450 - DARKE COUNTY sideration when one is seeking for the reason of achievement attained. In this latter connection we may cite the example of John Eyer, of Butler township, whose sixty acres, properly developed, have given him firm footing among the men to whom Darke county owes its indebtedness for its well-won title of "up-to-date." John Eyer was born in Warren county, Ohio, and is a son of Robert and Melissa (brayer) Eyer, and a grandson of John R. Eyer. His father, a farmer, spent the greater part of his active life in Warren county, where, through industry, enterprise and thrift he accumulated a competence. Robert and Melissa Eyer were the parents of the following children: Mary; Valentine; John, of this review; Frank, a resident of Yreble county, Ohio; Clarence and Fred, residents of Butler township, and Claire. Like most of the farmers' sons of his day and locality, John Eyer divided his time between attending the district schools in the winter months and assisting his father on the home farm during the rest of the year. He eagerly grasped the opportunities offered him in the line of education, proving himself an earnest scholar, and was no less earnest and industrious in assimilating the knowledge given him by his father in the line of agriculture. He considered his farm work part of his education, and his father came to rely upon him absolutely, so that he was given responsibilities granted to few youths of his years. Thus thoroughly prepared, he entered upon a career of his own when he had reached years of maturity, with the added self-reliance that he had gained by working among strangers, and the contented feeling that he had assisted materially in supporting his parents. For six years he worked as a renter, but after his marriage, in 1900, located upon his present property, in Butler township, which he has since brought up to the highest state of cultivation. Mr. Eyer is progressive in his ideas, in his operations and in his methods. He firmly believes that so much work should produce just so much profit—and, what is better, he makes his belief count for something. In proof of this statement his well-tilled fields, his substantial buildings and the general air of prosperity which hovers about his homestead, will amply testify. In political matters a Democrat, he has been too busily engaged in working out his own affairs to attempt to work out those of the party as an officeseeker, although he at all times takes a deep interest in those things which democracy promotes for the DARKE COUNTY - 451 betterment of the community. He enjoys the companionship of his fellows and is popular among the members of the Knights of Pythias, being a member of the lodge at Castine. His religious belief is that of the United Brethren church. Mr. Eyer was married in 1900 to Miss Cora Fellers, and to this union there have been born two children: Robert, attending school No. 5, and Harry. WILLIAM A. LAYER, M. D. Holding in high esteem the duties and responsibilities which his position involves, and more than ordinarily succeeding as a medical practitioner and surgeon, Dr. W. A. Layer is widely known in professional circles of Darke county, Ohio, and more especially in the city of Castine, which has been his field of practice for some years. Doctor Layer is one whom it may be said has been wise in his choice of vocations, possessing the broad and thorough knowledge that years of experience bring, an inherent love for medicine and surgery, and a kind and sympathetic nature without which the practitioner cannot hope for a full measure of success. He is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born on the old Daniel Fournier farm in Darke county, in the vicinity of Arcanum, October 28, 1868, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Niswonger) Layer. George Layer early adopted the occupation of farming as the medium through which to gain competence and position, and through a life of industry, energy and well-directed effort rose to the foremost ranks among the agriculturists of Darke county. During his latter years he lived a retired life and made his home at Covington, where he was buried. He was married (first) to Elizabeth Niswonger, who died after the birth of three children: Dr. W. A.; Susella, who married a Mr. Burnett; and Harvey J., who married Bridget Kehoe and had five children, John, Margaret, Elizabeth, George and Kathrine. Harvey was killed in an accident on the Panhandle railroad at Piqua, Ohio. George Layer was married (second) to Mrs. Catherine (Landis) Stauffer, who had three children by a former marriage, and they became the parents of one child. When he was seven years of age, W. A. Layer was taken by his father to Miami county, Ohio, and there his education 452 - DARKE COUNTY commenced in the public schools. Subsequently lie attended the Bradford high school, and secured a teacher's certificate, although he never exercised his privilege as an educator. For his preparatory course, he attended a school in Lebanon, Ohio, after leaving which he became a student in the Baltimore, Md., Medical College, from which institution he was graduated in 1895, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. After six months spent as an interne, Doctor Layer entered Mercer county, and one year later returned to Darke county and opened offices at Hillgrove. In 1896 and 1897 the Doctor went to Chicago and took the post-graduate course at the Chicago Polyclinic College. Subsequently be came to Castine. which has since been his field of endeavor, and here lie has built up a fine practice. No vocation offers opportunity for greater genuine service to mankind than that of the doctor of medicine, and the physician who fully appreciates his responsibilities and conscientiously responds to every call made upon him is a public benefactor in the highest sense of the term. Such a man Doctor Layer has shown himself to be. Purity of mind, lofty ideals and unselfish devotion to the welfare of others have been manifested strikingly throughout the time he has been practicing at Castine, and in turn he is esteemed and respected by those with whom he comes into contact. He keeps fully abreast of the progress made in his profession by maintaining membership in the Darke county and Ohio State medical societies, and by subscription to the leading journals of medicine and surgery. He enjoys fraternal work, and is popular with his fellow members in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Ithaca, the Knights of Pythias, at Castine, and the Knights of the Golden Eagles. His support is freely given to all religious and charitable movements. The Doctor has been active in those affairs which have had to do with the advancement of Castine's interests, and at the present time is serving efficiently as a member of the city council. On October 20, 1897, Doctor Layer was married to Miss Estella White, daughter of E. C. and Mary (Cox) White, and to this union there has been adopted one daughter, Edna May. Mrs. Layer was born in Darke county near Greenville and her ancestors on maternal side were pioneers of Darke county, coming when Darke county was settled by the Indians. His grandfather, Jesse Cox, was one of the first, if not the first, white child born in Washington township. DARKE COUNTY - 453 NORMAN TILLSON IRELAN. Norman T. Ireland belongs to one of Darke county's older families and is one of the largest landowners in Harrison township. He lives on the outskirts of Hollansburg, in the house built by his father in 1882, and has retired from active farming. He was a teacher in early life and has been interested in the cause of education and every movement which would work for the good of the community, all his life. He has always been one of the more substantial and prominent citizens, as was his father before him, and has been influential among his fellow-townsmen. He is president of the People's Banking Company of Hollansburg and his name stands for business integrity wherever found. He has been associated with Hollansburg all his life and was horn there December 14, 1851, son of Aaron Abel and Phoebe (Tillson) Irelan. The father, more familiarly known as "A. A." was born in Preble comity, Ohio, September 12, 1818, and died July 26, 1910, having spent all his active life farming in Harrison township. He also run a huckster wagon to Cincinnati for a few years and had a general store at Stewartsville a little town below the present site of Hollansburg, but when the latter town was started he moved his store and stock to that town and kept his business there until 1856. He was prominent in local affairs and served as justice of the peace for some ten years and as township trustee for several years. His wife, who was born in Harrison township April 15, 1830, died May 5, 1913, and both were buried in Hollansburg cemetery. They had nine children, all born in Harrison township, five of whom died in childhood, and of the other four two now survive: Norman T. was the fourth child in order of birth; William T., who was a teacher in the Greenville schools and resided in Hollansburg, died some eight or ten years ago; Clara Leona, wife of O. L. Downing, of German township, died in August, 1912; Cora Williams lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with her son Guy. The mother of these children was a member of the Christian church. After completing the course in the Hollansburg school and during 1870-71 attending school in Greenville two terms, Mr. Irelan took up teaching as a profession, and since that time has continued his education by reading and observation. From the age of eighteen years he taught six years and then on account of poor health decided to take up some other occupa- 454 - DARKE COUNTY tion. He was of great assistance to his father in the management of his business affairs. He spent four years farming in German township and in 1882 returned to Harrison township, since his home. He carried on a farm one mile south of Hollansburg from 1882 to 1906, then located at Hollansburg to be able to care for his aged parents, and still lives on his father's farm. He was of much comfort to his parents during their last days and was always a dutiful son. He owns 214 acres of choice farming land, with the house he occupies and another one across the road. He feeds many head of stock and carries on a line of diversified farming. He is a Democrat in politics and cast his first presidential ballot for Winfield Hancock. He has served in various local offices: Was township trustee fifteen years, town clerk four years, and for ten years was president of the school board during which time Hollansburg high school and schools Nos. 11 and 12 were erected. He has been president of the bank since it was organized in 1902. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and he is clerk of same. He became a chorister of the church at the age of eighteen years and continues in this position at the present time. In teaching he interested his pupils in music, taught them to read it and have a taste for good music. He is one of the best vocal and instrumental music teachers in the town and inherited his taste in this direction. His first teacher in music was the wife of Dr. Bookwalter, of Greenville, whom he succeeded in later years. Mr. Irelan is a leader in the community by reason of his upright life and his career is one any young man might follow with interest and profit, hoping to win as good a standing in his locality. Mr. Irelan was married March 18, 1875, to Miss CIara Medora Turner, born January 15, 1855, daughter of L. G. and Sarah (Endsley) Turner, both deceased. Mr. Turner was born in Wayne county, Indiana, July 19, 1831, and died October 16, 1909, and Mrs. Turner was born March 3, 1835. Mr. Turner was a farmer and came to Darke county in the spring of 1864. He is buried in Hollansburg cemetery. They had two sons and two daughters: Mrs. Irelan; Percy LaRue, of Greenville; Charles B. died at the age of two years; Rose A., wife of Henry Wolfal, of Darke county. Mr. Turner served as justice of the peace several years before his death, for some years was mayor of Hollansburg, and was highly respected. DARKE COUNTY - 455 He was at one time candidate for probate judge but was defeated. Eight children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Irelan: James Eugene, born September 14, 1877, married Laura Pearl Martin, lived in Harrison township, died September 12, 1812, was buried at Hollansburg, leaving a wife and four children-Aaron Garr, Harry, Foster and Donnie; Rose Ona, born September 22, 1880, married Ira F. Thomas, December 22, 1900, and they reside at Tiffany, LaPlatta county, Colorado, and have one daughter, Ruth; George A., born August 3, 1882, on August 2, 19d5, married Amber Wiley, lives in Wayne county, Indiana, and they have two sons, Cornelius and Paul; Nora, born June 10, 1879, married (first) January 19, 1901, E. E. Spencer, who died March 18, 1908, leaving one son, Marcus Claudius, and married (second), July 27, 1911, Mr. J. W. Harris. They now live on part of her father's farm. across the road from him, and have one son, Norman Alfred Harris, aged fourteen months; Charles L., born December 12, 1843, a graduate of high school, died October 26, 1903, and is buried in Hollansburg cemetery; Ora Gilbert, born October 9, 1887, residing in Richmond, Indiana, on April 18, 1908, married Angie J. Alexander, and they have one child, Clara Enid; Izetta G., born February 23, 1891, on September 14, 1912, married Merle Simpson and they live at Palestine, Darke county; Arno W., born February 19, 1894, and died May 16, 1895. GEORGE F. FELLERS. Two and one-half miles northwest of Ithaca, on the Ithaca road, is situated the farm belonging to George F. Fellers. It is not necessary to introduce Mr. Fellers to the citizens of Twin township, for his residence in this community has covered a period of more than sixty years, during all of which time he has been identified closely with the agricultural interests of his locality. A veteran of that great strife which occurred when secession reared its gory head to threaten the solidity of our Union, he may point with a pardonable degree of pride to his record as a soldier, and his subsequent record as a stalwart citizen, fighting the battles of peace, is marred by no stain or blemish. Mr. Fellers is a Buckeye. He was born March 15, 1841, in 456 - DARKE COUNTY Preble county, Ohio, and is a son of John G. and Susanna (Fauber) Fellers. The father, a native of Augusta county Virginia, came to the west as a young man, locating first in Preble county, subsequently moving to Butler county and finally, in 1852, locating in Darke county, where he passed the remaining years of his life. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: James, who is deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Ray, also deceased; David, who has passed away; John B., Henry, deceased; George F., of this review; Harvey, and Mrs. Martha Shuler, deceased. Reared to industrious and thrifty habits, George F. Fellers early learned that the surest road to success is found through the medium of hard and energetic toil. He joined his brothers in helping his parents to develop the home farm, and in the meantime was eager to accept the educational advantages offered him during the short winter terms, attending, successively, the Gross school, in Butler county, the Nine Mile school there, and the public school near his home when the family moved to Twin township. He early adopted the vocation of farming as his life work, and busily engaged himself at tilling the soil until his enlistment in Company B, 110th Ohio volunteer infantry, for service during the Civil war, being under the direct command of Gen. J. Warren Keifer, in the Army of the Potomac. He took part in battles as follows: Union Mills, Va., (Winchester), June 13, 1863; Winchester Heights, Va., June 14, 1863; Stevenson Depot, Va., June 15, 1863; Wapping Heights, Va., July 23, 1863; Bradey Station, Va., November 8, 1863; Mine Run, Va., November 27, 1863; Wilderness, Va., May 5-7, 1864; Spottsylvania, C. H., Va., May 9-12, 1864; New York River, Va., May 14, 1864; Cold Harbor, Va., June 1-12, 1864; Petersburg, Va., June 22-23, 1864; Reams Station, Va., June 29, 1864; Monocacy, Md., July 9, 1864; Snicker's Gap (Charleston), Hall Town and Smithfield, Va., Aug. 1864; Opequan, Va., September 19, 1864; Fisher's Hill, Va., September 22, 1864; Cedar Creek, Va., October 19, 1864; Cedar Springs, Va., November 12, 1864; Petersburg, Va., March 25, 1865; Petersburg (assault), Va., April 2, 1865; Jettsville, Va., April 5, 1865; Sailor's Creek, Va., April 6, 1865; Appomattox, Va., April 9, 1865. When he received his honorable discharge, after a faithful and valiant service, he returned to his home and resumed agricultural operations. So well-directed have been his efforts and so intelligent his activities that at this time he DARKE COUNTY - 457 is the owner of 116 acres of some of the finest land in Twin township. No adventitious circumstance has aided Mr. Fellers in his onward march to prosperity; he has been the architect of his own fortune, and he has builded well and substantially. He has been a student of matters pertaining to his vocation, and he has applied his learning to the furtherance of his labors. Republican by political belief, he has never sought the doubtful honors to be gained in the political arena, but has not withheld his support from those movements which he has believed would benefit the public weal. With his family, he attends the United Brethren church. On April 1, 1869, Mr. Fellers was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Cromwell, daughter of Phil and Rebecca (Hemp) Cromwell, and to this union there have been born three children: Mrs. Martha McCowen, G. Frank and Effie P. CHAS. M. DAVENPORT. Charles M. Davenport is a very well known citizen of Greenville and belongs to a family that has done much for Darke county, having been identified with its interests for many years. He is a member of an old and honored family and his first ancestor to come to America was Abraham Davenport. He was born in England in 1714, married Mary Sims, and had the following eight children: Anthony Sims, Andrew, Samuel, Marmaduke, Elizabeth, Stephen, Abraham and John. Anthony Sims, the eldest, born in 1757, married Mary Bozzle and they became parents of eight children, viz: Abraham, Ira, John, Wesley, Mary, Nancy, Sarah and Willa Minor. Of these, Abraham, born about 1785, is in direct line to the subject of this sketch. He married Penelope Griffith and they had eight children: Anthony Sims (2), Dr. Smith, John, Benjamin, Ira, Robert, Celina and Elizabeth. The second Anthony Sims Davenport was grandfather of Charles M. Davenport. Anthony Sims Davenport, born May 16, 1813, died January 19, 1880, lived in Shelby county, Ohio, married Nancy Coon January 8, 1835, and they had six children, as follows: Elizabeth, born February 25, 1836, married James Malcolm; Martha M., born December 4, 1837, married Hiram Lenox; John Wesley, born October 27, 1839; David, born July 23, 1841; Frances, born July 5, 1843, wife of James Wood; Finley, born Septem- 458 - DARKE COUNTY ber 2, 1845, died while serving in the Union army. Mrs. Nancy Davenport died January 3, 1846, and Anthony Sims Davenport married Betsy M. Clintock, February 23, 1847, by whom he had three children. Sarah and Edward died when they were about two years old, and Charles P., born March 20, 1851, now a resident of Shelby county, Ohio, near the old home farm, who married Margaret Cecil and have four children, Floyd, a resident of Bisbee, Arizona; Owen, employed by a mining company in Central America; Eva, wife of Dr. Fred Clark, of Sidney, Ohio, and Donnie, a school teacher, who lives at home. James and Elizabeth Malcolm have five children, Lucy, wife of Prof. A. W. Gamble, of Logansport, Id.; Clara, wife of Daniel Price, of Piqua, Ohio; Cora, wife of Grant Patten, living near Piqua; Harper, of Medarysville, Ind., and Nannie, wife of William Bowen, of near Sidney, Ohio. James and Frances Woed have two sons, Edward and Arthur, and live in Cleveland, Ohio. David married Sadie McVay and has two sons and an adopted daughter. Rev. Charles Russell, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, has served the church at Swanton, Ohio, for the past nine years; Benjamin lives in Cleveland, and Lillie lives with her mother in Piqua, Ohio. David served in the Union army and was shot through the right arm. John Wesley Davenport was born in Shelby county, Ohio, October 27, 1839, and died January 27, 1909, in Darke county, being buried at Shook's Chapel cemetery in Wabash township. He was a farmer practically his entire life and was a Republican in politics, holding such township offices as supervisor and trustee. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he was trustee of the church known as Shook's Chapel. On March 18, 1862, he married Melvina Heffleman, who was born in Clay township, Montgomery county, Ohio, on August 20, 1840, and now resides on the home farm in Wabash township. Melvina (Heffleman) Davenport is a daughter of John and Susan (Oldum) Heffleman. John Heffleman was born January 11, 1810, in Milford township, Miflin county, Pennsylvania, died in Shelby county. Ohio, in 1894; he was the third son of Frederic Augustus and Barbara (Hartman) Heffleman. Frederic H. was born October 3, 1778 in Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania, and died January 26, 1862. After marriage, John Wesley Davenport moved on a farm near Jonesborough, Grant county, In- DARKE COUNTY - 459 diana, and in March, 1881, returned to Darke county, Ohio, located on a farm in Wabash township, and there spent his remaining years, carrying on the work of his farm until he was ready to retire from active life. He was a much respected citizen, standing well in the community and having many friends. He and his wife had five children, all born while they were residing in Grant county, Indiana: William Heffleman, born December 10, 1863, living on a farm in Wabash township, adjoining his mother; Franklin S., born March 15, 1867, died November 19, 1895, and is buried at Shook's Chapel; Charles M., born October 11, 1869, in Grant county, Indiana; Lillie, born September 12, 1875, died in infancy; Grace, born January 8, 1878, died October 6, 1895, shortly before her brother, Franklin, who is buried by her side. William Heffleman Davenport married Mss :\nna Supinger June 16, 1887, and they have five children: Walter, living on a farm in Wabash township adjoining his father, married Miss Clara McKibben and they have one child, Helen. Susie, at home, teaches music in the neighborhood; Homer, Treva and Paul at home. Charles M. Davenport received a common-school education in the rural schools, supplemented by the course in Versailles high school, then attended the Centennial Commercial College at Greenville, Ohio, where he fitted himself for Commercial life. He began business life as stenographer in the office of The Henry St. Clair Company, wholesale grocers, at Greenville, and subsequently took charge of their books. He has developed into an expert book-keeper and has held this position with the above named company since 1894. He is progressive and enterprising in his ideas and is a valuable employe of the concern, his efficiency and worth being recognized and appreciated by his employers. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and served as Chancellor Commander in 1908. He is very fond of his home and is rather quiet and retiring in his tastes. He is closely devoted to his business but finds considerable time to devote to church work and is interested in everything which he thinks will work out to the benefit of the city, county or state. He is a model citizen and ready to do his duty in all ways. His friends will be gratified to learn that he wrote a greater part of the chapter on the Methodist Church found in Volume 1 of this work. which will be read by all with much interest. Mr. Davenport is fond of reading and study and keeps up with the events and issues of the day. He is wide-awake and practical and has a 460 - DARKE COUNTY comprehensive idea of business and commercial affairs. In 1899 he built the present comfortable family home on East Fifth street and has made many changes and improvements since. On June 25, 1896, Mr. Davenport was united in marriage with Miss Dora B. Ditmer, born January 9, 1869, near Georgetown, Miami county, Ohio, daughter of Henry Warner and Brittania (Searle) Ditmer and spent her girlhood in Monroe township, Darke county, Ohio. Mr. Ditmer was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1831, and died November 3,, 1898, being buried at Georgetown, Miami county. His wife was born in Champaign county, Ohio, February 18, 1848, and died March 23, 1905. Henry Warner Ditmer was a son of John Ditmer, born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1789, who married Susanna Warner, born November 9, 1796, in the same county. John and Susanna Ditmer had thirteen children: Jacob. born in Pennsylvania, November 23, 1814; Elizabeth, born August 28, 1816, wife of John Falkner, now deceased, who formerly lived near PhilipsI_iurg. i irtgomery county, Ohio; John, deceased, born January 11, 1819; Rosanna, deceased, was born December 15, 1820, and married Joseph Carroll; Mary, born November 21, 1822, married Matthias Spiler; Abraham, born August 15. 1824; David, born April 15, 1827; Elias, born April 19, 1829; Henry, father of Mrs. Davenport; Catherine, born December 23, 1833, wife of George Fry, of Darke county, Ohio; George. horn April 15, 1836; Benjamin, born January 24, 1839; Levi, born March 30, 1841. John Ditmer, father of these children, died April 3, 1854. Henry Warner Ditmer was a farmer by occupation and spent most of his life in Darke county. He enlisted in the Seventy-first Ohio Vohinteer Infantry for three years during the Civil War and served in many important battles. He was a Democrat in political principle but took no active part in political affairs. He and his wife had ten children, two born in Miami county and eight in Monroe township, Darke county: Dora B., born January 9, 1869; Luella, born January 27, 1871, married Calvin Litten and they live on a farm near Philipsburg, Montgomery county; Charles R., born April 22, 1873, lives south of Greenville; Lawrence S., born September 30, 1875, lives near Potsdam; Noah W., born December 29, 1877, lives near West Milton, Ohio; Amanda, born October 15, 1880, married Samuel A. Bridenbaugh and they live on a farm DARKE COUNTY - 461 near West Milton; Edward H., born August 11, 1882, lives on a farm near Potsdam; Cora, wife of Henry Timmons, living at Potsdam, Ohio, was born September 24, 1885; one child died in infancy; Mina Ethel, born April 19, 1890, married Charles Macy and they live near Philipsburg, Ohio. The parents were members of the Mennonite church. Mr. and Mrs. Davenport have two children: Gladys G., born March 14, 1897. In May, 1914, she graduated from Greenville high school and will enter the Ohio Wesleyan University in September, 1914, to prepare herself for a teacher of English; Harold Ditmer, born June 17, 1900, will be a sophomore in the Greenville high school during the year commencing September, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Davenport are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Greenville. He has served as superintendent of the Sunday school since 1900, having previously been assistant superintendent and secretary. He has been financial secretary of the church for some time and is also a trustee. Mrs. Davenport has been president and secretary of the Ladies Aid Society and both have done very valuable work :: the interest of the same. They are both anxious that their children shall have every educational advantage possible and, have been economical and self-sacrificing in past years to build up their present prosperity and standing. WARREN E. WEHRLEY With the agricultural interests of Darke county, Ohio, W. E. Wehrley has been identified since reaching man's estate, and today he is a member of the firm of Vietor & Wehrley, proprietors of the Maple Valley Stock Farm, located in Butler township. A man of inherent ability and broad experience, he has displayed a spirit of business enterprise and perseverance which enables him to overcome difficulties and obstacles, and in discharging the duties of citizenship has always so directed his actions as to win and retain the respect and esteem of the people of his community. Mr. Wehrley is still a young man, having been horn February 4, 1885, and is a native of Preble county, Ohio, and a soh of F. M. and Ella (McConnell) Wehrley. Frank M. Wehrley was horn in Preble county, Ohio, and as a young man adopted the carpenter trade and his life work, 462 - DARKE COUNTY serving his apprenticeship in the vicinity of Eldorado. He became a skilled workman, built up an excellent business, and gradually drifted into contracting, subsequently handling large contracts both in building and ditching. At this time he is located at Richmond, Wayne county, and is known as one of the substantial business men of that place, where his interests are large and varied. Seven children were born to Frank M. and Ella (McConnell) Wehrley, named as follows: Otilla, who became the wife of E. P. Kyle, and lives in Butler township; Andrew J., residing at Greenville, Ohio; W. E., of this review; Bertha, who became the wife of a Mr. Hoffman and resides at Richmond; William, of Greenville; and John and Rufus, residents of Richmond. W. E. Wehrley was given ordinary educational advantages, first