|
< BACK TO BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX > |
 |
|
GEORGE
W. RAHN. The history of a state or nation is best
told in the lives and deeds of those who have conferred dignity and
honor upon society, and a record of this nature best indicates the
true annals of the historic old county with which this compilation
has to do. In thus considering the lives of the representative
citizens of Darke county the subject of this particular review will
need no special introduction, for he is widely and favorably known
throughout this section. Mr. Rahn is a native of the
Buckeye state, and of the county in which he now lives, having been
born in Darke county, Adams township, January 25, 1849, being the
fourth in order of birth of the two sons and three daughters of
Levi and Amanda (Lightner) Rahn, and
one of the four who are yet living—Josephine, wife of
Chipman Coppess, of Randolph county, Indiana; Francina,
wife of Wesley Armstrong, of Greenville, Ohio;
George W., the subject of this sketch; and Addison C., a
dairyman of Greenville, this county. The name Rahn is of
German derivation, and our subject may well take pride in tracing
his lineage to the sturdy Teutonic stock which so early, became
conspicuously identified with the history of Pennsylvania. Levi
Rahn was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, about the year
1820, and he was reared to the life of a farmer. It should be
mentioned in this connection that there were many of the.
Pennsylvania Germans who came to Darke county and colonized as
pioneers in what is now Adams township. As they came from Adams
county, Pennsylvania, and from near the city or town of Gettysburg)
they concluded to name their new township in honor of their old home
and to confer upon the village of Gettysburg its title in honor of
the county seat of Adams county. Levi Rahn came with
his wife and three children from their Pennsylvania home to Darke
county in 1847, making the trip overland with wagons, in which were
transported the little stock of household goods, and covering the
long and weary journey of six hundred miles, through the unbroken
forests which then marked much of this section of the Union, the
work of reclaiming Darke county having but just begun. When the
Rahn family arrived in Darke county they had two horses and
their wagon, with a few necessary household goods, and about five
dollars in cash. The Germans are well known for their industry,
frugality and pragmatic ability, and Levi Rahn showed
the typical thrift of the race, working diligently and eventually
becoming the owner of one hundred and ninety acres of valuable land
in Darke county. In national affairs he supported the principles of
the Democratic party, although at the time of the Rebellion, when
the integrity of the nation was threatened, he voted for Lincoln. .
He and his wife were members of the German Reformed church.
George W. Rahn of this sketch has been reared and
educated in Darke county, which has been his home for more than half
a century. He is what may be well termed as a self-educated man, as
his educational advantages were perforce limited in the little
pioneer township where he was reared, and like most of the other
boys of the time and place he had soon to lend his aid in clearing
away the forests and reclaiming the land for cultivation. He
may thus be consistently considered as one of the founders and
builders of the progressive and finely improved county of which he
is now an honored citizen. He remained at home .until the age of
twenty, and in starting out for himself had to rely solely upon his
own industry and judgment to accomplish his purpose in life. He was
married to Pauline Bailey November 26, 1872, and of
this union two sons and six daughters were born, all living except
one: Alera is the wife of John A. Feltman, a farmer of
Jackson township, and they have two children, George R. and
Lucille; Emma D. is the wife of Harry C.
Martin, of Brown township, and their children are Harold
and Fredrick; Vermille M. graduated . in the Union
City high school, as a member of the class pf 1899, and she is now a
successful teacher in Darke county, being also an excellent musical
student; Hattie E., of the class of 1900, in the Union City
high school, is also a musical student and has shown proficiency in
the study of languages; Ida Opal is now in the eighth
grade of the public schools; Georgiana is in the seventh grade; and
Charles R., the youngest, is in the fourth grade.
Mrs. Rahn was born in Brown township, this county,
December 25, 1852, the daughter of James and Mary Ann
(Teegarden) Bailey. There were ten children in the family, of
whom only three are living: Mrs. Rahn; Anna, wife of
Levi Hopper, proprietor of the Farmers Hotel, at
Greenville; and Stephen H., who is a blacksmith and wagon
maker at Union City. James Bailey was born in Perry
county, Ohio, June 12, 1814, and died on New Year's day, 1891. In
earlier years he was a carpenter and joiner, but eventually devoted
his attention to agriculture. He was originally an old line Whig,
but identified himself with the Republican party upon its
organization, being an ardent abolitionist arid an admirer of
President Lincoln. He was a deacon of the Christian
church for thirty years. The mother of Mrs. Rahn died
when the latter was but seven years old.
