USA > Ohio > Darke County > A pictorial outline history of Darke County, Ohio with portraits and biography of prominent citizens of the county, county and ex-county officials, attorneys at law, city officials, bankers, capitalists, business men, teachers, ministers, agriculturalists and notable citizens of the county > Part 13
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DAYTON, OHIO, November 5, 1879. Dr. Presinger :
I send you my testimonial and do it with no little degree of pleasure. If I can aid you at any time, by reference or otherwise, I shall do so. You have my best wishes for your future success, and anything I can do for you to promote the same, shall be cheerfully given. Having been for years afflicted with that most painful of all diseases, fistula, or blind fistule's ulcers, with some six openings, was successfully treated for the same by Dr. Prezinger of Greenville, O., and received what I now consider a permanent cure. I take great pleasure in recommending
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J. R. Prezinger, M. D.
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Dr. Prezinger to all persons afflicted with said disease, as a safe, skillful and reliable physician.
M. J. SWADENER,
Ex-Sheriff and Grand Master Workman of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Order of United Workmen of Ohio.
CINCINNATI, O,, January 24. 1883. Dr. Prezinger :
DEAR SIR .- When I became acquainted with you in- October, 1881, I had been afflicted with piles for. over eighteen years; for ten years of this time I was compelled to wear a truss constantly, and during the whole eighteen years I suffered as only those who have had the disease in its worst form can tell. After your second operation upon me in the fall of 1881, I was able to do without my truss, and I have had no occasion to use it since. I am cured of the piles and my cure is owing wholly to your treatment. I take great pleasure in giving you this testimonial, and you are at liberty to reter those who are afflicted and want a living witness, to me.
Yours truly, €
SAMUEL WELLS.
CANCER CURE .- Call on or address John Parent, Palestine, Darke county, O. This was a remarkable cure and Mr. Parent will take pleasure in answering any questions.
TUMOR CURE .- Address or call on John Breadon, Greenville. This is another remarkable cure, having removed a large tumor from the neck without the aid of a knife and without pain, and in a short time. If you are suffering with any of these diseases you should not fail to call on the doctor. Send for illustrated circulars.
J. C. Myers, M. D.
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J. C. MYERS, M. D.
PRIL 22, 1853, Mr. Myers was born near Dayton, O., and consequently is thirty-six years of age. He came to Darke county with his parents when five years old, and was raised on a farm three miles north of Greenville. He received a common-school education in the country schools, and commenced teaching when sixteen years old; taught school for two or three years and then entered the Normal University at Lebanon, O., graduating in 1874; a ripe scholar for one of his years. Mr. Myers read medicine for three years, and attended lectures at the Cincinnati Hospital and Pulte Medical college, then one of the most celebrated Homopathic schools of medicine in the West. He obtained his diploma as Doctor of Medicine in 1876, and returned to this county after receiving his Doctor's degree and settled in Greenville as a physician. In 1886 he was elected a member of the Western Ohio Medical association, an association composed of physicians from all schools of medicine in western Ohio and eastern Indiana, and in 1889 was unanimously chosen Vice-President, which office he holds at the present time.
Isaac N. Smith.
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ISAAC N. SMITH
as born in Green county, O., near the little town of Spring Valley, May 4, 1845. His mother, Sarah Fisher, daughter of Jonathan Fisher, was a native of North Carolina, and of Irish ancestry; his father, Izra Smith, was of Scotch-Irish ancestry and a native of New Jersey. Mr. Smith received a common- school education, and being a lover of Nature he early took the profession of landscape gardening. During the years of 1872-84 he had charge of the cemetery grounds known as Miami Cemetery, in Warren county, O., and since the spring of 1884 he has been employed as Superintendent of the Greenville Cemetery. He was married February 15, 1871, to Carrie E. Snowden, daughter of William and Lydia Snowden, late of Clinton county, O., and from this union four children have been born: Nettie, the eldest, (deceased) ; Mattie. Earnest and Harry. Mr. Smith is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Greenville. He served one hundred days in the late war as a private in company B, 149th Reg't, O. V. I., and is a member of Jobes Post, No. 157, G. A. R .; also a member in good standing of Wyoming Lodge, No. 102, I. O. O. F., Waynesville, O.
George Plessinger, Farmer.
