Greenville Township (part 7 of 11)

The officers for 1875 were John Townsend, President ; Thomas McCowen, Vice President ; new Managers - Michael Noggle. J. C. Turpen, I. N. Shively and A. F. Koop ; Mr. Martz remained Secretary and Mr. Koop was chosen Treasurer. The fair was held somewhat later ; the weather was chill and unpleasant. Few entries were made the first day, and prospects unfavorable, nor was the second day much more encouraging, but the entries were beyond hopes, and it was found necessary to keep the books open till dark. The third day was mild, pleasant and drew a crowd. Over 8,000 persons and 900 vehicles came upon the grounds. The interest centered upon the races, and bets were publicly made on the ground. " the police making no effort to prevent the same." A balloon ascension took place at 3 P. M. to the full satisfaction of a gazing multitude. The descent was gradually and safely accomplished to the southern part of the old fair ground. The final day saw a diminished throng ; awards proved satisfactory. Again public wagers were noticed - a scandal heretofore unknown to the fair - and again there was a balloon ascension. The daring aeronaut attained a great altitude, and came to the surface just east of the Elston pike near the corporation line.

The officers for 1876 were: Thomas McCowan, President ; Mr. Townsend, Vice President, and new Managers - Gr. W. Studabaker, Sr., J. N. Lowry, E. Lecklider and N. M. Wilson ; J. C. Turpen now became Secretary ; Mr. Koop having resigned as Treasurer and Manager, George W. Studabaker was appointed to the former office, and H. S. York to the vacant position on the board.

Again, September came around. It had now become usual to employ the first two days in entering articles and stock for exhibition. Farm products, poultry, stock and implements were well represented, but there was a falling-off in the display of furniture.

The morning of the day was rainy, drizzling showers fell until nearly noon, and the clouds looked threatening all the day. yet there were present seven to eight thousand people. The races "drew " as before, the -- ascension" was again a success, although twice accomplished.

The election of 1877 caused Messrs. McCowen and Townsend to exchange positions. Messrs. Shively, York, Noggle and Turpen were chosen managers, the Treasurer was continued, and Mr. Turpen elected Secretary. An addition was made to Floral Hall during the summer, for the disposition of plants and flowers. The fair opened with a fair representation of the several departments. The horse and the cattle stalls were nearly all rented, additional pens were required for sheep and swine, and at the fine art hall, so great was the number of plants and flowers brought in. that an addition had to be extemporized for that department also. The third or exhibition day was bright and pleasant. The gate-keepers were obliged to call for assistance. The attendance was about ten thousand, besides hundreds of vehicles. So dusty grew the ground, that the board determined to employ a sprinkler for the next day. The fair held its own as in times past in attendance and harmonious action.

Officers for 1878 wen' same as previous year. The pay of help was reduced 10 pei- cent, as follows : Chief of Police. gate-keepers and assistants of Treasurer and Secretary, each sl'.l\"> per day ; the hall committee $1.35, and a proposition from the Greenville Band to play during the three clays for $75 less thfrteen or more family tiekets was accepted. The annual fair began September 17. 'There were a great mam- entries, but the " district pacing race," set for the second day, failed to become an attraction. The exhibit of cattle, poultry, grain and fruits was particularly good. On the third day, at 7 A. 31., the population of Darke County " and the rest of the United States " began to stream through the gates, at 25 cents a head, children under twelve years of age being free. The Secretary had asserted, and it now came true, that " this day will pass into the history of the Agricultural Society as one of the most successful in every way since its organization.'" Concerning the final day we quote : " 0 most inglorious day ! 0 da}r that made officers, managers, exhibitors and visitors, especially the ' horse men,' say words out of the Bible ! ' The rain, the rain, how beautiful is the rain, after the dust and heat, in the crowded street and in the narrow lane,' but not under the present circumstances. It was about 10 A. M. when all were taken by surprise by the showers that began to fall most heavily. The people rapidly took their departure without waiting to hear the band play ' Sweet Home.' " It was the opinion of the managers that the races should not be held, but they 3-ielded to the importunities of those who remained. The receipts from this exhibition were $4,651.44.

The officers remained practically the same in 1879, save that a new manager, S. Rynearson, was chosen, and AYilliam Sullivan appointed Secretary. The racecourse was remodeled during the summer and lengthened to a half-mile, under the supervision of C. O'Brien. Other alterations and repairs were made during the same season. The fair lasted this fall only four days. So much stock arrived on the day previous that parties were kept busy in their proper bestowal. It had been advertised that a match trot for a purse of $200 would come off on the opening day (September 16). and the result was an attendance of fully two thousand four hundred persons. The Secretary and assistants were busied all day and thence on to midnight making entries from memoranda supplied by exhibitors. The weather was cool during the second day ; about four thousand were present. The books were kept open till noon, and due diligence was exercised in expediting entries, but this department was obliged to close before full record could be made. Carpenters were engaged all day building stalls and pens, and night found considerable stock unsheltered. The races, stimulated by the surging multitude, proved very exciting. It had been announced that Gov. Bishop would deliver an agricultural address during the fair. He arrived at Greenville on the night of the 17th, and by noon of the next clay, the people and vehicles gathered from all points far and near. The '-grove" seemed literally packed . with wagon, buggy and other conveyances, while there was a perfect jam of people in and about the various halls. The Governor came upon the ground about 11 A. M., and from the band-stand delivered a short address, congratulating the citizens of Darke County upon their rapid advance in agriculture, and their good fortune in having selected such a fertile spot for their homes.

The managers of awards had anticipated their duties, and the business progressed rapidly toward completion harmoniously. Committees on horses, cattle, sheep and hogs reported an unusually fine displa}- in those departments ; more especially was this the case with swine, which was the finest exhibit of any heretofore made in the county. From 2 P. 31.. races claimed attention, and were continued until dark. Judging from the number of tickets sold, the number present was full 12,000. The morning of the final day was clear and cold, yet some 7,000 persons were present. About 10 A. 31., the removal of stock and machinery began, and by 3 P. 31. was mainly completed. Three races occupied the afternoon, a 2:30 trot for a purse of $300. the county trot and a running race for $125. Receipts of this fair were $5,681.81.

Officers for 1880 are Thomas 3IcC<»wan. President; John Townsend, Vice President; new managers - G. W. Studabaker, X. 31. Wilson. J. N. Lowry and

Ezra Lecklider; the managers who hold over are X. S.York, Michael Noggle. S. Rynearson and William Sullivan, who on February 3, 1880, was elected Secretary, while Mr. Studabaker continues Treasurer.

After a somewhat checkered experience financially and otherwise, that required, at times, the most prudent counsels and judicious management, as well as the hearty co-operation of friends and promoters in general, the Darke County Agricultural Society stands in the fore front of local enterprises, with a prosperous future confidently assured. Its present debt is about $1,000, the remainder of the purchase of its new and commodious grounds, embracing forty-four acres, located one-half mile south of the city, just at the corporation line between the Jefferson and Eaton turnpikes. The buildings, fencing and other constructions and improvements are permanent and need no immediate repair nor material increase.

In addition to the credit deservedly bestowed upon the society for efficient management, there has recently been presented a new claim to the respect and esteem of community by an unanimous interdict of the sale of intoxicants on the fair grounds. We predict for the society a prosperous future, calculated to continue the county in its vantage ground of varied and enormous products, till by drainage, tillage and crops, the maximum shall be reached and held.

