USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware county, 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 55
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DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.
HARLES M. PAXTON .- Among the prominent business men of the pros- perous town of Albany, Ind., is the well known lumber dealer, Charles M. Paxton. He was born in Johnstown, Pa., February 22, 1852, a son of William F., and Isabelle (Sharp) Paxton, natives of Pennsyl- vania, where they married and reared their family. In 1855 these parents removed to Union City, Ind., where they remained for some time, going thence to Burlington, Iowa, where they resided three and one-half years. In 1860 they removed again, this time to their present home in Rensselaer, Ind., where Mr. Paxton is engaged in the mercantile trade. William F. and Isabelle Paxton reared a fam- ily of eight children, as follows: Virginia, wife of H. R. W. Smith, editor of Chicago Tribune Exchange; Charles M.,; John W. and Joseph C., twins; Ralph S., William G .. and Albert C. and Almira, twins.
Charles M. Paxton was reared on the farm and remained with his parents until he had at- tained his majority, at which time he engaged in farming and so continued until 1888, when he engaged in the butchering business in Rens- selaer, Ind. Seven months later he went back to farming and followed agricultural pursuits until July 15, 1892, when he came to Albany. Here he has been engaged extensively in hand- ling lumber, in addition to which he also deals in all kinds of sash, blinds, doors, shingles, etc.
In his political faith Mr. Paxton is a stanch democrat, and his services to the party are highly valued. Socially, he is a K. of P. of lodge No. 82, at Rensselaer. He was married August 8, 1875, to Miss Mary G. Richardson, who was born in Laporte county in October of 1856, a daughter of D. L. and Elizabeth . (Windle) Richardson. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Paxton: Harry W. and Edith G. The family are members of the Free Methodist church of Albany.
ARTIN VAN BUREN PHILLIPS. Among the careful, discreet and en- ergetic business men of the town of Albany, Ind., is the subject of this biography. He is a son of Indiana, born near Windsor, in this county, March 16, 1834, a son of William and Harriet (Brooks) Phillips, of Pennsylvania, who were married in Greene county, Ohio, in 1825 Later they removed to this state and located in Delaware county. on the old state road, where they lived until 1842, when, on account of the death of Mrs. Phillips, the family removed to Windsor, where they resided for two years. Mr. Phillips sub- sequently married in Greenville, Ohio, Miss Martha Knight, and afterward moved to the village of Parker, in Randolph county, where he lived until his death, which occurred April 25, 1865. He was a republican, a devout member of the Methodist church, and left four children; Mary A., John A., Martin V. B., and William.
At the date of his mother's death, 1842, the subject of this sketch was but eight years of age and he was taken in charge by his grandfather, Brooks, with whom he lived until his thirteenth year. During the succeeding three years he worked as a farm laborer, re- ceiving for his services for that period the sum of fifty dollars, and he continued working at different occupations until the breaking out of the late war.
He enlisted, on July 22 in company K, Nine- teenth regiment, Indiana volunteer infantry, at Salem, Ind., for three years, and partici- pated in the battles of the army of the Poto- mac, the historic names of the following engagements being those in which his young life was risked: Gainesville, Chain Bridge, South Mountain, Antietam, Falmouth, first and second battles of Fredericksburg, Chan- cellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Rappahan- nock and Barley's Cross Roads. After the
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battle of Gainesville, Mr. Phillips was trans- ferred to battery B, Fourth regular artillery with which he participated in the succeeding engagements noted. At the expiration of his period of enlistment, Mr. Phillips re-entered the service at Culpeper, Va., for the rest of the war and was with his command through- ont the eastern campaigns, taking part in the battles of Spottsylvania C. H., North Ann, South Ann, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Horse Shoe Bend and Old Church. The Nineteenth Indiana, to which he belonged, was a part of the famous "Iron Brigade" and during the campaign last noted was engaged in active operations and fighting for twenty-one con- secutive days. At the battle of Old Church, August, 1864, he was injured in the face and thigh, necessitating his removal to the field hospital, from which place he was sent to head- quarters and given a furlough.
