USA > Ohio > Darke County > History of Darke County, Ohio, from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume I > Part 36
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Rossburg.
Farmers' Bank (State bank). Established 1904. Member of State Bankers' Association. President, Geo. N. Edger ; vice-president, E. H. Black ; cashier, H. H. Davis. Paid-up capital, $12,000. Surplus and undivided profits, $2,100. De- posits, $60,000. Loans and discounts, stocks, bonds and se- curities, $45,000.
BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS.
The Greenville Building Company.
Building and Loan Associations are corporations sprung up among the people themselves, organized under state laws, run by the people and for their sole benefit with the chief object of encouraging saving and homewinning. The first building and loan association was organized during the big building boom late in the "sixties." J. T. Martz and George Martz acted as secretary of this company which later dis- continued.
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The history of The Greenville Building Company dates back to the year 1883, when in May Messrs. William Schnaus, Christian Knoderer, C. M. Anderson, Jno. C. Turpen, Wil- liam H. Hart, William Thompson, L. F. Limbert, A. F. Koop, M. G. Wilson, J. K. Riffel and B. F. Weaver signed articles of incorporation, L. E. Chenoweth acting as notary public, and Jno. H. Martin, clerk of the Common Pleas Court, eer- tifying to the latters' commission of authority.
The board of directors organized June 15, 1883, by elect- ing Geo. W. Moore as president, L. F. Limbert, secretary and William Sehnaus, treasurer. Mr. Geo. W. Moore, who as senator from this district, had taken a particular interest in legislation affecting building companies, was continuously elected president until 1900, when he was succeeded by Geo. W. Sigafoos, and he in turn by William Thompson, who served from 1902-03. In 1903 G. F. Sehmermund was elected president of the board of directors and still serves in that ca- pacity.
L. F. Limbert was re-elected secretary in June, 1884, and was succeeded in September of that year by P. H. Maher. J. B. Kolp was elected secretary in June, 1885, and served four years, being succeeded by Geo. A. Jobes, who acted as sec- retary for eleven consecutive years. The present secretary, Geo. A. Katzenberger, was elected to that position in June, 1900.
The treasurer, William Schnaus, served two years and was succeeded by William Thompson, who served until 1889. C. C. Stoltz was elected treasurer in June, 1889, but resigned in December of the same year, James L. Lansdowne being chosen to fill the vacancy and serving until his death in No- vember. 1899. The present treasurer, Dr. A. J. Marling, was elected November 13, 1899. and continuously re-elected an- nually since that time.
IV. Y. Stubbs has acted as attorney for the association continuously since 1888, and John Rentz has served as vice- president since 1905.
During the past fifteen years the company has grown very rapidly, its assets increasing from about sixty thousand dol- lars to $240.000. The contingent or surplus fund for possi- ble losses was $1,100 in 1900, and is now about $6,000. The company has always paid 6 per cent. dividends or more, and has had no losses on real estate for about fifteen years, nor has it in that time been required to take in any real estate
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under foreclosure proceedings. The company has about nine hundred depositors who are well pleased with the security of their savings and income off of their investment, and the 150 people who have secured loans from the association find the board of directors fair and lenient in their treatment.
The association is examined annually by three citizens, and the state bureau sends official examiners to go over the books and verify the annual statement made by the secre- tary to the State of Ohio. Officers are under bond and di- rectors do such service without remuneration. This asso- ciation also issues certificates of deposit paying three per cent. interest from date of deposit.
The present board of directors consists of G. F. Schmer- mund, John Rentz, Dr. A. J. Marling, W. Y. Stubbs, Geo. W. Sigafoos, Omer S. Broderick, Geo. G. Hildebrand, Wil- liam E. Halley and Geo. A. Katzenberger, and all have the best interests of the company at heart.
Citizens' Loan and Savings Association.
The Citizens' Loan and Savings Association of Greenville was organized in 1898 by Frank Conklin, J. P. Duffey, P. H. Maher, J. C. Clark, Conrad Kipp and W. A. Browne, Sr. Thos. Maher was the first secretary. This association is not incorporated, but is managed by a board of men of large ex- perience in business, law and finance.
Its offices were in the Roland building, corner Fourth and Broadway, for several years, but have been located for about a year in the new Krickenberger building, No. 112} West Fourth street. The fiscal year begins the first Saturday in March and ends the last Saturday in February, and divi- dends are declared on stock of record the first Tuesday in March annually. Any amount is received on deposit at any time and shares in the earnings from date of deposit.
This company has always paid 6 per cent. dividends which are allowed to accumulate and share in the profits. The following is a statement of the standing of the company at the close of business Jannary 31, 1914:
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Resources.
