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Darke County, Ohio
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Biographies

* Source:
History of Darke County, Ohio
- Illustrated -
Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.
1880.

 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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Adams Twp. -
AARON HAHN; P. O. Gettysburg.  The subject of this sketch was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, Mar. 26, 1816; he is a son of Samuel and Hannah (Pauline) Hahn, who were natives of Maryland; Mr. H. was born about the year 1790 or 1791, his wife in 1795; they came to Darke Co. in 1831 and located in Franklin Township; Mrs. H. departed this life in 1861; Mr. H. is still living, and resides in Greenville, with his son Amos.  Our subject came to this county with his parents when 15 years of age, where he assisted his father on the farm during the summer season and attended the district school through the winter, thereby obtaining a good common-school education; he remained at home till 21 years of age, when his father gave him 93 acres of land, all under heavy timber; he then commenced the task of clearing and preparing the land for cultivation.  On the 21st of March, 1839, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Reck, and located upon his farm, to which he had added until possessed of 184 acres in all; Mr. H. departed this life May 11, 1853; their children were five in numbe4r by this union, of whom four are living, viz.:  Mary E., born May 18, 1844; Jeremiah, Oct. 15, 1846; John E., May 21, 1850; Joseph, Apr. 30, 1853; Mr. H. carried on his farm and cared for his children till Jan. 26, 1854, when he was united in marriage with Catherine Feeser;  she was born in Frederick Co., Maryland, July 7, 1834; they remained on the farm in Franklin Township till 1868, when he sold, and bought 127 acres in Adams Township, which he traded for 84 acres in Sec. 25, locating there in 1873, where he still resides; his residence is situated in the corporation of Gettysburg; he has been afflicted with palsy for several years, which has confined him to his room a greater part of the time; Mr. H. has in no way been an office-seeker, yet he has been identified with the township offices since his residence here; he has served as Trustee of Franklin Township for a period of six years, and has been Clerk and School Director; the children of Aaron and Catherine (Feeser) Hahn were ten in number, of whom nine are living, viz:  Emeline, born Apr. 15, 1857; William, Oct. 16, 1858; Martha E., May 5, 1860; Susanna C., Sept. 10, 1861; Laura B., May 16, 1863; Ansenora, Oct. 24, 1865; Samuel N., May 15, 1868; Sarah J., May 1, 1869, and Benjamin F., May 15, 1871.  Mr. H. has passed through the many hard struggles, trials and incidents of frontier life, and has accumulated a good property, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good wife.  Mr. and Mrs. H. are memers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are good, consistent Christian people.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880
- Page 549

Greenville Twp. -
AMOS HAHN, Treasurer of Darke County, Greenville. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is the present efficient Treasurer of Darke Co.; he was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Feb. 1, 1818; his parents, Samuel and Hannah Hahn, are natives of Frederick Co., Md.; his father was born March 9, 1791, his mother in 1795, and departed this life in 1861; Mr. Hahn, Sr. is still living, and resides with his son Amos; they were the parents of ten children, of whom sis are now living. Our subject was reared on the farm, but followed carpentering for a number of years, when he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, and for sixteen years did business in Gettysburg; his long and active business career has eminently fitted him for the responsible position of honor and trust he holds, as a gift from the people of the county. His marriage with Catherine Finfrock was consummated Oct. 3. 1843; she was the daughter of Peter and Mary Finfrock. who were natives of Pennsylvania, now deceased; Mr. and Mrs. Hahn are the parents of three children, viz., Clement C., born Nov. 16, 1845; Albert J., April 23, 1847; Luella M., in September, 1857; Clement was united in marriage with Nannie Compton Oct. 7, 1868; Albert J. consummated his marriage with Virginia Johnson Dec. 22, 1874; Luella celebrated her marriage with W. D. Johns March 28, 1877
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 496

Greenville Twp. -
JACOB HALDERMAN, farmer; P. O. Greenville. The subject of this memoir may be classed among the self-made men of Darke Co.; he was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Oct. 25, 1837; he was a son of John Halderman, who was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., and came to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1836, where his death occurred in 1840. He married Hannah Cook, a native of Pennsylvania; she died in Illinois, in December, 1875. Jacob Halderman was thrown upon his resources when 6 years of age, and made his home among friends and strangers, until old enough to work and receive wages; at 18 years of age. he learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed seven years; in 1860, he located upon his present place, where he has since lived; he has 220 acres, with good farm buildings, which he has secured by his own hard labor and correct business habits, and has by the above means placed himself among the large landholders and successful farmers of Darke Co.; the perseverance and energy displayed by Mr. H. to accomplish what he has attained are well worthy of example by the young men of the present day. He has been twice married; his first wife was Mary Baker, to whom he was married Dec. 22, 1859; she was born in Darke Co. in 1841 and died December, 1875, leaving six children, having lost one by death; the living are Leoti, born Aug. 22, 1861; Alice, Feb. 10, 1863; Herschel V. Feb. 2, 1865; Idabird, Jan. 6, 1868; Elnora, July 2, 1870; Pearl, Dec. 30, 1872. Upon the 11th of October, 1877, he was united in marriage with Francis Helm, who was born in Darke Co., Sept. 13, 1845; they have one child— Roily, born Sept. 4. 1878. Mrs. Halderman was a daughter of Eli Helm, one of our early pioneers of 1834 or 1835; he was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Darke Co., in October, 1874. He married Catherine Zimmerman, who is now living in Greenville. Mr. Halderman is Democratic in politics, and labors for the success of his party; has been Township Trustee two years, which office he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 497

Greenville Twp. -
JOHN W. HALL, firm of Hime & Hall, livery, feed and sale stable, northeast of public square, also, of firm of Hall & Co., importers and breeders of French, Norman and Clydesdale horses. The above gentlemen is another of the old settlers, being born in Greenville Township May 4, 1834, and is a son of James Hall, who at a very early day came from South Carolina to Miami Co.; thence to Darke Co., among the early settlers; he was engaged in contracting and building to a certain extent; he built the first letter boxes for the post office of Greenville, selecting at that time box Number 96, which box has always been retained in the family, and is now the box of John W. Our subject continued farming in Darke Co. until 1855, when he went to Logan Co., Ill., and followed farming and stock-raising until 1861, at which date he returned to Darke Co. and continued the same business until 1875, when he was elected Sheriff of Darke Co., re-elected in 1877, serving until January, 1880, when, upon the expiration of his office, he associated with Mr. Hime in the above business; in 1874, he associated with Harrod Mills and James Esty in the stock business, under the firm name of Hall & Co., which firm still exists. His marriage with Frances D. Carnahan was celebrated Aug. 29, 1854; she is a native of Darke Co.; they have eight children — James M. Isaac W., Sarah C., Elias M., Idela May, Charles C., Julia E., Rollie S.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 497

Twin Twp. -
JOHN C. HAMILTON, physician and surgeon; Ithaca; the subject of this memoir was born in Monroe County, Ohio, in 1852, and is a son of Jacob and Maria Hamilton, old residents of Monroe County; he received a good common school education and afterward entered the Mt. Union College, in Stark County where he prosecuted his studies with great energy for two years; he then read medicine, under the instructions of a very prominent physi8cian of Louisville, Ohio, and afterward attended the full course of lectures at the Cincinnati Medical Institute, and finished his entire course of study, after much hard labor, in 1875, having gained his M. D., the goal of his ambition, and commenced the practice of medicine in Ithaca; he is a successful practitioner and a gentleman of ability and refinement.  He was united in marriage with Miss Allie Dresher, of Cincinnati, Jan. 27, 1879.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880
- Page 651

Monroe Twp. -
CHRISTIAN HANGEN, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Center, Montgomery Co.  The subject of this sketch was born in Brissin, Germany, Mar. 15, 1850, and is a son of Philip Hangen, whose sketch appears in this work; he emigrated from Germany, with his parents, when he was but 3 years old, and followed the fortunes of his parents till he was 26 years of age, giving his labor entire to the benefit of the family.  He was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of J. and Margaret Myers, No. 23, 1876. Mr. Myers was born in Enshaem Bavaria, Germany, Apr. 8, 1807, and departed this life in Miami Co., aged 63 years 11 months and 15 days.  Mrs. Myers was born in the same place, April 29, 1808, and is a daughter of Nicholas Hale; she is still living, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Hagen; her parents first settled in Cincinnati, and kept a boarding-house for nine months, then removed to Miami Co. and purchased 143 acres of land that is still in possession of the family.  Mrs. Hangen was born in Miami Co. Apr. 8, 1855; she and her husband are members of the Lutheran Church, and, like their parents, are consistent Christian people, and are interested in the church.  They are the parents of two children, viz.: Charles P., born Nov. 9, 1878; Lillian W., born Sept. 11, 1879.  Mr. and Mrs. Myers were the parents of nine children, of whom seven are living, viz.: John, who resides in Michigan; Daniel, who lives in Miami Co.; Charles, who resides in Montgomery Co.; Michael, who lives in Montgomery Co.; Margaret, now Mrs. Schauer, who lives in Union City, Ind.; Jacob, who resides in Sedgwick City, Kan., and Sarah, wife of the subject of our sketch.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page
630

