USA > Ohio > Darke County > A Biographical history of Darke County, Ohio : compendium of national biography > Part 55
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Eli Netzley received his primary educa- tion in the common schools of his day and locality, mostly taught in log school houses, and finished his studies at the Greenville normal school at the age of twenty-one. During vacations he worked on the farm. At twenty-two he went west and spent some time in Iowa and Missouri, seeing the coun- try and making his living by farm work at different places. Returning home be re- sumed work on the family homestead and after his mother's death bought sixty acres of it, cleared twenty-five acres of this por- tion and erected adequate buildings on it. He has since improved his farm in many ways and is one of the careful, industrious and successful farmers of his neighborhood.
In 1890 Mr. Netzley married Annie Mann and they have children named Harry, Eva. Albert and Ray. Mr. Netzley is a Republican and believes that the principles of his party applied to our national develop- ment will produce better results than coukl be brought about by any other political party. He is a studious reader of scientific works
and is well versed in the world's history. He belongs to no church, but sets before his neighbors the example of an upright life. As a citizen he is public spirited and help- ful to all measures which in his good judg- ment promise to enhance the weal of his fel- low citizens.
ABRAHAM SHIELDS.
The subject of this review was for many years prominently identified with the agri- cultural interests of Van Buren township, and was one of its most substantial, as well as one of its honored and highly respected citizens. He was born on the old Shields homestead in that township, July 14. 1829, and there grew to manhood, early becoming familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was industri- ous, far-sighted and progressive, and was a man of far more than ordinary business abil- ity and accordingly he acquired a handsome property, owning six hundred and eighty acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred October 14, 1887. By his ballot he supported the men and measures of the Re- publican party and he was called upon to fill several township offices. In all the relations of life he was found true to every trust reposed in him and well merited the high regard in which he was uniformly held.
On the Ist of January, 1852, Mr. Shields married Miss Salina Smith, who was born in Van Buren township, April 18, 1833. and began her education under the instruction of Mr. Diler, of Covington, a heavy-set man of great strength, who used often to whip the young men attending his school. To Mr. and Mrs. Shields were born the follow- ing children : Isaac W., born February 4. 1853, wedded Mary Ann Snyder and lives in
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Greenville township, this county : Mary J., born January 4, 1855, is the wife of Isaac Marker, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume; George, born February 6, 1856, died June 13, 1856; John, born January 12, 1857, married Jane Kendall and lives in Van Buren township; James Sam- uel, born February 1I, 1860, died May 12, 1891; Sarah E., born September 12, 1864, is the wife of Elman Townsend, of Van Buren township; Minerva Ellen, born July 28, 1867, is the wife of Chesley Yount, of Preble county, Ohio; Abbie Keziah, born July 1, 1870, died August 28, 1871 ; Marion Wiley, born December 17, 1872, died Oc- tober 22, 1892; Rhoda, born March 28, 1875, is the wife of Clarence Galbreath; and Aman- da, born September 29, 1878, married Wil- son Goodman Rogers, who was born Sep- tember 24, 1880, a son of Martin and Mar- tha (Hutton) Rogers, of Arcanumn.
Mrs. Shields' paternal grandfather was Michael Smith, who spent his entire life in Pennsylvania, and had three sons-Michael John and Frederick-who all came to Darke county, Ohio, but his daughters remained in the Keystone state. Frederick Smith, the father of Mrs. Shields, was born in 1793. in Pennsylvania, where he was reared, and when a young man came with his two brothers to Darke county, Ohio. Here he married Nancy Ann Freeman, a native of Ireland, who came to America when a young girl. She was twice married, her first hus- band being Benjamin Shrives, and by that union had five children : Benjamin, who died in infancy; John, also deceased; Polly, the wife of O. M. Eiler; Phœbe, the wife of William Westfall; and Libbie, the wife of William Thompson. After his marriage Mr. Smith located in Van Buren township, where he engaged in farming for many
years. He died in Union City, Darke coun- ty, in 1865, and his wife departed this life in 1854. To them were born five children, namely : Aaron, who married Amy Riley and lives in Van Wert county, Ohio; Amos, who married Mary Jane Hershaw and lives in Starke county, Indiana ; Celina, the widow of our subject ; George W., who died in Ten- nessee while a soldier of the Union army during the Civil war; and Susannah, who. died in infancy.
