USA > Ohio > Darke County > The history of Darke County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; > Part 37
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and containing many fine casts
6
0
Total exposure.
11 3
The beds are again exposed just below the mill at Webster, in the southwest quarter of Section 32, Wayne Township. A section of between four and five feet is revealed on the right bank of the Stillwater, where its waters have worn down to its original bed. The rock here is very nearly identical in character with that in Greenville Township. Its hardness is sufficient for building purposes, but it would be impracticable to attempt a quarry from the massive, irregular character of the limestone. It is easy of access and might be quarried to be manufactured into lime. The creek bank above the rock consists of three or four feet of dark red-colored clay, which is greatly calcareous. Beneath this clay several sulphur springs flow out from the surface of the rock into the creek.
Again, near Weaver's Station, on the southeast quarter of Section 29, Neave Township, a surface of limestone is revealed along the bed of Mud Creek for some one hundred and fifty yards. The rock here differs but slightly from the other exposures noticed. The stone is plainly laminated, breaking out in thin irregular flags ; very sandy in texture, and mostly of a buff color, and in patches bearing a close resemblance to red sandstone. Experiments demonstrate that the lighter colored stone produces a fine quality of lime, while the red in color is said to become hard from heating. This may have been the result of imperfect burn- ing. Stones used in the foundation of a mill in the immediate vicinity were taken from the creek, but they are not hard enough for purposes of building. A peculiar feature is the absence not only of fossils but traces of them.
The only other exposure is on the northwest quarter of Section 24, near New Madison, Harrison Township, where a lime-kiln was formerly carried on by C. B. Northrup. A section six to eight feet deep and much worn is visible, showing the same general features elsewhere noted. Prof. Orton gives the Niagara rock a thickness of twenty feet at Hillsboro, Ohio, and of forty-two feet at Springfield, and an estimate of its depth in Darke County would place it between twenty and thirty feet.
Worthless as this limestone is found for building or even flagging, it is valu- able for the fine character of the lime it produces. This lime is strong, very white, and unexcelled within the State. Its superiority has been recognized, and it finds a constant demand in markets near and more distant. An analysis of this rock by Dr. Wormley, of the survey, shows it to consist of 50.11 per cent of carbonate of magnesia. This high percentage is attributed by Prof. Orton to the long- continued presence of carbonated water, but at Gard's quarries the rock shows 45.72 percentage of magnesia.
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317
HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.
A detailed analysis of a specimen from each of these quarries shows :
Bierley's
Gard's
Northrup's
quarry.
quarry.
quarry.
Carbonate of lime ..
44.60
51.80
51.70
Carbonate of magnesia ..
50.11
45.72
45.26
Silica, iron and alumina.
4.60
2,20
2.70
Totals.
99.31
99.22
99.66
The specific gravity of the first is 2.452, as shown by Prof. Mendenhall. While the supply of material for lime is inexhaustible and kilns will be built at accessible points, and this industry expanded and increased, the surface clay affords good facilities for the manufacture of brick and tile, and a number of manufactories are carried on to advantage in different parts of the county. A summary shows that the rock formations of the county furnish excellent lime, and contain the elements of a soil's renewal, and are a source of a highly valuable industry.
CIVIL LIST-OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES.
All government has its origin in the wishes of the people, but only intelli- gence rendered extended suffrage and republicanism a success. Peopled by the descendants of those who had emancipated themselves from kingly thraldom and intolerant persecution, Ohio early became, and has since continued to be, the central field of conservatism wherein political parties, swaying first to one side, then to the other, in numerical power, have held extreme measures in check, and conduced to State and national welfare. Territorial government in the Northwest Territory was provided for in the ordinance passed by Congress July 13, 1787, and October 21 of the same year, received her first Governor, in the person of Gen. Arthur St. Clair, at Marietta. The Territory was so large and St. Clair became so unpopular that a large party was formed, in 1801, in favor of a State government, and in the following year, Thomas Worthington, at Philadelphia, used his influence, " which, terminating the influence of tyranny" was to "meliorate the circumstances of thousands by freeing them from the domination of a despotic chief." His efforts proved successful, and March 4, a report was made to the House in favor of author-
izing a State Convention. The first General Assembly, under the State Constitu- tion, assembled at Chillicothe, March 1, 1803, and formed eight new counties, one of which was Montgomery. In 1816, the seat of State government was removed to Columbus, and speedily measures were brought forward agitating the question of a canal linking the Ohio with Lake Erie, and eventually resulting in the Miami Canal, by which Darke settlers found at Piqua an early market for produce.