Geology

There is no subject identified with the history of Darke ComnVy so little known and so abounding in matters of interest and value as that which treats of its rock formations. The facts stated in this chapter are drawn from the report of the Geology of Darke County, published in "Geology of Ohio." The structural geology of the county presents us with a single rock formation, upon which rest drift deposits which vary, within the bounds of Darke, in a great degree in their thickness. In some places superficial, in others of considerable depth. A study of these deposits in their various phases will tend to aid people in their search for comfort and wealth, and will decide the pursuit or abandonment of various desirable projects. The rock upon which the drifts rest is known generally as Niagara limestone, beneath which are the series designated as paleozoic. The geologists of this region thus write : " Hither the great glaciers of the north, at a very remote age, have transported and deposited all over this rocky floor, in varied depths, vast quantities of clay, gravel and bowlders, on an average of 100 feet or even more. Through the action of water, or the hand of man, where there was no other impediment than a few feet of soil, in five different localities, small areas of the native rock have been exposed." Slight knowledge can be acquired of the outlines of the bed-rock, while its constituents and characters may be fully understood. This rock is of diverse texture. It has been found soft and sandy, and again crystalline in its hardness. Where it is exposed to view, it is seen unbroken and horizontal, save a single exception. In the quarries owned by Dr. Card, a mile and a half southwest of Greenville, between the fork of Greenville and Mud Creeks, the beds of rock are found folded, with a dip to the south and east. The Layers are also seen to terminate in the contiguous drift, and may be fdflowed short distances by scattered fragments. The Niagara Ledge was reached at a depth of ninety-five feet, by parties engaged in excavating the public cistern at the corner of Fourth Street and Broadway, in Greenville. Though the enterprise failed in its object to secure a supply of water, yet it rendered useful knowledge in a variety of ways. This depth is placed at the minimum to reach rock in the vicinity. The quarries mentioned lie twenty-one feet below Greenville, and are. therefore, seventyfour feet above the rock underlying the town. The same ledge crops out four and a half miles east of Greenville, at Bierley's, and is there eighty-nine feet above the rock at the county seat. Five miles south, at Maur's Station. Mud Creek flows over the horizontal limestone, showing a still greater elevation. These observations tend to locate Greenville upon a huge drift heaped in a great glacial valley. Since the town is elevated thirty feet above the channel of the creek, its present bed. must flow over detritus sixt}T-five feet in depth. This deposit also points to the early junction of the two streams beneath the present site of Greenville. Strong proof is supplied by Gard's quarries, which stood a bold rocky islet, around which swept the great streams which in the remote part formed this basin.

The streams flow over their original beds in three localities within the county, for short distances : Greenville Creek at Bierley's, Mud Creek at Weaver's Station and Stillwater in Wayne Township. That the excavation noticed was the work of glaciers is proved by the general horizontal position of the rock and by the smoother polished glacial stria? found in the quarries. These striae bear a direction almost due south.

The superficial deposits consist of a mass of clay, sand and gravel, sometimes found in regular distinct layers, at others, heterogeneously blended. The former mark the action of water, the latter, of glacier and iceberg. There seems to be a diversity in the divisions of the deposits, as no two sections present uniform succession of parts.

The pebbles and bowlders are worn by water. The layer of blue clay is derived from melting icebergs. Surface bowlders are of greenstone, S}Tenite, etc., while those found blended with the yellow cla}* were of waterlime and Niagara limestone, water-worn.

A noticeable feature of the drift in this locality are the sand and gravel hills which largely prevail in the county. These cairns, as they are called, are easily accessible, break the otherwise monotony of the landscape, and are nature's storehouses for the material of which the fine and numerous turnpikes have been constructed. They, also, supply abundance of building-sand, at the very places where this auxiliary is most needed.

These hill range in height from thirty to sixty feet, and are in form either conical or elongated ; the latter type is the most common to this localit}*. It is noted that their axes lies uniformly northwest by southeast. They most abound along a line parallel to the divide, passing from the northeast through the center of the county, to its southwestern portion. Along the railroad, between Greenville and Richmond. Ind., they are in clusters ; they ma}* be seen isolated and in groups. Their shape and distribution indicate their oriain. at right angles to the direction of the watershed. There is a marked peculiarity between the cairns and the soil surrounding them. They are frequently met with in the midst of black bottom land, entirely distinct and dissimilar. Their composition is sand, gravel and a small quantity of Intermixed yellow clay. The mass, generally 3'ellow, is at varying intervals streaked with blue, and the presence of iron and sulphur is often perceivable from the red brown hue of the deposit. There is an absence of large bowlders, the pebbles are seen to be rounded and smoothed, anil the sand and gravel are found interlocked in wedge-shaped layers. The pebbles are from one-half to three inches in diameter. Large fragments of rocks are sometimes found imbedded in the drift. Among varieties of this are flint, granite, shale and limestone. Wherever fossils have been discovered, they are seen to be much worn and are scarcely recognizable. A section of an isolated cairn, known as Bunker Hill, near the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, one and one-half miles southwest of Greenville, gives the following :

This hill, once fifty feet in height, has been pretty much removed. A very fine section, with well-stratified layers, showing interlocking, free from bowlders, and containing pebble of blue shale and limestone, is obtained from Hetzler's gravel pit, in Adams Township. It shows series, as follows :

Dr. Newberry speaks of these cairns as follows : " It seems that in the period of greatest submergence, the larger part of the summit of the watershed was under water, and was swept by breakers and shore waves, by which some of the beds of sand and gravel were formed which are described under the head of cairns ; and I have supposed that a considerable proportion of the materials composing these cairns or eskers was derived from icebergs standing on the shoals which now form the crest of the divide." It is theorized that, in the passes of the divide, there was depth of water sufficient to float icebergs of some size. As these stranded upon the shelving slopes of the divide, or dissolved in their slow movement southward, there was set free their immense stores of mud and gravel. The gradual upheaval of the continent made the gaps in the divide. through which volumes of water continued to pour for an indefinite period, and their eddies and other agencies united to sort and shape the successive layers.

Very many bowlders are found scattered over the surface of the county, and their origin is imputed to floating ice. Two classes differing in location are observed, one finely striated, of deep-blue color and resting on the bed-rock, the other containing ordinary drift rocks and lying within a few feet of the surface. These bowlders are first observed in the northwest [tart of the county, along the crest of the divide, where they were set free from the stranded icebergs. We may trace them along the line of the deepest channels of the principal streams, prominent among which was Greenville Creek. We quote, "at Bierley's quarries, and in that vicinity, resting just above the Niagara limestone, in probably a foot or two of soil, they exist in a perfect jumble, sometimes two and three huge ones piled up together. Up stream, they can be traced as a perfect moraine ; below, however, they are few, though, for the most part, larger." The beds of rock were evidently a barrier at this point to the further progress of the floating ice-masses. Like, though smaller, prevalence of these large bowlders is found at all exposures in the county, and gives color to the statement of quarrymen that the presence of groups of bowlders on the surface indicates the presence of the limestone at a small depth beneath.

