600 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)

J W. APPLE, retired farmer, Versailles, Ohio ; was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, April 22, 1825. John Apple, the father of J. W., was one of the old pioneers of Montgomery County, born in the year 1800—emigrated from Pennsylvania. J. W. lived with his parents on the farm, attending school during the winter season, and, working on the farm during the summer, obtained a good common-school education, and at the age of 20 was united in marriage to Miss Elvina Miller, in Montgomery County, April 10, 1845. Left his parental roof, and, with his good wife, moved into the woods, built a log cabin, and commenced to clear a farm—did not have a cent of money, and was in debt $100—has by his hard labor, economy, strict temperate habits, and the help of his industrious wife, accumulated a handsome fortune. Mr. Apple has passed through the many struggles, incidents and dangers so common to the pioneer of the great West. has many warm friends, and is beloved by all who know him, has taken an active part in religion, and is, with his amiable wife a member of the Lutheran Church—has had his full share of township offices, viz., Township Trustee one year, Land Appraiser one year, and served one term as Assessor, School Director. etc. Mr. Apple followed farming for a period of about thirty years, after which he moved to Versailles, where he now resides. Ten children were the fruits of their union. viz., Sarah A.. born July 4, 1846 (deceased) ; John W., born April 28, 1848 ; Jacob A.. born Oct. 31, 1850 ; Maria D., born Oct 25. 1852 ; Mary L., born Aug. 20, 1854 ; Leroy C., born Dec. 5, 1856: Uriah V.. born April 12. 1859 (deceased): Henry J., Feb. 16, 1862 (deceased) ; Ida K, born June 3, 1865 ; Martha J.. born Oct. 13. 1867 (deceased),

JACOB G. BAILOR, farmer and stock raiser ; P. O. Webster, Ohio. Jacob. his father, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Schuylkill Co., on the 19th of January, 1801; was a carpenter by trade, and at the age of 25 he celebrated his marriage with Sarah Nauftsinger, who was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Berks Co., on the 2d of April, 1805 ; in the spring of 1828, he moved to Rockingham Co., Va.. where they remained about six years, and in the fall of 1834, he emigrated to Ohio, locating one mile west of Covington, Miami Co., where he purchased 811 acres of land, for which he paid $800, and in 1840, he sold out for $1,800, and purchased 160 acres in the same township, paying $1,600 ; he remained here till his death, which occurred on the 3d of September, 1879 ; Sarah, his widow, is living on the old home place, with her daughter Fanny (Mote) ; they were the parents or seven children, of whom all are living, viz., Jacob G., Sarah, Benjamin, John. Anna, Catherine and Fanny. Jacob G., the subject of this sketch. is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Berke Co., on the 25th of January, 1877 ; came with his parents to Ohio, when he was about? years old ; spending his boyhood's days on his father's farm, assisting him on the farm and at the carpentering trade ; he obtained his education in the subscription schools ; when he arrived at his majority. he hired

WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 601

with his father to work at the carpentering trade for two years. receiving a corn pensation of S180 for the first year. and $200 for the second. On the 15th of August. 1817. he celebrated his marriage with Sarah Miller. daughter of Jacob and Polly Miller, who was a native of Darke Co.. Ohio, born on the 17th of January in 1850. he moved on his father-in-laws farm (Darke Co., Adams Township) when he farmed one year. after which he removed to Wayne Township. Sec I. where he had purchased 100 acres of land, for which he paid $2,000. and her, is where he applied the $380 which he had earned in the two years in which he worked for his father : he has resided here ever since, making fanning his business be has added 85 acres. but sold 5 acres for town lots, leaving 180 in the farm he also owned so acres in Marshall Co., Ind. his present place of residence. which is well improved. on which is a bank-barn. 70x36, a large two-story brick-house. with basement story, and a large tobacco shed. all of which he has accumulated by his hard labor, assisted by his good and amiable wife: he is strictly temperate in all his habits. Mr. and Mrs. Bashor are members of the German Baptist Church. being connected with that church for upward of thirty years ; he has Ind his full share of township offices since his residence in the county, viz. : served as Trustee of Wayne Township. three years : Supervisor four consecutive years : member of School Board twelve years. They are the parents of nine children, of whom six are living, viz. : Jacob M.. born Sept. 9. 1848 ; Susan. born May b 1851 Sarah. Dec. 19. 1853; John N.. Nov. 17, 1858; Mary. Aug. 3. 1861 Anna. May 14, 1864. John N. has been teaching school since he was 17 years old, and is meeting with good success ; he is a live, energetic teacher.

DANIEL BOYER. farmer, grain and stock raiser, Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Webster. Daniel. his father, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in York Co., in about the year 18014 He married Elizabeth Hoff, who is a native of the same State and county, born in 1799. Mr. Boyer followed farming in Pennsylvania, where he resided till his death. which occurred in 1847. Elizabeth, his widow, remained on the old home farm till 1867. when she came to Darke Co.. and at present resides with her daughter Barbara, who married Peter Moul, Adams Township. They were the parents of eleven children. viz.. Jonas. Maria, Barbara, Mannassa. Catharine. Henry. John. Samuel. Elizabeth. Aaron and Daniel. The subject of this sketch. who is a native of Pennsylvania, born in York Co., on the 25th of September, 1804. lived at home till he was about 14 years old, when he went to work for his Uncle Peter Blaser, on the farm, where he worked during the summer and autumn. and then returned borne and attended school during the winter. In the sprinw he hired out with a neighbor for $5 per month. where he remained till the next fall. attending the district school in the winter. He then went to York and drove team for Sultzbaugh & Quickie, drawing lumber, coal and iron, for which he received $11 per month. being the highest wages paid at that time ; as he was always at his past ready for duty, being active, quick and willing. he never lacked employment and always commanded the highest wages he followed this business till lit- was 21 years old. when he became infatuated with the Western fever. thinking that he could better his condition, and, true to his nature, he started for the State of Ohio, arriving at Versailles in April. 1856, at about 3 o'clock on a dark and foggy morning. and when the conductor called out " Versailles” he grasped his carpet -hag and made for the door, and when the train came to a halt he walked out on the platform of the ear. and. thinking that he was at the station. made a leap for the platform of the depot. but, alas ! he missed it and landed in the ditch. with his carpet-bag on his head and his legs driven into the mud up to his knees. murmuring to himself. " Is this Darke Co.. and if so. where am I? and how will I get out alive? However, he managed to find his way out and made ho• a hotel. which he found and went to bed, where he slept sweetly till about 8 0'clock in the morning, when he awoke, donned his clothing, ate his breakfast, paid his bill, placed his carpet-bag on his back and started on foot for his brother Henry. who resided about four and a half miles south. in Adams Township. where

602 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

he remained for three months ; he worked for his brother at the carpenter's trade after which he farmed Benjamin Bashore's farm on shares, receiving one-third of the grain. He only remained one season, when he engaged with George Hetzler to farm his land on the same terms for one season, and met with good success. On the 17th of October, 1858, he celebrated his marriage with Elizabeth Cable. daughter of John and Susana Cable ; she is a native of Darke Co.. Ohio. born on the 6th of October, 1841. He remained on the Hetzler farm for about five years. during which time Mr. Hetzler died, and at the sale of the personal property he purchased most of the stock and farm implements and moved on his little farm of 55 acres in Sec. 36, Wayne Township, for which he paid $86o. and in a short time he purchased 48 acres which joined him, making in all 103 acres. which he improved. residing on the same till 1872. He then rented a farm of Levi Huddle. in the sonic township, containing between 500 and 600 acres. which be has under his management, and at present is the largest grain and stock raiser in the county . he now has ten head of horses and mules, forty head of cattle, one hundred head of sheep and fifty head of hogs ; he grew over 3,000 bushels of small grain last year. and about 4,000 bushels of corn. In 1879, he purchased 55 acres more, for which he paid $2,000 ; he now owns 158 acres, valued at $7,900 ; he erected a frame barn, 48x78 feet, on his farm, at a cost of about $1,000. Mr. Boyer commenced life with but little of this world's goods, but by hard labor and correct business habits has accumulated a handsome little fortune, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and industrious wife. When he married Miss Cable, her father gave her one horse, "Jack," which is still living, being 24 years old. Mr. Boyer has Lad his full share of township offices since his residence in the county has served as Trustee of Wayne Township two years, Supervisor, School Director. and was a member of the School Board for a period of nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer are members of the "River Brethren," a Baptist body. Ten children have been born to them, of whom nine are living, viz.: Ellen. John. Sarah, Milton. David, Maggie, Emma, Daniel, Mary.

THOMAS A. BURNS, attorney at law ; Versailles, Ohio ; is a native of Ohio, born in Champaign CO. on the 18th day of October, 1836 ; his father, H. Z. Burns, and his mother Anna, emigrated from Loudoun Co., Va., in 1830 ; they were well educated and sought no other fortune for themselves and children than education ; his father died early in life, leaving the widow with the care of four small children ; Thomas being the oldest boy, the care of the family fell heavily upon the mother and him ; he struggled on through circumstances that were anything but genial to his aspiring nature ; in the common schools he obtained the rudiments of an English education, and from his mother a little knowledge of German and Latin ; farming and teaching school were his occupations until the sound of the war trumpet in 1861; and on the 9th day of May, he with others was assigned to the 13th 0. V. I. which regiment was then over-full, and they at once re-enlisted in Co. A. 66th 0. V. I., of fighting fame ; having held the various non-commissioned offices, he was then commissioned First Lieutenant, and in a short time he was commissioned a Captain, and took command of Co. E, 194th 0. V. I., where he served till he was mustered out with his regiment on the 4th day of November, 1865, having served four years six months and twenty-five days ; he at once commenced the study of law with Hon. Charles Morris, of Troy, Ohio, and was admitted to the Bar March 8,1868. On the 26th day of December, 1867, he celebrated his marriage with Miss It L., daughter of Hon. George Anderson, of Piqua, Ohio, and in March, 1870, he moved to Versailles, Darke Co.; he has acquired a good practice in law ; he has traveled throughout the United States, been a close observer of human nature. strictly temperate in all his habits, giving much study and attention to his professional and other scientific books, and has made the most of limited opportunities. A loving wife and four bright children make up his happy home at Versailles, Ohio.