When our subject and his wife began their wedded life
they rented land in Greenville township, and their excellent success
has been conserved through their ability and tenacity of purpose.
Their first land was a tract of eighty acres of timber and swamp
land, in Jackson township, with no buildings and scarcely any
improvements, the property having been willed to Mrs. Rahn.
Their first purchase was a fifty-acre tract, for which they assumed
an indebtedness representing more than seventy per cent of its
valuation, but by economy and wise management they met all
obligations and attained the success which was so justly their due.
Their first home was a log cabin, and today they have a beautiful
brick residence of two stories, with ample attic and basement, which
was erected in 1879, and own two hundred and forty acres of valuable
land, lying in Brown and Jackson townships. In 1885 Mr.
Rahn erected a fine barn, and the entire estate gives evidence
of thrift and prosperity, while against the same there is not a
dollar of indebtedness. Mr. Rahn has in his possession
the old deed of the Bailey land purchased in Jackson
township, the same having been executed August 1. 1838, and signed
by President Van Buren. Our subject is a stanch Democrat, having
cast his first presidential vote for Horace Greeley,
in 1872, and he has represented his party in Various conventions He
has served with gratifying success as trustee of his township, being
chosen as his own successor. In 1899 he was elected land appraiser
of Brown township, and is the present incumbent. He and his wife are
devoted members of the Christian, church, holding membership in what
is known as the Teegarden chapel, in the erection of which
edifice Mr. Rahn was a member of the building
committee. Their daughter Vermille is superintendent of the
Sunday school. Mr. and Mrs. Rahn are
representatives of old and honored pioneer families of the county,
and on this score, as well as by reason of their own beneficent and
kindly lives, they merit full recognition in a work of this nature,
and this tribute we are glad to accord. |
 |
|
|
 |
WILLIAM REED,
farmer and proprietor of Reed's saw-mill; P.O. Greenville; another
of our self-made men, born in the county of Antrim, Ireland, Dec.
14, 1831, where he obtained his education in the subscription
schools, and followed farming and weaving until 18 years of age,
when he emigrated to America, landing in New York in 1849; coming
directly West, he followed various pursuits for a time in Michigan,
and after a few years' residence in Missouri and Indiana, came to
Ohio, and until 1861, was employed in farming and working in saw
mills in Hamilton Co.; in 1861, he came to Darke Co. and located in
Neave Township; in 1872, he located upon his present place,
and purchased 160 acres to which he has since added until he now
owns 230 acres, and has brought a large part of the same, which was
at the time a howling wilderness, to a good state of cultivation, by
his own hard labor; he erected his steam saw-mill in 1872, and has
since successfully run the saw mill in connection with farming;
Mr. Reed arrived in new York with very little
money, and was robbed of all save one penny; he then borrowed the
means to take him to Michigan, and paid the same back from his wages
at $15 per month; the writer of this article has been formed by
friends of the above gentleman of the misfortunes of Mr.
