500 - DARKE COUNTY ance. The countenance of Charles Anderson was grave and thoughtful. He had a high, straight forehead, a nose less aquiline than Roman. His heavy eyebrows, his high cheek bones; his chin long, but well formed denoted a man of resolution. Such was the appearance of Charles M. Anderson, who was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania in 1845. He had taught school, had served in Ohio regiment during the war as a private soldier and was honorably discharged the day he was twenty-one years old in 1866. For some months subsequent to his return from the army he attended the Normal school at Lebanon and also took up the study of law. After his admission to the bar he at once engaged in practice, opening an office in Greenville, where he rapidly rose to a position as a leader of the bar. He had a fluency of language almost startling in its depictures and developed fine oratorical powers. Quoting Judge Clark: "On great occasions, when he, as it by magic, had reached the soul of his audience, and their hearts and his beat in unison, it seemed he heard the echo of the distant footsteps of the great old master, and their rounded sentences perfect diction, lofty and inspiring sentiment, and matchless eloquence seemed to be ringing softly in his ears, and filled his soul with the melody of sweet music and at such times, all the magnetism and energies of his being were put forth, and his words flowed as smoothly as the running brook, but with the force, grandeur and sublimity of Niagara." He was always a close and discriminating student of political questions and in 1878 made an effort to secure the nomination for congress. The convention met in Sidney, Ohio, and continued in constant session -for three days and three nights, and Mr. Anderson was defeated for the nomination by one and one-quarter votes. Again on the 7th of August, 1884, he was a candidate for nomination for congress which resulted in his securing the nomination on the first ballot. He was elected the following October and served in the forty-ninth congress until 1887. In January, 1884, Mr. Anderson was commissioned judge advocate general of Ohio by Governor Hoadley, which position he held during the term of that chief executive. During the time of the riot in Cincinnati by virtue of his office Mr. Anderson was on duty most of the time, being second in command. In 1890 he was appointed by Governor James E. Campbell, one of Ohio's commissioners at the world's fair at Chi- DARKE COUNTY - 501 cago. In 1894 he was chosen by a joint resolution of the two branches of congress as one of the board of managers for the national home for disabled volunteer soldiers, which office he filled for six years with such credit as to secure a reappointment. He was a prominent member of the Masonic and other organizations in Greenville and was an officer and the largest stockholder in the Greenville law library. He traveled extensively in European countries and was an authority not only on Shakespeare and Napoleon, but also on Egypt. He had a very fine private library with the contents of which he was familiar. In fine, he had few peers in this section of the state. Orla E. Harrison was born near Hollansburg, in 1873, graduated from Greenville high school in 1892 and received the degree of Bachelor of Science from the National Normal University at Lebanon. After teaching for a few years, he read law with Judge Allread and was admitted to the bar in 1897. He was secretary of the Darke County Agricultural Society and was not only the youngest member of the Ohio Senate in 1901 but was the first republican elected to that office from Darke county. Subsequently he occupied important positions in the office of the attorney general of Ohio, and in the office of the attorney general of the United States, and is now practicing in Columbus, Ohio. Robert T. Anderson, Rolin F. Crider, C. L. Brumbaugh, James Chenoweth, Albert E. Fouts, A. Alvin North, Milton Lee Clawson, Warren C. Swisher, Volney Williams, E. L. Bigler, Alonzo S. Thomas, O. A. Baker, Charles J. O'Connor, Alfred C. Cassatt, Alonzo Jones, S. R. Williams, John Fox, Charles H. Miller, Harry Simon, John W. Donovan, A. V. Miller, Roy H. Jamison and Thos. Eubanks, either moved elsewhere, or took up more lucrative occupations. The foregoing sketches of attorneys who practiced here and either died or moved away, are not to be taken as fairly setting north the comparative merits of the persons tinder consideration. The brief data of some and extended notices about others is an indication only of the material readily available to the compiler at the time of preparing this chapter. The present members of the bar of Darke county, who have not been referred to tinder the bench or prosecuting attorneys on preceding pages are Guy C. Baker, T. A. Billingsly, D. W. Bowman, A. C. Brandon, W. D. Brumbaugh, Claude Eliker, A. Calderwood, L. E. Chenoweth, George F. Crawford, 502 - COUNTY COUNTY H. F. Dershem, W. W. Fowler, D. L. Gaskill, J. M. Hoe!, Kirk Hoffman, Thomas J. Hughes, George A. Katzenberger, O. R. Krickenberger, George W. Mannix, P. B. Miller, T. C. Miller, S. E. Mote, Marion Murphy, Geo. W. Porter, A. C. Robeson, W. Y. Stubbs, Martin B. Trainor, Morgan L. Trainor, E. C. Wright and D. W. Younker. It would be obviously difficult to sound their respective praises without being liable to a suspicion of partiality, or possibly in some instances of prejudice. Not only are they all well able to speak for themselves, but it is probable that extended biographies of the majority will be found in Volume II of this work. Suffice it to say that perhaps without exception they endeavor to be true to their oath as officers of the court, and that they have qualifications other than the mere glib of their tongue. The maintenance of law and order by the state is nothing but a continual struggle against the lawlessness which violates them. As long as human nature is as it is, so long as human passions, greed and other vices cause men to do that which is not right or just, so long as the golden rule is not universally applied, so long there must be law and lawyers. It has always been custom to ridicule lawyers. Shakespeare, in Henry VI, has one character to say, "The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers," and Bassanio in the Merchant of Venice exclaims: "In law, what plea so tainted and corrupt But, being season'd with a gracious voice. Obscures the show of evil?" But after all, most lawyers are no worse than the clients who engage them. There always will be attorneys who will make a living by stirring up strife unnecessarrily and taking cases that they know to be without merit, and against such lawyers even an enlightened public opinion is powerless. We conclude from Hamlet: "In the corrupted currents of this world Offence's gilded hand may shove by justice, And oft 'tis seen the wicked prize itself Buys out the law: but 'tis not so above; There is no shuffling, there the action lies In his true nature; and we ourselves compell'd, Even to the teeth and forehead of our faults, To give in evidence." CHAPTER XXIII LOCAL MILITIA ORGANIZATIONS. By Lieut, Geo. A. Katzenberger, Company M, Third Regiment, O. N. G. That a man shall serve his country in time of war, is noble, brave and patriotic; but that a man shall properly prepare himself in time of peace to serve in war is all of these thin",, and more. It is noble with a nobility which is real, not ideal. It is brave with a bravery which assumes in time c)' unemotional peace many burdens, among them that of bearing the lack of appreciation of those who do not consider military preparation or training necessary. In time of war reliance is first placed upon the regular army and in this free republic there is such a lack of interest in matters military and such an apprehension of the large standing army that the United States at no time in its history has had a large fighting force. It seems to be felt that in time of trouble the masses would flock to the front in such numbers and with such enthusiasm that a large standing army is unnecessary. Repeated wars since the establishment of this government have proven this faith to be well founded. Fortunately the people in the early part of our existence as a nation adopted the second amendment to the constitution to the effect that "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." The Ohio constitution for 1802 laid emphasis upon the danger of a standing army but nevertheless provided for a militia. The second legislature (December, 1803), organized a militia system dividing the state into districts, each of which should muster a military division. In 1811 to 1812 governor Return J. Meigs, Jr., gave the strength and equipment of the militia as follows Grand total 33,349 Rank and file - 32,640 Firearms of all kinds - 13,313 Men without arms - 19,327 504 - DARKE COUNTY About this time the second war with Great Britain took place and Major George Adams, of Dayton, but who now lies buried in Martin cemetery southeast of Greenville, was in command of the fort here, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel in the militia. There were adjutants general under succeeding governors but the state legislature rarely provided more than from $1.00 to $300.00, compensation for them and but little progress could be made. It seems well nigh impossible to impress more than a few people with the fact that a nation which goes to war unprepared, educates its statesmen at more expense than its soldiers. Notwithstanding adverse military conditions, in time the laws of the state had so far developed as to positively require of every able-bodied man between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, to repair to a certain place in the county, to be named by the chief commanding officer, for the purpose of drill, and such a clause became part of Article IX of the Ohio constitution in 1851, and has since been retained. The place mostly selected for the purpose of drill was the county seat and the time generally some day in September or October. The first brigadier general appointed for the county, and in the county by the governor and authority of the general assembly, was William Emerson, resident of Harrison township. He was a very good looking, large and portly man, weighing 220 pounds and when dressed in his uniform had quite a military air. But as times of peace bring no laurels to the soldier, so General Emerson's term of commanding the militia of the county was without particular glory. The general with his subordinate officers generally had a gala clay and a good time at muster, as whiskey was plenty and everybody approved its use. The rank and file did not enjoy the situation quite so much, being under drill from 10 a. m. until 3 p. m., carrying a gun, stick or corn-stalk without much rest or shade. The drill ground was the low-lands at the south end of town where the ground is level and was finely sodded with a thick, short grass, soft as a carpet. During the interval between general muster, the various companies composing a regiment were required to drill one day in the year in the township of their residence. General Emerson continued to command about ten years and had about that number of general musters at which he commanded. It may be thought by some at the present, that the old muster day was of no importance. On the contrary it was a day full of interest, felt by DARKE COUNTY - 505 almost every citizen in the county. It would bring together hundreds of spectators. The maneuvers on the field were intended to be according to Scott's tactics. The thirty-sixth legislative session, which met in December, 1837, and adjourned the following March, appointed as major general of the tenth division, Hiram Bell. The patriotism of the masses in regard to drill and mustering had greatly cooled. General Bell held two or three annual reviews and musters, and was succeeded in command by Gen. J. H. Hostettor. He also attempted to rally the interests of the people in matters military but the people were apathetic. He made one or two spasmodic efforts to keep up the customs but to little avail. It is not to he supposed that these generals were particularly learned in the military laws and regulations. It may be safely assumed that some of their commands were more amusing than instructive and that the time lost in attending the musters was worth as much as the instructions received. There are so many people who have conscientious scruples against military service, so many who are unwilling from other motives to serve, and so many who have faith im an early millennium of universal peace, that there is little:, wonder that people lack interest. In May, 1846, President Polk called for 50,000 men and war was officially declared against Mexico. Not only among the militia companies but among the citizens generally there were indications of a desire to take part in the contest. The militia of Montgomery county, organized as the first brigade, which was commanded by brigadier general, Adam Speice, was attached to the tenth division of the Ohio militia, all under the command of Major General Hiram Bell, of Greenville. A public meeting was held in the city hall in Dayton. General Adam Speice as chairman, stated that the object of the meeting was to give an expression of the sentiment of the people with reference to the war and to adopt such measures as were calculated to encourage the enrollment of volunteers. At the close of the speaking the following resolutions were offered and adopted: "Resolved, That we view with satisfaction the promptness with which our congress has drawn the sword and appealed to the God of battles to establish what has been as earnestly sought as it has been insolently refused—peace with Mexico and peace with Texas. "Resolved. That it becomes us as American citizens, de- 506 - DARKE COUNTY siring the success of our arms, to cast off the shackles of party and unite in carrying our country speedily and triumphantly through the war. "Resolved. That, as it is our duty as soldiers to be always