JAMES R. CALDERWOOD, farmer, Sec. 33; P. 0. Versailles, Ohio.

WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 603

George Calderwood. the father of James R., was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn.. on the 15th day of December. 1783 ; Margaret his wife, was born in Adams Co.. Penn.. on the 28th day of May. 1792 ; they emigrated to Montgomery Co.. Ohio, in the year 1818. remaining there about fourteen years. after which he moved to Darke Co.: this was in the spring (April), 1832 : they drove through to Greenville, the distance being only thirty-five miles, but were three days in making the journey, Limey. as the roads were very heavy. making it almost an impossibility to travel : settled in Butler Township. where he remained until his death, which occurred on the 7th day of November. 1849. Margaret. his wife, died on the 12th day of October. 1874. James H.. the subject of this sketch, was born in Montgomery Co.. Ohio, on the 6th day of October, 1821 ; came with his parents to Darke Co. when he was 10 years old ; he assisted his father in clearing and cultivating the soil, and, when the opportunity presented itself, be would attend the district school. which at that time was not of a very high order, being held in an old log cabin, covered with clapboards. puncheon floor, split slabs for seats, writing desks, etc.: greased paper for window-lights, one end of the house being the fire-place : lived with his parents until he was about 21 years of age. when he commenced to learn the carpenter and millwright trade with Mr. Moses Harriman ; worked at his trade for a period of about twenty-six years, and. at the same time, carried on the farm. occasionally working on the farm himself, his boys doing most of the work ; would work hard all day at his trade : coming home late, he would go out on the farm and gather brush, piling it on log-heaps, after which he would burn them, working sometimes until a very late hour in the night ; he bought a farm of 160 acres in Neave Township. in the year 1845, paying $800 for the tract ; moved on the farm lint remained only about one month, after which he sold out at a gain of about $50 : moved on his father's farm, which contained 160 acres, buying out the heirs. paying $1,200 ; lived on and cultivated this farm for a period of about five years. after which he sold the farm for $3,100. and bought the old Weaver farm, contain 100 acres, but could not get possession at the time, so he bought another farm of 70 acres. on which he moved, remaining about six months, after which he sold the farm at a gain of about $50 ; he then moved on the old Weaver farm in the fall of 1854. where he remained until the year 1869. when he sold out, receiving $60 per acre : this farm cost him, in the first place. only $17 per acre ; he had. however, made some improvements thereon, having built a house and barn, and cleared about twenty acres in 1869. he bought the John Hughes farm, in Wayne Township. Sec. 23. paying $7.400 ; he moved on the farm in the same year, where he has resided ever since. Mr. Calderwood has had his full share of township offices : served as Trustee for three years, School Director, Supervisor, etc.; is a firm Republican ; his religion is to do right, and he aims to live in harmony with nature's laws. and might be called a child of nature : is kind, courteous and obliging, and has a host of friends. Was united in marriage to Miss Jemima Otwell. in Greenville. Ohio. on the 8th day of May, 1845 : she was born in North Carolina, near the Gilbert Court House. on the 13th day of April, 1825 ; six children were the fruits of this union. of whom four are living. viz.: Clinton. was born on the 20th day of September. 1846 ; George. was born on the 11th day of September. 1849; Mary was born on the 25th day of January, 1853 ; Albertis, was born on the 4th day of March, 1855 Curtis. died on the 5th day of Apri1, 1854 ; John. died on the 5th day of April. 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Calderwood have passed through the many struggles trials and incidents so common to the old pioneers of the West : have. by their industry and strict temperate habits, combined with economy accumulated enough of this world's goods to live at their ease the balance of their days while in earth-life.

AARON G. CARSON, farmer, Sec. 8; P.O. Versailles, Ohio. Aaron, the father of Aaron G., was born in Maine, about thirty miles from Augusta ; Milly, his wife. whose maiden name was McDonald, was born in South Carolina, Edgefield District ; they came to Ohio in 1830, locating in Darke Co., where they spent the

604 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

remainder of their days. Aaron G.. the subject of this sketch, was born in Darke Co., Wayne Township, on the 27th of November, 1837 ; he lived with his parents till their death, assisting his father on the farm during the summer months and in the winter attended the district school, which was held in an old log cabin, with slab benches and puncheon door ; but by diligence, he obtained a good common- school education. On the 24th of November, 1859, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Mary E. Lyons ; eight children have been born to this union. of whim five are living, viz., Millie C.. Anna L., Aaron L., Mary Avis. Mona. William R. Mr. Carson has 95 acres in good cultivation, and has accumulated a considerable amount of property by hard labor. in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and amiable wife ; in 1879, he made a visit to the East—Maine—and he has traveled over sixteen different States. Mr. and Mrs. Carson are members of the Christian Church. and are living zealous and consistent Christians.

DAVID CHRISTIAN. farmer, Sec. 21; Versailles. Lewis Christian. the father of David, was born in Pennsylvania. in the year 1775, and emigrated to Olio. Montgomery County, in or about the year 1800 ; he was married to Mary Layer. in Montgomery County. she was also born in Pennsylvania ; they came to Darke County in 1809, residing in Adams Township until their death. David Christian. the subject of this sketch, was born in Darke Co., Adams Township: March 23. 1.S19 : he lived with his parents till their death. being only 13 years old at that time. after which he lived with his brother till he was about 15 years old. working on the farm during summer, and attending school during the winter. where he obtained a fair common-school education ; at 15 years of age, he went to live with his brother- in-law, remaining about two years. after which he went to Indiana. where he made the acquaintance of a young man by the name of John Collins. who was a brick- mason ; Mr. Christian worked for and with him in various places. for about six months ; he then went to work in a saw-mill fifteen miles from La Porte, where he remained a short time, then returning home to his brother-in-law's, having been gone altogether about twelve months ; he cut and hauled a load of hoop-poles to Dayton, which he sold ; he then hauled a load of freight, consisting of dry goods and groceries, through to Huntington ; this was in the winter season, and. the ground being frozen, he was about two weeks making the trip : he then commenced farming, and worked at it for about two years, buying in the mean time a tract of land in Wayne Township, Sec.. 21, containing 95 acres, paying $3 per acre it was all a dense forest. At the age of 22 years, Mr. Christian was united iu marriage to Catherine Woods, in 1841. in Darke Co. He then erected a log cabin. and moved into it, and commenced clearing up a farm, and, with the help of his good wife, connected with industry and hard labor, is now reaping his reward in the possession of a handsome fortune. He now owns from 400 to 500 hundred acres, divided into four farms, all well improved ; he has on his home place a good one and a half-story brick residence, with good cellar and all improvements. Mr. Christian is not a church member, but at the same time, is a good, honest man. and believes in living in harmony with all, and obeying the golden rule. When he commenced life, he did not have much of this world's goods, and, when he and his wife came to this place, there was no clearing it was all under heavy timber. He says they did not move, as they had nothing but one horse, a sled, maul and wedge, and an ax. Mr. and Mrs. Christian are the parents of fourteen children. of whom twelve are now living—Joseph, born in 1841 ; Henry. born in 1842 ; Samuel. born in 1844 ; Caroline, born in 1847 ; Catherine, born in 1849 ; Elizabeth, born in 1852 ; Lewis, born in 1854 ; Lavine. born in 1856 ; Minerva. born in 1858: Lydia, born in 1860 ; David. born in 1862 ; Hannah E.. born in 1865.

PROSPER DABE, grain-merchant and file-manufacturer. Versailles. Peter H., the father of Prosper, was a native of Belgium. born in 1793 : he married Jane R. Fumer, who was born in France in 1796 ; they emigrated to America in 1840, landing in the city of New York, thence to Buffalo. from there to Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, where they remained two years, after which they came to Darke

WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 605

Co.. locating near Versailles. where they spent the remainder of their days ; he departed this life in 1853, and his wife in 1869. Prosper. the subject of this sketch. was born in France. on the 12th day of August. 1833 ; he, with his parents. tame to Darke Co.. in 1847. locating in Patterson Township. where he received his education in the common schools. He celebrated his marriage on the 2d of October. 1856. with Miss Adaline Trion, who was born in France in 1840: in 1869, he moved to Versailles. where he has resided ever since ; he engaged in the manufacture of tile. which business he still carries on, and. in 1879, he added the grain business. operating the Commercial Elevator—he handled, last year, about 22,000 bushels of wheat, 10.000 bushels of oats. and about 2.000 bushels of corn, and, at present, is prepared to handle all kinds of grain. Mr. Dabe has had his full share of township offices since his residence in the county—served as Trustee of Patterson two years. Assessor one year. Treasurer two years, and Trustee of Wayne two years. Mr. and Mrs. Dabe are active workers in the cause of religion, being members of the Christian Church. They are the parents of fourteen children, of whom twelve are living, viz.. Peter. Lewis. Edmond. Jennie 31., Charles, Anna, Marv, Lawrence. Harry. Clara. Franklin and Lucy. Mr. Babe has accumulated a considerable amount of property by his hard labor, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and industrious wife.

A. M. DUNKEL. meat market and butcher. Versailles ; is a son of David and Anna Dunkel. and was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., on the 28th of August. 1844. David. his father, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Lancaster County in 1803 ; he was united in marriage with Anna Frealich in 1832; she is a native of the same State and county, born in 1814 ; they came to Ohio in 1851, locating in Springfield. Clark Co., where he carried on a butcher-shop for several years. when he soid out and moved to Dayton. Ohio, where he kept a boardinghouse : in 1870, he removed to Darke County, locating in Versailles, where he re-. sides at present ; they are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living, viz.. Joseph. David. John. Simon, Aaron 31., Benjamin, Anna ; Mr. Dunkel is an upright and honest man. a fearless and uncompromising patriot, giving live of his sons to the service of his country during the great rebellion, four of whom returned sail, at its close. viz., Joseph, David. Aaron M. and Simon ; Mr. Dunkel's nailer served as a private soldier in the Revolutionary war. and three of David's brothers served in the War of 1812. viz.. John, George, Paul. Aaron M., the subject of this sketch, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Cumberland County on the 28th day of August. 1844 ; came to Ohio with his parents when he was 7 years old he received a good common-school education ; he celebrated his marriage in Dayton. Ohio. on the 3d of December, 1867, with Miss Frances A. Pottle, who was born on the 6th of January, 1848 ; five children have been born of this union, of whom four are living, viz.. D. W. Dunkel, F. Dunkel. A. J. E. Dunkel. M. E. Bunke!. He came to Versailles in 1870, and is now the leading butcher in the town, having the most complete meat market in Versailles.

