USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 2 > Part 1
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02308 4418 r
CHADWICK'S HISTORY
OF
SHELBY COUNTY
INDIANA
Val. 2
BY EDWARD H. CHADWICK. B. A. ASSISTED BY WELL KNOWNLOCAL TALENT
ILLUSTRATED
B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
1909
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CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
Shelby county in 1842, and he was a Union soldier during the Civil war. He has devoted much of his life to farming. but at present he resides in Shelby- ville.
Ernest G. Reece obtained his early education in the public schools of John- son county, and wound up with a two years' course in Franklin College. He also perfected himself in bookkeeping by a private course in a commercial school of the same city, and was able to secure employment in that line shortly after finishing his studies. He is a Republican in politics, a Baptist in religion. and his fraternal relations are confined to membership of Chillon Lodge, No. 129. Knights of Pythias, at Shelbyville. He is an energetic business man.
September 26, 1894. Mr. Reece married Carrie Vanght, a native of Frank- lin, Indiana, where she grew up and was educated. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Vaught, the former a well known farmer of Johnson county.
1588491
WILLIAM HANKINS.
Among the leading citizens of Brandywine township was the late Wil- liam Hankins, whose long period of residence in this part of the county gained for him wide recognition. and whose upright course and wholesome moral in- fluenee earned for him the confidence and esteein of his fellow men. Mr. Han- kins was born January 14. 1821. in Franklin county, Indiana being the second of three children whose parents. Robert and Sarah ( Curry) Hankins, were natives of Tennessee and Virginia, respectively. the father of French. the mother of English descent. When the subject was about six weeks old his parents moved to Shelby county and settled about one mile north of Shelby- ville in Addison township, removing at the expiration of that time to the town- ship of Brandywine, where William spent his early life assisting his father in clearing and cultivating the farm. On the 21st day of November, 1843. he married Huldah Salla, who was born in Rush county, Indiana, February 15. 1823, being the daughter of Lewis and Julia ( Gordon) Salla, natives respec- tively of Vermont and Virginia.
Immediately after his marriage he cleared and improved the farm in sec- tion 12, which has been in possession of the family ever since, forty-three years having elapsed since the first little cabin home was erected in the wilder- ness, a building replaced a number of years ago by a fine modern dwelling. which the widow now occupies, the land in the meantime having been trans- formed into one of the most beautiful and weil tilled farms in the county. Mr. Hankins devoted his life to agriculture, and achieved success such as few at- tain. By industry, thrift and judicious management he so conducted his la- bors so as to realize the maximum of results, and at the time of his death he
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. CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
was the possessor of a comfortable fortune including in addition to the fine farm of two hundred and twenty-two acres alluded to, other valuable property. both real and personal.
The family of William and Ifuldah Hankins consisted of eight children whose names and dates of birth are as follows: One child. a twin, died in in- fancy; Sarah, March 4. 1847: Lewis C., married Nancy Wright, four chil- dren, October 13. 1851 : Alice married Andrew Treese, two children. August 24. 1854. died September 7. 1877; Julia Ann. August 28. 1856. died August 8. 1885: Dollie married David Wright, two children, and Mollie, twins. Oc- tober 22, 1860, the former dying July 3. 1884, the latter on January 31. 1861. Katie, the youngest of the number. was born August 26, 1865. married Wil- liam Walser, and they are the parents of three children. Marietta Hankins married Samuel D. Thomas, three children.
Politically Mr. Hankins was an ardent Republican, and fraternally. a zeal- ous member of the Masonic Order. In early life he united with the Methodist Episcopal church and continued faithful to the teachings of the same until transferred from the church militant to the church triumphant : Mrs. Hankins being a faithful and consistent member of the same religions body. The death of this excellent man occurred in December. 1898, since which time his widow has lived on the family homestead and with the assistance of certain of her children looked after its management. She is a lady of reputable character and high moral worth, greatly esteemed by a large circle of friends, and her life has been fraught with much good to all of hier associates.
CHARLES BIRELY.