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G. A. KATZENBERGER & BRO.
T MONG Darke county's well known firms is that composed of Gustavus Anthony and Charles Leopold Katzenberger. The former, after filling a clerkship for John Hufnagle, deceased, launched into the grocery business in July, 1853, associated with Mr. Jacob Pretzinger. The latter after a period of years associated with his brother Joseph C., embarked with Mr. Anthony Weitbrecht, which partnership existed three years. Selling out he entered into partnership with his brother, G. Anthony, which constitutes the present firm. The subjects of this sketch have always had the interest of the city at heart, and have been ever ready to assist any enterprise tending to advance the interests of the city. No family in Darke county is entitled to more credit in the research into natural history than they. They have one of the largest and most valuable private collections of rarities in minerals, natural formations, shells, sea-weeds and also have many valuable old and rare books, coins, and ancient and modern implements of warfare. Their collection of Indian relics for variety, value and completeness has but few equals in the central states. Both are accomplished artisans and mechanics in gun repairing, book-binding, fine, artistic wood work, etc. Their business, which is the oldest of its kind in the county, consists of groceries, queensware, guns, ammunition, fishing tackle, hardware, etc. It goes without question that they are the representative German family of Darke county.
Darke County Children's Home,
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DARKE COUNTY CHILDREN'S. HOME.
HIS benevolent institution has been referred to at another place in this work. Some years after the building of the County Infirmary, a number of children of various ages
were taken to that place through compulsion. They were necessarily thrown into the society of the idiotic, the insane, and others whose former habits of life had weakened. their mental faculties and rendered them unfit to be associates of these children. As time passed, other children here found a home; but the social influences through necessity remained the same. The trustees of the infirmary had no means of changing this condition of affairs, and an appeal to the county commissioners was finally made. These officers, ever ready to carry out the wishes of the public, and to remedy an evil they had long known to exist, on February 6, 1882, placed a resolution upon their minutes to the effect that, the public , interests of Darke county required the establishment of a "Children's Home" in the county, and ordered that the question be submitted to the qualified voters of the same, as the law directs, for their ratification or rejection.
This was done at the following election in April, and the proposition was carried by a large majority: this election also authorized the commissioners to issue bonds of the county in any sum not to exceed $25,000, to pay for the land required, and. to erect suitable buildings thereon. Taxes were levied on all the prop- erty, and the amount realized for this purpose from the levies made in 1882 and 1883 was about $20,000. A levy was also made in 1884 and it was intended that these three assessments should
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realize the required sum of $25,000. The purchase of a site for the " Home" having been determined upon, the commissioners were the recipients of a number of propositions for them to purchase lands located in different parts of the county. The board, after mature deliberation, selected twenty-nine and one-half acres in the south-east part of section fourteen, and twenty-three and thirteen one-hundredths acres in the south-west part of section thirteen, in township twelve, range two east. The two tracts join each other and are located about two and a half miles from the county seat ; this land had a large frame barn and other buildings upon it at the time it was bought, and cost the county (as purchase-money,) the sum of $7, 357. On this tract of land the commissioners
The terms of located the Children's Home November 5, 1883.
sale were that
on presentation of the deed to the purchaser
the warrant
auditor should issue for the entire amount
for which the land sold. On November 26, 1884, the com-
missioners appointed three trustees for the Children's Home,
to-wit : Thomas McCowen, to serve one one year; John H.
Martin, two years ; S. A. Hostetter, three years ; it was understood by this appointment that their terms of office should begin March 7, 1885. These trustees accepted this appointment and November 29, 1884, were sworn into office by S. L. Kolp. probate judge. Thomas McCowen was re-appointed March 7, 1886, and again March 7, 1889; John H. Martin was re-appointed March 7, 1887, and S. A. Hostetter March 7, 1888, and are the acting trustees at the present time. The commissioners and trustees held the first joint meeting July 7, 1885, for the purpose of examining plans and specifications for the new building, and it was determined that this should be built with all the modern conveniences and sufficiently large to meet the wants of the county for years to come. The contract for building the "Home" was let June 8, 1888, to Watson Barrett, of Knightstown, Ind., for $17,000. In addition to this the boiler-house for heating purposes cost $1982; heaters, radiators and gas-fitting, $3974: grading yard and making roads and walks, S&co. Total cost of all improvements, $23,756.
