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 9
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" GETTYSBURGH, DARKE COUNTY. Dec. 18, 1889. "George W. Wolfe, Greenville, Ohio.
"DEAR SIR. - I wish to state that Lon C. Walker of this county, is one of the most accomplished mathematicians in this country, and that his work is unique in pure and applied mathe- mathics. A striking feature of his work is rigid accuracy and simplicity of demonstration. He is without doubt the most promising
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and useful worker in the rich fields of this bewitching science. I can show you work executed by him in the mine of original investigation, that astonished the 'doctors' of large experience and ripe scholarship. Their commendations are strong and firin. I have a good opportunity to learn his superior ability, as I have about twenty-five of the best mathematicians in the United States con- tributing to the School Visitor, of which I am editor, and which is devoted chiefly to the practical mathematics. You can speak in terms of highest praise of his untiring efforts in the wonderful develop- ment of his natural ability. He has been a close student and the light of his genius will gain for him a world-wide reputation. " Yours truly, "JOHN S. ROYER."
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D. B. Etzler.
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D. B. ETZLER,
COUNTY EXAMINER,
AS born in Lewisburg, Preble county, O., July 30, 1848. At the age of four his parents removed one and one-half miles east of Lewisburg, settling on the farm where his mother still resides. At the age of eighteen he took charge of the farm and successfully worked it for six years, when he began teaching school in his own neighborhood. His education was chiefly acquired in his home district school. Although deprived of the advantages of a college education he has taught for over sixteen years with marked success, both in the graded and ungraded schools of Darke and Preble counties. In February, 1885, he was appointed by Judge S. L. Kolp, to the position of County Examiner of Darke county. At the expiration of his term he received a re-appoint- ment to the same position, which he now holds.
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P. C. Zemer.
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P. C. ZEMER,
COUNTY EXAMINER,
RACES his ancestry back to Henry Zemer, of revolutionary times, who fought in the war for his country's independence. He came from Pennsylvania to Circleville at a very early period, and, with a large family, he moved from here to Houston, Shelby county, O., about 1820, locating upon a farm. His fourth child (George), was born near Circleville, O., in 1807. George Zemer became acquainted with and married Elizabeth Day, daughter of Henry and Annie Elizabeth Day, who came from Loudon county, Va., at a very early period, to Belmont county, O :; thence to Houston, Shelby county, O., about 1822. Henry Day was
also a farmer and fought in the revolutionary war Charge and his wife located on a farm, near Houston, O., which they cleared and improved. To them five children were born; the eldest, (Noah,) father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1835. He united early with the Christian Church, of which he is yet an
earnest worker. In 1856 he married Martha Ellen Cruse, a noble, intelligent, Christian woman, and daughter of Peter Cruse, a wealthy farmer. To this union were added three children: P. C. Zemer, John H. and Seth I. The mother died while the boys were quite young, but the influence of her Christian life will always be felt. P. C. Zemer was born on the farm near Houston, Shelby county, O., June II, 1857. He attended the district school during a short period of the winter months. On January 22, 1878, through the influence of a friend, he went to the Normal University at Lebanon, O., where he remained three terms; returning home he taught two winter terms of school and one summer term, after which he again returned to the Normal University at Lebanon, where he remained until he graduated from the College of Science, receiving the B. S. degree July 29, 1881. Returning home he married Miss Maggie F. Gartley, daughter of John Gartley, Ex-Commissioner of Shelby county and a prominent farmer. Mrs. Zemer was born on February 26, 1860. She is a Christian woman, broad in her views, clear in her judgment, and patient and cheerful in her home, which she loves. To this union there has been added four bright children: Stanley G., Beryl M., Ermie H. and H. Lowell. Little Ermie only remained a few months with her parents; her little spirit was soon called back to
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the Father who gave it. In the fall of 1881 Mr. Zemer took charge as Principal of the Lockington schools, Shelby county,' O. His success was so decided that he was re-employed at advanced wages two months or more before his first school closed. He was offered the school again the third year, but refused it to accept the superintendency of the schools at Ansonia, Darke county, O., with advanced salary and greater responsibilities. His success here was as decided as at Lockington, as is shown by the fact that the day his schools closed, the first year, his School Board inet and re-employed him at an advance of fifteen dollars per month. He is now serving his seventh year at Ansonia, and within these years his salary has been advanced three times for efficient work. The number of foreign pupils in the High school has been increasing until about one-third of the High school are pay pupils. These come from one to mine miles to prepare diumautres fun teaching. He served on the Executive committee of the Darke County Teachers' Institute four years, the last year as chairman of the committee. By a general call from the teachers he was made President of the Darke County Teachers' association, August. 1889. Mr. Zemer is also President of the Darke County Board of School Examiners, having been appointed a member of that board February 22, 1889. for an unexpired term by Judge L. C. Anderson, at the request of many prominent teachers and other warm friends. He was re-appointed for three years, August 31, 1889, and is now serving in that capacity.
