USA > Indiana > Grant County > Biographical memoirs of Grant County, Indiana : to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography with portraits of many national characters and well-known residents of Grant County, Indiana. > Part 74
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Mr. and Mrs. Oliver are friends of ad- vanced education and believe in recognizing the young man or woman who has taken the pains to conscientiously prepare himself for the duties of teaching. They realize that too often the would-be teacher takes little interest in his work, caring to pass his ex- amination only in order to receive his cer- tificate, and is willing to leave the field as soon as something better turns up. Their support and encouragement is given to the capable, competent teacher who is interested
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in his work and follows the profession be- cause of his liking for it and not merely as a means to an end. Some of the roads in the vicinity were in very bad condition and these, also; came in for a share of his at- tention, and permanent improvement was made in them, a number of strong iron bridges taking the place of the ford, or make- shift popularly termed a bridge.
On July 13, 1876, the nuptials of L. B. Oliver and Miss Maggie Jane Pierce were celebrated, and as the silver milestone of their happy wedded life approaches in the near future, they present a pleasing picture of domestic felicity, surrounded by family and friends. Three children have been added to their family circle, two of whom still brighten their hearthstone, viz: Warren Earl, an unusually bright boy, whose work in the seventh and eighth grades has won praise from his teachers and is worthy a place in these pages. At the ending of the school year his grade was as follows: or- thography, 92; reading, 96; writing, 95; arithmetic, 100; geography. 94; language, 93; physiology, 97.5; United States history, 100. He shows talent along mechanical · lines, but his choice is for a professional life ; Doshie Ethel, the youngest of the family is in the third grade and is a bright, at- tractive child.
Mrs. Oliver was born in this county August 30, 1856, to Bynum and Sarah Olive (Maddux) Pierce. They reside in this township and their memoir will be found on another page of this biography. Reared and educated in the neighborhood, Miss Pierce had a wide circle of friends and the cheerful, sunny disposition which made her so great a favorite in her young woman- hood has remained the same during her mar-
ried life. She dispenses hospitality in the most charming manner and in no place is she seen to greater advantage than at her own fireside.
Mr. and Mrs. Oliver have traveled ex- tensively, but have confined their journey- ings to this continent as they think the scen- ery in the United States quite as wonderful as that to be seen beyond the seas. He has visited California twice and Mrs. Oliver has made the trip once, deriving much pleasure from it. They believe in enjoying life while they can as the chance may never come again, and consider the money expended in this way has been well spent. Mrs. Oliver is a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Oliver erected the Methodist Protestant church in his township and through the in- fluence of himself and wife a bell has been placed in it to call the people to worship. He is a member of Lodge No. 427, F. & A. M., and Lodge No. 352, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Upland. They are hon- ored and respected by all who know them and merit the popularity accorded them.
JAMES B. STRANGE.
James B. Strange, ex-trustee of Monroe township, Grant county, Indiana, and the genial and accommodating postmaster of Arcana, is one of the largest land holders and most up-to-date agriculturists of this community. His parents, George and Lydia (Duckwall) Strange, were among the early settlers of this state and located in this coun- ty, where James B. Strange was born Jan- uary 4, 1857. He is sixth in a family of four brothers and four sisters. After fin- ishing the common school he took a course
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in the Marion high school and devoted two terms to teaching in his native county. Teaching not being to his taste, he decided to become a husbandman and has since given his attention to farming and stock raising, in both branches of which he has been em- inently successful. He has a pleasant home and three hundred acres of as fine farming land as can be found within the confines of the state. He raises large numbers of cattle. etc., thus keeping his land up to the highest state of fertility and enabling him to re- ceive a much larger yield than his more conservative neighbor who impoverishes his land by taking the richness from the soil and giving it nothing in return. It is a pleas- ure to look over his broad acres and note the care and judgment that is everywhere evi- dent in its management.