attending the public schools of Hamburg, Fairfield county, and later being a student in the schools of Eldorado, Preble county. From earliest youth he showed himself possessed of a high degree of industry and ambition, and so faithfully and earnestly did he work that when he was only eight years old he was earning a salary of eight dollars a month as a farm hand. He was thus engaged until the time he was thirteen years old, when he followed in his father's footsteps by taking up the trade of carpenter, but later accepted employment in an elevator at Eldorado. In 1910 Mr. Wehrley formed a partnership with William Vietor, a well-known business man of New Madison, Ohio, and under the firm style of Vietor & Wehrley these gentlemen became proprietors of the Maple Valley Stock Farm, one of the first tracts of its kind in Darke county. The operations of this concern have been extended yearly, improvements have been constantly added to the property, and the elder man's experience and the younger's enthusiasm and energy are rapidly bringing the new enterprise to the forefront. On October 16, 1910, Mr. Wehrley was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Vietor, daughter of William and Katie (Benson) Vietor. A complete review of her father's life will be found in the sketch of Sebastian Vietor. Mrs. Vietor is a daughter of James and Sarah (Richards) Benson, who moved to Darke county, Ohio, many years ago from Baltimore, Md. Mr. and Mrs. Wehrley have been the parents of two children: Dessie B. and Beryl E. Although he is not connected with any particular religious body, Mr. Wehrley has been liberal in his support of all good movements whether of church or DARKE COUNTY - 463 charitable nature. He has not hesitated to join other public-spirited men in advancing the public welfare, although his business interests have kept him too busy for him to actively enter political affairs. PHILEMON C. FELLERS. It has frequently been demonstrated that the best and strongest in an individual are brought out and developed only under the stimulus of opposition and the pressure of adversity, and the truth of this assertion finds another verification in the life record of Philemon Fellers, who is engaged extensively in dealing in agricultural implements at Castine, Ohio. His ready recognition of opportunity has played a large part in his success, and another prominent characteristic in his make-up is his perseverance, which has enabled him to carry to a satisfactory and successful conclusion those matters to which he has applied himself. Mr. Fellers is a native son of Darke county, Ohio, having been born November 5, 1867, on a farm in Twin township, a son of James F. and Mary (Cromwell) Fellers. John G. Fellers, the grandfather of Philemon Fellers, was born in Augusta county, Virginia, from where he came to Ohio in young manhood and settled in Preble county, subsequently moving to Butler county, and, in 1852, to Darke county, where he spent the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. He married Susanna Fauber, and they became the parents of eight children: James F., the father of Philemon, now deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Ray, deceased; David, who has also passed away; John B., Henry, deceased; George F., a farmer on the Ithaca road, in Darke county; Harvey and Mrs. Martha Shuler, deceased. Philemon Fellers received his education in the Sochim district school, and was reared to agricultural work, remaining on the old homstead and assisting his father until he attained his majority, when he commenced farming by the month. He was thus engaged for a period of fourteen years and in the meantime carefully saved his earnings with the end ever in view of some day becoming the owner of a property or the proprietor of a business of his own. This ambition was realized October 5, 1904, when he bought the stock and good will of Mr. l~olkerth, who had conducted an agricultural business 464 - DARKE COUNTY at Castine. Although this enterprise had been established for some years, a lack of progressive ideas and methods had allowed it to deteriorate to some extent. With Mr. Fellers' arrival as the directing head, the business soon evidenced a gratifying growth, and it is now one of the leaders in its line in this section. Mr. Fellers handles all kinds of agricultural implements, harness and kindred articles, keeping a complete stock of the most highly-improved makes, and attracts his trade from all over the surrounding country. His success has been well merited, in that it has come as a direct result of his own labors and not through any adventitious chance or circumstance. He has shown his faith in the future of Castine by investing in city realty, and at this time is the owner of three valuable properties. In political matters Mr. Fellers has always given his support to the Republican party, until 1907, when he has since given his support to the Prohibition party. His religious belief is that of the United Brethren church, in the work of which he is active. JOHN B. GILFILAN. On the Otterbein road, about two and one-half miles northwest of Castine, is found the handsome seventy-acre farm which is the property of John Gilfilan. Almost the only means by which one can establish the highest credit for integrity and good character generally is to maintain a long residence in one locality, where all his neighbors know him under a great variety of circumstances, test his reliability and still sustain him as a valuable citizen. By this test Mr. Gilfilan has been placed high in the esteem of an intelliizent and moral community. He therefore, is deserving of more than passing mention in a work of this nature. Mr. Gilfilan has passed his entire life in Darke county, having been born on the old home place near Castine, November 17, 1866, and is a son of Robert and Margaret (Miller) Gilfilan. Robert Gilfilan was born in County Derry, Ireland, and was a lad of nine years when he emigrated to the United States, with his oldest brother, Jonathan Gilfilan. They settled first at Coatesville, Pa., where the brother embarked in the tannery business, and while residing there Robert Gilfilan received his educational training. Upon reaching young manhood he went DARKE COUNTY - 465 to West Milton, Miami county, Ohio, and subsequently came to Darke county, being for some time engaged in the tannery business at Ithaca. Later, however, he turned his attention to farming pursuits, and became one of the substantial agriculturists and land holders of his part of the State. He and his wife became the parents of eight children: Eliza J., Ethie and Ella, all deceased; John, of this review; Mrs. Laura Byers, Lottie, who married George Beard, and has one daughter, Hazel; Cora, who married Herbert Davis of Xenia, Ohio, and Clarence, of whom more later. John Gilfilan received his education in the Castine public schools, and in the meantime spent the summer months in working on the farm. He early decided to follow in his father's footsteps as a tiller of the soil, and applied himself assiduously to gaining a thorough knowledge of that vocation. He entered upon a career of his own when twenty-six years of age, and has since developed a handsome property of seventy acres. He has confined his activities to general farming and has achieved excellent results through the intelligent application of modern methods. A Democrat in his political views, the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens has been evidenced by his election as township treasurer, of which office he has fully vindicated the confidence placed in him. The number of his friends is restricted only by the number of his acquaintances. On November 16, 1892, Mr. Gilfilan was married to Miss Retta Freed, daughter of John and Catherine (Popp) Freed, and to this union there has been born one son, Robert. Robert, the father of John B., died August 19, 1902, while Mrs. Robert Gilfilan is living in Castine at the age of seventy-five years. John is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Mrs. Gilfilan is a member of the United Brethren church. Clarence Gilfilan, a brother of John Gilfilan, and, like him, one of the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Butler township, is the owner of a farm of one hundred and ten acres, located about one-quarter of a mile east of Castine. He was also born on the homestead place near that city, February 7, 1875, and received his education in district school No. 7, and the Castine special school. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, working on the home farm throughout his school period, and at the age of twenty-one years commenced (30) 466 - DARKE COUNTY cultivating a tract of land rented from his father. He has continued to follow agricultural lines to the present time, and his well-tilled fields, his substantial buildings and the general air of prosperity which hovers about his homestead testify to his skill and good management as a farmer. Mr. Gilfilan is a Democrat in politics, but his interest in public matters is confined to that taken by every good citizen who has the welfare of his community at heart. He has been prominent in the work of the United Brethren church and Sunday school, and for a long period served as superintendent of the latter. In 1900 Clarence Gilfilan was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Peirce, daughter of Alvin and Susan (Blickenstaff) Peirce of Wayne county, Indiana, and to this union there have been born two bright and interesting children: Merrill and Dudley. Mrs. Freed, mother of Mrs. Gilfilan, died November 20, 1903. Mrs. Freed is still living at the age of seventy-seven. CHARLES O. MARTIN. One of the successful business men of Darke county, Ohio, belonging to the younger generation, has illustrated in his career the opportunities that are presenting themselves to the youths of today who are possessed of enterprise, have the ability, and are not afraid of hard, persistent labor. Charles O. Martin is now owner of a flourishing mercantile business, the operations of which cover the vicinity of Savona and the surrounding country for a radius of some miles, yet but a few short years ago he entered business life in the capacity of clerk. He is a native son of Darke county, having been born in Adams township, his parents being S. W. and Josephine (Kissel) Martin. The grandparents of Mr. Martin, John and Susan (Crider) Martin, were early resident of Adams township, settling as pioneers on land that had been entered by the grandfather during the administration of President Jackson. On this farm was born S. W. Martin, who grew up amid pioneer surroundings, attended the early subscription schools, and adopted the vocation of farmer, which he has followed all of his life. The little eighty-acre tract that formed the original homestead has grown and developed, and Mr. Martin is now one of the large landholders of the township. He and his wife have been the parents of ten children: Earl, a resident of Versailles, Ohio; DARKE COUNTY - 467 Charles O., Nelsa, who married W. H.Cook, and resides at Gettysburg, Ohio; Nora, deceased, who was the wife of Roy Whittington; Roy, a resident of Chicago, Ill.; William, who is deceased; Russell, residing with his parents on the homestead, and Ruth, Anna May and Edward, deceased. The early education of Charles O. Martin was secured in the public school at Horatio, Ohio, and later he was a student in the country schools of Wayne township. During the time he was a pupil, he spent the summer months in working on the home farm, and afterward, while teaching school for seven years in Greenville, continued to devote his summer seasons to agricultural work. Later he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, and for some time filled a clerkship while thoroughly familiarizing himself with business methods. In the meantime he carefully saved his earnings and in 1908 bought the interest of E. E. Noggle, in the establishment at Savona, which place has since been the field of his activities. Through intelligent management and earnest effort, he has succeeded in building up a business that commands a full share of patronage and has made a place for himself among the substantial men of this part of the county. October 1, 1908, Mr. Martin was appointed postmaster at Savona by President Taft, and this office he has continued to fill to the present time. He is a stalwart Democrat in his political views, and his religious connection is with the Lutheran church. On December 25, 1903, Mr. Martin was married to Miss Ann Catherine Grote, daughter of W. S. and Rose (Farrenkopf) Grote. Both Mr. and Mrs. Martin are widely known in Savona and have many friends in social circles of the village. ELI McGRIFF. A well-improved farm lying on West Manchester rural route No. 1, in Butler township, Darke county, is the home of Eli McGriff, prominent as a farmer and stockraiser, and that industry and perseverance are numbered among his most salient characteristics is indicated by the fact that this land has been acquired entirely through his own well directed efforts, for when he entered upon his career his capital consisted only of those gifts with which he had been endowed by nature. Mr. McGriff has the added distinction of being a native 468 - DARKE COUNTY son of Darke county, having been born on his faher's farm in Twin township, and is a son of Alfred and Martha J. (Rynearson) McGriff, a comprehensive sketch of whose lives may be found in the review of Ira McGriff, elsewhere in this work. Eli McGriff's natal day was August 10, 1860, and when he was five years of age he became a pupil in the public schools of Twin township. These he attended during the winter months, and from the time he was tall enough to grasp the plow handles he began assisting his father to develop the home property. He was thus trained in mind and body and arrived at manhood eager and able to fight his own battles with the world. He had resisted the call of the cities which lured so many young men away from the soil, and considered farming his life work. Accordingly, he rented a tract of land from his father when he was twenty-one years old, and after saving a sum of money removed from Twin township to Butler township, here renting eighty acres of land near the city of Castine. Continuing to carefully save his earnings, he eventually found himself possessed of sufficient capital to secure the Billy Kenton farm, and here he has since made his home. He has placed his land under a high state of cultivation, has improved it with a good residence and substantial barn and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and at this time has one of the best farms in Butler township. Mr. McGriff is practical and progressive in his system of farm labor and each year is rewarded with good crops, thus