Monroe Township (part 1 of 2)

Monroe Township

Monroe Township was laid off in June, 1836, being taken from the east end of Twin Township, and contained all of Township 7 north, Range 4 east, that is in the county, and the eastern tier of sections of Township 8 north. Range 3 east. This is the southeastern township of the county, and is bounded on the north by Franklin Township, on the east by Miami County, on the south by Preble and Montgomery Counties, and on the west by Twin Township. Ludlow's Creek runs diagonally across the northeast part of the township, entering the east half of Section 6, and running south by east, leaves the township from the center of Section 16. This creek has many small tributaries that afford excellent outlets for the many underground drains that farmers are putting in to dry out and warm up the land. In an early day this township was very low and wet, but, owing to the large quantity of decayed vegetable matter, these low lands are ver}r productive ; in fact, what was once swamp and quagmire is now choice fanning lauds.

There is no village or city within the boundaries of this township, but a place that bears the name of Pittsburg, of which, perhaps, in a day away back in the past, some had an idle dream of future greatness. But, alas, the ravages of time, the destroyer of all things, have lain in the dust the ambitions of its founders, and Pittsburg lives only in name and stoiy.

The first to brave a settlement in this township, and undergo the privations and hardships of a pioneer life in a wilderness, was Asa Jones and Henry Addington, who built their cabins on Section 8. in about 1819. They were followed the next year b}- Mr. Mote and family, who were the third actual settlers in the township, and he lived only one year after his settlement when he died, the first death that occurred among the settlers. His remains were taken to Milton. Miami County, for burial.

Thomas Jones, brother of Asa, came in 1823, and settled in the northern part of the township, and George Gabel in the southern part in the same year. Among others who settled in the township in an early day were William and John Richardson in the northern part, Samuel Cams and Peter Shank in the southern part, and Joseph Brown. Peter Abrain and John Snorph in the southwestern part. Settlers came in very slowly, which can be attributed only to the wretched state of the country at this time.

Reader, imagine, if you can, this beautiful country of to-day. shrouded in the mantle that nature gave it, a dense forest, gloomy and almost impenetrable swamps, not a mark of civilization to greet the eye of the hardy pioneer ; no churches, no schools, with nothing but the howl of the wolf, the screech of the panther, the rapid flight of the timid deer ; the whoop of the red man or the whiz of his arrow, to break the enchanted stillness that reigned supreme in nature's wild dominion. Such was the condition of this now beautiful township of Monroe, with its highly improved and productive farms, its fine residences, its commodious barns, its churches, its schools, its roads ; and, can we not truthfully say, we owe as great a debt of gratitude to those early pioneers, as we do to our fathers that broke the chain of oppression, and freed our beloved country from the despotic rule of cruel tyranny. We certainly do, for freedom and civilization go hand in hand ; advancement and development are the fruits of liberty, and most nobly have these pioneers discharged the dut}- intrusted to them, and we are in the possession to-day of the fruits of their labor and privation.

In an early day. these pioneers, like the Israelites of old. were without a place in which to worship, but with a spirit true to devotion, they met in each others' cnli ins, and raised their voices in unison and praise in magnifying the name of their great. Preserver. Among the early pioneer preachers in this locality was Philip Y ounce, a German Baptist, who preached the first sermon within the present bounds of Monroe Township.

This denomination of religionists began their labors in the Miami Valley, at the same time the first ray of civilization illumined the great forest, and with a purpose as true to the development of Christianity as the magnetic needle to the pole. They have kept unswervingly to their course, have triumphed over every opposition, borne down every calumnious thrust, and to-day the beautiful Miami Valley is dotted with their churches, their schools, their other improvements and developments. In fact, the little germ planted and so carefully nourished and trained has expanded and grown, and to-day its success is without a parallel in the great Miami Valley. These people are unostentatious, make no display of finely, or a gaudy appearance, are strictly temperate, industrious, and are among the best citizens to be found in the land. The}r have two churches, one in Monroe Township, the other in Franklin; they are known as the Ludlow and Painter Creek District, and have a membership of 400. who are presided over by the Rev. Jesse Stutsman. Elder William Cassell and the Rev. Tobias Kreider, all gentlemen of ability and refinement, and are doing good work in the advancement of Christianity and enlightenment.

The first members of the German Baptist Church that lived in America emigrated from Swartzenau, Germany, in the year 1719, and settled in Germantown, Penn. They had been severely pei'secuted on account of their religious faith, and fled to America with a hope of gaining liberty and having the privilege of worshiping God according to the dictates of their own conscience and according to His word. For sixty years their progress was slow, owing to the difficulties and hardships of a new country in its unsettled state, caused by the French war of 175") and the Revolution, twenty }rears later, and many subsequent Indian wars along the borders of the new settlements. The Indian's ruthless hand was severely felt, and many fell victims to the scalping knife. At times, their danger was so severely felt that when the father or sons left the house they bade their friends good bye, with a fear of never meeting them again.

But the long, long night of woe finally began to give way, and a bright morn shone forth, which has lasted for over a century, and still shines. In 1748, Christopher Saur printed the first German Bible in America, also edited the first paper ever issued from the church. They organized their first Sabbath-school in 1740. and the first annual conference, of which we have any knowledge, was held in 1778. The liberty and protection the Constitution of the United States gave them instilled new energy, and their progress became more visible.

The first Brother that settled in Virginia was John Garber, in Flat Rock V alley, in 1777 ; he was an eminent minister, and built up a large congregation. From this valley. Jacob Miller moved to Ohio, and settled on the west side of the great Miami River, near Dayton, in 1800. He was the first one that settled west of the river, and was an able man. and Labored faithfully in the cause of promoting and advancing the principles of Christianity. He was born in Pennsylvania, in 1735, and, a1 the time of his arrival in Ohio, the country was a dense forest, inhabited by numerous tribes of Indians. It is said of Brother Miller that he often visited them in their wigwams and sang and prayed with them, that his kind treatment led them to protect him. They said lie was the good man the Great Spirit sent from the East. He raised a very exemplary family of twelve children, nine sons and three (laughters ; three of his sons became able ministers, and reside in Indiana, and have done much in building up the church in that State, which numbers eighty-five organizations at present. There are. at this time, about seventylive organized churches in Ohio, with very large, commodious houses for worship.

There are organized churches in twenty of the States of the Union, and one in Denmark,with an estimated membership, in the aggregate, of over one hundred thousand.

There are three colleges under control of the church - one at Mount Morris, 111., conducted by Elder J. W. Stein ; one at Ashland, Ohio, conducted by Elder S. G. Sharp, and one at Berlin. Penn.. conducted by Elder James Quirter. These colleges are large and commodious, and have all the advantages and conveniences of modern architecture. The students are watched over with great care, and everything of an immoral nature is strictly excluded, and students are welcomed, regardless of religion or sect, if they conform to the moral standard required. Their church has four organized congregations in Darke County, with a membership of eleven hundred - one congregation in the southern part of the county, known as Ludlow and Painter Creek ; one in the northeast part, known as Oakland ; one in the northwest part, known as Union City, and one in the southwest, known as Palestine Congregation. There are twent}r-three resident ministers of this denomination in the county, and they have nine houses of worship, which are very neatly constructed and finished.

The Lutherans also have a church organization in the township, but are not so numerous as their German Baptist brethren. They have a good church building, and a membership of about forty, presided over by the Rev. Mr. Peters, a very able clerical gentleman.

Great enthusiasm prevails among the people in regard to their church, and a true Christian feeling predominates among the members. The}' are the best of citizens, take great pride, generally, in educating their children, are sober and industrious, and their farm improvements are number one in every particular. They are mostly old settlers, and came here with little or no money, and, by hard labor and good management (characteristics of the German people), they have made good, comfortable homes, and are living in the full enjoyment of all the necessaries of life.

There are, also, a goodly number in the township belonging to other denominations, of which we might mention the Baptists, the Methodists, the Brethren in Christ, etc., bnt, as they belong to churches outside of the township, cannot, properly, be spoken of here.

A school district was laid out in this township in 1836, three east and west and one mile in width, thus leaving out a mile on the western side. Much dissatisfaction was caused by this arrangement, so new districts two miles square were formed, and in 1837, a schoolhouse which had been partly finished was removed to Section 28. There are now seven school buildings iu the township, erected at an estimated cost of $6,000. The township has a total enumeration of 548 scholars. Enrollment - males 230. females 216, total 446. Average daily attendance, 126 boys and 140 girls : average per cent in attendance 72 ; number between sixteen and twenty-one years of age, 39 boys and 31 girls ; total, 70. Average price paid teachers per school month - men, $40 ; ladies, $20. Thus we see that the school advantages in this township are good, and the people in general are making strenuous efforts to educate their children, which certainly is very commendable to the patrons of the schools.

Asa Jones, Monroe's first settler, taught the first school in the tow nship. Children were obliged to come long distances, and we were surprised in looking over old records to find the average per cent in attendance quite as good as no w

The journeying of the children to and from school at certain times was fraught with great peril, and the labyrinth in the woods was so intricate that roads had to be " blazed" so that the children might not lose their way.

clapboard roof sections of the logs were removed to admit the light of day. and again replaced as a protection against the fury of storms and the biting blasts of winter. A fireplace in one end gave warmth and comfort to the occupants. In the severity of the winter, a semi-circle was formed around this fireplace, and frequently an exchange of places would occur, so that all might have a slight- benefit of the coveted place, tint 1 am sorry to say the schoolmaster most generally occupied the "warm seat." much to the dissatisfaction of his pupils.

