CIVIL LIST—OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES.

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All government has its origin in the wishes of the people, but only intelligence rendered extended suffrage and republicanism a success. Peopled by the descendants of those who had emancipated themselves from kingly thraldom and intolerant persecution. Ohio early became, and has since continued to be, the central field of conservatism wherein political parties, swaying first to one side, then to the other. in numerical power, have held extreme measures in check, and conduced to State and national welfare. Territorial government in the Northwest Territory was provided for in the ordinance passed by Congress July 13, 1787, and October 21 of the same year. received her first Governor. in the person of Gen. Arthur St. Clair, at Marietta. The Territory was so large and St. Clair became so unpopular that a large party was formed, in 1801, in favor of a State government, and in the following year, Thomas Worthington, at Philadelphia, used his influence, "which, terminating the influence of tyranny " was to "meliorate the circumstances of thousands by freeing them from the domination of a despotic chief." His efforts proved successful. and March 4 a report was made to the House in favor of authorizing a State Convention. The first General Assembly, under the State Constitution, assembled at Chillicothe, March 1. 1803, and formed eight new counties, one of which was Montgomery. In 1816, the seat of State government was removed to Columbus. and speedily measures were brought forward agitating the question of a canal linking the Ohio with Lake Erie, and eventually resulting in the Miami Canal. by which Darke settlers found at Piqua an early market for produce.

In 1836, the Congressional district was composed of Darke, Preble and Butler, and Taylor Webster. of Butler, a Democrat, was elected. In 1838, John B. Weller. Democrat, of Butler, was chosen over John Beers, of Darke County, a Whig. Weller was re-elected in 1840 and 1842 over L. D. Campbell, a Whig, of Butler, but in 1844. F. A. Cunningham, of Eaton, Preble Co., was elected over Campbell. In 1846, the district was composed of Darke, Montgomery, Greene and Preble Counties. when H. C. Schenck, Whig, of Dayton, was elected. Two years later. he was re-elected over J. W. McCorkle. of Dayton. In 1850, the Third District was composed of the same counties, when Hiram Bell, Whig, of Greenville, was elected. In 1852. the district was composed of Darke, Miami, Shelby, Auglaize, Allen and Mercer, when M. H. Nichols, of Lima, Democrat, was successful over Joseph Plunket. Whig, of St. Mary's. In 1854, Nichols withdrew from the Democratic Convention of the district, held at Sidney, and, announcing himself as an independent anti-Nebraska candidate, was elected by a majority of 6,000 over D. G. Dorsey, of Piqua, the nominee of the convention after the withdrawal of Nichols. In 1856, Nichols again ran against Dorsey and won, by a Republican majority of 256. At the next election. William Allen, Democrat, by 78 majority, was chosen over Nichols, and re-elected for the same office in 1860 by 600 majority

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over Hart. In 1862, the district was composed of Darke, Warren, Shelby, Logan and Champaign, and J. T. McKinney, Democrat, of Piqua, was elected over W. H. West, Republican, whose defeat was largely attributable to the draft made at that time by order of Gov. Tod. In 1864, Mr. William Laramore was chosen over McKinney, and was re-elected for 1866-68 ; then, in 1870, McKinney was successful over W. B. McClung. In 1872, the district was constituted of Darke, Preble, Greene and Montgomery, and L. B. Gunkel, Republican, elected over J. J. Warner, of Greene. In 1874, the election went Democratic, sending John A. McMahon, of Dayton, to Congress over Gunkel. In 1876, McMahon was returned over John Hand, of Dayton. In 1878, the district was composed of Darke, Shelby, Warren, Preble, Auglaize and Mercer, and B. S. Lesser, of Sidney, was elected over Wilson of the same place.

The senatorial district was formerly composed of Darke, Shelby and Miami Counties, and always went Whig or Republican. The new constitution came into force in 1851, and made Darke County a representative district of itself. Previous to 1856, the majorities of the dominant party had averaged about one hundred votes. In 1857, J. L. Winner, Democrat, was elected Senator, and on the expiration of his term was re-elected. Since that time, the county has been increasingly Democratic, and has now about one thousand majority. The qualifications for eligibility to be a Senator are citizenship of the United States, two years' residence in the district whence chosen, thirty years of age, and be known to have paid State and county taxes. The Representative must be twenty-five years of age, a resident of the county, with the other qualifications above given.

As a convenient and instructive record connected with the political and official list of the county, we supply the lists of members of Assembly from 1842. and county officers from the organization of the county to the present time : Members of Assembly-1843, James Bryson ; 1844, D. I. Hostetter ; 1848, Luther Montfort ; 1849, George Ward ; 1850, Judge Lennox ; 1851, P. V. Banta ; 1853, Evan Baker ; 1855, J. C. Williamson ; 1857-59. J. L. Winner ; 1861, L. B. Lott (served two terms); 1865, Scipio Myer ; 1867-69, Jacob Baker (two terms) ; 1871, E. N. Walker ; 1873, D. T. D. Styles ; 1875-77, Dr. Hostetter (two terms); 1879, Charles Negley and W. Long.

The following is the list of County Commissioners, with time of service : 1817-Archibald Bryson, two years ; Abraham Studabaker, three years ; Silas Atchison, one year ; 1818, Jacob Miller, one year. (We have an incomplete record at this point, and resume with 1823.) 1823-William Cury, one year: Abraham Studabaker, ten years ; John McNeill, two years ; 1824, Joshua Howell. two years ; 1825, Dennis Hart, three years ; 1826, James Bryson, four years ; Robert Robeson, one year ; 1828, David Briggs, one year ; 1831, Jacob Harter, three years ; 1832, Solomon Riffle, five years ; 1833, John Swisher, two years ; 1837, Richard Lucas, two years ; 1840, Moses Woods, three years, and William B. Ladd. one year ; 1841, George Ward, three years ; 1842. John McGriff, Jr.; 1843. John Colville, five years ; 1844, Henry Lipps, two years ; 1845, William Arnold, two Years ; 1848 (March), John Miller, one year ; 1848 (October), Christian Harshey. two years ; Adam Baker, who resigned, and Henry Arnold appointed till next election ; 1849, Samuel C. Baker, two years, and Isaac Reed, three years ; 1851, Daniel Reigle, five years ; 1852, David Studabaker, five years ; 1853, Abel Stonaker, two years ; 1855. S. A. Green, three years : 1856. William Kerr, three years ; 1857, Michael Zick, three years ; 1858, William Wright. three years ; 1859, Riley Gard, three years ; 1863. John Stoltz, six years ; 1864, George Ivester. six years : 1865, Samuel Alexander, three years ; 1868, David Oliver, three years ; 1869, Jesse Woods, three years ; 1871. James Auld. three years : 1872. J. II. Holland, four years ; 1873, Elisha Berry, flan. years : 1874. John Antonides, one ear ; 1877, George D. Miller, three years: 1878. William Archard ; 1879. Samuel Wilson. Probate Judges-John Wharry, elected in 1851: A. H. Calderwood. 1854 ; • D. H. R. Jobes, 1857 ; J. C. McKeny, 1866. resigned 1868, and A. F. Bodle was

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appointed to serve from April to November of that year ; James T. Meeker was elected in October. 1868. to complete the term. then elected in 1869 for three years, and again chosen in 1872 ; then J. A. Jobes was chosen in 1875, and re-elected in 187S. and is now incumbent of the office. As is observed, the officer holds for three years. The Prosecuting Attorney is biennially elected, his term of office to begin the first Monday of January next after his election. No person is eligible to this office who is not a duly licensed counselor at law, authorized to practice in the State. No Prosecuting Attorney should be a member of the General Assembly of the State, or Mayor of a city, and no county officer should he a candidate for the office. Bond not less than $1,000 is required. to be approved by the Court of Common Pleas in the Probate Court. which may appoint to till vacancy. His general duties are to prosecute in the name of the State- all complaints, suits and controversies in which the State is a party. In case of conviction, he shall cause execution to issue and faithfully urge collection, which shall be paid to County Treasurer. He shall be the legal adviser of the county officers, shall not enter a oolle pros. without leave of the court. He shall prepare and accept the bonds of all county officers. He is held to see that county funds are not misapplied, and in lieu of failure is open to suit by taxpayers. No list is given.

The Clerk of Common Pleas Court is elected triennially ; term begins February 9, next after his election. Bond not less than $10,000 nor more than $40,000, as determined by County Commissioners, with approved sureties. He shall also be the Clerk of the District Court. and of any superior court held in the county. Auditor or Commissioners may appoint to fill vacancy. Clerk may appoint one or more deputies. His general duties are to indorse and tile all papers, to enter all orders, decrees and judgments, to engross proceedings of his court. He may administer oaths, take affidavits and depositions. Reports to the Secretary of State annually all crimes and criminals. Once in four years. he reports number of males over twenty--one years, furnishes poll-books and tally- sheets, is held for security of law reports and other books of law library ; is depository of all costs and fees taxed upon writs, and pay over to person entitled. No charge shall be made for certificates made for pensioners of the Government. for any oath administered connected with pensions. Linus Bascom was the first Clerk appointed in Darke County, and held one year. Easton Morris, appointed in June. 1818, served seven years. David Morris sere ed four years and deceased, when L. R. Brownell served pro tem. from August to November of 1829 ; John Beers served three terms. from 1829 to 1856 ; David Beers then served a few months, after which J. W. Frizzell was appointed for a term of seven years, but the new constitution, which was adopted in 1852. reduced the term to three years. Samuel Robinson was elected October. 1854 ; William C. Porterfield, in October, 1860, but deceased before expiration of term. and was succeeded by Henry Miller, who served as Clerk pro tem. until October. 1862, when lie was elected and served two terms ; Hamilton Slade was elected in 1868 ; Wesley Gorsuch, in 1873, and John H. Martin filled three months of the unexpired term following Gorsuch's resignation ; finally John II. Martin was elected in 1879.

The Sheriff and Coroner are chosen biennially. They give bonds for not less than $5.000, nor to exceed $50.000. The general duty of the Sheriff is the preservation of the public peace, attend upon all courts, shall have the power to call to his aid such persons as he shall find necessary. He shall keep a foreign execution docket and a cash-hook. The books shall be open to inspection by all persons; the fee for producing the books is 124 cents. which entitles to a certified copy of entry. On retiring from office, all moneys are paid to the Clerk of the court. In regard to Coroners, it may be said that. on being notified that the body of a person, whose death is supposed to have been caused by violence, has been found within the county, lie issues subpoenas for witnesses. administers oaths and takes testimony in writing. He shall draw up his findings in writing, subscribe the same, and. if he find any person or persons inculpated. he shall arrest and take him or

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them before a proper officer for examination. At once, after finding a body, if friends or relatives be known, they shall he notified by the Coroner, by letter ; if unknown, advertisement shall be made. All articles and moneys found shall be returned to the Probate Court. After one year and due publication, public sale may be made of these articles. The first Sheriff, who was appointed in 1817, served till 1820 ; his successor was William Scott, who served till 1824 ; then, Mark T. Mills, till 1828 ; Joshua Howell, till 1830 ; John Howell, till 1834 ; James Craig was appointed, but died, and William Vance served till 1836 ; David Angel, till 1840 ; Thomas Vantilburg, 1844, and 1852 till 1856 ; George Coover, 1848 ; David Stamm, 1852 ; Joshua Townsend, till 1860 ; Hamilton, till 1862 ; Chauncey Riffle, 1866 ; A. P. Vandyke, till 1870.; N. M. Wilson,Aill 1875 ; J. W. Hall, till 1879 ; and Jerry Runkle is the present official.

The County Auditor holds three years. He may administer oaths, appoint deputies, is Secretary of the County Commissioners ; he records their proceedings, files papers deposited in his office, keeps an account current with the Treasurer, issues warrants on the treasury for all moneys payable out of the same, except moneys due the State ; may discharge from jail persons confined for fines, when convinced that these fines cannot be paid. He shall make out the tax duplicate ; shall keep a book of additions and deductions, in which he shall enter all corrections of the duplicate made after the delivery of the same to the Treasurer. Settlement is made with the Treasurer by the 15th of February and the 10th of August. He shall make return, to the Auditor of State. of the number of domestic animals state indebtedness of county, report number of sheep killed and amounts paid owners. He is sealer of weights and measures. His compensation varies with the population and extent of services required. The following named have served as Auditors : June 5, 1821, John Devor, appointed ; 1822, H. D. Williams ; March, 1824, John Craig, elected, died, and June, 1826, John Beers appointed to fill vacancy, elected, and in December, 1829, resigned to accept appointment of Clerk of Court, and January, 1830, David Cole was appointed to fill vacancy ; in October, 1832, Hiram Bellows elected, resigned October 5, 1836, and David Angel served until January, 1837, when John Mcllthanney took his seat—the latter deceased, and at a special meeting called by the Sheriff, September, 1837, C. C. Craig was appointed, then elected, and served till 1840, when he resigned, and William M. Wilson succeeded ; held till October, 1846, when he resigned and John L. Winner was appointed to fill the unexpired term. David Stamm served a term, followed by F. Gram, who died, and A. R. Doty filled vacancy ; A. L. Northrop served from October, 1849, to 1852, when George W. Coover was elected ; Joseph C. Shepherd chosen in 1854 ; John E. Matchett, 1857 ; D. B. Cleves, 1861 ; E. H. Wright, 1865 ; 0. C. Perry, 1867 ; John E. Matchett, 1871 ; W. J. Kelly, 1873 ; and John C. Turpen, 1879.

