A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph counties, Ind., containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana, Part 86

Author:
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1474

USA > Indiana > Randolph County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph counties, Ind., containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana > Part 86
USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph counties, Ind., containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana > Part 86

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

0 AVID P. ORR was born in Greene county, Ohio, January 5, 1837, a son of Joseph and Mary (Hoppings) Orr, natives of Ireland and Ohio. Joseph Orr left Ireland when a lad of eleven years, and came to Monroe county, Va., where he helped his father on the farm until he grew to manhood, and then removed to Greene county, Ohio, where he worked in a woolen factory, later in a saw mill, but in the year 1840, he came to Delaware county, Ind., and bought

eighty acres of land, later becoming the pos- sessor of 176 acres. This tract was located near Selma, where he lived and died, March 28, 1881, and the mother at the home of our subject, August 26, 1886. They were laid to rest near Selma, in the Orr cemetery. In those days large families were the rule among the worthy pioneers, and Mr. and Mrs. Orr had nine children, as follows: David, James, deceased; Josephine, wife of Aaron Sholty; Ann Eliza, wife of Mordecai Whitney; Eliza- beth M., deceased; Martha, who died in Iowa, was the wife of Hugh HcHardy; Julia, wife of Zeph. Martin, and Joseph J., deceased in in- fancy.

When the civil war broke out among those who hastened to offer his country his services was our subject, who enlisted July 29, 1861, at Indianapolis in company K, Nineteenth Indi- ana volunteer infantry. From there the regi- ment was sent to Washington, D. C., where they remained until the last of April, 1862, after which he was engaged with his regiment in the battles of Lanesville, Md., Bull Run, South Mountain, Anteitam, Fredericksburg and Fitz Hugh crossing. They were taken to Belle Plains, Va., on the Potomac river, where they went into winter quarters. In the spring, operations were commenced under Gen. Hooker, who took them across the river to Chancellorsville, from there to Frederick, Md., and on to Gettysburg, after which they wintered at Mine Run. Mr. Orr re-enlisted at Culpeper, Va., as a veteran and was given a furlough of thirty days, after which the regi- ment remained at Culpeper until March 5, 1864, when they took part in the following battles: Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Weldon railroad, where he was discharged October 19, 1864. He draws a pension for his services and was one of the fortunate ones who came out of the war unhurt.

772

DELAWARE COUNTY :

At the age of twenty-four years Mr. Orr was married to Miss Rebecca Sholty, daugh- ter of Christian and Elizabeth (Musselman) Sholty, both of German extraction. They had come from Pennsylvania in 1838 and set- tled upon an eighty-acre farm, later buying twelve acres more, where Mr. Sholty now lives in comfort. The mother was laid to rest Feb- ruary 3, 1890, and was buried in Liberty township, near Selma. When Mr. and Mrs. Sholty came to this part of the country, they were members of the United Brethren church, but later united with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Orr, Sr., were mem- bers of the United Presbyterian. He was a man widely known and served as commissioner for one term. The three brothers of Mrs. Orr are all farmers- Aaron, in Indiana; William, in Kansas, and John, in Pennsylvania, and her sister Mary resides at home.

David P. Orr first settled on a farm near Selma, where he lived until 1879, when he sold this and came to Union township, near Eaton, where he purchased eighty acres of extra fine and well improved land, where he now resides. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Orr are as follows: William H., married Belle Davis and they live Eeaton; Christian W., May 9, 1893, married Miss Bertha Gra- ham; John B., Ida L., Cora, died February 1, 1885, and is buried at Eaton, and Samuel. As members of his family. Mr. Orr has two of his grandchildren, Oscar and Ethel Younts. He and family are connected with the Meth- odist Episcopal church and the whole family is -one highly esteemed throughout Union township.

0 AVID S. RENCH. Among the farm- ers of Union township, David S. Rench is one of the most earnest, hardworking and enterprising. He was born in Blackford county, Ind., Septem-

ber 25, 1864, the son of John and Elizabeth (Studebaker) Rench, who were both of Ger- man extraction. John Rench and his wife moved from Pennsylvania to Miami county, Ohio, and purchased eighty acres of land, and after living there several years sold out and came to Blackford county, Ind., living there until 1873. Selling out again, they came to Delaware county, Ind., and purchased forty acres, which were situated near Shideler, on which farm they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Rench had a family of ten children : Mary, wife of Elsworth Galbraith; Abraham, a farmer; David; Sarah, wife of Louis Holliday; Emma, John, a farmer; Henry, a farmer; Bertha; Hat- tie, deceased; and Joseph.