Cash on hand
$ 145.96
Pass book loans
5,587.54
Mortgage loans (face)
149,703.03
Insurance, taxes, etc., paid.
270.00
Accrued interest
3,000.00
$158,706.53
Liabilities.
Depositors' shares
$150,668.13
Contingent fund
476.98
Undivided profits
7,561.42
$158,706.53
When compared with the report of March 1, 1913, this statement shows a gain of $40,000.00. At present the affairs of the association are managed by the following well known citizens: P. H. Maher, president ; Conrad Kipp, vice-presi- dent ; O. R. Krickenberger, secretary and attorney : Adelbert Martz, treasurer. Board of managers, W. A. Browne, Sr., Conrad Kipp, P. H. Maher, James Boyer, O. R. Krickenber- ger, John B. Maher and Adelbert Martz.
Other Associations.
The Versailles Building and Loan Company, of Versailles, Ohio, was incorporated on the 13th day of December, A. D. 1887, with a capital stock of $300,000.00, which was afterward, January the 2d, 1911, increased to $1,000,000.00.
The names of the incorporators were: John W. Starbuck, Thos. Fahnestock, Wm. H. Rike. J. C. Turpen, J. G. Stierle, Felix Manier, E. G. Frankman, J. C. Williamson and I. M. Reed.
The names of the officers at present are: Geo. H. Worch, president ; H. A. Frankman, vice-president ; Emery Zechar, treasurer; A. Calderwood, secretary and attorney: board of directors, Geo. H. Worch, H. A. Frankman, Con. Cashman, A. J. Reed, Nick Alexander, Leonard Marker and Joseph Manier, Jr.
Financial statement at the close of business December 31, 1913:
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DARKE COUNTY
Assets.
Cash on hand
$ 11,885.31
Loans on mortgages
216,714.20
Furniture and fixtures
422.11
Insurance and taxes due
300.35
Bonds
3,000.00
Deposits in other B. & L.'s.
5,000.00
Total
$237,321.97
Liabilities.
Dues on running S $ 43,104.74
Loan credits
21,295.75
Paid-up stock and dividends
128,315.41
Deposits and accrued interest
36,502.99
Reserve fund
5,018.54
Undivided profit find
2,084.54
Unfinished loans
1,000.00
Total
$237,321.97
The Arcanum Building and Loan Association was incor- porated August 22, 1885, and its authorized capital is $200,- 000.00.
The officers are as follows: President, W. J. Edwards ; treasurer, E. B. Hawley ; secretary, G. T. Reigle and attorney, Kirk Hoffman. Its assets are about $15,000.00, and its rate of dividend 4 per cent.
The New Madison Loan and Building Association was in- corporated April 5, 1895, and has an authorized capital of $200,000.00. W. R. Hageman is president, J. D. King treas- urer, and Cora Hartman, secretary.
Assets are about $20,000.00, and its rate of dividend 5 per cent.
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NEW AMPITHEATER, DARKE COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS (Courtesy "Advocate")
CHAPTER XX.
DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
From what has been said about the depth, composition and fertility of the soil of Darke county, the abundance of small streams, the gently rolling uplands, the beautiful valleys and the prairies, and level expanses of alluvial formation, it might readily be surmised that this county was early destined to be in the forefront of all the counties of the state in the pro- duction of agricultural products. The large area of the coun- ty and the presence of a goodly number of farmers of German descent also contributed materially to the same result.
Before the first half century of its history had passed such progress had been made in agriculture that popular sentiment clamored for an annual exhibition of the products of the farm at a properly appointed time and place for the instruction, encouragement and entertainment of the rural population. Accordingly, on November 16, 1852, some thirty residents of the county met at the court house and organized the first County Agricultural Society. I. N. Gard was appointed the first president, Noah Arnold the secretary, and Alfred Kitchen the treasurer of this society. Within a year the society numbered 320 members. It seems that a few acres were rented on the southwest side of Greenville on the present site of Oakview suburb where the first fair was held on the 7th, and 8th of September, 1853. Temporary sheds, halls, stables and fences were built of wide poplar boards, which were re- moved and sold to the highest bidder after the fair was over. Extensive and liberal premiums for that time were offered and the grounds were adequately appointed for the occasion, reflecting great credit upon the committee having this work in charge. The display of stock was especially notable at this first fair, although the progressive farmer of today might look with amusement upon the live stock exhibited by his for- bears at that time, and be bored with the performance of the "wonderful" trotter with a record of "two-forty."
