A Biographical history of Darke County, Ohio : compendium of national biography, Part 49

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 806

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Jacob B. Martin was reared in Adams township and became a citizen of York town- ship about 1883. He worked in the fields from an early age, and, as his school priv- ileges were necessarily somewhat limited. he devoted much of his leisure time to read- ing and study and later had the advantage of instruction in the public schols of Green- ville and in the Normal Training School. He began his study, however, in the little log school house which his father- had fre- quently attended. The building was about 30×24 feet and was heated by an old-time fireplace, while the writing desk for the

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big boys and girls was formed of a rough board resting upon wooden pins driven inte the wall. The puncheon seats were without backs and the master dextrously used the birch rod in maintaining discipline. The windows were formed by sawing out a sec- tion of a log from the side of the building and inserting in the aperture panes of glass 8x10 inches. The first teacher which Mr. Martin had was Dr. Lewis Lecklider, who is now deceased. Those old-time school houses are in marked contrast with the substantial structures of the present day in which the youth now receives his educa- tional privileges. When twenty-one years of age Mr. Martin successfully passed a teachers' examination and for thirteen years followed the profession for which he was prepared, giving satisfaction to all in the localities where he taught. For his first school he received one hundred dollars in cash and with this capital he began life on his own account.

On the 9th of March, 1882, Mr. Mar- tin was married to Miss Malinda Puter- baugh, who was born in Darke county March 3. 1858, a daughter of David and Annie ( Parent) Puterbaugh, who were early set- tlers of the county and were familiar with its pioneer development and progress. Her father entered his farm from the govern- ment and on his land on more than one oc- casion has killed deer. In his family were twelve children and all became identified with the agricultural interests of the county. Mrs. Martin acquired her education in the common schools and was a lady of genial nature and kindly disposition, who in her every-day life won friends by her many estimable characteristics. Mr. and Mrs. Martin began their domestic life upon a rented farm in Richland township, where

they lived for one year, and in 1883 they purchased their present farm of eighty acres on section 16. York township, going in debt for a portion of the property. In his busi- ness affairs our subject has been prosperous, and the many improvements which he has placed upon his land indicates that he has successfully carried on his business. He has built a new barn and good sheds and fences and now has one of the most desirable farm- ing properties in York township. Honesty and integrity have characterized his entire business career and have gained him the re- spect and confidence of his fellow men.

In his political views Mr. Martin is a Democrat, having supported the party since casting his first presidential vote for Hon. Samuel J. Tilden. He is unflinching in his advocacy of Democratic principles and has been called upon to serve as a delegate to the county conventions, which indicates his standing in the party ranks. In 1891 he was elected township trustee and after serv- ing for a full term was appointed to fill out an unexpired term. In 1897 he was re- elected and in 1900 he was again chosen, -- a fact which well indicates his personal pop- ularity and his fidelity to duty. He ad- vocated every measure which would advance the welfare and prosperity of his township and county along material, intellectual and moral lines, and he and his wife are classed among the best citizens of York township. and as such we present them to the readers of this volume.

HERMAN F. KRUCKEBERG.

. Among the native sons of Darke county is numbered Herman F. Kruckeberg, who is also classified among the most enterprising and progressive representatives of agricult-

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ural interests in this section of the state. Washington said more than a century ago that "agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation to which man can devote. his energies," and the say- ing remains as true to-day as when uttered. The past aggregate of business along all lines depends in greater measure upon the farming interests of the world than upon any other pursuit. Continually commercial and professional ranks are recruited by those who come from the farm, and it is no longer considered that such men occupy a higher plane of life. The farmer is a business man, actively identified with the affairs of life, the equal of his city brother in education and his associate in business affairs. He has recognized the fact that scientific principles underlie his labors and takes due cognizance of this in the operation of his land, as is shown by rotating crops, the use of fertil- izers and the adoption of many improve- ments which facilitates his work and pro- duces better results. Mr. Kruckeberg is one of the wide-awake and enterprising farmers of Darke county, possessing many of the sterling characteristics of his German an- cestry. As his name indicates, his forefa- thers lived in Germany, and came to America to seek a home and fortune in the land of the free.

