USA > Ohio > Darke County > History of Darke County, Ohio, from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 31
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work, and the township is benefitting accordingly. With his wife, Mr. Sellman attends the Lutheran church. On De- cember 17, 1896, Mr. Sellman was married to Miss Anna Steffen, daughter of William and Mary Steffen. They have no children of their own, but have an adopted son, Virgie Smith, the son of Ronzo and Ida (Dohme) Smith. Mr. Smith was born in Adams township, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of Andrew Smith, who for many years was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Adams township. Ida Dohme was the daughter of Frederick and Minnie (Sellman) Dohme, and is now deceased, being buried at Zion church cemetery, Wake- field.
ULYSSES G. DELAPLANE.
Having the honor and respect of all, there is no man in Darke county who occupies a more enviable position in the field of agriculture than Ulysses G. Delaplane, not alone on account of the success he has achieved, but also because of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever fol- lowed. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and by his close application to business and his excellent man- agement has gained a large measure of prosperity. Mr. Delaplane was born January 20, 1865, in Butler county, Ohio, and is a son of Joshua and Harriet (DeCamp) Delaplane. His father was also born in that county, his natal day being Oc- tober 18, 1831, while the grandparents, James and Jane (Har- per) Delaplane, had located in that county as early as 1805, when the grandfather, who had been born in Frederick, Md., in 1779, purchased land at $2.50 an acre. Joshua Delaplane was reared and educated in Butler county, and his entire career was devoted to agricultural pursuits, his well-directed efforts resulting in the accumulation of a large and handsome property. He was known as one of the substantial men of his community, and as a public-spirited citizen who always had his locality's interests at heart. He and his wife were the par- ents of four children, namely : Ulysses G., Laura, who married a Mr. Folkerth; Minnie, and Theresa, who married Mr. Rodgers.
The educational training of Ulysses G. Delaplane was se- cured in the public schools of Butler county, which he attended
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until six years old, at which time the family came to Darke county, Ohio, and here he finished at Fort Jefferson. An in- dustrious and ambitious youth, during the summer months and in his spare time he assisted his father in the work of the homestead, and thoroughly prepared himself for his battle with the world. At the time he embarked upon his own career he settled on his present farm in Neave township, where he is the owner of one hundred and seventy acres of land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation and upon which he has erected handsome and substantial buildings. Although for several years he has been practically retired from the ac- tivities of life, he still maintains an interest in the progress of agriculture, and keeps fully abreast of all advancements and discoveries.
In 1889 Mr. Delaplane was married (first) to Miss Zua Crawford, who died leaving four children: Joshua, who mar- ried Miss Moist and has one child, Rosetta ; Blanche, who mar- ried Charles Zimmer and has one son, Paul D .; James, who married Martha Trojan; and Joel. In 1904 Mr. Delaplane was united in marriage with Miss Emma Norris, and this union re- sulted in the birth of five children : Earl, John, Harriet, George and Hazel. Mr. Delaplane's political views make him a Re- publican, and while he has not been an office seeker he has faithfully discharged the duties of citizenship as a member of the school board, an office which he is capably filling at the present time.
ALVIN H. GILBERT.
Placed at the head of a great charitable institution, carry- ing the responsibility for the welfare of unfortunate children, and imbued with an earnest desire to further their interests, Alvin H. Gilbert, superintendent of the Darke County Chil- dren's Home, is respected by his fellow citizens and beloved by his charges and is widely known throughout his part of the county, having been president of the Pioneer Association for ten years. Mr. Gilbert is a native of Darke county, Ohio, hav- ing been born in the city of Greenville, March 4, 1848, a son of Jonathan and Eliza Ann (Hayes) Gilbert. He is a member of a family long known in this part of the State, and on the maternal side is descended from Revolutionary stock, his great-grandfather Hayes having participated in the war for
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American independence and subsequently being one of the earliest pioneers of this part of Darke county (Eastern Green- ville township). Jonathan Gilbert, the father of Alvin H. Gil- bert, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and there was educated and reared to manhood, early adopting the trade of plasterer. He emigrated to Darke county, Ohio, in 1832, and settled at Greenville, there following his chosen vocation dur- ing the remainder of his active life. Mr. Jonathan Gilbert married Miss Eliza Ann Hayes, and they had six children : William, who is deceased; Francis (deceased) ; Helen, who married Mr. Peyton; Callie, who is deceased; Alvin H., of this review, and Edwin, who is deceased.