A belt of these iceberg-moraines extends up the left bank of the creek from Bierley's quarries, pursues a direct course at a bend of the creek, crosses and follows the north side of the Greenville & Gettysburg pike, makes a circuit through neighboring fields and returns to the creek below Knouf's mill, where the bowlders have been used in the formation of a large dam, and from this point its course is traceable toward the divide. This belt of rock was seen to advantage in the early day, upon the commons east of Greenville, before removal for building purposes. Another prominent belt of surface bowlders, three or four hundred yards in width, is seen to extend from the northern part of Van Buren Township, in a southwesterly course, crossing the Dayton & Union Railroad a few miles south of Jaysville, thence, with a bend to the southeast, through Twin Township, near Ithaca, into Preble County. Bowlders in Van Buren Township are eight to ten feet through, and there are examples where they have a diameter of twelve feet. This moraine was long regarded as impassable and untillable. but these difficulties have been overcome, and the belt produces average crops, and the rough, rock}' roads are at least dry and lasting. While the peat-alluvium of this region was in process of formation, the sedgy and marshy banks of the small lakes - now peat-bogs - were haunted by the mammoth and the mastodon, whose remains are almost annually found in different parts of the county. The remains of a mastodon and an almost perfect skeleton of a mammoth, found in the peat deposits of Mud Creek Prairie, are parjb of the collection of Dr. Cr. Miesse, of Greenville. A fine tusk of a mastodon was found in the northern part of the county, and the tooth of a mammoth was picked up in the creek-bottom north of Versailles. Parts of the skeletons of nearly a score of those huge creatures have been discovered in as many years.

The geology of Darke County is pre-eminently that of the drift, but one rock formation being exposed within its entire borders. This formation belongs to the upper series of the Niagara group, known as the Guelph or Cedarville beds. It is supposed to be identical with the Le Claire of Iowa, the Racine of "Wisconsin and the Guelph of Canada, from which it takes its name. Although there are but five exposures, there is no doubt but that these beds compose the entire rock surface. It was formerly thought by some members of the survey that the water-lime extended into the northern part of the country. This might have been highly probable before the glacial epoch, but, being evidently superficial, must have been removed during that period of erosion.

The Guelph rocks are most extensively laid bare along Greenville Creek and at the quarries of Bierley, Hershey and Roesser, in the southwest quarter of Section 27. Adams Township. They form the bed of the creek here for a quarter-mile or more. The quarries are situated in the bottom of the valle}- or ravine, and are covered with about two feet of dark red clay or loam, mingled with the decomposed lime-rock and strewn with heaps of large drift bowlders. The banks are twenty to thirty feet in height, and composed of yellow clay and hardpan. The beds of limestone here appear perfectly horizontal, having been deposited (as shown by the character of the rock) in a quiet, shallow sea. and having witnessed little disturbance and no subsequent upheaval. A section of ten or twelve feet can be observed at the quarries, bearing about the same features as the Guelph bed generally, viz., of a light buff color, porous or spongy and fragile. The upper portion, in particular, is so fragile or sandy as to crumble up Tike chalk, and is composed almost entirely of crinoidal stems. No regular planes of stratification appear, the rock breaking into thin, irregular slabs. Lower clown, this formation is of a darker yellow color, firm, massive, and contains innumerable fine casts of crinoidea.

A second exposure of this formation occurs at the quarries of Dr. I. N. Gard, southeast quarter Section 33, Greenville Township. The beds are worked in two places, known as the old and new quarries, and lie about fifty yards apart. In appearance the rock does not differ materially from that at Bierley's, but it is much harder and totally different in fossil contents, two or three species only being common to both. The upper stratum is especially to be noticed as being of a compact crystalline structure, and also considerably folded. Moreover, it shows a perceptible dip toward the south and east. The section is as follows :

The beds are again exposed just below the mill at Webster, in the southwest quarter of Section 32, Wayne Township. A section of between four and five feet is revealed on the right bank of the Stillwater, where its waters have worn down to its original bed. The rock here is very nearly identical in character with that in Greenville Township. Its hardness is sufficient for building purposes, but it would be impracticable to attempt a quarry from the massive, irregular character of the limestone. It is easy of access and might be quarried to be manufactured into lime. The creek bank above the rock consists of three or four feet of dark red-colored clay, which is greatly calcareous. Beneath this clay several sulphur springs flow out from the surface of the rock into the creek.

Agatej near Weaver's Station, on the southeast quarter of Section 29, Neave Township, a surface of limestone is revealed along the bed of Mud Creek for some one hundred and fifty yards. The rock here differs but slightly from the other exposures noticed. The stone is plainly laminated, breaking out in thin irregular flags ; very sandy in texture, and mostl}* of a buff color, and in patches bearing a close resemblance to red sandstone. Experiments demonstrate that the lighter colored stone produces a fine qualit}* of lime, while the red in color is said to become hard from heating. This may have been the result of imperfect burning. Stones used in the foundation of a mill in the immediate vicinity were taken from the creek, but they are not hard enough for purposes of building. A peculiar feature is the absence not only of fossils but traces of them.

The only other exposure is on the northwest quarter of Section 24, near New Madison, Harrison Township, where a lime-kiln was formerly carried on by C. B. Xorthrup. A section six to eight feet deep and much worn is visible, showing the same general features elsewhere noted. Prof. Orton gives the Niagara rock a thickness of twenty feet at Hillsboro, Ohio, and of forty-two feet at Springfield, and an estimate of its depth in Darke County would place it between twenty and thirty feet.

Worthless as this limestone is found for building or even flagging, it is valuable for the fine character of the lime it produces. This lime is strong, very white, and unexcelled within the State. Its superiority has been recognized, and it finds a constant demand in markets near and more distant. An analysis of this rock by Dr. Wormley, of the survey, shows it to consist of 50.11 per cent of carbonate of magnesia. This high percentage is attributed by Prof. Orton to the longcontinued presence of carbonated water, but at 'bird's quarries the rock shows 45.72 percentage of magnesia.

The specific gravity of the first is 2.452, as shown by Prof. Mendenhall. While the supply of material for lime is inexhaustible and kilns will be built at accessible points, and this industry expanded and increased, the surface clay affords good facilities for the manufacture of brick and tile, and a number of manufactories are carried on to advantage in different parts of the county. A summary shows that the rock formations of the county furnish excellent lime, and contain the elements of a soil's renewal, and are a source of a highly valuable industry.