ready, we will exert ourselves to fill up the rank of our companies, and whenever the requisite number of good and true men shall have been obtained, we will march to the seat of war, rejoicing in the opportunity afforded of defending our country." Governor Bartley on May 20th in compliance with the president's requisition, issued general order No. 1, calling upon division generals to muster their commands at once and thus ascertain how many men would enlist as infantry or riflemen for twelve months' service, unless sooner discharged. Major General Bell, at Greenville, received the order on the 23d and immediately ordered the tenth division to assemble by brigades at the following places: The first brigade at Dayton, May 26th; the second, at Troy. May 27th; the third, at Sidney, May 28th ; and the fourth, at Greenville, May 29th. On May 28th, a meeting was held at the city hall at Dayton and resolutions were adopted to the effect that whatever differences of opinion may have existed or might still exist with reference to the causes or the necessity of war with Mexico, now that it had actually begun it was the duty of every citizen, as well as the dictate of enlightened patriotism, to forego those differences of opinion and to forget all other and meaner considerations for that of the glory of our cherished country, and approving the call for 50,000 men to carry on the war. The Dayton companies were included in the first regiment, and saw service at the battle of Monterey. It is difficult at this time to secure authentic information concerning subsequent military organizations in this vicinity. The part taken by the citizens of Darke county in the great civil conflict has been fully treated in this and other volumes, and this chapter endeavors to relate chiefly to the militia as such. In the fifties, Jonathan Crainor was captain of a military company. Harvey Mark was in command of a company called the Greenville Guards. There was also a company of militia composed chiefly of Germans under command of Captain Billy Schmidt, the leading druggist. Among the members of this latter organization were Nicholas Kuntz, Fred or DARKE COUNTY - 507 Gottfried Brombacher, Peter Ashman, Nicholas Ashman, Louis Foutz, Fred Koenig and his brother John Koenig. This organization was known as the Greenville Jaegers. There was also a company of soldier boys under command of Davis Beers. Another company of militia was organized in April, 1881, and assigned to the Third Regiment, O. N. G., as "C" Company and mustered in by Adjt. General H. A. Axline. Edward Martin, captain. Oscar Van Horn, first lieutenant. E. H. Voelkle, second lieutenant. The only services performed while Martin as in command was four days' service in connection with President Garfield's funeral at Cleveland, Ohio. Martin resigned command in September, 1883, and was succeeded by John Golenor. Amon- the members of this company were as follows: Charles Balser, Tom Beanblossom, Ples Bell, Ellison Cole. Ed Craig, Horace Curtis, Dan Devilbliss, James Dick, Dixon George, Will Downey, William Dunker, Reuben Enoch, John Fight, Charles Gerstner, Tom Gibblin, Charles Gilbert, John Golenor, Samuel Hays, W. Halsted, A. L. Hays, Wm. Hays. C. Hollehan, Wm. Holsted, Jacobs Toney, Jos. Leckleider, Michael Maher, Thomas Maher, Gyp. Matchett, Capt. Ed. Martin, Dr. A. F. Markwith, Wm. Mercer, Wm. R. Miller. Frank M. Mills, Tom McCune, James Moore, Dan Murphy. Jno. F. Murphy, Samuel Ray, David Ream, David Ries, John Ries. Pete Renschler, Charles Roland, Jr., Truman Sothron, Ed Sothron, J. N. Smelker, Newton Scribner, Dan Schachinger, James Smith, Mark Smith, I. Newton Smith, John Slonaker, Wm. Slonaker, George Smith, Charles Smith, Jacob Stickle, Wm. Stone, George Swisher, John H. Swartz, Carn Ullery, Ed Van Horn. Oscar Van Horn, Wm. Webb, George Writters. George Wolf and Oliver P. Wolf. Before this company disbanded it saw service in Cincinnati in 1884 during the riots at the time the court house was destroyed. Matters military were dormant until after the Spanish-American war. Company M. Third Regiment of Infantry, O. N. G., was mustered into service February 25, 1901, by Major C. B. Adams of adjutant general headquarters, Capt. Wm. E. Ewing, assistant surgeon. as medical examiner. Muster occurred at the court house, Greenville, Ohio. The company 508 - DARKE COUNTY was attached to the First Battalion under command of Major Ray M. Gilbert, with headquarters at Greenville. It is worthy of note here that Major Gilbert was exceedingly active in the organization of the company and gave much of his time later to the drilling and perfecting of the organization. Henry L. Yount, who had been a private and later second lieutenant in Company G, at Gettysburg, was chosen captain, James J. Martz first lieutenant, William A. Browne. Jr.. second lieutenant. The first drills were held in the city hall and in 1901 the company headquarters were moved into the armory built for Company M. The armory is located on Walnut street, between Main and Third streets. It is centrally located and is ample, large and well arranged. A. V. Williams was the first sergeant of the company and was succeeded by Arthur V. Miller on January 7, 1902. C. Fred Lockett was the first quarter master sergeant, but was discharged May 27, 1902 and promoted to adjutant to Major Ray M. Gilbert, succeeding Wm. R. Pruner, resigned, and served until 1908. The personnel of the company at its organization was as follows: Orlie R. Beanblossom, Lewis Black, Carl H. Bowman, Lynn Brown, Wm. A. Browne, Jr., Edgar A. Burtch, Oryal R Brandon, Omer Brandon, Ernest Ackerman, Vernon K. Craig, David A. Dorman, subsequently corporal, sergeant. first sergeant batallion, sergeant major and finally batallion quartermaster and commissary with rank of second lieutenant, remaining in the service until 1910, Robert Dalrymple. Murray Eidson, Ora W. Evans, John T. Ferron subsequently first lieutenant, Joe C. Hindsley, Orval Horlacher, Howard B. Hoel subsequently second lieutenant, Ormel A. Kellogg, Henry M. Kreusch, C. Fred Lockett, Benj. F. Martz, James J. Martz subsequently captain, Ray McFarland, James L. Morningstar, Wilber R. Martin, Dwight L. Matchette company clerk, Ira A. Markwith, Arthur V. Miller subsequently second lieutenant and captain, Ray A. McKeon, Walter S. McKeon, Samuel Miller, Glen D. Martin, Clayton F. Noggle, Walter W. Nusbaum, Fred W. Plessinger, Patrick H. Ryan, J. E. Rooks, Wm. S. Rhotehamel, Ernest H. Reece, Fred N. Rebka, Frank Sloan, Wm. C. Snyder, Alvie D. Stocker, Fred Smith, Leslie Shoup, Richard D. Turpen, John P. Turpen. Walter I. Vogt, Robert D. Warner for many years a very efficient quartermaster sergeant in the regiment and still in DARKE COUNTY - 509 the service, Volney Williams, General J. Young and henry L. Yount. The first non-commissioned officers were: Sergeants: Volney Williams, Ray McKeon, Arthur V. Miller, Ernest H. Reece, C. Fred Lockett; corporals: Wm. C. Snyder, General J. Young, Fred W. Plessinger, Fred LaFever, David A. Dorman, Vernon K. Craig; musicians: John P. Turpen, Wm. W. Nusbaum. Miller succeeded Williams as first sergeant and Young succeeded Lockett as quartermaster sergeant; Lynn Little succeeded Nusbaum as musician. First camp was in July, 1901, at Toledo, Ohio. Wm. Krause, a member of the company was killed at Buffalo, N. Y., and buried by Company M, at Greenville Sunday, June 30th. Company M also officially attended the funeral of Hugh Niswonger, Henry Ficken, Edgar Burtch, William Gaskill and Jesse Lindley, U. S. A., who died in the Philippines. September 19, 1901, Company M, with entire Ohio National Guard and United States troops, attended the funeral of President McKinley at Canton, Ohio. Thanksgiving dance was given Thursday, November 20, 1901, at which all regimental officers were present, it being a successful military and social affair, and succeeded by similar events usually on Washington's birthday. Regular encampments of State guard participated in by Company M in 1902-1903 at Newark, Ohio, which were instructive and pleasing. Company M, with other commands of the Third Regiment was ordered to report to Col. H. E. Mead at Springfield, Ohio, to assist in maintaining peace and protecting property March 9 to 11, 1904. Forty-eight men assembled for action in two hours' time, but no trouble was experienced at the scene of riot. June 2, 1904, Major Ray M. Gilbert resigned his commission, and at a nominating convention to fill the vacancy held at Dayton, June 10, 1904, Capt. Henry L. Yount, commanding officer of Company M was nominated to fill the vacancy. Election was held June 17, 1904, at which time he was elected major. Second lieutenant W. A. Browne resigned the commission, same taking effect June 20, 1904. About this time the company moved into the Irwin building on East Fifth street, where it still occupies suitable quarters. The maneuvers in August, 1904, were in Athens county, and the encampment in August, 1906, near Bolivar, while in 510 - DARKE COUNTY 1907, the Third Regiment went to Camp Perry on the shore of Lake Erie. In 1908 the army manoeuvers were held at Fort Benjamin Harrison, near Indianapolis, Ind., September 1 to 10, and August 8 to 20, 1909, Captain Dershem was last in command of Company M, at Camp Perry, Ohio. The following year the joint manoeuvers with the United States army was at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Captain Katzenberger being in command of the local company. The subsequent encampments until 1913 and at Dayton were under command of Captain Gilbert. The commanding officers of Company M were successively Henry L. Yount, from the time of the muster into service February 25, 1901, until his election as major in June, 1904; James J. Martz, who had acted as first lieutenant since the organization of the company and was elected captain on August 9, 1904, he was succeeded by Captain Arthur V. Miller, who was elected October 7, 1904. The next commanding officer was Harvey F. Dershem, who had had considerable experience during sixteen years as member and later officer of the very efficient company at Gettysburg. Captain Dershem was in command for about three years from May 27, 1907, being succeeded in April, 1910, by First Lieutenant George A. Katzenberger, who had served as batallion quartermaster and commissary in 1908, and batallion adjutant for several years. This officer had command of the company during the Columbus street car riots from July 28, to August 9, 1910 and after raising the company's strength from thirty-nine to sixty-three, was elected captain September 1st of that year, and commissioned while on the road to Fort Benjamin Harrison. He was succeeded the following year by Ray M. Gilbert, who had resigned as major and now upon reentering the service remained in command until he was, at his own request, retired January 1, 1914. The captain-elect is Charles S. Slade, a man well fitted for the position. The successive first lieutenants were: James J. Martz, 1901-04; Arthur V. Miller, 1904; Robert B. Fissel, who had been a member of the Sixth United States Infantry, 1904; James R. Marker, September, 1905-1906; George A. Katzenberger, April 13, 1910 to September 1, 1910; John T. Ferron, August 19, 1912. The successive second lieutenants were: William A. Browne, Jr., 1901-04; Robert E. Fissel, who had been a private in the war with Spain and served in the Sixth United DARKE COUNTY - 511 States Infantry in the Philippines, 1902-1904; Howard B. Hoel, October, 1904-1906; Roy H. Jamison, December 5, 1908—; Joseph F. Hascher, April 5, 1910 to January, 1914: David A. Dorman, present incumbent. Company M has always borne its part well and reflected credit upon the city and county. At the annual tournaments at Camp Perry on Lake Erie, the men have held their own as marksmen, and at the manoeuvers with officers and regulars of the United States army, our boys have lost nothing by comparison. The company participated in the centennial celebration at Eaton in 1908, and at the Wright Brothers celebration in Dayton, July 16, 17 and 18, 1909, and participated in the exercises at the unveiling of the monument to Admiral Stephen Clegg Rowan, at Piqua, Ohio, October 13, 1909. Reference has hereinbefore been made to the company's exacting duties during the disorders at Columbus in 1910. The longest tour of duty was during March and April, 1913, during the destructive floods in southern Ohio, Company XI being on duty for a period of thirty days. A newspaper clipping from a Dayton paper at this period quoting Adjutant General Wood, is to the effect that the Ohio National Guard is one of the best organizations of its kind. The general states that since the troops have been quartered in the city of Dayton not a single complaint has been filed at headquarters against the conduct o.