In 1836, the Congressional district was composed of Darke, Preble and But- ler, and Taylor Webster, of Butler, a Democrat, was elected. In 1838, John B. Weller, Democrat, of Butler, was chosen over John Beers, of Darke County, a Whig. Weller was re-elected in 1840 and 1842 over L. D. Campbell, a Whig, of Butler, but in 1844, F. A. Cunningham, of Eaton, Preble Co., was elected over Campbell. In 1846, the district was composed of Darke, Montgomery, Greene and Preble Counties, when R. C. Schenck, Whig, of Dayton, was elected. Two years later, he was re-elected over J. W. McCorkle, of Dayton. In 1850, the Third Dis- trict was composed of the same counties, when Hiram Bell, Whig, of Greenville, was elected. In 1852, the district was composed of Darke, Miami, Shelby, Auglaize, Allen and Mercer, when M. H. Nichols, of Lima, Democrat, was success- ful over Joseph Plunket, Whig, of St. Mary's. In 1854, Nichols withdrew from the Democratic Convention of the district, held at Sidney, and, announcing himself as an independent anti-Nebraska candidate, was elected by a majority of 6,000 over D. G. Dorsey, of Piqua, the nominee of the convention after the withdrawal of Nichols. In 1856, Nichols again ran against Dorsey and won, by a Republican majority of 256. At the next election, William Allen, Democrat, by 78 majority, was chosen over Nichols, and re-elected for the same office in 1860 by 600 majority
318
HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.
over Hart. In 1862, the district was composed of Darke. Warren. Shelby, Logan and Champaign, and J. T. Mckinney. Democrat, of Piqua, was elected over W. H. West, Republican, whose defeat was largely attributable to the draft made at that time by order of Gov. Tod. In 1864, Mr. William Laramore was chosen over McKinney, and was re-elected for 1866-68; then, in 1870, MeKinney was success- ful over W. B. McClung. In 1872, the district was constituted of Darke, Preble, Greene and Montgomery, and L. B. Gunkel. Republican. elected over J. J. War- ner, of Greene. In 1874, the election went Democratie. sending John A. McMahon. of Dayton, to Congress over Gunkel. In 1876, MeMahon was returned over John Iland. of Dayton. In 1878, the district was composed of Darke. Shelby, Warren, Preble, Auglaize and Mercer, and B. S. Lesser, of Sidney, was elected over Wil- son of the same place.
The senatorial district was formerly composed of Darke, Shelby and Miami Counties, and always went Whig or Republican. The new constitution came into force in 1851, and made Darke County a representative district of itself. Pre- vious to 1856, the majorities of the dominant party had averaged about one hundred votes. In 1837, J. L. Winner, Democrat, was elected Senator, and on the expiration of his term was re-elected. Since that time, the county has been increasingly Democratic. and has now about one thousand majority. The qualifi- cations for eligibility to be a Senator are citizenship of the United States, two years' residence in the district whence chosen, thirty years of age, and be known to have paid State and county taxes. The Representative must be twenty-five years of age, a resident of the county, with the other qualifications above given.