When little past his majority, in Febru- ary, 1878. Mr. Strange was joined in mar- riage with Miss Elizabeth L., daughter of Martin and Elizabeth ( Coulter ) Nelson. They are among the oldest and most prom- inent families of this county, of which she is a native. The young couple settled down near the parents of both and among the friends of a lifetime and have continued to be among the leaders in their social world as he is in a business sense. Of the five children who were the fruit of this union, three are living, namely: George L., who received his diploma from the common school at the age of sixteen, took a course in the Marion high school, which was fur- . ther supplemented by a course in bookkeep- ing. He is a practical agriculturist and an able assistant to his father on his large es- tate : Minnie, who also received her diploma at the age of sixteen and then spent three years in the Marion high school; and Com-
modore, who is a student of the eighth grade.
Mr. and Mrs. Strange are highly re- spected and esteemed by every one and con- tributed liberally toward the erection of two churches.
Mr. Strange is a member of Arcana Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 427. In pol- itics he is an ardent Democrat and received his appointment as postmaster under the ad- ministration of President Cleveland. This office was badly needed by the farmers of that section and has been a source of satis- faction to them. So acceptably has the pres- ent incumbent performed the duties required of him that his term of office has been ex- tended under the present Republican admin- istration. His maiden vote was given to General W. S. Hancock. Since that time Mr. Strange has been more or less identified with the working's of his party and has rep- resented it in county, state and congressional conventions, and is at present the representa- tive to the congressional convention held at Huntington this year ( 1900). In 1883 he was elected trustee of the township and was unsparing in his efforts to discharge his duties in such a manner that the greatest good would result. This was done in so satisfactory a manner that he was returned to the office by the largest majority ever recorded in the township. He has been in- strumental in securing higher salaries and better teachers than had been in vogue, al- though that meant increased taxes to him- already a heavy tax-payer. During his term of office a neat brick buikling was erected in both districts No. I and No. 7. His pub- lic life will admit of the closest scrutiny while in private life his sociality and hos- pitality are unsurpassed.
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BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.
LEVI LIGHTLE.
Levi Lightle has been a resident of Monroe township, Grant county, Indiana, since 1860, and is one of the leading, pro- gressive farmers of this section. He was born in Perry county, Ohio, July 20, 1832, but was reared in Hocking county, whither his parents moved when he was a child. He was the third child in the family of Thomas and Thener (Jadwin) Lightle. There were seven children born to them, but four of whom are living, namely : Will- iam, who was a soldier in the Civil war and is now engaged in agriculture in this coun- ty; Levi, whose name heads this article; Thomas, a farmer of Hocking county, Ohio ; and Nancy, wife of James Sheren, a retired farmer of Sweetser, Indiana. Thomas Lightle was born in Ohio about 1804 and died in 1870 at the age of sixty-six years. His father fought in the war of 1812. Thomas Lightle spent his entire life in the state of Ohio, where he engaged in farm- ing. He was a Jackson Democrat up to his death and a man of decided views. His wife was a native of Maryland and both were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Lightle received his primary train- ing in the old log school and has a vivid recollection of those days. He remained with his parents until his majority, learning all the details of farm work. His marriage with Miss Kesiah Steele, May 3, 1855, re- sulted in the birth of eleven children, all of whom are living .. Nine of them are married and are all residents of this state. Will- iam, the eldest, completed the common school, the academy at Jonesboro, and then finished the course at Marion Normal, re-
ceiving a teachers' certificate. It has been the aim of Mr. Lightle and his wife to give to their children good educations that they may grow into intelligent, wide awake cit- izens. They began their wedded life at the bottom of the ladder, renting the first land they farmed. He spent five years on this farm and tlien purchased eighty acres of land, going in debt for part of the amount. However much may be said against the ad- visability of young men incurring debt, he will find there is no greater incentive toward saving his money and husbanding his re- sources than a debt of this kind, where he is honestly striving to win a home. Few men have the ready money to invest in land, and many indeed would remain rent- ers all their lives had they not sufficient faith in their own efforts to eventually save and pay off the necessary indebtedness. This farm has on it a small log house which was their home for the first few years while they were living in the most frugal manner and cultivating their land. Time passed and the little home was improved surely and rapidly, the hut giving place to the handsome residence which was all the more appreciated having been waited for. Barns and other outbuildings lent an added air of thrift and cosiness and spoke of pros- perity. More land was added until one hun- dred and eighty acres, all in Monroe town- ship, formed the estate, and the practical manager was not content until every acre of it was placed under cultivation. In order to reach this state of perfection hard work was to be done on it in the way of tilling and clearing off timber. Over four thousand rods of tile have been laid, the work being done by Mr. Lightle, who is justly proud of the result.