Heats were improvised by splitting linn logs in two, boring holes in the ends, into which wooden pins were inserted, so that the tiat side would lie up. and undoubtedly these made very comfortable seats for the boys and girls of fifty years ago.

No maps, charts, globes or finely glazed black boards adorned the walls, no improved text-books to elucidate the mysteries of science, thus making school days more profitable and agreeable. Owing to these disadvantages, it was only by dint of hard labor and persevering industry that the young men and women of an early day acquired the rudiments of an education, and from these humble temples of knowledge men of sterling worth and ability have descended.

ABRAHAM ARNETT, farmer ; P. 0. Arcanum ; one of the settlers ot Darke Co., was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Sept. 17, 1825, and is the son of Henr}- and Mary Arnett, natives of Pennsylvania, and removed to Montgomery Co.. when there were but three houses where the city of Dayton now stands, and resided here till 1827, when he removed to Miami Co., and settled on 160 acres of land in the green woods ; our subject assisted his father in clearing and other farm labor till his 19th year, when he began life for himself, and engaged in farming, and removed to Darke Co., at an early day and settled on a leased farm, and managed to clear up 50 acres, which he had previously purchased which he sold, and immediately bought 80 acres adjoining, cleared and improved, and again selling out he purchased 116 acres where he now lives, which is in a high state of cultivation at the present time, and has first-class buildings erected thereon. Mr Arnctt went out into the world with no capital save a resolution and determination to win, and by great industry and perseverance, in which he has been generously assisted by his industrious wife. He was united in marriage with Leah, daughter of Jacob and Susanna Friend, Sept. 12, 1844 ; her parents were natives of Maryland and afterward residents of Miami Co.; three children were given to this union, viz.; Tobias, born Jan. 27, 1846 ; Sarah A., Jan. 8, 184.*). died Dec. 5, 1860 ; Margaret, May 8, 1848, departed this life April 8, 1854. Mr. Arnett's father still lives at the advanced age of 93 years, and resides in Whitley Co., Ind. Our subject has filled the office of School Director for nine years in succession, and has been elected Clerk of the Board. Mr. and Mrs. Arnett are members of the German Baptist Church of twentyfive years' standing, and are consistent Christian people.

SAMUEL M. BAKER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Arcanum. The subject of this sketch was born in Montgomery Co. in 1829, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah Baker, old residents of Montgomery Co., but natives of Somerset Co., Penn. When they removed to Montgomery Co., there .was only one little cabin in Dayton. Our subject assisted his father in the duties of the farm till his 19th year, when he began life for himself and engaged in farming. He was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of John and Elizabeth Niswonger, in July, 1849 ; nine children have been given to this union, viz.: Hollis, born April 22, 1850; Sarah lv. May 31, 1851 ; Hamilton, Oct. 25, 1853 ; Pharis, Sept. 16, 1855 ; Marv C., Jan. 23, 1858; Ezra, Feb. 23, 1860 ; Susanna, July 10, 1862; Lydia A., Jan. 28, 1865 ; Aldie M., July 1, 1867. Mr. Baker has 162 acres of as fine land as is to be found in the county, all in a good state of cultivation, with good, comfortable buildings erected thereon.

BENJAMIN BLACKBURN, deceased. The subject of this memoir is a martyr of his country. He was a son of Moses and Lydia Blackburn, and a brother of Moses and John Blackburn, whose sketches appear in this work. At his country's call, when the first wild notes of war were echoing and re-echoing over the land, young Benjamin was among the first to respond to his country's call, and volunteered in Company B, 110th 0. V. I.; he went bravely and resolutely forth to do his duty. Our informant, Mr. D. W. Niswonger, who was a member of the same regiment, speaks in glowing terms of the bravery and stability of the deceased. To the best of his recollection, he says he was in every engagement the regiment participated in, which was not a few, for the 110th bore the scars of many a well-fought and nobly contested battle, and we can fearlessly say none bore the brunt of battle or the fatigue of march better than this gallant band. In the battle of Cumberland Gap he was taken prisoner, but his fearlessness and presence of mind enabled him to make his escape. At Monocacy, on the 9th of July, 1864. he was again taken, and imprisoned at Danville, Ya., and afterward in the pens of torture and suffering at xVndersonville. He was a very robust young man, naturally cheerful, and bore up nobly under the brutish treatment he received, but hunger broke his iron will ; the filth and dirt in the prison made his quarters worse than a living tomb. He had not clothing to cover his body, nor blankets to keep him warm during the night, and not a crumb to satisfy his hunger ; for six months he withstood this terrible treatment, and during January, 1865, death came to his relief; his sufferings were ended, and the angels of mercy carried the soul of a martyr without the prison walls, but the mortal part was left and received interment where he had suffered so intensely.

.JOHN BLACKBURN, farmer and stock-raiser. The subject of this sketch was born in this township, Jan. 23, 1835, and is a son of .Moses Blackburn, who settled here about 1830, and made the first opening on this side. Our subject was reared on the farm, and assisted his father in the duties of the farm till he was 26 years of age, when he began life for himself and engaged in farming, which pur- suit he has always followed ; purchased 80 acres of land in 1871, and moved on it in 1872 ; it was mostly cleared, and his land is in good cultivation, with fair improvements ; he has since purchased 40 acres adjoining the old home place, and now owns 120 acres. He was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Hall, Oct. 13, 186-. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are natives of South Carolina, and came here in a very early day ; her mother died at the age of 60 years ; her father is still living and resides in this township, aged 81 years ; they were parents of sixteen children, of whom nine are living - James, John. Tamer, Eliza, Mary. Amos, Joseph, William and Ezekiel Hall. Our subject began the battle of life empty-handed, and he has, by hard work, industry and good management, with the assistance rendered by his industrious and amiable wife, succeeded in making a good home ; they are the parents of eight children, of whom seven are living - Amanda, born Dec. 8, 1861 ; Andrew J.. July 7, 1863; Lvdia A., Jan. 13, 1865; Laura Bell. Sept. 25. 1870; Harley, Aug. 17. 1872; Hezekiah, Feb. 27, 1875; Lola, July 25, 1877 ; Harvey, Feb. 9, 1867, and departed this life Oct. 13, 1871. Both Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn have been members of the Brethren of Christ Church for three years, and are exemplar}* Christian people. Mr. Blackburn only had the advantage of such education as he could procure by his own exertions. Mrs. Blackburn was born May 3, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Hall were both born in 1809; Mrs. Hall departed this life Jan. 12, 1870; Lydia is a member of the same church ; is a co-worker with her parents in doing good, and is a very exemplary young lady.

MOSES BLACKBURN, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 21 ; P. O. Potsdam, Miami Count}'. The subject of this memoir was born on Aug. 22, 1848, and is a, son of Moses and Lydia Blackburn ; his father was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Sept. 22, 1812, and removed to Ohio in 1836, and settled on 80 acres of wild land, where he resided until his death, which occurred March 31, 1877, aged 64 years and 6 months ; his mother was born near Hamilton, Ohio, March 25, 1811 ; they were united in marriage in 1833. Mrs. Blackburn is still living, and resides on the old home place. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom six are living, viz.: Daniel, John, Sarah, William. Abner and Moses ; the deceased are Margaret, Benjamin, Elmira (died Aug. 15, 1879), Lydia, Edward and Hannah. Our subject was reared on the farm, and at the age of 15 he began life for himself, and was engaged in various pursuits until 1865, wmen he made a trip to McLean Co., 111., where he remained about one year, and then returned to Ohio ; he purchased 45 acres of land where he now resides, in October, 1873 ; he was united in marriage with Miss Mar}' E., daughter of Jacob and Martha Isenbaugh, Dec. 21, 1871 ; her parents were residents of Miami County and natives of Ohio ; her mother departed this life June 14, 1855, aged 27 years 4 months and 4 days. Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn are the parents of four children, viz.: Charley, born Nov. 19, 1873 ; George, born Oct. 10, 1875 ; Anna, born Nov. 4. 1877 ; Cora, born Aug. 24, 1872, and departed this life Aug. 26 of the same year, and Harvey, born Jan. 17, 1880. Mrs. Blackburn was born May 23, 1850 ; Mr. Izenbaugh was born May 14, 1822 ; Mrs. Izenbaugh was born Oct. 10, 1827 ; they were the parents of three children, viz.: Matilda J., Martha A. and Mary E.; his second marriage was consummated with Mary E. Knee, who was born March 22. 1836, and are the parents of six children, viz.: Joseph, now deceased, Awdine, Catherine B., Laura E., Florence M. and Jesse. Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn have been members of the Brethren-in-Christ Church for three years ; they are leading members of the church, and are exemplary Christian people. This denomination have a regular organization, just below Georgetown, of eighty visible members, and are presided over by the Rev. George Wright ; Abraham Wright, Elder ; Moses Blackburn, Deacon. Mr. Blackburn has recently purchased the east half of the David Heckman farm, 50 acres in Sec. 16, also a 5-acre lot in Sec. 21.