Fairs were held annually thereafter. The board of direc- tors elected in the fall of 1857 organized as follows: Moses
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DARKE COUNTY
Hart, president ; J. W. Shively, vice-president ; M. Sapyd, sec- retary ; Joseph Bryson, treasurer ; George Elston, Isaac Funk and Reuben Lowery, managers.
A constitution and by-laws were framed and adopted, the purchase of a substantial set of record books authorized, and progressive measures taken by this board preparatory to a successful exhibition in the following fall. Special features were introduced, such as a "boys' riding match" and a fine display of militia in full uniform under command of Gen. Craner.
The records for this fair show total receipts from all sources of $1,594.99; premiums paid, $384.75; balance in treasury January 3, 1859, $275.19.
The annual election at the above fair resulted as follows : J. Townsend, president ; Dr. Jas. Rubey, vice-president ; M. Spayd, secretary : Geo. Studabaker, treasurer; Geo. Keister, John Plessinger, John McClure. Jas. Grimes and Jas. Anlett, managers. The conditions prevailing about this time are vividly portrayed by the "Darke County Boy" as follows :
"I do not know anything about the Darke County Fair of late years, but in my young days 'Fair Week' was the big- gest event of the season.
"No difference how hot, dusty, muddy, or cold, the people came from every direction.
"Joe Hollihan, Joe Zimmerman and Sam Neff were the gate keepers. I believe Warren Ratliff was a gate keeper later on. By business was to sell boiled eggs. They generally cost me 8 cents a dozen, and I sold them two for 5 cents, with salt, pepper and crackers 'thrown in.' I simply coined money hand-over-fist. One day I made 60 cents clear of all ex- pense. Oh, but I was rich! I had money to burn, but I didn't burn it. One fair week I cleared enough to buy a fur cap, a pair of gloves and a pair of store pants. I couldn't wait for winter to wear my fur cap, but put it on in the fall, and strange to say, wore it all winter. just the same.
"Sam Cable was there with watermelons (I mean at the fair), Frank Scribner had his spruce beer stand, Sam Musser had his grocery of cheese, dried beef, crackers and 'sich.' Andy McKann had a grocery and Bill Crandall had a eating house.
"There was a 'nigger show' and a sideshow. Several bar- rels of cider were on 'tap.' There was a balloon ascension and Aun Platt went up in it. She had a stage name : I have
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forgotten it, but it was Ann, just the same. If she isn't dead she must be nearly a hundred years old.
"Charley Wakeman was in the sideshow. He was adver- tised as 'Professor Blake, of London.' His principal acts were to drive pins into his leg and swallow a 22 inch sword. He put beans into his nostrils and ears and stuck them down the back of his neck, and drew them all out of his mouth. It was wonderful !"
In 1859 the grounds were considerably enlarged and d premium list was prepared, published in pamphlet form and distributed, contributing materially to the success of the fair which was held on October 4, 5 and 6 of that year. The re- ceipts for tickets at this fair were $1,332.23 and the total re- ceipts, including the balance in the treasury from the last exhibition, $2,376.86. The balance on hand January 2, 1860, was $869.73. The success of this fair encouraged the expen- diture of a goodly sum for the improvement of the grounds for the next exhibition, but the high political excitement pre- vailing in the fall of 1860 interfered with the success of the fair and caused a deficit of about $200. The officers elected for the following year were H. B. Vail, president ; Levi Gra- ver, vice-president; Noah Arnold, secretary; Robert Drew, Jas. McCabe, Nicholas York, John Stoltz and George Shive- ly, managers.
The fair of 1861 was held on October 2, 3, 4, 5, and although $450 had been borrowed to finance it the receipts were suffi- cient to defray the expense incurred and put the society on a good footing. The new board chosen after this fair was constituted as follows: Wm. Turpen, president ; John Stoltz, vice-president : J. E. Matchett, secretary ; J. F. Bertch, treas- urer, and J. Townsend, George Shively, A. R. Doty, C. C. Walker and David Thompson, managers. On account of the excitement prevailing during the progress of the Civil War and the absence of so many young men in the army no fair was held in 1862-1863 and 1864, but upon the cessation of hos- tilities interest and enthusiasm were revived in the summer of 1865 and a successful fair was held in the old grounds on the 28th, 29th and 30th of September. This had been made possible by a temporary loan of $1,000.00 from public spirited citizens and the results justified the wisdom of this proce- dure, as there was a large attendance at this fair and there was a net balance of over a hundred dollars after all expenses had been defrayed.