Reed, in losing a large part of his hard earnings by the
"sharp"(?) practice of a certain professional gentleman; in 1876, he
visited the land of his birth; during the voyage, in the steamer
Scotland, they ran into and sank another vessel near Sandy Hook;
returning in the city of Antwerp, he also experienced another
accident of the same nature. Wm. Reed and Sarah Lowery,
were married Mar. 18, 187; she died Jun. 5, 1874; four sons were the
fruit of this union, viz.: John R., born Mar. 11,
1868; William H., Nov. 1, 189; David L., Jan. 7,
1872; Clifford, May 25, 1874; his marriage with
Christiana Howard was celebrated Sep. 22, 1876; she
was born in Preble Co., Ohio, Aug. 1, 1846; they had two children by
this union - Walter H., born Mar. 19, 1878, and an
infant born Oct. 22, 1879. Mr. Reed was
raised a Presbyterian, his first wife being of the same belief, his
present wife being a member of the Christian church; the mother of
Mrs. Reed was a daughter of John Porter,
who was born in Pennsylvania and removed to Kentucky in 1830, thence
to Darke Co. at a very early day, living here several year, and died
in Kentucky in 1846. ~Page 522 |
 |
F. REHLING,
dealer in stoves, tinware, house-furnishing goods, etc., etc.,
Greenville; is another of the self-made men of Darke Co.; born in
Hesse, Germany, May 27, 1837, where he received a good German
education; at 16 years of age, he emigrated to America, landing in
New York June 5, 1853; coming directly West, he arrived in
Greenville without means, he then obtained employment in the
Fairview Hotel, at $6 per month, and for three years was employed in
the hotel business; he then served three years' apprenticeship to
learn the trade of tinner, and after completing his trade, he worked
eleven years as journeyman; in 1868, he engaged in the above
business, and in 1870 was unfortunate in business, losing all his
capital; he then worked at the bench three years when he started his
present business, which he has since successfully followed; he feels
perfectly safe in saying that he carries the largest stock of goods
and does a more extensive trade in his line than any one in
Greenville, and is one of our most enterprising and respected
citizens. His marriage with Josephine Craig
was celebrated in 1862; they have six children now living, viz:
Wesley, William, Henry T., James F., Archie and
Sophia E. ~ Page 523 |
 |
WILLIAM
H. REPPETO. Among the public-spirited and progressive
citizens of Greenville probably none have done more to advance the
welfare and prosperity of the town than the gentleman who is now
serving as the president of the city council. He has also been
a prominent factor in business circles, and is a man whose worth and
ability have gained him success, honor and public confidence.
Mr. Reppeto was born near the city of Hamilton,
Butler county, Ohio, in December, 1845, and is a son of
Dabner and Charlotte (McEowen) Reppeto, in
whose family were two children, but the daughter, Martha,
died in infancy. His grandfather, Alexander
McEowen, was one of the pioneers of Darke county
and fought under General Wayne when he was making
his raid through this county. The father of our subject was a
native of Virginia, but during his youth came to Ohio, where he grew
to manhood and married. He and his wife began their domestic
life in Butler county, where he followed his trade, that of cooper,
for a number of years, but at the time of his death, in 1861, was
living in Davenport, Iowa. His wife had died in Miami county,
Ohio, in 1848. William H.
Reppeto received the greater part of his education in the
schools of Davenport, Iowa. Although only fifteen years of age
he joined the "boys in blue" at the opening of the civil war,
enlisting in 1861 in Company C, Eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
as a musician, under Colonel William P. Benton.
After being mustered into the United States service he was ordered
with his regiment to Missouri and Arkansas, and took part in the
battles of Pea Ridge, Wilson's Creek and Duvall's Bluff, Arkansas.
He served faithfully until February, 1863, when he was taken ill and
sent to the hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained some
months and was then sent to Belleville, Illinois. On
recovering his health he re-enlisted in Company B, Twenty-ninth
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war,
taking part in the siege of Mobile, the capture of that stronghold
and Fort Blakely. He was mustered out Oct. 11, 1865.
After the war Mr. Reppeto came to Greenville, Ohio,
where he attended school for a time, and then learned the
cabinetmaker's trade, which he has made his life work, having
followed that occupation in several different states. On the
11th of August, 1890, he married his second wife, Miss
Amanda E. Cline, a daughter of F. M. Cline,
and to them have been born two children, Virgil and
Ester. The latter died at three years of age.
Socially Mr. Reppeto is a member of Flora Lodge,
No. 526, I. O. O. F., at Flora and has been D. D. G. M. of that
order. Politically he is a pronounced Democrat. He has
been a member of the city council of Greenville and has been the
president of that body for the last year. He takes an active
and influential part in public affairs, and was one of the first to
agitate and recommend the construction of sewers and the propriety
of paving the streets of Greenville. This was met by the most
stubborn opposition on the part of many of the Citizens, and they
went so far as to get out an injunction against the enterprise, but
he carred his point, and the city
now has great reason to be proud of its streets. Source: A
biographical history of Darke County, Ohio - Evansville, Ind. 1900 - Pg.
399 |
 |
WILLIAM REQUARTH,
farmer and stock-raiser; residence Sec. 29, Township 10, Range 3
east; P. O. Greenville; born in Hesse, Germany, Sept. 22, 1833,
where he attended the schools continually from to 14 years of
age; he is the son of John H. Requarth, who was a
native of the same place, born Jan. 9, 1796, and emigrated to
America, landing in New York, Jan. 8, 1848, and is now living
(at this date, 1879) at the advanced age of 84 years; Wm.