He came to Selma and remained for thirty- five days and again reported for duty at Indian- apolis, but his furlough was extended for thirty days. At the expiration of that time he re- ported to Capt. Burris at the soldiers' home, not being yet able to perform his duties as a soldier, and was given more time, and remained until the surrender of Gen. Lee and the order was given for the final discharge of all sick and wounded soldiers. His discharge was dated June 22, 1864, but for the following year he was unable to pursue any kind of business. Recovering slowly, he cautiously engaged in farming and perhaps the touch of the soil as- sisted in his recovery, for he continued it for six years, in Randolph county. This seemed too hard labor and he looked about for some easier way of earning a livelihood, accordingly, he interested himself in the management of portable engines and handled threshing ma- chines for five years; subsequently, learned the barber trade. He subsequently opened a shop in Albany and successfully conducted it for
eight years and then sold out to engage in his. present lucrative business of grocery and restaurant.
Mr. Phillips has worked hard and has closely followed through life the path of duty. He votes with the republican party and social- ly affiliates with the order of Red Men. In April, 1891, he was elected to be justice of the peace and since that time has faithfully and efficiently filled the office. Mr. Phillips was married, January 25, 1863, to Miss Susannah Badders, a native of this county, daughter of Moses Badders, who was a pioneer of the township of Liberty, and to this union one child was born, Ida May, deceased; the mother died in 1866. In September, 1867, Mr. Phillips married Miss Clare Boyce, a native of Clinton county, Ohio, daughter of Leonard Boyce.
J OHN S. PIERCE .- Among the busi- ness houses of the town of Albany, Ind., that owned and managed by the subject of this sketch calls for special mention, being one of the most complete of its kind in this part of the county.
John S. Pierce was born in Knox county, Ohio, February 23, 1865, son of Orange and Caroline (Selby) Pierce, both parents natives of Ohio. Orange and Caroline Pierce reared a family of five children, as follows: Asa, a resident of Michigan; J. O., a professor in the high school at Portland, Ind .; Emmeline, wife of John Hockings, of Portland; John S. and Belle, wife of J. W. Allen, of Portland. The parents removed to Ridgeville, Ind., in 1866, and there the mother died in 1868. They were members of the Baptist church, and Mr. Pierce at this time is one of the wealthy and influential men of Jay county, Ind. He is a republican in his politics, and during the late
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war testified to his loyalty by serving three years as a member of company A, Thirty- ninth Ohio volunteer infantry.
John S. Pierce grew to manhood in a pleas- ant home, was reared on the farm and received good educational advantages, graduating from Ridgeville college, in which he took the scien- tific course. On the completion of his literary education, Mr. Pierce engaged in the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Far- quhar, of Ridgeville, in whose office he con- tinued two years, and then he took a course of lectures in the Miami Medical college, of Cin- cinnati, Ohio, afterward graduating from the National Institute of Pharmacy, at Chicago. His first location was at Red Key, Jay county, Ind., where he went into the drug business and where he continued for four years, removing to Albany in 1891, and where he has since car- ried on a successful trade. He has a very complete stock of drugs, jewelry, etc., and is one of the leading business men and represent- ative citizens of the town and county, Mr. Pierce was married November 19, 1889, in Ridgeville, Ind., to Miss Lillie M. N. Jones, who was born in Randolph county, Ind., Sep- tember 10, 1873, a daughter of Daniel and Adeline (Wood) Jones. One child was born of this marriage, Edgar O., deceased, and Mrs. Pierce also departed this life in May, 1892. She was a good woman and an active member of the United Brethren church.
Mr. Pierce affiliates with the republican party, and takes a deep and intelligent interest in public affairs. He is connected with the I. O. O. F., No. 231, of Ridgeville, and be- longs to Valentine lodge, No. 278, K. of P., of Albany. Since his residence in Albany he has made many friends by his pleasant and unas- suming manner, and all who know him pro- nounce him a most courteous and genial gen- tleman, as well as a dealer who understands his business.
S AMUEL J. SHROYER .- The sub- ject of this sketch, a very worthy and successful farmer of Delaware county, was born in Henry county, Ind., De- cember 12, 1837. He is the son of Anthony and Matilda (Jones) Shroyer; the father born in Taylor, W. Va., in 1815, and the mother in the same county and state, one year later. These parents were married in Virginia and moved to Henry county in 1837, Mr. Shroyer buying land in Delaware township and county, the following year. Here he moved in the spring of 1839, thus becoming one of the earliest pioneers of the county. His land con- sisted of 220 acres, being the original purchase with additions made from time to time by sub- sequent . purchase. He improved and lived upon the farm until his death, November 26, 1881. The wife survives and lives upon the old homestead with her youngest daughter.
