USA > Ohio > Darke County > A Biographical history of Darke County, Ohio : compendium of national biography > Part 60
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99
Peter Armstrong was born in Green- ville township, November 21, 1831, and his early life was spent in the usual manner of farmer lads of that period. He pursued his education in the district school when it was in session and worked upon the home farm during the summer months. He remained with his parents until he had reached the age of sixteen years, when he began to earn his own livelihood by work in a saw-mill in Jackson township. He was there employed for nearly six years, and on the expiration of that period was married. In August, 1854. he leased some land in Washington township, living there for a year and a half, and in 1856 he purchased eighty acres-a portion of his present farm-which com- prises one hundred and thirty-one acres.
The place was but partially cleared and some- what improved, a log house having been built. This was his home for some years, but as time passed he was enabled to add all the comforts of civilization, and to-day he is recognized as one of the leading, in- fluential and prosperous agriculturists of Darke county. Where once stood the forest trees in their primeval strength are now seen beautiful fields under a high state of culti- vation, and the primitive log cabin, with its mud-and-stick chimney, has long since been replaced by a modern and commodious residence. Good barns and other outbuild- ings provide shelter for grain and stock, and the owner for some years has been ex- tensively engaged in stock dealing. His life has been one of marked industry and great labor has been required to accomplish the changes which have been made, but his marked enterprise was one of his leading characteristics and has brought to him well merited success.
The lady who has been to Mr. Arm- strong a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey for nearly a half century was in her maidenhood Miss Catherine Henning, daughter of Jacob and Barbara llenning. Her people came to Darke coun- ty from Montgomery county, locating in the southeast corner of Washington township. They had five children, of whom Mrs. Arm- strong is the second. The father died in 1841 and the mother in 1881. The mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong occurred July 25, 1854, and has been blessed with four children : David, a locomotive engineer on the Big Four Railroad. now residing in East St. Louis; Sarah J., the deceased wife of Andrew Bickel; Hugh S. : and Mary. the wife of William Oukst, who is living on the homestead farm.
467
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Armstrong gave his political sup- port in early life to the Whig party and on its dissolution joined the Republican ranks. Ilis first ballot was cast for General Winfield Scott for the presidency. He has always taken an active interest in township affairs, having served as assessor for five years, as treasurer for five years, as trustee for two years and as constable. He has also been a member of the board of education for fifteen years and has ever discharged his duties with marked promptness and fidelity. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the German Baptist church. They have now reached the evening of life, and their many friends join in the wish that they may live to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniver- sary. They have ever been people of re- liability, honesty and worth and enjoy the respect of all with whom they have been associated.
ยท
JOHN E. BREADEN, JR.
BY JUDGE H. M. COLE.
In the death of John Edward Breaden, Jr., Greenville and Darke county lost a citi- zen whom it had learned to respect and honor. At the funeral services Judge Henry M. Cole pronounced the following eulogy upon his fellow member of the bar :
"John Edward Breaden, Jr., was born in Greenville, Ohio, July 28, 1852, and was partly educated in the schools of our city and finished his educational course at Chick- ering Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, at which institution he graduated in 1873. Soon after that he entered the law office of Calderwood & Cole, of which firm I was the junior mem- ber, and commenced the study of law, con- tinuing there until he was admitted to the bar in 1876. He soon afterward formed
a partnership with Judge Clark and entered upon the active practice of his profession, which business relation continued for more than three years. Ile afterward formed a partnership with his former preceptor, Judge Calderwood, with whom he continued to practice his profession until Judge Calder- wood's death, June 9, 1891. From that time up until his last sickness, he continued in the active practice of his profession alone.
"The deceased was kind and respectful in his intercourse with all who came in con- tact with him. As a student he was indus- trious and possessed a broad and compre- hensive mind, and when he was admitted to the bar he was well equipped to commence the following of his chosen profession. By prompt business habits and courteous treat- ment of his clients and friends he soon ac- quired a practice of which any young lawyer mnight well be proud, and in a few years be- came eminently successful and prominent in his profession. By his association with his former tutor, Judge Cakderwood, who was then especially prominent as a criminal law- yer, he seemed to imbibe his taste for crim- inal practice, and long before his death he had become one of the most prominent crim- inal lawyers in this county, and his reputa- tion as such extended even far beyond the limits of his own county.