Requarth came to America and to Ohio with his parents in
1848; he assisted his father until 23 years of age, after which he
was employed at farming and blacksmithing a few years, and upon the
5th of May, 1859. He was married to Wilhemia Ostermeier; she
was born Feb. 22, 1834, in Hesse, Germany; they are the parents of
six sons and four daughters, viz., William, Henry, John,
Frank, Charlie, Louisa, Mena, Caroline, Mollie and
August; the latter died in infancy. Mr.
Requarth is one of the self-made men of Darke Co.; he has
been a resident of the county since 185, owns 123 acres of good land
with good, farm-buildings valued at about $10,000, all of which he
has made by his own hard labor; he has held the office of Supervisor
two terms, School Director two terms, and is now one of the Trustees
of Greenville Township. ~ Page 523 |
 |
|
ABRAHAM
RHOADES. Among the wealthy and influential citizens, of
Darke county, Ohio, is found the subject of this review, Abraham
Rhoades, a retired farmer living at his pleasant rural home
on section 4, Greenville township. He was born in Perry township,
Montgomery county, Ohio, eight miles west of Dayton, February .8,
1832. His father was Jacob Rhoades, a native of
Bedford county, Pennsylvania, who, when seven years old, moved with
his parents to Montgomery county, Ohio. Grandfather Rhoades,
also named Jacob, and also a native of Pennsylvania, on
coming to Ohio settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres,
located six miles west of Dayton, where he developed his land and
passed the rest of his life. On becoming of age the younger Jacob
Rhoades entered eighty acres of land in that county, married
there and settled down to farming, and in Montgomery county spent
his life and died, his age at death being seventy-six years. He was
a Christian man, a member of the Lutheran church, and was highly
respected in the community in which he lived. His first wife, whose
maiden name was Barbara Souders, was a native of
Montgomery county and a daughter of Peter Souders, who
was of Pennsylvania birth and Scotch descent, his father having been
born in Scotland. Mrs. Barbara Rhoades died at
the age of forty-five years, she bore her husband eleven children.
By his second wife Mr. Rhoades had five children.
Abraham was the third born in the first family. His brothers
are: John, deceased; Noah, a resident of Montgomery
county, Ohio; Jacob, deceased; Peter, of Montgomery
county; Jonas, deceased; and Hiram, of Darke county.
His sisters are as follows: Katie, the wife of Robert
Surber, of Darke county; Barbara, deceased; Malihda,
the wife of Henry Smith, of Darke county. The members
of the family by the second marriage are: Margaret, the wife
of John Tompson, deceased; David, deceased; Henry,
of Montgomery county; Amanda, the wife of Jefferson
Lamon, of Montgomery county; and Daniel, deceased.
Abraham Rhoades was reared to man's estate in his
native county, with very limited opportunities for obtaining an
education. Indeed, it may be said that the whole of his education
has been obtained in the broad school of experience. In 1854 he came
to Darke county, making the journey on foot, carrying an ax and an
old carpet bag, which contained his earthly possessions. Arrived
here, he began cutting cordwood, and from this small beginning laid
the foundation of his present fortune. He soon bought one hundred
acres of land, only two acres of which were cleared, and in the
purchase of this property he went in debt eleven hundred dollars. By
faithful, honest toil he transformed this piece of wild land into a
well-cultivated farm, with a comfortable and attractive home and
other good buildings thereon, and not only paid off the debt that he
had contracted but also bought adjoining land, seventy-two acres,
which he has likewise brought under cultivation. His life has been
one of constant endeavor. A hard worker and a good manager, he has
made his own success.
Mr. Rhoades was married in 1856 td
Mary Pitzenberger, a native of Montgomery county, Ohio,
who came to Darke county in 1850. She departed this life June 24,.
1894. Her children are as follows: Jacob, who married Mary
Lynn and now resides in Indiana; Matilda, the wife of
Crist Appenxeller; Elizabeth, the wife of
William Pitsenberger, of Columbus, Ohio; Stephen, who
married Clara Stephens; and Curtis, who married
Charity Mong. Mr. Rhoades has given to
each of his children six thousand dollars, and comfortably settled
them in life, at the same time retaining for himself an abundance of
this world's goods. In addition to his farm above referred to, he
has valuable property in Greenville and stock in the First National
Bank at that place.