JOHN F. MILLER.
Among the representative young farmers of Monroe township, Darke county, Ohio, is. found John F. Miller, who is of German descent and who possesses many of the ex- cellent traits of character for which the Ger- man-American citizens are distinguished.
Frederick Miller, the father of John F., was born in Wurtemberg, Germany. On leaving school, at the age of fourteen, he learned the trade of a stone-mason and brick- layer, and at eighteen emigrated to America, landing at New York after a voyage of six- ty-two days. From New York he at once came west to Dayton, Ohio, and here secured employment as a farm hand. He worked on a farm six months. Then he turned his at- tention to his trade, which he followed suc- cessfully for some time, after which he mar- ried, came to Darke county and settled down to farming. His first purchase of land in this county, an eighty-acre tract, he subse- quently sold, investing the proceeds in one hundred and sixty acres in Monroe township, which he improved and on which he made his home the rest of his life. He also acquired by purchase two forty-acre tracts of land in Franklin township. He died in Novem-
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ber. 1863. A faithful member of the Lu- theran church, a strong Democrat, a public- spirited citizen, having served several years as trustee and treasurer of his township, he was a man who was as highly respected as he was well known. His widow, whose maiden name was Susannah Flory and whom lic married at Brookville, Ohio, survives him, and at this writing is seventy-four years of age. The fruits of their union are : Mary, now Mrs. Peter Neswonger; Susannah. now Mrs. William Murray; Jennie, who died at the age of seven years ; John F., whose name introduces this sketch; Amelia, now Mrs. Harvey Hausborger ; and Maria, now Mrs. Christopher Bechler.
John F. Miller was born on his father's farm in Franklin township, Darke county, Ohio, October 24, 1856, and received his ed- ucation in the district schools of Franklin and Monroe townships. He spent his youth in assisting in the work on the home farm, and has continued to reside thereon up to the present time, having acquired eighty acres of the homestead. On this land he has carried forward the work of improvement, ditching, erecting buildings, making fences, etc., until his farm is classed with the best in the localitv.
Mr. Miller married, July 22, 1881, Miss belle Grise, a daughter of Peter Grise, and their children are as follows : Opal, who died in infancy: Frederick P., born September 15. 1883: Jennie, September 29, 1885 ; Su- sannah, February 19, 1888: and Roscoe, Au- gust 19, 1890.
Like his father before him, Mr. Miller is a stanch Democrat. He is also a Knight of Pythias and an Odd Fellow, maintain- ing membership in these orders at Ar- canum.
JESSE NETZLEY.
Soldiers, statesmen and professional men, however necessary they may be in car- rying forward our work of advancement and of civilization, do not constitute the real foundation of our national prosperity. The great industrial class fills this place in our political structure, and in that class our farmers are the most important and depend- able element. The farmers of Darke county, Ohio, are up to date in all ways and are by far the most important part of the coun- ty's population from more than one point of view. Monroe township has its full propor- tion of pushing, well-to-do and reliable tillers of the soil, and one of the best known and most highly respected of them is the gentle- man whose name is the title of this brief sketch.
Jesse Netzlev was born on the old fam- ily homestead of the Netzleys, in Monroe township, April 12, 1861. At the age of six years he entered the public school taught by Miss Sybil Smith in the Cassel school house. He continued attending school dur- ing the winter season and assisting his fa- ther in the work of the farm during the spring, summer and fall until he was nine- teen years old, and remained with his father until 1884. when, at the age of twenty-three. he married Miss Eunice Hunt. a daughter of Richard and Rebecca ( Oakes) Hunt. The marriage of the young couple was cele- brated in the month of August of the year mentioned, and they located immediately thereafter on a portion of the Netzley home- stead, which Mr. Netzley now owns, having bought it after the death of his mother. Mrs. Netzley died June 29, 1888, leaving a son, named Elmer. January 11. 1892, Mr.
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Netzley married Miss Minnie D. Roof, a daughter of Allen G. and Jane ( Anderson) Roof, who has borne him children named Edward, Chester, Clark and LeRoy.