Our subject was born in Brown town- ship, on the Ioth of December, 1868, and is the fifth in a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, whose parents were Karl Frederick Ludwig and Hermina Char- lotte (Bartling) Kruckeberg. The father was born in the little province of Chaun- burg [Schaumburg ?], near the beautiful river Rhine, whose vine-clad hills are adorned by many an ancient castle erected in baronial days. The date of his birth was April 17,

1832, and he died on the 13th of May, 1895. He belonged to one of the old and promi- nent families of the fatherland and acquired an excellent education in his native tongue. He was reared as an agriculturist and spent the first twenty years of his life in the coun- try of his nativity, after which he deter- mined to take up his abode in the new world, hoping to better his financial condition in this country.

In company with his parents and four of their children he sailed from Bremen in a sailing vessel, the voyage continuing through seven weeks. A landing was effected at New York, in June, 1852, and the family made their way westward to Darke county, where three hundred and fifty acres of land in Brown township was purchased. The first home of the family was an old frame building lined with brick. In this regon, then largely wild and unimproved, the grand- father of our subject laid the foundation of his future prosperity and in the primitive home Karl Kruckeberg began life as an American citizen. He acquired a knowl- edge of the English language through con- tact with the people of his adopted country. He was a man of firm decision of character and possessed all the cardinal virtues of an upright, honorable citizen. He was highly respected, was a consistent member of the St. John's Lutheran church, of Greenville township, and contributed liberally toward the erection of the church and toward main- taining its work along its various lines of activity. He was a good man, and his liberality was well known by all. The poor and needy found in him a friend and were never turned away from his door empty- handed. He gave freely in support of all benevolent measures which he believed would benefit his fellow men and lived a life well

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worthy of emulation, leaving to his family the priceless heritage of a good name. He was fond of travel and enjoyed studying the different manners and customs of different parts of the country. He did not believe that any one should live the life of a hermit, but should have accurate knowledge of his fellow men and be in close touch with them. Accompanied by his estimable wife, he made a number of journeys to distant parts of his adopted land and gained that knowledge and culture which only travel can bring.

In politics he was an ardent supporter of the Democracy, believing firmly in its policy and earnestly advocating its doctrines. He was, however, not bitterly partisan and granted to others the right which he reserved for himself, of forming their own opinions. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, frequently called him to public office and he served for two terms as town- ship trustee of Brown township, discharg- ing his duties in a very prompt and capable manner. His co-operation was given to all movements calculated to prove of general good, and he was especially earnest in his advocacy of maintaining an excellent public school system. He believed in the German idea of educating the masses and making it compulsory that all children should attend school, for he realized fully the value and importance of education as a preparation for life's responsible duties. He served as school director for a number of years and his labors in behalf of the schools were practical and effective.

In his private business affairs he was suc- cessful, becoming the owner of four hundred acres of fine land in Brown and Richland townships. In 1880 he erected upon his farm a fine two-story barn, with a basement 40x76 fcet. He also built one of the best brick

residences in the county, and these structures stand as monuments to his thrift and enter- prise. The home is a two-story house with · an attic and basement, and is built of stone and brick, in the English style of architect- ure, and adorned with a slate roof. Nearly all of the interior finishings of this residence have been made from wood taken from the farm. The place commands a splendid view of the surrounding country and is one of the most attractive homes in Darke county. Everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, outbuildings and fences being kept in good repair and the well tilled fields give promise of golden har- vests.

When Mr. Kruckeberg died his town- ship lost one of its most valued citizens, his neighbors a faithful friend and his chil- dren a kind and devoted father. His re- inains were interred in the St. Jolm's cent- etery, where a beautiful Scotch granite monument has been erected to his memory by his loving children. His wife, who was born in Fredericksburg, in the province of Oldendorf, Germany, September 15, 1839, died January 8, 1899, when in her sixtieth year. She was a devoted Christian woman, a loving and faithful wife and mother, and her teachings are treasured by her children, upon whom her influence was most marked. Her kind deeds will long be remembered by those who knew her, and her memory is enshrined in the hearts of all with whom she was brought in contact.