Anthony and Matilda Shroyer were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are living, namely: Lewis N., living in Blackford county, Ind .; Martha, wife of Thomas Bart- lett, a farmer of this county; Elmira, wife of Samuel Williams, deceased; Sarah, wife of Benjamin Whitehair, of this county; Alice, wife of Fletcher O. Pittenger, and Samuel J. Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer were members of the Methodist church, and active workers in that body. The father always took a very lively interest in churches and schools, and in fact was interested in everything that promised good to the people. In politics he was a republican, and earnestly supported the candidates of that party. He accumulated a very handsome property in land and personal effects, and was one of the representative cit- izens of the township in which he resided for so many years.
Samuel J. Shroyer was born two months after his parents became settlers of this county, and was reared on the home farm, receiving a
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common school education. After reaching his majority he began farming on his own account, buying eighty acres of land in Liberty town- ship, where he remained more than twenty- five years; then he sold this property and bought fifty acres of fine land where he now lives, which is well and substantially improved. He was married April 16, 1857, to Elizabeth Boyles, who was born May 1, 1834, in West Virginia, of which state her parents, Joshua and Sarah (Jones) Boyles, were also natives.
Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer are the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living, name- ly: William Clark, a teacher in this township; Sarah E., wife of John Jones, a farmer of Liberty township; Matilda, wife of William Barnes, a carpenter; Martha, wife of Gran- ville Simmons, a farmer of this county; Leora, wife of Arthur Wingate, a farmer; Clara, wife of David Boots, of Delaware township; Cora, wife of Ivan Justice, a farmer of this township, and Lola, who still lives under the parental roof. The subject and wife are members of the Methodist church, and are devoted be- lievers in its teachings. In politics Mr. Shroyer is a republican, and has filled the office of justice of the peace in Liberty town- ship for twelve years. Since moving to Dela- ware he has been township trustee, and has been filling that office since 1889 to the satis- faction of the entire community. He is a member of Anthony lodge No. 171, A. F. & A. M. Beside owning his farm and other property he has stock in the Albany Land company.
0 AVID W. SLONIKER, senior mem- ber of the firm of Sloniker & Leffler, dealers in hardware of all kinds, in connection with agricultural imple- ments, in the town of Albany, Ind., is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Sloniker was born
in Hamilton township, Delaware county, Ind., February 28, 1844, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (McCormick) Sloniker, who came to the county in 1836, being among the earliest pio- neers. They were the parents of thirteen children, but only four survive, these being, Benjamin F., David, Cornelia, and Martha J. Jacob and Elizabeth Sloniker were consistent members of the Christian church, and Mr. Sloniker became one of the wealthiest men of the county.
David W. Sloniker was reared on the old home farm, receiving a good common school education, and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-three years old. Until 1887 he followed the peaceful life of an Indiana agriculturist, but at that date he moved to the town of Albany, and engaged in the hardware business. At first his stock was small, as his means were somewhat limited, but, as the years went by, the country began to be more settled and farming more generally carried on in a large way, the demand for his goods grew apace and now he has a large trade and a complete stock. His son-in-law, James H. Leffler, is connected with him and they are doing a prosperous business.
When the clouds of war hung over the country, Mr. Sloniker entered the army, en- listing in company B, Eighty-fourth I. V. I. July 30, 1862, for three years or during the war, and served thirty-four months, and was honorably discharged June 14, 1865, at Nash- ville, Tenn. He took part in the battles of Rockyface Ridge, Dalton, Tunnel Hill, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Kingston, Cartersville, Alla- toona Pass, Big Shanty and Kenesaw Mountain, where he was wounded. He left the hospital and joined his regiment in time to take part in battles of Columbia, Franklin and Nashville, although still suffering from the wound receiv- ed at Kenesaw. Mr. Sloniker was married November 15, 1866, in Hamilton township,
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this county, to Miss Elizabeth E. Green, who was born in Delaware county, January 6, 1846, the daughther of Andrew and Massey (John- son) Green. To this union three children have been born-an infant, deceased; Nettie, the wife of James H. Leffler, and Matthew, deceas- ed. In his political belief, Mr. Sloniker is a republican, and has served the township as assessor for five years. Fraternally, he is a member of the order of Red Men and of I. O. O. F., and also of Knights of Pythias. He is" one of the best citizens of the town of Albany, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends throughout the county.
