USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 2 > Part 37
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Mr. Miller's well improved farm consists of sixty acres, which he has rendered highly productive through all the modern methods of farming, and which yields him a comfortable living from year to year.
In his church relations Mr. Miller is a member of the Methodist Protest- ant church at Freeport. being one of the trustees of the same. His wife is also a member of this church. Their daughters are both leaders in Sunday school work. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Court of Honor at Fountaintown. Indiana ; both carry insurance. Mr. Miller is also a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Morristown. In politics he votes the Republican ticket.
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CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
GEORGE W. SNEPP. SK.
The great commonwealth of Indiana has had a unique development. in- asmuch as the settlements made within her borders did not consist of any certain class of immigrants, but of citizens from various parts of the East. some coming from the New England district, some from the Middle Atlantic. while others found their way from the South, coming northward across the Ohio. A large percentage, however, crossed the border from the East, and thus we find many of our earliest settlers arriving from the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Among these were the parents of the gentleman whose name forms the caption for the present sketch.
George W. Snepp. Sr .. County Commissioner of the third district of Shelby county, was born March 28. 1851. He was the son of Daniel and Mary ( Rolman) Snepp. both of whom were born in the buckeye state, in Montgomery county, south of Dayton. They were married in Ohio and six children, four boys and two girls, were born to them, the only survivors of whom are George W. and Elizabeth (Shaver). His mother died when George was a year oldl. and his father was again married. and his second wife is also deceased.
Our subject was born in Jackson township, this county, on the farm that adjoins the one he now owns. It was here he was reared to manhoo.1. attend- ing the district school during the winter. On April 25. 1870, Mr. Shepp was married to Caroline Mahley, who was born October 16, 1859. To them were born seven children. viz: Frank W .. born February 25. 1877. married Aurelia Pettigrew. their home being now in New Albany : Bertha M., born Oc- tober 13, 1878, married Arnaldo Eberhart, a farmer in Jackson township: Clarence, born February 11, 1880, married Mary Hill; Homer R., born May 22. 1884: India B .. born October 7. 1888: Oscar W., born March 3. 1891: Daniel W .. born May 3. 1894.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Snepp purchased a tract of eighty acres. going into debt for a part of the purchase price. He set to work to pay off his incumbrances, and soon manifested his ability to manage the farm to the very best advantage. He was able in a short time to make additional pur- chases and has shown much skill in the development of his land as to get the most satisfactory results from his work and has not been slow to fall in with the most modern and scientific methods of agriculture. In addition to farm- ing the land he has given some attention to stock raising, and has one of the finest herds of thoroughbred cattle in that part of the state. Through strict economy and a judicious grasp of his opportunities, Mr. Snepp has managed to become the owner of quite a large farm, and takes great pleasure in its management and care.
In 1901 Mr. Snapp was elected Trustee of Jackson township and served
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until 1005. conducting the affairs of the office on a strict business and eco- nomie basis, with the result that the tax levy was reduced during the term. and the general affairs of the office were managed with such discretion a to win words of the highest appreciation from his many friends. At the close of the term he was elected to the County Council, serving until the close of the year 1908. In November of that year he was chosen County Commissioner. and holds that office at the present time and will no doubt reflect credit not only upon himself, but also upon. his constituents.
HON. WILLIAM PATTERSON.
This name has been a familiar one in Shelby county for much more than a half century. for Mr. Patterson has become generally known. not only through his business connections, but also through his public service in the State Legislature. His is a life that has been well spent and as he approaches his advanced years he can look back upon a busy. well directed career, spent in such a way as to bring pleasant reflections, as well as ample provisions for the material comforts and necessities of life.
This gentleman was born in Jackson township. Shelby county, February 11. 1827. and was the son of David L. and Ann ( Shaw ) Patterson. The former was born in the state of Ohio, in 1804. and came to Shelby county, Indiana, when eighteen years of age. Ann Shaw was also born in Ohio, near the town of Lebanon, in 1805. and came to Indiana with her parents when still quite young. She became the mother of nine children, viz : George, Har- riett, Joel. Martha, James. John, Frank, Julia and William. Of these the surviving members are William. Julia, Harriett, John and James.