Shelbyville acquired a valuable citizen when Charles Birely decided to locate here and enter actively into the manufacture of tables. A skilled me- . chanie, a good business man, possessed of capital and a marked talent for or- ganization, he soon made himself felt in the industrial life of the city, and his influence has grown with the success of the splendid plant over which he pre- sides. Mr. Birely was born in Washington county, Maryland. September 17. 1854, his parents being Ezra B. and Margarette ( Thompson) Birely. The father was of Pennsylvania Dutch extraction and the mother of Dutch-Irish blood. Their children were George. William and Charles. Ezra Birely was a blacksmith by trade and his mechanical genius was inherited by his son. After obtaining what benefit he could from the old-fashioned subscription schools prevailing in his community. Charles followed his natural inclination to be- come proficient in the mechanical arts, and preferring wood to iron, he became a skilled cabinet-maker, as the result of an apprenticeship of three years at
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CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
Sharpsburg. now better known as Antietam, in connection with the memorable battle fought there in September. 1802. Being quick to learn and appreciative. young Birely obtained lasting benefit by his experience in the shop of the famous Maryland town. When quite a young man he came to Liberty, in- diana, and engaged with the Rude Brothers in the drill work. remaining there about a year and then removing to Connersville, where he took a position in the furniture factory. He worked at this place for ten years, during which time he made and saved money, which came quite handy a little later on. De- ciding to locate at Shelbyville as a favorite point for his work. he built a fac- tory on Blue river, which later was removed to its present location. The firm name is the Daris, Birely Table Company, one of the largest of the kind in the world1. and Mr. Birely is one-third owner. He is also the active manager. having charge of four hundred men. who are well paid, well treated and the best of American workingmen.
Mr. Birely himself is a genial. hard-working man, and always at his post of duty. In every sense of the word he is a model citizen, the kind that helps make the prosperity of cities as well as states and nations.
September 14. 1891. Mr. Birely was married to one of Shelbyville's most accomplished daughters in the person of Frances Senour, daughter of George and Frances Senour, long prominent in the social circles of Shelbyville. Mrs. Birely went through the city schools and has greatly added to her education and mental polish by studies in art and painting, to which she has devoted much time. To Mr. and Mrs. Birely three unusually bright children have been torn. of whom only two are now living. George, who was born March 2. 1893. is in attendance at the Howe Military School at Lima. Indiana. Mar- garette, who was born January 26, 1804. is a pupil of Tudor Hall, at Indian- apolis.
OLIVER DRURY ALSMAN.
This well known business man and representative citizen is a native of Rush county, Indiana, where his birth occurred on April 18th of the year 1862. His parents. John W. and Caroline ( Hamilton) Al-man. were born in Pennsylvania and Indiana, respectively. John W. had five brothers in the Union army during the Civil war, and the necessity of his remaining at home to take care of the family is apparent. Mrs. Alsman had two brothers among ten children : Louisa, who married William Leisure ; Lizzie, wife of Thomas L. Langston: Mollie, now Mrs. George Cline: Oliver D., of this review : Wil- liam H., who married Ella Spencer : John. deceased : James G., whose wife was formerly Ella Hinton; Charles, deceased : Thomas O .. who married Miss Ne !- lie Williams, and Samuel, who married Mary Foley. The maiden name of
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CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
the mother was Caroline Hamilton. She was born in Fayette county. In- diana. of Scotch-Irish parentage, and had two brothers and three sisters.
John Alsman, the subject's grandfather, was a Virginian and an early pioneer of Rush county. Indiana, where, in the year 1832, he entered the quar- ter section of land now owned by his son. John W. His ancestors came to this country from Germany many years ago, and settled in Virginia, removing thence to Pennsylvania, where they became well-to-do tillers of the soil, several of the family having also engaged in educational work. The Alsmans have ever been a sturdy, industrious people, honorable in their dealings with their fellow men, and wherever the name is known it stands for sterling worth and a high order of citizenship.
Oliver D. Alsman spent his early life on the home farm in Rush county and grew to maturity impressed with the idea that a man should earn his live- lihood by honorable endeavor. After finishing the common school course. he attended for one year the Rush County Normal and subsequently spent two terms in the Central Normal College at Danville, where he completed the spe- cial teachers' course. With the exception of supplying for various parties from time to time, he has discontinued teaching for employment more to his liking. and much more remunerative.
