SAMUEL B. McCABE, which occurred JAN. 4, 1908, Darke County lost a citizen whose memory is still held in the deepest respect and veneration.  His path was ever that of integrity and virtue, of trustworthiness and fidelity, and his mind bore the impress of the historic annals of the State of Ohio from an early period in its history.  For many years he retained his residence about one-half mile south of Weaver's Station, where he was the owner of one hundred acres of fine land, and was one of the revered patriarchs of the community.  such a life contains many lessons well worthy of emulation, and it is with pleasure, therefore, that his record is presented in these pages.
     Mr. McCabe was born in Middlesex county, New Jersey, Sept. 30, 1832, and was a son of Isaac and Rachael (Brown) McCabe.  His father brought the family from the East of Ohio when Samuel B. was still a child, and settled at Franklin, Warren County, where he spent the remainder of his career in agricultural pursuits.  Both he and his wife died at Franklin and were laid to rest in the cemetery there.  They were the parents of five children, as follows:  Mary, who is making her home in Missouri in advanced years, and James, John, Samuel and Wesley, all of whom are deceased.
     Samuel B. McCabe received his preliminary instruction in the public schools of his native State, and after coming to Ohio completed his education in the district schools of Warren County.  On leaving the Franklin schools, he worked on the home farm until  he was of age, in the meantime carefully saving his earnings with the result that when he was still young he was able to purchase the nucleus of what was to become one of the handsome properties of Darke county.  He was long known to the people of Neave township as a man of sterling integrity of character, generous in all things, and with a degree of public spirit that kept his community's interests all foremost in his heart.  As a farmer and stockraiser he was skilled in his methods, using the most modern machinery with excellent results.  At the time of his death he was living somewhat retired, being in the enjoyment of the fruits of his many years of industrious labor.
     Mr. McCabe was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Knee, who came from Pennsylvania and located at Germantown, Ohio, and subsequently located on a farm in German township, Darke county, where Mr. McCabe was born, educated and reared.  Mr. Knee was a member of the United Brethren church, a well-known Democrat of his day and locality, and a successful agriculturist.  He and his wife had five children:  John, Silas and Jacob, who are all deceased; Elizabeth, who married Mr. McCabe became the parents of the following children: Ula, who married Frank Crumrine, and had one daughter, Zelma, who married William Brown, and has one child; Dora, who married Alfred Niswonger, and had six children; Reo Wealthy, wife of Howard Ketty, with two children, Robert and James; Lester, who is deceased; Arden, who married Ward Williams and has one child, Stephen A.; Elizabeth, who married Lemuel Payne, and had two children, Earl, who married Ethel Thorn, and has four children: Leroy, Mary, Mildred, and Andrew, who married D. Curtner, and had two children, Marion and Helen; Oscar, who married Anna Lautenschlager, and had six children, Clo, Icey, who married Earl, and had two children, and Frank, Ethel, Carl and Ruth; Ora, who married Charles Townsend, and had one child, Vernie; Bert, who married Sadie Jenkerson, and had four children, an infant, Raymond, Harry and D. Wilbur; Max, deceased, who married Luella Royer, and had two children, Fay and Sylvia; and Samuel B., living on the old homestead, who married Julia Zonia and has five children, Gladys, Sylvester, Shirley, Alpha and Warren.
     Mr. McCabe was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal church and earnestly endeavored to live up to its teachings.  He was a Democrat in politics, but did not care for the struggles of the public arena.  Aside from the pleasures of his home, he most greatly enjoyed to set forth with his rod or gun, and it was seldom that he returned from these excursions without some trophy of the fury tribes.  His life was one of industry, sobriety and probity, and his success came only as the result of constant and well-applied effort.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 345

