USA > Ohio > Darke County > History of Darke County, Ohio, from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 46
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
The early education of Dr. VanLue was secured in district No. 8, Adams township, and after attending the Gettysburg high school for one year, became a pupil in the Greenville high school, which he attended four years. Following some pre-
Digitized by Google
1
487
DARKE COUNTY
paratory work in the office of Doctor Monger, he entered upon his medical studies in the Ohio Miami Medical College, and was graduated in June, 1913. He then came to Gettysburg and entered the office of Dr. J. E. Monger, his former pre- ceptor, to whose practice he has succeeded. Even in an age which recognizes young men and places responsibilities upon them which in the past have been laid only upon the shoulders of those of more mature years, we seldom find one of twenty- three years who has made such rapid strides in his profession. With an inherent love for his work, trained thoroughly in every department of medicine, the Doctor has been able to reach a foremost position and has continued to maintain it. He keeps thoroughly abreast of the various discoveries and advancements made in his calling, is a member of various medical societies and subscribes to the leading journals of medicine. In political matters he is a Democrat, but he has not cared for public office. He lends his support to all re- ligious creeds.
ARTHUR FARRA.
One of the sturdy and self-reliant business men of Darke county who has been the architect of his own fortunes and has succeeded in his ventures because of well-applied and earnest effort, is Arthur Farra, who is engaged in the bakery business at Gettysburg in partnership with his brother. He was born June 27, 1887, on Sweitzer street, Greenville, Ohio, and is a son of W. H. and Sadie E. (Westfall) Farra. His father was a native of Winchester, Ind., from which place he came to Ohio in boyhood, settling near the cemetery on the old Ludy farm, and there the grandparents Reuben and Elnora (Nice) Farra, carried on agricultural pursuits. W. H. Farra went to the public schools of Darke county, and as a young man adopted farming as his life work. He was known as a courageous and loyal citizen, and his fellow townspeople held him in the highest esteem. Mr. Farra was appointed deputy sheriff of Darke county, and met his death while in the per- formance of duty. Two children were born to him: Arthur and Walter.
Arthur Farra went to the common schools of Greenville, but his education was somewhat interfered with by the sud- den death of his father, which event made it necessary that
Digitized by Google
488
DARKE COUNTY
both Arthur and Walter should commence to work at an early age. He accordingly learned the trade of baker, at Greenville, and this has since been his field of endeavor. For some years he was employed by others, but finally he entered business on his own account, by establishing a bakery at Gettysburg, and here he has built up an excellent trade. In 1910 he sold a half interest in the business to Walter Farra, and the brothers now work together. Both are alert, energetic business men and thorough masters of their trade, and the breads and pastries which come from their airy and well-ventilated shop are unexcelled.
Mr. Farra has never married. He is a member of the Pres- byterian church, in the faith of which he was reared, and in political affairs votes with the Democratic party. although politics have not interested him actively.
JOHN EMERSON MONGER, M. D.
Dr. John Emerson Monger has won a high reputation in Darke county as physician and surgeon and has taken a promi- nent part in professional matters in the region for a number of years past. He belongs to one of the old families of Massa- chusetts, the name originally being spelled "Munger." The first known ancestor was Jonathan Monger, who landed in Massachusetts in 1660, locating at what became known as Monger's Cove. One of his descendants, Lewis Monger, born in 1729, served in the French and Indian war and in later life was a "Minute Man" in the Revolution, thus making his descendants eligible for various patriotic societies. The de- scent followed through Lewis Monger's son Daniel, born in 1756; and through successive generations: George, born in 1778; Lewis (2) Monger, born in 1803; George (2), born in 1827 ; Francis M., born in 1853, and John Emerson. The latter has in his possession copies of old family records and legal papers and takes great interest in the history and achievements of his ancestors.
