JAMES McCABE.  For almost sixty years this gentleman has been a resident of Darke county, Ohio, and during this long period, which covers nearly the whole span of the county's development from a primitive state to its present flourishing condition, he has been actively interested in its progress.  His upright course in life commands the respect and commendation of every one, and he is justly entitled to prominent mention in the history of his adopted county.
     Mr. McCabe was born near Franklin, Warren County, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1826, and is a son of John McCabe, born Aug. 31, 1798, a native of New Jersey and of Scotch Irish descent.  The father grew to manhood in his native state, and followed the occupations of a carpenter and farmer.  About 1817 he removed to Warren county, Ohio, making the journey on foot, and there he remained until 1842,when he came to Darke county, locating in Neave township, where he remained until his death, Feb. 8, 1887, at the ripe old  age of eighty-nine years.  He was three times married, his first wife being Anna Vantilburgh, the mother of our subject.  She was a native of Warren county, of which her parents were pioneers, and it is supposed that they were of  lowland Dutch descent.
     James McCabe is the second child and oldest son in a family of five children, three sons and two daughters, and is the only one now living.  During his boyhood he pursued his studies in a primitive log school house, and remained in his naive county until 1842, when he came with his parents to Darke county, locating on a farm in Neave township, which he helped his father to clear and improve.  At the age of nineteen he started out for himself, working by the month for nine dollars.  Having acquired a good education he commenced teaching school, in 1845, receiving his first certificate from John Briggs, one of the pioneers of the county.  As they had no printed forms at that time, the certificate was all written.  At that time the school houses were all of logs, and most of them had greased-paper windows and very rude furnishings.  His first school was in the Spring Hill district, but was then called the Ohler district.  For eight years Mr. McCabe continued teaching, with good success, and came to German township in 1852, having charge of the school in Palestine, where the Teaford twin boys were among his pupils.
     In 1854 he turned his attention to farming on what is now known as the Armstrong farm, where he remained two years, and then bought the Weaver farm, now owned by Mr. Philipi, on section 11, German township.  In 1863 he sold that place and moved to Palestine, where he bought a half interest in a mill, but sold out in 1871.  He next formed a partnership with Mr. Kester and bought a saw-mill, which they conducted together until 1874, since which time Mr. McCabe has operated it alone and has met with good success in this venture.
     On the 10th January, 1852, Mr. McCabe was united in marriage with Miss Ebaliah Wagoner, who was born Oct. 26, 1823, a native of Neave township, this county, and a daughter of George and Sarah (Stephens) Wagoner, who were among its pioneers.  Mr. Wagoner, who were among its pioneers.  Mr. Wagoner was a pioneer, and was in the war of 1812, being in the surrender of Hull.  By this union four children were born, namely: Flora Bell, who died in infancy; Orlando who married Anna, the daughter of Dr. Stiles of Greenville, now lives in Dayton, Ohio; Virgil, who married Jennie Starbuck, of Dayton, and they have five children: Roscoe, Hallie M., Bepo, Emma and Mary; and Ida May who is the wife of Eli Overman of Dayton, and they also have five children: Omer, Frank, Mary, and Harry and Terry, twins.  Concerning Mrs. McCabe, we should add that she lived with her parents until 1852; coming to German township, she resided there until her death, which took place July 26, 1899, when she had attained the age of seventy-five years and nine months.  She died as she had lived, a member of the Universalist church, and a consistent Christian, believing in the fatherhood of Good and the brotherhood of man.  The funeral sermon on the occasion of her death was preached by one of her dearest friends in the blessed faith of her denomination, Rev. Thomas S. Guthrie, now of Muncie, Indiana.   
     In early life Mr. McCabe was a Whig in politics, but he assisted in organizing the Republican party, in 1856, and has since been one of its stanch supporters.  He has filled the office of township assessor and township clerk many terms, and has always taken an active and commendable interest in public affairs.  In 1864, during the civil war, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served one hundred days.  He is now an honored member of Reed Post No. 572, G. A. R., in which he has served as commander and is now filling the office of chaplain, and he has also been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for some years, and the Universalist church.  He is widely and favorably known throughout the county, and well deserves the high regard in which he is uniformly held.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 255

Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 681

Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 324

Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 385

HUGH T. McKIBBEN is a retired farmer living on his seventy-five acre farm on section 26, Mississinawa township.  The competence which enables him to rest from his labors was acquired by active toil in former years.  He was born in Clermont county, Ohio, Dec. 27, 1826, and his grandfather, Hugh McKibben, was one of the pioneers of that locality, to which he removed from his former home in Pennsylvania.  His wife was Susanna Hughes, and they became the parents of thirteen children, six of whom reached adult age and were married.  Of the family, however, William and Wesley died in early life.  Three sons reached mature years, and Hugh and Joseph died in Illinois, while Samuel Parker McKibben died in Kentucky.
     John McKibben, the father of our subject, was born in Clermont county, Ohio, June 13, 1802, and was reared amidst the wild scenes of the frontier.  After he had attained to man's estate he married Jemima Pigman, who was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia.  They were married about 1821, and became the parents of six children, five sons and one daughter, all of whom were born in Clermont county.  One son, Harrison, died in that county, at the age of eight years.  On the 15th of September, 1839, the family arrived in Darke county, and the father purchased a quarter-section of land about two miles from the present home of our subject.  In the midst of the forest he cleared and developed a farm, the timber being so dense that he had to cut away the trees in order to erect his log cabin, which was built of round logs, while the roof was made of boards cut from a large red oak tree which stood on the site of the cabin.  The floor above also was made of red oak, while the lower floor was made of puncheons.  The father, with the aid of his sons, cleared the greater part of the land, and there he made his home for eighteen years.  But about 1857 he went to live with his son Hugh, and his death occurred in 1881, when he had reached the age of seventy-nine yeas, his remains being interred at Rose Hill.  His widow was called away about four years later, when eighty-four years of age.  Of their children we observe: Joshua R., who was born in 1821, followed carpentering and died in Indianapolis, Indiana, about 1877, being survived by his widow; Levi P. was born in 1824, and died in Rossville in1895, when about seventy-one years of age; his only child, a daughter, is also deceased; Hugh T. is the third of the family; Joseph H. was the next youngest and died in childhood; Susanna Jane died when about twenty-one years of age; and William W. was born in 1834, was a farmer and is now living in Knobnoster, Missouri, his family consisting of four children, of whom two sons and a daughter are now living.
     The educational advantages which Hugh H. McKibben enjoyed were limited.  He pursued his studies in a log schoolhouse, sixteen by sixteen feet, with puncheon seats and floors.  His training at farm labor, however, was not meager, and he remained at home until twenty-four years of age, when he was married to Mary Nesmonger, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1827.  They took up their abode in the midst of the forest and the farm upon which Mr. McKibben resides has been cleared almost entirely by his own efforts.  For forty-six consecutive years he aided in building houses and barns, attending all the log-rollings, and was thus an active factor in the development of this portion of the county.  He always enjoyed good health, being never ill except on one occasion, when he suffered an attack of sickness lasting thirteen days.  His life has been one of marked industry, bringing to him creditable and desirable prosperity.
     Eight children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. McKibben.  Amanda, the eldest, became the wife of William Funke, and after his death married Jacob Seacrist of Darke county; he has one living child by the first marriage; Mary A. is the wife of George Brooks, a farmer of Jackson township, and they have five sons and four daughters, and have lost two other children; Hiram A., a farmer residing five miles from Arcanum, is married and has three sons and one daughter yet living; Sarah J. is the wife of Gottlieb Coupp, and they have two children living.  Albert J. is married and has five sons and three daughters; Irving Grant manages the home farm and has four daughters; Elmer Elsworth, twin brother of Irving, resides in Jackson township and has one son and one daughter; and Dora Ellen is the wife of William Stauffer, of Union City, Indiana, and they have a son and daughter.  Mr. McKiben has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for fifty-seven years, and the house of worship is located on his farm.  His wife and most of the children are also members of the same church and the family is one of the highest respectability, enjoying the war regard of many friends in the community.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 624

ISAAC MARKER.  Among the citizens of Darke county whose lives have been devoted to agricultural pursuits is Isaac Marker, a well-known farm­er of Van Buren township. He was born in Mercer county, Ohio, Sept. 5, 1855, and when thirteen years of age came to Darke county with his parents, George and Lydia (Epperell) Marker, locating in Van Buren township, where lie grew to manhood, early becoming familiar with every department of farm work.
     On the 1st of November, 1877, Mr. Marker was united in marriage with Miss Mary Jane Shields, who was born on her father's farm in Van Buren township, Jan. 4, 1855, and was educated in the country schools of the neighborhood. They began their domestic life upon a farm of eighty acres which she owned, and there they have since made their home, Mr. Marker being engaged in its operation. In his political views he is a stanch Democrat, and he has been called upon to fill several local offices.
Mr. and Mrs. Marker have eight children whose names and dates of birth are as fol­lows: Lucy, born Sept. 19, 1878; George A., Oct. 17, 1880; Lydia Maud, Oct. 1, 1884; Dolly Frances, Dec. 28, 1886; Therman Russell, Dec. 10, 1889; Mary, May 12, 1893; Harley Earle, July 7, 1895; and Homer Jennings, Dec. 26, 1898.  Mary died in infancy, but the others are living and are still at home with the exception of Lucy, who was married Aug. 12, 1899, to Roy S. French, and they have one child, Rhoda Helen.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 752

LEONARD MARKER, a well known undertaker and furniture dealer of Versailles, Ohio, has the distinction of having won the proud American title of self-made man.  His great determination and energy have enabled him to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way steadily upward to prosperity.
     He was born near Dayton, Montgomery county, Ohio, June 9, 1846, and is of German descent, his paternal great-grandfather having been a native of Germany.  The grandfather, George Marker, was born in Maryland and became a wealthy slaveholder of that state, but being a very liberal man he lost his property by going as security for others.  He then came to Ohio with his family, and located on the site of the present Soldiers' Home near Dayton, Montgomery county, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying at about the age of seventy-two years.
     Raymond J. Marker, the father of our subject, was born in Maryland, in 1824, and was four years of age when the family removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married Eliza Bachman, who was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but was reared in Montgomery county, this state.  Her father, Christian Bachman, was a native of Germany.  She died at an early age of twenty-eighty years, leaving four children: Leonard, our subject; Allen, who is engaged in the transfer, dray and express business in Versailles; Hiram, who died at the age of eighteen years; and Maggie C., the widow of George Burns and a resident of Cleveland.  In early life the father followed the butcher's trade, but after coming to Darke county, in 1850, he purchased a farm near the old Bowers Mill and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits.  He died there in 1855, at the age of thirty-one years.  He was serving at that time as justice of the peace, and had also filled the offices of township clerk and land appraiser.  In religious belief he was a Lutheran, and in politics a Democrat, and he was one of the most highly respected citizens of his community.
     Left an orphan at the early age of nine years, Leonard Marker went to live with his uncle, Perry Marker, in Liberty, Ohio, remaining with him until nineteen years of age and attending the village schools.  He then spent two yeas with B. Engelken, of Versailles, learning the cabinet maker's trade, working the first six months for no material compensation.  On attaining his majority he embarked in the furniture and undertaking business on his own account at that place, and now has the oldest established house of the kind in Darke county.  He has kept a complete record of all the funerals of which he has had charge since 1867, the date of the same, the name of the deceased and the number of miles traveled.  He has buried over two thousand people.  When he first became connected with the business he manufactured all his own coffins from the rough lumber, often working all night.  He now has two diplomas as an embalmer, one from Professor Clarke at Springfield, Ohio, and the other from Professor Sullivan, of the Indianapolis (Indiana) School of Embalming.  He has one of the finest funeral outfits in the county, and is doing a large and successful business.  Having prospered in his life work, he is now the owner of considerable property, including his business block and residence in Versailles.
     At Versailles, Apr. 1, 1869, Mr. Marker married Miss Girtie Reed, a native of that place and a daughter of J. C. Reed, one of its first business men.  By this union were born four children, namely:  Grace, who was graduated at the Versailles high school, and has successfully engaged in teaching in the same for eight years; James R., also a graduate of the same school, who has engaged in teaching for five years, and is now completing a four-years classical college course; Maud, who was graduated at the Versailles high school and is at home; and Raymond J., who is still in school.
     As a Democrat Mr. Marker has taken an active interest in local politics, and has been honored with a number of offices, having served as a member of the board of health, the school board and as township clerk.  He has been the chief of the fire department almost continuously since 1884, and superintendent of the Greenland Cemetery Company since its organization in 1896.  It is one of the finest cemeteries of Darke county.  Mr. Marker has a fine collection of geological specimens, and Indian, war and family relics, and is interested in the founding of a reading room for young men.  Socially he is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, of Versailles, in which he has filled all the chairs, and has served as deputy grand master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  He is a member of Lodge No. 290, F. & A. M., and has served as the secretary for a number of years.  Religiously he and all of his family are members of the Christian church.  He has ever taken an active part in its work, was a member of the building committee of the parsonage, and is now serving as the clerk of the church.  In all the relations of life he has been found true to every trust reposed in him, whether public or private, and has done all in his power to advance the interests of his town and county.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 622