J. A. McEOWEN.  It is gratifying to the biographer to find a subject like John A. McEowen, for in his career is given the successful attempts of a man who entered upon his life work without any particular training, or inherited riches, and yet through native ability and earnest perseverance gained the goal he had in view from the beginning.  His work has been directed along agricultural lines.  He has not tried to accomplish the impossible, but in doing his duty each day, has become the owner of a large acreage and established himself in the confidence of the people with whom he is constantly associated.  Mr. McEowen is conveniently located on the West Milton turnpike and also owns a fine property on the Jaysville road, both farms being in Greenville township.
     John A. McEowen was born in Darke county, Jan. 1-0, 1855, a son of Henry H. and Melissa (Millett) McEowen.  Henry H. McEowen was born in Warren county, Ohio, but came to Darke county in young manhood.  A mechanic by trade, he was profitably working at his trade when he responded to the call of his country and enlisted for service during the Civil war in the Forty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry and re-enlisted in the Eighth Ohio cavalry.  After a faithful service, Henry H. McEowen received his honorable discharge and returned home to engage in farming within the confines of Allen township, Darke county.  A man of more than ordinary intelligence, although his educational opportunities were confined to the country schools of Warren county, he developed into one of the prominent men of Darke county and his influence was felt during his day.
     Owing to his father's superior attainments, John A. McEowen was given better advantages than many of his associates, for he not only was sent to the local rural schools, but those of Greenville.  While he was attending school, he was taught to make himself useful on the farm and in this way gained a knowledge of the work which he was to follow all his life.  When he was twenty-three years old, he began farming for himself, for the first three years thereafter conducting his uncle's property.  Recognizing the worth and possibilities of this land, he purchased another farm of one hundred and two acres on the Jaysville road, joining his other farm, making three hundred and eighty-four acres in all, at the expiration of the three years, and has since devoted it to general farming and stock raising.  His homestead comprises two hundred and twenty-five acres, while his other farm contains one-hundred and thirty-five acres, and all of the land is very fertile, while the improvements are strictly modern, carrying out the latest ideas with regard to sanitation and conveniences calculated to assist in the work.
     John A. McEowen married Angeline Emrick, a daughter of Henry Emrick, who came to Darke county from Preble county.  Mr. and Mrs. McEowen have had two sons:  Hugh E., who married Edna Palmer, has two children, John and Mary; and Orville, who married Ada Hunt, has one child, Roy.  Fraternally, Mr. McEowen is a Mason and finds pleasure in his connections in this direction.  While not a  member of any religious denomination, he is in sympathy with the work of all churches, and gives them material assistance.  Not only is he serving on the public school board, but for the last twelve years he has been acting as a director of the Children's Home, and is a man of public spirit, who discharges his responsibilities ably and conscientiously.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 298

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 467

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 425

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 420

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 531

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 48

MICHAEL A. MAHER.     There may be a feeling of family pride when an individual points to lands and possessions and says, "see what my ancestors secured and gave to me," but how much more gratifying it must be to realize that one is the builder of his own fortune and that the credit belongs to himself for obstacles over come and successful results reached.  In this connection may be mentioned Michael A. Maher, one of the substantial business men of Greenville, Ohio, who is president of the Banner Lumber Company, a director in the Greenville National Bank and an extensive dealer in coal and building material at No. 139 North Broadway.  Mr. Maher was born in Champaign county, Ohio, six miles north of Urbana, on May 16, 1858, and is a son of James and Catherine (Fannan) Maher.
     The paternal grandparents of Michael A. Maher lived and died in Ireland, the grandfather not surviving middle life, while the grandmother, on the other hand, survived to the unusual age of ninety-six years.  They had five children: James, Michael, Dennis, Catherine and Mary.  The maternal grandfather was Patrick Fannan and he and wife came from Ireland to the United States in 1850 and died in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio.  They had but two children: James, who died before the family reached Cincinnati, and Catherine, the wife of James Maher, and the mother of our subject.
     James and Catherine Maher, parents of Michael A. Maher, were born, reared and married in Ireland.  James Maher had been previously married and his first wife died leaving two children, a son and daughter.  The son was named Martin, and after coming to the United States he served four years as a soldier during the Civil war.   James Maher desired to be a farmer, but he found little chance or encouragement in County Tipperary, his home, and therefore decided to emigrate to America where many of his countrymen had found easier industrial conditions.  Late in 1849 or early in 1850 he secured passage for himself, wife and their five children with the two older children of his first marriage.  After a tiresome voyage the family was safely landed at New Orleans and from there went to Springfield, Ohio, this being in 1850.  James Maher found work for a time at day labor, afterward became a farmer and after coming to Darke county, in September, 1864, bought a farm of eighty acres situated in Greenville township, three miles north of Greenville, where he continued through life, his death occurring there in 1872, when aged fifty-five years.  His widow lived until 1907, passing away when aged eighty-seven church years.  They were members of the Roman Catholic church.  They had fifteen children, twelve of whom lived to maturity: James, who is deceased; Patrick H., who is a resident of Greenville; William, who lives at Dayton, Ohio; Dennis, who is deceased; Mary, who is the wife of John Hunt, of Greenville; Johanna, who is the widow of John J. Kelly, of Greenville; Michael A., Thomas C., who is of Greenville; Catherine, who is the wife of John Lynch, of Greenville; Sarah, who is the wife of Thomas Hannagan, of Dayton; John B., who lives at Greenville, and Francis A., whose home is Oklahoma City, Okla.
     Michael A. Maher was six years old when his parents moved to Darke county and he grew up on his father's farm, attended the public schools in the neighborhood and took a course in a commercial college.  He earned his first salary as driver of a coal wagon for his brother Patrick, for whom he worked for eighteen months and with his savings was able to buy a small grocery store, one that he still owns.  In September, 1882, he started in the coal and building material business, one that he has developed into a very large enterprise.  For seven years he also engaged in contracting for the building of sewers.  As indicated above he has other important interests of a substantial character, all indicating excellent judgment, constant industry and rare business foresight.
     On Mar. 23, 1884, Mr. Maher was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Jane Maher, who was born in Jay county, Indiana, and is a daughter of Michael and Bridget (Carter) Maher.  They were born in Ireland, where their parents lived and died.  As early settlers they came to Darke county, Ohio, and both died here.  Of their children four survive; James, Mary, John and Catherine Jane.  The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Maher:  Leo, Robert, Bernard, Arcadius, Leona, Henry, Raymond and Lawrence, twins, Andrew, Mary and Joseph, twins; Alfred, Mark and Catherine.  Of this family, Leo died at the age of eighteen months; Robert died at the age of twelve years and Lawrence died at the age of six months.  Bernard is in the employ of his father; Henry lives in Oklahoma City, and Arcadius married Miss Henry lives in Oklahoma City; Arcadius married Miss Roberts; Eugene and Margaret.  The others live at home.  The whole family belong to the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Maher has membership with the Knights of Columbus and the Brotherhood of St. Anthony.  Mr. Maher has never cared for political office, but never shirks the duties of citizenship when a call is made for a display of public spirit.  He votes with the Democratic party.  The family residence is at No. 145 North Broadway, Greenville.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 172
NOTE:  This is how it is written in this book. It's confusing.  ~ S. Wick.

