USA > Ohio > Darke County > History of Darke County, Ohio, from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53
In boyhood David Warner Niswonger helped on his father's farm and attended school three months in the year. In 1861 he was apprenticed to the trade of harness maker in Greenville, boarding with his employer, but did not receive any regular wages during this time. His employer often gave him a little spending money and treated him well. On July 16, 1861, while on his way to a point in Indiana, he enlisted in Company K Ninteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, being the first man from Monroe township to offer his services, but being accredit- ed to Indiana. From Indianapolis they were sent to Washing- ton, arriving there a few days after the first battle of Bull Run. He participated in the second battle of Bull Run, also at South Mountain and Antietam. At the latter battle he was shot through the left lung but got up and walked a quarter of a mile, then was taken to the hospital, and was sent to West Philadelphia. He remained six months in the hospital and was discharged for disability, April 8, 1863. In the next few months, spent at home, he fully recovered, and on January 30, 1864, enlisted in Company B, One Hundred Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was sent to join the Army of the Potomac and participated in the Battle of the Wilderness, went on into the Shenandoah Valley and was taken prisoner and sent to Danville, whence he was sent to Libby Prison. After being a prisoner seven months and thirteen days he was exchanged and his honorable discharge took place June 2, 1865.
Digitized by Google
275
DARKE COUNTY
He resumed the harness trade and in 1867 started a shop in what is now known as Old Pitsburg.
On May 19, 1867, David Warner Niswonger was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of David and Nancy (Gray- bill) Olewine. After four years spent in business Mr. Nis- wonger abandoned this line of work on account of his health and after spending six months working with and for a boss carpenter he began to take work on his own account. He lived at Old Pitsburg and followed the trade of carpenter until 1893. He and his wife had ten children, seven of whom reached maturity and now survive, namely: William, super- intendent of an electric light plant at Bad Axe, Michigan, married Helen Williams; Hettie, married Charles Mote, of Monroe township, and has five children; Effie married James L. Gilbert, of Logansport, Indiana, and they have two children ; Clifford O., of this sketch; Harry, of Dayton, works for the National Cash Register Company and married Helen Blose; John is unmarried; Roy is a clerk in his brother's store in Pitsburg. The father of these children is a Democrat in poli- tics and has served thirteen terms altogether as township assessor, seven terms in succession, and for five years was township clerk. He was a member of the school board several terms and in 1890 was appointed to appraise the land in Mon- roe township. He was reared in the German Baptist faith, as was his wife, and she is a member of the church now. Her father, David Olewine, was a son of Anthony Olewine, who was born in Pennsylvania and after his marriage brought his family to Montgomery county, Ohio, when his son David was about fifteen years old. The latter received a good edu- cation and for many years was a teacher in Montgomery and Darke counties. In an early day he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Van Buren township, which he had to clear of timber.
The youngest child of David Warner Niswonger, Roy, was ready at the age of twelve years to pass the Boxwell examina- tion, but was not allowed to do so, though he had an oppor- tunity to take it four years later and passed. He wished to enter the high school at Arcanum but his parents would not allow him to do so until a year later. After he had attended a few months his parents went to Florida for a trip and took him along, receiving his later education through observation and the books he read by himself. Upon his return he worked for some time in Dayton for the N. C. R. Co. but a few years
Digitized by Google
276
DARKE COUNTY
since accepted. a position in the store of his brother, Clifford, and has done well in this work. He is well known as a young man of good character.
Clifford O. Niswonger began his education in Monroe town- ship schools, which he attended some years, and for one year he took a general business course at North Manchester (Indiana) University. He then took a position as clerk in Fetter's general store in Pitsburg, where he remained two and one- half years, then he and his brother-in-law, Harry Vance, bought the present store on Jefferson street, but for the past seven or eight years Mr. Niswonger has owned the entire store. He eventually bought the store building and the vacant property south of the store. He is interested in the general movements for the good of the community and state, and is accounted a useful and public-spirited citizen. He is a Democrat in politics and cast his first presidential vote for Bryan, although in local affairs he follows the principle of voting for the man he believes will best conserve the interests of the greatest number. He has held various village offices and for the past five years has been postmaster of Pitsburg. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge of Arcanum and the Scot- tish Rite at Dayton. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge, at Arcanum, and to the Junior American Order of Mechanics of Pitsburg. He is president First National Bank of Pitsburg, Ohio, having assisted in its organization, served a num- ber of years as its vice-president, and for a number of years he has served as town treasurer. In 1910 he erected his pres- ent elegant residence on Jefferson street and he and his family are well known in social circles.
