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 92
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 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111
BENJAMIN C. JACKSON, farmer and teacher ; P. O. Arcanum. Born in New Jersey July 4, 1828 ; his parents being dead, he lived with his grandfather until 1845, when he entered the Mt. Retirement Seminary. Sussex Co., Vt., where he remained until 1848. then engaged in teaching till 1851, at which time he entered upon duty with the N.Y. & E.R.R. Co. as telegraph, freight and ticket agent at Chester, Orange Co., N. Y., where he remained until 1856 ; he then engaged as book-keeper in a wholesale cigar and liquor store in New York City until 1857, and since has been principally engaged in teaching. In 1861, he united in marriage in Montgomery Co., Ohio, with Mary A. Kimmel, and by this union has two chil- dren, viz .. Carrie V. and George E. In 1872, he came to Darke Co. and bought the farm of 57 acres where he now lives, in Sec. 7, valued at $3.500.
HARRISON A. KEPNER, hardware and grocer, Arcanum. The subject of this sketch was born in Perry Co., Penn., May 14, 1836; he was the son of a family of eleven children, whose father, Jacob Kepner, was born in Juniata Co .. Penn., July 21, 1806, and whose mother, Catharine (Kanawell) Kepner, was born in Berks County, same State, Nov. 11, 1808. Having resided in his native county until the age of 21, he left the parental roof, and, wholly dependent upon his own resources and energy, began the struggle of life. Subsequently, he emigrated to Allen Co., Ohio, where he remained about one year, then finally settled in Darke Co. in the spring of 1858 ; on the 4th day of September in the following year, he married Miss Sarah, daughter of George and Lydia Brumbaugh, who were then old residents of the county ; the fruits of this marriage were four children, three of whom are now living. viz .: Clara C., born in 1862 ; Harry V., born in 1867, and Bertha N., born in 1877. Mr. Kepner's political sympathies are with the Demo- cratie party, and his infinenee has been lent to the advancement of the principles which he advocates. The party has recognized and reciprocated by bestowing upon him various offices of trust and responsibility, which he has in every case most creditably filled, and by his genial manners and uprightness of character has won friends among all with whom he has been brought in contact.
J. H. KRAUS, of the firm of Kraus & Clark. Arcanum. The subject of this sketch was born in Butler Co., Ohio. in 1840, and is a son of Benjamin and Nancy Kraus, both natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., and removed to New York State. in 1835. and to Butler Co., in 1836, and to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1846, where they still continue to reside ; they are the parents of two children, viz .: Amanda C., now Mrs. D. H. Wilson, who resides in Montgomery Co .. Ohio. and J. H., the subject of this sketch; his grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania ; his grandfather, Kraus, was born in 1778, and died at the age of 82 years ; his grandmother, Kraus, was born in 1780, and died at the age of 84 years ; his grandparents on his mother's side were Jacob and Elizabeth (Keeler) Shell, also natives of Pennsylvania ; Mr. Shell dying at the age of 77, and Mrs. Shell at the advanced age of 80 years. Mr. Kraus was engaged in the mercantile business for a period of five years. and removed to Arcanum in October, 1870, and engaged in the business he still con- tinues to follow. He was united in marriage with Miss C. E., daughter of Jacob and
653
TWIN TOWNSHIP.
Nellie (Niswonger) Swank June 22, 1871, her parents being residents of Montgom- ery Co. ; two children have been given to this union, viz .: Harry B., born Aug. 10. 1876 ; Waldo J., born April 2, 1879 ; he has, by his own exertions and studious habits, succeeded in making himself well versed in educational matters, and as a reward for his persevering industry and popular business ways, has made life a suc- cess, and is literally one of the self-made men of Darke Co .; though Mr. Kraus is no political aspirant, his fellow-townsmen have voted him a full share of local offices. Mrs. Kraus has been a lifelong member of the U. B. Church, and is a hard-working, consistent, Christian woman, and greatly interested in the emulation of the Christian religion.