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 192

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 466

HUGH L. MARTIN.



Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 408

IRA H. MARTIN.     Ira H. Martin is a representative citizen of Darke county and has a pleasant home in Grenville.  He owns a fine eighty acre farm on Gettysburg pike, Adams township, about four miles from the city, but is employed as a railway mail clerk for the government.  He is a native of the county, born on a farm in Washington township, Mar. 12, 1871, son of Joseph and Jane (Van Fleet) Martin.  The father, a native of the same township, was a son of Hugh and Eve (Cox) Martin, and was born July 8, 1834.  He was a man of education and enterprise.  He spent several years in mercantile business, but later engaged in farming, where he was successful in a gratifying degree.
     Hugh Martin came to Ohio from Pennsylvania with his parents when a young man and with them lived for a time in Trumbull county and from there the family came to Darke county.  Here he was married to Eve Cox Oct. 2, 1823.  She was born in Pennsylvania Oct. 23, 1796, and came with her parents to Ohio in 1816.  Her parents settled on West Branch in Darke county, where her father secured 1,600 acres of land from the United States government at $1.25 per acre.  From that she inherited one hundred and sixty acres.
     The mother was born on Broadway, New York City, daughter of John D. and Eleanor N. (Doty) Van Fleet, her father being a blacksmith on Broadway at the time of her birth.
     From New York City her parents moved to some place in New Jersey, where her mother passed away.  The father married again and later moved to Darke county, Ohio, where he bought a farm which he sold after a few years and moved to Wabash county, Indiana.  In later years he came back to Darke county and lived near Coletown, surviving to the age of about eighty years.  He and his second wife are buried at what is known as Sharpeye cemetery.  He was son of Cornelius and Sophia (Cole) Van Fleet, the former of whom was born Apr. 30, 1766, and the latter July 5, 1773.
     Joseph Martin was married in Darke county about 1859 or 1860, and Ira H. is the youngest of their six children, and a twin.  Ida M. is unmarried and lives on the Martin homestead in Washington township, making her home with a brother; Charles died in infancy; Francis M. died at the age of eighteen years; John, who owns and lives on the old home place, married Elizabeth Landers and they have two sons, Ray and Charles; Ora H. and Ira H. are twins.  Ora H. married Jessie Kurts, lives in Richmond, Ind., and they have two daughters, Hildred and Rebecca.  He is employed as a railway mail clerk.  The mother of these children died in 1880 and the father Apr. 2, 1907, and both are interred in Manuel cemetery near Coletown.  The father was a Democrat in political belief; he never took much active part in political affairs.
     Mr. Martin received a good education and at the age of twenty years began teaching a country school, following the profession eleven years.  He looked ahead during the time to the day when he could engage in something that would give him employment throughout the year and insure a good income, and in September, 1902, took examination for railway postal clerk, entering the service in April, 1903.  He has been successful in making a good record and in March, 1912, bought his farm, on which he has made many improvements.  Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.  He is pleasant and genial in manner and has made many firm friends.  He is well known in the community as a man of upright habits and good principles, as well as for his enterprise and public spirit.
     On Aug. 25, 1897, Mr. Martin married Miss Ella Protzman, a native of Franklin township, Darke county, and daughter of William and Nancy (Marker) Protzman.  One child has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Martin, Eugene Lowell, born in Greenville, Sept. 12, 1905.  Mrs. Martin is a member of the Pythian Sisters and has filled the office of Senior and Most Excellent Chief.  She is also a charter member of the Coterie club.  
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 550

