50 - DARKE COUNTY Rev. John Carnahan was a farmer and Christian minister and in 1830 built a beautiful Christian church, chopping and hewing the logs with his own hands. This building, seven miles west of Greenville, on Winchester pike, was most substantially built and remained standing until 1867, when the present building, known as the Carnahan church, was erected. It was built on his farm where he had six hundred acres for which he paid $800. The only child born to James and Margaret McKhann was Dr. Charles F. James McKhann married as his second wife, Elnora Moore of Greenville, November 14, 1859. She died at Chattanooga September 27, 1876, and was buried in Forest Hill cemetery there. Two daughters were born of this union, namely: Lizzie, wife of J. Hamilton Cady, of Chattanooga, who has four children, and Ella, wife of William E. Mongar, of Chattanooga, who has six children. Doctor McKhann was but two years of age when his mother died, and he was reared by his Grandmother Carnahan. When he was three years of age they visited Clarke county, Iowa, and he was so pleased with the location that he felt a very strong desire to return. It was when six years of age he first attended school in Iowa, running away from home to get to go. It was conducted in a log building, with slab seats, puncheon floors and no windows. After remaining six months in Iowa he returned to Darke county and there attended school in the Carnahan school house about seven miles from Greenville. He assisted in the farm work and attended school until he was ten years old, when he and his grandmother returned to Clarke county, Iowa, and there he remained until he attained his majority, attending school through the winter months. When twenty-one years of age he was graduated from high school at Osceola, Iowa, and at that time had been studying medicine for two years. He worked part of the time as cowboy and read medical books while in the saddle. He was very fond of study and reading and used every opportunity to do so. Upon his return to Greenville, about 1877, he read medical books under the direction of Dr. John E. Matchett, which course he continued two years. In 1877 he entered Ohio Medical College in Cincinnati, graduating two years later with the degree of M. D. He began practice at Norwood, Lucas county, Iowa, and one year later located in New Madison, Darke county, Ohio, where he became very successful in his profession, remaining ten years. Then, after remaining two years in Greenville, he became much interested in country then be- DARKE COUNTY - 51 ing opened up in Florida, and invested in timber land and the turpentine industry. He owned 33,000 acres of land in one piece located in a single county. He now owns several tracts, aggregating several thousand acres of land and scattered in different counties. Since 1884 he has made annual trips to Florida, and sometimes spends as long a time as nine months there, but his permanent home is in Greenville. He owns some of the best business property in the city, including the Weaver block, the finest building of the kind in the city. He is held in high esteem by all and is one of the leading citizens. He is justly proud of his ancestry and is interested in the early history of Darke county, in which his forbears took so worthy a part. He is a Republican in politics and much interested in public affairs. He belongs to no clubs or societies. Doctor McKhann has been twice married, first, August 29, 1878, to Ida May, daughter of John Fox, a prominent farmer and miller of Darke county, who resided at Fox Mills, three miles west of Greenville, and two children blessed their union: Maude Ethel, born July 8, 1879, who was married July 4, 1900, to Rollin F. Cohee, of Frankfort, Ind., and they have a son, Rollin F., born July 26, 1910; and another daughter, Leslie May, born December 25, 1881, who married George O. Palmer, August 14, 1907, and they have a daughter, Mary Frances Palmer, born July 28, 1908, and live at Lake City, Fla. Mrs. McKhann, mother of these children, died May 15, 1885, and is buried at New Madison. Doctor McKhann married (second) June 28, 1887, at Des Moines, Iowa, Mary, daughter of Philip and Lizzie Grasse], of Osceola, Iowa. To this union three children were born: George G., January 23, 1893, attending the University at Oxford; Zerelda Elizabeth, born February 27, 1897, is in the third year of high school, and Charles Fremont, Jr., born December 21, 1898, is in the second year of high school. Dr. McKhann is a supporter of the Christian church and his wife is a Seventh Day Adventist. OSCAR R. KRICKENBERGER. The success of men in business or any professional vocation depends upon character as well as upon knowledge, it being a self-evident proposition that honesty is the best policy. Business and professional life demand confidence and where that is lacking business ceases. In every community some 52 - DARKE COUNTY men are known for their upright lives, strong common sense and persistent energy rather than for their wealth or political standing. Their neighbors and acquaintances respect them, the younger generations heed their example and when "they wrap the drapery of their couches about them and lie down to pleasant dreams" posterity will listen with reverence to the story of their useful lives. Among such men in Darke county is he whose name appears at the head of this paragraph, who is not only an eminently successful lawyer and a progressive man of affairs, but a man of modest and unassuming demeanor, a fine type of the reliable, self-made American, a friend to the poor, charitable to the faults of his neighbors, and who has always stood ready to unite with them in every good work and active in the support of laudable public enterprises. He is proud of Greenville and the grand State of Ohio and zealous of their progress and prosperity. He in every respect merits the high esteem in which he is universally held, because of his intellectual attainments, professional success and public spirit. Oscar R. Krickenberger is descended from good old German stock, an element which has contributed so materially to the growth and development of this country. His paternal grandparents were Carl and Wilhelmina (Endorff) Kruckenberg, which was the original spelling of the family name. Leaving their native land in 1852, they came to the United States, settling two and a half miles northeast of Greenville, Darke county, Ohio, where they cleared and improved a farm of forty acres. There they spent the rest of their days, he dying in 1880, at the age of seventy-nine years, and she in 1884, aged about eighty-two years. They were the parents of four children, namely: Charles; Henry A., father of the subject of this sketch; Caroline W., who became the wife of John Mohr, and Frederick F. Carl Henry Augustus Krickenberger was born ant reared in Germany and received a good practical education in the splendid schools of that country. In 1855, at the age of nineteen years, he bought his time from his uncle, Ferdinand, to whom he had been apprenticed, and came to America, coming direct to Darke county, Ohio, and locating in Greenville township, where he obtained work on a farm. Soon afterwards he went to Missouri, and on the outbreak of the Civil war he joined one of the Union guerilla bands operating in that State. In 1861 he returned to Darke county, and on July 22, 1862, he enlisted as a private in the Ninety-fourth DARKE COUNTY - 53 regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he served faithfully until January, 1863, when he was discharged because of physical disability. His command had been assigned to the Army of the Tennessee and he took part in all the battles and campaigns in which that army was engaged up to the time of his discharge, his last battle having been the important one at Murfreesboro. Upon his return from the army, Mr. Krickenberger engaged in farming in German township, this county, where he had acquired a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and there he died on March 20, 1877, at the comparatively early age of thirty-nine years. He had married Lydia A. Drew, a native of Darke county, and who is still living, at the age of about seventy-four years. She is a daughter of Robert and Lydia (Bliss) Drew, the former of whom was a native of New Jersey and the latter of Darke county, Ohio. In an early day Robert Drew walked the entire distance from New Jersey to Arcanum, this county, and from here walked to below Covington, Ky., where he put out a crop of wheat. He then walked back to Darke county, and the following summer walked back to Kentucky and harvested his wheat. That was in the early twenties. He made his permanent home in Darke county, where he had homesteaded a small piece of land, and he afterwards accumulated much other land, leaving to each of his children a farm. He died in 1879, aged seventy-three years, and his wife died in 1896, at the age of eighty-eight years. They were the parents of the following children: John, deceased; William, who is still living; Joseph, who died in Iowa; James, who lives near Castine, this county; Lydia A., mother of the subject of this sketch; Mollie, wife of John B. Hans; Julia A., wife of Louis P. Newbauer; Martha, wife of Peter Brown; Amanda, wife of William Folkerth; Mary Jane, deceased wife of F. F. Krickenberger, and two who died in infancy. ToCarl Henry A. and Lydia A. (Drew) Krickenberger were born six children, as follows: Henry F., of Greenville, Ohio; Charles F., of Iditarod, Alaska; Caroline Wilhelmina, wife of Frank Brown, of Greenville; Oscar R., the immediate Subject of this review; Carl A., of Greenville; and George, the first born, who died in infancy. Oscar R. Krickenberger was but six years old when death deprived him of a father's guidance and protection and at the early age of eleven years he began life's battle on his own account, his first employment being at farm work. He had 54 - DARKE COUNTY been deprived of the opportunities for an education for which he yearned and something of the character of the man was revealed in the boy when, with nineteen other boys, each put twenty dollars into a common fund and employed a tutor, Clement L. Brumbaugh, now Congressman from the Twelfth Ohio District. Under the latter, the subject attended school for five months in the years 1886 and 1887, and he made such rapid progress in his studies that he was deemed qualified to teach school, which vocation he followed during the winter months for several years, farming during the summer vacations. The young man was ambitious to become a lawyer, and in 1891, about the time he attained his majority, he entered the law offices of Allread & Bickel, under whose directions he pursued his studies, and on June 8, 1893, he was admitted to the bar of Darke county. He at once entered upon the active practice of his profession and has been successful to a notable degree, having been for several years one of the conspicuous members of the local bar. Exactness and thoroughness have characterized all his labors, for early in life he absorbed the truth of that old and time-tried maxim, that whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. As a lawyer he has been a credit to his profession, while as a citizen he has been of that sterling type who have added to the stability of our government and its institutions. There is in him a weight of character, a native sagacity, a far-seeing judgment and a fidelity of purpose that has commanded the respect of all and made him an influential factor in the public and civic life of the community. Mr. Krickenberger has been very successful in his material affairs and in 1911 he erected the fine office and business block, located at Nos. 112 and 114 West Fourth street, Greenville, in which he has his law offices. On the 10th day of May, 1899, Mr. Krickenberger was united in marriage with Ella Stull, who was born at Lambertville, N. J., the daughter of John W. and Hannah (Kooker) Stull, both of whom also were natives of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Stull came to Darke county in 1878, and here the father died on July 8, 1909, aged seventy-three years; his widow is still living, at the age of sixty-nine years . Mrs. Krickenberger is their only child now living. Mrs. Krickenberger's grandparents were, on the paternal side, Henry and Sarah (Wert) Stull, natives of New Jersey, and on the maternal side, Samuel and Louisa (Hinkle) Kooker, natives of Penn- DARKE COUNTY - 55 Sylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Krickenberger has been born a daughter, Lydia Virginia, now two years old. Politically, Mr. Krickenberger is a supporter of the Democratic party, and takes a live interest in public affairs. Mrs. Krickenberger is an earnest and faithful member of the Presbyterian Church. As a member of the bar Mr. Krickenberger has faithfully and honestly discharged his every duty. He has always counseled and maintained only such actions and defenses as have appeared to him to be just, and in the trial of cases he has never sought to employ means other than were entirely consistent with truth and the law, never seeking to mislead court or jury by any artifice or false statement of fact or law, and he has adhered so closely to the professional code of ethics as at all times to command the confidence and respect of bench and bar. Personally, he possesses those qualities which invite friendship and in the large circle of acquaintances which he enjoys he has many warm and loyal friends. J. EDWARD WILLIAMS. Of staunch old Welsh lineage is the subject of this sketch, who is a native son of Darke county and now numbered among its successful and influential citizens, being the present efficient clerk of the courts of Darke county. Public spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community, he is numbered among the most valued citizens of the county. Mr. Williams was born in Greenville, Ohio, on January 24, 1878, and is a son of Joel and Mary (Kelley) Williams, the father a native of Indiana and the mother of Pennsylvania. On the paternal side, Grandfather Williams and his wife, whose maiden anme was Rebecca J. Arthur, and whose parentage was John Arthur and Sallie (Beard) Arthur, all were natives of Darke county, Ohio, but subsequently moved to Salem, near Union City, Ind., where he died. His widow later returned to Greenville, Ohio, with her children, and here her death occurred when nearly eighty years of age. She was the mother of the following children: John, Joel, Jason, James, Emma J. and William H. On the maternal side, the grandparents were John and Rebecca (Shade) Kelly, natives of 56 - DARKE COUNTY Pennsylvania, and the parentage of Rebecca (Shade) Kelley being Samuel and Elizabeth (Walter) Shade, English descent. John Kelly, who was of German descent, came to Darke county many years ago and located in Greenville, where he engaged in the tanning business and died when well advanced in years. Joel Williams was reared in Indiana and in