500 - DARKE COUNTY Templar degrees at Troy and the Scottish Rite degrees at Dayton and Cincinnati, and is now a Mason of the thirty-second degree, also a Shriner. His connection with politics is embodied in his suppprt of the principles and policies of the Republican party, for which he has cast his ballot since his first vote, given to President Garfield in 1880. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the United Commercial Travelers. Reared in the United Brethren church, he subsequently became a member of the Episcopal church at Greenville, and for several years has served as a vestryman. On June 5, 1888, Mr. Grubbs was married at Greenville, Ohio, to Miss Olive J. Mote, who was born and reared in this city. She was a daughter of John and Jennie (Folkerth) Mote. Mrs. Grubbs passed away on December 23, 1904, leaving no children. Her place in society and her loss to her friends was far greater than the writer can express. She was a woman of literary attainments and an earnest worker in the Episcopal church. She was the organizer and the trainer of the boy's choir. Her death at so early an age was mourned by all and her memory will be held in high esteem by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. Mr. Grubbs's home is at 431 West Third street. His office is at 519 Broadway, Greenville, Ohio. W. J. PERRY. In the career of W. J. Perry is exemplified to a marked degree the fact that merit wins recognition and that faithfulness and conscientious service always bring just rewards, although sometimes they may seem delayed. Mr. Perry enjoys the distinction of being manager of the house with which he -commenced his business life and all of his efforts have been directed in its behalf, a somewhat unusual thing in these days of constant changes, permeated with a feeling of unrest. Probably Mr. Perry would have succeeded as well in a different field, for he possesses those qualities which make for progress, but Greenville ought to feel gratified that in the place of his birth, this forceful man has found his life work. Mr. Perry was born October, 1866, at Greenville, Ohio, where he is now manager of the Moore Shoe Company. DARKE COUNTY - 501 "Thomas and Eleanor (Woods) Perry, the parents of W. Perry, were natives of Ohio, the father having been born i Miami county, while the mother was born and reared in Ge- man township, Darke county. When Thomas Perry was small child, he was brought to Darke county by his parent who located on a farm bordering on the old State road in Washington township, near the Indiana State line. There the became heavy property owners and people of important? Thomas Perry developed into a reliable, responsible youn man upon his father's homestead, and in addition to farmin, learned to be a carriage builder. With the outbreak of th Civil war, he enlisted for service in Company E, Sixty-pint Ohio volunteer infantry, and later re-enlisted, and served until the close of hostilities, a portion of the time being sp. cially detailed as a hospital steward. After his return home he was married October 5, 1865, to Eleanor Woods, a daughter of Jesse and Anna (Stephens) Woods, of German townshi, Some time later he moved to Greenville to work at his trail but later was made deputy sheriff by Sheriff John Hall, thin continuing until the latter's term expired. In 1877, Thom; Perry went to German township where he spent the remaind, of his life, engaged in farming. At first a Democrat, and an earnest supporter of the principles of his party, he held a number of the township offices, but later on in life espoused the cause of Prohibition, being one of the first to do so in Darke county, and from then on until his death, fought the battles of that party and exerted a powerful influence for good among those with whom he was associated. A change in belief made him change his church, as he left the Methodist faith for that of the Church of Christ, and served the latter as an elder for many years. As was but natural, he was a member of Reed Post, G. A. R., of Palestine, Ohio, and served it as commander and chaplain, always rejoicing to greet his old comrades at the meetings. The death of this most excellent man occurred February 6, 1902, in German township, this county. His widow survives, making her home at Palestine. There were four children in their family that attained to maturity, and three reside in Darke county, while Charles is a resident of Indiana. W. J. Perry had the advantage of growing to. manhood amid rural surroundings where he received a healthy, wholesome training and was taught the value of work honestly performed. When he was twenty-six years old, he left the farm, and coming to Greenville, entered the employ of W. E. Moore, 502 - DARKE COUNTY a shoe dealer of this city, who occupied the present location of ' the Moore Shoe Company. As he knew nothing about the business, he began with the meagre salary of $4.50 per week, but very soon his ability and fitness for the business was admitted, and he received substantial raises in his salary, and upon the death of Mr. Moore, Augut 19, 1911, Mr. Perry was made manager of the concern, so that from October 5, 1891, until the present date he has been with this one house continuously. Having been with it so long, and knowing every detail of the business, he is competent to conduct it in a manner that affords satisfaction to all parties concerned. On June 10, 1896, Mr. Perry was united in marriage with Miss Menta Moore, a daughter of W. E. and Florence (Yount) Moore of Greenville. Mrs. Perry was born at Bradford, Miami county, Ohio. There are no children by this marriage. While Mr. Perry is a Prohibitionist, he has never been an office seeker, and as his time is so fully occupied with his business affairs, he feels that he has discharged his duty as a citizen when he casts his vote for the candidate of his party. His religious affiliations are with the Palestine Church of Christ. HENRY BECK. Few citizens of Darke county, are more entitled to the esteem of their fellow citizens than is Henry Beck, a retired farmer, now residing at No. 220 Vine street, corner of Main, Greenville, Ohio, whose intimate relations with the agricultural and civic interests of his community have made his name a familiar one in the county. The farmer after years of strenuous endeavor, during which he rises early and labors through the long days until after sunset, earns the rest he takes when he feels that he has accomplished enough to entitle him to such relaxation. There is another desirable feature about the life of the retired farmer, and one which effects his locality, for having plenty of time upon his hands, he can probe deeply into civic matters, and look into affairs generally, so that during these years of seeming inactivity, he is really the most useful, for he is rendering his community a service that cannot be overestimated. Henry Beck was born at Covington, Miami county, Ohio, August 10, 1842, a son of Jacob and Anna (Burns) Beck and DARKE COUNTY - 503 second in the family of two children born to these parents, the other one being a sister, Sarah. When Henry Beck was six years old, he had the misfortune to lose his father, and was taken by a guardian to Miami county, Ohio, where he lived until he was thirteen years old. At that age the lad was taken by his maternal grandparents, Daniel and Eva (Hittle) Burns, to a farm in the vicinity of Marshalltown, Iowa, on which they settled in 1855. These pioneers passed through many hardships incident to the times and locality. The tide of civilization, ever moving westward, had as then barely reached the settlement chosen by Mr. and Mrs. Burns as their new home. Schools were rare, and the work of the children was essential in clearing and developing the land. When Henry Beck did attend school, he had to walk four miles each way, through snow and ice, and when he reached his destination, the advantages afforded were very meagre. However, he was persistent, and made the most of his opportunities. At eighteen, he returned to Ohio, and obtained employment by the month in a farming community near Fort Jefferson, Darke county, and so continued until his enlistment. To those of a later generation, undisturbed and undismayed by thought of civil strife, it is difficult to convey the fervor of enthusiasm which was felt by the patriots of the north. Men who prior to the firing upon Fort Sumter, had thought but little of their duty as citizens, sprung to the defense of the flag, and gave up their lives on southern battlefields. The martial spirit prevailed. - Not a community escaped. The lists of the dead, wounded and captured increased each day, and yet the stream of patriotic young manhood never ceased to flow into the south, a stream which eventually quenched the fire of rebellion. In 1862, Henry Beck enlisted in Company F, Ninety-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, and was sent to Camp Piqua, from whence the command went to Lexington, Kentucky. Mr. Beck was first under fire at Tate's Ford, Kentucky, and he later participated in the notable engagements at Perryville, Stene River, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge. Resaca, Dalton, Buzzard's Roost, and was one of the memorable host that laid siege to Atlanta and captured that stronghold of the enemy. From there he marched with General Sherman to the sea, back up through the Carolinas to subdue General Johnston, and was present at his surrender. From there the command went on to Washington, where Mr. 504 - DARKE COUNTY Beck was one of the soldiers to participate in the grand review in June, 1865. At Lookout Mountain, he fought above the clouds. This battle was the only one during the entire war that the soldiers were actually engaged above the clouds. During all of this active and heavy service, Mr. Beck was wounded but once, and then only slightly in the right arm, during the battle of Chickamauga. He made so little of his wound that he refused to go into the ambulance, and did not lose a single hour over it. His record is an unusual one for he was never absent a day from his command, nor did he suffer from any of the sicknesses to which so many of his comrades fell victims. Perhaps the rigors and hardships of his pioneer life fitted him for those of the army. He has never lost his interest in his old associates, and often attended reunions of them. On September 19, 1913, he had the pleasure of visiting the old battle field of the engagement at Chattanooga, on the fiftieth anniversary, and while there picked up some bullets that had lain there for half a century. These he treasures, together with other relics of the great struggle, including rings and small picture frames which he whittled from laurel which he gathered from Lookout mountain and made in his hours of relaxation during the war. All these will be a valued inheritance to his children. During the march from Atlanta to the sea, Mr. Beck was color bearer, and continued to carry the colors of the Ninety-fourth regiment until he was mustered out. At present he has the distinction of being the only color bearer residing in Darke county. With the close of hostilities, Mr. Peck returned to I)arke county, and then went on west to Iowa, and from there into northern Missouri. There he bought land, but after a year traded it, and once more returned to Darke county, Ohio. Soon after his return he bought a half interest in 100 acres of land, and later bought out his partner, this property continuing to be his home until his removal to Greenville, in 1899. It was also the scene of his agricultural successes, and he still holds it, and is proud of what he accomplished with his land. On November 25, 1866, Mr. Beck was united in marriage with Miss Anna Brumbaugh of Neave township, this county, where she was born and reared, she being a daughter elf George and Lydia (Stutsman) Brumbaugh. Mr. and Mrs. Beck have had two children, namely: Sarah L. and Vernie. The former married John D. Ryan and died at Greenville, Ohio, leaving two children, namely : Agnes, who married DARKE COUNTY - 505 James E. Welsh, lives at Dayton, Ohio; and Frank H., who also lives at Dayton, Ohio. The second child of Mr. and Mrs. Beck, Vernie E., married D. A. Keener, and lives in German township. They have two daughters: Anna, who is now a student of the Greenville high school, having been graduated from the Hollansburg high school, class of 1913; and Rachel, who is a student in the country schools. Always a Republican, NIr. Beck cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln when he ran the second time, on a battlefield in Georgia. While he has been earnest and active in his support of his party, he has been very sincere in his desire not to hold office. This was proven, for, although nominated for the office of township trustee against his wishes, he worked against his own candidacy. During their early married life, Mr. and Mrs. Beck were members of what was then known as the German Baptist church at Palestine, Ohio. This church he served as deacon and superintendent of the Sunday school. When they moved to Greenville, they transferred their membership to the same denomination in this city, now called the Church of the Brethren. In it he is a deacon, and he not only discharges the duties of that office, but he takes into his everyday life the faith he professes, and continues to be a fair and honorable representative of the best class of American farmers. HARVEY H. DERSHEM A prominent figure in many of the legal controversies, unerring in judgment, able in the solution of many complexities, Harvey F. Dershem of Greenville, Ohio, is one of the leading attorneys of Darke county. He was born at Gettysburg, Ohio, August 1, 1861, son of Abraham and Fluldah (Hole) Dershem, and grandson of John and Christina (Schnapp) Dershem, and Daniel and Hannah (Ballard) Hole. John Dershem was a native of Union county, Pennsylvania, and his wife was born in Germany. They became early settlers of Darke county, where he- became a landowner and developed and operated a farm two miles north of Gettysburg, on which he reared his family of eleven children, namely: Catherine, who married a Mr. Hanes; Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Christian; Jacob; Henry; John; Eve, who married a Mr. Shade; Abraham; Aaron; Sarah. who married a Mr. Shire; Barbara, who mar- 506 - DARKE COUNTY ried a Mr. Gillard Glenn, and Lydia, who married a Mr. Philip Frock. These grandparents died at an advanced age, upon their farm. Daniel Hole, the maternal grandfather of Harvey F. Dershem, was born December 11, 1805, and died September 30, 1893. His wife was born March 23, 1810, and died May 17, 1899. They were among the very earliest settlers of Darke county, Ohio. Their children, eight in number, were: Huldah; David; Catherine, who married Perry Marker; John B.; Mary Ellen, who married Joseph Christian; Lucinda; Jay and Matilda. Abraham Dershem was born in Ohio, which State was also the birthplace of his wife. He grew to manhood on a farm in Darke county, Ohio, and learned the carpenter and cabinetmaking trades, following them for quite a period. After his marriage he located at Gettysburg, Ohio, where lie died in September, 1863, aged thirty-six years. His widow survived him until 1886, when she passed away, aged fifty-nine years. Both were earnest members of the Presbyterian church. They had six children, as follows: Adaline, deceased, who married George W. Reek; Lewis H., who resides in Newberry township, Miami county, Ohio, one mile north of Covington; Ida Belle, deceased, who married Abraham J. Hunt; Alwilda, deceased, who married Hiram Wellbaum; Harvey F.; Huldah Ellen, deceased, who died unmarried. The great-grandfather of Harvey F. Dershem, on his mother's side of the family was William Hole, who married Ruth Crane, born March 23, 1767. She was born in New Jersey, and there reared and educated. William Hole and wife went to Kentucky after their marriage and still later to the vicinity of Miamisburg, Montgomery county, Ohio. Harvey F. Dershem was brought up at Gettysburg, Ohio, and there attended the public schools, later entering the Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind. Having thus prepared himself, lie taught school for ten years, winning approval and affection for his masterly skill as an instructor. His ambition was not satisfied, however, and entering the law office of M. T. Allen at Greenville, Ohio, in the latter part of the eighties, he read law, his studies being interrupted, however, by the departure of Mr. Allen for California, where he served on the circuit bench for several years. Having lost his preceptor, Mr. Dershem entered the law school of the Cincinnati College, and after a two years' course, was graduated therefrom in the class of 1890. and admitted to the bar in June of DARKE COUNTY - 507 that year. In 1894, Mr. Dershem located at Greenville, Ohio, where he has been in a general practice ever since. His fellow townsmen showed their appreciation of him by electing him. city solicitor for a term of two years in 1895, and he discharged the duties of his office capably and satisfactorily. In 1913 he was again elected to same office from January 1, 1914, for two years. On November 22, 1893, Mr. Dershem was married to Miss Clara A. Horner, a daughter of Alexander McAlister and Mary Elizabeth (Reek) Horner, and one child has been born of this marriage, but died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Dershem were reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church. Fraternally Mr. Dershem belongs to Greenville Lodge No. 143, F. & A. M.; Greenville Chapter No. 77, R. A. M.; to Matchette Council No. 91, R. & S. M.; Gettysburg Lodge No. 457, I. O. O. F., and is active in these orders. Politically he is a Republican. Mrs. Dershem was born near Gettysburg, Ohio. Her parents were born in Ohio and located on a farm one and one-half miles from Gettysburg, where they reared their seven children: Sarah, James A., William H., Silas I., Mary, Clara and Nancy A., who died at about twelve years of age. Alexander McHorner served in the One Hundred and Fifty-second Ohio volunteer infantry during the Civil war as a lieutenant, which regiment was commanded by W. P. Orr. A man of forceful character Alexander Horner dominated affairs in his community, and was widely known throughout Darke county. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Dershem, Alexander Horner, married a Miss McAlister, and both were of Scotch-Irish descent. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Dershem was John Reek, who was twice married, his first wife being the grandmother of Mrs. Dershem, and the one who bore him his children. OSCAR MOIST. Land, the real source of wealth, is back of the farmers, and few there are in Darke county who have given the years of their activity to this line of endeavor who have not prospered. In the years he devoted to agriculture, Oscar Moist, now living retired at No. 407 Central avenue, Greenville, Ohio, succeeded, and is enjoying the fruits of his labors. He and his 508 - DARKE COUNTY forebears passed through the vital drama which turned Ohio into a paradise for the homeseeker, and feels a personal pride in its development, especially that of Darke county. A man of conservative ideas, he carefully considers each matter that comes up for solution, bringing to bear upon it a ripened judgment and broad experience gained along several channels of employment, and having decided, he takes action, abiding by his decision for it is based upon what he believes will ultimately work out for the best of all concerned. Such a man is a valuable addition to any community, and Greenville, like her sister county capitals, has reason to rejoice because of the location in her of so many of the retired farmers of the surrounding country. The birth of Oscar Moist took place on a farm in Clay township, Montgomery county, Ohio, June 1, 1855, he being a son of John and Elizabeth (Gish) Moist, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania. There he met and married, his wife also being a Pennsylvanian, and soon after the ceremony, they moved to Ohio, arriving in the State in 1833, settling first in Auglaize county, but after a couple of years moved to Montgomery county. At this time Indians were still to be found, and pioneer conditions prevailed. The family underwent niany hardships before the birth of Oscar, who was next to the youngest in a family of ten children. By the time he was born, conditions had become somewhat better, and had it not been that he lost his father when he was four years old, he probably would have been given many of the comforts of life in his boyhood. There was such a difference in his age and that of the first born children, that two of them were married before the father passed away. The widowed mother kept her children together as long as she could, but when Oscar was ten years old, she had to let her little son go among strangers. She lived to be sixty-four years old, dying in 1882. Although only a child, Oscar Moist began earning his own living at the youthful age of ten years, and at the same time managed to secure a fair common school education. When fifteen years old he decided to learn carriage painting, but after a year, in 1868, went to live with one of his brothers, Dr. A. R. Moist, who was located north of Dayton, Ohio, and remained with him until 1872. In that year he came to Darke county and secured employment in a tile plant of Butler township. After two, years he went to Miami county, Ohio, and spent a year on a farm, but in 1875, returned to Darke county DARKE COUNTY - 509 and resumed his work at the tile plant. Still later he bought seventy acres of land one-half a mile from old Fort Jefferson, which is four and one-half miles south of Greenville, Ohio, on which he lived until his removal to Greenville when he retired from active participation in agricultural work. First sought eighteen-acre tract in Butler township in 1883, then, in 1898, moved to Adams township and bought sixty-seven acres and resided there two years. Then, in 1900, bought fifty acres in Neave township and resided there seven years. Then sold and bought seventy acres near Fort Jefferson and resided there until 1913, when he came to Greenville. On January 7, 1877, Oscar Moist was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Rose, who was born and reared in Butler township, this county. She is a daughter of Samuel and Julian (Bobenmyer) Rose. Mr. Rose was born at Bedford, Pennsylvania, while his wife was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania. They were residents of Butler county, Ohio, when they married, but in 1856, left there for Darke county, becoming heavy landowners in this locality. Rose's Corner was named for Mr. Rose, who conducted a general store at the cross-roads, as well as operated his farm, being a man of more than average ability. His death occurred about 1878, but his widow survived him until 1898. Mrs. Moist is next to the youngest in a family of five children, all of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Moist became the parents of the following children: Ella, who married Ira V. McGriff, a farmer of Twin township, has one child, Dale M.; Russel 0., who married Rosie Ratcliff, has one child, Alice, and they live on Mr. Moist's farm in Neave township; and Talba, who married Joshua Delaplane, lives on a farm in Neave township, and has one child, Rosella. A Republican, Mr. Moist served as road supervisor of Butler township, and for two years was a trustee of Neave township. In 1910 he was appraiser of real estate, and in that fall was elected county commissioner with a majority of 585 votes, serving until September, 1913, In the fall of the latter year he was a candidate for re-election, but as the county went overwhelmingly democratic, he was defeated by 150 votes, which was in reality a triumph personally, as the party majority was 2,000. It was owing to his individual popularity that he was elected in the first place, for Darke county is essentially a democratic stronghold, and those of another political faith have but little chance save through appreciation of 510 - DARKE COUNTY their fitness for the office regardless of party lines. Fraternally, Mr. Moist is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, belonging to Little Turtle Tribe No. 119, and he is also a member of the Knights of Pythias of Arcanum, Ohio. While Mr. Moist has practically retired, turning over much of his work to younger shoulders, he keeps in close touch with the life of his community, and is ready to pass upon measures affecting the welfare of the people. WILLIAM IRWIN SWARTZ. A faithful performance of the duty at hand brings its own reward, and places the man who holds to this rule among the reliable people of his community. William Irwin Swartz has made this the rule of his life, and whether upon his widowed mother's farm, assisting her, or in his present position as janitor of the North School building of Greenville, Ohio, lie has never failed to live up to what he thought was right, or to try and evade responsibilities resting upon his shoulders. Such a course has gained for him a grateful consideration, and he stands well with his associates. Mr. Swartz was born on a farm just north of Greenville, Ohio, February 10, 1865, a son of Hezekiah and Ann (Irwin) Swartz. Hezekiah Swartz was born in the vicinity of Harrisburg, Pa., but was brought to Darke county, Ohio, in his boyhood by his parents, George and Catherine (Zellar) Swartz. Ann Irwin was born on the old homestead in Darke county, Ohio, the Irwins having entered land in this county as early as 1817, and become the owners of a considerable portion of government land. After the marriage of Hezekiah Swartz and Ann Irwin, which occurred in Darke county, they settled on a portion of the Irwin estate, and there they spent the remainder of their lives, the former devoting himself to farming, although prior to his marriage he had learned and followed the printer's trade, and for a time was the owner of a newspaper at Winchester, Ind. In politics, he was a Democrat, but limited his activity to such duties as would fall to a private citizen, as he had no aspirations toward public life. At one time he was a member of the County Agricultural Board of Darke county, Ohio. The death of this most excellent man occurred in 1892, when he was sixty-five years old. His widow survived DARKE COUNTY - 511 him until 1894, when she, too, passed away, aged seventy years. They had three children, namely: Albert, who resides on the homestead; Elizabeth, who died at the age of thirty-six years, unmarried, and William Irwin, who was the youngest. Growing up amid healthy, rural surroundings, William Irwin Swartz attended the schools of his district, and assisted with the farm work. Later he attended the schools at Greenville, and remained at home until the death of his mother, when he came to Greenville, and now resides at No. 220 West Main street. Ever since coming to Greenville, he has held his present position, and his services are highly valued. Politically he is a Republican, but like his father he does not seek public office, preferring to support his party as a private individual. However, in 1908, when elected treasurer of the Historical Society of Darke county, of which he became a member in 1905, he administered its affairs so ably as to prove that he has those qualities which go toward the making of efficient officials, and still retains the office. Conscientious in his work, faithful in his support of Darke county measures, Mr. Swartz is a useful member of society, and one whose value is appreciated by those who know him. NORMAN TEAFORD. Within the limits of German township, probably no name is better known or more suggestive of enterprise and progress than that of Norman Teaford, who has the distinction of having never lived on soil other than that which belonged to some member of the family, and who is recognized as one of the most substantial men of his community. Mr. Teaford was born March 24, 1861, on the farm known as the Barney Tea-ford homestead, on the Richmond and Greenville turnpike, nine miles southwest of Greenville, and about one mile southwest of Palestine. His parents were Barney and Margaret (Stapleton) Teaford. George Teaford, the grandfather of Norman Teaford, was born in Augusta county, Virginia, and as a young man came to Fairfield county, Ohio, locating in the vicinity of Lancaster. There he remained several years before coming to Darke county, where, April 6, 1820, he was married to Magdalena 512 - DARKE COUNTY Ketring. For many years he was engaged extensively in agricultural pursuits, and after his retirement made his home with his son Barney. Here he died January 29, 1874, his wife having preceded him February 13, 1861. Both were laid to rest in German township. Barney Teaford was born February 3, 1825, in German township, and grew up to agricultural pursuits, to which he devoted his energies until failing health caused him to be an invalid, yet he outlived all his children excepting Norman. Both he and his wife were buried in German township, where they had lived so long and where they had many warm and appreciative friends. Seven children were born to them: Jonathan, Norman, one who died in infancy, Oscar, Samuel, Charles and Flora Alice; Norman is the only survivor. Norman Teaford received his education in district school No. 7, and when he was but nine years of age began to assume large responsibilities because of the disability of his father, who was able to do little in the way of operating the home place. Thus the youth grew up strong, self-reliant, and thoroughly trained in all manner of agricultural subjects, his experience thus gained having since been of inestimable value to him in his struggle for position and independence. So industriously has he labored and so well directed have been his efforts, that today he owns 600 acres of land, all under a high state of cultivation, with handsome buildings and modern improvements of every character. Energetic and thorough in whatever has engaged his attention, he has been recognized as a leader in various movements for the welfare of the community. Like all the members of his family, he supports demccratic principles and candidates. Besides being a very successful farmer on a large scale Mr. Teaford finds time to be a part of several business enterprises. In 1898, he was a charter member of the Ohio Hardwood Lumber Company which operated in Mississippi. The company purchased two sections, 1480 ,acres, of fine timber which was readily marketed. In 1905, upon the establishment of the following organization, he became a director in the Banner Lumber Company at Greenville, Ohio, which, under his excellent management, is proving very remunerative. In 1912 he helped organize the Darke County Farmers' Leaf Tobacco Company, which has for its purpose the protection of the ordinary tobacco raiser. DARKE COUNTY - 513 In all these lines of activity his business capacity is acknowledged by his associates and the general public. As evidence of his ability to conserve the interests of the people, he has been continued as member of the Darke County Fire Board since 1898. In the spring of 1910, through the efforts of Norman, a Teaford family reunion was begun and is continued until the present writing. A permanent organization was established with Norman as president. The meetings are held in his grove. It was discovered at the first meeting that many of the relatives did not know each other. Through his untiring efforts the interest in the annual gathering is increasing. Mr. Teaford was married to Miss Lily I. Brown August 6, 1882; to this union was born, December 24, 1883, one child, Grace, who married Herschel M. Jeffries, December 29, 1900. To this union two children are born, Lowell, September 27, 1903, and Rill, September 13, 1908. On May 23, 1906, occurred Mr. Teaford's marriage to Miss Pearl A. Jeffries, who was born March 6, 1882, daughter of John B. F. and Sarah (Coapstick) Jeffries. To this union two children are horn, Gale Emerson, October 31, 1908, and Dale Kenneth, January 5, 1911. WASHINGTON HUNT. Steadfast effort, perseverance in the face of difficulties and reverses, courageous grasping of opportunities as they have presented themselves, and hard, honest toil—these have been the means through which Washington Hunt, of Greenville, has brought himself to the forefront among Darke county's stockmen. He has had no chance to gain false ideas of life or of the way of living; the man who has had to make his own way from boyhood has but little opportunity of so doing. Success is his not because he is one of fortune's favored, but because he has made fortune favor him. A brief resume of the salient points in his career will show how his prosperity and position have been attained. Washington Hunt was born December 23, 1851, in St. Louis, Mo., and is a son of Washington and Mary Jane (Wilson) Hunt, the former born in Warren county, Ohio, and the latter in the city of Dayton, this State. When he was about three (33) 514 -DARKE COUNTY years of age his parents moved to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Darke county, and there the father continued to carry on agricultural pursuits until his early death, about the year 1865. The mother survived until 1906 and passed away when eighty-five years of age. Mr_ Hunt received a fair common school education, but when he was only fourteen years old he was forced to put aside his books and face the stern realities of life. It may be that this early responsibility taught him self-reliance; at any rate that has been one of his chief characteristics throughout his career. From the beginning of his business life he has been engaged in the stock business. He was but twenty-two years of age when he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, a property which, including growing crops and some personal effects, was worth $3,500. There he took his young bride and that continued to be their home for several years, Mr. Hunt then selling out and purchasing another property of ninety acres near Greenville. At that time he took up his residence in the city, and this has since been his field of endeavor and the scene of his success. He is also the owner of a tract of four hundred acres located in Neave township. Mr. Hunt's operations now extend over several counties, and he also buys feeding cattle in the markets of Chicago and Kansas City. He has the distinction of shipping at one time eleven carloads of cattle, the largest shipment ever unloaded at Greenville. Essentially a business man, Mr. Hunt has found but little time to engage in public matters, although the best interests of his community find in him a warm supporter. He cast his first presidential vote in 1872, when he gave his ballot to General Grant, and since that time has continued to vote with the Republican party. On December 16, 1873, Mr. Hunt was married to Miss May Snyder, of Dayton, Ohio. daughter of Daniel and Dena (Rich) Snyder. Mrs. Hunt's parents were born in Germany, but came to the United States as young people and met and were married in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. Her father died when she was a child of four years and her mother when she was fourteen. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, of whom two died in childhood, the others being: Jesse, who died at the age of twenty-eight years; Bert, who is married and is carrying on operations on his father's farm near Greenville; Ralph, who is married and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Greenville township; Ada, who married Orville McEowen and lives on a farm in Greenville township ; Clara, who resides DARKE COUNTY - 515 with her parents, and Edward, who is married and lives on the farm. The pleasant family home is located at No. 225 East Main street. Mr. Hunt has never had time to belong to clubs or lodges. Mr. Hunt sold the first cattle and sheep that were used at the Old Soldiers' Home at Dayton when the Home was established there. Mr. Hunt's three sons are now in charge of his farm and he is gradually turning over the business to them. JOHN WILLIAM MILLER. Although he is a recent addition to the business men of Greenville, having established his present enterprise here in 1910, J. W. Miller, directing head of the Miller Grain and Coal Company, is already accounted one of the substantial men in this city's commercial affairs. Like many of the successful business men of the city, he is a product of the farm, having been born on his father's homestead in Brown township, Darke county, Ohio, February 11, 1866, and is a member of a pioneer family of the county, whence his grandparents, John and Elizabeth Miller, came at an early day from Pennsylvania. The grandfather died when the father, Isaac E. Miller, was but two years old, but the grandmother survived until reaching the ripe old age of eighty years, passing away in 1899. Isaac E. Miller was born in Darke county and was reared to the pursuits of the farm. He early adopted the tilling of the soil as his life work, and for many years was a resident of Brown township, where he became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good land, which through energy and earnest effort he converted into a handsome and valuable farm. About the year 1893 he sold out and moved to a farm east of Horatio, in the same county, and there passed the remainder of his life, dying July 12, 1908. A man of strict integrity and probity, he was a devout member of the Brethren church, and for three years acted in the capacity of superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a stalwart Democrat, served as assessor during several years, and for a period of thirty-five years was justice of the peace as well as teacher in the public schools of Darke county for thirty-five years. His record shows that no case judged by him that was appealed to the higher courts 516 - DARKE COUNTY was ever reversed. Mr. Miller married Miss Sarah J. Sword, who still survives. Mrs. Miller, the mother of John W., the subject of this review, is living near Horatio with her daughter, Mrs. John Porter. She is now seventy-three years of age and enjoying good health. Reared to the life of a farmer, and securing a good common school education, John W. Miller grew to sturdy and self-reliant manhood. When he attained his majority, he embarked upon a career of his own as a tiller of the soil, and was so engaged for about eight years. During this time he had come into contact more or less with men engaged in the grain trade, and gradually began operations in this line for himself. He was encouraged by success in several ventures, and eventually, in 1904, started to concentrate his entire energies upon this direction. His first enterprise was located at Red Key, Ind., where he continued five years, and then sought a wider field, going to Union City, in that State. Later he built a plant at Elroy, Ohio, and in 1909, came to Greenville, where, in February, 1910, he established his present business on North Broadway, although he still continues the business at Elroy. The volume of trade given to this elevator has rapidly expanded, and at this time the firm handles about $125,000 worth of business annually, while the coal handled in 1912 amounted to 3,500 tons. As the directing head of this large enterprise, Mr. Miller has shown himself an alert, progressive and astute business man, practical in all things, yet ever ready to take advantage of a legitimate opportunity. Among his associates he bears the highest reputation for integrity and fair dealing, and since coming to Greenville he has made and retained numerous friends. Politically, he was reared a Democrat and has always been an ardent supporter of that party's principles, his first presidential vote being cast for President Cleveland. While a resident of Jackson township he served in the capacity of assessor, but he has never been an office seeker, contenting himself with aiding his community merely as a public-spirited citizen. Mr. Miller was married October 24, 1888, in Jackson township, to Miss Mattie Fryar, who was born in Greenville township, Darke county, but reared and educated in Jackson township. She was a daughter of Daniel and Acha (Peterbaugh) Fryar, early settlers of this county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller resided on a small twenty-acre farm in Brown DARKE COUNTY - 517 township, but after three years moved to Jackson township, which was their home until moving to Indiana. They-now occupy a modern residence at No. 600 Wayne avenue, at the corner of Pine avenue. Mr. Miller has had no time from his 'business and home to care about lodges or clubs. Mrs. Miller, too, cares more for her home than for the clubs and so has not joined any of them_ The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Miller are as follows: Elizabeth, wife of John Porter, and has three children May, Forest and Catherine; Horatio of Darke county, Ohio; John W., the subject of this sketch; Jonathan D., who married and has a son; Archie of Fort Recovery, Ohio; George C., married and has four children; Vernie, Mabel, Matilda and Arlie and two who died in infancy. HENRY LAYER. There is always a reason for success. It matters not if a man's activities be directed along the lines of one of the professions, one of the trades, or along the substantial occupation of tilling the soil—there is always the fundamental basis for success. Roughly stated, it may be said that success finds its foundation stone in determination. Granted this, man may accomplish much; but there must also be inherent ability, energy and perseverance, without which the structure of prosperity may not be built. In his early years Henry Layer showed himself possessed of a keen determination to win a competency; his ability evidenced itself during the years that he carried on his operations in Darke county, and as the architect of his own fortunes and one who has builded well, he is entitled to the rest that he is now taking at his pleasant home in Franklin township. Henry Layer was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, about forty-five miles northeast of Harrisburg, about April 6, 1842, and is a son of Peter and Hannah (Miller) Layer, natives of the Keystone State. About the year 1843 the family started on a journey overland in a two-horse wagon, traveling through Harrisburg, across the Allegheny Mountains, touching the cities of Pittsburgh, Columbus arid Springfield, and, finally, after a trip consuming six weeks, landed. at a point east of Brookville, Montgomery county, Ohio. There the father, who had 518 - DARKE COUNTY brought his small means with him, rented a tract of land for two years, following which he purchased eighty acres of timber land in Section 30, Franklin township, Darke county. This land was still in its virgin state, and in order to build the little log cabin which was the first shelter for his family, he was compelled to fell a number of trees. His first purchase cost him five dollars per acre, and subsequently he bought forty acres adjoining for $150. This he cleared also, and in 1863 sold out and moved to Newberry township, Miami county, locating on a property on which the town of Bradford is now located. This was his home until his death in July, 1883, his wife following him to the grave in April 1894. Ten children were born to Peter and Hannah Layer, as follows: Elizabeth, who died at the age of six years; Levi, who died in 1866, unmarried; John, who served with the "hundred-day men" in the Civil war, and who is now a retired resident of Ludlow, Miami county, married; William, a former farmer, who died in April, 1908, leaving four children; Peter, who died in 1909, leaving six children; George, who died in Miami county in 1912; Henry, of this review; Sarah, the wife of Simon Murphy, living near Gettysburg, the mother of two children; Margaret, who married Isaac Hershey and lives in the village of Gettysburg, and Frederick, unmarried, who lives near that place. The mother of these children was reared a Lutheran, but after her marriage joined the Dunkard church, to which her husband belonged. He was a Democrat in politics. Henry Layer spent his boyhood in assisting his father and brothers to develop the homestead place and in attending the district schools. He early evidenced an inclination to become an educator, and at the age of nineteen years secured his first experience in this line in a small log schoolhouse in Van Buren township, his services being remunerated at the rate of ninety cents per day. Mr. Layer's school teaching period lasted for twenty-six years, during which he had charges in Darke, Miami and Montgomery counties, and his worth was recognized by the commissioners paying him as high as $2.75 per day. While a resident of Montgomery county, in 1865, Mr. Layer was married (first) to Miss Elizabeth Bower, and to this union there were born three children: Hannah E., now the wife of John A. Hoffman, of Arcanum, Ohio; Frank P., who is married and has three children, a resident of Franklin township, and Simon P., who lives in Howard county, Indiana, married DARKE COUNTY - 519 and has three children. Mrs. Elizabeth Layer died in July, i84, and November 23, 1901, Mr. Layer was married (second) to Mrs. Sarah Landis) Bashore, daughter of Daniel and Susannah (Deeter) Landis, formerly of Pennsylvania. There were fourteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Landis, Mrs. Layer being the seventh in order of birth. Nine children are now living. She was born, reared and educated in Franklin township, where she was married in Miami county (first) to Henry Bashore, by whom she had four children, as follows: Martha, who married A. W. Snyder of Miami county, and has six children; Isaac, of Darke county, the father of four children; Daniel W., also of this county, who has three children, and Harry, living in Miami county, the father of one child. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Layer, Margaret Lucille, born on the home farm August 28, 1907. Mr. Layer's real estate operations have been worthy of note. In 1866 he bought a house and lot at Phillipsburg, Montgomery county, for which he paid $490, this sum having been earned through teaching. Later he purchased a vacant lot adjoining for $150 and subsequently sold the entire property. In 1869 he bought thirty-five acres of land for $1,800, and made that property his home for two years, when he was able to sell it for $2,000. He then came to Franklin township, where he bought two small tracts, one of eighteen and one-half acres with a residence, for $1,500, and the other of forty acres, also with a dwelling, for $1,600, and six weeks later disposed of the latter for $1,800. He added to the first tract until he had thirty-two acres and resided thereon for eleven years, disposing of his time between teaching and farming, and in 1881 sold out for $2,560. In 1882 the property which he now lives on became his home, the purchase price being $3,500, and to this forty-one and one-half acres there have since been added six acres across the road, this land costing $1,200. Mr. Layer is a stalwart Democrat and is known as one of his party's foremost men in this part of the county. As early as 1872 he was honored by election to the office of township trustee, and following his term in that capacity was next chosen by his fellow townsmen as township assessor. His work in assessing the whole township, in 1874, so favorably impressed the people that he was elected justice of the peace, and acted in that judicial office for three yars. In 1875 he became township clerk, in 1876 was elected assessor, and in 1877 was again made justice of the peace for a term of three years, 520 - DARKE COUNTY being his own successor in that office in 1880 for a like period. In 1889 he was made land appraiser for the whole township of Franklin, an office to which he was re-elected in 1909. In 1887 Mr. Layer was commissioned notary public, a capacity in which he has acted for more than a quarter of a century, and the able and faithful manner in which he has acquitted himself in the discharge of his public duties may be deduced from the fact that in all his cases none have been reversed, Judge Layer is not a professed member of any church, but all religious movements have his hearty support, and he is well known as a liberal donator to charitable movements. Mrs. Layer holds membership in the Dunkard church. L. A. NAUSS. In reviewing the career of L. A. Nauss, of Greenville, the biographer finds all the elements which combine to produce American self-made manhood. It was his fortune to be born of sturdy parents, to be reared in the habits of industry and thrift and to early learn the lessons of honesty and straightforward dealing. Further than that fortune has had naught to do with his success. Mr. Nauss's career speaks for itself; he takes a pardonable degree of pride in the fact that he has always been a worker, and that his prosperity has been gained through the medium of his own well-applied efforts. Mr. Nauss was born at York Haven, York county, Pennsylvania, May 1, 1854, and is a son of John B. and Minerva (Repmand) Nauss. His father, known as one of the finest sawyers on the Susquehannah river, moved to Goldsboro, Pa., where he was Iiving at the time of his enlistment, in 1864, in Company B, Two Hundredth regiment, Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, for service during the Civil war. He fought bravely as a soldier until receiving a severe wound in the left thigh, the sciatic nerve being severed, and from that time until the close of hostilities he was confined to his bed in various federal hospitals. After receiving his honorable discharge and recuperating his health he resumed his trade of sawyer, and continued to be so engaged until his death, January 25, 1905, the mother having passed away two years before. He was a Republican in political matters, and for many years served his community in the capacity of constable. Both he and Mrs. DARKE COUNTY - 521 Nauss were faithful members of the United Brethren church. They were the parents of five children, of whom one died in infancy. The eldest of his parents' children, L. A. Nauss received an ordinary public school education, and at the age of sixteen years assumed the responsibilities of life by apprenticing himself to the trade of tinner. His remuneration for the first year was twenty-five dollars, the second year he received thirty-five dollars, and during the third year ten dollars more were added to his stipend. After one year as a journeyman he embarked in business on his own account at New Cumberland, Pa., continuing therein for sixteen years, when his plant was totally destroyed by fire and he was forced to commence all over again. With sturdy determination he resumed activities, and through energy and perseverance built up another business, of which he disposed in 1890. His advent in Darke county occurred in 1894, when he came to Greenville and built a sawmill, and his well-directed energies and able management combined to make him one of the forceful factors in the lumber manufacturing industry of this section. In July, 1912, Mr. Nauss embarked in the manufacture of galvanized steel tanks, in partnership with his son, and their factory on Thirteenth street is one of the thriving industries of the city. In addition he continues the manufacture of hardwood lumber, on Front street and Hiddeson avenue, and in connection therewith carries on a lively retail trade in coal. Mr. Nauss was married January 14, 1875, at West Fairview, Pa., to Miss Anna S. Welty, of that city, who was born in the city of Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of Emanuel and Mary E. (Enoch) Welty. Mr. Welty was born in the Keystone State and as a young man came to Ohio, being married in Springfield and subsequently moving to Dayton. He was a railroad conductor by occupation, and eventually accepted a position which took him to Illinois, his subsequent years being passed near Olney and Springfield in that State. He died when Mrs. Nauss was five years old, after which the mother took her little brood to York, Pa., where Mrs. Nauss was living at the time she first met her husband. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nauss, of whom the oldest and youngest died in infancy. The others are: Ralph W., Ira L., born at New Cumberland, Pa., November 1, 1877, head sawyer of his father's factory and his partner in the coal business, married December 25, 1898, Miss Addie Wagner of Greenville, and has six children: Olive 522 - DARKE COUNTY M., born in Pennsylvania, residing at home, and head bookkeeper in her father's office; Grace E., born in Pennsylvania, married Adelbert Wilson of Greenville, and has one son; and Ray J., born in Pennsylvania, his father's partner in the manufacture of tanks, married Hettie Little and has one son. Ralph W. Nauss was born at New Cumberland, Pa., was graduated from the high school at Greenville and an academy at Harrisburg, Pa., and then entered the Ohio State University, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Science. Earning a scholarship in the medical college of Northwestern University, Chicago, he spent three years in that institution, and following his graduation with the degree of Doctor of Medicine he became an interne in a hospital in the Illinois metropolis. Subsequently he went to Zeigler, Ill., and after successfully passing a civil service examination was sent to Panama as a physician, and was shortly appointed chief chemist of his department. After three years he resigned and returned to Greenville, but not long thereafter went to London, England, to study tropical diseases. He later went to Liverpool, where he was given the degree of Doctor of Tropical Medicines, following which he took an extended trip through Germany and Switzerland. On his return to the United States he traveled through Yellowstone Park and the western part of the country, and then again went to England, where he went into an experimental laboratory to study sleeping sickness and blackwater fever, and remained so engaged for nine months. Once again he returned to the United States, but after a few months spent in review work in Chicago he went to Germany, where he resided with a German family while learning the language of the Fatherland. To further prepare himself for the work which he had in view, he next went to France, took up his residence in the home of a Parisian, and there continued until he had mastered the French tongue. With this thorough preparation he went to Beige, on the Congo river, in Africa, where he has since devoted himself to the admirable and humane work of a medical missionary for the Baptist Foreign Missions. L. A. Nauss is a Republican in politics and has been stalwart in his support of the Grand Old Party since casting his first vote in 1876 for President Hayes. He has never cared for office. With his family, he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. The pleasant family home is located at No. 408 Grey avenue. DARKE COUNTY - 523 I. K. HOLLINGER. The importance of Greenville as a manufacturing center has been forwarded by a group of energetic, able business men whose activities have been concentrated upon this field of endeavor and whose large and varied operations have made the city generally recognized in manufacturing circles of the state. Prominent among these men is found I. K. Hollinger, secretary and manager of the Hollinger Fence Company, located at No. 601 Front street, a sterling citizen who has at all times merited the respect in which he has been held. Mr. Hollinger is a native of Darke county, Ohio, and was born on a farm, October 20, 1863, son of Samuel and Mary (Kunkle) Hollinger. On both the paternal and maternal sides Mr. Hollinger comes of German grandparents, while both his father and mother were born in Pennsylvania. Samuel Hollinger was a farmer, and died in Darke county when his son was about ten years of age, the latter securing but an ordinary education in the public schools. I. K. Hollinger remained with his mother until he was eighteen years of age, and at that time faced the world on his own account. When he wastwenty-onee years old he secured a farm, a tract of forty acres, on which he settled down to a wedded life and which he continued to operate until selling his interests in 1890. At that time he became the organizer and incorporator of the Hollinger Fence Company, which was first established at Covington, Ohio, but which in 1892, seeking a wider field, was brought to Greene. The capacity of the factory is now from 800 to 1,000 rods of fencing a day, and from 300 to 400 tons of spring cotters a year, and the product finds its market largely in Darke county. From its modest inception the business has enjoyed a steady and continued growth, which must be accredited to its energetic and capable manager and secretary. He has been tireless in his efforts, has at all times manifested high business talents, Judgment, acumen and foresight, and his shrewdness to discern opportunities, his courage in grasping them, and his ability in carrying his projects through to a successful conclusion have made him one of the city's most substantial men. Mr. Hollinger has not placed "all of his business eggs in one basket," for he has large outside investments, including 1,040 acres of land at Deming, New Mexico, which he owns in partnership with his sons, and there the family reside. Mr. 524 - DARKE COUNTY Hollinger is a republican, but has evidenced no desire for public office, the onerous nature of his large business interests demanding his time and attention to the exclusion of politics. This does not mean, however, that he is not interested in the affairs of his community; on the other hand, Greenville has no more public-spirited citizen, but he has preferred to leave the management of municipal affairs to other hands. Good movements and able men always receive his support and his financial aid. He is a member of the Church of the Brethren at Greenville, and is serving as treasurer and member of the board of trustees thereof. On August 23, 1884, Mr. Hollinger was united in marriage with Miss Emma F. Woodard, of Darke county, Ohio, and three children have been born to this union, namely: William, a graduate of Greenville high school, who subsequently spent two years in college at North Manchester, Indiana, and one year at Huntington, Pennsylvania, and is now bookkeeper for a land company in New Mexico; Ernest, a surveyor of New Mexico, who learned his vocation in Greenville; and Pauline, born December 23, 1903. THEODORE FINNARN. The enterprising American youth is prevented by no unsurmountable walls of fixed custom, no impassable barriers of caste or class from working his way from modest circumstances and humble conditions to positions of responsibility and prominence in the business world, and the career of Theodore Finnarn, of Greenville, illustrates forcibly the opportunities here afforded to those who have the desire and the determination to accomplish. His life has been one of signal achievements from the time he attained his majority, and today, as proprietor of the livery barn located at No. 20 Northeast Public Spuare, he occupies a firmly-established position among the responsible .business men of the city. Mr. Finnarn has the added distinction of being a native son of Darke county, Ohio, having been born on a farm in German township, February 12, 1866, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Knee) Finnarn. Thomas Finnarn, the father of Theodore Finnarn, is now living a retired life at his home at No. 608 Front street. He DARKE COUNTY - 525 was born on a farm near Noch Crow, Elphin Parish, County Roscommon, Ireland, January 1, 1839, a son of Thomas and Bridget (Gannon) Finnarn. His mother died when he was six weeks old, and his father married Miss Catherine McManus. Thomas Finnarn, the grandfather of Theodore, came to the United States, intending to subsequently send for his wife and child, but died a few days after his arrival in New York. Three of his wife's brothers, however, were living at Cincinnati, Ohio, and they sent to Ireland for the balance of the family, who 'went from Dublin to Liverpool, and thence took boat for New Orleans, which city they reached after a voyage of seven and one-half weeks, during which they experienced a heavy storm. The first winter was passed in New Orleans, where the uncles were engaged in a job of ditching, and when Thomas Finnarn was about seven years of age the family moved to Warren county, Ohio, and located at Morrow, where the lad secured his first education. In the meantime the uncles were engaged in all kinds of railroad construction work, moving from point to point as the lines advanced, and when he was fourteen years of age Thomas Finnarn began his labors as a water boy, his first wages being fifty cents a day, on the Zanesville Railroad. The family resided at various points in Ohio, including Branch Hill and Loveland, and continued to follow the railroads to other parts of the country, so that at the age of sixteen years Thomas Finnarn was employed by a contractor in Mississippi for twelve dollars a month and board. On March 12, 1856, after spending a year in Cincinnati, Mr. Finnarn came to Darke county. Ohio, and began work on a farm at wages of ten dollars a month and hoard. He was married in German township, March 12, 1863, to Mrs. Elizabeth (Knee) McCabe, who had two children by her first marriage. To her second union there were the following children: Theodore, the subject of this review; Levi, who is a blacksmith and carries on his trade in Greenville; Irvin, born in 1870, who died at the age of twelve years; Nina, who married Frank Kerst and died without issue; Effie, who married Elmer Kester, a farmer of Greenville township, and has one child; and Harry, who is single. Mr. Finnarn at the time of his marriage was engaged in renting land. His wife, however, owned a tract of twenty five acres, to which they later added by purchase twenty-five acres, and finally bought fifty acres more. Through thrift and able management and making the most of his opportunities, lie 526 - DARKE COUNTY became one of his community's successful men, and when he reached the evening of life was able to retire with a well-won competency. His career has been characterized by strict integrity and honesty, loyalty in friendships and fidelity to duty. In his early years he was a democrat and voted for Douglas, but for some years he has supported the Prohibition party. Reared in the faith of the Catholic church, he is now connected with the Reformed denomination. Theodore Finnarn grew to manhood on the home farm and received a good common school education, following which he for one year attended school under "Daddy" Holbrook, at Lebanon. At the age of twenty-one years he adopted the vocation of educator and began to teach country school in Neave township, and during the next six years was known as one of the most popular instructors of this section. While thus engaged, he was married in German township to Mary E. Death, who was born in that township, daughter of William and Mary (.McClellan) Death. She died in 1900, having been the mother of two children: one who died in childhood; and W. Ora, born in Greenville, and now a student in the high school. In 1893 Mr. Finnarn moved to Greenville, and in 1897 became a member of the Greenville fire department, with which he was connected until 1904, and then resigned and purchased a livery business on West Third street, from H. II. Davis. This he moved to his present locality in 1908, and his establishment at No. 20 Public Square is fully equipped with the most modern vehicles. Mr. Finnarn is very popular in Greenville and his .business is widely patronized. He has always maintained an excellent character for integrity, good judgment and industry. On October 29, 1907, Mr. Finnarn married Miss Martha L. Harthan, of Greenville, who has borne him no children. Mrs. Finnarn is the daughter of George and Louise (Kegel) Harthan. The father was born September 14, 1839, in the town of Redwitz, state of Bavaria, Germany. He was a son of George and Christina (Martin) Harthan. His father died when the boy was quite young. He received a fair common school education and sailed from Bremen for New York in the first steam vessel built by the North German Lloyd line and was about two weeks in crossing to America. He had but five dollars when he landed and as he had been cautioned about being robbed in New York he put it into the hands of a brother-in-law for safe keeping. It was certainly safely kept as it DARKE COUNTY - 527 was never returned. He also worked six months for the same man but never received any pay for that. He worked in New York about eight years, some of the time at stone mason work. While in New York he was married to Miss Louise Kegel, who was born in Hanover, Germany. Moved to Miami county, Ohio, in 1866, where he became the owner of some property, which he traded for forty acres of land in Allen township, Darke county, Ohio. In 1877 he moved to that place. His wife died while living in Allen township. To them were born ten children, of whom seven grew to year, of maturity. Mrs. Finnarn is the fifth. Their home is at No. 226 West Fourth street. Mr. Finnarn is a democrat, but has never cared for the doubtful honors of public life. He has taken much interest in fraternal work, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled all the chairs in both the lodge and the encampment; and maintains membership also in the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men. ORA O. McCLELLAN. Through the more than thirty-three years, during which he has been a resident of Greenville, Ora O. McClellan has been engaged in a variety of pursuits, in all of which he has shown himself progressive, enterprising and persistent. He has for the past three years been the proprietor of the teed stable, transfer business and grocery delivery business at No. 117 West Main street, and today occupies a substantial and recognized position in the business world of his section. Like many of the successful men of the community, Mr. McClellan is a product of the farm. He was born on his father's property, at the tollgate on the old Greenville and Palestine turnpike, about one-quarter of a mile east of Palestine, in German township, Darke county, Ohio, December 8, 1872, and is a son of George W. and Elmina (Leas) McClellan. George W. McClellan was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his parents as a ]ad. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools, and during the Civil war became a supporter of the Union as a soldier of Company B, Sixty-ninth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry Mr. McClellan participated in a number of hard-fought battles 528 - DARKE COUNTY and was a brave and faithful soldier, but escaped injury or capture by the enemy, although in later years he suffered a stroke of palsy, as a result of his army experience. On the farm in German township on which Ora O. McClellan was born, George W. McClellan was united in marriage with El-mina Leas, August 11, 1866. In 1874 the family removed to Palestine, where the father followed the vocation of a tin peddler and huckster for about six years, and in 1880 moved with his family to Greenville. Here Mr. McClellan established himself in the restaurant business, in which he continued to be engaged throughout the remainder of his active years. He has now retired from business and is living quietly at his Greenville home with Mrs. McClellan. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McClellan, namely: Jesse, who died in childhood; Ora 0.; Lula, who married Augustus Steinhilber, and had one child, all now being deceased; and Tipp, who is married and lives in Greenville. George W. McClellan is a Republican, but has never been an office seeker. His religious faith is that of the Universalist church, while Mrs. McClellan is a member of the Church of Christ. The early education of Ora O. McClellan was secured in the district schools, following which he went one year to the Greenville high school. He became one of the world's workers in 1888, when he secured employment as driver of a milk wagon, this continuing to be his occupation for four years. When twenty years of age he went to Jasper county, Illinois, where for one and one-half years he worked on a farm, and then came back to Greenville and became a member of the fire department. During the seventeen years that followed, Mr. McClellan's rise in the department was steady and continued, from the position of driver to engineer and assistant chief. He at all times served in a most acceptable manner, being cool and collected in times of excitement and danger, clear headed and capable of directing the efforts of his men to the best advantage. On February 6, 1911, Mr. McClellan resigned his position to enter his present business, of which he has made a decided success. He is a man of sterling honesty, reliable and conscientious in all his dealings, and through his life of integrity and honorable transactions has gained and retained the confidence of his associates in all walks of life. His pleasant home is located at 130 West Water street. On April 4, 1900, Mr. McClellan was married in Greenville, Ohio, to Miss Alpha Swadener, of this city, who was born on a farm near Arcanum, daughter of Henry J. Swadener. To DRAKE COUNTY - 529 this union there has come one child: Anna Mae, who was born in Greenville, April 16, 1900. Mr. McClellan is a Republican but has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote h; entire time and attention to his business interests. About 190 he became a member of Lodge No. 742, Independent Order Odd Fellows, and two years later joined the Knights of Pythias. His friendships are many in business and fraternal cir- J. OSCAR WINTERS J. Oscar Winters, manager of the Western Creamery ;any, with headquarters at Greenville, is one of the known men in his part of Ohio. He has practically built up a large business with a small beginning and a modest amour of capital, until today the company handles and sells tit product from about 30,000 cows. Mr. Winters is a native Darke county and three of his brothers are associated with him in his business. He is of German descent, born on a far, in Richland township, June 14, 1875, eighth in order of birth of the eleven children of Job Mann and Rhoda (Brewer) Winters, now residents of Richland township. The father was born November 6, 1835, in Fulton county, Pennsylvania. youngest of the five children of George and Anna (Mann) Winters, also natives of Pennsylvania. Job Mann Winter was reared on a farm and received a common school education becoming a teacher while yet in his teens. By the time he had reached his majority he had saved $200 and came to Oh to invest it in land. He secured a farm in Darke county, an on March 1, 1860, married Miss Rhoda Brewer, and the now have one of the finest farms in the county, comprising some four hundred acres. They make a specialty of dairy farming and raise considerable grain. They had eleven children, two of whom died in infancy, and four sons are interested in the Western Ohio Creamery Company: Rufus R., Clarence W., J. Homer and J. Oscar. The mother was an adept at butter making and it was her success in this line that first gave J. Oscar Winters his ambition to specialize along the line of dairying. They started in a small way to carry out the idea, having a well equipped dairy from the start, and (34) 530 - DARKE COUNTY through the efforts of the four sons a fine business has been developed. Job Mann Winters has always taken an active part in local affairs and is a democrat in political views. He has served at various times as delegate to conventions and for many years was township treasurer. He has always been active in bettering educational conditions and he and his wife have founded a home that has endeared them to family and friends. They are members of the Christian church. They began life with a small capital and through their own efforts have become owners of a fine farm and a competence for their declining years. Truly their children will rise up and call them blessed. In boyhod J. Oscar Winters attended the local schools and in early manhood made up his mind to devote his efforts to farming and dairying. He did not look afar for opportunity, but he and his brothers saw it right at hand and made the most of it, and remained at home until he was thirty years old. When he had reached his majority he entered into partnership with his father. In 1895 he spent three months at the State College at Center county, Pennsylvania, and for six weeks took a special course in dairying, in order to be better fitted to carry on his work successfully. In company with his brother Clarence W., he then carried on farming and dairying, and four years later their brother J. Homer became associated with them. In 1896 the firm became known as J. M. Winters & Sons, but in 1903 Rufus R. Winters joined them and The Winters Dairy Company was organized and the enterprise carried on upon the farm. They found a market for their butter in Dayton. They started with the milk from thirty-five cows and operated on the farm until 1905. As early as 1895 they had established a reputation for the "J.O.W." brand of butter, now widely and favorably known in the markets. In 1905 the firm erected a modern cement building in Greenville and at the present time, including their plants at Richmond, Indiana, and Xenia and St. Henry, Ohio, they handle the cream from 30,000 to 35,000 cows. They have a capacity for 30,000 pounds of butter per day, and churning began in their new building May 15, 1905. On March 1, 1906, a reor ganization was effected, and they established new plants, being now represented at Greenville, West Manchester, Vest Sonora, Eaton, Camden, Spring Valley and New Burlington. J. Oscar Winters has been the manager who has effected DARKE COUNTY - 531 the establishment of the concern on a sound business basis, and in this he has been ably assisted by his brothers, all of whom have carefully studied the details of the business itself, as well as local conditions and the markets offered. It is one of the successful enterprises that has been built up from the foundation tion by far seeing individuals and that has greatly benefited the locality in which it has operated. Mr. Winters ranks high as a business man and stands well with all who know him. Mr. Winters was united in marriage July 3, 1900, with Miss Charlotte A. Rehmert, a native of Richland township,- Darke county, where she was reared and educated, and daughter of Henry and Mary (Huber) Rehmert. They have four children living: Forest 0., born in Richland township; Paul M., Donald and Grace, the latter three born in Greenville. Mr. Winters takes no active part in political, affairs, although he has served in minor offices, and is a Democrat in opinions, he has served as member of the board of education of Richland township and in the fall of 1913 was elected member of the school board of Greenville. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and he is one of the official board, a teacher in the Sunday school and is at the head of the musical committee. For several years he has been a member of the Masonic Order and also belongs to the United Commercial Travellers. The family have a nice home at 210 Oakwood avenue, Greenville, where they dispense a pleasant hospitality to their many friends. O. PRICE McGRIFF. The peculiar and particular talents which combine for success in the insurance business make this one of the most difficult fields of endeavor in which a man may engage. His standing in the community must be of the highest order, for public confidence must be his; he must possess energy, push, determination and perseverance, for competition is strong; he must be able to talk persuasively and to prove the advantages of the insurance he has to sell, and he must at all times maintain a friendliness and co-operation with his companies and his patrons. These abilities are found exemplified in the person of O. Price McGriff, directing head of the general fire insurance firm of O. P. McGriff & Company, with offices 532 - DARKE COUNTY in the Anderson building, corner of Fourth and Broadway, Greenville. Mr. McGriff was born on a farm in Butler township, Darke county, Ohio, September 7, 1873, and is a son of Jesse A. and Martha J. (Holsapple) McGriff. His father's sketch appears in this work. O. Price McGriff was but two years of age at the time of his mother's death, and he was then taken to rear by his maternal grandfather, with whom he resided until reaching his fifth year. His father was then married a second time, and he returned to the parental roof, his boyhood and youth being spent on the home farm. He secured his education in the country schools and also spent one year in the public school at West Manchester, and thus equipped at the age of twenty years began teaching in Butler township. He thus continued for a period of twelve years, during which time he taught in the winter terms and carried on farming in the summer months on a tract of ten acres. On October 5, 1895, Mr. McGriff was married in Butler township, to Miss Minnie P. Fowble, who was born and reared in Butler township and for some years was a teacher of instrumetnal music. There were two children born to this union: J. Rollin, born August 27, 1902, now in the sixth grade in the public school, who, in 1913, at the age of eleven years, began clerical and collecting work for his father; and Grace Leone, born March 3, 1911, in Greenville. About 1902 Mr. McGriff began to write life insurance, and this he followed one and one-half years, finding it so profitable that in the meantime he sold his place and forty acres in Butler township and moved to New Madison, where he purchased property. He remained there only a few months, however, when he sold out and moved to Greenville, here becoming connected with the general insurance firm of Hough & Riegel. Mr. McGriff remained in the employ of this concern for four years, and on April 1, 1910, became a member of the firm by buying Mr. Riegel's interest. With Mr. Hough he continued the business until November 9, 1913, when the senior partner died, and since that time Mr. McGriff has bought his interest from the heirs and has continued the business alone under the firm style of O. P. McGriff & Company. This is now the largest enterprise of its kind in the city, and does as much business as all the other agencies combined. Mr. McGriff started out in life practically empty-handed and has steadily worked his way upward to success, overcoming the DARKE COUNTY - 533 difficulties and obstacles in his path by resolute purpose and unflagging energy. His life has been one of great industry, and he continues to work in the management of his business with the same zeal and enthusiasm that characterized his activities when he was a youth with his, way to make in the world. His career has been well spent, and the honesty of his dealings and the continuity of his labors furnish an example that is well worthy of emulation by those who would gain a competence and win the respect of their fellowmen. Reared in the faith of democracy, Mr. McGriff supports that party stanchly, having cast his first presidential vote for William Jennings Bryan in 1896. He has not, however, sought public preferment in public life. In the latter eighties, he became a member of the Knights of Pythias, at Castine, in Butler township, and still maintains membership therein, as he does also in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is a trustee, and Greenville Lodge No. 43, Free and Accepted Masons. His pleasant residence is located at No. 623 Washington avenue, where lie tenders hospitality to a wide circle of warm friends. WILLIAM J. McCURDY. Railroading has proven a rich field of opportunity to those who are willing to work energetically, scorn hardships and prove fidelity to the systems that employ them, and many young men are attracted to this vocation when starting out in life. The rewards, however, are given only to those who thus prove up, and in this connection may be given a review of the career of William J. McCurdy, agent for the Pennsylvania Railway Company at Greenville, Ohio, a man whose long, efficient and faithful service makes him one of its most trusted employes. Mr. McCurdy was born at Piqua, Ohio, February 19, 1858, and is a son of Joseph and Maria (Routson) McCurdy, the former born March 6, 1831, and the latter October 29, 1832. Joseph McCurdy was born at Wooster, Ohio, a son of William and Margaret McCurdy, the former born July 4, 1795, in the northern part of Scotland, and after coming to America lived for a time in Pennsylvania, later moving to Ohio. The paternal grandmother of William J. McCurdy was born July 534 - DARKE COUNTY 17, 1798, in Delaware. Joseph McCurdy was married in Miami county, Ohio, to Maria Routson, who was born north of Piqua, in that county, daughter of Jacob Routson, a native of Maryland, who migrated to Ohio at an early day and located in Miami county. Joseph McCurdy had served an apprenticeship to the trade of cabinetmaker in his youth, but later became an expert machinist in Piqua, where he was head man in the firm of O'Ferrall, Daniels & Company, manufacturers of threshing machines. He and his wife became the parents of seven children, of whom all are living save one who died in infancy, and William j. was the second in order of birth. As a boy William J. McCurdy attended the public schools, and at the age of fifteen years began earning money in the shops under the supervision of his father. When he was sixteen years old he began as relief man, day operator and agent at various points in Ohio and Indiana, until 1889, when he came to Greenville as agent, a position which he has continued to ably fill to the present time. For faithful and continued service, Mr. McCurdy's record is one worthy of attention, for since 1873 he has never (in the language of R. R. men) missed a pay day. He is efficient in the discharge of his duties, and as a courteous and obliging official has become decidedly popular with the people of Greenville. On May 17, 1888, Mr. McCurdy was married to Miss Belie Harper, who was born and reared in Greenville. She is the daughter of John and Priscilla (Miesse) Harper. Her father was born and reared in Darke county, was a pioneer photographer, a vocation which he followed throughout life. The mother was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and came to Darke county when a small child. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McCurdy, both of whom passed away in infancy. Mr. McCurdy was reared a republican and cast his first vote for Garfield. He has not cared for public office. He was brought up in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he and his wife are members. Mr. McCurdy is interested in fraternal matters, being a member of Greenville Lodge No. 143, and of the Chapter, in Masonry and of the Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Darke County Historical Association. Mrs. McCurdy comes of pare American stock, being descended from a long line of American ancestors on both her DARKE COUNTY - 535 father's and mother's side. Many of these have distinguished themselves in various fields of activity. Her maternal grandfather, Dr. G. Miesse, was one of the famous pioneer physicians and surgeons of Darke county. He was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1807, was tutored in his medical studies by a noted Prussian physician, a Doctor Quinedon, and later studied in Philadelphia. On August 24, 1832, he was married to Miss Mary Wiest, of Lancaster, Ohio, and in 1838 settled in Greenville, Ohio, where he built up a large practice and spent a long and useful life. On August 24, 1882, was celebrated the golden wedding anniversary of the Doctor and his wife. He was not alone a skilled man of medicine, but a talented artist and scholar. He also collected a valuable cabinet of historical souvenirs, rare and extensive, which the University of Heidelberg sought to obtain. Doctor Miesse was a direct descendant of Daniel Miesse, a native of Saxony, Germany, who came to America in colonial days and during the Revolutionary war was a volunteer soldier in the army of Gen. George Washington, and one of forty-two who rendered special service at the crossing of the Delaware, receiving a document from the General "for meritorius services." Doctor Miesse was the last of the direct' descendants of Daniel Miesse, and died August 10, 1886, his faithful wife having passed away a few years before. On the paternal side Mrs. McCurdy is a direct descendant of an ancestor who had a hand in making history, who was the father of Rachel Arnold, the wife of Moses Arnold, who came to Ohio in 1808, locating in what is now Clinton, Ohio, then Warren county, and in 1817 William Arnold, his son, moved to Darke county. He was the father of Delilah (Arnold) Harper, grandmother of Mrs. McCurdy. The ancestor previously mentioned was a man of influence in the Colonial Congress of 1765, and of the First Continental Congress, and he. with John Rutledge and Christopher Gadsden, were the first to arrive at that assembly in 1776. He was a strong advocate of liberty, but died before signing the Declaration of Independence, although his son who became his successor, signed that famous document. Mrs. McCurdy is a D. A. R. and is well known socially, is an active church member and identified with several ladies' clubs. being a charter member of both the Columbian and Sorosis clubs. 