A. C. BOBBS, physician, now a resident of and practicing physician and surgeon in Union Township, Miami County ; was born in Clermont County in the year 1888 ; he is a son of Adam and Elizabeth Bobbs ; his father was born ho the State of Pennsylvania, his mother in this State; his father is deceased; his mother is still living, and resides in .Montgomery County ; they were parents of four children - A.J ., physician and surgeon, residing in Warren, Ind. ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Henderson ; and Caroline, now Mrs. Dr. Tedrow. The subject of our biography spent his boyhood days on the farm until he had arrived at the age of 15. when he began the study of medicine under Dr. J. D. Gaines, of California, Hamilton Co., this State ; for three years he labored under the instructions of Dr. Games, engaged in solving the mysteries and science of medicine ; he then entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, in which he studied two terms ; he then entered the army as assistant surgeon, and finally entered the marine hospital at Cincinnati, in which he remained three years, where he received a broad experience in the profession ; in 1803, he entered a college in Buffalo, N. Y., in which he finished his studies, graduating at this institution in 1864, and receiving his diploma ; he commenced the practice of medicine in Union, Miami County, in partnership with Dr. Hawkins, with whom he practiced for one year ; in 1865, he located where he now resides, and has built up a large and increasing practice, making a specialty of fevers and diphtheria. In 1861, he was married to Margaret Shellabargar, by whom he has had three children, viz., Charles C, Samuel 0. and E. A. Mrs. Bobbs is a daughter of Samuel Shellabargar, who is a native of Pennsylvania ; her mother, Elizabeth, is a native of this State ; both living. When the Doctor settled at his present location he was without means, but, by close attention to his profession, has built up a lucrative practice, and is possessed of a good property ; in 1878, he erected a residence in the village, which for taste and beauty in design and finish has no equal, in which the Doctor and his estimable wife have a desirable home ; he owns 25 acres of improved land adjoining the village.

WILLIAM L. BONHAM, retired farmer, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Gordon ; one of the old settlers of Darke Co. ; he was born in Hunterdon Co., N. J., Feb. 12, 1815, and is a son of Ambrose and Ann Bonham, natives of the same place ; his father died in the place of his nativity, at the age of 81 years ; after his death, his wife came to Ohio, and resided with a daughter till her death, which occurred at the advanced age of 86 years ; our subject was reared on the farm, and assisted his father in agricultural pursuits till he was of age, when he began life for himself, and engaged in coopering for about fifteen }-ears, mostby in Darke Co. ; he emigrated to Ohio in 1838, and settled in Montgomery Co., seven miles below Dayton, where heresided for thi'ee years, and then came to Darke Co., April 1. 1841. and temporarily settled in Gordon for less than a year, when he removed to the place where he now resides, in Februaiy, 1842 ; his land was all in the woods, but by dint of hard labor and persevering industry, he soon cleared it of the mantle nature gave it ; he now owns 65 acres of fine land, all in a good state of cultivation, with good, comfortable buildings erected thereon ; Mr. Bonham is another of the self-made men of this township ; he landed on the banks of the Miami River, with less than $75, but, by good management, combined with the assistance rendered by his amiable wife, has secured a competent income, from which to enjoy their declining years, and they are surrounded by all the comforts of life. He was united in marriage with Rebecca, daughter of David and Elizabeth Rittenhouse. July 1, 1837 ; they w^ere also natives of New Jersey, and their remains are interred in their native State ; Mr. H. died at the age of 81, and Mrs. II., at the age of 53 years ; Mr. and Mrs. Bonham are the parents of eight children, of whom four are living, viz. : Harrison, born Aug. 24, 1840; Sarah, born June 29, 1844, now Mrs. Garrett Hulse ; Criah. born June 27, 1847 ; Martha J., born Sept. 3, 1856, now Mrs. Carler. The deceased are : Amy. born April 14, 1838. died Nov. 10, 1841 ; Ann, born Oct. 18. 1842, and died Nov. I. L842 ; Andrew, born Sept, 22, 1849, died Sept. 10, 1851 ; Susan, born March 4. 1854, and departed this life Sept. 9, 1854. Mr. Bonham assessed this township in 1845, for which service he received $3.50, and was also Constable the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Bonham are members of the Baptist

Church of long standing, are among the faithful ones, and are consistent Christian people. Our subject has given his children good education, and his son Harrison is one of the leading educators of the county, and has followed the profession at intervals for fourteen years. At his country's call for help to preserve the unity of the States, and to crush the rebellious spirit of the South, young Harrison was one among the first to respond and volunteer in Co. B of the 110th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 18G2 ; the regiment was drilled in army tactics at Piqua, about two months, when the}* were removed to the front, in the vicinity of Parkersburg ; his regiment participated in the severe and stubbornly contested battle of Winchester, and after three consecutive days of incessant battle, were obliged to yield the ground on account of the overwhelming numbers of the enemy ; he received a severe wound in the right arm, and was taken prisoner on the morning of the last day's fight, and was entombed in the prison-pen at Belle Isle for one month, when he was paroled, and returned to his home for three months, when he was exchanged, and again returned to the front ; but by disease caused by exposure, and arm}* dirt, he was incapacitated from active duty till the following spring, when health and strength again returned, and he took his place in the ranks of his battered regiment on the eve of the great battle of the Wilderness ; in the first day's fight, May 5, he received a severe wound in the right hip, and was again taken to the hospital, where he remained for some time, and then came home on a furlough ; he recovered from his wound, and returned to the front in the winter of 1864 ; his regiment took an active part in the battles of the spring of 1865, that gave the death-blow to the rebellion ; he was honorably discharged May 16, 1865. Has followed teaching for nine years, with the exception of two terms. He celebrated his marriage with Catharine, daughter of Hendrick and Elizabeth Barkalow, Nov. 26, 1865 ; they are natives of Butler Co., Ohio, but residents now of Darke Co. ; Mr. Bonham has 79 acres of fine land, all in a good state of cultivation, and his improvements are No. 1 in every particular.

DAVID BRENNER, farmer, Sec. 6; P. 0. Gordon. Our subject was born in Darke Co. April 12, 1838, and is a son of George and Elizabeth Brenner, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Darke Co., in a very early day, and located in this township, where he, the father, lived for two years, when he met with an accident that cost him his life ; he was unhitching a horse in the yard, when the animal became enraged and gave Mr. Brenner a terrible kick in the stomach, which caused his death a few hours afterward ; his mother is still living, and resides near Union City upward of 60 years of age. Our subject was reared on the farm, and assisted in the duties of farm labor ; at the age of 16, he began life for himself and worked as a farm-hand till his marriage, which occurred Dec. 23, 1860, with Susanna, daughter of John and Barbara Minnich, residents of Montgomery Co. afterward of this county ; he settled on 152 acres of land, where he now resides, in 1861 ; it is now all in a good state of cultivation, with good improvements, all the fruit of his and his good wife's hard labor. Four children are the fruits of this union, of whom two are living, Barbara and John; the deceased are Mary and Ira. Mr. and Mrs. Brenner have been members of the German Baptist Church for sixteen years, and are worthy Christian people, and delight in discharging every Christian duty. To our subject and John Ditmore, whose sketch appear in this work, belongs the credit of making the first open ditch in Monroe Township in 1862 or 1863.

JOHN S. BROWN, farmer ; P. 0. Gordon ; one of the old settlers of Darke Co.; he was born in Warren Co., Ohio, March 25, 1828, and is a son of Joseph and Mary Brown ; his father was born in Virginia, in 1800, and removed to Warren Co. in 1811, and was one of the earl}* pioneers of the Miami Valley ; he learned the blacksmith trade at the age of 18, which business he followed there, and removed to Darke Co. in this township, in 1 830, and was one of the sturdy ones who gave improvement and civilization a start in the great wilderness of Ohio ; he followed farming and blacksmithing, till, within a few years of his death, he became disabled and was obliged to leave the field of labor ; lived an invalid for five years, and died Aug. 30, 1874. His mother was born in Warren Co.; her parents were John and Elizabeth Snorph, natives of Maryland ; Mr. Snorph died in Montgomery Co. ao-ed about 86 years ; Mrs. Snorph departed this life in Warren Co., aged about 60 years. Our subject assisted his father in agricultural pursuits till his 21st year of age, when he began life for himself, and engaged in farming. He was united in marriage with Sarah J., daughter of John and Hannah Patterson, Aug. 17, 1848 ; her father was born in Pennsylvania in 1803, and removed to Cincinnati with his parents when he was 7 years old, thence to Warren Co.; from there to Montgomery Co., where he married Miss Hannah Witham, and resided there upward of thirty years, then moved to West Baltimore, and resided here till his death, which occurred Jan. 17, 1874 ; Mrs. Patterson died in Montgomery Co., May 12, 1862, aged 58 years. After his marriage our subject engaged in farming in this township for three years, when he removed to Preble Co., and carried on a farm for a short time, thence back to the place where he now resides ; he settled on 80 acres of land partly in the woods, but, by hard labor and good management, he cleared it and got it in condition to receive the improved implements of agricultural labor ; he has since, in 1858, purchased 80 acres more land, and now owns 160 acres here in a body - all in a good state of cultivation, with good improvements. His large brick house presents a striking contrast to the little cabin that stands in the yard, which was once their abode. Mr. Brown is an example of one of our self-made men, having begun life with no capital, but by hard work, industry and good management, he has accomplished the great object in life - made a good home, and is surrounded by all the comforts of lite, in which to spend his declining years ; in all his struggles and privations, such as pioneers know, he has been nobly assisted by his amiable and industrious wife, and both are enjoying the fruits of their hard-earned labor. The}' are the parents of fourteen children, viz.: James M., born Jan. 7, 1849 ; Mary J., June 13, 1850 ; Ellen C.Feb. 22, 1852 ; John, Sept. 3, 1853 ; George W., Feb. 18, 1855 ; Julia, March 13, 1857 ; Albert, Feb. 24, 1858 ; Dora E., April 1, 1860 ; Arthur, May 7, 1862 ; Nellie, March 11, 1864 ; Libbie, August 22, 1866 ; Nina and Eddie (twins), Oct. 3, 1868 ; Norman L., Dec. 15, 1871 ; Julia died April 1, 1857 ; James M., died Jan. 25, 1869 ; George W., died March 16, 1869 ; Eddie, died March 28, 1869 ; Nellie, died Aug. 12, 1869 ; Nina, died April 30, 1870 ; Mary J., nee Mrs. William Poach, died July 12, 1870 : Albert, died Oct. 21, 1871 ; John F., married Martha J. Werts, Nov. 15, 1877 ; Ellenora, married Samuel Barkalow, Feb. 13, 1873 ; Mary J., united in marriage with William Ibach, Feb. 3, 1870. Mrs. Brown was born Feb. 22, 1827. Although Mr. Brown has been very unfortunate in rearing his large family, he has been one of the few fortunate ones, having only been sick once in his life, and then with the ague, and he informs us he was never off his feet, and is still hearty and strong though hard work and exposure have bent his frame and iron will, his faculties are unimpaired.