THOMAS McCOWEN, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. O. Arcanum ; was born in Darke Co., Ohio, Nov. 7, 1828, and is a son of John McCowen, a native of Bell- brook, Ireland, who came to North America when but 3 years old, and was one of the patriots of 1812 ; came to Darke Co. in 1826, being one of the pioneers of this county, where he died in 1850. Our subject spent his boyhood days on a farm in summer, and in winter devoted his time to school, as much as time and convenience would admit, which at that time were limited. In 1850, he united in marriage with Sarah J. Mears, and by this union they have three children, viz .: Mary A., now Mrs. O. B. Pierce ; Catherine and Irvin. When Mr McCowen com- menced for himself, he had no money by which to assist him in life ; he has since, by industry and economy, become the possessor of 233 acres of valuable land in Secs. 17, 19 and 20, Twin Township ; is located on the Ithaca and Ft. Jefferson free turnpike. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity for thirty-two years ; the oldest member of the Ithaca Lodge, also a member of the I. O. O. F. for a number of years ; has been an active member of the Darke Co. Agricultural Association ; at present is President of the same ; has held the office of Twin Township Trustee four years.
ANNA M. MARSHALL, retired, Gordon. The lady whose name heads this sketch was born in the State of New York Dec. 2, 1813, and removed in infancy with her parents to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1815 ; her father, Lewis Mundhenk. was born in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1784; her mother, Mary A. Feit, was born in Rotterburn, Germany, in 1789 ; they were married in New York June 4, 1811 ; Mr. Mundhenk departed this life at the age of 74 years ; Mrs. Mundhenk is living at the advanced age of 90 years, and is still hale and hearty. Our subject was united in marriage with Philip Marshall, April 17, 1834 ; he was a son of Henry and Mary Marshall, who were natives of New Jersey, afterward residents of Mont- gomery Co., Ohio; Mr. Marshall departed this life March 10, 1838, aged 26 years ; she still bears the name of her departed husband, and was 67 years of age the day this sketch was written. Two children were given to this short but happy union. of whom only one survives, viz. : Mary A., born Jan. 12, 1835 ; Philip L., March 28, 1838, died May 19, 1838 ; Mary A.'s first marriage was consummated with John Mills ; her second marriage was celebrated with Mr. Troxall, Nov. 3, 1864 ; to their union three children have been given, viz. : Watson E., born Sept. 5, 1865 ; John D., Oct. 18, 1868 ; Letta N., Dec. 11, 1870. Mr. Troxall had been previously married to Susan Heater; four children were the fruits of their union, viz. : Emma B., born July 27, 1858 ; Martha A., Jan. 25, 1860 ; Mary E., July 3, 1861 ; Mrs. Troxall departed this life April 15, 1864, aged 29 years 6 months and 25 days ; he was a son of David Troxall, a native of Pennsylvania, who departed this life in 1840 ; his wife removed to Ohio in 1847, and died in July, 1861.
DAVID E. MUNDHENK, farmer ; P. O. Gordon. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1831 ; he is a son of Lewis and Mary Mundhenk, and a brother to Mrs. Anna Marshall, whose sketch, with that of her parents, appeared in this work. Our subject's boyhood days were spent on his father's farm, where he assisted in agricultural pursuits until his 21st year, when he began life for himself, and for three years faithfully labored in Montgomery Co., and then removed to Darke Co., where he now
654
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
resides. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Reed, who is a daughter of John and Barbara Reed ; they were natives of Westmoreland Co., Penn., and removed to Montgomery Co. in 1836, where they resided until Mr. Reed's death, which occurred in February, 1840 ; then his wife removed to this county, where she resided until her death, Feb. 17, 1870, aged about 76 years Mr. Mundhenk is one of Darke Co.'s self-made men, having begun life empty-handed, and by hard work and good management, coupled with frugality, he and his amiable wife have accomplished the great objeet in life-made a good home, being now in possession of 160 aeres of as good land as is to be found in the county ; the improvements are No. 1 in every particular ; his large house, which has recently been built, and its pleasant surroundings, make his premises a very attractive place. Six children are the fruits of their union, viz., Clement V., born March 29, 1864 ; Charles J., born July 14, 1866 ; Eddie M., born Nov. 7, 1868 ; three dying in infancy. Politically, Mr. Mundhenk is a Democrat of the old Jacksonian school, but has never been a poli- tical aspirant.