David S. Rench remained at home, assist- ing his father on the farm, until April 24, 1889, when he married Miss Sarah Haynes, the daughter of John and Catherine (Ashen- felter) Haynes, the former of English and the latter of German extraction. John Haynes was born and reared in Indiana, while his wife was born and reared in Ohio. After their marriage they settled in Union township, where they now reside. They had four children, whose names are: Sarah; William, deceased; Flora A .; and Anna P. The father of these children is a very honest, industrious, influen- tial and highly respected citizen. He served as supervisor for several terms, and is a mem- ber of the order of Red Men, and he and his wife are members of the Christian church.

Mr. and Mrs. David S. Rench have been blessed with two children, Lulie and William M. Mr. Rench resides on his grandfather's farm, which consists of 160 acres. He is an honest and hardworking man, and is highly respected in Union township. He is a faith- ful member of the Dunkard church, and Mrs. Rench of the Christian Disciples church at Eaton, and both show the sincerity of their faith in their conduct.

773

UNION TOWNSHIP.

0 SMER IRWIN REASONER, M. D., is a descendant of an old and highly respectable family, which settled in Blackford county, Ind., at an early period in the history of that part of the state. His grandparents, Peter and Rhoda (Fry) Reasoner were natives respectively of Penn- sylvania and Virginia. The great-grandfather, Benjamin Reasoner, was born April 27, 1770, the son of Peter Reasoner, who left Germany for France in early manhood, and in 1770, during a religious persecution emigrated to America, locating in Pennsylvania, having married Sallie Spears in France. Then, in 1805, he located in Muskingum county, Ohio, where they lived and died quite aged. Peter and Rhoda Reasoner, grandparents of Osmer I., were married in Ohio, and in 1832, with their family, then consisting of two children, set out by a team for Indiana, which they reached after a long and tedious journey, locating in what is now Licking township, in the county of Blackford. It was here, in an almost un- broken forest, that this hardy pioneer began to lay the foundation of a home, and all the vicissitudes and hardships incident to those early times were experienced by him in full measure. He was a true type of the settler of sixty years ago, a successful hunter, an energetic, hard working farmer, and most estimable christian gentleman of the Presby- terian faith, as his ancestors were before him. He died on the farm where he settled in Octo- ber, 1868. The following are the names of the children born to Peter and Rhoda Reason- er: Levina S., Washington F., Mary E., Noah H., Calista Ann., John B., Almira C., and Jacob M. Washington F. Reasoner, father of the gentleman whose name introduces this men- tion, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, July 27, 1830, was reared amid the scenes of pioneer times, and, on arriving at a suitable age, his ax was swung in unison with that of his

father's in the work of clearing the farm. He was united in marriage, October 15, 1850, to Rachael Slater, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, June 26, 1829. Mrs. Reasoner accompanied her parents, Jacob and Sarah (Alban) Slater, to Indiana in the year 1836, settling in Blackford county. Her father died in September, 1839, and the mother departed this life in July, 1840. W. F. and Rachael Reasoner are the parents of the following chil- dren: Mary K., deceased; Harriet Samantha, deceased; Ethan Thomas, a prominent attor- ney of Peru, Ind .; Osmer Irwin, the subject of this sketch; Rhoda Ann, wife of Lewis D. Mc- Vicker; Riley R .; Allie Maria; and Orval Mad- ison. Mr. Reasoner is one of the substantial agriculturists of Blackford county and has been residing upon his present beautiful farm since the year 1860. During his long period of residence in the county of Blackford, embrac- ing a period of over sixty years, he has wit- nessed many important changes, and by his upright character and conduct has gained the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens.

Dr. Osmer I. Reasoner, the immediate subject of this mention, was born November 20, 1852, in Grant county, Ind. His youth- ful years were spent on the farm of his father, and at the age of nineteen he entered the academy of Wabash college, Crawfordsville, Ind., for a period of two years. Having de- cided to enter the medical profession, he began the study of the same shortly after fin- ishing his literary education with Dr. Reason- er at the town New Cumberland, Grant county, under whose instructions he continued three years, and then entered upon a course in the Ohio Medical college at Cincinnati. Sub- sequently, he became a student of the Ken- tucky school of Medicine, Louisville, graduating from the same upon the 29th of June, 1876, after which he began the practice of his pro- fession at the town of Wheeling, Delaware

774

DELAWARE COUNTY :

county, where he remained for a limited period. In April, 1878, he removed to his present location, the town of Shideler, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice, which embraces a large area through- out the northern part of Delaware county and southern part of Blackford county.