"In the pursuit of his calling and in his intercourse with his fellow members of the bar, he was respectful, kind and courteous and possessed without exception their respect and esteem. He was industrious and his cases were well prepared. lle was an able and eloquent advocate, ever zealous in pre- senting the cause of his client in both civil and criminal cases, and if they failed of suc- cess it was not the fault of their counsel, but the fault of their cause; in short, we
468
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
may truthfully say that at. and for a long time before, his untimely end. he stood in the front rank of his profession. The earnest- ness and zeal he manifested for his clients. the energy and ability with which he pre- sented their claims and advocated their causes before a court or jury, won for him the confidence of those who had sought his services, and by a course of fair dealing and generous treatment he retained their friend- ship. their confidence and their business.
"He was modest in his intercourse with others and careful not to wound the feelings vi any. Many of us have been associated with him in the preparation and trial of cases and we always found in him an agree- able associate, ever willing to make a valu- able suggestion and ever able to render valu- able assistance; and when a few years ago he was engaged with a number of us in im- portant criminal cases, involving days of labor, in our consultations I always listened anxiously for his suggestions and advice : I believe that all of us did: for he scarcely made a suggestion but that it was concurred in and adopted by his co-counsel. I then be- came most favorably impressed with his abilities as a lawyer. Honorable in his dealings with all. straightforward in his course through life, he won a reputation worthy of imitation, not only by the young man who is just beginning his career in life. but by those of us who are older and yet to live after him.
"We have all heard his eloquent and en- ergetic appeals in our worldly courts in the behalf of the cause of his many clients. We have seen him defend and contend for their rights with a zeal and in a manner that could but excite the admiration of all, and that won for him the reputation of an able ad- vocate and jurist. Yet to-day that voice so
often listened to by us, so eloquently and ably advocating the causes of his clients, is hushed forever-forever hushed in death. Those eloquent appeals to earthly courts and earthly juries will be heard no more, that fa- n.iliar voice will never again reverberate throughout our halls of justice. His life is ended. His history has begun and ceased. He who was so intimately connected with 11s has passed from life into eternity.
"Our associations, which have for many years been so intimate. are forever ended. At the time of his death he was a member of the Ohio state board of pardons, to which position he was appointed by Gov- ernor Bushnell, who- held him in high es- teem, and who in his own language said of him, 'He was an honest man and a good officer.'
"This is the fifth time within the past year that we have been called upon to per- form this sad duty ; to pay our last respects to a deceased member of our profession. These recurring events remind us not only of our duties to ourselves. but to our fellow men, and that there is an end to all earthly things. It reminds me that almost all of those who were practicing at the bar of this county when I entered upon the stage of pro- fessional life, which seems but a short time ago, have passed from time into eternity, and that to-day I am attending the last sad funeral rites of one who was my student, long after I had entered upon the stern duties of life. By his death a bright and shining light has gone out. By it we are reminded of the uncertainties of this life and the un- certainty of all that is mortal. His manly form, which has until so lately moved among us and with us, is forever laid low in death, and will soon return to mother earth. The high esteem in which he was held by the
469
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
members of the Greenville bar, who knew him best, are fully expressed in the resolu- tions just read. These resolutions were adopted unanimously and sincerely as evi- denced by the trembling voices of those who spoke at the meeting of our bar this after- noon. His memory will ever be held in high esteem among us all. We, as his friends and associates, now bid him a final and eter- nal farewell on earth."
HUGH L. ARMSTRONG.