(27)
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DARKE COUNTY
The annual fair continued to grow in popularity and in 1861 the site which had been formerly rented was purchased from Dawes and Turpen for $2,000 and 48,000 feet of lumber or- dered bought for inclosing the grounds, thus putting the in- stitution on a more permanent and substantial footing. In 1868 negotiations were made for the leasing of five additional acres adjoining the south side of the original ground from Isaac Rush. In 1870 it was agreed to charge an entry fee of ten per cent. on all premiums of five dollars and over to be collected when the entries were made, and the price of family tickets was fixed at $1.00 each, single day tickets 25 cents with an additional daily charge of 20 cents for wagons of 50 cents for the entire fair. During the summer a substantial picket fence and several buildings were erected and preparation made for a big fair. These improve- ments with enlarged entries of fine stock and agricultural implements conspired with the unusually fine weather to at- tract a large crowd of visitors from near and far-the number of attendants on the third day being estimated at 7,500 peo- ple. Following this fair Geo. D. Miller was elected presi- dent : Geo. W. Brawley, vice-president, and Jas. Hopper. John M. Hall, Amos Hahn and George Elston, managers.
The fair held early in October, 1871, seems even to have eclipsed that of the former fall with an estimated attendance of from eight to ten thousand people on the second day. H. Mills was chosen president, A. H. Van Dyke, vice-president and J. D. Miller, J. T. Martz, Jas. McCable and N. Arnold, managers, to prepare for the next fair.
The steady development of Darke county, the increase in population, the growing popularity of the annual fair and the general substantial character of the men chosen to manage the business of the fairs assured an increasing yearly attend- ance and necessitated the purchase of larger grounds. Ac- cordingly, early in 1873 the fair board was authorized by the county commissioners to sell the grounds and purchase a larger tract. As a result of this action the original grounds of some seventeen acres were soon sold to J. W. Sater and on June 7, 1873, a new site, comprising forty acres lying just south of "Huntertown." and between the old Eaton and Jef- ferson pikes, was purchased from Cornelius O'Brien and J. T. Martz for five thousand dollars. Considerable expense was incurred in fencing and improving this newly purchased site, but the enterprise of the board met a hearty response
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DARKE COUNTY
from the people, who turned out in goodly numbers during the five days of the fair.
In 1874 the fair was held during the first days of Septem- ber and was characterized by an unusual number of entries, a fine speed program including several noted horses from other places, a ladies' equestrian performance and an un- successful attempt to make a balloon ascension. The esti- mated attendance on the third day was twelve thousand.
In 1875 John Townsend was president; Thos. McCowen vice-president ; Michael Noggle, J. C. Turpen, I. N. Shively and A. F. Koop, managers. J. T. Martz continued as secre- tary, and A. F. Koop was chosen treasurer. The fair was held somewhat later than in 1874, the weather was chilly on the opening day, but became milder by the third day. Two successful balloon ascensions were made during the fair and the public wagers of money on the horse races called forth the disapproval of the masses in attendance as a scan- dal previously unknown.
In 1876, G. W. Studebaker, Sr., J. N. Lowery, E. Lecklider and N. M. Wilson became the new managers and J. C. Turpen was chosen secretary. Successful fairs were held in 1876, 1877 and 1878 under practically the same management. In 1879 S. Rynearson was chosen a new manager and I'm. Sul- livan appointed secretary. Heretofore, it seems, the race track had been but a fourth of a mile in length, but was at this time enlarged to one-half a mile and numerous other im- provements were made. Governor Bishop spoke on the third day of the fair, September 18, and drew a large crowd. The receipts of this fair were nearly $5,700.00.
Since 1880 the following persons have served as president of the board: Thos. McCown, John Townsend, H. C. Cob- lentz, W .- C. Elston, J. P. Meeker, J. M. Brown, L. N. Reed and M. L. Weisenberger, all men of unusual ability and rep- resentative of the large class of successful farmers who have placed Darke county in the front line as an agricultural sec- tion.
The following well known, capable and experienced farm- ers, professional and business men have acted in the im- portant capacity as secretary of the board since 1880: Wm. Sullivan, Jasper N. Lowery, J. E. Matchett, John C. Turpen, John P. Lucas, T. C. Maher, F. M. Eidson, O. E. Harrison, J. A. Tillman, J. M. Hall and Frank Plessinger.
Among the names of those who have served on the board
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during this period we note some of the most progressive and prosperous farmers of the county.