PHILIP MUNDHENK, farmer; P. O. Arcanum ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, July 19, 1816 ; he is a son of Lewis and Mary Mundhenk, and a brother of Daniel, whose sketch appears here ; also a brother of Mrs. Marshall, in whose sketch proper mention is made of his parents ; he resided in his native county with his parents until his marriage, which was celebrated with Mary A. King May 11, 1848 ; she was a daughter of John and Elizabeth King, who were among the early settlers of Darke Co .; he settled in Darke Co. in 1848, and on the place where he now resides in 1853 ; he first purchased 160 acres of land, cov- ered with a dense forest, which has entirely disappeared from view, and in its stead highly cultivated fields, rich and productive ; a fine barn and a large brick residence which he has erected, at a cost of $3,000, mark the place where a few years ago the handiwork of nature reposed in all its grandeur ; he has since added to the original purchase, and now owns 260 acres of fine land, all in a high state of cultivation. In August, 1878, he was rendered houseless by the devouring flames. Eight children have been given to their union, viz .: Lewis R., born Feb. 28, 1849 ; John, March 9, 1851 ; Elizabeth R., Feb. 16, 1853 ; Martha J., Jan. 28, 1855 ; Dora C., March 22, 1857 ; Philip A., July 6, 1861 ; Charles F., Jan. 12, 1867 ; Albert D., Jan. 30. 1870, and departed this life March 15, 1872.
WILLIAM NEALEIGH, farmer and minister of the Gospel ; P.O. Arcanum ; was born in Preble Co., Ohio, Sept. 28, 1811 ; his parents were Henry and Eliza- beth Nealeigh. He married Rachael Shields, of Preble Co., Nov. 17, 1831, and settled in Darke Co. in January 1837, on Sec. 3, Twin Township, Of his experi- ence, Mr. Nealeigh writes as follows : " We were married in 1831, and commenced life with $30 ; in January, 1837, we emigrated to Darke County and settled on the land where we have sinee lived ; in five years, we had earned and paid for our 163 aeres of land, $555. The forest looked wild ; there were wolves and deer in abundance, and the mosquitoes were so numerous that, when I went out of an evening to shoot squirrels, they would alight so thick on my gun barrel that I could not see the sights, unless I fired very quickly, but now, the wilderness has become a fruitful field, thank God ! The first spring, we made a flour barrel full of sugar, and twenty gallons of molasses ; in 1840, we were both converted to God, and in 1843, a Christian Church, called the Panther Creek Christian Church, and a meeting-house was built one mile south of Arcanum; we were two of the charter members, and the only two now living ; I there commenced preaching. The church was two miles from our home, and we often traveled that distance six times in one day and night, carrying a child in our arms ; I traveled and preached where- ever I could, and worked on my farm the balance of my time ; I have preached forty years, and during my ministry have delivered 3,029 sermons, 1,586 exhorta- tions, attended 304 funerals, solemnized 213 marriages, prayed with the sick 470 times, received into the church 422 members, baptized 212, made 153 speeches of various kinds, and traveled 40,324 miles, for which I have received about $50
655
TWIN TOWNSHIP.
per year. I was once young, and now I am old, and I never saw the righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread, thank God ! Mr. Nealeigh, has, in addition to the labors he has enumerated, raised a family of ten children.