The County Treasurer is elected biennially. Bond to the amount required by Commissioners, at the hands of four or more freehold sureties, or the office vacant, and appointment made. Additional bond may be required, if deemed necessary. All payments are made, except on tax duplicate, on the draft of the Auditor, or when moneys are received from the State by the Auditor of State. Duplicate receipts must be given for all moneys paid, except taxes—one to the person paying, the other to the Auditor. Receipt of tax duplicate is made known by legal notice given. The office shall be kept open, for the collection of taxes, from the time of the delivery of the duplicate to him until January 25, and from April 1 to July 20. Taxes may be paid on or before December 20, or one-half before that time and the remainder on or before June 20, but all road taxes shall be paid prior to December 20. After June 20, the penalty is 5 per cent.; after December 20, the overdue taxes may by collected by distress and sale, etc. W the Treasurer is unable to collect by distress, he shall apply to the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, and cause to be served upon the delinquent person or corporation, requiring them to show cause for failure in payment, in default of

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which a rule shall be entered, having the force and effect of a judgment. The right to redeem lands sold for tax holds two years from date of sale, by payment to the holder, the amount, expense of deed, with 6 per cent interest and 25 per cent on account of said judgment. When any warrant on the treasury is presented and cannot be paid for want of funds, it shall be indorsed and bear 6 per cent interest from date of indorsement by Treasurer. If the Treasurer, either directly or indirectly, purchases warrants of his county at any discount, he shall, upon settlement, forfeit the whole amount due thereon. Advance payments may be made to local authorities, not exceeding two-thirds of the current collection of taxes of the corporation. In ease of embezzlement, the incumbent shall be removed and a new Treasurer appointed. The following have been the Treasurers of Darke County : John Devor, appointed June, 1817, 1818 and 1819 ; = Daniel Briggs, 1821 ; Linus Bascom, 1822 and 1824 ; John Beers, 1825 ; A. Scribner, 1826 and 1827 ; Loring R. Brownell, elected October, 1831 ; Henry D. Williams, 1835 ; James 3L Dorsey, 1839 ; Daniel Irwin, 1839 ; James Devor, appointed to fill vacancy caused by death of Irwin, May, 1844 ; Charles Hutchins, 1847 ; James Irwin, elected 1851 and 1853; William Schmidt, appointed 1854 ; James McKhann, 1855 and 1857 ; George H. Martz, 1859 and 1861 • Thomas P. Turpen, 1862 ; Eli Helm, 1866 ; Peter V. Banta, 1870, two terms ; W. R. Kerlin, 1874. and Amos Hahn, 1878.

The County Recorder keeps four sets of records, viz., deeds, mortgages, plats and leases. He shall furnish a fair and accurate copy of any record in his office, and certify the same to any person demanding and tendering the fees therefor. He shall make and keep up suitable indexes. Abraham Scribner was the first Recorder, appointed in 1817 ; Eastin Morris, 1822 ; Josiah D. Farrar, Thomas Rush, John Wharry ; Elias Brumminager. elected 1844 ; John S. Shepherd, 1850 ; S. C. Eddington. 1856 : Daniel Stevenson, 1859 ; A. F. Medford, 1865 ; Benjamin Beers. 1868 ; P. H. Maher, 1874, re-elected in 1878, and still in office. Besides these officers, there are the Infirmary Directors, three in number, who hold for three years ; a Superintendent of the asylum and a County Surveyor.

For a few years from first settlement, comparatively little interest was taken in politics ; people were too much absorbed in the struggle for bread. Later, the district was carried by the Whigs, uniforn,'y, but by moderate majorities only, until after the new constitution came into force, in 1851. An increasing interest was felt in politics as years went by, and both national and local issues were discussed with much warmth. privately and publicly. During the Presidential campaign which resulted in making James Buchanan chief magistrate of the nation, the political pulse of the people rose to, a pitch previously unknown in the history of Darke, while, during the whole period of the war, Greenville was one of the most deeply engaged and thoroughly aroused places in this part of Ohio. The local prints did not mince matters, but criminations and recriminations were frequent. The editorial pencils were held firmly, and moved by fervid energy. Italics, small caps and capitals wearied the printer ; political writers and speakers dealt in denunciations, threats and charges ; the Democrat office was pied, and pitched into the street. Later years aroused a more conservative spirit, and a courtesy prevails which speaks well for the intelligence and patriotism of the citizens. The county is fully recognized as Democratic, the strength of which party, compared with the Republican, is illustrated by the vote of 1876 for President : Samuel J. Tilden received 4,667 votes ; Rutherford B. Hayes, 3,577 ; a total of 8,239. In 1877. the vote stood for Governor : William H. West, 2,612 ; Richard M. Bishop, 3.947. In 1878, for Secretary of State, Milton Barnes, 2,980 ; David R. Paige, 4,202. The following, respecting population, shows the progress of the county in this regard : In 1820, 3.717 ; in 1830, 6,204 ; in 1840, 13,282 ; in 1850, 20,276 ; in 1860, 26,009 ; in 1870, 32,278.

The following illustrates the growth between 1840 and 1850, by townships : Greenville, 1.851 to 3,417 ; Twin, 1,057 to 1,400; Richland, 589 to 793 ; Harrison,

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1,866 to 1,705 ; Washington, 898 to 1,250 ; Van Buren, 421 to 770 ; German, 1,173 to 1,601 ; Wayne, 727 to 1,162 ; Brown, 293 to 684 ; Butler, 1,116 to 1,446 ; Monroe, 171 to 913 ; Jackson, 304 to 566 ; Adams, 698 to 1,416 ; Neave, 635 to 883 ; York, 371 to 497 ; Franklin, 291 to 451 ; Mississinewa, 124 to 318 ; Patterson, attached to Wayne, 319 ; Allen, 194 to 290 ; Wabash, attached to York in 1840, in 1850 gave 309. Gibson, with 276, was attached to Mercer County when Auglaize was erected. About one-half of Allen and parts of Patterson and Wabash were given to Mercer at the same time. Add the population of Patterson to Wayne, of which it was formed, and 1,481 shows the population to have doubled. The same is true of York when Wabash is added. All townships but Harrison showed heavy increase compare with 1840. We conclude-this chapter by the following from the pen of Hon. James Hanaway, of Kansas, formerly a resident of Butler Township, this county :

"THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN DARKE COUNTY.

"When African slavery existed as an institution in the Southern States, there was an organization in most of the free States known as the underground railroad.' Although the term was very generally used to designate a society which gave aid and assistance to such fugitives as had escaped from their servitude, and were in search of liberty, yet there were but few persons in any community who had any practical knowledge of the workings of this mysterious and humane society. The cabalistic letters 'U. G. R. R.' were generally used when referring to the association. It was first bestowed by slave-owners. Fugitive slaves on their way to the free States were not unfrequently close upon capture when they suddenly disappeared. Once, pursuit was so close that success seemed sure, when trace was lost, and one of the slave-hunters, on his return. gave it as his opinion that the Abolitionists had an underground railroad on which the fugitives were spirited away. From this originated the term, which the Abolitionists adopted as the name of their organization.

" Although there was not a regularly established line of the underground railroad in Darke County, there were persons in different localities who were always ready to render assistance when called on. Fugitives were often taken across the county to another line of road which was in active operation ; for example, from Miami or Montgomery County to Newport, Ind. This was necessary, sometimes, to throw the hunters off the track, and was always effective.

" The question was often, and is even now, asked, How did the slave know whom to apply to in a strange country for assistance ? In all towns and cities there are always found a large number of free blacks ; some of them have bought their freedom ; some are fugitives from far-off, distant States, and feel safe in their new homes. This class of persons are shrewd observers of things, and they readily detect a stranger. In this way, thousands became aware of the existence of the underground railroad, and entrusted themselves to its care. Many slaves, before they started on their hazardous undertaking, possessed knowledge sufficient to work their way to a free State. While up in-the Red River country, in Louisiana, many years ago, an old house-servant came to me just as I was starting homeward, and in a low voice said : Massa, I heard you tell ole Massa that you lived near Cincinnati, Ohio. I have often prayed to my Maker to take me to that blessed place before I die.' This language was strange and unexpected, but I soon found out how he, as well as others like him in the land of bondage, had learned some little about the free States. Slaveholders, in their social meetings, would become quite indignant against the people of the free States, branding them as 'nigger-thieves,' etc., because they sometimes aided a fugitive to 0 1 a refuge in Canada. Cincinnati was always spoken of as the headquarters of Abolitionists. . These conversations were no uncommon occurrence among slave-owners, and the ignorant bondmen, while listening, would naturally reason : Cincinnati

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must be filled with good people who are friends to the colored folks, because Massa and the white folks are always cussing it and calling it a den of thieves, who help niggers run away to the British country, where they are forever free.'

" The underground railroad was bold and open in its operations until the passage of the fugitive-slave law' of 1850, when it became necessary to adopt a more cautious and less hazardous plan of operations. Instead of men of means placing themselves in front as depot-agents and conductors, as heretofore, they transferred these duties to trusty poor men, off whom the law could not collect the heavy penalties of transgression, and the funds were provided by men of wealth.

" The fugitive-slave law of 1850 was a firebrand cast at freedom by that Senator;a1 traitor, Mason, of Virginia but it proved to be a valuable auxiliary to the cause of freedom. My old friend, Dr. Otwell, now living in Greenville, said to me upon the receipt of the news of the passage of the law : It will arouse the North, agitation will follow, and it will result in good.'

" Some time since I cut the following paragraph from a newspaper. It is introduced here, because the fugitives mentioned were taken through Darke County, and because it will give the uninitiated a peep behind the curtain :

“Judge Sharkey, at present a petitioner before the Supreme Court, is charged with being the author of an infamous decision, consigning a widow and her children into slavery. The former had been the wife of a Mississippi planter, who had legalized his marriage with her in a Northern State. The children had been educated in Ohio. Returning South, they were seized by relatives of the deceased planter, and on application to Sharkey were doomed to slavery.'

“It is true, the relatives attempted to seize the mother and five children under the decision of Judge Sharkey, but before the officers could secure their human chattels, they made their escape to Cincinnati, and were landed safely in Canada through the agency of the underground railroad.

"Prior to their last visit to Mississippi, they had consulted an eminent lawyer of antislavery proclivities, Salmon P. Chase, of Cincinnati, and he advised them not to risk anything in a Mississippi court. They therefore left what in common law was their property by the decease of the husband and father, and escaped to Cincinnati by steamboat. Although the children had been educated in Ohio, and papers confirming the marriage were on record, it was deemed unsafe to risk the decisions of the courts, so they were assisted on their way north, by those who sympathized with them. In a few days, they arrived in the city of Dayton, and were taken in charge by a well-known agent of the road.

“The same evening, the slave hunters arrived, for they learned the colored family had taken passage on a canal-boat. Fortunately, by the blustering manner of the slave-hunters, the anti-slavery people of Cincinnati became apprised of their errand, and a courier was at once despatched to Dayton, arriving but a short time in advance of the pursuers, and measures were at once adopted for the protection of the fugitives. They were stowed away in a dark cellar, and at 12 o'clock at night. they were conveyed out of the city in a close carriage, and taken across the country toward Newport. Ind. The person having this valuable freight in charge was ordered to go by way of Ithaca, Castine and New Madison. At Ithaca he took the road leading to Fort Jefferson, which took him several miles out of the way. They reached New Madison about breakfast-time. Dr. Rufus Kilpatrick took charge of them and conveyed them westward to Anderson Spencer. On the following morning, they were forwarded to Newport, Ind., and thus escaped the clutches of those who would make,merchandise of their own flesh and blood.

A few days after these occurrences, the Circuit Court met in Greenville. Judge Holt. Judge Crane. and several lawyers from Dayton, had witnessed the furor which had taken place at the hotel in Dayton, when the slave-hunters found their victims had escaped. They raved and swore, and denounced the people of the North as a pack of negro-thieves. This outburst produced quite a sensation, even

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in the proslavery element of the community. The Judges and lawyers were especially severe in their condemnation of such sentiments.

" A fugitive by the name of Wash McQuerry, who resided for a time in the western part of Darke County, took up his residence near Troy, Miami County, believing he would be safe from the pursuit of his old master, one Henry Miller, near Louisville, Ky. It appears that a man named John Russell, living near Piqua, learned that Wash was a fugitive, and ascertaining the name and address of his owner, basely, or. perhaps actuated by a desire for gain, wrote a letter to Henry Miller, informing him where his chattel could be found.

