USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 1 > Part 37
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James B. MeFadden, the second in order of birth and the oldest son, re- ceived his preliminary education in the country school, this training being after- wards supplemented by a two years' course in Wabash College. Choosing the law for a profession, he began preparing for the same in the office of Thomas A. Hendricks, under whose able instruction he continued until that gentleman's election to Congress, when he went to Franklin and entered the office of Over- street & Hunter, the leading law firm of that town. After spending some time with those gentlemen he became a student of the New York State and National Law School at Ballston Spa, New York, where he prosecuted his studies until completing the prescribed course and receiving his degree. after which he returned to Shelbyville, where in the year 1855 he was duly ad- mitted to the bar.
When Mr. McFadden began the practice of his profession the bar of Shelbyville had few members. but they were men of more than average ability. the reputation of several being already state wide. Instead of entering the lists with these formidable adversaries single-handed and alone. young Mc- Fadden formed a partnership with Judge William J. Peaslee, one of the oldest and most successful practitioners in the southeastern part of the state, with whom he remained until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he discon- tinued his profession for the purpose of entering the military service. Ilis first efforts in behalf of the government consisted in helping to recruit a company which being completed he was elected first lieutenant. The company was mus- tered into the service and assigned to the Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry, but
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to the unutterable disappointment and chagrin of the ambitious young lieu- tenant he failed to pass the rigid me:lica! examination required and was obliged to remain behind while his comrades proceeded to the front. His health con- tinued impaired for several years, notwithstanding which he labored almost incessantly as a recruiting officer and induced not a few of his friends and cthers to enlist in defense of the Union. his efforts in this capacity doubtless proving of greater service to the government than if he had been able to bear arms to meet the enemy on the field of battle.
In 1866 Mr. McFadden resumed the practice of his profession from which time until 1908 he was as already indicated a leading member of the local bar and a conspicuous figure in the higher courts of the state as well as in the federal courts. He built up an extensive practice which took a very wide range, and was eagerly sought by litigants in his own and neighboring counties.
Mr. McFadden made a careful study of legal science and his knowledge of jurisprudence with the ability to apply the same to practice in all branches of his profession made him one of the leading members of the Shelby County Bar. After a long and eminently successful career he retired in 1908 with well earned laurels to spend the remainder of his days in the enjoyment of that rest to which his many years of service so well entitle him.
When the bankruptcy law was passed by the National Congress, Mr. Mc- Fadden was appointed Chief Justice of the United States, Register-in-Bank- ruptey, which office he held with marked ability until the repeal of the law. his career the meanwhile fully meeting with the expectations of the authori- ties and justifying the wisdom of his selection. A Republican and for many years an influential factor in the political circles of his county and state, he did much to strengthen the party both in local and general affairs, but by reason of the normally large majority of the opposition he failed twice for the offices to which he aspired. the first time for Prosecuting Attorney and later for the Upper House of the General Assembly, though carrying more than the strength of his ticket in both elections. In 1880 he represented the Sixth Congres- sional district as delegate to the National Republican Convention at Chicago. which nominated James A. Garfield for the Presidency, and in the campaign which followed he labored earnestly for that gallant standard bearer.
Mr. McFadden has been quite successful in a business way, and he is now in independent circumstances, owning in addition to a beautiful modern home, which he built in 1881. and valuable business property in Shelbyville. a splendid farm of one hundred sixty acres in one of the most fertile districts of the county, a part of which includes the old homestead which his parents originally settled.
The domestic life of Mr. McFadden dates from the year 1860 when he entered the marriage relation with Adeline Tomlinson, whose parents. George and Lucy Tomlinson, were for many years respected residents of Southport,
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Marion county. Mrs. McFadden, who first saw the light of day in that town, is a lady of many sterling qualities, whose friends in the city of her resi- dence are as the number of her acquaintances, and who has nobly seconded her husband in all of his endeavors. She bore him one child. a daughter, whom death claimed for his own at the tender age of four years, since which sad event she has lavished her love and affection on the children of others and made many homes bright and cheerful by her generous and kindly ministra- tions.
JAMES H. MOBERLY.
