USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 2 > Part 19
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In his political relations he supports the Democratic ticket, and he is a member of the Christian church at Gwynneville, this county. Both he and his wife are neighborly and pleasant people.
JOHN B. STEWART, M. D.
The family of this name in Shelby county is of Kentucky origin. Andrew Stewart, who was born in Bracken county, Kentucky, in 1805. was brought by his parents to Eastern Indiana, when three years old. In after life he be- came a farmer and devoted most of his career to agricultural pursuits. He married Rebecca McHenry, who was born in Switzerland county. April 18. 1814. and is at present living at an advanced age in Edgar county. Illinois. Of their ten children, eight are living, one of them being the popular physi- cian and specialist whose work has given him a reputation all over the state.
John B. Stewart was born in Switzerland county. Indiana. March 8. 1843. and finished his academical education in the high school at Vevay. After a course at Hanover College. he taught schcol for six years, and matriculated at the Cincinnati Medical College. and obtained his degree in 1866. He prac- ticed medicine in Dearborn county for twelve years, after which he removed to Shelby county, spent some time at Shelbyville, and located at Marietta, where he remained for twenty-two years, gradually building up an extensive business. He re-located in Shelbyville at the beginning of 1908, where he still makes his residence. Doctor Stewart takes most pride in his sanitarium for the cure of the drug and whisky habits. It is located at 1114 North Il- linois street, Indianapolis, and is reputed to be working some wonderful refor- mations. Unless the treatment is effective no charge is made, though it is said .
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no failure has yet been made. Many cases in which the patients failed to ob- tain success elsewhere went away from Doctor Stewart's place after treatment entirely satisfied with results.
May 18, 1866. Doctor Stewart was married. and has two daughters. Jessie married William C. Meloy, a contractor at Shelbyville, and has four children. Minnie married Herbert Harding, motorman on the street car line at Lebanon, Indiana. For sixteen years Doctor Stewart was health officer for Shelby county. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic Order. Doctor Stewart's paternal grandmother lived to the remarkable age of one hundred three years, and during ninety years of that time was a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, established and at that time under the charge of the famous John Wesley, of Ireland.
ABEL VAN SCYOC.
Prominent among the energetic. far-sighted and successful business men of Shelby county, Indiana, is Mr. Van Seyoc, whose life history most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose.
Abel Van Scyoc, who was born in the state of Virginia, near Wheeling, on June 14. 1832, is the son of a prominent southern family, his parents being William and Mary ( Campbell) Van Scycc, who were natives of Virginia, in which state they grew to maturity, and where they were married. later re- moving to Belmont county. Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives, owning a good farm there. To them ten children were born. six of whom are living at this writing, namely : Mary A., wife of Aipheus Blowers, living in Ohio: Abel, the subject of this sketch: William lives in Ohio: John lives at Broad Ripple, a suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana : George lives in Ohio. as docs also Henry.
Abel Van Scyoc was six years old when his parents took him from Vir- ginia to Ohio. He worked for his father, assisting in developing a farm in their new home, until he was twenty-one years of age. Much of this time was spent operating a saw-mill. which his father owned. Thus being compelled to assist in making a living his education was neglected and neither learned to read nor write; but there was dominant in his make-up these characteristics that always make for success and which lack of education does not thwart. consequently he has admirably succeeded. having developed faculties of close observation and assiduously applying himself to whatever he had in hand.
Mr. Van Scyoc was married in October. 1854. to Sarah Neugent. in Ohio. After this he farmed there for about a year, when he came to Brown county.
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Indiana, remaining there a short time; becoming discouraged he started back to Ohio, and met his brother-in-law in Hancock county, Indiana, and decided to remain there, consequently the next seven years were spent in Hancock county, but in the spring of 1864 he moved to Hanover township. Shelby county, in which he has remained ever since. He owns here eighty acres of as good land as can be found in the state, which has been highly improved under his efficient management, and on which stands a modern and comfortable dwelling, with beautiful surroundings, a good barn and all the conveniences of a farmer. Besides this place Mr. Van Seyoc is a stockholder in the Citi- zen's Gas Company, and he is easily worth the sum of fifty thousand dollars. He deserves great credit for what he has done when we consider the fact that when he tock charge of his farm here it was all in the woods. He set to work with a will and had it cleared. ditched and improved in general. The land was covered with water. He began living in a rude house, his furniture being very meager, having made his own bedstead and table, fastening the latter in the wall, as did the early settlers.