On December 24, 1901, Mr. Niswonger was united in mar- riage with Rose, daughter of J. Harvey and Mary (Schreel) Vance. Mr. Vance was born in Pyrmont township, Mont- gomery county, Ohio, October 30, 1844, and came to Darke county at an early age, located on a farm in Van Buren town- ship and lived there many years. He has now retired from active life and resides in Greenville. He served one hundred days in the Union army during the Civil War. He is now a Prohibitionist in political views. He served some time as a member of the school board in Van Buren township. He and his wife joined the United Brethern church after coming to Darke county. She was born in Preble county May 4, 1846, and died April 22, 1908, being buried in Ab- bottsville cemetery. She had been a Lutheran before
Digitized by Google
--
277
DARKE COUNTY
coming to Darke county but she and her husband were active in church work for the United Brethren faith. They were well known in the community and highly respected by all. Of the four children now living: Harry married Annie Cline and they reside in Greenville; Daisy is the wife of James C. Martin, of Greenville; Mrs. Niswonger; Virgil, of Green- ville, married Abbie Baker. Three children are deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Niswonger are parents of three children, all born in Monroe township: Mary Elizabeth, October 21, 1902; Lois, April 7, 1904, and Clifford Roland, March 24, 1907. Mrs. Niswonger is a member of the Methodist church.
DAVID J. WISE.
It is always interesting to watch from the beginning the growth and development of a locality, to note the lines along which marked progress has been made and to take cognizance of those whose leadership in the work of advancement and im- provement have made possible the present prosperity of the locality under consideration. David J. Wise, of this review, is one of those who have seen almost the entire growth of Union City, for forty years ago he cast his lot with the early settlers here. He has also been an important factor in its continued progress toward the vanguard of civilization, and his name is therefore indelibly engraved upon its history, and well deserves a place in a record of the representative men of Darke county.
Judge Wise was born in Greene county, Ohio, April 11, 1843, a son of Henry D. and Mary (Snedecker) Wise, natives of Ohio. Both parents were left orphan children, and were married in Greene county on the farm where David J. Wise was born. They had nine children, as follows: David J., Sam- uel P., who died during the Civil war; Rachel, deceased, sin- gle; James M., deceased; Albert O., deceased; Charles Ellen, deceased; Mary Ellen, deceased, who was the wife of James Thompson, and a pair of twins, Abraham and Isaac, who died in infancy. The father was reared a farmer,. but subsequently learned the trade of cooper, which he followed during the greater portion of his life. When he was about seventy years of age he retired and his last days were spent in the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, where he died in July, 1911, at the age of
Digitized by Google
278
DARKE COUNTY
ninety years, six months. The mother passed away in Darke county, in 1881, aged sixty years. They were members of the German Reformed church. The father served as a soldier during the Civil war, being a member of Company D, Forty- fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, for fourteen months, and from the close of the struggle until his death he continued a resident of Darke county.
David J. Wise was reared in Greene county, O., where he first learned farm work and later the cooper's trade, the latter of which he has followed during the greater part of his active career. He attended the district schools, and at the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted, in 1861, in Company D, Forty- fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, continuing as a soldier until the close of the war in 1865. He participated in numerous en- gagements, including the siege of Knoxville, and ever proved himself a brave and valiant soldier. When the war had closed and he received his honorable discharge, he returned to his home, from whence he went a short time later to Sullivan, Ind. That city was his home for five years, during which time he worked at his trade, and in 1874 he returned to Darke county and settled in Union City, where he has resided to the present time. In all business matters Judge Wise is discriminating, sagacious and diligent, and his careful management and in- dustry have unlocked for him the portals of success and brought out some of its rich treasures.