This name, familiar in Shelby county since pioneer days, designates one of the oldest, best known and most esteemed of its families. They are of Kentucky origin, and the Shelby county branch springs from Thomas Mober- ly, who was born in Madison county. Kentucky, January 20. 1821. He was a son of William and Martha ( Robertson) Moberly, both of whom spent their lives and ended their days in the old state, south of the Ohio, the father dying in 1832, and the mother in 1824. Thomas was left an orphan at the age of three years, and four years later was brought to Shelby county by his mater- nal uncle. James Robertson, by whom he was supported during the formative period of his life. When twenty-one he began farm work on his own account on a place of one hundred five acres, his father-in-law's farm, afterwards given to his wife, which he subsequently purchased. He was a careful mmin, of thrifty disposition, industrious habits and good judgment in making invest- ments. As a result he was quite successful. his original farm being increased in time to a holding of four hundred acres, situated in Union township, six miles east and north of Shelbyville. He lived on one farm forty-six years. For thirty-four years continuously he served as Justice of the Peace of his township and did nearly all of the local business. He taught school for ten terms, between 1830 and 1852. was trustee and deacon of the Baptist church. of which he was a life-long and consistent member. and altogether led such a blameless and useful life as to enjoy universal respect and esteem. A staunch Republican and uncompromising Union man. he befriended the soldiers with such steady enthusiasm as to earn the love of every veteran. In 1886 he be- came a resident of Shelbyville, and lived there in retirement until his death. which occurred October 11. 1908. when he was past eighty-seven years of age. February 17. 1842. he married Julila, daughter of Noah and Polly Barnes, who came with her parents. from Kentucky to Shelby county in 1833. Her father died in Union township in 1867. and her mother a year later. She herself passed away June 17. 1901, in Shelbyville, To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Moberly six children were born. five of whom survive and all of them have met with success in life. John M. married Mary E. Dewitt. has four children.
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all boys, and lives on a farm in Addison township: William N. married Mis- souri Worland. of Decatur county, and died there, leaving a son named after his father. He served as a member of Captain Allen's company on the One Hundred Thirty-second Regiment. Indiana Volunteer Infantry, during the last year of the Civil war, for which he drew a pension. Mary E., the ehlest daughter. married Dr. Albert M. Pherson, and has three children: Adella. Hetta A. and Ora, and resides in Osborn, Ohio. Martha F., the second daughter, married Simuel Farthing, a farmer of Union township. on part of the old homestead. and has one child. Bertha May. Edward R., the youngest child. married Carrie Yarling, and resides on a farm in Marion township. Their only child. Wilbur, died at an early age.
James H. Moberly, who was the third of his father's children, was born on the old homestead in Union township. Shelby county, Indiana. April 5. 1847. He went through all the experiences of pioneer days, the log cabin school-house, with its greased paper window lights. the itinerant teacher, who "boarded around." the ill-assorted class books, the cutting of wood with the other boys to keep up the fires the short terms and the irregular attendance. In the summer. of course. he had to help with the farm work, doing the chores, getting up early to feed, carrying water to the hands, and all the rest of the drudgery known only to the boy of that period. This kind of life con- tinued until he was sixteen years old, and a year or two later he began at- tending normal school and teachers' institutes at Shelbyville. Beginning in 1876, he "took up school" in one of the country districts, and tanght seven winters during the years ending with 1880. The terms were short then, only five or six months, and the intervals were devoted to farm work. In 1886 Mr. Moberly took up his residence in Shelbyville, though he still kept in touch with the farm and acted as overseer for his father. In November, 1906, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and since then has been transacting the busi- ness of that office. Like his father and indeed the whole Moberly family, he has been industrious, economical and saving, with the result that he has some- thing to show for his life's work. Two hundred and twenty-four acres of fine farming land in Union township, besides personal property, are evidences of his thrift. his saving qualities and his good judgment in business. Though rearcd a Baptist he is not affiliated with any church, his politics, like those of his lamented father. are strictly Republican, and he holds membership in the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, his lodges being No. 28 of the Free and Accepted Masons, and No. 39 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. at Shelbyville. He is a stockholder and moving spirit in the Shelby county joint Stock Agricultural Association, and never misses attendance at its successful annual fairs. He has had extensive experience in the settlement of estates and as guardian for minor heirs, being regarded as a safe and reliable busi- ness man. He has remained unmarried. and during their later years devoted affectionate care and unwearied attention to the comfort of his aged parents.
