USA > Ohio > Darke County > A Biographical history of Darke County, Ohio : compendium of national biography > Part 48
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"After graduating at college he com- menced preparing for the bar and was ad- mitted to practice law in the year 1843. and from that time up until the hour of his death, about fifty-five years, he actively followed the profession of his choice. He labored arduously in the organization of the County Bar Association and was made its first presi- dent, continuing in such office until the time of his death. In organizing the Greenville Law Library the labors of Mr. Knox and his liberal donations assisted most materially in its creation. His efforts in this regard were appreciated by his associates, and he was selected as its first president, which office he held for two years, and has been a trustee of the association for the past eight years.
"Although a consistent Republican in politics, he disliked the scramble for office and was but once a candidate before his party for nomination. He was elected in 1860 one of the presidential electors in Ohio and as such cast his official ballot to make. Abraham Lincoln president of the United States.
"As a lawyer he was noted for his de- votion to the interests of his clients and his ability, and the careful pains with which he prepared his cases and his vigor in pre- senting them to court and jury were rec- ognized all through his life. In his inter- course with his brethren at the bar hie was always generous, polite and courteous. As a lawyer he sought no advantage through favoritism. and never tried to win his bat- tles by doubtful methods. He reliel solely upon his knowledge of the law and the merits of his case. He despised a court or jury that was not unsullied. His fidelity to his clients was never open to suspicion. To the poor he gave counsel and advice without
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fee or reward. For the last quarter of a century he was the recognized leader at the bar. There was no malice in his heart and no tyranny in his nature. Refined in his tastes, he was always, in and out of court, a cultured and polite gentleman. Trained in the schools, a lover of books, a great reader, a ripe scholar, he was by nature most kind and courteous, unostentatious and unpretentious. In his feelings he was as tender as a woman. He lived a life above reproach, and was universally esteemed when he died. He left the world better for his having lived therein. His upright life and noble virtues will survive him for the emulation of all who knew him.
"What more need be said of him? What higher tribute can be paid to the memory of any man than to say, as we do of Mr. Knox, that he was true to every trust, loyal to every obligation, faithful in the per- formance of every duty, generous and kindly in every impulse, sincere in his friendship, esteemed by his associates and beloved by his family.
"He lived to enjoy the gratitude, re- spect and confidence of all. He died after the sun of life was well set in the west, but like the great law giver of old, 'his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.' He died at peace with men and, doubtless, in favor with God.
"Be it therefore resolved by the members of the bar of Darke county that we join with the family and immediate friends of John Reily Knox in their mourning for his death, and with the general public and all who knew him in the regret that our city has lost one of its most useful citizens.
"Resolved, that we extend to the be- reaved widow and sorrowing son and daugh- ter of the deceased our deepest sympathy
in this time of their great distress over the death of husband and father.
"Resolved, that we will attend the funeral in a body, and that we wear the usual badge of mourning while engaged profes- sionally in the court room and that the judge's bench be draped for thirty days.
"Resolved, that the judge of the court of common pleas be requested to spread these resolutions on the journals of the court, and that the clerk of this court fur- nish a copy of the same, duly certified under the seal of the court, to the family of the cleceased.
"Resolved, that the editors of the sev- eral newspapers of the county be respect- fully requested to publish these resolutions ir their respective journals. And as a further mark of respect be it resolved that this court adjourn.
"C. M. ANDERSON, Chairman. "J. T. MARTZ,
"A. C. ROBESON, "HENRY M. COLE, "MARTIN B. TRAINOR.
"Judge James A. Gilmore, of Eaton, Ohio, was present and made an address eulogizing the deceased.
"Mr. J. T. Martz, of the firm of Knox, Martz & Rupe, read a paper, in which he spoke very highly of his late associate in the practice of law.