JACOB T. MARTZ, lawyer and educator, Greenville, Ohio, was born in Darke county, Ohio, Sept. 14, 1833.  He is the son of John Martz, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, June 1, 1798, settled in Darke county in 1829, and died at the home of his son, Jan. 5 ,1883, aged eighty-four years, seven months and four days.  His wife, Barbara Hardinger, the mother of our subject, and a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, died in 1841.
     Jacob T. Martz attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, at which institution he was graduated in June, 1856.  During the nine succeeding years he was engaged in teaching, and superintending the schools of Greenville.  During part of this time, and while engaged in teaching, he also read law under Judge D. L. Meeker, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1860.  In March, 1865, he resigned the superintendency of the Greenville school and formed a law partnership with the Hon. J. R. Knox.  In August, 1865, he was appointed receiver of the Cincinnati & Mackinaw Railroad Company, which work occupied his time for nearly five years.  In 1871 the superintendency of the Greenville school was tendered to him without his solicitation.  This he accepted, but at the end of that school year he asked to be relieved by the board of education from further supervision of the school, but his work had been done so well, having brought the schools out of a state of chaos, as it were, to one of order and efficiency, that the board prevailed upon him to continue his good work, which he did for seventeen consecutive years, and closed his labors as superintendent on the 1st of June, 1888.  In this year the enumeration in the district was twelve hundred and eleven, and the enrollment in the school for the year was ten hundred and ninety-eight, showing that ninety-one per cent of the entire enumeration was enrolled upon the school registers, while in efficiency the school stood second to none in the state.  Under his supervision he saw the school grow so steadily that the corps of teachers was increased from four to twenty-two.  When he took charge of the school there was no laboratory, no apparatus and no geological cabinet, except a few ordinary specimens, but in June 1888, over sic hundred dollars and been expended for educational philosophical apparatus of various kinds, and there was a large and convenient laboratory arranged with all the modern conveniences, geographical maps and globes, and physiological charts, enabling the teacher to illustrate and explain all the modern methods of teaching, together with a human skeleton procured, prepared an mounted by Mr. Martz and the janitor of the old school building, and which they have kindly permitted to remain in the laboratory, for the benefit of the students in physiology and hygiene.  The cabinet containing various specimens of value, including the bones of the mastodon found in this county, and which are in a remarkable state of preservation, are the result of Mr. Martz's personal purchase and labor.  During all these years, modern methods of teaching and government were introduced by the superintendent and adopted by the teachers, so that tardiness was measurably controlled by the teacher, and truancy, except in a few chronic cases, was almost a thing of the past.  Order, system and good government prevailed in all the rooms and in the deportment of pupils, while improper language was seldom heard on the play-grounds, and so potent was the influence of the superintendent in maintaining order and decorum among the pupils on the play-ground that it became the pride of all, even the most combative element among the boys, the moment they reached the school grounds to stand upon their good behavior.  The high school course of study contained no more branches than could be mastered by every pupil of ordinary intelligence in the five years given to complete the same, while the elocutionary drill and composition writing, in all the grades of which they were taught, strengthened the memory and exercised the reasoning faculties to the great benefit of the pupils.  No partiality was shown in these exercises as all were expected to do their part.
     The methods of graduation from the high school was Mr. Martz's suggestion and it has been adopted by a least four union schools in this county, and the one hundred and four alumni, all graduated under his supervision, speak of good order, management and efficiency of the school.  Superintendent Martz with two other teachers organized the Darke County Teachers' Association in 1859, and though for several years it struggled for existence, yet by his untiring energy and enthusiasm for its success it increased in numbers and interest almost beyond expectation.  During the greater part of this time he presided over its deliberations.  He was also a member of the board of county school examiners for about twenty-two years, and assisted greatly in advancing the qualifications of the teachers in the county.
     He has also taken an active part in developing the resources of the county, and was for six years secretary of the Darke County Agricultural Society, and was mainly instrumental in selling the old grounds of the society and purchasing the large and commodious grounds it now owns.  For eight years he was secretary of the first building association organized in this county, having closed out the same, and he has been for more than eight years secretary of the largest company of the kind now doing business in the county.  Mr. Martz has always manifested a deep interest in the moral and religious influences in the county, has for a long time been identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, ahs been superintendent of the Sabbath school for a number of years, and for more than eight years has been recording steward of its official board.  For the past years he has been associated with his law partner of 1865 and the mayor of the city of Greenville in the legal profession.  He has also assisted in all the local enterprises that were intended to advance the public good; has been associated with the trustees of the Greenville cemetery as their secretary sine 1865, and assisted in bringing about that order and system which ahs resulted in beautifying, adorning and enlarging those grounds to meet the public wants.
     On Sept. 19, 1860, he married Miss Esther M., daughter of James H. Jamison, of Delaware, Ohio, with issue of four sons; John H., born Nov. 8, 1861; Adelbert, born Sept. 28, 1868; James J., born May 8, 1872, and Benjamin F., born Dec. 18, 1874.  John H. is married and is engaged in farming and raising fine registered stock.  Adelbert  is also married and is teller of the Greenville Bank.  James and Benjamin F. is engaged in farming his father's place.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 246