Monroe Twp. -
PHILIP HANGEN, retired farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Center, Montgomery Co., Ohio.  The subject of this memoir was born in Brissin, Germany, Nov. 3, 1817, and is a son of John and Margaret Hangen, natives of the same place.  His father died at the age of 75 years and 11 months; his mother at the age of 45 years.  Our subject assisted his father in the blacksmith-shop until he was 28 years of age, when he celebrated his marriage with Miss Catherine, daughter of P. and Mary (Yost) Herman, Aug. 26, 1845.  He then began life for himself, and followed his trade for nine years in Germany, when he emigrated to this country, and landed in New York on the 9th or 10th of April in 1854; came to Ohio and settled in Miamisburg, where  he lived one year, and then removed to near Gordon, in Darke County, and worked at his trade for a few years, and then moved to the place where he now resides in 1860.  He now owns 170 acres of as fine land as is to be found in Darke County, all in a good state of cultivation.  His improvements are No. 1 in every particular.  When our subject left Gordon, in 1860, his worldly wealth consisted of $40 in money and a span of horses.  Buying his farm entirely on time, he succeeded in paying the whole amount in about two or three years, an example of what can be accomplished when energy and good management are brought to bear on points of issue.  He and his good wife are now in the possession of a good home, surrounded by all the comforts of life, and are resting from their labors, for their day's work is done, and in the shades of retirement are enjoying their declining years.  They are the parents of ten children, viz: Phillip H., born Oct. 4, 1846; Christian, born Mar. 15, 1850; John, born Sept. 2, 18953; Jacob, born June 26, 1855; William and Henry (twins), born July 4, 1857; Harmon, born Oct. 4, 1859.  The deceased are Mary, born Aug. 17, 1848, nee Mrs. Henry Bridenbaugh, died Dec. 25, 1871; Catherine, born Nov. 26, 1851, died Jan. 18, 1855; Henry, died April 12, 1860.  Mr. Hangen has filled the office of Trustee for four years.  He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and are good Christian people.  Their children are also members of the same church.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page
630
Adams Twp. -
ROBERT L. HARPER, farmer; P. O. Horatio.  He was born in 1812, in Pennsylvania, the son of Robert and Sarah Harper, both being born in Pennsylvania.  He was married in 1832 to Martha Adams, daughter of George and Elizabeth Adams, who were born in Virginia, and came to Ohio in about 1810; George AdamsCol. Adams, as he was then called—was in the war of 1812, serving as Colonel all through the war, and bringing home the marks of active service, having seven bullets shot through his body; the issue of the marriage of the subject of our sketch were eight children, of whom five are now living, viz., William S., Thomas B., Robert, George and Martha Jane, all married and settled in life, except Martha Jane, who is yet single and remains at home.  Mr. Harper located upon the farm where he now lives, consisting of 81 acres, in the spring of 1833, and cut out the first stick of timber, made an opening, and put up a little log cabin, this being the only settlement around nearer than New Harrison, one and a half miles distant; from this beginning he labored, opening out and improving as time and means would permit, till now he has 60 acres cleared up and in good cultivation, with a good frame house and good barn; this has all been accomplished by diligent industry and energy, coupled with economy, he being $300 in debt when he went on to the farm, and now he has the pleasure to enjoy the comforts around him for the rest of his life; Mr. Harper is a brother of Sanford Harper, of Greenville.  This is a very remarkable example of early pioneer life, one who endured especially the toils and hardships incident to such a life, and it will stand recorded here upon the pages of this history, as a bright and shining example of what diligence and industry will accomplish, and will be read with interest and profit by children's children and future generations for ages to come.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 550

Greenville Twp. -
WILLIAM SANFORD HARPER, the subject of this sketch, was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio. July 11. 1810; moved with his mother to Butler Co., Ohio, in the spring of 1815, and from there to Darke Co., Ohio, in 1823, with his step-father, B. Koll, and settled on a small farm on the Greenville & West Milton road, four miles southeast of Greenville, there being no house southeast on said road for nine miles; wolves, deer and smaller animals were numerous in the unoccupied forests at that time; schools were few and far between. The subject of this sketch acquired, in addition to a common school education, practical surveying. He was married, in 1832, to Delila daughter of William Arnold, and in 1833 moved into the green forest to open up a farm; for about twenty years, taught school in the winter and cleared ground and farmed in the warm season. In 1852, he was elected County Surveyor, and filled that office as principal and deputy for about ten years, and unofficially for about the same length of time, and yet at his advanced age works at civil engineering, when called on. From a youth, he was of a sober, pious turn of mind, and made a profession of Christianity in 1833, and became a member of the Christian Church; his zeal for the cause of Christ has steadily increased as he has become better acquainted with the sacred Scriptures; he sometimes amuses himself by writing articles for our secular journals, signing them W. S. H.; he is also an ardent advocate of temperance, of the prohibition class. His sons, William Marion and John Harper, are prominent business men in Greenville; in the year 1860 they erected a business house on Broadway, where they are still engaged in business; the former in the jewelry trade, and the latter in the photographic art. Their uniform courteous, honorable, obliging habits have made for them many friends.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 497

Twin Twp. -
DAVID A. HARSH, merchant, Arcanum.  The gentleman whose name hands this sketch was born in Preble Co., Ohio, Dec. 25, 1838.  His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm till his 16th year, at which time he began his struggle in life alone and unaided, save by his indomitable will and energy.  He was engaged in Indiana as teamster for about eight months, then abandoned the business and engaged in carpentering, which he followed for five years.  In the beginning of the war, he volunteered in the 11th O. V. I., and served four months, when he was honorably discharged from the service.  In 1861, he engaged in storekeeping in Hill Grove, Darke Co., but, on account of failing health, he was obliged to relinquish his business and seek the out-door employment of the farm, and for two years carried on a farm in Preble Co.; thence he went to Lewisburg, where he remained for six years; thence to Arcanum, and followed butchering for two years; he then followed various pursuits till July 4, 1877, when he again engaged in the mercantile business, and, by judicious management, has built up a good trade, receiving his full share of the public patronage.  He married Susanna Studebaker, daughter of D. and Elizabeth Studebaker, of Darke Co.  Mr. and Mrs. Harsh are members of the Reformed Church and are zealous workers in the cause of religion.  He is a member of the Libanius Lodge, No. 180, is in good standing, and his motto is onward and upward in the order.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880 - Page 651
Monroe Twp. -
ELIAS HART, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Gordon.  The subject of this memoir was born in Warren Co., Sept. 30, 1830, and is a son of George W. and Rachel Hart, natives of New Jersey, afterward residents of Warren Co.; his father died in Hamilton Co. in 1840, aged about 43 years; his mother died in Darke Co., aged upward of 70 years.  Our subject was reared on the farm till 6 years of age, when his parents removed to Ohio.  After his father's death, he followed various pursuits - followed farming in Montgomery Co.; thence to Preble Co., for about seven years, and was engaged in farming; thence to Darke Co., in the spring of 1865, where he now resides.  He bought 84 acres of land, partly in the woods, and has relieved the surface of all hinderances to farming, and his land is all in a good state of cultivation, his improvements comfortable in every particular.  He celebrated his marriage with Miss Ann, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Baker, Nov. 1, 1855; her parents were natives of Montgomery Co.; five children have been given to this union, viz.: Lillian, born July 3, 1856; Rachel, born Oct. 25, 1859; Ellen M., born May 19, 1861; George W., born Feb. 14, 1864; Charles R., born Aug. 10, 1872.  Mr. Hart has been identified in his township's offices, and is now one of the Township Trustees, has been Supervisor for six terms, and filled the office of School Director many terms; his constituents have elected him to other offices, but, being no political aspirant, he has declined.  Mr. Hart is a member of the German Baptist Church, and a consistent Christian woman.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page
631

Greenville Twp. -
MANNING F. HART, retired, contractor and merchant. Greenville. Among the early pioneers of Darke Co., the gentleman whose name heads this sketch is accorded a place in the front ranks; he was born in Hampshire Co., W. Va. April 7, 1821, and is a son of Dr. William Hart, a native of Berks Co., Penn. He was married, in Pennsylvania, to Elizabeth Pettit, also a native of the same State; they were also among the early settlers of Darke Co., locating in Adams Township in 1839, with three sons and three daughters; about the year 1846, he, with his family, located in Greenville; he was a physician, and followed his profession until his decease, which occurred after, a short residence in Greenville. Our subject came to this county with the family in 1839, and the following ten years his residence was divided between Darke and Montgomery Cos.; in 1849, he located permanently here, and followed the occupation of contractor and builder for several years; he then engaged in the grocery and provision trade until 1879, since which time he has been retired from active business. He has been twice married; his first wife was Mary Hoover; their marriage was celebrated in 1844; one son and two daughters were the fruits of this union, all deceased; she died in 1849; his marriage nuptials with Rebecca A. Knoop were celebrated in 1850; she was born in Miami Co.; they were the parents of five children, of whom two are deceased; the living are Ralph B., Abraham Lincoln and Carrie K., all residing in Greenville.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 498

