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 8
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S. Elliott, of Eaton, O., in June, 1877. The children born of this union were Clarissa Mary, Leslie Addison and Anise Hyacinth, (twins, ) Esther Viola and Pearl. The twins died when six months old, twenty-four hours apart, the other children are still living.
Sheriff John Welker.
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JOHN WELKER.
SHERIFF,
ORMERLY a resident of Butler township, Darke county, Ohio. was born in Henry county, Ind., October 11, 1843, where he passed his boyhood days upon the farm with his father. In October, 1862, at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the 54th Reg't, Ind. Vol. Inf., and was in the hard-rought battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Jackson, Champion Hill, Black River, Siege of Vicksburg, and others along the Mississippi. For his gallant and unflinching bravery he was pro- moted. Returning from the war, he was married on December 21, 1863, to Elizabeth Juday, from which union four children were born, viz: Edgar, born June 14, 1867. died January 27, 1868 : Eli M., born December 27, 1868; Stella B., born October 24, 1873; Orla, born December 22, 1878. Mr. Welker has always been a Democrat of the truest stamp and has received rewards, holding township offices. He was Postmaster of New Madison, under Cleveland's administration; was nominated for Sheriff of Darke county by the Democratic convention assembled at Greenville. September 16, 1889, and elected November 5, 1889. H's ambition is of that determined kind which aims to excel in whatever it undertakes. His moral qualities are in perfect harmony with that which is pure, noble and exalting; duty is the ruling principle of his conduct; truth, integrity and justice are deeply rooted in his mind.
Deputy Sheriff E. M. Welker.
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E. M. WELKER,
DEPUTY SHERIFF.
AA R. WELKER was born in Henry County, Ind., Det. 27, 1868, and lived with his father on the farm and attended the Public school during the winter months. In March, 1868, when but seventeen years of age, he received his first certificate to teach school and began teaching when eighteen years of age. Was a student of the Ohio Normal University for one year, where he endeavored to acquaint himself with the practical lessons of life. He was born and raised a Democrat, and from his commanding ability was appointed Postmaster of New Madison, Ohio, under Cleveland's administration. Not being of age he was' unable to accept this position and was appointed principal assistant. In November :889. he resigned his position as teacher of school district No. 1, Butler township, to assume that of Deputy Sheriff, being the son of Sheriff Welker. He is a bright, self-reliant, progressive young man, and has many warm friends and admirers.
Ex-Sheriff Thomas Lecklider.
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THOMAS LEOKLIDER.
EX-SHERIFF.
N April 14, 1837, occurred the birth of Mr. Lecklider, in Darke county, O., on a farm three miles north of Green- ville, which he now owns. In 1883 he was elected Sheriff of Darke county, and filled the office. for two terms with great credit to himself and the satisfaction of the people. In December, 1877, he was married to Miss Catharine Wright, of Darke county; they had born to them one child, Harry T., on February 13, 1882. Mr. Lecklider is one of the well-to-do and respected citizens of Darke county.
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Ex-Deputy Sheriff C. W. Gilbert.
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C. W. GILBERT,
EX-DEPUTY SHERIFF.
EN Dayton. Montgomery county, Ohio, the subject of this sketch was born March 20, 1849. He located in Darke county, in 1874. He received a common-school education in Dayton, and on September 10, 1874, was united in marriage to Miss Cora B. Van Tillburgh. They have had born to them two children, viz: Earl and Ida May. Was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Darke county in 1887, and is a contractor by profession. Mr. Gilbert is one of the most popular and pleasant citizens of his county, and although a true Republican in politics, he has many warm friends in all political parties.
County Clerk Patrick H. Maher.
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PATRICK H. MAHER,
CLERK OF COURTS,
ES a native of Ireland, was born in 1845, and emigrated with his parents to America in 1849, and settled in Darke county, Ohio, in 1864. In 1873 he was married to Miss Ellen Manix. In 1874 he was elected to the office of Recorder of Darke county on the Democratic ticket and was re-elected in 1877, serving six years in that office. In 1885 he was elected Clerk of the Courts for Darke county, and in 1888 was re-elected. Mr. Maher is one of the most creditable and highly respected citizens of Darke county. He is a whole-souled Democrat, but by his pleasant, gentlemanly and accommodating manners has host of friends from all sources.
Recorder Daniel Snyder.
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DANIEL SNYDER.
COUNTY RECORDER.
