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Biographies
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Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio
- Illustrated -
Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.
1880.
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1880 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX >
< CLICK HERE to GO to LIST of
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEXES >
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Twin Twp. -
ANNA M. MARSHALL, retired, Gordon. The
lady whose name heads this sketch was born in the State of New York
Dec. 2, 1813, and removed in infancy with her parents to Montgomery
Co., Ohio, in 1815; her father, Lewis Mundhenk, was born in
Wittenberg, Germany, in 1784; her mother, Mary A. Feit, was
born in Rotterburn, Germany, in 1789; they were married in New York
June 4, 1811; Mr. Mundhenk departed this life at the age of
74 years; Mrs. Mundhenk is living at the advanced age of 90
years, and is still hale and hearty. Our subject was united in
marriage with Philip Marshall, Apr. 17, 1834; he was a son of
Henry and Mary Marshall, who were natives of New Jersey,
afterward residents of Montgomery Co., Ohio; Mr. Marshall
departed this life Mar. 10, 1838, aged 26 years; she still bears the
name of her departed husband, and was 67 years of age the day this
sketch was written. Two children were given to this short but
happy union, of whom only one survives, viz.: Mary A.,
born Jan. 12, 1835; Philip L., Mar. 28, 1838, died May 19,
1838; Mary A.'s first marriage was consummated with John
Mills; her second marriage was celebrated with Mr. Troxall
Nov. 3, 1864; to their union three children have been given, viz.:
Watson E., born Sept. 5, 1865; John D., Oct. 18, 1868;
Letta N., Dec. 11, 1870. Mr. Troxell had been
previously married to Susan Heater; four children were the
fruits of their union, viz.: Emma B., born July 27,
1858; Martha A., Jan. 25, 1860; Mary E., July 3, 1861;
Mrs. Troxall departed this life Apr. 15, 1864, aged 29 years
t6 months and 25 days; he was a son of David Troxall, a
native of Pennsylvania, who departed this life in 1840; his wife
removed to Ohio in 1847, and died in July, 1861.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio -
Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. - 1880. - Page 653 |
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Greenville Twp. -
JAMES W. MARTIN, harness-maker, Greenville.
The subject of this memoir was born in Greenville Township, Sept.
24, 1845, and is a son of William Martin, another of our
early pioneers, and whose sketch appears among the biographies in
this work. James W. obtained his education in the
public school of Greenville, and at 18 years of age was apprenticed
to learn the harness-maker's trade, serving three years; he then
went to Richmond, where he worked two years, from there to Illinois;
he then returned to Greenville in 1869, and engaged in the above
business for himself and continued the same till 1880, when he sold
out on account of ill health. His marriage with Fannie
Jones was celebrated in Greenville, May, 1875; she was born in
Darke Co., in 1848; they have one child, Jessie W.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1880
- Page 515 |
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Greenville Twp. -
JOHN FOSTER MARTIN; P. O. Greenville.
John Foster Martin was born in Washington Township, Darke Co.,
in the year 1852; his parents, John Holmes and Casandra
Chenoweth Martin, were among the oldest pioneers of this
township, having settled here in 1819. The subject of this
sketch, during the earlier years of his life, followed the vocation
of a farmer, but having a natural predilection for literary
attainments, he entered the Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, where,
after pursuing the regular course of studies, he graduated in 1872.
Having determined upon the law as his profession, he pursued the
study of the same one year, then attended the Cincinnati Law School,
where, in 1875, he graduated, and in April of the same year was
admitted to practice. In the following summer, he located in
Logansport, Ind., in the practice of his profession; but after an
experience of six months, the confinement of a law office not
agreeing with his inclinations, he abandoned the practice, and
engaged in running a flouring-mill. Following this for two
years, he next turned his attention to saw-milling; and after
continuing in this for about a year and a half, he resumed the
honorable and independent occupation of a farmer, at which he is at
present engaged.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1880
- Page 516 |
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Greenville Twp. - "
JOHN HERSHEY MARTIN, County Clerk, Greenville;
born in Adams Township, Darke Co., Nov. 29, 1844; he was a son of
Jacob W. and Maria (Hershey) Martin, who located here in 1832;
Adams Township and Gettysburg received their names through the
father of Mrs. Martin, who was formerly from Adams
Co., Penn.; Jacob Martin was in the merchandise trade
at Gettysburg, Adams Township, until his decease, which occurred in
April, 1876; his widow survives him, and lives in Gettysburg.
John H. Martin entered the merchandise store of his father
when 13 years of age, where he was employed seven years; he then
attended the Iron City Commercial College at Pittsburgh, and
graduated from the same in 1865; he was then employed three years as
book-keeper at Dayton, after which he was associated with his father
in trade several years, and in 1874, came to Greenville, where he
was employed in the Auditor's and Treasurer's offices until October,
1879, at which date he was elected to his present office. In
September, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy O.
Robinson, in Kenton, Hardin Co.; they have two children—Lola
R. and Maud E.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 515 |
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Greenville Twp. -
JOHN HOLMES MARTIN, retired farmer and
stock-raiser; P. O. Greenville; another of the early pioneers of
Darke Co., born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, June 19, 1810; when 9 years
of age, he removed to Darke Co. and located in Washington Township;
he was a son of William Martin, who was born in
Ireland, and came to America when an infant, with his parents, who
settled in Maryland, and removed to Pennsylvania when he was 15
years of age, and came to Ohio about 1801; in 1813, he located in
Butler Co., and in 1819 came to Darke Co., where he was engaged in
farming in Washington Township until his decease, which occurred in
the fall of 1821. Our subject lived upon the old homestead,
and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1856, when he
purchased his present place, where he has since lived; he now owns
107 acres upon his home farm, within half a mile of Greenville, with
good farm buildings, and valued at upward of $100 per acre; he also
owns 126 acres in Washington Township, which is a part of the old
homestead upon which he located sixty years ago; he also has 120
acres in Mississinawa Township; he has his farms rented, and devotes
his entire attention to buying and shipping stock to Cincinnati and
other markets. Mr. Martin is entitled to a place
in the front ranks of the early pioneers, being one of the few old
landmarks left who relate their experience with the Indians, the
bear, the wolf, the panther, the deer and other wild game which was
to be found in abundance. He has taken a deep interest in the
cause of religion, having been a member of the Presbyterian Church
for forty years, and was influenced to purchase his present home, in
1856, that he might have better advantages for churches and
education for his family. His marriage with Casandra
Chenoweth was celebrated Mar. 21, 1833; she was born in Franklin
Co., Ohio, in October, 1813, and died Feb. 16, 1879; seven children
were born to them, of whom six are now living—Margaret,
Elizabeth, Mary J., William H., Rachel, John F. and James P.;
the deceased was William H., who lost his life at Nashville
while fighting for the preservation of the Union during the late war
of the rebellion.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 514 |
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Greenville Twp.
L. R. MARTIN, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 5;
P. O. Woodington; one of the old settlers of Darke Co., Ohio; born
in Miami Co., Ohio, Sept. 14, 1836; at 9 years of age, he removed to
Indiana, near Ft. Wayne, where he resided some eight years, and, in
1853, came to Darke Co., where he has since lived; he remained with
his father and followed carpentering and agricultural pursuits until
he attained his majority, after which he pursued his trade two years
on his own account; he then engaged in clerking in the merchandise
store of W. B. Mendenhall at Woodington, and, after clerking
three years, was admitted as partner, and continued the merchandise
trade at this place under different firm names until 1877, when he
disposed of his interest in the merchandising business, and has
since given his whole attention to farming; he has 170 acres of land
under a good state of cultivation, with good farm buildings; his
brick residence, located at Woodington, was erected by him in 1874.
at a cost of $2,800. His marriage with Nancy A.