Harrison Twp. -
AARON HARTER, grocer and confectioner, New Madison; one of the old residents of Darke County; was born in Butler Township, Nov. 15, 1829; son of Samuel Harter, who was a native of Virginia and came to Darke County in 1818, and purchased a farm with a small clearing on it,  near what is now New Madison, where he lived until his death, which occurred May 13, 1865.  Aaron lived at home until 38 years of age, receiving while a boy such and education was he was able to secure in bad weather during the winter months; after he became 'of age." he took charge of the farm, and, in their latter days, the care of his parents; after their decease, he continued to live at the old homestead about three years, when he sold out and removed to New Madison, owning several different pieces of property in New Madison, in which he first lived, and has continued to live here ever since.  He was married Aug. 14, 1851, to Susan E. Boyer; she was born in Preble County, Ohio, Nov. 8, 1832; they are the parents of two children - William B., born May 8, 1852, died July 7, 1861; and Alvin R. born Aug. 4, 1857, now assisting his father in the store.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. hicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 694 - Harrison Twp.
Butler Twp. -
ELAM HARTER, farmer; P. O. New Madison; a life resident of Darke Co., grandson of the pioneer Francis Harter, and son of Solomon Harter, whose biography appears in this work; his youth was spent on a farm in Harrison Township; when 20 years of age, he began to work at the carpenter's trade, and has followed that business ever since, with the exception of about three years of army service; he worked in the vicinity of Terre Haute, and resided there in 1857 and 1858, part of the time in Indiana and part of the time over the line in Illinois; in 1859, he returned to Darke Co., built a house on his father's place near New Madison, which house he removed after the war, on to the little tract he then purchased and has since resided on; in 1862, he with others enlisted a company and went into the United States service, being mustered into the 110th Regiment O. V. I. as Co. H, at Piqua, October 3, and in the same month joined the army in West Virginia, and was actively engaged in field service from that time to the surrender of Lee at Appomattox.  We cannot follow them in the long and weary marches, nor mention the almost numberless deeds of endurance and valor in which Mr. Harter always shared, but will mention some of the more noted battles in which he with his regiment took a part - Winchester in 1863, and later the Wilderness, under Grant, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Cedar Creek, and the final siege of Richmond; during the latter, Capt. Harter was wounded;  He entered the service as Second Sergeant, and, by bravery and persevering endurance, always being with his company, was promoted through and regular order to Captain; at home he is a Past Grand in the I O. O. F., and an intelligent, respected citizen. He was married in 1853 to Christina Ray, who is also a life-resident of Darke Co., having been born in Butler Township May 20, 1834, and is an intelligent, sociable lady.  They have two children - Junietta, a young lady of unusual intelligence and culture, and a son, Eyevin V.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 667
Butler Twp. -
ELIAS HARTER, blacksmith; P. O. New Madison.  He is one of the few men who were born here in the early days of Darke Co., that now reside here; he was born in Butler Township in 1821; is the son of David and Sarah (Boone) Harter.  David was one of the married sons of Francis Harter, and was among the first settlers of Butler Township.  David was a blacksmith, and Elias partially learned the trade, while at home, and after his marriage finished his apprenticeship, and has continued to follow this trade most of his time since.  Was a leading and active citizen of New Madison for many years during which he erected several of the best buildings in town, but the crisis following the close of the war occasioned heavy loss, and he, with others, was bankrupted.  When the war was raging and the Government called for more help, he, though above 40 enlisted in the one-hundred-day service, and traveled over a considerable portion of Virginia, where his father and grandfather had lived.  The past season he has relaid more plows, perhaps, than any other man in Darke Co., and is till a vigorous, active workman and a respected citizen.  He was married in 1844, to Miss Gertrude J., daughter of William Biddle, a native of New Jersey, and an early settler of Butler Township.  She was born in New Jersey in 1826, and was 8 years old when her parents came to Darke Co.  Mr. and Mrs. Harter are worthy members of the Reformed Church, at New Madison, and useful, respected members of society; they have raised a large family - five sons and three daughters, viz., George S., John O., William B., Millroy E., Charles S., Sarah K., Allie J. and Gertrude E.  George S. volunteered in 1862, when only 16 years of age, and served three years, enduring many hardships and participating in many battles; was a prisoner in the infamous "Andersonville," and came home from there in December, 1864, looking more like a corpse than a living being, but recovered, and is now the teacher of the Dayton (Ohio) High School; Sarah K. now the widow of William Hetzler, deceased, is a teacher in the public school at Greenville; John O. formerly a teacher at the high schools at Ashtabula and Hudson, Ohio, is now retired, on account of his health, and resides in Summit Co.; Alice J. is now Mrs. David Wheeler, of Greenville; Gertrude now a young lady of unusual intelligence and culture, is also a teacher, and all the above mentioned are members of the Presbyterian Church, thanks to the holy influences of a pious and intelligent mother.  William B. is a medical student, while the two younger are schoolboys.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 667
Butler Twp. -
WILLIAM B. HARTER, farmer; P. O. New Madison; a descendant of Francis Harter, and a life resident of Darke Co.; is the only child of Silas and Lydia (Michaels) Harter; Silas was the son of David and brother to Elias Harter, whose biography appears in this work; his decease occurred Dec. 1, 1861.  Lydia Michaels is the daughter of John Michaels, and early settler of Butler Township; she is now Mrs. James Clarke, of German Township.  The subject of this sketch was born in 1846; he grew up on the farm upon which he now resides; at his father's decease, he took charge of the farm; afterward rented it, and learned the wagon-maker's trade, but returned to the farm in 1867, and has resided here ever since.  His father first had 40 acres, and had increased them to 80, before his death, and had a barn partly built; the son finished the barn, remodeled the house, and has also made other improvements, besides paying over $700 pike tax and has lately purchased an additional 40 acres, with buildings.  Mr. Harter, though a young man, is already one of the substantial citizens of Butler Township; is an economical, industrious, useful citizen.  He was married to Eliza J. Zimmerman Nov. 29, 1868; she is the daughter of Reben Zimmerman; her mother was a Brubacker, and is now Mrs. John Jamison, of Greenville.  Mr. Harter is a member of the United Brethren Church, and an intelligent and agreeable woman.  They have three children - George A., Elizabeth Iola and Mary Rosetta.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 667
Harrison Twp. -
SOLOMON HARTER, retired farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. New Madison; one of the old settlers of Darke County; he was born in Virginia Feb. 3, 1808; is the son of Francis Harter, who came to Darke County at an early day, bringing eight sons with him, all but one of whom became residents of Darke County;  Solomon was about 8 years old when they came, and was reared in the wilderness, assisting in clearing and improving the farm.  July 4, 1830, he was married to Margaret Ullum, who also belonged to a pioneer family; she was born Aug. 15, 1808; about two years after their marriage, they settled on the farm where he has since resided;  her death occurred July 17, 1862; they had five children, only two of whom are living - Elam, who resides in Butler Township; and M. K., who lives on the farms his father's place, his father living with him.  Mr. Harter has been quite feeble for some time, but has had the satisfaction of seeing the wilderness subdued and fine farms with substantial improvements take place of the forest which once covered the face of this now fertile region.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 695
Greenville Twp. -
C. W. HARTZELL, farmer; P. O. Greenville. (No other information)
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page
500

Greenville Twp. -
GEORGE HARTZELL, farmer; P. O. Greenville; the subject of this sketch is another of our old settlers; he was born in Adams Co., Penn., Oct. 3, 1835 and was the oldest son of Philip Hartzell, who was born in the year 1811, in the above county and State; in 1836. he came to Darke Co. and in 1838, purchased several lots in Beamsville, and erected the second house of the place; here he followed carpentering, wagon-making, cabinet-making and school-teaching for ten years; he was the first Postmaster of the town, which office he held for ten years, as well as Justice of the Peace two terms; he was a great champion of the cause of temperance — is probably entitled to the honor of putting up the first building ever erected in Darke Co. without the use of intoxicating liquor; he died upon his farm two miles north of Greenville, in April, 1873. He married Julia Harman, who was born in 1810 or 1811, who is now residing in Greenville. George Hartzell assisted his father, until May 12, 1859, when he was united in marriage with Lucy A. Fettery; she was born in Darke Co. June 8, 1838; they were the parents of ten children — Hollis, Clarinda M., Luella M., P. Harman, Viola E., George F., Julia and John C., twins (John C. died Oct. 12, 1872), Henrietta and Mamie. Mrs. Hartzell was a daughter of John Fettery, who came from Lebanon Co., Penn., to Darke Co. in 1836; he died February, 1874. He married Catherine Bowman, also a native of Pennsylvania; she died in Darke Co., in July. 1862. Since the marriage of Mr. Hartzell, he has been engaged in carpentering, milling and farming, and has a small farm, one mile from Greenville. His father was one of six brothers, who came to Darke Co. — Henry. George and Jeremiah came in 1833; Philip and Jonas in 1836, and Daniel probably in 1837 or 1838; of the above, Jonas and Daniel now survive.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 499