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 315

ADELBERT MARTZ.     Efficiency and practical application of advanced ideas with regard to finance have marked the career of Adelbert Martz, cashier of The Greenville National Bank, which is located on the corner of Fourth street and Broadway.  He has bent every energy in this direction, seeking to broaden and deepen every possible highway of knowledge, to afford the patrons of the bank every facility, and to place upon a firm foundation the credit of his institution.  To Mr. Martz and men of his type Darke county owes much of its advance not only in substantial material lines, but on the higher level of good citizenship.  Their lives should stand as examples for their associates and their work honored in the years to come.  Mr. Martz was born in Darke county, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1868, a son of Jacob T. and Esther Mary (Jamison) Martz, and grandson of John Martz, and James M. and Elizabeth (High) Jamison.
     John Martz and his wife were born in Pennsylvania, where he became a farmer, but moved to Darke county, Ohio, as early as 1816, when he was eighteen years of age.  He located on property four miles south of Greenville, and became the owner of 160 acres of government land.  This he farmed for many years, but died at Greenville in 1882, aged eighty-four years.  His wife died when still comparatively young, having borne him the following children: George H., Jacob T., Elizabeth Rice, Rebecca Boyer, William, and a daughter who died when about eighteen years old.  The maternal grandfather, James M. Jamison, and his wife, were also natives of Pennsylvania, who early located at Delaware, Ohio, where Mr. Jamison found good land for his agricultural operations.  After many years of useful endeavor, both died, having had a good sized family, among their children being the following:  Angeline E., Esther M., George W. Millie H., Lizzie, and Robert H.
     Jacob T. Martz was born in Darke county, Ohio, while his wife was a native of Delaware, Ohio.  He had more complete educational advantages than fall to the lot of most farmers' sons, as he was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, in 18i58, having taken the classical course.  Following this he took up the study of law, and practiced his profession for many years, attaining to distinction in it.  A man of unusual ability he naturally became a distinctive factor in the life of his community and served as city superintendent of schools from 1867 to 1888.  In the latter year he resumed the practice of law and so continued until his death on Feb. 28, 1911, when he was seventy-eight years old.  His wife had passed away in 1902, aged sixty-two years, dying, as did he, firm in the faith of the Methodist church, of which during life they had been earnest and conscientious members.  Their children, four in number, were: John H., is in the insurance business with offices on Broadway.  James J. is superintendent of Greenville schools, taught for eleven years, and on Apr. 7, 1908, was elected superintendent of schools and is now serving his sixth year as superintendent.
     Adelbert Martz is a product of Greenville where he was reared and educated, being graduated from the grammar and high schools, leaving the latter in 1887.  Immediately thereafter he entered upon his financial career as a messenger boy for the Greenville National Bank seeking in this way to learn the business from the bottom up.  The natural ability and dependable qualities of the lad received recognition and he was prompted in due time to be bookkeeper and teller and in 1893 was made assistant cashier, which once he retained until the death of E. T. Conklin, the cashier, which office he retained until the death of E. T. Conklin, the cashier.  Mr. Martz was the logical man for the vacant position and was immediately promoted to fill it, the action on the part of the board of directors receiving the approbation of the patrons of the bank who appreciated the sterling qualities of Mr. Martz.  The old Greenville bank is one of the sound institutions of Darke county, and was established in 1874, as a private bank, developing into a state bank in 1889, and assumed its present form in 1904 with a capital stock of $100,000.  Much of its present standing is due to Mr. Martz, who is a past master of its affairs, and one of the most thoroughly informed men upon banking matters in this part of the State.
     On May 20, 1891, Mr. Martz was married to Miss Lillian Gable, a daughter of Lucian and Mary A. (Scott) Gable.  Mr. and Mrs. Martz have had two children:  Joseph A. and Beatrice.  Both Joseph and Beatrice are graduates of the Greenville High School.  Joseph  was graduated in 1909, and Miss Beatrice in 1911.  Joseph later attended the Ohio State University and is now in his senior year.  He is taking a ceramics engineering course.  Miss Beatrice is now in her third year at the Ohio State University.  Mrs. Martz is and has been for years a member of the Columbian Club.  Mr. and Mrs. Martz are members of the Methodist Church and are highly esteemed in that connection.  He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and is active in that order.  A Republican, he has cast the strength of his influence for the candidates of his party, although himself not being willing to assume the duties of public office, believing that his energies ought to be conserved for those of his responsible position.
Source:  History of Darke County, Ohio From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vols. I & II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - Page 140