"Short addresses were also made by Hon. John Devor, now the oldest surviving member of the Darke county bar; Judge H. M. Cole. Judge J. I. Allread, D. L. Gas- kill, L. E. Chenowith, D. W. Bowman, A. C. Robeson, Probate Judge Bickel, J. C. Elliott, Judge Clark, Hon. C. M. Anderson, M. B. Trainor and Rev. C. H. Lee, pastor of the Episcopal church of this city."
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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
. WILLIAM LESLIE RIES.
William Leslie Ries was born in Green- ville township, Darke county. August 24, 1844, and is one of the four sons of Jere- miah and Catherine (Gilbert) Ries. Ilis paternal grandfather was William Ries and his maternal grandfather was John H. Gil- bert. The latter married Miss Morning- star, who belonged to an old family of the Buckeye state. The parents of our subject were both natives of Berks county, Penn. sylvania, and his mother was born in 1808. removing with her parents to Darke county in her early girlhood. After her marriage she took up her abode in Greenville, her husband being a blacksmith, which trade he followed continuously almost to the time of his death, which occurred in 1863, when he was in his fifty-second year. His wife long survived him and passed away in 1897, in her eighty-seventh year. The children of this worthy couple were: David, now de- ceased : James A., a blacksmith who is also connected with farming and banking in- terests; and John H., who is engaged in blacksmithing and is chief of the fire depart- ment of Greenville.
William L. Ries, the fourth member of his father's family, acquired his education in the schools of Greenville and was graduated in the high school of this city. On putting aside his text books he learned the ma- chinist's trade under the direction of Jacob Taylor, of Greenville, serving a regular ap- prenticeship. On completing his term of service he responded to the country's call for aid, joining the One Hundred and Fifty- second Ohio Infantry, under command of Colonel David Putman. The regiment was sent to the front and took part in the Hun- ter raid and in many of the skirmishes in
and around Lynchburg. Virginia, and in the Shenandoah valley. On the expiration of his four-months term Mr. Ries was hon- orably discharged in September, 1864, and returned to his home. His brother, John H., was also one of the Union soldiers dur- ing the civil war, having joined the Ninety- fourth Ohio Infantry. He took part in the battles of Stone River, Perryville, and other important engagements, and was honorably discharged in April, 1863. In September of the same year he re-enlisted as a member of the Eighth Ohio Battery and served until the close of the war. David Ries joined the army for three years' service, but was dis- charged for disability after six months spent on the field. He died June 8, 1868.
On his return from the war William L. Ries resumed work at his trade and after- ward became interested in farming in con- nection with his two brothers, operating two hundred and forty acres of choice land in Greenville township. pleasantly located two and a half miles from the city of that name. He has since devoted his energies to its cul- tivation and the well tilled fields indicate his careful supervision and give promise of rich harvests. His farm is also well stocked with cattle and hogs of a high grade and in both branches of the business Mr. Ries is meeting with creditable success. He does not reside upon the farm, but makes his home with his brother in Greenville. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have several times called him to public office and for two years he served as street commissioner, while for four years he was a member of the city council. ex- ercising his official prerogatives in support of all measures which he believes will prove of public benefit. He takes an active in- terest in local and county politics, affiliating
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with the Republican party. for he believes that the platform of that party contains the best elements of good government. As a business man he is energetic, diligence be- ing one of his chief characteristics. His farming interests therefore are earnestly and systematically conducted and are bringing to him good financial returns. In all of his transactions he is reliable and honorable and he is enjoying the unqualified confidence of his fellow men in a high degree.
MOSES S. TEEGARDEN.
No student can carry his investigations far into the history of Darke county with- out finding the name of Teegarden figuring conspicuously on its pages in connection with the account of its development along ma- terial, moral and intellectual lines. For more than half a century Mr. Teegarden has been a resident of that county and is numbered among the honored pioneers who have laid broad and deep the foundation for the pres- cnt prosperity and advancement of this sec- tion of the state. MIr. Teegarden was born on the homestead where he now resides April 9, 1836, and is the third in a family of eight children, six sons and two daugh- ters, whose parents were Abram and Eliza- beth ( Stevenson) Teegarden. Of these chil- dren six are yet living. One sister is a resi- dient of Kansas and two brothers are living in Indiana, but the others make their home in Ohio.
