USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 2 > Part 40
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NOAH MILLER.
One of the old and respected residents of Van Buren township is Noah Miller, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio. April 13. 1832. the son of Jacob K. and Elizabeth Miller, both parents natives of Virginia. Peter Miller. subject's grandfather. was born in Germany, but came to America when young and settled in Virginia, where he reared his family and spent the re- mainder of his life. His son. Jacob K .. married in his native state Elizabeth Kern, and about the year 1839 moved to Shelby county. Indiana, locating in Van Buren township. where he purchased land and developed a farm, on which his death occurred in 1850. He and his wife were the parents of seven- . teen children, two of whom preceded him to the unseen world, and at the present time there are eight surviving members of this once large family. six sons and two daughters, whose names are as follows: Samuel and Noah, of Van Buren township: John H .. of Morristown : Dr. L. C .. deceased : Ephraim. of Howard county, this state: the former was a practicing physician of Ko- komo: Mrs. Lucinda Lewis, of Carrollton. Indiana. and Mrs. Nancy M. Myers, who lives in the city of Winfield, Kansas.
Jacob Kern, materna! grandfather of Mr. Miller. moved from Virginia to Shelby county in 1837, and spent the remainder of his days in Van Buren township. He was a man of good mind and excellent character and left to perpetuate his name and memory a number of descendants in this and other states, among them being a grandson. Hon. John W. Kern, of Indianapolis. one of the distinguished lawyers and statesmen of Indiana, and in 1908 a can- didate for the Vice-Presidency of the United States on the ticket with Wil- liam Jennings Bryan.
Noah Miller was seven years old when his parents moved to Indiana. since which time his life and interests have been closely identified with the county of Shelby. He was reared to agricultural pursuits in Van Buren
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township. He attended such schools as were common to this part of the country in early times and remained at home assisting with the labors of the farm until attaining his majority.
On April 7. 1853, a few days before the completion of his twenty-first year, he was united in marriage with Sitha Boss, of Van Buren township. immediately after which he engaged in farming and continued the same with marked success until retiring from active life a few years ago. By industry and successful management he accumulated a comfortable competency, own- ing at one time a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he lived and prospered for a number of years, besides other property, which enabled him to retire with a fortune sufficiently large to meet all of his wants during the remainder of his earthly sojourn. Since giving up active labor and dis- posing of his farm he has lived on a small place of fifteen acres, on which he has made a number of improvements.
In early times Mr. Miller achieved considerable reputation as a magnetic healer. and in addition to a natural power of a high order. he also employed electricity in the treatment of various diseases, and is said to have accom plished many remarkable cures. Patients came to him from near and far. and as long as he continued the practice he never lacked a large and lucrative patronage. In his political allegiance Mr. Miller is a Republican, but with the exception of Road Supervisor, he has never held nor aspired to office or public position. In matters religious the United Brethren church holds his creed.
Mr. Miller has been twice married, his first wife, alluded to in a preced- ing paragraph, dying on April 15. 1900. after bearing him three children. namely : Albert C., farmer. living at Fountaintown ; George II., of Van Buren township, who is also a tiller of the soil, and Dr. E. B. Miller, a physician and surgeon of Fountaintown. On January ist, of the year 1901. Mr. Miller married his present wife, Mrs. Evelyn Cole, a native of New York and widow of the late Warren Cole, of Shelby county, the union being without issue.
CHARLES ANDERSON STANLEY.
As a descendant of a sturdy line of pioneers and a soldier of the Revo- lutionary war. Charles Anderson Stanley, of section 14. Moral township. Shelby county, Indiana, has lived up to the tenets of his family and is consid- ered an honored citizen of his county. He was born in Moral township on June 23. 1857. and is a son of Ensley Henderson and Elizabeth ( Smith ) Stanley, pioneers. Elizabeth Stanley was a daughter of James and Nancy (Vernon) Smith, a sketch of Henry C. Smith, her brother, appearing in this
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volume. She was a native of North Carolina, and was born in Patrick county. She emigrated to Shelby county, Indiana, with her parents when four years of age. Ensley Stanley was the only son of John Gardner and Lucinda (Amos) Stanley, and he a son of Christopher and Elizabeth ( Smith ) Stanley. After the Revolutionary war, in which he served with honor, Christopher mar- ried Elizabeth Smith and settled in Botetourt county, Virginia, where he lived until John Stanley was fifteen years of age, when he removed to Stokes county, North Carolina, where he died at the advanced age of eighty-four.