Mr. Van Scyoc's first wife passed away in July, 1878. To this union ten children were born, namely: Mary E., born September 11. 1856. and died when six years old. August 10. 1862: Letha A., born December 2, 1858, died July 21. 1905: Alice M., born January 27. 1861. is the wife of John W. Sullivan : John H., born November 2, 1862: Martha E. was born January 2, 1865. and died February 7. 1866; Ora B., born June 16, 1867, died August 19. 1868; Emma, born December 19, 1869. died August 4. 1870: William S., who was born February 5. 1877, is living in Fayette county, Indiana : O. F., born July 26. 1873. died August 16, 1874: Bertha E .. born June 2. 1876, married John Smith : George G., born September 26, 1881. died October 23. 1882: Nora, born January 26. 1883. died February 11, 1883: Lemuel E., born July 27. 1887, died in 1888: Charles E., born June 19. 1880. The last four children named were by Mr. Van Scyoe's second wife, Melissa J. Ball, whom he married September 10. 1879. She was born, reared and mar- ried on the same farm. the date of her birth being January 18. 1854; she is the daughter of George S. Ball. and she received her education in the common schools of Shelby county. George S. Ball was born in Mercer coun- ty. Pennsylvania, February 19, 1825. and was reared and married in that county. His wife was Ellen Boyd, of the same county, and to this union nine children were born, namely: Mary. Catherine. Sarah, Robert. Melissa J., Lemuel. Caleb. Dora, George L., all living, with the exception of the two youngest. Mr. Ball came to Shelby county. Indiana, in 1852, from Penn- sylvania, making the long journey in wagons, he driving one, his wife the other. Their family then consisted of four children. He bought small quan- tities of land until he owned one hundred and eighty-three acres. His death occurred March 13, 1882, and that of his wife, January 17. 1864.
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In his political relations ou subject was formerly a Republican, but of late he has been a radical Prohibitionist. He and his estimable wife are faithful attendants at the local church, Mrs. Van Scyoc being a teacher in the Sunday school. They are both well known and highly respected for their henest, industrious lives, and are regarded by all as among Shelby county's most worthy representative citizens.
DAVID E. SHELTON.
Mr. Shelton is known to be a man who is deeply interested in matters pertaining to the welfare of his township, county and state, and his efforts in behalf of general progress have been far-reaching and beneficial. and among those in whose midst he has always lived he is held in highest esteem by reason of an upright life and of fidelity to right principles.
David E. Shelton was born in Hanover township, Shelby county. Indiana, on the farm where he now lives. July 25. 1864. the son of John and Mary S. ( Wicker) Shelton, the former a native of Rush county, this state, where he was born November 10, 1836. Mrs. John Shelton was born October 10, 1839. They married October 2, 1856. The subject's father died October 26, 1889. The widow of John Shelton is living in Gwynneville, Shelby county, at this writing. an elderly lady of fine personality, being kind and generous. Jolin Shelton came to Shelby county and located on the farm where our sub- ject now lives, which he worked and on which he made a comfortable living. He was a Republican in politics and served as Justice of the Peace for many years. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist church, and he served as its clerk and one of its trustees until his death. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John Shelton, namely : Missouri R., wife of A. P. Linville; David E., the subject of this sketch: John W. died March 9. 1889, at the age of eighteen years.
David E. Shelton's childhood was spent on the farm where he now lives. When he reached the proper age he assisted with the farm work and attended the district schools until he was eighteen years old; however, he continued to work for his father until he was twenty-two years old.