Mr. Monger was born October 19, 1877, near Connersville, Fayette county, Indiana, son of Francis Marion and Anchor J. Monger. The father, who was a contractor by occupation, invented a band cutter and feeder for a threshing machine, which equipment is used today with almost no alteration, and
Digitized by Google
489
DARKE COUNTY
which had considerable influence in promoting the usefulness and popularity of the machine in question, which has had such a wonderful effect in farm work. The mother died when John Emerson Monger was a small child and he was reared by an aunt and uncle, T. H. and Estella Monger, who gave him a good education and instilled into his mind and heart the up- right principles and truths which have guided his mature years. He attended the common school and the Greenville high school and secured a teacher's certificate. Later he en- tered the medical department of Ohio University, which he attended from 1898 till 1902, graduating with the degree of M. D. during the latter year. He had won high honors during his course and from 1900 until 1902 had charge of the Ob- stetrical Clinic in the college. He embarked in his profession in Wheeling, W. Va., where he gained valuable experience as assistant to Dr. Rudolph Rau, a successful surgeon. In 1903 Doctor Monger located at Gettysburg, Darke county, where he remained ten years, building up a large practice. In Sep- tember, 1913, he formed a partnership with J. W. VanLue, M. D., and moved to Greenville, where he now resides, and they have an office in Gettysburg as well as one in Greenville.
Both have a high standing in professional circles and Doc- tor Monger served two years (1906-08) as president of Darke County Medical Society, and in 1909 as president of the Dis- trict Medical Society. For six years he served as delegate from Darke county to the American Medical Association. In poli- tics he is a Democrat. He enlisted in the Third Ohio National Guard for service in the Spanish-American war in 1898 and served until November of the same year, receiving an .hon- orable discharge at the close of the war. In 1906 he was elected county coroner and served two years, giving his best services to the people. He is much interested in historical matters and helped materially in the organization of the Darke county Historical Society in 1903, becoming its first secretary. This society has preserved much of the early history of the region that otherwise would have been lost to the knowledge of its citizens and to future generations. He is active and well known in many circles and has a host of friends who wish him well and value his friendship highly.
On May 29, 1905, Doctor Monger was united in marriage with Miss Nell, daughter of F. M. and Louisa Hough, and two children have blessed their union, Thomas Hough, born March 3, 1907, and Mary E., born April 3, 1909.
Digitized by Google
-
490
DARKE COUNTY
D. F. WITWER.
In our present-day civilization, the greatest prosperity is attained by adaptation to the environments necessitated by the increasing density of population, and he who soonest rec- ognizes this fact in his methods of practice will, other things being equal, the soonest attain a competence and be prepared to enjoy old age far better than he did his youth. After a long career as an agriculturist, being known as one of the best to- bacco growers in Darke county, D. F. Witwer is now living in quiet retirement, on his property located one mile west of Bradford. He was born April 24, 1858, on the old homestead place in Adams township, this county, and located about one and one-half miles northeast of Gettysburg, and is a son of David and Catherine (Miller) Witwer, both of whom came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.
David Witwer grew to manhood in Lancaster county, and there had a small home, where his older children were born. Some time during the 'fifties he came to Darke county, Ohio, and settled near Gettysburg, where he continued to be en- gaged in farming during the remainder of his life. He and his wife were the parents of twelve children : Mary, Susan, Eliza- beth, Catherine and Henry, all of whom were born in Lan- caster county, Pennsylvania ; D. F., Jacob, Anna and John, and Peter and Samuel and Emma, who are deceased.
D. F. Witwer secured ordinary educational advantages, working on the home farm throughout the period of his school- days. At the age of eighteen years he embarked upon a career of his own, working on a farm for one year and spending a like time in a tile mill. At that time he took up the trade of carpenter, which he followed for only a short period, then again becoming a farmer, as a renter. After two years Mr. Witwer purchased his present property, which had been al- lowed to run down until it was practically ruined. Mr. Witwer, however, knew what was necessary to do under the circum- stances, and after he had tiled his land and made it productive, he erected a new set of buildings and made numerous other im- provements, so that it became one of the best tobacco farms in the county, furnishing a product that brought the highest prices in the markets. He now has seventy-five acres, but is retired from active work and rents his land. For a short period Mr. Witwer was a resident of Bradford, and while there
Digitized by Google
I
1
491
DARKE COUNTY
bought a small piece of land one mile west of Bradford, where he now resides. He is well known to the people of his com- munity as a good and public-spirited citizen, and well merits the esteem in which he is generally held.