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

In 1836, the Congressional district was composed of Darke, Preble and Butler, and Taylor Webster, of Butler, a Democrat, was elected. In 1838, John B. Weller, Democrat, of Butler, was chosen over John Beers, of Darke County, a Whig. Weller was re-elected in 1840 and 1842 over L. D. Campbell, a Whig, of Butler, but in 1844, F. A. Cunningham, of Eaton, Preble Co., was elected over Campbell. In 1846, the district was composed of Darke, Montgomery, Greene and Preble Counties, when B. C. Schenck, Whig, of Dayton, was elected. Two 3-ears later, he was re-elected over J. W. McCorkle, of Dayton. In 1850, the Third District was composed of the same counties, when Hiram Bell, Whig, of Greenville, was elected. In 1852, the district was composed of Darke, Miami, Shelby, Auglaize, Allen and Mercer, when M. H. Nichols, of Lima, Democrat, was successful over Joseph Plunket, Whig, of St. Mary's. In 1854, Nichols withdrew from the Democratic Convention of the district, held at Sidney, and, announcing himself as an independent anti-Nebraska candidate, was elected by a majority of 6,000 over D. G. Dorsey, of Piqua, the nominee of the convention after the withdrawal of Nichols. In 1856, Nichols again ran against Dorsey and won, by a Bepublican majority of 256. At the next election, William Allen, Democrat, by 78 majority, was chosen over Nichols, and re-elected for the same office in 1860 by 600 majority over Hart. In 1802. the district, was composed of Darke, Warren, Shelby, Logan and Champaign, and J. T. McKinney, Democrat, of Piqua, was elected over W. 11. West, Republican, whose defeat was largely attributable to the draft made at that time by order of G-ov. Tod. In 1864, Mr. William Laramore was chosen over McKinney, and was re-elected for 1866-68 : then, in 1870, McKinney was successful over W. B. McClung. In 1872, the distrid was constituted of Darke, Preble.

lie ami Montgomery, and L. B. G-unkel, Republican, elected over J. J. Warner, of G-reene. !n 1874, the election went Democratic, sendingJohn A. McMahon, of Dayton, to Congress over G-unkel. In 1870. McMahon was returned over John Hand, of Dayton. In 1878, the district was composed of Darke. Shelby. Warren, Preble, Auglaize and Mercer, and B. S. Lesser, of Sidney, was elected over Wilson of the same place.

The senatorial district was formerly composed of Darke. Shelby and Miami Counties, and always went Whig or Republican. The new constitution came into foi*ce in 1851, and ma.de Darke County a representative district of itself. Previous to 1850, the majorities of the dominant party had averaged about one hundred votes. In 1857, J. L. Winner, Democrat, was elected Senator, and on the expiration of his term was re-elected. Since that time, the county has been increasingly Democratic, and has now about one thousand majority. The qualifications for eligibility to be a Senator are citizenship of the United States, two years' residence in the district whence chosen, thirty years of age. and be known to have paid State and county taxes. The Representative must be twenty-five years of age. a resident of the county, with the other qualifications above given.

As a convenient and instructive record connected with the political and official list of the county, we supply the lists of members of Assembly from 1842, and county officers from the organization of the county to the present time : Members of Assembly - 1843, James Bryson; 1844. D. I. Hostetter; 1848. Luther Montfort; 1849, George AVard ; 1850, Judge Lennox ; 1851, P. V. Banta ; 1853, Evan Baker; 1855, J. C. Williamson; 1857-59. J. L. Winner; 1801. L. B. Lott (served two terms); 1805, Scipio Myer ; 1807-69, Jacob Baker (two terms); 1871, E. X. Walker ; 1873, D. T. D. Styles ; 1875-77, Dr. Hostetter (two terms); 1879. Charles Negley and W. Long.

The following is the list of County Commissioners, with time of service : 1817 - Archibald Bryson, two years ; Abraham Studabaker, three years ; Silas Atchison, one year ; 1818, Jacob Miller, one year. (We have an incomplete record at this point, and resume with 1823.) 1823 - William Cury, one year: Abraham Studabaker, ten years ; John McNeill, two years ; 1 824. Joshua Howell, two years ; 1825, Dennis Hart, three years ; 1820, James Bryson, four years ; Robert Robeson, one year; 1828. David Briggs, one year; 1831, Jacob Harter, three years; 1832, Solomon Riffle, five years; 1833, John Swisher, two years; 1837, Richard Lucas, two pears ; 1840, Moses Woods, three years, and William B. Ludd, one year; 1841, George Ward, three years ; 1842. John McGriff. Jr.; 1S43. John Colville. live years ; 1814, Henry Lipps, two years ; 1845, William Arnold, two years ; 1848 (March), John Miller, one year ; 1848 (October), Christian Harshey, two years ; Adam Baker, who resigned, and Henry Arnold appointed till next election; 1849, Samuel C. Baker, two years, and Isaac Reed, three years; 1851, Daniel Reigle. five years; 1852, David Studabaker. live years; 1853, Abel Stonaker, two years; 1855, S. A. Green, three years: 1856, William Kerr, three y 1857, Michael Zick, three years; 1858, William Wright, three years ; 1859, Riley Card, three years ; 1863, John Stoltz, six years ; 186 I. George [vester, six years ; 1865, Samuel Alexander, three years ; 1868, David Oliver, three years: 1869, Jesse Woods, three years ; 1871, James Auld, three years ; 1872. J. R. Holland. four years; 1ST:'. Elisha Berry, four years; L874, John Antonides, one year; 1877, George 1). Miller, three years: L878, William Archard : 1879, Samuel Wilson. Probate Judges - John Wharry, elected in 1851 ; A. I!. Calderwood, L854 ; D. 11. 11. Jobes, 1857; J. C. McKeny. 1866, resigned 1868, and A. F. Bodle was appointed to serve from April to November of that year ; James T. Meeker was elected in October, 1868, to complete the term, then elected in 1869 for three }-ears, and again chosen in 1872 ; then J. A. Jobes was chosen in 1875, and re-elected in 187S. and is now incumbent of the office. As is observed, the officer holds for three years. The Prosecuting Attorney is biennially elected, his term of office to begin the first Monday of January next after his election. No person is eligible to this office who is not a duly licensed counselor at law. authorized to practice in the State. No Prosecuting Attorney should be a member of the General Assembly of the State, or Mayor of a city, and no county officer should be a candidate for the office. Bond not less than $1,000 is required, to be approved by the Court of Common Pleas in the Probate Court, which may appoint to iill vacanc}*. His general duties are to prosecute in the name of the State all complaints, suits and controversies in which the State is a party. In case of conviction, he shall cause execution to issue and faithfully urge collection, which shall be paid to County Treasurer. He shall be the legal adviser of the county officers, shall not enter a nolle pros, without leave of the court. He shall prepare and accept the bonds of all county officers. He is held to see that count}* funds are not misapplied, and in lieu of failure is open to suit by taxpayers. No list is given.

The Clerk of Common Pleas Court is elected triennially ; term begins February 9, next after his election. Bond not less than $10,000 nor more than $40,000, as determined by County Commissioners, with approved sureties. He shall also be the Clerk of the District Court, and of any superior court held in the county. Auditor or Commissioners may appoint to fill vacancy. Clerk may appoint one or more deputies. His general duties are to indorse and file all papers, to enter all orders, decrees and judgments, to engi-oss proceedings of his court. He may administer oaths, take affidavits and depositions. Reports to the Secretary of State annually all crimes and criminals. Once in four }Tears, he reports number of males over twenty-one v-ears, furnishes poll-books and tallysheets, is held for security of law reports and other books of law library ; is depository of all costs and fees taxed upon writs, and pay over to person entitled. No charge shall be made for certificates made for pensioners of the Grovernment, for any oath administered connected with pensions. Linus Bascom was the first Clerk appointed in Darke County, and held one year. Easton Morris, appointed in June, 1818, served seven years. David Morris served four years and deceased, when L. R. Brownell served pro tern, from August to November of 1829 ; John Beers served three terms, from 1829 to 1850 ; David Beers then served a few months, after which J. AY. Frizzell was appointed for a terrn of seven jrears, but the new constitution, which was adopted in 1852, reduced the term to three years. Samuel Robinson was elected October, 1854 ; William C. Porterfield, in October, I860, but deceased before expiration of term, and was succeeded by Henry Miller, who served as Clerk pro tem. until October, 1802, when he was elected and served two terms ; Hamilton Slade was elected in 1SG8 ; Wesley Gorsuch, in 1873, and John H. Martin filled three months of the unexpired term following Grorsuch's resignation ; finally John H. Martin was elected in 1879.