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In politics Mr. Lightle is a Democrat, one who has the courage of his convictions arul was elected supervisor of his township, an office he filled with credit to himself and improvement to the community. He was a willing promoter of the general good and aided in perfecting the pike road and many minor improvements are traced to his door. He and his wife are members of the Method- ist Episcopal church and are zealous work- ers in the cause. They are liberal towards any worthy cause and are ever ready to ex- tend the hand of fellowship to suffering humanity.
ELIHU J. OREN.
Elihu J. Oren, a well-known agricult- urist residing near Upland, in Monroe town- ship. Grant county, Indiana, is one of the prominent and influential citizens of that vicinity. Although a native of Greene coun- ty, Ohio, where he was born February 20, 1835, he traces his genealogy back, through a long line of ancestors, to the founders of Orenburg, a province in the southern part of the Russian empire, near the Caucausian mountains, and still further to one of the tribes of Israel from which they originated. His immediate ancestors were Jesse and Elizabeth (Evans) Oren.
Jesse Oren was born in the state of Tennessee, December 11, 1806, and learned the vocation of a tanner. His school priv- ileges were limited but he did considerable in the way of self education and was con- sidered a remarkably bright man, one well read on all popular topics. He moved to Clinton county, Ohio, with his father from his native state when he was sixteen years
of age and was one of the early settlers of that section. The country was wild and unbroken and was plentifully provided with game in the wild animals that roamed at will over the land. Indians also were in abundance. He remained there until 1830, when he located in Greene county on the 12th of September, and worked at his trade for eleven years when he started for Grant county, reaching here November 12, 1841. Here he located on part of the farm now occupied by Elihu J., and their first dwell- ing was a rude log cabin. He now turned his time and attention to farming and pur- chased an additional eighty of David Wall, making in all one hundred and sixty acres. The first eighty purchased by Jesse Oren has been purchased by our subject and is now his home. He was at one time a Quaker in re- ligious belief, but later became an advocate ot the free thinkers. Like most men of his religious views, he was a strong abolitionist and a follower of William Lloyd Garrison, but gave his support to our martyred presi- dent, Abraham Lincoln, and did all in his power for the advancement of freedom. Of a benevolent disposition, he dispensed his charity with a lavish hand and was broad and liberal in his judgment of others. When convinced of his ground, he took a decided stand and his fellow citizens had no fears of any wavering on his part. His death occurred September 13. 1874. and was deep- ly deplored by a wide circle of friends.
Elihu J. Oren chose as his companion through life, Miss Elizabeth Evans, who bore him three sons and six daughters, four of whom survive-three sons, residents of Indiana and one daughter a resident of Douglass county, Kansas.
Elizabeth Evans was born in Daviess
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county, this state, on June 17, 1808, and was a daughter of John Evans. Her grand- father, General R. M. Evans, platted and laid the foundation of the city of Evansville, Indiana, the third city in the state. He was a soldier and general in the war of 1812, and took a prominent part in the early his- tory of the state. A son, Owen Evans, also fought in the war of 1812, and another son, John, was a soldier in the Mexican war. The family was composed of warrior mate- rial such as that which served to gain for 11s our national independence.
Elihu J. Oren was the third child bort in his father's family and was but six years of age when they moved to this county, so the greater part of his life has been passed on his present farm. As one of the oldest of the family he was expected to assist in clearing and developing the farm and his aid was cheerfully given although it meant for him close application to hard work and but little hope for schooling. The facilities for learning in those days were meager and not to be compared with the present, and knowl- edge was gained but through hardship at best. Our subject did not even have the priv- ilege enjoyed by most children of his time : the longest period of time that he was able to attend school was twenty-nine days, and it was a pleasure to him that the younger members were more fortunate and three of them fitted themselves as teachers. De- termined not to grow up in ignorance, this piucky farmer boy improved his spare moments, picking up knowledge, here a little, there a little, until to-day he is one of the best informed men in the county. He remained with his parents until his twenty- first year and then went out in the world, empty-handed, to battle with Dame Fortune.