In the family of this worthy couple were twelve children, of whom eleven are yet liv- ing, namely : Amelia, the widow of William Requarth, a resident of Greenville, Ohio; Charles, a farmer, who is married and lives in Edinburg, Illinois: Caroline, the wife of W. F. Ostemeier, an agriculturist of Wood-

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

side. Illinois: Herman F., of this review: Sophia, the wife of H. E. Ostemeier, who follows farming near Chatham, Illinois; Charlotte. the wife of F. J. Ostemeier, an agriculturist living near Springfield. Illi- mois: John, who is living on the old home- stead in Brown township: Mary, who makes her home with her brothers, Herman and John: Oddie, an agriculturist living in Springfield. Illinois: Emma, who is living on the old homestead ; and Willie, the young- est of the family, who is yet in school.

Herman F. Kruckeberg has spent his entire life in Darke county, his boyhood days being passed in the usual manner of farmer lads. He enjoyed the educational privileges afforded by the common schools of the neigh- borhood, and through the summer months ite assisted in the labors of field and meadow. so that he gained a practical knowledge of the work to which he now devotes his en- ergies. The sturdy independence, perse- verance and industry characteristic of the German people are manifest in his life. In- dolence an idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and the labors on the home farm have resulted in securing good crops, which annually augment his income. He resides with his brothers upon the old family home- stead, his time being given almost exclusive- ly to the work of the farm. His methods are progressive and he and his brothers keep up in first-class condition the fine farm which their father developed.

In his political views Herman F. Krucke- berg is a Democrat and cast his first presi- dential vote in 1896. for William Jennings Bryan. At the age of fourteen years he was confirmed in the German Lutheran church, with which he has since been iden- tified. His life has been an honorable and upright one. which has cast no blot upon the

untarnished family name. He commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he is brought in contact and is known as a reliable business man and loyal citizen. who gives a public support to all measures which he believes will prove of general benefit. No history of Darke county would be com- plete without the record of the Kruckeberg family, and it is therefore with pleasure that we present their history to the readers of this volume.

DANIEL LAKEN DRILL.

This well-known citizen of Darke coun- ty, who departed this life in 1883. was for many years actively identified with the de- velopment and upbuilding of Greenville township, where he made his home. He was born on the 14th of August. 1814, in Frederick county, Maryland, where the fam- ily was founded at an early day by two brothers, Jacob and George Drill, natives of Germany. Jacob afterward removed to Vir- ginia. So far as known all the Drills in America are descendants of these two. The first fourteen years of his life our subject spent in his native state and then came to Ohio with his parents. George and Jemima ( Laken) Drill, also natives of Maryland. who settled on Stillwater river, north of Dayton, in Montgomery county, where the father cleared and improved a farm and where both he and his wife died.

Our subject was reared and educated in the usual manner of boys of his day and on reaching manhood he married Miss Ann Kiler, daughter of Daniel and Ellen ( Lowe) Kiler, also natives of Maryland. By this union were born six children, namely : Ellen and Urith, both deceased: Daniel K., who is mentioned below: John H. and George M ..

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both deceased; and Rebecca, who resides on the old homestead with her brother, Dan- iel K.

Mr. Drill continued his residence in Montgomery county until 1853, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Greenville township, Darke county, to which he moved his family on the 17th of March of that year. There was a small log cabin standing on the place, but only three acres of the land had been cleared, the remainder being timber and swamp land. · It seemed a herculean task to clear and im- prove this place, but perseverance and en- ergy won, and the land was transformed into a highly cultivated and productive farm. Mr. Drill began life here with a small cap- ital, but he met with success in his farming operations, and became one of the prosper- ons and substantial men of his community, as well as one of its highly respected and honored citizens. He was somewhat re- served in manner, always attending strictly to his own business. He was conservative in his judgment and his decisions were all the result of a careful process of reasoning. Religiously he was a member of the Epis- copal church, his father being one of the founders of that church in Montgomery county, and always an active worker in the same. Mrs. Drill died in 1873, at the age of fifty-nine years. Like her husband, she had many warm friends in the community where they made their home, and was held in high regard by all who knew lier.