On February 12, 1880, Mr. Witwer was married to Miss Laura B. Zimmerman, daughter of Adam Zimmerman, and they have four children : Ed R., who married Alice Bosserman, and has had two children, Marvin and Walton, the former de- ceased; Wilber I., who married Mary Cassel and has one son, Robert; Harley, who married Emma Hile and has two chil- dren, Genert and Opal, and Goldie, who married Harry C. Young, and has two children, Gerald and Zelma. In political matters a Republican, Mr. Witwer is at this time serving very acceptably as a member of the township board of trustees. He supports worthy measures of every nature, is a member of the local horse thief association, and can be counted upon to vote the right way in matters of public importance.
THOMAS BENTON WILSON.
The career of Thomas Benton Wilson has been an interest- ing one in that it has been filled with experiences in various fields of endeavor. Both as merchant and farmer he has won success, both in Ohio and Indiana, and today his farm in Brown township, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, is considered one of the very valuable properties of Darke county. Mr. Wilson was born on the old homestead place, located about one mile northwest of Ansonia, Darke county, and is a son of John L. and Maria (Gephart) Wilson.
Mr. Wilson's birth occurred November 23, 1865. He was given good educational advantages, first going to the public schools of Ansonia, where he was graduated, and in the mean- while spending all of his spare time in assisting his father to operate the home farm. Later he went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he took a full course in the Eastman Business College and was graduated with honors, in the class of 1884. He then returned to his home, but shortly thereafter went to Peters- burg, Pike county, Indiana, at which place he was engaged for a time in the grocery business. After this experience he again came home and took up agricultural work, renting land for farming for seven years, this property belonging to his
Digitized by Google
492
DARKE COUNTY
father. Succeeding this, Mr. Wilson was for five years a resi- dent of Ansonia, where he lived a retired life, was then for twelve years located at Peru, Ind., as superintendent of the eight hundred acre farm belonging to Dr. C. J. Helm, and in the spring of 1913 came to his present farm, where he has erected a handsome home, provided with modern conveniences of all kinds, as well as substantial barns and outbuildings. Mr. Wilson is a progressive business man and has ever sought to advance the interests of whatever community has been the scene of his activities.
On June 20, 1888, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Emmie Quimby, daughter of Abraham and Anna (Hoffhines) Quim- by, the former born at Newark, N. J., and moved to Terre Haute, Ind., in young manhood. In that city Mr. Quimby became prominent as the proprietor of a large woolen mill, and in that community his children were reared. They were as follows: Emma, who married Mr. Wilson; George, who is now deceased, and Mary L., who married Mr. Hendricks. Later the family moved to Petersburg, Ind., and in the public schools of that place Mrs. Wilson completed her educational training. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have had one daughter, Georgianna. They are consistent members of the Presbyterian church, and in political matters Mr. Wilson is a Democrat.
ORTHA HAYS MYERS.
This sterling representative of one of the pioneer families of Darke county has been a resident of his present property all of his life, it being the old family homestead. His life has been one of industry and activity and has been marked by consistent and merited advancement. Mr. Myers is the owner of eighty acres of land in Adams township, and the esteem in which he is generally held by his fellow citizens was evidenced at the last election, when he was made a trustee of the town- ship. He was born on his present farm, May 14, 1876, and is a son of John and Alice (Rick) Myers, natives of this town- ship, the former of whom is a brother of Taylor Myers, the latter being the father of Harry G. Myers, a review of whose life will be found on another page of this work.
Ortha Hays Myers was educated in the public schools of Gettysburg, Ohio, and during his spare time assisted his
Digitized by Google
1
493
DARKE COUNTY
father in the work of the home place. At the time of his graduation, he engaged in agricultural work and was so en- gaged until the outbreak of the war with Spain, when he en- listed as a member of Company C, Third regiment, Ohio vol- unteer infantry, under Captain Horner and Colonel White. Upon the close of hostilities, he returned to the homestead, and soon thereafter was able to purchase the property from the other heirs. He has continued to follow general farming and stock raising, and has met with success because of his good management, foresight and industry. He is a friend of progress, uses modern methods and machinery in his work and makes his land pay him handsomely for the labor he expends upon it.
