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appear, the rock breaking into thin, irregular slabs. Lower down, this formation is of a darker yellow color, firm, massive, and contains innumerable fine casts of crinoidea.

A second exposure of this formation occurs at the quarries of Dr. I. N. Gard, southeast quarter Section 33, Greenville Township. The beds are worked in two places, known as the old and new quarries, and lie about fifty yards apart. In appearance the rock does not differ materially from that at Bierley's, but it is much harder and totally different in fossil contents, two or three species only being common to both. The upper stratum is especially to be noticed as being of a compact crystalline structure, and also considerably folded. Moreover, it shows a perceptible dip toward the south and east. The section is as follows:

Yellow clay and loam.......

Ft. In. 06

Dark-red clay, very compact, calcareous and interspersed with many lime-
stone pebbles.....

20

Thick stratum, with definite fracture, of dark yellow or bluish cast, compact
crystalline; few fossils, but well preserved; glacial striæ south, 5° west, 29
Thick marine, porous, in many places soft and sandy, light buff in color,
and containing many fine casts...

Total exposure.........

60

.11 3

The beds are again exposed just below the mill at Webster, in the southwest quarter of Section 32, Wayne Township. A section of between four and five feet is revealed on the right bank of the Stillwater, where its waters have worn down to its original bed. The rock here is very nearly identical in character with that in Greenville Township. Its hardness is sufficient for building purposes, but it would be impracticable to attempt a quarry from the massive, irregular character of the limestone. It is easy of access and might be quarried to be manufactured into lime. The creek bank above the rock consists of three or four feet of dark red-colored clay, which is greatly calcareous. Beneath this clay several sulphur springs flow out from the surface of the rock into the creek.

Again, near Weaver's Station, on the southeast quarter of Section 29, Neave Township, a surface of limestone is revealed along the bed of Mud Creek for some one hundred and fifty yards. The rock here differs but slightly from the other exposures noticed. The stone is plainly laminated, breaking out in thin irregular flags; very sandy in texture, and mostly of a buff color, and in patches bearing a close resemblance to red sandstone. Experiments demonstrate that the lighter colored stone produces a fine quality of lime, while the red in color is said to become hard from heating. This may have been the result of imperfect burning. Stones used in the foundation of a mill in the immediate vicinity were taken from the creek, but they are not hard enough for purposes of building. A peculiar feature is the absence not only of fossils but traces of them.

The only other exposure is on the northwest quarter of Section 24, near New Madison, Harrison Township, where a lime-kiln was formerly carried on by C. B. Northrup. A section six to eight feet deep and much worn is visible, showing the same general features elsewhere noted. Prof. Orton gives the Niagara rock a thickness of twenty feet at Hillsboro, Ohio, and of forty-two feet at Springfield, and an estimate of its depth in Darke County would place it between twenty and thirty feet.

Worthless as this limestone is found for building or even flagging, it is valuable for the fine character of the lime it produces. This lime is strong, very white, and unexcelled within the State. Its superiority has been recognized, and it finds a constant demand in markets near and more distant. An analysis of this rock by Dr. Wormley, of the survey, shows it to consist of 50.11 per cent of carbonate of magnesia. This high percentage is attributed by Prof. Orton to the longcontinued presence of carbonated water, but at Gard's quarries the rock shows 45.72 percentage of magnesia.

A detailed analysis of a specimen from each of these quarries shows:

[blocks in formation]

The specific gravity of the first is 2.452, as shown by Prof. Mendenhall. While the supply of material for lime is inexhaustible and kilns will be built at accessible points, and this industry expanded and increased, the surface clay affords good facilities for the manufacture of brick and tile, and a number of manufactories are carried on to advantage in different parts of the county. A summary shows that the rock formations of the county furnish excellent lime, and contain the elements of a soil's renewal, and are a source of a highly valuable industry.

CIVIL LIST-OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES.

All government has its origin in the wishes of the people, but only intelligence rendered extended suffrage and republicanism a success. Peopled by the descendants of those who had emancipated themselves from kingly thraldom and intolerant persecution, Ohio early became, and has since continued to be, the central field of conservatism wherein political parties, swaying first to one side, then to the other, in numerical power, have held extreme measures in check, and conduced to State and national welfare. Territorial government in the Northwest Territory was provided for in the ordinance passed by Congress July 13, 1787, and October 21 of the same year, received her first Governor, in the person of Gen. Arthur St. Clair, at Marietta. The Territory was so large and St. Clair became so unpopular that a large party was formed, in 1801, in favor of a State government, and in the following year, Thomas Worthington, at Philadelphia, used his influence, “which, terminating the influence of tyranny" was to "meliorate the circumstances of thousands by freeing them from the domination of a despotic chief." His efforts proved successful, and March 4, a report was made to the House in favor of authorizing a State Convention. The first General Assembly, under the State Constitution, assembled at Chillicothe, March 1, 1803, and formed eight new counties, one of which was Montgomery. In 1816, the seat of State government was removed to Columbus, and speedily measures were brought forward agitating the question of a canal linking the Ohio with Lake Erie, and eventually resulting in the Miami Canal, by which Darke Settlers found at Piqua an early market for produce.