Mendenhall was celebrated in 1861; she was a daughter of W.
B. Mendenhall,
whose sketch appears among the biographies of Brown Township in
another part of this work; she died in 1867, leaving one child—Ida
M., born July 31. 1862; his second wife was Eliza A. Hine;
they were married in June, 1870; she was born in Darke Co. in 1841;
two children were born to them— Maud A., July 5, 1872, and
Harry C., born Dec. 24, 1874.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 515 |
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Greenville Twp. -
ROBERT MARTIN, farmer; P. O. Greenville.
Among the early pioneers of Darke Co., we take pleasure in giving
notice of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was
born in Youngstown, Ohio, July 23, 1804; was a son of William
Martin, who was born in Pennsylvania, where he was married to
Sarah Larimore they came to Darke Co. in March, 1816, and
entered 60 acres upon Sec. 5, and located upon the same section in
Greenville Township; Mrs. Martin died in July, 1816, and
Mr. Martin died about the year 1864. The subject of this
sketch located upon his present place in 1816, where he has
continued to reside for a period of sixty-four years, and is
probably the oldest continual resident upon any one section in Darke
Co.; he received a limited education in an old log schoolhouse with
stick and mud chimney, the whole end of which was used as a
fireplace; the benches were made of split logs, with plank laid upon
pins inserted in holes bored in the logs of the house for writing
desks; he was raised to agricultural pursuits upon the farm of his
father until the 24th of April ,1828, when he was married to
Dorcas Boyd; she was born in Warren Co., Ohio, July 21, 1807,
and came to Darke Co. with he parents when 6 months old, who were
among the very earliest pioneers of this county; the children of
Robert and Dorcas Martin were twelve in number - Ira,
born Mar. 11, 1829, died June 9, 1879; Martha A., born Sept.
23, 1830; Sarah, born June 27, 1832, died July 30, 1834;
Minerva, born May 6, 1834; Emily born Jan. 14, 1836;
Nancy J. Jan. 25, 1838; William and Sarah (twins), Feb.
22, 1841; Hettie, born Aug. 17, 1842, died Sept. 24, 1869;
Eliza born May 1, 1815, died Mar. 20, 1870; Robert K.
born Dec. 1, 1818 and Mary L., born Sept. 19, 1851. Mrs.
Martin died Nov. 4, 1877. Upon the marriage of Mr.
Martin, he commenced life for himself, and after following
tanning upon the old place for ten years, he then engaged in
farming, which business he followed until the last twenty years,
during which latter time the home farm has been carried on by his
son Robert K., who has always lived at home; he was united in
marriage with Florence A. Judy Oct. 2, 1873, who was born in
Greene Co., Ohio, Dec. 7, 1853; they have two children - Huldy
Jane born Jan. 3, 1875; Clarence E., June 21, 1878.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 513 |
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Greenville Twp. -
SAMUEL MARTIN, Sec. 1; farmer and
stock-raiser; P. O. Pikeville; one of the old settlers of Richland
Township, born in Darke Co. Jan. 11, 1844; he was a son of
Sebastian Martin, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to
Darke Co. at an early day, and located in Richland Township;
Samuel Martin was raised upon the home farm until he
attained his majority, when he was united in marriage with Julia
Ann Beanblossom May 29, 1864; she was born in Darke Co.
They have three children now living, having lost one in infancy; the
living are Franklin M., born May 3, 1865; Mary C.,
Oct. 7, 1867; Viola G., Nov. 8, 1873. Upon the marriage
of Mr. Martin he commenced farming, and the same year
went to Nebraska, where he followed butchering one year, and
returned in the fall of 1865 to Darke Co., and engaged in farming in
Jackson Township, where he remained until 1872, when he located upon
his present place, where he has since lived; he has 50 acres in his
home farm with good farm buildings and under a good state of
cultivation; he also followed thrashing for six years, and operated
the first steam thrasher ever run in Darke Co. Mrs. Martin
is a daughter of David Beanblossom, one of the pioneers of
Darke Co., whose biography appears among the sketches of this
township.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 518 |
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Greenville Twp. -
WILLIAM MARTIN, retired. Greenville; another
of the early pioneers is the above gentleman; he was born in
Trumbull Co., Ohio, Dec. 25, 1812, and is a son of William and
Sarah (Larimore) Martin, early pioneers of Darke Co., of whom
further mention is made in the sketch of Robert Martin;
the subject of our sketch came to Darke Co. with his parents in
1817, and settled in the east part of this township; his early life
was that of a farmer's son, his education being limited, and was
obtained in an old log schoolhouse; in 1832, he came to Greenville
and obtained employment as clerk in the merchandising business, and,
in 1835, removed to Ft. Recovery; erected the first house of the
place and opened the first merchandise store of the town, and
continued in trade here until 1843, at which date he came to
Greenville and located on his present place, where he has since
lived. His residence, which is large and commodious, was for
many years used as a hotel, and conducted as such by Mr.
Martin and others. He has been twice married; his
first wife, Barbara Adney, was a native of Gallia Co.,
Ohio; she died in 1846. leaving five children, of whom only two now
survive, viz., James W. and Sarah S.; his
marriage with Mary M. Slaughter was celebrated in 1848 or
1849; they were the parents of eight children by this union, of whom
only Dottie, Charles S. and Lodema H. now survive.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 514 |
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Greenville Twp. -
JOHN G. MARTINI, merchant, Greenville; of the
firm of Biltemeier & Martini, manufacturers and
dealers in boots, shoes and rubber goods, etc., etc.; he was born in
Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1827, where he was apprenticed to and worked
at the shoemaker's trade until 24 years of age; he then emigrated to
America, landing in New York in the spring of 1852, and, upon the
26th of September following, came to Greenville, where he followed
his trade until Apr. 11, 1864, at which date he associated with his
present partner in the above business. His marriage with
Maria M. Werner was celebrated Feb. 16, 1854; she was born in
Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1831; they have three children, now living,
viz., Jacob F., Katrina B. and Henry P.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1880
- Page 516 |
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JAMES McCABE,
lumber manufacturer, P. O. German. The subject of this sketch
was born in Warren Co., Ohio, the 14th day of October, 1826; his
father, John was born in New Jersey Aug. 30, 1798, and is yet
living in Neave Township, with all his faculties well preserved; he
emigrated to Ohio, when he attained to his majority, in September
1818, making the journey almost entirely by foot; he was accompanied
to Wheeling, Va., by two young men of the names of Nutt and
Helm; here Nutt retraced his steps to New Jersey,
after replenishing his exhausted purse out of McCabe's; from
Wheeling to Marietta, McCabe and Helm, journeyed by
skiff on the Ohio River; becoming wearied of his mode of travel,
they disposed of their skiff, and footed it to Chillicothe; here the
two companions, bound together by the trial and triumphs of their
journey, made a final separation; McC. pushed his journey o
to Franklin Co., where he engaged a year or two at the carpenter
trade, which he had previously learned; is marriage with Miss Ann
Vantilburgh was celebrated June 17, 1824; she was born in
Middlesex Co., N. J., Oct. 6, 1798, and emigrated to this State with
her parents when quite small locating in Warren Co. Our
subject then established himself in Warren Co., and engaged at the
trade till he came to this county in 1842, the 13th day of November;
he purchased a farm in Neave Township, and abandoned his trade and
turned his attention to farming; he has continued to manage his farm
up to the present time. Mr. McC. deceased and was
buried at Carlyle Station, Warren Co. Five children were born
to this union as follows: Sarah, born May 27, 1825,
deceased; James, Oct. 14, 1826; John V., Jan 28, 1828,
deceased July 16, 1855; William, born 29, 1829, deceased Oct.