Dr. Reasoner began the practice at the town of Shideler under circumstances not the most encouraging-the sum total of his earthly wealth at the time consisting of but seven dol- lars in money, and for several years his life was full of struggle against adverse conditions. With an energy born of a determination to succeed, he overcame the obstacles by which his pathway was beset, and his ability in his profession won for him a lucrative business. During the period of his residence in Union township his practice, as already noted, has taken a very wide range, and he now ranks among the most successful physicians of Dela- ware county, and the town of Shideler largely owes its growth and development to the inter- est the doctor has taken in its welfare, he having done more for the town than any other citizen. In addition to his success in his chosen calling, Dr. Reasoner possesses good business tact, and his careful judgment pertaining to matters financial, has enabled him to accumulate a comfortable competence of worldly wealth. The doctor is a leading horticulturist of Del- aware county, growing all kinds of small fruits in abundance. He is a member of the Delaware county Horticultural soci - ety. Politically a republican, he takes an active interest in public affairs, but is not known as an aspirant for the honors or emolu- ments of office. Religiously he is a Presbyter- ian, but he affiliates with the Methodist church -which church organization he organized, and became its first member. He is active in behalf of all religious movements, and for a period of several years served as president of

the Delaware county Sunday School unfion. He has also filled various official positions in the local congregation to which he belongs, including that of class leader, the duties of which he discharged for a period of eight years.

Dr. Reasoner was married September 28, 1876, to Miss Luella Wood of Delaware county, daughter of Samuel and Harriet (An- derson) Wood, both natives of Clermont county, Ohio. Samuel Wood grew to man- hood in his native county and there married Miss Anderson, in 1854. He followed the carpenter's trade. He immigrated to Indiana in 1866, locating in Union township, where he lived a farmer's life and was one of the pro- gressive men. He died in 1875, having been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Wood, his widow, is now a resident of Shideler, and is a worthy member of the Ger- man Baptist church. Mr. and Mrs. Wood were parents of seven children-four sons and three daughters, and Mrs. Reasoner is the second in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Reas- oner are parents of six children, viz: Birch W., born September 16, 1877; Selina M., born February 13, 1879; Claude B., born June 17, 1880; Homer A., born December 11, 1881, deceased February 19, 1883; Herbert W., born February 17, 1883, and Frank A., born October 12, 1885.

Mrs. Reasoner was educated in the com- mon schools and began teaching when but sixteen years of age, which vocation she fol- lowed four consecutive years, her last term heing taught after her marriage. Mrs. Reas- oner has been a helpmeet in the true sense of that term, and is a valuable factor in the com- munity where she lives, being a worthy mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. It will be understood that Mr. Reasoner affiliated with the Methodist church because there was no Presbyterian body at Shideler.

775

UNION TOWNSHIP.

O TTO M. SHARP, a prominent busi- ness man in the hardware line at Eaton, Delaware county, Ind , and a member of the late prosperous firm of Sharp & Shirey, was born at New Corner, Delaware county, Ind., January 24, 1856, a son of Thompson and Christina (Bowers) Sharp, whose biography appears in another part of this volume.

Mr. Sharp was reared on a farm and re- ceived the advantages of the public school, later attending three terms at the Ladoga Normal school. He then engaged in teaching and followed that profession, very successfully, in this county for seven successive terms, after which he bought a farm of eighty-two acres in Washington township, which he cultivated for eight years. Leaving the farm, Mr. Sharp moved into Eaton, where he engaged in the hardware business with D. W. Younts, which partnership lasted but a month, and subse- quently he effected a co-partnership with L. E. Shirey, with whom he continued in busi- ness until April, 1893. This firm did a large and lucrative trade in all kinds of hardware, implements, paints, oils, crockery, china, pumps, etc.

Mr. Sharp was married in Centre township, December 4, 1881, to Miss Kate C. Stradling, who was born in Centre township, a daughter of William Stradling, a biography of whom ap- pears in this volume. Five children have been born of this marriage-Edna, Leda H., Albert, Hilda and Ina. Politically, Mr. Sharp is a republican and is regarded as an important factor in his party in this county. He is con- sidered one of the leading business men of the town and owns considerable property in the place. He is progressive and alert, and always is ready to look with favor upon any project which seems to promise benefit to the town, and is an earnest advocate and liberal patron of all movements having for their object the

public good. Mr. Sharp is now engaged in the lime and cement business, and contem- plates farming for some time in the future.