R. DANIEL SNYDER was born January 20, 1842, in Darke county, O. He is the son of John K. and Amy Hidley Snyder. His parents settled in Darke county in 1839. He was married October 31, 1869, to Miss Lydia I. Winterrowed. The fruits of this union have been eleven children. He enlisted in the 187th Reg't, O. V. I., February, 1865, and was mustered out at Macon, Ga., January 20, 1866. He served as treasurer of Mississinawa township for eight years. Was appointed Postmaster at Rose Hill under Cleveland's administration, in July, 1885, and resigned in November, 1886, upon his election as Recorder of Darke county on the Democratic ticket in October, 1886, and was re-elected in November, 1889. Mr. Snyder is a thorough Democrat whose host of friends are not limited by party lines.
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Reputy Recorder James W. Martin.
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JAMES W. MARTIN,
DEPUTY COUNTY RECORDER, .
ES a grand son of William Martin, Sen., one of the earliest settlers in Darke county, who located about two and one-half miles east of Greenville in the spring of 1814. His father, William Martin, Jr., was one of the early merchants of Greenville. The subject of our sketch was born in Greenville, September 24, 1845, where he now resides. . He began to learn the harness making trade in 1863, at which occupation he continued until November, 1883, when he was appointed Deputy County Recorder by Recorder Richard Hunt and served with him until 1887, when he was reappointed by the present Recorder with whom he is associated. He was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Jones, May 19, 1875. They have had born to them one daughter, Jessie.
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Clerk of Courts Thomas C. Maher.
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THOMAS C. MAHER.
DEPUTY CLERK OF COURTS.
EPUTY Clerk of the courts of Darke county, Ohio, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, August 20, 1859. He received a common-school education, and followed agricultural pursuits until eighteen years of age. From 1877 to 1882 he served as Deputy County Recorder, and as clerk in the County Auditor's office for about two years. Since February, 1886, he has served in his present position. On November 3, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Kate C. Ryan, of Greenville, O., and the fruits of this union are two daughters, Cecelia and Mary Clare. He is a sterling Democrat, and very popular with the people in Darke county.
Commissioner Samuel J. Stapleton.
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SAMUEL J. STAPLETON,
COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
Whitewater, Wayne county, Ind., the subject of this sketch was born, February 16, 1841, but when quite young he removed to Darke county, O., where he has since resided, He received a good common-school education, and has that determination and self-confidence that has enabled him to make life a success. He was married to Miss Rebecca Rupe, February 16, 1362, and had born to them a family of six children. His wife and one child were called from this earth to their happy home above leaving him to battle in life's rugged pathway alone. He was married the second time to Mrs, Catharine Clapp, June 2, 1888. He has filled several prominent positions in his life, and was called upon by the Democracy of Darke county to fill the office of County Commissioner, being elected in 1836, which office he is filling at this time.
Commissioner Samuel Wilson.
Mrs. Samuel Wilson.
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SAMUEL WILSON,
COUNTY COMMISSIONER,
ARMER and stock-raiser, resides on Sections 15 and 16, York township, Darke county, O., Versailles, P. O., and was born February 21, 1829. Samuel Wilson, Sen., his father, lived in Greenville township, Parke county, and married Mary Frances Stoner whose father was killed by the Indians; also the Wilson sisters, aunts to the subject of this sketch, were killed near Green- ville. Samuel Wilson, Sen., was drowned in Greenville creek, and his wife died soon after. Mr. Wilson lived with his parents until their death, after, which he was compelled to live among strangers until the age of eighteen, when he apprenticed himself to Orrin Culbertson as a carpenter. He remained with him until the age of twenty-one when he became a contractor for himself. In the year 1853 he married Mary C. Eyler. Jacob Eyler, her father, was a native of Maryland, who married Ann Rebecca Staup. Mr. Wilson owns four hundred and thirty-two acres of land in Sections 15 and 16. and has two good brick residences and two good barns. They have eight children, viz: Cynthia H., William J., Minerva J., Iola Belle, Ida May, Mary F., Edith G., and Minnie Blanche. The subject of this sketch served as Treas- urer in York township, Darke county, for four years; Trustee one year in 1879; was elected County Commissioner for Darke county and served six years. The family of Mr. Wilson is one of the foremost of Darke county, and none is more highly esteemed.
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Commissioner Wm. M. Smith.
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Commissioner R. K. Beam.