young manhood was employed at farm work, his education being secured in the common schools. After returning to Darke county, he entered the employ of the Henry St. Clair Company, with whom he remained for a number of years. He also served as city marshal and policeman for a long time. He is now humane officer, truant officer and game and fish warden. To him and his wife were born the following children: J. Edward, whose name appears at the head of this review; Harry S., and J. Lendall, of Greenville, and Isis Juanita, who was graduated from the Greenville High School with the class of 1913. J. Edward Williams was reared in Greenville and attended the public schools, being graduated from high school in 1897. He then went to work for the Western Union Telegraph Company as a lineman, but at the end of a year he returned to Greenville and accepted the management of the Bell Telephone Company, being located at Bessemer, Ala., for about ten months. Then, returning to Greenville, Ohio, he accepted the appointment as deputy clerk of the courts. In 1908 Mr. Williams was elected clerk of the courts and so satisfactory were his services that in 1910 he was re-elected to that office, receiving the largest majority of any candidate elected to office in this county up to that time. He is the present incumbent of the office and, by strict attention to his official duties and courteous treatment of all who have business in that office, he has won a host of warm personal friends and gained the commendation of all who are at all familiar with his work. Mr. Williams is also a member of the Greenville school board and chairman of the St. Clair memorial and library committee, and has the distinction of being the first manager of the. beautiful St. Clair Memorial. On the 26th day of September, 1900, Mr. Williams married Stella Shollenberger, the daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Clauer) Shollenberger, and to their union were born two children, Ceres Caroline and J. E. Mrs. Williams was born at Springfield, Ohio, and is of German parentage, her father having come to America from Boden, Germai~y, when young. DARKE COUNTY - 57 and her mother, Caroline (Clauer) Shollenberger, was born in Sandusky, Ohio. They died at Springfield, Ohio, when well advanced in years. Their children were as follows: George, Jacob, Edgar, Harry, Stella and Amelia. Politically Mr. Williams is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, and takes an active part in campaign work, and is being mentioned by his friends as a prospective candidate for congressional honors of the Fourth district. Fraternally, he is a member of Greenville Lodge No. 145, Free and Accepted Masons; Greenville Lodge No. 161, Knights of Pythias, and Greenville Castle No. 40, Knights of the Golden Eagle. Religiously, he is a member of the Episcopal Church, Mrs. Williams having been reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church. A man of highest integrity and of unvarying courtesy and kindliness, Mr. Williams is honored by all who know him and is regarded as one of the representative citizens of his county_ JOHN L. MORGAN. Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Darke county within the pages of this work, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this favored locality and whose interests have been identified with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is he whose name appears above, peculiar interest attaching to his career from the fact that his entire life has been spent within the borders of this county. John L. Morgan first saw the light of day on March 13, 1867, in Wayne township, Darke county, Ohio, and he is the son of William H. and Sarah A. (Moneypenny) Morgan. William H. Morgan, who was born in Ohio, was the son of Mathias and Mary Elizabeth (Bauersock) Morgan, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Mathias Morgan served his country in the Civil war, being a member of the Forty-fourth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry for four years. He and his wife became early settlers of Darke county, Ohio, locating in Harrison township, near New Madison, where they spent the remainder of their lives, he dying at the age of about ninety years and his wife when eighty-three years 58 - DARKE COUNTY old. They were German Baptists in their religious belief and were highy respected in their community. They reared a good sized family, namely: Mary, Hettie, Amanda, Wiliam Harrison, Taylor, Freeman and Sherman. William H. Morgan was reared in Darke county, and has always followed the vocation of a farmer, residing in this county until 1896, when he moved to Richland county. He was a soldier in the Civil war for two years, serving as a private in Company B, Eighth Ohio cavalry. After his return from the army he married and then began farming in Wayne township, this county, where he reared his family and where his wife passed away in 1894, in the forty-eighth year of her age. They both were members of the German Baptist church. Mr. Morgan again married, his second wife being a Mrs. Snyder, of Richland county, this state, where they now reside. Sarah A. Moneypenny, the first wife of William H. Morgan and the mother of the subject of this sketch, was born in West Virginia, the daughter of foreign-born parents, her father having been born in Ireland and her mother in Scotland. After coming to this country, they settled near Weston, W. Va., where they engaged in farming and where their deaths occurred. To William H. and Sarah Morgan were born four children, namely: John L., the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, who died in chilhood; Mary, wife of J. B. Coppes, of near Versailles, and Cora, the wife of Harry ,Clifton, of Shelby, Ohio. John L. Morgan was reared in Webster, this county, and attended the public schools and the normal school at Gettysburg. He then engaged in teaching school, following that vocation through sixteen terms, among the schools which he taught being the first school which he ever attended, old No. 9 in Adams township, teaching also in the last school which he attended as a pupil. Later he quit teaching and for a while followed the trade of stone mason, but eventually turned his attention to farming in York township, where he owned a small farm. In 1907 Mr. Morgan went to Greenville and became deputy county auditor under Auditor Frank Snyder. In 1910 he was elected auditor, assuming the duties of the office in October, 1911, and is the present incumbent of the office, and discharging his official duties in a manner that has won for him the commendation of all who are at all familiar with his work. On October 23, 1890, Mr. Morgan married Melinda Nutter, the daughter of Jacob and Hester (Garrett) Nutter. To their DARKE COUNTY - 59 union was born a daughter, Charlotte Alna, who became the wife of E. D. Martin, of Greenville. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church., while, fraternally, Mr. Morgan belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically, he is a Democrat and at one time served five years as clerk of York township. Throughout his career Mr. Morgan has been emphatically a man of enterprise, positive character, indomitable energy and liberal views, and is deeply interested in the growth and prosperity of the county which has been his home. WILLIAM M. HARPER. In the daily laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a solid career on the part of a business or professional man there is little to attract the casual reader in search of a sensational chapter; but to a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who, without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgment, conquers obstacles and finally wins, not only pecuniary success, hut, what is far greater and higher, the deserved respect and confidence of those with whom his active years have been spent. To this class belongs the subject of this brief sketch, who for many years has been numbered among the most substantial citizens of Greenville—indeed, to him belongs the noteworthy distinction of having been longer in business here than any other merchant now actively engaged in business. He has thus been an eye witness and participant in the splendid growth and development which has characterized this beautiful city and surrounding country. William Marion Harper was born about three and a half miles southeast of Greenville, Ohio, on the 30th day of October, 1835, and he is a son of William Sanford Harper and Delilah (Arnold) Harper, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and South Carolina. The father was reared to manhood in his native state, and then came to Darke county, Ohio, part of the way being by means of a flat boat down the Ohio river. He settled on a farm in Greenville township that was entered 60 - DARKE COUNTY from the government by his father-in-law, William Arnold, and there he engaged in farming, which he carried on continuously and with success until 1875, when he came to Greenville to live, and here spent the remainder of his days, his wife having died on the farm in 1875, aged sixty years. In young manhood he had been a school teacher during the winter months, tilling the soil during the summer vacation periods. He had also studied civil engineering and after moving to Greenville he became the official civil engineer for most of the pikes in this neighborhood which were built during the period from 1870 to 1885. He lived to an advanced age, his death occurring in Greenville at the age of ninety-two years. He and his wife were members of the Christian (or Disciples) church and he was one of the pioneers in the Restoration movement. He was active in civil affairs and before he left the farm he was elected county surveyor, in which office he served a number of years. To him and his wife were born the following children: Elizabeth, the widow of Thomas Culbertson, and now living on the old homestead in Greenville township; William M., our subject; John, deceased, and Sarah Catharine, who died at the age of twelve years. William M. Harper spent his boyhood days on the home farm in Greenville township and attended the common schools. He was apt in his studies and secured a certificate entitling him to teach, but he never applied for a school. He decided to learn a trade, and upon attaining his majority, in 1857, he came to Greenville and apprenticed himself for three years with N. Webb, then the leading jeweler here. After serving his time, Mr. Harper embarked in the jewelry business on his own account and has been engaged in this line of business continuously since that time, a period of fifty-three years, a remarkable record from both a physical and commercial standpoint. During all these years Mr. Harper has enjoyed not only his full share of the public patronage in his line, but also the unreserved confidence and good will of the people. He is probably as widely known in this section of the country as any merchant in the county, and everywhere he commands respect. Mr. Harper has retained to a remarkable degree his physical vigor, his hand being almost as steady and his eye as keen as most men many years his junior. He still gives his personal attention to his business and is often found at his repair bench, attending to some fine bit of watch repairing or Jewelry mending. DARKE COUNTY - 61 On the 13th of November, 1861, Mr. Harper was married to Helen Angel, of Bluffton, Ind., the daughter of David and Adeline (Porter) Angel, and to this union were born two children, William A. and Harlie B. William A., who married Cora Brown and lives in Toledo, Ohio, is an expert jeweler and engraver. Harlie B., who is dead, married Bessie Mitchell and they had two children, Florence Belle and Helen Mar. Mrs. Helen Harper died on November 11, 1877, aged thirty-seven years, and in 1891 Mr. Harper chose for his second wife Mrs. Victoria Barnhizer, who died without issue. Subsequently Mr. Harper married Miss Anna Manor, February 15, 1893, who enjoys with him the love and esteem of their large circle of warm and loyal friends. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Harper are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for a number of years Mr. Harper was a member of the board of trustees. Politically, he has always been a Democrat, but in local elections he has always voted for the men rather than the party. Mr. Harper retains vivid recollections of the early days in Greenville, before the present prosperity was even promised, but in the steady and healthy growth of this community he has had a hand and has outlived practically all who were prominent here when he started upon his business career. Because of his splendid record, his genuine worth and high personal character, he is clearly entitled to representation in a work of the character of the one at hand. HON. DR. SAMUEL AUGUSTUS HOSTETTER The life of the subject of this review has been such as to bear aloft the high standard which had been maintained by his father, who was one of the early settlers of Darke county and whose life was signally noble, upright and useful—one over which falls no shadow of wrong in thought, word or deed. Such was the type of men who laid the foundations and aided in the development of this favored section of the Buckeye State, and to their memories will ever be paid a tribute of reverence and gratitude by those who have profited by their well directed endeavors and appreciated the lessons of their lives. Samuel A. Hostetter, who for a number of years has been 62 - DARKE COUNTY well and favorably known as the cashier of the Second National Bank of Greenville, was born near Versailles, Darke county, Ohio, on April 9, 1847. He is a son of Dr. Isaac and Hannah (Hager) Hostetter, the father having been a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter born near Hagerstown, Md. Jacob Hostetter and wife, the subject's grandparents, were natives of Switzerland, who emigrated to the United States, settling in Lancaster county, Pa., where they spent their remaining days, both dying at advanced ages. They were the parents of the following children: Jacob, Jr., John, Hezekiah, Isaac, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah and two sons who lost their lives in a massacre by the Indians. Of these children, Isaac was reared in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and, after completing his common school education, he studied medicine. In the early thirties, he located in Dayton, Ohio, where he entered upon the active practice of his profession, but soon afterwards removed to Darke county, locating two miles south of Versailles, where he bought a farm, which he had cleared and improved, and there his children were reared in part. IIe also continued the active practice of his profession, in which his interest and enthusiasm never abated up to the time of his death. He removed to Beamsville, this county, where his death occurred in 1861; aged fifty years. He was survived by his widow, who died in 