The Sheriff and Coroner are chosen biennially. They give bonds for not less than $5,000, nor to exceed $50,000. The general' duty of the Sheriff is the preservation of the public peace, attend upon all courts, shall have the power to call to his aid such persons as he shall find necessary. lie shall keep a foreign execution docket and a cash-book. The books shall be open to inspection by all persons; the fee for producing the books is 124; cents, which entitles to a certified copy of entry. On retiring from office, all moneys are paid to the Clerk of the court. In regard to Coroners, it may he said that, on being notified that the body of a person, whose death is supposed to have been caused by violence, has been found within the county, he issues subpoenas for witnesses, administers oaths and takes testimony in writing. He shall draw up his findings in writing, subscribe the same, and. if he find any person or persons inculpated, he shall arrest and take him or them before a proper officer for examination. At once, after finding a body, if friends or relatives be known, they shall be notified by the Coroner, by letter ; if unknown, advertisement shall be made. All articles and moneys found shall be returned to the Probate Court. After one year and due publication, public sale may be made of these articles. The first Sheriff, who was appointed in 1817, served till 1820 ; his successor was William Scott, who served till 1824 ; then, Mark T. Mills, till 1828; Joshua Howell, till 1830; John Howell, till 1834; James Craig was appointed, but died, and William Vance served till 183G ; David Angel, till 1840 ; Thomas Vantilburg. 1844, and 1852 till 1856 ; George Coover, 1848 ; David Stamm, 1852 ; Joshua Townsend, till 1860 ; Hamilton, till 1862 ; Chauncey Riffle, 1866 ; A. P. Vandyke, till 1870 ; N. M. Wilson, till 1875 ; J. W. Hall, till 1879 ; and Jerry Runkle is the present official.

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

The County Treasurer is elected biennially. Bond to the amount required by Commissioners, at the hands of four or more freehold sureties, or the office vacant, and appointment made. Additional bond may be required, if deemed necessary. All payments are made, except on tax duplicate, on the draft of the Auditor, or when moneys are received from the State by the Auditor of State. Duplicate receipts must be given for all moneys paid, except taxes - one to the person paying, the other to the Auditor. Receipt of tax duplicate is made known fry legal notice given. The oilier shall be kept open, for the collection of taxes, from the time of the delivery of the duplicate to him until January 25, and from April 1 to July 20. Taxes may be paid on or before December 20, or one-half before that time ami the remainder on or before June 20, but all road taxes shall be paid prior to December 20. After June 20, the penalty is 5 per cent; after December 20, the overdue taxes may by collected by distress and sale, etc. When the Treasurer is unable to collect by distress, he shall apply to the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, and cause to be serve* 1 upon the delinquent person or corporation, requiring them to show cause for failure in payment, in default of which a rule shall he entered, having the force and effect of a judgment. The right to redeem lands sold for tax holds two 3Tears from date of sale, by payment to the holder, the amount, expense of deed, with 6 per cent interest and 25 per cent on account of said judgment. When any warrant on the treasury is presented and cannot be paid for want of funds, it shall be indorsed and bear 6 per cent interest from date of indorsement by Treasurer. If the Treasurer, either directly or indirectly, purchases warrants of his county at any discount, he shall, upon settlement, forfeit the whole amount due thereon. Advance payments may be made to local authorities, not exceeding two-thirds of the current collection of taxes of the corporation. In case of embezzlement, the incumbent shall be removed and a new Treasurer appointed. The following have been the Treasurers of Darke County : John Devor, appointed June, 1817, 1818 and 1819 ; Daniel Briggs, 1821; Linus Bascom, 1822 and 1824; John Beers, 1825; A. Scribner, 1826 and 1827 ; Loring R. Brownell, elected October, 1831 ; Henry D. Williams, 1835 ; James M. Dorse}', 1839 ; Daniel Irwin, 1839 ; James Devor, appointed to fill vacancy caused by death of Irwin, May, 1844 ; Charles Hutchins, 1847 ; James Irwin, elected 1851 and 1853 ; William Schmidt, appointed 1854 ; James McKhann, 1855 and 1857 ; George H. Martz, 1859 and 1861; Thomas P. Turpen, 1862 ; Eli Helm, 1866 ; Peter V. Banta, 1870, two terms ; W. It. Kerlin, 1874, and Amos Hahn, 1878.

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

For a few years from first settlement, comparatively little interest was taken in politics ; people were too much absorbed in the struggle for bread. Later, the district was carried b}' the Whigs, uniformly, but by moderate majorities only, until after the new constitution came into force, in 1851. An increasing interest was felt in politics as years went by, and both national and local issues were discussed with much warmth, privately and publicly. During the Presidential campaign which resulted in making James Buchanan chief magistrate of the nation, the political pulse of the people rose to a pitch previously unknown in the history of Darke, while, during the whole period of the war, Greenville was one of the most deeply engaged and thoroughly aroused places in this part of Ohio. The local prints did not mince matters, but criminations and recriminations were frequent. The editorial pencils were held firmly, and moved by fervid energ}". Italics, small caps and capitals wearied the printer ; political writers and speakers dealt in denunciations, threats and charges ; the Democrat office was pied, and pitched into the street. Later years aroused a more conservative spirit, and a courtesy prevails which speaks well for the intelligence and patriotism of the citizens. The county is fully recognized as Democratic, the strength of which party, compared with the Republican, is illustrated by the vote of 1876 for President : Samuel J. Tilden received 4,667 votes ; Rutherford B. Hayes, 3,577 ; a total of 8,239. In 1877, the vote stood for Governor: William H. West, 2.612; Richard M. Bishop, 3,947. In 1878, for Secretary of State, Milton Barnes. 2.980 ; David R. Paige, 4,202. The following, respecting population, shows the progress of the county in this regard : In 1820, 3.717 ; in 1830, 6,204 ; in 1840, 13,282 ; in 1850, 20,276 ; in 1860, 26,009 ; in 1870. 32,278.

1.8G6 to 1,705; Washington, 898 to 1,250; Van Buren, 121 to 770; German, 1,173 to 1,601 ; Wayne, 727 to 1,162 ; Brown, 293 to 684 ; Butler, 1,116 to 1,446; Monroe, 171 to 913 ; Jackson, 304 to 566; Adams, 698 to 1,416; Neave, 635 to 883; York, 371 to 197; Franklin. 2!) 1 to 451 ; Mississinewa, 124 to 318 ; Patterson, attached to "Wayne, 319 ; Allen, 194 to 290; Wabash, attached to York in 1840, in 1850 gave 309. Gibson, with 270. was attached to Mercer County when Auglaize was erected. Aboul one-half of Allen and parts of Patterson unci Wabash were given to Mercer at the same time. Add the population of Patterson to Wayne, of which it was formed, and 1,48] shows the population to have doubled. The same is true of York when Wabash is added. All townships hut Harrison showed heavy increase compare with 1840. We conclude (his chapter b}- the following from the pen of Hon. James Hanaway, of Kansas, formerly a resident of Butler Township, this county :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"About 1 o'clock P. M.. the' hunters left Newport, but the friends of the fugitives were fearful that they had gone north to Winchester, for assistance. Before evening, however, we found that they had made no discovery. That night the fugitives were taken to Cabin Creek, Randolph Co., Ind., and, after a few weeks, were forwarded to Canada.