In 1836, the Congressional district was composed of Darke, Preble and Butler, and Taylor Webster, of Butler, a Democrat, was elected. In 1838, John B. Weller, Democrat, of Butler, was chosen over John Beers, of Darke County, a Whig. Weller was re-elected in 1840 and 1842 over L. D. Campbell, a Whig, of Butler, but in 1844, F. A. Cunningham, of Eaton, Preble Co., was elected over Campbell. In 1846, the district was composed of Darke, Montgomery, Greene and Preble Counties, when R. C. Schenck, Whig, of Dayton, was elected. Two years later, he was re-elected over J. W. McCorkle, of Dayton. In 1850, the Third District was composed of the same counties, when Hiram Bell, Whig, of Greenville, was elected. In 1852, the district was composed of Darke, Miami, Shelby, Auglaize, Allen and Mercer, when M. H. Nichols, of Lima, Democrat, was successful over Joseph Plunket, Whig, of St. Mary's. In 1854, Nichols withdrew from the Democratic Convention of the district, held at Sidney, and, announcing himself as an independent anti-Nebraska candidate, was elected by a majority of 6,000 over D. G. Dorsey, of Piqua, the nominee of the convention after the withdrawal of Nichols. In 1856, Nichols again ran against Dorsey and won, by a Republican majority of 256. At the next election, William Allen, Democrat, by 78 majority, was chosen over Nichols, and re-elected for the same office in 1860 by 600 majority

over Hart. In 1862, the district was composed of Darke, Warren, Shelby, Logan and Champaign, and J. T. McKinney, Democrat, of Piqua, was elected over W. H. West, Republican, whose defeat was largely attributable to the draft made at that time by order of Gov. Tod. In 1864, Mr. William Laramore was chosen over McKinney, and was re-elected for 1866-68; then, in 1870, McKinney was successful over W. B. McClung. In 1872, the district was constituted of Darke, Preble, Greene and Montgomery, and L. B. Gunkel, Republican, elected over J. J. Warner, of Greene. In 1874, the election went Democratic, sending John A. McMahon. of Dayton, to Congress over Gunkel. In 1876, McMahon was returned over John Hand, of Dayton. In 1878, the district was composed of Darke, Shelby, Warren, Preble, Auglaize and Mercer, and B. S. Lesser, of Sidney, was elected over Wilson of the same place.

The senatorial district was formerly composed of Darke, Shelby and Miami Counties, and always went Whig or Republican. The new constitution came into force in 1851, and made Darke County a representative district of itself. Previous to 1856, the majorities of the dominant party had averaged about one hundred votes. In 1857, J. L. Winner, Democrat, was elected Senator, and on the expiration of his term was re-elected. Since that time, the county has been increasingly Democratic, and has now about one thousand majority. The qualifi cations for eligibility to be a Senator are citizenship of the United States, two years' residence in the district whence chosen, thirty years of age, and be known to have paid State and county taxes. The Representative must be twenty-five years of age, a resident of the county, with the other qualifications above given.

As a convenient and instructive record connected with the political and official list of the county, we supply the lists of members of Assembly from 1842, and county officers from the organization of the county to the present time: Members of Assembly-1843, James Bryson; 1844, D. I. Hostetter; 1848, Luther Montfort; 1849, George Ward; 1850, Judge Lennox; 1851, P. V. Banta; 1853, Evan Baker; 1855, J. C. Williamson; 1857-59, J. L. Winner; 1861, L. B. Lott (served two terms); 1865, Scipio Myer; 1867-69, Jacob Baker (two terms); 1871, E. N. Walker; 1873, D. T. D. Styles; 1875-77, Dr. Hostetter (two terms); 1879, Charles Negley and W. Long.