1867, at the age of fifty. six years. Her parents were natives of Maryland, where they spent their lives and died. They were respectd farming folk and reared the following children: James, Hezekiah, Hannah, Caroline, who came to Darke county, Ohio, and married a Mr. Bear; and others. To Isaac and Hannah Hostetter the following children were born: Hiram, who was a soldier in the Union army, during the Civil war, gave up his life in the service; Salinda, now deceased, who was the wife of William H. Stahl; Caroline, wife of E. Alton; Samuel A., whose name heads this review; Thomas J., of Ansonia, Ohio; Franklin P., of Osceola, Mo.; Ellen, who died in infancy. Samuel A. Hostetter spent his boyhood days on his father's farm in this county, receiving his elementary education in the district schools at Beamsville. Later he attended the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and then followed out his long-cherished purpose of preparing himself for the practice of medicine. He first studied under the directions of his uncle, Samuel Hager, at Ansonia, and then matriculated in the Ohio DARKE COUNTY - 63 Medical College, where he was graduated in 1869. He immediately entered upon the practice of medicine at Ansonia, to which he devoted himself, with gratifying success, until 1876. In the latter year the Doctor was elected to the Ohio Legislature, and was elected to succeed himself, thus serving two terms, with credit to himself and honor to his constituency. In 1881 Doctor Hostetter was appointed treasurer of Darke county, serving three years, at the end of which period he engaged in the drug business at Ansonia, in partnership with his brother, Thomas J., with whom he was associated for twenty-five years, their relations being not only mutually agreeable, but profitable as well. The subject of this sketch retired from the drug store in order to accept the position of cashier of the Second National Bank of Greenville, which he has held since. The Second National Bank was organized in 1883, with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars, and is one of the strong and reliable financial institutions of western Ohio, much of the success of the institution being due to the unremitting efforts and splendid ability of Mr. Hostetter. In November, 1872, Samuel A. Hostetter married Cordelia Tullis, daughter of Milton and Sarah Tullis. She passed away in 1883 and in 1888 the Doctor married Mrs. Jeremiah Harmon, widow of Charles Harmon and daughter of John and Annie Yohe. Mrs. Hostetter was born at Sidney, Ohio, and her father was a native of Pennsylvania. He and his wife were early settlers of Greenville, where he followed milling and where their deaths occurred. They had six children, of whom four are living, namely: Mollie, Dora, Tina and Benjamin who has held a position in the treasury department at Washington, D. C. Politically, Doctor Hostetter is an earnest Democrat and has taken a commendable interest in public affairs. He served several years as trustee of Brown township and was also clerk of the township. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, while, fraternally, the Doctor is a member of Ansonia Lodge No. 488, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he was a charter member. He takes a deep interest in the welfare of the community, in many ways contributing to the general welfare. He has shown his faith in the business enterprises of the locality by investing his money and is a stockholder and director in the Western Ohio Creamery, a stockholder and director in the Home Telephone Corn- 64 - DARKE COUNTY pany, and a stockholder in the Greenville Electric Light Plant. Generous to a fault and sociable to a high degree, Doctor Hostetter wins friends easily, and he has the happy faculty of drawing them closer to him as the years pass by. Viewed in a personal light, he is a strong man, of excellent judgment, fair in his views and honorable in his relations with his fellow men. HON. FRANK T. CONKLING (Deceased). The late Frank T. Conkling was an important figure in financial circles in Darke county, and in point of years in business was the oldest banker in the county. He had a large circle of friends and held their affectionate esteem by reason of his sterling qualities and true worth. He was mourned as a distinguished citizen of the city and county whose interests and progress had been very near to his heart, and his colleagues valued highly his business acumen, foresight and excellent judgment. As cashier of the Greenville National Bank he displayed a keen knowledge of affairs and of men in the business world. He was one who faithfully discharged all duties and accomplished whatever he undertook in an able manner. He was a true gentleman, whose modesty and kindness of heart endeared him to all. He was much interested in the welfare of his fellow citizens and could always be depended upon for a ready sympathy. He was a kind husband and a loving father, being greatly attached to his home circle. He started in the business world in a modest capacity and steadily progressed by virtue of his enterprise and ability. Mr. Conkling was a son of Pierson Conkling and was born on a farm near Cincinnati, in Hamilton county, Ohio, February 27, 1858. Pierson Conkling was three times married. By the first union he had one son, James D. Conkling, now a resident of Kentland, Indiana; by the second marriage, one child was born, Frank T., of this sketch; there were no children born of the third union. After his second marriage Pierson Conkling lived for a time in Cincinnati, then moved to North Vernon, Indiana, where he became proprietor of a general store. In 1905 he located in Kentland, Indiana, and there his death occurred, in 1908, his interment taking place in Spring Grove cemetery, Cincinnati. He was a lifelong DARKE COUNTY - 65 member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in politics was a republican. Frank T. Conkling was about two years of age when his parents moved to Cincinnati, from their farm, and in that city he attended the public schools until he was about seventeen years old. In 1875 he came to Greenville in search of employment, being then an entrprising and intelligent young man about seventeen years of age. In July, 1876, he entered the bank of Huffnagle, Allen & Company, as messenger and general office boy, and there his worth was soon recognized, for he applied himself faithfully to his duties. He was successively promoted to the posts of bookkeeper, assistant teller and assistant cashier, and on February 10, 1895, became cashier, which post he held up to the time of his death, although the name of the institution had then become changed. Huffnagle, Allen & Company were succeeded by the Greenville Bank Company, and the institution was not considered very stable. Mr. Conkling had begun to buy stock in the enterprise and eventually became the largest stockholder. It was principally through his wise and far-seeing handling of the policies and resources of the concern that the confidence of the public was regained, and in 1904 this concern transferred its assets to and became merged with the Greenville National Bank. From that time on its progress was marked with success and it gradually grew to be one of the strongest banks in the county. Mr. Conkling's largest interests were in the bank, but he extended to various other enterprises the benefit of his talents and ability and in so doing helped build up the city and the region, adding prestige to the bank especially. He was a stockholder with Irwin Brothers, sewer contractors, and with Ross Supply Co., being a director of the latter. He was also a director with the Greenville Home Telepohene Company, a stockholder and director in the Tennessee Lumber Company, and assisted in the management and control of various other enterprises. He was a charter member of Commercial Club and was one of its most active workers. He served fifteen years as a member of the school board and was its president two terms, bringing to these duties the same conscientious zeal that he displayed in his business affairs. Public money was several times held in trust by him and the city's funds were often in his hands, notably during the time of the erection of the Carnegie library. Fraternally, Mr. Conkling (5) 66 - DARKE COUNTY was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. For eighteen years he served as vestryman of St. Paul's Episcopal church. On April 30, 1885, Mr. Conkling was united in marriage with Miss Lillian V. Breaden, of Greenville, daughter of John E. and Anjumila (Huffnagle) Breaden, and born on a farm in Brown township, Darke county. John E. Breaden was born at Springdale, Hamilton county, June 19, 1830, was reared on a farm there and received a common school education. In young manhood he came to Darke county and there met and married Anjumila Huffnagle, who was born in Pennsylvania, May 19, 1832, daughter of John and Barbara (Bordner) Huffnagle, of Pennsylvania-German stock, who came to Greenville in 1836. Mr. Huffnagle had a general merchandise store on the corner of Broadway and Public Square on the lot upon which the Breaden and Conkling's beautiful residence was erected in 1900. Upon coming to Greenville, Mr. Breaden interested himself in the drug business for a time, then sold out and began farming and stock raising in Richland township. When he retired from active life he located in Greenville, where his death occurred in 1904. His widow still resides in Greenville. They had three children: John E., who passed away at the age of forty-five years; a daughter who died in infancy, and Lillian V., Mrs. Conkling. Mrs. Conkling received her early education in the public schools of Greenville and later entered St. Mary's of the Springs, a convent at Columbus, Ohio, from which she graduated in 1881. Her parents then located in Greenville and she lived with them there until her marriage to Mr. Conkling four years later. One son blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Conkling, Breaden P., born June 19, 1887, at Greenville. After attending the public schools and Kenyon College he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Upon leaving college he returned to Greenville and there became a successful wholesale dealer in tobacco. He was married at Martinsburg, West Virginia, to Miss Inez Boyer, and one son has been born to them, Frank T., October 12, 1913. On May 12, 1912, while attending to his duties at the bank as usual, Mr. Conkling was suddenly stricken with an attack of adhesion of the bowels and was removed to his home at No. 220 Broadway. By the sixteenth of the month the DARKE COUNTY - 67 disease had developed such a serious aspect that he was taken to the Jewish hospital at Cincinnati, where an operation was performed with the hope of saving his life. Although he rallied from the operation and was apparently recovering satisfactorily, kidney trouble developed and in his weakened condition he was unable to withstand this ailment. On the morning of June 27, 1913, he passed away. The funeral services were held in St. Paul's Episcopal church, which was completely filled with sorrowing relatives and friends gathered to pay their last tribute to one of Greenville's best beloved citizens. He was laid to rest in Greenville cemetery. The foregoing is only a brief review of the life of one who in a remarkable manner impressed his personality upon those who knew him. It is merely a cursory outline of his life and activities, for his real biography is found in the sets of resolutions passed by various institutions after his death, in which his real nature and the qualities which attracted the friendship of all classes stand forth. The resolutions passed by the Greenville National Bank were in part as follows: "In the wisdom of Providence our cashier, Frank T. Conkling, having been called from his earthly labors, it is meet and fitting that some memento of his efficient service and worth to this institution and our appreciation thereof, be made of record. * * * "To him, more than any other, whatever of prestige, attainment and success the bank now has in the community is due. Ile gave the best years of his life to its service, always faithful to his trust, diligent, untiring, energetic, zealous; unswerving in his honesty, impregnable in his integrity. "His was a life essentially given to the community; he served the city in its council a number of years, and while such, upon his position in the matter rested the question whether the city should have a municipal water system, or be supplied with water by private corporation; the wisdom of his decision is now beyond question; he has been a member of the board of education for years; in 1898 he assisted in the organization of the Citizens' Loan & Savings Association and became its first treasurer, which position he filled continuously since; he has assisted all civic enterprises, giving both time and funds. "He was quiet, dignified and unassuming, and by his judicious advice and counsel to those who sought it, he has been of incalculable benefit to the business interests. * * * 68 - DARKE COUNTY Frank was a true and loyal friend; a kind, loving and indulgent husband and father." We cannot close this article in a more fitting manner than by quoting from an issue of the "Greenville Weekly Tribune," of Wednesday, July 2, 1913, entitled: "TRIBUTE OF A FRIEND. "In the passing of Frank T. Conkling, Greenville loses one of its most prominent and distinctive characters of the past three decades. His strong character has been felt in every movement of public interest or general good of the community. "His distinctive character was shown in his every act. He was no man's man, but everybody's friend. Whether in private or public affairs it was always the same with him. He'd have his say—have his way—if it was manifestly right, and if in doubt he was always open to conviction. He was strong, but never unreasonable. He wanted his way when he knew he was right and made mighty few mistakes. In private affairs his judgment was the best to be had and in public affairs he was just as strong a figure. His handling of finances in his every day life was no comparison with his handling of the larger affairs of men in convention or conference. More than once with the great majority against him, he has swayed the. throng to his will. "From humble beginnings he grew to a man of might—not by any chance—not by the good graces of any other man or set of men, but by his own distinctive merits—and so great has been his influence on the affairs of men in his own community that today in many of the business houses of the city it seems a partner, or member of the firm is dead. "Frank Conkling is dead! "It cannot seem possible. Such a man, with so much yet to do in this life's work, must be sorely missed. He has been so badly needed, he was always so reliable when called upon that it seems almost improbable that his place can ever be filled. "His success in life can be