` the soldiers by civilians. "This," said the General, "applying to hundreds of raw boys, many of whom have had their first taste of authority while doing guard duty at this place, speaks well for the training they have had at the summer camps." When asked if he considered military duty of the kind the troops are doing at present as being good from a military standpofnt, as the experience derived from the summer military camps, General Wood said: "The work done at Camp Perry and other places is meant to fit the troops for just such work as this. Without the practical training received at these places the state could not have a body of men sufficiently trained in the rules of military discipline to be competent to cope with a situation like the present. Proud of His Men. "I am proud of the Ohio National Guard. To a man its members have done their duty well and faithfully. They 512 - DARKE COUNTY have been constantly on the job, day and night, and I am sure that but very few men have passed through their lines without the proper credentials. "I am especially proud of the company from Greenville. I am confident that a black cat could not have passed through their lines on a dark night without losing at least three of its nine lives. The commanding officer had as much trouble getting past the Darke county lads as any one. Sometimes I am inclined to think he had more. "No guard from Greenville ever passed me in my car without first compelling one of my aides to clamber out and be recognized." CHAPTER XXIV . THE COUNTY SEAT. The county is the political and social unit of the state, and around its seat of government the proud and patriotic senti meats of its citizens crystallize. It is well worth while to preserve and cherish the early traditions that cluster about the capital city of Darke county and to foster the fine sentiments aroused by the contemplation of its various religion, social, utilitarian and public institutions. We have noted the selection of the site of Greenville by the pioneers as a central and desirable location for the county seat—a beautiful, elevated, level plain with almost perfect drainage on three side and such natural advantages as contribute to make it the logical and ideal situation for the capital of a rich and thriving shire. The outstanding features of village life here have been dwelt upon at length and we will now notice how Greenville has developed from a small country town to a respectable on of the smaller class. A directory of the town published 1857 shows the following business and professional firms: Merchant tailors and clothing—B. D. Dean & Co., and J. Oppenheimer. Hats, caps and furs—William Mitchell. Saddle and harness shops—J. Tomilson & Son, Alanson Brown and W. Hart. Tanneries and leather stores--Dawes & Taylor and J. W. Porter. Banks—Farmers' Bank, by Winner and Frizell. Furniture and ware rooms—Juddy & Miller. Provision and Grocery stores—J. F. Bertsch, Charles Nurmberger, G. A. Katzenberger, J. G. Fisher. Distillers and brewers—Turner and Brother Distillery and Grist Mill, Piqua pike (now Martin street, just east of Plum). I. C. Katzenberger, Water street (at head of Sycamore). Liquor stores—Wm. Crandall and G. W. Bloom. Saloon—A. Gutheil. Hotels—Broadway Hotel, Wm. C. Fitts proprietor (Farmers National Bank); Cottage House, James Parrish, proprietor: Mansion House. J. A. Corbin, proprietor. (33) 514 - DARKE COUNTY Livery stable—J. C. Arens. Attorneys-at-Law—John Wharry, E. B. Putnam, W. Allen, D. L. Meeker, W. M. Wilson, Benjamin Hubbard, J. R. Knox, J. A. Corbin, Charles G. Matchett and David Beers. Physicians—I. N. Gard, C. Otwell, G. Miesse, A. Ayers, O. E. Lucas, E. Lynch, Z. M. Lansdowne, F. Loewen. Dentist—W. C. Porterfield. Barber shops—G. R. Bell, W. Kipp. Gunsmith—John Sweitzer (South Fourth street). Fanning mill manufactory—Kerr & Hart (East Third street). Carriage and wagon makers—J. Greenawalt, E. Bond, John Cox. Blacksmiths—Jeremiah Reis, John Fettery, Wm. Oswalt. Joiners and builders—F. H. McCune, George Ullery, J. M. McGinnis, Thomas McGinnis. Bakeries and confectionery shops—J. R. Clark, D. E. Vantilburg. Newspapers and job printing—Greenville Journal, E. B. Taylor, editor and proprietor; Darke County Democrat, H. Miller, editor; Crystal Fountain, J. G. Jones, editor. Books and stationery—N. Webb, J. Vanmeter. Jewelry store—N. Webb. Tobacco manufactory—L Bornstein. Daguerrotype artist—A. Yount. Drug stores—Schmidt & Schlenker, Glines & Hubbard. Dealers in general merchandise—Workman & Daily, Arnold & Davis, F. and J. L. Waring, John Hufnagle, F. Crider. Hardware—S. W. Ullery. Stoves, copper and Tinware—S. Allen, I. N. Beedle. Boots and Shoes—J. R. Challis, Biltemier & Co., G. W. Miller. Fur trader—A. LaMott. Meat markets—Daniel Zimmerman, Eli Helm. Bricklayer and plasterer—John Essick. Miscellaneous—H. Arnold, S. Bachman. C. Biltemier. W. H. Daily, D. R. Davis, E. Dawes, David Erwin, J. D. Farrar, J. W. Frizell, Moses Hart, W. Kerr, Kuntz Bros. saw mill, J. C. Lines, S. F. Perrine, Wm. Schmidt, S. Schlenker. J. A. Schmermund, J. Tomilson, J. Taylor, Charles W. Tait. J. L. Winner, T. H. Workman, F. Waring, J. L. Waring. Postmaster—C. H. Long. Justice and mayor's office—J. W. O'Brist. DARKE COUNTY - 515 County officials—Auditor, J. C. Shepherd; recorder, D. M. Stevenson; treasurer, J. McKhann; clerk, S. H. Robinson; probate judge, A. R. Calderwood; prosecutor, D. L. Meeker; sheriff, Joshua Townsend; surveyor, John Devor. The map of the town at this time showed the built up portion largely confined between Greenville creek on the north, Fourth and Martin streets on the south, Warren and Mulberry (Ludlow) streets on the east, and Vine street on the west. There were four or five houses in "Mina Town" (North Greenville) and about twenty in "Huntertown." From Martin street and the West school ground southward to Sater Street and from Central avenue to the Greenville and Miami railroad extended the Armstong land of one hundred and eight acres. The porter tannery showed north of the bridge on the west side of Broadway; Dawes and Taylor's tannery on the north side of Water street between Sycamore and Elm streets; a foundry and machine shop on the northwest corner of Main and Elm streets ; Sweitzer's gunsmith shop on the west side of South Fourth (now Sweitzer street) street near present end of Fourth street; a pottery just west of the present site of the M. E. church; a school house just west of the pottery; the court house in the public square with a market-house a few rods to the north; the Greenville and Miami (D. & U.) railway machine shops near the present site of the East school building; the Christian church on the west side of Walnut street, between Third and Fourth streets, and a school house almost opposite; the M. E. church on Sycamore, between Third and Fourth streets: the Baptist church on the east side of Elm street, between Third and Fourth streets ; the Episcopal church on the northeast corner of Third and Walnut streets; the Presbyterian church, at its present location; the Second Presbyterian church, where St. Paul's Lutheran church now stands, on East Fourth street; the German M. E. church on east Water street. The jail appears on the west side of Broadway between Third street and the first alley south. The business houses clustered about the public square and extended down Broadway to Third street with a few scattered establishments as far south as Fourth street. The G. and M. railway was the only one reaching the county seat at this date. By the outbreak of the civil war four turnpikes had been constructed, connecting Greenville with outlying villages, greatly increasing its trade facilities 516 - DARKE COUNTY and making it independent of Piqua and Dayton -or shipping advantages. During the Civil war, no doubt, the town made little progress but it was at this time that the Panhandle railway was constructed and the old Baptist and U. B. church structure on Elm street was purchased and remodeled by the Catholics. A few years after the close of the war the town took on new life, old structures were remodeled or torn down and replaced by new ones, a foundry and machine shop, and a steam planing mill were constructed, a large three-story brick school building erected, streets graded and improved, and -interest quickened in the cause of education. The opening tip of large tracts of land and the increased market facilities of Greenville greatly stimulated trade and caused many business changes. As an illustration of the activity and progress of this period it is said that in May, 1869, there were more than sixty buildings being built or remodeled. In 1870 Greenville had 2,520 inhabitants. The next decade was to witness probably greater improvements, for in 1872 the Reformed church was built, in 1873 the McWhinney (Trainor) opera house was built, in 1874 the new court house was dedicated, having been erected at a cost of some $175,000.00, in 1875 the new city building was erected in the public square on the site of the old court house, besides the beautiful residence of Charles Roland, Sr., E. C. Shade (Daniel Henne) and the foundation for the then palatial home of Judge D. L. Meeker, recently torn down. An important event during this decade was the selling of sixteen acres off the Armstrong commons in 1877, in the south central part of town for $15,000.00. This was soon platted and graded and within three years was half built upon with good residences. Building operations continued during the next decade with unabated zeal. In 1880 Greenville had 3,535 and the county 40,833 inhabitants. In that year a substantial three-story brick building was finished on the southwest corner of Broadway and Third street by Dr. John Matchett and Wilson and Hart, being by far the best business room constructed up to that date. Henry St. Clair opened tip a wholesale grocery about 1880. In 1883 the beautiful and commodious East school building and the three story, four room, pressed brick Ohio block, located on the east side of Broadway between Third and Fourth streets were completed. The Winner block, a little further south on the west side, the .Anderson block corner Broadway DARKE COUNTY - 517 and Fourth street, soon followed. The Mozart Theater and skating rink on West Fourth street was also erected. The four-story Union block (now Westerfield building) on South Broadway, opposite Martin street was completed about 1891. During this same period the Armstrong plat continued to be built upon, and the new Christian Tabernacle (1888) on West Fifth street. Besides the Mackinaw (Cincinnati Northern) Railway reached Greenville during this period. By 1890 the town was fairly well built as far south as the Panhandle railway with a string of houses connecting the suburb of "Huntertown." In 1890 Greenville had a population of 5473. During the decade from 1890 to 1900 the beautiful new Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Methodist churches were built on Fourth street, the Universalist church on Fifth street, the U. B. church on Wayne avenue, the St. Clair and Bickel residences. It was during this period that the water works and electric light plants, and the North school building (1899) were constructed, the Mozart department store opened and the Daily Tribune and Advocate started. In 1900 Greenville had a population of 6,237. Between 19(X) and 1910 greater public improvements were made than in an previous decade—putting Greenville out of the class of a backwoods town and into that of a modern city of the smaller class. In 1900 Broadway was paved with vitrified brick from the bridge to Washington avenue, and the cross streets—Water, Main, Third, Fourth and Fifth—one square each way —over a mile in all, at a cost of $66,000.00. Washington Avenue was paved with asphalt blocks as far as the Pennsylvania Railway in 1901; West Fourth and Switzer streets to the Pennsylvania railway; East Third to Locust street, and South Washington avenue to Sater street, in 1903; East Fourth and East Fifth streets soon after; North Main and I North Broadway (Minatown), East Main, East Third and West Main about 1907; Central avenue to Sater street and Martin street to the D. & U. railway in 1910; and Martin street from the D. & U. railway to the corporation line and West Third street to Chestnut street in 1911, so that at this time (1914) there are nearly six miles of paved streets in the city. When the first paving was put down in 1900, about eighteen miles of sanitary and nine miles of storm sewers were also put in at a cost of $73,000.00. The city now some thirty-five miles of improved streets and probably twice 518 - DARKE COUNTY that in length of cement sidewalks. The Dayton and Northern Traction (Ohio Electric) line was also built at this time. During this decade the Carnegie Library (1901), the government building (1909), the new Catholic church (1902), the new Episcopal church (1906), the Masonic Temple (1908), the new Armory, the Breaden, W. L. Meeker, D. W. Bowman and C. J. Herr residences erected and a large part of the Armstrong addition lying between Central and Grey avenues, and the Pennsylvania railway and Sater street was built up. Besides these the new Anderson, Irwin and Weaver Blocks, the Lohman Carriage and Telescope Works, the Ross Supply Co., the J. Weller Cannery Co., the new Hollinger Fence building, the Western Ohio Creamery Co. plant, the Gem Incubator building( now Knitting Mills) besides several large tobacco warehouses were built up and the Richeson and Nelson tile plant greatly enlarged and equipped with new machinery and appliances. Vast improvements were also made in grading and improving lawns and removing unsightly sheds, fences and obstructions. The new concrete Broadway bridge was constructed in 1908-1909 at a cost of some $40,000.00. Since 1910, the beautiful St. Clair memorial building, the Coppock residence, the new Krickenberger, Thomas and Trainor business rooms, besides many artistic and substantial residences have been constructed and the city continues to expand in all directions. The population of the city is now about seven thousand, the number of separate plats and additions included is about seventy and the amount of territory embraced in the corporate limits, about 1,035 acres, or one and six-tenths square miles. It is probably the most solidly and subsequently built up cities of its size in the state of Ohio. While reviewing the city's progress a brief sketch of the establishment and growth of the various public utilities and city institutions is in order. As the county seat grew into the proportions of a city the question of an adequate suppy of wholesome water, both for domestic use and as an additiona precaution in case of fire, agitated the citizens, and much discussion, pro and con, was engaged in by the press and the people. As a result a board of trustees was appointed and an election called in the summer of 1892 at which the citizens voted favorably on the proposition to issue $75,000.00 in bonds to construct and install a proper water works system, DARKE COUNTY - 519 including wells, pumping station, stand pipe, fire hydrants, mains, etc. A bond issue of $5,000.00 passed the council November 30, 1892, and one for $75,000.00 on December 12, 1892. A tract of 7.58 acres, being a part of the bottom land of the John H. Martin farm, about one-half mile west of the city, was purchased December 12, 