Shortly after the marriage of John Stanley, in 1822, he and his wife and son removed to Jefferson county, Indiana, stopping at Madison in the fall of 1829. The following spring he went to Moral township, Shelby county, Indiana, and located on section 13 of the west bank of Sugar creek. Here he entered eighty acres of land and erected a log cabin. where he lived for several years. By dint of hard work he finally developed a fine farm. The latter years of his life were spent in Brookfield. Indiana, where he and his wife died, he on February 23, 1863, and she two days later. They were interred in the old Dake cemetery.
The children born to John G. Stanley and wife were: Ensley H., father of the subject of this sketch: Ann married Allen Gossett, both dead. The original Stanley family came from England.
Ensley Henderson Stanley lived with his father and mother and received a limited education in the old log school-house of the early days. In 1861 he left the farm and went to Brookfield. Indiana, where he engaged in the mer- cantile and grain business. After ten years of active business life he went back to the old farm, where he spent the balance of his days. He was known far and wide as a man of conviction, and in his youth was a Democrat. In 1854 he cast his lot with the then new Republican party and took an active part in its work. During the Civil war he was postmaster at Brookfield. He and his wife were devoted members of the Brookfield Baptist church, of which he was a deacon. The children born to them were : Mary J. married Caleb Means. deceased ; she lives in Ohio. Julia Ann married Charles W. Hummell and lives in Montgomery county, Indiana; Amanda F. married Michael E. Ilig- gins, deceased ; she lives in Indianapolis Indiana : John J. lives in Indianapolis ; Charles A., subject of this sketch ; Nancy L. married John Y. Kennedy, de- ceased. She is engaged as an instructor in a college in Missouri; Andrew J .. dead: Ensley Stanley died in January, 1892. and his wife on March 2, 1904. and both are buried in the Pleasant View cemetery.
Charles A. Stanley lived at home with his parents until he was of age, when he drifted away. He was married in 1885 to Clara B. Pfendler. a daughter of David Piendler. deceased, whose sketch appears on these pages. After his marriage Charles was engaged in the mercantile business in Brook- field, and later for two years conducted a shoe store at Columbus, Indiana.
CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
Then he returned to Moral township and has since engaged in farming and other agricultural pursuits. Ile now owns a fine farm of one hundred an : five acres just north of Pleasant View on the old Michigan road. His farm is in a fine state of cultivation and he is loved and respected by his neighbors and friends. Hle and his wife have one child. Paul Russell. They are member- of the Brookfield Baptist church and are held in high esteem by all who knew them.
JACOB D. COX.
Among the farmers and stock raisers of Van Buren township who have achieved success in the line of their calling the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article occupies a deservedly conspicuous place. Ile is an enterprising man, devoted to his vocation, and as a neighbor and citizen stands high in general esteem and enjoys to a marked degree the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact. Jacob D. Cox, a native of Shelby county, Indiana, and the son of William J. and Mary ( Fox) Cox, was born on the 26th day of July, 1866. His father, a well known citizen and successful agriculturist, was an extensive land owner at his death, which oc- curred April 6, 1906, left a valuable estate, including a fine farm of two hus- dred and forty acres, besides a large amount of personal property, being at one time among the wealthiest men of the township in which he tesided. Mrs. Cox preceded her husband to the unseen world. departing this life Feb- ruary, 1993, and leaving to her descendants the cherished memory of kind deeds and gentle influence, which they prize above any of their early post- sions. Uriah G., the son of William and Mary Cox, was accidentally killed some years ago at Morristown, his death causing a feeling of profound sorrow in the community : Sarah, the only daughter, married John String, and is now living in the state of Kansas.