attributed to his one strongest talent—he knew men. No matter what the financial rating might be, no matter what others thought of a particular individual, it was always sure Frank Conkling knew. He knew and he acted always on his own best judgment and in the grand total—now that his life's story is being written—he DARKE COUNTY - 69 never erred. Sometimes, of course, men failed to meet his expectations, but it was they who failed, not he. His judgment was right at the time, but later if there was any change it was because the other fellow changed---changed from right to wrong or was a victim of circumstances that could not be helped. "In the big affairs of life Frank Conkling was a well posted man. He had views on public policy that would have done credit to any statesman of the higher class. He trod no beaten path in his thoughts. He reasoned out things for the betterment of the people and, although of a retiring disposition, would express his views freely if the occasion demanded. "He was broad minded, conscientious, liberal to every worthy cause, true to every trust, and true to his friends. He was a man among men. He will be missed." JAMES A. RIES. Clearly defined purpose and consecutive effort in the affairs of life will inevitably result in the attaining of a due measure of success, but in following out the career of one who has attained success by his own efforts there comes into view the intrinsic individuality which made such accomplishment possible, and thus there is granted an objective incentive and inspiration, while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration. The qualities which have made James A. Ries one of the prominent and successful men of Greenville, Ohio, have also brought him the esteem of his fellow townsmen, for his career has been one of well-directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods. James A. Ries is a native son of the city in which he now lives and in which he spent his entire life. He is a son of Jeremiah and Catherine (Gilbert) Ries, both of whom were born and reared in Pennsylvania. Jeremiah Ries was early in life left an orphan and in Pennsylvania was bound out for three years to learn the blacksmith's trade. In young manhood he came to Darke county, Ohio, being among the early settlers in this locality, and here he established a blacksmith shop, which he conducted with success up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1863, at the age of forty-eight years. He was survived many years by his widow, who died in 1900, 70 - DARKE COUNTY at the advanced age of eighty-five years. In religion, he was a Lutheran and she belonged to the Newlight Christian church. Mrs. Catherine Ries was the daughter of Henry Gilbert, whose other children were George, Jonathan, Susan and others. To Jeremiah and Catherine Ries were born four children, namely: David, deceased; James, the subject of this sketch; John, deceased, and Leslie of Greenville, Ohio. James A. Ries was reared under the parental roof in Greenville, and is indebted to the public schools for his educational training, which, however, he has liberally supplemented through the years by much reading and habits of close observation. In his boyhood he began working in his father's blacksmith shop, and after the latter's death he continued the business, being associated with his brother John for many years and being very successful in the enterprise. John died in 1906, and the subject still continues the business, which has long been one of the best known and most popular blacksmith shops in this locality. Mr. Ries has also been engaged for some time in the grain and elevator business, being associated in the former business with H. C. Helm, under the firm name of Helm & Ries. Mr. Ries has given his support to a number of local enterprises for the upbuilding and development of Greenville, being a stockholder and president of the Greenville Home Telephone Company, of which he was one of the organizers. He is also financially interested in the Union City Telephone Company, and owns valuable farm lands in Greenville and German township, this county. As president of the Second National Bank of Greenville, Mr. Ries has been a most influential factor in advancing the commercial interests of Greenville and much of the splendid success which has characterized this well-known institution has been due directly to his splendid efforts and personal influence. All in all, few men in Greenville are so closely allied with the public interests of the people as Mr. Ries, and his record here as a citizen and business man has been fully appreciated by his fellow citizens. On the 11th day of December, 1890, James A. Ries was married to Luella Paris, who was born in Wapello, Iowa, the daughter of Samuel J. and Eliza (Gray) Paris. Her father was a native of New Jersey and her mother of Cincinnati, Ohio. They went west and were among the early settlers of Wapello, where their deaths occurred, the father dying in 1907 and the mother in 1913. They were the parents of six children. To Mr. and Mrs. Ries has been born one child, Helen. DARKE COUNTY - 71 Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Ries are earnest members of the Presbyterian church, while his political views are in harmony with the platform of the Republican party. Fraternally, he is an enthusiastic Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge, the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and the commandery of Knights Templar. Mrs. Ries's paternal grandfather, Paris, came to America from France with a man by the name of Joseph Bonaparte, locating in Bridgeton, N. J., where he engaged in farming and where his death occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Ries move in the best social circles of Greenville and because of their high character and genuine worth they are deservedly popular. Mr. Ries has long been numbered among the solid and substantial citizens of the community where he has spent his life and in whose prosperity he is deeply interested. _ HON. JAMES BUCHANAN KOLP. This name is one known throughout Darke county, for here James B. Kolp has passed practically his entire life and here his parents resided for many years. He has long been recognized as one of the leading citizens of his locality, and for many years has held a prominent place in the public affairs of the county. He has been faithful to his conceptions of the duties of citizenship, ever striving to advance the interests of his fellow men, while in the responsible position of judge of the probate court he has rendered valued and appreciated service to his fellow citizens. James Buchanan Kolp was born at Yellow Springs, Greene county, Ohio, on September 3, 1857, and is a son of Samuel L. and Mary A. (Strayer) Kolp, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Samuel L. Kolp was reared in his native state and, after completing his education, learned the trade of a tailor. In young manhood he came to Ohio, settling first in Greene county, where, for a time, he followed his trade, later moving to Miami county, and finally to Darke county. Here he located on a fine little farm of forty acres in Butler township, to the cultivation of which he devoted his attention until 1867 when he moved to Greenville. Here he again applied himself to the tailor's trade until 1870, when he accepted the office of deputy probate clerk, serving as such until 1882, when he was elected judge of the probate court, serving six years in 72 - DARKE COUNTY that position, when he retired. He died in Union City, Indiana, at the age of eighty-two years. Samuel L. Kolp was the son of Samuel and Fanny (Lipe) Kolp, who were natives of the state of Pennsylvania and descended from good old German stock. Samuel Kolp died at a comparatively early age, being survived many years by his widow, who was past ninety-one years old at the time of her death. During his active years Samuel Kolp followed farming and also kept a tavern. To him and his wife were born ten children, Elizabeth, Susan, Matilda, Martha, Levi, Abraham, Charlotte, Samuel, Sarah and Catharine. Mary A., the wife of Samuel L. Kolp, was the daughter of Samuel and Lydia Strayer, natives of Pennsylvania, where the, father followed agricultural pursuits. They became early settlers in Clarke county, Ohio, and died there at advanced ages, he when eighty-six years old, and she at the age of eighty-two. They had four children who lived to maturity, Alexander, Edward, Frederick and Mary A. To Samuel L. and Mary A. Kolp were born ten children, an equal number of boys and girls, namely: Alvin A., who is editor of the Ft. Recovery Journal; Charlotte A., the wife of Frank Denison, of Union City, Id.; Judge James B., the immediate subject of this review; Howard S., assistant cashier of the Farmers' Bank of Greenville; Mary Ella, deceased, who was the wife of William H. Grapes; Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas H. O'Brien of Columbus, Ohio; Charles G., deceased; Frances Belle, wife of Charles H. Beedle of Providence, Rhode Island; Lucy Estelle, wife of Morton Grinnell of Yellow Springs, Ohio; Herbert S. of Union City, Ind. James B. Kolp was reared to manhood in Greenville, receiving his education in the public schools. At the age of sixceen years he began teaching school and followea that vocation for ten years. He then went into the probate office as deputy probate clerk under his father and also for a time served in a similar capacity under Judge L. C. Anderson. The subject then moved to Toledo, Ohio, where he lived about ten years, being employed as credit man for a large wholesale house. He then returned to Greenville and again served as deputy probate clerk under Judge Donavan Robeson. He had thus become thoroughly familiar with the duties of the probate court and had won an enviable reputation through the county as a man of ability and inflexible integrity, and in 1908 he was elected judge of the probate court and in 1912 was elected to succeed himself, being the present incumbent of that office. DARKE COUNTY - 73 The duties of the judge of the probate court are numerous and responsible and require a high sense of fairness and justice to administer equitably to all parties. Judge Kolp has so handled the affairs of his court as to win the universal approbation of all who have had dealings with him or in his court and his standing in the community has been greatly enhanced since assuming his present position. On the 20th of October, 1887, Judge Kolp was united in marriage with Ida A. Emrick, the daughter of David L. and Mary A. (Roberts) Emrick, the former of whom was born in Ohio, while her mother was a native of Kentucky. They lived in Greenville for many years, Mr. Emrick following the business of a druggist. He died when sixty-two years old, being survived by his widow, who still lives in Greenville. Of the four children born to them, Mrs. Kolp is the only one now living. She was born in Cincinnati and received a good practical public school education. To Judge and Mrs. Kolp have been born the following children, twins: Robert Emrick, who died at the age of thirteen months, and Mary Virginia, who is a graduate of St. Mary's College, at Shepard, Ohio. Politically, Judge Kolp gives his support to the Democratic party and is deeply interested in public affairs. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Religiously, the judge and his wife are earnest members of the Episcopal church, of which he is a vestryman. The Judge's career has been characterized by an inflexible integrity of purpose and he has ever commanded the fullest measure of esteem in the community which has been honored by his citizenship. Personally, he is a genial and companionable gentleman, whose characteristics are such as readily win friendship, and she is deservedly popular in the circles in which he moves. COL. WILLIAM D. RUSH. The record of Colonel Rush is that of a man who by his own unaided efforts has worked his way from a modest beginning to a position of prominence and influence in the business world. His life has been characterized by unceasing industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods which he has followed have won for him the un- 74 - DARKE COUNTY bounded confidence of his fellow citizens of Greenville and Darke county. William D. Rush is a native of Darke county, Ohio, having first seen the light of day in Greenville township. He is the son of Lemuel and Evelyn (Devor) Rush, both of whom also were born in Darke county. Of their three children, the subject of this sketch is the only one now living. William D. Rush is descended from a long line of paternal ancestors, his paternal great-grandfather having been William Henry Rush. Among the latter's children was William, the subject's grandfather, who married Sarah Thompson. They were both natives of Pennsylvania and became pioneer settlers of Darke county, Ohio, William Rush was prospered in his material affairs and became the owner of several valuable farms. His permanent home was in Greenville township, where he became a prominent factor in the growth and development of the early settlement. He died at the age of sixty-six years and his wife was sixty-three years old at the time of her death. They became the parents of ten children, an equal number of sons and daughters, namely: Thompson, Henry, Lemuel, Catharine, Rachel, Sarah, Eliza, Mary and two sons who died early in life. Of these, Lemuel was reared in Darke county and became a successful farmer in Greenville township. At the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company I, Ninety-fourth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he served nearly two years, attaining to the rank of a corporal. He died in the service in a hospital at Nashville, Tenn., in 1863, at the early age of twenty-three years. His wife died the week following, at the age of twenty-one years. Both were members of the Christian church. Colonel Rush's maternal grandfather, James Devor, married Patience Dean, and they became the parents of ten children. William D. Rush was reared in his native county, which has always been his home. His education was received in the district schools and in the public schools of Greenville. Owing to the untimely deaths of both his parents he was left an orphan at a tender age, and was then reared by his grandparents until ten or twelve years of age, when, owing to their deaths, he went to live with A. Harless and Sarah Harless, an uncle and aunt, on a farm. There, as soon as old enough, he assisted in the farm work and there imbibed those lessons of industry and perseverance which have characterized his subsequent life. About 1878 Mr. Rush came to Greenville and DARKE COUNTY - 75 embarked in the real estate and life insurance business, in which he met with pronounced success and to which he devoted his attention until 1900, when he became one of the organizers of the Greenville Home Telephone Company, which is generally recognized as one of the best telephone companies in the State, and of which he was made secretary and general manager. That the choice was a wise one has been abundantly verified in the subsequent history of this company, which has been a most successful one in every respect, much of this success being due to the energy, sound judgment and business ability of Mr. Rush. He is also general manager, secretary and treasurer of the Union City Telephone Company, another successful and popular concern. In everything affecting the civic and commercial prosperity of Greenville, Mr. Rush has taken a deep interest and his support is unreservedly given to every beneficent movement for the public welfare. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Children's Home, and is now president of the board. In 1890 Colonel Rush was united in marriage with Mary Lynch, who was born in Greenville, the daughter of Dr. Elijah and Mary (O'Brien) Lynch, who were natives, respectively, of Waynesville, Ohio, and Vermont. Dr. Elijah Lynch was numbered among the early settlers of Darke county and became a prominent and well-known citizen of the county. He and his wife are both dead. Mrs. Rush's paternal grandparents, Isaiah and Charity (Hasket) Lynch, were natives of England. Her maternal grandparents were John and Mary (Holmes) O'Brien, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of England. To Colonel and Mrs. Rush was born a son, Hasket L. He took a three years' course in the Miami Valley Military Institute of Ohio, and was also a student in the University of Florida, at Gainesville. He married a Miss Richardson and they now live in Gainesville, Florida. Fraternally, Colonel Rush is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the Greenville blue lodge and to the chapter of Royal Arch Masons. He is also a member of Greenville Lodge No. 1139, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically, he is aligned with the Republican party, in the interest of which he has taken a prominent and active part, having been a delegate to State conventions of his party and having served several years as a member of the Republican State Executive Committee. At Greenville he is a member 76 - DARKE COUNTY of the board of public safety. Honorable and upright in all the relations of life, with due regard for the ties of friendship and the duties of citizenship, he has commanded uniform confidence and respect and has a large circle of warm and loyal friends. GEORGE FARRAR TAYLOR. It is not an easy task to describe adequately a man who has led an active and busy life and who has attained a position of relative distinction in the community with which his interests are allied. But biography finds its most perfect justification, nevertheless, in the tracing and recording of such a life history. It is, then, with an appreciation of these requirements and yet with a feeling of satisfaction, that the writer essays the task of touching briefly upon the details of such a record as has been that of the honored subject whose life now comes under review. George Farrar Taylor was born in Greenville, Ohio, on June 12, 1868, and is the son of John B. and Martha (Farrar) Taylor, the former of whom was a native of Lancashire, England. These parents became early settlers of Greenville, where ivfr. Taylor became prominent in business and industrial circles, being the owner of the car shops of Taylor & Brother, which for many years was a well-known manufacturing concern here. However, he suffered a paralytic stroke, from the effects of which he died a few years later. His wife, who survived him, is also deceased. In their religious faith they were Episcopalifins and were folk of sterling character and strictest integrity of word and action. They were the parents of nine children, namely: Virginia, now the widow of Henry Amann; Nellie, the widow of Harry Lawton; Gertrude, the wife of M. P. Simison of Richmond, Ind.; Clarence, of San Francisco, Cal.; Robert, of Seattle, Wash.; Morris, who is manager for the Standard Oil Company at Greenville; George F., of Greenville; Sadie, who is bookkeeper and stenographer for the Kuntz & Wright Lumber Company; Maude, wife of George M. McClure, of Sidney, Ohio. George F. Taylor was reared in Greenville, and is indebted to the public schools of this city for his education. At the early age of about twelve years he began earning money for himself by collecting and sending laundry to Dayton, in which he DARKE COUNTY - 77 was successful and in which minor business affair he secured some insight into business methods. In 1885 he began driving a grocery wagon for Barnhard Blottman, with whom he remained about five and a half years, when his employer sold out to C. C. Stoltz Company, with whom he remained, as he did also with their successors, Lockwood & Company, and later Lockwood, Parsons & Gott, Mr. Taylor remaining in that business about sixteen consecutive years. He then went to Marion, Ohio, and was employed in the wholesale establishment of C. C. Stoltz for about a year and a half. Returning then to Greenville, he soon afterwards went to Cincinnati and engaged in the hotel and restaurant business, but in 1903 he again returned to Greenville and entered the employ of the Ross Supply Company in the capacity of shipping clerk. He was faithful to the duties assigned him, gained the confidence of the firm and, as opportunity offered he was promoted from time to time until in 1908, he became secretary and treasurer of the company, which positions he holds today, enjoying to a marked degree the confidence and good will of his business associates, but also the respect and esteem of all who have business dealings with him. The Ross Supply Company was established in Greenville in 1903 by J. H. A. Ross and Peter Verneer, who ran the business as partners about two years, when they sold their interests to the Ross Supply Company. The latter company was incorporated with a capital stock of fifteen thousand dollars, but so rapidly has the business grown that it has become necessary to enlarge the capital stock, until today it stands at one hundred and ninety thousand dollars. This concern manufactures all kinds of stoves, pumps, plumbers' supplies, street castings, etc., and do a general business in plumbing and heating supplies. The present officers of the company are as follows: President, C. E. Breaden; vice-president, Chas. J. Herr, of the P. Kuntz & Wright Lumber Company, and secretary and treasurer, George F. Taylor. Their business extends through a number of the neighboring States and their goods are also shipped to Europe. They manufacture a high grade of goods and have gained an enviable reputation in the trade. They employ between fifty and seventy people. On the 4th day of November, 1897, George F. Taylor was married to May Summerville, who was born in Greenville, Ohio, the daughter of James and Emaline (Holt) Summerville, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New Jersey. Her father is now deceased, and is survived by 78 - DARKE COUNTY his widow, who now lives in Greenville. They were the parents of five children, of whom Mrs. Taylor is the only one now living. Politically, Mr. Taylor is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, but has no aspirations in the way of office holding or public preferment. Fraternally, he is a member of Greenville Lodge No. 143, Free and Accepted Masons. Religiously he and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a member of the board of stewards. One of the strongest facts in Mr. Taylors favor is that his warmest friends are among those who have known him from boyhood. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed, and his loyalty to truth and the right are among his strongest characteristics, so that he has honestly earned the high standing which he has long enjoyed in this community. CONRAD KIPP. One of the most prominent facts in relation to the national population statistics is the remarkably large number of people of Germanic descent now living in the United States, there being today more Germanic blood here than any other. This being the case, it is easy to account for the prosperity and morality of the country. Germany is famous the world over for the industry, patience, intelligence, morality and sturdiness of its citizens. These qualities have been brought to this country by the immigrants and are now part and parcel of our wonderful nation—its progress in domestic economy, its advancement in every branch of material improvement and its love of country and home. Among the well-known citizens of Germanic descent now living in Greenville, Ohio, none occupies today a more conspicuous place than the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article, than whom none occupies a higher place in the confidence and esteem of the people at large. Conrad Kipp, who, until August 1, 1913, was a successful druggist and president of the Farmers' National Bank of Greenville, was born in the city which is now honored by his citizenship on September 23, 1860, and is the son of William and Barbara (Reich) Kipp, both of whom were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. The subject's paternal grandfather, DARKE COUNTY - 79 Statual Heis Kipp, was a prominent officer in Rosenfeld, Germany, and he and his wife both died in that country when well along in years. They had a large family of children, namely:Charles, Conrad, Wiliam, Edelheidt, August, Henry, John and Adam. Of these, William was reared in his native country, and educated in the excellent schools there, after which he learned the trade of a fancy baker. About 1856 he came to the United States, locating first in Cincinnati. Eventually he came to Greenville, where he was first employed as a barber. Subsequently he engaged in the drug business in partnership with Conrad Schaible, with which enterprise he was actively identified until 1887, when he sold his interests to his sons, Conrad and Charles A. He died in 1905, at the age of seventy-two years, and his wife died in October, 1902. Both were earnest members of the Lutheran church. His wife, Barbara, was a daughter of Michael Reich, a native of Germany, and who, together with his wife, died in his native land. He was a shoemaker by trade, and lived to an advanced age. Among the children born to him and his wife were John, William, Catherine, Mary and Barbara. To William and Barbara Kipp were born these children: Emma, the widow of Jacob Martina, of Pulmona, Wash.; Conrad, the immediate subject of this review; Bertha, of Greenville, Ohio; Charles A., who died on October 12, 1909; William R., of Wallace, Idaho; Edward, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and two, Augustus and Tillie, who died in childhood. Conrad Kipp was reared under the parental roof in Greenville, securing a good practical education in the public schools. Iie then entered his father's drug store as clerk, and while so employed gave serious study to pharmacy, in which he became an expert. In 1887, as mentioned above, he and his brother, Charles A., bought their father's interest in the business, the brother remaining connected with the business up to the time of his death, since which time the subject- has conducted the business. He has been very successful in this line, having given careful attention to the wants of the public, which he has endeavored to supply, carrying a large and well selected line of drugs and druggist's sundries and treating his patrons with that courtesy and attention which always create a favorable impression and beget friendships. Mr. Kipp has been prospered in his financial affairs and is a stockholder and a director of the Greenville Home Telephone Company, president of the Union -City Telephone Company, while since the 80 - DARKE COUNTY death of Henry St. Clair he has been president of the Farmers National Bank, one of the solid and influential monetary institutions of Darke county. In many other local enterprises Mr. Kipp is interested and he has been an important factor in advancing the business interests of this thriving city. On October 8, 1885, Conrad Kipp was united in marriage with Laura Mearick, daughter of William and Samria (Finney) Mearick. These parents were for a number of years residents of Union City, later coming to Greenville, where they both died. They had five children, William, George, Mattie, Nannie and Laura. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Kipp are members of the Episcopal church, in which Mr. Kipp is a member of the vestry. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order, being affiliated with the Greenville blue lodge No. 143; Greenville Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Reed Commandery No. 6, Knights Templar, and to Antioch Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically, Mr. Kipp has always given his support to the Republican party, and has rendered effective service as a member of the city council, in which he has served two terms. Mr. Kipp is held to be one of the ablest business men of the county and is held in the highest regard by all who know him. He is essentially public spirited in his attitude toward every movement having for its object the advancement of the best interests of the people and by a life of right living he has honestly earned the enviable standing he enjoys among his fellows. HONORABLE ORLA E. HARRISON. Former Senator Harrison is known throughout the country because of his work as Special Assistant to the Attorney General of the United States, in which position he made an honorable record and scored numerous successes for the government. He belongs to one of the older families of Darke county and is now senior member of the law firm of Harrison & Aliread, who have offices in the New Hayden building, Columbus, Ohio. DARKE COUNTY - 81 Mr. Harrison was born in German township, Darke county, February 8, 1873, being the youngest child of George W. and Mary (Rupe) Harrison. George W. Harrison was born in Darke county August 31, 1842, and was the son of James and Hannah (Bowen) Harrison. James Harrison was born in Kentucky and his wife in Greene county, Ohio. Their parents located in the vicinity of Bethel, Ind., just across the state line and the young couple settled in Darke county about the time of their marriage in 1832. They located on a farm in German township and there their children were born. They purchased land in the southwest corner of the township and at the intersecting point of three counties. It is said that by walking around a stump which stood near their house, one walked through the corners of Darke county, in Ohio, and Randolph and Wayne counties, Indiana, thus passing through two states, three counties and four townships. James Harrison subsequently purchased land in the adjoining township of Harrison in Darke county but retained the ownership of the original farm. He became one of the largest landholders in his part of the county and was identified with every public enterprise of his time. Both he and his wife were