14, 1851; Edith A., Feb. 28, 1830, deceased. Mr.
McCabe's second marriage was consummated with Miss Nancy
Woodward, in Warren Co.; she was born in that county the 14th
day of May, 1808, and deceased Jan. 21, 1855. Nine children
were fruits of this union, to wit: George, Samuel, Ellen,
Oscar and Malvina (twins), Elizabeth, Reuben, Wilson
and Nancy; the above are all married but three. Mr.
McC. was united the third time in marriage with Mrs.
Charlotte Heistand, a native of Pennsylvania. Our subject
was brought up on a farm; during with winter months, he applied
himself assiduously to the acquisition of the rudiments of book
knowledge; so well did he improve his time in this direction that he
was early qualified to enter the profession of teaching; this he
followed for eight years; he obtained his first certificate of
John Briggs one of the first school examiners of this county.
He was married to Miss Wagoner Jan. 10, 1852; she was born in
Neave Township Oct. 26, 1823. Her father, George Wagoner,
was born Oct. 24, 1788, and came to Neave Township, Mar. 12, 1817;
he was a soldier in the war of 1812 and was taken prisoner at
Hull's surrender at Detroit; at the mention of this cowardly act
of Hull to him, he would become enraged a stamp the ground,
even up to his death, which occurred April 6, 1868; he was united in
marriage to Miss Sarah Stevens, who was born Oct. 12, 1796,
and died Feb. 16, 1864; they were the parents of eleven children,
seven of whom still survive; our subject, after his marriage located
in Palestine, and for a time engaged in teaching and farming; he
then purchased the Palestine Flouring-mill, to which he
attached a saw-mill in about five years; he disposed of his property
soon after this, and, with Mr. Kester, purchased and erected
in Palestine a large saw-mill, which he still runs, having some time
ago purchased Kester's interest in it. Mr. and Mrs.
McC. are the parents of four children, two sons and two
daughters, to wit: Flora, born July 7, 1855, now deceased;
Orlando, Sept. 6, 1857, now engaged in teaching; Virgil,
November, 1868; Ida M., Feb. 7, 1864. Mr. and Mrs.
McCabe are members of the Universalist Church of Palestine.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated -
Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. -
1880. - Page 580
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GEORGE H.
McCLURE. Among the enterprising and progressive
business men of Greenville who. are meeting with well deserved
success in their undertakings is the subject of this sketch—the
junior member of the well known firm of Whiteley & McClure,
dealers in farming implements and machinery, at No. 131 East: Third
street. He is a native of Darke county, his birth occurring upon a
farm in Washington township October 20, 1866. His father, John S.
McClure, a successful and prosperous farmer, was also born in
this county April 12, 1841, and died here April 10, 1895. The
paternal grandfather, George McClure, was a native of
Montgomery county, Ohio, and an early settler of Darke county. He
married Maria Myrkle, and they reared four children. Our
subject's mother was in her maidenhood Miss Mary Cole, a
native of Washington township, this county, and a daughter of
Samuel Cole, one of its pioneers. She died in December, 1867.
George H. McClure was reared in much the usual
manner of farmer boys and obtained his early education in the
country schools. Later he entered the National Normal University at
Lebanon, Ohio, where he pursued his studies for some time. After his
return home he assisted his father in the operation of the farm for
five years. He is now the owner of a good farm of one hundred acres
in Washington township, which is under a high state of cultivation
and well improved. While engaged in agricultural pursuits he devoted
considerable attention to stock raising, keeping a high grade of
cattle and hogs. His specialty was the noted Duroc hogs, which he
sold for breeding purposes throughout the state.
In 1897 Mr. McClure removed to Greenville and
accepted a position in the service of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance
Company of Darke county. Later he entered the employ of Warder,
Bushnell & Glessner, of Springfield, Ohio, manufacturers of
farming implements and machinery, and remained with them as a
traveling salesman for two years. At the end of that time he formed
a partnership with Joseph Whiteley, and under the firm name
of Whiteley & McClure they have since engaged in their
present business at' Greenville. They carry a large and varied stock
of farm machinery, and as they have an extensive acquaintance
throughout Darke county and the surrounding country they have
already built up a large and profitable trade.
Mr. McClure was married, in 1892, to Miss Emma Jeffries,
of Darke county, the fourth daughter of Milton and Louisa
(Chenoweth) Jeffries, and to them have been. born three
children, namely: Lucile, Harold and Louise.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated -
Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. -
1880. - Page 705 |
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Twin Twp. -
THOMAS McCOWEN, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O.
Arcanum; was born in Darke Co., Ohio, Nov. 7, 1828, and is a son of
John McCowen, a native of Bellbrook, Ireland, who came to
North America when but 3 years old, and was one of the patriots of
1812; came to Darke Co. in 1826, being one of the pioneers of this
county, where he died in 1850. Our subject spent his boyhood
days on a farm in summer, and in winter devoted his time to school,
as much as time and farm in summer, and in winter devoted his time
to school, as much as time and convenience would admit, which at
that time were limited. In 1850, he united in marriage with
Sarah J. Mears, and by this union they have three children,
viz.: Mary A., now Mrs. O. B. Pierce; Catherine
and Irvin. When Mr. McCowen commenced for
himself, he had no money by which to assist him in life; he has
since, by industry and economy, become the possessor of 233 acres of
valuable land in Secs. 17, 19 and 20, Twin Township; is located on
the Ithaca and Ft. Jefferson free turnpike. The gentleman
whose name heads this sketch, has been a member of the Masonic
Fraternity for thirty-two years; the oldest member of the Ithaca
Lodge, also a member of the I. O. O. F. for a number of years; has
been an active member of the Darke Co. Agricultural Association; at
present is President of the same; has held the office of Twin
Township Trustee four years.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio -
Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. - 1880. - Page 653 |
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Greenville Twp. -
M. McDANIEL, Greenville, firm of McDaniel &
Son, manufacturers and dealers in furniture. Greenville,
like most cities of its size, has its representative men in nearly
every branch of trade, and to the above firm must be accorded the
honor of being the leading firm in this line in Darke Co.
M. McDaniel was born in Medina Co., Ohio, Aug. 15, 1836; the
early part of his life was passed in Putnam Co., where he received a
fair education in the common schools. In 1854, he located in
Troy, Miami Co., where he completed the trade of cabinet-making,
with Joel T. Thompson, who was one of the early pioneers of
Darke Co.; he continued in Mr. Thompson's employ three years,
when he associated with James W. Hickison, and purchased his
employer's interest and continued the furniture business, under the
firm name of Hickison & McDaniel, until the fall of 1860,
when he sold out to his partner, and after a short residence in
Lima, Ohio, enlisted, Aug. 12, 1862, in the 94th
O. V. I., and went forward to battle for the Union; he
was in many severe engagements, among which were Perryville, Stone
River, Chickamauga, Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Lookout Mountain,
Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Dallas, Peach
Tree Creek and all through the siege and capture of Atlanta, during
which time he was actively engaged for eighty-four days in
succession, and was with Sherman on his march through Georgia to the
sea, through the Carolinas, and with Sherman at the surrender of
Johnston; thence north through Richmond to Washington, where, after
the grand review of the army, he was forwarded to Columbus, mustered
out of service, and received his discharge on June 14, 1865, having
served in the Union army nearly three years. Upon receiving
his discharge he returned to Troy and followed his trade five years,
and in 1871 came to Greenville, and for four years was foreman of
Turpen & Co's furniture factory, and in 1874 purchased the
furniture store of Turpen and Auld, since which
time he has continued the business under the above firm name.