URIAH MEDFORD.  The commercial activity of New Weston is largely promoted through the enterprising efforts of Mr. Medford, who is engaged in the undertaking and farm implement business.  He is also identified with agricultural interests, being the owner of one of the finest farms of Darke county.  He was born in Wabash township, this county, on the 21st day of May, 1857, and is of English. lineage, his great-grandfather, William Medford, having been a native of England.  His grandfather, Charles Medford, was a farmer of Darke county and died in this locality when about seventy years of age.  He was twice married and reared a large number of children, but all of his children are now deceased.  George D. Medford, the father of our subject, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1827, and died in Kansas in 1893, at the age of sixty-six years.  He wedded Mary Ann Gates, who was born in Chittenden county, Vermont, Feb. 20, 1828, their wedding taking place Oct. 26, 1847, in Ohio.   There they began their domestic life upon a farm and. their union was blessed with six children, namely: Myron C., of Dayton, Ohio, who has one son; Matilda B., who became the wife of J. M. Rose and the mother of four children, and died in middle life; Charles, a farmer of Wabash township, who has nine children, three sons and six daughters; J. C., who is living in Darke county and has four children; Uriah, of this review; and Irene, the wife of J. H. Spencer, of Hollanshurg, by whom she has two children.   After the death of the mother of these children George D. Medford wedded Augenette Orput, and they had two children, George Guy and Stanley, both of whom are residents of Kansas.
     Mr. Medford, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, was reared to farm life on the old family homestead and enjoyed the educational privileges afforded by the common schools of the neighborhood. At the age of sixteen he started out in life on his own account and went to Buchanan county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming in connection with his eldest brother for four years.  They then sold their property there and Uriah Medford went to the far west, spending two years in Washington and California.  On the expiration of that period he returned to Ohio, and, wishing to better prepare himself for life's responsible duties, he pursued a course of study in the business college in Greenville.  He then visited his father in Virginia and in the spring of 1882 he purchased a farm in Wabash township, which he cultivated through a tenant, with whom he made his home for some years.
     On the 7th of October, 1886, Mr. Medford was united in marriage to Linnie Cottrell, of Wabash township, a daughter of A. S. Cottrell, who resides with Mr. Medford, his own wife having died, as well as nearly all of their children. Mr. and Mrs. Medford have lost their only child, an infant daughter.  In his business affairs our subject has prospered and is today the owner of two hundred and twenty-one acres of rich and valuable land comprised within two farms in Wabash township and which are improved with good buildings and are under a high state of cultivation.  He is also engaged in the farm implement business in New Weston, and in connection with E. C. Richardson is engaged in the undertaking business.  His well directed efforts have been crowned with a high degree of success and all who are familiar with his straightforward business methods agree that his prosperity is well deserved.  During the World's Fair in Chicago he was a member of the Columbian Guards.  Both he and his wife hold membership, in the Methodist church, taking an active part in its work and he is serving as a steward and trustee.  Socially he is a Master Mason, belonging to the lodge at Ansonia, and politically he is a Democrat.  He has twice served as township assessor and for three terms was a justice of the peace.  In both offices he discharged his duties with marked promptness and fidelity, and at all times he has been found true to every trust and obligation reposed in him.  During the greater part of his life he has been a resident of Darke county, is familiar with its history, its progress and its upbuilding, and has given a hearty support to all measures calculated to promote the general welfare.  In manner he is free from ostentation, is genial and courteous and the circle of his friends is extensive.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 706

