USA > Indiana > Shelby County > History of Shelby County, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the State of Indiana > Part 66
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SHELDON WAGGONER Was born in Rush County, May 18, 1854, where he grew to manhood. He remained at home until his mar- riage, which occurred August 3, 1876. He married Miss Caroline Ross, a native of Shelby County, who was born May 10, 1857, the daughter of Jesse and Eliza (Miller) Ross. They are the parents of five children: Alta M., Luther E., Maud F., Hover C. and John W. In 1881, Mr. Waggoner located on the farm where he now lives, which consists of 233 acres of fine land. He is a most successful man and a fine citizen. His father, John Waggoner, purchased a large farm in Liberty Township, this county, in 1869. He was a Democrat and served as Justice of the Peace. He was a farmer and a very successful one, and highly esteemed by all who knew him.
MARSHALL L. WAGGONER, a native of Rush County, Ind., was born July 28, 1858. He was the second son born to John Wag- goner. He came to this county when only twelve years old, and grew to manhood on the farm where he now lives. When he be- came of age he started for himself, and has given exclusive atten- tion to farming ever since. In 1885, June 9, he married Miss Hattie E. Ensminger, of this county, born September 2, 1863. Mr. Waggoner is one of the finest farmers in his county, and is a worthy and highly esteemed citizen.
R. R. WASHBURN, physician and druggist, was born near Georgetown, Kentucky, March 12, 1833, being the fourth of six children born to Isaac and Maria (Bratton) Washburn, who were , natives of Ohio. Isaac Washburn came to Indiana in 1833, and lo- cated in Franklin County. Later, he moved to Rushville, where he taught school and worked at his trade as shoemaker. He then moved to Kentucky, where he died. He served in the Mexican War. R. R. Washburn received a limited education, and early in
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life was taught to work. He went to Kentucky and worked at the carpenter's trade, but abandoned this and took up the study of medicine, and shortly after came to Rushville, Ind., and entered the office of Dr. Mauzy, where he remained until 1855, when he lo- cated at Cynthiana, Shelby County, and began practice. In 1859, he moved to Waldron, this county, where he now lives. He mar- ried Sarah E. Shults May, 1855. By this marriage there were four children: Ida, Emma, Nora and Harry. By his hard working habits and close attention to his profession, Dr. Washburn won the confidence of the people, and has now a fine practice. He and wife are honored citizens.
NICHOLAS WEINTRAUT, a native of Prussia, Europe, was born October IS, 1833, the only son now living born to Francis and Magdaline (Huchart) Weintraut, both natives of Prussia. Francis W. came to America in 1846, and came to Franklin County, where he purchased land. Here he made a good home of 120 acres. He died in Ripley County at the age of eighty-four, and his wife at the age of seventy-nine. They were members of the Catholic Church. Nicholas Weintraut was twelve years old when he came to this country with his parents. He was the only boy, and had to assist in clearing and rolling logs. He was married, November 9, 1852, to Miss Mary Schof, who was born in France, October 13, 1834. He then started out for himself. He worked the home farm for twelve years, and then sold and located in Ripley County, where he sold furniture, and also run a tin-shop. He moved to Shelby County in 1875, locating upon the farm where he now lives. He is a very successful farmer, and one highly esteemed. He is the father of fourteen children: Mary, wife of John Schriner; Mag- dalena, wife of George Baughman; John, Peter, Nicholas, Lizzie, wife of Otto Lentner; Josephine, a Sister in Oldenburg Convent: Barbara, wife of John Shebo, Rosa, George, Frank, Ana and Jo- seph; Trona died, age one year.