536 - DARKE COUNTY BRUMBAUGH FAMILY. The name Brumbaugh is of German origin and in America has taken various spellings and includes all such as Brumbach, Brumback, Bombach, Brombach, Broombaugh, Brombaugh, Brownbaugh, Brownback and perhaps some others, all due no doubt to the fact that people in America on hearing the newly arrived immigrant pronounce the name each gave his own spelling to it. One of the family who came to America was Gerhard Brumbach, who was born in 1662, in Saxony, near Wittenberg, Germany. His name is found spelled not less than five ways, not from his writing it himself as he always made "his mark." He settled at Germantown, Pa., when there was but one house there, which was built in 1683. He was then about 21 years of age. It has been asserted that he came across on the Concord. He must have been about 54 or 56 years of age when he married Mary Rittenhouse Papen, who was born in 1695. She was the daughter of Heivert and Elizabeth (Rittenhouse) Papen. Her father was a man of considerable means and Gerhard Brombach settled the estate and his wife had quite an inheritance. At this time there were several spellings used in the name and the second generation used that of Brumback, but in the third generation it became Brownback, which remains to the present time. Gerhard settled in Vincent township on 600 acres of land, but later acquired more, until he had about 1,000 acres. It was at that time a wilderness and there was a village of about 300 Indians nearby. With these he made friends and em ployed them as laborers, smoked the "peace pipe," took pare in their wrestling matches, and other sports. He paid them in provisions. He built a house and barn of logs, very substantial, the house with a door through which logs could be hauled by a team to get the logs to the fireplace. The farm descended to Henry, then to Peter, then what is called the upper farm to Jesse, then to another Peter, and now both farms belong to Garrett Ellwood Brownback and have never been owned outside the family since the original grant from Penn. There was such a demand made upon him to keep travelers over night that he applied for and received permission to open a "public house," which became "Brownback Inn" about 1736. He was "Ye jolly landlord" until nearly the time of his death, which took place 1757. His son Benjamin suc- DARKE COUNTY - 537 ceeded him and on September 4, 1777, and for several days thereafter had the honor of entertaining Generals Washington and LaFayette. LaFayette had received a wound at Warren Tavern and had retreated to join Washington's army on its way to Germantown. The landlord, Benjamin Brownback, held a lientenant's commission in the continental army dated August 21, 1776. Not only was Gerhard an innkeeper, but he was interested in many other enterprises. The most prominent of these is the part he took in establishing German Reformed church in 1743. The first building was of hewn logs. This was later replaced with a building of stone in 1800, rebuilt in 1846, remodeled and enlarged in 1878, and in 1907 a tower and a Sunday school room were added. It is today one of the most beautiful churches in the county. Another of the family to come to America in colonial times was Johann Jacob Brumbach, who was born about 1728, and came to America on the ship Nancy, arriving at Philadelphia August 31, 1750. It seems that his parents had passed away before he left Germany and he brought with him as his inheritance about two hundred fifty dollars with which he seems to have bought a tract of land in what was then Frederick county, Maryland, south of Mason's and Dixon's line, not far from Hagerstown, but north about four miles from there. When about thirty-two years of age he married Mary Elizabeth Angle. He had built a log house before his marriage. This building is still standing and occupied. He rendered efficient service as a packman in the French and Indian war. He was well to do in later life as is shown by his securing 6,000 acres of land. On arriving in America he must have dropped the name Johann and was thereafter known as Jacob Brumbach. He was a very religious man and died in Pennsylvania April 10, 1799. Of his seven children we have to do only with the fourth, Daniel S. Brumbaugh, the spelling having already been changed no doubt by some one in making out legal papers and writing it as pronunciation sounded, lie was born in 1772 in what is now Washington county, then Frederick county, Maryland. He died August 24, 1824. He had married Elizabeth Long and to them were born nine children. His wife lived until December 12, 1860, being 81 years and 11 months. Of their children the third was named for his father, Daniel, and was born in Washington county, Maryland. August 6, 1803. When twenty years of age he married Annie Gray, a cousin of Ex-Gov. Isaac P. Gray, of Indiana. She 538 - DARKE COUNTY was born in Maryland August 5, 1805. Four years later they moved to Bedford county, Pennsylvania. In December, 1863, they moved to Darke county, Ohio, where they carried on farming. Daniel died in that county January 29, 1882. His wife had passed away about 1874. Of their ten children the fourth, Samuel David, was born January 7, 1831, near Hagerstown, Washington county, Maryland. On December 8, 1853, he married Elizabeth Darner, who was born June 24, 1831, near Beaverstown, Montgomery county, Ohio. He had come to Ohio several years before his parents came. His wife was a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Darner. Samuel David Brumbaugh was drafted during the Civil war but when he went to take the examination he was rejected as being physically unfit for military service. He afterward was commissioned first lieutenant of Company E, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for which he did a recruiting service. He died March 18, 1868. To them were born five children as follows: John Franklin, born November 12, 1854. He married Sarah M. Campbell of Darke county, Ohio. He later became the owner of the farm which had been bought by his father before the latter's death. To him were born four children: Maude Elizabeth married John E. Kline, who served as deputy auditor for Darke county from 1909 to 1914, when he was appointed deputy district tax commissioner by W. D. Brumbaugh. They have two children. The second of John Franklin Brumbaugh's children was John Walter, who died at the age of two years. The third is a daughter, Hattie. She married Claude Oswalt, a farmer residing on a farm adjacent to Brumbaugh farm in Greenville township. No children. Gertie, single, lives with her widowed mother on the Brumbaugh homestead across the road from Concord German Reformed church. John Franklin Brumbaugh died September 10, 1898. The second child of Samuel David is Daniel Harmon Brumbaugh, born October 11, 1856. He married Ella Bender of Darke county. He is a farmer and lives near Arcanum, Ohio. To them have been born eight children, five of whom are living. The third child of Samuel David Brumbaugh is Virginia Bell. She was born December 21, 1859. She married John W. Stephens, a farmer of Darke county, Ohio. They live in Greenville now and have five children. Clement Laird Brumbaugh, fourth child of Samuel David, was born in Richland township, Darke county, Ohio, February 28, 1863. DARKE COUNTY - 539 William David Brumbaugh, the youngest of the five children, was born August 1, 1866. He was about 18 months' old when his father passed away. The father had bought the old Deed's farm by the Concord church in Greenville township, consisting of 80 acres, in the fall before his death. The mother then took up the struggle of rearing these children and of keeping them together. This she succeeded in doing and by hard labor upon the farm, often doing a man's labor of out-door work, she with the help of the children succeeded in saving fifty-five acres. A part of the struggles is told in the biographies of her two sons, Clement L. and William David, which follows this article. She lived to see all her children well established in the world and her last years were spent in her little home on Martin street by the side of her daughter's residence, where she was cared for and administered to by her loving and faithful sons and daughter. The bosoms of her children swell with pride when they say that "they never heard her speak a reproachful word of any person and that they never knew her to seek her repose at night without first committing the care of herself and her little family to the keeping of her Savior, whom she fervently served to the last moment of her earthly existence." HON. CLEMENT LAIRD BRUMBAUGH. Congressman Clement L. Brumbaugh, democrat, of Columbus. Ohio, belongs to an old and honored family, which has been located in America for nearly two hundred years, the progenitor having come from Germany about 1750 and settled in what was then Frederick county, Maryland. A very good history of the Brumbaugh family may be found in this volume, as well as sketches of several prominent members of the family who are identified with Darke county. A family characteristic is having a purpose in view worthy of striving for and steadily working toward the desired end. Clement L. Brumbaugh has had to make his own way in life since lie was a mere lad and has steadily progressed in worldly position and in the degree of usefulness to his fellows. His sturdy character is shown in his face and bearing and he is a striking figure in any gathering. Mr. Brumbaugh was born on a farm near Greenville, Darke 540 - DARKE COUNTY county, February 28, 1863, son of Samuel 1). and Elizabeth (Darner) Brumbaugh, the parents given extensive mention in connection with the history of the family mentioned above. Samuel David Brumbaugh was the fourth of the ten children of Daniel and Anna (Gray) Brumbaugh, and was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, January 7, 1831, came to Ohio before 1860, and died March 18, 1868. Elizabeth Darner was born June 24, 1831, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Darner. Samuel D. Brumbaugh was drafted for service during the Civil war, but was not accepted on account of physical defects, though he was later commissioned first lieutenant of Company E, Third Ohio Infantry, for which he did recruiting service. He and his wife had five children, all of whom still survive. The fall before his death he purchased the old Deede farm near Concord church in Greenville township, consisting of eighty acres. His widow was left with five small children and endured many privations in her effort to do her best for them all. She worked in the fields and often did a man's work. She never lost courage and faith in the future, and in her later life her children in truth realized and appreciated what she had done for them and the ambition she had instilled into them. She wished each one to make an honorable place for himself and lived to see them all in comfortable circumstances and a credit to her hard work and foresight. All honored her highly and they did their utmost to make her last days happy and to make up to her for the hardships she endured. She succeeded in saving for their home fifty-five acres of the farm and as her sons grew large enough to help they did what they could for her and later went to work for others to do their share to keep up the home. Clement L. Brumbaugh was five years old at the time of his father's death, so that his earliest recollections are associated with hard work and privation. He became a farm hand as soon as he was large enough to be accepted in that capacity. This was in the days when farmers worked from the rising to the setting sun and sometimes later, and expected the most conscientious and painstaking service. He was never known to shirk his duty and always had his ideal for the future, resolving to better his condition as he was able to do so and schooling himself in patience. He attended the district school when opportunity offered and applied himself so diligently that he was able to secure a certificate to teach, using this profession as a stepping stone to higher ground, as so many DARKE COUNTY - 541 others have done. For a few years he taught winters and worked as a farm hand during the summer months, and upon reaching manhood's estate he had saved some money toward his educational plans. In 1887 he graduated with degree B. S. from the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio; then founded Van Buren Academy, which he conducted four years; from 1891 until 1893 took a special course in ancient languages at Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware Ohio; in the fall of 1893 entered the senior year in the classical course at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., graduating with degree A.B. in June, 1894; the following year taught school in the city of Washington; from 1896 to 1900 served as superintendent of schools in Greenville. He had a special liking for the study of history and also made a specialty of studying political economy, in this way following a train of thought that made his later public services especially valuable, for he has always been very conscientious in fulfilling every trust. He was an alternate at large for the State of Ohio to the democratic national convention at Kansas City in 1900; from 1900; from 1904 served as member and minority leader in the Ohio legis lature, during which time he made a record that was of great assistance to him in his later career as a politician. During his college course, Mr. Brumbaugh had studied la and in 1900 was admitted by the Supreme Court of Ohio to practice the profession, which he immediately took up in the city of Columbus, winning a place at once by his ability. While holding the position of deputy superintendent of insurance of the State of Ohio he was nominated for Congress in the Twelfth Ohio Congressional District, at a democratic primary held May 21, 1912. The district had a normal republican majority of about 5,000, but on account of Mr. Brumbaugh's previous progressive record in the Ohio legislature he was endorsed by the progressive party of the district, which helped win his election to the Sixty-third Congress. He received 24,340 votes to 14,682 for Hon. Edward L. Taylor, Jr,, republican; 7,095 for Jacob L. Baehman, socialist; and 450 for John R. Schmidt, labor socialist, and he was the only democratic nominee for Congress in Ohio to receive the endorsement of the progressive party. He had carried on an able campaign and had made numerous able speeches, which had brought him into prominence throughout the State, for all its citizens were interested in his success, more especially as his record of being a self-made man appealed to all. His 542 - DARKE COUNTY upright and enthusiastic zeal and courage won him many friends; all who know him well predict greater things in his future. He has always been steadfastly true to his party and its interests and is known as one of the typical democratic leaders from Ohio. WILLIAM D. BRUMBAUGH. Few men are so well known in Darke county as William D. Brumbaugh, prominent attorney of Greenville, who has for many years been identified with one or another of the movements for advancement and progress in the community. He was born in a log cabin on a farm now known as the Kelsey Place, Richland township, Darke county, August 1, 1867, and is the youngest child of Samuel D. and Elizabeth (Darner) Brumbaugh. The father was born and grew to manhood on a farm near Hagerstown, Maryland, coming as a youth to Montgomery county, Ohio. He there was united in marriage with Elizabeth Darner, born on the old Darner homestead in that county. Soon after marriage the young couple located in Richland township, Darke county; they later bought eighty acres in Greenville township. The father died a few months after this purchase, leaving his widow with five children, four sons and one daughter, the eldest being twelve years of age. At that time William D. was eighteen months old. Mrs. Brumbaugh managed to keep her little family together and, with their help, managed to keep for herself fifty-five acres of land. Of the children: John Franklin, who had purchased the old homestead, died about 1900, leaving a widow and three daughters; Daniel H., whose home was in Darke county, died December 23, 1912, from the effects of an operation at St. Elizabeth hospital, Dayton, Ohio, leaving a widow and five children; Clement L. lives at 1309 Niel avenue, Columbus; Jennie Belle, the only daughter, married John W. Stephens, and they have five children, their home being in Greenville; William D., the youngest, whose name heads this sketch. Samuel D. Brumbaugh was a democrat in politics and was a member of the Reformed church. He was drafted for service in the army during the Civil war, but was rejected on account of physical inability. William D. Brumbaugh remained with his mother until he DARKE COUNTY - 543 was twenty-eight years of age. He worked during the summer months and attended school through the winter, as did his brother also. The first money he earned was a dime which he received for dropping corn over the three acre field around the old school house, which was owned by Uncle William Oswald. When he was thirteen years of age he hired out to Joseph S. and John Walker at fifty cents per day and worked for them three summers, doing a man's work in plowing, in the harvest field and wherever he could be most useful. The winters of his fifteenth and sixteenth years be attended Greenville high school, walking the three miles there and back morning and evening. During this time he ate his noonday meal in the retail grocery and hardware store of Westerfield Bros., in the building now occupied by the C. C. Hall cigar store. He spent his spare time at noon taking special work in mathematics under Prof. F. M. White, as he wanted to progress faster than the rest of the class were able to do. On the first day of March after he had reached the age of sixteen years, Mr. Brumbaugh started his career as a teacher in his home district, the Concord school, as it was called. His mother's home had sheltered the teachers in the district, as well as all preachers who came to the neighborhood to preach. For the first ninety days, a spring term, he received one dollar per day, and for the winter term he received one and a half dollars per day. He continued this work three winters and four springs, earning money which assisted to pay off the mortgage on the home place. He taught one winter at Poplar Ridge and three winters at Bear's Mills, and during four summers attended school at Lebanon, where he was under the influence and instruction of "Daddy" Holbrook. He used the money he had earned to proceed with his education, but as he did not have enough, John Walker, who had held the mortgage on the old homestead for years, offered to loan what he needed to finish, and he took scientific, classic and engineering courses, in all of which he did creditably. At the age of twenty-four years, when he finished his course, he was owing Mr. Walker $575, and took out Union Central Life insurance in favor of his mother, who was also a signer of his note, in order to protect her interests. Shortly after leaving school Mr. Brumbaugh was nominated on the democratic ticket for the office of county surveyor, being elected in the fall, and he took his office January 1, 544 - DARKE COUNTY 1891. He was re-elected in 1894, at which time lie led the ticket, and on account of changes in the law affecting length of office he served six years and eight months. While sery ing his last term he was appointed city engineer by the city council. About 1899 he and his brother, Clement L., built a house in Greenville and there William D. Brumbaugh and his mother made their home. For eleven years he continued to serve as city engineer and during that time he served as chief engineer of the sanitary board, which put in seventeen miles of sewer system and during this time also Broadway, Washington avenue, East and West Fifth streets, East Fourth street and East Third street were paved. He has superintended work in nearly every section of the State. There is scarcely a farm in this county which he has not been on and he is so familiar with the lands of Darke county that upon hearing the location of a man's home can at once name his near neighbors. Mr. Brumbaugh was married in Greenville, September 17, 1895, to Miss Carrie E. Ridenour, born and reared in Greenville, a graduate of Greenville high school, and who was a teacher in Darke county. She is a daughter of William and Nina (Phillips) Ridenour. Four children have blessed this union: Laird R., born August 23, 1897, died June 17, 1913, when a junior in Greenville high school; Nina E., born December 29, 1899, is a member of the sophomore class in high school; William D., Jr., born August 15, 1906, and Herman Edward, born July 15, 1910. While teaching, Mr. Brumbaugh had his first impulse to study law and actually began his course, reading in the office of Attorneys Bickel and Allread, above the old postoffice. where later he had his own office. He abandoned the idea for a few years, on account of his mother's scruples, but never lost his desire or predilection for the law, and his course at Lebanon helped him in his later studies along this line. While serving as city engineer he took up this study during his evenings and his wife was of great assistance during this period, giving him his quizzes. By the close of his service as city engineer he was fully prepared for his examination, which he passed in June, 1904, and was admitted to the bar. He has since been engaged in the active practice of his profession and has gained a high reputation. He has a suite of offices on the second floor of the Trainor building on Broadway, and has been successful to a gratifying degree. DARKE COUNTY - 545 During early manhood Mr. Brumbaugh was a democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He has always taken great interest in public affairs and has been active in the interests of his party during campaigns and at the polls. He served several times on the executive committee, of Darke county and in 1912 was its chairman. In 1894 Mr. Brumbaugh, with four others, viz., Charles J. Herr, Guy C. Baker, James Chenoweth and J. Willard Ditman, were conducting a lecture course in Greenville, and had booked John Temple Graves for a lecture. However, Mr. Graves was unable to meet his engagement and Mr. Brumbaugh, as secretary of the committee, was empowered to secure a substitute. He wrote to his brother, Clement L., then a teacher in Howard University, Washington, D. C., to ascertain if he could secure Bourke Cochrane. At that time William J. Bryan was serving his first term as congressman from Nebraska, and had delivered his electrifying speech on the tariff question, which Clement Brumbaugh was fortunate enough to hear, and without attempting to secure Mr. Cochrane, wrote back to his brother, "If you want to get the coming leader of the people get W. J. Bryan, of Nebraska." This was done, and in the spring William D. Brumbaugh had the pleasure of introducing the "silver tongued" orator to his first Ohio audience, in the Greenville opera house. Since that time there has never been a presidential or gubernatorial campaign at which Mr. Bryan has not addressed the people of Darke county, and Mr. Brumbaugh has been an ardent admirer of Mr. Br, since first meeting him. In 1909 he was a candidate for nomination for office of probate judge, but was defeated by present incumbent, James B. Kelp. In March, 1912, he was appointed deputy state oil inspec for the seventh district, holding that office until he resigns it to accept position of district tax assessor in Darke county, being, appointed to office by Governor Cox. His mother was a member of the United Brethren church and at the age of sixteen rears lie also joined it at Concord, and after locating in Greenville identified himself with the church there, serving some time as a member of the board of trustees and as superintendent of the Sunday school for several years. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons and to the Knights of Pythias. He has a large number of friends throughout the county and has been well supported in his campaigns for office (35) 546 - DARKE COUNTY and in his personal efforts for the welfare and progress of his county and state. His wife is a member of the Altrurian club of Greenville and the family are well known in social circles. Mr. Brumbaugh is an upright, public-spirited citizen and has always been much interested in his fellow men and in any institution or movement which he feels will result in good to the greatest number rather than to a few. HARRY C. MILLER. Harry C. Miller is one of the younger men in public life in Darke county, and is giving the people conscientious service in the capacity of county surveyor. He is well known throughout the county and has many sincere friends. He was born in the city of Richmond, Indiana, February 25, 1884, son of Thomas B. and Elizabeth (McGrew) Miller. He was but one year old when his parents located in Greenville, Ohio, and five years later his father was chosen superintendent of the county infirmary, a position he held eleven years. Mr. Miller attended the country schools until he was about thirteen years of age, then started to attend school in Greenville, continuing until he had taken the first two years of the high school course. He left to begin a course in civil engineering and surveying in the school of John Beers, at Greenville, from which he graduated creditably in 1904. He was much interested in his chosen line of work and gained valuable practical experience during the succeeding years in railway work in Arkansas. For a year he was assistant engineer in the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railway Company. For about a year he then worked as mining engineer in Pennsylvania. For a few years he worked in various parts of the country for private individuals and firms, but during this time retained his residence in Darke county, and has always been interested in local affairs. He was reared with principles of democracy and cast his first presidential ballot for William Jennings Bryan. He has since actively worked in the interest of his party and has been much interested in the work of the party in Darke county. In November, 1912, he was elected to his present office, taking sane September 1, 1913. He makes friends readily, is interested in the welfare of the public and most conscientious in the performance DARKE COUNTY - 547 of his official duties. His former experience has been of great help to him and he is well fitted for the work in which he is engaged. He has the confidence and esteem of all and is considered a public-spirited citizen. On September 26, 1907, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Roland, a native of Greenville, a graduate of the high school there, and for five years prior to her marriage teacher of drawing in the school at St. Marys, Ohio. She is a daughter of Charles, Jr., and Elizabeth (Davis) Roland, residents of Greenville. She is a member and one of the earnest workers of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Fin-de-Sicle Literary Society. Mr. Miller is a member of the Knights of Pythias and has filled the chairs in the local lodge, and he also belongs to the Order of Elks. In July, 1913, he began the erection of a pretty modern residence, into which he moved the following October, located on Grey avenue. He and his wife are parents of a little daughter, Marjorie Elizabeth, born December 19, 1913. CHANNING WEBSTER BRANDON. Channing Webster Brandon, president of the Columbus Mutual Life Insurance Company, was the organizer of that large concern, whose stock is held by over six hundred representative citizens throughout the State of Ohio, located in every county in the State and comprising over one hundred physicians, one hundred merchants and manufacturers, the same number of bankers and clergymen, numerous farmers, and men engaged in various other occupations. When this company was organized it was with the thought of benefiting the next generation and those coming later, as well as of giving the people safe insurance at lowest cost, for they do not pay enormous salaries to a few officers of the company. This company was organized to establish a co-operative commonwealth that would place the policy holders' interests first, carry out the highest ideals, practice the Golden Rule and furnish the most of the best insurance for the least money. Insurance men have year by year brought their business to a scientific basis, and all intelligent persons may know whether or not the policies offered them are prepared on a fair basis. Such a company as the one here described is of great benefit to those who 548 - DARKE COUNTY avail themselves of the opportunity it offers. Mr. Brandon is responsible more than any other for the success of the enterprise and has given his best efforts in this connection. Mr. Brandon was born December 11, 1858, at Marion, Ind., third child of Thomas A. and Susanna (McCullough) Brandon, both now deceased. The father was a clergyman and for some fifty years presided as pastor of various churches in Darke county. He was born near Versailles, Darke county, and died in 1896. The mother was born near Addison, Miami county, Ohio. The Brandon family originally came from Ireland. The father of James M. Brandon was also named Alexander and was born in York county, Pennsylvania, March 13, 1748. He was a private in General Washington's army and was promoted to sergeant and received his pay in the depreciated paper money that was issued by the Continental Congress which went so far below par in its value that the by-word, "not worth a Continental," expressed the lowest possible value one could imagine. He was the son of an immigrant known as Scotch-Irishman, who located in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in the first half of the Eighteenth century. It appears that they remained in Pennsylvania until after the close of the Revolutionary war and that Alexander had several brothers, one of whom was Jonathan. On Monday, April 19, 1773, Alexander Brandon married Elizabeth Mabinette, who was born on Sunday, June 11, 1749. (It seems that some of the descendants have her name Elizabeth Robinette, but our authority says this is a mistake and that Mabinette is correct.) Alexander and Jonathan Brandon seem to have moved to Preston county, W est Virginia, in 1786. Jonathan located where Brandonville, which was named for him, now stands. His house was the very first built there and later on one room was used as a store. Alexander located on the north side of Sandy Creek between Bruceton and Hazleton, his farm being the one now owned by John Matlick. In West Virginia Alexander Brandon became the firs: colonel of the One Hundred and Fourth regiment of State militia and held that position until one year before his death, which took place on the anniversary of his birth, March 13, 1813. His wife, Elizabeth, passed away April 14, 1792. Of their four sons and six daughters all went to Ohio except William and Hannah. One of these was James M. DARKE COUNTY - 549 Brandon, the grandfather of Channing Webster Brandon of this review. Rev. Thomas A. Brandon was one of the early teachers of Darke county, where he became well known later for his work in the interests of the Christian church. He was drafted for military service during Civil war, when men were being secured for the purpose of stopping Morgan's raid, but it was necessary for him to serve only a few days. He was highly respected and held in high regard by all. He and his wife had four children. In boyhood Mr. Channing W. Brandon attended several different schools, beginning his education at the age of five years in the public school at Montgomery, Hamilton county, and later attending the public schools of Stringtown, Lebanon, Troy, Yellow Springs, Williamsport, Bellefontaine, Dayton, Jamestown, Ohio, and Union City, Ind., where his father was preaching. At the age of sixteen years he left school and took a position with his brother in the grocery business in Bellefontaine, remaining there a year and a half. Later he taught school in Darke county, the first year three miles east of Union City, the second year seven miles north of that town. He returned to Bellefontaine and for two years was employed there as a bookkeeper, after which for three years he conducted a book and stationery business there on his own account, after which he entered the line of work in which he has since been engaged. e moved to Greenville on February 4, 1884, remained there until 1893, and during this time was working in the interests of the Union Central Life Insurance Company. He went to Dayton in the interests of the same company, remained there about ten years, and in June, 1903, located in Columbus. He began the organization of the Columbus Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906 and by April, 1908, was writing insurance in the same, being president of this growing enterprise from the start. He has offices in the Wyandotte building and both Mr. Brandon and the company he represents stand well in business circles. He has always displayed great energy and executive ability in conducting his business affairs and has shown good business sense in his methods of procedure. On September 18, 1877, Mr. Brandon married Miss Josephine S., daughter of William Archard, who has been county commissioner of Darke county. Her grandfather, David Mauzy, served as a member of the Ohio Legislature from Darke 550 - DRAKE COUNTY county and died at the Neill House, Columbus. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brandon: William T. is married and has two children, Margaret J. and William Webster; Harry P. and Mary Josephine, unmarried; Archard, who is married and has no issue. In politics Mr. Brandon is independent, believing it right to elect the man to office who is best fitted to serve the interests of the people, regardless of politics. He is a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, and also of the Masonic Order, having joined the latter at Greenville in 1886. The family have a pleasant home at 118 Miami avenue, Columbus. They are well remembered in Greenville, where they lived several years, and have many friends there. IRA H. MARTIN. Ira H. Martin is a representative citizen of Darke county and has a pleasant home in Greenville. He owns a fine eighty acre farm on Gettysburg pike, Adams township, about four miles from the city, but is employed as a railway mail clerk for the government. He is a native of the county, born on a farm in Washington township, March 12, 1871, son of Joseph and Jane (Van Fleet) Martin. The father, a native of the same township, was a son of Hugh and Eve (Cox) Martin, and was born July 8, 1834. He was a man of education and enterprise. He spent several years in mercantile business, but later engaged in farming, where he was successful in a gratifying degree. Hugh Martin came to Ohio from Pennsylvania with his parents when a young man and with them lived for a time in Trumbull county and from there the family came to Darke county. Here he was married to Eve Cox October 2, 1823. She was born in Pennsylvania October 23, 1796, and came with her parents to Ohio in 1816. Her parents settled on West Branch in Darke county, where her father secured 1,600 acres of land from the United States government at $1.25 per acre. From that she inherited one hundred and sixty acres. The mother was born on Broadway, New York City, daughter of John D. and Eleanor N. (Doty) Van Fleet, her father being a blacksmith on Broadway at the time of her birth. DARKE COUNTY - 551 From New York City her parents moved to some place in New Jersey, where her mother passed away. The father mar-rid again and later moved to Darke county, Ohio, where he bought a farm which he sold after a few years and moved to Wabash county, Indiana. In later years he came back to Darke county and lived near Coletown, surviving to the age of about eighty years. Ile and his second wife are buried at what is known as Sharpeye cemetery. He was son of Cornelius and Sophia (Cole) Van Fleet, the former of whom was born April 30, 1766, and the latter July 5, 1773. Joseph Martin was married in Darke county about 1859 or 1860, and Ira H. is the youngest of their six children, and a twin. Ida M. is unmarried and lives on the Martin homestead in Washington township, making her home with a brother; Charles died in infancy; Francis M. died at the age of eighteen years; John, who owns and lives on the old home place, married Elizabeth Landers and they have two sons, Ray and Charles; Ora H. and Ira H. are twins. Ora H. married Jessie Kurts, lives in Richmond, Ind., and they have two daughters, Hildred and Rebecca. He is employed as a railway mail clerk. The mother of these children died in 1880 and the father April 2, 1907, and both are interred in Manuel cemetery near Cole-town. The father was a Democrat in political belief; he never took much active part in political affairs. Mr. Martin received a good education and at the age of twenty years began teaching a country school, following the profession eleven years. He looked ahead during the time to the day when he could engage in something that would give him employment throughout the year and insure a good income, and in September, 1902, took examination for railway postal clerk, entering the service in April, 1903. He has been successful in making a good record and in March, 1912, bought his farm, on which he has made many improvements. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is pleasant and genial in manner and has made many firm friends. He is well known in the community as a man of upright habits and good principles, as well as for his enterprise and public spirit. On August 25, 1897, Mr. Martin married Miss Ella Protzman, a native of Franklin township, Darke county, and daughter of William and Nancy (Marker) Protzman. One child has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Martin, 552 - DARKE COUNTY Eugene Lowell, born in Greenville, September 12, 1905. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Pythian Sisters and has filled the office of Senior and Most Excellent Chief. She is also a charter member of the Coterie club. JOHN S. SIMON. A man of simple, unaffected dignity, kind-hearted and remarkably industrious, John S. Simon has always held the high respect of his kindred and business associates, and Avon a success which is well deserved. In his business relations he was sagacious., but never was too much occupied with them to neglect his duties as a citizen or his responsibilities to his family. He was born at Versailles, Ohio, where he now lives retired, July 27, 1847, a son of George S. and Frances (Begin) Simon, and grandson of John N. and Jane Simon, and John Joseph Begin. John N. Simon and his wife located about two and one-half miles northeast of Versailles upon their immigration from France to America. There they became the owners of one hundred and sixty acres of land and reared their family. They died upon that property which is still in the family, when he was eighty-seven years old, and she eighty years old. They had four children, namely: Sebastian, who was in the French army and came here two years after his father; George S.; John N., Jr.; and Matilda, who married John N. Gasson and is now deceased as is her husband. John Begin, the maternal grandfather of John S. Simon came to America with his wife and family on the same boat with the Simon family, they too, being natives of France. Mrs. Begin died when still comparatively a young woman, but he lived to be eighty-seven years old. They had four children: Frances, Mary, Celestine and Joseph. George S. Simon was only nineteen years old when the final severing of native ties took place and the family came to America. The sailing vessel upon which they embarked in 1839, consumed sixty-three days on the voyage, and the little party landed at Versailles, Ohio, June 20 of that year. For the following forty years George S. Simon was a merchant at Versailles, and was a man of more than ordinary attainments, having been well educated in his native land, and spoke both French and English fluently. A brother of his served for seven DARKE COUNTY - 553 years in the French army, but he escaped service by coming to America. He and his wife were schoolmates and knew each other all their lives. The death of this excellent man occurred in 1901 when he was eighty-one years old, he having been born in 1821. His wife, who was born in 1819, died in 1896, aged seventy-seven years. Originally Catholics, they departed from that creed to become members of the Christian (Disciple) church. For several terms, George S. Simon served his township as treasurer. He and his wife had four children, namely: John S.; George, who died unmarried when thirty years old, Mary M., who married J. C. Turpin of Red Key, Ind., and Catherine, deceased, who was the wife of Valentine Arbaugh. John S. Simon has spent his life at Versailles and has passed through many changes, for he remembers the time when he and his mother gathered wild blackberries on the sites of the Christian and Methodist churches and the school house. He used to shoot ducks that frequented a pond then occupying the lot on which the Cashman residence now stands. During his boyhood he attended the Versailles school, and when only thirteen years old began to make himself useful in his father's store, later becoming the buyer for the clothing and boot and shoe departments. Subsequently he conducted a business of his own on the corner now occupied by Leonard Marker, continuing in this line until he was elected county treasurer in 1884, and in order to attend to the duties, moved to the county seat and resided there for four years. Returning to Versailles he conducted a "racket store" until his retirement in 1909, since which time he has not been engaged in an acive participation in business affairs. Until four years ago, Mr. Simon enjoyed almost perfect health, but at that time had the misfortune to be stricken down with sciatic rheumatism, from which he has never fully recovered, and compelled to enter into retirement. On April 15, 1868, John S. Simon married Amanda Brush, a daughter of William Brush. Mr. and Mrs. Simon became the parents of two children: Harry, who is clerking at Cincinnati, Ohio, and Margaret, who married a Mr. Gutheil and he died at Greenville, where he was buried. Mr. and Mrs. Gutheil had three sons, Cecil, Harry and Charles. After the death of her first husband, Margaret married (second) a Mr. Chubb and has one daughter, Margaret Chubb. John S. Simon lost his first wife, and he married (second) Maggie M. Seibert, a daughter of John and Eusehia (Fitts) Seibert, and they have 554 - DARKE COUNTY one son, George M. Simon, who is clerking at Zanesville, Ohio. Mrs. Maggie M. Simon was born at Greenville, Ohio, but her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. The former died some years ago, but his wife is still