HORATIO DYE. farmer, Sec. 12; P. 0. Versailles. F. L. Dye, the father of Horatio, was born in Miami Co., Ohio, in the year 1808 ; Sarah Lafevere, his wife, was born in Miami Co.. Ohio, in the year 1810 ; he came to Darke Co. in the year 1855. where he continued to reside till the death of his wife, which occurred in September. 18614 after which he sold out and moved to Sydney, Ohio, where he married Ann Easty in the year 1868, and at present resides there. Horatio, the subject of this sketch, was born in Miami Co, Ohio, on the 7th day of April, 1834 ; lived with his parents till he was 23 years old, working on the farm during the summer season and attending the district school in the winter ; obtained a good common-school education. When he was about 23 years old, he bought a farm of 82 acres in the same county, and engaged in the cultivation of the soil on his own responsibility, and on the 2d day of December, 1858, was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Perry, in Miami Co.; she was born in Miami Co. on the 16th day of

606 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

January, 1836 ; he remained on his farm about eight years, meeting with good success, after which he traded his farm for the Zolinger farm, consisting of 72 acres in Miami Co., two miles west of Piqua, Ohio, on the Clayton pike ; remained for two years, after which he sold out for $5,000 ; this was the most successful trade of his life ; he bought 74 acres in the same county, northeast of Tippecanoe, where he moved, remaining there for four years ; sold out for $4,600, and moved to Versailles, Ohio, and engaged in the tanning business for a period of three years, losing about $1,800 ; he then traded the tanyard for a farm of 82 acres, in Wayne Township, Sec. 12, where he has resided ever since. Mr. Dye has, in no sense of the term, been an office-seeker, yet he has had his full share of township offices : Was elected to the office of Supervisor four or five times ; School Director for three years ; he has taken a very active part in religion, being a member of the Presbyterian Church for a period of twenty-three years ; he and his good and amiable wife have been active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for about four years, living devoted and consistent Christians : he has held very important offices it the church; while in Piqua he was elected Elder in the First Presbyterian Church serving three years ; was elected President of the " Union Sabbath School Convention "of Darke Co. for one year, and is at present holding the office of Elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church ; Mr. Dye is strictly a temperate man.; he neither chews nor smokes tobacco ; he has, by the help of his industrious wife, accumulated a considerable amount of property they have no children. Amoses Perry, the father of Lucinda, was born in South Carolina in the year 1781 ; emigrated to Miami go., Ohio, when he was 21 years old, where he resided until his death, which occurred in the year 1860 ; Rachel Long, his wife, was born in Kentucky in the year 1796 ; ,she came with her parents to Miami Co., Ohio. when she was about 1 year old ; she departed this life in the fall of 1865 ; Mr. Perry followed school teaching, and was elected to the State Legislature in the year 1833 ; Lucinda is an active worker in the cause of religion, as well as a strong advocate of temperance ; also a life member of the American Bible Society.

JOHN E. FACKLER, physician and surgeon. Versailles, Ohio. George F., the father of John E., was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Lancaster Co. in 1800; he emigrated to Ohio, locating in Miami Co. in 1818 ; removed to Montgomery Co. where he resided till his death, which occurred in 1864 ; he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Christian in 1825 ; she was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Lancaster Co. in 1803 ; she came to Ohio in 1817. locating in Montgomery Co. John E., the subject of this sketch, is a native of Ohio, born in Miami Co. on the 30th of September, 1836 ; he lived with his parents till he was 22 years of age, assisting his father on the farm during the summer, and attending school during the winter, thereby obtaining a good common-school education ; he then taught school during the winter and farmed in the summer ; at the age of 22, he entered the office of Dr. G. V. Dorsey and commenced the study of medicine. and in 1863 he graduated at the Ohio Medical College ; he then opened an office in El Dorado. Preble Co., but only remained there a few months, when he went to Webster, Darke Co., where he remained until 1869, when he removed to Dayton, Ohio, remaining till 1870, after which he removed to Versailles, Ohio, where he now resides, having a large and lucrative practice. He celebrated his first marriage with B. Lizzie Rogers. in 1966, in Miami Co.; two children were born to this union, viz.: Susan Edith. born in 1867 ; Georgians Henriette, born in 1868. On the 20th of June, 1870, the messenger of death entered this peaceful and interesting little family, removing from earth to heaven Lizzie, his wife, who was a good wife and a loving mother ; in 1871, he celebrated his second marriage, with Pernina Berry, in Greenville, Ohio; three children have been born to them, viz.: Volney N., born in 1872 ; Clement I., in 1874; Jane C., in 1877. The Doctor is strictly temperate in all his habits ; the writer in looking over his diary came across the following language: " Feb. 12, 1863. From this day forth and forever, I will not smoke nor use tobacco in any form." "Oct. 26, 1864. This evening I cast my eyes on the top of this page ; I now have

WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 607

to remark that it was almost one year subsequent to the estate that I succeeded in and entirely overcame the habit of using tobacco.-

GEORGE E. FLETCHER, farmer, Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Versailles. John Fletcher. the father of George E.. was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1785 ; Catharine, his wife, was born in Virginia ; he emigrated to Greene Co., Ohio, in the Year 1835. remaining there but a short time, after which he bought a farm of 160 acres in Darke Co., Ohio. Wayne Township, remaining there till his death, which occurred in the year 1840 ; Catharine, his wife, died in Virginia in the year 1826. George E.. the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia in Henrico Co., on the 18th day of October. 1313 : he came with his grandfather to Ohio in the year 1833. being only 15 years old : he lived with his grandparents. working on the farm and attending school during the winter, obtaining a good common-school education : he worked for his grandparents till he was 25 years old, after which he married Miss Margret Kinney. Nov. 24, 1842, in Greene Co.. Ohio he rented a farm and commenced life on his Own responsibility ; this farm was in Greene Co.: he remained there for a period of about two years, meeting with good success, after which he moved to Darke Co., on the banks of the Stillwater, near Webster, where he remained about nineteen months, moving on the Huddle farm, one-half mile northwest of Webster, where he remained for a period of six years. paying $2.50 per acre rent : he then bought 95 acres in Wayne Township, Sec. 21, where he has continued to reside ever since ; when he came, there were 20 acres cleared ; Mr. Fletcher commenced life with but little of this world's goods, but by hard labor, frugality, temperate habits and the assistance of his good wife, has accumulated a considerable amount of property, and is now enjoying the comforts of his earnings Mr. Fletcher was left an orphan. hence has passed through the trials and hardships so common to the orphan : he has held the office of Township Trustee one year, School Director and Supervisor one year. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher are members of the German Reformed Church. devoted and consistent Christians. being highly respected by those who know them : nine children were the fruits of this union. of which tour are living, viz.: Mary A.. born Oct. 10, 1844: Martha. Nov. 6, 1848 Peter F.. Aug. 27. 1953: Alivilda. Sept. 30, 1855.

J. P. GORDON. physician and surgeon. Versailles. The subject of this sketch is a native of Ohio. born in Warren. Trumbull Co.. on the 1st day of April. 1822 : is of Scotch-Irish parentage on the paternal side. and French on the maternal side : his grandfather Gordon was ono of the pioneers of the Northwestern Territory, settling in what is known as Mahoning Co. in 1792 and in 1812, he and the father of J. P. Gordon were the only ones out of nineteen men that could be spared from Ashtabula Co.. where he had removed. to go as volunteers in defense of the country. J. P. was raised in the lap of adversity. and from 16 years of age. when he went to Marion Co.. he had to shift for himself : sometimes the cold winds of adversity would almost chill him. and bend him to the earth, but on the passing away of the storm he would take courage and try to forget the past : he acquired such an education as the common schools afforded ; at the time graduating from the same cabin. and in the same class with the Rev. S. P. Carleton. the great linguist—said to he—in Mr. Gordon's own words. speaking of this period. “We commenced at crucifix and ended at stofix and bramble, each term, with an occasional touch of Daboll and Murray, and even- Saturday special reading from the American Preceptor.” In 1842, he went to Delaware. Ohio, where he attended the academy, and the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he remained twenty months, paying his tuition by cutting wood Saturdays, and hunting coons at night, which was fine sport, yet a slow way to obtain tuition money ; he then went to what is now known as Spring Valley, Greene Co., Ohio. with George Barrett, father of the Hon. J. 31. Barrett, now of that place, and for six years he had no fixed home ; studied medicine the best he could till 1847 : he taught school during the winter, and shoved the trowel in the summer, and at very low wages—taught seventy-two days for a quarter, and boarded around for $12 per month ; finished the study of

608 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

medicine with Drs. Hams and Hartman, of Spring Valley, and received his license as a practicing physician from the County Medical Society in 1849. On the 13th day of April, 1848, he celebrated his marriage with Elizabeth Herr. of Greene Co., moved to Webster, Darke Co., Ohio, Feb. 2, 1852, and commenced the practice of medicine, where he had every old woman, and every old granny of a man that ever heard tell of Sam Thompson or lobelia, as competitors. and as there was no prospect of Webster becoming a city for some time, he pulled up stakes, and anchored at his present place of business in a cabin Jan. 1, 1857, on the lot formerly owned by the " Hardshell Baptist- the third church built in the county ; the corner-stone still remains as a landmark. on which he in his pious moments sits in silent meditation for better or for worse. cracking hickory nuts. The Doctor has been married twice ; his second marriage was celebrated on the 5th of January, 1876. with Miss Vinn Jester. of Miami Co.. Ohio. The Doctor has practiced medicine for thirty years, and has accumulated some property, but is happy in the thought that he has never squeezed the last dollar out of the poor ; has gone many miles. through the storm and mud for which he has not received his reward unless it bt in gratitude.