His marriage was celebrated with Nancy E. Mickfall Dec. 1,
1859; she died Dec. 14, 1879; they were the parents of three
children, of whom two died infancy; the living, William A. J.,
is now junior member of the above firm. Mr. McDaniel
has been a member of the Baptist Church since 1865, and became a
member of Center Lodge No. 272, of Troy, in 1860, and in 1874
affiliated with the Greenville Lodge No. 195, and is also a member
of Greenville Encampment, No. 90.
(Source: * History of Darke County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co. 1880 - Page 510) |
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Greenville Twp. -
ALEXANDER
HUGH McEOWEN, retired farmer, Greenville; among the old
settlers of Darke Co., Ohio; the gentleman whose name heads his
sketch is awarded a place in the front ranks; he was born in
Somerset Co., N. J., Oct 2, 1810; he was a son of Alexander
McEowen, who was born in the above State Nov. 29, 1778; he
married his second wife, Alada Hageman, in
November, 1808; she was born in New Jersey; they were the parents of
seven children by this union, of whom the subject of this sketch and
Henry H. now survive; Henry was
born July 21, 1823, and is now living in Allen Township, Darke Co.;
their father was one of the patriots of the war of 1812, and was
also one of the minute-men of the Northwest Territory, and served
under Gen. Wayne in this State; he was married
three times, and was the father of eleven children, of whom only
three now survive; Mr. McEowen died Dec. 12, 1863,
aged 85 years; Mrs. McEowen died Aug. 22, 1830.
The subject of this memoir came to Ohio with his parents in 1822,
and located in Warren Co., where he followed farming until 1844,
when he came to Darke Co., and, after a residence of ten years in
Twin Township, during which time he cleared a farm of 90 acres, he
came to Greenville Township and purchased his present place in 1854,
where he has since lived; he now has in his home farm 225 acres
under a good state of cultivation, with good farm buildings, located
two and one-half miles east from Greenville, nearly all of which he
has secured by his own hard labor and correct business habits, in
which he has been nobly assisted by his amiable wife, to whom he was
married Mar. 14, 1839; she was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Dec. 17,
1810; they have no children of their own, but have been taken and
partially raised several until sufficiently old to be
self-supporting. Mr. McEowen continued
farming until 1878, when he rented his farm and retired from active
labor. He was formerly an Old Line Whig, but joined the
Republican party upon its organization, and since that time he was
ardently labored for the support of the same. Mr. and
Mrs. McEowen have been members of the Presbyterian Church
many years. They have traveled the path of life together
for a period of forty years, and now, in their declining years, find
that comfort and consolation in the Bible which only falls to the
lot of true Christians.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated -
Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. -
1880. - Page
510 |
|
|
Washington Twp. -
JAMES McNEIL, merchant, Justice of the Peace
and Postmaster, Sec. 34; residence, Darke; was born in Breckenridge
Co., Ky., Sept. 1, 1835; moved to Darke Co., Ohio, with his parents,
in 1844; from 1856 to 1862, he followed school-teaching, then went
into merchandising where he now resides, in Sec. 34; in 1864, he
volunteered for 100-days service in 1852d O. N. G.; after rendering
his faithful and loyal service to his country, through much
tribulation, he was honorably discharged; he returned to his home
and resumed his business; was appointed Postmaster April 9, 1875,
and elected Justice and the Peace in April, 1879. He married
Mary Harter, Oct. 15, 1861; she was born in Darke Co., Ohio,
April 6, 1843; they have had four children, viz.: William H.,
born Mar. 23, 1862, died Feb. 6, 1868; Viola, June 14, 1867;
David R., Jan. 3, 1869; Linna May, Oct. 14, 1873.
David G. McNeil, father of the subject of this sketch, was
born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1796, and his mother, Harriet
(Lay) McNeil, in Fairfax Co., Va., Mar. 8, 1808.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio -
Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880 - Page
756 |
|
|
Wabash Twp. -
ISAAC N. MEDFORD, teacher, Sec. 5; North Star.
The subject of this sketch was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Dec. 24,
1845, and is the son of James and Sarah (Miller) Medford; his
father was born in Virginia in 1802 and died in 1861; his mother was
born in 1812 and died in 1868. Mr. Isaac Medford came
into this county with his parents in the spring of 1846 and settled
in York Township. He enlisted in the 152d O. N. G. May 2,
1864; he then re-enlisted in the 187th O. V. I. Feb. 11, 1865, and
was mustered out of the service at Macon, Ga., Jan. 20, 1866.
Mr. Medford was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock to
Miss Annie Wagner in Sept., 1876, in Darke Co.; his wife was
born in Mercer County, Feb. 18, 1858. He is a Republican in
politics, and has been Justice of the Peace for two years, which
office he now holds.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page
762 |
|
|
Brown Twp. -
WM. B. MENDENHALL, retired tanner, merchant
and farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Woodington; born in Preble Co. June 22,
1820; he learned and worked at the tanner's trade until 20 years of
age, when he came to Darke Co., in 1840, and located upon Sec. 32,
Brown Township, where he purchased 4 acres of land for $20, and in
the purchase of the same incurred a debt of $5 above his capital; he
then followed the tanning business until 1853; upon July 4, 1847,
he, with his brother, started the first store at Woodington, and
continued his merchandise trade with different partners until 1876,
when he disposed of his interest and retired from active business.
Mr. Mendenhallcame to Darke Co. with a capital of $15 - he
now owns 40 acres of land, with four sets of farm buildings; also
the warehouse at Woodington, all of which he has accumulated by his
own energies. To him was given the honor of naming the station
at Woodington; he was its first merchant and Postmaster, first
Justice of the Peace, and Township Trustee one year. He was
married in 1839 to Mary Bailey; she was born in Preble Co. in
1820; they were the parents of eight children, of whom four are now
living, viz.: Rebecca A., now Mrs. W. H. Ganger; Hannah E.,
now Mrs. H. T. Martin; Thomas A. and Aleria B.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page
722 |
|
|
Greenville Twp. -
A. T. MILLER, architect, Greenville; was born
in German Township Dec. 14, 1841; his father, Isaac, was born
in Pennsylvania in 1818, and settled in Darke Co. in 1832; his
mother, Mary (Ross) Miller, was born in German
Township in 1820. Our subject was reared on the farm, and,
when a lad, learned the mason's trade. At the age of 18, he
entered the army, a volunteer in Co. C, 11th O. V. I., 100-days men;
they were stationed at Camp Dennison, and their time of service was
filled in doing camp duty; after his discharge Sept. 10, 1861. he
enlisted in Co. K, of the 34th 0. V. I.. First Zouaves, and was
immediately transferred to the front, and his regiment was a portion
of Rosecrans' corps; his regiment participated in the battles of
Chapmansville, Red House Shoals, Princeton, Newbern, Fayetteville
and Wythesville. where his Colonel, —— Toland, was killed;
after this, they were transferred to Hunter's army and took
an active part in the many battles that followed in the Shenandoah
Valley; at Fayetteville, our subject received a wound in the left
wrist; Gen. Crook was then in command, and the 34th
and 36th Ohio Regiments, having been thinned by repeated battles,
were consolidated; he was again wounded at Opequan in the head, and
afterward lay in the hospital at Philadelphia for three mouths; in
February, 1865, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant for
meritorious conduct, and was honorably discharged from the service
in August, 1865. He came home and resumed his trade till the great
fire in Chicago in 1871, when he went there and was employed as
assistant superintendent in the construction of the Chamber of
Commerce, Matteson House, Clifton House, Tremont Hotel and the
Palmer House, on which he was employed for two years; while in
Chicago, he took lessons in architecture for two years, and returned
to Darke Co. in October, 1874, and opened an office in Greenville in
June, 1879; he has superintended the construction of some of the
best buildings in Greenville, and we can heartily recommend him to
the people of Darke and adjoining counties as a gentleman and one
that stands high in his profession. He was united in marriage
with Mary Stines Aug. 15, 1861.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 517 |
|
|
Adams Twp. -
ABRAHAM MILLER, retired blacksmith; P. O. New Harrison; is a
native of Maryland, born in Frederick County, on the 9th of March,
1820; his father's sketch appears with his brother, Geo. W.