UTHER EMERY SHIREY, a well known resident of Eaton, Delaware county, Ind., is a native of this county and state, having been born near the village of Tabor, a son of Joseph W. and Susan (Bowers) Shirey, his birth occur- ring December 24, 1860. His father was a native of Roanoke county, Va., his mother coming from the same place, and they were married in 1855, and were among the early pioners of Delaware county. Joseph W. Shirey located near the village of Tabor, where he · engaged in farming and followed this occupa- tion all of his life until 1888, when he and family removed to Hanover, Jefferson county, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Shirey were the parents of nine children, as follows: Lillie, L. E., C. O., W. B., W. E, W. A., N. C., J. P., deceased, and Hazel. The fam- ily belongs to the Presbyterian church, and politically, Mr. Shirey is a republican.

Luther Emery Shirey was reared in his native county and there attended the common school, and supplemented this education with three terms spent in the Danville normal school. For the following four years he en- gaged in teaching, after which he engaged in farming in this county, continuing the latter occupation until 1890, when he went into partnership with Mr. Sharp, with whom he continued in business until April, 1893. Mr. Shirey married in Muncie, Ind., March 29, 1883, Miss Julia Stradling, who was born March 7, 1862, a daughter of William Strad- ling, to which union were born three children, Claire, Ivy and Winogene. Mrs. Shirey died January 1, 1892, and her remains rest in the

776

DELAWARE COUNTY :

Collins cemetery, west of Muncie. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shirey were members of the Presby- terian church. In politics, Mr. Shirey is an ardent republican, keeps well posted in the affairs of his party, and is a man much respected in his neighborhood.

ILLIAM S. SHIDELER lives a retired life in the little town of Shideler, Ind., where he takes life easily, as he well may, having fought a good fight through the years which have passed. He was born in Miami county, Ohio, August 31, 1836, and is the son of Isaac and Sarah (Little) Shideler, the father born in Miami county, May 8, 1812, and the mother in Pennsylvania, May 12, 1812. These parents were married in Ohio in December, 1834, and moved to Delaware county, Ind., in 1836, locating in Hamilton township, where Mr. Shideler improved a tract of eighty acres from its primitive condition, upon which they remained the rest of their lives. They were the parents of thirteen children, three of whom died in infancy, the rest living to be- come heads of families. The names of these children are as follows: Joseph K., a physi- cian of Muncie; William S .; Isaac, a resident of Shideler; Henry, a merchant of Merom, Sullivan county; John S., a grain dealer of Lincoln, Kan .; Mary J., wife of O. P. Kane, of Shideler; David L., of Delaware county; Elizabeth, deceased; Margaret E., wife of B. K. Burt, and Thomas R., who owns a sawmill and tile manufactory in Shideler.

Isaac Shideler died November 16, 1875, his death resulting from the kick of a mule. The mother of the family died November 18, 1888, and with her husband lies buried in the Granville cemetery, this county. They were among the most respected members of the Christian church. Mr. Shideler was a promi-

nent man in the township of Hamilton, hav- ing been its trustee for three terms. He was a democrat in his political opinions and filled all of the positions of life in a commennable manner.

William S. Shideler was reared on the home farm, under good influences. The principles of industry and economy were early instilled into his mind, and these have undoubtedly contributed much to his prosperity. His early education was limited, but he has proved that a college education is not necessary to become a successful business man. He began life for himself when he reached his majority, but did not buy land-only farmed on shares. On May 10, 1864, he enlisted in company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth regiment of In- diana volunteers, and served in the army of the Potomac, being discharged at Indianapolis, September 2, 1864. In 1865, he engaged in the mercantile trade and became railroad and express agent, which position he filled for a period of fourteen years. In 1871 was made assistant postmaster, and two years later was appointed postmaster and served until Decem- ber, 1876; then, in 1877, was reappointed and served continuously until July 14, 1884; was again appointed September 3, 1885, under Pres. Cleveland, and resigned when Gen. Harrison was elected. From 1871 to 1891 he was en- gaged in mercantile pursuits when he sold out, and except for his duties as notary public, since 1889, he has lived retired from business. Mr. Shideler has, at various times, owned a large amount of real estate, at one time being the possessor of 280 acres, all of which he obtained by his own labors. He recently sold 140 acres of choice land, but now possesses seventy-seven acres, and some valuable town property. At the time of his marriage he was entirely with- out means, but he possessed a clear head, a sound body, and the proper ideas of right and wrong, consequently he has prospered.

777

UNION TOWNSHIP.