" A posse of slave-hunters visited Miami County, and Wash was arrested while working on a canal-boat. There were other fugitives supposed to be in Miami and Darke Counties. The hunters visited Greenville, and after consultation with a certain law firm, they went in the night to the colored settlement and searched several cabins. I received information from Greenville that the slave-hunters were hunting lost property in the neighborhood. I immediately started with a friend, in a buggy, for the colored settlement, arriving about dark. I found the whole settlement in arms. Every cross-road was guarded by armed men. Being somewhat acquainted, I was allowed to pass without molestation. That night I tarried in the academy, but the news I was so anxious to convey was there ahead of me.

"Wash, the fugitive, was taken to Cincinnati, and. after an able defense by Messrs. Birney & Joliffe, was ordered to be delivered to the claimant. This was the first case under the law of 1850. It was tried before Judge McLean.

"One of the most interesting events during my connection with the underground railroad, was the following :

"Twenty-eight slaves escaped one night from Boone County, Ky. They were delayed in crossing the river, and it was nearly daylight before they arrived in the suburbs of Cincinnati. Carriages were obtained from a certain German in the city to convey them into the country, as it was deemed unsafe for the fugitives to remain in the quarters where they were secreted. After food and suitable clothing had been furnished them, at the suggestion of the late Levi Coffin, they formed procession as if going to a funeral, and moved solemnly along the road to Cumminsville. The route decided on by the agents of the road, was via College Hill, Hamilton, West Elkton, Eaton, Paris, to Newport, Ind. The same night on which these twenty-eight fugitives arrived at Newport. three slave-hunters from Boone County, Ky., stopped over night in the village of Castine. Newport is sixteen miles West of Castine. But from the fact that the fugitives took the longest route from Paris, by mistake, they must have been overtaken. My suspicions had been aroused that these strangers might be in search of lost property. As they were about leaving the village, one of the party recognized an old friend and classmate, in one of the bystanders. They had been classmates in the Ohio Medical College some years before. To this friend he confided his business, but gained no information from him. After their departure, my friend,* who was a leading Democrat, informed me all about the business of the three strangers—where they were going, etc. They had tracked the fugitives to Eaton, where they lost the trail. From Eaton the hunters came to Castine.

" A few minutes after I received this information from the Doctor, I was on the road to Newport. The hunters arrived ahead of me, had already put up their horses when I arrived, and were walking the streets, asking the price of furniture, garden-seeds, etc., and taking a general inspection of things.

"When I made my mission known to the agents of the road, it created a sensation. One of them said that only ten minutes before, he had seen some of the children of the fugitives at play in a yard, near the main street of the village, and might be seen by any one passing along.

"About 1 o'clock P. M.. the hunters left Newport, but the friends of the fugitives were fearful that they had gone north to Winchester, for assistance. Before

• Dr. John E. Matchett, now of Greenville.

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evening, however, we found that they had made no discovery. That night the fugitives were taken to Cabin Creek, Randolph Co., Ind., and, after a few weeks, were forwarded to Canada.

" Nine thousand dollars reward was offered for these fugitives ; $1,000 to any one who would put the owners on the trail. One of these male fugitives had been purchased eight months before for $1,200. Another was a Baptist preacher, a smart fellow, though he did not believe the New Testament a slave code.

* * * * * * * * *

" The rising generation can have but a faint conception of the state of public opinion thirty to forty years ago. The influence which the slave power exercised throughout the United States, was almost irresistible ; it controlled every department of government. The leading churches pandered to its power—the Bible became a slave code. Free speech was crushed out,'under the plea of protecting public liberty."

ROADS-TURNPIKES AND RAILROADS.

The construction of roads and water ways are characteristic of ancient and powerful nations advanced in civilization, and knit together in all their interests by bonds of profitable commerce Rome made her roads for the expeditious marches of her legions, but America has made hers for the facility of peaceful intercourse, in the interests of commerce, trade and agriculture. It was a discouraging aspect shown by Darke in the earlier day, when trails, traces and tracks were numerous and roads none, and it was true as at the time said, " There is not one beyond the mountains and but few this side, that is acquainted with the hardships of the pioneers. Twenty or thirty years must elapse before they can have a comfortable road to get to mill or to the court house. How many thousands would rejoice if they had the privilege of working out upon the highways a per cent of the proceeds of the common domain, rather than to pay cash for which they receive no benefit whatever." The privilege was in time accorded of' working out tax, but it is questionable whether taxes paid and expended under a competent roadmaster would not be a better procedure. At the first settlement of Darke, and for many years after, all State roads were laid out and established by the Legislature by special act. The first State road laid out in the county was the highway from Troy to Greenville. This was the road traveled by the settlers coming into the county in 1811, although the locating may not have been regularly done farther than the boundary line west of Miami County. It crossed Greenville' Creek, where the road now crosses near Gettysburg, and this intersected Wayne's old trace from Fort Recovery to Greenville. It came up on the north side of the creek and crossed again north of the Turner Mill, at what was called the Boomershire fording. It had, however, been altered during the period of the war of 1812 ; at that time it crossed the creek at the lower end of Main street, Greenville, about where the Beamsville road now crosses. A short time before 1817, a survey had been made, and a road located from Piqua to Greenville, but the road had not at that time been opened. This intersected the Troy road near the present site of Gettysburg. When there was no established road opened between Piqua and Greenville, settlers made their own road till they struck the Troy road at the Studabaker block-house. At that time there were but two or three families living between Piqua and the point just named. The following named roads had been laid out just after the organization of the county, and their original and present routes do not materially differ : the Milton, Shanesville, Fort Recovery and Fort Jefferson. The roads that were first laid out under the order of the County Commissioners were generally located to suit the people of the different neighborhoods through which they passed ; they circled about ponds and marshes, angled and curved their way the nearest and best track from one house to another. As a result, most roads located by first settlers have been changed or entirely vacated. The location of roads was not always according to the unanimous wishes' of the settlers, and as an

326 - HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.

instance, we give the history of what was known as the " Western or Winchester road," which caused considerable strife and difficulty. The settlers west of Greenville joined in a petition to the Commissioners for a county road from Greenville to the State line in the direction of Winchester. A view was ordered ; viewers met, started at or near the mouth of Mud Creek, ran nearly direct until they intersected the old Indian trace leading from the Indian town on Mud Creek to Muncie, Ind. This was at the crossing of the West Branch, from which they ran as close as practicable with the old trace to the State line. This location did not satisfy all parties to the petition, and another party arose. Names were bestowed upon each. The first was known as the Squaw road party, the other the Jersey road. The latter petitioned for a road to run a course about a mile north of the other ; their petition was granted. There were now two roads, and each party, emulating the other, set to work to open the respective roads. Not long after, an order was received from the Legislature to lay out and establish a State road from Troy via Greenville to the State line. In the mean time Randolph County, Ind., had laid out a road from Winchester to the State line, ending at the corner of a section about midway between the two Ohio roads. The State viewers learning at Greenville of the two roads and the strife, ran their line midway to strike the Indiana road, and in proportion as the one party rejoiced the other was displeased. The line is now the Greenville and State Line turnpike. Soon the defeated party petitioned at Columbus for change of location ; it was granted without delay or investigation, and for a number of sears the Squaw road was traveled as the State road. Partially-foiled, the Jerseys went to work vigorously to open and put in repair their road. It thus happened that there were two roads running parallel not a mile apart. No bridge had been built over the mouth of Mud Creek, and the only entry or exit from the town was around and across Greenville Creek. For several years this anomalous condition of affairs, continued ; finally the people undertook of their own accord to build a bridge over the mouth of Mud Creek. Abutments were erected, laid on the sills and it was partially floored with split slabs, but its completion was delayed and it was not made passable for teams. It stood in this condition several years, until the timber became rotten. when, at one of the terms of court, some lawyers strolled out one evening, laid hold and shook it down. The County Commissioners then made an appropriation for the building of a bridge at this place, and a temporary structure was in time erected. The rival roads were maintained a score of years, much to the public disadvantage. As a finality there came an order from the Legislature to lay a State road from the branch of Mad River in Champaign County, via Piqua and Greenville to the State line. This was located on the track of the former road, and the difficulty was thus finally settled.

J. S. Patterson, of Berlin Heights, Huron County, in an article to the Ohio Farmer, written in 1870, said : Who would have thought thirty-seven years ago, when the writer first saw old Darke County.' that it would ever stand foremost among the counties of State for its road enterprise. Why the county should have surpassed every other in the State in this regard, I am unable to explain. It may be accounted for on the theory of extremes—the roads were very bad, they are very good. Perhaps the people thrown upon their own resources pushed their way in this direction. It is certain that the pike business became in time a local epidemic. The many rival stations fostered a spirit of rivalry. A condition of things that favored the enterprise of turnpike construction was the tendency of the people to invest in what promised to be a permanent improvement. Whatever may be the explanation, the Secretary's report for 1868 puts down 393 miles of turnpike roads for Darke County ; Warren follows with 224 ; Clermont and Wood. 200 each ; Hamilton, 195 ; Montgomery, 152 ; Champaign, 136 ; Greene, 117 ; Butler 112, etc.

Of course, the burden of taxation is heavy and not every farmer is in condition to pay $4 an acre road tax. Some were obliged to sell off land to enable them to meet assessments, but hard as it was, even such gained in the end by the

HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY - 327

rise in local values. It is quite a general feeling among the people that they have taken too much upon their hands at once. And as wheat is their staple product, the county ranking fifth in the State, the low price at which their surplus will probably have to be sold, may operate somewhat discouragingly ; but the resources of the county are abundant, and the people will no doubt come out all right, and all the better for their excellent system of roads. Parts of the county with which I was perfectly familiar ten years ago, I did not recognize when passing through them last summer." There are now over 700 miles of turnpike in Darke County, and several short roads are building. The writer of the above was correct in supposing that the outcome of this special enterprise would be favorable even to those most heavily taxed. for so it has proven. Within an area of 600 square miles there are just about 200 piked roads and-part of roads, having a separate name. To merely enumerate them would be a task ; to state their individual history would require almost a volume. The first one was built from Greenville to Gettysburg in 1853. It was then, and is still a toll pike. All the others are free. The turnpikes of this county are estimated by competent authority to have cost in the aggregate just about $1.500,000. The lines radiating from Greenville, as seen on the map, resemble somewhat the radiating lines of a spider's web, while the connecting cross roads complete the ideal comparison. Railroads began to exercise their powerful influence in this section about thirty years ago. The pioneer road of this county was known as the Dayton & Union Railroad. The company was chartered Feb. 26. 1846, as the Greenville & Miami Railroad Company," for the construction of a railroad from the town of Greenville to any point on the Dayton & Western Railroad, or any point on the Miami or Miami Extension Canal, which the Directors might determine. The incorporators were Daniel R. Davis, Hiram Bell, William M. Wilson. Rufus Kilpatrick, John Colville, George Ward, John McClure, Jr., John C. Potter, Erastus Putnam, Alfred Kitchen, James Hanaway, Henry Arnold, W. B. Beall, I. N. Gard. Abraham Scribner, Russell Evans, John C. Shepherd. Adam Baker, Abraham Studabaker, Charles Hutchins, Joseph Ford and Solomon Riffle, of Darke County ; Gen. H. Bell was the first President ; Henry Arnold. Esq.. first Treasurer ; and Hon. William M. Wilson, the first Secretary. The capital stock of the company was $200,000, divided into shares of $50 each. At the expiration of a year, Dr. I. N. Gard was elected President, succeeded by David Studabaker. During 1S4S. the enterprise was first fully presented to the people of the county for their support. Among those most active in forwarding the undertaking, not only to obtain a favorable vote, but to secure means to do the necessary preliminary work, were Dr. Gard, Judge Wilson, Gen. Bell, Mr. Studabaker, Mr. Kitchen and Maj. Davis. There was then but little money in the county ; the largest subscriptions that could be obtained were $500, and there were but eight of ten of these.