Miller, in another place of this work; Abraham came to
Ohio when he was about 21 years old; he obtained a good
common-school education in the district schools of Maryland; he
commenced to learn the blacksmithing trade when he was in his
eighteenth year, at which he served two years. When he came to
Ohio he opened up a shop in New Harrison, where he operated for a
period of thirty years; meeting with good success, he now owns 70
acres of land, valued at $4,000, all of which he has made by his
hard labor, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and
amiable wife, to whom he was married on the 4th of December, 1845;
she is a daughter of William and Christina Reck, born in
Adams County, Penn., on the 17th of September, 1824, her name being
Julia Ann; eight children have been born to them—viz.,
William R., Jeremiah, Abraham S., Eliza
Christina, Rachel Rebecca, Samuel
(deceased), Henry H., Julia Ann; Mr. and Mrs.
Miller are members of the Lutheran Church.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 557 |
|
|
Harrison Twp. -
DANIEL
MILLER, farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. New Madison; was born in
Preble Co., Ohio, Nov. 19, 1829; son of Geo. C. and Elizabeth
Miller, who came to Darke Co. in 1831, settling on the farm the
son now owns, and which, at that time, was a wilderness, the family
stopping with a neighbor until a cabin could be built. Here
the subject of this sketch was reared, attending school in the log
schoolhouse, when there was a school, and when he could not help at
home. Oct. 15, 1871, he was married Rebecca, daughter
of Rile Lawrence, who was one of the early settlers of
Harrison Township. They commenced housekeeping in his father's
old house, and although the old log cabin still forms a part of
their present house, the old homestead has been very much changed,
and Mr. Miller intends soon to erect a fine residence upon
the old site; he has added to the old homestead, and now owns upward
of 330 acres, 116 being in Butler Township and 48 in Sec. 24,
Harrison Township. Although not specially active, Mr.
Miller is a stanch Republican, and has always taken an interest
in the public good.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated -
Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. -
1880. - Page
698 |
|
|
Monroe Twp. -
FREDERICK MILLER, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O.
Arcanum, was born in Germany in 1823 and emigrated to America in
1846, and landed in New York in June. He came to Montgomery
Co., where he worked at the mason trade for about two years, and
then removed to Darke Co. in 1850, and settled in Franklin Township,
where he purchased 120 acres of land. He resided here about
fourteen years, when he sold out and moved to Monroe Township, where
he now resides, and purchased 165 acres of land. It was partly
in the woods, but he has cleared it all, and his land now is in a
good state of cultivation, with good, comfortable buildings thereon.
He was united in marriage Jan. 18, 1849, with Susanna,
daughter of Jacob and Susanna Flory, natives of Pennsylvania;
six children are the fruits of this union, viz.: Mary A.,
born Mar. 24, 1850; Susanna A., born Oct. 28, 1851; Jennie,
born June 10, 1853, died Oct. 21, 1860; John F., born Oct.
24, 1856; Ammala, born Mar/ 23, 1860; Barbara M., born
Jan. 8, 1863. Mr. Miller's father was born in
Germany in 1792, and died at the age of 83 years. His mother,
Mary J. (Gieser) Miller was born in 1801 and died in 1861.
Mrs. Miller's father, Jacob Flory, was born in
Somerset Co., Penn., July 4, 1801, and died in September, 1853.
Her mother, Susanna (Smith) Flory, was born in
Virginia, October, 1802. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have made
all their worldly wealth by their own hard labor and enterprise, and
now have a good home, in which to enjoy their declining years.
He has been Trustee and School Director of his township. Mr.
Miller is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife
belongs to the German Baptist Church. Mrs. Miller
was born July 3, 1827.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 635 |
|
|
Monroe Twp. -
GEORGE MILLER, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Gordon;
the subject of this sketch was born in Wittemburg, Germany, Oct. 5,
1817, and is a son of Charles and Dora Miller, both natives
of Germany; his father died in Germany, aged 53 years; his mother
died in America, aged 81 years; his father was a cabinet maker by
trade, but our subject became a stonecutter, and afterward learned
the carpenter's trade, which he followed while he lived in Germany;
he emigrated to this country in August, 1847, and landed in New
York; came to Ohio and settled in Darke Co.; he purchased 62 acres
of land all in the woods, but, going to work with a will that is
characteristic of our German citizens, he soon cleared off the
timber, and got his land in a state of cultivation, and now has good
improvements erected thereon; he commenced life with a very small
capital, but by energy and persevering industry, in which he was
nobly assisted by his good wife, overcame and bridged the broad gulf
of poverty and adversity with the chain of determination, and they
are comfortably moored in a harbor of rest—secure from the chilling
blasts of adversity. He was united in marriage with
Catherine, daughter of Michael and Barbara Creeb, Apr,
12, 1840; twelve children are the fruits of this union, viz.:
John, born Apr. 1, 1841; Catherine, born Oct. 11, 1844;
Rose, born Feb. 14. 1846; Margaret, born Apr. 1, 1848;
Elizabeth, born Nov. 1, 1849; Lydia, born Apr. 1,
1851; Mary, born June 16, 1852; George, born June 2,
1854; Frederick, born Mar. 16, 1856; David, born Feb.
27, 1858; Margaret, born June 22, 1860; Charles, born
July 2, 1862. Margaret, died Nov. 15, 1854; Frederick,
died Sept. 23, 1860; Rose, died Dec. 9, 1873. John
was married to Rebecca Shank, daughter of Peter
Shank, in March, 1869; Catherine married Nelson
Marcum, in March, 1870; Elizabeth married George
Schmeltcher, July 2, 1872. Mr. and Mrs.
Miller are members of the Lutheran Church, and are consistent
Christian people; Mrs. Miller was born Jan. 8, 1820.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 635 |
|
|
German Twp. -
GEORGE MILLER, farmer; P. O. German.
Mr. Miller is another of the early settlers and prominent
citizens of German Township; he is a native of Pennsylvania, born in
York Co. in 1816; he descended from the Teutonic stock, and is the
son of George Miller, Sr., who was also a native of
Pennsylvania; Mr. Miller, Sr., was a farmer by occupation,
and engaged to some extent in the manufacture of linseed oil.