The marriage of Mr. Shideler took place August 7, 1867, in Delaware county, with Miss Lavina B Miller, who was born in Rip- ley county, Ind., February 23, 1840, the daughter of John and Nancy (Murphy) Miller, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. John and Nancy Miller were the parents of twelve children, all of whom are deceased except three. Mr. and Mrs. Shideler are the parents of three children: Millie, the wife of Arthur G. Bowen, a telegraph operator at Decatur, Ill .; William H., a telegraph op- erator at New Castle, and Dora Souders, at home with her parents. Mr. Shideler and his excellent wife are members of the Christian church, of which he is a deacon, and they are among the most respected residents of the community. Each of Mr. and Mrs. Shideler's children has one child, making them the grandparents of three families. The grand- children are Carl, Herbert Bowen, Beatrice, Souders and Hazel Shideler.

BRAHAM SNYDER was born in Mi- ami county, Ohio, September 2, 1835, the son of James and Catherine (Studebaker) Snyder, both of Ger- man descent. This worthy couple were reared in Ohio, and lived there a number of years after their marriage, when they settled in Del- aware county, Ind., Abraham at that time an infant of six weeks old. Here the father en- tered up 120 acres of land, which he proceeded to improve with industry and skill. Upon this place the parents spent the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1845, and the mother in 1849-the latter making her home with her children after the death of her hus- band. Both were members of the Dunkard church, and the remains both lie in the ceme- tery of that body. They reared a family of eight children, all of whom grew up to be es-

teemed members of society, their names being David, a farmer; Alexander, Jacob, who died in the army; John, a farmer; Abraham, Joseph, who died in the army; Hannah, wife of George Keppler, and Sarah, wife of Daniel Studebaker.

Abraham Snyder was united in marriage with Melissa Johnson, daughter of Israel and Lizzie (Berry) Johnson, on the 5th of March, 1866. Her parents were of German extraction and settled at an early day in Delaware county, having come here from Ohio. The father bought sixty acres of land and settled upon it with his family, remaining there until the death of his wife, which occurred in 1883. Mr. Johnson then moved to Blackford county, where he died in 1887 and was buried in the Dunkard cemetery, by the side of the wife, to whom he was so strongly attached in life. They were parents of three children: Melissa, Mary and James. This much respected pair were members in good standing of the Dun- karp church. Abraham Snyder began life for himself by working the farm of his father, continuing to do so for a number of years, when he moved upon what is known as the Powell farm, remaining at that place three or four years, and then bought his present farm of sixty-one acres. This property was at that time but partly cleared, but Mr. Snyder went to work with will and determination and has made of the tract a most valuable property, it being highly improved and well stocked. Eight children have blessed the union of this couple, their names being as follows: Francis, Willie, Rolly, Isaac, deceased, Eva, Joseph, Walter and May. The good wife of Mr. Snyder died March 31, 1892, and was buried in the Dunkard cemetery. The father and his boys reside upon the home place and are all highly respected as honest and industrious people. They are consistent members of the Dunkard church, following the teachings of that body and living at peace with everybody.

778

DELAWARE COUNTY :

a DMUND H. STRADLING .-- Among the prominent men of Union town- ship, Delaware county, Ind., Edmund H. Stradling occupies a conspicuous place. He now resides in the town of Eaton, but his efficient services have made him well and favorably known all over the country. He was born in Centre township, Delaware county, April 3, 1857, a son of William Stradling, and was reared to manhood on the home farm. His common school education was supplement- ed by a course in college at Danville, in April, 1879, where he made substantial progress in the department of science and engineering, having previously taken a teacher's course, which enabled him to follow that profession very successfully for a number of years. While at college he improved every oppor- tunity, teaching at intervals and acting as janitor of the building, thus making his way, in the face of many obstacles, until he suc- ceeded in graduating August 3, 1882. On the 5th of the following October he was appointed county surveyor, which office he efficiently filled until November, 1882, at which time he was regularly elected to the office on the repub- lican ticket. For two years Mr. Stradling faithfully performed the duties of his office, when, in 1884, he was re-elected for a term of two more years. He afterward went to Cali- fornia, where, from 1886 until 1888, he was engaged in railroad surveying in San Bernadino and San Diego counties. In the latter year, he was made superintending engineer of the free gravel roads of Union township, Delaware county, Ind., which position he held until No- vember, 1889, when he removed to Spencer county, Ind., where he engaged in the lumber trade, in hard wood, until July 28, 1892, at which time he retired to the pleasant little town of Eaton, Delaware county. He was again appointed superintendent of the free gravel roads July, 1892, and engages in sur-

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph counties, Ind., containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana, Part 86

Author: Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co. Number of Pages: 1474

Author:
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1474