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The following are the employes of the institution with the present salary of each, to-wit: T. E. Teal, superintendent, $300 per year; Mrs. Teal, matron, $150; employed February 2, 1889. The following additional persons were employed April I, 1889: Mary A. Kerr, governess, $12 per month ; Rebecca Smith, governess, $12; Susan Caywood, seamstress, $10; A. Caywood, engineer, $18; Dr. Rush, physician, Stoo per year ; Miss Mary Hartzell, teacher, $18 . per month and board ; Maria Deeter, laundress, $12 per month; Ida M. Binkly, assistant laundress, Sio per month, and Mrs. E. Lindsay, nurse, $S. The children from the infimary, thirty-eight in number, were formally installed as inmates of the "Children's Home " August 13, 1883. Any child between the ages of three and sixteen years, in destitute circumstances, or having been abandoned by its parents, or whose parents are incapable of furnishing it the necessaries of life, will be admitted to the Home, through the trustees of the same, and can remain there until it arrives at sixteen years of age when it is presumed to be able to care for itself.
The trustees will permit children to be taken from the "Home" by responsible persons, who must enter into an agreement to take proper care of them until they reach the age of sixteen years, The superintendent and matron exercise parental authority over these children, and the teacher is expected to govern and instruct them as she would the children of the public school. The trustees of the Home have adopted rules for the government of the children, which the superintendent and matron and their assistants are expected to carry out, and while the children have their time to play they are not expected to be reared in idleness ; but each one has a daily task to perform suitable to its age and condition. Parents and relatives are permitted to visit the children, but at present it is thought best that these interviews be in the presence of one or more of the employes. Letters sent to the
children, or by them sent to parent or guardian must pass through the hands of the superintendent or matron. Since the opening of the "Home" there have been as many as sixty children there at one time, and they are thus furnished a good home and all the necessaries of life in abundance.
John Hershey Martin, Director.
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حلات حـ
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JOHN HERSHEY MARTIN, DIRECTOR,
R EAL estate and loans, Greenville, O., was born in Adams township, Darke county, November 29, 1844; son of Jacob WV. and Maria Hershey Martin, who located here in 1832. Adams township and Gettysburg received their names through the father of Mrs. Maria Martin, who came from near Gettysburg, Adams county, Pa. Jacob W. Martin was in the merchandise business at Gettysburg, Adams township, until his decease, April 9, 1876. Mrs. Maria Martin died April 15, 1881. John H. Martin entered the store of his father when thirteen years old where he was employed seven years. He then attended the Iron City Commercial college at Pittsburgh, Pa., and graduated from the same in 1865. He was then employed three years as book-keeper at Dayton, after which he was associated with his father in business several years, and in 1874, came to Greenville, where he was employed in the Auditor's and Treasurer's offices until 1879, when he was elected Clerk of the Courts and served two terms in said office. In 1883, he with others, organized and established the Second National bank. In January, 1887, he engaged in the dry goods business with Mr. Frank S. Gordon, and retired from the firm January 1, 1890. In Semptember, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy O. Robinson of Kenton, Hardin county, O. They have three children living: Lola R., Maud E., and John Robinson.
Thomas E. Teal, Superintendent.
Mrs. Thomas E. Teal, Matron.
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THOMAS E. TEAL, SUPERINTENDENT,
BORN May 6, 1837, in Wabash county, Ind., came to Darke county, O., in 1858. Mr. Teal was married twice. his first marriage was with Ellen Crouse, February 1, 1862; she died January 8, 1864, leaving one danghter, Olive. His second marriage occurred February, 27, 1868, with Lucetta Heckerman of Miamisburg, O. They raised three orphan children, and he was appointed Superintendent of the Darke County Children's Home February 2, 1889. Mr. and Mrs Teal are among the most highly respected citizens of Darke county, and as Superintendent and Matron of the Children's Home both receive the highest praise. Mr. Teal is a good, economical business man, and his wife is a kind, warm-hearted person, and the little unfortunates under their care have every attention to make their lives pleasant.
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Residence of George W. Manix, opposite Children's Home.
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GREENVILLE LODGE NO. 195, I. O. O. F.