W. C. Yager was born in Lancaster, Penn., November 4, 1833. He was the third of ten children born to George W. and Barbara (Carpenter) Yager, both of Pennsylvania. George W. Yager was a farmer and carpenter. He came to Shelby County in November, 1852. Here Mrs. Yager died, leaving a family of nine children. In 1854, Mr. Yager was married to Miss Amanda Burton. During the last years of his life Mr. Yager gave exclus- ive attention to his trade. He died September 10, 1874. W. C. Yager spent his early life in Ohio. At the age of sixteen, he came to Indiana. He lived with his father and learned the carpenter's trade. He remained at home until twenty years old, when he started for himself. He engaged in the saw mill business for some
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time. He then engaged in manufacturing of tile in partnership with three others: but gave this up and engaged in the business which he is now following. He runs a fine store, carrying a gen- eral stock. He was appointed Post Master of the Blue Ridge post office, in May, 1874. He is a Democrat and member of the I. O. O. F. Blue Ridge Lodge. In June, 1859, he married Miss Eliza- beth Stafford, of Shelby County, born April 3. 1837. Mr. Yager is a thorough business man and a worthy citizen.
MICHAEL YARLING, County Commissioner, is one of the influen- tial men of Shelby County. He was elected County Commissioner in 1886, on the Democratic ticket. In March, 1872, he married Miss Talbert, of this county, born November 22, 1852. They are the parents of three children: Gertrude. born February 6, 1873; Pearl, born November 31, 1874, and Raymond, born November 28, 1882. Mr. Yarling was born in Marion Township, this county, December 15, 1845. He is the seventh of nine children born to Peter and Mary ( Miller) Yarling, the former born July 3, 1810, and the latter March 1, 1812, in Holland, Germany. They came to America in 1833. He worked at bridge building, but when he came to Shelby County, in 1838, he began farming. Having a large family, and little means, he was compelled to work very hard, but he succeeded in building up a good home. He died April II, 1876, aged sixty-six years, and his wife February 9, 1886, aged seventy-five years. They were members of the Lutheran Church.
JOHN H. ZAUSS was born in Hanover, Germany, July 27, 1819. He attended school until fourteen years old and then worked at the shoemaker's trade. In August, 1847, he started for America, land- ing at New Orleans, and went from there to Cincinnati by boat, where he landed December 30, 1847. He then went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he remained until 1853, and then located in Decatur County, Indiana. Here he bought land and this taking all his means, he depended on his hands for support. In 1 866, he purchased his present farm of ninety acres. He abandoned his trade many years ago and now gives exclusive attention to farming. He was married February 11, 1848, at Cincinnati, to Miss Mary Miller, who was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1822. By this marriage seven children were born, of whom six are now living. Mary, wife of George Scherrer, of Howard County, Indiana; John a farmer in this State: Emma, wife of Mr. Litziner, of Shelbyville, Indiana: Elizabeth, wife of John Ridgeway, of Syracuse, Nebraska; Frederick, carpenter, of Syracuse, Nebraska: Amelia, wife of Will- iam Weaver. Mr. Zauss by hard work has made himself a good home. He and his wife are worthy members of the Lutheran Church.
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JAMES M. ADAMS, physician and surgeon, is . a native of Scott County, Ky., where he was born January 15, 1820, being the eld- est in a family of eleven children born to Isaac and Nancy (Polk) Adams, who were also both natives of Scott County, Ky. They emi- grated to Indiana and what is now Hancock County, October 25, IS25, where they lived until 1838, when they came to Shelby County, living there, with the exception of three years, when they resided in Rush County, until 1852, when the father died, the mother's death having occurred in 1850. Our subject grew to man- hood in Hancock County. His early education, which was limited in consequence of the poor facilities of those days, was greatly supplemented by hard study and close application without the aid of a teacher sufficient to enable him to teach. He went with his parents to Rush County, January 14, 1841, where his marriage with Phebe J. Johnson, daughter of Uzal Johnson, was solemnized. For the year immediately subsequent he lived on the farm of his wife's father. He followed agricultural pursuits until 1850, when he be- came afflicted with rheumatism, and was compelled to turn his at- tention to some other vocation. He commenced reading medicine with Dr. H. Comstock, with whom he remained two years. In 1853, he took a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College. He returned and began the practice of medicine at Pleasant View. He only remained there a few months when he returned to Freeport, where he continued in the practice for fourteen years. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Adams eight children were born, of whom these three are now living: Mary. now Mrs. T. F. Vandegrift; Marcellus W., and Martha B., wife of John C. Tyner. June 18. 1864, Mrs. Adams died. December 20, 1864, his and Belinda Johnson's nuptials were celebrated, and their union has been blessed with five children, these three now living: Will C., Ovid L., and Jesse J. In 1867, he removed to Wabash County, living there a period of seven years. In 1874, he returned and entered into practice at Marion, where he has since been engaged. He enjoys quite a large and lucrative practice. He and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Adams having been connected with that or- ganization over forty-six years, and has been a licensed exhorter for twenty-nine years, an active worker in the Sunday School and church, paying especial attention to music.