1892, and a tract of 2.69 acres afterward for the total sum of $1,145.50. It seems that this place was decided upon on account of the body of water above the site which could be made available in case of fire, and the comparative proximity to the city. .Nine six-inch wells were sunk at first. In the summer of 1893 a neat and substantial brick pumping station was erected a short distance from the south bank of the creek, two compound, duplex, condensing pumps with a capacity of 1,500,000 gallons each were installed and proper connection made with the wells at a total cost of some twenty-three thousand dollars. About eleven and a half miles of pipe were laid at first, which has since been increased to eighteen miles. For emergency use a large brick tower with superimposed water tank with a total height of about one hundred and twenty-five feet was constructed on a lot near the northeast corner of Chestnut and \Vest Third streets. There are now fourteen wells in service with an estimated capacity of 800,000 gallons. The water was examined by the state bacteriologist in 190th. The analysis showed "a ground water of good quality as regards its pollution from organic pollution. The number of bacteria was very low, intestinal bacteria were absent, and chemically there was no evidence of any sewage pollution." A report from the state board of health issued about this time, showed the water safe, and, except for iron and hardness, satisfactory for domestic and municipal use." Three engineers are now employed at the pumping station, two at $65.00 per month each, and one at $66.00 per month, one superintendent at $1,000.00, one superintendent's helper at $720.00 and one clerk at $480.00 per year, to operate and maintain the plant, and attend to the collection of charges from consumers. There are now 1,703 services, and 1,500 consumers with an annual estimated consumption of one hundred and twenty million gallons. Much of this water is used to operate the automatic flush system attached to the city sewers, and to supply the public drinking fountains operated in the business section of the city. On account of the shortage in the supple in exceptionally dry summer seasons 520 - DARKE COUNTY steps have been taken by the city to secure an increased water supply, by installing a filtration plant, and utilizing the water from Greenville creek. Johnson and Fuller have drawn plans for a settling and purifying plant with a capacity of 3,000,000 gallons daily and it is the intention of the department to have this installed this season. The result desired is to secure a supply of two thousand gallons per minute, or three million gallons per day, which will be ample for fires or any purpose. Mr. John P. Lucas is the efficient superintendent of this extremely valuable public utility having held this important office of public trust since January 1, 1896. During this time the system has been greatly enlarged and extended and Mr. Lucas has striven to make the plan adequate to the increasing public demands, and conduct it in a thorough and business-like manner. Mr. Karl Schmermund is clerk of this department. The Greenville Electric Light & Power Co. On the 19th clay of January, 1894, the Greenville Electric Light & Power Company was incorporated. Its incorporators were A. W. Rush, A. J. Klinger, A. E. Bunger, Z. T. Lorman and Charles E. Wright. The amount of capital stock included in its corporation was $15,000.00. On the 21st day of March, 1894, the organization was completed and the following stockholders and citizens of Greenville elected as its first board of directors: A. J. Klinger, D. L. Gaskill, A. C. Robeson, J. M. Bickel, Charles J. Herr, W. A. Hopkins, L. C. Anderson, Z. T. Dorman and A. F. Markwith. The board organized by electing D. L. Gaskill as president, E. C. Wright as secretary and Charles E. Wright as treasurer. No action was taken by the company in 1894 but in the spring of 1895, a contract was made with the city of Greenville for the lighting of the streets, in which the city of Greenville took seventy-six open arcs at a cost of $84.50 each per year, and made a contract with the company for that lighting to run for ten years. The stock of the company was increased ao $30,000.00, and the company at once proceeded to the erection of its plant in the city of Greenville. Thirty-two thousand dollars were spent in its construction at that time and the plant began operation in October of 1895. From time to time the stock of the company was increased as the growth of the company required, until at present it has DARKE COUNTY - 521 $115,000.00 of stock fully paid up and has one of the largest and best generating statoins in western Ohio. Its lines now cover seventy-five miles of long distance transmission in addition to the lines within the city of Greenville, Ohio. It has one thousand kw. capacity and furnishes current for Bradford, Gettysburg, Ansonia, New Madison, Eldorado, West Manchester, Lewisburg, Brookville and Union City. The company has followed the plan of keeping its officers so long as they were willing to serve and of the original board of directors, D. L. Gaskill, J. M. Bickel, Z. T. Dorman and A. C. Robeson still remain on the board. D. L. Gaskill has served continuously as president since its organization, and in 1896 W. S. Meeker was elected secretary and has continued in that office since that date. Vacancies on the board of directors have only arisen by the sale of their interest in the company or by death. The company has kept apace with the progress of the electrical industry and its reputation is national for good service and progressive ideas. The present executive officers are D. I.. Gaskill president, W. S. Meeker secretary, W. G. Bishop treasurer and S. 1. Rust superintendent. Some of the employees of the company have been with the company since its organization. As a public utility it feels the responsibility that a utility should have in advancing the interests of the city in which it is located and stands ready with its means and its business to assist the city of Greenville in every way possible. The Greenville Home Telephone Company. The telephone company was organized June, 1900; capital stock $100,000.00. During the first year, 240 telephones were installed with a few miles of toll line. In January, 1914, the company operated ten exchanges with 4,400 subscribers' stations, with several miles of iron and copper toll line circuits connecting with U. S. Telephone Co. and Central Union Telephone Co., and A. T. & T. for long distance service. Number of employees in office of exchange, 75; wire chief, inspector and linemen, 15. Names of present directors: J. A. Ries, C. R. Leftwich, W. D. Rush, G. F. Schermund, S. A. Hostetter, L. J. George, Conrad Kipp, S. C. Riegel, and B. P. Conkling. President of the company, Conrad Kipp; vice-president, C. 522 - DARKE COUNTY R. Leftwich, treasurer; G. F. Schmermund, secretary and general manager, W. D. Rush. The old Bell telephone system, which had been operated for probably twenty years, was giving service to about 300 subscribers in 1900. In August, 1911, they had fifty-five subscribers in Greenville with twenty-one toll stations. The toll stations and subscribers' stations at that time were discontinued and all the property was taken over by the Greenville Home Telephone Company. Telephone rates are $2.00 and $1.00; business $2.00 and residence and farm $1.00. The Fire Department. The fire department dates existence from a destructive fire in the early part of 1871. In the early days, the business rooms were mostly two stories in height and were scattered in location so that fires were readily controlled. However, on the night of December 13, 1855, the Buckeye House, on the southeast corner of Broadway and the public square (Masonic Temple site) took fire in the third story and burned to the ground, causing a total loss to the proprietor, J. L. Winner. By a concurrence of favorable circumstances the fire was confined to this one building, but the public was stirred and the purchase of a hand fire-engine and organization of a fire fighters brigade was discussed. No action was taken and the matter was dropped until after the big fire on the night of April 21, 1871, which started in the livery barn of George Stevens (known as the "Flying Dutchman") just east of the present government building and spread eastward to the Blottman building and Tod and Snyder's stable on East Third street, scattering fire brands on the Christian and Lutheran churches, and causing a loss estimated at from fifteen to fngfty thousand dollars. The citizens now became convinced of the necessity of providing for adequate fire protection and appealed to the city council to organize a fire department, and procure proper equipment for same. Accordingly, the council passed an ordinance on June 1, 1871, creating a fire department consisting of a chief, first and second assistants, three fire wardens, and such men as might be required from time to time. At this meeting bonds were issued for six thousand dollars to pay the expenses of the new department for the years 1872. 1873 and 1874. Rev, D. K. McConnell, of the Christian church, was DARKE COUNTY - 523 appointed as the first chief with T. P. Turpen first assistant, and F. E. Moores, second assistant, John C. Turpen secretary, D. M. Stevenson treasurer, E. J. Hickox engineer. A Silsby steam fire engine, two hose reels and five hundred feet of hose were purchased at once, at a cost of $7,250—the engine being delivered, tested and accepted by council June 16. This engine was housed at first in a frame building on lot 59, West Main street, until the completion of the new city hall in 1875, when the outfit was transferred to a room in the north side of that building which had been constructed for the purpose. In those days the engine and reels were run out by the minute men who composed the volunteer force of the department. The three wardens looked after the hose and equipments during fires, protecting the property from damage, one assistant chief looked after the engine and the other after the hose reel, while the chief took charge of all. When the company was organized John T. Lecklider was mayor, and George W. Moore, J. G. Martini, F. M. Eidson, J. P. Winget and D. E. Vantilburg, councilmen. A second Silsby fire engine was purchased for $3,450 tinder an ordinance passed by the council May 21, 1881. With the growth of the department it became imperative that more adequate housing facilities be provided. Accordingly, on February 26, 1883, the council passed an ordinance to issue bonds not to exceed seven thousand dollars for the purchase of real estate for the fire department and for equipment, and on May 28, 1883, authorized the purchase of a lot, forty feet by one hundred feet in size, off the east side of lot number 73 on the northeast corner of Broadway and the public square for $3,500. The old brick building on this corner, the first erected in the county, was soon torn down and a commodious, two story modern fire department building erected with two large exits on the square, stable accommodations for several horses in the rear, and sleeping apartments and a council chamber above. A second team was purchased about this time and a Game-well fire alarm system installed. A combination chemical engine and hose wagon was purchased in the fall of 1905, at a cost of $1,365. The last purchase was a hundred-horse-power American LaFrance triple combination, motor fire engine, weighing about eleven thousand pounds with attached equipments, and having a ca- 524 - DARKE COUNTY pacity of 750 gallons per minute. This engine was delivered January 30, 1914, and cost $9,000.00. It has a speed of sixty miles and has displaced one of the teams of horses. Since the organization of the company in 1871, D. K. McConnell, John Winget John Ries, C. S. McKeon, Taylor Dorman and James Boyer have acted as chief. The present firemen are George Hathaway, Louis Hathaway, C. A. Hufnagle and Benjamin Dunker, and the minute men, George Murphy, Ben Ream, George Ream and Oscar Nelson. The Postoffice. The history of the Greenville postoffice would make a fascinating story in which business and romance ahe strangely intermingled. In early days the arrival of a letter from another section of the state or from the older settlements of the eastern states was hailed with delight and counted an important event in the family. Sometimes the postage on a single letter was twenty-five cents which was paid by the recipient. The office was usually in a little store room of some local merchant, who took charge of the mail along with his other affairs, and waited upon his patrons at convenience. About 1828 and for several years later, it is said, the post-office was located in a little frame building on the southeast corner of Water and Sycamore streets. Abraham Scribner is mentioned as one of the early postmasters. The office was .later located in a frame building just east of the present site of the new government building, then later across the street from this point in a small brick building on the rear of the present traction office lot. For several years prior to the civil war it was located in the Hufnagle building on the northwest corner of the Broadway and the public square. It is said that John Jobes acted as postmaster here about 1840, and a certain Captain Smith, about 1855. Smith was succeeded by John S. Shepherd, who moved the office into the H. A. Webb room, on Broadway near Third street. O. H. Long succeeded Shepherd. In September, 1861, E. W. Otwell became postmaster, and removed the office, it seems, into the Harper building, one door south, and later into the old Pebbledash home of his father, Dr. Curtis Otwell, on the southwest corner of Broadway and Fourth street (court house site). He was succeeded in the fall of 1865 by T. W. McCabe, who DARKE COUNTY - 525 moved the office to a little frame building on West Main street on the present site of the H. St. Clair Co., wholesale grocery. Ham Slade succeeded McCabe, but was elected county clerk in 1868, and his