WILLIAM CASSELL, minister and farmer ; Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Arcanum. The subject of this memoir was born in Baltimore, Md., February 3, 1826 ; he is a son of Leonard and Marian Cassell, natives of Maryland ; his father was born in 1803, and has resided in Baltimore continuously for seventy-seven years ; his mother died in 1835. Our subject resided with his parents till he was 12 years of age, when he went to Carroll Co., Md., and labored on a farm till his 21st year ; he then removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio ; here he entered the ministry, a field of labor that needed just such material as Mr. C. possessed, for fearlessly and uncomplainingly has he discharged every duty, kept inviolate every trust; his calling has carried him from the influences of home and friends, and he has preached the Gospel in all of the following States : Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, New York, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia; by estimate, he has preached two thousand two hundred sermons ; has consummated fifty-five marriages; for his labors in the ministry he has never received a cent, and is willing to go on to the end, and receive his reward from the hands of One, who rewards not with script, but with a free gift of righteousness and forgiveness of sins, a reward more valuable than the wealth of kingdoms ; he is an Elder of the Painter Creek and Ludlow German Baptist Church, which is an extensive organization, numbering about four hundred members, and in this denomination has he labored nearly all his life, and is universally loved and respected by all. He celebrated his marriage with Miss Lucinda, daughter of Daniel and Mary Cauffman, Aug. 14, 1851 ; twelve children have been given to this union, viz.: Jesse, born Oct. 13, 1852 ; Mary A., born Feb. 23, 1854 ; Catherine, born Jan. 1, 1856 ; Martha, born Sept. 22, 1857 ; Albert, born Nov. 20, 1858 ; Sarah, born Oct. 6. 18(30 ; Harvey, born Sept 26, 1862 ; Emma, born May 14, 1864 ; Anna, born March 15, 1866 ; William E., born Dec. 13, 1870 ; Ida M., born Jan. 1, 1873 ; Irvin, born March 8, 1874 ; Catherine, died Jan. 4, 1864 ; Martha departed this life July 12, 1860 ; Anna died March 1, 1869. Mrs. Cassell was born Sept. 8, 1832. Of Mr. Cauffmans family there were ten children, of whom six are living, viz.: Elizabeth, Benjamin, Frederick, Catherine, Lucinda and Rachel ; the deceased are, Jacob, died February 1842, and three others during infancy. Leonard Cassell and his wife were the parents of seven children, viz. : Joseph, James, deceased, Leonard, Elijah, Marian and Mary. Our subject has 80 acres of farm land, all in good state of cultivation, with good comfortable buildings erected thereon.

JOSEPH DITMER, farmer ; P. O., Gordon ; was born in Montgomery Co., Aug. 31, 1828 ; he is a son of Frederick and Salome Ditmer ; his father was born in Somerset Co.,Penn.,Sept. 17,1783 ; his mother was born in Maryland, Dec. 22, 1791 ; both removed to Montgomery County, before their marriage ; lived, died, and ai'e buried in the home of their adoption. Our subject assisted his father on the farm till he was 28 years of age, and then he began life for himself, and worked the old home place in partnership with his brother David for five years after the death of his father, when he removed to Darke County, to this township, and rented a farm for one year, and then, in 1859, he moved to the farm where he now resides, when it was a perfect wilderness, all in the green woods, with no improvements ; going to work with a will and determination, assisted by his industrious wife, they succeeded, after years of hard work, in clearing their land ; have made good improvements, and are contemplating building a large brick residence this year. He was united in marriage with Eva, daughter of Abraham and Rebecca Wellbaum, Nov. 30, 1854 ; her parents were natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., afterward residents of Montgomery and Darke Counties : her father died at the age of 60 years 6 months and 12 days ; her mother, now Mrs. Martin, resides in Union City, aged 73 years. Mr. and Mrs. Ditmer are the parents of six children, viz. : Sarah A., born Sept. 11, 1855 ; Mary, born on Aug. 14, 1857 ; Moses, born March 19, 1860 ; Fianna, born Jan. 24, 1866 ; William H, born July 6, 1871 ; Allen E., born March 17, 1877 ; the deceased are Sarah, died Feb. 15, 1863, aged 7 years 5 months and 4 days ; Frederick Ditmer, died Feb. 27, 1850, aged 65 years 5 montfhs and 10 days ; Salome Ditmer, departed this life May 4, 1878, aged 86 years 4 months and 12 days. Mr. Ditmer has held the office of School Director in his township ; he and his wife have been members of the German Baptist Church for fifteen years, and are good Christian people ; his grandfather, Frederick Ditmer, was a Revolutionary soldier, and belonged to a Pennsylvania Provincial regiment, and in one of the engagements of the war, he with two brothers, both soldiers, were standing together in consultation, when the one in the middle was instantly killed by a cannon ball, literally torn in fragments, presenting a horrible and sickening sight to his two surviving brothers. Our subject's parents were members of the German Baptist Church for many years, and died in the triumph of their faith. Mrs. Wellbaum was also a member of the same church.

GEORGE DITMORE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 12 ; P. O. Arcanum. One of the old settlers of Darke Co.; was born in Montgomery Co. in 1813, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Ditmore, natives of Pennsylvania ; his father was born in Somerset Co., his mother in Lancaster Co., and removed to Montgomery Co. at a very early day. Our subject assisted his father in the duties of the farm till he was 15 years old, when he apprenticed himself and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for sixteen years ; then he engaged in farming, and removed to Darke Co. in April. 1851. He first settled on 80 acres of rented land, partly cleared, and remained on this farm for four years, then removed to the place where he now resides ; he first purchased 120 acres of land, all in the woods, and. like others who settled in Darke Co. in an early day, had plenty to do, and he informs us he and his wife labored many times till far into the night before they got their farm in a state for cultivation. In 1801, he purchased 80 acres adjoining the home farm. In 1858, he bought 00 acres in Van Buren Township ; afterward purchased 80 acres more in this township, and 50 acres more in Van Buren Township. When he began, his capital consisted of one yearling colt and 25 cents in money ; this was the nucleus around which he gathered his fortune ; though insignificant as it was, it shows that fortunes are the growth of these small germs, when properly nourished, and, in this instance, we must recollect that Mr. Ditmore labored against many disadvantages. There are many young men who would have consumed his small capital with a few trifling expenses, but the outgrowth, through his management, has developed itself into quite a fortune, and he and his good wife are now enjoying the refreshing shades of retirement, the reward of their many selfdenials. He celebrated his marriage with Miss Catherine, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Fryman, Aug. 8, 1831. They were natives of Maryland. Seven children are the fruits of this union, viz., John, born Aug. 4, 1834 ; Levi, born Jan. 14, 1830 ; Lavina, born Aug. 25. 1837 ; Israel, born Aug. 12, 1840 ; George, born May 10, 1842 ; Catherine, born March 31, 1840 ; one dying in infancy ; Israel died Oct. 13, 1855. Our subject has been Township Treasurer and School Director for many years, and he and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church, and are consistent Christian people.

JOHN M. DITMORE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 12 ; P. O. Arcanum. The subject of this memoir was born in Montgomery Co. Aug. 4, 1834, and is a son of George Ditmore, whose sketch appears in this work ; he helped his father on the farm till he was 23 years of age, and he was only 12 years old when he came to this county, and has been a continuous resident here ever since. He was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Foreman, Oct. 23, 1850 ; three children wei'e given to this union, viz.: Jacob, born Nov. 29, 1859 ; Levi, Nov. 12, 1857 ; George, June 29, 1801 ; Levi died April 22, 1800 ; George departed this life July 10, 1802 ; Mrs. Ditmore died Nov. 25, 1801. He was united with Mrs. Cunning, a daughter of the Rev. Mr. Wendall Minnich, a bishop of the German Baptist Church, and a pioneer preacher of this county, Aug. 24, 1802 ; eight children have been given to this union, viz.: Noah, born May 20, 1803 ; John A.. Feb. 13, 1805 ; William H, June 12. 1800 ; Daniel E , March 20, 1868 ; Amanda. Sept. 10, 1869 ; Malinda B, March 11, 1871 ; Sarah A.. July 30, 1874 ; Ira C.Sept. 27. 1876; one dying in infancy. Mr. Cunning was born June 18, 1832, and died Jan. 20, 1859, leaving two children, viz.: Mary C. born Jan. 24, 1858, now Mrs. Godown ; Anna L., July 29, 1859. Mrs. Ditmore was born Nov. 11. 1838. Our subject has 80 acres of as good land as there is in Darke Co., all in a high state of cultivation, with good, comfortable improvements, the fruit of his own hard labor : he and his wife have been members of the German Baptist Church upward of twentv years, and are model Christian people.