EDWIN ELLMORE MEYERS, M. D.     The services of professional men are being enlisted in cicvic matters all over the country, for the people are beginning to realize that the trained mind is better capable of properly solving municipal problems than those who have never had to bring upon their work concentrated effort.  None of the learned professions, however, have contributed so many earnest and public-spirited men as that of medicine, and in Dr. Edwin Ellmore Meyers of New Madison, Ohio, Darke county finds one of its most useful and efficient citizens.  As a physician and as a man Doctor Meyers measures up well according to the standards of wholesome living and high thinking, and his practice shows that he has not been found wanting when weighed in the balance of public opinion with regard to son his professional skill and capability.  Doctor Meyers was born in Neave township, Darke county, Ohio, Mar. 27, 1866,  a son of William and Lydia (Tillman Meyers, natives of Butler county and Darke county, Ohio, respectively.
     Joseph and Lavina (Shafer) Meyers, the paternal grandparents of Doctor Meyers, were born in Pennsylvania, but became early settlers of Twin township, Darke County, Ohio, where they located on a farm in the immediate vicinity of Arcanum, and there they rounded out useful lives, dying in old age.  They had the following children: William , Mary, Maria, Louisa, David, Susan, Joseph and Hannah.  Henry Tillman was the maternal grandfather, and he married Rachel Townsend. The Tillman family came from North Carolina, but Rachel Townsend was born in Ohio.  After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tillman located in Preble county, but later went to Darke county, where he became a heavy landowner, devoting his active life to farming, although in his declining years he moved to Greenville, Ohio, and there died a few years ago when nearly ninety years old.  His wife passed away in young womanhood, having borne him two children, Noah and Lydia.
     Darke county, Ohio, was the home of William Meyers, the father of Doctor Meyers, from the time he was eight years old, and here he grew to manhood, devoting himself to attendance upon the district school and acquisition of the rudiments of farming.  The latter calling appealed to him, and he devoted his life to it, becoming the owner of eighty-seven acres of land in Neave township.  This property he improved until it was very valuable, and he died upon it in 1877, aged thirty-three years.  His widow survives him, being now sixty-nine years old.  She is a member of the Methodist church which he attended in company with her.  While not a politician in any sense of the word, William Meyers held a number of township offices and was held in high esteem by all who knew him.  He and his wife were the parents of two children, namely Doctor Meyers, and his brother, Sylvester A., who is operating the homestead in Neave township.
     Doctor Meyers was not content with attending the schools of his district in Neave township, but took the high school course at Greenville, the normal course at Lebanon, Ohio, and then entered the University of Illinois at Champaign, Ill.  Having thus made ample provision for competent work, he taught school for four years, when he decided to expand still further, and taking up the study of medicine, was graduated from the Electic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1889, beginning his practice at Painter Creek, Ohio.  In 1895, he left there for New Madison, and has been in an active practice here since 1896.
     On May 1, 1889, Doctor Meyers was united in marriage with Olive Opdyke, a daughter of Francis and Elizabeth (Hagar) Opdyke, and they have one daughter, Hazel.  Mrs. Meyers belongs to the United Brethren church.  Doctor Meyers is a member of Fort Black Lodge, F. & A. M., and to Laura Lodge No. 594, Knights of Pythias.  Professionally he is a member of the Ohio State Electic Medical Association, and the Electic Medical Association.
     Mrs. Meyers was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, which State also gave her parents birth.  Her mother died in 1911, but her father resides on a farm in Montgomery county, Ohio.  The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Opdyke were: Anna, Olive, Albert, William, Clara, Edith, Sylvia, Elmer and Ethel.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 240