The Armstrong family is so well known 10 Darke county that this representative of the name needs no special introduction to the readers of this volume. His entire life has been passed within the borders of the county and he is classified among the reliable and progressive business men. He was born on the old home farm, June 15. 1860, and is a son of Peter Armstrong, a worthy pioneer, who is represented elsewhere in this volume. It was his ambition to become a lawyer, but this desire met with the objection of his parents and his attention was therefore given to farming and kindred interests. His edu- cation was pursued in the district schools, which he attended through the winter months until he had attained the age of nine- teen years. Through the summer season lie assisted in the farm work, from the time oi the early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the autumn. When he was seventeen years of age he joined his brother, Davis, in the purchase and opera- tion of the first traction engine ever used in that county. They continued business in that line until April, 1885, when Hugh Arm- strong became associated with the firm of Gaar, Scott & Company, of Richmond, In- diana, one of the most extensive manufactur-
ing houses turning out threshing and milling machinery in the world. Mr. Armstrong began with them as local agent and so con- tinued until 1889, when he went upon the road as traveling agent, representing the firm in western Ohio. lle was thus em- ployed until 1892, when he was appointed to the position of general agent and now has control of twenty counties in the western part of this state and eight counties in eastern In- diana. He has full charge of all their goods in this territory and the position is a lucra- tive one, owing to the extensive sales made in this region. Mr. Armstrong maintains his headquarters at Hillgrove, and in addi- tion to the general agency he carries on farming. On his land in Washington town- ship he has a large machine repair shop, where he is prepared to repair all machines of which he is the agent.
On the Ist of September, 1881, Mr. Arm- strong was married to Miss Elizabeth By- ram, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Byram, now residents of Dayton, but for- merly of Hillgrove. Their union has been blessed with three children-Jennie, Clara B. and John E .- and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Mr. Armstrong exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and keeps well in- formed on the issues of the day, but has never sought or desired office for himself. He is a member of the Masonic lodge in Greenville, in which he has attained the Master Mason degree. A man of good business ability, he is sagacious and far- sighted in his undertakings and at all times reliable and trustworthy. He is well known in commercial circles in western Ohio and enjoys the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact. In manner
470
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he is genial and courteous and his many excellent qualities have made him a very popular citizen in his native county.
GEORGE W. SIGAFOOS.
On the roster of the county officers of Darke county appears the name of George W. Sigafoos, who is holding the position of auditor, and in the discharge of his duties is manifesting a loyalty and ability that has gained for him uniform commendation. Hle was born in Miami county, Ohio, June 8, 1856, a son of James and Margaret ( Bitner ) Sigafoos. His paternal grandfather, Fred- erick Sigafoos, was one of the pioneers of Holmes county, Ohio, and the great-grand- father of our subject was a native of Scot- land. James Sigafoos was born in Holmes county, January 19, 1821, and spent his en- tire life in the Buckeye state. Having ar- rived at years of maturity he married Miss Bitner, who was born in the city of Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1823, and was a daughter of Tobias Bitner.
George W. Sigafoos, whose name intro- duces this record, spent the first twelve years of his life in Miami county, Ohio, and pur- sued his education in its public schools. Later he resided in Iowa, Missouri and other western states, enjoying such educa- tional privileges 'as were afforded by the common-school systems of the localities with which he was identified. In 1874 he re- turned to Gordon, Darke county, Ohio, where he engaged in school teaching, follow- ing that profession through eight winters. On the expiration of that period he engaged in the manufacture of drain tile at Bradford, Darke county, for three years, conducting a successful enterprise. He was then ap- pointed postmaster of Bradford and filled
that position for two years. He has since continued in the public service and is a most reliable and competent official. In 1889 he was appointed deputy auditor under Louis C. Klipstine, acting in that capacity for six years. In the fall of 1894 he was nominated on the Democratic ticket as their candidate for county auditor, being elected by a hand- some majority for a term of three years. He filled that position so acceptably that in the fall of 1898 he was re-elected, so that his service in that office will cover a period of six years. He thoroughly understands the du- ties of the position, both in principle and de- tail, and is prompt, accurate and reliable in their discharge.
In September, 1880, Mr. Sigafoos was married to Miss Catherine Routzong, of Bradford, Darke county, a daughter of Sol- omon and Susan ( Kendall) Routzong. They now have one interesting son, Robert S., who was born February 24, 1891.