However his parents were not neglected and it was his privilege to care for his father during his last years, when that parent was an invalid. He had learned the trade of an engineer and secured a position on the steamboat "George Washington," plying up and down the Misouri river between St. Louis and Council Bluffs. Many improve- ments have taken place along that muddy stream since those days-probably none greater than the transformation of the little boat landing into the flourishing and pros- perous city-Kansas City. His winters were spent in Michigan, as the river was frozen and not navigable. Mr. Oren later returned to farming, displaying the same energy and industry that has characterized all his business, and that has made him so successful. Modern methods were examined and tried where his judgment told him it would succeed and he was the first man in this county to change from the old horse . power to the engine in running his thresher, during the summer for some time and made it pay.
Mr. Oren is a natural mechanic and would have worked his way to the top if he had continued in that calling. The farm which he owns lies in the gas belt of Indi- ana, and indications are also observable which point strongly to oil beneath the sur- face. If this surmise should be correct, Mr. Oren will be the owner of one of the most valuable properties in the state-a fact little suspected when the family originally settled there.
He was wedded, March 16, 1871, to Miss Mary Townsend, daughter of James S. and Mary (Leffler) Townsend, and be : gan their wedded life on the old homestead. She was born November 18, 1852, in Black-
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ford county, where her parents now reside, confidence of the people in a greater degree, her father being in his seventy-eighth year. and that this confidence is not misplaced is shown in the manner in which he dis- charges the trusts imposed on him. As trus- tee of the township he has been a most effi- cient public servant and has been re-elected to the same position five different times. making his present tenure of office twelve years. He is of English descent. Of the seven children of this family. three are residents of Blackford county. Mrs. Oren is a bright. attractive lady whose cheery disposition scatters sunshine in her path and whose keen instinct and sound judgment makes her an invaluable helpmate to her husband. Nine sons and three daughters have been given them, two of whom have preceded them to the Celestial City. Those living are : Jason, of whom brief mention is made below; Otto, a resident of Carroll county, Missouri, where he is engaged in farming.
Mr. Oren is a large man in stature, with 1 firm but kindly disposition and easily ap . proached. His generosity is unquestioned, and seven churches, of as many denomina - tions, bear tribute to the prodigal contribu- tor. He is quite prominent in fraternal He is married; Jasper, who is a fireman on 'circles. He was made a Mason in 1861 at
the Chicago, Indiana & Eastern railroad. lives at home ; Bertha, wife of J. Atkinson, a farm- er of this township; James E. and Bruce C .; ; students in the eighth grade at school; Fletcher, in the seventh grade; Warren, who i is in the sixth grade; Estella, who is in the third; and Charles, the baby of the family.
It has been the earnest wish of this worthy couple to give each child the best education possible as they realize how much better equipped such a one is to meet the vicissitudes of life, and how many more avenues are open to the scholar. Their standing in the community is an enviable one, and the liberal religion they profess the Universalist shines forth in their every- day life compelling the respect and com- mendation of all.
Mr. Oren has been a Democrat since he cast his first vote for James Buchanan. He has repeatedly represented his party at their state, county, and congressional conventions. serving in the latter capacity August 8, 1900, just past, at Huntington. It would be difficult to find a man who enjoyes the
Jonesboro, this state, and was one of the charter members of Arcana Lodge, No. 427, F. & A. M., of Upland, of which he is worshipful master ; he was raised to the chap- tor in Hartford Lodge, No. 11I, of Hartford City, and has taken an active part in lodge work, representing it in the grand lodge a number of times. He also holds member- ship in Shidler Lodge, No. 352, I. O. O. F., of this city, has creditably filled all the, chairs, and has represented this lodge in the grand lodge several times and has had presented to him by the sovereign grand lodge the vet- eran's jewel, of which he is very proud. He is also a member of the Encampment. No. 252, and has successfully filled all the offices in the deliberations of that body. In Novem- ber. 1898, he represented Shidler Lodge of Upland in the grand encampment at Indi- anapolis.