charter members of the Christian church at Hollansburg, Ohio, and he helped to erect the church edifice. They were zealous workers in the cause and their home was the stopping place for ministers who came to the neighborhood to preach. James Harrison died at the age of about fifty-one years as the result of a kick by a horse, but his widow lived to the age of ninety, passing away at the home of her daughter in Union City, Indiana, where she had been residing. This family made a pioneer home and were active in all movements for the good of their community. They reared a fine family and left an honorable name in the county they had chosen for their residence. George W. Harrison grew to manhood on the home farm. He served his country in the war for the preservation of the Union, enlisting in Company G, 44th Ohio volunteer infantry in 1861. His marriage to Mary Rupe took place just before he left for the front. He took part in the battle of Lewisburg and also a number of minor skirmishes in Virginia, but was taken sick and sent to a hospital. He was given an honorable discharge and his young wife went to Virginia to bring him home. After his return from the war and the recovery of his health, he engaged in the mercantile business, conduct- (6) 82 - DARKS COUNTY ing a general store at Palestine and Tampico, German township and still later at Union City, Indiana. He later moved to Illinois and bought land near Centralia, but the climate did not agree with him, as ague was prevalent in southern Illinois at that time and Mr. Harrison remained there only a few years and then returned to Ohio. He was a democrat in politics and was prominent in local affairs, serving as mayor of Hollansburg several years and as postmaster at that place. Mrs. George W. Harrison passed away in 1908, mourned by a large circle of friends. They had six children, of whom three died in infancy and three survived. The eldest daughter, Della, married John P. Gilbert and they live in Greenville. They have two children living, Mrs. Ruby (Gilbert) Willoughby, who lives in Chicago and Roland, a student at Columbus. The other daughter, Ida, married Thomas C. Pitsenberger and they live in Columbus and have two sons, one of whom, Herbert, is a wireless operator on a vessel sailing the Gulf of Mexico; the other son, Lowell, is a student at Columbus. The third surviving child of Mr. George W. and Mary Harrison is the subject of this sketch. In boyhood Orla E. Harrison attended the village school at Hollansburg and later attended the Greenville high school, graduating with the class of 1892. He then took a course at the National Normal University of Lebanon, Ohio, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science. He began his career as a teacher, first in a country school, later at Hollansburg, and then as principal of the high school at Franklin, Warren county, for two years. While yet a student in high school, Mr. Harrison chose the law as his future profession and bean reading under the direction of Judge James I. Allread. In 1897, while engaged in teaching he was admitted to the bar and began to practice in 1899 with his former instructor, Judge Allread, who was associated at that time with Judge Teegarden, the new firm being known as Allread, Teegarden and Harrison. Mr. Harrison became prominent in public affairs when he was chosen as secretary of the Darke County Agricultural Society, and became well known throughout the county because of his work in that capacity. Although his father was a democrat, he became a republican before he cast his first presidential ballot in 1896 and during that campaign made many public speeches in Ohio and Indiana. In 1901 he was elected State Senator from the Twelfth Dis- DARKE COUNTY - 83 trict, comprised of the counties of Darke, Shelby and Miami, and was re-elected in 1903. At the time of his election he was the youngest senator of the state and is the only republican ever elected to that position from Darke county. During his term he was secretary of the senate committee on taxation, in which position he helped frame a series of measures for the taxation of corporations. He was also chairman of the committee on county affairs and a member of the judiciary committee and several others. During his second term he was chairman of the committee on schools and at that time introduced what is known as the Harrison School Code and the Harrison Library Code. In 1906 he was appointed by Wade H. Ellis, Attorney-General of the State, as special counsel and thereupon moved to the state capital at Columbus. Here he achieved a wide reputation, serving during the administration of Ellis and of his successor, U. G. Denman. The principal cases in which he participated were suits under the anti-trust law of the state, especially the actions against the bridge trust, the plumbers' trust and the Standard Oil Company. The esteem and confidence reposed in him by the highest court of the state is shown by his appointment by that court as a member of the committee to examine students for admission to the bar. He served in this capacity for several years, having been elected secretary of the committee. In April, 1909, Mr. Harrison was appointed special assistant to the United States Attorney-General, George W. Wickersham. He thereupon resigned his state position and moved to the capital of the United States. His work in interstate commerce cases soon attracted attention and in 1911 he was detailed to take charge of certain litigation against several coal carrying railroads. This necessitated his removal from Washington to Cleveland, where he resided until June, 1912, when he located in Columbus because of various suits pending in that jurisdiction. Among the famous prosecutions in which he took part were those of the Southern Wholesale Grocers' Association; the National Cash Register Company, in which twenty-nine men were convicted; the coal carrying roads and the wall paper trust. These cases in which Senator Harrison was a conspicuous figure attracted national attention. IIe was one of the youngest attorneys associated with work of this character and one of the most fearless, well earning his title as "trust buster" by the work he accomplished. He 84 - DARKE COUNTY tendered his resignation in March, 1913, but it was not accepted. Desiring to devote himself to private practice he asked to be relieved from further duty on January 1, 1914, and his resignation was accepted by Attorney-General McReynolds, with whom he served during a part of the Wilson administration.   While teaching at Franklin, Ohio, Mr. Harrison was married December 28, 1898, to Miss Virginia Eidson, a native of Greenville, Ohio, and graduate of the Greenville high school with the class of 1894, and daughter of Frank M. and Lucetta (Kiester) Eidson. Three children have blessed this union: Eidson E., born at Franklin in October, 1899, now a student in the eighth grade in the Columbus public school; Ellis B., born in Greenville August 4, 1905; Barbara Lou, born in Cleveland November 5, 1911. The family have a pleasant home at 960 Bryden Road, Columbus, and are active in various social and fraternal circles.   When about twenty years old Mr. Harrison became a member of the Christian church at Hollansburg, of which his grandfather was a charter member as above mentioned. In 1909 he became a member of the Masonic order in Greenville and has taken the chapter degree. He has served in the chief offices of the Knights of Pythias and belongs to the Elks. He joined the Sons of Veterans' order in Cleveland, the lodge at Greenville having been disbanded. Mr. Harrison is known to be a man of upright principles and high ideals and has given a great deal of thought to all the matters of the day, more especially as they affect the welfare of the state and nation. He has a high reputation in his profession and is considered one of the leading members of the Columbus bar.   AARON C. BRANDON, ESQ.   Darke county, Ohio, enjoys a high reputation because of the high order of her citizenship, and none of her citizens occupies a more enviable position in the esteem of his fellows than the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. A life-long residence here has given his fellows a full opportunity to observe him in all the lines of activity in which he has engaged and his present high standing is due solely to the honorable and upright course he has pursued.   DARKE COUNTY - 85   As a leading citizen of his community he is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character.   Aaron C. Brandon, the well known lawyer and justice of the peace of Greenville, was born in Richland township, this county, on the 20th of April, 1859, and is the son of Alexander B. and Anna (Shafer) Brandon. Alexander Brandon was born in Darke county, Ohio, and was reared to the life of a farmer. Though born in Wayne township, he spent most of his life in Richland township, where he and his wife became the owners of a fine farm of 213 acres, where they made their permanent family home and reared their children. There they both died, the father on May 2, 1882, aged about sixty-three years, and the mother on December 17, 1881, at the age of fifty-eight years. They were members of the Christian church, he being one of the charter members of the society at Greenville. They were the parents of ten children, namely: John T., who died while a soldier in the Civil war, when not quite seventeen years of age; Riley M., of Richland township, this county; Job M., deceased; Dorothy A., wife of Nathaniel P. Kershner, of Ansonia, Ohio; Eugene, of Brown township, this county; Aaron C., the immediate subject of this sketch; James Franklin, of Indianapolis, Indiana; Noah W., of Dayton, Ohio; Dr. Arthur M., of Bearnsville, Ohio, and Retha B., wife of Clifford Thomas, of near Shepherd, Michigan.   Mr. Brandon is an enthusiastic student of the Bible, is a graduate of Professor Watkins, now of Palmer College, Missouri. Mr. Brandon now has a large class made up of different denominations.   The father of Alexander Brandon was James M. Brandon, a native of Virginia, who came to Darke county in young manhood and here married Anna Hole, a native of this county. Here James M. Brandon followed farming, in which he was successful, accumulating considerable land, but later he engaged in the milling business, in which venture he lost practically all he had accumulated. His wife died when past fifty years of age, and he survived her many years, dying at the age of eighty-four years. Their thirteen children were named as follows: Zachariah, Alexander B., Aaron C., Thomas A. (a Christian preacher), Elizabeth, Rhoda, Lucretia, Hannah, James, Eusehia, and three who died young. James lost his life while in the army during the Civil war.   Anna Shafer who became the wife of Alexander B. Brandon, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and was the   86 - DARKE COUNTY   daughter of John and Dorothy (Mann) Shafer, who also were natives of the old Keystone state, and who became early settlers in Darke county, becoming successful farming folk in Richland township. There their deaths occurred when they were well advanced in years. They had four children, two of whom died young, the others being Job and Anna.   Aaron C. Brandon was reared on his father's farm in Richland township, securing his education in the district and public schools. Remaining with his father until twenty-two years of age, he then began working out by the month at farm labor. He then attended the Lebanon Normal School for two terms, after which he taught school one winter. He then married and for a time gave his attention to farming. During this period he had entertained an ambition to enter the- practice of law and to that end he was devoting his leisure time to the serious study of that science. In December, 1886, Mr. Brandon was admitted to the bar, and later located at Greenville where he entered upon the active practice of his profession, in which he has engaged continuously since. He was city attorney of Greenville for two terms and has in other ways received definite recognition on the part of his fellow citizens. As a justice of the peace he has achieved a splendid record, his decisions being characterized by a high sense of fairness, and few of his decisions have been reversed by the higher court. He has been a busy man through the years, has been connected with much of the most important litigation tried in the local courts, and has won the respect of his professional brethren, as well as the confidence of the general public. Careful and painstaking in the handling of all matters entrusted to him, he has ever had the best interests of his clients at heart, and has frequently been instrumental in bringing about peaceful solutions of difficulties without resorting to the courts, even though it has sometimes meant the loss of professional fees.   On the 17th of January, 1884, Aaron C. Brandon was married to Ida M. Coppes, who was born on January 13, 1864, in Richland township, Darke county, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob P. and Clarissa (Plessinger) Coppes. Her parents were natives of Ohio, and had five children who lived to mature years: Willard, Ida M., Ella, J. C. W. and Floy, and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Brandon's paternal grandfather, John Coppes, was a native of North Carolina, where he married and he and his wife became early settlers of Richland township,   DARKE COUNTY - 87   Darke county, Ohio. They reared a large family, all of whom were sons. Mrs. Brandon's maternal grandfather was David Plessinger, whose wife's family name was John. They were both born in Pennsylvania, and they too became early settlers of Darke county, where they died. Among their children were the following: William, Clarissa, Emaline, Serena, Samson, Jacob and Warren.   To Mr. and Mrs. Brandon have been born the following children: Ray, who is an electrician at Greenville, married Edith Hoover, of Union City, and they have three children, Keith, Richard and Helen; Algie, who is a horseman, lives at home with his parents; Bonnie who also lives at home, is a member of the senior class in Defiance College; Zeno, who lives in Greenville, married Elsie Collins. They have one child, Hester.   Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Brandon are earnest members of the Christian church, of which Mr. Brandon is the clerk. Fraternally, he is a member of Champion Lodge No. 742, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a Forester. Politically, Mr. Brandon is an independent Democrat and casts his vote and influence in favor of the Democratic party. In the civic life of the community he has for many years been an important factor in the conservation of all that goes to the betterment of those about him and the elevation of the standard of life. He is genial and unassuming and is deservedly popular in the circles in which he moves.   ANDREW WILSON RUSH, M. D.   