Daniel K. Drill, son of our subject, was born in Montgomery county, April 2, 1843, and was educated in the public schools. Heas- sisted his father in the arduous task of clear- ing and improving the farm, and is still liv- ing on the old homestead, successfully en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. He married

Miss Margaret E. Kilbourn, a daughter of Thomas F. and Margaret (Martin) Kil- bourn, who came to Darke county about 1830 and settled on a farm in Greenville township adjoining the Drill homestead. Her father was born in Marietta, Ohio, in 1801, but was reared in Vermont. He died in Janu- ary, 1882, his wife in June, 1890. Both were active members of the Episcopal church of Greenville, of which Mr. Kilbourn was one of the founders, and his picture, in honor of his virtues, has always adorned the walls of the parsonage at that place. Of his three children, Clarissa and Martin are both deceased, so that Mrs. Drill, the young- est of the family, is the only one now living. She is a most estimable lady, and is a mem- ber of the Universalist church of Greenville. Mr. and Mrs. Drill were married, May 29, 1873, and have become the parents of five children, namely : Anna M., Frank K., Will- jam E., Daniel C. and Ilazel, all of whom are living.

WILLIAM REICHARD.

The subject of this review was one of the honored and highly esteemed citizens of Twin township, Darke county, Ohio, where for several years he was successfully en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. His father, Joseph Reichard, a native of Pennsylvania, came to this state in early manhood, ac- companied by his wife and their eldest child, Elizabeth, and settled near Pyrmont, Mont- gomery county, close to the Preble county line, where he developed a farm and spent the remainder of his life. His children were Elizabeth; William, our subject: Joseph, who married Susan Sepp and died in Ili- nois; and Mary, who married Andrew House and died in Brookville. Ohio.

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

William Reichard was born October II, 1820, on the homestead farm in Montgom- ery county, where he grew to manhood and married Elizabeth Huffman. They began their domestic life upon a tract of eighty acres of land in Twin township, Darke coun- ty, given him by his father, who had en- tered the land from the government. Later his wife was taken ill and returned to her parents' home in Preble county, where she died, leaving one child, Levi, who was born March 7. 1848, married Martha Deisher and died near Louisburg, Ohio.

Mr. Reichard was again married, April 22, 1852, his second union being with Miss Nancy C. Fritz, who was born in Perry township, Montgomery county, April 19. 1834, a daughter of Jacob and Lydia ( Horner) Fritz, and granddaughter of John Horner, whose family came to Ohio from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. By this tinion were born the following children : Elizabeth, born March 17. 1853, married Pharas Baker, of Twin township, this coun- ty; Mary, born September 2, 1854, died in infancy; Sarah, born March 9, 1856, mar- ried Levi Foreman, of Van Buren township; Amzi, born October 19, 1857, married Mary Catherine Baker and resides in Monroe town_ ship; Susan, born February 22, 1859, died at the age of six years; Ira, born October 17, 1860, married Emma Niswonger and lives in Twin township: Emma, born October 9, 1862, is the wife of Harvey Baker, of Mon- roe township; Ella, born September 5, 1864, is the wife of George W. Fryman, of Monroe township; and Joseph, born January 1, 1861, married Malinda Shumaker and died on the home farm in 1893.

Mr. Reichard followed farming in Twin township until called from this life May 28, 1868, his remains being interred in Ithaca

cemetery. He was a well informed man, was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and a loyal citizen who gave his sup- port to every enterprise which he believed calculated to prove of public benefit. He was a good husband and a kind father, and was held in high regard by a large circle of friends and acquaintances on account of his strict integrity and sterling worth.

Since the death of her husband Mrs. Reichard has successfully managed her busi- ness affairs, and has proven herself to be a thorough and capable business woman. She now resides in Arcanum, where she owns a comfortable home and is surrounded by inany friends.

Michael Fritz, the paternal grandfather ci Mrs. Reichard, was a native of Germany, and was a young man when he came to the United States. He was one of the earliest settlers of Preble county, Ohio, where he entered land and engaged in farming. There he married Nancy Repe, and both died in that county. Their children were: Mary, who wedded Michael Horner, a son of John Horner, and died in Perry township, Mont- gomery county, Ohio; Jacob, the father of Mrs. Reichard; Mrs. Lavina Kearns, of West Alexandria, Ohio; Lewis, who lives near Denver, Colorado; Sarah, the wife of George Wikel, of Darke county; John, who married Elizabeth Siler and died near West Alexandria ; Michael, who married, first, An- nie Stibbs, and, secondly, Sarah Guntle, and, thirdly, Eliza Bixler, and died in Miami county, Ohio: Daniel, who married, first, Sarah Loy, and, secondly, Sarah Orebaugh and is now married to Lavina Magee; Nancy, who died in childhood; Katy, who married Jolın Gentner and resides on a part of the homestead farm; and Maria, who married George Loy and both are deceased.