NOAH FRYMAN*, farmer. Set-. 13; P. 0. Arcanum. One of the old settlers of Darke County, and was born in Montgomery Co.. Ohio. Aug. 2. 1835. and is a son of Jacob and Catherine Fryman, both old residents of Montgomery County. Our subject was reared a farmer's boy, and labored on his father's farm till his 21st 3'ear, when he began life for himself, and followed the occupation he was reared to. He removed to Darke County in 1848, and settled on Sec. 6. where he remained till 1859, and then removed to the place where he now resides. He first settled on 40 acres of wild land that took years of toil and privation before lie had it in a condition that makes farm labor agreeable and profitable ; by great industry and good management, he added to his little farm, till now he owns 125 acres of choice farming land, all in a high state of cultivation. He has been very successful in life, and through his own exertion he has made the greater part of his possessions. He celebrated his marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas and Leah Niswonger. April 5. 1859. Her parents were residents of this township. Her father was killed Sept. 16, 1864; her mother died in 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Fryman are the parents of ten children, viz., George, born Jan. 9, 1860 ; Ananius. born March 17, 1861 ; Nicholas, born May 9, 1864 ; Mary C, born Dec. 17, 1866 ; Lewis, born Jan. 10, 1870 ; Hetta, born June 24, 1877 ; one son and three daughters died in infancy; Mrs. Fryman was born April 27, 1840. Our subject is greatly interested in educational matters, and delights in educating his children. He and his amiable wife have been members of the German Baptist Church for a period of twenty years, and are generous Christian people.

ELIZABETH A. GARRISON ; P. O. Gordon. The subject of this memoir was born in Baltimore, Md., Feb. 12. 1817, and is a daughter of William L. and Ann (Armstrong) Pierce, natives of Maryland ; her grandfather was a minister of the Gospel, and represented the Methodist Episcopal Church ; Mr. Pierce was a baker by trade ; he learned his trade in Philadelphia, with his Uncle Hay ward, and did business on Great York St.. Baltimore, for three years, when he died very suddenly, aged about 28 }Tears ; after the death of her husband, Mrs. Pierce continued to live in Baltimore for about five years, when she united in marriage with Joseph Sharp, when they removed to Butler Co., Ohio. Mr. Sharp was a shoemaker, but purchased a tract of land in Darke. They remained in Butler Co. one year, then moved to Milton, where the}' remained one year : thence to Darke Co., where our subject has ever since continued to reside, covering a space of time since 1840. She was united in marriage with Nicholas Mays Dec. 5, 1833 ; four children were given to this union, viz. : Emily A., born Oct., 16, 1834; Daniel, born Sept. 14, 1836; Martha, born Nov 1, 1838; Clarrissa, born Nov. 6, 1840. Mr. Mays departed this life March 10, 1841, aged about 40 years. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Mays continued on the farm till her marriage with Samuel Thompson, which occurred April 9, 1 844, and then left the home place and went with her husband to his home, but Mr. Thompson only lived a short time after his marriage, when he was stricken down with a congestive chill, and was a corpse just eighteen months after his marriage with Mrs Mays. One child was given to this union, viz.: Minerva, born Jan. 10, 1846. When her husband was laid in the grave, she moved back to the Mays farm, her previous residence, where she remained for six years, when she was again united in marriage, with Leonard Garrison, June 19. 1852 ; four children are the fruits of this union, viz.: Maria E., born May 16, 1853. Loretta, born Dec. 27,1854; Amanda, born July 24, 1857; William L., born May 4. 1859. Mr. Garrison departed this life July 24, 1871. Emily (Mays) Penny died Nov. 6, 1866 ; Daniel Mays, died March 25, 1839 ; Minerva (Thompson) Bollinger, departed this life Feb. 18, 1875 ; Martha Garrison, died Feb. 15, 1877. Truly the death messenger has made frequent calls upon the family of Mrs. Garrison, but with true Christian spirit, she submits to the will of her Master, and through her faith she sees the gateway of entrance whereby she can be re-united with the loved ones that have gone before. She has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1832, and was happily converted at a camp-meeting in Baltimore, and, through all these years, her faith has never weakened, nor her reliance on the promises of her Savior ever grown dim.

SILAS GILBERT, farmer. Sec. 5 ; P. ( >. Arcanum. The subject of this memoir was born in Frederick Co., Md., Nov. 20. 1845, and is a son of Solomon and Sarah Gilbert, natives of Maryland. Solomon Gilbert was born in April. 1818; Mrs. Gilbert in December. 1819 ; they were the parents of seven children, of whom three are living, viz., Julia. Silas, the subject of this sketch, and William S.; they emigrated from Maryland to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1847.

and settled on the same section where he now resides. Our subject assisted his father in the duties of the farm until he was 21 years of age, and then began life for himself, and engaged in farming in Montgomery County until 1869, and then removed to Darke County in 1870, and settled on the place where he now resides. He first purchased 82 acres of land, with no improvements, but has built a fine residence, a large barn, and made other improvements that make his home attractive and pleasant; he has recently purchased 25 acres of land near the home place, and now owns 107 acres of as tine land as is to be found in Darke County. He celebrated his marriage with Miss Frances, daughter of John and Sarah Resler, June 3, 1866 ; they were natives of Virginia, and settled in Montgomery Co. in 1845. Mr. Resler died in 1847 ; his wife died near Muncie, Ind., in 1858 or 1859 ; they were the parents of seven children, of whom five are living, viz.: John S., resides in Miami Co.; James M., lives in Springfield, Ohio ; Lucy A., now Mrs. McGowan, resides in Dayton; Caroline, now Mrs. Baker, lives in Montgomery Co.; Frances, wife of the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert are the parents of seven children, viz.: Sarah J., born Oct. 10,1868; Julia C, Dec. 7, 1870; Orin S., Feb. 22, 1874; Mary C, June 28, 1876; Cora E., Feb. 1. 1879, two dying in infanc}-. Mr. Gilbert had only the advantage of a good common-school education, but is greatly interested in educational matters, and is a contributor to the press, his articles always being honored by the same. He has been a member of the German Baptist Church for fifteen years, and is a Deacon of the Church. Mrs. Gilbert has been in the same church for eighteen years, and is an energetic, consistent Christian woman.

PHILIP HAXGEN, retired farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Center, Montgomery Co., Ohio. The subject of this memoir was born in Brissin, German}-, Nov. 3. 1817, and is a son of John and Margaret Hangen, natives of the same place. His father died at the age of 75 years and 11 months ; his mother at the age of 45 }-ears. Our subject assisted his father in the blacksmith-shop until he was 28 years of age, when he celebrated his marriage with Miss Catherine, daughter of P. and Mary (Yost) Herman, Aug. 26, 1845. He then began life for himself, and followed his trade for nine years in Germany, when he emigrated to this country, and landed in New York on the 9th or 10th of April in 1854 ; came to Ohio and settled in Miamisburg. where he lived one year, and then removed to near Gordon, in Darke County, and worked at his trade for a few years, and then moved to the place where he now resides in 1860. He now owns 170 acres of as fine land as is to be found in Darke County, all in a good state of cultivation. His improvements are No. 1 in every particular. When our subject left Gordon, in I860, his worldly wealth consisted of $40 in money and a span of horses. Buying his farm entirely on time, he succeeded in paying the whole amount in about two or three years, an example of what can be accomplished when energy and good management are brought to bear on points of issue. He and his good wife are now in the possession of a good home, surrounded by all the comforts of life, and are resting from their labors, for their day's work is done. and in the shades of retirement are enjoying their declining years. They are the parents often children, viz.: Phillip II. . born Oct. 4, 1846; Christian, born March 15, 1850; John, born Sept. 2. 1853; Jacob, born June 26, 1855; William and Henry (twins), born July 4, 1857; Harmon, born Oct. 4, 1859. The deceased are Mary, born Aug. 17, 1848, nee Mrs. Henry Bridenbaugh, died Dec. 25, 1871 ; Catherine, born Nov. 26, 1851, died Jan. 18. 1855 ; Henry, died April 12, 1860. Mr. Hangen has filled the office of Trustee for four years. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and are good, Christian people. Their children are also members <>f the same church.

CHBISTIAN HANGEN, farmer, Sec. 28; P.O. Center, Montgomery Co. The subject of this sketch was born in Brissin, Germany, March 15, 1850, and is a son of Philip Hangen, whose sketch appears in this work ; he emigrated from Germany, with his parents, when he was but 3 years old, and followed the fortunes of his parents till he was 26 years of age, giving his labor entire to the benefit of the family. He was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of J. and Margaret Myers, Nov. 23, 1876. Mr. Myers was born in Enshaem Bavaria, Germany, April 8, 1807, and departed this life in Miami Co.. aged 63 years 11 months and 15 days. Mrs. Myers was born in the same place, April 29, 1808, and is a daughter of Nicholas Hale ; she is still living, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Hangen ; her parents first settled in Cincinnati, and kept a boarding-house for nine months, then removed to Miami Co. and purchased 143 acres of land that is still in possession of the family. Mrs. Hangen was born in Miami Co. April 8, 1855 ; she and her husband are members of the Lutheran Church, and, like their parents, are consistent Christian people, and are interested in the church. They are the parents of two children, viz.: Charles P., born Nov. 9, 1878 ; Lillian W., born Sept. 11, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Myers were the parents of nine children, of whom seven are living, viz.: John, who resides in Michigan ; Daniel, who lives in Miami Co.: Charles, who resides in Montgomery Co.; Michael, who lives in Montgomery Co.; Margaret, now Mrs. Schauer, who lives in Union City, Ind.; Jacob, who resides in Sedgwick City, Kan., and Sarah, wife of the subject of our sketch.