In politics Mr. Netzley is a Republican, wholly committed to the policy of President Mckinley and having full faith in the fu- ture of our country if its progress is sought along the lines which now open out to his view of current interests and their influence upon our national future ; but he is not and never has been a seeker for office or any personal advantage that might come to him through politics or political favor. His public spirit leads him to espouse every movement tending to improve the condition of the people of his county and state. He is a Knight of Pythias.
Jesse Netzley is a grandson of George Netzley, who was born in Lancaster coun- ty, Pennsylvania, and married Annie Springer and brought his family from Penn- sylvania out to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1836, making the long and wearisome journey by wagon. This emigrant and his good wife ended their days in Franklin town- ship, Darke county. When they located in Ohio, their son, George, the father of Jesse Netzley, was only thirteen years old. A somewhat detailed account of the career of George Netzley, who married Catherine Kauffman and had eight children, of whom Jesse was the sixth in order of nativity, is included in the biograhpical sketch of Eli Netzley, which appears in this work.
FRANK S. GORDON.
Among the enterprising and progressive citizens of Greenville whose active con- nection with the affairs of the city have been an important factor in its substantial growth
and development is Frank S. Gordon, who is widely known as the senior partner in the Gordon & Alter Company. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to busi- ness and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is to-day his.
Mr. Gordon is of Scotch lineage and in his life exemplifies many of the sterling traits of the Scottish race. The family was founded in America in 1684 by ancestors who came from Scotland and aided in estab- lishing the town of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. . They were also instrumental in founding St. Peter's Episcopal church at that place. The original American ancestor died in 1722 and his remains were interred in the cemetery near the town which he had found- ed. The paternal grandfather of our sub- ject, Philip Gordon, was born in Hunter- don county, New Jersey, and, emigrating westward, became a pioneer settler of Darke county, Ohio. He married a Miss Hayden, who also was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey. He made the journey west- ward by wagon, traveling through wild dis- tricts where white man had never lived. He made his home in the town of Gor- don, which was named in honor of the family. Henry Gordon, the father of our subject, was likewise a native of New Jersey and there remained until he had attained man's estate. He arrived in Ohio in 1838, locating in Miami county, and soon afterward came to Darke county, where he was engaged in agricult- ural pursuits for a number of years and sub- sequently returned to Miami county. He married Miss Nancy Owen, who was of Welsh lineage, her ancestors having come
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to the new world from the little rock-ribbed country of Wales. They settled in Bote- tourt county, Virginia, and later represent- atives of the name removed to Knoxville, Tennessee, and thence to Darke county, Ohio, taking up their abode in Twin town- ship. Here the father of Mrs. Gordon was recognized as a leading member of the Demo- cratic party and was honored with a number of local offices. The mother of our subject died in Twin township, in 1862.
Her son, Frank S. Gordon, was then only about one year old, for his birth oc- curred in that township on the 5th of March, 1861. He spent his boyhood days in the town of Gordon, where he mastered the rudiments of an English education in the common schools, under the direction of Pro- fessor J. T. Martz. In his fifteenth year he entered the store of Nathaniel Webb, of Greenville, with whom he remained for some months in the capacity of clerk. He after- ward entered the employ of Wilson & Hart. dealers in dry goods, remaining with that firm until 1887, when, with the capital he had . acquired through his economy and well-di- rected efforts, he engaged in merchandising on his own account, entering into partner- ship with John H. Martin, under the firm name of Martin & Gordon. That connec- tion continued for three years, on the expira- tion of which period the business was in- corporated under the name of Gordon & Grant, and later the present title of the Gor- don & Alter Company was assumed, the pres- ent officers being Franklin Alter, president ; Frank S. Gordon, vice-president and general manager, and Henry A. McCaughey, secre- tary and treasurer. They own one of the lead- ing stores of Darke county, occupying three floors and the basement of a building 40x85 feet. Each floor has its own special depart-
ment, the third floor being devoted to car- pets and rugs. The company employ from fifteen to twenty-five people and carry a large and well selected stock of dry goods. Close attention is given to the needs and wishes of the patrons and their business is steadily and constantly increasing both in volume and importance. The employes recognize the fact that faithful service means promotion as opportunity offers, and Mr. Gordon and the other members of the firm are so fair and considerate to their help that the most harmonious relation is ever main- tained between employer and employe.