The following is the list of County Commissioners, with time of service: 1817-Archibald Bryson, two years; Abraham Studabaker, three years; Silas Atchison, one year; 1818, Jacob Miller, one year. (We have an incomplete record at this point, and resume with 1823.) 1823-William Cury, one year; Abraham Studabaker, ten years; John McNeill, two years; 1824, Joshua Howell, two years; 1825, Dennis Hart, three years; 1826, James Bryson, four years; Robert Robeson, one year; 1828, David Briggs, one year; 1831, Jacob Harter, three years; 1832, Solomon Riffle, five years; 1833, John Swisher, two years; 1837, Richard Lucas, two years; 1840, Moses Woods, three years, and William B. Ludd, one year; 1841, George Ward, three years; 1842, John McGriff, Jr.; 1843, John Colville, five years; 1844, Henry Lipps, two years; 1845, William Arnold, two years; 1848 (March), John Miller, one year; 1848 (October), Christian Harshey, two years; Adam Baker, who resigned, and Henry Arnold appointed till next election; 1849, Samuel C. Baker, two years, and Isaac Reed, three years; 1851, Daniel Reigle, five years; 1852, David Studabaker, five years; 1853, Abel Stonaker, two years; 1855, S. A. Green, three years; 1856, William Kerr, three years; 1857, Michael Zick, three years; 1858, William Wright, three years; 1859, Riley Gard, three years; 1863, John Stoltz, six years; 1864, George Ivester, six years; 1865, Samuel Alexander, three years; 1868, David Oliver, three years; 1869, Jesse Woods, three years; 1871, James Auld, three years; 1872, J. R. Holland, four years; 1873, Elisha Berry, four years; 1874, John Antonides, one year; 1877, George D. Miller, three years; 1878, William Archard; 1879, Samuel WilProbate Judges-John Wharry, elected in 1851; A. R. Calderwood, 1854; D. H. R. Jobes, 1857; J. C. McKeny, 1866, resigned 1868, and A. F. Bodle was

son.

appointed to serve from April to November of that year; James T. Meeker was elected in October, 1868, to complete the term, then elected in 1869 for three years, and again chosen in 1872; then J. A. Jobes was chosen in 1875, and re-elected in 1878, and is now incumbent of the office. As is observed, the officer holds for three years. The Prosecuting Attorney is biennially elected, his term of office to begin the first Monday of January next after his election. No person is eligible to this office who is not a duly licensed counselor at law, authorized to practice in the State. No Prosecuting Attorney should be a member of the General Assembly of the State, or Mayor of a city, and no county officer should be a candidate for the office. Bond not less than $1,000 is required, to be approved by the Court of Common Pleas in the Probate Court, which may appoint to fill vacancy. His general duties are to prosecute in the name of the State all complaints, suits and controversies in which the State is a party. In case of conviction, he shall cause execution to issue and faithfully urge collection, which shall be paid to County Treasurer. He shall be the legal adviser of the county officers, shall not enter a nolle pros. without leave of the court. He shall prepare and accept the bonds of all county officers. He is held to see that county funds are not misapplied, and in lieu of failure is open to suit by taxpayers. No list is given. The Clerk of Common Pleas Court is elected triennially; term begins February 9, next after his election. Bond not less than $10,000 nor more than $40,000, as determined by County Commissioners, with approved sureties. He shall also be the Clerk of the District Court, and of any superior court held in the county. Auditor or Commissioners may appoint to fill vacancy. Clerk may appoint one or more deputies. His general duties are to indorse and file all papers, to enter all orders, decrees and judgments, to engross proceedings of his court. He may administer oaths, take affidavits and depositions. Reports to the Secretary of State annually all crimes and criminals. Once in four years, he reports number of males over twenty-one years, furnishes poll-books and tallysheets, is held for security of law reports and other books of law library; is depository of all costs and fees taxed upon writs, and pay over to person entitled. No charge shall be made for certificates made for pensioners of the Government, for any oath administered connected with pensions. Linus Bascom was the first Clerk appointed in Darke County, and held one year. Easton Morris, appointed in June, 1818, served seven years. David Morris served four years and deceased, when L. R. Brownell served pro tem. from August to November of 1829; John Beers served three terms, from 1829 to 1850; David Beers then served a few months, after which J. W. Frizzell was appointed for a term of seven years, but the new constitution, which was adopted in 1852, reduced the term to three years. Samuel Robinson was elected October, 1854; William C. Porterfield, in October, 1860, but deceased before expiration of term, and was succeeded by Henry Miller, who served as Clerk pro tem. until October, 1862, when he was elected and served two terms; Hamilton Slade was elected in 1868; Wesley Gorsuch, in 1873, and John H. Martin filled three months of the unexpired term following Gorsuch's resignation; finally John H. Martin was elected in 1879.