In July of the year indicated. Mr. Alsman accepted a position with the Hodell Furniture Company, of Shelbyville, where he remained three and one- half years. at the expiration of which time he entered the employment of the Kent & Senour Flouring Mills Company, with which he continued for a period of seven and a half years, when he severed his connection with the firm to en- gage in the real estate and insurance and loan business. to which he has since devoted his attention.
Since engaging in his present undertaking Mr. Alsman has built up a large and lucrative patronage, doing an extensive real estate business in Shelby and other counties, and meeting with gratifying success in the way of loans and rentals, insurance and general brokerage. He has a well-equipped office in the Knights of Pythias building, where he meets many of his patrons, be- sides carrying on an extensive correspondence, his interests in many parts of Indiana and other states growing so steadily in magnitude and importance as to require his constant attention.
Mr. Alsman's domestic history began on March 16. 1887, when he was united in marriage with Joanna Butler, of Rushville, Indiana. daughter of An- drew and Lizzie ( Newbould) Butler, for many years well known and esti- mable residents of that city. Mr. Butler died some years ago, since which time his widow has made her home with her five children, all of whom are dangh- ters, and highly esteemed in their respective places of residence. Mr. and Mrs. Alsman have no children of their own. but take a lively interest in those of their relatives and friends, being fond of young people and delighting in their
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CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
society. In his political views Mr. Vsman is a Republican, and as such wiekls a potent influence for his party in Shelby county, though not a partisan nor an aspirant for official honors. He holds membership with Lodge No. 129. Knights of Pythias, and Lodge No. 457, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and with his wife is a niember and regular attendant of the First Metho- dist Episcopal church of Shelbyville.
Mr. Alsman is a gentleman of pleasing presence. easily approachable, and stands high in the esteem and confidence of the people of the city. By persistent effort and fair dealing he has won a place among the enterprising business men of Shelby county, and is worthily entitled to the success which has resulted from his steady application and honorable methods. The Alsman home is at 26 St. Mary's street.
ANDREW MELTZER.
Rush county, Indiana, has sent a large number of her best citizens to Shelby county, and being for the most part men of courage and persistency. they have succeeded admirably well in their adopted county. Among the number should be mentioned Andrew Meltzer, who was born in Rush county, October 19, 1856. the son of John Frederick and Salma ( Fuchs) Meltzer. J. F. Meltzer was born in famous old Heidelberg, Germany. February 13. 1816. and he came to the United States in 1835, landing in New Orleans, later com- ing to Cincinnati, thence to Shelby county. His death occurred April 2, 1887. Salma Fuchs was born in Lauger Kandel, Germany. August 9. 1826, and died January 16, 1894. His brother, Henry, accompanied him to America, but he stopped in Cincinnati. After remaining in that city awhile the father of the subject went to Dearborn county. Indiana, where he spent two years, after- wards coming to Rush county, where he remained for some time. When his son, Andrew, was about six months old, he came to Shelby county, locating in Liberty township, where he bought land. mostly unimproved. This he cleared and made extensive improvements on. He was a carpenter by trade and he worked at this in his early days, but later in life took up contracting, sometimes on a large scale. This he carried on in connection with farming. He was successful in both and was considered one of the leading builders in this locality at that time. He held some of the minor offices of the township where lie resided, being an active Democrat. He was a member of the German church in Union township. He was a man who kept abreast of the times, having re- ceived a good education in Germany, and long before his death he came to be known as one of Shelby county's leading citizens. His wife, Salma Fuchs, was also born in Germany, having accompanied her parents to America when
ANDREW MELTZER.
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CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
she was about fifteen years okl: her people settled in Union township. Shelby county. Mr. and Mrs. John F. Meltzer were married in Shelby county, and thirteen children were born to them, ten boys and three girls, eight of whom are living at this writing, namely: John Henry, of Liberty township: Fred- erick lives in Madison county : Philip Peter lives in Liberty township; Andrew, of this review : David lives at the village of Meltzer: Hattie married John Landworlan: Adeline married a Mr. Louden and they live in Liberty township.