DAVID L. MEEKER.  Perhaps the public record of no man in Darke county has extended over a longer period than that of Judge David L. Meeker, and certainly none has been more fearless in conduct, more faultless in honor and more stainless in reputation.  He served for nearly twenty years as judge on the common pleas bench, and his career was marked by the utmost fidelity to duty, while a comprehensive knowledge of law and great accuracy in applying the principles of jurisprudence to the points in litigation won him high standing among the legal fraternity.
     Judge Meeker was born in Darke county, Ohio, on the 18th of July, 1827, a son of David M. and Nancy Ann (Miller) Meeker.  The former, a native of Newark, New Jersey, came to Ohio in 1802, when about ten years of age, and for a time worked in brickyards in Cincinnati.  On attaining his majority he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, following farming for a short time in Hamilton county, Ohio, whence he removed to Darke county, settling within its borders when it was a wild region almost on the extreme limit of frontier civilization.  There the remainder of his life was passed in the work of transforming the wilderness into a pro­ductive farm, and, by the assistance of his wife rearing a large family of children, who have honored his memory and added lustre to his name.  He died in 1852, respected by all who knew him.
     Upon his father's farm Judge Meeker spent his boyhood, becoming familiar with all of the hard Work and discomfort of clearing the land and cultivating the soil when the financial reward of agriculture was scarcely greater than the advantages offered for education.  He attended the school in his native district a portion of each year and enjoyed the limited amusements which the country afforded.  The privations of pioneer life were more than offset by the helpfulness of neighbors and the genuine, unpretentious hospitality characteristic of the occupants of log cabins in pioneer times.  When sufficiently advanced in his studies he was employed in teaching the district school for several winters and extended his studies to the advanced. branches in the academy, which marked the progressive instincts of the people among whom he lived.  While engaged in teaching he directed his course of reading with a view to entering the legal profession as soon as the opportunity offered.
     His preliminary study of the law was prosecuted under the instruction of the late Judge Ebenezer Parsons, of Miami county, and he was admitted to the bar in June, 1851, For almost a year thereafter he was traveling-in the west, and it was not until 1853 that he settled in Greenville for the practice of his profession.  The discipline acquired by study and teaching the habits of industry formed and his close application to books, together with an excellent natural capacity, qualified him for success in the law.  He made his way unaided among the attorneys of the county and soon established himself as a lawyer.  In 1856 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the county and reelected in 1858, serving four years. His preference for the practice of law rather than the duties of public office was so pronounced that he yielded reluctantly to the solicitation of friends to accept even the judgeship.  He persistently declined to permit the use of his name as a candidate for congress, although he was frequently urged to become a nominee for that important position. In 1861 he was elected judge of the common pleas court of the first subdivision of the second judicial district for a term of five years, but resigned after four years of service and was succeeded by Judge William Allen.  Resuming the practice, he was permitted to continue it without interruption until October, 1872, when he was appointed judge by Governor Noyes, on the unanimous recommendation and petition of the bar in every county of the judicial district. This appointment was for the unexpired portion of the term to which Judge McKemy had been elected. Judge Meeker's service on the bench was so acceptable to all the people that he was chosen at the next election for the position without opposition. Both of the leading political parties nominated him, and the members of the bar without dissent recommended his election.  After this he was reelected for two terms and declined a third because of failing health.
     It is given to few men to enjoy the public confidence to a degree that disarms all political opposition.  The example of Judge Meeker is almost unique.  Although a member of the Democratic party and a partisan, in the sense of supporting its principles and candidates, he was known to be so fair and impartial as to be universally trusted by political adherents and .political adversaries alike.
     The Judge was married, on the 18th of June, 1857, to Miss Mary A. Deardorff, of Darke county, and to them were born eight children: Frank D., who married Emma Anderson, of Franklin,, and is engaged in the real estate and loan business in Greenville; Sadie E., who is the wife of D. L. Gaskill, who was associated in the practice of law with her father; Walter S., who was also his; father's partner, married Minnie Lowry;. Mary C., who is the wife of J. R. Smith, a druggist, of Dayton, Ohio; Nana, who is. the wife of Dr. S. A. Hawes, of Arcanum, Ohio; Virginia G., who is the wife of W. H. Gilbert, an attorney at law, of Troy, Ohio; Alice M., who is the wife of A. R. Crawford, of Ventura, California, where he is serving as deputy clerk of the court; and Carrie W.; at home.  The mother of these children died Nov. 21, 1876, and the Judge was afterward married, on the 5th of September, 1878, to Miss Jennie D. Crisler, of Eaton, Preble county, a lady of many accomplishments, who presided over his household with dignity and grace, assisting him to dispense. the hospitality for which his home was noted.  She is a native of Ohio.  Her father, Albert G. Crisler; was born in 1810 in Culpeper county, Virginia; and her mother, Ann nee Foos, was born in Pennsylvania in 1812.
     They were married in 1831 in Preble county, Ohio.  The mother died Feb. 28, 1857, and the father passed away Oct. 19, 1857, near Columbus, Indiana.
     Mrs. Meeker attended the country schools in her early girlhood, but later enjoyed, and took advantage of the privileges afforded by a private school.  At the age of sixteen she began teaching and followed that profession for a few years, when she went to reside with her uncle, J. H. Foos, a prominent attorney of Eaton, Preble county, Ohio.  After her marriage to Mr. Meeker she took change of his household, discharged faithfully all the duties of helpmate, and at once took a motherly part in caring: for, educating and advising his eight children in the moral and religious duties of life, the youngest child being at the time only three years of age.  After the death of the Judge she erected her present residence from a fund set apart by him, and with the request that after his death a new dwelling house should be built for her because it required too much care and expense to keep the former residence—a palatial brick—in proper condition.  The new dwelling was planned by Mrs. Meeker, assisted by her stepson, Walter S. Meeker.  It is modern in architectural design, neat, and commodious in all its appointments. Mrs. Meeker is an acceptable member of the First Presbyterian church, is consistent in her professions, and her life of Christian fortitude may well be imitated by all.
     Judge Meeker's tastes were essentially domestic, and he found at home the pleasure some men seek at the club.  The time not necessarily devoted to business was spent in the society of his family and among the inspiring, renewing influences of home.  One of the leading lawyers of the district has furnished a characterization of him substantially in. the following terms:  Judge Meeker filled a place in the history of this judicial district that is creditable to himself and honorable to the profession.  A judge for a period of almost twenty years, he retired from the bench with the highest respect of the profession and admiration of the public.  He was always a close student, and when in practice was known as a hard working lawyer, and likewise a successful one.  His greatest reputation, however, will rest on his work as a judge.  His judgeship was almost unerring.  He possessed what is termed a legal mind; understood thoroughly the principles of the law; was painstaking in his investigations, and accurate in his decisions.  He was always fearless and impartial in the discharge of every duty.  There has never been on the bench in the history of this judicial district a judge who held the confidence of the profession to a greater degree.  His. personal popularity was unbounded.  Nature made him a gentleman, and he made himself a lawyer.  One of the sources of his popularity was undoubtedly his unassuming manners, unfeigned cordiality, his fine sensibilities, and readiness to help his fellowmen.  Both in the relations of private citizenship and in public office, Judge Meeker's life was irreproachable.  Not only was he an able jurist, but also a successful business man.  He possessed one of the finest homes in the county, accumulated a competence and left a valuable estate.
     Judge Meeker died suddenly, Sept. 5, 1896, at his home in Greenville.  While at the supper table he was stricken with partial paralysis, which became complete a few minutes later, causing a painless death within three hours.  The tributes to his character and worthiness, expressed in a memorial meeting of the bar and in the funeral service, were hearty and sincere.  They testified that he was not only an incorruptible judge but also scrupulously, delicately and conscientiously free from all willful wrong, in thought, word or deed.  His uniform kindness and patience to the younger members of the bar were marked. In later years he was accustomed to recount for the edification of the young lawyers his own early struggles to secure success, the discouragements he encountered and the difficulties he had overcome.  He was not a dreamer in any idle sense, but as a boy looked forward hopefully, spurred to his best endeavors by high aspirations.  In a paper read at his funeral by D. W. Bowman, a former law partner, it is said that throughout a career of nearly half a century at the bar and on the bench, the day dream of his boyhood, the cherished desire of his heart in youth, was never lost sight of, but kept in full view. With this noble longing for professional success he wore the judicial ermine for twenty years, and laid it aside as spotless as when it first touched his shoulders.  He achieved a fame that posterity will not willingly let die.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 626