As a convenient and instructive record connected with the political and offi- cial list of the county, we supply the lists of members of Assembly from 1842, and county officers from the organization of the county to the present time : Members of Assembly-1843, James Bryson ; 1844, D. I. Hostetter ; 1848, Luther Montfort ; 1849, George Ward; 1850, Judge Lennox; 1851, P. V. Banta ; 1853, Evan Baker; 1855, J. C. Williamson ; 1857-59. J. L. Winner; 1861. L. B. Lott (served two terms); 1865, Scipio Myer; 1867-69. Jacob Baker (two terms) ; 1871, E. N. Walker ; 1873, D. T. D. Styles ; 1875-77, Dr. Hostetter (two terms) ; 1879, Charles Negley and W. Long.
The following is the list of County Commissioners, with time of service : 1817-Archibald Bryson, two years ; Abraham Studabaker, three years; Silas Atchison, one year ; 1818, Jacob Miller, one year. (We have an incomplete record at this point, and resume with 1823.) 1823-William Cury, one year: Abraham Studabaker, ten years ; John McNeill, two years; 1824, Joshua Howell, two years ; 1825, Dennis Hart, three years ; 1826, James Bryson, four years ; Robert Robeson, one year; 1828, David Briggs, one year; 1831, Jacob Harter, three years ; 1832, Solomon Riftle, five years; 1833, Jolin Swisher, two years; 1837, Richard Lucas, two years ; 1840, Moses Woods, three years, and William B. Ludd, one year ; 1841, George Ward, three years : 1842. John McGriff. Jr .; 1843, John Colville, five years ; 1844, Henry Lipps, two years; 1845, William Arnold, two years ; 1848 (March), John Miller, one year ; 1848 (October), Christian Harshey, two years ; Adam Baker, who resigned, and Henry Arnold appointed till next election ; 1849, Samuel C. Baker, two years, and Isaac Reed, three years ; 1851, Daniel Reigle, five years ; 1852, David Studabaker, five years; 1853, Abel Stona- ker, two years ; 1855, S. A. Green. three years ; 1856, William Kerr, three years ; 1857, Michael Zick, three years ; 1858, William Wright, three years; 1859, Riley Gard, three years ; 1863, John Stoltz, six years ; 1864, George Ivester. six years ; 1865, Samuel Alexander, three years ; 1868, David Oliver, three years ; 1869, Jesse Woods, three years ; 1871, James Auld, three years ; 1872, J. R. Holland. four years ; 1873. Elisha Berry, four years ; 1874. John Antonides. one year ; 1877, George D. Miller, three years ; 1878, William Archard ; 1879, Samuel Wil- son. Probate Judges-John Wharry, elected in 1851; A. R. Calderwood. 1854; D. H. R. Jobes, 1857 ; J. C. McKeny, 1866, resigned 1868, and A. F. Bodle was
319
HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.
appointed to serve from April to November of that year; James T. Meeker was elected in October, 1868, to complete the term, then elected in 1869 for three years, and again chosen in 1872; then J. A. Jobes was chosen in 1875, and re-elected in 1878, and is now incumbent of the office. As is observed, the officer holds for three years. The Prosecuting Attorney is biennially elected, his term of office to begin the first Monday of January next after his election. No person is eligible to this office who is not a duly licensed counselor at law. authorized to practice in the State. No Prosecuting Attorney should be a member of the Gen- eral Assembly of the State, or Mayor of a city. and no county officer should be a candidate for the office. Bond not less than $1.000 is required. to be approved by the Court of Common Pleas in the Probate Court, which may appoint to fill vacancy. His general duties are to prosecute in the name of the State all com- plaints, suits and controversies in which the State is a party. In case of convic- tion, he shall cause execution to issue and faithfully urge collection, which shall be paid to County Treasurer. He shall be the legal adviser of the county officers, shall not enter a nolle pros. without leave of the court. He shall prepare and accept the bonds of all county officers. He is held to see that county funds are not misapplied, and in lieu of failure is open to suit by taxpayers. No list is given.