adding materially to his financial resources. On December 31, 1885., Mr. McGriff was married to Miss Salome Hawes, daughter of Lycurgus and Hester (Berger) Hawes. The father, who was an agriculturist of Butler township, died some years ago in 1904 and was buried at Castine, while the mother still survives and makes her home at Arcanum. There were seven children in the Hawes family: S. A., Salome, Anna, Inez, I. H., J. F. and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. McGriff have had five children : Ruby., Blair B., Chester, Lloyd and Haskell H.,. of whom. Ruby and Chester are now deceased. Mr. McGriff is a meter of the Improved Order of Red Men and of the Knights of the Golden Eagles, in both of which he has numerous warm and appreciative friends. He has been active in the furtherance of the interests of his community, and has been a stalwart friend of education, having served as a member of the school board for many years. He has been prompt in meeting all engagements, has never incurred an ob- DARKE COUNTY - 469 ligation which he has not filled, and has wrought along lines of business integrity as well as activity. On December 31, 1913 Blair B. was married to ShearI, th daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Poppaw of Darke county. The are living at the home of Eli McGriff. The sons also belong to the Knights of the Golden Eagles. Mr. McGriff is a stanch Democrat, but has never cared to hold office, although he has always taken an active part in seeing that the best men are elected to office. SAMUEL BEANE. Samuel Beane, a retired farmer residing at Painter Creek, has been a resident of Franklin township, Darke county, nearly a half century, during which he has seen some radical changes in the region. He has witnessed the development of fine farms, building of modern roads, and such improvements as provision for proper drainage, throughout Darke county. He is one of the township's most respected citizens, and has won a competence for his old age chiefly through his own efforts. He was given a start in life through a small inheritance, which he improved and developed, and throughout his active life was known for industry and enterprise. His home is well known for the hospitality there dispensed and the spirit of kindness and courtesy which inspires it. Mr. Beane was born two miles northwest of Alexandria, in the county of Preble, Ohio, June 18, 1843, son of Samuel and Sarah (Mills) Beane, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of New Jersey. The father was born August 14, 1807, came to Preble county as a young man and lived there until over sixty years of age, when he retired from active life and located in a nearby town, where he died in 1879, being buried in Preble county. His wife, who was born May 27, 1809, died in 1891 and was buried in the cemetery at West Alexandria. They had fourteen children, of whom ten reached maturity. Two sons were killed during their service in the Union army during the Civil War; one son was drowned at the mouth of the Columbia river in Oregon, and five children are now living John, of Richmond, Indiana; Samuel, of this sketch; Marv, wife of Philip Sauer, of Eaton, Ohio; Benjamin Franklin, of 470 - DARKE COUNTY Alabama; Lucy, wife of Lewis Ashworth, of West Alexandria, Ohio. As a boy Samuel Beane helped with the work on his father's farm near Alexandria, and received his education in the local school. He remained with his parents until his marriage, November 10, 1867, to Miss Martha Riley, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, December 23, 1844, and is a daughter of George and Sarah (Clevenger) Riley. George Riley was born in Maryland, September 17, 1804, and died in February, 1887, being buried in Montgomery county, Ohio, and his wife. who was born in Warren county, Ohio, September 20. 1801), died March 28, 1872. They were married October 22, 1828, and carried on farming operations in W 'arren, Preble and Montgomery counties, during their remaining years. Twelve children were born to them, of whom two sons served three years in the Union army and one during the Civil War, and four children are now living: John L., the eldest child, is a resident of Kansas; Jacob lives at Covington, Miami county, Ohio; Mrs. Beane; David, of West Alexandria. Mrs. Fannie A. Riley, widow of another son, Cornelius, is a resident of Chicago. After marriage Samuel Beane located on a farm near Painter Creek, consisting of eighty-one and one-half acres of fine land, and this was his home for thirty-five years. during which time he was successful as a farmer and stock raiser. His land was well adapted for growing tobacco, which he found very profitable, and his son still raises that crop on this land. About 1902 he came to his present home, where he has twenty-nine one-hundredths of an acre of ground. He added to the house, repaired the outbuildings. He owns ninety-six acres of land two miles east of his home, part of which is also devoted to the raising of tobacco. He has always been known for his fair dealings and upright life and has a large number of friends. He and his wife are members of the local Christian church and he is a deacon. In politics he has been a Republican until recently, having now espoused the cause of the Prohibitionists. His first presidential vote was for Abraham Lincoln the second time he was elected to the presidency. Mr. and Mrs. Beane had three children, all born in Franklin township: Orville, Sallie and Forest Rose. Orville was born April 11, 1869, and has been three times married, (first) to Clara Pontius, by whom he had one child, Arthur Henry, wife and child died about one year after his marriage. He DARKE COUNTY - 471 married (second) Minerva Penny, by which union three children were born: Wilbur E., Herbert S. and Myron D., and the mother of these children died June 30, 1909. His third marriage was to Regina Eisle, and one child has blessed this union, Lucy Pearl. They live on the farm in Section 30, Franklin township, where his father first began housekeeping after his marriage, and Orville Beane looks after his father's old home place. He has been very successful as a farmer and makes a specialty of tobacco. Sallie Beane, the elder daughter, was born May 5, 1870, and is the wife of J. C. Lawrence. They live on her father's farm in Section 28, Franklin township, and have five children: Orville J., attending school at Oxford, Ohio; Nolan Lawrence, living in Miami county, married Miss Edith Kessler; Mary Alice Lawrence; George, and Albert, at home. Forest Rose Beane, the youngest child of her parents, was born December 18, 1873, and married (first) Harry Lesher, who died in 1898 and is buried at Abbottsville. They had two children, Olive Marie, who married Clarence Unger, and they reside at Gettysburg, Ohio, and Robert Lesher, who lives with his sister. Mrs. Lesher married (second) Edward Trick, and they live in Gettysburg and have one child, Samuel. REUBEN KAYLOR BEAM. A typical example of the strong manhood of Darke county is R. K. Beam, the owner of two hundred and ten acres of good land on the Ansonia turnpike, in Brown township. Born on a farm, he resisted the lure of the city, to which so many of his boyhood companions yielded, and set himself to the task of extracting wealth from the old home place. After more than thirty-five years spent in agricultural pursuits he has now retired and is quietly enjoying the fruits of his labors in his pleasant modern home, located two and one-half miles north of Ansonia. Mr. Beam was born December 28, 1851, in Brown township. and it a son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Warvel) Beam. The Beams and Warvels are both of German descent. George Beam, the grandfather of R. K. Beam, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and as a young man came to Darke county and located at Beamsville, he being a member of the family in whose honor that place was named. Subse- 472 - DARKE COUNTY quently he engaged in agricultural pursuits in Richland township, and there was born his son Solomon. The latter was given ordinary educational advantages in the old log school house, and grew up a farmer, an occupation which he followed throughout his life, meeting with well-merited success. He became a man of consequence, but died when still in the prime of life, in January 1866. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, as follows: Daniel C., a resident of Ansonia; Maria and Margaret, who are deceased; Reuben K., of this review; Pauline A., who married J. H. Ketrow; one child who died in infancy; Orinda J., who married A. J. Lickle; Leroy S., residing in Allen township; Elmira, who is deceased, and Mollie, who married Doctor Deford and lives in Allen township. The early education of R. K. Beam was secured in the Maple Grove school, following which he became a student in the schools of Brown township and completed his education in Greenville. During all of this time lie hail assisted his father in the cultivation of the homestead, and when the eider man died, the fourteen-year-old youth was called upon to take upon his slight but willing shoulders the burden of the management of the property. He faithfully discharged the duties of his trust, and in the meantime gained self-reliance and experience that were of the greatest value to him in the years that followed. After seeing the family firmly established on a farm of forty acres, Mr. Beam, at the age of twenty-five years, was married and started a home of his own. After renting land for several years, he purchased a forty-acre tract, the nucleus for his present handsome property. To this he added from rime to time as his finances would permit, until he finally became the owner of two hundred and ten acres. On this he has made many fine improvements, the latest of which to be erected was the modern brick dwelling, built after the old house was destroyed by fire. Mr. Beam's record has always been strictly honorable, and throughout his entire career he has never been known to take an unfair advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen. On March 15, 1877, Mr. Beam was married to Miss Sarah C. Rue, daughter of William and Lavina (Birrnan) Rue, and to this union there have been born nine children: Solomon A., who is engaged in the livery business at Ansonia; Myrtle, who is deceased; William, who is postmaster at Ansonia; Daisy, who married Charles Hollerbaugh; Iva, who married Ben DARKE COUNTY - 473 Sneary, of Rossburg; Beryl, who married Ira White and lives near Ansonia; Thomas J., who married Lydia Reigle; Virginia, who married Roy Lyons, and Thelma, living at home. Mr. Beam has always taken an active part in township affairs, having been a member of the fair board for a number of years and also promoting other public-spirited enterprises. In politics a Democrat, he has been stalwart in his support of his party's principles and candidates, and has been elected to a number of positions of trust and responsibility, having served as a member of the school board since reaching his twenty-first year, as assessor and county commissioner for two terms each and as township trustee six years and was appointed by Governor Foraker and served one month more. Has served about twenty-five years as member of school board and was president of the board several times. Is now sixty-two years of age and has never missed voting at any election. He is still in full mental and physical vigor and continues to be the same useful and energetic citizen whom his friends knew years ago. Up to the time he was elected county commissioner old men had always been elected. The people had voted $25,000 for a Children's Home, and it was built and settled during his first term and that helped elect him the second time, and secured more votes in his township and county than President Cleveland did for president. DANIEL F. AMSPAUGH. The agricultural interests of Brown township are ably and worthily represented by Daniel F. Amspaugh, who is owner of a well-developed tract of one hundred and forty-two acres of land, located about three and one-half miles north of Woodington, on the Fort Recovery turnpike. The salient points in Mr. Amspaugh's life history are here presented and are not without interest, showing, as they do, what can be accomplished through the exercise of industry, perseverance and sustained effort. Mr. Amspaugh was horn near Logan, in Hocking county, Ohio, March 29, 1860, and is a son of Daniel and Margaret (Daubeminer) Amspaugh. Ilis father, an agriculturist by vocation, followed farming in his native Hocking county until 1880, in which year he made removal to Darke 474 - DARKE COUNTY county, and, settling in Jackson township, made a comfortable home for his family. He was a hard-working, honest and thrifty farmer, accumulated a goodly share of the world's goods, and died respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He and his wife were faithful members of the Lutheran church. Their cihldren were as follows: John A., a resident of Paulding county, Ohio; Tina, who married a Mr. Murray; Daniel F., Ella, who married a Mr. Denlinger; W. E., who is engaged in farming in Jackson township; Elmer, residing in Paulding county; Maggie, who became the wife of a Mr. Moyer; Lizzie, who married a Mr. Denison, and Clara, who is deceased. While securing his educational training in the public schools of Hocking, Daniel F. Amspaugh assisted his father in cultivating the home farm, and when he was twenty years of age accompanied the family to Jackson township. Here he continued to help his father farm for three years more, and then, with him, entered the threshing business, to which was subsequently added wood sawing. Father and son traveled all over the county, and the business steadily grew in extent, the partners continuing to add to the efficiency of their equipment and finally buying a large and powerful engine. In Jackson township they also established a tilemill, but later bought a farm in Paulding county, to which Daniel F. Amspaugh moved the business, and there continued to operate for seven years. At the end of that period he disposed of his interests to his brother and returned to Darke county, buying the farm in Brown township on which he now makes his home. He has made an excellent record in the circles of trade and agriculture by reason of his enterprise, progressive spirit and honorable methods, and has a favorable acquaintance, as well in fraternal and social circles. His support is given to movements of charitable and religious nature and to those enterprises which he has reason to believe will advance the public welfare. In politics a Democrat, he served four years as trustee of Brown township, but refused to again make the race. In 1908 he was elected county commissioner, an office in which he worked earnestly for