On January 5, 1848, an act was passed by the Legislature, authorizing the Commissioners of Darke County to purchase stock in the G. & M. It. It. Company to any amount not to exceed $50,000, provided a majority of the voters of the county were in favor thereof. On the first Monday of April, the proposition to aid was carried by a majority of 637 votes, and on the 13th, the Commissioners subscribed the maximum amount in aid of the road. August 21, the Auditor was authorized to issue an order on the Treasurer for $110 to, pay for the sirvey of the road. February 2, 1849, the Town Council of Greenville was in like manner empowered to subscribe thereto any amount not exceeding $10,000. Judge Wilson continued Secretary of the company from organization to about 1850, that is, during the preliminary work of the company. In 1850, a new organization was effected, with E. B. Taylor as President, and an act was passed authorizing the county and town to sell any or all stock to said company, or any other formed to extend the railroad from Greenville to the State line. Mr. Taylor went to New York, negotiated a loan of $150,000, bought iron and other necessaries to equipment. In July, 1850, the first locomotive intended to be used for laying the track

328 - HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.

of the road from Dayton to Greenville, arrived at Dayton. It was brought from the establishment of Swinburn, Smith & Co., of Patterson. N. J.. and weighed fourteen tons. The first installment of iron was shipped from New York for Dayton on the 26th of June. The residue of the iron was then on the way from Liverpool to New York. It was of the T pattern, and weighed about nineteen pounds to the square foot. The bridge across the Miami River at Dayton was completed and intended for use by three roads, the others being the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton, and the Dayton & Western. The contract for laying the track was let to A. De Graff. The depot and other buildings were placed under contract, and all the work systematically pushed forward. Two additional locomotives, weighing eighteen tons each, were contracted for delivery, one in August, the other in October. Two passenger cars were constructed at Dayton. in the establishment of Thresher, Packard & Co. The "burthen". cars were manufactured at the Greenville foundry and machine-shops of Messrs. Edmonson & Evans, and Taylor Brothers. The grain crop of 1851 was unprecedentedly large, and the road was expected to highly benefit all interests. whether farming, mechanical, mercantile or commercial. It was stated at the time that this event " was an important epoch in Darke County history," and such it has since proved to have been. It enhanced values and facilitated communication. It was noted that " the running time between Greenville and Dayton will be less than one hour and a half, and the distance may be performed with perfect safety in less than one hour." On February 19, 1851, De Graff started out from Dayton with a train to be used for track laying. The train was platform cars with houses built on them—three for sleeping-rooms, one for dining and one for a kitchen. The job of laying the iron was in charge of John Horrien. On Mar 25. the main track of the road was finished to the depot buildings, and a meeting was called to arrange for a celebration of the event. The event duly honored, was marked by a large crowd, and made memorable by an event at Greenville. on part of the roughs. The Board of Directors, at a meeting held at Dayton August 30, 1553. declared a 10 per cent dividend from the earnings of the road, from January 1 to September 1. This dividend was declared after deducting expense of repairs, running, interest and other expenses, and there remained a reserve fund of $5.000. The receipts for August were for passengers, $6.261 ; transportation. $4.215 ; mail. $333 ; total, nearly $11,000. The cost of the road was about $550.000. Outstanding bonds, $341,000, and the liberal dividend to stockholders created an enthusiasm which greatly facilitated the induction and completion of the road to Union. and of other roads constructed through the county. Mr. Taylor continued to be President of the road until July, 1855. when he resigned. Meantime. the company had been authorized by the Legislature to extend the railroad to the Indiana State line, by such route as the Directors might select. within the county of Darke." and the act had been accepted by resolution of the Board of Directors as an amendment to the charter of the company. The road was built through to Union City three years after its completion to Greenville, that is. in 1853. When President Taylor resigned, the road went into the hands of the bondholders, by whom it was operated. At length, suit was brought for foreclosure of the mortgage August, 1861, but a plan of re-organization and capitalization of stock and debt was agreed upon, and the road was sold October 30. 1862, to H. C. Stimson and S. J. Tilden for $1,000, subject to the mortgage of $150,000. In 1855. Judge Wilson. Secretary, resigned, and the chief office was removed to Dayton. All control of the road passed from the citizens of the county that year.

In the summer of 1854, the road was completed from Dodson to Dayton, and the company continued to operate the entire line from Dayton to Union City until April, 1863, when, in accordance with an agreement on .January 19, prevb sly the joint use of the track of the Dayton & Western Railroad Company, from Day. ton to Dobson (fifteen miles), was secured, between which points each company ha(' a line of road running nearly parallel. By this agreement, the company was enabled

HISTORY OF DARKS COUNTY - 329.

to take up and dispose of the iron between Dayton and Dobson. January 19, 1863, the company was re-organized, under the name of the Dayton & Union. Railroad Company. When the road was opened for business, in 1850, land along its line- might have been bought for $5 per acre ; it has since been sold for $100 per acre. The country was wet, and water stood in the woods and clearings along the track for months at a time. This is now drained amble and valuable. Then, about Arcanum, houses were to be seen at long intervals ; now fine farm houses dot the landscape in all directions. Arrangements are now in progress to relay the old track, and annul the agreement for the joint use of the Dayton & Western rails.

When the road was first opened, a single train—mixed passenger and freight —ran during the day. R. A. Knox was the first conductor on the road. The first engineer was Mr. Johnson. The first freight and passenger agent was Daniel R. Davis, who, on leaving Greenville, took charge of the station at Dayton. The passenger receipts for 1879, on the Dayton & Union Railroad, were $7,578.85 ; freight receipts, $13,165.09 ; freight forwarded, $10,882.99. Of officers, James McDaniel is President ; C. C. Gale, Superintendent ; John L. Miller, General Ticket Agent, and Charles E. Miller, General Freight Agent.

The Columbus, Piqua & Indiana Railroad, extending across the county in a direct line from Bradford to Union City, was begun within the limits of Darke County in 1852, and the grading completed, or nearly so, during that and the following year. In 1854, the work ceased, the company being much embarrassed in regard to finances. In 1858, the enterprise was again carried forward, and track laying was begun. The completion of the work of laying the iron was effected about the middle of March, 1859. By the last of April, trains were running regularly from Columbus to Union City, making close connections with trains from the west. R. Walkup was Superintendent ; L. Purcell, conductor. Judge Mitchell was President until the road was leased to the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railway Company, and he was succeeded by Mr. Smith. William Wilson and John C. Potter, of Darke County, with others from Miami, Champaign, Madison and Franklin Counties, were the corporators. The capital stock was $2,000,000. The road, running from Bradford somewhat north of west, crosses Adams Township, the northern part of Greenville, and crosses Jackson to the State Line at Union City. Intermediate stations are Bradford, Horatio, Stelvideo, Pikeville and Woodington.

The Cincinnati & Mackinaw Railroad was graded but never completed ; its history is quite interesting in this connection. In May, 1853, the subject of building this road began to be agitated. A large meeting was held at Van Wert on the 27th of May. An enthusiastic meeting was held in Greenville on June 25, and a committee of fourteen was appointed to attend a meeting to be held at Van Wert July 9. Meetings were also held at New Castine and other points on the line of the proposed road. Survey commenced early in August, and, later in the month, Moses Hart, Esq., had been duly authorized to take subscriptions to the stock of the road, and books were opened at his store in Greenville. Later still, a meeting of incorporators was held at Greenville, and the project so far gained favor that, by October 19, $200,000 had been subscribed, and, an election, being held, William Gunkle was chosen President, and the Directors were William Gunkle, C. G. Espich, J. L. Winner, I. W. Riley, I. W. Kirk, P. De Puy and R. Thisbee. The final report of the survey gave the distance from Greenville to the State line, on the route proposed, as 111 miles, with but three-fourths of a mile curved line in the whole distance. No grade exceeded twenty-five feet to the mile. The cost of building was less than $17,500 per mile. The entire line, from the Straits of Mackinaw to Cincinnati, was 500 miles, of which about one-fifth was completed. In 1853, Mr. Taylor became Director, vice Dr. Espich. A year later, the hopes of the company were placed in the prospective grant of land, while pressure in the money market delayed the prosecution of the work. The Directors did not despair, but, from time to time, held meetings to compare notes, view reports of engineer and

330 - HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.

general agent, and to determine upon the location of that portion of the line lying between Greenville and Celina—two lines having been run in Darke County—and encouragement was given by a Congressional grant of above a million acres of land to aid in the construction of the northern part of the line. A meeting was held April 21, 1S5S. at Greenville. to examine bids heretofore received for the work between that city and Celina : distance. thirty-two miles. Alfred Kitchen, of Darke, was appointed to superintend the construction, and J. W. Frizzel was chosen Secretary. On June 2, the Directors held a three-days meeting, in the course of which fifteen miles of road were placed under contract, and the trestle and culvert work of the entire thirty-two miles. Mr. Pomeroy was chosen engineer; vice Col. Frink, resigned. The remaining seventeen miles were resurveyed. with a view of important alterations. In the spring of 1 S59, negotiations were attempted in Europe for the sale of bonds, without success, and the enterprise was abandoned for want of means, after a large portion of the grading had been done, thus adding in this locality one more to the many failures of the times.

The Cincinnati. Columbus & Indiana Central Railroad.—The Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad Company operates two lines through Darke County— the old Columbus, Piqua & Indianapolis. and the first division of the Columbus & Indianapolis Central. In 1861. what was called the Richmond & Covington Railroad Company was organized for the purpose of making a road through Bradford. on Columbus, Piqua and Indianapolis Railroad, to Richmond, Ind., to connect with the Indiana Central Railroad. It was built during the years 1862-63, and trains began to run in the fall of the latter year. An advantage in construction of the road was the grand ridges abounding in the best of material for ballasting the road. Money was liberally subscribed to pay for necessary surveys. The estimate for building the road and placing it in running order was placed at $7,000 per mile. To construct the entire route would cost about $210,000, and Darke County was asked for $25,000. A. Price, contractor, began work June 9. In February, 1863, the Greenville Journal, says : " The work upon the Richmond & Covington Railroad is progressing very rapidly. In the hands of such men as E. Baker, the Careys, P. Pomeroy and Tom Waring, there is no such thing as failure." Evan Baker, of Greenville, was President of the road from the time of its organization, until near its completion, when E. B. Smith, of Columbus, was elected President of this road and also of the Columbus, Piqua & Indianapolis Railroad, at which time he perfected a running arrangement with the Indiana Central. The owners of that line subsequently bought the stock of the Richmond & Covington Railroad, got control of the stock of the Indiana Central Railroad. which embraced the entire line. Subsequently, this company purchased the Chicago Air Line, and the name " Cincinnati, Columbus & Indiana Central Railroad." was adopted. This company is now the owner of the road, including the branch from Bradford to Richmond. In January, 1869, the Cincinnati. Columbus & Indiana Central Railway, made a permanent lease of its line to the Pittsburgh. Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, by which it is now being operated. The following is an exhibit of the passenger receipts at the Greenville station, for the year 1879, $9,188. Total for the year of freight was $17,923.67 total receipts. $27,011.67.

An adjunct of the railroad, and a convenience especially to the business man, is the telegraph, which is in use here as elsewhere. About 1870, the Pacific & Atlantic Telegraph Company owned the line on the Dayton & Union road, and the Western Union had charge of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis line ; the latter had its office at the lower depot. Postmaster Stevenson was at that time Manager of the Pacific & Atlantic, although not an operator. The two companies were consolidated, and the uptown office was established. This consolidation was perfected in December. 1873. when Jacob F. Martin was appointed manager or the Western Union, which had absorbed the Pacific & Atlantic line. He continued manager until July 2. 1876. Then L. Smith. of Urbana. Ohio, was appointed

PAGE 332 - BLANK

PAGE 333 - PICTURE OF DAVID PUTMAN

PAGE 334 - PICTURE OF SARAH PITMAN

HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY - 335

local manager. and held this position until May 20, 1879. at which time .John L. Garber. took charge. and is still in office. There are two lines on the road from Bradford to Richmond—one wire is exclusively used in the transaction of railroad business, the other transacts both railroad and commercial business. One line in the up-town office is for commercial transactions alone ; the other is used for the work of both business and railroad. The Dayton & Union Railroad has only one wire. which is used for both purposes. The line between Dayton and Union commenced working at 3 o'clock. June 28. 1854. and the office was in charge of Mr. Swayne.

BANKS AND BANKERS.

A full history of banking in Ohio is not expected, yet, prefatory to the record of these indispensable institutions in Darke County, it will prove of interest to learn of the initiatory steps toward bank organization in the State.

The bank is a help to commerce. Managed with fidelity, its notes are more eenvenient than specie, and its vaults are more secure than the receptacles of private dwellings. As it facilitates exchange. renders possible great undertakings and accotnodates the necessities of business men, it has met a patronage that has repeatedly been used to defraud the people by dishonesty and by excessive circulation.

The State endeavors to protect the people, and her Legislature. from time to time. frames acts regulating the conduct of banking. Several times, prior to the civil war. specie payments had been suspended in Ohio, but the interval from 1Si;1 to 1S79 has been a period so protracted that the recent disbursements of gold and silver are a novelty to the generation accustomed to fractional currency. greenbacks and national bank notes.

“Wild-cat” banks were long a feature in the Western country, and bank issues were held at more or less a discount, which increased in geometriizoper- tion as the distance increased from the location of the institution that iss .hem. Bank-note reporters lay upon the counters, each bill was duly examined.Wd the Ilurtuations of value were noted and enforced with each new report.

This was all changed by the war. The exigencies of the times created the national system. still in vogue, by which bonds of the Government, purchased by an association, are deposited with the Treasurer of the United States for security. and 90 per cent of their face value in national currency issued to the bank for circulation. The system has been very popular from the uniform equality in value. freedom from counterfeiting and from their absolute security ; yet there arc many people who are opposed to the plan, and opinions as to their continuance are conflicting. Whatever may be done, they tided the Government over a critical period and have been of incalculable good to the country.

The earliest bank chartered in Ohio was the Miami Exporting Company, of Cincinnati. the bill for whose incorporation passed the Legislature in April, 1803. The primary object of this association was more with a view of stimulating and aiding business. then languishing. than to do regular banking work, and it was not until 1808 that the first bank devoted to commercial interests was established. It was located at Marietta. and bore the name of the place. At the same session during which this charter was given, Mr. Worthington reported upon a proposition to found a State bank, and, as a result of this legislation, the- Bank of Chillicothe was subsequently established.