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Miss Ola M. McCall.
MISS OLA M. M'CALL,
MUSICAL INSTRUCTOR.
ISS M'CALL, the subject of this sketch is worthy of more mention than we can give in this brief biography. She was born in Galesburg, Ill., and while quite young her parents removed to Marshall, Mich. Her father's name is Oliver W., and her mother's maiden name was Catharine A. Compton. In Iem- they removed from Michigan to Keokuk, Ia., and for twelve years she pursued instruction in music, both piano and vocal, under the best tutorship that could be obtained. In 1887, she entered the Detroit Conservatory of Music and studied there for one year, afterward studied special voice culture with Prof. J. D. Mehan. She is a graduate of the National Music school of Chicago, a Normal institute where students are trained to teach the national system of school music. She goes to Boston, Mass., for special work in 1890. At present she is the instructor in music in the Greenville schools and is highly appreciated in her efforts. Miss McCall is one of the very brightest young ladies in her profession in the state. One of those positive characters rarely found; knows no defeat; as thoroughly determined to reach the top round in the ladder of fame as though her life depended upon it. Her individuality leaves a lasting impression upon all who chance to meet her. Her labors in the Greenville schools have been crowned with success and have endeared her to the citizens who will be loth to part with her and her highly successful labors.
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Mayor Halleck Rupe.
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CITY OFFICIALS.
HALLECK RUPE.
MAYOR.
ERMAN township, Darke county, O., was the birth place of Mr. Rupe, and the date July 24, 1862. He was admitted to the bar and began the practice of law October 8, 1884, and was elected Mayor of the city of Greenville in April, 1889. Rupe is one of the brightest and most promising young men in this section of the country, as his election to the Mayoralty of Green- ville on the Republican ticket with a large Democratic majority to overcome is evidenced. His rapid rise into political and professional prominence is well merited, and is of a substantial character. He is at present a member of the law firm of Knox, Martz & Rupe, which sustains a splendid reputation for legal ability throughout this section of the state.
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WILLIAM THOMPSON,
COUNCILMAN.
OVEMBER 16, 1836, the subject of this sketch was born, upon a farm in Washington township, Darke county, Ohio. He received a common-school education; followed farming until 1882, when he removed to Greenville and engaged in the livery business, owning the largest and best equipped establishment in the county. Mr. Thompson still owns and conducts a farm in Neave township, and is meanwhile engaged in the timber business, his specialty being to furnish cross ties for the Dayton and Union Railroad company. He was elected a member of the Greenville City Council in 1888, which office he still fills. He held the position of superintendent of the Darke County Infirmary for the years from 1866 to 1873. He chose for his companion through life, Miss Amanda Neal, of Neave township, this county, and have had two children: Alice and Venora.
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William Thompson.
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Councilman Martin Renzler.
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MARTIN RENZLER.
COUNCILMAN,
MEMBER of the Greenville City Council and general black- smith, carriage and wagon builder, was born December 30, 1847, and located in Darke county in 1873. He was united in marriage to Miss Catharena Schmermand in 1874, and they have. had born to them four children, viz .: Frederick, Carl, Cath- arena and Wilhelm. Mr. Renzler is one of the most highly respected citizens of Darke county, and his large carraige, wagon and blacksmithing business, located on East main street, is con- stantly growing, and gives evidence of the superior business ability of its proprietor.
Councilman John H. Koester.