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 370

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 546

JACOB MILLER, JR.     The real artist works toward high ideals whether he transfers his ideas to canvass or carves them in imperishable stone.  No mere mechanic can produce masterpieces no matter how well he may know his trade; it takes a genius to create what will live after human dust has returned to its source, and the cunning hands that wrought have been stilled forever.   With the growth of proper appreciation of artistic creation, has come a demand for high ideals, and those who understand set a standard others less well informed, follow.   In nothing is this more true than in the furnishing of beautiful and appropriate monuments to mark the last resting place of the dead.  In former times any kind of a tombstone was accepted without a thought as to its artistic value, but conditions have changed; people are becoming better educated and demand that the man who designs and executes their orders must be one who has in his soul a love of the beautiful and the talent to reproduce in marble or granite his conception of true art.  One of the men who measures up well to  such requirements in every respect is Jacob Miller, Jr., proprietor of the Arcanum Marble and Granite of Arcanum, Ohio, who is conveniently located at Nos. 356 and Works 357 South Main street.  Mr. Miller was born at Evansville, Indiana, in the county of Vanderberg, May 11, 1864.  He is a son of Jacob and Hulda (Pickhardt) Miller, natives of Wurtemburg and Rein-Preussen, Germany, respectively.
     The paternal grandfather, Heinrich Miller (who spelled his name Mueller) died in Germany when his son Jacob was an infant, and as his wife died in young womanhood, their son was left an orphan at a tender age.  The maternal grandparents were also natives of Germany, who became early settlers of Evansville, Indiana.  The grandfather was a cabinetmaker and conducted a furniture factory at Evansville, where both died, he when seventy-five years old, and she when about seventy.  Their children were: Hulda, Adeline, August, Amelia and several whose names are not known.
     Growing up in his native country, Jacob Miller learned to be a cooper, but after coming to the United States, he became aminister of the Evangelical Association, and was stationed at Evansville, but was later transferred to points in Indiana, Ohio and Illinois, but finally located at Dayton, Ohio, where he spent the remaining years of his life, being on the superanuated list.  His death occurred there in 1892,when he was sixty-eight years old.  His widow survives him until she was sixty-two years old, dying in 1900.  Jacob Miller, Sr., served his country as a soldier for three months during the Civil war.  He and his wife had the following children: William E., who resides at Chicago, Ill.; Amelia, who is deceased, was the wife of William Bibberstain; Jacob, whose name heads this list; Sarah, who is the wife of John Schafer, of Dayton, Ohio; John, who resides at Springfield, Ohio; Emma, who is deceased, was married; and seven who died in infancy.
     Jacob Miller, Jr., attended school in the various places where his father's ministerial duties called him, passing through the grammar and high schools, and then took a short collegiate course at Toledo, Iowa.  Learning the carpenter trade, he thought of following it, but found that his inclinations turned in another direction, so fitted himself for his life work by learning the marble cutting trade, and has followed it ever since.  In 1898 he came to Arcanum, Ohio, opening a shop on a capital of $100, ninety dollars of which was borrowed.  From the start he prospered, for he demonstrated not only his skill, but his artistic talent, and now he conducts a business that necessitates the carrying of several thousand dollars’ worth of stock, and has won recognition as a business man that is shown by his commercial rating. 
     On June 16, 1885, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Ella Norris, a daughter of Robert and Clarissa (VanLue) Norris, who died in June, 1900.  On Apr. 6, 1902, Mr. Miller was married (second) to Bertha Mae Morrison, a daughter of Willis Morrison and they became the parents of five children:  Sheldon W., Iona Fern, Frances Willard, Norman A., and one who died in infancy.  Mr. and Mrs. Morrison were natives of Darke county, Ohio.
     Mr. Miller is a member of the United Brethren church and his association with his organization has been close and intimate.  Influenced by his father's example, he took a course in the Union Biblical Theological Seminary of Dayton, Ohio, now known as the Bonebrake Theological Seminary, and preached one year at Decatur, Ind., after which he studied for missionary work and spent two and one-half years at Serra Leone on the west coast of Africa.  Returning to the United States he went to Iowa, where he had charge of a congregation at Garwin for eighteen months, following which he was located at Dunkirk, Ind., from whence he went to Geneva, Ind., but resigned to come to Arcanum to found his present business.  His religious experiences make him all the more proficient in his work, and all of it is tinged with a reverent appreciation of the dignity of his calling, and the sacred duty the living owe to the dead. 
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 218