Alvin H. Gilbert was given ordinary educational advantages in his youth, and under his father learned the trade of plasterer, at which he was engaged for fifteen years. It had always been his desire to become a farmer, however, and during the time that he worked at his trade he carefully saved his earnings until he was able to purchase a small property. Of late years, however, he has given up active work as a farmer, and fol- lowed his trade as plasterer for twelve years. On March 1, 1913, he began his labors as superintendent of the Darke County Children's Home, to which he was appointed in Feb- ruary of that year. During his administration the possibilities of the home for doing effective work have been greatly in- creased, innovations have been made and equipment and im- provements installed. Another thing that is deserving of spe- cial mention is the fact that during the time Mr. Gilbert has been in charge of this institution, not one breath of scandal has ever been whispered concerning the administration or the treatment of the small wards of the county. Nothing of gloom or despair pervades this retreat, but throughout each depart- ment there exists that spirit of helpful co-operation which goes far to look after the interest of each charge. Mr. Gil- bert was formerly an active member of the Grange, and has long been a member of the Pioneer Association, of which he has been president for the past ten years. Although not con- nected with any particular religious body, Mr. Gilbert is liberal in his support of the movements of the various churches and his charities have been numerous. His genial manner and kindly nature make him revered and beloved by the little ones who have been placed in his care.
In 1870 Mr. Gilbert was married to Miss Mary Shepherd, daughter of Joel and Saphronia (Clarke) Shepherd. To this
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union there have been born four children: Willen P., who is married and has three children, Alvin, Harold and Cora B .; Cora, who married John Myers, has three children, J. W., Genevieve and Robert; Cassius, who married Amelia Brosinki, of Spokane, Wash., near which place they now reside on their own ranch, and Cleone, living with her parents.
BENJAMIN F. SCHOLL.
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B. F. Scholl, mayor of Greenville, is well known and highly respected as a public-spirited and upright citizen, and for his public services as well. He enjoys the full confidence and es- teem of his fellow-townsmen and counts his friends by the hundreds. He is a man of high principles and the courage of his convictions, ready to do his duty at all times and in all places. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, February 10, 1857, and is a son of Jacob and Philipine (Fantz) Scholl. His father was a native of Germany, brought to America by his parents at the age of eleven years. The latter located on a farm in Hocking county and there Jacob Scholl remained until 1863, when he located in Lancaster, Ohio, and there conducted a grocery business three years. He conducted a similar busi- ness for three years at Bremen, Ohio, after which he located one mile east of the corporation line of Greenville, Darke county, Ohio. He was an industrious and useful citizen and a Democrat in politics. His wife, who was born in Ohio, in 1823, died in 1909, and both are buried at Union City, Indiana. He moved near Union City in 1875 and spent his last years in that town. Their seven children, born in Fairfield and Hock- ing counties, all reached maturity. They were: Sarah mar- ried Isaac Schoemaker and both are deceased; Henry, de- ceased; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Jacob Miller; Louisa, wife of Franklin Paulis, of Union City, Indiana; Nancy, wife of L. A. Martin, of New Corydon, Indiana; B. F., subject of this sketch; Eli resides near Union City, Indiana. The parents of these children were devout members of the Lutheran church.
Mr. Scholl received his early education in the district east of Greenville, which is now within the corporation and later attended other schools, the last southeast of Greenville. His first work on his own account was done on a farm in Madison county, Iowa, where he was employed two years by Mr. I. C.
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Woods. Returning to Union City, he worked two years as a farm hand. On September 12, 1878, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Cora F. Zimmerman, a native of Gettysburg, Darke county, born November 14, 1860, daughter of John H. and Amanda (Mark) Zimmerman. Mr. Zimmerman was born in Pennsylvania in 1827 and located on a farm near Gettys- burg, Darke county, about 1841. He died in 1868 and was buried at Greenville. His wife was born at Gettysburg, Penn- sylvania, in 1829, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Scholl.