FREDERICK MEIER, deceased, was one of the early German settlers of Greenville township, Darke county, Ohio, a man of sterling worth and highly esteemed for his many excellent qualities of mind and heart. Frederick Meier was born in Haseling, Province of Hesse, Germany, Dec. 25, 1802, one of a family of nine children. According to the German custom he attended the public schools from the time he was six until he was fourteen and then learned a trade.  His trade, that of cabinetmaker, he learned in his father's shop, under his father's instructions, and he followed it throughout his life.  His first wife, whose maiden name was Gustena Wissel, bore him three children, Charles and Caroline, and one that died in early life in Germany. His second wife, Gustena Klemme, he also married in Germany, Apr. 15, 1850. With his wife and three children, he embarked from Bremen for Baltimore, which port they reached in safety after a voyage of four weeks and four days.  From Baltimore they started west via the canal, their destination being Darke county, Ohio, and after about a month's travel by water and team they landed in Greenville township.  Mr. Meier's capital at this time consisted of about six hundred dollars.  With this he purchased forty acres of land, which had on it a little "clearing" and a small cabin, and here he established his home.  His money all in­vested it was necessary for him to go to work at once to supply the immediate wants of his family.  Work at his trade brought him sixty cents a day and this, with what his son, Charles, could earn, was sufficient to keep the family in food.  His land was nearly all under water and it required much labor and time to clear and drain it so that satisfactory crops could be raised.  This however, was finally accomplished and the land yielded a support for the family.  Meantime Mr. Meier continued work at his trade, traveling about from place to place until he was too old to work.  He died Jan. 20, 1885, and is wife Mar. 29, 1888; both are buried in St. John's cemetery.  For many years they were identified with the Lutheran church.  Mr. Meier was prominent in the organization of St. John's church, giving freely of both his labor and money to assist the enterprise and for many years he was one of its official members.  The children of his second wife were six in number, but all are now deceased, and his son, Charles, above referred to, is the only living representative of the family.
     Charles Meier was born in Germany Jan. 19, 1836; was educated in the common schools and confirmed in the Lutheran church, and at the time he came with his father and family to this country was fourteen years old.  He assisted his father in the improvement of the farm above referred to and also worked out on other farms and thus at an early age aided in the support of the family.  He married Miss Augusta Krickeberg, a daughter of Frederick and Charlotte (Sigsmend) Krickeberg, German people, who settled in Brown township, Darke county, Ohio, in 1852.  The date of their marriage was Feb. 9, 1863, and since then they have lived on the old homestead farm, which now comprises one hundred and forty acres, and in addition to this farm he owns other land.  The home farm is well improved and nearly all under cul­tivation, the beautiful residence having been erected in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Meier have had six children, four of whom are living, Charles, Mena, Caroline and John, and all except the youngest are married and settled in life. The deceased children were Sophia and Frederick.
     In his political views Mr. Meier is what is termed an independent. In 1863 he was drafted into the Union army and served four weeks, at the end of which time he hired a substitute, for whom he paid nine hundred and eighty-five dollars, and received his discharge.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 707

BERNHARD MENKE.  Among the worthy citizens that the fatherland has furnished to the new world is Bernhard Menke, the popular tailor of Greenville.  He was born in Cloppenburg, Germany, Jan. 16, 1845, his parents being Joseph and Frances (Hill) Menke.  The father was a farmer by occupation, and both parents died in their native land.  Their son Bernhard was the second in a family of six children.  At the age of six years he entered school, where he pursued his studies until fourteen years of age in accordance with the laws of his native land.  He then learned the tailor's trade, serving for three years.  On the completion of his apprenticeship he was employed as a journeyman in the fatherland until 1868, when he bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for the United States, landing at Baltimore, Maryland.   He made his way thence direct to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked at his trade for one year, and in 1869 he came to Greenville, Ohio, where he was employed by the firm of Chenoweth & Haberling, merchant tailors.  Subsequently he entered the service of Moses Hughn, by whom he has been employed for the past thirty years.  He is particularly expert as a coat maker and is now the oldest tailor engaged in active business in Greenville.  As the years have passed his financial resources have been increased, and he is now the possessor of good and valuable city property.  Indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature, but in consequence he does not wish to put aside business care and continues in the active prosecution of his trade.
     In his twenty-seventh year Mr. Menke was married to Miss Susannah Bashore, the eldest daughter of Jacob G. Bashore, of Webster, Ohio. Their union has been blessed with seven children: Ann, now the wife of Henry E. Mohler; Jacob, a tailor; Joseph, who occupies the position of teller in the Farmers National Bank, of Greenville; Ida, at home; Orville, Chester and Barnard. They also lost two children in infancy. The mother of Mrs. Menke was Sarah (Miller) Bashore, and her death occurred in 1892, in her seventy-second year. The father, Jacob G. Bashore, was one of the early settlers of Darke county, and died within its borders in his sixty-ninth year.
     Mr. and Mrs. Menke are widely known in Greenville and have a large circle of friends.  They occupy a pleasant residence here, and also own two or three dwellings in the city, besides some good business houses, which he rents and a forty-acre farm in Wayne township, which is under a high state of cultivation.  He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in America, for here, where opportunity is unhampered, he has worked his wav steadily upward and his advancement along well defined lines of labor has secured to him merited financial reward.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 581