The Clerk of Common Pleas Court is elected triennially; term begins February 9, next after his election. Bond not less than $10,000 nor more than $40,000, as determined by County Commissioners, with approved sureties. He shall also be the Clerk of the District Court. and of any superior court held in the county. Auditor or Commissioners may appoint to fill vacancy. Clerk may appoint one or more deputies. His general duties are to indorse and file all papers, to enter all orders, decrees and judgments, to engross proceedings of his court. He may administer oaths. take affidavits and depositions. Reports to the Secretary of State annually all crimes and criminals. Once in four years. he reports number of males over twenty-one years, furnishes poll-books and tally- sheets, is held for security of law reports and other books of law library ; is depository of all costs and fees taxed upon writs, and pay over to person entitled. No charge shall be made for certificates made for pensioners of the Government, for any oath administered connected with pensions. Linus Bascom was the first Clerk appointed in Darke County, and held one year. Easton Morris, appointed in June, 1818, served seven years. David Morris served four years and deceased, when L. R. Brownell served pro tem. from August to November of 1829 ; John Beers served three terms, from 1829 to 1850; David Beers then served a few months, after which J. W. Frizzell was appointed for a term of seven years, but the new constitution. which was adopted in 1852, reduced the term to three years. Samuel Robinson was elected October, 1854; William C. Porterfield, in October, 1860, but deceased before expiration of term. and was succeeded by Henry Miller, who served as Clerk pro tem. until October, 1862, when he was elected and served two terms ; Hamilton Slade was elected in 1868; Wesley Gorsuch, in 1873, and John H. Martin filled three months of the unexpired term following Gorsuch's resignation ; finally John H. Martin was elected in 1879.
The Sheriff and Coroner are chosen biennially. They give bonds for not less than $5,000, nor to exceed $50.000. The general duty of the Sheriff is the pres- ervation of the public peace, attend upon all courts, shall have the power to call to his aid such persons as he shall find necessary. He shall keep a foreign execution docket and a cash-book. The books shall be open to inspection by all persons; the fee for producing the books is 125 cents, which entitles to a certified copy of entry. On retiring from office, all moneys are paid to the Clerk of the court. In regard to Coroners, it may be said that. on being notified that the body of a person, whose death is supposed to have been caused by violence. has been found within the county, he issues subpoenas for witnesses, administers oaths and takes testi- mony in writing. He shall draw up his findings in writing, subscribe the same, and, if he find any person or persons inculpated. he shall arrest and take him or
320
HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.
them before a proper officer for examination. At once, after finding a body, if friends or relatives be known, they shall be notified by the Coroner, by letter ; if unknown, advertisement shall be made. All articles and moneys found shall be returned to the Probate Court. After one year and due publication, public sale may be made of these articles. The first Sheriff, who was appointed in 1817, served till 1820; his successor was William Scott, who served till 1824; then, Mark T. Mills, till 1828; Joshua Howell, till 1830; John Howell, till 1834; James Craig was appointed, but died, and William Vance served till 1836 ; David Angel, till 1840 ; Thomas Vantilburg, 1844, and 1852 till 1856 ; George Coover, 1848 ; David Stamm, 1852 ; Joshua Townsend, till 1860 ; Hamilton, till 1862 ; Chauncey Riffle, 1866 ; A. P. Vandyke, till 1870 ; N. M. Wilson, till 1875 ; J. W. Hall, till 1879 ; and Jerry Runkle is the present official.