Andrew Meltzer was educated in the common schools of Shelby county. Although he attended school but a short time. he secured a fairly good educa- tion. He was married February 2. 1882. to Margaret Hawkins who was born December 5. 1859. She was the daughter of John M. Hawkins and wife, and U'nion township is the place of her nativity. Her parents were early pioneers of Shelby county. Her death occurred September 18. 1908. To this union one son. J. W. P .. was born October 29, 1882. He married Grace Brown and they live at Ray's Crossing.
Mr. Meltzer has devoted practically all his life to farming. but he is also a fine mechanic, having decided natural talent in this line, being a proficient blacksmith, carpenter. electrician. etc. He depends principally on farming for a livelihood and he succeeds admirably well at this. He was in the black- smith and machine shop business at the little town of Meltzer for a period of ten years. He has a well kept and very productive farm in section 21. Union township, Shelby county. He carries on general farming on a small scale, renting most of his land.
Mr. Meltzer is a charter member of the Cyclone and Hailstorm Insurance Association, of Shelby county. The subject and his son. J. W. P. Meltzer. are the directors of the J. W. P. Meltzer. Dodd & Struthers Lightning Rod Company, of Rush and Shelby counties. This company is doing a very ex- tensive business because it seems to understand the correct way of protecting a house from lightning. The redemption of the lightning rod business from the cut-throat gangs has been a big problem. but through the educational in- fluence of demonstrations by this and other legitimate companies and the unanimous support of the mutual insurance companies of the United States. it seems to have been permanently redeemed. Information collected by the president of the National Mutual Insurance Association shows that one hun- ยท dred and eleven companies reported that fully three-fourths of all their losses are caused by lightning. These losses are paid for buildings not rodded and for cattle near wire fences without ground wires. The rod made by the Dodd & Struthers Company is said to be the best in the world. having gained the highest award at the St. Louis World's Fair. and they have one hundred thousand patrons in the United States alone.
In politics Mr. Meltzer is a Democrat. but he does not take a very active part in his party's affairs, remaining at home looking after his business. rather
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CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
than seeking public office. Ile is a member of the German church in Union township.
OREBAUGH BROTHERS.
The honorable reputation achieved by the Orebaugh Brothers as artists. has given them not only a state but almost national reputation, and the people of Shelbyville regard with pride the gallery at No. 67 South Harrison street. where the highest grade of work in photography is done by the latest approved processes known to the science. James F. Orebaugh, father of the present proprietors, was born near Camden, Ohio, on the 16th day of June. 1848. He is a many-sided man, who can turn his hand to almost any kind of work requiring more than ordinary skill, in fine, a genius of high order, whose achievements in various fields of endeavor have gained for him much more than local repute and made his name widely known among the successful arti- sans and artists of his own and other states. He lived for some years in Ohio. where he followed farming, teaching and various mechanical pursuits, thence removed to Kentucky, where in addition to the above vocations he turned his attention to photography and invention, in both of which he was quite suc- cessful, the gasoline turbine motor which is the product of his genius giving him a high standing in the industrial world.
Changing his residence to Shelbyville in 1890, Mr. Orebaugh established a gallery for the production of high class commercial photography, later en- larging his establishment on Jackson street so as to include all kinds of pho- tographic work and building up a large and lucrative business, which within a few years enabled him to retire with a comfortable fortune. He continued at the original location until 1906, when he moved to his present commodious quarters on South Harrison street, and in 1906 turned the establishment over to his sons, since which time he has been enjoying the fruits of his industry and skill, though still keeping in close touch with the profession and giving his successors the benefit of his experience.
Mrs. James F. Orebaugh, whose maiden name was Sarah Gardner, is a native of Butler county, Ohio, but when quite young was taken to Preble county, that state, where she grew to womanhood and married. Her parents were John and Sarah C. Gardner, the father a skilled mechanic and for many years engaged in the undertaking business. Mrs. Orebaugh, who is one of a family of seven children, of whom three sons and three daughters are living, is herself the mother of eight children, five of whom survive.