JOHN HESS, Agent C., C., C. & I. R. R.. and Manager of Western Union Telegraph Company, Versailles, Ohio. Mathias. the father of John. is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Fayette Co. in about 1818. Hesther, his wife, whose maiden name was Stevenson, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Fayette Co. in about 1828; they reside near Brownsville, Penn., and are the parents of fourteen children, of whom thirteen are living, viz., Elizabeth, William. John, Nancy J., Rosanah, Enoch, Caroline, Aaron, Freeman. Eliza, George, Mary and Isabel]. John, the subject of this memoir. is a native of Pennsylvania. born in Fayette Co. on the 12th of November. 1848 lived at home till he was 21 years old, assisting his father in the cultivation of the soil during the summer, and attending the district school in the winter months, thereby obtaining a good common-school education. In February, 1869, he came to Darke Co., Ohio, locating in Greenville, where he obtained a position as clerk in the post office, where he remained about sixteen months, after which he entered the office of the D. & U. R. R.. at Union City, Ind., with It. T. Johnson, but only remained there three months, when he obtained a position as night-operator in Versailles, Ohio, which office he filled for two and a half months, when he was appointed ticket and freight agent, also er of the Western Union Telegraph, which gave him control of the station. manager is a young man, and is well qualified for the position he fills, and is held in high esteem by the officials of the C., C., C. & I. Ry. Co. He celebrated his marriage on the 14th of October. 1873, with Miss Laura A. Wentworth, daughter of Egbert N. and Cynthia A. Wentworth, who was born in Darke Co. March 3, 1854. Three children have been born to this union, viz. : Emma Pearle, born Aug. 3. 1874 ; Harry Gordon, Nov. 15. 1875 ; Bessie L., Jan. 5. 1880.

DANIEL HOLE, farmer ; P. 0. Versailles. William, the father of Daniel, was a native of Virginia, born on the 28th of April, 1759 ; he married Miss Ruth Crane, who was born in New Jersey on the 23d of March, 1767 ; they emigrated to Kentucky in 1787, locating near Lexington. Fayette County, traveling the entire distance from New Jersey on horseback ; while in Kentucky, they were annoyed a great deal by the Indians, and upon one occasion Mr. Hole came very near having his scalp taken by them ; while out one day, gathering wild plums, he was attacked by one of the redskins." who shot at him, giving him a flesh wound in the arm, and as Mr. Hole did not have any firearms with him, he concluded it would be better for him to make his way back to the fort ; so, dropping his basket of plums, he started at lightning speed through the woods. the Indian pursuing him with tomahawk upraised ready to fell him whenever the opportunity presented itself ; but William ran for life, making his way to the fort in safety, while the Indian skulked off in dismay to think that the " pale-face could out wind him ; Mr. Hole resided in Kentucky for about two years, after which he

WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 609

removed to Ft. Washington, now Cincinnati, Ohio, where be obtained a lot by selling and improving the same. where he resided for a period of about five years. when he removed to Montgomery County, locating one mile east of the present Miamisburg, which at that time was a trading-post or station : he remained there till his death, which occurred on the 25th of February. 1830 ; Ruth. his wife. departed this life in Fountain City. Ind. in the year 1852, at the advanced age of 85. Daniel. the subject of this memoir, is a native of Ohio, born in Montgomery County on the 11th of December. 1805 : lived with his parents till he was 22 years of age. assisting his father in the great task of clearing and opening up a farm he did not have the advantage of schools, as in those days there was not even a subscription school in the whole county. On the 24th of July. 1827, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Hannah Bartlett. and during the fall of the same year they moved on his father's farm. their household furniture consisting of two beds, one set of pot-metal knives and forks, one stew-kettle and skillet, one set cups and saucers. and one big iron kettle, using a box for a table ; he resided on his father's farm for about three years, after which he moved to Miami County, locating near Clayton in an old log cabin which was situated in the woods ; he now commenced the herculean task of clearing and opening up a farm ; he only remained there about eighteen months, when he removed to Darke County, locating in Wayne Township. Sec. 24, where he has resided ever since ; when he moved to his present place of residence, he found it all under heavy timber ; this was in 1831 ; he erected a cabin in the woods, and began the task of opening up a farm ; the tract of land consisted of SO acres, for which he paid $1.25 per acre. Mr. Hole has, with the help of his good and industrious wife, accumulated a considerable amount of property ; they hold to the Universalist faith, knowing that God is a God of love, and will finally gather all his children home, not to a sectarian heaven, but a heaven for all ; nine children have been born to them, of whom six are living, viz. : Huldah. born May 17, 1828 ; David, June 11, 1829 ; Jay. Oct. 23. 1832 ; Catharine. June 11, 1838 ; John B., Feb. 25, 1842 ; Mary E., Sept. 9. 1844. Mrs. Hole was born in Montgomery County. Ohio, one mile west of Miamisburg,. on the 23d of November. 1810.

L. C. KLIPSTINE, teacher. Sec. 32; P. 0. Webster. William, his father, is a native Prussian. born near Leipsic in 1828: he came to America with his parents when he was about 6 years old, landing in New York, and in 1835 became to Darke County. locating in Wayne Township, near Webster. Sec. 29, where he has resided ever since. In 1849 he. with several others. crossed the Plains to California in search of gold. being six months in crossing ; he remained there about thirteen months. meeting with fair success, after which he returned by the Isthmus of Panama. He married Miss L. Haack. who is a native of Prussia ; they are the parents of six children, viz., John, William, Amos. Callie. Clara and Lewis C. The subject of this sketch was born in Darke County on the 6th of May, 1854; he spent his boyhood days on the farm. assisting his father in the cultivation of the soil ; he received his preparatory education in the district schools, after which he attended the Versailles High School, where he received a good academic education. On the 26th of September, 1878, celebrated his marriage with Rosa B. Kinney, daughter of Robert M. and Mary,, Kinney ; she was born on the 17th of August. 1854: after his marriage, he moved on his farm, where he had erected a beautiful two-story brick house. Mr. Klipstine taught his first school when he was only 16 years old. in Shelby County. in the swamps, the schoolhouse being nearly surrounded by water ; be labored faithfully for six months, giving universal satisfaction, and at the close of the term the patrons insisted that he should continue. but on account of the gloomy surroundings, he declined their liberal offer ; he has taught sixty months altogether, the field of labor being the counties of Shelby. Miami and Darke, and at present is teaching the Webster school; he teaches during the winter and farms in the summer ; is a member of the Lutheran Church, his wife being a member of the German Reform Church ; they have a

610 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

host of friends and are held in high esteem by all who know them ; is strictly temperate in all his habits. Mr. Klipstine has traveled over nine different States and a part of Canada; he has also visited all the largest cities in the United States.

FRANCIS KUSNICK, banker, druggist and lumber dealer, Versailles, Ohio ; was born in Porentry, Switzerland, Dec. 16, 1837 ; left his native country when but 20 years of age and came to America. an entire stranger, in a strange, yet hospitable land ; had but little of this world's goods, but being in possession of a classical education and an indomitable will to fight the battles of this life manly. has by his industry and strict temperance habits accumulated a large fortune ; Mr. Kusnick first located in Chicago. Ill.. where he practiced medicine for two years, after which he moved to Versailles, in the spring of 1861, where he has continued to reside ever since„,; practiced medicine here for seven years with good success ; giving up the practice of medicine he engaged in the drug business and lumber trade. to which he added an exchange hank. doing a business of about $300,000 a year. Was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Rayon. in Russia. Shelby Co.. Ohio. in the year 1861 ; seven children were the fruits of this union. viz.: Leopold F.. born Aug. 10, 1862 ; Louis E., Oct. 1, 1863 ; Frank J.. Feb. 11. 1865 ; Mary C. (deceased), Feb. 7, 1870: Adolphine F., Sept. 30. 1872: Sidonie J., Sept. 21. 1871 Joseph J., June 11, 1878 ; Mr. Kusnick takes a very active part in religion. being one of the leading members of the Roman Catholic Church. to whom all look for advice ; contributes largely to charitable institutions. and shows his sympathy to the poor by donating liberally ; served as Township Treasurer for several terms

LAWRENCE L. LEHMAN. teacher, Versailles. Ohio. Jacob. his father. a native of Ohio. born in Covington, Miami Co.. on the 1st of January, 1825: received a good common-school education ; celebrated his marriage with Jemima Sullenberger, on the 25th day of November, 1851 ; he came to Darke Co. in 1856. and at present resides in Versailles ; they are the parents of thirteen children, of whom nine are living, viz., Maggie A., Eugene, Columbus, Oliver H.. Luella. Morrie, Addle L., Mary and Lawrence L., the subject of our sketch, who was born in Miami Co., Ohio, in 1852; received his preparatory education in the common schools, after which he entered the Ohio Central Normal School, in Worthington, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1874, receiving a good academic education ; he taught school when he was only 16 years old, thereby helping to support the family, it being very large ; he is at present reading law with T. A. Burns, of Versailles.

WASHINGTON LONG; farmer, Sec. 17 ; P. O. Versailles. Stephen Long, the father of Washington, was born in Kentucky, on the 8th day of August, 1798, and emigrated to Miami Co., Ohio, in the year 1806, where he farmed for a period of about twenty-eight years ; moved to Darke Co., Wayne Township, Sec. 17, where he resided till his death, which occurred on the 29th day of December, 1854. Sarah, his wife, died on the 27th day of December, 1871, on the old home farm. Washington Long, the subject of this sketch, was born in Miami Co.. Ohio, on the loth day of October, 1823 ; came with his parents to Darke Co. in the year 1834, where he has continued to reside ever since ; he worked on the farm till he arrived at the years of his majority ; however, in the mean time attending the district school, obtaining a good common-school education ; went before the Board of Examiners, obtained a certificate, and taught his first school when only 22 years of age, now thirty-four years ago, receiving for his labor the enormous salary of $10 per month ; continued to teach during the winter months, working on the farm in the summer, for a period of about eleven years, with good success, giving entire satisfaction wherever he taught. Mr. Long is quite an active worker in the cause of religion and temperance, being a member of the Christian Church for a period of about twenty years ; his religious impressions were mainly due to his mother, who was a pious, thrifty and hard-working woman, given to saving, and devoted to her family. His father was a minister of the Gospel, being a regular ordained

WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 611

minister of the Christian Church. Versailles, at that time, contained only about three families : the settlement was then called Jacksonville. Mr. Long is not in ally sense of the term an office-seeker. yet he has held various offices much of the time during his residence in Darke Co.. viz. Township Trustee, Assessor, and in the fall of 1579. was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for Representative of the Twelfth Congressional District to the State Legislature. and was elected by an overwhelming majority ; has many warm friends. and is beloved by all who know him : has by his industry. and the help of his good and amiable wife. accumulated a considerable amount of property. Mr. Long has been married twice ; first. to Miss Susan M. Lyons. on the 1st day of May, 1862 : one child was born to them. viz. Joseph N.. born on the 19th day of December. 1862 ; Susan 31. Long departed this life on the 27th day of December. 1862. After a period of four years. he married Miss Polly Brewer, the nuptials being celebrated on the 16th day of October. 1866: she was born in Darke Co.. Ohio. on the 6th day of December, 1832. Elizabeth Brewer. her mother, was born on the 24th day of August, 1806 ; she departed this life on the 24th day of July. 1864 two children were the result of his second marriage. viz.: Ellen J. was born on the 23d day of July, 1867 ; the other was not named—died in infancy. When Mr. Long came to Wayne Township, there were but three families living in Jacksonville. now Versailles. there being only about ten acres of cleared land on the tract ; he now has 200 acres. valued at $50 per acre.