William N. I sent for gains moberly pension papers and found that his wife Missouri Woodward not
Yrorland. Olivo Lewis Hall
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HERBERT MORRIS.
Herbert Morris, son of Sylvan B. and Myrtilla Morris, was born in Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio, May 25. 1858. He grew up and received his education in his native town and early in life entered his father's mercantile establishment, where he soon became familiar with the principles of business and demonstrated marked aptitude in the management of the enterprise with which he was connected. Since okl enough to begin the battle of life for him- self. Mr. Morris has been identified with the mercantile business and since 1895 has held an important position with the large dry goods firm of Morris & Company, in which he also owns an interest. His practical intelligence, well balanced judgment and long experience peculiarly fit him for the influential position he holds as a business man, familiar with every phase of commercial life, he stands in the foremost rank of those similarly engaged.
Mr. Morris was married in the year 1905. to Lena Bnel, of Richmond, Indiana, daughter of Abner and Mattie ( Boles) Buel, the father a well known business man and prominent citizen of that city. In his fraternal relations Mr. Morris belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Ben Hur, and like the rest of the Morris family is identified with the Presbyterian church.
THE STAR MILLS.
For considerably more than a full generation the Star Mills have been a landmark in the southeastern section of Shelbyville. It is an imposing struc- ture of brick, four stories high, sixty by one hundred feet in dimensions. It is situated near the Big Four station in easy reach also of the Pennsylvania lines, and has all conveniences for prompt handling and speedy shipment. The plant was established in 1867. by Alonzo Swain, who conducted it until 1873. when it went into the hands of a new company with Sidney Robertson. ma :- ager : S. L. Vanpelt. vice president : Michael Snider. T. G. Stewart William A. Moore and George W. Kennedy. Eventually the latter became sole owner and for years the mills have been under his control and management It was at first a burr-mill, with a capacity of forty barrels a day, but in 1883 was changed to the full roller process and since then has been conducted on a strictly up-to-date basis, with modern machinery. The present capacity is two hun- dred barrels a day and three grades of flour are turned out. being known as the "R Star." the "High Mark" and "Crystal." They reach the general markets of the whole country, but ship principally to points in the East and South.
George W. Kennedy, whose name has been so long identified with this
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valuable local industry, was born in Shelby county, Indiana. February 5. 1830, five miles southwest of Shelbyville. He is a son of Robert Kennedy, who was born in Virginia. in 1782, served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in 1833. He married Margaret Fleming, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he had ten children. four sons and six daughters. Mr. Kennedy has devoted practically his whole life to the milling business, and has long enjoyed the reputation of being a skillful and reliable workman. He has always been a man of quiet disposition and unobtrusive manners, paying close attention to his business, but fulfilling all the obligations of a good father, husband and citizen. November 15, 1855. Mr. Kennedy married Mary J., daughter of James M. and Mary Barwick, the former from Maryland and the latter from Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy five children have been born, of whom four are living. Georgia married J. W. Thompson, an attorney of In- dianapolis, and has four children: James B. married Mary Edna Payne, of Shelbyville: Maggie married Charles W. Filmore, a Christian minister, of In- dianapolis, and has three children : Fred W. married Ida Mausy, of Rush- ville. For many years Mr. Kennedy and his son, James B., have been promi- nent members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the family are affiliated with the First Methodist Episcopal church. The Kennedy Milling Company is one of the old and reliable institutions of Shelbyville, and has long ranked as one of its important industries, those in charge enjoying the entire confidence of the business world.
MICHAEL YARLING.