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 344

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 515

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 264

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 261

MILTON R. MILLETTE.     Recognizing the fact that on the journalistic field there is plenty of room for men with brains and vim, the young man whoes whose name appears at the beginning of this review has chosen for his vocation the newspaper profession, with what degree of success is shown in his present well-kept establishment and the large business which he has built up.  The editor and publisher of a newspaper occupies a vantage ground from which he may make or mar reputations or build up or tear down causes worthy of public approval and support.  Not only the city of Ansonia, but the surrounding country in Darke county has reason for congratulation that the Ansonia Hearald is in such safe, clean and thoroughly reliable hands.  Mr. Millette is a native son of Ansonia, and was born Jan. 16, 1890, a son of William K. and Frances (Arbaugh) Millette.
     The paternal great-grandparents of Milton R. Millette were John and Sybil (Potter) Millette, the former born in Connecticut and the latter a native of New York, where they were married. They came to Darke county, Ohio. among the earliest settlers, when Indians still frequented the community.  This John Millette named the village of Ithaca, Darke county, Ohio.  Later they moved to the vicinity of Portland, Ind., where Mr. Millette purchased a farm, in the cultivation of which he spent the remainder of his life.  While still a resident of Darke county, Mr. Millette served as justice of the peace and postmaster at Ithaca.  Wesley Millette, the grandfather of Milton R. Millette, was born Sept. 29, 1836, at Ithaca, Darke county, Ohio, and was married to Sarah Wilson, who was born south of Greenville, in this State.  He was a wagon maker by trade, and worked at that occupation at Greenville, Rose Hill and Ansonia, and still resides at the last-named place.  He and his wife were the parents of four children: Frank E., William K., Charles C. and a daughter who died in infancy.  The maternal great-grandparents of Mr. Millette were Samuel and Jane (Gibson) Arbaugh, who had a large family of children, among them Valentine, William, Perry George, Joseph, Samuel, Jennie, Lizzie, Ella and Peggy.  Valentine Arbaugh married Margaret Hanlin, both being natives of Jay county, Indiana, where Mrs. Arbaugh died.  They had small family, including Frances and several who died as a children.
     William K. Millette was born at Greenville, Ohio, Nov. 6, 1864, and as a lad of two years accompanied his parents to Jay county, Indiana, where for two years he lived on a farm.  He then came back to Darke county, Ohio, and spent three years in Greenville and a year and a half in Rose Hill before settling permanently in Ansonia, which is now his home.  After completing his education in the public schools of Ansonia, he learned the trade of barber, which he has followed for over thirty years, and has also been well known in musical circles as instructor of the Ansonia Concert Band, with which organization he has been connected for twenty years.  On Jan. 3, 1889, Mr. Millette married Miss Frances Arbaugh, daughter of Valentine and Margaret (Hanlin) Arbaugh and they had one child, Milton R.
     Milton R. Millette was reared in Ansonia, and here attended the public schools until he was twelve years of age, at which time he learned the trade of printer, and has made this his life work.  He entered the employ of the Ansonia Herald in the capacity of “devil,” but has advanced rapidly, and on Apr. 1, 1909, became proprietor of this paper.  On Jan. 5, 1909, Mr. Millette was married to Miss Pearl Woods.  She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Flo (Moore) Woods.  She is a graduate of the Ansonia high school.  Her paternal and maternal ancestors were early settlers of Darke and Miami counties, Ohio.  Mr. and Mrs. Millette are the parents of two sons, Richard H., now three years of age, and James Thomas, one and one-half years old.  It is a progressive Democratic weekly, enjoying the support of a wide circle of readers and advertisers and under the capable management of Mr. Millette has grown to become a distinct influence in the community.  In no avenue of business do men become so widely known as in journalism, not always as personalities, perhaps, but as influences, their printed thoughts speaking to thousands where their spoken ones could reach perhaps but a score.  Hence the grave responsibility of the journalist.  The power of the press has  many times brought reformatory legislation and more than once has changed public policies.  Mr. Millette is endeavoring to give his readers a clean, live newspaper, printing the news fully and accurately.  His efforts are doing much to the advance his community’s interests.  He also conducts a well-equipped job printing establishment, where first-class work of all kinds is done.  Mr. Millette is a member of the Christian church, while his wife is a Methodist.  He belongs to Knights of Pythias, Castle Hall Lodge No. 356, of Ansonia, and in politics is a progressive Democrat. 
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 242

THOMAS C. MILLER.     The records of Darke county show that never before have there been so many able members of the bar within its confines.  With innumerable important matters before the people which involve serious problems of jurisprudence, it is exceedingly necessary for the lawyer of today to be able to cope with them and lend his aid in obtaining justice.  Because of the necessary qualifications for success, the modern attorney is being asked to occupy positions of trust and responsibility and his advice and co-operation are wanted in the handling of civic matters.  Thomas C. Miller of Greenville, Ohio, is a lawyer who rightly belongs to the class defined above, while as a man he has justified the confidence felt in him by those who know his capabilities and recognize his merit.  Mr. Miller was born at West Milton, Miami county, Ohio, Feb. 25, 1841, a son of Samuel and Margaret (Bowman) Miller, natives of Charleston, Va., and Ohio, respectively.  Thomas C. Miller is the only child born of their marriage.  Samuel Miller was reared in Virginia, but came to Ohio about 1835, and locating in Miami county, operated a mill on Stillwater near Milton for a number of years.  His death occurred in that locality when he was sixty-seven years old.  His wife passed away at Greenville, when about the same age.  They were earnest members of the Methodist church and good, Christian people.
     Thomas C. Miller grew up at West Milton, where he was given but a limited education.  From childhood, however, he was an omnivorous reader and by close personal application made himself a well-informed person long before he began the study of law, and this general information has proved of inestimable value to him in his practice.  While still a lad he began trading horses and was thus engaged when the Civil war broke out.  The patriotic young man did not hesitate but enlisted in Company B, One hundred and Tenth Ohio volunteer infantry and served for two years as a private, participating in a number of important engagements, escaping without serious injury.  Returning home, after the close of his period of service, Mr. Miller began studying law, and in 1874 was admitted to the bar, and immediately thereafter entered upon a general practice at Troy, Ohio, from whence he came to Greenville in 1892, and has since continued here, being associated with some of the most important jurisprudence of the county.  Prior to his admission to the bar, he represented several of his friends in suits, winning the first two.  his success attracted the attention of E. P. Kellogg, an attorney of Milton, who induced Mr. Miller to study under him, and encouraged him in every way.  The success which Mr. Miller has experienced is all the more remarkable in that he is almost entirely self-taught, and indicates that he had much natural ability and a keen insight into human nature which have been valuable aids to him.
     Thomas C. Miller was married to Miss Luisa M. Thompson, a daughter of Augustus and Sarah (Mote) Thompson....., and they became the parents of three children:  Perry E., who is a traveling salesman, married and has two children, Virginia and Louisa, and lives in Greenville township; William E., who operates a roofing and tinsmith business at Dayton, Ohio, married Emma Miller and Lemuel E., who is in a life insurance business at Dayton, Ohio, married and has a daughter, Dorothy.  Mrs. Miller was born in Miami county, Ohio, but her father was a native of Maryland, who came to Miami county at an early day.  Both he and his wife passed away in that county.  For his second marriage he was united to Mrs. Anna D. Bear (nee Grindle), and by this union there are no children.  Mr. and Mrs. Miller are consistent members of the United Brethren church.  He is a Republican in political faith.  For some years he has been serving as a pension attorney, and has rendered valuable assistance to his old comrades in securing their right from the government for past services.  His connections with Jobes Post, G. A. R., are very pleasant, and he enjoys attending encampments, for like other veterans, he does not forget the days when the Boys in Blue were the saviors of the nation.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 558