' ELI AS HART, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Gordon. The subject of this memoir was born in Warren Co., Sept. 30, 1830, and is a son of George W. and Rachel Hart, natives of New Jersey, afterward residents of Warren Co.; his father died in Hamilton Co. in 1840, aged about 43 years ; his mother died in Darke Co.. aged upward of 70 years. Our subject was reared on the farm till 6 years of age. when his parents removed to Ohio. After his father's death, he followed various pursuits - followed farming in Montgomery Co.; thence to Preble Co., for about seven years, and was engaged in farming ; thence to Darke Co.. in the spring of 1865, where he now resides. He bought 84 acres of land, partly in the woods, and has relieved the surface of all hinderances to farming, and his land is all in a good state of cultivation, his improvements comfortable in every particular. He celebrated his marriage with Miss Ann, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Baker, Nov. 1, 1855 ; her parents were natives of Montgomery Co.; five children have been given to this union, viz.: Lillian, born July 3. 1856 ; Rachel, born Oct. 25, 1859 ; Ellen M., born May 19, 1861 ; George W., born Feb. 14, 1864 ; Charles R., born Aug. 10, 1872. Mr. Hart has been identified in his township's offices, and is now one of the Township Trustees, has been Supervisor for six terms, and filled the office of School Director many terms ; his constituents have elected him to other offices, but, being no political aspirant, he has declined. Mrs. Hart is a member of the German Baptist Church, and a consistent Christian woman.

JOHN M. HENNINGER, retired farmer ; P. 0. Gordon. The subject of this memoir was born in Wittemburg, Germany, Nov. 19, 1804, and is a son of Christian and Mary Henninger, natives of Germany, who lived and died in the place of their nativity at advanced ages ; his father was a school teacher by profession, and was one of the leading educators in Germany. Our subject lived with his father till he was 16 years of age, when he learned the baker's trade, which he followed for five years, and then turned his attention to farming, which he followed for ten years ; he emigrated from his native home in August, 1847, to America, and landed in New York in September of the same 3'ear - his voyage occupying twenty -eight days ; he came directly to Ohio and settled in Darke County ; he purchased 120 acres of land in this township, mostlj- in the woods ; went to work at it with a will and energy that is characteristic of our German citizens, and, after years of toil and privations, succeeded in getting his land in a good state of cultivation, and had good average improvements thereon ; this he sold at the expiration of seven }-ears and purchased 160 acres, where he now resides ; this was all in the woods, but by his accustomed skill and industry he soon cleared it of its heavy growth of timber, and his land is now in a high state of cultivation, and has fair improvements erected thereon ; he began life in America with only a capital of $700, and, by industry and good management, he has a pretty home in which to

his declining years ; he informs us that his good wife has bravely assisted him in all the arduous duties of life and has borne her full share of the trials in the struggle since their pathways were united. He was united in marriage with Barbara", daughter of Michael "and Barbara (Schiller) Creeb, Nov. 22, 1829, and by this union have had twelve children, viz. : Barbara, born June 1, 1830. now Mrs. Daller, and resides in Dayton ; John, born Sept. 23, 1832, and died Nov. 15, 185G ; John F., born Aug. 22, 1834. died January 16, 1857 ; John H., born Feb. 29, 1836, died Nov. 20, 1857 ; Margaret, born April 21, 1837, now Mrs. Scheiding ; Sophia C, born Aug. 31. 1838. died Nov. 23, 1858 ; Rosanna born April 2, 1831, died Sept. 20, 1856 : Catharine, born Nov. 22, 1839, died Sept. 22, 1858 ; Charles, born June 6, 1841 ; Frederick W., born March 7, 1843, died March 24, 1843 ; John, born Sept. 23, 1848; Frederick, born April 17, 1851, died in August, 1858 ; Mrs. Henninger was born Aug. 29, 1808. Mr. and Mrs. Henninger, with their children, are members of the Lutheran Church, and are earnest Christian people.

JACOB HINSEY, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Arcanum ; one of the old settlers of Darke County, he was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., in 1816, and is a son of John and Mariah Hinsey, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn. Our subject assisted his father on the farm till he was 25 }-ears old, when he removed to Ohio with his parents and settled just below Hamilton, and resided here for four years, when he removed to Montgomery County, where he remained till 1840. when he came to Darke Count}*, where he now resides ; he first purchased 82 acres of land, which he has cleared up and improved, and in addition, owns a fine lot in Arcanum ; his father died at the age of 84 years, and his mother at the age of 80 ; he celebrated his marriage with Catherine daughter of Jacob Baker, in 1840, and by this union had eight children, viz., Susanna, Mahala, Sarah, Catherine and Samuel ; three deceased ; some time after the death of his first wife, he celebrated his marriage with Elizabeth Smith, who was born in Berks Co., Penn. ; two children have been given to this union, viz.. Mariah E. and William ; he has been a member of the German Baptist Church for sixteen }-ears ; is one of -our self-made men, having begun life with $1 in his pocket, but owed just 50 cents more than his cash assets.

ABBAHAM HUNT, blacksmith, Sec. 4 ; P. O. Laura, Miami Co., Ohio. The subject of this sketch was born in Miami Co. Dec. 3, 1834, and is a son of Elijah and Susanna Hunt ; he assisted his father in the labors of the farm till his 23d year, when he began life for himself, and chose Darke County as a proper place of settlement, as well as a suitable place for his business ; he operated a thrashing machine in this county for ten years, and was ver}* successful ; he next resumed his trade (blacksmithing), which he learned in Miami County, in which business he is at present engaged. He celebrated his marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daugh ter of George and Nancy Funderburg, March 19, 1856 ; her father was born in

1803, and died at the age of 67 years ; they were the parents of eleven children, of whom seven are living - Noah, Sarah (now Mrs. Timmons), Susanna (now Mrs. Wellbaum), Henry, Elizabeth (wife of the subject of our sketch). Nancy (now Mrs Aldridge), Catherine (now Mrs. Altic). Mary (now Mrs. Aaihart). Barbara (now Mrs. Christe). Mr. Hunt has been identified in most of the local offices of the township, having served as Justice of the Peace. Supervisor. Constable, Assessor and School Director, his constituents having elected him man}' times to fill the same offices, which is ample proof of his executive ability, and of giving perfect, satisfaction to his fellow-townsmen ; they are the parents of four children, viz. : Isaac A., born Feb. 27, 1858 ; Philonzo, Feb. 24, I860 : Susanna J.. Feb. 26, 1871 ; Daniel, Aug. 24. 1805. and departed this life Da'. 13. 1865.

BICHABD M. HINT, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Laura. Miami Co., Ohio; the subject of this sketch was horn in Miami Co., Ohio, in May. 1837. and is a son of Elijah and Susanna Hunt, old residents of Miami Co. ; he assisted his father in the duties of the farm till his 21st year, when he besjan life for himself, and engaged in farming ; he settled in Monroe Township, where he now lives, in October, 1859, and has 80 acres of good land, all in a high state of cultivation, and his improvements are No. 1 in every respect ; our subject only had the advantage of a common-school education, but by making good use of his time he succeeded in obtaining a fair education in the English branches, and is making strenuous efforts to give his children a good education. He was united in marriage with Rebecca, daughter of Jacob and Susanna Oakes, in November, 1858 ; two children were given to this union, viz.: Eunice A., born Nov. 9. 1861 ; Osborne T., born Oct. 4, 1863; Mrs. Hunt departed this life Dec. 24. 1865 ; was born Feb. 3, 1840 ; she was a member of the Christian Church, and died trusting in the promises of her Savior ; Mr. Hunt was again united in marriage with Sarah J., daughter of Samuel and Rosanna Hay worth, Dec. 15, 1867 ; her parents were natives of Miami Co., Ohio ; eight children have been given to this union viz.: Parlena, born Dec. 20, 1868 ; Dora E., born Jan. 31, 1870 : Mary E., born July 13, 1871 ; Rosella, born April 21, 1873 ; Albert L., born Jan. 8, 1875 ; Marcellus, born Feb. 13, 1877 ; Otwell, born Feb. 24, 1878 ; one dying in infancy ; Parlena