unexpired term was filled out by George Perry. In 1871 we find the postoffice in the Waring building on the west side of the public square (Craig's tin shop), and Henry Stevenson, holding the office. Stephenson died during his incumbency and was succeeded by his wise, during whose term the office was located in the opera house on Third street (about 1874 to January, 1879), and then in the rear of the Allen building on Fourth street opposite the court house. Daniel Heim succeeded Mrs. Stevenson during the first CIeveland administration when the office was located in the Roland building on the northeast corner of Fourth and Broadway. Here the office remained and here George Perry, Daniel Heim, Isaac Hiller, Alonzo Jones and William Halley served successively in the capacity of master of the mail,, until the completion of the new government building on the southeast corner of East Main street and the public square. January 1, 1910. Free mail delivery was started in Greenville on Monday. May 16, 1898, with L. 0. Lecklider, W. R. Pruner and Walter Maines as carriers, and A. Kellogg and Cassius Stoltz as substitutes. At that time two deliveries were made in the business section and in the residence section daily. With the growth of the city and the increase in business, a demand arose for a building adequate for the needs of the city, and a committee of representative citizens, including A. N. Wilson. John C. Clark, James I. Allread and Charles M. Andersom were sent to Washington, D. C., to lay the city's claim before the senate finance committee. Through the active co-operation of Harvey C. Garber, then the representative of the fourth congressional district, their efforts eventuated in the securing of an appropriation of some thirty-five thousand dollars for the construction of a government building, provided that the citizens furnish the site. Several eligible sites were inspected by an agent of the government including the Katzenherger property on the southeast corner of Main street and the public square. As usual in such cases there was strong competition between the residents of the older northern and the rapidly developing southern section of the city over the location of the proposed building. This was soon stopped, however, by a committee of business men with interests cen- 526 - DARKE COUNTY tering in the neighborhood of upper Broadway and public square, who purchased a plot of ground practically 101 feet by 126 feet in size, on the above mentioned corner and had it transferred to the United States of America, on March 5, 1907, for the consideration of one dollar. The old brick building which had been erected by Potter in 1832 and occupied by the Katzenberger brothers as a grocery for many years was soon torn down. The work of excavation was soon commenced, and the building completed in 1909. The new structure is of the colonial style of architecture, carried out in detail with small window panes, pillared entrances, deep white cornices and roof ballustrades and dormers. The walls are built of red pressed brick and the roof is pitched low. There is an entrance on Main street and one on the public square. The building is heated by low pressure steam, lighted by electricity and equipped with sanitary closets, shower baths, hot and cold water in the basement. A high marble wainscot surrounds the vestibule. There is a large lobby on the Main street side which also extends past the public square entrance. It has an artificial mozaic floor and is faced with quarter sawed, paneled oak wainscoting. The main work room is on the southeastern side of the building. It is well lighted and equipped for the numerous clerks and carriers. The money order and register and postal savings division is on the east side. The postmaster has a separate room facing the public square. The office was transferred to the new building by Postmaster Wm. E. Halley, January 1, 1910. Mr. Halley was succeeded by Mr. Adam H. Meeker, the present incumbent, October, 1913. The office force now comprises the postmaster, the assistant postmaster, Mr. Joseph C. Katzenberger, five clerks, five city carriers, two janitors, one messenger and eleven rural carriers. James Perry and Osborn Wilson are the mailing clerks; Kitty Spain, money order clerk; Ella Calderwood, stamp clerk; Tillie Dunn, auxiliary. Walter Maines, J. J. O'Brien, Ora Ganger, Charles Brumbaugh, and Jesse Bruss are the city carriers, and Elam Miller the messenger. The postmaster now receives a salary of $2,700.00 and his assistant $1,300.00 per year. The gross receipts of the office in 1913 were about $23,000.00. DARKE COUNTY - 527 Greenville is one of the few second-class offices in Ohio now housed in a government building. Greenville Public Schools. The social and intellectual progress of Greenville and Darke county is well indicated by the transition from the little log house to the modernly planned and equipped pressed brick school building. The development of the Greenville schools up to 1880 has been reviewed in another place, from the old log school house on Elm street, and the first two brick grade schools, the private schools, the establishment of the high school in 1869, and the first few years of the history of that institution. The growth of the city and the advancing requirements of High school work soon called for the erection of another school building. In response to this demand a fine lot comprising some three acres was purchased on East Fifth street, between Montgomery and Green streets, about 1881, and a beautiful large brick building with two graceful towers, two stories hfgh and with mansard roof was constructed in 1883 at a cost of some $75,000.00. This building was intended primarily for a high school—an assembly room, a laboratory, an extra recitation room and a large auditorium on the second floor being set aside for the use of this department, while the rooms down stairs and the east room tip stairs were devoted to the lower grades for the convenience of the pupils living in the eastern section of the city. Since being remodled this building has fourteen regular session rooms and one assembly room. From 1867 to 1888, Prof. J. T. Martz continued at the head of the schools and by his scholarship, discipline and tenacity of purpose established an enviable reputation for Greenville educational institutions. In 1888, Prof. F. Gillum Cromer, now president of the Miami Valley Chautauqua, became superintendent, and held this position until 1895. During his incumbency he introduced several of the advanced ideas of education, including the savings hank, the fire drill, and a circulating library, and revised the curriculum. C. L. Brumbaugh (now representing Franklin county, Ohio in congress), became superintendent in 1895, and held that office until 1899. During this period four good sized classes were graduated and a demand developed for a sectional grade school to accommodate the pupils living in North Greenville. 528 - DRAKE COUNTY This demand was met by the purchase of a lot on North Main street, between Wayne and Spring streets and the erection of a modern one story, four roomed, grey brick school, with central dome, large corridor, scientific lighting and ventilation, at a probable cost of some twenty-five thousand dollars. Pro`. E. M. Van Cleve (now superintendent of the Ohio Blind commission), was the able and enthusiastic superintendent from 1899 to 1903. During his incumbency the Carnegie library and museum was built, and became an important auxiliary to the schools. Prof. Van Cleve was a good literary student and did much to build up the library and revise and strengthen the curriculum. Prof. J. W. Swartz served from 1903 to 1905. During this period the "Department Plan" was gradually introduced, by which all seventh and eighth grades, except one room at the North building were organized into a department of four teachers. Prof. Swartz also paid special attention to the development of athletics in the high school. Prof. W. S. Rowe served from 1905 to 1906. In the fall of 1905 the board introduced the department of household arts, furnishing a very complete equipment for domestic science. Manual training and the kindergarten were made possible through the thoughtful bequest of the late Mr. Henry St. Clair, who purchased the equipments for these departments and had them installed under the direction of the board of education, in the summer of 1905. Prof. James J. Martz succeeded to the superintendency the fall of 1908, and served until his resignation in the spring of 1914. Prof. Martz is a son of the late Jacob T. Martz, the first superintendent, a graduate of the Greenville high school (class of 1891), a graduate of Ohio Weslyan University, and had several years of experience in high school work before assuming this responsible office. During his term several important changes and improvements have been made including the remodeling and moving of the old West school building, the erection of the Henry St. Clair memorial hall (which now houses the department of industrial art, household arts, manual training and kindergarten), and the erection of the new South school building. This latter building was erected in 1911, at a cost of some $25,000, on a fine lot located south of Sater street between Washington and Wayne avenues, and was built to accommodate the grade pupils of the rapidly growing south side. On account of its late construction it embodies many of the latest ideas of DARKE COUNTY - 529 school architecture. It was designed by Howard and Merriam, and constructed by E. E. Bope, following the erection of the memorial hall by those builders. It contains eight regular grade rooms, besides two large play rooms and toilet conveniences in the basement. Several factors have contributed to the rapid development of the public school system, and the gradual increase in the number of graduates, among which might be included the following: the Boxwell-Patterson law, making it possible for rural grade graduates to enter any high school in the county, without conditions; the popular demand for higher education; the broadening and strengthening of the high school courses; the employment of specialists as instructors in the various branches of the curriculum; the greatly im- proved equipment and conveniences, and the holding of annual institutes. These things have all acted favorably in the Greenville schools as shown by the fact that the enrollment in the high school has increased from 155 in 1900, to 303 in 1914. While the total enrollment has increased from 1,076 to 1,352 during the same period. With four modernly equipped brick buildings, the Carnegie library and the Memorial building, all located with special reference to the convenience of the pupils of the various sections of the city. Greenville has a school system that, is probably not excelled by that.of any city of its size in the state of Ohio. The high school has been certified by the Ohio School commissioner as "first grade" for several years, permitting its graduates to enter the freshman year of some of the best colleges and universities of the United States without condition. Within recent years special development has taken place in the grades in the departments of music, drawing, applied art, manual training, and the progressive study of English literature. In the high school great progress has been made in these same departments, besides domestic economy, modern and ancient languages, history, science, mathematics, art, expression, pedagogy, commercial training and athletics. The total number of graduates to date is 744, of whom 479 were girls and 265 boys. 150, or more than one-fifth of the entire number, have been graduated in the last three classes. The monthly pay roll shows the following items (34) 530 - DARKE COUNTY Superintendent's salary ---------------$ 255.55 High school tuition ------------------ 1,379.16 Grade tuition ----------------------- 1,750.00 Library employees ------------------ 135.00 Janitors ---------------------------- 325.00 Total -------------------------------$3,844.71 The following schedule of teachers for the school year of 1913-14 shows one superintendent, five principals, besides twenty-two grade, nine high school, two kindergarten and four special teachers, a total force of forty-three. Practically all of the hfgh school instructors have taken courses covering a period of from one to five years in some standard American college or university, while nearly all of the grade teachers are graduates of the high school, and have had special normal or college preparation. East Building. O. E. Bowers, principal; Carrie Rush, Lillian Hoel, Mabel Turner, Alcie Allen, Mary Studebaker, Anna Stephens, Esther Gaskill, Isabel Ketring, Louise Hall, and Nannie Eller, grade teachers; Onda Ridenour, kindergarten. West Building. J. B. Long, principal; Margaret Mannix, Kitt Townsend, Lucile Kerlin, Klyde Whiteley, Elsie Black. North Building. Mary Stallman, principal; Edith Dininger, Lelia Miller, Grace Reed. South Building. Clara Heckerman, principal ; Elizabeth Lynch, Estella Mong, Lucile Fitzgerald, Cena Davis. High School. Minor McCool, principal, biology; Frederick Roehm, German; E. F. Babb, mathmetics; Ophelia G. Byers, English; H. H. Howett, history; Harry Metzger, science; Myrtle Boyer, phonography and typewriting: Inez Osborn, Latin; DARKS COUNTY - 531 Alma Polk, English; Nelson E. Thomas, algebra and common branches. Special Teachers—Memorial Hall. Anna Bier, industrial art; Grace Cowles, domestic economy; L. Evelyn Roberts, music; E. W. Bowers, manual training; Mary C. Ferris, kindergarten; J. J. Martz, superintendent. Members of the board of education—John Mong, president; Dr. W. T. Fitzgerald, J. E. Williams, clerk; J. O. Winters. Prof. F. C. Kirkendall, formerly of Chillicothe, Ohio, has been chosen to succeed Prof. J. J. Martz, resigned, as superintendent. Lodges. The social and fraternal life of the citizens of the county seat has found partial expression in various lodges, societies, clubs, etc., organized from time to time since the founding of the town. The