William was reared on the farm, near Marietta. in Jackson township, and obtained a somewhat meager education, owing to the lack of educational facilities. He was a wide reader, however, and, through self-effort. managed to broaden himself and acquire a good all-round preparation for life. In 1846 Mr. Patterson was joined in marriage to Charlotte Eberhart. a woman of excellent character, who bore him three children, viz: John. Willis and George, the last named being the only one that survives. Mrs. Patterson died on July 27, 1854. and later Mr. Patterson married Lauretta Eberhart, to whom was born one child. Amanda Patterson, who later became the wife of Gilbert Phillips. On March 3. 1882, AAmanda Patterson was also called hence, and in the course of time Mr. Patterson chose for his third wife Eliza Mayes, who also is not only an estimable character, but a helpful and congenial companion. Throughout his eventful life Mr. Patterson has ever kept before him a high ideal and has resolutely bent every effort to bring
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to consummation his plans and undertakings. When starting out for him- self. he had nothing but the ordinary necessities of life as far as material equipments were concerned, but he did have a generous portion of self-con- fidence, pluck and determination to succeed. As a result of this indomitable spirit, we find him classed with the successful and prominent men of the county. Many a hard day's labor in his carlier years was performed for fifty cents per day, and it was no uncommon thing for Mr. Patterson to split rails for twenty-five cents per hundred. His first investment was made in land partly cleared. To this he has made frequent additions until now he controls much valuable land, and is reckoned among the wealthy men of the county. His success has won for him not only the esteem and good will of his friends and neighbors, but has aroused supreme confidence in his ability and integrity. During the session of 1875 he represented his county in the Lower House of the Assembly, which was presided over by the Hon. David Turpie, the gov- ernor's chair being filled at that time by the Hon. Thomas A. Hendricks.
Mr. Patterson has achieved success also as a stock raiser, and with his son has had interests in the elevators in Shelbyville. In all of these varied business relations he has maintained the uniform regard and confidence of all of his friends and business associates.
GEORGE W. SNEPP. JR.
Montgomery county, Ohio, has sent a large number of its best citizens to Jackson township. Shelby county, Indiana, who have been instrumental in developing the resources of the latter : of these families none have done more or deserve greater credit than the Snepps, of whom George W., Jr., is a worthy descendant, having been born here September 28. 1802, the son of John E. and Mary E. ( Marker) Snepp, the former a son of Daniel Snepp. who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, where he was reared and where he married. He came to Indiana in an early day and settled in Jackson township. Shelby county, among the early inhabitants, remaining here until his death. John E. Snepp married Mary E. Marker, and they became the parents of four chil- dren, namely : Katherine, wife of Franklin Randolph, a farmer in Hendricks township. this county : Minnie, wife of Ennis Eberhart, of Washington town- ship : Lydia L., wife of Israel Pruitt. of Jackson township, and George W .. Jr .. of this review, who was reared in Jackson township, and he has spent his entire life here. When he reached the proper age he attended the local schools during the winter months and worked on the home place the remainder of the year, and when he reached manhood he decided to make farming his career, working for his father for a period of ten years or until he was thirty-
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one years of age. He has always been a hard worker and economical. conse- quently he has succeeded. He now owns eighty-seven acres in section 24. where he makes his home, being an up-to-date farmer in every respect. study- ing and employing the best methods of farming, and he keeps good stock. He has a very neat and comfortable dwelling.
Mr. Spepp married Amanda Snyder, daughter of Michael Snyder. She was born in Shelby county March 29. 1858. No children have been born to this union. Mr. Snepp is a member of the Lutheran church, while his wife has cast her lot with the Methodists. He is a member of the Edinburg Lodge. No. 100. Free and Accepted Masons, also the Edinburg Lodge. No. 95. Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a past noble grand and a member of the Grand Lodge. He takes a great delight in lodge work, and he believes in carrying their excellent doctrines into his daily affairs. Although a loyal Democrat, Mr. Snepp has never hell office, preferring to devote his attention exclusively to his fields and his stock.