progress. Mr. Amspaugh was married to Miss Susan Zellers, daughter of Cyrus and Mary (Jenkerson) Zellers, and to this union there have been born the following children: Dallas L., Stella M. and Josie M., all attending the Ansonia high school, and Zeller W. Elsie, Gladys V., Daniel G. and Edna. DARKE COUNTY - 475 ANDREW JACKSON LICKEL. To the citizens of Brown township who know Andrew J. Lickel and recognize in him one of the substantial and prosperous agriculturists of his community, it is difficult to realize that he began his career as a penniless youth among strangers. A life of industry has been crowned with success, for today he is the owner of a well-cultivated tract of one hundred and thirty-four acres of land located on the Searles road, one and one-half miles northwest of Ansonia. Mr. Lickel was born June 17, 1852, on his father's farm, near Woodington, in Brown township, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Deikle) Lickel, natives of Germany. Philip Lickel, like other youths of the Fatherland, served three years in the German army. In his native land, however, he saw no future ahead of him except years of toil with but little chance of accumulating a competence, and decided to try his fortunes in America. Accordingly, after the birth of his. first child, he emigrated to this country, and first settled in Buffalo, N. Y., subsequently moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, and then to Wapakoneta., Auglaize county, there securing work on the canal. He subsequently moved to Woodington, to accept employment with the Big Four railroad, and, after saving some capital, turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he spent the remainder of his life in Brown township, Darke county. He was an industrious, honest and thrifty man, and fairly won the respect of those with whom he came in contact in whatever community he found himself. He and his wife, also a native of Germany, were the parents of the following children : Henry, deceased, who was born in the Fatherland; Elizabeth, also deceased; Mary J., deceased, who was the wife of the late Charles Conden, and had three children: Enema. Frank and Louis; Anna. who married Isaac Locke; William, deceased; Steven, deceased, who married Netta Wacopler and had one child, Tracy; George, who is deceased, and Andrew Jackson. Andrew J. Lickel was an infant when his mother died, and at that time he was placed in the home of William Gephart, by whom he was reared and educated, being put on a salary when fourteen years of age. He has spent his entire life on this farm since that time, and now has his one hundred and thirty-four acres under a high state of cultivation, with excellent improvements, his holdings making him one of the pros- 476 - DARKE COUNTY perous residents of the county. His life should serve to encourage and inspire others to put forth strenuous effort. Mr. Lickel has taken a deep interest in fraternal matters, and is a Master Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias, at Ansonia, in which latter organization he has passed through all the chairs and is now past chancellor. Mr. Lickel was married in October, 1877, to Miss Jane Beam, and to this union there have been born eight children: Maud, who married Herman Shinacry, and has two children; Elta and Charles; Ed, who married Clara Yohen; Margaret, who married William White, and has had two children, Nevin and Roxey, the latter deceased; Pearl, who married Harry Gilbert; Jesse, who married Frank Searl, and has had three children, Caroline, Ruby and Alice, the first-named now deceased, and Thomas, Orphie and Nora, all at home. Mr. Lickel's friend and advisor, William Gephart, born June 6, 1835, was one of the early settlers of Darke county. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, and moved to•Preble county with his parents when a lad of six years. There he was educated and reared to young manhood, but after his marriage came to Darke county, where resided a sister, Mrs. Maria Wilson. Purchasing the present farm of Mr. Lickel, he continued to be engaged in tilling the soil all of the remainder of his life, and became known as one of his community's substantial and public-spirited men. In politics, he was a Democrat, although he was not an office seeker. He supported all religious creeds liberally. Mr. Gephart died March 5, 1903, while his widow, who was Isabella Rex, born April 15, 1836, the daughter of Daniel Rex, died October 5, 1913. C. G. WERT. The entire career of the late C. G. Wert, of Twin township, was one of unflagging industry and well-merited accomplishment, and although he died when still in the prime of life he left his family not alone a handsome competence, but also the priceless heritage of an honorable and honored name. In all his business transactions his methods were so honorable and his principles so straightforward that he commanded the confidence and esteem of all, and in business, as well as in social relations, he won many friends. Mr. Wert was born at Ithaca, DARKE COUNTY - 477 Darke county, Ohio, March 19, 1867, and was a son of Watson and Jeanette (Unger) Wert, prominent people of Darke county, where the father was widely known as a stock buyer and shipper. After attending the common schools of his native locality, C. G. Wert turned his attention to dealing in stock, and at the time of his father's death was made manager of the Wert estate. When the affairs of this important transaction were properly settled, he became the owner of a tract of thirty-nine acres, just across the road, but disposed of this to buy a farm of forty acres in Twin township, where he spent the remainder of his life. Aside from business, he was widely and favorably known in the county of his nativity as a man of genuine personal worth, highly esteemed by many friends, while in his family he was a most devoted husband. He enjoyed the companionship of his fellows, belonging to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Junior Order United American Mechanics. On August 14, 1910, Mr. Wert was married to Miss Onda Crider, daughter of John and Mary (Williams) Crider. Mr. Crider, who came from Lewisburg to Darke county, was a prominent farmer and elevator owner, and also for some years a widely known educator. He and his wife were the parents of four children: Onda, Thomas, who married Edna Brown; Nellie, a professional nurse of Cleveland, Ohio, and Florence, a resident of Ithaca. W. H. GANGER. The life record of W. H. Ganger, the subject of our present sketch, is that of a self-made man; a man who, through his unflagging industry and undaunted perseverance, has achieves' for himself not only a comfortable competence, but an enviable reputation for unswerving integrity and uncompromising honor. When secession reared its gory head and threatened the solidity of our nation, Mr. Ganger was one of the brave youths who fared forth to defend the flag and his gallant services as a soldier were only equalled by those which he rendered in after life as a citizen. A number of occupations have attracted his attention, and at this time he is engaged in the sale of agricultural implements at Woodington, although now somewhat retired from business activities. Mr. Ganger was 478 - DARKE COUNTY born July 22, 1842, near Greenville, in Greenville township, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel and Rebecca ("Lech) Ganger. George Ganger, the grandfather of W. H. Ganger, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and as a young man came to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he passed the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. His son, Daniel Ganger, became a pioneer of Darke county, where he also followed farming and met with some success, although he died in 1848, when still in the prime of life. He married Rebecca Zach, and they became the parents of three children: W. H., Catherine, who married Arthur Swartz, and Sophia, who is deceased. The early educational training of W. H. Ganger was secured under the tuition of John Devor, at the Armstrong school, in Jackson township, and later he attended the Brown Run school in Montgomery county, near Germantown, Ohio. His schooling was largely received in the schools of hard work and experience, as his father died when he was but six years old and it was necessary for the ]ad to contribute to the family's support. He early adopted the vocation of farming as his life work, and was employed as a farm hand, working by the month, when the Civil war broke across the country in all its fury, and volunteers were asked to preserve the Union. Putting aside the implements of his peaceful occupation, Mr. Ganger shouldered a musket as a member of Company G, Forty-fourth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, under Captain Newkirk, and went to Springfield in Colonel Gilbert's regiment, which was sent to West Virginia and joined the Army of the Cumberland. Mr. Ganger was a soldier for four years. When his original enlistment expired he veteranized in the Eighth Ohio cavalry, and his entire service was one of intense activity. The commands with which he was connected participated in some of the heaviest and most sanguinary fighting of the war, including the battles in the Shenandoah Valley, and the various encounters in which Generals Rosecranz, Potter, Porter and Burnside engaged. At the battle of Beverly, Mr. Ganger was captured by the Confederates and for thirty days was confined in the notorious and loathsome Libby prison. He won the regard of his comrades and the respect of his officers, and when he received his honorable discharge none had a better record. It was exceedingly difficult, when these four stormy years had passed tc settle down to the dull routine of everyday life, yet Mr. Ganger accepted conditions as he found them DARKE COUNTY - 479 and turned his attention to the pursuits of peace. He became engaged in the general merchandise business and as a shoe dealer at Woodington, later became the owner of a sawmill, subsequently engaged in the manufacture of cigars, and finally returned to the tilling of the soil. At this time he is the owner of a well-tilled tract of fifty-three acres, lying in Brown township and twenty-six acres at Woodington, where he resides. He is not engaged actively in farming now, however, owing to his advanced years, but carries on a thriving business in the sale of farm implements. In his various business enterprises, Mr. Ganger was able to succeed through industry, perseverance and well-directed effort, and his record as a business man, like that of a soldier, was a highly honorable one. On December 31, 1865, Mr. Ganger was married to Miss Rebecca A. Mendenhall, daughter of W. B. and Mary (Bailey) Mendenhall, and to this union there were born four children W. B., who is deceased; Mary Z., also deceased; A. M., who married Minola A. Bailey and has two children, John K. and Julia, and Ora L., who married Della M. Cox and has two children, Foster F. and Robert M. Mr. Ganger is popular with his comrades in the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a stalwart Republican in his political views, and his religious belief is that of the Christian church, in which he is serving as deacon. HARRY C. MYERS. It is said that the legal profession is one of the most (littcalt in which to achieve success. It is doubtless true that to be a highly successful attorney requires ability of an exceptional order, and this must be backed by practical experience a thorough training. Harry C. Myers is well known both an able lawyer and as being one of the most progressive and satisfactory mayors who ever presided over the affairs of Gettysburg, Ohio. He is a man of firm convictions, settled purpose, practical in his aim, whether as an attorney or a man, and has, therefore, advanced steadily to a high and substantial professional position, having been effective also in the realization of those projects which are advanced by good citizens of modern tendencies. Mr. Myers was born April 14, 1886, on the old Myers homestead farm, located one-half mile 480 - DRAKE COUNTY east of Greenville, in Adams township, Darke county, and is a son of Z. T. and Lucy O. (Dershem) Myers, and a grandson of Scipio and Mary (Campbell) Myers. John Myers, the great-grandfather of Harry Myers, fought as a soldier during the War of 1812, and following the closing of that struggle migrated to Ohio, where he became one of the first settlers of Darke county. Here he entered a farm in Adams township, and passed the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits, which also commanded the attention of his son Scipio and his grandson Z. T. Myers. The latter was reared and educated in the country, where he lived an industrious and active life, and was well rewarded for his faithful labors. When his children began to grow up around him, he came to Gettysburg in order that they might receive better educational advantages than the country afforded, and here he is still making his home with his son. There are four children in the family: Aaron L., who married Dora Neth and has two children, Emmet and Robert T.; Hugh A., who married Miss O. Cole, and Harry and Ina, who make their home with their parents. Harry Myers was graduated from the town schools when he was sixteen years of age, following which he took special work to prepare him for college. After taking a scientific course at Ada, he began the study of law, and was graduated with his degree in 1908, at which time he settled down to practice in Gettysburg. Although still a young man, he has gained something more than a local reputation, and his connection with a number of prominent cases has made him a familiar figure in the courts of Darke county. True success, such as he has won, does not come to a man possessed of ability and perseverance alone. Back of these necessary qualifications must be devotion to clients and honesty of purpose which looks beyond the mere winning of one case to the client's future. Counsel and advice which money cannot pay for, and which never appear in the attorney's bill for services, must be ever present. A Republican in his political views, Mr. Myers has served Gettysburg two terms in the capacity of mayor, and in that office gained a reputation as a man who could get results. He chose his assistants and advisers purely from the standpoint of practical efficiency, which primarily implied industry, faithfulness, honesty and experience. The result was that he was able to achieve much for his city's benefit and he has continued DARKE COUNTY - 481 to hold its interests closely at heart. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. The following are names, dates of birth and of the deaths of some of Mr. Meyers's ancestors: Jane Hart Campbell, born October 7, 1816, died August 11, 1822; Rebecca Campbell, born July 10, 1818, died November 23, 1840; Mary Campbell (Myers), born May 27, 1820, died September 24, 1892; Elizabeth Stewart Campbell, born February 26, 1822, died May, 1861 ; Jane Hart Campbell, born May 10, 1824, died April, 1896; Hugh Alexander Campbell, born August 7, 1826, died January 22, 1909; Nancy Bell Campbell (Stoltz), born August 14, 1828; died April 1, 1906; David M. Campbell, born April 13, 1831, died October, 1902; Florence McClain Campbell, born Sept. 4, 1833, died Nov. 12, 1833; infant sister, horn September 4, 1833, died September 4, 1833; James Armstrong Campbell, born September 13, 1834, died February 16, 1888; Armstrong Campbell, born April 30, 1784, died May 16, 1865; Margaret J. Campbell, born May 4, 1792, died December 23, 1867. Stewart Family: Margaret Stewart, born May 4, 1792, died December 23, 1867; James Stewart, born December 5, 1756, died March 5, 1819; Jane Stewart, born June, 1755 (first wife), died February 19, 1798; Elizabeth Stewart, born July 4, 1763 (second wife), died December 12, 1821 ; William Stewart, born February 25, 1781, died April 24, 1808; David Stewart, born May 24. 1784; John Stewart, born January 4, 1786; James Stewart.. born February 4, 1788; Andrew Stewart, born Tanuary 29, 1790; Jane Stewart, born August 17, 1794. WILLIAM H. HORNER. Seventeen continuous years in the office of postmaster is the record of William H. Horner of Gettysburg, Ohio, who is also prominently identified with the commercial interests of this city. Both as public official and business man his record has been above reproach, and the high esteem in which he is universally held by his fellow citizens has been gained through honorable and straightforward dealing. Mr. Horner is a native son of Darke county, having been born on a farm in Adams township. about one and one-half miles southwest of Greenville, and i a son of Alexander and Mary (neck) Horner. (31) 482 - DARKE COUNTY Alexander Horner, the paternal grandfather of William H. Horner, was a farmer of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, but felt that he could better his condition in the new State of Ohio, and accordingly drove through to Darke county in pioneer style, bringing with him his wife, Elizabeth (Agnew) Horner, and their children. At the time of this migration his son Alexander, who had been born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, was a ]ad, and in the home locality received his education in the subscription schools. He adopted farming for his life work, and became one of his community's substantial and successful citizens. He married Mary Reck, whose father came from near Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, entered land from the government, but made three trips back to the Keystone State before finally deciding to settle permanently in Adams township. Seven children were born to Alexander and Mary Horner, namely: -Nancy, who is deceased; Sarah J., who married a Mr. 1larmon and has nine children; James A., who married Jane VanLue and has one child; William H., born August 1, 1856; Silas 1., who married Dollie Welsh and has five children; Mary, who married Mr. Seaman, and Clair, who married H. Dershem. William H. Horner began his education in Black Top school district No. 8, when he was seven years of age, and there secured excellent advantages this being one of Adams township's best schools and always employing learned educators, among whom was Martha Keeform. At the age of twenty-one years he entered upon a career of his own. He had been reared to agricultural pursuits, and at this time became a renter, subsequently purchasing about forty acres of good land in Adams township. He farmed for about five years and then came to Gettysburg to take up bridge contracts, as well as those for gravel pikes, and eventually turned his attention to the grocery business in 1886. He has been successfully conducting a store ever since, and now handles all kinds of general merchandise. In 1897 he received from president McKinley the appointment to the office of postmaster, and through all these years he has faithfully discharged the duties of his office. Mr. Horner is a man universally liked. Although at all times a busy man he is easily approachable. He is one of Gettysburg's most public spirited and progressive citizens, and no movement for the real advancement of the city is launched that does not receive his active and hearty co-operation, and where the project is one that requires financial subscription DARKE COUNTY - 483 his gift is always a liberal one. While he belongs to no particular church, he has ever been ready to aid worthy religious and charitable movements. His political faith is that of the Republican party. Mr. Horner was united in marriage with Miss Mary L. Willis, daughter of Lemuel L. and Abigail (Martin) Willis, and to this union there have been born five children: Ruby M., who is deceased; Daisy, who married Ira Boyer, and has one daughter, Gertrude; Mack; Hazel, who married Mose N. R. BAYMAN. For a quarter of a century N. R. Bayman has been carrying on agricultural pursuits in Brown township, and at this time he is the owner of a well-tilled tract of eighty acres, located on the Bayman road, about two miles northeast of Ansonia, Ohio, in addition to which he owns land in York township. In the management of his property he has displayed discernment and unfaltering energy, and his land has always brought him goodly returns in the shape of bounteous harvests. Mr. Bayman was born in York township, Darke county, Ohio, April 8, 1862, and is a son of Washington and Sarah Jane (York) Bayman. His father was born on a farm in Wayne township, near Versailles, Ohio, there received a common school education, and was reared to farming, which occupied his attention throughout his life. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, as follows: Mrs. Martha Berry, who is deceased; Irvin of Beamsville, Ohio; N. R., Thomas, Frank, and Charles of Larue, Ohio; John; Pearl, who is unmarried, and Idella and an infant, both deceased. N. R. Bayman received his education in the country schools of York township, and, as was the custom with farmers' sons of his day, helped his father with the farm work when not engaged in prosecuting his studies. At the time of his marriage, he became a renter in York township and later was similarly engaged on a property in Richland township, but he was always ambitious to own a farm of his own, and saved his earnings carefully with this end in view. In 1890 he found himself possessed of sufficient capital to secure his present farm, and this he has continued to cultivate to the present time. He has 484 - DARKE COUNTY good buildings, modern machinery, first-class improvements of every kind, and makes every acre of his land pay him handsomely for the work expended upon it. Among his associates Mr. Bayman is known as a man of strict integrity and his record entitles him to recognition as one of the representative men of his township. Mr. Bayman is a Democrat in politics and for some years has served capably as a member of the board of school directors. He is a member of the Christian church, the movements of which he supports liberally, and no worthy charity appeals to him in vain. On December 29, 1887, Mr. Bayman was married to Miss Ella Coppess, daughter of Jacob and Clara (Plessinger) Coppess, and to this union there have been born three children, namely: Harold, Lowell and Claire. GEORGE W. TEEGARDEN. The rich agricultural resources of Darke county have afforded to George W. Teegarden the opportunities for success in life, and for the past forty-five years he has been engaged in cultivating the Teegarden farm, a tract of one hundred acres of fine land in Brown township, on the Fort Recovery road, about three miles west of Ansonia and about nine miles north of Greenville. He was born on this property, January 23, 1849, and is a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Stephenson) Teegarden. In 1688, in Prussia, was born Abraham Teegarden, Sr., and to him was born a son who was also named Abraham Teegarden, Jr. He was born in 1718. These two came to the United States in 1736 and located in Philadelphia. Pa., where they "qualified," or, as we would now say, became naturalized citizens. Later in life both did military duty and it has been said in Revolutionary war, but it would seem that Abraham Teegarden, Sr., would have been almost too old to have seen active service at that time. In that State was born Moses Teegarden in 1762, a son of Abraham, Jr. As his father and grandfather had been the founders of the family in America so he became the founder of the family in Butler county, Ohio. He settled near Oxford. He was grandfather of our subject, George W. Teegarden and to him was born a son Abraham in Putler DARKE COUNTY - 485 county, September 5, 1797. His mother's maiden name was Mary Huston. This was the father of George W. and was reared in Butler county and in young manhood moved to Darke county in 1819 being about twenty-two years of age. On October 4, 1827, he was married to Elizabeth K. Stephenson, who was born in Boone county, Kentucky, March 4, 1808. She came to Darke county, Ohio, with her parents in 1816. These two spent the remainder of their lives in agricultural pursuits in Brown township. They were both members in the Presbyterian church and as followers of the meek and lowly Jesus they were always ready to help the poor and needy and to lend a helping hand to those who were sick. They became the owners of nine hundred and twenty acres of land in Brown and Jackson townships. They were the parents of the following children: David H., born December 7, 1828, now deceased; Mary Ellen, deceased; James M., who served as a Union soldier, in Company K, Ninety-fourth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry during the war and died in the service; Moses, born April 9, 1836, and died January 22, 1914; Andrew P., born Sel, tember 13, 1838, served in the Civil war and is now deceased Matilda, born March 11, 1841, now deceased; John W., born January 5, 1844, served as a Union soldier during the war and died August 9, 1904; Elizabeth Ellen, born September 7, 1846, now deceased; George W., of this review, and Jasper. born March 23, 1852, now deceased. George W. Teegarden received his education in Brown township school district No. 3 in winter and on the home farm during the summer months, where the lessons he learned while assisting the father and brothers in cultivating the farm were of no less importance than the ones he learned at school. When about nineteen years of age he spent a year in the west in the two States of Illinois and Iowa. He then returned to the home farm and has since then made his home and has met with a fair degree of success cultivating the farm where he now lives. On March 19, 1885,.he was married to Miss Rhoda Rants, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Knapp) Rants. Her father was born April 30, 1815. He served in Union army and died June 12, 1895. Her mother was born January 23, 1820, and died November 25, 1878. Mr. Rants was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and when a youth of eighteen years came to Fort Recovery, Ohio, and there learned the trade of tailor. At the time of his death he was one of the honored citizens and 486 - DARKE COUNTY successful business men of Collett, Indiana. He and his wife were the parents of nine children: Marietta, Babe and John, all deceased; Emaline married James Macy; David married Margaret Cunningham; Sarah married Rev. Thomas Beaber; Rhoda married George W. Teegarden; Lorinda married Jackson Adkins, and Susan married Joel Pickard. Mr. and Mrs. George W. Teegarden have one daughter, Zona, born on home farm on August 11, 1887. She first attended the school where her father had attended in his boyhood days after she took the Patterson examination she received a diploma June 10, 1905. Later she took a one-year course at the Ansonia, Ohio, high school. On August 10, 1912, she was married to George H. Jenkinson, a farmer, who is managing the Teegarden farm. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkinson have one son, Abraham Teegarden Jenkinson, born June 26, 1913, on the Teegarden farm, which his great grandfather, Abraham Teegarden, entered from United States government in 1819. In politics Mr. Teegarden is a Republican and in all of life's relations he stands for those things which work for upright manhood, for loyalty in citizenship and for fidelity in friendship. JOYCE W. VANLUE, M. D. Although but a recent acquisition to the ranks of the medical fraternity of Darke county, Dr. Joyce W. VanLue has already attracted attention to himself by reason of his professional skill and inherent talents, and as a result his practice is steadily increasing. Dr. VanLue's entire professional career has been passed in Gettysburg, where he is known as a progressive and public-spirited citizen. He is a native son of Darke county, having been born October 5, 1891, on a farm in Adams township, and is a son of F. M. and Mary Ann (Reck) VanLue. His father was born in Butler county, went to the country school, and as a young man adopted farming as his life work. He and his wife were the parents of six children: Noble and Vinnie, who are deceased; Viola, Genevieve, Lottie and Joyce W. The early education of Dr. VanLue was secured in district No. 8, Adams township, and after attending the Gettysburg high school for one year, became a pupil in the Greenville high school, which he attended four years. Following some pre- DARKE COUNTY - 487 paratory work in the office of Doctor Monger, he entered upon his medical studies in the Ohio Miami Medical College, and was graduated in June, 1913. He then came to Gettysburg and entered the office of Dr. J. E. Monger, his former preceptor, to whose practice he has succeeded. Even in an age which recognizes young men and places responsibilities upon them which in the past have been laid only upon the shoulders of those of more mature years, we seldom find one of twenty-three years who has made such rapid strides in his profession. With an inherent love for his work, trained thoroughly in every department of medicine, the Doctor has been able to reach a foremost position and has continued to maintain it. He keeps thoroughly abreast of the various discoveries and advancements made in his calling, is a member of various medical societies and subscribes to the leading journals of medicine. In political matters he is a Democrat, but he has not cared for public office. He lends his support to all religious creeds. ARTHUR FARRA. One of the sturdy and self-reliant business men of Darke county who has been the architect of his own fortunes and has succeeded in his ventures because of well-applied and earnest effort, is Arthur Farra, who is engaged in the bakery business at Gettysburg in partnership with his brother. He was born June 27, 1887, on Sweitzer street, Greenville, Ohio, and is a son of W. H. and Sadie E. (Westfall) Farra. His father was a native of Winchester, Ind., from which place he came to Ohio in boyhood, settling near the cemetery on the old Ludy farm, and there the grandparents Reuben and Elnora (Nice) Farra, carried on agricultural pursuits. W. H. Farra went to the public schools of Darke county, and as a young man adopted farming as his life work. He was known as a courageous and loyal citizen, and his fellow townspeople held him in the highest esteem. Mr. Farra was appointed deputy sheriff of Darke county, and met his death while in the performance of duty. Two children were born to him: Arthur and Walter. Arthur Farra went to the common schools of Greenville, but his education was somewhat interfered with by the sudden death of his father, which event made it necessary that 488 - DARKE COUNTY both Arthur and Walter should commence to work at an early age. He accordingly learned the trade of baker, at Greenville, and this has since been his field of endeavor. For some years he was employed by others, but finally he entered business on his own account, by establishing a bakery at Gettysburg, and here he has built up an excellent trade. In 1910 he sold a half interest in the business to Walter Farra, and the brothers now work together. Both are alert, energetic business men and thorough masters of their trade, and the breads and pastries which come from their airy and well-ventilated shop are unexcelled. Mr. Farra has never married. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, in the faith of which he was reared, and in political affairs votes with the Democratic party, although politics have not interested him actively. JOHN EMERSON MONGER, M. D. Dr. John Emerson Monger has won a high reputation in Darke county as physician and surgeon and has taken a prominent part in professional matters in the region for a number of years past. He belongs to one of the old families of Massachusetts, the name originally being spelled "Munger." The first known ancestor was Jonathan Monger, who landed in Massachusetts in 1660, locating at what became known as Monger's Cove. One of his descendants, Lewis Monger, born in 1729, served in the French and Indian war and in later life was a "Minute Man" in the Revolution, thus making his descendants eligible for various patriotic societies. The descent followed through Lewis Monger's son Daniel, born in 1756; and through successive generations: George, born in 1778; Lewis (2) Monger, born in 1803; George (2), born in 1827; Francis M., born in 1853, and John Emerson. The latter has in his possession copies of old family records and legal papers and takes great interest in the history and achievements of his ancestors. Mr. Monger was born October 19, 1877, near Connersville, Fayette county, Indiana, son of Francis Marion and Anchor J. Monger. The father, who was a contractor by occupation, invented a band cutter and feeder for a threshing machine, which equipment is used today with almost no alteration, and DARKE COUNTY - 489 which had considerable influence in promoting the usefulness and popularity of the machine in question, which has had such a wonderful effect in farm work. The mother died when John Emerson Monger was a small child and he was reared by an aunt and uncle, T. H. and Estella Monger, who gave him a good education and instilled into his mind and heart the upright principles and truths which have guided his mature years. He attended the common school and the Greenville high school and secured a teacher's certificate. Later he en tered the medical department of Ohio University, which he attended from 1898 till 1902, graduating with the degree o M. D. during the latter year. He had won high honors during his course and from 1900 until 1902 had charge of the Obstetrical Clinic in the college. He embarked in his profession in Wheeling, W. Va., where he gained valuable experience as assistant to Dr. Rudolph Rau, a successful surgeon. In 1903 Doctor Monger located at Gettysburg, Darke county, where he remained ten years, building up a large practice. In September, 1913, he formed a partnership with J. W. VanLue, M. D., and moved to Greenville, where he now resides, and they have an office in Gettysburg as well as one in Greenville. Both have a high standing in professional circles and Doctor Monger served two years (1906-08) as president of Darke County Medical Society, and in 1909 as president of the District Medical Society. For six years he served as delegate from Darke county to the American Medical Association. In politics he is a Democrat. He enlisted in the Third Ohio National Guard for service in the Spanish-American war in 1898 and served until November of the same year, receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war. In 1906 he was elected county coroner and served two years, giving his best services to the people. He is much interested in historical matters and helped materially in the organization of the Darke county Historical Society in 1903, becoming its first secretary. This society has preserved much of the early history of the region that otherwise would have been lost to the knowledge of its citizens and to future generations. He is active and well known in many circles and has a host of friends who wish him well and value his friendship highly. On May 29, 1905, Doctor Monger was united in marriage with Miss Nell, daughter of F. M. and Louisa Hough, and two children have blessed their union, Thomas Hough, born March 3, 1907, and Mary E., born April 3, 1909. 490 - DARKE COUNTY D. F. WITWER. In our present-day civilization, the greatest prosperity is attained by adaptation to the environments necessitated by the increasing density of population, and he who soonest recognizes this fact in his methods of practice will, other things being equal, the soonest attain a competence and be prepared to enjoy old age far better than he did his youth. After a long career as an agriculturist, being known as one of the best tobacco growers in Darke county, D. F. Witwer is now living in quiet retirement, on his property located one mile west of Bradford. He was horn April 24, 1858, on the old homestead place in Adams township, this county, and located about one and one-half miles northeast of Gettysburg, and is a son of David and Catherine (Miller) Witwer, both of whom came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. David Witwer grew to manhood in Lancaster county, and there had a small home, where his older children were born. Some time during the 'fifties he came to Darke county, Ohio, and settled near Gettysburg, where he continued to be engaged in farming during the remainder of his life. He and his wife were the parents of twelve children: Mary, Susan, Elizabeth, Catherine and Henry, all of whom were born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania; D. F., Jacob, Anna and John, and Peter and Samuel and Emma, who are deceased. D. F. Witwer secured ordinary educational advantages, working on the home farm throughout the period of his schooldays. At the age of eighteen years he embarked upon a career of his own, working on a farm for one year and spending a like time in a tile mill. At that time he took up the trade of carpenter, which he followed for only a short period, then again becoming a farmer, as a renter. After two years Mr. Witwer purchased his present property, which had been allowed to run down until it was practically ruined. Mr. Witwer, however, knew what was necessary to do under the circumstances, and after he had tiled his land and made it productive, he erected a new set of buildings and made numerous other improvements, so that it became one of the best tobacco farms in the county, furnishing a product that brought the highest prices in the markets. He now has seventy-five acres, but is retired from active work and rents his land. For a short period Mr. Witwer was a resident of Bradford, and while there DARKE COUNTY - 491 bought a small piece of land one mile west of Bradford, where he now resides. He is well known to the people of his community as a good and public-spirited citizen, and well merits the esteem in which he is generally held. On February 12, 1880, Mr. Witwer was married to Miss Laura B. Zimmerman, daughter of Adam Zimmerman, and they have four children: Ed R., who married Alice Bosserman, and has had two children, Marvin and Walton, the former deceased; Wilber I., who married Mary Cassel and has one son, Robert; Harley, who married Emma Hile and has two children, Genert and Opal, and Goldie, who married Harry C. Young, and has two children, Gerald and Zelma. In political matters a Republican, Mr. Witwer is at this time serving very acceptably as a member of the township board of trustees. He supports worthy measures of every nature, is a member of the local horse thief association, and can be counted upon to vote the right way in matters of public importance. THOMAS BENTON WILSON. The career of Thomas Benton Wilson has been an interesting one in that it has been filled with experiences in various fields of endeavor. Both as merchant and farmer he has won success, both in Ohio and Indiana, and today his farm in Brown township, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, is considered one of the very valuable properties of Darke county. Mr. Wilson was born on the old homestead place, located about one mile northwest of Ansonia, Darke county, and is a son of John L. and Maria (Gephart) Wilson. Mr. Wilson's birth occurred November 23, 1865. He was given good educational advantages, first going to the public schools of Ansonia, where he was graduated, and in the meanwhile spending all of his spare time in assisting his father to operate the home farm. Later he went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he took a full course in the Eastman Business College and was graduated with honors, in the class of 1884. He then returned to his home, but shortly thereafter went to Petersburg, Pike county, Indiana, at which place he was engaged for a time in the grocery business. After this experience he again came home and took up agricultural work, renting land for farming for seven years, this property belonging to his 492 - DARKE COUNTY father. Succeeding this, Mr. Wilson was for five years a resident of Ansonia, where he lived a retired life; was then for twelve years located at Peru, Ind., as superintendent of the eight hundred acre farm belonging to Dr. C. J. Helm, and in the spring of 1913 came to his present farm, where he has erected a handsome home, provided with modern conveniences of all kinds, as well as substantial barns and outbuildings. Mr. Wilson is a progressive business man and has ever sought to advance the interests of whatever community has been the scene of his activities. On June 20, 1888, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Emmie Quimby, daughter of Abraham and Anna (Hoffhines) Quimby, the former born at Newark, N. J., and moved to Terre Haute, Ind., in young manhood. In that city Mr. Quimby became prominent as the proprietor of a large woolen mill, and in that community his children were reared. They were as follows: Emma, who married Mr. Wilson; George, who is now deceased, and Mary L., who married Mr. Hendricks. Later the family moved to Petersburg, Ind., and in the public schools of that place Mrs. Wilson completed her educational training. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have had one daughter, Georgianna. They are consistent members of the Presbyterian church, and in political matters Mr. Wilson is a Democrat. ORTHA HAYS MYERS. This sterling representative of one of the pioneer families of Darke county has been a resident of his present property all of his life, it being the old family homestead. His life has been one of industry and activity and has been marked by consistent and merited advancement. Mr. Myers is the owner of eighty acres of land in Adams township, and the esteem in which he is generally held by his fellow citizens was evidenced at the last election, when he was made a trustee of the township. He was born on his present farm, May 14, 1876, and is a son of John and Alice (Rick) Myers, natives of this township, the former of whom is a brother of Taylor Myers, the latter being the father of Harry G. Myers, a review of whose life will be found on another page of this work. Ortha Hay's Myers was educated in the public schools of Gettysburg, Ohio, and during his spare time assisted his DARKE COUNTY - 493 father in the work of the home place. At the time of his graduation, he engaged in agricultural work and was so engaged until the outbreak of the war with Spain, when he enlisted as a member of Company C, Third regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, under Captain Horner and Colonel White. Upon the close of hostilities, he returned to the homestead, and soon thereafter was able to purchase the property from the other heirs. He has continued to follow general farming and stock raising, and has met with success because of his good management, foresight and industry. He is a friend of progress, uses modern methods and machinery in his work and makes his land pay him handsomely for the labor he expends upon it. Mr. Myers was married in 1901 to Miss Bessie Gibbony, daughter of John and Belle (Cain) Gibbony, who came to Ohio from the State of Pennsylvania and settled in the vicinity of Versailles. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers: Gladys. Ivor, Georgie, Ethel and Alice Belle. In his political views Mr. Myers has always supported Republican principles and policies. W. A. MINTON, M. D. One of the prominent physicians and surgeons of Darke county is found in the person of Dr. W. A. Minton, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Bradford. Doctor Minton was born February 26, 1873, at Bradford, and is a son of Dr. W. H. H. and Margaret (Faulkner) Minton, and a grandson of William Minton. His father, born at Dayton, August 13, 1836, came to Miami county, Ohio, as a lad of ten years, located on a farm at Painter Creek, about three miles east of Bradford, and there completed his education in the old log school house. A piece of one of the logs of which this school was constructed is still in the possession of Dr. W. A. Minton. W. H. H. Minton took a course in the Covington high school, and then took a preparatory course in Oxford College, following which he became a student in the Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati. While there the Civil war broke out and he enlisted as assistant surgeon in the Union army, where he secured valuable experience. When the war closed he settled down to practice at Vest Milton, from 494 - DARKE COUNTY whence he removed to Bradford where he practiced about forty years. He died in 1907. He and his wife were the parents of three children: Dr. W. A., Paul B. and Ruth. W. A. Minton went first to the public schools of Bradford, and in 1891 was graduated from the high school here. Following this he went to Lebanon, Ohio, where he took a classical course, and succeeding his graduation became a student at Starling University, at Columbus, where he remained one year and then two years at Louisville Medical College, where he was graduated in the class of 1894. Doctor Minton then did some interne work in hospitals and finally settled down to regular practice in association with his father. Through his skill and knowledge he has been able to build up an excellent professional business and in the ranks of his calling there are few men held in higher esteem. He continues a student, keeping fully abreast of the changes that are marking its advance and is a valued member of the county and State medical societies. He is local surgeon for the Pennsylvania railroad at Bradford. His fraternal connection is with the Modern Woodmen of America, and his religious belief is that of the Presbyterian church. On April 30, 1895, Doctor Minton was married to Miss Jessie Darner, daughter of John and Mary (Metz) Darner. In 1912 Dr. Bradford had built a residence and office combined on the corner of Miami avenue and School street. Two stories, basement under whole house. In residence part there are eight rooms and a bath; in office four commodious rooms. It is of brick and stone, with hot water heating plant, electric lighted and of a sanitary construction. He moved into it in 1913. It is the finest and best residence in Bradford. L. BIGLER, M. D. For a quarter of a century or more this sterling citizen of Gettysburg has occupied a distinctive place among the members of the medical profession in Darke county. His superior attainments and ability placed him in the front rank ere he had been engaged in practice many years, and, indeed, from his initial steps in his chosen profession it was manifest that his success was assured. By nature and acquired knowledge he is pre-eminently fitted for his vocation, his sympathetic nature and devotion to the interests of his patients having aided him DARKE COUNTY - 495 materially in securing position and reputation. Doctor Bigler was born April 28, 1862, near Gettysburg, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of Nicodemus C. and Hannah (Hershey) Bigler. The Hershey family was the first to come to Gettysburg, and the battle of Gettysburg. Pa., during the Civil war was contested on the old Fiarney (grandmother to Doctor Bigler) farm. The Bigler family was founded in the United States by the grandfather of Doctor Bigler, who came to this country from Germany in company with his two brothers, and took up his residence in Pennsylvania, where he married and spent the remainder of his life. Nicodemus C. Bigler was a native of the Keystone State, and was a young man when he came to Darke county, Ohio, the family settling on government land, about two miles north of Gettysburg, Ohio. Mr. Bigler became one of the early school teachers of the county, and for many years up to the time of his death, was widely and favorably known in educational circles. He died at Goshen, Ind., and is there buried, while the mother still survives. The early education of Doctor Bigler was secured in the country schools, completing the common branches in school district No. 12, in Adams township. He then took the examination and received a teacher's license, but taught only a short time, having decided to take up the study of medicine. After two years of preparatory work, he entered Keokuk Medical College, later entered the medical department of the Ohio State University, where he was graduated, and at that time found himself about $1,000 in debt. Going to Horatio. Ohio. the young physician "hung out his shingle," and entered upon his career with self-reliance and sincere faith in his own abilities. A period of partial inactivity followed, while the young physician was working for recognition, but his talents did not long remain unrecognized, and his practice was soon paying him amply. In 1900, Doctor Bigler came to Gettysburg, and here has continued in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative professional business. In 1904 he took post work in Barns's Medical College, St. Louis, Mo. He was graduated at the medical department of the Ohio State University. In 1898 Doctor Bigler was united in marriage with Miss Sara Stover, daughter of Emanuel and Johanna (Mohler) Stover. They are consistent members of the Brethren church. In his political relations, Doctor Bigler has cast his fortunes with the new Progressive party. He has served acceptably as a member of the school board and is friendly to all things which make for education, morality and good citizenship. 496 - DARKE COUNTY ANDREW RIBISON CALDERWOOD. The law as practiced and exemplified in person by the late Andrew Robison Calderwood, held its majesty. Profound respect, unfailing confidence and wholesome awe are vital necessities in the maintenance of order, and the services of such men as Mr. Calderwood in upholding the best dignities and traditions of the bar cannot be too highly valued. Possibly he will be remembered only by the older members of the profession in Darke county; yet his influence will continue to remain, and his probity, integrity and uncompromising fidelity to each and every duty should continue as watchwords for those who hope to attain not alone the rewards resulting from material success, but the honor that is granted to those whose lives are respected because they have been lived in a manner that merits respect. Mr. Calderwood was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, September 14, 1818, a son of George and Margaret (Robison) Calderwood, natives of Huntington county, Pennsylvania, where they were married September 14, 1811. In the fall of 1817 the parents moved to Montgomery county, Ohio, and in 1832 removal was made to Darke county, Ohio, where the father died September 7, 1849. The mother survived until August 12, 1873. Although reared a farmer, Andrew R. Calderwood's aspirations led him into the field of law, and his assiduous and well-applied study allowed him to be admitted to the bar in 1851. Three years later he was elected to the office of probate judge, and he was so serving when secession threatened the Union. Laying aside the ermine, he shouldered the musket in defense of his country and after serving for a time as second lieutenant was promoted to the rank of captain of Company I, Fortieth regiment. Ohio volunteer infantry. It was his misfortune to meet a soldier's injury while in the service, being thrown from his horse, and was forced to resign, but when he regained his health again showed his willingness to go to the front, and by reason of his acknowledged ability was reinstated as captain of his old company, given him by Governor Todd. Six months later he was again incapacitated, this time by the loss of his voice, yet was loath to leave the service, and therefore was placed as recruiting officer, a capacity in which he served until the close of hostilities between the States. DARKE COUNTY - 497 Having proven himself an able, efficient and faithful soldier, judge Calderwocd took up the practice of law again and showed that he could serve with as much reliability and honor in the ranks of peace. His practice brought him into connection with newspaper men, and he was induced to become editor of the "Sunday Courier," a Republican newspaper, with which he continued to be connected throughout the remainder of his life. Although tempted by the journalistic field, Judge Calderwood never lost his love for the law, and among the older practitioners of the State he is remembered as a valuable associate and a worthy opponent. Had 101 first-degree murder cases and sentence was not pronounced on a single client. All men but one. His three terms as mayor of Greenville brought forth his excellent executive and managerial ability, and it is remembered that this city has had no more popular official. He was not a politician in the generally accepted meaning of the word, but answered always the call of the people, and in 1868 allowed his name to be presented before the Republican Congressional Convention of the Fourth District, hut, owing to political conditions at the time, met with defeat by a small margin of the delegate vote. In his death, in 1891, Darke county lost a man who had been true to every principle as he saw it, who had discharged life's duties conscientiously and fearlessly, who had asked no favor but who had granted many—a clean-lived, clean-spoken man among men; truly "one of God's own gentlemen." EDGAR A. GRUBBS. Lessons are daily brought home to us; tuition is ours for the asking in the various fields of human endeavor; we need no school or instructors to show us in which direction we must lay the course of our energies to gain position and success. It is true that study is needed, but the careers of the men who have tried and have attained furnish better instruction than can be gained through any other line. One of the best of these lessons is that a real man does not allow himself to know that the word "quit" has found a place in our dictionary, our vocabulary or our personality. We may take a case in this connection and illustrate the point—the career of Edgar A. (32) 498 - DARKE COUNTY Grubbs, of Greenville. He has known adversity—he has felt its sting and its humiliation; but he has risen above those things which make for trouble financially, and through a cheerful nature and an energetic life because he has not forgotten the dark days of his career, he has been able and willing to help others over the obstacles that lie in the path of ambition. Edgar A. Grubbs is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born near Germantown, Montgomery county, Ohio, September 2, 1859, a son of Daniel and Catherine (Denise) Grubb. Brought up on a farm, his early schooldays were passed in the institutions taught by country instructors, but when he was fourteen years of age his parents removed to Greenville, and there he enjoyed the training of the city schools. One more year of high school would have seen his graduation, but desiring a business education, he entered the Queen City Business College, at Cincinnati, where, upon graduation, he received a higher grade than had ever been granted to a student before in that school. Mr. Grubbs's advent in the present business occurred in 1884, although he had previously familiarized himself with the grain trade by working in vacations during his school days. In the year mentioned he began buying grain in carload lots from dealers in Ohio and Indiana for export houses in Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, and this enterprise developed into a trade that called for shipments of wheat, principally of the milling variety, to eastern Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. The vicissitudes and changes of the times found Mr. Grubbs a heavy investor, and like many of his associates he was forced to undergo difficulties, discouragements and disappointments, but his straightforward policy, his undying self-reliance and his indomitable courage brought him safely through the storm which engulfed so many, and when the waters had calmed his bark was found serenely floating on the top wave of success. Today Mr. Grubbs is known as the largest dealer in grain in western Ohio. His ownership of the E. A. Grubbs Grain Company (he has no partner), however, is only one of his important connections. He owns a large amount of the stock of the Greenville Feed Company, buying hay largely in carload lots in western Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, and was one of the organizers of this company in 1904. Probably no man is better known in the trade, as evidenced by his valued membership in the Ohio Grain Dealers' Association, the Indiana Grain Dealers' Association, the Grain Dealers' National Asso- DARKE COUNTY - 499 ciation, the Ohio Millers' Association, the Pennsylvania State Millers' Association and the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. That he is one of the most important factors in the commercial life of Greenville may be deduced from the fact that if he left Greenville or retired from business a large portion of the postoffice receipts would be cut down; nearly sixty per cent. of the Western Union Telegraph Company receipts would be cut off; the income of the two telephone companies would be greatly reduced, and a large portion of the banking business would cease. In proof of these statements, quotations may be taken from statements by John Garber, manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company, of Greenville, who said: "From fifty to sixty per cent. of all the business done in our office comes through the E. A. Grubbs Grain Company;" by the chief operator of the Bell Telephone Company, who said: "Mr. Grubbs's telephone bill in this office is one-fourth of the total toll receipts," and by Miss Kuntz, chief operator of the Home Telephone Company, who stated that his toll amounts to over one-twentieth of the toll receipts. The transactions of the E. A. Grubbs Grain Company are of a strictly legitimate, non-speculative nature. Millions of bushels of grain are bought and sold by mail, telegraph and telephone, and every bushel is paid for in cash through the Greenville National Bank and Second National Bank of Greenville. Purchase of grain is carried on with elevator owners in Ohio and Indiana, and at times with Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and other large markets. For years the amount of mail sent out by this one firm has equalled one-eighth of the total receipts of the Greenville postoffice. It is safe to say that the total amount of money paid annually for grain by this company amounts to from two to four times the sum handled by any other firm in Greenville. In addition to managing this gigantic industry, Mr. Grubbs finds time to devote some attention to the transactions of the Greenville Feed Company, the greater part of the purchases of which are brought to the transfer house, located at D. & U. and Cincinnati Northern crossing, where it is unloaded, graded, weighed and reshipped east and south. The Greenville Feed Company also buys hay and straw from the farmers around Greenville, where the local demand cannot meet the price it is worth on a shipping basis. In 1880 Mr. Grubbs became a member of Greenville Lodge No. 143, F. & A. M., of which he served as secretary, subsequently took the Chapter degrees at Greenville, the Knight