After marriage Mr. Scholl carried on farming two years at Painter Creek, then sold out and moved to a farm he had pur- chased east of Union City, which was their home seventeen years. Upon selling the latter farm they bought one east of Greenville, Ohio, and there spent three years. This farm, which contains 161 acres, is still owned by Mr. Scholl. In 1898 he moved to his present beautiful home on Thirteenth street, Greenville, which he then purchased. For six years after coming to the city he worked as salesman for D. W. Spidel, but since then has been retired from active life.
Mr. Scholl has always been a Democrat in political views and cast his first presidential vote for Hancock. He served in 1890 as assessor in Jackson township and seven years as presi- dent of the school board of that township. He was elected two terms councilman at large, serving from 1908 to 1912, and in 1914 was elected president of the city council. By the death of Mayor E. E. Calderwood, which took place on June 24, 1914, he became mayor by virtue of his office. His record as councilman and in all other public offices he has held have shown his true worth. He is courteous and kindly in manner and worthy the trust that has been reposed in him. He is a member of the First Christian Church, and is president of the board of trustees and chairman of the financial board, also a member of the official board of that organization. His wife belongs to the Reformed Church east of Greenville. Both are. respected by one and all and have well earned the title of good citizens. They have worked hard to gain their present standing and position and have been true friends and kind neighbors wherever they have lived.
Mr. and Mrs. Scholl have two children, both born in Darke county, one in Franklin and the other in Jackson township, Harvey C. and Ida A. Harvey C. was born near Painter Creek, February 16, 1880, and lives on his father's farm. He mar- ried Sarah J. Crawford and they have three children: Earl,
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aged ten years; Mary, aged nine, and Russell Benjamin, aged four years. Ida A. Scholl was born near Union City, February 20, 1884, and married George Hupman, a stockraiser, and they live on a farm near Greenville, in Greenville township.
CHARLES A. SCHLECHTY.
That farming in Darke county is a profitable occupation is attested by the subject of this sketch, who, although he has been in business for himself for comparatively only a few years, is now the owner of one hundred acres of valuable land, this being located on the New Madison road, about six miles south of Greenville, in Neave township. Mr. Schlechty be- longs to that class of men who, born in Darke county, have grown up and developed with its growth and development, and have at the same time built up and shared its prosperity. His birth occurred on the farm on which he now resides, his natal day being June 18, 1870, and he is a son of George and Re- becca (Winters) Schlechty.
Four generations of the Schlechty family have resided in Darke county. The great-grandfather of Charles A. Schlechty was born in Switzerland, from whence he moved to Germany, and from that county emigrated to the United States and set- tled in Berks county, Pennsylvania. Christian Schlechty, the grandfather of Charles A., was a lad when he came to this country, he being a native of the Fatherland. He grew up in Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he received an ordinary public school education, and early adopted the vocation of agriculturist, which he followed throughout his life. With his wife Susannah he migrated to Darke county, Ohio, in middle life, and here both grandparents passed away. George Schlechty was born on the farm in Darke county which is now occupied by his son and here he passed a peaceful existence as a tiller of the soil, accumulating a competence for his declin- ing years, rearing his children to habits of industry and hon- esty, and gaining the respect and esteem of his fellow citi- zens because of his many excellent traits of character. He married Rebecca Winters, and they became the parents of six children : Willis M., Eason V., David, Jasper N., John F. and Charles A., of whom David is deceased.
Charles A. Schlechty received his preliminary educational
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training in the Fort Jefferson public schools, following which he took a course at Valparaiso, Ind., and completed his studies in the Haynes Business College, Chicago. He was well pre- pared to adopt the vocation of educator, and began to teach when but seventeen years of age, and as such spent some time in the South, but eventually returned to his home, where he remained until reaching the age of twenty-one years. At the time of his father's death, he took charge of the farm, and later, in partnership with his brother, he bought the interests of the other heirs, and since that time has conducted the opera- tions on this highly desirable piece of land. His labors in the active affairs of life have been crowned with a fair degree of success, and his well cultivated fields yield to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestowes upon them. In his political views, Mr. Schlechty is a stanch Democrat, and takes a commendable interest in local affairs, although he is not a politician in the sense of the office seeking. However, his fitness for office has occasioned his selection on the part of his fellow townsmen for the office of justice of the peace of Neave township. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and takes much interest in its work. His time, however, is usually given to his farm and home interests, and he is accounted one of the practical and progressive agriculturists of the communiy. While he is not a member of any particular church, he libera- ally supports all religious and charitable movements, and is strictly honorable in all things, owing his success solely to energy, industry and perseverance.