It is deemed advisable to give the readers something of the facts relating to the life of Daniel Snepp, who was a well known man in his day, having been born September 1, 1814. He married Mary Rollman July 3. 1836. She died February 22. 1853. and he was again married. choosing as a second wife Mary Guntle, on October 16, 1855. She was born November 17. 1810, and died September 6, 1890. After a long and useful life Daniel Snepp died No- vember 2, 1895. By his first marriage the following children were born : Jo- seph. April 8. 1837 : Elizabeth J .. August 23. 1838; John E., June 11. 1840: William, November 27. 1841 : Catherine. April 12, 1844: George W., Sr., March 28, 1851. John E. Snepp died November 21, 1899.
AMOS L. JONES.
The families of the Jones and Johnsons were among the carly arrivals in Noble township, and by intermarriage, became progenitors of a useful and numerous citizenship. The first comers of both these families were Vir- ginians, located in the same neighborhood. owned nearby farms and reared their children in neighborly friendship. Francis W. Jones and Elenor John- son, who were of the second generation, grew up together, attended the same school, became sweethearts, and eventually joined their fortunes for weal or woe. After marriage they went to housekeeping after the unpretentious man- ner of those days, and spent their lives in agricultural pursuits until the inevit- able event, which awaits all men and women in this world.
F. W. Jones was successful as a farmer, and at the time of his death owned two hundred and thirty-five acres of land, every acre of which was due
52
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CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
to his own hard work, good management and saving qualities. He would have been still better fixed in this world's goods but for the fact that he was caught in some security debts and had to pay out considerable money for other people. Mrs. Elenor ( Johnson) Jones was one of fourteen people who or- ganized the Bethel ( Separate) Baptist church and her husband was a liberal supporter of religious causes, having helped to build three churches. His good wife closed her earthly career in 1889. and he passed away August 12, 1905. They had four children, Margaret married John Swift, but both are dead. Mary died in infancy. Henrietta married Benjamin Rathburn, but both have been dead some years.
Amos L. Jones, youngest and only surviving member of the family, was born in Noble township. Shelby county, Indiana, April 10, 1855. His boy- hood differed in no essential from that of thousands of other boys whose des- tiny was cast on a farm, with all the conditions attending the exclusively ag- ricultural life. Foreseeing that his life work was to be that of a farmer. he trained himself for its duties, and when the time came was fully qualified to manage a farm for himself. Being a hard worker and a good manager, he has made a success of his affairs, and now has a handsome estate to show for his many years of industry. He owns two hundred and forty acres of land and ranks as one of the successful stock raisers and general farmers of the township. In 1873 he married Permelia E. Dodds, a member of one of the old-time families, who were influential in helping to make Noble township. She was born in Ohio March 21, 1858, came with her parents to Shelby county when a girl, and grew up with the family of Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Amos L Jones had seven children. five of whom are living. Carl W .. Austin E. Zola L. is the wife of John Wright, of Noble township: Claude H. and Forest. Those deceased are Jennie E. and Pearl M. The entire family are members of the Separate Baptist church at Bethel, of which Mr. Jones is a trustee. He has also been superintendent of the Sunday school and all his life has been a warm supporter of the churches.
GEORGE MULLENDORE.
The gentleman to whom this brief review is devoted has been a life-long resident of the county, having been born on the farm where he now lives. It is a rare privilege to be able to point to the fact that he was reared here, mar- ried here, and that all his children were reared and married here.
Mr. Mullendore was born on August 26. 1844, and was the son of Jacob and Katherine ( Wertz) Mullendore. The former was born in Virginia March 12, 1792. Ile was married to a Miss Wertz in Ohio, and came to
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Shelby county, Indiana. in 1832. Further facts regarding the biography of Jacob and Katherine Mullendore will be found elsewhere in this work, under the heading, David Mullendore.
George received but little schooling, ina much as the school facilities were meager and the need of the help of the boys for the work on the farm was so great; however, he made the best possible use of his opportunities, and as he grew to manhood he formed steady baba- and incorporated in his life the sound fundamental principles that have won for him not only success as a farmer. but also the respect and confidence of his friends and neighbors. Upon reaching maturity he was joined in marriage. December 31, 1867. to Mariah Cutsinger, who was born in Shelby county, July 10, 1847. Her parents were Samuel and Elizabeth ( Harris ) Cutsinger, both natives of Kentucky.