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R. K. BEAM,
COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
ECEMBER 28, 1851, in Brown township, Darke, county, O., our subject was born and still resides. His father died when he was a mere boy, leaving him at the age of fourteen to care for a mother and five younger children. He was dependent upon his own cactions to make his way through life. He did not sit down and weep at the sad situation before him; his was not a spirit so easily overcome. But with becoming courage he took up his task like a father and went to work. At the age of twenty-five he married Miss Sarah C. Rue and now has a happy family of seven children. In politics he has always been active and Very successful. He was elected Township Assessor at the age of twenty-two; served as Township Trustee, always running ahead of the ticket. At the age of thirty-three he was elected Commissioner, and in 1888 was nominated for a second term. Some of the opposition sought his defeat. "This caused him to go to the people of his county and ask a thorough investigation of his official transactions and he was vindicated in his election by a larger majority than the National ticket had in the county. Mr. Beam is a Democrat in whom there is no guile, and although warmly attached to his party principles, he has that magnetism about him which wins friends from the opposite side.
Surveyor Eli Armacost.
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ELI ARMACOST.
COUNTY SURVEYOR.
father, C. M. Armacost, and mother,. Sarah Hoover Armacost, were born about twenty miles west of Baltimore city, Md., and moved to Darke county in the spring of 1837, and settled on what is known as the Old Judge Brawley farm in Harri- son township. Here the subject of this sketch was born February 1, 1838, and moved with his parents upon what is known as the "Old Home farm" in Section 28. German township, Darke county. where he in after years labored to help clear and fence a portion of the farm. He resided here with his parents until the fall of 1865, when he was married to Miss Catharine M. Stephens, daughter of David Stephens and Lydia Wagner Stephens of German township, Mr. Armacost is the father of eight children, all living. He attended the country school of this township until twenty-one years of age, which was conducted in the winter from ten to fifteen weeks. After twenty-one years of age he attended a select school at Hillsboro, Wayne county, Ind., in the springs of 1860-61, taught by M. Hollingsworth, Prof. L. A. Gray and Prof. Frank Tufts. He served in the capacity of common-school teacher for a period of twenty years. He also served as Justice of the Peace in German township and Trustee of his township two years from April 1867 to 1869. He served as Township Assessor for two terms and was assistant Land Appraiser of his township in 1870. He was appointed Deputy County Surveyor under Mr. W. S. Harper in March, 1872; was elected County Surveyor in the fall of 1875 and was re-elected in the fall of 1878, and served on the Board of Land Equalization in 1880-81. He was re-elected County Surveyor in the fall of 1888. His present residence is in Section 36, Washington township, four miles west of Greenville, and his post-office address is Greenville, Darke, county, Ohio.
Coroner Andrew W. Rush, M. D.
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ANDREW W. RUSH, M. D., 1 COUNTY CORONER.
N May 12, 1860, occurred the birth of Mr. Rusk on a farm in Harrison township, Darke county, O. He obtained a common-school education and at the age of twenty-four graduated from Miami Medical college at Cincinnati, O. He began the practice of medicine and surgery at Chattanooga, Tenn., immediately after graduating. In 1886 he removed to Greenville, Ohio, where he has since continued his practice. He was elected to the office of County Coroner at the last election. The doctor is a wide- awake, active citizen, and has a large and growing practice.
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Ex-Sheriff D. E. Van Tillburgh.
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Jacob T. Martz.
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Mrs. J. T. Martz.
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DARKE COUNTY EDUCATORS.
JACOB T. MARTZ.
EX-COUNTY EXAMINER.