LEONARD MARKER. furniture dealer and undertaker, Versailles. Raymon J.. the father of Leonard, was a native of Ohio, born in Montgomery Co. on the 29th of August. 1824. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Backman, in Dayton. Ohio. in April. 1845 ; in 1850, he with his little family, moved to Darke Co.. locating on the west bank of Swamp Creek. opposite Bower's old mill, where he resided till his death, which occurred in 1855, being only 31 years old ; his wife preceded him about tell months, being only 29 years of age ; Mr. Marker. although a young man when he died, had accumulated considerable amount of property. and was known as being strictly honest, industrious and a square-dealing citizen. tilling several offices of trust. being Justice of the Peace of the township in which he lived : he was one of a little hand of about twenty who organized Versailles Lodge. No. 286. I. 0. 0. F.. being a charter member and one of the principal officers of the lodge when he died : he was buried by the order in the beautiful little cemetery just south of Brock, in this county. where a handsome monument marks the resting-place of himself and wife he sank peacefully to rest beloved and honored by all who knew him. Leonard. the subject of this sketch. is a native of Ohio. born in Montgomery Co. on the 9th of June. 1846. and at the age of 4 years was taken with his parents w Darke Co.. and at the age of 9 he. with two brothers and a sister. all younger than himself, were left orphans, thrust upon the cold charities of the world : but here the fraternity which had watched over and cared for their father was at hand. and good homes were provided for them all. and Leonard was taken by an uncle to Montgomery Co.. with whom he lived until he was 19 years old, when he commenced the furniture trade in Versailles. Ohio. as an apprentice boy. and at the age of 21, in 1868. launched out in the furniture and undertaking business on his own resources ; for several years adversity stared him in the face. but with an indomitable will and that stern. never give up which characterizes him. he pressed on and surmounted many difficulties. and is now doing a good. lucrative business in connection with his increasing furniture trade. he has a fine hearse, and. with all the modern appliances he is continually coming in possession of for the taking care and putting away the dead. he is becoming the leading undertaker of northern Darke Co.; he is comfortably located in his new and commodious rooms on East Main street ; in the spring of 1869. he celebrated his marriage with Miss E. Gertie Reed, daughter of James H. Reed, of Versailles ; they have a family of three children, viz., Eugenie Grace. James Reed, Maud. Mr. Marker has filled several offices of trust in his

612 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

community ; he is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, also of Versailles Lodge, No. 286, I. 0. 0. F., of which his father was a charter member ; he has taken all the higher degrees of the encampment, and has several times filled the honorable office of the D- D. Grand Patriarch of the Encampment.

MARTIN MARKER, farmer and stock-raiser ; Sec. 13 : P. 0. Versailles, Ohio. George, his father, was a native of Maryland, born in Frederick Co., on the 19th of June, 1782 ; he emigrated to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1823. where he resided till his death, which occurred on the 29th of November. 1850, Margaret. his wife, died in Preble Co.. Ohio, at the advanced age of 84 years. Martin, the subject of this sketch, is one of the old settlers of Darke Co., being a native of Maryland, born in Frederick Co., on the 15th of June 1815 ; came with his parents to Montgomery Co.. Ohio, when he was about 7 years old, where he spent his boyhood days on his Luther's farm ; he received his education in the subscription schools of Montgomery Co. On the 30th of May 1837, he celebrated his marriage, in Montgomery Co.. with Margaret Weaver, who is a native of Ohio, born in Montgomery Co., on the 18th of January 1818 ; shortly after his marriage, he rented a farm, on which he remained about two years, when he took a lease in Butler Township, Darke Co., but only remained six months, when he moved on a tract of land in York Township, consisting of 94 acres, which his father-in-law gave him in lieu of $100 ; he erected a log cabin and began the laborious task of opening up a farm ; he cleared and put under cultivation about 40 acres. He traded his farm for a saw and flouring mill, known as the John Hole Mill." which 'he operated about ten years, but, accidentally, was forced into a law-suit, in which he lost almost the entire property. He then leased 70 acres in York Township for three years, and. in a short time, he purchased the tract for $600 paying $10 down, which was every cent that he possessed ; but, at the expiration of the three years, he had paid out. He then purchased 80 acres more, paying $400, and, in a few years, he erected a brick house and cleared 60 acres. In 1850, he sold out to his brother Raymond for $1,700 ; he then purchased 164 acres, where he now resides. In 1863, he sold out, and purchased 240 acres in Cedar Co., Iowa. where he moved, and, in a short time, he added 280 acres more, making in all 520 acres, 120 of which was timber land. In 1866, he sold the entire body, at a gain of nearly $6,000 ; he then removed to Darke Co., on the old farm, the party failing to pay for it, where he has continued to reside ever since : he erected a bank-barn, 70x40 feet, at a cost of $2,500, also a very large two-story brick house, and raised an orchard of 300 bearing fruit-trees ; the farm contains 164 acres, valued at $16,000. He has given his children, in lands and money, about $11,000, all of which he and his good and amiable wife have accumulated by their hard labor, having passed through the many struggles, trials and dangers so common to the pioneer of the West. They have been members of' the Lutheran Church for upward of forty-five years. Mr. Marker has had his full share of township offices since his residence in the county. viz. : In 1851, he was elected District Assessor, he platted and appraised the lands in dye townships. viz., Wayne, Richland, York, Wabash and Patterson, which he performed in 102 days, receiving a compensation of $204; his work was received with universal satisfaction by the people ; he is also known as the best and most successful auctioneer in the county. He relates many thrilling incidents of his early life in Darke Co., which the writer would have been pleased to mention, but, for the want of space, had to omit. Margaret, his wife, should have special mention for her heroic deeds, as she has shared the storms as well as the calms. the joys as well as the sorrows ; she is the mother of eleven children, of whom nine are living, viz.: Lovina S., born Feb. 12. 1838 ; Martin V., June 27, 1841: Mary. March 27, 1843 ; Emanuel, Sept. 12, 1845 ; Martha J., May 25, 1851 ; Lucinda and Melinda (twins), March 12, 1855 ; Josiah, March 28, 1858; Amanda, Nov. 9, 1872.

WILLIAM H. MURPHY, banker and lumber dealer, of the firm of Kusnick. Murphy & Co., Versailles, Ohio ; was born in Montgomery Co-, Ohio, on the 6th

WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 613

day of September, 1818 ; he lived with his grandmother until her death, which occurred in the year 1831: worked on the farm by the month and day for different persons, performing all kinds of labor until he was about 17 years old, when he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, continuing at the same for a period of about eight years. meeting with good success. after which he sold out, and engaged in farming till the year 1862, when he sold his farm, and moved to Covington, Ohio and engaged in the grocery and provision trade. which he followed for about one year : he then removed to Wayne Township, where he purchased a farm. in Sec. 19. near the corporation of Versailles : farmed, and carried on the hardware business in Versailles : sold his farm and continued the hardware business for a period of about six years. with fair success ; sold out his store and connected himself with the bank on the 1st of January, 1878, with Francis Kusnick ; since having added the lumber business—which is the only lumber-yard in Versailles ; Mr- Murphy was left an orphan, being thrust out in the cold world to fight the battles of life alone which he has braved through with unflinching nerve, gaining the victory and is now reaping the reward of a handsome fortune, which he has accumulated by his own hard labor ; he obtained a good common-school education. He has in no sense of the word been a political aspirant, although he has had his full share of township offices : while living in Miami Co., he served one term as Justice of the Peace ; also served as Township Trustee two years ; and in Wayne Township- where he now resides. has held the office of Justice of the Peace for a period of nine years. and is now serving his fourth term ; and two years as Township Trustee, and Township Treasurer one year : he is a live, energetic, thorough business man, and is beloved by all who know him. The Squire has passed the many struggles, incidents and dangers so common to the early pioneers of the great West, and is to-day hardy and robust at the ripe old age of 62 ; was an active member of the Christian Church at the breaking out of the great rebellion, when he withdrew from the church- Was united in marriage to Miss Mary Sipe on the 7th day of January, 1838 : thirteen children were the fruits of this union, viz: Catharine, born Oct. a 1838 : Leander, March 12. 1840 ; Sarah, April 19, 1841 : Simon, Sept 15.1842 ; Angeline. April 1. 1844: John- May 10, 1845: William H., June 19, 1847 ; Mary M. Nov. 20, 1849 Ellen, Aug. 4. 1851 ; Esther. March 27, 1853 ; Elizabeth, Sept- 26, 1855 : Susan. Aug. 21- 1857 Joseph, Aug. 6, 1860, Mary, his wife, died Sept., :30. 1862 : was united in marriage to Mrs, Mary Arnold (whose maiden name was Thompson), on the 8th day of February. 1864 she was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio; on the 8th day of July, 1823. Leander his eldest son, who lived four miles southeast of Columbia City. Ind., went to see a neighbor, on some business, who lived about three-quarters of a mile off and has never been heard of since ; this was on the night of the 4th of December 1866 it seems that he had some difficulty with the gentleman the facts of which could not he obtained ; it is supposed that he was murdered: his father received a letter from him on the same day. stating that he was well and getting along very well, and, in three or four days after. Mr Murphy received a letter from Leander's cousin, conveying the sad news that his son had very suddenly disappeared, and could not be found ; he left all his effects at home- or the place where he was working.