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

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

Roads Turnpikes And Railroads

The construction of roads and water ways are characteristic of ancient and powerful nations advanced in civilization, and "knit together in all their interests by bonds of profitable commerce Rome made her road's for the expeditious marches of her legions, but America has made hers for the facility of peaceful intercourse, in the interests of commerce, trade and agriculture. It was a discouraging aspect shown by Darke in the earlier day, when trails, traces and tracks were numerous and roads none, and it was true as at the time said, « There is not one beyond the mountains and but few this side, that is acquainted with the hardships of the pioneers. Twenty or thirty years must elapse before they can have a comfortable road to get to mill or to the court house. How many thousands would rejoice if they had the privilege of working out upon the highways a per cent of the proceeds of the common domain, rather than to pay cash for which they receive no benefit whatever." The privilege was in time accorded of working out tax, but it is questionable whether taxes paid and expended under a competent roadmaster would not be a better procedure. At the first settlement of Darke, and for many years after, all State roads were laid out and established by the Legislature by special act. The first State road laid out in the county was the highway from Troy to Greenville. This was the road traveled by the settlers coming into the county in 1811, although the locating may not have been regularly done farther than the boundary line west of Miami County. It crossed Greenville Creek, where the road now crosses near Gettysburg, and this intersected Wayne's old trace from Fort Recovery to Greenville. It came up on the north side of the creek and crossed again north of the Turner Mill, at what was called the Boomershire fording. It had, however, been altered during the period of the war of 1812 ; at that time it crossed the creek at the lower end of Main street, Greenville, about where the Beamsville road now crosses. A. short time before 1817, a survey had been made, and a road located from Piqua to Greenville, but the road had not at that time been opened. This intersected the Troy road near the present site of Gettysburg. When there was no established road opened between Piqua and Greenville, settlers made their own road till they struck the Troy road at the Studabaker block-house. At that time there were but two or three* families living between Piqua and the point just named. The following named roads had been laid out just after the organization of the county, and their original and present routes do not materially differ : the Milton, Shanesville, Fort Recovery and Fort Jefferson. The roads that were first laid out under the order of the County Commissioners were generally located to suit the people of the different neighborhoods through which they passed ; they circled about ponds and marshes, angled and curved their way the nearest and best track from one house to another. As a result, most roads located by first settlers have been changed or entirely vacated. The location of roads was not always according to the unanimous wishes of the settlers, and as an instance, we give the history of what wis known as the "Western or Winch road," which caused considerable strife and difficulty. The settlers west of Greenville joined in a petition to the Commissioners for a county road from Greenville to the Slate line in the direction of Winchester. A view was ordered: viewers met, started a1 or near the mouth of Mud Creek, ran nearly direct until they intersected the old Indian trace Leading from the Indian town on Mud Creek- to Muncie, End. This was at the crossing of the West Branch, from which they ran as . as practicable with the old trace to the State line. This location did not satisfy all parties to the petition, and another party arose. Names were bestowed upon each. The first was known as the Squaw road party, the other the Jersey road. The latter petitioned for a road to run a course aboul a mile north of the other; their petition was granted. There were now two roads, and each party, emulating the other, set to work to open the respective roads. Not long after, an order was received from the Legislature to lay out and establish a State road from Troy via Greenville to the State line. In the mean time Randolph County. Ind.. had laid out a road from Winchester to the State line, ending at the corner of a section about midway between the two Ohio roads. The State viewers learning at Greenville of the two roads and the strife, ran their line midway to strike the Indiana road, and in proportion as the one party rejoiced the other was displeased. The line is now the Greenville and State Line turnpike. Soon the defeated party petitioned at Columbus for change of location ; it was granted without delay or investigation, and for a number of years the Squaw road was traveled as the State road. Partially foiled, the Jerseys went to work vigorously to open and put in repair their road. It thus happened that there were two roads running parallel not a mile apart. No bridge had been built over the mouth of Mud Creek, and the only entry or exit from the town was around and across Greenville Creek. For several years this anomalous condition of affairs continued ; finally the people undertook of their own accord to build a bridge over the month of Mud Creek. Abutments were erected, laid on the sills and it was partially floored with split slabs, but its completion was delayed and it was not made passable for teams. It stood in this condition several years, until the timber became rotten, when, at one of the terms of court, some lawyers strolled out one evening, laid hold and shook it down. The County Commissioners then made an appropriation for the building of a bridge at this place, and a temporary structure was in time erected. The rival roads were maintained a score of years, much to the public disadvantage. As a finality there came an order from the Legislature to lay a State road from the branch of Mad River in Champaign County, via Piqua and Greenville to the State line. This was located on the track of the former road, and the difficulty was thus finally settled.

J. S. Patterson, of P>erlin Heights, Huron County, in an article to the Ohio Farmer, written in 1870, said : " Who would have thought thirty-seven years ago, when the writer first saw 'old Darke County,' that it would ever stand foremost among the counties of State for its road enterprise. Why the county should have surpassed every other in the State in this regard, 1 am unable to explain. It may be accounted for on the theory of extremes - the roads were very bad. they are very good. Perhaps the people thrown upon their own resources pushed their way in this direction. It is certain that the pike business became in time a local epidemic. The many rival stations fostered a spirit of rivalry. A condition of things that favored the enterprise of turnpike construction was the tendency of the people to invest in what promised lobe a permanent improvement. Whatever maybe the explanation, the Secretary's report for 1868 puts down 393 miles of turnpike roads for Darke County : Warren follows with 224; Clermont and Wood, 200 each ; Hamilton, 195 : Montgomery, 152 ; Champaign, 136 ; Greene, 117 ; Butler 111', etc.