On May 9, 1867, Mr. Wise was married to Miss Sarah A. Isenbarger, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ditmore) Isen- barger. Seven children were born to this union: Laura J., Mary Ellen, Harry Danner, Cora Elizabeth, Telitha Pearl, Earl Waldo and Edith Madge. Of these, Laura J. is deceased. She was the wife of Charles Eagy and they had one son, who died in infancy. Mrs. Eagy was an accomplished musician. Mary Ellen died at the age of ten months and ten days. Harry Danner is a substitute mail carrier and resides at home with his parents. Cora Elizabeth married George Sharp and they had three children-Rhea Maude, Claude and Gaynell. For her second husband she married Thomas Shumaker, and they live in Dayton, and have two children, Robert Earl and Charles Wayne. Telitha Pearl married William Briney, and they re- side in Union City, Ind. Earl Waldo, who is in the meat busi- ness at Winchester, Ind., married Olive Longenecker, and they have two sons, Lloyd Eugene and David Edwin. Madge mar-
Digitized by Google
279
DARKE COUNTY
ried Cleve Vincent Pitinger and they reside in Jackson town- ship and have one child, Ralph Vincent.
Judge Wise is independent in his political views. His first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, and since that time he has affiliated with both Republican and Democratic parties. He served one term as township clerk, was for two years corporation clerk, was mayor of Union City one term, and for the past eight years has acted in the capacity of justice of the peace. In his various official capacities he has shown himself conscientious and painstaking and possessed of high ideals of public service.
Mrs. Wise was born near Georgetown, Miami county, Ohio, October 23, 1844, and was about seventeen years of age when her parents moved to Darke county, settling at Coletown. Later they moved to Mississinnawa township, where the father passed away in 1886, at the age of sixty-six years and the mother in 1889, when sixty-three years of age. They were the parents of seven sons and five daughters: Sarah A., Simon P., David, Wesley, Mary Jane, Amanda, William, Perry, Sinora, Oradine, and two who died in infancy. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Wise was John Isenbarger, and he and his wife Mary were the parents of ten children: John, Jacob, Joseph, William, Daniel, Peter, Polly, Esther, Betsy and Sallie. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Wise was Jacob Ditmore, who married Katie Brenner, and had twelve children : George, Henry, Daniel, Jacob, Aaron, Samuel, Polly, Elizabeth, Sallie, Barbara and two who died young.
LEWIS DININGER.
The agricultural interests of Darke county are in charge of efficient, capable men who have given to their labor that ap- plication of scientific effort that is bound to bring the best rsults. Years of observance of the best methods have brought the occupation of farming forward until it is nearly on a level with the professions, and the constant improvement of farm- ing machinery has made the harvesting of banner crops a practical surety. One of the progressive farmers of Darke county is Lewis Dininger, who has passed his entire life in tilling the soil in Greenville township, and is now the owner of 100 acres of land on the Palestine road, about four miles
Digitized by Google
.
280
DARKE COUNTY
from Greenville, to the west. He was born in a log house on this farm, which then belonged to his father, March 30, 1840, and is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Swank) Dininger.
The Dininger family originated in Germany, where its mem- bers were principally engaged in agricultural lines, but the grandfather decided to try his fortunes in the United States, and left the Fatherland for this country in a sailing vessel. While on the ocean he contracted an illness, and died and was buried at sea. After their arrival in America, the family became scattered, three daughters remaining in Baltimore, and three sons and one daughter making their way to German- town, Ohio. Jacob Dininger was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to this country, and was still a youth when he came with his sister and brothers to Ohio. In 1837 he located in Greenville township. buying 240 acres in the timber, which he proceeded to develop, and on which he passed the remainder of his life, succeeding in removing the timber from the greater part of the property. He was married at Germantown to Margaret Swank, and to this union there were born nine children: John, Jonas, Mrs. Dorothy Helmer, Mrs. Maria Stevens and Michael, all of whom are deceased; Jacob, Lewis, Mrs. Elizabeth Beichler and Christian, who is deceased.