Charters were severally granted to similar institutions till 1816, when a banking law was passed which incorporated twelve new banks, continued existing charters. and made the State. without outlay, a party to the profits and capital thus created and continued. The plan was as follows : " Each new bank was, at the outset. to set apart one share in twenty-five for the State, without payment, and each Bank whose charter was renewed was to create for the State stock in the saute proportion : each bank. new and old, was yearly to set apart out of its profits

336 - HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.

a stun which would make. at the time the charter expired. a sum equal to one- twenty-fifth of the whole stock. which was to belong to the State : and the dividends coming to the State were to be invested and re-invested until one-sixth of the stock was State property. This last provision was made subject to change. if found desirable. The State's interest in her banks continued until 1825. when an amendment changed the stock into a 2 per cent tax upon all dividends up to that date. and 4 per cent upon those made afterward. Outlier change was made till March. 1831. when the tax was augmented to a per cent. In 1839. a law was enacted by which Bank Commissioners were appointment to make regular examinations of the various hanks and to report upon their condition. This was unpopular with bankers. and was opposed by some of them. and the result was considerable discussion. both within and without the Legislature. A new system of banking was adopted in 1845, which included the State Bank. its branches and independent banks. It was not until 1853. that Darke County began to realize the benefits accruing from the establishment of a local banking office. Prior to this date. loans were frequently negotiated between persons. amounting. in aggregate to considerable sums. Two or three citizens of Greenville whose names have eve, since been locally prominent in financial transactions. were engaged in private brokerage in a limited degree. hut. with the development of the country and the .growth of the town. there was a growing demand. if not all urgent itecessity. regular accommodations in the interests of trade.

The Farmers’ Bank, a personal or partnership institution. was organized October. 1853. by Messrs. J. W. Frizzel and J. L. Winner. with what. at that time. was a very respectable capital of $30,000. The bank was honored hy the popular confidence. and was considered reliable : and the fact that it passed easily and triumphantly through the crucial period culminating in the disasters of 1857 and 1861. proved that the high estimation in which it was held was merited. In 'lay. 1865. the bank was re-organized. by the original proprietors. into a national. It may be remarked. at this time. that. previous to going into banking. Mr. Frizzel was clerk of the Court of Common Pleas. had practiced law. am1 had taught school. He had at one period been the preceptor of a military school and his partner. Mr. Winner. had for several years. subsequent to 1836. engaged in hotel-keeping. in a building which stood on the present site of the Kipp drug store.

The Farmers’ National Bank, originating from the Farmers, was organized April 3, 1865. with a capital of @84,000. Washington A. Weston was it first President. and John L. Winner its first Cashier. The first directors were W. A. Weston. J. L. Winner. H. W. Emerson. G. W. Studabaker and J. W. Frizzel. The following are the changes that have taken place in its officers: On the 9^th of January. 1866. J. Pitsenberger and J. C. McKernev were elected Directors. in place of G. W. Studahaker and J. W. Frizzel : J. L. Winner was Cashier. and T. S. Waring was Teller. On the 29th of May. 1566. E,lisha Dawes was appointed Director. in the place of J. C. McKerney. and. January 8. 1867, G. W. Studahaker was chosen to succeed E. Dawes. T. S. Waring was math, Assistant Cashier January 10. 1871. and was elected Cashier April 7, 1873. and T. E. Clark. Teller. at the same time. Mr. Waring superseded Mr. Winner as Director. On January 13. 1875. George D. Farrar was appointed to succeed Mr. Clark as Teller. May 11. 1876. J. L. Weston was chosen Direttor. vice W. A. Weston. deceased, and H. W. Emerson was elected President. On the 8th of January. 1878, C. M. Anderson took position as Director, in place of H. W. Emerson. deceased. and G. W. Studabaker was elected President. January 14. 1879. F. McWhinnev and Noah Arnold were chosen Directors, in place of J. Pitsenberger. deceased. and J. L. Weston. This old, well-known and firmly established hank has earned and receives a party, heavy support from farmers and business men. and sustains a first-class reputation for sterling business capacity. The office is located at No. 66. near the public square. on Broadway. in Greenville.

HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY - 337

The Exchange Book was the next one organized in Greenville, and held a meeting for the purpose of starting a financial institution. on the 11th of January, 1869 Frank McWhinney was the originator and proprietor. J. M. Landsdowne was appointed Cashier, and business begun. April 1. 1873. Mr. McWhinney sold to John L. Winner, who is the present owner. From the opening of the bank. the same building has been occupied—the one which stands on the southeast corner of Broadway and the public square. Previous to entering upon banking, Mr. MeWhinney had been a merchant at El Dorado. Ohio. From that place he had gone to Madison, and engaged in merchandising and dealing in grain, while acting, also, as railroad agent.

The Bank of Greenville was organized February 22. 1876. by Messrs. Allen Co., proprietors. with a capital stock of s200.000. the stockholders being held individually liable. The officers chosen were John Hittingle, President : Judge William Allen. Vice President. and I,. I,. Bell. Cashier. The Directors are John Hufnagle, Judge James J. Meeker. John Devor. Esq.. and L. L. Bell. This bank always made good all its promises, and issued exchange every day. as called for, through the stringent times of 1877. There have been no changes in the officiary. Messrs. Hufnagle. Bell and Meeker are among the largest owners of real estate in Darke County. Mr. Hufnagle had been discounting for about forty years previous to the organization of the Greenville Bank. and L. L. Bell had been a broker and insurance agent for some years. Judge Allen was a practicing attorney. and had been a member of Congress four years. All the officers of the bank are old residents of Greenville. except Mr. Bell. and he has been here twelve years. The bank was first organized for three years. at the expiration of which time the charter was renewed. and has been continued until the present time. The bank building is one of the best in the city. having been built for banking purposes expressly. It stands on the northwest corner of Broadway :mil Fourth streets.

THE PRESS OF DARK COUNTY.

The publication of newspapers from insignificant beginnings has become a most formidable and powerful agency in forming the people, molding public opinion and exposing wrong-doing. The press has shown constant growth in the number of papers issued, in their character, size and composition. Allied with the telegraph, it has become the myriad-tongued voice of all peoples. It has enlarged the field of thought, imparted intelligence and stimulated enterprise. whether national in the construction of mountain tunnel. isthmus canal and overland railway, or local in the building of turnpikes. the drainage of land and improvement of towns. Preliminary to a brief history of the press of Dnrke County, a few facts of earlier record will be perused with general interest. The first press. we are told, was but a news bulletin. The first English newspaper was published in 1558, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. and was in manuscript.

The first paper printed, was entitled the Politicus Mercury, and was started or Political Mercury, and was started during the reign of Charles I. in 1631. and continued through Cromwell's time. In 1775, there were in the United States 37 papers published. In 1810, the number was 358. In 1840, 2.000, and in 1850, 2,500. The latter increase-has kept pace with-the progress of events. and the problem of the greatest amount of news within the shortest time, with the minimum cost. seems to have reached a solution. The history of the press of Darke County is not unlike that of a thousand others. Short-lived ventures have sprung up like mushrooms and as suddenly expired. The stanch, well-known journals of the present, edited by experienced journalists, are a moral, educational and political power to which. perhaps unconsciously, the county owes much of its reputation for enterprise and intelligence.

The first paper in the county of Darke, was printed and published by E. Donnellan. and was entitled, the Western Statesman and Greenville Courier. The

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initial number was issued on June 25. 1832. Its terms in brief, were as follows : " The Western Stateman and Greenville Courier is printed weekly on a super-royal sheet. The price is per year, but may be discharged by payment of $2 in advance. or $2.50 within the year. Copies of the pioneer paper are rarities, yet No. 16, Vol. 1, owned by M. L. Hamilton, of Greenville, furnishes an opportunity of making known the contents of a paper of half a century ago. Extracts are made from the Detroit Journal. New Hampshire Gazette. National intelligences and the Boston Patriot. The war with the Sacs and Foxes. led by Black Hawk. was near its close. An overwhelming force under Gen. Dodge. following the Indians. gave them no rest, and dead bodies found on the trail were emaciated by starvation. Cures for cholera are given. A. Stober. tailor. advertises his place of business one door south of the jail. and John Briggs desires payment on the principle, "frequent settlements make lasting friendships.- and such as do not respond are threatened with the law. Announcements as candidates for the offices of Auditor. Assessor, Representative and Clerk, were made by Hiram Bell. Esq.. Col. M. J. Purviance. M. P. Baskersville and Dennis Hart. respectively. William Brady calls attention to blacksmithing, John Curtis is silversmith and jeweler, and H. Bell is real-estate agent.

The Greenville .Journal may be regarded as a continuation of the paper above noted. later changed in name to Journal, since which time it has enjoyed an uninterrupted publication, although changing owners and publishers many times during the first twenty years of its existence. The paper began to be published on April 19, 1850. under the management of E. B. Taylor and J. G. Reese. The proprietors advocated Whig principles, and had for their motto : "Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable.” The strength of political parties in the county at this time is shown by the result of the fall elections of 1849 and 1850. In the former year, the Whig vote for Representative was 1,670. while the vote of the Loco-focos was 1,519. Both parties did not come out in full strength in 1850. but but the higs were the dominant party in the county by a small majority. On June 1851, partnership was dissolved and Mr. Taylor for the time retired, having been connected with the paper under other names for seven years, and beginning with a list of 150 subscribers in 1844. 3I. B. Reese became a partner April 29, 1852, and the Journal was edited and published by J. G. & M. B. Reese. Much space was taken by the publication of laws of Ohio in many numbers. In politics, the Whigs were stated to be " willing to stand by the compromise measure, but no steps further." Unwilling to keep up the agitation about slavery, the fugitive-slave law was obeyed but disliked as unjust. The North did not want an influx of negroes, and acquiesced in the act. while its moral influence South was immense. July 1, 1853, the Journal changed its name temporarily to The Mad Anthony, with frontier scene for heading, and taking as its motto, "Devoted to the propagation of truth and the elevation of the masses."

In the early part of 1860, the Journal was purchased from E. B. Taylor, to whom it had passed from the hands of Messrs, Reese. by Messrs. E. W. Otwell and James M. Craig, who took possession of the same on the 14th day of March, 1860, and published it under the firm name of E. W. Otwell & Co. When these gentlemen acquired the paper, they found a meager list of subscribers ; its circulation of bona fide subscribers did not exceed one hundred and fifty. It was then a seven-column folio. Under the new management numerous subscriptions were received, rapidly extending its influence, and the columns became much more readable and the paper increased in value as a family newspaper. The Presidential campaign which resulted in the election of Abraham Lincoln occurred in the summer and fall of 1860. In this political contest, which resulted in the triumph of the Republican party, the Journal was a stanch party organ, and has al -vs stood firm and unshaken in its advocacy of the principles of its party. In April. 1861, when the war of the rebellion was commenced, and during the few years following, the times were trying for the existence of the paper. In clue time,

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however. it weathered the storms incident to the times, and gained, as the years succeeded. in favor among the people of the county.

On the 14th of December, 1869. the Journal again experienced a change in ownership. by the sale by Mr. Craig of his interest to E. W. Otwell, his partner, who then became the sole owner. publisher and editor, which he has continued to be from that time to the present.

On the 8th day of August. 1873. the Journal was enlarged to a nine-column folio, making it. at that time. the largest paper published in the county. In this shape and size it remained until 1879, when, on August 28. it was enlarged to the proportions of a seven-column quarto, making it again the largest newspaper then published in the county. and containing the greatest quantity of reading matter. On the 1st of September. 1879, E. W. Otwell entered the law office of Judge William Allen. and turned over the publication of the Journal to his son Curt Otwell. In April, 1880. the paper is prosperous, influential, and has a circulation of 1.176, with prospects of a steady increase in the number of its readers.

The Democratic Herald was started at Greenville, Ohio. in April. 1847. Previous to this date, the Democratic party in Darke had been without a home paper, the best and only paper in the interest of the party having been published about 1830, by C. B. Floyd. now of Columbus, and known' widely as the veteran editor of the State. The Herald was published by Messrs. Mehaffey & Adams. and took for its motto. " The sovereignty of the people, the rights of the States. and a light and simple government. Its name and motto indicate its principles. James Mehaffey had expected before the end of the first year to become sole proprietor, and to renew the publication in the second volume as the Glen Democrat. "augmented in reading matter and sound in politics;" but the project failed. and instead he sold his interest to William Allen, Esq., who, in connection with Thomas Adams, conducted the paper as the Greenville Telegraph. Allen was then acting as Prosecuting Attorney. Both men were high in popular estimation. persons of integrity and sound Democrats. They asked a fair chance, declaring that they” will condemn no man because he honestly possesses' political principles differing from theirs." In June, 1851, Adams sold his interest, and was succeeded by Dr. J. L. Sorber. who conducted the paper until the fall of 1852, when Rufus Putnam became the proprietor. The paper rapidly changed ownership and name. being by Putnam entitled the Mad Anthony, under which title it was issued until the summer of 1854. With the Know-Nothing excitement, young Putnam removed the press to Union City, Ind., where he started a paper in the interest of the American party. as it was called, in the fall of the same year.