AWYER and educator, Greenville, Ohio, was born in Darke county, Ohio, September, 14, 1833. He is the son of John Martz, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, June I, 1798; settled in Darke county, in 1829, and died at the home of his son, January 5, 1883, aged eighty-four years, seven months and four days. His wife, Barbara Hardinger. the mother of this subject, and a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, died in 184J. Our subject attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, from which institution he graduated in June, 1856. During the nine succeeding years he was engaged in teaching in his native county, six of which were spent in teaching in and superintending the schools in Greenville. During part of this time, and while engaged in teaching he also read law under Judge
In D. L. Meeker, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1860. March, 1865, he resigned the superintendency of the Greenville school and formed a law partnership with the Hon. J. R. Knox. In August, 1865, he was appointed receiver of The Cincinnati and Mackinaw Railroad company, which occupied his time for
nearly five years, In 1871 the superintendency of the Greenville school was tendered to him without his solicitation, which he accepted, but at the end of that school year he asked to be relieved by the board of education from further supervision of the school; but his work had been done so well, (having brought the schools out of a state of chaos, as it were, to one of order and efficiency,) the board prevailed upon him to continue his good work, which he did for seventeen consecutive years, and closed his labors as superintendent on the first of June, 1888. this year the enumeration in the district was met!, and the
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enrollment in the school for the year was 1098, showing that ninety- one per cent. of the entire enumeration was enrolled upon our school registers, while in efficiency the school stood second to none in the state. Under his supervision he saw the school grow from four to twenty-two teachers. When he took charge of the school there was no laboratory, no apparatus, no geological cabinet, except a few ordinary specimens; but in June, 1888, over six hundred dollars had been expended for educational and philosophical apparatus of various kinds, and there was a large and convenient laboratory arranged with all the modern conveniences: geographical maps and globes, and physiological charts, enabling the teacher to illustrate and explain all the modern methods of teaching, together with a human skeleton procured, prepared and mounted by Mr. Martz and the janitor of the old school building and which they have kindly permitted to remain in the laboratory for the benefit of the students in physiology and hygiene. The cabinet containing various specimens of value (including the bones of the mastodon found in this county, and which are in a remarkable state of preservation,) are the result of Mr. Martz's personal purchase and labor. During all these years, modern methods of teaching and government were introduced by the superintendent and adopted by the teachers, so that tardi- ness was measurably controlled by the teacher. and truancy, except in a few chronic cases, was almost a thing of the past. Order, system and good government prevailed in all the rooms and in the dismissal of pupils, while improper language was seldom heard on the play-grounds, and so potent was the influence of the superin- dent in maintaining order and decorum among the pupils on the play-ground, that it became the pride of all, even the most combative element among the boys, the moment they reached the school-grounds to stand upon their good behavior. The High- school course of study contained no more branches than could be mastered by every pupil of ordinary intelligence in the five years given to complete the same, while the elocutionary drill and compo- sition writing, in all the grades in which they were taught, strengthened the memory and exercised the reasoning faculties to the great benefit of the pupils. No partiality was shown in these exercises as all were expected to do their part.
The method of graduation from the. High school was Mr. Marti's suggestion and it has been adopted by at least four Union schools in this county, and the one hundred and four Alumni all graduated under his supervision, which speak of the
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good order, management and efficiency of the school. Superintendent Martz with two other teachers organized the Darke county teacher's association in 1859, and though for several years it struggled for existence, yet by his untiring energy and enthusiasm for its success it increased in numbers and interest almost beyond expectation. During the greater part of this time he presided over its delibera- tions. He was also a member of the Board of County-school Examiners for about twenty-two years, and assisted greatly in advancing the qualifications of the teachers in the county. He has also taken an active part in developing the resources of the county. and was for six years secretary of the Darke County Agricultural society, and was mainly instrumental in selling the old grounds of the society and purchasing the large and commodious grounds it now owns. For eight years he was secretary of the first Building association organized in this county, having closed out the same ; and he has been for more than eight years secretary of the largest company of the kind now doing business in the county. Mr. Martz has always manifested a deep interest in the moral and religious influences in the county; has for a long time identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal church; has been superintendent of the Sabbath-school for a number of years, and for more than eight years has been recording steward of its official board. For the past year he has been associated with his law partner of 1865 and the present mayor of the city of Greenville in the legal profession. He has also assisted in all the local enterprises that were intended to advance the public good; has been associated with the trustees of the Greenville cemtery as their secretary since 1865, and assisted in bringing about that order and system which has resulted in beautifying, adorning and enlarging those grounds to meet the public wants. On September 19, 1860 he married Miss Esther M., daughter of James M. Jamison, of Delaware, Ohio, with issue of four sons: John H., born Nov. 8, 1861: Adelbert, born Sept. 28, 1868; James J., born May 8, 1872 and Benjamin F., born Dec. 18, 1874. The last two are now attending the Greenville High school. John is married and Adelbert is assistant teller of the Greenville bank, Greenville, Ohio.
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John S. Royer, Gettysburgh.
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JOHN S. ROYER,
EX-COUNTY EXAMINER,
AS born in Union county, Pa., January 34, 1845, and spent his boyhood on a farm. He is of German and Swiss descent, and when he entered the common school he was not able to understand English. With wonderful aptitude, however, he soon acquired the language and took the lead in all his classes, attending but the one school in his home district, in his life, and but about fifty months in all. He commenced teaching at the age of fifteen. His first certificate was granicu by Cupt.