Among the sturdy German element that left the Fatherland and came to America during the pioneer period of our country and remained for the subse- quent development of same, the Yarling family is deserving of special mention. for they have been among our best and most industrious citizens. Peter Yar- ling. father of the gentleman whose name heads this review, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, July 3. 1810, the son of John and Elizabeth ( Redisch ) Yarling. Peter Yarling came to Baltimore, Maryland, October, 1829, and after moving to Frederick, Maryland, where he lived for less than a year. he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he married Mary Miller, and in about 1836 came to Shelby county, Indiana. They were among the pioneers of that period when this county was undeveloped, and here they played well their parts in the clearing away of the heavy timber and draining the land, transforming the wild ground into fine farms. John Yarling, grandfather of our subject. bought a farm in Union township. Prior to this time John Yarling was a wagon- maker, but the entire family now became farmers. Peter's children were 23
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reared on the land he settled in Marion township. He died there on April 11. 1876. Ilis wife was born March 1, 1812. in Osnabruk. in the Province of Hanover, Germany, and she passed to her rest February 9. 1886. at the age of seventy-five years.
Michael Yarling was born in Marion township. Shelby county, Indiana. December 15. 1845, being the seventh child in a family of nine children, four of whom are deceased. Philip, brother of the subject. died in 1852: Mrs. Eliza Moore died in . August, 1869: George died in March, 1879 : he was the father of Attorney William Varling, whose sketch appears on another page of this work : Henry died December 27. 1862, while a soldier in the Union army. The living children are Mrs. Mary Phares, wife of George ( see sketch) ; John W. ( whose sketch appears herein ) : Jacob and Michael, also Catherine, wife of Samuel Herthel.
Michael Yarling as married on March 23. 1872, to Derexa Talbert, of Hanover township the daughter of Anderson and Mary Talbert. After their marriage they located in Liberty township, where they own a farm which they have greatly improved and off which they have reaped a comfortable living ever since, and have prospered, being able to buy additional land from time to time. He now owns three farms, one hundred and sixty-five acres in Liberty township, one hundred and sixty-four acres in Hanover township, and one hun- dred and sixteen acres in Marion township. a part of the latter being in Union township, making a total of four hundred and forty-five acres, besides his property in Shelbyville. In 1896 he built a fine home in this city on South Harrison street and moved into the city. His success has been due to his ex- cellent judgment in business affairs, his economic habits and his industry, also his honest dealing with his fellow men, which has won their confidence. Once when Mr. Yarling was asked what he considered the essentials of success. he replied : "First of all, strict integrity and straight dealing. These are more valuable investments than many might realize. One should have common horse sense and use it, should not be afraid of hard work. should be economi- cal, but not niggardly ; and. good health is a big item." Evidently Mr. Yar- ling has carried out the above rules in his life work, according to those who know him best.
In September. 1886. Mr. Yarling was appointed County Commissioner to serve the balance of an unexpired term. At the expiration of that term, so faithfully had he performed his duties that he was twice re-elected on the Democratic ticket, and he held the office until the end of 1892. to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. for he had given it his careful attention just the same as if it had been his own private business.
Three interesting children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Yar- ling, namely : Gertrude is the wife of Roscoe Westerfield, of Hanover town- ship: Anna P. is the wife of Dr. L. G. Bowers. of Dayton, Ohio: Raymond
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T. lives on one of his father's farms. ' The subject has been a member of the Masonic order since 1880. No family in Shelby county is better known or held in higher favor than the Yarlings.
ROBERT S. WELLS.