He united in marriage with Miss Petry, who is also a
native of Pennsylvania; she is still living in the enjoyment of good
health in Preble Co., at the ripe old age of 90 years. Mr.
Miller, Sr., died in Pennsylvania, when our subject was only 9
years old; the subject of this memoir emigrated to Ohio when 16
years of age, and located first in Preble Co.; he was reared on a
farm, and as this country was comparatively new when he came to it
he was early inured to the hardships and privations of frontier
life; he remained at home assisting in the duties of the farm till
he grew up to mature years; his educational advantages were
necessarily limited, as the life of the early settler is one of
constant exertion for subsistence; however, what opportunities
offered in this direction were well improved; in 1839, he moved to
German Township and located on a piece of land owned by John
Warner, land which he subsequently purchased and still owns;
here he embarked on the "course of life " on his own account.
He now has his third wife; his first marriage was consummated with
Miss Warner in 1839; death bereft him of this
companion in 1842; two children were born, both dying in infancy; he
celebrated his second marriage with Miss Boomershine,
in 1845; in 1858 he was called upon to mourn her loss; she died,
leaving six children, one of whom has since died; he was married for
the third time, to Miss Bolinger, in 1859; ten
children were the fruits of the last union, nine of whom are still
living. It will be noticed by the above that the messenger of
death has made many and frequent visits to this father, taking from
him two affectionate wives and four children. Mr.
Miller is one of the self-made men of this county; beginning
here nearly half a century ago almost entirely in the woods, with
scarcely nothing but a strong constitution, well-acquired habits of
industry and economy, and an unyielding determination, he has
struggled up through many difficulties to take a place among the
foremost farmers of the county; he has added to his small beginning
by unflagging perseverance, till he now has a farm of 293 acres,
well improved and under excellent cultivation; he has taken a great
interest in the cause of religion, being a member of the German
Baptist Church upward of twenty years.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 582 |
|
|
Neave Twp. -
GEORGE D. MILLER, farmer and stock-raiser,
Sec. 16; P. O. Greenville. Among the early pioneers of Darke
Co., the gentleman whose name heads this sketch is accorded a place
in the front ranks; he was born in Warren Co., Ohio. Nov. 20,
1818, and is a son of George Miller, a native of
Pennsylvania, who came to Warren Co., Ohio, in 1817, and to Darke
Co., in 1824, locating in Harrison Township, where he lived until
his death, which occurred September, 1866, at the advanced age of 75
years. The subject of our sketch came to Darke Co. with his
parents and is consequently among the oldest continued residents of
the county; he remained with his parents and assisted in
agricultural pursuits until he attained his majority, when on
account of ill health he abandoned farming, and the following
fourteen years he devoted his attention to school teaching and
studying; in 1851, he resumed farming in Harrison Township, and on
Dec. 22, 1865, he removed upon his present place, where he has since
lived; he has 250 acres of good land, under a good state of
cultivation, with buildings second to none in the county; of
township and county offices, he has had his full share, having held
the office of Township Assessor eight years, Township Clerk six
years, Justice of the Peace nine years; he was elected to the
Constitutional Convention to represent the interest of Darke Co. in
1873, and in 1877 was elected County Commissioner, which office he
now holds; he has been continually in office since 1845 - which fact
is a sufficient guarantee that his services have been alike
satisfactory to the people and creditable to himself. His
marriage with Elizabeth Rush was celebrated August 1850; she
was born in Darke Co. in 1825; they are the parents of four children
living having lost one by death. The living are Emily,
Minerva Jane, Henry D. and Volney; Mrs. Miller was a
daughter of Asa Rush, one of the early pioneers
of Darke Co.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 712 |
|
` |
Adams Twp. -
GEORGE W. MILLER, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O.
Gettysburg. Phillip, the father of George W.,
was a native of Maryland, born in 1775. He married Rachel
Baldwin, who was a native of the same State, in 1793; he
departed this life in his native State, in May, 1837; Rachel,
his widow, remained in Maryland till 1844, when she, with her family
of eleven children, emigrated to Ohio, locating in Darke Co., where
she resided till her death, which occurred on the 16th of August,
1853, leaving a family of ten children, of whom seven are living at
the present writing, viz., Abraham, Daniel, Joseph,
Kisiah, Margaret, Rachel, Rebecca.
George W., the subject of this sketch, was born in Carroll
Co., Md., on the 13th of May, 1828; he came, with his mother, when
he was about 16 years old, but lived with his brother Abraham,
who resided in New Harrison, where he obtained a good common-school
education; at the age of 18, he commenced to learn the blacksmithing
trade with his brother, in the town where he resided; he only
followed the business two years, when he began the carpentering
trade with Samuel Paulin, where he worked for about
two years; he then followed the trade on his own responsibility for
about six years. On the 7th of October, 1853, he celebrated
his marriage with Eliza Reck, who was born in Darke
Co., Ohio, on the 14th of September, 1836; in 1863, he rented a
farm, where he lived for a period of about six years, after which he
purchased 27 acres of S. Rontzon, for which he paid $1,600,
where he has resided since. Mr. Miller has accumulated some property
by his hard labor, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good
and amiable wife. They are members of the Lutheran Church, and
are living zealous and consistent Christians. Five children
have been born to them, viz., Margaret A., Nov. 10, 1854;
George W., Feb. 13, 1857; John E., Sept. 10, 1859;
William H., April 20, 1862; Welby L., Aug. 13, 1867.
Mr. Miller and his wife have passed through the many
struggles, dangers and incidents so common to the pioneers of the
West. Unfortunately for him, his father died when he was only
about 9 years old, leaving his mother with eleven children, to
survive the storms of life; but Providence smiled, sparing her life
to see all her children grow into manhood and womanhood.
George W., by his indomitable will and iron nerve, has fought
the battles of life manfully, coming off more than conqueror.
In 1864, he enlisted in the one-hundred-day service and went forth
to battle for his country. Philip, his father, served
in the war of 1821, and was at the bombardment of Baltimore in 1814.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 556 |
|
|
Brown Twp. -
ISAAC E. MILLER, farmer and Justice of Peace,
Sec. 30; P. O. Hetslerville; one of the old settlers of Darke Co.,
Ohio; was born in Adams Township Apr. 8, 1840; he was a son of
John P. Miller one of the early pioneers of Adams Township,
where he lived until his decease, Mar. 4, 1841; he married
Elizabeth Martin; she was born July 23, 1819, and is now living
in Adams Township, at the advanced age of 60 years; her parents were
among the early pioneers of the same township. Isaac E.
Miller received his early education in an old log schoolhouse;
the writing-desks consisted of boards laid upon pins, inserted in
holes bored in logs; their benches were also of a very rude nature;
his father died when he was 1 year of age, after which he was raised
by his grandfather, and lived with him until he was 21 years of age,
when he started in life for himself; he attended select school at
Jaysville and Gettysburg, and followed teaching in the winter.
Upon the 9th day of October, 1862, he was united in marriage with
Sarah J. Sword, born in Miami Co., Ohio, Jan. 26, 1841; they
have four children, viz.: Hannah E., born July 22,
1863; John W. born Feb. 11, 1866,; Jonathan D., born
Mar. 7, 1869; George C., born Apr. 15, 1874; after his
marriage, Mr. Miller followed school teaching in winter, and
farming in summer, until Apr. 12, 1864, at which date he came to
Brown Township and located upon his present place, which he had
purchased the year previous at Sheriff's sale, for which he paid
$1,610, and where he has since lived; he now owns 117 acres, with
good farm buildings. He is a Democrat in politics, and, while
he has not aspired for office, he has held the office Justice of the
Peace twelve yeas during his residence here, also a Notary Public
for six years.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 722 |
|
|
Van Buren Twp. -
JOSEPH GORDON MILLER,
carpenter and farmer, See. 2; P. O.
