USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 2 > Part 52
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Mr. Nading is a man of affairs, and as such manifests a lively interest in public and political matters and uses his influence in behalf of every enter- prise having for its object the advancement of the community and the good of the people. For some years he has been one of the Republican leaders of Shelby county, and in recognition of valuable services to his party he was ap- pointed, on June 17, 1902, postmaster of Flat Rock, which position he still holds, to the satisfaction of all concerned. In his religions views he sub- scribes to the creed of the Methodist Episcopal church and, with his wife. belongs to the congregation worshiping at Flat Rock, in which he holds the office of trustee, besides being an efficient and enthusiastic worker in the Sunday school. He is a believer in the efficiency of secret fraternal organiza- tions and holds membership with several of the leading orders, in all of which he has been an influential factor and risen to high and honorable positions. He is a thirty-second-degree Mason, belonging to Farmers' Lodge, No. 147. at Flat Rock, Shelby Chapter. No. 20. Royal Arch Masons, Shelbyville Council and Commandery. Knights Templar, and Scottish Rite; Valley of In- dianapolis. His name is also inscribed in the records of Harper Lodge, No. 653. Independent Order of Odd Fellows. at St. Louis Crossing, and of Kenton Lodge, No. 207, Knights of Pythias, and Waubunsee Tribe, No. 257. Im- proved Order of Red Men.
Mr. Nading is a gentleman of pleasing address and attractive personality. these, with other admirable characteristics, making him popular in the social circle and a good mingler with his fellow men. His friends, whom he binds to him as with bands of steel, are many, and his popularity with all classes
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extends to the limits of his acquaintance. He is hell in high esteem by all with whom he comes into contact in a business or social capacity.
The domestic life of Mr. and Mrs. Nading is all that could be desired. being mutually agreeable and happy, and their home rendered doubly attrac tive by the pledges of their love and affection in the persons of two charming daughters, who answer to the names of Odetta F. and Izetta G.
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JOHN F. MOHR.
John F. Mohr, father-in-law of Frank Edwards (see his sketch), WE born March 21, 1839. in Germany, being a son of John and Margaret (Weyell) Mohr, whose births occurred in the years 1811 and 1814. respec tively, the former on the nith day of November and the latter on January 19th. John and Margaret Mohr came to the United States a number of years ago, and were on the ocean forty-four days before reaching their desti- nation. Shortly after landing they came west as far as Indiana and, settling in Shelby county, spent the remainder of their days on a farm, the father dying October 11, 1882, the mother in April, 1802. both being interied in Center township. The family consisted of seven children, whose names are as follows: John F., Christena E., Christian, George, Margaret, Henry and William, all but one born in the old country. William being born in the United States.
John F. Mohr was fourteen years old when the family came to America. from which time until his lamented death, on the 16th day of September. Igo8, he was an honored resident of Shelby county and actively identified with its agricultural and general interests. He lived in various parts of the county, the greater portion of the time, however, in Brandywine township. devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits and by industry and economy. succeeded in accumulating a handsome competency, also attained to high standing as an enterprising and public-spirited citizen. Mr. Mohr was twice married. the first time to Rachel Fessenbeck, who bore him children ais fol- lows: Lewis W. (deceased) : Margaret C. now Mrs. Frank Edwards: Lydia ( deceased ) : John Henry, of Shelbyville, and Nathaniel, a well-todo farnier and substantial citizen of Union township. The mother of this fami's of children dying on March 16. 1993. Mr. Mohr subsequently married Cathe- rine Schneider, who survived him, and who, like his former companion, was of German birth. Mr. Mohr was a man of wide intelligence. ripe judgmert and inflexible integrity, whose friends were as the number of his acquaint- ances and whose influence was always on the right side of every moral issue. Although of foreign birth. he became greatly attached to his adopted country
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and ever an admirer of its laws and institutions and, to all appearance, his Americanism and patriotism were as genuine as if he had been born under the protecting folls of the "stars and stripes." \ Methodist in his religious belief and a sincere Christian, as was attested by his daily life. he made the world better by his presence and inthience and his memory will long be cher ished by those he left behind.