Since the purchase of the present grounds in 1873 vast im- provements have been made from time to time to accommo- date the increasing crowds and cater to the convenience of attendants. It has been the policy of the board to make these improvements as fast as financial conditions allowed. As a result we note today the following substantial and commo- dious buildings on the ground: Besides the large string of stables and pens, a gate keeper's residence, a Floral and Art Hall, a Fruit Hall, a Dining Hall, Officers' Quarters, a Me- morial Hall (erected in 1902 by Frank McWhinney as a place of rest and convenience for women and children), separate buildings for poultry, sheep, hogs and cattle and an immense steel and concrete frame amphitheater, size about 240 by 63 feet erected in 1910, at a cost of over $26,000.00, and having a seating capacity of some 3,000. Through the co-operation of the Greenville Driving Club, the track has recently been reconstructed and improved, making it one of the fine courses of the state.
Two tracts have recently been purchased, one in 1908, the other in 1914, and added to the northern side of the grounds, making the present extent of the grounds 53 67-100 acres, with an estimated property valuation of $62,000.00.
The "Premium List" of 1913 includes the following com- prehensive divisions :
Class A. Horses. Comprising the following breeds : Standards, Roadsters, General Purpose, Coach, Clydesdale, Percherons, Belgians, Grade Draft, Saddle Horses, Matched Horses, Farm Teams, Ponies, Mules.
Class B. Cattle. Including Shorthorns, Herefords, Polled Durhams, Aberdeen Angus, Galloway, Jerseys, Red Polled, Holsteins, Guernsey and Ayrshires.
Class C. Sheep. Including Shropshires, Southdowns, Ox- forddowns, Hampshiredowns, Catswolds, Lincolns, Dorset, Cheviot, Delaines, Rambouillet and Merinos.
Class D. Swine. Including Poland Chinas, Berkshires, Chester Whites, Duroc Jerseys, Hampshires and other breeds.
Class E. Poultry. Including 20 classes as follows: Amer- icans. Asiatics, English, Mediterranean, Polish, Hamburgs, French, Games, Oriental Games, Game Bantams, Oriental Bantams, Miscellaneous, Turkeys, Ducks, Geese, Pigeons,
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Pet Stock, Guineas, Breeding Pens and Pen Show Games and Bantams.
Class F. Farm Implements.
Class G. Grain and Seeds. Confined to Darke county.
Class H. Farm and Garden. Including well known vege- tables and garden truck.
Class I. Fruits. Including Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Grapes and Quinces.
Class J. Canned Goods. Including Fruits and Vege- tables, Preserves, Jellies, Jams, Fruit Butters, Pickles, Dried Fruits and Vegetables.
Class K. Culinary and Dairy.
Class L. Domestic Manufacture. Including Household Fabrics, Knitting, Crochet, Needlework, Embroidery, Drawn- work, Silk Embroidery, Laces, Decorative Art Work, Py- rography, Basketry, Wood Carving, Arts and Crafts, Jew- elry, Tooled Leather, Stenciling, etc.
Class M. Painting and Drawing. Including Oil Paint- ing, Tapestry, Water Colors, Crayons, Ink and Pencil, China and Porcelain.
Class N. Cut Flowers and Plants.
In recent years extensive educational exhibits have been made for the encouragement of the schools of the county, which in 1913 showed the following enumeration: 18 city and village schools, 49 specials, and 134 township and sub- district schools with a total enrollment of about 10,000 pupils. The exhibits are included in two departments, viz. : Arts and Agriculture. The former comprises four classes covering the various high, grade and elementary public schools of the county. Premiums are offered in these departments on the best papers, drawings, displays, maps, penmanship, manual arts work, etc., produced by the pupils. The Department of Agriculture was recently established with an aim of inter- esting young men and women in the study and improvement of various breeds of domesticated animals; the culture of grain and vegetables and the judging of the same; also the ability to prepare food properly after judicious selection ; the ability to design different articles of wearing apparel and sew, fit and embroider the same. Two hundred dollars ($200.00) was set apart for premiums in this department, which marks a new, extremely practical and much needed addition to the work of the board.
The year 1913 was one of the most prosperous in the his-
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tory of the fair, the gate receipts being $10,261.00, the grand- stand admissions $1,701.10, booth rents and privilege per- mits $4,074.92, and the total receipts from all sources in- cluding per capita allowance, tax levy, cash in treasury at beginning of year, amount borrowed, etc., $22,783.38. The receipts indicated that the attendance on the principal days was the largest in the history of the fair.
The Darke county fair has certainly been well managed in most respects for many years and stands near the top of all the county fairs in the state of Ohio. However, certain forces are in operation here as in county fairs generally which call for the serious consideration of right minded people. Per- haps it would be unfair to hold the board responsible for all irregularities that are practiced about the grounds during the crowded, busy days of the fair week.
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