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JOHN H. KOESTER,
COUNCILMAN,
ERCHANT tailor and member of the Greenville City Council, first saw the light of day in Germany, in 1840, and came to America in 1864, locating in Dayton, Ohio. He removed to Greenville, Ohio, in 1868, and was employed as cutter in a merchant-tailoring establishment until 1873 when he formed a partnership with John Compton, and they conducted the business under the firm name of Koester & Compton. His partner, Mr. Compton, died that same year and Mr. Koester became the sole proprietor and has conducted the business alone up to the present time. His high character and keen sense of justice in his busi- ness methods, coupled with pleasing manners, has made him one of the most successful business men in Darke county, and his friends and patrons are numbered by his aquaintances. Mr. Koester was married to Miss Elizabeth Kuntz, of Dayton, Ohio, but death dissolved the happy union April, 28, 1887, and his wife went to join the three children who had preceded her into the great beyond, while six children remain a solace to their father. Mr. Koester was elected to the City Council of Greenville in the spring of 1888, and is still a member of that body.
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Councilman Adam Crone.
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ADAM CRONE,
COUNCILMAN,
ZA T Cassella, Mercer county, O., the subject of this sketch was born November 1, 1851. His parents died while he was quite young. Being thus left an orphan he spent his early years at blacksmithing, serving an apprenticeship for two years in Celina, O., at this occupation. After obtaining complete mastery of his trade, and working in several cities throughout the state, he moved to Greenville in the autumn of 1874, where he has since resided. Having been elected as a member of the City Council in the spring of 1887, he discharged the duties of that office to the best interests of the people, who, seeing his honesty and fidelity, and comprehending the value of his services as a public officer, re-elected him in the spring of 1889.
Councilman Conrad Steinhilber.
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CONRAD STEINHILBER,
COUNCILMAN,
ORN in Cincinnati, O., November 8. 1859. Mr. Steinhilber is of German descent, and possesses those sturdy traits of character peculiar to that race. He received a common-school education in the Greenville Public schools, and entered the bakery and confectionery business. which he conducts on Broadway street in Greenville. He was married to Miss Dolly Stover, of German township, November 26, 1882, but their family circle has been broken by the death of their two children, Roscoe and Eva. Mr. Stein- hilber took the initiatory step into politics by being elected to the City Council in 1887 from the First ward, which has a large Republican majority, and re-elected in 1889. He is the youngest member of that useful and usually much abused body, and in recognition of his superior ability as a presiding officer was elected President. It is needless for us to speak of Mr. Steinhilber's popularity in the city and county. Although a sterling Democrat, he is not an "offensive partisan," and therefore has a large and influential following from his acquaintances, which is not confined to his own party.
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Cemetery Supt. I. N. Smith.
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Dr. Markwith.
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Hon. Charles M. Anderson.
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THE LEGAL PROFESSION.
CHARLES M. ANDERSON,
B ORN in Juniata county, Pa., January 5, 1845, and came with his father's family to Ohio in April, 1855; was scared on a farm; taught school; served in an Ohio regiment during the war as a private soldier, and was honorably discharged the day he was twenty-one years old. He attended college for a season at Lebanon, O., read law and was admitted to the bar in May, 1868, and at once entered upon the practice of his profession at Greenville, O. While always taking an active part in politics he refused all promotion in that line until 1878, when he made an effort to secure the nomination for Congress. The convention met
at Sidney, O., and continued in constant session for three days and nights, and Anderson was defeated for the nomination by one and a quarter votes; again, in August, 1884, he was a candidate for nomination for Congress in the Dayton district, which resulted in his nomination on the first ballot. In 1886, by reason of the re-districting of the state just before the convention which met at Celina, O., (the delegates in most of the districts having been selected and instructed before, ) Anderson found his home county placed in the new district by the recent re-districting bill, and Hon. S. S. Yoder was nominated after the convention was on its second days' work. Mr. Anderson was made Judge Advocate General of Ohio in January, 1884, by Governor Hoadly, which position he held during Governor Hoadly's term of office. During this time the great riot in Cincinnati took place, and Mr. Anderson was, as such staff officer, on duty during most of that time, being second in command of the Ohio troops, and received the especial compliments of the Governor for his splendid services on that occasion. His practice at law is a lucrative one, and
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he invests his income in erecting business blocks, having built more business houses than any other man up to the present date; was the first to use pressed brick and plate glass, He is always found at the front in public enterprises, and doing his full share wherever the welfare of his home town or county is at stake. In Society lodges we find he took all the degrees in the I. O. R. M., K. of P., and all the degrees in Masonry, York and Scottish Rites, (excepting the 33d degree,) and takes an active part in the G. A. R .; is an officer and one of the largest stock- holders in the Greenville Law Library. In 1887 he was appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives one of the Board of Visitors of the National Military academy at West Point. In June, 1870, he was married to Miss Ella Hart, the only daughter of Moses Hart, a builder and contractor, which marriage has been blessed with two boys; the eldest, William H., is now on his second year at West Point as a cadet; the youngest, Robert T., is still at home with his parents.
