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a sum which would make, at the time the charter expired, a sum equal to onetwenty-fifth of the whole stock, which was to belong to the State; and the dividends coming to the State were to be invested and re-invested until one-sixth of the stock was State property." This last provision was made subject to change, if found desirable. The State's interest in her banks continued until 1825, when an amendment changed the stock into a 2 per cent tax upon all dividends up to that date, and 4 per cent upon those made afterward. No further change was made till March, 1831, when the tax was augmented to 3 per cent. In 1839, a law was enacted by which Bank Commissioners were appointed to make regular examinations of the various banks and to report upon their condition. This was unpopular with bankers, and was opposed by some of them, and the result was considerable discussion, both within and without the Legislature. A new system of banking was adopted in 1845, which included the State Bank. its branches and independent banks. It was not until 1853, that Darke County began to realize the benefits accruing from the establishment of a local banking office. Prior to this date, loans were frequently negotiated between persons, amounting, in the aggregate, to considerable sums. Two or three citizens of Greenville, whose names have ever since been locally prominent in financial transactions, were engaged in private brokerage in a limited degree, but, with the development of the country and the growth of the town, there was a growing demand, if not an urgent necessity, for regular accommodations in the interests of trade.

The Farmers' Bank, a personal or partnership institution, was organized in October, 1853, by Messrs. J. W. Frizzel and J. L. Winner, with what, at that time, was a very respectable capital of $30,000. The bank was honored by the popular confidence, and was considered reliable; and the fact that it passed easily and triumphantly through the crucial period culminating in the disasters of 1857 and 1861. proved that the high estimation in which it was held was merited. In May, 1865, the bank was re-organized, by the original proprietors, into a national bank. It may be remarked, at this time, that, previous to going into banking. Mr. Frizzel was clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, had practiced law, and had taught school. He had at one period been the preceptor of a military school, and his partner. Mr. Winner, had for several years, subsequent to 1836. engaged in hotel-keeping, in a building which stood on the present site of the Kipp drug

store.

The Farmers' National Bank, originating from the Farmers, was organized April 3, 1865, with a capital of $84,000. Washington A. Weston was its first President, and John L. Winner its first Cashier. The first Directors were W. A. Weston, J. L. Winner, H. W. Emerson, G. W. Studabaker and J. W. Frizzel. The following are the changes that have taken place in its officers: On the 9th of January, 1866, J. Pitsenberger and J. C. McKerney were elected Directors, in place of G. W. Studabaker and J. W. Frizzel; J. L. Winner was Cashier, and T. S. Waring was Teller. On the 29th of May, 1866, Elisha Dawes was appointed Director, in the place of J. C. McKerney, and, January 8, 1867, G. W. Studabaker was chosen to succeed E. Dawes. T. S. Waring was made Assistant Cashier January 10, 1871, and was elected Cashier April 7, 1873, and T. E. Clark, Teller, at the same time. Mr. Waring superseded Mr. Winner as Director. On January 13. 1875, George D. Farrar was appointed to succeed Mr. Clark as Teller. May 11, 1876, J. L. Weston was chosen Director, vice W. A. Weston, deceased, and H. W. Emerson was elected President. On the 8th of January, 1878, C. M. Anderson took position as Director, in place of H. W. Emerson, deceased, and G. W. Studabaker was elected President. January 14, 1879. F. McWhinney and Noah Arnold were chosen Directors, in place of J. Pitsenberger, deceased, and J. L. Weston. This old, well-known and firmly established bank has earned and receives a hearty. heavy support from farmers and business men, and sustains a first-class reputation for sterling business capacity. The office is located at No. 66, near the public square, on Broadway, in Greenville.

The Exchange Bank was the next one organized in Greenville, and held a meeting for the purpose of starting a financial institution, on the 11th of January, 1869. Frank McWhinney was the originator and proprietor. J. M. Landsdowne was appointed Cashier, and business begun. April 1, 1873, Mr. McWhinney sold to John L. Winner, who is the present owner. From the opening of the bank, the same building has been occupied-the one which stands on the southeast corner of Broadway and the public square. Previous to entering upon banking, Mr. McWhinney had been a merchant at El Dorado, Ohio. From that place he had gone to Madison, and engaged in merchandising and dealing in grain, while acting, also, as railroad agent.