Greenville Twp. -
JONAS HARTZELL, retired farmer; P. O. Greenville; another of the old settlers of Darke Co., born in Adams Co., Penn., May 10, 1803; he was one of six brothers, who came to Darke Co. between the periods of 1833 and 1836; Jonas located upon Sec. 8, Greenville Township, where he has since lived — a period of nearly half a century; he purchased 120 acres, and afterward added until he had accumulated 400 acres; he devoted his attention to farming until about the year 1865 when he retired from active labor; during the past three years, he has been confined to the house by sickness, and has been kindly cared for by his sons Charles and Jonas, who are managing the home farm. Jonas Hartzell, Sr., and Elizabeth Welty were united in marriage, in Pennsylvania. Feb. 12, 1829; she was born in Pennsylvania Aug. 9. 1807; they had twelve children, of whom ten are now living, viz.: Louisa J. born March 11. 1830; William, born March 3. 1832, died in infancy; Elizabeth and Catherine (twins), born Feb. 9. 1834; Sarah Ann, born Nov. 20, 1836; Charles Wesley and Edward Spencer (twins), born Sept. 1, 1831; Jonas W., born May 2, 1841; Hannah M., born March 18, 1843; Lauretta D. born Feb. 23, 1845; James, born April 28, 1847, and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hartzell have been members of the Methodist Church for a period of thirty years. Of the above children, Charles Wesley may be considered one of the old settlers, having always lived upon the home farm, upon which he was born in 1839; he was married, March 7, 1867, to Sarah E. Shephard; she was born in Twin Township, Darke Co., March 20, 1846; they had four children by this union — Jonas Elmer. Lillian R., John H. and Olive M; the latter is deceased.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 498

Greenville Twp. -
P. H. HARTZELL, teacher, Greenville; is a son of Philip Hartzell, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to this county in the early pioneer days, and lived in the county until his decease, which occurred in April, 1878; the subject of this sketch was born in this county Nov. 6, 1846, and lived with his parents until several years after his majority; he then taught school during the winter seasons and worked at carpentering during the summer for ten years. He married Miss Alice M. Butt, a daughter of John K. Butt, whose biography appears in this work; she was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in February, 1852; they were married Dec. 22, 1872, and have four children, two boys and two girls, viz., John Ollie, Forest Herbert, Cordie May and Alice Lanessa.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 500

Richland Twp. -
PHILIP HARTZELL, farmer, stock-raiser, steam thrasher and corn-sheller, Sec. 36; P. O. Beamsville; was born in Adams Township, this County, May 23, 1843; his father, John J. Hartzell, was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 1, 1815, and married Nancy Westfall; he died in September, 1852, and she died in 1865, in Richland Township; they were among the earliest settlers of Darke Co.  The subject of this sketch was raised a farmer; in 1864, he traveled West, and followed teaming between Omaha, Neb., and Denver City, for about a year and a half; then returned to where he resides, on the homestead of his father; last year, he erected for himself a fine residence; has only one brother, David, who lives in Rossville, Kan.  Phillip Hartzell married Caroline Dill in October, 1868; she was born in Beamsville Sept. 14, 1851; her father, John H. C. Dill, was born in Germany, and came to this country in 1832; he married Martha C. Siegmunt, in 1834, in Butler Co., Ohio; she died Mar. 7, 1858, in this county.  In Germany he learned harness-making, and followed it awhile in Trenton, Ohio; afterward in Beamsville, where at the same time he kept a hotel, also engaged in merchandising; he moved to Dallas and engaged in merchandising, but at the decease of his wife, was farming, but was in the mercantile business at the time of his death, in April, 1865.  Mr. and Mrs. Hartzell have two children, viz., Rosetta, born Aug. 23, 1869, and Charles D., born May 22, 1875; he owns a fine farm of 115 acres, part of which was the homestead.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page
745

Greenville Twp. -
PHILIP S. HARTZELL, Sec. 12; P. 0. Pikeville; one of the old settlers of this county; born in Greenville Township June 6, 1847; he was a son of George Hartzell, who was born in Adams Co., Penn., July 4, 1813; he was one of the early settlers of Darke Co., locating upon Sec. 12, Greenville Township in 1833; he entered eighty acres of Government land, and purchased
the same amount, and afterward added by purchase, until he owned 240 acres in his home farm, and here he lived until his death, which occurred Oct. 22. 1857. He married Rachel Schriver in 1840; she was born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 31. 1813; they were the parents of six children, of whom five lived to grow up; Mrs. Hartzell is now living with Philip S., and at 67 years of age is in possession of all her faculties, with the exception of failing eyesight. After the death of Mr. Hartzell, Philip S. lived with his mother on the old homestead, until 26 years of age when he associated with his brother, William Hartzell, in 1870, and followed farming together until 1875, upon the old farm, and in 1877 Philip S. purchased the shares of his brother upon the homestead, where he has continued farming, having 105 acres. He has given his attention to the raising of corn and wheat; he is one of the industrious, persevering and hard-working citizens, and during the past two years has paid off indebtedness on his place to the amount of $2,400; had previously paid upward of $5,500. His marriage with Susan R. Baumbaugh was celebrated June, 1870; she was born April 29,
1847, in Maryland, and emigrated to Ohio with her parents, in 1862. They were the parents of four children, all of whom died in infancy.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 499

Neave Twp. -
DAVID HEFFNER, farmer; P. O. Weaver's Station; a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Berks Co. in 1817; his father was a farmer, but David was made teamster as soon as he was old enough to hold the lines and teamed, from the time he was 15 years of age, seventeen years.  Jacob Heffner came to Darke Co. and with his family, in 1849; David was then single, some called him a bachelor, and came with the family; they settled in Neave Township on the farm where George D. Miller now resides.  In 1850 David was united in marriage with Miss Ann, daughter of Jonathan,  and sister of John Niswonger, whose biography appears in this work; he was born in Pennsylvania, in 1822, and came with her parents to Darke Co., in 1829, and grew to womanhood here, in the days when
     "Girls made no great show
     In order to catch a beau,
     But were learned to work tow,
     Spin it and weaver it now.
     As a sample of woman's occupations in those days, Mrs. Heffner while a girl at home, spun 1,500 cuts of yarn and wove 300 yards of cloth, from spring to winter, besides helping about the housework.  Mr. and Mrs. Heffner have resided in this township ever since they first began housekeeping; came to the present place just north of Fort Jefferson, in 1872; they have two children, one son and one daughter - Jonathan and Sarah C. now Mrs. L. Wilt, of Butler township.

Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 710

Greenville Twp. -
SAMUEL HEFFNER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 32; P. O. Greenville; another of the old settlers of Darke Co.; born in Berks Co., Penn., Oct. 30, 1818; he was a son of Jacob Heffner, who was born in the above county, and came to Darke Co. in 1857, and located in Neave Township; he died in Greenville Township. Darke Co., about the year 1867; our subject was brought up to agricultural pursuits in Pennsylvania until 18 years of age, when he learned and worked at the carpenter trade in Pennsylvania until 1848; he then emigrated to Ohio and located in Butler Co., and, in 1849, came to Darke Co., and. after n residence of two years in German Township, removed upon his present place where he has lived for a period of thirty years; upon locating here, there were but 40 acres cleared; he has since cleared 80 acres and brought it to a good state of cultivation by his own hard labor, and now owns 122 acres of good land, with good farm buildings; he has also three acres in Hill Grove, the whole being valued at upward of $10,000. Mr. Heffner commenced here with no capital save a strong arm and willing hand, and has accumulated all the above property by his energy and industry, and has, by the above means, placed himself among the large land-holders and successful farmers of Darke Co. In October, 1850, he was united in marriage with Dorotha Dininger; she was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Jan. 25., 1838; they were the parents of six children, viz.: Sarah E., born Nov. 6. 1851; Lewis C., Jan. 11. 1854, died Jan. 22. 1854; Mary S., born July 19, 1855; Amanda L., Dec. 28, 1859; Samuel, Oct. 15, 1862 and Jacob, born Dec. 20, 1866; Mrs. Heffner is a daughter of .Jacob Dininger, one of the early pioneers of Darke Co., who located here in the spring of 1834. Mr. and Mrs. H., with four of their children, are members of the Lutheran Church.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 500

Greenville Twp. -
WILLIAM HEFFNER, farmer; P. 0. Greenville; the subject of this memoir was born in Berks Co., Penn., in the year 1824, and is a son of Jacob and Eliza Heffner, who came to Darke Co. in 1853. and settled in Greenville Township; William Heffner's early life was that of a farmer's son, being raised to agricultural pursuits, his education being mostly confined to the
common schools. In the year 1840, his marriage with Eliza M. Hinkle was celebrated in Cumberland Co., Penn.; they have three children by this union, viz., Jacob, William and Nason. Mr. Heffner resides upon Sec. 9. this township, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits; he came to this county in 1853 and has been a resident for upward of a quarter of a century.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 500

Greenville Twp. -
CLARK HENKLE, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Greenville; born in Springfield, Clarke Co., Ohio, Nov. 6. 1837; his father, Silas Henkle, was born in Virginia and came to Clarke Co. at an early day; he died in August, 1840. He married Margaret Milholland, who was born in Ohio, and died in Clark Co. June 13. 1860; after the death of his father, he lived with his mother until 10 years of age, and the following seven years lived with an uncle, after which he removed upon the home farm with his mother, and remained there some two years after her death.  Aug. 14, 1862, he enlisted as private in the 94th O. V. I.; he was in many severe battles, among which we mention Perryville, Stone River, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge. Buzzard's Roost, Resaca. Pumpkin Vine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, siege and capture of Atlanta; the following winter was on detailed duty at Chattanooga, buying up supply trains, and, in the spring of 1865, joined the main army of Sherman in North Carolina, and was with the above army at the surrender of Johnson; he then marched through Richmond to Washington, and after the grand review of the army he was mustered out of service and received his discharge at Camp Chase June 14, 1865, having served in the Union army nearly three years; he took part in every battle in which the regiment was engaged excepting two, when he was on detailed duty; after receiving his discharge, he returned to Clarke Co., and, in the spring of 1869, came to Darke Co., and located upon his present place, where he has since lived; he has a nice farm of 100 acres, with good farm buildings.  His marriage with Mary S. Forgy was celebrated March 31, 1869; she was born in Clark Co., Ohio, July 4, 1837; they were the parents of three children — Cora M., Willie Otho and Mary Elsie; all died in infancy.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 500