REENVILLE Lodge, No. 195, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, January 22, 1852, and instituted on the thirteenth day of March of the same year, the charter members being as follows : S. H. Robinson, J. V. King, J. F. Birck, David Stamm, W. S. Barns, Daniel Philipi, and Joshua L. Winget. Of the charter members there are still living S. H. Robinson, now of Washington City, D. C., Daniel Philipi and Joshua L. Winget, the latter being still an active member of the lodge. The first officers installed were as follows: S. H. Robinson, N. G .; J. F. Birch, V. G .; David Stamm, Secretary and W. S. Barns, Treasurer. The lodge rapidly grew in membership and increased in wealth, and soon exerted a beneficial influence in the community. In 1873 the lodge erected a large and commodious building, upon the first floor of which is an opera-house, on the second floor the lodge-hall and other necessary rooms for lodge purposes. In 1886 the membership of the lodge was about one hundred and thirty, when a number of its members concluded to withdraw therefrom and form a new lodge, which they did and were chartered and instituted as Champion Lodge, No. 742. This withdrawal reduced the mem- bership of Greenville Lodge to about fifty, but at this time the membership is something over one hundred and the lodge is on the highway of prosperity and social influence in the community, with the following officers: Will H. Mann, S. P. G .; A. L. Markwith, N. G .; J. C. Elliott, V. G .; J. L. Garrison, R. S .; C. B. Elliott, P. S., and A. W. Wilson, Treasurer. One of its members, E. W. Otwell, is at present District Deputy Grand Master. The lodge has also a good and efficient team, with George Rosser as captain.
Will H. Mann, S. P. G.
E. W. Otwell, D. D. G. M.
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THE GREENVILLE RIFLE CLUB.
...
11 HIS club was organized February II, 1885, in Greenville, O., with a membership of nineteen and a limit to member- ship of twenty-five. Since organization the club has had many off-hand contests with many of the best rifle teams in the United States, and never came out of a contest without honors. Some of the teams with which they have contested are as follows: Norwalk Rifle club, winning two out of three contests: Phoenix Rifle club of Indianapolis, defeating them by one score, Richmond Rifle club, (Ind.,) defeating them in three consecutive contests ; International contest, (United States and Canada), for the Ballard championship medal, September 24. 1887, ten-men-to-the-team contest, and seventy-five teams competing, the Greenville club winning the medal by a score of 735 out of a possible 1,000. This was a victory that any rifle club in the world would feel proud of. The members of this club are numbered among the most highly respected citizens of Darke county, and no doubt the county is not a little pleased to own one of the best rifle teams in the world. Dr. A. J. Marling, one of the members of the team, has the credit of making the best off-hand score on record in a regular contest: ten consecutive bulls-eyes, two hundred yards, off-hand, scoring 95 out of a possible 100 in the Ballard individual contest, May 21, 1889. The club has a membership at the present time
of twenty. The officers of the club are as follows: President, G. A. Katzenberger; vice president, Daniel Snyder; secretary, Dr. A. J. Mariing; treasurer, Augustus N. Wilson; executive board, Frank Culbertson, Dr. A. J. Marling, Augustus N. Wilson ; captain. J. Charles Hahne.
John Knick.
Frank Culbertson.
Chas. Hahne, Captain.
Dr. A J. Marhag.
John Bcawahle.
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OSCAR CALM KERLIN, D. D. S.,
TXT AS born in Wayne county, Ind., March 23, 1861, and is a son of William K. and Hannah B. (Jeffries) Kerlin. In March, 1865, the subject of our sketch removed with his parents to Harrison township. this county, where his early life was spent upon the farm. In 1870 he removed to Greenville, and after receiving a liberal common-school education he, in 1881, finished a commercial course at the Greenville Commercial college, and for three years was book-keeper and paymaster for Rody
Ryan, the railroad contractor. In 1886 he took up dentistry with J. J. Little, D. D. S., as his preceptor, and in 1887 entered the Dental department of the University of Michigan, from which institution he graduated with honors June 27, 1889. In July of the same year he located at Versailles, where he enjoys a growing practice and the confidence of the entire community.
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Oscar C. Kerlin, D. D. S.