The Bank of Greenville was organized February 22, 1876, by Messrs. Allen & Co., proprietors, with a capital stock of $200,000, the stockholders being held individually liable. The officers chosen were John Hufnagle, President; Judge William Allen, Vice President, and L. L. Bell, Cashier. The Directors are John Hufnagle, Judge James J. Meeker, John Devor. Esq., and L. L. Bell. This bank always made good all its promises, and issued exchange every day, as called for, through the stringent times of 1877. There have been no changes in the officiary. Messrs. Hufnagle, Bell and Meeker are among the largest owners of real estate in Darke County. Mr. Hufnagle had been discounting for about forty years previous to the organization of the Greenville Bank, and L. L. Bell had been a broker and insurance agent for some years. Judge Allen was a practicing attorney, and had been a member of Congress four years. All the officers of the bank are old residents of Greenville, except Mr. Bell, and he has been here twelve. years. The bank was first organized for three years, at the expiration of which time the charter was renewed, and has been continued until the present time. The bank building is one of the best in the city, having been built for banking purposes expressly. It stands on the northwest corner of Broadway and Fourth

streets.

THE PRESS OF DARKE COUNTY.

The publication of newspapers from insignificant beginnings has become a most formidable and powerful agency in forming the people, molding public opinion and exposing wrong-doing. The press has shown constant growth in the number of papers issued. in their character, size and composition. Allied with the telegraph. it has become the myriad-tongued voice of all peoples. It has enlarged the field of thought, imparted intelligence and stimulated enterprise, whether national in the construction of mountain tunnel, isthmus canal and overland railway, or local in the building of turnpikes, the drainage of land and improvement of towns. Preliminary to a brief history of the press of Darke County, a few facts of earlier record will be perused with general interest. The first press, we are told, was but a news bulletin. The first English newspaper was published in 1558, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and was in manuscript.

The first paper printed, was entitled the Politicus Mercurius or Political Mercury, and was started during the reign of Charles I. in 1631. and continued through Cromwell's time. In 1775, there were in the United States 37 papers published. In 1810, the number was 358. In 1840, 2.000, and in 1850, 2,500. The latter increase has kept pace with the progress of events, and the problem of the greatest amount of news within the shortest time, with the minimum cost, seems to have reached a solution. The history of the press of Darke County is not unlike that of a thousand others. Short-lived ventures have sprung up like mushrooms and as suddenly expired. The stanch. well-known journals of the present, edited by experienced journalists. are a moral, educational and political power to which, perhaps unconsciously, the county owes much of its reputation for enterprise and intelligence.

The first paper in the county of Darke, was printed and published by E. Donnellan, and was entitled, the Western Statesman and Greenville Courier. The

initial number was issued on June 25, 1832. Its terms in brief, were as follows: "The Western Statesman and Greenville Courier is printed weekly on a super-royal sheet. The price is $3 per year, but may be discharged by payment of $2 in advance, or $2.50 within the year." Copies of the pioneer paper are rarities, yet No. 16, Vol. 1, owned by M. L. Hamilton, of Greenville, furnishes an opportunity of making known the contents of a paper of half a century ago. Extracts are made from the Detroit Journal, New Hampshire Gazette, National Intelligencer and the Boston Patriot. The war with the Sacs and Foxes, led by Black Hawk. was near its close. An overwhelming force under Gen. Dodge, following the Indians, gave them no rest, and dead bodies found on the trail were emaciated by starvation. Cures for cholera are given. A. Stober, tailor, advertises his place of business one door south of the jail, and John Briggs desires payment on the principle, "frequent settlements make lasting friendships," and such as do not respond are threatened with the law. Announcements as candidates for the offices of Auditor, Assessor. Representative and Clerk, were made by Hiram Bell. Esq., Col. M. J. Purviance, M. P. Baskersville and Dennis Hart, respectively. William Brady calls attention to blacksmithing, John Curtis is silversmith and jeweler, and H. Bell is real-estate agent.

