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 86
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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-
veying and engineering work whenever his services are in demand, having had much prac- tical experience in all departments of his pro- fession.
Mr. Stradling was married June 3, 1891, to Miss Ollie Hopkins, a native of Spencer county, Ind., and daughter of Richard and Ellen (Porter) Hopkins, to which union one son, Richard H., has been born. Mr. Strad- ling owns a fine farm of eighty acres in Wash- ington township, and also eighty acres of ex- cellent land in Spencer county, and some valu- able real estate in the town of Eaton. He is a republican in politics and takes a great inter- est in public affairs. Mrs. Stradling is a mem- ber of the Methodist church, and they are both among the well known and esteemed residents of the village. On the resignation of William Freeman, March 6, 1893, Mr. Stradling was appointed to succeed him in the honorable and responsible office of township trustee of Union township. He is a member of Welcome lodge, No. 37, K. of P., of Muncie. He also belongs to lodge 78, I. O. O. F., and also encamp- ment No. 30, at Muncie, of the same order.
ARRISON STRONG is a citizen of Union township, Delaware county, and a farmer of the highest respecta- bility. He was born in Greene county, Ohio, November 18, 1840, being the son of George W. and Nancy (Hummer) Strong, they being of Irish and German descent respectively. The father was taken from Vermont when he was five years old to Greene county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married. He lived near Jamestown for forty-four years, and then sold his farm and came to Blackford county, Ind., where he purchased land and lived on it for twelve years, having nearly cleared it when he sold it, and came to Union
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township, and bought 120 acres of nearly cleared land. Upon the latter property he ended his days. He had a sister, Elizabeth, wife of Wm. Galbraith, living in Grant county. George W. Strong was married the first time to Sarah Minninghall, and there were eight children as the result of this marriage, namely: Martin, deceased; Adolph, a farmer in Iowa; Moses, living in Ohio; Jefferson, a farmer in Iowa; Prudence, deceased; Susanna, wife of Osborn Lemark, deceased, living in Madison county, Ind .; Martha, wife of David Glass, de- ceased, living in Greene county, Ohio, and Benjamin, deceased. The mother of these children was born in Greene county, Ohio, and died in the fall of 1835 George W. Strong departed this life April 27, 1863, and Nancy Strong September 6, 1864, and they are laid to rest in Ashenfeller cemetery, where a fine monument marks the spot. It will be under- stood that Harrison Strong is the son of the second wife, who had three children, he being the second child; Elizabeth being the first, and George W. the last.
Harrison Strong was married August 25, 1863, to Naomi, daughter of Samuel and Jane (Haight) Irwin. Her parents went from Maryland to Pennsylvania, and after a short residence there moved to Ohio, stayed there a number of years, and then came to Delaware county, Ind. They lived on a farm of 160 acres in the latter place for seven or eight years, then removed to Blackford county, where they bought a farm of 280 acres, and ended their days there, the father passing to his rest October 11, 1878, and the mother July 14, 1849. These good people sleep in Mt. Zion cemetery. Mrs. Naomi Strong has one brother, William L, a farmer of Black- ford county. Harrison Strong, immediately after his marriage, settled upon a farm of 120 acres, which was partly cleared, and by hard work and rigid economy he has succeeded in
making it a delightful home, and a valuable piece of property. The residence and the out-buildings are in fine condition, and every- thing shows Mr. Strong to be a prosperous and good farmer. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Strong resulted in six children, namely: Mary A., wife of Wm. Michael, of Union township; Samuel W., at home; Wm. A., restaurant keeper at Eaton; Nancy J., died in 1872; Emma E., died in 1885, and Lizzie May, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Strong received a com- mon school education, and are people of su- perior intelligence In politics he is a demo- crat, and a member of the F. M. B. A. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church, and are highly respected in that body, where they are most useful workers.
DMUND TAYLOR .- Among the en- terprising, intelligent and successful young farmers of Union township, Delaware county, Ind., none have shown more ability in the management of his place than has Edmund Taylor. Mr. Taylor was born in Grant county, Ind., June 9, 1862, son of Edmund and Patience (Seely) Taylor, natives of England and America, respectively. He was reared on his father's farm until he was prepared to found a home of his own, and received a good education, improving many opportunities until he is now among the best informed young men of his neighborhood. His family has been reduced to himself and one brother, Frank, who is an invalid, his father having died November 18, 1889, and his mother in 1866.
The marriage of Mr. Taylor occurred Sep- tember 18, 1883, to Miss Inez Lambert, daughter of John R. and Mary A. (Smith) Lambert, natives of Indiana, of English and German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Lambert are
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prominent residents of Delaware county, where also reside Mrs. Taylor's two younger brothers, Jesse and David, who are engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Taylor removed to the fine farm of 160 acres on which they have since lived. This well improved tract of land was a pres- ent to Mr. Taylor from his father, and to the original gift he has added fifty acres by pur- chase. This place is well located, under good cultivation, and is in every way a desirable home. The children born into this pleasant home are five in number, as follows: Edith, Harry, Elma, Howard and Ruth. In politics Mr. Taylor espouses the principles advocated by the democratic party, and the family is one of the most respected in the township.
