr. Fellers is familiar with soil and climatic conditions of Twin township, as he has resided here all of his life, having been born on the farm which he now occupies, September 30, 1881. He is a son of John and Sarah J. (Cain) Fellers, the former of whom was born in Augusta county, Virginia, and came to Darke county as a baby with his parents, John and Susannah (Fauber) Fellers. The father spent the active years of his career as a farmer, met with a satisfactory measure of success in his operations, and won the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens because of his industry and strict integrity. He and his wife were he parents of eleven children, of whom the following grew to maturity: Ella, who married Mr. John Richmond; Lizzie, who married Mr. S. H. Cloyd; Jeannetta, who married Robert C. Howell of Butler township; Anna, who married Mr. Calvin Wolf; Jocie, who married William Robbins; Iva, who married Mr. S. Morley; Cora, who became the wife of John Eyer of Butler township, and Jesse, who married Orville Howell of Butler township, and Harry A. Harry A. Fellers received his early education in the Sochium school, and this was subsequently supplemented by attendance at the public schools of Arcanum. While a student, he spent his spare time in working on the home farm, but also learned the vocation of telegrapher, which he followed for a short time. The greater part of his energies have been concentrated upon farm work, and through good management he has been able to make the most of his opportunities and to win a recognized place among the substantial men of his locality. Although general farming has received the greater part of his attention, he has also had some experience in raising stock, and each year ships a number of cattle and hogs to the markets. On November 1, 1905, Mr. Fellers was married to Miss Nellie Lynch, daughter of John and Ida (Fourman) Lynch, and one child has been born to this union, Nettie Juanita, who is deceased. Mr. Fellers is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, in which he has many friends. He is a consistent member of the United Brethren church, supports its movements and in every way endeavors to contribute to the progress of good citizenship and morality in his community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fellers are quite influential Sunday school workers, being teachers in the Ithaca United Brethren school. Mr. Fellers has been teaching a class for fifteen years, and has done much toward winning souls to Christ. DARKE COUNTY - 447 FRANK FELLERS. Frank Fellers belongs to an old and honored family of Darke county, the members of which have won merited place in the confidence of the community because of their industry and probity. For the greater part they have been connected with agricultural pursuits, and in this field of endeavor Mr. Fellers has concentrated his entire energies. He was born on a farm known as the old Kemp farm, and lived there one year. He has passed his entire life upon the farm which he now occupies, a tract of fifty-eight acres, located on the Ithaca turnpike, about two miles northwest of Ithaca, in Twin township, and his management of his affairs has been so well directed that he is now accounted a man of substance and reliability. Mr. Fellers was born on the farm which he is now cultivating, in 1874, and is a son of George and Jane (Cromwell) Fellers. His father was born in Butler county, Ohio, and was a lad when he accompanied the grandparents, John and Susan Fellers, natives of Pennsylvania, to Darke county. The father completed his education in the public schools of Twin township, early adopted farming as his vocation, and continued to center his interests in that field throughout the active years of a long and useful life. He and his wife were the parents of five children: Josie and James, both of whom are deceased; Martha, who married Mr. McCowen; Frank. and Effie, who became the wife of William Pyles. The country schools of Twin township furnished Frank Fellers with his educational advantages, and his business training was secured upon the home farm. He was early made his father's assistant and taught lessons of practical usefulness, learned the value of integrity and honorable dealing and adopted the methods of the modern school of agriculture. Thus he was well prepared when he entered upon a career of his own, and the community which has known him for more than thirty-nine years now numbers him among its most substantial men. Like many of the progressive men of his community, Mr. Fellers devotes a part of his attention to the raising of cattle, and also has a number of valuable Belgian horses. His attention, however, is chiefly devoted to general farming and to making improvements on his already valuable property. His buildings are substantial and of handsome architecture, fitted with modern conveniences and appurtenances, his machinery is of the most improved character, and his stock is sleek and 448 - DARKE COUNTY content. In his political belief Mr. Fellers has always supported the principles and candidates of the Republican party, but has not cared to enter the field as a candidate for public favors, being satisfied to prove his good citizenship in other ways. With his family, he attends the United Brethren church. In 1898 Mr. Fellers was united in marriage with Miss Chloe Rose, daughter of Taylor Rose, an old resident of Twin township. Mr. and Mrs. Fellers are the parents of six children, as follows: Nellie, Carl, Merlin, Blanche, Glenn and Sherill. The children are being given good educational advantages and prepared to honorably fill the positions to which they may be called in life. JOSEPH STUTZ. The owner of a fine tract of forty-seven acres of tobacco land, situated one and one-half miles southeast of Arcanum, Joseph Stutz is known as one of the substantial agriculturists of Darke county, Ohio, and has also made a decided success of his building operations, many fine structures in the county evidencing his skill and good workmanship. Mr. Stutz has resided on his present property for more than fifteen years and is well known to the people of Twin township, having gained widesp:ead confidence and respect by his honorable dealing and public-spirited citizenship. He is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Henry county, December 17, 1863, and is a son of John and Amanda (Shell) Stutz. His father was born in Warren county and his mother in Butler county, Ohio, and both were young people when they moved to Henry county. Some time after their marriage they took up their residence in Twin township, and here passed the remainder of their lives in agricultural pursuits. They were the parents of twelve children, as follows: Mary Smith, who is now deceased; George, a resident of Preble county, Ohio; Joseph; Lewis, who is engaged in farming in Twin township, south, and one-half mile west of his brother Joseph's farm; Irene, who married Eli Howell, of Preble county; Alice, who is deceased; Arthur, who is engaged in farming in Twin township, west of Ithaca; Jacob 0., living at Findlay, Ohio; Bertha C.; Ray, who is deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Baker; and Omar. Joseph Stutz was but a child when he accompanied his DARKE COUNTY - 449 parents from the vicinity of Defiance to Twin township, and here he secured his educational advantages in school district No. 8. This he attended during the short winter terms, but his summer months were not idle, as his services were constantly in demand upon the old home place. He grew to sturdy manhood and gained a thorough knowledge of farming, so that at the age of twenty years he was well qualified to enter upon a career of his own as a day laborer, continuing as such for some time. Later, however, he returned to the homestead and engaged in raising tobacco, subsequently learning the trade of carpenter, which he followed for some thirteen years. In 1898 he purchased a tract of forty-seven acre, located one and one-half miles southeast of Arcanum, and here he has developed an excellent farm for the raising of tobacco, although he still engages more or less in carpenter work, and travels extensively all over the county in raising buildings. He is thoroughly progressive, enterprising and energetic, and through his own efforts has made a place for himself among the substantial men of his community. On January 13, 1893, Mr. Stutz was married to Miss Callie Sarver, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, a daughter of Peter Sarver, and to this union there have been born five children, as follows: Charles, who is deceased; Herbert; Howard: Mabel and Roscoe. Mr. and Mrs. Stutz are members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which both have been active. JOHN EYER. Progress has gripped every field; the live, energetic men in each line have grasped opportunity and with it have brought forth gratifying results. Every vocation is developing, the world-old occupations which for centuries have seemed to have been brought to their highest degree of efficiency, have, in these modern years, been shown to have been but in their infancy. The land that a few years ago produced but a mininum per cent, of profit for the labor expended upon it now yields an hundred-fold for the sturdy men who till its soil intelligently. It matters little how large or how small a man's tract of land may be; the acreage is the last thing to take into con- (29)