Mr. Myers was married in 1901 to Miss Bessie Gibbony, daughter of John and Belle (Cain) Gibbony, who came to Ohio from the State of Pennsylvania and settled in the vicinity of Versailles. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers : Gladys. Ivor. Georgie. Ethel and Alice Belle. In his political views Mr. Myers has always supported Republican principles and policies.
W. A. MINTON, M. D.
.
One of the prominent physicians and surgeons of Darke county is found in the person of Dr. W. A. Minton, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Bradford. Doctor Minton was born February 26, 1873, at Bradford, and is a son of Dr. W. IJ. H. and Margaret (Faulkner) Minton, and a grandson of William Minton. His father, born at Day- ton, August 13, 1836, came to Miami county, Ohio, as a lad of ten years, located on a farm at Painter Creek, about three miles east of Bradford, and there completed his education in the old log school house. A piece of one of the logs of which this school was constructed is still in the possession of Dr. W. A. Minton. W. H. H. Minton took a course in the Cov- ington high school, and then took a preparatory course in Ox- ford College, following which he became a student in the Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati. While there the Civil war broke out and he enlisted as assistant surgeon in the Union army, where he secured valuable experience. When the war closed he settled down to practice at West Milton, from
Digitized by Google
494
DARKE COUNTY
whence he removed to Bradford where he practiced about forty years. He died in 1907. He and his wife were the par- ents of three children : Dr. W. A., Paul B. and Ruth.
W. A. Minton went first to the public schools of Bradford, and in 1891 was graduated from the high school here. Follow- ing this he went to Lebanon, Ohio, where he took a classical course, and succeeding his graduation became a student at Starling University, at Columbus, where he remained one year and then two years at Louisville Medical College, where he was graduated in the class of 1894. Doctor Minton then did some interne work in hospitals and finally settled down to regular practice in association with his father. Through his skill and knowledge he has been able to build up an excellent professional business and in the ranks of his calling there are few men held in higher esteem. He continues a student, keep- ing fully abreast of the changes that are marking its advance and is a valued member of the county and State medical so- cieties. He is local surgeon for the Pennsylvania railroad at Bradford. His fraternal connection is with the Modern Wood- men of America, and his religious belief is that of the Pres- byterian church.
.
On April 30, 1895, Doctor Minton was married to Miss Jessie Darner, daughter of John and Mary (Metz) Darner.
In 1912 Dr. Bradford had built a residence and office com- bined on the corner of Miami avenue and School street. Two stories, basement under whole house, In residence part there are eight rooms and a bath; in office four commodious rooms. It is of brick and stone, with hot water heating plant, electric lighted and of a sanitary construction. He moved into it in 1913. It is the finest and best residence in Bradford.
L. BIGLER, M. D.
For a quarter of a century or more this sterling citizen of Gettysburg has occupied a distinctive place among the mem- bers of the medical profession in Darke county. His superior attainments and ability placed him in the front rank ere he had been engaged in practice many years, and, indeed, from his initial steps in his chosen profession it was manifest that his success was assured. By nature and acquired knowledge he is pre-eminently fitted for his vocation, his sympathetic nature and devotion to the interests of his patients having aided him
Digitized by Google
1
.
495
DARKE COUNTY
materially in securing position and reputation. Doctor Bigler was born April 28, 1862, near Gettysburg, Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of Nicodemus C. and Hannah (Hershey) Bigler. The Hershey family was the first to come to Gettysburg, and the battle of Gettysburg. Pa., during the Civil war was con- tested on the old Fiarney (grandmother to Doctor Bigler) farm. The Bigler family was founded in the United States by the grandfather of Doctor Bigler, who came to this country from Germany in company with his two brothers, and took up his residence in Pennsylvania, where he married and spent the remainder of his life. Nicodemus C. Bigler was a native of the Keystone State, and was a young man when he came to Darke county, Ohio, the family settling on government land, about two miles north of Gettysburg, Ohio. Mr. Bigler be- came one of the early school teachers of the county, and for many years up to the time of his death, was widely and favor- ably known in educational circles. He died at Goshen, Ind., and is there buried, while the mother still survives.