JAMES L. KEATON.
One of the owners of excellent landed and farming interests in Shelby county is the subject of this sketch, who resides in Hanover township valuable property has been acquired through his own efforts, his persistency of purpose, his ambition and his determination, and the prosperity which is the legitimate reward of all earnest labor is today his. On this farm under brush and timber have given way to cultivated fields and fruit-bearing trees. while durable and commodious houses and outbuildings bespeak the wise out- Jay of his means for the comfort and convenience of his family.
James L. Keaton is a native born of Hanover township. Shelby county. Indiana, having first seen the light of day here April 20. 1843. the son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Keaton, people of influence and worth in their day. Ben- jamin was born in Maryland and in an early day came to Shelby county. In diana. He worked for some time on the Ohio river, laboring on a boat. Turning his attention to farming he entered five hundred and sixty acres of land in Hanover township. In their family, James L ... our subject, was the fifth in order of birth. He was feared on the farm and. during the winter months, attended the district schools. When he reached maturity he was united in marriage with Eliza Stone, in November, 1867. She was born in Shelby county in 1845. She attended the common schools. also the high school at Shelbyville. Six daughters and three sons have been born to this union, namely: Elbert. Harry. Mary. Myrtle, Cora. Charles, Lydia. Nellie and Mamie. Nellie, who is a teacher in the Freeport schools, graduated from the Morristown high school. The subject and wife have four grandchildren. all girls.
Mr. Keaton started in life with but little: however, he has been a hard worder and a good manager and has succeeded in the face of obstacles, and he now owns sixty acres in his home farm, one-half mile west of Morristown. Ilis land shows that a man of good judgment has its management in hand. and he keeps it in excellent condition.
Mr. Keaton has been a buyer and shipper of stock. succeeding well in thi . line of business, being regarded by his neighbors as an excellent judge of live
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stock of all grades, especially cattle and hogs. In politics he is a Democrat. ' He is strictly temperate in his habits, never uses tobacco in any of its forms nor drinks intoxicants. He is a very hospitable man, never turning the poor and hungry from his door. Devoted to his family, he is essentially a home man, preferring to spend his time about his place rather than seek public preferment, and he and his family hold high rank among the best citizens of Shelby county.
GEORGE KINSLEY.
The family to which the subject of this sketch belongs has been identified with Shelby county for a period of eighty-eight years, during all of which time its reputation has been above reproach, and today those who bear the name are among the county's most intelligent and enterprising men of affairs. Apollos Kinsley. the subject's father, was born September 10, 1802, in New York, and about the year 1821 accompanied his parents to Shelby county. Indiana, settling in what is now Marion township, where his father entered land and improved a farm. lle bore an active part in the development of the country and helped cut out and construct the old Michigan road, and in an early day killed deer where Shelbyville now stands, the site of that city at that time being a dense forest, unmarked by the slightest vestige of civiliza- tion. He early became one of the leading men of the county, and in addition to farming deah quite extensively in live stock. with Colonel Shank, a promi nent citizen, who lived south of Shelbyville, another of his partners being Benjamin Boone, with whom he was associated in the stock business for sex- eral years.
Mr. Kinsley was an active politician during the formative period of the county, and for many years a leader of the Democratic party. He served as Sheriff in an early day, was Justice of the Peace for a number of years and always tock an influential part in public matters and stood high in the confi- dence and esteem of his fellow men. In all of his relations with others he was the soul of honor, and from the time of his arrival in Indiana until his lamented death, in the year 18;3. contributed his full share to the advance- ment of Shelby county and nobly sustained the reputation of a prominent and praiseworthy citizen.
Elsie Lee Curry, wife of Apollos Kinsley, was a native of Virginia, but came to Indiana with her parents when quite young and spent the early part of her life in Franklin county, of which part of the state her ancestors were pio- neers. She was married in that county about 1822. and bore her husband nine children, only three of whom survive. all being residents of Shelby county and living within short distances of each other. Their names are:
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William. Apolios and George, the subject of this review, the mother having died in 1875.