Masonic order is now represented by three organizations, viz., Greenville Lodge No. 143, F. and A. M., which received its charter October 20, 1847; Greenville Chapter No. 77, R. A. M., chartered October 17, 1857, and Matchett Council No. 91, Royal and Select Masters, chartered October 4, 1904. The first named has a membership of about 240; the second about 185 and the last about 100 of Greenville's representative citizens. For many years the Masons met in a hall which they had fitted up on the third floor of the Koester building on the northwest corner of Broadway and Third streets. They recently removed to the new rooms which they had constructed and fitted out in the building now known as the Masonic hall on the southeast corner of Broadway and the public square, at a cost of some fifteen thousand dollars. The lodges are in a flourishing condition. In recent years they have conducted the ceremonies incident to the placing of the corner stones of the Carnegie library building, the Episcopal church and St. Clair memorial hall and are quite active in the ritualistic work of the order. The Odd Fellows are now represented by a strong subordinate lodge of some 340 members, besides an encampment and Daughters of Rebekah organization. The original organiza- 532 - DARKE COUNTY tion was known as Greenville Lodge No. 195, I. O. O. F., and was instituted March 15, 1852. In 1873, this lodge erected the present Trainor opera house, with a fine hall on the upper floor at a cost of some $20,00.00. This venture proved unprofitable and the heavy indebtedness incurred finally led to the division of the lodge and the establishment of another known as Champion Lodge No. 742, which was instituted July 22, 1885, with thirty-five charter members. These lodges continued separately until January, 1909, when they were consolidated as Champion Lodge No. 742. This lodge has met for several years in an upper room of the Ohio block, but expects soon to be housed in fine and commodious quarters in the remodeled Turpen building, formerly known as the Turpen House. Greenville Encampment No. 90, I. O. O. F. represents the higher work of Odd Fellowship and now has a membership of about 100 members. Bee Hive Lodge No. 266, Daughters of Rebekah was organized as an auxiliary to Greenville Lodge No. 195 in 1889, with about ten members. In 1909 it was merged with the Seven Star Lodge, an auxiliary to Champion Lodge, and the consolidated lodge retined the name "Bee Hive." This has been one of the most active ladies lodges in the city. Greenville Lodge No. 161, Knights of Pythias was instituted May 16, 1883, with 33 charter members and now has a membership of about 380, being probably the strongest lodge numerically in the city. Besides the regular lodge there is a separate organization known as the uniform rank, which places special emphasis on the drill features of the order, and the Pythian Sisters, all of whom meet in the elegantly furnished lodge room on the upper floor of the Anderson building on the southeast corner of Broadway and Fourth streets. Little Turtle Lodge No. 119, Improved Order of Red Men was chartered August 14, 1889, with ninety-five charter members, and now has a membership of about 250. A lodge was originally organized in October, 1870, which flourished for a while but finally surrendered its charter in May, 1875. The present lodge, however, has continued its organization for nearly a quarter of a century. Its meetings are held on the upper floor of the Union block on South Broadway opposite Martin street. The Junior order is represented in Greenville by Gen. Wm. H. Lawton Council No. 147. Junior O. U. A. M., which DARKE COUNTY - 533 meets on Monday night at 331 Broadway. This lodge was chartered October 8, 1901, with 21 members and now has a membership of about 170. This order now has ten lodges in Darke county. Greenville Council No. 28, Daughters of America was chartered January 9, 1904, with 25 members and has grown in about ten years to a membership of about 115. The Knights of the Golden Eagle have a lodge which meets in their rooms on Broadway. There are two fraternal insurance orders in the city: Wayne Camp No. 4449, Modern Woodmen of America, was organized January 7, 1897, and now has 66 members including several substantial citizens. The Knights of the Maccabees have recently organized a lodge under the number 417. The United Commercial Travelers have an active organization, made possible by the large number of traveling salesmen who have chosen Greenville for their home. The Elks organized a lodge about 1907, known as Tribe No. 1139, B. P. O. E. Their wigwam is in the upper floors of the Moore building on the northeast corner of Broadway and Third street where meetings are held on Monday night. The present membership is about 160. Besides these orders there is a Grand Army Post and W. R. C. mentioned elsewhere. Literary Societies. The ladies of Greenville have manifested their literary proclivities by the establishment of seven clubs as follows The Dickens, organized in 1891. Columbian, organized in 1892 and federated in 1895. It has twenty active members and this year they are studying Austrfa and Hungary and meet Tuesdays. President, Mrs. J. J. Martz; secretary, Mrs. E. F. Babb; treasurer, Mrs. Lillian Conkling. "Sorosis" was organized in 1895, federated in 1897, with a membership of twenty-four, and the members are studying India the present year. They meet Thursdays. President, Mrs. Martin Pierson; secretary, Miss Mary Waring; treasurer, Mrs. J. L. Selby. "Altrurian" was organized in 1900, federated in 1901, with a membership of twenty, and is now studying Ireland and 534 - DARKE COUNTY Wales. President, Mrs. M. W. Westerfield; secretary, Mrs. Margaret Patty; treasurer, Mrs. Earl Martin. "Fin de Siecle" was organized in 1900 and has twelve members. This year they are studying South America republics, Mexico, and are also giving some time to current topics, and seasonable social events. President, Miss Lucille Matchett secretary, Mrs. Horace Oglesby; treasurer, Miss Edith Dininger. They meet Tuesdays. "Emersonian" was organized in 1908. They meet Wednesdays and have eighteen members. This club is studying France the present year. President, Mrs. Corwin Reigle; secretary, Mrs. John Matthews; treasurer, Miss Emma Kerlin, The Up-to-Date, 1910. These have been instrumental in promoting a love for the better things in literature and thereby tending to raise the ideals of the community. Civic League. As an active force for the betterment of the social, sanitary, and general moral condition of the community the "Civic League" was organized by the women of the city on March 10, 1914, and has already grown to a membership of about eighty. The scope of its work is indicated by the committees appointed to carry on its work, which are as follows: Sanitation, outdoor art, children's auxiliary, streets and alleys'. industrial and rest room, charity, public buildings and recreation, membership and press. The present officers are: President, Mrs. J. L. Selby; first vice president, Mrs. Wm. Lynch; second vice president, Mrs. F. H. Jobes ; third vice president, Mrs. Minor McCool; secretary, Mrs. H. K. Harvey; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Jas. G. Reid; chairmen of committees: Mesdames J. J. Martz, H. K. Schopp, G. W. Mace, F. F. Babb, W. S. Rosser, Z. T. Dorman, J. M. Bickel and Miss A. M. Buchwalter and Mrs. Chas. Matthews. Already the force of this organization is being manifested in clearing up the streets and alleys of the city and striving to improve social conditions. Commercial Culb. The Greenville Commercial Club was organized by the men of the city to promote the business interests of the city, especially by the securing of new factories and industries DARKE COUNTY - 533 and advertising the advantages of Greenville as a social and industrial center. This organization succeeded the Board of Trade, which was organized several years. ago. A. L. Baughman (deceased), Charles Minnich, J. P. Duffey have been the successive presidents. This organization has been largely instrumental in securing the Gem Manufacturing Company and the Union Underwear Mills and laying out a new addition on the east side of the city adjacent to the factory district. thereby providing excellent factory sites and encouraging the building of homes convenient for the employees. It has also booked the Redpath Chautauqua for the reason of 1914 and is endeavoring to secure a good park for the city. Wm. E. Halley is now president; Ed Cornell, vice-president ; Guy C. Baker, secretary and Adelbert Martz, treasurer of this club. The directors are: W. J. Irwin, W. D. Rush, G. F. Schmermund, Burr Evans, E. A. Grubbs, J. O. Winters, F. C. Wright, Robert Burdge and C. C. Minnich. Executive committee—W. J. Irwin, W. D. Rush, Charles Minnich, F. G. Schmermund and E. C. Wright. New Industry Committee—J. H. Martz, D. E. Horn and M. A. Maher. Present Industry Committee—Horace Ogelsby, D. L. Gas-kill and S. L. Brenner. Retail Committee—Harry Vance, Roy Mong and George Esplin. Public Improvement Committee—Dr. A. W. Rnsh, M. AV. Limbert and C. C. Hall. Civic Committee—Frank Jobes, C. J. Herr and S. M. Rust. Membership Committee—Robert Burdge, Ed Cornell and Guy C. Baker. Advertising Committee—R. R. Winters, Stanley Frizell and John H. Mannix. Entertainment Committee—Charles Biehaut, A. Martz, T. M. Pierson, James Martz and J. O. Winters. Chautauqua Committee—Charles Minnich, C. C. McKinney, John Martz and Guy C. Baker. Good Roads Club. The Good Roads Club was organized in December, 1913, for the purpose of improving the condition of the highways of Darke county. This is one of the most active organizations in the connty and is succeeding through the instrumentality 536 - DARKE COUNTY of press and public meetings in educating a strong sentiment in favor of better roads. James R. Marker, the present state highway commissioner, is a son of Darke county and has lent his assistance in forwarding the local work. The present officers are E. R. Fouts, president; Charles York, secretary, and James Knupp, treasurer. There are two important societies whose field of activity comprehends the entire county, which deserve prominent mention. The Darke County Horse Thief Detective Association. This society was organized as early as March, 1845, under the name of the "Darke County Self Protection Association," for the purpose of securing the arrest, conviction and punishment of horse thieves and other depredators. At that time property was less secure in the rural districts than it is today and the protective association proved a valuable instrument for deterring and preventing lawless acts. This society organized with about twenty members. James Devor was the first president; John Wharry, secretary, and David Stamm treasurer. Interest in the work of the society seems to have declined and early in the "seventies" a reorganization was effected with Thomas Lecklider as president, and Arthur Baird secretary. The society now has an active membership of about 280, and holds quarterly meetings in March, June, September and December. The present officers are: W. R. Stuck, president; J. C. White, secretary; D. L. Gaskill, treasurer. The Patrons of Husbandry. This organization was effected at an early date for the purpose of promoting the social, financial and agricultural interests of the farmers of the entire county. The Greenville Grange was organized in April, 1874. A Grange store was soon started on Broadway, but closed after a brief struggle for existence. The present policy of the Grange is to buy in wholesale lots and distribute direct such articles as food stuffs, fertilizers, binder-twine, paints, etc., and to sell grains for its members in car-load lots. There are now seven subordinate granges in Darke county, and two in Preble county organized as "Pomona Grange," which meets hi-monthly for social and business purposes. The present officers are: DARKE COUNTY - 537 Master—E. T. Wagner. Overseer—Calvin Marick. Lecturer—C. L. Jones. Chaplain—Mrs. E. T. Wagner. Assistant Steward—W. C. Gauby. Lady Assistant Steward- Mrs. W. C. Gauby. Treasurer—W. E. Thompson. Recording secretary—Mrs. B. M. Allen. Financial Secretary—Pearl E. Trick. Pomona—Mrs. D. E. Hoffman. Flora—Mrs. C. L. Jones. Ceres—Mrs. Calvin Marick. Gatekeeper—C. F. Bliss. The gradual but substantial growth of Greenville is indicated by the census statistics as follows: Year 1860, population 1,650; 1870, 2,520; 1880, 3,535; 1890, 5,473; 1900, 5,501; 1910, 6,237. The population by wards in 1910 was: First, 1,341 ; Second, 1,798; Third, 1,766; Fourth, 1,332. The present population probably approximates 7,000. The real property of the city was assessed in 1913 at $5,428.480.00 and the personal property at $2,911,744.00. It is expected that the return of chattels in 1914 will increase the latter amount about $500,000.00. Greenville is classified as a city of the second class under the laws of the state and has the following officials: Mayor—Benjamin F. Scholl. Auditor—C. .R. Jobes. Director of Service—D. W. Shively. Director of Safety—W. D. Rush. Superintendent of Water Works—John P. Lucas. Street Commissioner—Smith O'Brien. City Clerk—Karl Schmermund. Treasurer—Frank Schreel. Engineer—Robert H. Horn. Chief of Police—J. L. Bascom (died June 26, 1914). Fire Chief—James Boyer. The board of control is composed of the mayor, director of service, director of safety and clerk. The patrolmen of the police department are John Lynch, Ernest Bell and Albert Ibaugh. The members of the board of health are: J. E. Hunter, M. D., president; G. F. Morningstar, D. D. S.; Frank Payne; C. S. 538 - DARKE COUNTY Elliott, veterinary surgeon; T. H. Monger. Health officer---S. A. Hawes, M. D.; clerk, Karl Schmermund. The members of the city council are: B. F. Scholl, president; Wm. Fouts, Wm. Reed and D. E. Horn, members at large; Harry Willson, first ward; Jacob Menke, second ward: Lincoln Metzcar, third ward; Wm. Kurz, fourth ward. During recent years the following persons have served as mayor of the city: A. H. Meeker, R. S. Frizell, Hallec