In the fall of 1899 Mr. Sigafoos made the race for auditor of state on the Demo- cratic ticket and won a large vote, but Ohio went Republican that year. He began teach- ing in his seventeenth year and since that time has depended solely upon his own ef- fort. During the years of his active con- nection with the profession he was regarded as one of the most capable educators in that locality. Clearly defined purpose and con- secutive effort in the affairs of life have se- cured his advancement and made him one of the highly esteemed residents of his adopt- ed county.
JACOB B. YOUNG.
Certain qualities are indispensable to the successful conduct of a hotel. Not only must the host be a man of excellent business and
471
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
executive ability, enterprising and progres- sive, but he must also possess a genial dis- position and a cordial nature, which will lead to a sincere interest in his guests and prompt him to labor earnestly to promote their welfare and comfort. Upon such qualities depends his prosperity and in none of these regards is Mr. Young lacking. Since 1897 he has been engaged in the hotel busi- ness in Pittsburg, and has become widely and favorably known to the traveling pub- lic, his genuine worth winning him the warm regard of all with whom he has come in con- tact.
Ile is of German lineage, his grandfa- ther, Daniel Young, having been a native of Germany, whence he came to America when six years of age, in company with his parents. They landed at Philadelphia and he was reared in Berks county, Pennsylvania. Later he was engaged in farming there and was a resident of that county till his death. His son, Daniel Young, the father of our subject, was born in Berks county, was edu- cated in the common schools and was reared upon the old homestead. He became a fariner and butcher and died at the age of fifty-six years. He was twice married and by the first union had one child, Lavina, who died unmarried. After the death of his first wife he wedded Mary Berchle, a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, who sur- vived her husband about twenty-six years and passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey. Albert Young, their eldest child, came to Ohio in 1855 and spent his remain- ing days in Montgomery county. He served for four years in the Sixty-ninth Ohio Cav- alry during the civil war and was a most loyal defender of the Union. Annie is now the wife of David Davidheiser, of Dayton. William, who served for four years in the
Sixty-ninth Ohio Cavalry and was shot through the arm and leg, is now living in the Soldiers' Home in Dayton. Jacob B. is the next younger. George, who is living near Dayton, served for one hundred days as a defender of the Union. Sarah is the wife of John Moymer, of Montgomery coun- ty, Ohio. Daniel was a noted trapper and hunter, but has not been heard from for twenty-two years.
Jacob B. Young, whose name begins this review, was born in Exeter, Berks coun- ty, Pennsylvania, September 26. 1838. He began work on the farm almost as soon as old enough to hold a pitchfork and since the age of twelve years has been entirely dependent upon his own efforts. He was at that time left fatherless and through the passing years his labors have brought to him the money which has supplied him with life's necessities and its comforts. He at first received only six dollars per month in compensation for his services. He remained for one year with Mr. Stoner, and at the expiration of that period was two hundred and fifty dollars in debt. He was an expert farm hand, accomplishing more work than almost any other man of his neighborhood. Hle mowed with a scythe with thirty-two other men in the field and had two swaths all day. Ile worked in the harvest field with eighteen hands and received but fifty cents per day for his labor. The highest wages he ever obtained while residing in Pennsylvania was eleven dollars per month.
In 1859 Mr. Young came to Ohio in company with his brother, George. and on reaching Dayton had but twenty dollars in his pocket. He began work as a farm hand in that locality, receiving sixteen dollars a month for his services. On the expiration of six months his aunt desired him to op-
472
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
erate her farm on the shares and when his employer learned of his decision to leave. he offered him twenty dollars a month. He, however, took charge of the farm of Mrs. John Stauffer, his aunt, remained thereon for two years, cultivating the land on the shares for eighteen months, during which time he became the owner of two good horses and a wagon. He then rented a large farm and sent for his mother and two sisters to join him in Ohio. This they did and to- gether they remained upon the rented farm for a year.