living. They had five children: Hattie, Daisy, Maggie M., Harry and Charles Seibert. Mrs. Simon and her son belong to the Christian church. Fraternally, Mr. Simon belongs to Versailles Lodge No. 290, F. & A. M., and is also a Chapter and Commandery Mason. Politically, he has always supported the doctrines of the Democratic party, and has given expression to his views when he thought his action would produce the most good. For several years he was township clerk, and for the same length of time served on the school board, while for nine years he was a justice of the peace. In every line of endeavor he has proven himself a man of character and no one ever had cause to regret placing implicit confidence in him or his judgment. Mr. Simon has the Bible, in three volumes, published in 1702, left him by his father and formerly his grandfather's. It is now the property of his son. George M. Simon, having been in four Simon generations. WILLIAM V. KELLEY. William V. Kelley, a prominent business man of Chicago. Ill.,, is a member of one of Darke county's pioneer families His father took an active part in public affairs in Greenville and vicinity and was one of the leading merchants of Greenville. Mr. Kelley was born at Gratis, Ohio, February 13, 1961. Son of William J. and Susan E. (Taylor) Kelley, both natives of Ohio. William J. Kelley located on a farm near Greenville in 1865 and was one of the more successful and substantial fanners of the region. In later life he located in Greenville. where he operated the leading. dry goods and hardware store. He was widely known and served for a time as cot my auditor. He was a man of great public spirit and interested himself in various local enterprises. He was a prominent member of the Odd Fellows' organization and largely instrumental in the project of the erection of the Greenville opera house. His death occurred in 1889 and he was buried in Greenville cemetery. His widow survived until November 29, 1912, passing away in Chi- DARKE COUNTY - 555 cago, and her remains were brought to Greenville and laid to rest beside those of her husband. When about eight years old William V. Kelley began attendance at Greenville public schools, at the age of eighteen graduating from the high School. He subsequently took a commercial course in Cincinnati, remaining one year in that city. Upon returning to Greenville he was employed as bookkeeper in his father's store, and in 1883 accepted a position as bookkeeper and salesman with W. W. Diehl Hardware Company, of Springfield, Ohio, with whom he remained about two years, leaving to become associated with Springfield Malleable Iron Company, with whom he remained until January 1, 1888. At that time he entered the employ of Charles Scott Spring Company, of Philadelphia, manufacturers of railway car and locomotive springs, remaining with that company until August, 1897. In 1897 Mr. Kelley organized the Simplex Railway Appliance Company, in Chicago. Their plant was located in Hammond, Ind., where they manufactured car bolsters, brake beams and car and locomotive springs. On January 1, 1905, this business was sold to the American Steel Foundries, and in August of the same year Mr. Kelley was elected president of the concern, which post he retained until 1912, when he resigned to take the position of chairman of the company, which office he resigned in March, 1914, although he is still a director of the company. In 1902 Mr. Kelley broadened the field of operations of the concern and organized the Simplex Railway Appliance Company of Canada, with headquarters at Montreal. This concern engaged in the manufacture of bolsters, brake beams and similar goods. The name of this concern was subsequently changed to Dominion Car & Foundry Company, the capital stock increased and a new plant built, where they manufactured their former line of goods and in addition steel freight cars. In consolidation operations this company in 1912 was sold to the Canadian Car & Foundry Company and Mr. Kelley's connection with it ceased from that date, as he received cash for his share in the enterprise. In 1910 Mr. Kelley bought a controlling interest in the Miehle Printing Press and Manufacturing Company, of Chicago, without doubt at the present time the largest concern of its kind in the world. He has become associated with various other business enterprises and among his other interests is a stockholder and director in the Continental & Commercial 556 - DARKE COUNTY National Bank, the second largest bank in the United States. He is also a stockholder and director in the Union Trust Company of Chicago; stockholder and director with the Phoenix Horse Shoe Company, and holds similar posts with the Wahl Adding Machine Company. Mr. Kelley stands high in business circles, not only in Chicago, but also wherever he is known. His ability in the financial world is of a high order and it is such men who help produce the prosperity of a community and State. Mr. Kelley was married, November 14, 1894, to Miss Lillian Phelps, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Orson Phelps, o1 Spring Green, Wisconsin, and later of Chicago. Four sons have blessed this union, all students in the Chicago schools: William V., Jr., Russell Phelps, Phelps and Gordon Phelps. The family reside at 1550 North State Parkway, and the n I. fices of the Miehle Printing Press & Manufacturing Company are located at 1216-1218 Monadnock block, in the heart of the business district of Chicago. Although much engrossed in business Mr. Kelley and his wife are popular in club and social life, in which both are well known and prominent. He is a member of the following clubs: Chicago, Union League, Mid-Day, Chicago Athletic, Chicago Golf, Onwentsia, Glenview Golf, Exmoor Country, Old Elm Golf, South Shore Country and National Golf Links of America, as well as Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, near South Hampton, Long Island. Mr. Kelley is very popular in the various circles where his activities lead him and his sterling qualities of mind and heart have won him a multitude of friends. He has identified himself with the city where he has his chief business interests, but has a warm spot in his heart for the place of his birth and is held in high esteem by the citizens of his native county. JAMES OSCAR STARR, M. D. Dr. James O. Starr, leading physician and surgeon of Pitsburg, Ohio, has been located there since June, 1901, and has built up a large practice. He was born near Xenia, Ohio, November 16, 1869, eldest child of John W. and Emily J. (Bond) Starr, both natives of Virginia and both now deceased. The father was born December 11, 1841, and the mother in 1846, and died January 16, 1913. They were the parents of five chil- DARKE COUNTY - 557 dren, viz.: Dr. James Oscar, of this sketch; Nettie, wife of Ira W. Reck of Gettysburg, Ohio; George W., an attorney residing at Coquelle, southern Oregon; Maude, wife of Charles Wagamon of Bradford, Ohio; and Thomas L. of Toledo, Ohio. The Starr family came originally from England and settled in Virginia in an early day and from Virginia to Ohio w1 en he was a young man and the mother a young woman. John W. Starr served in many of the important battles in the Civil war, being in Company B, Seventy-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, being in the service four years. He served at Shiloh and in most of the engagements where General Sherman commanded, going with him on the famous march from Atlanta to the sea, and was in the grand review at Washington. In early life he was a successful farmer, but in the latter part of his life he was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to take care of the flowers and grounds from Chicago eastward on that line from Bradford to Logansport, Ind., making his home at Horatio, Ohio. While thus employed he was struck and killed by a train. He was an upright, industrious man, a patriotic citizen and well respected by all. At the age of seven years Dr. Starr began attending the country school, four miles from home, walking most of the time to and fro. When he was about seventeen years old his parents moved to Darke county and for two years he attended school at Gettysburg. He then taught school seven years, thus earning and saving the money for his medical education, for he had that object in mind from early manhood. In 1895 he entered Starling Medical College at Columbus, and was graduated in 1901 with honor in the class which was the first of the four-year medical course with the degree of M. D. During the last two years he spent there he was assistant clinical surgeon of St. Francis Hospital, Columbus, thus gaining valuable experience and training in surgery and fitting himself for independent practice of his profession. He has a natural gift and liking for his life work and has gained the confidence of those with whom he has been associated professionally. He stands well in his profession, is a member of the American Medical Association; was the fourth vice-president of the Ohio State Medical Association (1910-1911) and in 1913 was president of the Darke County Medical Society. He is a stockholder and Manager of the Pitsburgh Cement Post Company, and is examiner for the New York Life, Northwestern and many other insurance companies. Politically, he is a Republican and in relig- 558 - DARKE COUNTY ion a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. of which he is a trustee. His wife is a member of the Sunday school, and is also superintendent of Junior Epworth League. On June 25, 1899, Doctor Starr was united in marriage with Maude B. Thomas, daughter of Noah and Susan (Hooven) Thomas, of Horatio, Ohio, and two children have blessed their union: Suzanne, born June 25, 1902, and Robert J., born July 9. 1907, both students in the public schools of Pitsburg. Doctor Starr is prominent in Masonic circles and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He has served as vice-councilor and as councilor. The family's beautiful home on Jefferson street was built in 1905. It is 40x46, including two rooms for office. It is two stories, basement and all modern improvements. THOMAS C. MILLER. The records of Darke county show that never before have there been so many able members of the bar within its confines. With innumerable important matters before the people which involve serious problems of jurisprudence, it is exceedingly necessary for the lawyer of today to be able to cope with them and lend his aid in obtaining justice. Because of the necessary qualifications for success, the modern attorney is being asked to occupy positions of trust and responsibility and his advice and co-operation are wanted in the handling of civic matters. Thomas C. Miller of Greenville, Ohio, is a lawyer who rightly belongs to the class defined above, while as a man he has justified the confidence felt in him by those who know his capabilities and recognize his merit. Mr. Miller was born at West Milton, Miami county, Ohio, February 25, 1841, a son of Samuel and Margaret (Bowman) Miller, natives of Charleston, Va., and Ohio, respectively. Thomas C. Miller is the only child born of their marriage. Samuel Miller was reared in Virginia, but came to Ohio about 1835, and locating in Miami county, operated a mill on Stillwater near Milton for a number of years. His death occurred in that locality when he was sixty-seven years old. His wife passed away at Greenville, when about the same age. They were earnest members of the Methodist church and good, Christian people. Thomas C. Miller grew up at West Milton, where he was DARKE COUNTY - 559 given but a limited education. From childhood, however, he was an omnivorous reader and by close personal application made himself a well-informed person long before he began the study of law, and this general information has proved of inestimable value to him in his practice. While still a lad he began trading horses and was thus engaged when the Civil war broke out. The patriotic young man did not hesitate but enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio volunteer infantry and served for two years as a private, participating in a number of important engagements, escaping without serious injury. Returning home, after the close of his period of service, Mr. Miller began studying law, and in 1874 was admitted to the bar, and immediately thereafter entered upon a general practice at Troy, Ohio, from whence he came to Greenville in 1892, and has since continued here, being a associated with some of the most important jurisprudence the county. Prior to his admission to the bar, he represent several of his friends in suits, winning the first two. His success attracted the attention of E. P. Kellogg, an attorney Milton, who induced Mr. Miller to study under him, and e couraged him in every way. The success which Mr. Mils has experienced is all the more remarkable in that he is almost entirely self-taught, and indicates that he had much natu ability and a keen insight into human nature which have be valuable aids to him. Thomas C. Miller was married to Miss Louisa M. Thompson, a daughter of Augustus and Sarah (Mote) Thompson . and they became the parents of three children : Perry E., why is a traveling salesman, married and has two children, Virginia and Louisa, and lives in Greenville township; William E., who operates a roofing and tinsmith business at Dayton. Ohio, married Emma Miller and Lemuel E., who is in a life insurance business at Dayton, Ohio, married and has a daughter, Dorothy. Mrs. Miller was born in Miami county, Ohio, but her father was a native of Maryland, who came to Miami county at an early day. Both he and his wife passed away in that county. For his second marriage he was united to Mrs. Anna D. Bear (nee Grindle), and by this union there are no children. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are consistent members of the United Brethren church. He is a Republican in political faith. For some years he has been serving as a pension attorney, and has rendered valuable assistance to his old comrades in securing their right from the government for past services. His 560 - DARKE COUNTY connections with Jobes Post, G. A. R., are very pleasant, and he enjoys attending encampments, for like other veterans, he does not forget the days when the Boys in Blue were the saviors of the nation. EZRA BAKER. Ezra Baker, general contractor and prominent citizen of Arcanum, is one of the most successful business men of the county. He has various business interests in the vicinity and is always ready to interest himself in any movement for the benefit of his community. He began life on his own account in a very modest way and through his sturdy industry and enterprise was able to get a good start in the business world. His good judgment and honesty in all his dealings have gone far to help him in his progress. He is broadminded, liberal and progressive in his ideas and principles, and numbers his friends by the score. Mr. Baker was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, February 23, 1859, son of Samuel M. and Mary (Niswonger) Baker. The father, who carried on farming for some time in Montgomery county, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1829, and now resides with a daughter at Rossburg, Ohio. He brought his family to Darke county when the subject of this sketch was one year old, to a day, and became a general farmer and stock-raiser in Monroe township, two miles east of Arcanum, remaining there until he retired from active life. He was a Republican in political views. The mother, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1823 and died in March, 1909, being buried in a cemetery just east of Pitsburg. Of their nine children, six were born in Montgomery county and three in Darke county, and all of them survive. They are; Horlos, of Monroe township; Elizabeth, wife of Samuel J. Baker, of Van Buren township; Hamilton, of Monroe township; Franklin Pierce lives in Monroe township; Mary Katherine is the wife of Amzie Reicherd, of Monroe township; Ezra; Susanna, wife of Henry Lutz, of Michigan; Anna, wife of J. W. Ross, of Allen township, near Rossburg, Ohio; Alda, wife of Charles Lutz, of Tremont county, Ohio. Mr. Baker received his education in the schools of Pitsburg DARKE COUNTY - 561 and remained at home on his father's farm until his marriage, on August 23, 1888, to Miss Ella Hershie, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, in 1855. She is a daughter of John and Elizabeth: (Kolp) Hershie, natives of Pennsylvania,. Mr. Hershie was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and died about 1904 and his wife died about 1908, both being buried in Miami county, where they had located on a farm. He was a successful farmer and was well regarded as an upright and useful citizen. They had eight children, of whom four now survive: Frances, wife of John Shank, of Philipsburg, Montgomery county; Emma, widow of E. W. Spitler, of West Milton, Ohio; Sarah, widow of John Eisenberger, living on a farm Miami county; Mrs. Baker. After marriage Mr. Baker located on a part of his father farm, where he remained some years, and about twenty-three or twenty-four years ago began general contracting, which business he has since followed, developing an extensive business. He takes contracts for building and constructing sewers, roads, ditches, water works systems, street railway systems, and general work, and has had contracts for building railroad branches at various times. He built a graded road from Greenville to Winchester, Ind., which is a good example of his work. He carries on operations principally in Indiana and Ohio. In 1914 lie erected a handsome garage on George street, Arcanum, and this is conducted by his son. He has a reputation for high grade of work he has done and thoroughness with which it is completed. He is always busy and displays a large amount of energy. He has reached a high degree of success through his ability and enterprise. He is popular because of his good nature and enjoys a good joke at all times. In political principle lie is a Republican but in local affairs votes for the man he believes will best serve the interests of the people. He has never had time or inclination for political activity of office. His first presidential vote was for James A. Garfield in 1880. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Redmen. He got his start in business life by operating a threshing machine, which he owned and operated some four years immediately after his marriage. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Baker, all born in Darke county: Henry, living on his father's home (36) 562 - DARKE COUNTY farm, married Myrtle Miller and they have one son, Paul; Maude, born in 1891, is the wife of Earl Shidler, of Dayton, Ohio; Waldo, associated with his father in contracting business, a good citizen and excellent business man, married Miss Floy Ayresman, and they live in Arcanum; Cleo lives at home and conducts the garage for his father. Mrs. Baker is a member of the Christian Church. The family occupy their beautiful new modern home on George street. TOBIAS ARNETT. Tobias Arnett, now practically retired from active business life, is one of the most substantial and highly respected citizens of Pitsburg. He and his wife have been a hardworking couple and have well earned the ease and comfort they now enjoy. They are simple and unpretentious, living a quiet life and helping various worthy movements for the betterment of general conditions in the community. They belong to old families of Darke county and enjoy the esteem of a large number of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Arnett was born on his grandfather's farm in Miami county, Ohio, January 27, 1845, and is a son of Abraham and Leah (Friend) Arnett. The father was born on the same farm October 18, 1825, and the mother was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, September 16, 1825. He died April 15, 1907, and is buried in Abbottsville cemetery, and Mrs. Arnett died April 16, 1895. Abraham Arnett received his education in the country schools and after reaching maturity operated his father's farm for a number of years. In 1850 he brought his family through the woods to Darke county and settled first in Monroe township, clearing the land for his fields, and a few years later purchased a farm nearby which was in much the same condition but which he thought more desirable. He cleared this second farm and lived on it some eighteen years, when he purchased an adjoining farm and operated it six or eight years. This was then traded for a farm just east of Pitsburg. In 1885 Mr. Hansbarger, from whom Mr. Arnett purchased the last-named farm, bought a tract of land where the village of Pitxburg, now stands, and began laying out a village, but the venture was unsuccessful, so he sold eight acres of this DARKE COUNTY - 563 land to Mr. Arnett and the latter built a house, which is still standing, and which is located east of the Hammel & Arnett elevator. Later he erected a handsome brick residence on South Jefferson street, opposite the home of his Tobias. Ile and Mr. Hansbarger engaged in business together and for several years conducted a grain elevator in the village, which they then sold to a Mr. Smith, who carried it on for several years. Mr. Arnett was a republican in politics and served in such public offices as Road Supervisor and School Director. He and his wife were active members of the German Baptist church. They had three children, viz., Tobias; Margaret, who died at the age of six years; and Sarah Ann, who died at the age of five years, all born in Darke county. In boyhood Tobias Arnett, the only child of his parents who reached maturity, attended the country schools near his father's farm, and remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age, when he married and built a comfortable cottage on part of his father's farm. One year later he purchased seventy-three acres of land in Monroe township, which he sold after four years and bought a farm of one hundred seventy-three acres in the same township. This last-named place was the family home for ten years and he erected all the buildings upon it in a single year, which meant a great deal of hard work and there were twenty-one persons to sit in the dining room for meals for weeks at a time. They lived some six years in a log house, then put up a much better dwelling. The children having left home to make homes of their own, he built a nice home in Pitsburg, now occupied by the Metzger family, and in 1894 he erected the pretty home they now occupy on South Jefferson street. At his father's death he was heir to a share in the elevator business, the firm name being Arnett & Hammel, but it is now known as Hammel & Arnett. Mr. Arnett has now practically retired, leaving the active management of the business to his partner and employes. His partner is Edward Hammel, a sketch of whose life may be found on another page of this volume. After residing about twelve years in his present home, Mr. Arnett and his wife went to live on a claim he had taken up near Norwich, North Dakota, consisting of a half section of land, which they still own. He also owns an improved farm of eighty acres in Monroe township and forty acres of land just west of the village of Pitsburg. He is a republican in 564 - DARKE COUNTY politics and his first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln. He served one term as councilman of Pitsburg. He is a man of good principles and is upright in all his dealings, being rather quiet in manner and known for his inherent good nature, which endears him to all. Mr. Arnett was married May 14, 1868, to Miss Margaret Arnold, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, March 4, 1849, and is a daughter of David and Hester (Alexander) Arnold. David Arnold was born August 18, 1814, and Hester Alexander was born August 1, 1826. He died in 1851. but she survives and resides in Armstrong. Iowa, with her third husband, Mr. Smith, whom she married some years after the death of Mr. Crawford. The latter she married several years after Mr. Arnold's death. Mr. Arnold is buried in Georgetown, Ohio. He was a miller and owned a saw-mill near Georgetown, also owned a farm. They had three daughters: Sarah, born September 14, 1847, widow of William Richardson, lives with her children; Mary, born December 15, 1844, died in infancy; Mrs. Arnett. By her second marriage to Mr. Crawford, she had two children, only one of whom now survives, Amanda, wife of Charles Churchill, of Armstrong, Iowa. Mr. Crawford died and some years later his widow married Robert Smith, by whom she had two children. At the time of her marriage to Mr. Arnold she was of the Dunkard faith, as was he, and his father, Christian Arnold, was a Dunkard preacher. Mr. and Mrs. Arnett have two children, both born in Darke county, Orla A. and Charles Albert. Orla was born July 26, 1868, lives near Battle Creek, Michigan, and married Rosa Minnich, by which union seven children were born, five in Darke county and two of them in North Dakota, namely: Edward O., of Battle Creek, Michigan, married and has one. son, Charles 0.; Ivy, wife of Russell Kenton, of Michigan, has one daughter, Thelma May; Frank, Myrtle, Elva, Ward and Chester, all at home. Charles Albert Arnett, who resides near his parents, married Miss Jennie Baker, and they have three daughters: Susie, wife of Raymond Bristley, of Monroe township; Harriet, deceased, buried in Pitsburg cemetery; Mary, at home. Mrs. Arnett is known as an excellent housekeeper and possesses a cheerful disposition, which has helped her through the hard work and trials of her early life. She is a member of the Baptist church and well known in various circles as a woman of fine character and a cordial hostess. DARKE COUNTY - 565 LEVI MINNICH The Minnich family were among the earliest settlers in Franklin township and have always held a high place in public esteem. Levi Minnich was born on a farm adjoining the one he now occupies, in Section 13, March 19, 1862, and is a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Swinger) Minnich, who came to Darke county in pioneer days. Abraham Minnich was born near Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, May 28, 1833, and died in Darke county June 16, 1914, and was buried in Newcomer Cemetery, having reached the age of eighty-one years and nineteen days. He was one of the best known and most highly regarded citizens of his part of the country, and his death was felt to be a great loss to the community. He was the seventh of the eight children of George and Nancy (Shoemaker) Minnich, who came to Ohio March 30, 1834, bringing all their earthly belongings in a wagon drawn by two horses, crossing the Ohio river at Wheeling and cooking their meals on the way at the various taverns they passed. They were able to buy chickens at five cents each and eggs at two cents per dozen, and this formed a large part of their diet. They located about twelve miles east of Dayton, April 20th, using a sheep stable for temporary quarters; then moved on a farm where the city of Dayton is now located. Jacob Hale and wife had come the year before them, the latter being a sister of Mrs. George Minnich. The Minnichs lived on this location some two years, then located about twelve miles west of Dayton, and the years spent at the latter place furnished very pleasant memories for young Abraham Minnich. During 1838 and the early part of 1839 they lived on the Grubb farm near Covington and in the spring of the latter year moved to what is still known as the Hoover farm northwest of Covington. This was the family home some ten years, when they were able to save enough money to buy for themselves. The first year they gave one-third of their grain to the landlord as rent, he taking it in shocks in the field; during the next three years they were required to thresh the landlord's share, and the last year they had to give him two-fifths of the grain they raised. In 1842 they bought a farm of 126 acres in Franklin township, for $500.00. Eighty acres of this was purchased by Abraham for $10.00 per acre when he was 21 years old and is still known as the Abraham Minnich homestead, being located on the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 13, town 9, 566 - DARKE COUNTY range 3 east. The 46 acres on the opposite side of the road is known as the Spidel farm. They located on this farm in 1849. Mr. George Minnich erected a log house on the present building site of the Spidel farmhouse. There were seven acres cleared of the land and the farm was paid for. There were very few roads at that time, what is now the Greenville and Milton pike road being the nearest. He and his wife had eight children, all now deceased: John, Jacob, Katherine, George, Mary, David, Abraham; one died in infancy. The parents of these children were buried in Newcomer Cemetery. The time George Minnich was permitted to live on a home of his own was very brief, as he was called to his long home the following year. All the children were married except Abraham. To support a widowed mother, clear the heavy timber from the land and get an education at the tender age of 17 years is unthought of by young men of the present day of modern schools and well improved farms. Neighbors were few and far between. To transform this heavily timbered land into a tillable condition was the first task and a hard one. Centuries had been required to grow some of this timber but there was no market for it. The only disposition could be made of it was to cut it down, work it into logs, then in heaps and then the burning. To roll the logs in heaps was the hardest task. Help was absolutely necessary. The only way to secure help was to help others for hack help. As many as seventeen days were spent some years helping others roll logs and some times several miles away in order to obtain the necessary help at home. Thus by constant persistent effort the amount of tillable land was increased a few acres each year. Corn, wheat and rye were the grains raised. The latter two were threshed by tramping with the horses as there were no threshing machines to be had. The bundles of grain were placed in a circle on the ground having first been made level and clean or on a floor then tramped by horses to remove the grain from the straw. This was done mostly in early winter and interfered somewhat in Abraham's getting the benefit of the full term of school, which was three months each year. The year he was 21 he was broken down in health because of overwork. An ailment of the heart set in. His physician said he could not DARKE COUNTY - 567 recover. After a year's rest he regained his health, which he retained until a few months before his death. He was a farmer all of his life and most industrious and successful. He took a most active interest in public affairs and was a Republican in politics, casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, also voting for that grand man in 1864. He often served as road supervisor and in similar offices. He with his wife joined the Church of the Brethren November 11, 1860, and in 1881 he was elected deacon and creditably filled that office the remaining part of his life. Mr. Minnich was never content to he idle, being happiest when he was working hard or when he was helping someone less fortunate than himself. He was the last member of his generation of the family to pass away, and besides rearing their own children he and his wife took two foster children into their hearts and home, Nancy Stauffer, deceased, who married David Kreider, and Joshua Hyer, also deeased. Mr. Minnich was very fond of his home, and in the same way loved his church, his township and county in a manner that meant he would do his entire duty for each and every one of these ties. He and his wife worked very hard in their early married life, but lived to have the satisfaction of seeing their children well settled and in their last years together enjoy every comfort, in addition to having the pleasure of seeing the help they could give to others. When Mr. Minnich died the funeral was a testimonial to the great affection and regard in which he was held by one and all, for he had sympathized with the trials and troubles, as well as the joys, of his friends and neighbors. He was an upright and useful citizen and the friend of any movement for progress. The wife of Abraham Minnich, Elizabeth Swinger, was born on the old Swinger homestead northwest of Painter Creek, July 1, 1838, daughter of Jacob and Anna Maria (Stager) Swinger. Her father was born in Wurtenberg, Germany, March 1, 1805, one of the four children of George and Rosanna (Stout) Swinger, who came in a sailing vessel to Philadelphia in 1814, their son Jacob then being about nine years of age. While they were on board the ship they encountered a terrific storm, which carried away the sailing gear and caused great consternation among the pasesngers, but they finally won through and landed safely. In 1836 Jacob Swinger purchased some land in Ohio, where it was much cheaper than in Pennsylvania, and brought his household goods in a wagon the distance of about five hundred miles, which they traveled in six weeks. 568 - DARKE COUNTY He first bought a farm of forty acres a half mile northwest of where the village of Painter Creek now stands. One acre of this was cleared and there was an old log house on it. The cleared land was sown in wheat, but there were such wild animals as deer, wolves, foxes, catamounts and the like all around in the surrounding woods and also wild turkeys in great numbers. Jacob Swinger and wife had to endure many privations, as did other pioneers, and they worked very hard for many years. He became an extensive landowner, finally becoming possessed of over a section, part of which he exchanged for a flour mill. He and his wife united with the Church of the Brethren in 1850, remaining in that faith until death. Heretofore she, had held to the Presbyterian Church and he to the Lutheran. She was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, and died in 1893. On December 19, 1894, the descendants of Jacob Swinger and wife, Anna Maria Swinger, held a family reunion, at which five generations were present, and as guests Rev. Tobias Kreider and Rev. Jesse Stutsman were present. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Swinger were: John, Sarah, Susanna, Jacob, Elizabeth, Catharine, Rebecca, David and Samuel, the latter two being twins. Mrs. Abraham Minnich lives on the home place, where she and her husband had lived continuously for more than 56 years, never having lived elsewhere. They had five children, Louisa, wife of Joseph Hollinger, died on the farm on which her brother, Levi, now resides; Levi; Rebecca, widow of Moses Royer; Martha, at home with her mother; Anna Maria died in infancy. Mrs. Royer was left a widow, with five children, from three to eighteen years of age, her husband passing away in Decomber, 1910. With the aid of her children, she courageously continued to live on and operate the farm, which is near the old home place of her parents. They have been very successful in this and are prospering very well. Her children are: Forest M., Galen B., Virgil Abraham, Wilbur R. and John Harold. The two older sons taught school one term in the adjoining township, but as Forest was needed on the home farm, he returned and .Galen went to North Manchester to attend college and fit himself for a profession. In boyhood Levi Minnich attended the country schools and attended one term at the college at Ada, Ohio. He has continued his education since on his own account, by traveling and by private study. He has attended many teacher's institutes DRAKE COUNTY - 569 and has always taken great interest in educational matters. At the age of twenty years he began teaching, and for nine years taught in three districts in Franklin township. He was then requested to apply for a position of superintendent in Gettysburg and taught there one year, after spending one year with his family in California. During the interims he carried on farming as much as was possible, for he was very fond of agricultural pursuits. May 24, 1888, Mr. Minnich married Miss Laura E. Netzley, of Naperville, Illinois, born near there July 28, 1867, daughter of Henry and Katherine (Brossman) Netzley, natives of Pennsylvania. The mother was a daughter of Jacob Brossman, born in Germany March 16, 1805, and his wife, Leah Brossman, born November 17, 1806. Henry Netzley was born September 21, 1832, and his wife October 14, 1836. He died about 1912 and is buried in California and was a farmer by occupation. His widow resides at Glendora, California. They had nine children: Rufus, of Naperville, Ill.; Mary, wife of L. S. Fey, of Chicago; Ira, of Glendora, California; Lillie, wife of Chas. Richardson, of Glendora, California; Mrs. Minnich and others, who are now deceased. Mrs. Minnich died December 18, 1909, leaving three children, and is buried in Newcomer cemetery. The children are: Beulah Naomi, born March 25, 1889, wife of T. S. Eikenberry, of Franklin township, has a son one and one-half years old, Ivan Leon; H. Spencer, horn July 4, 1893, at college in Manchester, Indiana; Ruth Evelena, born September 28, 1897, at home. All graduated from the township high school. Mrs. Minnich and her parents were members of the Brethren Church. On August 21, 1912, Mr. Minnich was married (second) to Miss Susie Forney, born in Noble county, Illinois, September 20, 1870, daughter of Edmund and Elizabeth (Hershey) Forney. Mr. Forney was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1838, and he and his wife live at Lordsburg, California. His wife was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, November 21, 1840. They had nine children, of whom three died in infancy and six survive: David H., of Raisin, California; Daniel L., of Reedley, California; Susie, Mrs. Minnich; Isaac M., of Waterloo, Iowa; Ella, wife of L. J. Lehman, of Reedley, California; Edmund J., of Elgin, Illinois. Mrs. Minnich has been active in church and missionary work for many years and her work is much commended by all. She graduated in a Bible course at Mount Morris, Illinois, during 1892-93, and spent 570 - DARKE COUNTY five years at missionary work in Chicago for the Church of the Brethren, also took a two-year course at Bethany Bible School. She was in this line of study and work some fifteen years before her marriage, much of which time was spent in Chicago. She was also at Los Angeles and Long Beach, California, and while at the latter place was president of the Elementary Teachers' Union of Sunday Schools of the city. Her father was an elder in the church and she early developed a love for the work. She is earnest and sincere in her efforts for the church and has made many addresses along these lines. She has made a special study of conditions and practical ideas for missionary workers and is well able to express her own beliefs on the subject. She is womanly and sympathetic in her methods and has the confidence and affection of the nice class she has in the Sunday school, and the esteem and appreciation of the members of the church. She is bright and quick in her grasp of the work and very enthusiastic at all times. She is naturally domestic and neat in her tastes and she and her husband have a very pleasant home. He is much interested in church and Sunday school work himself and in everything pertaining to education. At the present time he is serving as superintendent of the Painter Creek Sunday school of his home congregation the nineteenth successive year. He served several years as district Sunday school secretary of Southern Ohio. In 1901 he was appointed a member of the Sunday school advisory committee of the Church of the Brethren, which position he held eight of the following ten years. In 1911 the work of a Sunday school advisory committee was discontinued and a general Sunday school board of five members and increased duties and authority provided in its stead. Mr. Minnich was appointed a member of this board and in 1914 at the Seattle, Washington conference he was reappointed for five years. Both he and Mrs. Minnich served as delegates to the Fourteenth International Sunday School Convention in Chicago in 1914. He has devoted much of his time to Sunday school work and it affords him a great pleasure to witness the increased interest and the continual growth of Sunday school movement not only of his own denomination but others as well. He is also a member of the district temperance committee of Southern Ohio. In 1908 and again in 1911 he served as a member of the executive committee of the Darke County Local Option DARKE COUNTY - 571 Election. He says the saloon is the greatest enemy of the Christian Church and the greatest hindrance to the development of the human race. He hopes to see the day when we will have a saloonless nation. Mr. Minnich has 147 acres of choice land in Darke county and some property in Canada. He and his children also have a fine orange grove in California. In his travels Mr. Minnich has crossed the continent eight times and made numerous trips to Western Canada as well as crossing our southern border a few times. He loves country life and still lives on the farm bought of his father in 1888 for $5,000.00 and where he has lived since 1889, making a number of improvements in the way of new buildings and remodeling the residence. He is an able and successful farmer and has been president of numerous farmers' institutes. He follows modern methods in his work, being progressive in all his ideas. He is very fond of reading and keeps up with the events and issues of the times, in farming as in other lines. He is an excellent citizen and has a large number of sincere friends. He is a Republican in politics and cast his first presidential vote for James G. Blaine in 1884. He served five years as a school director in Franklin township and was elected a member of the first board of education of Franklin township under revised school law of 1904. He was one of the prime agitators of the idea of a township high school and it was largely through his efforts and work in espousing the cause that a building for this purpose was erected in 1907 and necessary provisions made for the establishing of what has become a fine school, in Franklin township. There was no high school which was easy of access for the children of the township before that time. He was the one who made the motion and followed the question until he gained his point. He has always been successful in his undertakings and appreciates the good things that have come to his lot, wishing to help make others happy and contented around him. Many who have grown to maturity remember with pleasure the early knowledge and enthusiasm for the benefit of a good education instilled into their minds in childhood by Mr. Minnich, who always wished his pupils to look forward to the future and the development they might attain in all good things.