GEORGE NISONGER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 23; P. O. Gordon. Ohio. The subject of this sketch is one of the old residents of Darke Co .; he was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Oct. 16, 1823, and is a son of George and Fanny Nisonger, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Nisonger resided in the county of his nativity until he removed to Twin Township, Darke Co., in 1849. He was united in marriage, in 1853, to Miss Louisa, daughter of John and Lydia St. Clair, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Ohio at an early day ; four children have been given to this union, viz. : Catherine, born Dec. 25, 1854 ; John W., born June 20, 1859 ; Henry, born March 12, 1862; Silas, born Jan 5, 1867. Catherine was married in the fall of 1872, to George Mathews, and resides on an adjoining farm ; John W. died Jan. 7, 1863. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nisonger are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are zealous, energetic Christians. Mr. and Mrs. Mathews are also members of the same church. Mr. Nisonger has 40 acres in his home farm, which is in a good state of cultivation.
DANIEL B. OLWINE, livery and exchange, Arcanum ; the subject of this sketch we are pleased to place in the foremost ranks of the early pioneers of Darke Co., he was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1835, and is a son of David and Nancy Olwine, and removed with his parents to Van Buren Township in the spring of 1839. Mr. Olwine, the subject of this sketch, was only 4 years old at the time. bnt has many vivid recollections of the early pioneer life ; he assisted his father in the duties of farming, and, as a matter of course, young David had his part to perform in the many log rollings that were necessary before the dense forest of Darke Co., could be subjected to the use of the plow ; he labored on his father's farm till 18 years of age, or in 1858, when he commenced his career without a dollar in his pocket or a second suit of clothes ; he served an apprenticeship as carpenter for one year, for which he received $8 per month, when he hired to another party for better wages and labored for three years, for which he received $18 per month. His marriage was celebrated on Oct. 1, 1857, with Miss Amanda Jones, daughter of Henry and Susan Jones, old residents of Darke Co., Ohio ; after his marriage, he was without funds to procure the necessary furniture for house- keeping ; but by negotiating a small loan from his father-in-law, he procured a little lumber and manufactured his own furniture for housekeeping, renting a farm in Adams Township, near Gettysburg, on which he lived for one year ; selling out again, he embarked in the carpenter business in Harrison and Adams Town- ships, which he prosecuted till 1860, when he again engaged in farming till 1864 ; he then engaged in the cabinet business and followed cabinet-making till 1869, and then handled walnut lumber for two years ; in the fall of 1871, he again resumed the cabinet-making business ; in the spring of 1872, he removed to Arcanum and engaged in his previous business for two years ; during that time he erected a very fine residence, then kept hotel and dealt in real estate till 1875 ; selling out the hotel business, he purchased a large livery and barn and contents, which business he still continues to follow. Mr. Olwine has had a checkered career. and in all of his ups and downs he has been nobly assisted by his amiable and estimable wife. His barn contains many fine turnouts, and we would advise any who wants a drive to call on Dan. Eleven children have been given to this union, of whom all are living except three, two having died in infancy-Franklin T., was born Aug. 21, 1858 ; Susan B., May 8, 1860; Nancy J., Sept. 4, 1862 ; Ida L., Sept. 9, 1864 ; Essie G., Aug. 11, 1868 ; Gladis M., Dec. 20, 1870 ; Adda F., June 21, 1873 ; Parlie M., April 15, 1876 ; Nancy J., died April 15, 1869, aged 7 years 7 months and 11 days.
B. F. OZIAS, freiglit, ticket and telegraph agent, Arcanum ; on the D. & U. R. R. To the above-named gentleman we are pleased to record a space in this work; he was born in Preble County, Ohio, Nov. 17, 1837, where he was
Z
656
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
brought up on the farm until 1855. and received a common-school education, after which he took a short course in the Seven-Mile Academy ; after returning from the seminary, was engaged in various pursuits until 1867, when he opened a drug store in Galveston, Ind., which business he followed until 1869; at this time sold out and came to Arcanum, Darke Co., where he has since resided, and up to 1872 was variously engaged ; at this time, he was appointed to the office he now holds, and duly fills ; our subject, since a resident of Twin Township, has been elected as Township Clerk two terms. Township Trustee one term, and Trustee of the Arcanum School Committee while erecting their new school building in 1876.