Lewis Dininger received ordinary educational advantages in the public schools of Greenville township, and was brought up to farming and reared to habits of honesty and industry. He early became his father's assistant, and some of the best land which he now owns is property that he himself cleared from the timber. He remained at home until reaching the age of twenty-five years, at which time he took up a tract of eighty acres for himself, and to this he has since added one hundred acres. One of his community's old and honored citi- zens, Mr. Dininger well merits the respect and esteem in which he is held, for his life record has been that of an upright and honorable man whose operations and activities have been carried on in a strictly legitimate and straightforward manner.
On February 8, 1866, Mr. Dininger was married to Miss Elizabeth Kerst. daughter of Samuel and Anna (Moyer) Kerst. The father of Mrs. Dininger came to Germantown, Ohio, with four brothers, from Berks county, Pennsylvania, and subsequently moved to Darke county. He spent the re- mainder of his life in agricultural pursuits in German town- ship, and was widely known and highly esteemed. He and his
Digitized by Google
281
DARKE COUNTY
wife were the parents of seven children: Morgan, and Mrs. Sarah Clapp, residents of Greenville township; Elizabeth, who married Lewis Dininger; Angeline, who married Mr. Nogle, and is now deceased; Evan, a resident of German township; Mrs. Candy Craig and Mrs. Hattie Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Din- inger have had eight children, as follows: Stella, who married J. C. Trump and has two children, Herbert and Charles; Anna and Charles, who are both deceased; Elizabeth, who married Charles Henning and has two children, Thuron and Willard; Harley, who married Edith Johnson, and has two children, Donald and Elizabeth; Bessie, who married Albert Suter, and has two children, Ruth and John R .; Carl, who married Ethel Shaw, and has had four children, Louise, Joseph, Mar- tin and Richard, the last two being deceased, and Otto, who is single, and makes his home with his parents, being his father's assistant on the homestead farm. The members of the family are consistent attendants of the Lutheran church, in the work of which all have been prominent. In politics a Democrat, Mr. Dininger has not sought public office, but has discharged the duties of citizenship in the capacity of school director of Greenville township.
H. G. RARICK.
Although H. G. Rarick is numbered among the more recent acquisitions to the agriculturists who are representing Darke county's farming interests, H. G. Rarick has already won recognition as a progressive, alert and energetic citizen, whose knowledge of modern methods make him a decidedly desirable addition to those who are striving earnestly to further this section's standard in the tilling of the soil. Like many other successful agriculturists in this locality, he spent some time in another line of endeavor, but ultimately decided that the vocation of farmer was best suited to his abilities and inclina- tions, and that in it he could meet with the largest measure of success. His subsequent success has vindicated this belief, for his standing today is high among the younger generation of hubandmen in Greenville township. Mr. Rarick was born December 12, 1880, on the farm which he now occupies, just off the Winchester turnpike, about one mile west of Green- ville. He is a son of Dr. Charles W. and Ella J. (Griffin) Rarick, whose sketch appears in this work.
Digitized by Google
282
DARKE COUNTY
H. G. Rarick enjoyed liberal educational advantages, at- tending first the public and high schools of Greenville, and later Jacob's College, Dayton, Ohio. Upon graduating from the latter institution, he secured a position with a Dayton financial concern, and for seven years was connected therewith. It was at the end of that period that he decided to give his attention to agricultural work, and this he has followed with a full measure of success ever since. At this time he is the owner of fifty-three and one-third acres, part of the old home- stead farm of one hundred and six acres, upon which he has made numerous modern improvements. He has brought to his work an enthusiasm and ambition that has brought grati- fying results, and is eminently worthy of representing the old and honored name which he bears.
Mr. Rarick was married to Miss Bertha Baldwin, also a member of a widely-known family, and daughter of E. C. and Henrietta Baldwin. Mr. and Mrs. Rarick are consistent mem- bers of the Baptist church, where they have numerous friends. His political views make him a stanch Republican.
JOHN Q. LANDIS.
The career of John Q. Landis, one of Darke county's sub- stantial stock dealers, furnishes a striking example of the re- wards to be gained through perseverance and industry. His rise to success has been no light task, for he has been forced to overcome obstacles and to recover from misfortunes which would have discouraged a less courageous spirit, but he has kept steadfastly striving toward his goal, and has finally reached a position of independence where he may point with › pardonable degree of pride to what he has accomplished. At this time he is the owner of a handsome property on the Fort Jefferson turnpike, about one mile southwest of Green- ville, and in this locality is widely and favorably known in business circles. Mr. Landis was born July 2, 1864, on a farm two miles east of Fort Jefferson, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Stutsman) Landis.