Poplar Ridge; son of John Phillips Miller
and Rachel Baldwin, was born about five miles
northwest from Taneytown, Carroll Co., Md., July 12, 1824, and
settled in Adams Township, September, 1845. Was united in
marriage with Rachel Trowbridge, in Van Buren
Township, Sept. 20, 1849; children's names—John W. T., David B.,
Albert F., Eleonor J., Simon F., James H., Rachael M. J.
In the fall of 1845, was examined by David Beers, John Wharry
and Dr. Briggs and from them received a certificate to teach
school; was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace August,
1859, and served six terms; served five or six terms as Trustee of
this township; when the militia was organized, was elected Captain
for this township, and received his commission. Has been a
resident of Sec. 2, Van Buren Township, since 1822.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 732 |
|
|
Neave Twp. -
WILLIAM MILLER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O.
Delisle. Mr. Miller belongs to a pioneer family;
was born Nov. 29, 1837, on the farm upon which he now rsides; he is
a son of Samuel and Nancy (Howell) Miller, and grandson of
David and Catherine (Studabaker) Miller; David Miller was
a native of Bedford County, Penn., but emigrated to Ohio at an early
day, locating for a short time in Clinton County, afterward in Miami
County, and finally came to Darke County and located in Neave
Township soon after the war of 1812. Samuel Miller
was born in Clinton County, Ohio, Mar. 25, 1805; was a youth when
his parents came to Darke County, and grew to manhood here in
pioneer days; married Miss Nancy, daughter of Joshua and
Christena (Mikesell) Howell; Joshua was a native of
Virginia, and Nancy was born in Maryland; they came to Darke
County about the year 1821, and he became a leading and influential
citizen; was Sheriff and also Commissioner during his residence
here; both he and his wife lived to fourscore years, and resided in
Michigan at the time of their decease; after his marriage, Mr.
Miller rented four years, then entered one quarter of Sec.
24, Neave Township, which was then all woods, and upon which he
hurriedly built a cabin, into which he moved his family before it
was " chinked," not waiting even to place a floor or hang a door;
the first night after their arrival, there was an addition of
several kittens to their supply of domestic animals, but, it being a
cold March night, they all froze, to the great grief of the
children; by perseverance and toil, amid privations and difficulties
known only to the pioneer, he succeeded, by the assistance of his
family in securing a home and adding 154 acres to the original
tract; in his later years, he retired from active labor, and the
farm was carried on by his sons, under his supervision, he having
raised a family of eleven children, seven of whom are still living;
his death occurred Nov. 1, 1856; his widow is now the wife of
William McCool, and resides in Delisle. William Miller
remained on the old homestead until 1864, renting of his mother
after his marriage with Miss Margaret M. Frye, which occurred
Aug. 1, 1861; she is a daughter of Andrew and Rachael (Wilson)
Frye, who resided near Fort Jefferson, and had a family of
eleven children, only three of whom are now living. (See biography
of H. W. Frye.) In the spring of 1864, Mr.
Miller purchased 80 acres in Greenville Township, upon which he
resided about four years, then sold it and removed to her father's
place near Fort Jefferson; six months later, he purchased 120 acres
of the old homestead, including the residence, and again took up his
abode on the spot where he was born and spent his youthful days.
Mr. Miller has been School Director five years and
Trustee ten years, a compliment to his judgment and to the interest
he takes in education and the general welfare; his home is a
pleasant place, and his hospitality unbounded; Mrs. Miller
is a worthy member of the M. E. Church, and a conscientious
Christian woman. They are the parents of three children—Ollie
R., born Sep. 1, 1863, now an interesting miss; Charles A.,
May 4, 1866; and one who died in infancy. May both Mr. and
Mrs. Miller live long and enjoy much of the fruits of their
labors, and hereafter reap a rich reward for their disinterested
kindness and hospitality, conferred alike on friends and strangers,
is the wish of the writer.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 711 |
|
|
Mississinawa Twp. -
JOHN MILLIGAN, farmer and stock raiser, Sec.
32; P. O. Union City; was born in Perry Co., Penn.; he came West
with his parents and settled in Shelby Co.; from there they moved to
Randolph Co., Ind.; he came to Darke Co. in 1862, and settled on his
father-in-law's farm, in Sec. 32, Mississinawa Township; he then
moved near Union City, and lived two years, then moved on to his
present farm, in 1868. He married Miss Rominah Carter
June 29, 1850; she was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio; twelve children
have been the fruit of this union, seven of whom are now living,
viz., Emeretta, Marguretha, Mary C., William F., Sarah P., John
W. and Ella K. Mr. Milligan owns 120 acres of fine
land, which is situated in Secs. 28 and 32; he has been Township
Trustee for twelve years which office he now holds; he has taken an
active part in religion for the last six years, and is a member of
the Methodist Church.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated -
Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. -
1880. - Page 762 |
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Harrison Twp. -
JOHN W.
MILLS, farmer; P. O. New Madison; a son of Mark T. and
grandson of, James Mills. James Mills was a
native of New Jersey; married Sarah Read, after which he
resided in Pennsylvania; came to Butler Co., Ohio, in 1802; was an
officer of militia in the war of 1812. The siege of Ft. Meigs
was one of the engagements in which he and his son, Mark T.,
then a lad of 17, partook. He removed to Darke Co. in 1816 and
located in Butler Township, where he resided until 1833, when he
removed to Ft. Jefferson, and died there the same year of cholera.
During his life he was quite a prominent man, an active politician,
represented his district in the Legislature. Mark T.
was a young man when his father moved into the woods of Darke Co.,
in 1816; was married here to Lydia Burdg in 1821; she was the
daughter of Anthony and Sarah (Vale) Burdg, who were early
residents of Neave Township; after his marriage, he resided in
Butler Township, on what is now known as the Swisher farm.
He was also a representative of this district in the State
Legislature, holding the office two terms, his first being in 1829;
he was also Sheriff of Darke Co., after which he resided in Neave
Township a short time, then removed to Washington Township; located
about four miles west of Greenville, where his death occurred March
20, 1843. The widow is now in the 81st year of her age; is the
wife of Henry Hutton, who was among the first settlers near Ft.
Black, in 1817. They now reside in New Paris. John W.