started out in life for himself without capital working first by the day or month as he found opportunity, saving his money which he earned and thus acquired a sum sufficient to secure a claim and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, the deed bearing the signature of Martin Van Buren, then the president of the United States. The first home which he erected upon the place was a log cabin and in that primitive residence occurred the birth of our subject. Many Indians still roamed through the forests and to them Mr. Teegarden fre- quently sold corn meal. He killed deer upon his own place and venison was a fre- quent article of diet on the family board. The old-fashioned cradle, sickle and scythe were used in harvesting their crops and farm- ing was done without any of the improved machinery which both lightens and hastens labor at the present day. In his business affairs, however, Mr. Teegarden was very successful and at the time of his death owned a thousand acres of land in Jackson and Brown townships. He started out in life a poor boy, but by industry and frugality he worked his way steadily upward, over- coming all difficulties and obstacles in his path and attained a proud position among the substantial residents of his adopted coun- ty. His descendants are now in possession of two deeds from the government, one ex- ecuted August 1. 1838, for one hundred and sixty acres, and the other on July II, 1837. for eighty acres, and both are signed by Martin Van Buren.
Mr. Teegarden was originally an old- line Whig and at the organization of the Republican party he became one of its stanch supporters and a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln. His fellow townsmen, realizing his
The father was born in Butler county, this state, and died on the old homestead in Darke county November 15, 1868, at the age of seventy-two years. He was reared as an agriculturist and obtained his educa- tion in the primitive schools of the day. He ' worth and ability, called him to public of-
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fice, and he served as trustee and as school director at various times. He was himself particularly expert as a mathematician and always stood firm in support of his honest convictions, and his word was as good as his bond. He and his wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian church and he was one of the foremost builders of the first house of worship erected by that denomina- tion in Brown township, the building stand- ing upon a part of his farm. His connection with Darke county extended back to the time when his voting place was at Beamsville, underneath an apple tree. He took a deep interest in the development and progress of the county and his name should be inscribed on the pages of its pioneer history. His wife was born in Virginia and died March 27, 1864, at the age of forty-two years. She was a kind and loving mother, strict in her religious belief, and her Christian teaching have borne fruit in the upright lives of her children.
Moses S. Teegarden, whose name begins this article, has spent his entire life in Darke county. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads of that period and received but limited educational privileges, for the schools of that day were not of the best class and his labors were needed upon the home farm. He early became familiar with the arduous task of developing new land and his life has ever been one of marked industry and enterprise. He married Miss Nancy J. Hetsler, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, March 22, 1840, a daughter of Peter and Mary M. (Wagner) Hetsler. Her par- ents had four children,-two sons and two daughters,-and all are yet living in Darke county with the exception of Katurah A., the wife of Jacob Kilmer, a carpenter and contractor. Mrs. Teegarden spent the first
thirteen years of her life in Butler county and has since been a resident of Darke coun- tv. She has been to her husband a faithful companion and helpmeet and to her children a kind and loving mother. Mr. and Mrs. Teegarden have one son and one daughter, the former being J. P. Teegarden, who re- sides in Woodington, Ohio, where he is en- gaged in general merchandising and grain dealing. He was educated in the common schools and married Miss Lura Belle Men- denhall.
In politics he is a Republican, is now serving as justice of the peace and is a young man who merits and receives the respect of all who know him. - The daughter, Telitha A., is the wife of William Hopper, a farmer residing in Jackson township. In his po- litical views Mr. Teegarden, of this review, was a stanch Republican and has supported the party since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He is unwaver- ing in his advocacy of the party principles and does all in his power to secure their adoption. He and his wife are faithful and consistent members of the Teegarden Chris- tian church. He contributed most liberally to the erection of the house of worship and was a member of the building committee. Both he and his wife are kind and generous people and have won that good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches. They now occupy a pleasant home, which was erected in 1887. It is a tasteful brick residence and stands upon a farm of one hun- dred acres in Brown township, where are found all of the improvements and acces- sories of the model farm. The respect so freely accorded them results from their up- right lives, and throughout the community Mr. and Mrs. Teegarden are widely and favorably known.