The physician who would succeed in his profession must possess many qualities of head and heart not included in the curriculum of the schools and colleges he may have attended. In analyzing the career of the successful practitioner of the healing art it will invariably he found to be true that a broadminded sympathy with the sick and suffering and an honest, earnest desire to aid his afflicted fellow men have gone hand in hand with skill and able judgment. The gentleman to whom this brief tribute is given fortunately embodies these necessary qualifications in a marked degree and by energy and application to his professional duties has built up an enviable reputa-   88 - DARKE COUNTY   tion and drawn to himself a large and remunerative patronage.   Andrew Wilson Rush was born on a farm near New Madison, Darke county, Ohio, on May 12, 1860, and is a son of Harvey and Lillie Porter (Wilson) Rush, who also were natives of this State. They were the parents of six children, namely: Ella, deceased, was the wife of Thomas J. Leinbach; Olive is a school teacher at Wyoming, a suburb of Cincinnati; Alice S. is a public school teacher at Rock Island, Ill.; the subject of this sketch is next in order of birth; Carrie is a teacher in the schools of Greenville; William Harvey is deceased. Harvey Rush, the father of these children, was horn and reared in Darke county, and upon attaining manhood he bought a farm in Harrison township, west of New Madison, where he owned two hundred and forty acres, which he improved and to the cultivation of which he devoted himself for many years. He then sold that place and bought a farm close by, known as the Wilson place, remaining there until the spring of 1887, when he retired from active pursuits and moved to Greenville, where his death occurred on November 25, 1896, in the seventieth year of his age. His widow, who is still living, is eighty-four years of age. Harvey Rush was reared in the Universalist faith, and his widow is a Presbyterian. He was prominent in the public affairs of the localities where he lived, holding the offices of township treasurer and school director. He took an especial interest in educational matters and in those days in his district Latin and the higher mathematics were taught in the schools.. Asa Rush, the subject's paternal grandfather, was a native of Ohio, and he married Margaret Hill, who was born in Carolina, before the division of that State. He successfully operated a farm in Harrison township, Darke county, Ohio, and died there, in 1875, aged seventy-seven years, and she at the age of sixty years. Their children were as follows: Elizabeth, who became the wife of George D. Miller; Harvey, father of the subject; Nancy, who was the wife of William Smelker; Emily, who married ex-Sheriff N. M. Wilson, and two sons, Anderson and William, who died in young manhood, unmarried. The father of Asa Rush was Peter Rush, who, in 1808, came to Darke county from Marietta, Ohio. He was a native of Pennsylvania and was of German descent. His wife's maiden name was Slaughter. He was a member of the first grand jury in Darke county. He was a farmer, having taken tip a tract of   DARKE COUNTY - 89   government land, and died before he moved upon it. The subject's maternal grandparents were Andrew Porter Wilson and Sarah (Allen) Wilson, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. Andrew P. Wilson was born near Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, but later the family moved to Darke county and bought a farm in Harrison township, which Doctor Rush's mother still owns, and there they spent the rest of their days, he dying at the age of fifty years and she at seventy-seven years. They reared a large family, as follows: Lilly P., Nathaniel McClure, Augustus E., Elihu C., Jane (who became the wife of Amen Plowman), Alice (who married Milton Brown), Andrew Porter, and Julia, who married Nethicus Early. The subject's maternal great-grandfather, Andrew Wilson, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was a native of Ireland, being brought to this country when but four years of age by his parents, who settled in Rockbridge county, Virginia, where he grew to manhood, and where he married Lillie Porter. He and his wife came to Butler county, Ohio, settling four miles from Hamilton, where they both died. Andrew Wilson was a son of John Wilson, who was a member of the historic Committee of Safety prior to the war of the Revolution. The Wilsons were of Scotch-Irish stock and were Presbyterians in their religious faith.   Andrew Wilson Rush has spent his entire life in Darke county, excepting a brief period in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was reared on his father's farm, and in his boyhood attended the district schools. He later attended the Central Normal School at Danville, Ind., prior to which he had taught several terms of school. After leaving the normal school he took up the study of medicine and then matriculated in the Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1884, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He went at once to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where for two years he was engaged in the practice of his profession, but at the end of that period he returned to Greenville and has practiced here continuously since. He has been remarkably successful as a practitioner of the healing art, having successfully handled many difficult cases both in the realm of materia medica and surgery, in both of which fields he is competent and trustworthy. Wisely conservative, and yet keeping in close and constant touch with latest advances in his science, he has for many years enjoyed to a notable degree the absolute confidence of his patrons and the respect and esteem of his pro-   90 - DARKE COUNTY   fessional colleagues. He is a member of the Darke County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.   On the 28th day of June, 1892, Doctor Rush was united in marriage with Ora Porter, the daughter of John and Lizzie (Spayd) Porter. She died on May 18, 1893, less than a year after marriage, and on the 16th of October, 1901, the Doctor married Laura Belle Ditman, who was born in Centerville, Ind., on December 1, 1867, the daughter of John A. and Sarah A. (Slaughenhaupt) Ditman. To this union have been born three children, Harvey Ditman, John Andrew and William WW'illard. Mrs. Rush is a member of St. Paul's Reformed church. Politically, Doctor Rush is a Democrat, but his professional duties have precluded his taking a very active part in public affairs, his only official service being as coroner of the county, in which he served a term a number of years ago.   John A. and Sarah A. Ditman, parents of Mrs. Rush, were natives, respectively of Germany and Carroll county, Maryland and were early settlers of Richmond, Ind. Later they moved to Bradford, Darke county, and in 1877 became residents of Greenville, where the father died in May, 1889, aged fifty-two years. The mother, who was born in 1840, is still living here. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Mary, wife of H. T. Miller, of Kenton, Ohio; Gertrude, unmarried, of Greenville; Inez, unmarried, of Greenville; Laura Belle, Mrs. Rush; John Willard, of Kenton, Ohio, and Maude, the wife of Guy Baker, of Greenville. The father of Mrs. Rush was a tailor by trade and came to America with his parents when but two years old. Mrs. Rush's paternal grandparents were natives of Germany, who were farmers in Maryland, where their deaths occurred. They were the parents of sixteen children. Mrs. Rush's maternal grandfather Slaughenhaupt, who married Louise DeHoff, was a native of Maryland, as was his wife, and there they died, after rearing eleven children. It is related of Doctor Rush's maternal great-grandmother Allen's maiden name was Smith, her father marrying a Miss Sclaughter. Smith's name was originally Bridge, but he ran away from home in young manhood and joined the American forces in the Revolutionary war. There were ten brothers of these Smiths, all of whom were over six feet tall, and they were familiarly known as the "sixty feet of Smith." Miss Alice Rush, the doctor's sister, is a member of that exclusive society, the Daughters of the American Revolution,   DARKE COUNTY - 91   to which her sisters are eligible, and the doctor is eligible to the Sons of the Revolution.   Doctor Rush's ability as a physician and surgeon is widely recognized, and a mind well disciplined by severe professional training, together with a natural aptitude for close investigation and critical research, have peculiarly fitted him for the calling in which he is engaged. He possesses the tact and happy faculty of inspiring confidence on the part of his patients and in the sick room his genial presence and conscious ability to cope successfully with disease under treatment are factors that have contributed much to the enviable standing which he has attained.   Mrs. Rush is a graduate of the public and high school of Greenville, and was a teacher in the public schools of Greenville for twelve nears.   GEORGE W. PORTER.   It is a well attested maxim that the greatness of a country lies not in the machinery of government nor even in its institutions, but rather in the sterling qualities of the individual citizen, in his capacity for high and unselfish effort and his devotion to the public welfare. In these particulars, those who have borne the above name have conferred honor and dignity upon their county and State, and as an elemental part of history we are pleased to record a sketch of a leading representative of the family, with the object in view of noting his connection with the advancement of one of the most flourishing and progressive parts of the commonwealth and affording an example worthy of emulation by the young men whose life work is largely a matter of the future.   George W. Porter was born in the city which is now honored by his citizenship, his natal day being February 29, 1876, and he is the son of John A. and Anna (Spayd) Porter, both of whom also were natives of Ohio. He is one of three children born to these parents, others being Ora, deceased, George W., the subject of this sketch, and Miss Catharine, of Greenville, a graduate of Emerson College of Oratory, Boston. The father of these children was reared in Greenville, secured his elemental education in the public schools, and then entered Wesleyan University at Delaware, this State, where he was   92 - DARKE COUNTY   graduated. He ran a tannery in Greenville about thirty years, then for a number of years was a commercial traveler. He then went to Swift Current, Canada, where for a time he was engaged in farming, but eventually he returned to Greenville, where his death occurred on May 21, 1912, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife was a graduate of Cooper Institute, Dayton, and she and her husband were members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Porter was for ninety days a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war.   The paternal grandparents of the subject were John A. and Sarah (Mullendore) Porter, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania. They became early settlers in Darke county, Ohio, and in Greenville he too engaged in the business of tanning. He died here at the age of seventy-two years, and his wife many years before him, at the age of about forty years. They had the following children: Mrs. Elizabeth Cole, Mrs. Catharine Lucas, Mrs. Jane Winner, Mrs. Laura Sullivan, Jacob, Nathaniel, and John A.   On the maternal side the subjejct of this sketch is descended from Michael Spayd, who was a native of Pennsylvania, as was his wife. At an early day they located in Greenville, Ohio, where he successfully practiced law for many years, his death occurring in 1878, at the age of about sixty years. His wife died some years before. They had two children, Anna, mother of the subject, and a son.   George W. Porter has been a life-long resident of Greenville, and here received a good practical education in the public schools, being graduated from high school in 1894. He then commenced the study of law in the office and under the direction of Judge Henry M. Cole, and in 1897 was admitted to the Darke county bar. That same year he entered upon the active practice, in which he has engaged continuously since, and in which he has achieved the most eminent success. Well grounded in the basic principles of jurisprudence and with a natural aptitude for his profession, he has long been considered one of the most talented and forceful members of the local bar, having been prominently connected with much of the legal business transacted in the Darke county court, as well as being called into the courts of other counties. Courteous to court and opposing counsel under all circumstances, still he is an opponent to be feared in a legal contest and he has been eminently successful in the practice.   On the 10th of June, 1913, Mr. Porter was married to Jane   DARKE COUNTY - 93   Lecklider, the daughter of Frank and Catherine (Dubois) Lecklider. Mr, and Mrs. Porter are earnest and faithful members of the Presbyterian church. Politically, Mr. Porter is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, but is not an aspirant for public office of any nature. He maintains an abiding interest in everything that affects the welfare of the community in which he lives and to a notable degree enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens.   CHARLES F. RYAN, M. D.   The world has little use for the misanthrope. The universal brotherhood is widely recognized, as is also the truth that he serves God best who serves his fellow men. There is no profession or line of business which calls for greater self-sacrifice or more devoted attention than the medical profession and the most successful physician is he who, through love of his fellow men gives his time and earnest attention to the relief of human suffering. The successful physician is bound to make friends wherever he is known and will retain the respect and esteem of all classes of people. Among the scholarly and successful doctors in Darke county none has attained to a higher standing in his profession than he whose name initiates this paragraph and, because of his earnest life and high attainments, he is clearly entitled to representation in a work of the character of the one in hand.   