S AMUEL B. SMITH was born in Jay county, Ind., June 22, 1841, being the son of Matthew A. and Elizabeth (Hagler) Smith, natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. The father and moth- er were married in Greene county, Ohio, July 2, 1840, and removed to Jay county, Ind., in the following year, where the former's death occurred March 15, 1882; his widow resides there at the present time. The following are the names of their children: Samuel B .; Laura, wife of Joel Green; Mary E., wife of George Wilson and Lewis M. By persevering toil Matthew Smith accumulated a comfortable portion of worldly wealth and was able to give to each of his children one hundred acres of land. In politics he was a republican and was frequently elected by that party to respon- sible positions. He served as a justice of the peace for fourteen years, an equal length of time as a county commissioner, and likewise represented his county in the state legislature from 1875 to 1877.
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Although not now a farmer, the gentle- man whose name introduces . this mention knows all about that life, having spent all his
days upon a farm until the period of his en- listment in the army. He entered the service of his country August 11, 1862, at Muncie, becoming a member of company B, Eighty- fourth Indiana infantry, and participated in the following battles, namely: Chickamaugua, Buzzard's Roost, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Kingstown, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Pine Mountain, Lost Mountain, Kene- saw Mountain, Neal Dow Church, Peachtree Creek, Siege of Atlanta, Shoals Creek, Jones- borough, Lovejoy Station, Franklin and Nash- ville. He was discharged June 17, 1865, at Indianapolis, and of the entire regiment, only 327 men returned, so great was the loss during its long and active period of service. Return- ing home, Mr. Smith engaged in farming and continued that useful calling until 1883, at which time he moved into the village of Al- bany, where he has since been engaged in mercantile pursuits. After the election of Harrison, he was appointed postmaster, and the record shows that he proved a very efficient and painstaking official. Mr. Smith has been a member of the Methodist church since his fourteenth year, and in politics he is a repub- lican, firmly adhering to the principles of that party. He was married September 8, 1866, to Sarah Burkhead, born in Randolph county, Ind., December 27, 1844. She is the daugh- ter of George and Catherine (Davis) Burk- head, natives of Maryland, of English ex- traction, and has borne her husband two chil- dren, namely: Annie K., wife of H. E. Babb, and Cora L., wife of George A. Murphy. Mr. Smith is a man who is very popular with all who know him; genial and pleasant in manner, considerate of others, and very ac- commodating in disposition. Mr. Smith has lived the life of a consistent christian and has reared his family to lead lives equally moral, and trained them to habits of industry and usefulness.
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J AMES E. STAFFORD .- A successful business man of Albany and large land holder of Delaware township, is the second son of Ralph Stafford, whose biography appears elsewhere, and was born February 11, 1840, in Delaware county,
Ind. His early educational advantages, though limited, were diligently improved and, by a close application to his studies and wide range of reading, he became the possessor of a fund of valuable knowledge, which has enabled him to transact very successfully the business of an active life. He taught four terms ofschool in Delaware township and such was his success, that had he seen fit to remain in the educational field he doubtless would have risen high in the profession. He spent his boyhood days learning the trade of tanning with his father, and worked at that business until his twenty-fifth year, at which time, in partnership with his brother, George Stafford, he engaged in farming in sections 6 and 7 this township. From the beginning, his success was most satisfactory, and in time he succeeded in accumulating valuable real estate and now owns a fine farm, consisting of 229 acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Stafford continued agricul- tural pursuits until 1883, in November of which year he engaged in the hardware busi- ness at Albany, which line of trade he con- ducted with success and financial profit until 1891. In that year he engaged with the Albany Furniture company, and has since been a leading member of the firm.
Mr. Stafford was married October 5, 1870, in Hamilton township to Miss Caroline Rus- sell, daughter of John and Susannah Russell, of Columbiana county, Ohio. Mrs. Stafford was born March 9, 1841, and is the mother of one child, Laura Helen Stafford, whose birth occurred October 9, 1871. Miss Stafford is a young lady of culture and refinement, an ac-
complished musician, and made commendable progress as a student in the art department of the Greencastle university. Politically Mr. Staf- ford is a republican and has been an aggressive worker in his party for a number of years. He became identified with the Masonic fraternity twenty-six years ago, and at this time is one of the active workers in lodge No. 171 at Albany. In addition to his commercial and agricultural interests Mr. Stafford is extensively engaged in real- estate transactions in Delaware county.