RALPH HUNT, farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Laura, Miami Co. The subject of this memoir was born in Miami Co. March 27, 1824, and is the eldest son of Elijah and Susanna Hunt, old residents of Miami Co., but natives of South Carolina ; his father was born Dec. 18, 1800. and was a continuous resident of Miami Co. for nearly sixty years ; he removed to Iowa in 1855 or 1856, and died in the winter of 1858 ; his mother was born Sept. 3, 1806, and departed this life Nov. 29, 1841. In a very early day, the early pioneers of Miami Co. were visited by a terrible and destructive hurricane ; their cabins were hurled from their foundation like so much chaff, large trees were uprooted and thrown down, stock and people alike suffered from the fury of this storm. Mr. Hunt's grandmother was terribly injured by the falling trees, and two of her children were blown in among the tree tops and killed, one was impaled on a limb, and its body was taken down after the fury of the storm. Our subject lived in Miami Co. about twenty-two years, and was engaged in farming, and removed to Darke Co., where he now resides, in 1846. He first settled on 80 acres of wild land, and went to work with his ax to remove the vast quantity of timber and underbrush - to prepare it for the implements of agriculture - and by dint of hard labor he has accomplished his purpose, and now owns 123 acres of choice farming land, well improved. He has -a vivid recollection of the great star shower of Nov. 13, 1833, and he informs us the air was full of the descending meteors, and, was literally a rain of fire from the heavens ; many people of a superstitious nature thought that the last day had come - that Gabriel with his trump was at hand to speak the summons of departure. He was united in marriage with Sophia Walker, Aug. 30. 1845 ; they were the parents of seven children, viz.: Henry, born July 25. 1846 : Elijah, born Oct. 4, 1848 ; Abraham, born June 6, 1850 ; Susanna, born Dec. 18, 1851 ; Phoeba J., born Oct.' 24, 1853; Theodore, born Jan. 18, 1855; Arlistus, born Sept. 18, 1857 ; Wesley, born March 16, 1859. Mrs. Hunt departed this life April 26, 1859 ; Elijah, died Aug. 27, 1849 ; Susanna, died March 21, 1871 ; Wesley, died Aug. 16, 1859. He was again united in marriage with Lydia Walker, by whom he had eight children, viz.: John W., born Jan. 1, 1861, died Sept. 14, 1861 ; Ida A., born Jan. 6, 1862. died Au£. 28, 1862 : Delmont, born Jan. 22, 1863. died March 27. 1863 ; Sophia E., born April 11, 1864 ; James A., born May 18, 1865 ; Martha A., born Dec. 17, 1866 ; Charles M., born Feb. 3, 1868 ; Albert, born Nov. 29, 1869, died Sept. 21, 1870 ; Mrs. Hunt departed this life May 1, 1874. He was again married, to Rachel Walker, Feb. 19, 1876. Mr. Hunt has been identified in most all the township offices, which is ample proof of his executive ability, and of satisfaction being given to his fellow-townsmen ; he is one of our liberal Christians, and believes in doing right, and knows it can be done regardless of creeds or denominations.

JOHN KRESS, farmer ; P.O.Gordon. The subject of this memoir was born in Wittenburg, Germany, June 15, 1825, and is a son of George M. and Mary Ann Kress, natives of Germany. Our subject assisted his father in the duties of the farm till his 1 Oth year, when he learned the baker's trade, which he followed for five years, and then abandoned on account of injury to his eyes, caused b}' the excessive heat; he emigrated to America in July 1849, and landed in New York City, his voyage occupying forty days ; immediately after landing, he started for Ohio, and in Darke Co. he went to work as a farm hand for one year, then to Montgomery Co. and labored another year, when he rented a farm for five years ; thence to Preble Co. where he rented for one year, and was now able to buy land . came to Darke Co. and purchased 80 acres in Sec. 20 ; it was mostly in the woods, but by his own hard labor he cleared and improved and made a No. 1 farm, the result of his industry and good management ; he lived on this farm upward of nineteen years, when he purchased 80 acres on Sec. 19, in 1868 ; this was partly in the woods with no improvements, but he has cleared it and built a large house, barn, and made other improvements of such a nature that to-day he has the best farm buildings in Monroe Township, and his land is in a high state of cultivation ; he was united in marriage with Eve Henkle, Nov. 13, 1851 ; ten children have been given to this union, viz.: Noah, born Sept. 8, 1852 ; Henry, born July 16, 1854 ; Eve K, born Feb. 17, 1856 ; Anna M., born July 3, 1857 ; George C, born Nov. 21. 1858 ; John M., born Nov. 23, 1860; Lewis, born July 14, 1862 ; Samuel, born Sept. 28, 1864; Charley, born July 24, 1866; Frederick A., born July 28, 1870. Noah was married to Belle, daughter of Elias Harte ; Anna M. was united in marriage with Aaron Davenport ; the}' reside on the farm Mr. Kress first purchased. Mr. Kress has been identified in his township's offices, having served his neighbors and friends in the capacity of Trustee for five years in succession, Pike Superintendent for three 3'ears, School Director for four years, and in all he has discharged his duty fearlessly, and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Both Mr. and Mrs Kress are members of the Lutheran Church, and are good, consistent, Christian people ; they have been very fortunate in rearing their large family of children,, having lost none by death, and we believe he and Mr. Shank, whose sketch appears in this work, are the only ones in this township that can say as much.

JOHN J. KUHNLE, farmer, Sec. 1 8 ; P. 0. Gordon. The subject of this memoir was born in Wittemburg, Germany, in 1821, and is the son of Philip and Julia Kuhnle. natives of Germany ; our subject assisted his father in agricultural pursuits till he was 28 years of age ; in 1848, he emigrated to America ; he came to .Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he resided for sixteen years and engaged in farming. then he came to Darke Co., where he purchased 80 acres of land in 1865 ; his land shows good cultivation, and his improvements are good and substantial ; in 1872, he purchased 50 acres adjoining his home farm, and now owns 130 acves of valuable land. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of Mr. Henkel. in 1851 : five children have been given to' this union, viz.: Elizabeth, born March 31, 1852 ; Caroline, Dec. 31, 1853 ; Eve, Aug. 29, 1857 ; Victoria, March 5, 1864 ; William, Oct. 8, 1868 ; Elizabeth was married April 1, 1872, to Adam Kohns ; Mrs. Kuhnle departed this life July 27, 1877, and her remains are interred in the Gordon Cemetery ; she was born Jan. 25, 1832.

SUSAN AH LONG ; P. 0. Potsdam, Ohio. The subject of this memoir was bom in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Feb. 13, 1823, and is a daughter of David and Elizabeth Smith ; they were born in Pennsylvania and removed to Montgomery County in a very early day, and were among the early pioneers of that county ; her father died at the age of 48, and her mother at the age of 62 years; they were the parents of seven children, of whom five are living, viz.: John S., Solomon, Mary, Esther, and the subject of this sketch, who was united in marriage with Abraham Long, now deceased, May 14, 1846 ; they resided in Montgomery Co. for sixteen years after their marriage, when they removed to Darke Co., where she now resides ; she owns 80 acres of land where she resides.

all in a good state of cultivation, with good average improvements erected thereon. Mr. Long was born in Pennsylvania Feb. 18, 1818, and departed this life May 25, 1863 ; he was a son of Abraham and Ann Long, natives of Pennsylvania, afterward residents of Montgomery Co.; they died at advanced ages ; they were 'the parents of five children, viz., Christian, Elizabeth, Nancy, Fanny and Abraham. Mr. and Mrs. Long are the parents of thirteen children, of whom eight are living, viz.: John, born Feb. 28, 1847 ; Henry, Aug. 6, 1848 ; Rose A., Jan. 26, 1858 ; Joseph. Sept. 27, 1854 ; David, July 11, 1856 ; Ellen M., June 21, 1859 ; Daniel, Dec. 14, 1860. The deceased are - Elizabeth, born Jan. 1, 1850 (died May 9 1878 nee Mrs. Aaron Pearson, leaving two children, viz., Esty, born Feb. 13, 1872, and Ellis, bora Sept. 1, 1873 ; both are adopted by their grandmother) ; Noah born May 17, 1851, and died in infancy ; Moses, born March 17, 1852, also died in infancy ; Sarah J., born March 26, 1853, and died Sept. 6, 1877 ; Esther, born Sept. 27, 1854, and died Aug. 1, 1855 ; William, born July 11, 1862, and departed this life Dec. 18, 1863. Mrs. Long has been a member of the Christian Church for twenty-four years, and is an exemplary Christian woman, and though her sorrows and bereavements have been many, her Christian fortitude has never forsaken her, but to the contrary, each affliction has added strength to the chain of tender ties that connect her with departed loved ones.

FREDERICK MILLER, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Arcanum, was born in Germany in 1823 and emigrated to America in 1846, and landed in New York in June. He came to Montgomery Co., where he worked at the mason trade for about two years, and then removed to Darke Co. in 1850, and settled in Franklin Township, where he purchased 120 acres of land. He resided here about fourteen year's, when he sold out and moved to Monroe Township, where he now resides, and purchased 165 acres of land. It was partly in the woods, but he has cleared it all, and his land now is in a good state of cultivation, with good, comfortable buildings thereon. He was united in marriage Jan. 18, 1849, with Susanna, daughter of Jacob and Susanna Flory, natives of Pennsylvania ; six children are the fruits of this union, viz.: Mary A., born March 24, 1850 ; Susanna A., born Oct. 28, 1851 ; Jennie, born June 10, 1853, died Oct. 21, 1860 ; John F., born Oct. 24, 1856 ; Ammala, born March 23, 1860 ; Barbara M., born Jan. 8, 1863. Mr. Miller's father was born in Germany in 1792, and died at the age of 83 years. His mother, Mary J. (Gieser) Miller was born in 1801 and died in 1861. Mrs. Miller's father, Jacob Flory, was born in Somerset Co., Penn., July 4, 1801, and died in September, 1853. Her mother, Susanna (Smith) Flory, was bora in Virginia, October, 1802. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have made all their worldly wealth by their own hard labor and enterprise, and now have a good home, in which to enjoy their declining years. He has been Trustee and School Director of his township. Mr. Miller is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife belongs to the German Baptist Church. Mrs. Miller was born July 3, 1827.