The Greenville Journal may be regarded as a continuation of the paper above noted, later changed in name to Journal, since which time it has enjoyed an uninterrupted publication, although changing owners and publishers many times during the first twenty years of its existence. The paper began to be published on April 19, 1850, under the management of E. B. Taylor and J. G. Reese. The proprie tors advocated Whig principles, and had for their motto: "Liberty and Union. now and forever, one and inseparable." The strength of political parties in the county at this time is shown by the result of the fall elections of 1849 and 1850. In the former year, the Whig vote for Representative was 1,670, while the vote of the Loco-focos was 1,519. Both parties did not come out in full strength in 1850. but the Whigs were the dominant party in the county by a small majority. On June 1, 1851, partnership was dissolved and Mr. Taylor for the time retired, hav ing been connected with the paper under other names for seven years, and beginning with a list of 150 subscribers in 1844. M. B. Reese became a partner April 29, 1852, and the Journal was edited and published by J. G. & M. B. Reese. Much space was taken by the publication of laws of Ohio in many numbers. In politics, the Whigs were stated to be "willing to stand by the compromise measure, but no steps further." Unwilling to keep up the agitation about slavery, the fugitive-slave law was obeyed but disliked as unjust. The North did not want an influx of negroes, and acquiesced in the act, while its moral influence South was immense. July 1, 1853, the Journal changed its name temporarily to The Mad Anthony, with frontier scene for heading, and taking as its motto, "Devoted to the propagation of truth and the elevation of the masses."

In the early part of 1860, the Journal was purchased from E. B. Taylor, to whom it had passed from the hands of Messrs. Reese, by Messrs. E. W. Otwell and James M. Craig, who took possession of the same on the 14th day of March. 1860, and published it under the firm name of E. W. Otwell & Co. When these gentlemen acquired the paper, they found a meager list of subscribers; its circulation of bona fide subscribers did not exceed one hundred and fifty. It was then a seven-column folio. Under the new management numerous subscriptions were received, rapidly extending its influence, and the columns became much more readable and the paper increased in value as a family newspaper. The Presidential campaign which resulted in the election of Abraham Lincoln occurred in the summer and fall of 1860. In this political contest, which resulted in the triumph of the Republican party, the Journal was a stanch party organ, and has always stood firm and unshaken in its advocacy of the principles of its party. In April. 1861, when the war of the rebellion was commenced, and during the few years following, the times were trying for the existence of the paper. In due time.

however, it weathered the storms incident to the times, and gained, as the years succeeded, in favor among the people of the county.

On the 14th of December, 1869, the Journal again experienced a change in ownership, by the sale by Mr. Craig of his interest to E. W. Otwell, his partner, who then became the sole owner, publisher and editor, which he has continued to be from that time to the present.

On the 8th day of August, 1873, the Journal was enlarged to a nine-column folio, making it, at that time, the largest paper published in the county. In this shape and size it remained until 1879, when, on August 28, it was enlarged to the proportions of a seven-column quarto, making it again the largest newspaper then published in the county, and containing the greatest quantity of reading matter. On the 1st of September, 1879, E. W. Otwell entered the law office of Judge William Allen, and turned over the publication of the Journal to his son Curt Otwell. In April, 1880, the paper is prosperous, influential, and has a circulation of 1,176, with prospects of a steady increase in the number of its readers.

The Democratic Herald was started at Greenville, Ohio, in April, 1847. Previous to this date, the Democratic party in Darke had been without a home paper, the best and only paper in the interest of the party having been published about 1830, by C. B. Floyd, now of Columbus, and known widely as the veteran editor of the State. The Herald was published by Messrs. Mehaffey & Adams, and took for its motto, "The sovereignty of the people, the rights of the States, and a light and simple government." Its name and motto indicate its principles. James Mehaffey had expected before the end of the first year to become sole proprietor, and to renew the publication in the second volume as the Union Democrat, "augmented in reading matter and sound in politics;" but the project failed, and instead he sold his interest to William Allen, Esq., who, in connection with Thomas Adams, conducted the paper as the Greenville Telegraph. Allen was then acting as Prosecuting Attorney. Both men were high in popular estimation, persons of integrity and sound Democrats. They asked a fair chance, declaring that they "will condemn no man because he honestly possesses political principles differing from theirs." In June, 1851, Adams sold his interest, and was succeeded by Dr. J. L. Sorber, who conducted the paper until the fall of 1852, when Rufus Putnam became the proprietor. The paper rapidly changed ownership and name, being by Putnam entitled the Mad Anthony, under which title it was issued until the summer of 1854. With the Know-Nothing excitement, young Putnam removed the press to Union City, Ind., where he started a paper in the interest of the American party, as it was called, in the fall of the same year.