Of course, the burden of taxation is heavy and not every farmer is in condition to pay s I an acre road tax. Some were obliged to sell off land to enable them to meet assessments, but hard as it was, even such gained in the end by the rise in local values. It is quite a general feeling among the people that they have taken too much upon their hands at once. And as wheat is their staple product. the county ranking fifth in the State, the low price at which their surplus will probably have to be sold, may operate somewhat discouragingly ; but the resources of the county are abundant, and the people will no doubt come out all right, and all the better for their excellent system of roads. Parts of the county with which I was perfectly familiar ten years ago, I did not recognize when passing through them last summer." There are now over 700 miles of turnpike in Darke County, and several short roads are building. The writer of the above was correct in supposing that the outcome of this special enterprise would be favorable even to those most heavily taxed, for so it has proven. Within an area of GOO square miles there are just about 200 piked roads and part of roads, having a separate name. To merely enumerate them would be a task ; to state their individual history would require almost a volume. The first one was built from Greenville to Gettysburg in 1853. It was then, and is still a toll pike. All the others are free. The turnpikes of this count}' are estimated b}T competent authority to have cost in the aggregate just about $1,500,000. The lines radiating from Greenville, as seen on the map, resemble somewhat the radiating lines of a spider's web, while the connecting cross roads complete the ideal comparison. Railroads began to exercise their powerful influence in this section about thirty years ago. The pioneer road of this county was known as the Dayton & Union Railroad. The company was chartered Feb. 26, 1846, as the " Greenville & Miami Railroad Company,"' for the construction of a railroad from the town of Greenville to any point on the Dayton & Western Railroad, or any point on the Miami or Miami Extension Canal, which the Directors might determine. The incorporators were Daniel R. Davis, Hiram Bell, William M. Wilson. Rufus Kilpatrick, John Colville, George Ward. John Mc- Clure, Jr., John C. Potter, Erastus Putnam, Alfred Kitchen, James Hanaway, Henry Arnold, W. B. Beall, I. N. Gard, Abraham Scribner, Russell Evans. John C. Shepherd. Adam Baker, Abraham Studabaker. Charles Hutchins. Joseph Ford and Solomon Riffle, of Darke County ; Gen. H. Bell was the first President ; Henry Arnold, Esq., first Treasurer ; and Hon. William M. Wilson, the first Secretary. The capital stock of the company was $200,000, divided into shares of $50 each. At the expiration of a year, Dr. I. N. Gard was elected President, succeeded by David Studabaker. During 1S48, the enterprise was first fully presented to the people of the county for their support. Among those most active in forwarding the undertaking, not only to obtain a favorable vote, but to secure means to do the necessaiy preliminary work, were Dr. Gard, Judge Wilson. Gen. Bell, Mr. Studabaker, Mr. Kitchen and Maj. Davis. There was then but little money in the county ; the largest subscriptions that could be obtained were $500, and there were but eight of ten of these.

On January 5. 18-48. an act was passed by the Legislature, authorizing the Commissioners of Darke County to purchase stock in the G. & M. R. R. Company to any amount not to exceed $50,000, provided a majority of the voters of the county were in favor thereof. On the first Monday of April, the proposition to aid was carried by a majority of 637 votes, and on the 13th, the Commissioners subscribed the maximum amount in aid of the road. August 21, the Auditor was authorized to issue an order on the Treasurer for $110, to pay for the survey of the road. February 2, 1840. the Town Council of Greenville was in like manner impowered to subscribe thereto any amount not exceeding $10,000. Judge Wilson continued Secretar}' of the company from organization to about 1850. that is, during the preliminary work of the company. In 1850, a new organization was effected, with E. B. Taylor as President, and an act was passed authorizing the county and town to sell any or all stock to said company, or any other formed to extend the railroad from Greenville to the State line. Mr. Taylor went to New York, negotiated a loan of $150,000, bought iron and other necessaries to equipment. In July. 185(1. the first locomotive intended to be used for laying the track of the road from Dayton to Greenville, arrived at Dayton. It was brought from the establishment of Swinburn, Smith & Co., of Patterson, N. J., and weighed fourteen tons. The first installment of iron was shipped from New York for Dayton on the 26th of June. The residue of the iron was then on the way from Liverpool to New York. It was of the T pattern, and weighed about nineteen pounds to the square foot. The bridge across the ."Miami River at Dayton was completed and intended for use by three roads, the others being the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton, and the Dayton & Western. The contract for laying the track was let to A. De Graff. The depot and other buildings were placed under contract, and all the work systematically pushed forward. Two additional locomotives, weighing eighteen tons each, wen- contracted for delivery, one in August, the other in October. Two passenger cars were constructed at Dayton, in the establishment of Thresher, Packard & Co. The ''burthen" cars were manufactured at the Greenville foundry and machine-shops of Messrs. Edmonson & Evans, and Taylor Brothers. The grain crop of 1851 was unprecedented ly large, and the road was expected to highly benefit all interests, whether farming, mechanical, mercantile or commercial. It was stated at the time that this event " was an important epoch in Darke County history," and such it has since proved to have been. It enhanced values and facilitated communication. It was noted that " the running time between Greenville and Dayton will be less than one hour and a half, and the distance may be performed with perfect safety in less than one hour" On February 19, 1851, De Graff started out from Dayton with a train to be used for track laying. The train was platform cars with houses built on them - three for sleeping-rooms, one for dining and one for a kitchen. The job of laying the iron was in charge of John Horrien. On May 25, the main track of the road was finished to the depot buildings, and a meeting was called to arrange for a celebration of the event. The event duly honored, was marked by a large crowd, and made memorable by an emeute at Greenville, on part of the roughs. The Board of Directors, at a meeting held at Dayton August 30, 1853, declared a 10 per cent dividend from the earnings of the road, from January 1 to September 1. This dividend was declared after deducting expense of repairs, running, interest and other expenses, and there remained a reserve fund of $5,000. The receipts for August were for passengers, $6,261; transportation. $4.21 5 ; mail. $333 ; total, nearly $11,000. The cost of the road was about $550,000. Outstanding bonds. $3-41.(1(11). and the liberal dividend to stockholders created an enthusiasm which greatly facilitated the induction and completion of the road to Union, and of other roads constructed through the county. Mr. Taylor continued to be President of the road until Jul}-, 1855, when he resigned. Meantime, the company had been authorized by the Legislature to extend the railroad to the Indiana State line, by such route as the Directors might select, within the county of Darke." ami the act had been accepted by resolution of the Board of Directors as an amendment to the charter of the company. The road was built through to Union City three years after its completion to Greenville, that is. in 1853. When President Taylor resigned, the road went into the hands of the bondholders, by whom it was operated. At length, suit was brought for foreclosure of the mortgage August, 1861, but a plan of re-organization and capitalization of stock and debt was agreed upon, and the road was sold October 30, 1S(!2, to H. C. Stimson and S. J. Tilden for $1,000, subject to the mortgage of $150,000. In 1855, Judge Wilson. Secretary, resigned, and the chief office was removed to Dayton. All control of the road passed from the citizens of the county that year.

In the summer of 1854, the road was completed from Dodson to Dayton, and the company continued to operate the entire line from Dayton to Union City until April. 1863, when, in accordance with an agreement on January 19, previously, the joint use of the track of the Dayton & Western Railroad Company, from Dayton to Dobson (fifteen miles), was secured, between which points each company had a line of road running nearly parallel. B}T this agreement, the company was enabled to take up and dispose of the iron between Dayton and Dobson. January 19, 1863, the company was re-organized, under the name of the Dayton & Union Railroad Company, "\yhen the road was opened for business, in 1850, land along its line might have been bought for $5 per acre ; it has since been sold for $100 per acre. The country was wet, and water stood in the woods and clearings along the track for months at a time. This is now drained, arable and valuable. Then, about Arcanum, houses were to be seen at long intervals ; now fine farm houses dot the landscape in all directions. Arrangements are now in progress to relay the old track, and annul the agreement for the joint use of the Dayton & Western rails.