ILLIAM HENRY YOUNTS .- The ancestors of this gentleman were of German descent and spelled their name Yountz. It has been Angli- cized, however, by various members of the family to its present form. His grandfather, Philip Yountz, was a native of Ashe county, N. C., where he married Margaret Byrkett, and subsequently removed to Miami county, Ohio. He was among the first white settlers of that that county, and served as a soldier in Wayne's expedition against the Indians of the north- west, which terminated with the treaty of Greenville, August 3, 1795. He died in Miami county in 1864, having served for fifty-two years as an elder in the German Baptist church. His wife died in 1862. They had eight sons and two daughters. All lived to maturity and married, and one of the daughters and one son still survive. George, the fourth son, was the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born in Miami county, Ohio, where he married Mahala Mickel, by whom he
had twelve children, viz .: William H., John A., Samuel, Elizabeth, Abram W., Macy C., Margaret E., Joseph W., Daniel H. and Alice -all of whom now survive. One son, Philip, died in the service of the Union at Matagorda, Texas, November 24, 1865, being first ser- geant of company G, Fifty-seventh Indiana volunteer infantry, and Charles A., a private in company I, Indiana volunteer cavalry, was killed at Okolona, Miss., February 22, 1864 .. The daughters, with one exception, are mar- ried-Elizabeth to George W. Smith; Mary C .ยท to John Miller, and Alice to Albert Mills.
The father devoted his time to agricultural pursuits, remaining in his native county till 1856. In that year he came to Delaware county and purchased a farm in Union town- ship, where he died Februrry 9, 1878. He was a member of the German Baptist church, and an honest and highly respected citizen. His wife survives him. William H., the eldest son, was born March 21, 1835, in Miami county, Ohio. His youthful days were passed in the performance of farm labor at home, and he never enjoyed the privilege of attending school, with the exception of about three months; yet he prepared himself for the voca- tion of school teaching by a system of diligent study at home, and, when he came to Indiana in 1856, he entered at once upon that line of work in Delaware county, and was thus en- gaged, with a few intermissions, every winter, till 1882. In the twentieth year of his age- September 21, 1854-he married Miss Anna M. Lowery, niece of the late Judge Lowery, of the supreme bench of Ohio. On the 15th day of February, 1864, his wife died, leaving one son, George W., of Eaton, a manufacturer of pulleys. In April, 1864, Mr. Younts went to Greenville, Ohio, and enlisted as a soldier in the Union army, enlisting in company B, Second provisional battalion, of Richardson's sharpshooters. He re-enlisted December,
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1864, and was assigned to duty in company C, One Hundred and Seventy-third Ohio vol- unteer infantry, which became a part of the Second brigade, Second division, of Hancock's veteran corps. Mr. Younts passed through all the commissions up to the rank of sergeant major of his regiment, from which he was made lieutenant of company B, and assigned to duty on the staff of Gen. Eugene Powell, as A. A. A. G., in the army of the Shenandoah. He was mustered out of the service with his regiment at Columbus, Ohio, September 13, 1865, and returned to his home in this county. On the 22d day of May, 1866, he was wedded to his present companion, Lydia J., daughter of John and Celia McClain. He continued the occupation of school teaching, and, in 1868, resumed the study of law. In 1869, he was admitted to the bar of Delaware county, and began the practice of his profession at the town of Eaton. The position he occupies, as an attorney, has been gained by unremitting effort on his part, and his limited educational
advantages entitle him to the more credit, and mark him as one of the self made men of the county.
In his social relations, he is esteemed as much for the frank goodness of his nature as he is among the teaching fraternity for his ability; and in this sphere the honors are shared by his wife, who is a lady of an ami- able, kindly disposition. Although not a mem- ber of any church, Mr. Younts adheres to the tenets of the Christian religion, and contributes cheerfully to the support of the cherch and the spread of the Gospel.
He is a member of Delaware lodge, 46, A. F. & A. M., and has served as junior and sen- ior warden and senior deacon in that lodge. He also belongs to the Muncie chapter, No. 38, Muncie council No. 16, Muncie commandery K. T., and Muncie chapter, No. 104, of the Eastern Star. The other fraternities with which he is identified are the G. A. R., John Brant post, No 156; Muncie tribe, No. 144, I. O. R. M.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
3 OHN BARRETT .- The blessings of the farm life, and the profit which comes from following that calling, are aptly shown in the life of John Barrett, of Washington township, Delaware county. Mr. Barrett was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, November 25, 1825, and lived with his parents until he was of age. His boyhood and youth were spent upon the farm, and he re- ceived but a limited education. After reach- ing his majority, he worked by the month, cutting down forest trees, and fitting the soil for cultivation, and in this way cleared a very
large amount of land. After his marriage, he bought forty acres in Madison county, Ind., at that time covered with a dense forest growth, but he cut down the trees and broke the ground and put it in a nice state of cultivation, after which he traded it for eighty acres, which compose his present farm. The latter is under a fine state of cultivation, and what he owns came as the result of the work of his own hands.
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