George Kinsley was born January 18, 1845. in Marion township. Shelby county, and still occupies the house in which he first saw the light of day, the building having been erected by his father in 18444. He grew to maturity amid the active scenes and rugged duties of farm life, received a common school education, and on attaining his majority began the pursuit of agricul- ture on his own responsibility, to which honorable calling he has since devoted his attention, being at this time one of its most enterprising citizens. Mr. Kinsley cultivates the soil according to modern methods and never fails to realize abundant returns from the time and labor expended upon his fields. His farm, which is one of the oldest in the township. is well improved. He has added much to the attractiveness of the premises and is now the owner of one of the most desirable rural homes in Shelby county, besides being the pos sessor of a competency which a number of years since placed him in independ- ent circumstances. He is well situated to enjoy the many material blessings which have come to him as the result of his industry, now living practically retired. renting his land to his son-in-law.
Mr. Kinsley's domestic life dates from 1865. at which time he contracted a matrimonial alliance with Isabell Nichols, of Johnson county, this state. this union being blessed with the following children, the oldest of whom. a daughter by the name of Mice, is now the wife of Charles E. Henricks, of Greenfield, and the mother of one child: Nora B. is the second of the family : Jessie lives in Shelbyville: Eva M. married Charles Means: Lillian, wife of Frank W. Able, at Seymour: Nellie, now Mrs. Horace James, lives in Marion township; Maude E. married Edwin Cooper and makes her home at Des Moines, Iowa : H. Glen, a young man of marked ability, was graduated from the Grinnell College, Iowa, and is now living at home : Lyda, the youngest of the family. is still a member of the home circle. The mother of these children dying in 1898. Mr. Kinsley subsequently married Mrs. Sarah C. Richard, daughter of Jacob and Anna Maria Mutz. natives of Indiana and Ohio, respectively. Mr. Mutz served twelve years as a member of the State Board of Agriculture and was twice elected a Representative to the General Assembly, once during the war, his second term being at a much later date. He was a prominent citizen for many years and will long be remembered as one of the representative public-spirited men of Shelby county.
By her previous marriage Mrs. Kinsley has one son, Richard Francis. who was born December 30, 1870, and who is now engaged in the drug bu-i- ness at Indianapolis, in connection with which he is also analytical chemist for the Big Four Railroad Company. He was graduated from Purdue Uni- versity, where he took a special course in pharmacy, and for some time has been connected with the Francis Pharmacy, of Indianapolis, being an accom-
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plished chemist and the head of one of the largest establishments of the kind in the capital eity.
Mr. Kinsley has been officially identified with the Shelby County Fair Association for a period of twenty-one years, and is deeply interested in this and all other means for the advancement of agriculture. A Republicat. in his political faith, he takes no part in politics further than to vote. Ile has ever been active and influential in promoting various public utilities, among which was the establishing of the Rural Free Delivery Mail Route on which he lives and which has proven of such great benefit to the people of his and other townships.
MARTIN M. RAY.
Hokling worthy prestige among the enterprising farmers and substan- tial citizens of Sugar Creek township. is Martin M. Ray, whose life-long res- idence in Shelby county has made him widely and favorably known and whose reputable standing in his own community long since gained for him the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and friends. Mr. Ray was born October 26, 1856, in Addison township, and is a son of Zebiah and Martha ( Pierce) Ray, to whose sketch elsewhere in these pages the reader is re- spectfully referred for facts concerning the early history of the family.
His father dying when Martin was about twelve years old. threw the lad upon his own resources, and from that time until attaining his majority. he remained with his mother on the home farm and contributed very materially to her comfort and support. Meanwhile he worked by the month as a farm hand, and while thus engaged saved his wages with the greatest care, with the object in view of ultimately rising superior to his condition and becoming something more in the world than a mere passive agent, whose chief aim con- sists of obeying the commands and behests of others : so he addressed himself resolutely to his duties until he was enabled in due time to obtain a substan- tial start, choosing farming for his vocation.