He gives his support, politically, to the Republican
party. |
 |
|
JOHN H. RIES
is chief of the fire department of Greenville, which is his
native city, his birth having here occurred on the 15th of April,
1843. He is a son of Jeremiah and Catherine (Gilbert) Ries.
In Greenville he spent the greater part of his boyhood and youth,
enjoying such educational advantages as the public schools afforded,
and thus becoming well prepared for life's practical duties.
In 1862, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he responded to his
country's call for aid and joined the Union army as a member of
Company F, Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel J.
W. Frizell. After spending some time in camp at Columbus the
regiment was ordered to the front and was assigned to General
Rosecrans' army. Mr. Ries took part in the battles of
Perryville and Stone River, where he was severely wounded by a
gunshot in the left leg. He was then taken to the hospital at
Nashville, Tennessee, and his wounds necessitated his remaining
there for three months. On the expiration of that period he
was discharged on account of his disability, but when his health was
restored he re-enlisted in the Eighth Ohio Independent Battery and
was sent to Vicksburg, Mississippi. In the spring of 1864 he
was put on detached duty as a blacksmith, having learned the trade
before entering the army. He continued to act in that capacity
until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged in
July, 1865. His loyal service commended him to all who believe
in the Union cause, and with patriotic ardor he did what he could
for his country.
Returning to Greenville Mr. Ries resumed work at his
trade, which he has since followed to the present time in connection
with his brother, James A. Ries, under the firm name of Ries
Brothers. They have a general blacksmith and repair shop and
receive a liberal patronage in their line. In May, 1900, Mr.
Ries was appointed chief of the fire department and is now
acceptably filling that position. Socially he is connected
with Greenville Lodge, No. 195, I. O. O. F. He is also a
member of Jobes Post, No. 157, G. A. R., of which he formerly served
as commander. He receives a pension in recognition of his
services and is possessed of good property interests. His life
has been one of honorable and useful activity, and he is well known
among Greenville's citizens. |
 |
|
D. Q. ROBERTS, deceased, was for more than
forty years one of the respected farmers of German township, Darke
county, Ohio. He was born in Harrison township, Darke county,
Ohio, Feb. 2, 1834, the son of German parents. His father and
uncle, Samuel and George Roberts, with their wives, emigrated from
Germany to this country and made settlement in Darke county, Ohio,
Feb. 2, 1834, the son of German parents. His father and uncle,
Samuel and George Roberts, with their wives, emigrated from
Germany to this country and made settlement in Darke county, Ohio,
where they passed the rest of their lives, engaged in agricultural
pursuits. D. Q. remained on his father's farm in
Harrison township until his marriage, Nov. 8, 1856, when he located
on the farm of one hundred and seventy acres in German township
where his widow still resides. Here for four decades he
successfully carried on general farming and stock-raising, and was
well known and highly respected throughout the county. While
not a politician or a public man in any sense, he took an
intelligent interest in public affairs, and gave his support, so far
as his vote was concerned, to the Democratic party. He died Mar. 28,
1897.
Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts, nee Baker, his widow,
was born in Jefferson township, Preble county, Ohio, December
25, 1834. Her father, Thomas Baker, was a native of
Brooklyn, New York, from which place, .about 1812, he came to Ohio
and settled in Butler county, where he subsequently married. He
then moved to Preble county and took up his abode on a tract of land
in Jefferson township, where he cut the logs, built a cabin in the
clearing and began life in true pioneer style. As the years passed
by he developed a good farm, which is now owned and occupied by his
son Thomas. Thomas Baker, the grandfather of
Mr. Roberts, was an Englishman, who, on coming to
this country, located on Long Island. Grandmother Baker
was a native of Scotland. Mrs. Roberts' mother was before
marriage Miss Elizabeth Wesley, was a native of
Pennsylvania, and was related to the Wesleys
who founded the society of Methodists. She was the mother of ten
children that grew to adult age, Mrs. Roberts being the
eighth born. Mrs. Roberts passed her girlhood days
on her father's pioneer farm in Preble county, and received her
education in a log schoolhouse near her home. She is the mother of
six children, four daughters and two sons, namely: Adella
F., the wife of Daniel Shaw, of Indiana, by
whom she has one daughter, Hazel; by a former marriage she
has two children, Earl and Ethel Mitchell; Dorson, who
married Margaret Hamilton and lives in Hollansburg,
Darke county; Emma, the wife of Moses Adamson,
of Nebraska has two children, Hugh and Hazel;
Martha Ann, the wife of William Smock, of
Indiana, has three, children; and Ella and Linneus, at
home . |
 |
|
CHARLES C.