Jacob D. Cox was six weeks old when his parents moved to Van Buren township, and since that time has lived at or near his present place of abode. taking an active part the meanwhile in the material improvement of the coun- try, and becoming an influential factor in furthering the interests of his neighborhood. When old enough to be of service on the farm he bore his part in the cultivation of the same, and during the winter months pursued his studies in the district school. continuing his attendance until a youth in his teens. He remained at home assisting his father in the labors of the farm until 1888. on December 12th of which year he entered the marriage relation with Dora House and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture for himself.
Mrs. Cox was born January 25, 1868, in Shelby county, enjoyed the advantages of a common school education, and is a lady of excellent character.
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esteemed by all who know her, and a favorite in the social circle with which she is accustomed to mingle. The llonse family were among the pioneers of Shelby county, the father of Mrs. Cox having been born and reared here. where he afterwards became a successful farmer and representative citizen.
Mrs. Cox has presented her husband with two children. the older of whom is Walter R., who was born October 10. 1892, and is now a student at the New Palestine high school. John R., the second son, between whom and his brother there is quite a disparity in age, was born November 30, 1998. Mrs. Cox is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Carrollton, and deeply interested in the good work of the same. Mr. Cox. while not identified with any religious organization, has profound respect for the church and is a regular attendant of the one to which his wife belongs, also a liberal con- tributor to its support. In all of his relations with his fellow men he has been actuated by correct motives and his honesty and fair dealing have become almost proverbial in the community. A Democrat in politics, he is not a par- tisan.
Mr. Cox owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres. it being as productive land as can be found in the limits of the township in which it is situated. and as a tiller of the soil he is fully up-to-date. His chief dependence. however, is his fine stock, in the breeding and raising of which he has achieved wide repute and from the sale of which the greater share of his income is derived. As a neighbor and citizen the prominent position in the community to which he has attained has been fairly and honorably earned.
JAMES NAVE.
The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch belongs to the older class of Shelby county's residents, nearly seventy-seven years having dissolved in the mists of the past since he first opened his eyes to earthly scenes on the 23d day of September. 1833. Solomon Nave, his father, was a native of Penn- sylvania, but in early life went to Kentucky, where he married Polly Hegley, after which he came to Shelby county. Indiana, and located prior to 1830 about three miles east of Shelbyville, where he spent the remainder of his days. Sol- omon and Polly Nave were the parents of cleven children, of which large fam- ily only four survive, namely : Nathaniel. Morton, James and Sophronia, wife of Erastus Macy.
James Nave grew up when the country was new and while still a mere boy experienced his share of the vicissitudes and hard work incident to the clearing and cultivating of a farm. Ile became an expert axman and, in ad- dition to felling trees, cutting timber, splitting rails and the many other duties
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which fell to the lot of the woodsman, was also obliged to late at intervals for a number of years, draining land. Owing to his services being required at home his education was quite limited. nevertheless he acquired a fair know l- edge of the common branches, sufficient with his subsequent practical experi- ence to enable him to transiet business secessfully.
Mr. Nave remained with his parents until attaining his majority, when he was hired by his mother to do certain work on the farm. receiving his wages at first by the day and later by the month. He continued in this way until choosing a life companion in the person of Sarah Gaines, and . tting up a domestic establishment of his own, from which time until retiring from active life some years since. be made commendable progress as a farmer, and rose to a position of influence in the community as an enterprising citizen. Mrs. Nave was born in Shelby county. Indiana, October 17. 1842. being the daughter of George Gaines, who came to Indiana from his native state of Virginia, and was among the early pioneers of Marion township. She was reared after the manner of young ladies of early times, learned the art of housekeeping and many other domestic activities, and never knew what it was to eat the bread of idleness, her whole life from youth to mature age being a round of rugged, toilsome duty. faithfully and uncomplainingly performed She has lived a useful life and instilled into the minds of her children the cor- rect principles which have had a decided influence in moulding their characters and fitting them for positions of usefulness.