On December 25. 1882, Mr. Ray was united in the bonds of wedlock with Mary Eliza Ewing, and immediately thereafter set up his domestic es- tablishment on a part of the Ewing farm, where he lived and prospered until 1807. when he sold out and purchased the farm in Sugar Creek township, on which he now resides and which, under his industry and management. hvis been brought to a high state of cultivation and otherwise well improved. On taking possession of his present place. Mr. Ray at once inaugurated a series of substantial improvements, including the remodeling of the residence and converting it into a neat. commodious and comfortable modern home. the overhauling of the buildings, reconstructing of the fences, besides enhancing
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the fertility of the soil by ample fertilizing. judicious rotation of crops and better methods of tillage. By carrying out these and other equally meritori- ons projects he has added greatly to the productiveness of the place, besides rendering it more beautiful and attractive. his farm at this time being one of the best cultivated in the township and fully meeting every requirement of a comfortable and desirable country home.
In his political affiliation Mr. Ray is a zealous supporter of the Demo- cratic party, but has never aspired to office or leadership. In matters religions the Methodist Protestant church represents his creed, his wife being a mem- ber of that body, also, and an earnest and sincere worker in the congregation to which they both belong. Mr. Ray is identified with the Improved Order of Red Men, holding membership with Saqua Tribe. No. 263. in which he has been honored with important official positions from time to time, but his charitable and humanitarian efforts are by no means confined to the behests of lodge or formal organization, as he is always ready to respond to the calls of the needy and distressed, no worthy sufferer ever appealing in vain for his assistance when he is able to relieve their necessities. Mr. Ray's relations with his fellow men have always been candid and honorable.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray have two children, a daughter by the name of Ethel May, who was born October 17. 1887, and a son. Clifford Allen, whose birth occurred on the 8th day of August. 1899.
ELI H. EDWARDS.
One of the best known and most highly respected of the elderly citizens of Shelbyville. Indiana. is he whose name appears at the head of these para- graphs. Eli H. Edwards was born in Rush county, this state. September 15. 1839, the son of Gilbert and Matilda ( Armfield ) Edwards, the former a na- tive of North Carolina, in which state he was born and reared. Ile was the father of eleven children, five boys and six girls, four of whom are living at this writing-two boys and two girls. Matilda Armfield was born and reared in North Carolina, also. Both she and her husband pissed away in Rush county. Indiana, after long and useful lives, lived in the manner of the sturdy pioneers of those days. He went to school for a time in winter in his native county.
Eli H. Edwards spent his youth much like other boys of the early days in the Hoosier state, assisting to clear and improve a farm and attending the neighboring school at Manilla. Rush county. Upon reaching manhood he was united in marriage. September 15, 1857, with Sarah Hill, daughter of Don and Mary Hill. They lived near Freeport. Shelby county. Prior to his
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marriage Mr. Edwards hired out as a farm hand, working for several years and saving some money at this kind of work. He began to faim for himself when he married and, being a hard worker. succeeded in making a good liv- ing and laying by enough money to purcahse property lauter in life, establish- ing a comfortable home. His good wife passed to her rest August 3. 1908. She was the mother of three children, Mary, who married William Watts, became the mother of six children. all girls but one. This family lives in Shelbyville. Mr. Watts is a huckster, doing a large business, being a general buyer of butter, eggs and poultry. Edward, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Eli II. Edwards, is in charge of a blacksmith shop. He married Tilda Smart and six children have been born to them: they live at Manilla. Rush county. Frank, the third son, married Maggie Moore. They lived for a time four miles south of Morristown on a twelve thousand dollar farm, which they pur- chased. In the summer of 1909 this farm was sold and another purchased by them in Union township. Frank is regarded by all who know him as a wide-awake hustler. a prosperous and up- to-date farmer. Ile has no children.
Eli 11. Edwards lives in quiet retirement at 99 East Jackson street, Shel- byville, his old age being happy and free from want, enjoying the fruits of a past life of industry and good deeds. In politics Mr. Edwards is a Repub- lican and a strong advocate of temperance.
ALEXANDER JEFFERSON POLLARD.