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

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

The Cincinnati & Mackinaw Railroad was graded but never completed ; its history is quite interesting in this connection. In Ma}-, 1853. the subject of building this road began to be agitated. A large meeting was held at Van Wert on the 27th of May. An enthusiastic meeting was held in Greenville on June 25. and a committee of fourteen was appointed to attend a meeting to be held at Van Wert July 9. Meetings were also held at New Castine and other points on the line of the proposed road. Survey commenced early in August, and. later in the month, Moses Hart, Esq., had been duly authorized to take subscriptions to the stock of the road, and books were opened at his store in Greenville. Later still, a meeting of incorporators was held at Greenville, and the project so far gained favor that. 1 ly October 19, $200,000 had been subscribed, and. an election being held, William Gunkle was chosen President, and the Directors were William Gunkle, C. G. Espich, J. L. Winner, I. W. Riley. I. W. Kirk. P. De Puy and R. Thisbee. The final report of the survey gave the distance from Greenville to the State line, on the route proposed, as 111 miles, with but three-fourths of a mile curved line in the whole distance. No grade exceeded twenty -five feet to the mile. The cost of building was less than $17,500 per mile. The entire line, from the Straits of Mackinaw to Cincinnati, was 500 miles, of which about one-fifth was completed. In 1853, Mr. Taylor became Director, vice Dr. Espich. A year later, the hopes of the company were placed in the prospeeth'e grant of land, while pressure in the money market delayed the prosecution of the work. The Directors did not despair, but, from time to time, held meetings to compare notes, view reports of engineer and d agent, and to determine upon the location of that portion of the line lying between Greenville and Celina - two lines having been run in Darke County - and (uragement was given by a Congressional grant of above a million acres of land to aid in the construction of the northern part of the line. A meeting was held April 21, 1858, al Greenville, to examine bids heretofore 1 for the work between thai city and Celina ; distance, thirty -two miles. Alfred Kitchen, of Darke, was appointed to superintend -nstruction, and J. W. Frizzel was chosen Secretary. On dune 2, the Directors held a three-days meeting, in the course of which fifteen miles of road were placed under contract, and the I tie and culvert work of the entire thirty-two miles. Mr. Pomeroy was chosen engineer, vice Col. Frink, resigned. The remaining seventeen miles were resurveyed, with a view of important alterations. In the spring of 1859, negotiations were attempted in Europe for the sale of bonds, without - and the enterprise was abandoned for want of means, after a large portion of the grading had been done, thus adding in this locality one more to the many failures of the

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

An adjunct of the railroad, ami a convenience especially to the business man. is the telegraph, which is in use here as elsewhere. About 1S7<>. the Pacific & Atlantic Telegraph Company owned the line on the Dayton & Union road, and the Western Union had charge of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis line ; the latter had its office al the lower depot. Postmaster Stevenson was at that time Manager of the Pacific & Atlantic, although not an operator. The two companies were consolidated, and the up-town office was established. This consolidation was perfected in December. l^Td. when Jacob F. Martin was appointed manager of the Western Union, which bad absorbed the Pacific & Atlantic line. He continued manager until duly 2, 1876. Then L. Smith, of Urbana, Ohio, was appointed local manager, and held this position, until May 20. 1879, at which time John L. Garber, took charge, and is still in office. There are two lines on the road from Bradford to Richmond - one wire is exclusively used in the transaction of railroad business, the other transacts both railroad and commercial business. One line in the up-town office is for commercial transactions alone ; the other is used for the work of both business and railroad. The Dayton & Union Railroad has only one wire, which is used for both purposes. The line between Dayton and Union commenced working at 3 o'clock, June 28, 1854, and the office was in charge of Mr. Swayne.

Banks And Bankers

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

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

The State endeavors to protect the people, and her Legislature, from time to time, frames acts regulating the conduct of banking. Several times, prior to the civil war, specie payments had been suspended in Ohio, but the interval from 1861 to 1879 has been a period so protracted that the recent disbursements of gold and silver are a novelty to the generation accustomed to fractional currency, greenbacks and national bank notes.

--Wild-cat" banks were long a feature in the Western country, and bank issues were held at more or less a discount, which increased in geometric proportion as the distance increased from the location of the institution that issued them. Bank-note reporters lay upon the counters, each bill was duly examined, and the fluctuations of value were noted and enforced with each new report.

This was all changed by the war. The exigencies of the times created the national system, still in vogue, b}T which bonds of the Government, purchased by an association, are deposited with the Treasurer of the United States for security. and 90 per cent of their face value in national currency issued to the bank for circulation. The system has been very popular from the uniform equality in value, freedom from counterfeiting and from their absolute security ; yet there are many people who are opposed to the plan, and opinions as to their continuance are conflicting. Whatever ma}' be done, they tided the Government over a critical period and have been of incalculable good to the country.

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

Charters were severally granted to similar institutions till 1816, when a banking law was passed which incorporated twelve new banks, continued existing charters, and made the State, without outlay, a party to the profits and capital thus created and continued. The plan was as follows : " Each new bank was, at the outset, to set apart one share in twenty -five for the State, without payment, and each bank whose charter was renewed was to create for the State stock in the same proportion ; each bank, new and old, was yearly to set apart out of its profits a sum which would make, at the time the charter expired, a sum equal to onetwenty-fifth of the whole stock, which was to belong to the State ; and the dividends coming to the State were to be invested and re-invested until one-sixth of the stock was State property." This hist provision was made subject to change, if found desirable. The State's interest in her banks continued until 1825. when an amendment changed the stock into a '1 per cent tax upon all dividends up to that date, and 4 per cent upon those made afterward. No further change was made till March. 1831, when the tax was augmented to 5 per cent. In 1839, a law Mas enacted by which Bank Commissioners were appointed to make regular examinations of the various banks and to report upon their condition. This was unpopular with bankers, and was opposed by some of them, and the result was considerable discussion, both within and without the Legislature. A new sj^stem of banking was adopted in 1 845, which included the State Bank, its branches and independent banks. It was not until 1 853, that Darke County began to realize the benefits accruing from the establishment of a local banking office. Prior to this date, loans were frequently negotiated between persons, amounting, in the aggregate, to considerable sums. Two or three citizens of Greenville, whose names have ever since been locally prominent in financial transactions, were engaged in private brokerage in a limited degree, but, with the development of the country and the growth of the town, there was a growing demand, if not an urgent necessity, for regular accommodations in the interests of trade.

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

The Farmers' National Bank, originating from the Farmers', was organized April 3, 1865, with a capital of $84,000. Washington A. Weston was its firsl President, and John L. Winner its first Cashier. The first Directors were W. A. Weston, J. L. Winner. II. W. Emerson, G. W. Studabaker raid J. W. Frizzel. The following are the changes that have taken place in its officers: On the 9th of .January. 1866, J. Pitsenberger and J. C, McKerney were elected Directors, in place of (i. \V. Studabaker and J. W. Frizzel.; -J. L. Winner was Cashier, and T. S. Waring was Teller. On the 29th of May, 1866, Elisha Dawes was appointed Director, in the place of J. C. McKerney, and. January 8, 1867, Gr. W. Studabaker was chosen to succeed E. Dawes. T. S. Waring was made Assistant Cashier .January 1(1. 1871. and was elected Cashier April' 7. 1873, and T. E. Clark. Teller, at the same time. .Mr. Waring superseded Mr. Winner as Director. On January 13.

1876, . L Weston was chosen Director, vice W. A. Weston, deceased, and 11. W. Emerson was elected President. On the 8th of January, 1878, C. Jtf. Anderson took position as Director, in place of 11. W. Kmerson. deceased, and Gr. W. Studabaker was elected President. January II. 1879, F. McWhinney and Noah Arnold were chosen Director-, in place of J. Pitsenberger, deceased, and J.L.Weston. This old. well know n and firmly established bank has earned and receives a hearty. heavy support from tanners and business men. and sustains a first-class reputation for sterling business capacity. The office is located at No. 00. near the puH.it square, on Broadway, in Greenville.