The early education of Doctor Bigler was secured in the country schools, completing the common branches in school district No. 12, in Adams township. He then took the examina- tion and received a teacher's license, but taught only a short time, having decided to take up the study of medicine. After two years of preparatory work, he entered Keokuk Medical College, later entered the medical department of the Ohio State University, where he was graduated, and at that time found himself about $1,000 in debt. Going to Horatio, Ohio, the young physician "hung out his shingle," and entered upon his career with self-reliance and sincere faith in his own abili- ties. A period of partial inactivity followed, while the young physician was working for recognition, but his talents did not long remain unrecognized, and his practice was soon paying him amply. In 1900, Doctor Bigler came to Gettysburg, and here has continued in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative professional business. In 1904 he took post work in Barns's Medical College, St. Louis, Mo. He was graduated at the medical department of the Ohio State University.
In 1898 Doctor Bigler was united in marriage with Miss Sara Stover, daughter of Emanuel and Johanna (Mohler) Stover. They are consistent members of the Brethren church. In his political relations, Doctor Bigler has cast his fortunes with the new Progressive party. He has served acceptably as a member of the school board and is friendly to all things which make for education, morality and good citizenship.
Digitized by Google
496
DARKE COUNTY
ANDREW ROBISON CALDERWOOD.
The law as practiced and exemplified in person by the late Andrew Robison Calderwood, held its majesty. Profound re- spect, unfailing confidence and wholesome awe are vital neces- sities in the maintenance of order, and the services of such men as Mr. Calderwood in upholding the best dignities and traditions of the bar cannot be too highly valued. Possibly he will be remembered only by the older members of the profes- sion in Darke county ; yet his influence will continue to remain, and his probity, integrity and uncompromising fidelity to each and every duty should continue as watchwords for those who hope to attain not alone the rewards resulting from material success, but the honor that is granted to those whose lives are respected because they have been lived in a manner that merits respect.
Mr. Calderwood was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, September 14, 1818, a son of George and Margaret (Robison) Calderwood, natives of Huntington county, Pennsylvania, where they were married September 14, 1811. In the fall of 1817 the parents moved to Montgomery county, Ohio, and in 1832 removal was made to Darke county, Ohio, where the father died September 7, 1849. The mother survived until August 12, 1873. Although reared a farmer, Andrew R. Cal- derwood's aspirations led him into the field of law, and his assiduous and well-applied study allowed him to be admitted to the bar in 1851. Three years later he was elected to the of- fice of probate judge, and he was so serving when secession threatened the Union. Laying aside the ermine, he should- ered the musket in defense of his country and after serving for a time as second lieutenant was promoted to the rank of captain of Company I, Fortieth regiment, Ohio volunteer in- fantry. It was his misfortune to meet a soldier's injury while in the service, being thrown from his horse, and was forced to resign, but when he regained his health again showed his will- ingness to go to the front, and by reason of his acknowledged ability was reinstated as captain of his old company, given him by Governor Todd. Six months later he was again in- capacitated, this time by the loss of his voice, yet was loath to leave the service, and therefore was placed as recruiting of- ficer, a capacity in which he served until the close of hostili- ties between the States.
Digitized by Google
1
! i
-- - --
-- -
497
DARKE COUNTY
Having proven himself an able, efficient and faithful soldier, Judge Calderwood took up the practice of law again and showed that he could serve with as much reliability and honor in the ranks of peace. His practice brought him into connec- tion with newspaper men, and he was induced to become edi- tor of the "Sunday Courier," a Republican newspaper, with which he continued to be connected throughout the remainder of his life. Although tempted by the journalistic field, Judge Calderwood never lost his love for the law, and among the older practitioners of the State he is remembered as a valuable associate and a worthy opponent. Had 101 first-degree murder cases and sentence was not pronounced on a single client. All men but one.
His three terms as mayor of Greenville brought forth his excellent executive and managerial ability, and it is remem- bered that this city has had no more popular official. He was not a politician in the generally accepted meaning of the word, but answered always the call of the people, and in 1868 allowed his name to be presented before the Republican Congressional Convention of the Fourth District, but, owing to political con- ditions at the time, met with defeat by a small margin of the delegate vote. In his death, in 1891, Darke county lost a man who had been true to every principle as he saw it, who had discharged life's duties conscientiously and fearlessly, who had asked no favor but who had granted many-a clean-lived, clean-spoken man among men; truly "one of God's own gen- tlemen."
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.