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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
JOHN H. RIES.
John H. Ries is chief of the fire depart- ment of Greenville, which is his native city. his birth having here occurred on the 15th of April, 1843. He is a son of Jeremiah and Catherine ( Gilbert) Ries. In Greenville he spent the greater part of his boyhood and youth, enjoying such educational advantages as the public schools afforded, and thus be- coming well prepared for life's practical duties. In 1862, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he responded to his country's call for aid and joined the Union army as a member of Company F, Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel J. W. Frizell. After spending some time in camp at Columbus the regiment was ordered to the front and was assigned to General Rose- crans' army. Mr. Ries took part in the battles of Perryville and Stone River, where he was severely wounded by a gunshot in the left leg. He was then taken to the hos- pital at Nashville, Tennessee, and his wounds necessitated his remaining there for three months. On the expiration of that period he was discharged on account of his disability. but when his health was restored he re-en- listed in the Eighth Ohio Independent Bat- tery and was sent to Vicksburg, Mississippi. In the spring of 1864 he was put on detached dutty as a blacksmith, having learned the trade before entering the army. He con- tinued to act in that capacity until the close of the war, when he was honorably dis- charged in July, 1865. His loyal service commended him to all who believe in the Union cause, and with patriotic ardor he did what he could for his country.
Returning to Greenville Mr. Ries re- sumed work at his trade, which he has since followed to the present time in connection
with his brother, James A. Ries, under the firm name of Ries Brothers. They have a general blacksmith and repair shop and re- ceive a liberal patronage in their line. In May, 1900, Mr. Ries was appointed chief of the fire department and is now acceptably filling that position. " Socially he is con- nected with Greenville Lodge, No. 195, I. O. O. F. He is also a member of Jobes Post, No. 157, G. A. R., of which he for- merly served as commander. He receives a pension in recognition of his services and is possessed of good property interests. His life has been one of honorable and useful activity, and he is well known among Green- ville's citizens.
JAMES I. ALLREAD.
The name of this gentleman figures prominently in connection with political and professional interests in Darke county and his reputation and acquaintance are by no means limited by the confines of the county. He is now practicing law in Greenville, with excellent success, and his analytical power, executive ability and thorough understand- ing of the principles of jurisprudence have gained him a leading position in the ranks of the legal fraternity of this community.
He was born upon his father's farm in Twin township, September 29. 1858, and is the eldest son of Isaac and Hannah C. ( Houk) Allread. The paternal great-grand- father was William Allread. one of the he- roes of the Revolutionary war, who, under command of General Wayne. aided the col- onists in their struggle for independence. The grandfather, Henry .Allread, became one of the early settlers of Butler county, Ohio, where he located about 1820, enter- ing one hundred and sixty acres of land in
Savenay
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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the midst of the forest. Isaac Allread, the father of our subject, was born in Butler county, in 1826, and became a farmer by occupation. He married Hannah C. Houk, daughter of James and Abigail Houk, who removed to Darke county about 1820. The latter lived to the advanced age of eighty- nine years. The mother of our subject was born in Darke county about 1830, and by her marriage had three children: James I., Stephen W. and Mary. The parents held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and the father, a stanch Republican in politics, was often found in the councils of his party, where his opinions carried con- siderable weight. He died July 2, 1876, and his wife passed away in 1866.