In the fall of 1854. leading Democrats of the county raised a small sum by subscription. and Messrs. William Allen and Thomas Perry went to Cincinnati, and haying purchased new press and metal, Mr. Perry was made the publisher of what was entitled the Greenville Eagle. But he suffered so many indignities at the hands of Know-Nothings. that at the end of six months he left in disgust, and the office was closed for a number of months. In the spring of 1855, A. G. Clark came from Hamilton to Greenville, and commenced the publication of the Darke County Democrat. At the end of a year or more, in July, 1856, Mr. Clark was superseded by Henry Miller, and the office was located over Messrs. Weston & Ullery’s hardware store, on the corner of Broadway and Third street. Mr. Miller took for his motto : " Truth crushed to earth will rise again ; the eternal years of God are hers :" and continued steadily to edit and publish the paper until March 20. 1861. when his connection ceased and his place was taken by Messrs. J. B. Price and George D. Farrar. Mr. Miller had been appointed Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in the place of Dr. W. C. Porterfield, deceased. The county which had been Whig till 1857, changed over during that year, and the Democracy succeeded in electing their entire county ticket, as they have done ever since. It was due to Mr. Miller that under him the Democrat was established on a permanent basis. Price conducted the publication until the

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winter of 1863-64. when a number of soldiers at home on furlough sacked the office and threw the metal into the street. Subsequently other parties procured an interest in what was left of the concern. and removed the office from the Weston building to Mechanics. building. where the paper was once more published. In a short time the paper was again sold to Messrs. McKay & Kinder, who continued the publication until their interest was purchase(', by Charles Roland. who removed to Greenville from Lancaster in 1Stiti. Mr. Roland became proprietor and editor. and has continued to publish the paper to this date. and is in receipt of good success and hearty support—the appreciation paid by the public to acknowledged merit.

The Greenville Sunday Courier was started May 22. 1875. by George W. Calderwood. and December 10. 1876. A. R. Calderwocid assumed editorial control and the paper was published by the firm of Calderwood & Studabaker. The office is in the third story of the Hart & Wilson New Block. on the corner of Third street and Broadway. It advocates Republican doctrines and has a growing circulation. Its prospectus opened with the following.: “The Sunday Courier live; a life of happiness and so will its readers. Consumptive men, on the verge of the grave, have recovered and are live and active men because they read it. Poverty cursed individuals, almost at the door of the almshouse. have picked it up and saved themselves a life of wretchedness and woe. Statesmen have been brought from obscurity and elevated to position from casual glances over its columns.”

The American Prohibitionist was published for a time by George Calderwood. and, after a few months, was removed to Columbus. Its brief career in Greenville was promising. It waged an uncompromising war on saloons and gained rapidly in circulation. It was published at the office of the Daily Gazette started in 1879 by the same publisher, Mr. Calderwood.

It is surprising how transitory is the existence of a newspaper ; it is the creation and has the existence of a day. There are no complete files of Darke County papers to be found. and their value is not realized till the time to use them is at hand. The present publishers of Darke County are men of experience. prominence and means ; they are all persons of sterling principles. and few counties can boast of more energetic workers.

EDUCATIONAL—PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

In the early history of Darke County the schools were mainly supported by the individual contributions of the parents sending their children. The wages of teachers were low, averaging from $9 to $12 per month. The public fund received by each township was derived from Section 16, which was spoken of as the " school section.” It was finally sold. the purchase money paid to the State Treasurer. and the interest on the same is still divided among the several school districts in the townships. The educational interests of the county have always received that attention from the people that their importance seemed to demand. Often, when the farmer had done his day's work. he would attend the evening school, organized by private enterprise. and not only become a student himself. but by his presence and influence encourage the children and youth to renewed diligence in acquiring even a limited education. Among the early teachers of the county we will mention Rev. Mr. Swallow. who preached in different localities, and at the same time taught grammar schools wherever he could collect a class. But grammar was. a step in advance of the requirements of the teacher of the day school, who was only required to teach reading. writimr. and arithmetic to the single rule of three.- We can certainly notice a contrast between the requirements of the teacher then and now. Henry D. Williams taught in 1830 and 1833. and afterward became County Treasurer. Dow Roll. Mrs. McIntyre. John Townsend And Noah Arnold were among the pioneer teachers of the county. and did efficient work in the schoolroom. Schools were held about three months. and were supported by the income of Section 16. fines and individual contributions. until the

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present financial school-law went into operation. But fines only yielded a small sum, the proceeds of Section 16 were small. when apportioned among the several schools of the township: money was scarce and difficult to obtain. either by labor or produce. for there was but little demand for either, and had it not been for the low wages of teaching, schools could not have been continued for three months. The first schoolhouses in the county were rude structures, built of round logs. covered by clapboards. held in their places by poles laid upon them. The writing desks were generally slabs. laid upon pins driven in holes bored in the wall, while the seats were rude benches made of slabs. with two holes bored in each end, into which the legs were driven. The floors were also made of puncheon, dressed on one side. and the writer remembers that the second house in which lie taught had only a part of the floor thus made, while the other part was the ground leveled off to correspond with the puncheons, and ground-squirrels and rats would frequently come out of their holes. during school hours, and run across the floor, to the no small amusement of the pupils.

In many of the schools, pupils were required to study a loud tone, and hence called a loud school. the object being to let the teacher know they were engaged upon their lessons, and not in mischief. Classes in arithmetic and writing were never formed. but each pupil " ciphered away at will," and received personal assistance from the teacher when the same was needed. Writing was taught by the teacher " setting the copy:" and the pupil trying to imitate the same. The "quill pen " was used by the pupil. and the “ master " was expected to make the pen. and mend the same when the pupil thought it unfit for use. The custom of barring out., teacher, and compelling him to " treat." about the holidays, was indulged in by the pupils as a general custom. and sanctioned by the parents ; but this relic of barbarism has almost entirely disappeared from our schools. Until the present school law went into operation. there were two County School Examiners. who examined applicants for certificates to teach school, at any time they were called upon. the fee being fifty cents. and the grade of qualification necessarily low. compared with the qualifications during the past twenty years: Among the early Examiners, we may mention John Beers, Dr. J. Briggs, C. F. Dempsey, J. R. Knox and A. L. Northrop : the latter also taught school in 1844, and claims that he first taught mental arithmetic in the schools under his charge. He afterward became County Auditor. and has ever been a warm friend of education. and a firm supporter of our common-school system. John Beers, John Wharry, J. P. Knox and William Allen were, respectively. members of the Board of Examiners until the year 1856. when C. G. Matchett. E. B. Putnam and G. H. Martz constituted the board. This board required mental arithmetic to be taught, and made it a grade of qualification for the teacher. Many applicants for certificates were rejected for incompetency ; the standard of teaching was raised, and the schools necessarily took a higher standing in education and usefulness. A vacancy occurred in the board. by the death of E. B. Putnam, and A. T. Bodle was appointed a member of the same. At the breaking-out of the. rebellion, G. Matchett raised a company of the Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served with honor and distinction during the war, and, at its close, located, as a lawyer, in Greenville. Ohio. filled the office of Prosecuting Attorney with fidelity, and is now a prominent member of the Greenville bar. G. II. Martz followed teaching for a number of years, served four years as Treasurer of Darke County, and is now serving his third term as County School Superintendent of Greenwood County, Kan. A. T. Bodle followed the profession of teaching for a number of years. and is now a, prominent member of the Greenville bar. The first meeting of teachers was held about the year 1856, the object being the mutual exchange of views relative to the duties and responsibilities of teachers. In 1859, A. T. Bodle, L. S. B. Otwell and J. T. Martz. being then School Examiners, in connection with other teachers organized the Darke County Teachers Association. which was kept alive for some time : and. after the enactment of the law creating a teachers.

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institute fund was passed, the association was re-organized, and has been kept in existence from that time to the present. J. T. Martz has been President of this association for a number of years, and, previous to March, 1879, was member of the Board of School Examiners for more than twenty successive years. He has taught a number of normal schools for teachers, in different parts of the counts. With Prof. Lang, of Gambier, Ohio, A. J. Rickoff, Superintendent of the public schools of Cleveland, Ohio, and Rev. A. L. McKinney, of Troy, Ohio. He held the first teachers' institute in the county. He has been one of the instructors of the Darke County Teachers' Institute for a number of years, and has just completed his ninth successive year as Superintendent of the Greenville Union School. The last teachers' institute enrolled 150 members, and was one of the most successful held in the county. Hon. T. W. Harvey, John Hancock. Rev. J. F. Reinmund, and other distinguished educators of the State. have been teachers and lecturers at our institutes, and they have taken front rank with like institutes in the State.

Education in the county seems to be progressive. The public schools are generally well attended, and there seems to be a desire on the part of both teacher and pupil to make all possible progress in the acquisition of knowledge. Teachers make themselves acquainted with the modern methods of teaching, and adopt the same when preferred. Graded schools have been established at the following- places, and under the control of the following Superintendents : At Bradford, D. S. Myers ; at Gettysburg. Rev. C. W. Shoate : at Versailles. J. E. Polly : at Dallas, J. S. Royer, who is also a member of the Board of Examiners at Union City,..Ohio side. B.. F. Landis is Superintendent at New Madison : Thomas Eubank, who is also a member of the Board of Examiners. at Arcanum. A goodly showing this, of nine graded schools in the county, together with 200 schoolhouses, requiring 250 teachers. It will be well in this connection to review somewhat the history of education in the State in order to understand how it has been possible to reach the present system of education in the county of Darke.

Ohio, educationally, has been a favored state. When, nearly a century ago, the Confederate Congress passed an act for the survey of Western lands, one section of each township was reserved “for the maintenance of public schools within said township." In the act for governing the Northwest Territory. passed July 13, 1787, it was provided : "Religion. morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." Later. one-thirty-sixth of the entire land of the State was given to the State in trust for the support of schools. The State constitution of 1802 provided : “Religion. morality and knowledge being essentially necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged by legislative provision, not inconsistent with the rights of conscience." Despite these provisions for education, the schools of Darke, as intimated in earlier chapters, were for many years of little moment. The law of 1821 left it to the vote of each township whether school districts should be formed. Four years later. action in this regard was changed, and Township Trustees were required to divide the township into districts. A tax for schools was levied by the county and provided a fund of about $10 for one ordinary country district.

In 1838, the first efficient law was adopted by the General Assembly. It provided that School Directors " may determine the studies to be pursued in each school, so that reading, writing and arithmetic may be taught in the English language." In 1849, teachers, in addition to examination in spelling. reading, writing and arithmetic, were required to show qualifications in geography and grammar. The present cost, condition and value of Darke. County schools mr he ascertained by a consideration of the following statistics for the year 1879 :

The balance of school money on hand September 1. 1877. was $71,982.88 ; the State tax gave $19,899. the irreducible school fund added $4,553.69 : time .

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local tax for school and schoolhouse purposes gave $68,333.56 ; the amount received on sale of bonds was $940 : from other sources, $1,611.49—thus making the total receipts $167,320.62. The following were the disbursements during the same year : The amount paid teachers was—primary. $58,276.99 ; high school, $6,095—total $64.371.99 ; managing and superintending, $675 ; sites and buildings, $10.892.79 ; bond interest. $8,205.66 ; fuel and other expenses, $18,925.5:3 ; a total expenditure of $103.070.97—leaving a balance. September 1, 1878. of $64,249.65. The State received, during the fiscal year ending November 15,1878, from the county, of common-school fund, $18.586.15, and paid to the county $19,899, or an excess of $1.312.86. The number of youths between six and twenty-one was 13,175. The Section 16 school fund amounted to $5,135.92.

Darke has 20 townships. 177 subdivisions. 9 separate districts and 9 subdivisions. included in separate districts. During the year. 5 primary schoolhouses were erected in the townships, at a cost of $5,000. The value of school property is about $200,000 in townships and $130.000 in separate districts, or a total of about $330,000. There were 230 schoolrooms, requiring 231 teachers. There were employed, within the year, 186 gentlemen and 71 ladies, in primary schools ; 22 gentlemen and 24 ladies, in separate districts, or a total of 303 teachers. The number of teachers who taught the entire time the schools were in session were 154. The average wages of gentlemen, in primary township schools, was $38 ladies, $26. In separate districts—primary, $49 ; ladies. $32 ; high, gentlemen. $61. The average number of weeks' schools were in .session, was 28. 31 and 33. The local tax of townships, 1878-79, was 3.4 : separate districts. 7. The number of pupils enrolled within the year was : of boys, 4,973 ; girls. 4,161—total, 9,124 ; in primary, in townships : separate districts—primary, boys. 1.050 : girls; 958 ; high. boys. 201 girls; 197—total, 2.406 : grand total, 11,530. The average daily attendance was 6.918. the per cent, in townships. being 76, and in separate districts, 82.