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FRANK SNYDER,
ROPRIETOR of the popular Snyder House of this city, was born in Montgomery county, this state, August 13, 1856, and is a son of Levi and Rebecca (Frees) Snyder. In 1862 the family removed to Darke county where they remained upon a farm, and in 1873 Mr. Frank Snyder (the subject of our sketch), removed to Versailles, which he has since made his home, and in 1877 he took charge of the hotel which he has since conducted. He was united in marriage December 18, 1886, to Pauline V. Ward, of Lima, and December 22, 1887, Elma R., (only child), was born to bless their union.
Frank Snyder, Proprietor,
George L. Carter.
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GEORGE L. CARTER.
INCLUDED among the many young men of Darke county who by their sterling business qualities and firm adherence to honesty in all transactions have won for themselves an honorable position in commercial as well as social circles, the subject of this sketch is especially worthy of mention. He was born in Randolph county, Ind., December 16, 1851, and is the oldest son of S. L. and Rachael Carter. When he was but one year old his parents moved to Union City, locating on the Indiana side, and he has- ever since resided in this city, having for the past eight years, however, lived on the Ohio side. When he had completed his school course he went to work in the trunk-slab factory of his father, where for many years he remained, occupying the position of general manager, and in which he gave great satisfaction, and under his supervision the business was conducted in such a thoroughly straightforward manner as to become highly profitable. . With the desire for greater gain and a wider range for his business abilities, he last fall formed a partnership with several other capitalists and after the erection of a commodious factory, began business under the firm name of George L. Carter & Co. Mr. Carter is a member of several lodges, in which he takes an active interest, and in all of which his personal influence is felt. He is a member of Camp No. 94, F. & A. M .; also treasurer of the Subordinate lodge No. 152, I. O. O. F. ; a member of Union City Encampment No. 81, I. O. O. F., and is also a member of Union City Wigwam of the Improved Order of Red Men, in one and all of which orders he takes an active interest. In politics Mr. Carter is an ardent Republican, yet despite this fact, so great is his popularity that in Union City, where the opposition has a good working majority, he was, at the last spring election, chosen Township Trustee by a handsome majority, which position he is now occupying. Mr. Carter is also Treasurer of Union City, and in his public office as well as his own personal enterprise he is esteemed for his high order of integrity and his close application to the business in hand. Mr. Carter was married September 15. 1878, to Miss Genevra Ulery, by whom he has one child a daughter. May 26, 1883, his first wife having died he was again married to Miss Rachael A. Eagy, by whom he also has one child, a daughter. Mr. Carter resides in a comfortable home, surrounded by his bright and happy family, who add not a little to the charm of his prosperous life. Mr. Carter has won for himself, both in financial and social life, a standing to which a few men attain.
Henry Fey.
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HENRY FEY.
OCIETY in America, composed as it is from all the known nations of the world, often brings one into contact with persons, who, while not to the manor born, have yet so fully allied themselves with the interests of this country and her welfare as to be in reality fully Americanized. Such a man is Henry Fey, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Germany in 1846, being a native of the province of Hesse Cassel. In 1350. when but thirteen years of age, he, with his mother, came to America, first locating in Cincinnati. O., where he remained about three years, when he removed to Memphis, Tenn. . While in the last named city he served for eight months as a member of the Memphis militia. Leaving Memphis, Mr. Fey went to Xenia, O., where he remained one year, when he came to Union City, locating on the Indiana side and has since continued to make Union City his home, having, however, lived on the Ohio side since 1868. He
first opened up in business for himself September 9, 1867, and has ever since continued to conduct the same, being the owner of the handsomest and best conducted meat market in Union City. Mr. Fey is noted as a man of sterling integrity and his success in business is largely due to the close attention and personal supervision which he has given to the business. In politics Mr. Fey is an ardent Democrat, and has on various occasions been called upon to fill responsible positions. For six years he was a member of the Common Council of Union City, which position he filled to the entire satisfaction of his constituency. Mr. Fey is at present the President of the School Board, of Union City and is also a member of the Health Board. For the past three years he has been a member from Jackson township of the Darke county Democratic Central committee, and has, in all . his public life, performed his duties faithfully and well. By his strict integrity and business ability, both in private and public affairs, Mr. Fey has built for himself a large circle of friends and now enjoys the esteem and good-will of the entire community.
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