The County Auditor holds three years. He may administer oaths, appoint deputies, is Secretary of the County Commissioners ; he records their proceedings, files papers deposited in his office, keeps an account current with the Treasurer, issues warrants on the treasury for all moneys payable out of the same, except moneys due the State ; may discharge from jail persons confined for fines, when convinced that these fines cannot be paid. He shall make out the tax duplicate ; shall keep a book of additions and deductions, in which he shall enter all correc- tions of the duplicate made after the delivery of the same to the Treasurer. Set- tlement is made with the Treasurer by the 15th of February and the 10th of August. He shall make return, to the Anditor of State, of the number of domestic animals, state indebtedness of county, report number of sheep killed and amounts paid owners. He is sealer of weights and measures. His compensation varies with the population and extent of services required. The following named have served as Auditors : June 5, 1821, John Devor, appointed ; 1822, H. D. Williams ; March, 1824, John Craig, elected, died, and June, 1826, John Beers appointed to fill vacancy, elected, and in December, 1829, resigned to accept appointment of Clerk of Court, and January, 1830, David Cole was appointed to fill vacancy ; in October, 1832, Hiram Bellows elected, resigned October 5, 1836, and David Angel served until January, 1837, when John McIlthanney took his seat-the latter deceased, and at a special meeting called by the Sheriff, September, 1837, C. C. Craig was appointed, then elected, and served till 1840, when he resigned, and William M. Wilson succeeded ; held till October, 1846, when he resigned and John L. Winner was appointed to fill the unexpired term. David Stamm served a term, followed by F. Gram, who died, and A. R. Doty filled vacancy ; A. L. Northrop served from October, 1849, to 1852, when George W. Coover was elected ; Joseph C. Shepherd chosen in 1854; John E. Matchett, 1857 ; D. B. Cleves, 1861 ; E. H. Wright, 1865 ; O. C. Perry, 1867 ; John E. Matchett, 1871; W. J. Kelly, 1873 ; and John C. Turpen, 1879.
The County Treasurer is elected biennially. Bond to the amount required by Commissioners, at the hands of four or more freehold sureties, or the office vacant, and appointment made. Additional bond may be required, if deemed necessary. All payments are made, except on tax duplicate. on the draft of the Auditor, or when moneys are received from the State by the Auditor of State. Duplicate receipts must be given for all moneys paid. except taxes-one to the person paying, the other to the Auditor. Receipt of tax duplicate is made known by legal notice given. The office shall be kept open, for the collection of taxes, from the time of the delivery of the duplicate to him until January 25, and from April 1 to July 20. Taxes may be paid on or before December 20, or one-half before that time and the remainder on or before June 20, but all road taxes shall be paid prior to December 20. After June 20, the penalty is 5 per cent .; after December 20, the overdue taxes may by collected by distress and sale, etc. When the Treasurer is unable to collect by distress, he shall apply to the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, and cause to be served upon the delinquent person or corporation, requiring them to show cause for failure in payment, in default of
321
IIISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.
which a rule shall be entered, having the force and effect of a judgment. The right to redeem lands sold for tax holds two years from date of sale, by payment to the holder, the amount, expense of deed, with 6 per cent interest and 25 per cent on account of said judgment. When any warrant on the treasury is presented and cannot be paid for want of funds, it shall be indorsed and bear 6 per cent interest from date of indorsement by Treasurer. If the Treasurer, either directly or indirectly, purchases warrants of his county at any discount. he shall, upon settlement, forfeit the whole amount due thereon. Advance payments may be made to local authorities, not exceeding two-thirds of the current collec- tion of taxes of the corporation. In case of embezzlement, the incumbent shall be removed and a new Treasurer appointed. The following have been the Treas- urers of Darke County : John Devor, appointed June, 1817, 1818 and 1819 ; Daniel Briggs, 1821; Linus Bascom, 1822 and 1824; John Beers, 1825; A. Scribner, 1826 and 1827; Loring R. Brownell, elected October, 1831; Henry D. Williams, 1835; James M. Dorsey, 1839; Daniel Irwin. 1839; James Devor, appointed to fill vacancy caused by death of Irwin, May, 1844 ; Charles Hutchins, 1847 ; James Irwin, elected 1851 and 1853; William Schmidt, appointed 1854; James McKhann, 1855 and 1857 ; George H. Martz, 1859 and 1861; Thomas P. Turpen, 1862 ; Eli Helm, 1866 ; Peter V. Banta, 1870, two terms ; W. R. Kerlin, 1874, and Amos Hahn, 1878.