Jason Oren, the eldest son of Elihu J .. is a young man of exceptional ability, both in mechanical and literary lines. At the age of twelve he showed great aptitude for mechanics and mastered the intricacies of
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his father's steam engine. In school he was equally precocious, finishing the common branches and taking up the higher ones far ahead of boys of his age.
Mr. Oren is a full-fledged Democrat, and gave his support to the silver tongued orator from the west who electrified the United States four years ago with his wit and logic-William Jennings Bryan. Mr. Oren has made a brilliant record in his lodge work and will no doubt become authority in the ritualistic work of the order. His petition was presented as soon as he had reached the requisite age. He was made a Mason in May; from December, same year, he served one year as senior warden, and next December was elected master, and the May following he was seated in the grand lodge as a representative of Arcana Lodge. He was then but twenty-three years of age, and so far as is known was the youngest Mason in this state ever sent as representa- tive to grand lodge. He is genial and witty, and a prime favorite in society.
CHARLES E. CARTWRIGHT.
Charles E. Cartwright, president of the Co-operative Glass Factory, and one of the leading merchants of Upland, Grant county, Indiana, was born in Jay county, this state, November 22, 1855. He was one of a fam- ily of eight children, six sons and two daughters, born to James and Jane (Milli- gan) Cartwright, both of whom are de- ·ceased. He is of English lineage and his grandfather was first cousin to that grand old man, Peter Cartwright, whose name has been a household word among the older resi- dents of Illinois, and whose courage and endurance enabled him to render untold aid
to the cause of Christianity and civilization as he traveled from station to station, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Charles E. Cartwright remained with his parents in Jay county during his earlier years, then moved with them to Randolph county, where his education was received. After leaving the Ridgewell Normal School he spent some six years in teaching, his vacations and spare time being employed as salesman. In 1879 he embarked in the mer- cantile business for himself, his first location being Powers, Jay county, where he opened a store of general merchandise. Misfortune awaited him here, as at the expiration of his first year his entire stock was swept away by fire and he was compelled to abandon the attempt. His next venture was as agent of the Pan Handle Railroad with which he re- mained two and one-half years, when he opened a dry-goods store at Bryant. He did a good business at this place for eight years, when failing health of wife and daugh- ter caused him to dispose of his stock and remove to Chicago, where he accepted a po- sition in the silk department of one of the largest department stores in the city-Siegel, Cooper & Company-with whom he re- mained two years. Returning to Indiana he came to Upland about 1895 and opened a general store, stocking it with a full and complete line of hats, caps, boots shoes, fancy and staple groceries, dry goods, and every- thing likely to be called for in his line. He is a superior salesman, his affable and ac- commodating disposition making it a pleas- ure to do business with him. He has pros- pered beyond his expectations, has property in Jay county, as well as the comfortable, commodious residence occupied by him in Upland. When the Co-operative Glass Fac-
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tory 'was organized a short time ago, Mr. Cartwright was chosen president of the com- pany and has filled the office to the entire sat- isfaction of the stockholders. This company has been very successful in its operation, having an output of a carload of lantern globes and fruit cans daily.
On May 13, 1880, Mr. Cartwright was united in wedlock with Miss Mary Coff- man, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Hinkle) Coffman. She was born in Mi- ami county, Ohio, November 13, 1857, and received her primary education in the public schools of Dayton. She then entered the high school of Portland, this state, from there making her debut as a teacher, at which occupation she was most successfully engaged for about three years. The duties of the school-room were abandoned for those of the home, and when a daughter, Mabel, was added to the family circle their happiness seemed complete. Miss Mabel is now a student in the high school of Upland, showing special aptitude in the languages. She is also gifted with musical talent and gives promise of an accomplished woman- hood.
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