John Landis was born on a farm near Circleville, Pickaway county, Ohio, and was a boy when he accompanied his parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Landis, in 1828, in their migration to Darke county, the family driving through in true pioneer style.
Digitized by Google
1
·
283
DARKE COUNTY
Here he was educated in the common schools and grew up to agricultural pursuits, giving his father the benefit of his assistance until embarking upon a career of his own, in young manhood. He became successful in his operations, and at the time of his death was justly accounted one of the sub- stantial men of his community. Mr. Landis married Miss Elizabeth Stutsman, and they became the parents of eight children, as follows: David, Andrew, who lives in Greenville; Lydia, a resident of Canada; Abraham, Mary, a resident of Dayton, Ohio; Jacob, Mrs. Frances Price, and John Q.
John Q. Landis received ordinary educational advantages in the public schools of Neave township, and in the meantime pursued his studies in the evenings. He assisted his father in the work of the home place throughout his school period, and continued to live with his parents until the close of their lives, at which time the old home farm was purchased by his sister Lydia. The land was later sold out of the family, but John Q. bought sixty acres thereof and embarked upon his career as a tobacco grower. The first crop was almost a complete failure, and Mr. Landis disposed of his interests and went to Alberta, where he received his introduction to the livestock business as a buyer. On his return he again engaged in farm- ing, but for three years had little success, although this he did not allow to discourage him, but kept steadily persever- ing. Finally, he purchased the old McCabe farm, at Weaver's Station, and from that time to the present his success has been assured. He gradually drifted more and more into dealing in stock, and to this line of endeavor he now devotes almost his entire attention. Lately he sold all of his Darke county land and invested in Canadian land, being at this time the owner of two thousand acres in the vicinity of Medicine Hat, Indian Head and Swift Current. His life shows that industry and persistence will eventually bring success, and that neither financial aid, adventitious circumstances nor the assistance of influential friends are necessary to the man of self-reliance and indomitable spirit. Among his associates Mr. Landis is held in the greatest confidence, his integrity and honesty be- ing unquestioned. He takes an active interest in political mat- ters, but only as an influence, as he has never found time to enter the arena as a candidate for public preference. Although a member of no especial religious creed, he has at all times displayed a commendable willingness to aid church and charit- able movements.
Digitized by Google
284
DARKE COUNTY
On October 30, 1898, Mr. Landis was married to Miss Lily M. Townsend, daughter of Joshua and Mary (Bierley) Town- send, and to this union there has been born one child, Bierley.
Mr. Landis was a candidate in 1898 for county treasurer in a strong Democratic field, and came within one hundred and thirty votes of being elected, and was no doubt elected, but counted out. For years up to that time no Republican had been elected.
ANDREW J. WARNER.
It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such is the record of the well-known farmer whose name heads this sketch, than whom a more whole souled or popular man it would be difficult to find in the locality where he has his home.
A. J. Warner, who is successfully engaged in farming and stock raising on his fine farm of one hundred and ten acres in Greenville township, was born on August 4, 1874, in Ger- man township, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of William H. and Sarah (Flory) Warner, both of whom are now deceased. William H. Warner was born in Montgomery county, this State, and came to Darke county in boyhood, the family set- tling in German township. His parents were Henry and Lot- tie (Williamson) Warner, both of whom have passed away, and he was one of their two children, the other being a brother, Horatio S.
The subject of this sketch remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and secured a good practical education in the common schools of the home neigh- borhood. On starting out in life on his own account he oc- cupied one hundred and ten acres, which was his share of two hundred and twenty acres of which he was one of the heirs, to the cultivation of which he has devoted himself con- tinuously since. His place, which is most eligibly located on. the Jeffries road, about four and a half miles southwest of Greenville, is well improved, and in its operation Mr. Warner gives proper attention to the maintenance of the fertility of the soil, carrying on his operations according to the most ad- vanced methods, the result being a return in bountiful crops and corresponding profits. In addition to soil cultivation, Mr.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.