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David Weller Bowman.
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DAVID WELLER BOWMAN.
ECOND son of George W. and Phebe Jane Bowman, was born on a farm two miles east of New Madison, Darke county, O., on January 20, 1860. His father was a native of Franklin county, Pa., and removed to Darke county, O., with his parents in 1838. His grandfather on the maternal side, Michael Noggle, was of Pennsylvania stock, his ancestors being natives of Franklin county, in said state, and removed to Ohio early in the present century. His grandmother on the maternal side was of English ancestry, they being natives of Georgia and the Carolinas before removing to Ohio. The subject of our sketch was reared on nis father's tarm, and received his education in the common schools of his neighborhood and in the High school at Greenville, O. At the age of eighteen he began teaching school, and taught eighteen months before attaining his majority. On . April 4, 1881, he entered the law office of Allen, Riffel & Otwell, attorneys, Greenville, O., and began the study of law, and in October following entered the office of Hon. J. W. Sater, with whom he pursued his legal studies until May 1, 1883, on which date he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court at Columbus, He at once began the practice of law at Greenville, and on February 4, 1884, formed a partnership with the Hon. D. L. Meeker, which partnership continued until May 14, 1888, and was dissolved because of the election of Mr. Meeker to the office of Common Pleas Judge. On July 1, 1888, he entererd into a partnership with Hon. C. M. Anderson, with whom he is still associated. On April 20, 1887, at Greenville, O .. he was married to Miss Belle Kerlin, daughter of William K. Kerlin, President of the Second National Bank. One daughter, Helen, has been born to them.
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DAVID P. BOWMAN, (DECEASED.)
HE subject of this sketch was born January 16, IS41, on a farm now owned by Thomas Finnarn, a few miles south- east of Palestine, in German township, Darke county, O. His parents, Abraham and Mary Bowman, removed from Franklin county, Pa., to Darke county, O., in the spring of 1838. His father was a native of Berks county, Pa. His ancestry was highly respectable. Jasper Bowman, of the paternal side, immigrated from Germany to eastern Pennsylvania, early in the Eighteenth century ; the maternal side was also of German extraction, Americanized about one hundred and fifty years, and although bearing the same name as the paternal, a searching investigation failed to show the D. W. Bowman, a sketch of whom slightest trace of relationship.
appears in another part of this work, belongs to the same family; his father being a brother of the said D. P. Bowman. The subject of this sketch passed his boyhood on a farm, and was inured to all the toil that fell to the lot of the farmer's son of that day. He was without the advantages of an early education, having no opportunities therefor, and he was fourteen years old before he could read. In the autumn of 1860 he began teaching
school, and taught in the schools of his county without inter-
mission until - 1872. In 1861 he studied at Heidelberg college, Tiffin, O. The next three years were devoted to reading and study, and from 1865 to 1872 he pursued the avocation of a farmer. In March, 1872, he removed to Greenville, O., and having previously studied the law for several years, he was called to the bar by the District Court of Logan county, O., sitting at Bellefontaine, August 29, 1872. He immediately began the prac- tice of law at Greenville, and continued in practice until his death, which occurred after a short illness, May 30, 1878. He was married to Miss Mary E. Ream, a very estimable lady, on November 20, 1864. Six children were born of this marriage, only two of whom with their mother survive. His eldest son, Willis, a youth of great promise, died a few days before his father, which event contributed largely to the latter's death. Although his career at the bar was short, yet it was full of promise. He possessed qualifications that would have placed him in the front rank .. He was entirely devoted to his chosen profession. His knowledge of the law was both accurate and. profound. His
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David P. Bowman, (Deceased.)