The number in each branch of study is thus given : Alphabet, 1.767 ; reading. 8.988 ; spelling, 9,832 : writing, 7.826 ; arithmetic. 6.775 : geography, 2,750 ; grammar. 1,830 ; oral lessons, 2.271 ; composition, 1.05-1 : drawing, 436 ; vocal music. 1,395 ; map drawing, 373 ; history, 283 ; physiology, 28 ; physical geography, 13 ; natural philosophy, 23, and German, 145 ; algebra, 336 ; geometry. 26 : trigonometry. 11 ; surveying, 2 ; chemistry. 11 ; geology, 11 : botany,,10 ; astronomy, 1 ; book-keeping, 22.

The School Examiners of Darke, in 1879, were E. B. Leitz, J. T. Martz and E. Lockett. the last named resident of Gettysburg. Eighteen meetings were held for examination of teachers ; 368 gentlemen made application for license and 187 ladies—total. 555 ; of these 205 were rejected. Fourteen persons, all gentlemen, received license for two years ; 46 for eighteen months ; 226 for a year, the remainder for six months ; entire number licensed, 350 ; 37 per cent were rejected. The institute, held at Greenville, commenced August 19, 1878, was in session eleven days. and 160 persons were in attendance.

Thus briefly we learn of the large sums annually paid for education, the full supply of teachers, the fair wages and the increasing exactions of the people for better qualifications. The institute, the high schools and the common schools provide means for acquiring that knowledge so indispensable to the control and instruction of the young. The schools are by no means perfect, but they are progressive, and, as compared with the past, have shown surprising advance.

SOCIETIES.

The local historian nowhere finds a more interesting field for research, or one more fruitful, than that which embraces the experience of the pioneers of Darke —the men who literally hewed out the county from the sturdy and unbroken forest, wherein the ax of the woodman had never before resounded ; who conquered a scanty subsistence from the unused soil which the plowshares of civilization

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had never disturbed : who not only were hindered by these primitive :aid inert conditions. but positively opposed by the rigors of the climate, the malarial influences of the atmosphere, and the depredations or Wild animals : whose crops were even preyed upon by the birds of the forest and the smaller predatory animals. “peace hath her victories” and adversity and savagery combined withstood not the constant onward march of the vanguard of the grand army of civilization. whose pioneers. discharging their daily routine of duty. unwittingly recorded then deeds in history.

Desirous of the benefits of association. the following-named pioneers met in Harts Grove. July 4. 1870, and there organized the first pioneer association of Darke County. viz.: Henry Arnold. Aaron Hiller. Israel Cox. John- S. Hiller, Divid Studabaker. John Wharry. Josiah D. Elston. James Cloyd. John Martin. Robert Martin. Henry W. Emerson, John Stahl and William F. Bishop, in all thirteen. On motion. James Lloyd was elected President ; John S. Hiller, Vice President : Henry W. Emerson. Second Vice President ; John Wharry. Secretary, and H. Arnold, Treasurer. The following was the preamble to the constitution and by-laws : "We. the undersigned. citizens of Darke County. Ohio. believing it commendable to collect and preserve all the incidents and reminiscences as connected with the early settlement of our county. and to preserve them. that those who Ibllow us will. in some degree. be made acquainted with the manners, customs, difficulties, hardships and trials incident to the settlement of a wilderness county, do establish this our constitution. etc. Again. in a year and a day, the pioneers met at the same place. There was singing by Greenville people, prayer by Rev. Levi Purviance, music by Arcanum Band, address by Hon. G. V. Dorsey. of Piqua, on r Pioneers and Pioneer History.r and other music by band and choir. when there was served just such a dinner as pioneers are capable of getting : an overwhelming abundance of the best the land affords. prepared with a culinary skill and neatness peculiar to our pioneer mothers. In the afternoon. G. B. Holt and others gave voluntary addresses. then with due and appropriate ceremonies, the remains of the two Wilson girls, who had been slain by the Indians, were disinterred, buried in the Greenville Cemetery. and a suitable monument erected to commemorate them. The semi-annual meeting was held at the court house in Greenville, January 1. 1872. An address was delivered by Dr. I. N. Gard, and it abounded in historical allusions to events in the early day. It is a subject of deep regret that the addresses delivered before the association had not been written and the papers filed with the Secretary. as the subject matter, however interesting. was lost in its utterance so far as there was any benefit to posterity. A nuer was concluded by a dessert of corn-bread and milk. In the afternoon there was an •r experience meeting.- greatly enjoyed. Israel Cox presented the society with a cabin door made in 1816. of clapboards pinned together by wooden pins and hung on wooden hinges. The annual meeting was held at the fair grounds. The death of James Cloyd was formally announced. suitable resolutions were passed. the constitution was amended. and H. K. McConnell chosen Corresponding Secretary. This gentleman then delivered an address on The Early History of the County.” followed by H. W. Emerson. Dr. Gard. J. S. Hiller and others. when the roll was signed by quite a number of persons. On July 4. 1S7:1. the association met at Morning-Star Grove, Greenville. President Hiller in the chair : William Allen read the Declaration of Independence. when rain threatened and the meeting was adjourned to the court house. where addresses were delivered by Abner Haines. of Eaton. G. D. Hendricks and others. Again. January 1. 1874. the association met at Greenville and listened to a well-prepared interesting address upon. The growth of the country. its resources, and future

vote of thanks was tendered the Judge therefor. Aaron Hiller was chosen Secretary, vice Wharry resigned. A Bible presented by Mrs. J. W. Frizzell was placed in the care of the Corresponding Secretary. The constitution was amended to admit pioneer women as members, and true to the gallantry of "ye

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olden times,” the membership fee was remitted. At a semi-annual session, New Year's Day. 1874, the constitution was amended to require five in place of three Vice Presidents, whereupon William Arnold and Lemuel Rush were unanimously chosen. Death was busy before the assembly on July 4. 1874. and H. Arnold, Mrs. Jane Arnold and Mrs. Nancy Gilbert were appointed a committee to draft and report suitable resolutions of condolence on the death of Mrs. Delilah A. Harper. The record at this point contains the following

ROLL OF PIONEERS.

Henry Arnold, Allen La .Mott, John G. Horner, Rebecca Harter, Aaron Hiller, Mary Ann La Mott, Daniel Drill, William S. Turpen, Israel Cox, John Ketring, John Mark, T. P. Turpen,

John S. lliller, Jane Hart, Noah Arnold, Michael Ritenour, David Studebaker, Sarah Jane Scribner, Mrs. Sarah Hall, Catharine Ritenour, John Wherry, J. W. Frizzell, William Lecklider, Christopher Briney, Josiah I. Elston, Adam Beam, Reynolds Morton, Mrs. Rebecca Ross,

James Cloyd, G. W. Beam, S. T. Mendenhall, Tabitha Oliver, Robert Martin, Dilman Mote, J. W. Hall, Eleanor Bechtolt, John Martin, C. M. Sharp, John V. Hiller, Lewis Wintermote,

Samuel Hine, David Craig, H. R. Calderwood, J. R. Calderwood, Joseph Cole. Jr., Asa Rush,Ezra Lecklider, Catharine Funk, J. G. Gilbert, Lemuel Rush, G. W. Earhart, Mrs. E. A. Funk, John King, S. H. Robison. Mary Lynch, . Sarah Culbertson, Harry House, Dr. E. Lynoh, Gideon Martin, Alanson Brown, Henry Tillman, James Garver, O. C. Perry, Cyrus Boyer,

John R. Knox, Geo. C. Lecklid,T. F. Chenoweth, Turnice Denice, Chas. G. Matchett, Judson Jaqua, T. H. McCune, Hannah Hunter, John M. McNeil, Mrs. Jaqua, John Westfall, D. D. Hunter, Lucy L. Ladd, Franklin Scribner, William Allen, Wesley Jay, Jane Rush, David Riffle,Asa Brady, Laurinda Jay, Samuel Bechtolt, Mrs. Mary Riffle, George Arnold, H. J. Sturgley, A. T. Bodle, Mrs. Robert Martin, John C. Arnold, John L. Winner, Mrs. C. M. H. Bodle, Mrs. Dilman Mote, Dennis Hart, Harrod Mills, James R. Brandon, David Harter, Peter Weaver, Louisa S. Mills, S. C. Baker, Win. Scott Piqua, Elias Ross, Louis B. Lott, Hannah Baker, Robert S. Ross, Isaac Funk. David P. Judy, Nancy Gilbert, Jane Wintermote, H. C. Kerr,Catharine B. Mark, Samuel Hahn, Lewis Byram, Lucinda M. Young, Joseph Bryson,

Martha Larrimore, J. M. Brady. David Brown, John Bruce, Geo. D. Miller, A. L. Wortley, Joseph Phillips, Nancy Stern, Elizabeth Miller, Wash. G. McGee, Mary Jane Craig, William Martin,

W. H. Morningstar, John L. Johns. Lydia Brown, Charles Calkins, H. W. Emerson, John Hagerman. David F. Harter, Jane Studebaker, John Stahl, John McClure, F. H. Hamer, George Arnold, William F. Bishop, Rebecca McClure. Philip Albright. Mary Arnold, William Arnold, Morris Bryson, Henry Snell, William Parent. W. S. Harper, Mary A. C. Bryson, Mary Snell,Hannah Parent, Delilah A. Harper, Mrs. Ellen Hiller, 2d, Aaron Fleming, Phoebe Brady,

Margaret B. Pixler, Mrs. Sarah Stokely, Rachel Fleming, James Marquith, Dr. I. N. Gard, Thomas Stokely, Aaron Clawson, W. H. Matchett, H. Zimmerman, William R. Young, Rachel Clawson, Jason Downing, F. T. Hamilton, Jane House. Elizabeth Fisher, Daniel Reigel, Enos C. Shade, Maria Bishop, Sarah Scribner. Lydia A. Reigel, T. H. McCune, Ruhamer Craig, R. M. Brown, Mahlon Martin. John Stephenson, Phoebe Hamilton, Jeremiah John, Philip Froebe,

Eliza S. Stephenson, Alice House, Christena Chenoweth, Elizabeth Froebe, Tracy House, Maria Lecklider. Josiah Harter, Jesse Woods —211.

On January 1, 1875, the association met in the jury-rooms of the new court house. President in the chair. Meeting was opened with prayer by L. B. Lott. The roll was completed as just given. Mr. Lott was elected Assistant Secretary. D. D. Hunter. N. Arnold and David Craig, appointed as a committee to secure a speaker. recommended the Hon. William Allen. of Greenville.

346 - HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.

In consequence of recent rains, the place of the next meeting, on July 5, 1875, was changed from the new fair grounds to the court house. Vice President Emerson in the chair. The thanks of the association were tendered the Hon. Allen for his anniversary address.

It was ascertained that Jane Hart, Lemuel Rush, Aaron Hiller and Lewis Byram had resided in the county sixty years ; and H. W. Emerson, J. M. Brady, David Craig, Mrs. House, R. L. Ross. Peter Weaver. George Arnold and James R. Brandon each not less than fifty-five years.

H. W. Emmerson was advanced to the presidency to fill vacancy caused by death of John S. Hiller. Two Vice Presidents. William Arnold and Asa Rush, having also died, there were three vacancies in the office of Vice President, which -were filled by the appointment of Dennis Hart, David Studabaker and James R. Brandon.

On motion, Rev. T. A. Brandon was appointed to prepare a paper for the next meeting, on "Recollections of Early Life in Darke County."

August 3, 1876, the association met on the fair grounds, President in the chair. Prayer by Elder C. M. Sharp. Reports of committees received. At the afternoon session, W. S. Harper presented the " Constitution of the Darke County Library Association." which was accepted and filed. W. S. Harper read a poem entitled, "A Hundred Years Ago." George Arnold was elected Vice President, vice J. R. Brandon, deceased.

The association met in the Probate Court room July 11, 1877, and listened to an address by Emerson, relative to early settlement. 'and others spoke of the same subject, among them David Brown. eighty-six years of age.

A session was held August 3, 1877. at the city hall, Greenville. Speeches were made, and the committee on deceased members reported the demise of James R. Brandon, Hannah Hunter, L. N. Byram. Sarah Stokely, Aaron Fleming, John McClure, Adam Beam, Isaac Cox. I). P. Judy and J. Mendenhall. a heavy mortality calling away so many.

The session of July 5, 1879, was held in the Probate Court room. with President F. L. Hamilton in the chair. Following prayer, by Chaplain C. M. Sharp. Samuel Hahn and William F. Bishop were elected Vice Presidents, and Joseph Cole, Jr., Secretary. An address was delivered by G. V. Dorsey. of Piqua. Thanks were tendered and the meeting adjourned.

On June 2, 1879, the pioneers, headed by the silver cornet band, met at the city hall in Greenville, whence they proceeded with, C. G. Matchett as Marshal, to the fair ground. The association was called to order by the President, Lemuel Rush. The exercises began by reading the thirtieth Psalm and prayer by Elder T. A. Brandon, of Union City. The death of F. I,. Hamilton was reported, and the election of Thomas P. Turpen to fill vacancy caused by promotion of Mr. Rush to the presidency. A speech was made in the afternoon by A. R. Calderwood ; he was followed by Norman Sumner. of Atlanta. Ill. Mr. Sumner had settled in Darke in 1817, and had moved away about 1850. Other speeches were made, when the society adjourned.