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Jacob Fritz, the father of Mrs. Reichard, was born in Preble county, in 1809, and in 1846 located in Twin township, Darke coun- ty, on a tract of land which he had entered. He married twice, his first wife being Lydia Horner, who was born in 1816 and died in 1870, leaving three children : Elizabeth, Mrs. John Sharp; Nancy C., Mrs. Reichard; and Michael, who married Nancy Brock. For his second wife the father married Saloma Holsapple. He died June 12, 1892, hon- ored and respected by all who knew him.

W. J. WILSON.

When the greater part of the land of Darke county was still wild and unimproved, when the few homes of the early settlers were log cabins situated on little clearings in the midst of dense forests, the Wilson family was founded in this section of the state, and since that early time representa- tives of the name have been prominent and active in promoting the welfare of the county.

The subject of this review was born in Wayne township, March 20, 1856, and is the only living son in a family of eleven chil- dren, whose parents were Samuel and Mary C. (Eyler) Wilson. His father was born in Greenville township, Darke county, Feb- ruary 21, 1829, and in the common schools obtained his education. His mother died when he was two years old and his father's death occurred previous to that time, so that he was early left an orphan. In his youth, as he missed the care and protec- tion of a home, he met many adversities and hardships, but these developed in him a strong character and resolute purpose, and throughout an active business career he com- manded the respect and confidence of his fel-

low men. He had considerable mechanical ability and early entered upon an apprentice- ship at the carpenter's trade under Oren Culberson, of Greenville. At the time when he attained his majority he had no cap- ital. save the little he had accumulated through his own industry. He spent his en- tire life in Darke county and became quite successful in his undertakings. Locating in York township, about 1830. he there se- cured large landed interests and was also the owner of property in Richland, Wayne and York townships. He likewise engaged ex- tensively in stock raising, which proved a profitable source of income. At his death, which occurred June 12, 1897, he was the possessor of six hundred and forty acres of valuable land, all of which was in York township, with the exception of a tract of seventy-one acres in Richland township. All .of the improvements upon his farm were placed there by him and the property be- came one of the most attractive, desirable and valuable in his section of the county.

As a citizen Mr. Wilson was public spir- ited and progressive and his fellow towns- men, recognizing his worth and ability, fre- quently called him to public office. He served as township treasurer and trustee and in the year 1877 was elected to the important office of county commissioner for a three- years term. He discharged his duties so ac- ceptably that in 1880 he was re-elected, and he gave his support to many marked and valuable improvements in the county. He appreciated the value of good roads and sup- ported all measures in the establishment of the fine pike system, and also believed in draining by ditching. Many of the bridges in the county were built during his service in office and he co-operated in every measure for the public good. He was an extremely

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successful and methodical man, both in his private and public interests, and his integrity was proverbial. At his death the community lost one of its valuable citizens and the poor and needy a faithful friend, for he never withheld his support from those who were in need of aid. He contributed toward the erection of churches and did what he could to promote the material. intellectual and moral welfare of his community. Called to the home beyond, his remains were interred in the Versailles cemetery, where a beauti- ful Scotch granite monument now stands sacred to his memory. His estimable wife. who was born in 1836, is still living on the old homestead. In their family were two sons and nine daughters, and of this num- ber eight are yet living, namely: Cynthia A., who is living with her mother in York township: W. J., of this review; Jennie, the wife of Samuel Sherry, a shoe dealer in Versailles, Ohio; Belle, the wife of Charles Ewry, who was formerly a successful teacher but is now engaged in the hardware busi- ness in Portland, Indiana, as a member of the firm of Yount & Ewry; May. the wife of Harry Gilbert a prosperous agriculturist of York township; Mary, the wife of Will- iam Yount, of the hardware firm of Yount & Ewry, of Portland; Edith, the wife of Samuel Overholzer, a prosperous farmer of Richland township; and Minnie B., the wife of William Hill, a farmer residing in Wayne township.

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A Biographical history of Darke County, Ohio : compendium of national biography, Part 49

Author: Publication date: 1900 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 806

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 806