GEORGE MILLER, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. O. Gordon ; the subject of this sketch was born in Wittemburg, Germany, Oct. 5, 1817, and is a son of Charles and Dora Miller, both natives of Germany ; his father died in Germany, aged o3 years ; his mother died in America, aged 81 years ; his father was a cabinetmaker by trade, but our subject became" a stonecutter, and afterward learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed while he lived in Germany ; he emigrated to this country in August, 1847, and landed in New York ; came to Ohio and settled in Darke Co. ; he purchased 62 acres of land all in the woods, but, going to work with a will that is characteristic of our German citizens, he soon cleared off the timber, and got his land in a state of cultivation, and now has good improvements erected thereon ; he commenced life with a very small capital, but by energy and persevering industry, in which he was nobly assisted by his good wife, overcame and bridged the broad gulf of poverty and adversity with the chain of determination, and they are comfortably moored in a harbor of rest - secure from the chilling blasts of adversity. He was united in marriage with Catherine, daughter of

NELSON MOTE, farmer ; P. 0. Arcanum ; the subject of this memoir was born in this township, May 30, 1842, and is a son of Noah and Catherine Mote : his father was the third actual settler in this township. Our subject assisted his lather in the duties of the farm till his 17th year, when he began life for himself, and at his country's call for men to preserve the honor of the flag and save the Union in the impending crisis, he enlisted in Company B of the glorious old 110th O. V. I. Aug. 17, 1862, and went resolutely forth to do whatever his country required of him ; he was stationed at Piqua about two months, and then his regiment was sent to Parkersburg, W. Va,, in October, where they remained two weeks, thence to Clarksburg. W. Va., where his regiment did camp duty till Christmas, and then did fortification duty till June, 1863, and was then ordered to the front, stationed at Harper's Ferry ; his regiment belonged to the 3d Division of the 3d Army Corps ; in the spring, they were transferred to the 6th Army Corps ; his regiment participated in the engagement at Winchester, and afterward in the ever-memorable and disastrous battle of the Wilderness, that raged with unabated fury all through the month of May, in 1864 ; here the regiment lost heavily, but our subject escaped uninjured ; the battle of Cold Harbor followed almost immediately, and the old 110th was again plunged into the thickest and hottest of the fight, and came out with thinned ranks, crippled and torn, and only a shadow of its former strength ; here our subject received a severe wound in the left hand, entirely losing theforefinger, and shattering the bones in his hand in a terrible manner ; this wound incapacitated Mr. Mote from further duty till the 15th of December, when he again joined the regiment at Petersburg. Va., and was engaged in the terrible and destructive battles of that renowned stronghold in March and April of 1 864, and on April 2 he received two wounds, one in the breast, and the other behind the left ear, the ball passing clear through his head, and coming out by the side of his nose ; he was again taken to the hospital, this time to City Point, and afterward to the hospital in Washington, where he remained till he was honrably discharged from the service, May 19, 1865, having served his country well and faithfully for two years nine months and two days : he now returned home, completely broken down from wounds, exposure and privations of war, and was unable to do much manual labor, but did all he could. He was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of George and Mary Hansberger. Aug. 16, 1866 ; her parents were residents of Darke County : her lather was born in Virginia in 1810, her mother was born in Kentucky in 1816. and came to Darke County in isi':', ; Mr. Hansberger came in 1835 ; they were married in 1840, and are the parents of six children, of whom three arc living. Mr. Mote has filled the office of Supervisor for one term : Mrs. Mote is a member of the Christian Church, and is an exemplary Christian woman.

GEORGE NETZLEY, deceased. The subject of this memoir was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Nov. 5, 1823, and was a son of George and Elizabeth Netzley, also natives of Pennsylvania, and removed to Montgomery County in 1835 and settled on a farm, where they lived till 1873. when they removed to Franklin Township. Darke Co., and resided till their death. Mr. Netzley, Sr.,died in the summer of 1875, aged 78 years; Mrs. Netzley departed this life in 1876, aged

75 years ; Geo. Netzley, our subject, settled in Monroe Township in 1859, on the same farm where his widow now resides ; he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine, daughter of D. and Mary Cauffman, July 13, 1846, they being* natives of Pennsylvania ; eight children are the fruits of this union, viz. : Mary. born Dec. 3, 1847 ; Urias, born Sept. 25, 1849 ; Joseph, born July 11, 1851 ; Eh\ born Jan. 27, 1855 ; Allen, born Feb. 10, 1857 ; Jesse, born April 12, 1861 ; Rosetta, born Nov. 7, 1865 ; David A., born Aug. 30, 1871. Mr. Netzley departed this life Sept. 7, 1879, aged 55 years 10 months and 2 da}*s ; his death was caused b}' accident, his arm being caught in the cylinder of a thrashing machine, and before he could be extricated he was terribly injured ; the accident happened on Monday, and he lingered till the following Sunday, when death came to his relief ; Mr. Netzley purchased only 60 acres when he first settled in Darke County, but by careful management and persevering industry he kept adding to his small farm until his death, when he was in possession of 290 acres of as fine land as there is in the county, with fine buildings erected thereon, the fruits of his hard-earned labor. DAVID W. NISWONGER, carpenter and builder ; resides on Sec. 7 ; P. O. Arcanum. The subject of this sketch was born in Darke County Jan. 6, 1843. and is a son of John Niswonger, whose sketch appears in this work. Our subject assisted his father in agricultural pursuits till his 1 8th year, when at his countrys' call, he was one of the first to respond, and volunteered in Co. K, of the 19th I. V. I., and afterward belonged to the 2d Corps, in the Arm}* of the Potomac ; he passed through several severe engagements, the first at Slaughter Mountain, the second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, and the battle of Antietam, where he received a severe wound in the left breast that rendered him unfit for military duty, and he was obliged to repair to the hospital, where he remained for six months, when he was honorably discharged from the service and returned to his home, and remained for nine months, but, still thirsting for the smoke and excitement of battle, he again enlisted in Co., B, of the 110th O. V. I., and returned to the front, and passed through the desperate and sanguinary battle of the Wilderness of 1864, where so many brave boys laid down their lives, merely to appease the clamorous cry raised by the North, of-' On to Richmond ;" nothing of advantage was accomplished by this battle, but the heaps of dead and dying were ghastly witnesses of the great sacrifice of life to our brave bo}Ts in blue, and their noble and heroic commander, McClellan, was stigmatized as an inefficient leader, because he led where popular sentiment demanded, but absolutely contrary to the better judgment of men posted in military tactics ; after this came the battle of Spottsylvania. the " Slaughter-pen," where, our subject informs us, the dead lay in literal heaps, and large trees were shattered by the terrible rain of iron hail ; he was at Cold Hai'bor. and in fact all the fighting that was gone through by the Army Potomac, in the great campaign of 1864. At Monocacy Junction, in Maryland, he was taken prisoner, and sent to Danville, and was in the hands of the rebels seven months and thirteen days, when he was exchanged, and came home on furlough and reported at Camp Chase, but on account of ill health, and shattered constitution, caused by the fearful exposure in rebel prison pens, and the brutal treatment he received at their hands, he was honorably discharged from the service of his country in 1865. He returned home and labored on the farm for two years, and then engaged in harness-making in Pittsburgh for four years, when he sold out, and has followed carpentering from then till the present time. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of David and Nancy Oldmine, May 19, 1867; her father was born in Pennsylvania, and her mother in Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Niswonger are the parents of six children, viz.: William H, born Oct. 7, 1869 ; Hetta, V., born April 16, 1872 ; Sarah E., born July 25, 1874 ; Clifford, born Dec. 21, 1876 ; Harry, born Sept. 7, 1879 ; one dying in infancy. Our subject has had his full share of township offices, having served as Township Clerk for six }Tears, Township Assessor five years. His wife is a member of the German Baptist Church, and an exemplary Christian woman.

ELI NISWONGrER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17 ; P.O. Arcanum; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Aug. 31. 1836, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Warner) Niswonger. His father was born in the same county in March, 1800, and died in the place of his birth, aged 70 years 4 months and 4 days. His mother was bora in Pennsylvania in January, 1811, and died in Montgomery Co., aged 57 years. They were the parents of six children, of whom all are living but one, which died in infancy. Our subject assisted his father in home duties until his 21st year, when he began life for himself and engaged in farming, which he followed in his native county until 1864, when he removed to Darke Co., on the place where he now resides. It contained 90 acres, all in its wild state when he began operations on it, but by persistent labor he has deprived it of its native grandeur, and now it is in a good state of cultivation and well improved. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary H., daughter of Jesse and Eliza Cauffinan, Feb. 3, 1859. Her parents were residents of Montgomery Co. Her father died at the age of 48 years and 9 months. Her mother is still living, at the advanced age of 07 3'ears. They were the parents of ten children, of whom all are living but four. All reside in Dayton but one, who resides in Tippecanoe, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Niswonger are the parents of eight children, viz.: Laura Belle and Dora Ellen (twins), born April 17, 1862 ; Orrie, born April 7, 1864 ; G-eorge, born March 18, 1866 ; Jesse and Ira (twins), born Jan. 27, 1873 ; Willie, born April 5, 1875 ; Webby, born July 14, 1877 ; Ira departed this life June 27, 1873. Mr. Niswonger has had the honors of petty offices conferred upon him by his constituents, and has performed his duties to the satisfaction of the public. Our subject was instrumental in causing the erection of School District No. 7. He circulated a petition and obtained the signatures of all the householders in the new district some eighteen months before it was presented to the Board, and was rewarded for his time and trouble, and has a good school with an enumeration of eigtOy-one, in close proximity to his own house.