Rupc. J. L. Bascom, M. F. Myers, E. C. Wright, L. E. Chenoweth. A. N. Wilson, T. C. Maher, G. F. Schmermund and E. F. Calderwood. On account of the accidental death of Mayor Calderwood, June 24, 1914, Mr. B. F. Scholl, the president of the council, became acting mayor. The Greenville Cemetery. Strange as it may seem, there is a subtle relation between the manner of life of a people and the manner in which they inter their dead. The careful embalming practiced by the ancient Egyptians, together with the manner of interment and the artistic character of some of their tombs, indicate that they were a people holding certain ideas of immortality and that they had arrived at a degree of civilization beyond any other people of their era. Likewise the presence of a carefully platted, artistically planted and well kept cemetery in a city or community in these days is taken to indicate a certain degree of esthetic culture and local pride among the people. In the rough pioneer days, the remains of the dead were buried on the private grounds of the family in a little fenced plot, which too often suffered neglect, and upon the transfer of land was liable to be plowed up by the new owner, and thus left to oblivion. In later years it became customary in the rural districts to bury the bodies of the dead in the little burial ground surrounding the local church, with the result that these grounds were sometimes neglected or abandoned upon the discontinuance of the church. Many of the pioneers were buried in such places and their place of interment is unknown today. The earliest burial ground of the pioneers on the site of Greenville was probably on the southeast corner of West Third and Chestnut streets, on lots 544 and 545, now owned and occupied by Mr. Ed Grubbs. Mrs. McKhann, the oldest daughter of Azor Scribner, related that she saw numerous DARKE COUNTY - 539 rough slate headstones here in early days with names reputed to be those of officers of Wayne's army, scratched thereon. While grading West Third street and the sidewalk on Chestnut street at this point, and while putting a sewer in the alley in more recent years, numerous remains were disinterred. This was an elevated point overlooking the prairie and lay just outside of the southwestern bastion of old Fort Greenville. Remains were also found on the bluff of the creek a few rods east of the Broadway bridge, near the northeast bastion, and on the site of the Ohio block on Broadway, on lot 24, near the southeastern bastion of the fort remains were found with buttons, coins and articles which seemed to indicate that they belonged to soldiers of this period. It is also said that Wayne had a hospital near the southeast corner of Wayne avenue and Armstrong street on lot 763, and a burial ground just to the northwest on lot 806. The butts of pickets were removed when grading Wayne avenue just south of Armstrong street about 1880, and numerous military relics found by the workmen. The earliest known burial plot of the pioneers proper was on the present site of the Catholic church on lot 32 of the original town plot, at the southeast corner of West Third and Elm streets. It seems that Mrs. Armstrong, "the Mother of Greenville," and probably John Devor, who platted the town, and a few others were buried here. This place seems to have been used until 1816 when a burying ground was located on the bluff of Greenville creek on the north side of East Water street just west of the head of Ash street. Mrs. Samuel Boyd, the wife of the earliest farmer, was the first person buried here in 1816. The remains of Abraham Scribner, Linus Bascom, and many other pioneers of the town were interred here, but in less than forty years it was seen that the place was too small to meet the local needs. Accordingly, in 1853, a "Cemetery Association" was organized under the state law, and William Collins, George W. Coover and John Tomilson were elected trustees thereof. On November 29, 1853, Dr. Gabriel Miesse, Sr., deeded to these trustees for cemetery purposes, part of the northwest quarter of section thirty-four (34), township twelve (12), range two (2) east, in Darke county, Ohio, containing eight acres of land, for $425.00, but reserving to himself twenty-four lots thereof at two dollars per lot. This land was immediately laid out into lots about twenty feet square, with the necessary streets and alleys, making in all 540 - DARK COUNTY 370 lots. For many years no grade for these lots was established, and no system laid down to govern the selection, use and occupancy of them. Each lot owner would fill and grade his lot to suit his fancy, causing confusion and a lack of uniformity in the appearance of the grounds. Much trouble and confusion was occasioned by the failure to keep proper record of the sale of lots and payments thereon. Lots were purchased by persons living in various parts of the county at prices ranging from ten to forty dollars, according to size and location, and the cemetery thus early became a general burying place for the public. In 1878, under the revised state law, the city and township elected three cemetery trustees, to serve one, two and three years respectively. The first election was held April 1, 1878, and resulted in the choice of G. W. Moore, J. A. Schmermund and Jahugh Compton as trustees. The board then elected J. T. Martz secretary, he having served eight years previously in that capacity. Seven acres of ground adjoining the original tract on the north were immediately condemned for cemetery purposes, and purchased for $1,050.00. Besides this, the trustees purchased an adjoining lot with a commodious brick dwelling house thereon for $1,900.00. This building was used as a home for the superintendent until about 1910 when it was removed across the street. The trustees also purchased 2.09 acres adjoining these grounds for $1,050.00. A strip of five acres was purchased along the northwest side in May, 1900, of John Somers for $500.00, affording a place for a nice driveway and adding materially to the appearance of the grounds. A well-kept hedge now encloses this side. This cemetery filled rapidly and it became imperative to employ a competent person to take care of the grounds. Accordingly I. N. Smith, of Waynesville, Ohio, was employed for one year from April 1, 1884, at fifty dollars per month, as superintendent, which position he has filled most acceptably ever since—a period of thirty years. Under his supervision the lots have been properly graded, streets and drives improved, new additions platted, trees and shrubbery planted and trimmed so that now the place has the appearance of a park. In recent years numerous beautiful shafts and monuments have been erected at considerable cost, among the most notable of which are those of Frank McWhinney. Dr. Pretzinger, A. F. Koop, Daniel Henne, Edward Breaden. Wm. DARKE COUNTY - 541 Turpen, H. K. Schopp, C. M. Anderson, Henry St. Clair and others. The trustees deeded to the county commissioners for the use of the Grand Army of the Republic twenty-four lots, which have been largely occupied by this time. A wooden monument was built on the soldier's square which stood several years. Finally in 1902, Mr. and Mrs. Frank McWhinney decided to erect a beautiful and substantial granite shaft, in memory of the soldiers of Darke county, who had served in the various wars. The material selected was a dark Barre granite quarried in Vermont. From this a monument about twenty-seven feet in height and weighing some sixty tons was erected, under the supervision of Manor and Keck. The base of this memorial is ten feet square and one piece weighs fifteen tons. The second base is seven feet, eight inches square; the third base six feet, five inches square, surmounted by four fifteen inch columns with carved capitals. Resting on this is a carved cap six feet square surmounted by a die three feet, nine inches square, and having the four emblems of the military service carved thereon, viz.: the coat of arms, the capstan, the artillery and the wreath and swords. This is surmounted by a cap four feet, nine inches square upon which stands a seven-foot effigy of a union soldier in full service uniform at parade rest. This figure stands an immovable sentry, faithfully guarding the graves of departed comrades. The face and eyes of the soldier are fastened on the gateway, as if guarding with jealous care the coming and going of all. The total height of the monument is twenty-seven feet. Inscribed on the four sides of the lower die are the following: Front side: "Erected and donated A. D. 1903, by Frank McWhinney and wife in honor and memory of the union soldiers of Darke county, Ohio, living or dead, who served in the war of 1861-1865. Also of all soldiers of Darke county, Ohio, who served the United States in any of its wars." West side: "The muffled drum's sad roll has heat The soldier's last tattoo. No more on life's parade shall meet The fallen, brave and true. On fame's eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread, And glory guards with silent round The bivouac of the dead." 542 - DARKE COUNTY North side: "By the services of the Union soldiers, all persons of the United States were made free and every star retained on the nation's flag." East side: "How sleep the brave who sink to rest by all their country's wishes blest." This monument cost about seven thousand dollars and was dedicated on Memorial day (May 30), 1903, with appropriate ceremonies, General G. Warren Keifer, of Springfield, Ohio, being the orator of the day. As an appropriate companion piece, Mr. McWhinney had also erected a beautiful gateway at the Main street entrance of the cemetery, under the supervision of Mr. Dennis Dwyer at a cost of some three thousand dollars. This structure is in the form of a graceful Gothic arch surmounted by a cross and spanning the roadway, with a smaller arch surmounted by buttressed towers on either side over the sidewalks. The main arch is thirty-seven feet high and sixteen feet wide and the side arches twenty-five feet high and four feet wide with a thickness of four feet. It is constructed of Oolitic stone on a base of blue limestone and makes an impressive approach to the cemetery. About the time of the dedication of the soldiers' monument a committee of Jobes Post, G. A. R., waited upon Congressman Harvey C. Garber with the request that he secure a light cannon to be mounted on the soldiers' lot. Mr. Garber, after much effort, finally secured a list of eleven guns, iD March, 1904, from the W'e'ar Department at Washington from which the committee selected a howitzer. This gun was made by the government foundry at South Boston, Mass., weighs 1,465 pounds and is designed to shoot a 24-pound shot. It was mounted in the foreground of the monument on a neat cut stone pedestal with attached descriptive tablet, and was dedicated with appropriate services, about June 30, 1904, adding another to the fitting memorials of the cemetery. The last and one of the most artistic, substantial and impressive structures erected on the grounds was the mausoleum containing 468 crypts. This building is built of hand rubbed Bedford stone on the exterior and is 64 by 106 feet. It has four family groups and four private tombs. The interior is finished in white Colorado yule marble and nicely equipped with electric lights. All the doorways, windows and gratings are made of the best quality of bronze. It has five thousand feet of sanitary piping and eight carloads of material were used in its construction—it being the third largest Protestant DARKE COUNTY - 543 mausoleum in the state of Ohio. It is largely Egyptian in design with small porch at the west entrance facing the soldiers' monument. It was dedicated with appropriate exercises, Rev. Charles C. McKinney of the Presbyterian church delivering a masterful dedicatory address, on Sunday, July 13, 1913. At that time Dr. J. P. Collett, the promoter and builder, who was born and raised in Darke county, edelivered to the cemetery board a check for $2,340 to be invested and used as a permanent endowment fund. Mr. Charles Minnich was chairman of the dedicatory exercises. Besides these structures a receiving vault and shelter house have been constructed on the grounds for the convenience o the public and many other useful improvements made. Within recent years the superintendent has kept a record of burials and it is estimated that some three thousand bodies have been interred to date. It is now realized that several acres must be purchased adjoining the grounds on the west and abutting on the Union City pike if the cemetery is to continue to be adequate for the city and township use for many years to come. Since 1854 the following persons have served as trustees: Wm. Collins, George W. Coover, John Tomlinson, D. R. Davis, Moses Hart, Joshua L. Winget, Abram R. Doty, Jahugh Compton, J. A. Schmermund, A. J. Arnold, S. L. Kolp, George W. Perry, Jacob Halderman, Henry Heverling, W. J. Reece, Z. T. Dorman. The following persons have acted as secretary since 1853: Michael Spayd, Wm. M. Wilson, J. R. Knox, George H. Martz, J. T. Martz, W. J. Reece. The present board is constituted as follows: Frank Schreel, president; John Suter, vice-president; W. S. Meeker, treasurer; I. N. Smith, secretary and superintendent. The following article by the superintendent, who completed thirty years of service here on April 1, 1914, is not inappropriate here: "With Tallyrand I can say, 'Show me your cemetery and I will know of the culture and refinement of your people.' Were he permitted to inspect the beautiful cemeteries of our land today his estimate of the refinement and intelligence of our people would run very high. The word cemetery signifies a resting place. Our cemetery is therefore but an exquisitely beautiful dormitory where our loved ones sleep. "The burial of the dead has ever been one of the acts most touching to the human heart, and the one most tenderly performed. :fit death the body is all that is left to us of the loved 544 - DARKE COUNTY and lost. The burial of the mortal part has always been observed with