Mir. and Mrs. Nave lave reared a family of four children, Whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Viola, born September 19. 1869. is now the wife of John Fox; Alva, born December 31. 1807 : Robert L. born Septem ber 20. 1875. and Dr. Harry E. Nave, whose birth occurred on November 21. 1877. is practicing at Fountaintown. Mr. Nave owns a farm of eighty acres in section 26, which is very productive and well improved and in all that enters into the make-up of a comfortable and attractive home compares favorably with any other farm in the township. In his political views Mr. Nave is a Republican, and he has rendered efficient service to his party. although be doe- not pose as a politician and has never asked public offer at the hands of his fellow citizens.
Robert L. Nave, the subject's second son, served three years in the regular army, during which time he saw much active duty, and passed through many trying and dangerous experiences Enlisting June 24. 1897. in Company .1. Sec- and United States Infantry. he first went to Montana, thence to Chickamauga Park, and later the regiment was transferred to Tampa, Florida. where it was stationed at the breaking out of the Spanish-American war. On June 23. IS98, the Second was sent to Cuba, where it took part in the Santiago campaign. during which Mr. Nave was under fire for fiteen consecutive days. and participated in most of the fighting which led to the reduction of that
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stronghold. At the close of the campaign the regiment went to New York. but later was sent to Alabama, where it spent the winter of 1898-99. return- ing to Cuba the latter year to do garrison duty. Owing to ill health, Mr. Nave was transferred to Fort Thomas, Kentucky, where he remained until honorably discharged from the service in 1900, since which time he has lived at home with his parents, asisting with the work on the farm and ministering to their comforts in many ways. He, too, is a Republican. He holds mem- bership with the Knights of Pythias Lodge. at Fountaintown, Lodge No. 173. Improved Order of Red Men, No. 385. and with his mother belongs to the Court of Honor, at Knightstown.
MARTIN YARLING.
Among the representative farmers of Shelby county Martin Varling stands deservedly high. and he also holds worthy prestige as a citizen who has not been unmindful of the welfare of those with whom his lot has been cast. His father. Philip Varling, was born June 17, 1817, in Germany, and in 1833 accompanied his parents to America, landing at Baltimore, from which city the family moved in a one-horse wagon to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they lived until changing their abode to Shelby county, Indiana in the year 1854. Martin Varling's grandfather, who brought the family to the United States, was John P. Yarling, who was called to the unseen world a number of years ago. He was an industrious man, honest in his dealings. and he left his descendants the memory of an honored family name, which the latter have taken pride in keeping unsullied.
Philip Yarling was married in Shelby county, in the year 1854. to Mrs. Catherine (nee Moore ), widow of a Mr. Stapp. who bore him children as follows: Phoebe, Maggie. George, Henry, Martin, Eliza, wife of William Moore : William, and Philip. Jr., the second and third members of the family being deceased. Mrs. Yarling died in 1877, and two years later Mr. Yarling married Eliza Dickover, whom he also survived, she departing this life in 1901, and he on June 28th of the year following. Philip Yarling was a straightforward man, true to his highest conception of honor and duty. and his industry and honesty became proverbial in the community where he made his home for so many years. He lived at peace with his fellows, and at the time of his death was one of the well-to-do men and substantial citizens of Van Buren township, throughout which his memory will long be held in ven- eration.
Martin Yarling was born December 29. 1862, in Jackson township, Shel- by county, and spent his early years on the family homestead, learning while
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a mere lad the lessons of industry, thrift and honesty by which his subsequent life has been characterized. At the proper time he entered the district school. where he pursued his studies during winter months until reaching the years of young manhood, devoting the spring and summer seasons to work in the fields; at a comparatively early age. he was enabled to do a man's work, at nearly all kinds of manual labor. Young Varling carned his first money as a farm hand. in which capacity he continued from his eighteenth to his twenty- second year. and on August 9. 1886. he entered the marriage relation with Jane Tucker. of Moral township, who died June 27. 1887. after little less than one year of mutually happy wedded life.
On February 17. 1880. Mr. Yarling married Mary Grimes, who was born June 30. 1868. in Shelby county, and who has been his faithint and off- cient assistant to the present time. Two children have resulted from this union, Daniel, born January 9, 1890, was graduated from the Shelbyville high school in June, 1909: Charles, who was born September 29, 1893. is still a student.