ROGERS, one of the representative farmers of Wabash
township, Darke county, Ohio, was born in Missouri, February 13,
1842, but was reared in Clermont county, Ohio. His father, Jacob
Rogers, whose birth occurred in New Jersey, December 19,
1808, and who represented one of the old American families, in early
life followed the shoemaking trade and afterward engaged in farming,
with good success. He removed from Missouri to Ohio, and for some
time resided in Montgomery and Clermont counties, but his last days
were spent in Indiana, where he died in October, 1893. He was an
upright and honorable man, who never had a lawsuit of any kind. He
married Miss Mary Ann Turton, of
Maryland, and to them were born nine children, five of whom are
still living and have families numbering from three to six children.
Mrs. Rogers was a life-long member of the Methodist church
and when past the age of forty years her husband also became a
devout member of that denomination. She very carefully reared her
children, instilling into their minds lessons of industry and
morality, which aided in shaping their careers, making them noble
men and women. She died about eleven years prior to the death of her
husband, being called to her final rest in October, 1882, when
seventy-two years of age. The remains of both were interred in the
Salem cemetery in Montgomery county, Ohio. Not being fond of study
in his childhood Charles C. Rogers obtained a rather meager
common school education, but his training at farm labor, however,
was not limited, for he assisted in the cultivation of the fields of
the old homestead until his marriage, which occurred November 21,
1863, when Miss Mary Catherine Fauber became his wife. She
was an adopted daughter of John Armstrong, with whom she
lived till her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers became the parents of
three children: Elmer Clinton, a merchant of New Weston,
whose sketch appears below; Georgianna, wife of Lewis A.
Davis, a furniture dealer at New Weston, Ohio; and Roscoe Roy,
who is in his brother's store in New Weston. He is married and has a
daughter. Mr. Rogers has given his children good
educational advantages, and the older son, who has made splendid use
of his opportunities, has been of great assistance to his parents,
manifesting most filial devotion and doing all in his power to
promote the happiness and enhance the welfare of his parents.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rogers began their domestic
life in rather limited circumstances on a farm in Clermont county,
Ohio, but subsequently spent one year near Mattoon, Illinois, after
which they returned to Ohio, settling in Montgomery county. In 1883
they removed to Mercer county, where seven years were passed; the
following two years were spent in North Star, Darke county, Ohio;
five years in Jefferson county, Indiana, and two years in New
Weston, Darke county, Ohio, where the father engaged in
merchandising, having followed the same pursuit in North Star. In
1899 he located on his present farm of eighty acres in Allen
township, Darke county, and is now devoting his energies to
agricultural pursuits. There is a pleasant brick residence upon the
place, a good barn and tobacco sheds; in fact it is awell improved
and most desirable farm. Mr. Rogers rents most of his land,
tilling only a small portion, for his own pleasure and health. In
politics he' is independent, supporting the men. whom he
believes best qualified to fill the offices, regardless of party
lines. He commands the confidence and respect of all with whom he
comes in contact and is held in high regard wherever known. |
 |
|
ELMER
CLINTON ROGERS. Among the enterprising and
progressive business men of Darke county is the subject of this
review, who is now successfully engaged in general merchandising at
New Weston. He was born in Clermont county, Ohio, August 14, 1864,
and is a son of Charles C. Rogers, a well-known farmer of
Allen township, Darke county.
During his boyhood our subject attended the country
schools of Montgomery county, and in the winter of 1883-4 he
commenced teaching, which profession he successfully followed for
seven years. .On the 5th of September, 1886, he led to the marriage
altar Miss Iora P. Gower, a daughter of J. S. and Louisa (Hartsell)
Gower, all natives of Darke county. Her parents were well-known
farmers of Wabash township. Of their six children only two are now
living: Mrs. Rogers, and Hattie, the wife of G. W.
Arnold. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were:
Orlando, who died in infancy ; Ethel Cleora, who died
at the age of two years and a half; Nolah Fern, born
July 4, 1892; Ernest R., born November 12, 1894, and Homer
Lee, born August 29, 1898.