Dr. Charles F. Ryan, of Versailles, was born in Adams township, this county, on the 2d day of March, 1855, and is the son of Joseph J. and Susan (Kinney) Ryan. His father was born in London, England, and his mother was born at Yellow Springs, Greene county, Ohio. They were the parents of four children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only survivor, the others being Edmund, John and Mary, last named dying in infancy. Joseph J. Ryan was reared in the English metropolis, securing his education in the public schools. His first employment was as a clerk in the largest woollen goods establishment of that city. In 1849 he emigrated to the United States, and for two years stopped at Yellow Springs, Ohio. He then came to Adams township, Darke county, where for several years he engaged in teaching school. Having accumulated some means, he invested in a small farm, which he later   94 - DARKE COUNTY   sold and bought another one of fifty-three acres, to which he first added ninety-three acres, and still later another tract of seventy-seven acres. To the improvement and cultivation of these farms he gave his attention, but eventually he moved to Webster and engaged in literary work, living there until within six months of his death, when he came to Versailles and made his home with his son, the subject of this sketch, his death occurring on May 16, 1907, at the age of seventy-nine years. His wife died the same day, about five hours later, aged eighty-four years. Both were Methodists in their religious belief and were earnest in their observance of the spiritual verities. Joseph J. Ryan was a man of marked intellectual attainments, whose capabilities were generally recognized. He rendered efficient and appreciated service as justice of the peace, assessor, and as a member of the state board of equalization. He was a constant student, having profound and accurate knowledge on a wide range of subjects, and was especially interested in educational matters.   Doctor Ryan's paternal grandfather Ryan spent his entire life and died in England. His wife's maiden name was Mary Wilson. He was a gardener by vocation and was a man of good character and commanded general respect. To him and his wife were born five children, Edmund, Charles, Ralph, Joseph J. and a daughter who died young.   On the maternal side, the subject's grandparents were Peter and Jane Kinney, who were farming folk and early settlers in Greene county, Ohio, where both died when well advanced in years. Their children, six in number, were named David, Mathias, Robert, Frank, Susan and Margaret.   Charles F. Ryan spent his early years on his father's farm in Adams township, securing his elementary education in the district school. That particular school was one of the best in the county, being graded, and it is believed to have turned out more teachers than any of the city schools of the county. After completing his public school course, Mr. Ryan taught school for several terms, but, having determined to take up the practice of medicine, he began the study of that science at Gettysburg, under the direction of Dr. J. A. Cample. Later he matriculated in the Medical College of Ohio, where he was graduated on March 2, 1885, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He immediately established himself in the practice at Gettysburg, and attained splendid success. In 1895 he came to Versailles, where he has practiced continuously since. .   DARKE COUNTY - 95   On March 24, 1878, Doctor Ryan was united in marriage with Emma Peck, daughter of Lucius and Elizabeth (Vore) Peck, and to this union was born a son, Earl Hurst Ryan. The latter is a graduate in pharmacy at the university at Ada, Ohio, and also took the scientific course in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He then clerked in drug stores for several years, but, having decided to follow in his father's footsteps, he is now attending the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio. He married Jennie Murphy and they have a daughter, Rebecca Marthel. Mrs. Ryan was born in Miami county, Ohio, on June 23, 187. Her father, Lucius Peck, was a native of Massachusetts, while her mother was a native of Miami county, this state, where they made their permanent home, and where both died. They were the parents of the following children, eight of whom lived to years of maturity: Susan, Rebecca, Parolee, Sarah, Martha, Nancy, Emma, Eliza, Dora and Lucy. Mrs. Ryan's father was a music and school teacher, in addition to which he was also an expert carpenter and blacksmith. Mrs. Ryan's paternal grandparents were both natives of Massachusetts, while in the maternal line, her grandparents, Peter and Rebecca (Fouts) Vore, were natives of Pennsylvania. He was a farmer by vocation and they were early settlers in Union township, Miami county, Ohio, where they lived the remainder of their lives and died when well advanced in years. They had the following children: Susan, Elizabeth, George, Henry, Eliza, John, Barbara, Elam, Harrison and Ann.   Religiously, Doctor and Mrs. Ryan are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the doctor is a trustee and steward. Fraternally, he is a member of Versailles Lodge No. 290, Free and Accepted Masons, while, professionally, he is a member of the county and state medical associations, in the proceedings of which he takes a deep interest. The doctor's political affiliations are with the Democratic party, in the success of which he is interested though his professional duties preclude his giving much attention to public affairs. He was village health officer for thirteen years. He owns the old home farm that was originally settled by his father and where he himself was reared. Doctor Ryan's public spirited interest in the general good has been manifest in many ways, especially in the hearty co-operation which he gives to every movement or measure calculated to advance the general welfare. Through reading and investigation he keeps in close touch with the most   96 - DARKE COUNTY   advanced thought of his profession. Anything is of interest to him which tends to bring to man the key to that mystery which we call life. He has the closest regard for the higher professional ethics and enjoys in an unusual degree the respect of the members of the medical fraternity as well as that of the public.   AUGUSTUS N. WILSON AND SARAH C. WILSON   Augustus N. Wilson is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Leas) Wilson and was born near West Sonora, Preble county, Ohio, May 10, 1842. His grandfather was a carpenter and a resident of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, whose ancestors seem to have been among the early Quaker settlers of the Delaware valley—probably settling there shortly prior to 1700. As near as is now known his forebears were mostly carpenters and farmers who intermarried with some of the best families of the Friends and lived the humble, frugal and industrious life characteristic of these stalwart people.   Mr. Wilson's grandfather fell from a building on which he was working in Philadelphia, Pa., and died as a result of the fall. His son Thomas was reared in the home of his brother-in-law, Abner Hibbs, and appears to have learned the hatter's trade in Philadelphia when a young man. Later, probably between 1820 and 1825, Thomas came to Ohio, walking from Philadelphia to the home of his brother Eli in Zanesville, Ohio. Shortly afterward he piloted a flat boat of merchandise from Cincinnati to New Orleans and returned afoot. He finally settled near West Sonora, Preble county, Ohio, where he taught school and became a justice of the peace. He married Elizabeth, daughter of William Leas of near Lewisburg, Preble county, and became the father of eight children, viz.: Lydia, who married William Werts; William M.; John L.; Eli; Theodore; F. J.; Augustus N., and Jane, who married Silas Laird. Of these five sons and one daughter still survive at an average age of about seventy-five years.   From their mother these children, apparently, inherited that business acumen characteristic of the Leas family, which has made the men successful in financial and business enterprises. From the father, who was a voracious reader and student of current affairs, probably came the desire to acquire an educa-     DARKE COUNTY - 97   tion and a certain ability to frame and compose papers of literary merit.   Thomas Wilson was born October 14, 1803, and died December 21, 1877, and his wife, Elizabeth, was born September 5, 1805, and died February 5, 1887. Their remains are buried in the cemetery at Lewisburg, Ohio.   From Quaker ancestry Augustus Wilson probably inherited the qualities of moral integrity, firmness, frugality, industry, determination, frankness, hatred of shams, together with plainness of speech and simplicity in dress which are marked characteristics of his disposition.   He acquired the rudiments of an education in a country school and, when about fourteen years of age, went to work on the farm of a neighbor at six dollars per month.   In the fall of 1861 he commenced to teach school, but in a few weeks laid aside his books and responded to the call of his country, enlisting as a private in Company E, Sixty-ninth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, for a period of three years. At the termination of this period he re-enlisted and soon there after was appointed hospital steward of the regiment, which position he held until mustered out after the close of the war. He was with the regiment during this entire period with the exception of about two weeks and participated in Sherman's famous march to the sea, taking part in the following engagements: Gallatin, Nashville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, Tenn.; Dug Gap, Buzzard's Roost, Dalton, Resaca, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Chattahoochie River, Peach Tree Creek, Siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro and Siege of Savannah, Ga.; Bentonville, Goldsboro and Raleigh, N. C., and was present at Johnson's surrender.   During the first winter after the war he taught below Ithaca. The spring found him with some seven hundred dollars which he had saved by soldiering and teaching and with this little sum he entered into partnership with his uncle, Jesse Tillman, and conducted a small dry goods and grocery store in the hamlet of Jaysville, Darke county, Ohio. In about a year he sold out his interest and formed a partnership with his brother William, who conducted a store at Winchester, Preble county, Ohio. In the spring of 1867 he went to Dallas (now Ansonia), Ohio, and entered into partnership with his brother John. Here he remained a little over five years, during most of which   (7)   98 - DARKE COUNTY   time he served as postmaster of the village. On September 19, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C., daughter of George and Elizabeth (Frazer) Niswonger at Winchester, Ohio. In February, 1873, the family, then including three children, moved to Greenville, Ohio, where Mr. Wilson formed a partnership with Mr. William Kelly and conducted a dry goods store in the building now occupied by the Advocate office and press room on Broadway, near the public square. This partnership lasted about two years, when Mr. Kelly was elected county auditor and retired from the firm. Mr. Wilson soon moved into the Miller room, a few doors to the south, and in about two years formed a partnership with William H. Hart, which lasted some twelve years. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Hart were complementary in disposition, the former having excellent judgment of the quality and value of merchandise, indomitable energy and good executive qualities, while the latter was sociable, diplomatic and urbane in manner and winning in personality, thus forming an ideal partnership which commanded the confidence and won the patronage of the community.   On account of the rapid increase in the volume of their business Wilson and Hart were forced to seek new quarters, and, in 1879, began the erection of a substantial three-story brick building, 40x85 feet in size, on the west side of Broadway just south of Third street. This building was, at that time, considered too far south of the trading center, but trade followed the store and in a short time it was considered one of the most centrally located business rooms in the city. It was completed in 1880 and was by far the most modern and substantial business room in the city, being finely finished and equipped, well proportioned and excellently lighted. On account of failing health Mr. Hart retired from the business and moved to Chattanooga, Tenn.   In 1892 Mr. Wilson formed a partnership with his sons Osborn and Frazer and his son-in-law, Mr. William H. Mann. In the spring of 1895 the new firm closed out their business in Greenville and opened up a store on South Main street, near Fifth street, Dayton, Ohio, where they conducted business until July, 1908. In the meantime the partnership had been dissolved and Mr. Wilson now returned to Greenville where he reopened in the Winner block, having disposed of the building which he formerly owned upon moving to Dayton. On July 1, 1906, he again moved into the latter building, and on   DARKE COUNTY - 99   March 11, 1907, formed a new partnership with his sons, Osborn, Frazer and Carl. Osborn withdrew in September to accept a position in the Greenville postoffice where he is now employed as assistant mailing clerk. The business has continued since that time under the firm name of A. N. Wilson & Sons, and now requires the use of the entire three floors of the Wilson & Hart block to properly house their large stock of dry goods, notions and floor coverings.   By having his sons to share the responsibilities of the business Mr. Wilson has been able to devote some time to public affairs, and in January, 1902, became a member of the board of trustees of the Dayton State Hospital for the Insane by appointment of Governor Nash. This position he held for three successive terms and until the board was finally abolished by a new State law which centralized the control of the State charitable institutions in April, 1911. For some time Mr. Wilson was president of the board and was associated during his incumbency with Hons. H. L. Morey, George Sohngen of Hamilton, 0.; C. R. Gilmore of Eaton, 0.; T. P. Linn, of Columbus, 0.; George Little and Judge C. C. Scherer of Xenia, O.   In the fall of 1903 Mr. Wilson was elected Mayor of Greenville on the Republican ticket, overcoming a natural Democratic majority of over one hundred and fifty. During his term of office he won the confidence of the moral and law abiding element in the population by his rigid and impartial enforcement of the laws.   In November, 1905, he was a candidate for re-election against Thomas C. Maher, the Democratic candidate, with whom he tied, each receiving 825 votes. To determine who should serve, the candidates cast lot and Mr. Wilson won, but Mr. Maher soon filed contest proceedings in court, alleging irregularity in respect to four or five votes, and secured a verdict in his favor.   Mr. Wilson also served the public in other capacities, being a member of the board of education, about 1890, and a member of the committee, with Hon. C. M. Anderson, Judge Jas. I. Allread and Judge John C. Clark, appointed to wait upon the. committee on public buildings at Washington, D. C., and present Greenville's claims for a government building. Hon. Harvey C. Garver was a member of Congress at that time and with his vigorous co-operation an appropriation of some $35,-