CHARLES R. MUSSON is a man whose colleagues upon newspaper work admit that he possesses industry, zeal, a real love of his work, clever wit, and an individual style, combined with a high ideal of journalism to which he subordinates any desire for material advancement which may conflict with his principles.  These qualities have placed him in the editorial chair of the Arcanum Enterprise of Arcanum, Ohio.  He was born at St. Paris, Champaign county, Ohio, Oct. 31, 1855 a son of Dr. John J. and Caroline (Rogers) Musson, and grandson of John Musson and his wife were born in Virginia, but became pioneers of Highland county, Ohio, where he died when still a comparatively young man.  His widow survived him for nine years, when she, too, passed away.  John J. Musson was their only child.  The reason for the family migration from Virginia to Ohio was the feeling entertained by James Musson towards the slavery question.  Although his people had been slave owners for many years, and he inherited some, he could not feel that the practice was right, and freed those who had come to him, and made his way to another State where he would not be compelled to go against his conscientious scruples.  Charles Rogers, the maternal grandfather of Charles R. Musson was a native of New Jersey, where his wife was also born.  By trade he was a carriage builder, but when he and his wife came to Champaign county, Ohio, he did some farming.  His death occurred in his new home when he was eighty-four years old, his wife having died at the age of fifty years.  They had three children:  Caroline, Charles L. and John S.|
     Dr. John J. Musson was a native of Ohio, but his wife was born in New Jersey.  Early deciding upon a medical career, he took a course at Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, from which he was graduated, and then practiced at St. Paris, Ohio, for half a century, dying there in 1899, aged over seventy years.  His wife died at the same place Jan. 13, 1873, aged forty-one years, firm in the faith of the Methodist church, of which she was an earnest member.  Doctor Musson was a Mason.  At one time he represented his district in which Champaign county was included, in the State Legislature, held various local offices, and had charge of the inspection of the internal revenue office, department of Ohio.  He and his wife, who had come to Ohio in young girlhood, had five children: Ada B., who resides at Washburn, N. D., having been one of the early teachers at that point; Charles R., whose name heads this review; Mary, who is the widow of D. L. Glendenning, Flint, Mich.; John L., who resides at Washburn, N. D., and Callie, who resides at Los Angeles, Cal.
     Charles R. Musson was reared at St. Paris, Ohio, and educated in its public schools.  Following his leaving school, he began learning to be a printer with the St. Paris Erie Dispatch, later having charge of it from 1874 to 1889.  In the latter year he came to Arcanum, Ohio, buying the Arcanum Enterprise, which he has issued continuously ever since. Prior to locating at Arcanum he studied law for two years, abut has never practiced, but his knowledge gained in his reading along this line has broadened his outlook and his range of information.  His newspaper occupies a recognized place among those devoted to the support and spread of democratic principles, for Mr. Musson is a stanch Democrat.  He was pos-office inspector under President Cleveland for two years, and superintendent of printing at the Soldiers and Sailors' Home at Xenia, Ohio.  Locally he has held some of the municipal offices, and is a man whose devotion to his party and his desire to secure the progressive improvement of his community, is a genuine and forceful.  On April 29, 1880, Charles R. Musson was married to Miss Caroline (McGrew) Snyder, and they had five children: Samuel J., who is in the treasurer's office of the National Cash Register at Dayton, Ohio, married Ida Klugel, and they have a son, Robert; Florence A. married A. C. Crossman, they live at Detroit, Mich., and have a daughter Gertrude; Marie J., Ruth A. and Mabel C., the last three of whom live at home.
     Mrs. Musson was born at Westville, Champaign county, Ohio, Mar. 16, 1858.  Her father was born in Ohio, and her mother in Indiana, and both are now deceased.  They had seven children
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 187

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 479

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time - Vol. II - Milford, Ohio - The Hobart Publ. Co. - 1914 - pg. 492