The following are present officers : Lemuel Rush, President ; David Studabaker, First Vice President ; George Arnold. Second Vice President ; Samuel Hahn, Third Vice President ; W. F. Bishop. Fourth Vice President ; Thomas B. Turpen, Fifth Vice President ; Henry Arnold. Treasurer : W. S. Harper, Corresponding Secretary ; Joseph Cole. Jr.. Secretary ; L. B. Scott. Assistant'Secretary.

On October 28, 1879, Mr. Cole tendered his resignation as Secretary of the association. It is hoped that the future of the society may be marked by care in securing and filing reminiscences and addresses for the benefit of coming generations.

The Darke County Medical Society supplies a part of an interesting chapter. It could do more were it to have engrossed the story of labors performed. fatigue endured and unselfish efforts made to relieve suffering. Too often sacrifices were

HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY - 347

coupled with slight prospect of remuneration, but to the honor of the profession be it said that humanitarian considerations have ever outweighed the thoughts of personal profit. Even in the fee bill of 1867, exceptions were made "in cases where charity may induce a departure therefrom." At a meeting held July 15, 1848, the physicians of Darke County assembled, called Dr. I. N. Gard to the Chair, and Dr. J. E. Matchett was chosen Secretary. It was made known that the organization of a County Medical Society was the object of the meeting and Drs. Otwell, Baskerville, Koogler, Stiles and Dorwin were appointed a committee to draft constitution and by-laws. Drs. Hostetter, Ayres, Harter, Larrimore and Matchett were chosen to draft and report a bill of prices ; and Drs. Gilpatrick, Potts, Howe and Evans a committee to report a code of laws and medical ethics. The constitution was adopted by articles seriatim., following which the constitutions and by-laws were agreed to by a unanimous vote. I. N. Gard was chosen President for the ensuing year ; R. Gilpatrick, Vice President ; A. Koogler, Recording Secretary ; 0. G. Potts, Corresponding Secretary, and Alfred Ayers, Treasurer. Drs. C. Otwell, J. M. Baskerville and R. Gilpatrick were chosen Censors. Other reports were referred back to their committees. They assembled next at Temperance Hall, Greenville, July 29, 1848. disposed of sundry matters and ordered 200 copies of the constitution printed. Twelve physicians were present. A regular meeting was held October 7, at which President Gard read his " inaugural address." Dr. Otwell read a dissertation on quackery, following which he offered the following : Resolved, That the members:of this Society discountenance the making and vending or recommending the use of any patent medicines for curing intermittent fevers." It was referred to a special committee.

Dissertations were read on April 9. 1849, by different members and placed on file. Dr. Harter was received as a member, and essayists appointed for the next session. Meetings were held at intervals and, finally, discontinued to be renewed May 16, 1855, when Dr. Gard, President, A. Ayres, Treasurer, W. H. Matchett, Secretary pro tem., and J. E. Matchett, E. Lynch, Hostetter, S. D. Hager and I. I. Larrimore were present. An election was held resulting in the choice of J. E. Matchett for President ; Hostetter. Vice President ; A. Ayres; Treasurer ; K Lynch, Recording Secretary. and I. N. Gard, Corresponding Secretary. Drs. Hager and Matchett were presented and recorded as members. Two months later, twelve members were present at a session, at which Dr. Jobes, Blunt, McCandless, Carey. Williamson and Lecklider were unanimously received into the society. A break occurring here extended to April 16, 1863. when the society convened at the office of Dr. J. E. Matchett for re-organization. Drs. John Ford, Francis Kuswick, S. K. Sour. J. P. Gordon and A. Koogler were received as members, and an election held with the result following : E. Otwell, President ; J. C. Williamson, Vice President ; E. Lynch, Secretary ; J. A. Jobes, Corresponding Secretary, and. A. Koogler, Treasurer. At the next meeting, held in Smith & Ullery's Hall, May 14. 1863, nineteen members were present. An address was read by the President, entitled Union. in its application to the Medical Profession," Drs. C. T. Evans, W. E. Hoover. James Ruby and H. W. Dorwin were received as members. Various meetings were held at which the experience of members was given, unusual cases noted, and, on July 7, 1864, Dr. Theo Luff was admitted a member. February, 9. 1865, J. E. Fackler and 0. E. Lucas became members, and Dr. Otwell resigned. From this period forward, the sessions were profitable to members, affording opportunity for comparing modes and illustrating cases. Meetings continued regularly until 1880. On May 20, 1869, E. Lynch, President, read an inaugural address. On October 6, an interesting meeting was held at which twenty-two members were present.

Personal of the Profession.—Among the early pioneers in the practice, were two men of culture and refinement—Drs. Briggs and Perrin. The former was a Vermonter ; came to Darke in 1S17 ; settled in Greenville, where, in 1847, he died. The latter practiced in Greenville, and the range of his professional calls extended

348- HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.

from the Whitewater to remote parts of the county. and even into Jay and Randolph, in Indiana. There were no county infirmaries. in many cases not even Township Trustees, to provide for the poor. and the Doctor had often a labor of love. Dr. Baskerville was an ornament to his profession. Among veterans. are Drs. Gard. Otwell, Lynch and the Drs. Matchett. From 1848 to 1869. fifty-four physicians were enrolled as members of the association. and seventeen of these tell before the enemy whose advance they might retard but not prevent.

The Darke County Bar Association was established in 1854. principally for the purpose of constructing and adopting a fee bill. Judge John Beers was President. The association did not continue long in existence. but the fee bill has been substantially adhered to up to this time. being recognized by the courts and the profession in the county. The spirit that led to the scale of prices was much to protect clients, as is proved by the unvaried scale of remuneration during the inflation of war times.

The Greenville Bar.—Greenville is the home of a number of good lawyers. men generally good in intention, pleadings and ability. To write the history of the bar would require a knowledge of the days of Judges Beers and Crane. William Crane, Luther Montfort, Dempsey and the like. but the brief sketches which follow will inform the reader who and what compose the bar of to-day.

In the spring of 1868. Charles Anderson. of Pennsylvania, came to Greenville. He had served during the war, taught school. read law. and being admitted to practice. demonstrated fine ability. promises well, and has one of the finest libraries in town.

William Allen was born in Butler County August 13. 1827. admitted 1849. and commenced practice in Greenville. He served two terms as Prosecutino' Attorney. and publiShed a newspaper : was a member of Thirty-sixth and Thirty- seventh Congresses. and was, by appointment. Judge of Common Pleas Court : declined a nomination fox Congress. from ill health, in 1878 ; eontrols a large practice, and is peer to any member of the bar. He is impressive in speech at the forum, and sociable at private life.

Matthew T. Allen. of Butler County, attended Otterbein University I began study of law in 1866, was admitted in 1869, and appointed Prosecuting Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Indiana. He removed to this city in 1872.

Theodore Beers was born in Darke County in 1826 : began practice at the age of twenty-six ; has of late years acted as Justice of the Peace. and is well read in law, valuable in council, and quite popular.

David Beers, also a native of the county. has practiced since 1843. At the age of sixty-three, he has the esteem of the entire bar, and is faithful to clients, litigating only from good cause shown.

Henry Calkins, now filling the office of Prosecuting Attorney for a second term, was born in Bradford County. Penn., in 1832 : was Captain of Company C. Eighty-seventh Indiana Volunteers. He read law in Jersey County. Ill., in 1868 : came to Greenville in 1871.

Judge A. T. Bodle came to Darke in 1843, and for some years was a school teacher ; he was appointed Probate Judge, resumed practice of law on retiring from office, and is precise, scholarly, and a good reasoner.

M. C. Benham, of Warren County, was admitted February 1, 1876 ; his previous life having been in commercial pursuits, he -makes that branch a specialty.

L. E. Chenoweth, of Darke, served in the Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was admitted December, 1876.

J. E. Braden was born in June, 1852 : common education, attended law school at Cincinnati, and, having read law, was admitted in January, 1879.

Jacob Baker was born in 1840 : was student at Salem College, was admitted in January. 1864 ; was elected to the Legislature ; returning, he resumed. practice.

John C. Clark. Henry M. Cole, J. C. Elliott, Charles Frizzell, R. S. Frizzell, D. P. Irwin .and S. Judy are all of them lawyers who have practiced, or are in practice, the bar of this county.

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Charles Calkins. native of Pennsylvania, where he was bc.rn February 1 I. 1827 ; was in the lumber trade nine years ; went to California in 1849. returned, read law, and is in practice.

John and Elijah Devor are natives of Greenville—sons of one of the original proprietors of the town. The former was admitted at Troy, in 1853 ; has served as Register in Bankruptcy, and is a man of means and enterprise. The latter has been practicing since 1871 ; has been City Solicitor : is Secretary of the Gas Company. and partner in practice with Judge Bodle.

Richard S. Dills is thirty-two years of age ; is a linguist, and has given much attention to scientific investigation ; began practice in Greenville in 1876. as partner of D. P. Cowman. deceased ; since officed with Hon. .J. Baker.

Barnabas Collins was born in Preble County May 26. 1836 ; his father. William Collins, was a lawyer and clergyman of good standing. His early life was an example of industry ; he was an indefatigable student. When fifteen years of age, Mr. Kirkham, author of a once well-known Grammar, visited Williamsport, selling his work, and, noticing Collins, sold him a book at half price. He continued as he had begun. and ultimately became one of the best-educated men of

his day ;. he was well informed in theology, as well as law, and was acquainted with other subjects outside of these professions. He settled in Randolph County, Ind., in 1831. when he married. About 1845. he located at Euphemia, Preble County. In the spring of 1849, he moved to Greenville, and while officiating in the pulpit. built up an extensive law practice. His death was September 5, 1855. Barnabas was the second son in a family of six children ; he passed his youth as practical printer ; supplemented a brief common-school education by a tutelage under Calvin Darker. a term at Delaware College. and an extended course in science and literature : was admitted in 1858. In the spring of 1862, He was nominated State Senator on the Union ticket, but entered the army as First Lieutenant in the Eighty-sixth Indiana : returned, settled in Greenville, and, later, moved to California.

A. R. Calderwood was born in Montgomery County September 4, 1818 ; he removed. with his parents to Darke in 1832 ; was carpenter, teacher, student at law, and admitted in 1851 ; elected Probate Judge in 1854 ; Captain of Company I. Fortieth Ohio Volunteers : a recruiting officer at home, and has been three times elected Mayor of Greenville, besides holding a number of local offices of trust.

Ira Lecklider, L. F. Limbert and M. F. Myers are members recently admitted.

L. B. Lott is about fifty years of age ; represented Darke County one term in the Legislature : finally engaged in farming. in which pursuit he continues.

J. T. Martz was born in Darke County September 14, 1833, and has an early experience of hard work. When a boy, he chopped and hauled cordwood to earn money to pay his school tuition. When of age, he had saved from his labor and lay teaching $250. He graduated in the scientific course, at Delaware, in 1856, and had $2.50 remaining. From this time till 1861 he taught school and read law, was admitted, had brief practice. when elected Superintendent of Union Schools. which position he filled till 1865, when he was appointed receiver of the Mackinaw Railroad. Was again chosen Superintendent of Public Schools in Greenville, in 1871, and continues to hold and to fill the position. In Mr. Martz are combined the essential elements of tact, ability, energy, honesty and true manhood. qualities certain to win their possessors success, whatever their vocation.

C. G. Matchett was born in Darke County May 6, 1832. He began the study of law in May, 1853, graduated in the class of 1855-66 at the Cincinnati Law College. from which he received the degree of LL. B. April 15, 1856, he was admitted to the bar and began practice a few months later. In 1860, his health failing, he sought by travel to find a more congenial location, but finding a warlike spirit prevailing in the South while there, returned home November 1, 1860, and devoted his time to military studies. He entered the service immediately after the firing on

350 - HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.

Sumter, and remained till the close of the war. In 1865, he resumed practice in Greenville, and stands prominent in the profession.

J. T. Meeker was born in Darke in 1831 ; was a school teacher ; was admitted in 1873 ; was Probate Judge seven years. Retiring, he entered upon practice, and is connected with other interests.

E. W. Otwell was born in North Carolina in 1831 ; graduated at Delaware. Ohio ; read law, and was admitted in 1856. Entered upon profession of journalist in 1860, and continues in that work as proprietor of the Greenville Journal.

Temperance efforts were made by individuals at an early date, but it was not till 1837 or 1838 that our record shows anything like an organized or co-operative effort. About the time stated, Samuel Cole, Peter Kimber and Father. Murphy, all residents near Coleville, agreed that intemperance was a dangerous evil whereever prevalent, and set themselves not to supply intoxicating liquors thereafter in harvest, at raisings and other occasions. They experienced some trouble in Securing help, but held to their compact.

In 1842, the Washingtonians sprang up in Greenville and all the adjacent country. A temperance revival was effected at Fort Jeffe