Martin Cutsinger, grandfather of Elizabeth, was of German descent, and "came to Shelby county in an early day. being one of the early settlers in this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Mullen lore are the parents of three children : Della. who was born December 31. 1869. became the wife of Frank Hartman. a farmer in Jackson township: Indiabell, who was born November 26. 18;1. and married to Walter Hartman. and Daisy, who was born April 1, 1873. and married to Robert Porter, of Edinburg. this state.
Mr. Mullendore and his family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church, in which all are active workers. They participate in the various de- partments of the church work. being helpful especially in advancing the in- terests of the Sunday school and missionary enterprises of the church lu politics Mr. Mullendore adheres to the tenets of the Democratic party. Al- though he has never aspired to an office of any kind. Mr. Mullen lore, never- theless, takes an active interest in the political affairs of the community, and can be relied upon at all times to identify himself on the right side of questions relating to the common welfare. He believes thoroughly in the fair and hon- est fulfillment of all official obligations and is, himself, a good example of a conscientious and patriotic American citizen.
WILLIAM H. RUSSELL.
No one of Shelby county's farmers is better known. nor has a wider circle of friends, than William Il. Russell, of section 8, Moral township. De- scended from pioneer stock. he has resided in the community where he n.A. lives for many years and is classed among the leading farmers of his county. He was born at Acton. Marion county, Indiana, on January 25. 1856, and is a son of Sanmel Anderson and Emma ( Burroughs) Russell. Samuel . \. was born August 24. 1807, and was a son of Jefferson and Sarah ( Nixon) Rus-
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sell. The latter named was born May 7, 1807, and a daughter of J. Richard Russell. They were married in Virginia and were among the first settlers of Marion county, Indiana, living near New Bethel. where they owned farms. They died there, he on October 21, 1883, and she on July 3. 1895. To them were born the following children: Ellen married James Russell: Samuel .1 .. father of the subject of this sketch: Nancy J. married Edward Woodyard ; Sarah Ann lives in Marion county. Indiana ; Amanda H. and Mary ( twins). the former married Henry Bond, deceased: she lives at Bethel. Indiana. Mary married Wesley Stufflebean and lives in Indianapolis: James married Eliza Russell, both dead. William lives in Brown county, Indiana ; Elizabeth married Harvey Russell and lives in Marion county, Indiana.
Samuel .A. Russell was born in Marion county on October 29. 1829, and when young learned the trade of a blacksmith. He acquired a slight educ :- tion from the primitive schools of his time and soon went to work on his own account. He took up the trade of blacksmithing with an uncle. Aaron Nixon, in Marion county, and later opened a shop in Acton, Indiana. In about the year 1858 he removed to London, Moral township, and opened a workshop. which he conducted until the call for troops at the breaking out of the Civil war. He enlisted, in 1862. in Company K. One Hundredtb Indiana Volun- teer Infantry, and served throughout the rebellion. After his return home he again took up his forge work, but later sold out and bought a shop near the Breedlove school-house. Here he continued his labors and finally purchased a piece of land of fifty aeres, where he lived until 1882. when he sold out an.1 removed to Clinton county. Indiana. where he died on February 21. 1900. His wife died August 21. 1894. six years before the death of her honored husband.
Samuel .1. Russell was a Republican in politics and took great interest in his party. He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and considered a patriotic and good citizen. He was the father of the following children : William H. : Mary married Robert Eaton and is now dead; The- ophilus, born in 1860, and married Emma Noe on November 11, 1885. Ilis wife was born February 21. 1865. in Clark county. Indiana, and was a daugh- ter of William and Elizabeth ( Mitchell) Noe. Their children are as follows: Elsie Noe married Walter Rhoades and lives in Van Buren township. and they are the parents of two children. Gertrude and Beryl; Harry K., Edgar B. and Virgil A. Noe are all at home : George .A. Russell lives at Terre Haute. Indiana: Charles lives at Elwood. Indiana: Austin L., Marion county, In- diana; Fannie May, who married Zimri Shaddy, lives in Tipton county. In diana.
William H. Russell, when about two years of age, removed with his parents to London, Shelby county, where he has always lived except during the time of his war service and the time he resided with his grandparents.