Greenville Twp. -
DANIEL HENNE, dealer in grain and seeds, Greenville. The subject of this sketch was born in Mindersback Oberamt Nagold Kmigreich,Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1839, where he attended school until 14 years of age, obtaining a good education in German; he then learned the milling trade, which he followed four years, when he emigrated to America, landing in New York in 1857; coming directly West, he located in Hamilton, Ohio, and remained until 1863, at which date he made a two- years visit to his native country; returning in 1865. he again located in Hamilton, and was employed as farm laborer by the month, for one year; and in the latter part of 1866, came to Greenville, and associated in the milling and grain business under the firm name of Poak & Henne, and has since successfully followed the above business, the past ten years doing business alone; he makes a specialty of buying and shipping grain to the Eastern market; his shipments reaching 200,000 bushels in a singe season. His marriage with Anna M. Weithbrecht was celebrated in Greenville Feb. 17, 1867; she was born in Germany, and emigrated with her parents to America, when but 1 year of age; they have three children by this union — Rosenia Gertrude, Jacob Frederick and Daniel. In 1878, he was elected Township Treasurer, which office he now holds, being re-elected in 1879; he is also Secretary of the Board of Education, of Greenville. A business card will be found in the business directory of Greenville in this work.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 501

Monroe Twp. -
JOHN M. HENNINGER, retired farmer; P. O. Gordon.  The subject of this memoir was born in Wittemburg, Germany, No. 19, 1804, and is a son of Christian and Mary Henninger, natives of Germany, who lived and died in the place of their nativity at advanced ages; his father was a school teacher by profession, and was one of the leading educators in Germany.  Our subject lived with his father till he was 16 years of age, when he learned the baker's trade, which he followed for five years, and then turned his attention to farming, which he followed for ten years; he emigrated from his native home in August, 1847, to America, and landed in New York, in September of the same year - his voyage occupying twenty-eight days; he came directly to Ohio and settled in Darke County; he purchased 120 acres of land in this township, mostly in the woods; went to work at it with a will and energy that is characteristic of our German citizens, and, after years of toil and privations, succeeded in getting his land in a good state of cultivation, and had good average improvements thereon; this he sold  at the expiration of seven years and purchased 160 acres, where he now resides; this was all in the woods but by his accustomed skill and industry he soon cleared it of its heavy growth of timber, and his land is now in the high state of cultivation, and has fair improvements erected thereon; he began life in America with only a capital of $700, and, by industry and good management, he has a pretty home in which to end his declining years; he informs us that his good wife has bravely assisted him in all the arduous duties of life and has borne her full share of the trials in the struggle since their pathways were united.  He was united in marriage with Barbara, daughter of Michael and Barbara (Schiller) Creeb, Nov. 22, 1829, and by this union have had twelve children, viz.: Barbara, born June 1, 1830, now Mrs. Daller, and resides in Dayton; John born Sept. 23, 1832, and died Nov. 15, 1856; John F., born Aug. 22, 1834, died Jan. 16, 1857; John H., Feb. 29, 1836.  John F., born Aug. 22, 1834, died Jan. 16, 1857; John H., born Feb. 29, 1836, died Nov. 20, 1857; Margaret, born Apr. 21, 1837, now Mrs. Scheiding; Sophia C., born Aug. 31, 1838, died Nov. 23, 1858; Rosanna C., born Apr. 2, 1831, died Sept. 20, 1856; Catharine, born Nov. 22, 1839, died Sept. 22, 1858; Charles, born June 6, 1841; Frederick W., born Mar. 7, 1843, died Mar. 24, 1843; John, born Sept. 23, 1848; Frederick, born Apr. 17, 1851, died in August, 1858; Mrs. Henninger was born Aug. 29, 1808.  Mr. and Mrs. Henninger, with his children, are members of the Lutheran Church, and are earnest Christian people.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880
- Page 631

Wayne Twp. -
JOHN HESS, Agent C., C., C. & I. R. R., and Manager of Western Union Telegraph Company, Versailles, Ohio.  Mathias, the father of John, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Fayette Co. in about 1818.  Hester, his wife, whose maiden name was Stevenson, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Fayette Co., in about 1828; they reside near Brownsville, Penn., and are the parents of fourteen children of whom thirteen are living, viz.: Elizabeth, Willialm, John, Nancy J., Rosanah, Enoch, Caroline, Aaron, Freeman, Eliza, George, Mary and Isabell.  John, the subject of this memoir, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Fayette Co. on the 12th of November, 1848; lived at home till he was 21 years old, assisting his father in the cultivation of the soil during the summer, and attending the district school in the winter months, thereby obtaining a good common-school education.  In February, 1869, he came to Darke Co., Ohio, locating in Greenville, where he obtained a position as clerk in the post office, where he remained about sixteen months, after which he entered the office of the D. & U. R. R., at Union City, Ind., with R. T. Johnson, but only remained there three months, when he obtained a position as night-operator in Versailles, Ohio, which office he filled for two and a half months, when he was appointed ticket and freight agent, also manager of the Western Union Telegraphy, which gave him control of the station.  Mr. Hess is a young man, and is well qualified for the position he fills, and is held in high esteem by the officials of the C., C., C. & I. Ry. Co.  He celebrated his marriage on the 14th of October, 1873, with Miss Laura A. Wentworth, daughter of Egbert N. and Cynthia A. Wentworth, who was born in Darke Co. Mar. 3, 1854.  Three children have been born to this union, viz.:  Emma Pearle, born Aug. 3, 1874; Harry Gordon, Nov. 15, 1875; Bessie L., Jan. 5, 1880.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880
- Page 608

German Twp. -
H. L. HILL, retired farmer; P. O. German.  Mr. Hill is one of the few remaining pioneers of this county; he was born in York District, South Carolina, the 1st of February, 1815; is of Irish descent; he is the son of William E. Hill, whose father, William Hill, came from Ireland.   William E. was born in Frankstown, Washington Co., Md.. Apr. 9, 1772; though of Irish birth, the first language he lisped was German, that being the prevailing language of his native town; his parents moved to South Carolina when he was quite a small lad; his father was one of the patriots during the great struggle for American freedom, and took an active part in it; near the close of the war, when the British and Tories held possession of South Carolina, and were visiting the patriots with merciless severity and cruelty, murdering hundreds in cold blood, they called at the house of Mr. Hill, thinking to find and dispatch him as they had many other brave men, but Mr. Hill was at his post of duty repelling the bloodthirsty murderers, and they failed to find him; not being able to ascertain his whereabouts from Mrs. Hill, equally patriotic, and his daughter, they attempted to extort the desired information from William E., then a lad of about nine summers, by hanging him; this they did several times, punishing him most severely, but to no avail; thus failing in their purpose, they proceeded to plunder the house, taking out the feather beds and scattering the feathers to the winds.  William E. Hill's boyhood was spent upon a farm, but quite early in life he turned his attention to the carpenter's trade, to the construction of cotton gins and cotton screws chiefly; being raised in a Slave State, his early training was such as to lead him to look favorably on this system of servitude, but his nature never could endure to see the slaves cruelly used; atone period in his life, he was called near Charleston to erect a cotton gin for Rambert, one of the largest slaveholders in the country; every evening those slaves who failed to perform the daily task imposed upon them by their cruel master, were taken to the whipping-post and unmercifully whipped; their agonies from this could be heard all night through, and Mr. Hill gave it as one of the most painful periods of his life, although he was allowed the comforts and luxuries of the splendid Rambert mansion.  In order to obtain a place among the higher class of society, Mr. Hill was obliged to purchase some slaves and become a slaveholder; this purchase proved a financial disaster to him, which misfortune led him to seek a more congenial clime, and in the fall of 1817 he emigrated to Ohio, locating on a school section about three miles west of the present town of New Madison.  Here he purchased a lease for $1, with about seven acres cleared on it; here, on this piece of land, he and his devoted wife spent the remnant of their days, and now their bodies lie interred on the same soil.  He combined with farming the occupation of cooper and loom manufacturer, and his looms are yet to be found over this county, relics of pioneer life.   Although not much given to the " chase," he had one which ended in a remarkable fruition.  In company with two of his neighbors, John Downing and Thomas Mccum, one winter morning, when the ground was covered to an unusual depth with snow, over which a strong crust had formed, he spied seven deer, and gave chase with dogs; the snow so impeded the progress of the deer that they all soon fell victims to the eager dogs.  Mr. Hill was married to Miss Sarah Farris in South Carolina, who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, on the 8th day of March, 1780; she emigrated to America when only 12 years old, with her parents, settling on Fishing Creek, York District, South Carolina.  Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hill, and all grew up to years of maturity but three, who died in their infancy.  Mr. Hill deceased in April, 1848, his wife surviving him till June, 1855, when her death occurred.  Thus we record the death of two more of the early pioneers of this county.  During their lives, they were successively members of three religious denominations, viz., Presbyterian, United Brethren and Universalist.  Our subject was only 2 years old when he came to this county; his early life was not much different from most of the pioneer boys; the log cabin constituted his home and the wilderness his surroundings; poverty was the most constant companion of his youth, and frequently has he been tucked under the bed while his only shirt was receiving a vigorous application of soap and water.  The first teakettle used in the family was purchased for $3, and his mother spun flax and tow, at 12£ cents per dozen cuts, to pay for it.  The domestic wear of his sisters consisted of home-made goods, made of cotton filling and flax chain, the cotton being carded and spun by hand; these goods, colored in various hues, constituted their Sunday costume.  The first calico dresses introduced into the neighborhood, by a family from Kentucky, were objects of no little interest to the community, and the family that had the audacity to make such a display of finery as this ran no little risk of being ordered to leave the county or don the home-made goods; it was looked upon as a dangerous custom, not to be allowed with impunity; this feeling, however, soon wore off, and the fair daughters of the forests were allowed to indulge in the luxuries of a calico dress; the first dress of this make introduced into the family of our subject was purchased of Shadwick & Co., of New Paris, at 25 cents per yard, and paid for in home made goods at the same price; this served as a passport into the higher class of society. Financial circumstances did not improve materially till Mr. H. grew up to manhood and was able to perform considerable manual labor.  At the age of 21, by agreement previously entered into, his father deeded to him 80 acres of land, one-half swamp and one-half timber; this was his first earthly possession.  About this period, Mar. 16, 1837, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Kunkle, who was born in 1815, in Bedford Co., Penn., and came to this county with her parents when only 3 years of age, locating in Harrison Township; her mother is still living, at the ripe old age of 86, in the possession in a remarkable degree of all her faculties.  After the marriage of Mr. H., he moved to his land, then all in the wild state; hard work and perseverance were demanded of them both to meet the exigencies of their surroundings; these were heartily furnished.  Mrs. H. performing her part at the spinning-wheel and loom, in addition to the usual domestic duties; after they had been struggling against poverty and its concomitants for some time, Mrs. Hill's mother bequeathed them $250, the savings of her own small earnings, $218 of which were in silver half-dollars; with this Mr. Hill started for Fort Wayne, Ind., on foot, a distance of ninety miles, to enter land, and succeeded in entering 148 acres in Allen County; at the end of seven teen years, he disposed of his first farm and purchased 160 acres in German Township, Sec. 27, where he has since lived; he subsequently added to this by the purchase of 268 acres; in 1870, his estimated worth was $20,000, the accumulation of his own exertions, assisted by his wife.  At this period of his prosperity a great financial calamity befell him, which was doubly severe because of the manner and source from which it came, it being security and forged notes to the amount of $12,000; for him and his devoted companion to have the fruits of their lives' toils and sacrifices thus unlawfully snatched from them was a bereavement most keenly felt, and on his family it fell with equal weight.  Mr. and Mrs. H. are the parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters, and are the grandparents of twenty-one children; one son, the youngest and oldest daughters, and five grandchildren have died.  Mr. and Mrs. Hill are members of the Universalist Church at Palestine.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 573