. The domestic life of Mr. Shelton began July 3, 1887, when he married Malissa E. Moller, a native of Rush county. Indiana, having been born near Raleigh, March 17, 1864. the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Mohler. She was educated in the common schools. The Moliler family was influential and well known in Rush county. Three children have been born to the subject and wife, namely: Lavonnie. born in ISSS. was graduated from the high school at Morristown. this county, in 1909: John A. was born November 16, 1894: Mary B. was born September 2, 1899.
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When the subject and wife started out on their married career they were poor, but they began work with a will and were economical. and as a result of years of toil and careful management. they have admirably succeeded. They began work on the home place, and at the death of the subject's father he re- ceived thirty acres of land. He continued to buy as he prospered until he got the entire farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres. He has continued to improve the place, carefully rotating the various kinds of crops in order to pre- serve the natural strength of the soil. until it is considered one of the best farms in Hanover township. In 1902 he built a fine dwelling house, modern and commodious, consisting of ten rooms. It has attractive surroundings and is far superior to average homes in the country. He also has good out- buildings, and he keeps various kinds of stock on the place. He attributes most of his success to his manner of trading.
Mr. Shelton drilled the first gas well in this locality and got a good well on his land. He put down other wells on his first thirty acres. laid pipes and sold gas to neighboring farmers, and in a year's time he sold out to the Rush- ville Natural Gas Company and received a good profit. He is the field super- intendent of this company. Mr. Shelton does not do active farming at present. however he oversees his place. He is a liberal supporter of the church and his wife is a member of the Christian church. He is a member of the Morris- town Lodge. No. 193 : also a member of Rush Chapter, No. 24, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. No. 627. Morristown Lodge. He has represented both in the Grand Lodge. In politics he is a Republican and has long been an active worker in the party. In November. 1908. he was elected Trustee of Hanover township, in which capacity he is now ably serving. He has also served as Deputy Assessor of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Shelton and daughter are members of the Eastern Star. at Morristown, Mr. Shelton being ex-worthy patron of the same. No family in this part of Shelby county is better or more favorably known than the Sheltons.
J. G. WOLF, M. D.
Among the notable men of the past who achieved distinction in their various lines of thought and activity and at the same time reflected credit upon the communities in which they resided, few were as well known and highly honored as the late Dr. J. G. Wolf, of Morristown, for many years one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Shelby county, and distinctively one of Indiana's most eminent professional men. Doctor Wolf was a native of Blair county, Pennsylvania, where his birth occurred on February 8th. of the year 1823. In 1834 he accompanied his parents on their removal to Wayne
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county, Indiana, where he spent several years on a farin north of Centerville. receiving, meanwhile, his preliminary education in such schools as the country in those days afforded. Later he completed a literary course in the Center- ville high school, the training thus received being afterwards supplemented by an attendance of several years at Asbury (now DePauw) University, where he pursued his studies with the object in view of entering the medical profession. In 1846 he married Virginia Rickets, after which he moved to Hagerstown, where in due time he began the study of medicine in the office of a well known local physician, later entering the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1849.
1 In 1851 Doctor Wolf located at Morristown for the practice of medicine, and it was not long until his splendid abilities were recognized. as is indicated by the lucrative patronage which he built up within a comparatively short time after opening his office. From the beginning his success seemed assured, but notwithstanding his continuous advancement and growth in public favor, he was not content with past attainments, the responsibility resting upon him as a healer of ills inducing him in 1857 to add to his professional know !- edge and efficiency by taking a course in the Jefferson Medical College, Phila- delphia, from which noted institution he received, in due time, the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Fortified with ample professional preparation. the Doctor resumed his chosen calling. and for a number of years he enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice, his name becoming a household word in the majority of homes in Shelby county, to say nothing of his distinguished rep- utation in other and remoter fields. Doctor Wolf was a many-sided man, and, though devoted to his professional work, he manifested a lively interest in other matters and was long one of the leading men in promoting the ma- terial welfare of the town in which he resided. He was also an influential poli- tician of the old Democratic school, and among the honors conferred upon him by his party was his election in 1867 to the office of Clerk of the Shelby County Circuit Court, which office he held with marked ability for a period of four years, besides filling worthily many other positions of responsibility and trust.