more or less tenderness and regard as the people were more or less educated, refined and enlightened. From the earliest history which we possess we learn that the dead were tenderly cared for. In the Bible we read of the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah by Abraham from the Children of Heth, for a burial place. This cave became a sacred spot to Abraham and to his descendants. In that Cave were buried Sarah, the wife of Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, Jacob and Abraham himself. "The duty of giving honorable burial to the dead was recognized from the earliest times, and we find this illustrated in the case of Jacob, who died in Egypt. Yet, according to his desire, his remains were taken to the family burial place—the cave of Machpelah—for interment. And when Joseph was about to die in Egypt, he exacted. an oath from his kinsmen that his bones should be transported, at the Exodus, to the Promised Land for final interment and it was as he desired. "The burial with friends, in their own land, was esteemed a great privilege by the patriarch of old, and the custom largely prevails today of bringing our friends home for burial. To this respect for the dead, widespread as it has ever been, the world has been indebted for some of the grandest specimens of architecture ever erected by men. Among these are the Pyramids of Egypt, the Tomb of Mausolous and the Tombs of the Kings of Golconda, and in our own cemetery there are many beautiful artistic structures. The St. Clair-Van Dyke monument is a magnificent piece of art, the W. S. Turpen monument a massive structure of granite that will endure for centuries, the soldiers' monument, erected and donated by our late comrade, Frank McWhinney and wife, to the memory of all Darke county soldiers, does credit to any of its kind in western Ohio. And the compartment mausoleum, the finest and best built in the state. In its crypts will be placed many a loved one. "It is nothing new, then, that the living should tenderly care for the bodies of their dead friends, and should provide pleasant and attractive grounds in which to `bury their bodies out of our sight.' Since the burial of the dead in church yards has ceased, large and beautiful cemeteries have been provided for burial purposes. Our own country has taken the lead in this respect, and in the vicinity of Cleveland, Toledo, Dayton, Cincinnati, and other cities in our land, the most DARKE COUNTY - 545 beautiful cemeteries in the world may be found. It is one of the best marks of the intelligence of any community to see the cemetery, belonging to such community, well cared for - aplace to attract people by its quiet beauty, its neat and well kept grounds, and why should we not set apart the most beautiful spot on earth for the shes of our beloved? Let the hill tops of the 'Silent City' be kissed by the first morning ray and the last gleam of day; let dancing rivulets sing their glad hymns of praise; let silver lakelets picture the glories of earth and heaven; let Luna and the starry hosts shed their hallowed influence upon the peaceful scene; let Flora contribute her choicest offerings; in short, let nature and art so combine as to express in our cemetery our highest ideals of beauty and harmony. "As I roamed through one of our most beautiful cemeteries this past summer, the virgin forests all aglow with the pink and scarlet skies, the crimson woodbine, the purple oak, the golden chestnut and beech, the multi-colored maple, etc., etc., as I turned into the paths along the calm, silver lakelets, in which the wonderful autumn tints were mirrored and along the banks of which the robins and hermit thrushes were singing their Te Deums, and then, as I rambled over the emerald lawns spangled with beds of fragrant flowers, I thought if the dead could speak, how heartily they would thank those who had prepared such an entrancing retreat for their long, long sleep It is well for the living to pass often through the streets of the "City of the Dead." "Among the varied anticipated improvements of our progressive city, let us not forget our cemetery. The time will soon be here, yea, it is here now, when Greenville cemetery must be enlarged. Let the land lying adjacent to, and parallel with the cemetery be secured at once. This, with proper grading, platting and landscape gardening, could be converted into a most beautiful cemetery, and furthermore this would perpetuate the cemetery we now have and remove all doubt of its ever becoming an abandoned cemetery. "Peace to this place of rest! 'Tis common earth no longer now, The gleaming sickle, and the laboring plow Here ceases their toil—for holy grounds Are gardens of the grave—the bounds 'Twixt life and death—the awful bourne (35) 546 - DARKE COUNTY From whence no traveler doth return, Is peopled with dim mysteries— The Spirit Realm around us lies; Peace to these shades, these hills and dells, Where silence, like a presence, dwells." TOWNSHIP SKETCHES. Darke county is one of the large political and geographical units of Ohio, being approximately thirty miles from north to south and twenty miles from east to west and comprising about 586 square miles of territory. It contains twenty townships, which, if of equal size, would each have about thirty square miles of territory. However, on account of the location of the county seat about three miles south of the exact center of the county and the early development of the surrounding territory, Greenville township, which originally comprised the entire county, early assumed a commanding position, enlarging what would have been her just share in an equal division of territory by the addition of two tiers of sections on the south side and two tiers on the southeast, making her territory finally to comprise about sixty square miles, and throwing the county seat nearer the center of this large and important township. In order to adjust the map to this changed condition one township was omitted immediately to the east and five townships made smaller than an average, while about eight square miles were added to the western side of Adams township, making it the second largest in size in the county. Roughly speakinfg, there are four tiers of five townships in each running north and south. Beginning at the northwest corner and taking tier by tier they are as follows: First tier, Mississinawa, Jackson, Washington, German and Harrison; second tier, Allen, Brown, Greenville. eave and Butler; third tier, Wabash, York, Richland, Van Buren and Twin; fourth tier, Patterson, Wayne. Adams, Franklin and Monroe. Accordingly we will give a brief sketch of each in the order named for convenience of reference and regularity of treatment, regardless of size or relative importance. Mississinawa Township. As suggested by the name, this township is the starting point of the Mississinawa branch of the Wabash river. This stream rises in the north central part of the township, runs DARKE COUNTY - 547 southeasterly, just crossing the eastern line, then turns southwesterly, making a bow across the southern part and providing a drainage basin for about three-fourths of the entire area of this division. Within a mile of the head of this stream the eastern branch of the Wabash arises and flows northeasterly into Mercer county. The upper waters of the west branch of the Stillwater drain a small part of the southeastern section. With the exception of the northwestern section, which is inclined to be hilly, the surface is generally level and highly productive, especially along the creek bottoms. In early days it was covered with a fine growth of native trees, oak, ash, elm, hickory, sugar, maple and beech being :round in abundance. This township is absolutely regular in outline, being five miles east and west and six miles north and south and is geographically known as township 14, range 1. Previous to March, 1839, it was a part of Jackson township. At that time the northern tier of sections belonged to Gibson township which extended to the Greenville township line. On April 12, 1848, Gibson township was thrown into Mercer county and this tier of sections added to Mississinawa giving it the proportions which it now possesses. Philip Reprogle is said to have been the pioneer settler in this township, locating in 1833 half a mile east of the present site of Rose Hill. Joseph and William Reprogle soon followed, settling in this vicinity in 1835. Prominent among the early settlers were: John B. Anderson. Samuel C. Carter, David Brooks, John A. McKibben, Hugh McKibben, Wm. Van Kirk, Wm. B. Light, Francis Whitaker, E. H. Fisher and Mahlon Peters. The Methodists are credited with building the first church, in 1851, near the southern line, a mile and a half east of the southwestern corner of the township. There are now six churches in this township as follows: First M. E. church at Lightsville; First U. B. church at Rose Hill; Mt. Zion near Buck's Corner; Christian in central part; two Brethren (Progressive Dunkard). The date of the erection of the first school house is probably unknown. At the present time there are nine rural schools in this township. The only villages are Lightsville and Rose Hill, both on the Fort Recovery pike in the southeastern part of the township. The former was platted by Wm. B. Light in 1874, in section 6. There is a school employing two teachers in this village. Rose Bill was laid out in 1852 at the joining of sections 14, 15, 22 and 23 on the high ridge of the divide. 548 - DARKE COUNTY This township has the unique distinction of producing more natural gas than any in the county. In all probability fifty wells have been drilled within the last six years, mostly by the Salem gas company, of Salem, Indiana. These wells are about eleven hundred feet deep and some of them supply gas to Fort Recovery. Indications of the presence of petroleum have been noticed in a few of these wells, but no permanently flowing well has been drilled. Although there are no railways or important towns in this township the tax levy of 1913 shows a real estate valuation of $1,524,530 and personal property to the extent of $348,560. Population in 1910, 1,258. Jackson Township. This township at the time of its erection, 1833, embraced what is now known as Gibson township in Mercer county, and Mississinawa and Jackson townships in Darke county, known geographically as townships 13, 14 and 15 of range 1 east, then belonging to Washington township. Gibson township was detached in 1836, and Mississinawa in 1839, reducing Jackson to its present proportions. The northern part is comparatively level with a gentle slope toward the Mississinawa basin, and has a dark loamy soil, which is very productive. A variety of forest trees originally grew in this section, including oak, walnut, ash, elm and hickory. The central part of this township is undulating and contains considerable clay in its elevated portion. Beech was the predominating timber in the primitive forest here, interspersed with considerable sugar maple and shell bark hickory. The southern part of the township is the most rolling, while the soil contains a larger per cent. of loam and loose fertile soil, especially in the valleys and low lying tracts. The headwaters of the Stillwater drain the eastern half of the township and form what is known as the "flats or spreads," of Stillwater, a district known in early days for the swampy condition during the spring freshets, but now well drained and almost entirely reclaimed by the plow. Perhaps because of its dense woods, lack of roads and comparatively inaccessible condition this township was not settled as early as some others. However, about 1829, Jacob and •Richard Strait, Gilbert Vail, Tobias Miller, Abraham Miller, John Armstrong, John Wright, William and Samuel Dennison and John Woods made settlements and were soon DARKE COUNTY - 549 followed by William Parent, John McFarland, Isaac Beal, William Ross, Frederick Roe, William K. Marquis, John Crumrine, Gilbert Hand and Joseph Hay. The first school house was built in section 35. The first church was built by the Methodists. With the progress of road building, railway construction and drainage this has become one of the best townships in the county. Union City (Ohio side) is located in the southwestern, Hill Grove in the southern and Elroy in the eastern part of this township. Three railways and a traction line traverse the southern part of the township and converge at Union City. The tax assessment of 1913 showed $1,975,720 in real and $1,086,720 in personal property outside of Union City. Adding the latter the grand total assessment was $4,058,880, indicating the substantial growth of this township in the brief history of its existence. The population or Jackson township, including Union City, Ohio, in 1910, was 2,968. Union City, Ohio. Union City was platted in 1838, and incorporated December 6, 1853. It is distinctively a railroad center and owes its remarkable development to that fact. The Greenville and Miami railway was completed to this point from Greenville on December 25, 1852. The Union and Logansport Railroad (now the Logansport division of the Pennsylvania railway was started under the title of the Monroe and Mississinawa railroad, in 1854, but not completed until 1867. The "Bee Line" or Big Four reached Union City about the same time as the G. and M. (now D. and U). For many years Union City has been known for its large output of building material and vehicles, its elevators and warehouses. The main business and public buildings and institutions are on the Indiana side, but there is a large public school house, a U. B. church, a Free M. E. church and an I. O. O. F. lodge, known as State Line Lodge No. 724, which was instituted in 1883. The census of 1910 gave Union City, Ohio, a population of 1,595, and the entire city a population of 4,804. The tax assessment of real property on the Ohio side in 1913 was $744,550, and of perconal property $251.890. Washington township. This township originally comprised the territory now included in Washington township and all of German township,