Mr. Young was married, in 1863, to Miss Martha Kantner, and then located at Stringtown, Montgomery county, where he engaged in farming for a year. He after- ward spent five years on Mrs. Flory's farm, on the expiration of which period he re- moved to Dayton, where he engaged in team- irg. He was also engaged in raising to- bacco for five years, after which he again clevoted his energies to farming for five years on two tracts of land. On the expira- tion of that period he came to Arcanum and rented a farm east of town, there car- rying on agricultural pursuits for nine years. In the meantime he had purchased seventy- five acres of land in Monroe township and at the end of nine years took up his abode upon his property, making it his home for six years. In the spring of 1891, however, he purchased property in Pittsburg and opened a general store, which he conducted for eight years. Since 1897 he has been the proprietor of the Young Hotel. He is an enterprising business man and in the con- duct of the various interests with which he has been connected he has followed progres- sive methods and modern ideas, which have led to his advancement step by step until he has reached the plane of affluence.
Mrs. Young was born May 11, 1844, in Jefferson township, Montgomery county, a daughter of William and Nancy ( Carter) Kantner. Her father was a native of Lan- caster county, Pennsylvania, was educated in the common schools, was reared on a farm and when a young man came to Ohio. He v: as married in Montgomery county and lo- cated on his farm in Jefferson township, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1864, when he had reached the age of fifty-eight years. His wife survived him until 1896, and passed away at the ad- vanced age of ninety-seven. They were members of the Reformed church and in politics Mr. Kantner was a stanchi Demo- crat. Their children were Edward and Per- ry. now deceased : Mary, the wife of Abra- ham Toot, of Dayton: Lizzie, the deceased wife of John Caylor; Maria, the wife of George Anderson; and Mrs. Young. The mother of these children was born in Hagers- town, Maryland, and when a young lady came with her parents to Ohio, the journey being made in wagons. After six weeks spent upon the road they arrived in Mont- gomery county, where a location was made.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Young have been born ten children: Charles, who married Belle Eisenbarger and resides in Monroe township; William, who wedded Katie To- bias and is living in Pittsburg: Cora, who married Allen Spiller and resides in Pitts- burg ; Mollie, the wife of Charles Wolf, of Pittsburg: John, who wedded Louis Woods and is located in Missouri: Clinton, who married Blanche Fynn and resides in Idaho: Levi, who died at the age of four years; Joseph married Ethel Oakes, and Jessy and Ira, both at home. The fam- ily is widely and favorably known in Pitts- burg and in Darke county, and Mr. Young is
473
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
recognized as a publie-spirited citizen, who manifests a deep and active interest in every- thing pertaining to the general welfare. He gives his political support to the Democracy, and while in Montgomery county he served in several township offices, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He may truly be called a self-made man, for he started out in life empty-handed and has steadily worked his way upward, overcom- ing all difficulties and obstacles in his path by determined purpose. Thus he has ad- vanced and to-day he occupies a position among the substantial citizens of the com- munity.
JOSEPH M. BICKEL.
Joseph M. Biekel is now a well known and able practitioner at the Darke county bar and formerly served as probate judge. He maintains his residence in Greenville and has a large and distinctively representative patronage there. He was born upon a farm in Washington township, on the 2d of De- cember. 1852, and is of German lineage. The grandfather, Andrew Biekel, was a na- tive of Germany, whence he crossed the At- lantic to the new world. Tobias Bickel, the father of our subject, was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, May 6, 1811, and in the same year was brought by his parents to the Buckeye state. In 1848 he became a resident of Darke county, locating in Wash- ington township. where he carried on gen- eral farming. becoming one of the thrifty agriculturists of his community. He was a Democrat in his political affiliations, but Bever sought nor desired the honors and emoluments of public office. He married Miss Elizabeth MeAdams, who was born in Clermont county, November 15, 1815. She
is still living and occupies the old homestend in Washington township, but her late hus- band died May 8, 1899. at the age of eighty- eight years. This worthy couple were the parents of eleven children, eight of whom- five sons and three daughters-reached ma- ttire years, while three sons and three daugh- ters are yet living.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.