The Pollards were an oldl Virginia family which sent out branches into various states of the South and West during the pioneer days. Zachariah and Rhoda Pollard, who went first, spent the remainder of their days away from the Old Dominion state. \ family tradition states that the former was for awhile a soldier in the Revolutionary war. John Pollard, his son. was born in Virginia and married Sarah, daughter of George and Jane ( Joice ) Breedlove. He migrated to North Carolina with his parents, served in the War of 1812, and after his marriage, which occurred in the Old North state, he took the overland trip to Indiana. Arriving in Shelby county in 1833. he bought forty-five acres of timber land. erected a cabin home and gave himself up to the hard labors and sufferings of a pioneer farmer. He prospered, and from time to time added to his holdings until he owned two hundred twenty- six acres of fine farming land. He spent his whole life in agricultural pur- suits, developing and improving his land and keeping up with the foremost farmers in all that pertained to the business. He and his wife were devoted members of the Baptist church at a time when the congregation was small and the need of financial assistance constantly pressing. He died in 1873, and
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his wife in 1882. their remains being interred in the Pleasant View ceme- tery. Their children. ten in number, were as follows: Lucinda. deceased ; Terell died in California in 1852: Mary, deceased wife of Louis Copeland : George is a resident of Nebraska: John J .. deceased : Madison B .. died in the Civil war: Alexander J .. Zachariah. William, of Boone county. Indiana, and Jane, widow of the late John Dake.
Alexander Jefferson Pollard, the seventh in the foregoing list. was born in Moral township. Shelby county. Indiana. January 25. 1839. His entire life, with the exception of a short absence during the war, was spent on the farm where he was born. From this also may be excepted ten months in 1878, when he was engaged in conducting a country store at Pleasant View. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C. One Hundred Thirty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and went out with it in the hundred-day service. His health was not good at the time and ever afterward he frequently showed the effects of the camp life. which was ended by discharge of the regiment at Indianapolis. Mr. Pollard owned one hundred and eleven acres. a part of the land accumulated by his father, and he lived the last part of his life in re- tirement in a comfortable dwelling, situated in the outskirts of Pleasant View. He was summoned to close his eyes on earthily scenes in the early summer of 1909.
John Dake was born in Moral township. Shelby county. Indiana. October 16, 1845. He was the eldest son of Benjamin Dake, and a grandson of the original John, who was the first of the name to come to the county. He be- came a farmer in early life and devoted all of his comparatively short exis- tence to that pursuit. In August. 1868, he married Jane, youngest child of John Pollard. by whom he had six children, only one now living. Martha. the survivor. married Sherman Gould, resides in Moral township, and ha> four children : Celia. John Sherman. Bertha and Mabel. Mr. Dake died in August, 18-8, at the age of thirty-three years. His widow is a member of the household of her brother, A. J. Pollard. at Pleasant View. Mr. Dake and his wife were Baptists.
GEORGE M. WRIGHT.
George M. Wright was born in Shelbyville. Indiana. May 12, 1846, the son of Cyrus and Cora Elizabeth (Glenn) Wright. The former a native of Ohio, came to Indiana from that state in 1833. He taught school for a few years, then studied law and practiced with much success. Away back in the forties he was Probate Judge for about four years. He practiced law in Shelbyville until October 18. 1875. the date of his death. During the last
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twenty years of his life he was in partnership with Eden 11. Davis, under the firm name of Davis & Wright.
Mr. Wright's mother was the daughter of John and Rebecca Glenn. Mr. Wright has three brothers and one sister living, two of the brothers being residents of Indianapolis, John A. and J. Frank. The latter is one of Shelly ville's noted products who is achieving world-wide recognition as a result of his work in rescuing children. He started in this work when a reporter on the Indianapolis Sentinel, and was taken into the office of the township Trus- tee, looking after poor relief. He was then employed by the Associated Char- ities, of Indianapolis. He made a specialty of hunting out the poorer chil- dren and placing them in good homes, keeping oversight of them by personal visitation. In this way over five hundred children have been rescued by him in Indianapolis and other cities of this state. At this writing he is assisting in organizing North and South Carolina on the same basis. He has written books on the subject and gathered much information at first hand, and he is often heard on the lecture platform, where such work is encouraged both in the United States and England. He has a genius for this line and stands pre-eminent in this field.
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