Mississinawa Twp. -
HARVEY HILL, Justice of the Peace and township Clerk; P. O. Rose Hill; son of Nathan and Mary Ann Hill, was born near Batavia, Clermont Co., Ohio.  June 15, 1838; he came to this township with his parents Oct. 1, 1854, and settled on Sec. 20, on land that his father occupied during his life, and now owned and occupied by our subject; at the time this family settled here, the township was almost an unbroken wilderness, the woods abounding in nearly all kinds of game; deer and the wild turkey abounded on every hand; these early settlers were subject to the privations and hardships of pioneer life; but the intervening years have brought about a happy change, and to-day this portion of the county is as promising as any in Western Ohio.  Mr. Hill was united in marriage with Martha E. Matthews, of this county, Nov. 17, 1873; they have two children, to wit: William Jesse and Amy Grace.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. -
Page 762

Harrison Twp. -
HARVEY HILL, carpenter and builder, Sec. 15; P. O. New Madison; was born in Harrison Township Mar. 15, 1822; he is a son of William and Sarah (Ferris) Hill, who were among the pioneers of Harrison Township; he remained with his parents until August, 1838, when he began his apprenticeship at the carpenter trade; after serving the full three years, he began for himself and has followed carpentering and building ever since, working in the and neighboring counties; Mr. Hill was twice married, first to Martha A. Thomas, Nov. 2, 1845; she was a daughter of David Thomas and a cousin to William Thomas, whose biography appears in this work; she was born July 21, 1846, and her death occurred May 11, 1873; they had six children, viz.: Hiram J., born July 21, 1846, died Aug. 6, 1846; Celinda A., born Oct. 29, 1848, now Mrs. Henry Spencer, of Red Key, Jay Co., Ind.; Nancy C., born July 13, 1853, now Mrs. John Pitts, of Port land, Ind.; Charles F., born July 20, 1856, now in Rock Island Co., Ill.; Morton L., born Sept. 17, 1862, also of Rock Island Co., Ill., and William D., born Sept. 12, 1871, now at home and attending school; Mr. Hill's second marriage was with Jane (Owens) Mansfield; she was born in Harrison Township, Jan. 1, 1820; her parents.  Samuel and Sabina Owens, were natives of Kentucky, and pioneers of Harrison Township; she was the mother of three children by her first husband, viz.: William W. Mansfield, who was a member of the 62d I. V. I., and after a service of nearly four years, died in the service; Thomas O. and Andrew Jackson, also deceased.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 696
NOTE:  In 1850 Census, it shows Harvey md. to Martha A. hill with child, Celinda Hill, ae 2 yrs.
In 1870 Census, it shows Harvey Hill md. to Masrtha Hill with children: Nancy, ae 15 yrs., Charles F., ae. 13 yrs., Morton, ae. 7 yrs., and Martha's father, David Thomas, ae. 75 yrs.
ALSO:  Marriage to 2nd wife, Jane Mansfield on Dec. 6, 1874, Darke Co., OH
Harrison Twp. -
MILTON HILL, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. New Madison; one of the oldest residents of Harrison Township; he was born, raised, and has lived all his life on the farm where he now resides; he was born Feb. 10, 1820; has been twice married, first to Miss Amanda J. Downing, Nov. 14, 1839; she was born in Tennessee, Jan. 25, 1819; they had nine children, eight of whom are now living, viz., Alfred, Joseph, Sarah, Melinda, John, Ezra, Martha and Ella  The name of the deceased is Asa his wife's death occurred Feb. 13, 1872; his second marriage was with Sarah J. Wiley, Feb. 1, 1873; who was born in Preble Co., June 12, 1826; their homestead now consists of the old Hill homestead of 80 acres, and 80 acres adjoining in Sec. 15, all in a good state of cultivation, with a fine new house and other buildings to correspond; it would present a picture of great contrast by the side of one of the appearance it had forty years ago, for Mr. Hill has devoted his attention entirely to the cultivation and improvement of his land, and, while taking a lively interest in all that pertains to the public good, has not sought public distinction.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 696

Harrison Twp. -
OBADIAH HILL, retired, New Madson; was born in what was then Baltimore Co., Md., Mar. 17, 1790; when about 9 years old, was bound out to a weaver; his master, as he was termed, died when he was about 19 years of age, and he was free, but voluntarily bound himself at the same trade for three years more, after which he wagoned ten years; he then resumed his trade, continuing ten years, after which he came to the West, first stopping near the ground upon which the Ohio Soldier's Home is now situated and lived in Montgomery Co. nearly one-quarter of a century, renting one farm of one man for eighteen successive years; then removed to Preble Co. and purchased 160 acres of land, which he improved, and sold six years later at a handsome profit; he then removed to Darke Co., where he has resided ever since, owning and cultivating different tracts of land; in the fall of 1876, he purchased a handsome residence property in New Madison, in which he and his wife now live.  Mr. Hill was married to Eliza Fisher, who was also a native of Maryland, in 1821; they were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are now living—William, Jonathan, Jacob, Mary A., now Mrs. John Ullery, of Kan.; Eliza A., now Mrs. Stephen Ullery, of South Bend, Ind.; Jemima, now Mrs. Hickathorn, of Dayton, and Jenny, now Mrs. Henry Bougher, of Butler Co.; the names of the three deceased are Margaret, George W. and James; Mrs. Hill's death occurred near New Madison Sept. 9, 1875, being 74 years old; Mr. Hill and Mrs. Missouri (Shannon) Ullery, a native of Pennsylvania, were married Sept. 19, 1876.  Mr. Hill, although in his 90th year, is in good health, and walks as though only 50.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 695

Greenville Twp. -
D. S. HIME, firm of Hime & Snyder, livery, feed and sale stable; another old settler of Darke Co., Ohio; born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1835; he is a son of Daniel Hime, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Montgomery o., Ohio, in 1838, and located in the northwest part of Greenville Township; he died in Washington Township in 1875. The subject of this sketch was raised to agricultural pursuits until 11 years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the shoemaker's trade for seven years, after which, he remained upon the home farm, and in 1858, was united in marriage with Amelia D. Martin, of Greenville; she was born in Miami Co.; they have two children — Adelia Bell and Sarah Catherine. He purchased his home farm in 1864, and disposed of the same about the year 1870; he then came to Greenville, where he has since lived.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 501