Mr. Gordon is a man of resourceful busi- ness ability, whose efforts have by no means been confined to one line. He is connected with various important concerns in Green- ville, including the Hollinger Fence Com- pany, of which he has served as the president since its organization. He is a man of keen discernment and his splendid executive force and resolute purpose have secured to him prosperity in every undertaking with which he has been associated.
In September, 1884, occurred the mar- riage of Mr. Gordon and Miss Etta Mc- Caughey, a daughter of Rev. William Mc- Caughey, a Presbyterian clergyman of Darke county. They now have two children- Ralph F. and Virginia E. Mr. Gordon is a member of Greenville Lodge, No. 146, F. & A. M., and of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He and his wife hold member- slip in St. Paul's Episcopal church, of which he is the treasurer. He withholds his sup- port from no movement or measure which is calculated to secure advancement along material, social, intellectual and moral lines. His career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world, for he has ever conducted all transac-
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tions on the strictest principles of honor and integrity. His devotion to the public good is unquestioned and arises from a sincere interest in the welfare of his fellow men.
JOSEPH ALEXANDRE.
The subject of this sketch is one of the important factors in the business circles of Yorkshire, Darke county, and his life is an exemplification of the term, "the dignity of labor." He has met with many ups and downs in life, but has never become dis- coutraged and is now successfully engaged in business as a wholesale dealer in eggs and poultry, which he ships principally to New York.
He is a native of Darke county, born in York township, May 24, 1857. His father, Andrew Alexandre, was born in Hannoville, France, May 1, 1828, and came to the United States at the age of twenty-three years, having stood his first draft for the army. He was seventeen days crossing the ocean from Havre, France, to New York city. His means were limited, but he soon found employment on the construction of the Big Four Railroad. He is a wagon-maker by trade, but since 1873 has engaged in the saw-mill business in Darke county. Here lie was married, in 1854, to Miss Mary Conchot, who also was born in Hannoville, France, in May, 1834, and in 1837 was brought to America by her parents. Theirs was a long, tedious and hazardous voyage, which lasted two months. To Mr. and Mrs. Alexandre were born nine children, eight sons and one daughter, namely : John F., a wagonmaker, who died in February, 1886; leaving a widow and two sons; Joseph, our subject; Albert, a farmer of Wabash town- ship, this county; Alexander, a resident of
North Star; Mary, the wife of Frank George, a merchant of that place; Nicholas, a blacksmith of Versailles; Andy, who is engaged in merchandising at Osgood for the firm of George Brothers; August, at home with his parents in North Star, and is the clerk of Wabash township; and Frank, who died in infancy.
Joseph Alexandre received a fair com- mon school education in Frenchtown. near Brock, this county, and also pursued his studies for a time in a log school house in Wabash township, attending school until eighteen years of age. He remained at his parental home until he was married, January 22, 1882, to Miss Mary Connaughton, who was born in Wabash township, July II, 1855. Her parents were Timothy Con- naughton and Mary, nec Hill, both of whom were born in county Roscommon, Ireland, but were married after their emigration to America, in Hamilton, Ohio. They are now deceased and are buried at Frenchtown. Of their eight children seven-four sons and three daughters-reached manhood or wo- manhood. Those still living are John, a farmer of Wayne township, this county; Patrick, a farmer of Wabash township; Maggie: Eddy; Timothy; and Mary, the wife of our subject. Bridget married Au- gust Ganbaux and died in middle life. Mr. and Mrs. Alexandre have no children of their own, but have given a home to Irene Smith, born in Cunel, Wyandot county, Ohio, March 1, 1891.
For six years after his marriage our sub- ject followed farming, but was obliged to give up that occupation on account of fail- ing health, and for a time was interested in the breeding of horses. He purchased three thoroughbred stallions of Norman, English and French stock, for which he paid five
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thousand dollars, but this venture prove un- profitable and for a few years he and his brother operated a threshing machine. Since 1897 he has given his time and attention to his present business and during the busy season ships a carload of eggs per week, while during the year he ships on an average of six thousand dozen per week. His sales now amount to about eight hundred dollars per week, or some forty thousand dollars per year. He is an enterprising and pro- gressive business man, and his success is cer- tainly worthily achieved.