On May 22, 1901, Mr. Schlechty was married to Miss Minnie Hunsinger, daughter of Max and Lena (Wertmiller) Hun- singer, and to this union there have been born two children: George F. and Forest Eugene.
SEBASTIAN VIETOR.
The United States can boast of no better citizens than hosts of its German-Americans, who, although they ever hold dear and sacred their beloved fatherland, are no less devoted to the fair land of their adoption. Nearly sixty years ago Sebastian Vietor cast his lot with the citizens of Darke county, and during the intervening years has not only been an inter- ested witness of this section's steadily increasing prosperity,
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but has also aided greatly in the attainment of this desirable condition of affairs. Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied never fails to win success, and the life of Mr. Vietor is but another proof of this statement. With limited advan- tages in his youth, he started out to make his own way in the world, and his diligence and judicious management have brought him a handsome reward for his labors, he at this time being the owner of a well-cultivated property of one hundred and thirty acres in Neave township. He has also been a promi- nent factor in the public life of his community and as presi- dent of the board of trustees of his township has played an im- portant part in the progress and development of its varied in- terests. Mr. Vietor was born in Germany, in February, 1849, and is a son of Peter and Elsie (Worch) Vietor.
Peter Vietor was a native of Germany, and was there reared and educated and learned the trade of tailor. Feeling that he could better himself in America, in 1854 he emigrated to this country with his family, and after landing at New York city made his way to New Madison, Harrison township, Darke county, Ohio, where he made the family settlement. He con- tinued to follow his trade during the remainder of his life here, and was an industrious and hard-working citizen. He and his wife had seven children: Mrs. Catherine Faulstick, deceased, and Sebastian, both born in Germany; Eckert, deceased, who was born on the ocean while the family was coming to this country ; John, born in Germany, deceased; Mrs. Anna Henry, William, a resident of Butler township, Darke county, and Mrs. Lizzie Ganger. The last three named were born in Har- rison township.
As a small lad Sebastian Vietor received his early education in the schools of his native land, and after coming to Harrison township he attended the public schools here. He was an am- bitious and industrious lad and during his entire school period worked among the neighboring farmers, carefully saving his earnings with the end in view of establishing a home of his own. When twenty-six years of age he left the parental roof and purchased a farm, on which he at once began operations. His first few years were filled with hardships; obstacles con- stantly arose in his path; misfortune attended many of his best planned efforts; yet he never allowed himself to become discouraged, and he eventually became one of the solid, sub- stantial men of Harrison township. Later he moved to Neave township, where he has his home at this time, and is ex-
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tensively engaged in truck gardening. He has also done a great deal in the line of carpentry and painting, and his en- tire career has been one of industry and usefulness.
On October 17, 1875, Mr. Vietor was married to Malissa Schlecty, and to this union there have been born six children, as follows: Elsie, who lives at home with her parents; Elmer, who married Maude Wood; Oscar, who married Hazel French and has one child, Lowel; Luna, who married Elmer Brum- baugh and has a daughter, Majorie; Earl, who married Mabel Ludy and has one child, Bessie; and Carrie, who is single and resides with her parents. The mother of these children died in the faith of the Christian church, to which Mr. Vietor also belongs. A Democrat in politics, he has long taken an active interest in public matters, and is now serving efficiently in the capacity of president of the township board of trustees. He is a public-spirited and highly esteemed citizen and takes a deep interest in the welfare of his adopted community.
EDWARD AMMON.