For eleven years Mr. Yarling cultivated the soil as a renter, but at the expiration of that period purchased eighty acres of his own. in Van Buren township, which, under his industry and capable management was developed into a very productive farm, its present value being conservatively estimated at one hundred twenty-five dollars per acre. Mr. Yaring sold this farm in the summer of 1909, and removed to Shelby township, where he purchased one hundred fifty acres of well improved land at one hundred thirty-three and one-third dollars per acre. As a farmer he ranks among the most enter- prising in his section of the county. Mr. Yarling united with the Baptist church in December. 1888. Mrs. Varling, who joined the Metho list Epis- copal church in 1882, became a Baptist in 1889. and like her husband, is deep- ly interested in religions work and one of the active members of the congre- gation with which she is identified.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Yarling is a member of Hiawatha Lodge. No. 193. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Smithland, and in politics votes the Democratic ticket.
LEONIDAS BOWMAN.
A prosperous farmer and esteemed citizen of Van Buren township, also a veteran of the Civil war. was born in Franklin county. Indiana, October 18. 1840, being one of nine children whose parents. Moses and Avaline ( Gordon ) Bowman, moved to Shelby courty in the year 1852. Of the above family six are living. the father dying December 15. 1877. the mother, February 4. 1884. On coming to this county Moses Bowman located on a farm, and for a
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few years maintained his family as a renter: later he purchased land of his own, to which he added. at intervals, until he finally became one of the largest real estate holders in Van Buren township, owning a valuable farm of five hundred acres which, under his able management. was brought to a high state of cultivation and yielded a liberal income. Mr. Bowman possessed sound intelligence, mature judgment, and was long a min of influence in his community. Originally a Democrat and a leader of his party. he afterward changed his politics and became a Republican, and until his death, was a zeal- ous and untiring champion of the principles which he espoused. He took an active interest in public matters, served as Trustee of Van Buren township. and for a number of years was an influential factor in promoting the moral good of those with whom he mingled, having been a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a leader in various enterprises for the spread of the Gospel among his fellow men.
Leonidas Bowman was twelve years of age when his parents moved to Shelby county, and from 1852 to the present time he has been closely identi fied with the township in which he now resides. Like the majority of country lads, he was reared to farm labor. received a fair common school education, and on arriving at the age when young men are expected to choose a voca- tion or profession decided to devote his life to the cultivation of the soil. which calling he has since pursued with gratifying success as his present fine home and independent circumstances abundantly attest. When the country became convulsed with the startling announcement that the South had seceded and that civil war was imminent. Mr. Bowman, like so many brave young men throughout the North. laid aside the implements of husbandry and ten- dered his services to the government in its time of peril. In August. 1862. he enlisted in the Third Indiana Battery, with which he served three years. the greater part of the time in the western campaigns, where he participated in a number of battles and experienced other duties which rendered his period of enlistment especially active. Owing to the loud cannonading to which he was frequently exposed. his hearing became permanently affected, this being the only injury received during his long and strenuous period of service. After his discharge in 1865. at the close of the war. Mr. Bowman returned home and resumed the pursuits of agriculture, which, as already stated. he has since carried on with marked success, his farm of one hundred sixty acres with its many substantial improvements, including a handsome modern resi- dence, being one of the most beautiful and attractive rural homes in the town- ship of Van Buren.
Mr. Bowman was married September 6, 1871. to Alice Bassett, who was born on the 2d day of March. 1854. in Marion township. Shelby county. where her father, Josiah Bassett a well-to-do farmer and praiseworthy citi- zen, had long resided. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have two children, Stella, wife
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of Sammel E. Moore: Leonidas, who was born May 2, 1880, married Norah Powell, and lives in Van Buren township. In addition to their son and daugh- ter, the subject and wife have six grandchildren, to whom they are greatly attached, and to whose interests they devote much attention, these young per- ple being bright and interesting and giving promise of future usefulness.
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