In the fall of 1854, leading Democrats of the county raised a small sum by subscription, and Messrs. William Allen and Thomas Perry went to Cincinnati, and having purchased new press and metal, Mr. Perry was made the publisher of what was entitled the Greenville Eagle. But he suffered so many indignities at the hands of Know-Nothings, that at the end of six months he left in disgust, and the office was closed for a number of months. In the spring of 1855, A. G. Clark came from Hamilton to Greenville, and commenced the publication of the Darke County Democrat. At the end of a year or more, in July, 1856, Mr. Clark was superseded by Henry Miller, and the office was located over Messrs. Weston & Ullery's hardware store, on the corner of Broadway and Third street. Mr. Miller took for his motto: "Truth crushed to earth will rise again; the eternal years of God are hers;" and continued steadily to edit and publish the paper until March 20, 1861, when his connection ceased and his place was taken by Messrs. J. B. Price and George D. Farrar. Mr. Miller had been appointed Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in the place of Dr. W. C. Porterfield, deceased. The county which had been Whig till 1857, changed over during that year, and the Democracy succeeded in electing their entire county ticket, as they have done ever since. It was due to Mr. Miller that under him the Democrat was established on a permanent basis. Price conducted the publication until the

winter of 1863-64, when a number of soldiers at home on furlough sacked the office and threw the metal into the street. Subsequently other parties procured an interest in what was left of the concern, and removed the office from the Weston building to Mechanics' building, where the paper was once more published. In a short time the paper was again sold to Messrs. McKay & Kinder, who continued the publication until their interest was purchased by Charles Roland, who removed to Greenville from Lancaster in 1866. Mr. Roland became proprietor and editor. and has continued to publish the paper to this date, and is in receipt of good success and hearty support--the appreciation paid by the public to acknowledged merit. The Greenville Sunday Courier was started May 22, 1875, by George W. Calderwood, and December 10, 1876, A. R. Calderwood assumed editorial control and the paper was published by the firm of Calderwood & Studabaker. The office is in the third story of the Hart & Wilson New Block, on the corner of Third street and Broadway. It advocates Republican doctrines and has a growing circulation. Its prospectus opened with the following: The Sunday Courier lives a life of happiness and so will its readers. Consumptive men, on the verge of the grave, have recovered and are live and active men because they read it. Povertycursed individuals, almost at the door of the almshouse, have picked it up and saved themselves a life of wretchedness and woe. Statesmen have been brought from obscurity and elevated to position from casual glances over its columns."

The American Prohibitionist was published for a time by George Calderwood. and, after a few months, was removed to Columbus. Its brief career in Greenville was promising. It waged an uncompromising war on saloons and gained rapidly in circulation. It was published at the office of the Daily Gazette, started in 1879 by the same publisher, Mr. Calderwood.

It is surprising how transitory is the existence of a newspaper; it is the crea tion and has the existence of a day. There are no complete files of Darke County papers to be found, and their value is not realized till the time to use them is at hand. The present publishers of Darke County are men of experience, prominence and means: they are all persons of sterling principles, and few counties can boast of more energetic workers.

EDUCATIONAL-PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

In the early history of Darke County the schools were mainly supported by the individual contributions of the parents sending their children. The wages of teachers were low, averaging from $9 to $12 per month. The public fund received by each township was derived from Section 16, which was spoken of as the school section." It was finally sold, the purchase money paid to the State Treasurer, and the interest on the same is still divided among the several school districts in the townships. The educational interests of the county have always received that attention from the people that their importance seemed to demand. Often, when the farmer had done his day's work, he would attend the evening school, organized by private enterprise, and not only become a student himself, but by his presence and influence encourage the children and youth to renewed diligence in acquiring even a limited education. Among the early teachers of the county we will mention Rev. Mr. Swallow, who preached in different localities, and at the same time taught grammar schools wherever he could collect a class. But grammar was a step in advance of the requirements of the teacher of the day school, who was only required to teach reading, writing, and arithmetic to the single rule of three. We can certainly notice a contrast between the requirements of the teacher then and now. Henry D. Williams taught in 1830 and 1833. and afterward became County Treasurer. Dow Roll, Mrs. McIntyre, John Townsend and Noah Arnold were among the pioneer teachers of the county, and did efficient work in the schoolroom. Schools were held about three months. and were supported by the income of Section 16. fines and individual contributions, until the

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