Doctor Wolf was a Mason of high degree, and in addition to his activity in the local lodge at Morristown attained to eminent standing among the leading members of the order throughout the state, filling with distinguished ability important offices in the various branches of the Brotherhood. and con- tinuously adding to his reputation as one of its highest members and most efficient workers. In religion he subscribed to the plain teachings of the Chris- tian, or Disciple church. and was long a sincere and devoted member of the Morristown congregation. a liberal contributor to the material support of the church and a donor to many charitable and humanitarian enterprises.
Doctor Wolf's first marriage resulted in the birth of seven children, three
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of whom survive, namely : Julia, wife of James Puntenney: Alma, who mar- ried William Six, and Agnes, a widow. Dr. W. R. Wolf, a son of the sub- ject, was a dentist in Shelbyville. He died one year previous to his father's death. Mrs. Wolf died in 1867, and two years later the Doctor was united in marriage with Mrs. Elvira J. Winship ( nee Robinson ), a native of Rush county, Indiana, born January 8. 1834. Austmian and Nancy Robinson. Mrs. Wolf's parents, were among the early settlers of Rush county and are re- membered as a most estimable couple who stood high in the community and enjoyed the respect and confidence of a wide circle of friends and acquaint- ances. Mrs. Wolf was reared on the Rush county homestead, received a good education in the schools of Rushville and for a number of years was one of the most successful and accomplished teachers of her county. When a young woman she became the wife of William Winship, who died in 1865. leaving no issue, and four years later as stated above, she was married to Doctor Wolf, with whom she lived happily until his lamented death on the 27th day of December, 1906.
Doctor Wolf was not only eminent in his chosen calling, but his financial- success was commensurate therewith, as he accumulated a comfortable for- tune, including a fine residence in Morristown and other city property. also large real estate and farming interests, the greater part of which is now held by his widow and descendants. Since the Doctor's death Mrs. Wolf has occu- pied the old family home in Morristown, where, surrounded by everything calculated to minister to her comfort and happiness, she is gently passing down life's decline at peace with the world, with her conscience and her God. She is a lady of intelligence and culture, affable and pleasant in all her demands and social relations, and the high esteem in which she is held by the good peu- ple of her city speaks much for her many estimable qualities of mind and heart.
ROLAND H. EARNEST.
Mr. Earnest has done much to further the upbuilding and material pros- perity of Shelby county, always especially interested in whatever tends to promote the development of Hanover township. He is alert, progressive and public-spirited, and is in every sense eligible for specific recognition in a pub- lication of the province assigned to the one at hand.
Roland H. Earnest was born in Rush county. Indiana, near Carthage, November 23. 1856, the son of John B. and Mazilla ( Draper ) Earnest, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Virginia. They both came to Indiana when young and married in Rush county. John B. Earnest was an excellent farmer and became prosperous through careful management. He
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knew something of several trades, was an expert carpenter and erected all of his own buildings. He was a member of the Christian church. He was called from his earthly labors November 24. 1899. having nearly attained the age of eighty-two years. IFis widow survived until January .5. 1906. when she passed away at the age of eighty-two years, eight months and nine days. They were married October 27. 1842, and seven children were born to them, namely : Fra, deceased : John W. is a farmer living in Rush county, Indiana, where Henry M. also lives: Joseph is a blacksmith in Arnold Penn- sylvania ; Albert N., a retired farmer, lives in Gwynneville, Shelby county : Roland H., our subject : Francis M. lives in Rush county.
Roland H. Earnest was reared on his father's farm, which he worked while not attending the district school. He left school when seventeen years old, having secured an excellent education. He worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-nine years old. receiving wages for his work.
The married life of our subject began December 15, 1885. when he was joined in wedlock to Addie Murray. She was born in Franklin county. Indiana, December 12, 1865. the daughter of Seth and Louisa ( Hedrick ) Murray, and she was educated in the district schools.