Edward Ammon conducts one of the largest grain elevators in Darke county, and is interested in many of the other lead- ing enterprises in his region. He has an extensive real estate business, is interested in the local bank and has invested in many other business projects. He has a business in Gordon, where he resides, and is well known as an enterprising and progressive citizen, ready to help any worthy enterprise for the good of the community and known to be upright in all his dealings. He is prominently identified with Darke County Agricultural Society and much interested in its operations. Mr. Ammon was born at Liberty, Montgomery county, Ohio, November 28, 1846, and is a son of Levi and Margaret (Bier- ley) Ammon. Through both his parents he is descended from a Revolutionary soldier and some of his cousins are tracing the ancestry. He will then be entitled to become a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and has reason to be proud of this distinction. Levi Ammon was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and died in 1914, at the age of eighty- five years. His wife was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1820, and died in 1913. They were among the substantial pio- neer settlers who did so much for Montgomery county and
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made their permanent home there, winning the respect and es- teem of all who knew them.
In early life Levi Ammon was bound out to learn the trade of shoemaker, which he followed subsequently until he was twenty-four years of age, when he came to Ohio. He drove a huckster's wagon in Cincinnati for thirty or thirty-five years, and during this time made his home at Liberty. In 1860 he located in Miami county, Ohio, and in 1864 went into mercan- tile business at Potsdam, remaining in this until his death, under the firm name of Levi Ammon & Sons, having branches at Gordon and at Laura, also one at Painter Creek. After the death of the father the sons closed out the business at all the branches except those at Potsdam and Gordon, the former being now conducted by a grandson of the original proprietor, Harry Ammon, while a son, Charles Ammon, conducts the one at Gordon. There were fourteen children in the family, of whom but seven reached maturity, and most of them were born in Montgomery county: Mary Ann, deceased, wife of Charles Welbaum, of Potsdam; Jane M., deceased, wife of Floyd Stoneman; George H., deceased; Edward; William, de- ceased; Belle, wife of G. P. Ditmer, of Potsdam; Charles M., a resident of Potsdam, whose business is at Gordon. The par- ents and the children who are deceased are buried in the ceme- tery at Potsdam.
John Baird, grandfather of Mrs. Margaret (Bierley) Am- mon, an Englishman by birth, was one of twelve Englishmen chosen by George Washington to be his bodyguard, but re- fused. In company with a great-uncle of Mrs. Ammon, he left home and served seven years in the Revolution on the side of colonists, both being disinherited by their parents, who were strong Tories. They had gone on a fishing expedition and it was some time before their people knew they had not been drowned. The river was dragged in the effort to recover their bodies, and it was some time before they were able to send word back home where they had gone and what they were do- ing. The bitter feeling of the parents can well be imagined.
Edward Ammon secured his education in the public schools at Potsdam, and upon leaving school took a position as clerk for his father in the store there. Upon reaching his majority he was taken into partnership by his father, who treated each of his sons in this way as they reached the age of twenty-one years. He has thus always been connected with mercantile
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affairs, for which he early developed a liking and considerable ability, and some thirty-five years ago established his ele- vator business at Gordon, doing this with proceeds from the father's estate, which belonged to the firm, and which he con- trolled. This is the only elevator in the village and Mr. Am- mon is one of the oldest agents on the line of the D. & U. Railroad. He has kept himself well informed of the activities of the leading business enterprises in his part of the county and has invested in those which appealed to his good judgment. He is vice-president of the Farmers' Bank of Arcanum. He has a handsome residence property on Main street, Gordon, near his place of business, which he purchased and remodeled to suit his own tastes. He also owns some fine farming land, comprising three farms, aggregating some 275 acres of land in Darke county, 160 acres in Preble county and forty acres in Miami county, making nearly 500 acres altogether. He has been a member of the agricultural society for twenty-three years and is now its treasurer. He and his brothers, like their father, have fine business records and their honesty and probity have always been thoroughly recognized. He is a Democrat in politics and cast his first presidential vote for General Grant. He has served as county treasurer and served nine years as a member of the Union Township School Board. The school- house at Ithaca, one west of Arcanum and the one at Gordon, were erected under his directorship, and he has always been much interested in the cause of education. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, also the Grand Army of the Republic.
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