THOMAS B. MILLER, superintendent of the Darke County Infirmary, is a man well known in this county, where he was born and where he has passed his life.  The Millers were among the pioneers of Darke county.  George Miller, the grandfather of Thomas B., was a native of. Pennsylvania, in which state he wedded Margaret Kaskey, a native of the Emerald Isle.  In 1816 they, removed with their family from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio, and took up their abode in Harrison township, Darke county, where they passed the rest of their lives.  He died at the age of seventy-four years.  Their son John, the father of Thomas B., was born in Lancaster county, in 1815, the year before their removal to this state.  Here he was reared and married, his wife, whose maiden name was Mary A. McGee, being a native of Ohio.  She died in 1854.  Of their children, eight in number, one died at the age of twelve years, and those who reached adult age are as follows: George W., Thomas B., Martha E., Henry B., Mary I. and Margaret P.  All are living excepting Francis R.   Mary I. is the wife of C. W. Moore, and Margaret P. is now Mrs. Luther Black.
     Thomas B. Miller was born on his father's farm May 22, 1847, was reared to farm life, and received his education in the district school.  He was yet a school boy when the civil war broke out, but before it closed he offered his services to the Union and proved himself a true soldier.  It was in 1864 that he enlisted, and as a member of the One Hundred arid Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel Dawson, he entered the service.  His term of enlistment was spent chiefly in garrison duty.
     Receiving an honorable discharge from the army in 1866, Mr. Miller returned to Darke county and engaged in farming and stock-raising, which he continued for some time.  Then for a number of years he carried on a mercantile business in Greenville.  In 1890 he was appointed superintendent of the Darke County Infirmary, which position he has since filled, having been reappointed from time to time.  The infirmary buildings were burned in 1897, but were im­mediately rebuilt on a much larger scale, and are now ranked with the best county infirmary buildings in the state of Ohio.  Under Mr. Miller's management the institution is one in which the county has reason to take pride; everything is neat and orderly and the inmates are well cared for.
     Mr. Miller was married in 1877 to Miss Elizabeth McGrew, a native of Preble county, and a daughter of Patrick McGrew.  They are the parents of three children: Arthur V., Edna B. and Harry C.  Politically Mr. Miller is a stanch Democrat, has a voice in the councils of his party, and has frequently served as delegate to county and state conventions.  He is a member of Jobes Post, No. 147, Grand Army of the Republic.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 751

THOMAS C. MILLER, a member of the Darke county bar, was born in West Milton, Miami county, Feb. 25, 1841, upon a farm.  His father, Samuel Miller, was a native of Virginia, born in Charleston, in 1801.  He learned the miller's trade and followed that pursuit for many years.  In early manhood he removed to Ohio, and in this state was married to Margaret Bowman, a native of Chillicothe, Ohio.  Subsequently they removed to Miami county, where Mr. Miller followed his chosen vocation for many years.  In 1860 he came with his family to Darke county, locating in Arcanum, where he remained for a number of years, and then returned to Miami county, where his death occurred in 1874.  His wife, who survived him for some time, died in Greenville in 1890.
     Thomas C. Miller, whose name forms the caption of this sketch, was the only child born to his parents. He spent his boyhood days in the vicinity of his native town and pursued his education in the common schools, and afterward assisted his father in the work of the farm and the operation of the mill; but, not content to devote his energies to industrial pursuits, he determined to enter professional life and to this end began reading law under the direction of Hon. E. P. Kellogg, of West Milton, now a prominent lawyer of Columbus, Ohio.  Mr. Miller was admitted to the bar at Troy, this state, and began practice in Bedford, Ohio, where he remained for twelve years.  On the expiration of that period he removed to Greenville, where he has since devoted his attention assiduously to the practice of his profession and the duties it involves.  He is recognized as one of the leading lawyers of the Greenville bar, and his devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial.
     Mr. Miller has been twice married, and by the first union had three children: Perry. E., William E. and Lemuel E. His present wife bore the maiden name of Miss Anna Gundell.  She was born in Darke county, was a daughter of Benjamin Gundell, an old resident of this county, and at the time of their marriage was the widow of Henry Beard.
     During the civil war Mr. Miller manifested his loyalty to his country by enlisting in the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Captain Jason Young and Colonel J. Warren Keifer.  The regiment was ordered to Virginia, and in the south he faithfully served until 1865. He participated in a number of engagements and skirmishes, and also spent some time in the hospital, and when the war was ended received an honorable discharge, in July, 1865.  He is a member of the Frizelle Post, No. 227, G. A. R., and is as true and faithful to the duties of citizenship in times of peace as when he followed the starry banner upon the battlefields of the south.  His life has marked a steady advance in his profession, and by his careful preparation of cases, combined with keen power of analysis, he has won many notable forensic combats.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 605