WILLIAM H. HIKE, physician, Versailles, Henry. his father, was born in Montgomery Co-, Ohio. in 1822 ; he married Rebecca Dowler, who was born in Miami Co.. Ohio, in 1824, William H., the subject of this sketch, was born in Miami Co., Ohio, on a farm, Dec. 3, 1850; he assisted his father on the farm during the summer months, and attended the district school in the winter, obtaining a good common-school education, and at the age of 19 he entered the Piqua school, where he finished his literary education ; he then taught school for a period of four years, in the mean time studying medicine under the instructions of Dr. J. Harrison, of Covington. Ohio ; he gnaduated at the Ohio Medical College, March, 2, 1876, and immediately thereafter, took up his residence in Versailles, for

614 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

the purpose of following his profession ; he now has a good, lucrative practice. He celebrated his marriage, in 1876, with Emma V. Fetter, in Miami Co.. Ohio. who was born Sept. 9. 1851 ; one child has been born to this union. viz. Venus Blanche, born August 15, 1878.

ADOLPH SEIBT, merchant, Webster. F. T. Seibt. the father of Adolph. was born in Bautzen, Saxony, Germany, in the year 1804 ; he emigrated to America, landing in New York, in the year 1830 ; went to Cincinnati, Ohio. and enlisted in a company of traders, known as the Hudson Bay Company."' whose business was to obtain furs from the Indians served about eighteen months , this was in the year 1832. Mr. Seibt, while a single man. and after he was mustered out of the company, traveled through the country fixing watches and clocks, and it was while he was engaged in this business- that he met Miss Erdinute Schmidt- at a farmer's house ; it was then that the law of affinity asserted her divine right, and they were united in marriage in a short time : he moved to Darke Co.- Ohio- where Webster now stands, but at that time a wilderness ; this was in the year 1836 : erected a storeroom in the course of time, and engaged in the dry-goods business. etc.. which he followed till his death, which occurred on the 14th day of October 1874 was married in the year 1836, Mr. Seibt was Postmaster in Webster for a period of twenty years. Adolph. the subject of this sketch, was born in Webster. on the 18th day of August, 1847 ; he lived with his parents, working on the farm during the summer season, and attended the district school in the winter months. till he was about 20 years old, when he attended the Commercial College of Dayton. Ohio, for three months- Mr. Seibt has made one trip to Germany, remaining two years. during which time he attended the grammar school of the city of Bautzen obtaining a good education ; returned home, and at the death Of his father, he took charge of the store, and stocked it throughout with an entire new stock, and commenced business on his own responsibility, where he has continued to operate ever since, with a full line of dry goods, groceries. booth and shoes, etc-; was united in marriage to Miss Maggie E. Bettie, in Darke Co-- Ohio, on the 25th day of May, 1871 ; she was born in Darke Co. on the 20thday of October, 1844 ; they have had five children, viz.: Christiana, born March 17. 1872 Loranda, Oct 25. 1874 , Ida, Aug- 6. 1878 ; Willie F., Aug. 10, 1879, Mr. Seibt has a great many friends- and is beloved by all who know him ; his mother, Christiana, was born in Bautzen. Saxony, Germany, on the 24th day of December 1810; she lives with her son, Adolph ; is 69 years old, and is enjoying good health.

JOHN S. SIMON, merchant. Versailles, George S. Simon, the father of John S. came to this country at a very early day, and settled at Versailles in the year 1839, where he has continued to reside ever since. John S., the subject of this sketch, was born in Versailles, Ohio, July 27, 1847 ; assisted his father in the store when but a very small boy. in fact, was brought up behind the counter : attended the village school during the winter season, in which he obtained a good common-school education ; clerked for his father in the store for seventeen years. applying himself very closely to business. After this the entire stock was transferred to him, when he commenced business for himself. continuing up to the present time, and he has, by his strictly temperate habits and industry, accumulated quite a large fortune. He carries a very large stock of gents' furnishing goods and ready-made clothing. He was united in marriage to Miss Amanda J. Brush in Versailles, April 15, 1867, who was born in Lockington, Shelby Co., Ohio. July 2. 1850. Two children are the fruits of this union, viz.: G. W. Harry; born Oct. 14, 1867; Maggie F., Jan. 31, 1875; Mr. Simon has never been a political aspirant. although he has held many offices of trust ; he was elected Township Clerk when only 22 years of age, serving three years with much credit to himself ; was elected Justice of the Peace October. 1874, re-elected in 1877, being the youngest Justice of the Peace ever elected in Versailles ; was elected Mayor in the spring of 1879. which office he now holds ; he has also been a member of the School Board for six years. Mr- Simon has many warm friends, and is esteemed by all who know him.

WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 615

L. M. STEVENSON. teacher. Versailles, Ohio, Samuel W. Stevenson, the father of L. M. was born in the city of Belfast. Ireland, Oct. 24, 1809 ; his father, Anthony. was keeper of the King's Cheque on Duties and Customs. His mother. Sarah was a descendant of Sir John Cornwall. whose daughter married a French exile, named La Waie. a Huguenot, who had to fly for his life during the religious revolts in his native country. and crossed the channel, landing in Ireland, where he made his home for the remainder of his life. He made the acquaintance of Sir John Cornwall. while shooting birds in a small strip of timber belonging to the estate, known as Edendork. about one mile northwest of the town of Dungamour, County Tyrone. Ireland, and about eight miles south of that beautiful body of water, Lough Neagh): his parents being all Protestants. he received his early religions instructions in the creed of the established Church of England, and, in his early training, had inculcated the hereditary hatred of the Papists so common on the island, where but two parties are known. the Papists and the Protestants, the latter being generally known as the " Orangemen." from William, Prince of Orange, Samuel W.. like so many boys brought up in such close relationship with marine life formed a great desire to be a sailor. and have his home on the mighty deep ; so strong did the desire become that. at the early age of 14. he left school and apprenticed himself to a sea-captain, for the purpose of becoming a sailor and navigator. The choice of office had been very suitable, and so well did he conduct himself, that he gained the confidence of the commander, and, before the first voyage was completed, he was promoted to second mate, which office he filled with credit to himself, and was promoted to first mate. His first voyage was made to Cronstadt, Stockholm. thence up the Baltic Sea to St. Petersburg, Russia. The second was to cross the Atlantic with a miscellaneous cargo to the United States, in which branch of the service he remained until October, 1829, having landed first at Pictora, Nova Scotia, on the 9th of July; during the night between October 31 and November 1 he was shipwrecked near Eastport. Me-, from where he arrived at Quebec, July 2, 1830 ; at this time he was engaged in the shipment of timber. and on the 10th of July, while loading his vessel, he fell from the rigging to the deck- receiving such severe injuries as to prevent him going to sea afterward: he was placed in the Marine hospital at Quebec, known as the Sailors' Hospital, where he remained until he so far recovered from his injuries as to be able to again earn a livelihood : during the time of his illness he heard from home. but, as an estrangement had arisen between him and his father, he determined not to return home until he could own and command a vessel of his own : being, however, prevented from going on in his chosen vocation, he never accomplished his purpose; immediately after leaving the hospital he went with a party to the "front," as it was called, to cut and prepare ship-timber. with a contractor named Raney, in whose employ he remained one year thinking he could now improve his condition he Emit with the contractor who tried to defraud him of his year's earnings: from this a vexatious lawsuit arose, which lasted for three years, but was finally decided in his rayon and the contractor was compelled to pay the amount due ; having obtained his money- he started again. but was prostrated at Rochester, N. Y. for nearly a year by sickness. and was able to go to work with only 50 cents in his pocket : his determination never wavered ; he started in search of something to do and found it with a civil engineer named Col. Hovey with whom he remained for some time, and left his employer with mutual regret the Colonel saying. You think the great El Dorado is Ohio C this remark at once decided him that be his fortune what it might, he never would come back in a worse condition financially than he then was, and if his condition was better he did not wish to return ; putting his purpose into execution, he arrived at Oswego. N. Y-. Sept. 5. 1835. where he remained for some time, obtaining and finishing several contracts of a canal then being contracted for ; his desire to go to Ohio being paramount to all else, he left New York, and arrived in Shelby County, Ohio. some time in 1838 or 1839 : the canal extending from Cincinnati to