After his marriage Roland H. Earnest worked by the day, later he rented land, and, having met with success in his efforts, he was enabled to buy his present excellent farm of one hundred acres in section 8. however, he went in debt for part of it. He has brought the place up to a high standard of im- provement. This farm is beyond doubt one of the most picturesque in Shelby county, being exceptionally well kept and well managed. The buildings comprise a fine modern dwelling, a huge barn and various convenient out- buildings, the whole presenting as pretty an agricultural view as one could wish to see. Here are found over a thousand chickens of the finest breeds : also large herds of fine cattle : extensive crops of grain are raised annually. Both Mr. and Mrs. Earnest leave nothing undone in maintaining this model farm. Leading to their residence, across beautiful grounds, are splendid walks, and it has the appearance of a city home. Everything about the place shows the thrift of its owner. He has always been known as a good farmer, and never had any trouble renting land, for he was known as a conscientious worker. This was especially so when he lived in Jackson township. Rush county. shortly after his marriage. He has always been a large grain producer. Much of his success has been due to his wife's efforts and encouragement. She assisted with the feeding of the stock, sawed and split wood : split rails. and made a hand with her husband in the field. They worked and economize: 1 until they are now enjoying the abundant fruits of their earlier years of toil. They are plain, honest people, highly respected by all who know them for their upright lives. No children have been born to them. In politics Mr. Earnest is a Democrat.
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. WILLIAM J. BUNTON.
This well known farmer and representative citizen of Noble township. Shelby county, has had the pleasure, one that is not given to many of us. of spending most of his life on the old homestead. having been born in Noble township, on the old Buxton farm. October 26, 1850. the son of Benjamin and Dinah ( Avery ) Buxton, the former an Englishman, born in Derbyshire. England. He came to America while yet a single man, about 1846, and bought one hundred acres of land in Noble township, having had nearly enough funds to pay for it. Being a good manager he prospered and added more land to his original tract until he owned three hundred and forty acres. He married in Shelby county. Indiana. Mrs. Buxton was born in this county. and to this union the following children were born: Two died in infancy : Lizzie was four years old when she died. The four living children in 1909 are : Robert W., William J., Mrs. Helen A. Hoban: Evaline, the wife of S. J. Cooper, of lowa.
William J. Buxton was reared on the farm that he now owns, as already indicated : it consists of one hundred acres. He worked about the place and attended the district schools until 1869, when he entered the Hartsville Co !- lege, where he remained for two years. He applied himself very carefully to his text-books and was enabled to begin teaching. but after one term of this work he returned to the old homestead. his father desiring him to take charge of the same and he has since devcted his time to farming with gratify- ing results.
In 1873 Mr. Buxton married Eva Yount, a native of the state of In- diana, but had lived many years in Iowa. To this union two sons and two daughters have been born, namely : Bernice May, born May 11. 1875, wife of Chauncey Clark, of Indianapolis : Florence E., born January 9. 1879. is the wife of Edward Lewis; George B. was born November 20. 1881, is married and lives in Indianapolis : Arthur, born January 15. 1889. is single and living at home. He is well educated and is teaching. Mr. Buxton's first wife was called to her rest February 9. 1891. and on April 28. 1892. he married Nellie Ray, of Shelbyville, Indiana, where she was born May 8, 1864. She is a grad- uate of the Shelbyville high school and taught for five years. No children have been born of this second union.
Mr. Buxton bought his present farm and moved onto it March, 1895. He has a well improved place and he has shown by his careful management of the same that he is a modern agriculturist in every respect. He has va- rious kinds of good stock, especially sheep. He takes a great delight in farm- ing. This place is located in section 12, Noble township, range 7. and con- sists of one hundred acres. He keeps everything about the old home in first class condition, and it is an attractive place.
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Mr. Buxton and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Waldron. Indiana. He is a member of Sulphur Hill Lodge. No. 241, Knights of Pythias, being past chancellor of the same. In politics he is a Democrat and served the township as Trustee for two terms, four years in all. In 1886 he was elected County Recorder and served one term of four years.
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