Oscar W., the oldest child of James F. and Sarali Orebaugh, was born June 1. 1874. near Camden. Ohio, received a practical education in the schools of his native place and Kentucky, and after coming to Shelbyville pursued his
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CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
studies for three years under Professor Harrison, one of the most scholarly and accomplished educators in the state. In the meantime he took up the study of photography, under the direction of his father, and it was not long until his advancement and superior skill enabled him to do all kinds of work within the province of the science, though since becoming a partner in the business he has given attention principally to the operating and developing de- partments. Before succeeding his father he operated a gallery in Frankfort. Indiana, for two years, where he achieved an enviable reputation as artist and successful business man, but at the expiration of that time disposed of his es- tablishment and in 1906 took a half interest in the business at Shelbyville, where he and his brother are now at the head of one of the largest and best equipped galleries in the state.
Mr. Orebaugh on March 21. 1907. contracted a matrimonial alliance with Mary Wright, daughter of George M. and Elizabeth ( Sorden ) Wright, the father a lawyer of Shelbyville and largely interested in the real estate busi- ness. Elizabeth J .. the only child of the subject and wife, was born January 12, 1909. Mr. Orebaugh is not only a skillful artist and enterprising business man, but also manifests a lively interest in his city.
Charles Alpha Orebaugh, second son of James F. and Sarah Orebaugh. was born July 27. 1875. and enjoyed excellent educational advantages during his childhood and youth. While still young he manifested a decided predilec- tion for a business life, and on attaining his majority became a traveling sales- man, to which calling he has since devoted his attention. For three years he represented the Fels Naptha Company on the road, and at the expiration of that time engaged with Proctor & Gamble, for which firm he is now traveling. his territory being the state of New York, throughout which he has built up an extensive and lucrative trade. He is an accomplished business man. an expert salesman, and since entering the employ of the above house has earned a reputation for efficiency on the road such as few of their representatives have attained.
Mr. Orebaugh is a married man and the father of one child. Dorothy J., whose birth occurred in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Mr. and Mrs. Orebaugh make their home. Mrs. Orebaugh was formerly Ella Creutsinger, of that city ; she was married to Mr. Orebaugh in 196.
William J. Orebaugh, the third of the Orebaugh brothers, and owner of a half interest in the photographic studio in Shelbyville, was born September 15. 1878, received his educational training in the public schools, and early in life entered his father's gallery, where in due time he became proficient in every detail of the business, and he now stands in the front rank of his pro- fession. his reputation as a finisher being second to that of no other photo- grapher in the state, as the high grade of his work abundantly attests.
Mr. Orebaugh on September 14, 1905, entered the marriage relation with
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CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
Josie Wicker, a graduate of the Central Indiana Normal School, at Danville: she is also a high school alumnae and a teacher of rare ability and promise. After a brief but happy wedded experience of nearly three years' duration. the union was terminated September 25. 1908, by the death of the devoted wife and her infant child, which passed with her into the "great beyond."
Anna M. Orebaugh, the youngest of James F. Orebangh's children, and only daughter, was born August 30, 1886. Like her brothers, she, too, early developed a taste for books and study, and after passing rapidly through the grades, entered the high school while still young, and in due time was gradu- ated with a creditable record. Later she fitted herself for teaching by taking a course in the State Normal School at Terre Haute, following which she accepted a position in the city schools of Shelbyville, where she has since ren- dered very efficient and satisfactory service. She is not only a very proficient and popular teacher. but has also quite a reputation as a musician, both vocal and instrumental, being among the skillful pianists of the city, and for some- time past organist of the First Methodist Episcopal church, and a member of the choir, in addition to which she is one of the influential and successful workers and teachers of the Sunday school.
Ono N., the youngest son of the Orebaugh family, was born on Septem- ber 23d. of the year 1880, and has spent the greater part of his life in Shelby- ville. After passing through the grades and finishing the high school course. he took up the study of photography in which he made commendable progress. but later discontinued the art to become a traveling salesman. After repre- senting the interests of the Fels Naptha Company for three years and meeting with gratifying success as a commercial tourist. he severed his connection with the firm and entered the Newcastle Auto Factory, where for some time he held an important position and acquired a practical knowledge of the business. Mr. Orebaugh possesses superior ability as an artisan and can turn his hand to almost any kind of mechanism, being at this time employed as an expert workman in a furniture factory of Shelbyville.
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