Mr. Rogers began merchandising with his father at
North Star, in February, 1891, under the firm name of Rogers
& Son, but two years later he bought his father's farm in
Mercer county, and for three years turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits. Our subject then embarked in general
merchandising, at Eldorado, Preble county, Ohio, where he carried on
business for two years, and in May, 1897, came to New Weston, where
he has built up a large and constantly increasing trade. In 1899 he
erected the substantial brick building he now occupies, and he
carries a large and well selected stock of general merchandise to
meet the demands of his customers. He sold out the hardware branch
of his business in September, 1899. Mr. Rogers possesses the
necessary qualifications of successful business men, being
industrious, enterprising and energetic, as well as a most pleasing
and genial gentleman, upright and honorable in all his dealings.
Politically he is a Democrat and has served as township treasurer in
Wabash and Allen townships. Religiously both he and his wife are
members of the New Light church and socially he is a member of the
Knights of Pythias. |
 |
|
CHARLES
W. ROLAND is the editor in chief and one of the proprietors
of the Greenville Democrat, which paper was purchased in 1866 by his
father, Charles Roland, Sr., after it had passed through
several hands. It was made a Democratic paper, placed upon a
substantial footing and became the leading Democratic official organ
of Darke county. It is a large sheet, printing the local and general
news, arid has an extensive arid constantly growing circulation in
Greenville and Darke county. It is issued oh Wednesday of. each
week, and its publication was continued by Charles Roland
until June 14, 1899, when he retired from the active management,
which was then assumed by his sons, Charles W. and Edward
H., under the firm name of Roland Brothers. The
paper is a nine column, four page journal, 32x46 inches. The plant
is equipped with a gas engine, cylinder power press, three job
presses and all the necessary machinery and type for turning out
first-class work. The paper is considered an excellent
advertising medium and does a large job printing business in
addition to the regular newspaper work. The building occupied was
built expressly for the purpose and is a three-story brick
structure, the entire third floor being occupied as the printing
office, while the second floor is used for general office purposes
and the first floor is used as a store room. Charles W. Roland,
the senior partner, was born in the city, of Lancaster, Fairfield
county, Ohio, on the 15th of August,. 1857, a son of Charles and
Amelia (Clark) Roland. He came to Greenville, Darke county,
Ohio, with his parents when nine years old. He pursued his
elementary education in the preliminary schools of Greenville and
then entered the high school, in which he was graduated in the class
of 1876; In 1871 he began his apprenticeship at the printing, trade
and after his school days had ended he continued the printing
business in all its departments, and assisted his father for a
number of years until, on the 14th of June, 1899, in company with
his brother, Edward H., he purchased the business,
which is now conducted under the firm name of Roland
Brothers, The father retired from the active management and the
sons took charge, their practical knowledge and extended experience
well qualifying them for the responsibilities which they assumed.
Charles W. Roland was married September 6, 1882,
to Miss Lizzie Davis, of Aberdeen, Ohio, a daughter of
Elijah Davis, who served as the postmaster, of that place
under Presidents Hayes and Grant. She was born
January 26, 1858,. at Flemingsburg, Kentucky. They now have four
children: Gertrude, born August 22, 1883; Gladys, born
January; 26, 1897; Charles E., January 21, 1888; and
Virgil D., October 18, 1894, all born at Greenville, Ohio.
Edward H. Roland was born in Lancaster, Ohio,
January 9, 1865, was educated in the public schools .of Greenville
and mastered the printer's art in his father's office, becoming
familiar with the business both in general, principles and detail.
He is therefore a practical printer as well as newspaper man, and
the combined labors of the brothers have made the Greenville
Democrat a leading journal in this section of the state. As the name
implies, its political support is given the Democracy, and on the
Democratic ticket Charles W. Roland was. elected to the city
council, in which he served for one term. Both brothers are reliable
and energetic business men, of agreeable social qualities and are
popular in the community where they have so long resided. |
 |
|
WILLIAM
RUNKLE. It is seldom that men who lack spirit
attain to positions of public trust, for the public is a
discriminating factor and its judgment is usually accurate, and
therefore when one gains the confidence of his fellow men and is
honored with public office it is an indication that he is worthy of
the trust reposed in him. Such is certainly the case with
William Runkle, who is now serving as sheriff of Darke county.