Harrison Twp. -
WILLIAM W. HINDSLEY.  The subject of this review is now a leading grocer and prominent citizen of Greenville, Ohio.  He was born in Randolph county, Indiana, June 1, 1850, and is a son of Joseph and Nancy (McGuire) Hindsley, both natives of North Carolina.  His paternal grandfather was John Hindsley, a seafaring man, who spent many years on the Atlantic, sailing principally between New York and the West Indies, engaged in the fruit and coffee trade.  In early manhood the father of our subject removed with his parents to Randolph county, Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his life as a farmer, dying there in 1888, at the age of seventy-three years.  His wife is still living in the same county, in her seventy-ninth year.  To them were born nine children, six of whom lived to be grown, and five are still living.
     Of this family William W. Hindsley, our subject, is the seventh in order of birth.  He spent his boyhood and youth on the home farm in Randolph county, Indiana, assisting his father in its cultivation, and attending the district schools of the neighborhood.  In 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Denniston, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, in 1859, and at the time of her birth had six grandmothers.  Her parents were Joseph and Anna (Money) Denniston.  Her father was born in Hill Grove, Washington township, this county, in September, 1830, a son of Samuel and Susan (Wasson) Denniston, and died January 1, 1894.  Her mother was born in Jay county Indiana, in 1837, and died August 8, 1893.  Mr. and Mrs. Hindsley have one son living, Joseph Chelsey, born November 3, 1883, who is now a student in the high school of Greenville.
     After his marriage, Mr. Hindsley settled in Mississinawa township, where he engaged in farming for some time.  Subsequently he conducted a grocery store in Rose Hill for two years, and in December, 1895, came to Greenville, where he soon afterward erected a good store building on Fort Jefferson avenue and stocked it with a good grade of fancy and staple groceries.  He now enjoys a well established trade, having by fair and honorable dealings secured a liberal share of the public patronage.  While a resident of Greenville a comparatively short time, he has become thoroughly identified with its interests, and is well known as an enterprising and reliable business man, one who keeps abreast with the times.  He and his wife are members of the Church of Christ, and all who known them hold them in the highest esteem.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 675

Monroe Twp. -
JACOB HINSEY, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 1; P. O. Arcanum; one of the old settlers of Darke County, he was born in Cumberland Co., Penn, in 1816, and is a son of John and Mariah Hinsey, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn.  Our subject assisted his father on the farm till he was 25 years old, when he removed to Ohio with his parents and settled just below Hamilton, and resided here for four years, when he removed to Montgomery County, where he remained till 1840, when he came to Darke County, where he now resides; he first purchased 82 acres of land, which he has cleared up and improved, and in addition, owns a fine lot in Arcanum; his father died at the age of 84 years, and his mother at the age of 80; he celebrated his marriage with Catherine daughter of Jacob Baker, in 1840, and by his union had eight children, viz.: Susanna, Mahala, Sarah, Catherine and Samuel; three deceased; some time after the death of his first wife he celebrated his marriage with Elizabeth Smith, who was born in Berks Co., Penn.; two children have been given to this union, viz., Mariah E. and William; he has been a member of the German Baptist Church for sixteen years; is one of our self-made men, having begun life with $1 in his pocket, but owed just 50 cents more than his cash assets.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. -
Page 632

Greenville Twp. -
ABSALOM HOFFERT, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 36; P. O. Greenville.  The subject of this memoir was born in Rush Creek Township, Fairfield Co., Ohio, Jan. 25, 1827; he was a son of Solomon Hoffert, who was probably born in Pennsylvania in 1795, and came to Ohio when quite young and located in Fairfield Co., where his death occurred April 4, 1876, at the advanced age of 91 years. He married Margaret Hendricks, who was born in 1790, and died in 1861, aged 71 years; they were the parents of ten children, of whom eight are now living. Our subject obtained a common-school education in his youth, and was raised to agricultural pursuits until June 5, 1851, when he was united in marriage with Nancy Fantz; she was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Nov. 20, 1832; they were the parents of five children, viz.: Elizabeth, now Mrs. James Westfall, of Brown Township, born June 4, 1852; Matilda, born May 8. 1855, died April 23, 1858; Ellen, born April 25, 1857, now Mrs. Wesley Slade, Neave Township; Margaret, born March 20, 1859, now Mrs. Charles Fletcher, of Miami Co.; Emma P., born Feb. 8. 1862, now Mrs. George Hathway, living upon the home farm. Mrs. Hoffert was a daughter of Michael Fantz, who was born in Baden, Germany, in 1792, and came to America in 1819; he died in Hocking Co., Ohio, May 23. 1863, aged 71 years 8 months and 19 days. He married Elizabeth Stacer; she was also born in Baden, Germany, in 1791.' and died in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Sept. 10, 1860, aged 69 years 4 months and 28 days. Upon the marriage of Mr. Hoffert, he commenced farming for himself, which business he followed in Hocking and Fairfield Cos. until April,
1 864, when he disposed of his property in Fairfield Co., and purchased 40 acres in Darke Co., and located upon his present place where he has since lived; he now owns 47 acres upon his home place, located less than a mile and a half from Greenville. He with his wife and two children are members of the Reformed Church, and one daughter a member of the Church of the United Brethren; Mr. and Mrs. Hoffert having been members for the past ten years.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 501

Wayne Twp. -
G. W. HOLLIS, Postmaster, Versailles; son of J. J. and Sarah Hollis; was born in Virginia 1824; settled in this county, 1857.  Was married to Lucinda Osgood, of Frankfort, Hampshire Co., Va., 1850; one child, Charles J.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. -
Page 716

Wayne Twp. -
DANIEL HOLE, farmer; P. O. Versailles. William, the father of Daniel, was a native of Virginia, born on the 28th of April. 1759; he married Miss Ruth Crane, who was born in New Jersey on the 23d of March, 1767; they emigrated to Kentucky in 1787, locating near Lexington, Fayette County, traveling the entire distance from New Jersey on horseback; while in Kentucky, they were annoyed a great deal by the Indians, and upon one occasion Mr. Hole came very near having his scalp taken by them; while out one day, gathering wild plums, he was attacked by one of the "redskins." who shot at him, giving him a flesh wound in the arm, and as Mr. Hole did not have any firearms with him, he concluded it would be better for him to make his way back to the fort; so, dropping his basket of plums, he started at lightning speed through the woods, the Indian pursuing him with tomahawk upraised ready to fell him whenever the opportunity presented itself; but William ran for life, making his way to the fort in safety, while the Indian skulked off in dismay to think that the "pale-face" could outwind him; Mr. Hole resided in Kentucky for about two years, after which he removed to Ft. Washington, now Cincinnati, Ohio, where he obtained a lot by selling and improving the same, where he resided for a period of about five years, when he removed to Montgomery County, locating one mile east of the present Miamisburg, which at that time was a trading-post or station; he remained there till his death, which occurred on the 25th of February, 1830; Ruth, his wife, departed this life in Fountain City, Ind.. in the year 1852, at the advanced age of 85.  Daniel, the subject of this memoir, is a native of Ohio, born in Montgomery County on the 11th of December, 1805; lived with his parents till he was 22 years of age, assisting his father in the great task of clearing and opening up a farm; he did not have the advantage of schools, as in those days there was not even a subscription school in the whole county.  On the 24th of July, 1827, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Hannah Bartlett, and during the fall of the same year they moved on his father's farm, their household furniture consisting of two beds, one set of pot-metal knives and forks, one stew-kettle and skillet, one set cups and saucers, and one big iron kettle, using a box for a table; he resided on his father's farm for about three years, after which he moved to Miami County, locating near Clayton in an old log cabin which was situated in the woods; he now commenced the herculean task of clearing and opening up a farm; he only remained there about eighteen months, when he removed to Darke County, locating in Wayne Township, Sec. 24, where he has resided ever since; when he moved to his present place of residence, he found it all under heavy timber; this was in 1831; he erected a cabin in the woods, and began the task of opening up a farm; the tract of land consisted of 80 acres, for which he paid $1.25 per acre.  Mr. Hole has, with the help of his good and industrious wife, accumulated a considerable amount of property; they hold to the Universalist faith, knowing that God is a God of love, and will finally gather all his children home, not to a sectarian heaven, but a heaven for all; nine children have been born to them, of whom six are living, viz.: Huldah, born May 17, 1828; David, June 11, 1829; Jay, Oct. 23, 1832; Catharine, June 11, 1838; John B., Feb. 25, 1842; Mary E., Sept. 9, 1844.   Mrs. Hole was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, one mile west of Miamisburg, on the 23d of November, 1810.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 608
Butler Twp. -
FREDERICK K. HOLSAPPLE, retired farmer; P. O. Castine; an old resident of Darke Co.; was born in Perry Co., Ind., Nov. 14, 1802.  Was married to Sarah Morrison Aug. 23, 1827; she is an aunt to Silas Morrison, whose biography appears in this work.  Mr. and Mrs. Holsapple removed to Ohio in 1831; settled first in Montgomery Co., near Salem; came to Darke Co. in 1851 and purchased the southwest quarter of Sec. 14, Butler Township, where they have resided ever since.  This neighborhood was then a swampy wilderness, with here and there a small "opening," but no road worthy of the name.  Mr. and Mrs. Holsapple were, however, true pioneers, and bravely undertook the task of making a home of this then very uninviting looking place, and right well have they succeeded; they now have 160 acres of rich, fertile land, under a good state of cultivation, with two sets of buildings.  They are the parents of five children, four of whom are living, viz., George and Elizabeth, both married, and both residents of Illinois; Susan and David, now married, who resides on and has charge of his father's farm.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880
- Page 670