616 -BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Toledo being in process of construction, he obtained a contract from Jesse McClure ; he again went to ditching, in the prosecution of which he so injured his health by exposure that he could work no longer physically ; he then, by the solicitation of his friends, began to teach school ; having fully determined to make the United States his home, he filed his intentions in the Court of Shelby County, Ohio, on the 9th of November, 1839 and in 1842 received his certificate of citizenship; having once entered upon the vocation of teaching, he was so successful that he could not withdraw, and his services were in continual demand he became somewhat engaged in local politics, serving for several terms as Clerk of Cynthiana Township, and was finally brought out as a candidate for the office of Auditor of Shelby County ; in this he was defeated by only six votes. On the 24th day of December, 1841, he married Mary Ann McClelland, by whom he had two sons : the elder, Alexander Finley, was born Sept. 4, 1842 ; and the younger, Leander Montgomery, April 12, 1845. After his marriage, he tried farming, but could not make it a success and finally abandoned it altogether. On the 27th of July. 1847, his wife died. and he was again cast out upon the world. Leaving his two children with their grandfather, he opened a school in Sidney, Shelby Co., which he taught with his usual success, and at the close of the tern, he engaged with Mr. McGrew to run his line of boats from Sidney to Cincinnati until the freezing up of the canal, but trade became so depressed and freight so light that he released Mr. McGrew from the contract after making two trips to Cincinnati. Again becoming a pedagogue, he opened and taught a school in Wapakoneta. the present county seat of Auglaize Co., closing his school in September, 1849. He was then called to Houston, Shelby Co., to take charge of the school there, and in the spring of 1850 he entered a piece of land in Shelby Co., lying about four miles east of Berlin. He now resumed teaching during the winter, and in the summer he cleared his land. May 15,1851, he married Mary Ellen, the second and only living daughter of Mr. William English, of Wayne Township, Darke Co. He now began to keep house a second time, and during the winter he taught the school near Speer's landing, on the Laramie, about two miles east of Houston removing in May. 1852. to his “home in the woods," where he remained until September, when he was again called to take charge of the school at Wapakoneta and to act as County Examiner. To his great surprise, he found the same figures on the blackboard that he had placed there in 1849. He now gave up the project of clearing his farm and gave his whole attention to teaching, serving in this capacity at Hardin, Shelby Co.; Morant, Jefferson Co., and Versailles, Darke Co., Ohio. from which place he removed May 1. 1856, to Covington, Miami Co-, where he had purchased a small property. There he remained seven years, and began to accumulate some wealth, purchasing property in the town, now owned and occupied by D. C. Shellabarger. This, with his little farm, he exchanged for what was known as the " Two Mile House," on the Covington and Gettysburg Pike, two miles west of Covington. In March, 1864. he sold out and removed to Versailles, Darke Co., purchasing a farm about two mile" northwest of the town, where he resided until Nov. 7, 1872, when he again removed to Hill Grove, near Union City, Ind., where he took charge of the flouring- mill for which he had exchanged his farm. He remained here until June 7, 1873, when he again returned to Versailles and lived with his younger son until . his death, May 31. 1876. During life, he was always an upright and honest man, a fearless and uncompromising patriot. giving both his sons to the service of his country during the war, both of whom returned safe at its close. He finally sank peacefully to rest, sincerely mourned by many ; loved honored and respected by all Leander M. Stevenson, whose name heads this sketch, is a young man of fine address, and possesses rare abilities as an educator instructor, and merits more than a passing notice. As will be seen in his father's sketch, he was left an orphan while he was quite young, having passed through the many struggles and trials so common to those that have been left

WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 617

without the instructions of a loving mother ; but being of the same turn of mind as his father, to dispel the dark clouds that would gather around him, and keeping the motto steadily in view, No excellence without labor," he has come oft morn than conqueror. acquiring a good academic education by his own exertion ; the writer of this article can truthfully say that he is strictly a self-made man, and deserves a wider notice than the writer can possibly give on account of space and ability. When he Was 18 years old, he enlisted in the army and went forth in defense of his country, giving two years of his life in hard-fought battles and long and dreary marches ; when he returned home he entered the " Iron City College," from which he graduated in April. 1866 , he also took a course in telegraphy ; in April, 1879. he made a visit to Ireland and England. On the 1st of May, 1873, he celebrated his marriage with Mary McKnight, who is a native of Ohio, born in Darke County, on the 24th day of September. 1855 ; in September, 1873, he was called and appointed Superintendent of the High School of Versailles, Ohio. where be taught two years with good success, during which time he wrote out an entire course of study for the school, Which injured his health so that he was compelled to relinquish teaching for two years. Three children have been born to this union, viz. : Sir Harcourt Lee, born Jan. 30, 1874 (he was named in honor of the editor and publisher of the Brunswick, Club, the only Protestant paper in Belfast at that time ); Edith J., born 2d of October, 1875 ; Susannah, died Dec. 5, 1878.

G. W. HOLLIS. Postmaster, Versailles ; son of J. J. and Sarah Hollis ; was born in Virginia, 1824 ; settled in this county, 1857. Was married to Lucinda Osgood, of Frankfort. Hampshire Co-, Va.. 1850 ; one child, Charles J.

ALFERD MONGEVILLE ; P. 0. Versailles ; son of Gerard and Mary Margaret Mongeville ; was born in Darke County, 1850. Was united in marriage with Ella Yates. of Versailles.

W. H. STOVER, merchant, Versailles ; son of William and Elizabeth Stoner ; was born in Montgomery County, Ohio. in 1849; settled in this township, 1875. Was united in marriage with Lucinda Hole, in Versailles, in 1874; three children—Maggie Belle, Harvey Gary, Isaiah.

G. W. STUDABAKER. attorney-at-law, Versailles. The subject of this memoir is a native of Ohio. born in Darke County, three miles south of Greenville, on the 23d day of September. 1840 ; spent his boyhood days on the farm, assisting his father in the cultivation of the soil ; the plow, spade and ax were implements to which he was no stranger ; he spent the winter months in attending the district school, where he obtained a good common-school education. On the 8th day of May. 1854. unfortunately his father died, leaving a widowed mother and five children to survive the storms of life, without the parental instructions of a father. In 1857, he became infatuated with what was then known as the " Kansas fever” to "go West and grow up with the country ;" he in company with Jacob Rees, E. Calkins and Allen Jaqua, left on the 2d day of March for the Far West," and upon their arrival found the people divided on the subject of slavery, and during the Kansas trouble he became strongly opposed to the extension of slavery, and embraced the principles then advocated by the Republican party, and became a Radical in the true sense of the term, always found advocating the abolition of slavery, until the great rebellion put an end to the controversy. In 1865, he commenced the study of law, under the instructions of A. R. Calderwood. at Greenville, Ohio, and in October, 1871, passed an examination before the Supreme Court of Columbus, Ohio, after which he was regularly admitted as an attorney and counselor at law ; he then opened a law office in Versailles, Ohio, where he has since lived and practiced his profession ; and by his close application to his office, and strict attention to business consigned to his management, he has gained a large and lucrative practice throughout the county in which he resides, as well as abroad; and, as an advocate before a jury, in presenting his side of the case, he has no equal ; his natural ability seems to be adapted for the Profession of his own solicitation; it can truly be

618 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

said of him that he is a self-made man.. being strictly temperate in all his habits. On the 11th day of May, 1875, he assisted A. R. Calderwood in the establishment of the Greenville Sunday Courier, a weekly newspaper which has a wide circulation. Mr. Studebaker has been identified with the county and township offices since his residence ; in the spring of 1873, he was elected to the office of Mayor in Versailles, which office he held for six consecutive years, during which time the village grew and prospered; he is also the President of the School Board ; in the fall of 1875, he was chosen by the Republican party as a candidate for State Senator, the district being composed of the counties of Darke. Shelby and Miami the district gives about 1,800 Democratic majority, but he was only defeated by about 1,000, which shows his popularity throughout the district in April, 1861, he enlisted in Co, K. 11th 0. V. I., Col. W. Fraizell commanding the regiment.

DAVID W. TAYLOR, farmer, Sec. 17 : P. 0. Versailles. Ohio, Joseph Taylor, his father. was born in Virginia on the 2d day of May. 1783 ; Elizabeth. his wife, was born in Virginia, on the 5th of November, 1789 they emigrated to Washington Co., Ohio thence to Darke Co., Ohio. in the fall of 1833, and in the following spring located in Wayne Township on Sec. 17, where they resided until his death, which occurred on the 27th day of July. 1842, by falling from a load of hay, breaking his neck, causing instant death, Elizabeth, his wife, departed this life on the old home farm, on the 23d day of February. 1867, at the advanced age of 78 years. David W.. the subject of this sketch, was born in Washington Co., Ohio, on the 12th day of January, 1825 ; lived with his parents until their death, working on the farm during the summer season. and attending the district school hi the winter months, in an old log cabin. with puncheon floor and poles for seats ; obtained a fair common-school education. Mr, Taylor was a kind and obedient son, taking the best of care of his parents, receiving the old home farm for his services rendered, which contained 100 acres, to which he has added 50 acres, making in all, 150, of which 120 are being under a good state of cultivation and 30 acres of timber land : he has by his industry and frugality accumulated a considerable amount of property : he has passed through the many struggles dangers, trials and incidents so common to the early settlers of Darke County is a member of the Christian Church. living a devoted and consistent Christian for a period of about fifteen years ; is a firm Republican. Mr. Taylor has been married twice ; first, to Miss Hannah Brandon, Feb. 8, 1846 three children by this union, of whom two are living, viz.: Lydia E. (now Mrs. Christian), born Nov. 17. 1846 ; Mary A.. born April 28,1848. His second marriage was to Miss Elizabeth Ward, on the 15th day of April, 1852 ; she was born in Versailles. Ohio. on the 21st day of November, 1832. Eleven children by this union. of whom nine are living, viz.: Hannah, born Dec. 21, 1854; Joseph. April 10, 1856 ; Hester, Nov. 30. 1857 ; Joseph H., Nov. 27, 1859 ; Margaret, Nov. 11. 1862 ; William G., Dec. 19. 1863; Thomas J., died in infancy ; David E., born Nov. 5, 1869 John T.. Aug. 25, 1872 ; Olive E., Jan. 31, 1878 ; George W.. deceased. Hannah Creviston (her maiden name), the mother of Elizabeth Taylor, was born in Ohio. on the 5th day of October, 1811. Mrs. David Taylor is a member of the Christian Church. is a good and kind mother, devoted to her family.

JOHN C. TILLMAN, physician and surgeon, Versailles, Ohio, Joshua, the father of John C., is a native of Ohio, born in Preble Co. in 1824; Cynthia M.. his wife, whose maiden name was Estabrook. is a native of Massachusetts, born in 1822; they resided in Preble Co., Ohio, on a farm and are the parents of eight children, of whom three are living, viz.: Mollie, Lizzie and John C.; the subject of this sketch, who is a native of Ohio, born in Preble Co. on the 17th day of September, 1850 ; he received his preparatory education in the district schools of Preble Co., and completed his course of study in Dayton. Ohio, where he obtained a good academic education ; the Doctor is no stranger to the use of all farming implements. as he was raised on the farm, but being of a scientific turn of mind he concluded to enter another field of labor, and luckily for him he chose the study and practice

WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 619

of medicine. which is the most comprehensive branch of the whole curriculum of nature: and at the age of 23 he entered the office of Drs, D. Robison and John Ford. of Arcanum. Ohio, and commenced the study of medicine, and in the spring of 1877 he graduated at the Ohio Medical College during the same spring he opened an office in Dawn, Darke Co., where he remained till fall, and on the 5th of August. 1877, he moved to Versailles. where he formed a partnership With Dr. J. P. Gordon, whose sketch appears in another place in this work the Doctor has quite an extensive practice and is highly esteemed by his many friends and acquaintances. On the 25th of November. 1879. he celebrated his marriage with Estella Sweigart, an accomplished daughter of Henry and Mary A. Sweigart, who is a native of Ohio, born in December. 1858 the Doctor is strictly temperate in all his habits.