JOHN MOHLER is a popular young farmer of Franklin township, Darke county, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Ohio.  His grandfather, Rudolph Mohler, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, Feb. 6, 1801, and married Susanna Souman, who was born in that county on the 12th of December, 1801. At an early period in the development of the Buckeye, state they came to Miami county, locating on a farm near the Sugar Grove church in Newberry township.  There the wife died, after which Mr. Mohler made his home with his children, dying at the residence of his son, Samuel Mohler, in Miami county. He had three children by his first marriage, namely: William, who was born Oct. 3, 1823, and died Sept. 29, 1851; Mary, who was born May 3, 1825, and is the wife of George Croft, of Darke county; and Ephraim, who was born Nov. 10, 1856, and married Mary Annie Neal.  After the death of his first wife the grandfather married Elizabeth Miller, who was born July 31, 1801, and their children were: Henry, who was born May 14, 1829, married Harriet Deeter; Jacob, the father of our subject; Sarah, who was born Jan. 2, 1833, became the wife of Henry Deeter and died Aug. 20, 1863; Susanna, who was born July 21, 1834, is the wife of William Shellabarger, of Covington; John, who was born Dec. 8, 1835, is now living in Missouri with his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Miller; Samuel, of Miami county, was born Mar. 27, 1837, and married Sally Miller; Rudolph, who was born Mar. 18, 1839, and married Fannie Etter; Daniel, of Missouri, was born Oct. 2, 1842, and wedded Maria Mowry and both died in Miami county; and Hannah, who was born Jan. 29, 1845, became the wife of Justice Deeter.
     Jacob Mohler, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, Mar. 15, 1830, and when fifteen years of age accompanied his parents oh their removal to Miami county.  The journey was made by wagon, Jacob walking the greater part of the distance.  His father had previously made a trip to Ohio on horse­back and purchased the farm in Newberry township upon which Jacob was reared to manhood.  Having attained his majority, he was married, on the 15th of January, 1852, to Miss Eidelia, a daughter of John S. and Sarah (Reed) Deeter and granddaughter of David and Elizabeth (Stutzman) Deeter.  The Deeter family removed from Pennsylvania to Preble county, Ohio, and later settled in Miami county.  After their marriage Mr. Jacob Mohler operated the Sugar Grove mill for seven years and then purchased the farm now known as the Teague place in Newberry township.  That property he old to Joseph Teague for the latter's farm in Franklin township, Darke county, and on that place he died May 28, 1898, after a long and useful life.  He was much respected and was a faithful member of the German Baptist church, with which he united in 1852. In politics he was a Republican.  His wife still survives him, and by her marriage she became the mother of the following children: Allen, who was born Jan. 27, 1856, and died in infancy; Sarah E., who was born July 18, 1857, and also died in infancy; Elizabeth, who was born Dec. 10, 1858, and became the wife of Aaron Shellabarger, of Franklin township; Mary A., who was born Apr. 6, 1861, and died in infancy; Martha, who was born Jan. 15, 1863, and is the wife of Jonathan Cool, of Franklin township; Rudolph, born Nov. 22, 1865; Mina, born Jan. 10, 1868, and now the wife of William Penny, of Franklin township; and John.
     John Mohler was born Jan. 30, 1870, on his father's farm in Newberry township, and in the public schools of the neighborhood he acquired a good education, fitting him for life's practical duties.  He engaged in the cultivation of the home farm, both before and after his marriage, which important event occurred in 1890, Miss Lizzie Knutt, a daughter of George Franklin Knutt, becoming his wife.  After his marriage Mr. Mohler purchased and located upon his present farm, which comprises twelve and a quarter acres. He is very enterprising and progressive in his farming methods and carefully cultivates his land so that it yields to him a good tribute in return for the labor he bestows upon it.  In politics he is an independent Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. Socially he is connected with several organizations, including the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Improved Order of Red Men at Bradford.  His genial manner and social disposition and sterling worth have made him popular, and he is known as one of the leading young agriculturists of the county.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 242

JOHN HERSCHEL MORNINGSTAR.  This well-known business man of Greenville, Darke county, Ohio, was born in that town, Jan. 3, 1851, and is a son of William H. and Elizabeth (Wagner) Morningstar.  The father was born near Xenia, in Greene county, Ohio, Sept. 5, 1805, and in early life followed farming, but later he was for many years engaged in mercantile pursuits in Greenville, where he settled in 1840.  He continued in active business there until within a short time of his death, which occurred Dec. 28, 1886.  His wife, the mother of our subject, died in Greenville, Apr. 7, 1869.  Her parents were George and Sarah (Stevens) Wagner. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and an early settler of Darke county, Ohio.  At an early day he came to this county, and spent the remainder of his life in German township.
     Reared in Greenville, John H. Morningstar acquired his early education in its public schools. Later he was a student at Chickering Institute, in Cincinnati, and subsequently took a commercial course at Eastman's College, Poughkeepsie, New York.  Soon after his return home he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Ferguson, a daughter of Robert H. and Mary A. (Turner) Ferguson, of Dayton, Ohio.
     Mr. Morningstar embarked in the confectionery business in Greenville soon after his marriage, Mar. I, 1877, and has since successfully engaged in that line of trade.  For thirty years he has dealt in ice.  He owns a beautiful park containing a small lake skirted by one thousand fruit trees.  He has provided a good band stand, boats and seats for the convenience of his guests, and many other accommodations.  It has become a popular resort during the warm season, and is frequented by large crowds of pleasure-seekers.  Being a pleasant, genial gentleman, Mr. Morningstar thoroughly. understands the best methods of conducting such an enterprise.  Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio, Compendium of National Biography - Illustrated - Publ. Evansville, Ind. - 1900 - Page 657