The County Recorder keeps four sets of records, viz., deeds, mortgages, plats and leases. He shall furnish a fair and accurate copy of any record in his office, and certify the same to any person demanding and tendering the fees therefor. He shall make and keep up suitable indexes. Abraham Scribner was the first Recorder, appointed in 1817 ; Eastin Morris, 1822; Josiah D. Farrar, Thomas Rush, John Wharry ; Elias Brumminager, elected 1844; John S. Shepherd, 1850 ; S. C. Eddington. 1856 ; Daniel Stevenson, 1859 : A. F. Medford, 1865 ; Benjamin Beers, 1868 ; P. H. Maher, 1874, re-elected in 1878, and still in office. Besides these officers, there are the Infirmary Directors, three in number, who hold for three years ; a Superintendent of the asylum and a County Surveyor.
For a few years from first settlement, comparatively little interest was taken in politics ; people were too much absorbed in the struggle for bread. Later, the district was carried by the Whigs, uniformly, but by moderate majorities only, until after the new constitution came into force, in 1851. An increasing interest was felt in politics as years went by, and both national and local issues were dis- cussed with much warmth, privately and publicly. During the Presidential cam- paign which resulted in making James Buchanan chief magistrate of the nation, the political pulse of the people rose to a pitch previously unknown in the history of Darke, while, during the whole period of the war, Greenville was one of the most deeply engaged and thoroughly aroused places in this part of Ohio. The local prints did not mince matters, but criminations and recriminations were fre- quent. The editorial pencils were held firmly, and moved by fervid energy. Italics, small caps and capitals wearied the printer ; political writers and speakers dealt in denunciations, threats and charges ; the Democrat office was pied, and pitched into the street. Later years aroused a more conservative spirit. and a courtesy prevails which speaks well for the intelligence and patriotism of the citi- zens. The county is fully recognized as Democratic. the strength of which party, compared with the Republican, is illustrated by the vote of 1876 for President : Samuel J. Tilden received 4,667 votes ; Rutherford B. Hayes, 3,577 ; a total of S,239. In 1877, the vote stood for Governor: William II. West, 2.612; Richard M. Bishop, 3,947. In 1878, for Secretary of State, Milton Barnes, 2,980 ; David R. Paige, 4,202. The following, respecting population, shows the progress of the county in this regard : In 1820, 3,717 ; in 1830, 6,204 ; in 1840, 13,282; in 1850, 20,276 ; in 1860, 26,009 ; in 1870, 32,278.
The following illustrates the growth between 1840 and 1850, by townships : Greenville, 1,851 to 3.417 ; Twin, 1,057 to 1,400; Richland, 589 to 793; Harrison,
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HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY.
1,866 to 1,705; Washington. 898 to 1,250; Van Buren, 421 to 770; German, 1,173 to 1.601 ; Wayne, 727 to 1.162 ; Brown, 293 to 684; Butler, 1,116 to 1,446 ; Monroe, 171 to 913 : Jackson. 304 to 566; Adams. 698 to 1,416; Neave, 635 to 883; York. 371 to 497; Franklin. 291 to 451; Mississinewa, 124 to 318; Patter- son, attached to Wayne, 319; Allen, 194 to 290; Wabash, attached to York in 1840, in 1850 gave 309. Gibson, with 276, was attached to Mercer County when Auglaize was erected. AAbout one-half of Allen and parts of Patterson and Wabash were given to Mercer at the same time. Add the population of Patter- son to Wayne, of which it was formed, and 1.481 shows the population to have doubled. The same is true of York when Wabash is added. All townships but Harrison showed heavy increase compare with 1840. We conclude this chapter by the following from the pen of Hon. James Hanaway, of Kansas, formerly a resident of Butler Township, this county :
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