The Democratic party finds in Mr. Alex- andre a stanch supporter of its principles, and in 1899 he was elected county commis- sioner by thirteen hundred majority over Mr. Meyers, the Republican candidate. There were two other candidates in the field, and his nomination plainly indicates his personal popularity and the confidence and trust re- posed in him by his fellow citizens. Re- ligiously he and his wife are members of the Catholic church.
THOMAS C. MAHER.
Thomas C. Maher, son of James and Catherine (Fanning) Maher, was born Au- gust 20, 1859, in Champaign county, Ohio, and was the tenth in order of birth in a fam- ily of fifteen children. He is of Irish line- age ; his parents were both natives of Ireland, the father being born in Tipperary county and the mother in Queens county. In 1849 they emigrated with their family to the United States, arriving at New Orleans, whence they made their way up the Missis- sippi and Ohio rivers, taking up their abode in Cincinnati, Ohio. The father was a con- tractor and in this way was engaged in the construction of public works. In 1864 he
took up his abode in Darke county, Ohio, where he carried on farming and contract- ing, having purchased a farm north of Greenville, upon which he resided until his death. He died in 1873, leaving the mother with many children to support. There was also an indebtedness on the farm, but in the face of many difficulties she bravely prose- cuted her labors, kept hier children together, educated them and paid for the farm. She is still living and from her children she re- ceives the love, care and respect which is certainly due to the mother whose labors and sacrifices for them were so great in earlier years. Although now in her seven- ty-sixth year, her mental and physical fac- ulties are yet vigorous and she is a well pre- served and estimable old lady of Greenville.
Thomas C. Maher, whose name intro- duces this review, removed with his parents to Darke county in 1864 and was reared upon the home farm, his educational privileges be- ing those afforded by the district schools of the neighborhood. He remained on the old homestead until reaching his twentieth year, when he entered the Greenville high school, thien taught by Professor J. T. Martz. On completing his education he engaged in clerking for a time, and in 1885 he accepted the position of deputy clerk of the courts of Darke county, continuing in that position for several succeeding terms, capably filling the office for twelve and a half years. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the real estate, insurance and loan business, having an office in connection with that of Hon. J. C. Clark, a prominent attorney of Greenville. He now represents the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company and the Preferred Accident Insurance Com- pany, and writes considerable business an- nually. He also handles both city and farm
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property and is well informed concerning real estate values. His knowledge enables him to capably direct the purchases and sales of his patrons. In 1898 he became asso- ciated with other leading business men of Greenville in the organization of the Citi- zens' Loan & Savings Association, of which lie has since been secretary and one of its leading organizers.
"On the 6th of November, 1887, Mr. Maher married Miss Catherine Ryan, of Greenville, a daughter of Daniel Ryan, one of the early residents of Darke county. Her mother bore the maiden name of Catherine Eagan. Mr. and Mrs. Maher now have four children : Cecilia and Mary, in school; Clarence and Clara, twins. Theirs is one of the pleasant and hospitable homes of Greenville and they enjoy the kind regard' ci many friends. Mr. Maher is a very pub- lic-spirited citizen, who takes a deep and sincere interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare. He has served as the secretary of the Darke County Agricultural Society since 1897, and its success is due in no small measure to his lalor and influ- ence.
EDWARD GLANDER.
Edward Glander, who figures conspic- uously in connection with the business inter- ests of Greenville and is accounted one of the representative men of the city, was born in Preble county, on the 27th of July. 1860. his parents being Detrick and Sena ( Hudof) Glander, both of whom were natives of Ger- many. The father was born in the year 1818, and after spending the first eighteen years of his life in the land of his nativity he determined to seek a home in the new world. believing that he might thereby better his
financial condition. Accordingly, in 1836, lie bade adieu to friends and family and sailed for the United States, landing in New York city. He did not remain in the eastern metropolis, however, but made his way at once to Buffalo, New York, thence to Cleve- land and Columbus, and after spending a short time in the last named place proceeded to Dayton. Subsequently he removed to Preble county, where he owned and operated a distillery, in which business he continued until 1874, when he disposed of his interests there and came to Darke county. In 1877 lie took up his abode in Greenville, where lie still resides. Twenty years previous to that day he had been married to Miss Sena Hudof, and unto them were born ten chil- dren, four sons and six daughters, all of whom are living, with the exception of one daughter, who died in infancy.
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