D. Heckendorn, September 24, 1860. At the close of his first school he received the following unsolicited approval of his work: "This is to certify that John S. Royer has taught school No. 2, in Monroe township, Juniata county, Pa,, during the session of 1860-61, to the entire approval of the Board of Directors and County Superintendent, and by industry and tact of training has been very successful in advancing the pupils under his care." Signed by the superintendent and directors, April 27, 1861. After teaching four winters in Pennsylvania and working for his father on the farm, during the summer, he came to Ohio and took charge of the Pleasant Hill (then Newton) graded schools. The next year, by . the solicitation of friends, he came to Darke county, where he has taught ever since with marked success. In this
time he was seven years at the head of a graded school in Adams township, ten years at the head of educational affairs in Ansonia, and now six years at Gettysburgh, where he has built up one of the best schools in the county, managing a Normal school in the summer vacation. It is said that he has prepared and sent out fully as many teachers as any other educator in the Darke county schools.
His services as County-school Examiner for six years, commencing in 1879, brought about a great improvement among the teachers and in educational affairs generally. In 1880,
by the urgent request and encouragement of that prince among
mathematicians, Enoch B. Seitz, who was at the time a School Examiner also, Mr. Royer established the School Visitor, a maga- zine that has done, a grand work in the profession. It is
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pronounced by eminent educators to be the best magazine of its kind in America. He also founded the Ansonia Mirror, and reached in it the highest success in local journalism. He does his own press work on the School Visitor, and the difficult composi- tion in mathematics and diagrams in grammar. He also engraves the fine wood cuts that illustrate the mathematical department of his magazine. He is eminently busy, and has a great power of endurance. For several years at Ansonia he was principal of schools, teaching the High-school department himself; editor and publisher of the Visitor and Mirror; secretary of a Masonic lodge; leader of the Methodist Church choir, and an energetic Sunday- school worker. He is truly a self-made scholar, and in all his teaching he aims to unite the practical with the ornamental in the development of a symmetrical culture. His liberal education was acquired by concentration of mind upon one subject until it was mastered. One summer, while spending the vacation at the old homestead in Pennsylvania, he mastered the study of trigonometry and surveying; secured instruments and engaged for three years at his leisure in practical surveying. He has been twice married, and is blessed with a family of promising children, two girls and three boys: Minnie of the first, and Estella, Ray, Clyde and Edwin of the last marriage. Minnie was a useful assistant as compositor and clerk until her marriage to A. S. Hassinger, November 28, 1889, when she left for her new home in West Virginia. He has attained the highest honors in the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Good Templar lodges, and is a true Knight among the Pythians. We also find him superintendent of the Sunday-school, and an active member of the Presbyterian Church; a member of the Executive committee of the Ohio Sunday-school Union, and a useful factor in the affairs of his community. He possesses rare qualities of mind and heart which have gained for him a large circle of friends. His many pupils speak with praise of the helpful and inspiring words and kindly favors they received from him as they passed through the labyrinths of abstruse, literary and scientific tasks.
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Lon C. Walker.
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LON C. WALKER,
COUNTY EXAMINER.
FALL IS boyhood schooling was obtained in a country school. He T taught eight years in the country schools prior to his two years' course in the State University at Columbus and one year in Cornell University, whence he returned in 1888. Since then he has been one of the leading contributors of the School Visitor, Daven- . port Monthly, Mathematical Messenger and Mathematical Magazine. He has had some experience as superintendent. He has been a faithful reader of the Visitor from its infancy; has spoken many good words in its behalf; has them bound and spends his leisure time very profitably in its perusal. The editor admires his style of solutions; has had the pleasure of corresponding with this scholarly gentleman, and is weil acquainted with his literary produc- tions, particularly contributions to the various mathematical periodi- cals. The Visitor family appreciate and are truly thankful for his interest taken in the mathematical department. He possesses very superior mathematical talent. Having a special fondness for this branch of study, be devotes his leisure hours to the broad fields and hidden beauties of the higher mathematics, delving deep into the mine of original investigation, and astonishing his friends by the exactness with which he unfolds the beautiful and mysterious relations of numbers in the "bright seraphic truth." He possesses the qualifications of a mathematician of the highest order of excellence and brightest promise. His name will be deservedly associated with those of Newton, Euler, Todhunter and others who have made the positive science a study. Hon. Probate Judge Anderson did a wise act in appointing Mr. Walker a member of the board of School Examiners August 15. 1889. He is doing much to improve the teaching in the common schools by his work as County Examiner. We can speak of our subject in no more appropriate terms than to publish the following letter addressed to the editor of this volume :
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