JOHN W. PARKS, farmer and teacher ; P. O. Arcanum ; born in Preble County, Ohio, Oct. 22, 1839 ; is a son of Samuel Parks, a native of Preble County, born Feb. 22, 1818, and who, in 1839, united in marriage with Lydia McDonald ; seven children are the fruits of this union, who are all living, are married, and have families. Our subject remained at home at his birthplace until 1860, when he united in marriage with Minerva J. Gates, and by this union have one son, Clinton F. ; from the date of his marriage to 1870, he made several changes, at which time he came to Darke County and purchased a farm near Arcanum. Mr. Parks has, since the age of 18, been a live and energetic teacher of Sunday school, and, since a resident of this county, held the office of Justice of the Peace three years ; he has recently bought and improved a small farm in Sec. 4, where he is comfortably situated for life.
JOHN R. RATLIFF, harness-maker ; P. O. Arcanum. The subject of this memoir was born near Oxford, Ohio, Dec. 9, 1842, and is a son of Robert and Lucinda (Lee) Ratliff, old settlers of Butler County. Our subject resided with his father till he was 21 years of age and assisted in the labors of the farm ; he then began life for himself, and engaged in farming for about ten years ; then selling the implements of the farm, he engaged in harness-making, which occupation he still follows. He was united in marriage. Dec. 22. 1864, with Miss Minerva, daugh- ter of David and Catherine Conners, residents of Butler Co. Mr. and Mrs. Rat- liff are the parents of four children, namely : Ellsworth, born Dec. 27, 1865, de- ceased ; Charles E., born Feb. 25, 1867; Stella K., born Dec. 10, 1870 ; Thomas C., born Nov. 8, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Ratliff are members of the Presbyterian Church and are zealous workers in the cause of religion, and exemplary Christian people.
JOHN Y. ROBBINS, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 29; P. O. Ithaca. Is one of the oldest continuous residents of Darke Co. that we have had the pleasure of meeting with ; he was born in Ithaca Sept. 28, 1820, and has lived within one mile of his birth place for nearly threescore years ; he has seen the dense forests of Darke County melt away before the woodman's ax and the onward march of im- provement and civilization ; he has seen the dismal and gloomy swamps, which bred malaria and death. robbed of their deadly poisons. subdued. renovated and improved, and to-day, owing to the vast quantities of decayed vegetable matter, these quagmires are the most productive lands to be found in Darke County. His parents emigrated from North Carolina to the Stillwater, in Miami County, in 1800, afterward to Darke County in 1815, and to Richard and Rebecca Robbins belong the honor of being the first actual settlers in Twin Township. The subject of our sketch celebrated his marriage with Susan, daughter of Adam and Eliza- beth Rhidenour, June 11, 1840, and were natives of Maryland. and removed to Darke County in 1836 or 1837 ; children-Martha A., Adam, Sarah, Ellen, Malinda, Daniel, Melzena, Ella, William and Alberta; Martha and Ellen, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and bear- ers of the Cross for many years.
C. B. ROBBINS, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. O. Arcanum.
ABRAM RYNEARSON, farmer ; P. O. Ithaca. Born in Warren Co., Ohio, April 27, 1812, and is a son of Nicholas Rynearson, born in New Jersey in 1769, and about 1792, married Miss Jane Elison, who was born in New Jersey Aug. 25,
657
TWIN TOWNSHIP.