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preparation was thorough. He came into the forum "not decorated for pomp, but' armed for battle." In the power of analysis and logical reasoning, in clearness of statement and keen discrimination, in the ability to discern the vital points, and in the vigorous presenta- tion of principles, he excelled. In industry, integrity, professional honor, fidelity to his clients and respect for the Court, he stood as an example to the bar. At the time of his death he was the law partner of Gen. C. M. Anderson. Outside of the law he was a hard student. He believed with Mathew Hale Carpenter, that his legal education would be incomplete unless he was familiar with all those works which belong to the border-land between literature and the law; with philosophers and poets; theology ; romance, and history. His reading, therefore, was varied and extensive. His favorite author was Macaulay ; having, also, a strong attachment for the ancient classics. An accomplished German scholar, he was familiar with the literature of that land. He possessed portic talent, and wrote verses of no small merit. He was truthful, honest, sincere, earnest, magnanimous and brave. He was gentle and sociable, and a general favorite in society's circles. He was a Democrat in politics, and a patriot in the hour of his Nation's peril. He had a deep sense of religious duty. As Daniel Webster said of Jeremiah Mason : " He could not look on this mighty system-
'This universal frame, thus wondrous fair,'
without feeling that it was created and upheld by an Intelligence to whom all other intelligences must be responsible." He believed in the Bible, and in the efficacy of the Atonement made on Mount Calvary. In this faith died all his household for genera- tions before him wherever they inherited family and name. And in that faith, with an unfaltering trust, "All the days of his appointed time did he wait until his change came." He was buried away in that beautiful "City of Silence," the old church-yard at New Madison, Ohio.
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ANDREW ROBESON CALDERWOOD,
"UDGE and journalist, Greenville, was born in Montgomery county, O., September 14, 1818. His parents were George Calderwood and Margaret Robeson, natives of Huntington county, Penn., the former born December 15, 1783, the latter May 28, 1791. They were married September 14, ISII. In 1817, he became a pioneer of Montgomery county, O. In 1832 he removed to Darke county, where he died September 7, 1849." He was possessed of an excellent judgment and great firmness; was very courageous, agreeable and kind hearted, and was generous to a fault. He was of Scotch parantage. His wife died August 12, IS73. She descended from Scotch-Welsh ancestry, was a lady of fine natural talent, great caution and shrewdness. When a youth Judge Calderwood learned the carpenter's trade. His early educational privileges were very meagre, being those of the common school only; but by private application to reading and study he fitted himself for a teacher, and when seventeen, began a pedagogical career in Darke county of some seventeen years, teaching in the winter season, and being, occupied the remainder of the year at his trade or otherwise. He Began the study of law under the late Judge William M. Wilson ; finished in the office of the late William Collins; admitted to the bar in 1851, and began practice in Greenville. In October, 1854, he was elected Probate Judge of Darke county, and . In October, 1861,
filled the position with ability for three years.
he recruited company I, 40th O. V. I., and was in the service nearly three years. At the engagement at Pound Gap, in February, 1862, he was injured by falling from his horse, on account of which he resigned in the following July, but was soon re-appointed to his former position. In January, 1863, he again resigned, his disability preventing active service, and till the close of the war he was employed as recruiting officer for his district. In the autumn of 1876, he took the editorial charge of the Greenville Sunday Courier, which was started by his son, George W. Calderwood, in the summer of IS75. In respect of local positions, it may be 'mentioned that he has been three times elected Mayor of Greenville, and also for several years served on the Board of School Examiners for Darke county, and also on the Greenville Board of Education. In 1868, his name was presented by the Darke county delegation to the Republican convention of the fourth district as a candidate for Congress. Of four candidates our subject was second best.
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Judge Andrew R. Calderwood.
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March 1, 1838, Mr. Calderwood married Eleanor Matchett, daughter of Erick Matchett, of Darke county, O. This lady died May 15, 1851, having been the mother of eiglit children. Enos, the oldest, was a drummer in the 40th O. V. I, and died from disease contracted in the army. John, the second son, was a fifer in the 152d O. V. I., and is now connected with the Greenville Sunday Courier. George W. Calderwood, at the age of thirteen, was servant for his father in the 40th O. V. I., and subsequently became drummer in the 152d O. V. I., and came out as drum major of the regiment. He is a member of the Greenville bar, and also a temperance lecturer, and as such has won an enviable reputation as a public speaker. The Cincinnati Gazette says: "Although less than thirty years of age, Mr. Calderwood is destined to rank as one of the ablest orators of this country." On March 1, 1854, he married Mrs. Mary Ann Marlatt, relict of Abraham Marlatt, of Darke county. Six children. four of whom survive, were the issue of this
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