James I. Allread spent his boyhood days upon the home farm in Twin township, and in the winter months he mastered the com- mon English branches of learning taught in the district schools. He afterward contin- ued his education in Greenville under the instruction of Professor J. T. Martz and Professor Seitz. He then returned to the farm where he remained until nineteen years of age, when he began reading law in the office and under the direction of William Allen, of Greenville, being admitted to the bar before the supreme court, on the 6th of October, 1880. He then established an of- fice in this city, where he has since engaged in practice up to the present time-a period of twenty consecutive years-with the ex- ception of a short interval when he served as judge of the circuit court, to which posi- tion he was appointed by Governor McKin- ley to fill out the unexpired term of Judge Shauck, who was advanced to a seat on the supreme bench of the state. When the term was ended Mr. Allread resumed the private
practice of law and has been connected with important litigation in all of the courts, local, state and federal. He has tried many cases involving large interests and intricate legal problems and has been very successful in winning verdicts favorable to his clients, for he gives careful, preparation and marshals the strong points in evidence with the skill of a general in the field of battle.
On the Ist of August, 1883, Mr. All- read was united in marriage to Miss Emma S. Roland, of Greenville, the third daughter of Charles Roland, editor and proprietor of the Greenville Democrat. Unto the Judge and his wife have been born two children : Marie A., born July 1, 1886, and Charles Harold, born August 13, 1889. They have a pleasant home in Greenville, and their many friends speak in high terms of its hos- pitality.
A well-known Mason, Judge Allread holds membership with Greenville Lodge, No. 143, F. & A. M .; Greenville Chapter, No. 77, R. A. M. ; Coleman Commandery, No. 17, K. T., of Troy, Ohio. He was for several years a high priest of the chapter, and in 1899 he was representative to the grand lodge and served as grand junior deacon. As every true American citizen should do, he takes a deep interest in the political questions of the day, studies closely the political aspect of the country and as the result of his mature deliberations gives his support to the Republican party. In 1898 he was a member of the Republican state executive committee, and his labors have been effective in promoting the success of his party. His arguments in its defense are strong and decisive and the same earnestness marks his support of everything which tends toward the public weal.
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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
JACOB B. MARTIN.
In the records of York township, Darke county. the history of Jacob B. Martin well deserves a place, for he is a leading agricult- urist of the community and is now acceptably serving for his third term as township trus- tee. He is both widely and favorably known in this locality, the circle of his friends be- ing extensive. He was born in Adams town- ship, Darke county, July 30, 1848, and is the second in a family of thirteen children, nine sons and four daughters, whose par- ents were David and Eliza ( Burns) Mar- tin. Of this family two daughters and seven sons are yet living and are residents of Darke county, the sons all being farmers. One sister is the wife of a farmer, but Flora is the wife of John Kniseley, a teacher of Gettysburg.
David Martin was born near the city of Dayton, in Montgomery county, in 1822, and died in October. 1844. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and pursued his studies in the common schools, but his edu- cation was somewhat limited, as he was com- pelled to aid in the development of the home farm. He was a lad of only five years when his parents came to Darke county, where his father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Adams township from the govern- ment. Their first home was a typical, prim- itive log cabin, with its puncheon floor and mud-and-stick chimney. This pioneer struc- ture made a deep impression upon the mind of our subject, who can also remember many incidents of pioneer life, including the friendly visits of the Indians. Deer were frequently killed on the prairies and other wild game was to be had in abundance. The farming implements of those days were the old-fashioned cradles, sickles and scythes,
and with such farm machinery Mr. Martin has spent many a day in the harvest fields, working from early morn until the setting of the sun. His father was a successful agri- culturist and became the owner of a good property. In his political sentiments he was a Democrat, firm and inflexible in support of its principles. He was also a friend of the "little red school house" and advocated the education of the masses. He cared noth- ing for the honors and emoluments of pub- lic office, preferring to give his energies to his business interests. He held membership in the German Baptist church, aided in the erection of a number of churches in this lo- cality and was charitable and benevolent, withholding not the hand of assistance fro:n the needy. His grandmother was a native of Germany and his grandfather Martin was born in Pennsylvania. His great-grand- father Martin was born in Germany and took up his abode in the Keystone state. The mother of our subject was born in Darke county about the year 1832 and is yet liv- ing in Adams township. She is a good Christian woman and her teachings have had a marked influence on the characters developed in her children.
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