1769 ; by this union they had ten children ; in 1806, they emigrated to Warren Co., Ohio ; Mr. Nicholas Rynearson came from New Jersey to Ohio in a large wagon ; he died in Warren Co. Feb. 24, 1822. The subject of this sketch remained at home with his parents till 1829, at which time he entered upon the apprenticeship of wagon-making. On Dec. 18, 1834, he was united in marriage with Rachel Ball, who was born in Deerfield Township, Warren Co., Ohio, Aug. 12, 1817 ; her father, Luther Ball, was born in New Jersey in 1777, and Miss Elizabeth Fry, his wife, was born in Maryland in 1793 ; they had four children ; the children of Abram and Rachel (Ball) Rynearson were nine in number. six daughters and three sons, of whom there are two daughters deceased ; Abram, after marriage, lived in Warren Co. until 1836, at which time he moved to Twin Township, and, when he came, found plenty of deer and turkeys ; on moving to his farm in Sec. 29, where he now lives, he found it densely covered with huge oaks, beech, and a heavy growth of under- brush, which he and his family have. through industry, opened, so that it makes & beautiful farm home, where he and his companions are comfortably situated for life. Mr. and Mrs. R. have for many years been consistent members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church at Ithaca, thereby lighting up the path of Christianity, that their children may not stray from it.
G. W. SIGERFOOS, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in the State of Maryland Dec. 13, 1825 ; he emigrated to Montgomery, Ohio, when 9 years of age, his early life being devoted to farming and teaching. Upon the 28th of July, 1850, he was united in marriage with Nancy Shanck, a daughter of Peter Shanck, whose biography appears among the sketches of Monroe Township, in another part of this work ; she was born in Montgomery Co. Oct. 2. 1830 ; upon the marriage of Mr. S., he followed brickmaking and school-teaching some five years in Phillipsburg ; in 1855, he engaged in the dry-goods trade at Georgetown, Miami Co., continuing the same ten years ; he then devoted six years to farming, then came to Gordon and again engaged in the dry-goods trade, and in 1872 came to Arcanum and engaged in the dry-goods trade, continuing the same until his death, which occurred Oct. 16, 1875. The children of G. W. and Nancy (Shanck) Singer- foos were six in number, viz .: Lorin, born Aug. 25, 1851, died Nov. 28, 1870 ; Orrin, born March 22, 1853. died Aug. 12, 1870 ; Arrabella, born Oct. 22, 1856 ; Ella B., Jan. 26, 1863 ; Charles P., May 4, 1865, and Edward, Dec. 14, 1868. It will be seen by the above that the family circle remained unbroken until Aug. 12, 1870, when the death messenger entered and claimed Orrin as its first victim, and the November following again made his appearance, this time laying his cold, icy hands upon the first-born ; thus within the short space of about three months two of the members of this happy family were removed from earth to Heaven, followed five years later by the death of a kind husband and father.
JOHN SMITH, merchant ; P. O. Arcanum ; one of the old settlers of Darke Co .; he was born in Adams Co., Penn., in 1828, and removed, with his parents, to Preble Co., Ohio, in 1835 or 1836, and resided there till 1850, when he removed to Sampson, in Darke Co., where he remained about one year, thence to Arcanum, in 1851, and opened a store of general merchandise, it being the first store ever opened in Arcanum. The dimensions of this building were only 16x24 feet, and would present a striking contrast in comparison with his large, elegant and com- modious store of the present day-the latter being 90x32 feet. Mr. Smith is one of the pioneer merchants of Darke Co., and has for thirty years been passing through the different phases of mercantile life, and by his strict business integrity and popular business habits, built up a trade that is second to none in Darke Co. He was united in marriage with Sophia McNutt in 1851; they were the parents of three children, viz., Milton W., Leonidas H., Theophilus D. Mrs. Smith departed this life Feb. 7, 1859, leaving a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn her loss ; his marriage with Delia V. Bittle was celebrated in 1863; the children by this union were Edwin S., Bertelle L., Roy C., Maude C. and Mamie. W .; the above are all living. The deceased, Elmer E., was born Dec. 4, 1864,
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.