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In his early days he mastered the blacksmith trade under his father's tutelage. but never followed the occupation, preferring to farm. He was married De- eember 30, 1878, to Alice King, whose father's sketch appears in these pages. After their marriage they lived on a rented farm and later, with her mother. buying the latter farm which they sold and re-purchased the old Amos place where he now lives. This farm he has greatly improved and carries on general farming operations. He also raises Jersey cattle and a fine strain of Duroc swine. In politics he is a Democrat of the old school and has always taken great interest in the affairs of state. He is the father of two children as follows: Earl. born April 20. 1880, married to Estella Mae Toon on Sep- lember 23. 1903. She is a native of Marion county and a daughter of Wil- liam E. and Agnes ( Shaw) Toon. They have two children : Clarence and Elmer Ray. Margaret Olga, born October 10. 1895. lives at home. Mrs. Russell is a member of the Methodist church and is widely known in the cir- cles of her church.
IRA F. BRYSON.
The Bryson family has long been one of the influential and substantial ones of Bartholomew and Shelby counties. Indiana, members of which have proven in every locality in which they have dispersed that they are enterprising and honest, and the gentleman whose name appears above is no exception to this standard. Ira F. Bryson was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana. April 22. 1872, the son of James N. and Margaret A. ( Hargis) Bryson. James H. Hargis, the grandfather of Ira F., was born in North Carolina, and his wife in Kentucky. They came to Indiana during the Civil war. and located in Bartholomew county, remaining there until they moved to Edinburg. In- diana, where they both died, after winning the respect of a wide circle of ac- quaintances. James N. Bryson was born in Tennessee, and when the war be- tween the states began he espoused the Southern cause, subsequently becoming a captain in the Confederate army. After the war he came to Bartholomew county, where he married. Ile later moved to Missouri. He followed teach- ing. also carpentry. Returning to Indiana in a few years, he died in Johnson county July 1. 1875. remembered as a gallant soldier. an excellent teacher and wood workman, and a good man. To Mr. and Mrs. James N. Bryson three children were born, namely : Charles L., who is, at this writing, holding the very responsible position of acting editor of the Denver Post. He is the au- thor of "The Cub Reporter." "Tan and Tackle." for children, and other works, and he is regarded as a newspaper man of unusual ability. Thomas J. Bryson is traveling salesman in the South. Ira F .. the third son, was reared upon the farm and educated in the common schools, from which he
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graduated : also graduated from the Edinburg high school in 1800. He came out of school well equipped for life's duties, having carefully applied himself to his text-books, and he began teaching which he followed with much success for a period of fifteen years, during which time his services were in great de- mand, having taught in many of the district schools of Bartholomew and Shelby counties. He holds a state license as teacher, and ranks high among the educators of Indiana.
Mr. Bryson has been economical and a good manager, and he is the owner of a fine farm, consisting of one hundred and forty-five acres in section 35. township ui north, range 5 east. It is well tilled, and on the place stands an excellent dwelling and other substantial buildings.
Mr. Bryson was united in marriage with Grace E. Pruitt, who was born and reared on the farm where she now lives. She received a common school education. Their wedding occurred December 21. 1898. This union has been blessed by the birth of two daughters, Rebie 1., born October 24. 1899. and Ada Mae, born March 3. 1901. Mrs. Bryson is the daughter of Alexan- der Pruitt, and one of five living children.
Mr. Bryson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife affiliates with the Christian denomination. The former was a member of the Red Men, but has recently withdrawn from this lodge. In politics he is a Democrat, and is an active worker in the party ; in fact, his support may be depended upon in the furthering of any canse calculated to advance the county's interests, whether political, industrial, educational, religions or moral. and for his many commendable traits Mr. Bryson makes and retains friends easily, as does also his wife.
GEORGE SHAVER.
No pioneer family of Jackson township. Shelby county, Indiana, has been more prominent in the affairs of this locality or has gained a more substantial foothold than the Shavers, than whom it would be hard to find a family bear- ing a better reputation for both industry and honesty. Men bearing this name came here when the county was in its primitive state, wild, timbered. and un- known to the outside world and, by perseverance and the exercise of good judgment, they have succeeded in building up good homes and have become citizens of the highest rank.
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