Washington Twp. -
FREDERICK HOUPT, retired farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Darke, Ohio; was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., Aug. 10, 1814; his father, Fredrick Houpt, was born in Schuylkill Co., Penn.  The subject of this sketch, at the age of 12, went to work on a farm and worked five years for his board and clothes; he then learned the cooper's trade; moved to Dayton, Ohio, in 1833, worked at farming in summer and in winter at his trade; in the spring of 1846, he moved to where he now resides; the first land he owned was 25 acres, which he bought in the wilderness in the eastern part of Darke County, for $275; he sold it for $1,000 in 1856.  He married Sarah Wilds Apr. 2, 1844; she was born in Ohio, Aug. 16, 1815, and died Feb. 7, 1879; they have had four children, viz.: a little boy, died unnamed; John, born Feb. 16, 1849, died Nov. 5, 1869; David, born Nov. 4, 1`851, and Sarah Ann, Dec. 27, 1854; she married Calvin Young; David resides at home; he married Almira Heck, Apr. 10, 1873; she was born in German Township, Darke Co., Mar. 28, 1855, and died Mar. 30, 1876; they had one boy, William F., born Nov. 19, 1873, died Feb. 6, 1875.  His second marriage was with Phoebe Rodgers, Dec. 26, 1878; she was born in Washington Township Apr. 21, 1858.  Fredrick Houpt owns a good home and 623 acres of land, and other good houses and buildings.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 755

Twin Twp. -
FRANCIS M. HUFFER, farmer; P. O. Ithaca.  Born in Greene Co., Ohio, June 29, 1837, and, in 1839, he, with his parents, came to Darke Co., where he remained at home until 1858.  At that time, he united in marriage with Catherine V. Cromwell, and by this union they have three sons and two daughters; in the year 1874, Mrs. Huffer departed this life.  During life she was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Mr. Huffer has since united in marriage with Louisa Reidenour, and they are living on his farm, in Sec. 28, Twin Township; he has one among the best stock and grain farms in the township, beautifully located north of Ithaca, with a good gravel road on the east and west, and several good fountains on the east side of it, the land being worth probably $100 per acre.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880 - Page 651

Washington Twp. -
SAMUEL HUFFER, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Hill Grove, Ohio; who is a son of Jacob and Barbara (Bechtel) Huffer; was born in Maryland, Sept. 24, 1799; the father moved to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1830, and to Darke County in 1838, to Harrison Township; in 1844, they moved to where a portion of the family now reside, in Sec. 2, Washington  Twp.; he died Feb. 15, 1872; his widow, Catherine, died Feb. 16, 1879; they had seven children, viz: Aaron, born Apr. 19, 1830; Jacob, Jan. 6, 1832, deceased; Elizabeth, born Dec. 19, 1834, deceased; Samuel (the subject of this sketch), born Mar. 31, 1836; Reuben, Apr. 13, 1839; Magdalena, July 13, 1844; she married Jonathan Hart; and Malinda, born June 7, 1846; he followed farming during his lifetime; two of his sons, Aaron and Samuel, and son-in-law, J. Hart, established a tile factory on the old homestead in 1874, where they are turning out large quantities of tile of excellent quality.  Aaron and Samuel remain unmarried and live in their paternal residence with Howard and Rebecca Hart, and own 200 acres of land which their father and his sons have converted from a wilderness to fine productive meadows and fields; their first residence here cost, erected and covered $6, which exhausted their exchequer; in this they resided four years; in 1852, the present home was built; all the privations and hardships of pioneer life have been experienced by this family.  Elizabeth Huffer married Ambrose Green, whose daughter, Rebecca A. (born June 19, 1858), married Charles H. Hart, born in Berks Co., Penn., July 11, 1855; they have one child, Mary Myrtle Hart, born July 1, 1879.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 755

Greenville Twp. -
MOSES HUHN, clothier and merchant tailor, was born in Grand Duchy Saxony, Germany, May 13, 1835, and is a son of L. and Hannah Huhn, natives of the same place; his father was born in 1784, and departed this life in 1853, aged 67 years; his mother was born in 1800, and is still living in Germany, aged 80 years. Our subject emigrated to America in 1851, and landed in New York, his voyage occupying sixty -three days; he repaired to St. Joseph, Mo., immediately, and remained there for seven years, engaged as salesman, and then came to Greenville, where he was employed as salesman for Warring Bros., which position he held for four years; he then embarked in business for himself, and is one of Greenville's successful business men; he carries a full and complete stock in his line, consisting of men's, boys' and children's clothing, and does a general merchant tailoring business. He is an honorable member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' organizations, and his motto is "onward and upward."
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 502

Brown Twp. -
D. F. HUNTER, blacksmith and wagon-maker, Ansonia; born in Darke Co., Ohio, Sept. 29, 1835; he was a son of Wm. Hunter, who was born in Warren Co., Ohio, and came here about the year 1825 and located in Greenville Township.  He died about the year 1841; he was a member of Warren Lodge, No. 24, of Piqua, Ohio, for a period of one-fourth of a century.  D. F. experienced a farmer's boyhood, and at 18 years of age he went to warren Co., Ohio, and learned and worked at the blacksmith's trade some four years, and in 1858 he came to Ansonia and started the above business, which he has since followed.  He was married to Mary A. Dill May 6, 1859; she was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Sept. 25, 1837; they were the parents of three children, of whom two now survive - Martha L. and Cora M.  Mrs. Hunter's father was John H. C. Dill who was born in Germany Mar. 16, 1805, and emigrated to America when quite young.  He married Martha C. Liegment Nov. 17, 1834; she was born in Germany Oct. 23, 1815, and died Mar. 7, 1858.  Mr. Dill died Apr. 2, 1865.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 721
Adams Twp. -
JOHN A. HUNTER, grain-dealer, of the firm of Williams & Hunter, Bradford, Ohio.  Robert Hunter, the father of J. A., was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, on the 24th day of August, 1818; Nancy Alexander, his wife, was born in Pennsylvania on the 26th day of August, 1826; six children were given to this union of whom three are living, viz., John A., James A., and Anna B.; James A. was born on the 11th day of September, 1852; Anna B. was born on the 28th day of August, 1859; Mr. and Mrs. Hunter are still living and reside in Mercer Co., Ohio.  John A., the subject of this memoir, was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, on the 19th day of May, 1844; and in 1846 his parents moved near Fort Recovery, Mercer Co., Ohio, where he spent his boyhood days, assisting his father in the cultivation of the soil during the summer season, and attending the district school in the winter months till he was about 17 years of age, after which he entered the high school at Liber, Ind., attending about four terms, there by obtaining a good academic education; in the spring of 1864, he responded to the call of President Lincoln for one-hundred-day men by enlisting in the 152d O. V. I., and went forth in the defense of his country; was mustered out of service at the expiration of term after which he returned home and attended the Liber High School one term; he taught his first school in the winter of 1864-65 in Mercer Co.; followed teaching till 1870, teaching during the winter season and farming during the summer; was united in marriage with Miss Martha A. Bailey in West Liberty, Ind., on the 19th day of May, 1869; she was born in Luzerne Co., Penn., on the 22d day of September, 1846; two children were given to this union, viz.: Ella C., born Feb. 6, 1870; C. Austin Hunter, was born Apr. 2, 1872.  Mr. Hunter came to Darke Co. and located in Bradford in the fall of 1870, where he has continued to reside ever since; engaged in the grain business in 1871, and now has the largest grain elevator in Bradford, shipping on an average about 35,000 bushels during the season.  Mr. Hunter has been identified with the township offices, more or less, since his residence in Darke Co.; was elected Justice of the Peace and Mayor of Bradford in the spring of 1878; has served one term as Trustee of Adams Township.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 554

Greenville Twp. -
WILLIAM HUNTER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Ansonia; another of the old residents of Darke Co.; born in Greenville Township April 26, 1831; he was the oldest son of William F. Hunter, who was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Jan. 2, 1801; he was one of the early settlers of Darke Co., locating here about the year 1825; he was married in Darke Co. to Elizabeth Earheart; she was born in Virginia April 14, 1804, and came to Darke Co. with her parents when quite young, making the journey on horseback. They were the parents of three sons and tour daughters, of whom all are living but one son. Mr. Hunter died Sept. 26, 1840. Mrs. Hunter died May 11, 1853, upon the old homestead; William Hunter has lived upon the homestead and upon the place where he was born for nearly half a century, his mother making her home with him until her decease; the log house in which all the family was born is now standing upon the place where it has stood for a period of fifty years. The nuptials of William Hunter and Mary Shultz were celebrated June 15. 1854; she was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., July 1, 1834; she was a daughter of George Shultz, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Warren Co., and then to Darke Co., about the year 1846; the children of William and Mary (Shultz) Hunter were nine in number, of whom eight are now living, viz., Thomas H., William S., Charles E., Edmond A., Mary E., John L, Prudence O., David D.; the deceased, Ada, died April 22, 1877.
Source: History of Darke County, Ohio - Illustrated - Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1880. - Page 502

NOTES:

 

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