The Sheriff and Coroner are chosen biennially. They give bonds for not less than $5,000, nor to exceed $50,000. The general duty of the Sheriff is the preservation of the public peace, attend upon all courts, shall have the power to call to his aid such persons as he shall find necessary. He shall keep a foreign execution docket and a cash-book. The books shall be open to inspection by all persons; the fee for producing the books is 124 cents, which entitles to a certified copy of entry. On retiring from office, all moneys are paid to the Clerk of the court. In regard to Coroners, it may be said that, on being notified that the body of a person, whose death is supposed to have been caused by violence, has been found within the county, he issues subpoenas for witnesses, administers oaths and takes testimony in writing. He shall draw up his findings in writing, subscribe the same, and, if he find any person or persons inculpated, he shall arrest and take him or

them before a proper officer for examination. At once, after finding a body, if friends or relatives be known, they shall be notified by the Coroner, by letter; if unknown, advertisement shall be made. All articles and moneys found shall be returned to the Probate Court. After one year and due publication, public sale may be made of these articles. The first Sheriff, who was appointed in 1817, served till 1820; his successor was William Scott, who served till 1824; then, Mark T. Mills, till 1828; Joshua Howell, till 1830; John Howell, till 1834; James Craig was appointed, but died, and William Vance served till 1836; David Angel, till 1840; Thomas Vantilburg, 1844, and 1852 till 1856; George Coover, 1848; David Stamm, 1852; Joshua Townsend, till 1860; Hamilton, till 1862; Chauncey Riffle, 1866; A. P. Vandyke, till 1870; N. M. Wilson, till 1875; J. W. Hall, till 1879; and Jerry Runkle is the present official.

The County Auditor holds three years. He may administer oaths, appoint deputies, is Secretary of the County Commissioners; he records their proceedings, files papers deposited in his office, keeps an account current with the Treasurer, issues warrants on the treasury for all moneys payable out of the same, except moneys due the State; may discharge from jail persons confined for fines, when convinced that these fines cannot be paid. He shall make out the tax duplicate; shall keep a book of additions and deductions, in which he shall enter all corrections of the duplicate made after the delivery of the same to the Treasurer. Settlement is made with the Treasurer by the 15th of February and the 10th of August. He shall make return, to the Auditor of State, of the number of domestic animals, state indebtedness of county, report number of sheep killed and amounts paid owners. He is sealer of weights and measures. His compensation varies with the population and extent of services required. The following named have served as Auditors: June 5, 1821, John Devor, appointed; 1822, H. D. Williams; March, 1824, John Craig, elected, died, and June, 1826, John Beers appointed to fill vacancy, elected, and in December, 1829, resigned to accept appointment of Clerk of Court, and January, 1830, David Cole was appointed to fill vacancy; in October, 1832, Hiram Bellows elected, resigned October 5, 1836, and David Angel served until January, 1837, when John Mellthanney took his seat the latter deceased, and at a special meeting called by the Sheriff, September, 1837, C. C. Craig was appointed, then elected, and served till 1840, when he resigned, and William M. Wilson succeeded; held till October, 1846, when he resigned and John L. Winner was appointed to fill the unexpired term. David Stamm served a term, followed by F. Gram, who died, and A. R. Doty filled vacancy; A. L. Northrop served from October, 1849, to 1852, when George W. Coover was elected; Joseph C. Shepherd chosen in 1854; John E. Matchett, 1857; D. B. Cleves, 1861; E. H. Wright, 1865; O. C. Perry, 1867; John E. Matchett, 1871; W. J. Kelly, 1873; and John C. Turpen, 1879.

The County Treasurer is elected biennially. Bond to the amount required by Commissioners, at the hands of four or more freehold sureties, or the office vacant, and appointment made. Additional bond may be required, if deemed necessary. All payments are made, except on tax duplicate, on the draft of the Auditor, or when moneys are received from the State by the Auditor of State. Duplicate receipts must be given for all moneys paid, except taxes-one to the person paying, the other to the Auditor. Receipt of tax duplicate is made known by legal notice given. The office shall be kept open, for the collection of taxes, from the time of the delivery of the duplicate to him until January 25, and from April 1 to July 20. Taxes may be paid on or before December 20, or one-half before that time and the remainder on or before June 20, but all road taxes shall be paid prior to December 20. After June 20, the penalty is 5 per cent.; after December 20, the overdue taxes may by collected by distress and sale, etc. When the Treasurer is unable to collect by distress, he shall apply to the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, and cause to be served upon the delinquent person or corporation, requiring them to show cause for failure in payment, in default of

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