Mills was born in Greenville Oct. 14, 1825, his father at that
time being Sheriff of Dark Co. He was married in 1848 to
Melinda, daughter of John and Elizabeth Rush. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Mills are natives of Darke Co. They have
four children - three sons and one daughter.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated -
Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. -
1880. - Page 698 |
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Wayne Twp. -
ALFERD
MONGEVILLE; P. O. Versailles; son of Gerard and Mary
Margaret Mongeville; was born in Darke County, 1850. Was
united in marriage with Ella Yates, of Versailles.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated -
Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. -
1880. - Page 617 |
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Washington Twp. -
JAMES N. MORRISON, Justice of the Peace and
farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Hill Grove. He was born in Montgomery
Co., Ohio, July 28, 1834, and moved to Darke Co. with his parents in
1841; his father, Nathaniel Morrison, was born in Virginia
and his mother, Catharine (Ludy) Morrrison, in Maryland; they
first settled in Butler Township; in 1863, James N. moved to
Hill Grove and entered into general merchandising business; sold out
in the fall of 1865 and went into the live-stock business, which he
followed two years, then went to farming and huckstering; at this
time in addition to his official duties, he gave his attention to
farming; he was elected Justice of the Peace in April, 1871; was
appointed Postmaster at Hill Grove Feb. 23, 1877. He is a
member of the church of United Brethren in Christ. Nov. 1,
1857, he was married to Amanda Nyswonger, daughter of
Daniel Nyswonger, of Butler Township, this county, and has had
ten children, viz., Frank D., John H. M., Laura A., Floretta F.,
Charles E., Emma E., William G., James E. (deceased), Myrtle
M. and George.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1880 - Page
756 |
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Richland Twp. -
ROBERT A. MORRISON, M. D., Beamsville; was born in Franklin
Co., Penn, Mar. 28, 1832; his father, Aaron Morrison, married
Nancy McClintock she resides in Piqua, Miami Co., Ohio; he
died in Darke Co., Dr. R. A. Morrison read medicine in
Covington, Ohio, and in Gettysburg, Ohio, and graduated in
Cincinnati, in the Ohio Medical College, in 1859; commenced the
practice of medicine in Gettysburg, this county, where he practiced
five years; moved to Laura, Miami Co.; remained there two years; he
then returned to Gettysburg; moved to Horatio, 1866, and to
Stelvidio in 1858; on the 11th of June, 1872, he was thrown
accidentally from his sulky, receiving almost fatal injury, causing
paraplegia of his left side, from which he has not, nor will he
recover, though in full possession of mind and memory, and good
practice, having the confidence of the community and fraternity, and
is in full membership of the Darke County Medical Society. He
married Sarah A. Shade, Mar. 15, 1859, at New Harrison; she
was born Jan. 27, 1837; by this union were six children, three of
whom are deceased; the living are Mary Alice, Robert Sheridan
and Jim his second marriage was with Sarah Hartel,
Aug. 21, 1879; she was born Apr. 2, 1844; her father, Jacob
Hartel, Jr. was born in Pennsylvania Aug. 14, 1802, and
married Elizabeth Curtner; she was born June 24, 1802; he
died Oct. 2, 1873; his father, Jacob Hartel, Sr., was born
Oct. 5, 1779, and his wife, Elizabeth (Snavely), was born
Oct. 18, 1778; his second wife was Catharine Spade; she was
born June 6, 1792; his third wife was Susanna Cooley, born
Apr. 12, 1791. This family was among the earliest settlers of
Richland Township. See George Plessinger's biography,
which appears in this work.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 756 |
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Butler Twp. -
SILAS MORRISON, M. D., Beamsville; was born in
Franklin Co., Penn., Mar. 28, 1832; his father, Aaron Morrison,
married Nancy McClintock she resides in Piqua, Miami Co.,
Ohio; he died in Darke Co., Dr. R. A. Morrison read medicine
in Covington, Ohio, and in Gettysburg, Ohio, and graduated in
Cincinnati, in the Ohio Medical College, in 1859; commenced the
practice of medicine in Gettysburg, this county, where he practiced
five years; moved to Laura, Miami Co.; remained there two years; he
then returned to Gettysburg; moved to Horatio, 1866, and to
Stelvidio in 1868; on the 11th of June, 1872, he was thrown
accidentally from his sulky, receiving almost fatal injury, causing
paraplegia of his left side, from which he has not, nor will be
recover, through in full possession of mind and memory, and good
practice, having the confidence of the community and fraternity, and
is in full membership in the Darke County Medical Society. He
married Sarah A. Shade, Mar. 15, 1859, at New Harrison; she
was born Jan. 27, 1837; by this union were six children, three of
whom are deceased: the living are Mary Alice, Robert Sheridan
and Jim; his second marriage was with Sarah Hartel
Aug. 21, 1879; she was born Apr. 2, 1844; her father, Jacob
Hartel, Jr., was born in Pennsylvania Aug. 14, 1802, and
married Elizabeth Curtner; she was born June 24, 802; he died
Oct. 2, 1873; his father, Jacob Hartel, Sr., was born Oct. 5,
1779, and his wife, Elizabeth (Snavely) was born Oct. 18,
1778; his second wife was Catherine Spade; she was born June
6, 1792; his third wife was Susanna Cooley born Apr. 12,
11791. This family was among the earliest settlers of Richland
Township. See George Plessinger's biography, which
appears in this work.
Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H.
Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 747 |
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Twin Twp. -
DAVID E. MUNDHENK, farmer; P. O. Gordon.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born in Montgomery
Co., Ohio, in 1831; he is a son of Lewis and Mary Mundhenk,
and a brother to Mrs. Anna Marshall, whose sketch, with that
of her parents, appeared in this work. Our subject's boyhood
days were spent on his father's farm, where he assisted in
agricultural pursuits until his 21st year, when he began life for
himself, and for three years faithfully labored in Montgomery Co.,
and then removed to Darke Co., where he now resides. He was
united in marriage with Elizabeth Reed, who is a daughter of
John and Barbara Reed; they were natives of Westmoreland Co.,
Penn., and removed to Montgomery Co. in 1836, where they resided
until Mr. Reed's death, which occurred in February, 1840;
then his wife removed to this county, where she resided until her
death, Feb.. 17, 1870, aged about 76 years Mr. Mundhenk is
one of Darke Co's self-made man, having begun life empty-handed, and
by hard work and good management, coupled with frugality, he and his
amiable wife have accomplished the great object in life - made a
good home, being now in possession of 160 acres of as good land as
is to be found in the county; the improvements are No. 1 in every
particular; his large house, which has recently been built, and its
pleasant surroundings, make his premises a very attractive place.
Six children are the fruits of their union, viz., Clement V.,
born Mar. 29, 1864; Charles J., born July 14, 1866; Eddie
M. born Nov. 7, 1868; three dying in infancy. Politically,
Mr. Mundhenk is a Democrat of the old Jacksonian
school, but has never been a political aspirant.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1880
- Page |
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Twin Twp. -
PHILIP MUNDHENK, farmer; P. O. Arcanum; was
born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, July 19, 1816; he is a son of Lewis
and Mary Mundhenk, and a brother of Daniel, whose sketch
appears here; also a brother of Mrs. Marshall, in whose
sketch proper mention is made of his parents; he resided in his
native county with his parents until his marriage, which was
celebrated with Mary A. King May 11, 1848; she was a daughter
of John and Elizabeth King, who were among the early settlers
of Darke Co.; he settled in Darke Co. in 1848, and on the place
where he now resides in 1853; he first purchased 160 acres of land,
covered with a dense forest, which has entirely disappeared from
view, and in its stead highly cultivated fields, rich and
productive; a fine barn and a large brick residence which he has
erected, at a cost of $3,000, mark the place where a few years ago
the handiwork of nature reposed in all its grandeur; he has since
added to the original purchase, and now owns 260 acres of fine land,
all in a high state of cultivation. In August, 1878, he was
rendered houseless by the devouring flames. Eight children
have been given to their union, viz.: Lewis R., born
Feb. 28, 1849; John Mar. 9, 1851; Elizabeth R., Feb.
16, 1853; Martha J., Jan. 28, 1855; Dora C., Mar. 22,
1857; Philip A., Jul. 6, 1861; Charles F., Jan. 12,
1867; Albert D., Jan. 30, 1870, and departed this life Mar.
15, 1872.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1880
- Page |
NOTES:
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