That was a typical outfit which might have been seen on a beautiful fall day wending its way from Virginia to the land of promise offered to immi- grants in the territory northwest of the Ohio. There were some twenty men in the caravan besides their wives and children, and as the only means of transportation was by wagon there were four of them. each family having a cow, making the live stock display not inconsiderable. Being strict Methodists these pious pioneers refused to travel on Sunday, and laid up in camp. when the Sabbath day interrupted their journeyings. At the head of this party was Samuel Wells, a native of Wales. His wife was born in Scotland. They settled in Maryland and afterwards moved to Virginia, and there followed his trade of tailoring. With him were his wife and unmarried son, a daughter and a nephew reared in the family. The objective point of these wayfarers was Dayton, Ohio, then a village of some three or four hundred population. and four stores. They reached their destination on October 31st, and settled on the farm of Thomas Skinner, which was located near the Miami and Mad rivers, ten miles north of Dayton. Skinner was a North Carolinian. who came to Ohio in 1816, bought a large tract of land. Samuel Wells bought two hundred seventy-three and a fraction acres, which was subsequently di- vided into fifty-acre tracts. and given to his children. The old pioneer. who was born June 11, 1755. and died December 13. 1830. had six children : Levi. William, Silas. John W .. Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Nailor, and Willey. who married a Skinner. Silas, who was born in Maryland November 7. 1785. married Elsie; daughter of Thomas Skinner and farmed in Miami county, Ohio, until his death, which occurred April 17, 1867. His wife, who was born in Davie county, North Carolina. January 11. 1791, went with her parents to Virginia, and subsequently to Ohio, where she died. April 28, 1843. They were the parents of the following children: Thomas S .. the oldest. who was born in Virginia July 15. 1815. died February 29, 1892, became a man of note in Ohio, where for more than forty years he was a minister of the Chris- tian church. Richard P .. the second child, was born October 31, 1816. Wil- liam G., third on the list, was born December 6, 1818. and was for forty years a minister of the United Brethren church. his death occurring July 24. 1896. Samuel S., the fourth of the family, was born February 8. 1821, and is still living. James F., born April 13, 1823. is now deceased. John W .. now dead.
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was born February 4. 1825: Levi A .. and Eli O. (twins) died in infancy: Martha J., born September 10, 1829. is still living : David, deceased, was born February 1. 1833 : Sarah I., born February 28. 1835, is living : Levi W., born April 27. 1828, died March 11, 1894.
Robert S. Wells, the tenth child, was born in Miami county, Ohio, De- cember 30, 1830. and went through the experiences of a genuine pioneer boy. After he grew up. he became a farmer and followed that occupation for many years. This life was diversified by teaching during the winters and altogether he had charge of twenty-one schools in various parts of the state of Ohio. In 1855 he removed to Shelby county, in the same state, where he located on a farm but still continued to teach. August 21. 1862, he enlisted in Company C. Ninety-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. under Captain Knapp and Colonel Cummins. He was in camp at Lima until September. then in Ken- tucky, near Paris, and was discharged March 7. 1863. He was nine months in hospitals, six months at Louisville and three at Camp Chase. Being discharged as a corporal he draws a pension of twenty dollars a month. After leaving the army Mr. Wells farmed in Ohio until 1866, when he came to Shelby county, Indiana, bought a farm, but subsequently engaged in the grocery business at Shelbyville. Selling out, he first went to Hendricks, and then to Marion town- ship, where he resided for many years. In November, 1888. he located per- manently at Shelbyville, where for many years until recently he was collector and Justice of the Peace. Formerly a Whig. Mr. Wells cast his first vote for Gen. Winfield Scott. but after the organization of the Republican party, he became a charter member, and has since voted for every one of its Presidential candidates.
August 28. 1851. Mr. Wells married Eliza, daughter of Michael and Susan (Kutz) Saunders, who came from Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Wells was born January 30, 1831, and came to Miami county, Ohio, with her par- ents, when four years of age. Her mother, Susan Kutz, died February 16. 1905, at the extreme age of ninety-six years. To Mr. and Mrs. Wells four children were born : Edward F., now a physician in Chicago, was born May 14, 1853. married Maria J. Billman. in 1876, and has a son. Michael B., born in 1877. Susan E., born February 3. 1857, in Shelby county. Ohio, married Robert Gordon in 1881, and has had six children, of whom four are living. Sarah J., born November 29. 1860, in Shelby county. Ohio. died there before . her father's removal to Indiana. John B., born April 13, 1864. married Sadie D. Clark at Indianapolis, in 1885, and is a miller at Alton, Illinois, his two sons being Clark C. and Orville D .. still with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Wells reside in a comfortable home at 36 St. Mary's street, Shelbyville. and are spending the evening of their lives in serene retirement, enjoying excellent health. and glad at any time to welcome their many friends. Mr. Wells is a man of good judgment in business affairs, alert to all public questions and full
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