J H. STAFFORD .- The subject of this sketch is a native of Delaware township, and a citizen of excellent reputation, whose success as a farmer has been very decided. He was born Septem- ber 27, 1842, being the third son of Ralph Stafford, whose history may be found else- where in this volume. Mr. Stafford received a common school education, and lived at home during his boyhood days, and learned the trade of a tanner, which he followed in connection with farming for several years. In 1868 he took entire control of the tan yards, and con- tinued in that position for three years; then managed the home farm for some time. In 1871 he bought the property, consisting of thirty-two acres, upon which he resides. Besides this, he owns the farm on which his father first located in 1834, having 234 acres, in all, of fine farm land substantially improved.
Mr. Stafford was married November 25, 1875, at Muncie, to Rachel Walburn, born in this township, September 24, 1852, being the daughter of Jefferson and Rebecca Walburn. Her father and mother were natives of Ohio, and are the parents of the following children, namely: Margaret, Martha, Catherine (de- ceased), William, Sarah Ann and Rachel. The parents of these children died in 1876, and now rest in Union cemetery.
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Jefferson Walburn was a farmer, and a man of prominence in his community. In politics he was a republican, and a very active and useful member of that party. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church, and devoted and upright christian people. They were pioneers, coming to this country in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are members of the Methodist church, in which body they are rec- ognized as consistent and upright people. The husband is a trustee and otherwise prominent in the church. In politics he is a republican, and is always ready to lend a helping hand during any public crisis.
Beside owning valuable landed property, Mr. Stafford is a stockholder and a director of the Granville turnpike, and is also interested in the Delaware Natural Gas company. He enlisted May 12, 1864, in company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana volunteer infantry, at Muncie. . At Indianapolis he was made a fifth sergeant of the company, which was recruited in Delaware county by Capt. Cochran. The company was reorganized May 16, 1864, and they, with the remainder of the regiment, arrived at Bowling Green, Ky., June 1, 1864, reached Nashville June 6; left on the IIth, and reached Decatur, Ala., July 6; re- treated to Nashville, then on the 17th left for Louisville, arriving on the 18th; left Louisville August 4 and reached Nashville on the 6th, and returned to Indianapolis August 28, 1864. He was mustered out of the service September 6, 1864. The number of deaths occurring in his company during the period of service was five, and of desertion one.
3 AMES R. STAFFORD, a prominent business man of Albany, was born in Niles township, Delaware county, Jan- uary 22, 1846, son of Joseph and Eve Stafford. Subject's paternal grandfather was
a native of Ireland, but early came to the United States, locating in Virginia, where he was employed for some time as a linen weaver. Later in life, he located in Clarke, Ohio, where his death occurred. Joseph Stafford was a native of Clarke county, Ohio. James R. Staf- ford, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the home farm in Niles township, attended the common schools during the winters, and at the age of twenty, attended school in Muncie, where he made substantial progress in the various branches of learning. He fitted him- self for the teacher's profession, and was thus employed for twelve consecutive years, devot- ing his attention in the meantime, during the summer season, to farming on the home place. On attaining his legal majority, he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture on a forty acre tract given him by his father, and on the latter's death, in 1877, he purchased a part of the homestead to which he added other land until he because the possessor of a fine farm of 135 acres, which is well improved and highly cul- tivated. On the 10th of October, 1867, when twenty-one years of age, Mr. Stafford was united in marriage with Miss Nancy E. Sharon, who was born in Niles township, this county, January 16, 1846, daughter of Henry Sharon, Esq. Two children resulted from this mar- riage, Minnie O., wife of James Syphers, and Joseph H., deceased. Mrs. Stafford, a highly respected lady and consistent member of the Methodist church, died in the full hope of a happy future, March 24, 1873, and her body was laid to rest beneath the shades of the beautiful Bethel cemetery of Albany. On the 28th of May, 1876, Mr. Stafford again entered the marriage relation, choosing for his com- panion, Elizabeth McDaniels, whose death oc- curred August 16th of the same year. She was born in Greene county, Ohio, in 1846, and at the time of her departure, had been an earnest member of the Methodist church for a
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