GEORGE H. TURPEN ; merchant, Versailles. Henry. the father of George H. Was born in Dutchess Co.. N. Y. on the 16th of November. 1775 he married Mary Hubbard, a native of Connecticut- born in Middletown, on the 16th of April. 1730: they resided in New York City for a period of eleven years, and in 1819. came to Ohio locating in Warren Co. near Lebanon where he remained till 1828, when he moved to Darke Co.. locating in what was then called Hunter's Settlement, four miles north of Greenville- which at that time was almost ant entire wilderness : by perseverance. economy. integrity and hard labor. he opened out a nice Elm : he raised a large family, and on the loth of May. 1839, he departed this life: being 64 years old. Mary, his wife died on the 13th of September. 1833, George H., the subject of this sketch, is a native of York State, born in the city of New York, on the 7th of October, 1813 : came with his parents to Ohio, when he was only 6 years old : received his education in the common schools ; Mr. Turpen is one of Darke Co.'s old pioneers, and has passed through the many struggles. trials, dangers and incidents so common to the pioneer of the West. He married Margaret White, who was born May 1, 1819 : she died on the 26th of March, 1835 he celebrated his second marriage With Anna Pugh. Who is a native of Ohio, born Sept. 26, 1816 he is the father of ten children, of whom five are living viz.. John Henry. born Dec. 14. 1838 : Mary Ann- born Sept. 30. 1840: Joseph Comnc. born May 5. 1849 : Ancel Hubbard, born Feb. 3. 1851 : Lucy Bell. born Dec. 25, 1853 deceased—Sarah Amanda, William M.. Cordelia. C., Margaret. George Alonzo.

J. T. WARD. grocer, Versailles : son of George and Hannah Ward : was born in Versailles. Darke Co., Sept 28, 1847, Was married in Versailles to P. V. Simons, 1371 : children—Marvin, Mary and Louis Oliver.

J. C. WILLIAMSON, physician. Versailles : on of David and Elizabeth (McGrew) Williamson : Was born in Greenville Township. Darke Co., ; parents settled here in 1316. Was united in marriage with Rachel Reed, of Versailles, in 1872 : one child- I Hive Addrela Ella-

J. J. WINBIGLER. teacher, Versailles, Ohio. Samuel Winbigler. the father of J. J.. was born in Maryland, near Frederick City. January. 1817 emigrated to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1831 : remaining there till the year 1844, when he moved to Darke Co.. where he resided till his death, which occurred May 4, 1875 : Anna M. Weaver, his wife. Was born in Montgomery Co., near Miamisburg, Feb. 13, 1821 is still living, being 68 years old : her mother, Susan Weaver, whose maiden name Was Gephart, was born in Berks Co. Penn. October 1795 : and is still living at the advanced age of 84. Elizabeth. her mother. who departed this life in 1864. was 95 years and 7 days old ; had at the time of her death, 90 grandchildren living 310 great grandchildren and 28 of the fourth generation. J. J. Winbigler. the subject of this sketch was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, on the 25th day of May, 1839; lived with his parents till be was 21 years old, working on the tarn during the summer season and attending the district school in the winter. He also attended a select school six months at Jaysville, and three months at Beamsville, obtaining a good common-school education. In 1862, he enlisted in the 38th O. V. I, Co. D, for three years, performing garrison duty was mustered out of duty on

620 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

the 3d day of July. 1865 ; returned home and taught school for a period of tWo years. after which he bought an interest in a saw-mill, which he operated for about 3 years sold out and has since followed his profession, teaching during the fall and winter months, and canvassing in the summer- Mr. Winbigler has many warm friends, and is highly esteemed by all who know him has never been a political aspirant, although he has had his full share of township offices; was Township Clerk of York for two terms, and one term as Assessor was elected Assessor of Wayne Township in the spring of 1879: is a firm Democrat. Was united in marriage to Miss Susan A. Lyons on the 2d day of October. 1865 four children were the fruits of this onion, of whom three are living, viz- : John S., was born on the 29th day of May. 1867 : Armenia J., born on the 9th day of December 1868 : Harry F. born cm the 21st day of November 1873 : Willie born on the 19th day of September, 1869: died on the 17th day of September 1870.

SAMUEL M. WOODS, retired farmer; Sec. 21: P. O. Versailles. Henry Woods. the father of Samuel M., was born in Virginia in the year 1780 : Jane. his wife was born in Virginia in the year 1790 Mr. Woods emigrated to Hamilton Ohio, in the year 1814, remaining there but three years. Jitter which he moved to Preble Co., only remaining there a short time. moving to Darke Co.. Harrison Township, in the year 1825. remained there eight years after which he came to Wayne Township, where he remained till his death, which occurred on the 3d day of December. 1853: Jane, his wife, departed this life on the 13th day of May, 1841, Samuel M. Woods. the subject of this sketch, was born in Hamilton Co-, Ohio, on the 9th ()ay of June. 1817: lived With his parents and attended the district school till he was about 12 years 01d. after Which he Went with his parents to Darke Co., Wayne Township. on the banks of Stillwater. where he only attended school about six months, there being no public schools in reach and not a sufficient number of pupils in the settlement to support a subscription school, and a hard difficulty to obtain a building suitable for the purpose ; but by his own exertions has obtained a fair education- Wayne Township, at that time, being almost an entire wilderness ; lived there with his parents. helping to clear and open up a farm till the year 1846, after which he moved northwest of Webster, on the Huddle tract, in the same township. living there for about two years; moving on the Mio farm in the same township, remaining there about three years and in the fall of 1851, he moved on a tract of land containing 95 acres. which he bought the year previous, where he has continued to reside ever since ; there was only about 2 acres cleared but by his strict temperate habits and hard labor, connected with the help of his good and amiable wife, he now has under a good state of cultivation about 80 acres, Mr. and Mrs. Woods, have passed through the many struggles, dangers and incidents so common to the pioneer of the West. but with an iron will, and unflinching nerve, have gained the victory, and are now reaping the reward of a hard-earned fortune Mr. Woods has had his full share of township offices, viz., Trustee for a period of about fifteen years : Supervisor. School Director. and served a term of six years as one of the Directors of the County Infirmary : is a firm Democrat. Was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Harrison, on the 10th day of October, 1844; she was born in Tennessee on the 17th day of September. 1824 ; twelve children were the fruits of this union. nine of whom are living. viz.: Lewis. born Oct. 1, 1848: James, Dec. 26, 1849 : Julia A., Jan. 10, 1852 ; Franklin. March 2, 1854 : Mary, April 10. 1855: Richard, Feb. 15, 1857: Hannah, Nov. 21. 1858 : Martha. Nov. 13. 1860; William, Jan. 12, 1863: Clara, May 4, 1865 Henry J. and Sarah J., deceased.

C. BASTINE WORCH, of the Brandon House, Versailles, Ohio, was born in Germany. May 17, 1833: received a German education, after which he learned the bakery trade : emigrated to America with his brother George, when but 20 years old ; landed in New York Aug. 20, 1853; remained but two days in the city ; went to Dayton, Ohio : took sick immediately after arriving and lay nine months ; did not have any money and could not speak a word of English.

MONROE TOWNSHIP - 621

worked on a fa rm in Montgomery Co., Ohio, for n6uut three years. receiving $12.50 a month. On the 24th of December, 1857, he was united in marriage with Mary Thomas : she was born in Germany Aug. 19, 1836 moved to New Madison. Darke Co., where he worked at coopering about eight Years ; sold out and engaged in the mercantile and hotel business, in the same place, for about twelve years : sold out, and moved to Greenville March 1. 1877: kept a boarding-house about fourteen months. with good success : alter which. he moved to Versailles. where he took charge of the Brandon House., May 1. 1879. and is doing the largest business of any hotel in the village. Four children were the fruits of their marriage, viz.: Mary 13, born March 20. 1859: Emma L., Jan. 14, 1861 : George H., March 16. 1863 R. K. May 1. 1869.

JOSEPH YODDER. farmer, Sec. 5: P. 0. Versailles. Phin: was born in France June 5, 1807 ; lived With his parents. working on the farm coring the summer and attending school during the winter months. obtaining a good common sellout education: after arriving at ids majority. commenced framing on his own responsibility paying $400 rent per annum for 100 acres of land. and meeting with tair success : embarked tier America March 19, 1833. and after along and tedious voyage of three months—being lost at one time—landed in New York in May : moved near Utica, N. Y. bought a farm of 20 acres, where he continued to farm for about two years sold out and moved to Stark Co. where he resided for a period of nine years on a farm : and. in 1844. he moved to Darke Co-, Wayne Township. Sec. 5. where he has resided ever since he bought 80 acres first, after which he added 92 acres, but has since sold 35 acres leaving 137 acres in a good state of cultivation : when Mr. Yoder moved on his land it was almost covered with water, had not an acre cleared : he built a log cabin. covered it with clapboards and used a puncheon door. which he split with maul and Wedge out of white-oak timber he has. by his industry, and the help of his amiable wife. accumulated a sufficient amount of this world's goods to keep them the rest of their days. Mr. Yoder has taken a very active part in politics and has always voted the Republican ticket his religious impressions are mainly due to his mother. who was a pious. thrifty and hard-working Woman. given to saving and devoted to her family. Was united in marriage to Miss Anna Klopenstine. in France. Oct. 5. 1828 : was born in France, Oct. : eight children were born to them. of whom for are living viz. Catharine born March 7, 1832: Christopher. March 1, 1835 John. Feb. 10, 1847: Mary M. July 7, 1849 : Joseph, died Feb. 13, 1848 : Barbara, May 18, 1852 : Eli. Feb. 26, 1861: Anna June 9. 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Yoder have passed through the many struggles, incidents and dangers so common to the pioneers of the Great West. and are to-day hardy and robust at the advanced ages of 72 and 69 an aggregate of 141 years—having shared the joys of connubial life for more than 50 years.