Runkle, William

Posted By: Wally Garchow
Date: 21 November 2004

transcribed from A Biographical History of Darke County Ohio, Lewis Publishing Company, part II, p 523

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 the 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) Runkle. 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 is 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 name 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.

Messages In This Thread

Runkle, William -- Wally Garchow -- 21 November 2004

Re: Runkle, William -- June Runkle Grove -- 8 April 2009

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