The law-abiding citizens regard him as a bulwark of safety, and
those who are not amenable to the rules which govern society have
reason to regard him with fear.
He was born in Harrison township, Darke county, August
28, 1858, upon his father's farm, and is the eldest son of Jerry
and Isabella (Hindsley) Runkel. His father, who is still
living, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 15th of August,
1835, and during his early boyhood came with his parents to Darke
county, where he was left an orphan at the age of nine years.
He was then bound out to work on a farm, forced to begin the battle
of life unaided at that tender age. He lived in Butler
township from 1844 until 1855, at which time, with the capital which
he had acquired through his own well directed efforts, his
enterprise and economy, he purchased a farm of forty acres in
Harrison township, upon which he located and made his home until
January 1, 1880, when he removed to Greenville. In the spring
of 1879 he had received the nomination for sheriff upon the
Democratic ticket and was elected in October of that year by a
majority of six hundred and seventy-five. He then removed to
the city in order to be more closely in touch with the seat of
justice and filled the office in an acceptable manner.
In 1857 he was married to Miss Isabella Hindsley, a daughter
of W. H. and Anna (Butt) Hindsley, pioneer settlers of Darke
county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Runkle occurred in
Harrison township and has been blessed with four children:
William, Joseph E., Frances and Edith I. The father
is now serving as deputy sheriff.
William Runkle, whose names introduces this
review, was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads and was sent
to the district school for three months during the winter season.
Throughout the remainder of the year he assisted his father in the
cultivation of the fields and meadows and in the other work of farm
improvements. When his father was elected sheriff William
Runkle was appointed his deputy and served acceptably in
that capacity for four years. Later he filled the position of
deputy sheriff under John Welker and at the close of his term
he joined his father, who was engaged in the construction and
repairing of pikes in Mercer and Darke counties. They followed
that business for two years, after which Mr. Runkle, of this
review, engaged in baling hay and straw in connection with farming,
following that pursuit until 1897, when he was nominated by the
Democracy for the office of sheriff of Darke county. The
election returns showed that he was the successful candidate and he
took charge of the office on the 1st of January, 1898. In the
fall of 1899 he was re-elected, his term expiring in 1901, at which
time he will have filled the position for four years in addition to
six years' service as deputy. He has been a competent officer,
against whom no complaint has been made, and throughout the
community in which he resides he is held in high regard for his
fidelity as a citizen and his worth as a man. |
 |
|
ANDREW RUSH.
About the 28th of April, 1812, Andrew Rush started for
a little mill which had been built on Greenville creek, a few rods
above where the Beamsville road to Greenville marks a crossing.
He got his grist and set out to return home. On his way home
he stopped to make a call on Daniel Potter, who, with
Isaac Vail, was occupying each his own end of a double
log house, which stood between the late residence of Moses
Potter and the creek. The two settlers from some cause had
become fearful of trouble, and had gone down the Miami for
assistance to take back their families to their former homes.
Mrs. Potter asked Mr. Rush if he were
not afraid of the Indians, and he put his hand through his hair and
replied jokingly, "No: I had my wife cut my hair this morning so
short that they could not get my scalp." Some time about 4
p.m., he left for home, and had not proceeded half a mile when he
was shot from his horse, tomahawked and his scalp taken.
Uneasiness was felt because of his not returning home, but all the
forenoon next day rain fell steadily and it was thought he might
have stayed with a settler; but in the afternoon Mr. Hiller's
oldest son and Mr. Rush's brother-in-law took a horse and set
out to look for him. They boys followed the track made by
Rush to Greenville creek, just above the place known as
Spiece's Mill, and there found the body lying on the sack of
meal, mutilated as described. The boys then visited the houses
of the settlers, but found all the cabins silent and deserted.
They then hastened to the cabin of Henry Rush, and it was
abandoned. The truth was evident that a panic had seized upon
all, and they had fled for their lives. Next morning men from
Preble county moved out on the road to the body of Andrew Rush
and gave it burial. |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
<BACK TO BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX FOR DARKE
COUNTY, OHIO>
CLICK HERE to
Return to
DARKE COUNTY, OHIO |
CLICK HERE to
Return to
OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS |
This Webpage has been created by Sharon Wick exclusively for Ohio Genealogy Express
©2008
Submitters retain all copyrights |
|