LEASON BASS, a prominent citizen and native of Marion Town- ship, was born September 3, 1829, being the eighth in a family of twelve children born to Henry and Judiah (Fox) Bass, who were both natives of North Carolina, where their marriage occurred,
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soon after which, in ISIS, they emigrated to Wayne County, Ind., from whence they came to Shelby County in IS21, and they con- tinued residents of this county until their deaths. Leason remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twenty-eight years, receiving a limited education, such as was to be obtained in the primitive log school-houses of those days. August 30, 1857, his marriage with Elmira Nigh was solemnized, and to their union seven children have been born, these five now living: William, who married Elsie Williams; Huldah, Judith, now Mrs. A. E. Lisher: Clara and Lillie. Mr. Bass' occupation has always been farming, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 640 acres of well improved land. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Shelbyville. In politics he is a Republican, and he always manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.
JAMES M. BASSETT, an enterprising farmer of Marion Township, is a native of that township, and was born April 12, 1840, being the next eldest in a family of nine children, four sons and five daughters, born to Sylvester and Susan (Monrony) Bassett. Our subject was reared to manhood on the home farm, remaining at home and assisting his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twenty-two years, receiving what was for those days a common education. August, 1861, his marriage with Clarinda A. Norvell was solemnized, and to their union seven sons have been born: William N., who married Ona Sally, George, Elmer, Curtis, Walter, Haves and Clancy. Mr. Bassett has always been farming, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 297 acres of well improved land. He, wife and family, are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Republican, and he was honored with an election to the office of Trustee for two terms, discharging the duties of that position in a highly creditable man- ner. Mrs. Bassett was born October, 1841. She was the daughter of Thomas and Lorinda ( Hankins) Norvell. Mr. Bassett has cleared and drained about 160 acres, and his home farm is a model of neatness.
GEORGE BILLMAN, deceased, was a native of Germany, born October 16, 1809. He was the son of Jacob Billman. He grew to manhood in his native country. He received there a good common school education in his mother tongue. When about twenty-one years of age he emigrated to the United States; he first located in New York State, remaining there five years, whence he removed to Hamilton County, Ind., where he met, and won the hand in marriage of, Miss Margaret Eckert, by
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whom he became the father of twelve children, of whom these five survive him: Elizabeth, widow of John Deprez: Katharine, wife of Lewis Kaster; Caroline, consort of Christian Billman; Margaret, now Mrs. B. Fox, and Lewis who married Lida Star. The deceased children were: Michael, who died leaving a widow and family of five children: George died when quite young: John, whose widow and three children survive him: Charles, Emma, William and Josephine. For the first five years after coming to the United States, he was engaged in work at his trade, that of weaver. After his settlement in Indiana he always made farming his occupation. He came to Shelby County, nearly, if not quite fifty years ago. He was a very successful farmer, and died the proprietor of over 500 acres, which was all accumulated by hard work and strict economy. He was a self-made man in the truest sense of the term. He was a member of the German Presbyterian Church, and always endeavored to live a true and consistent Chris- tian life. December IS, 1886, he died, and in his death the com- munity lost an honored and respected citizen, one whose memory will be revered for years to come: he went to join his wife who had preceded him, she dying January 20, 1883. Lewis inherited one-half of the home farm, he having always remained at home and assisted them in their declining years. To him and wife two children have been born: Georgie and Clara. He has been quite successful as a farmer. In politics he is a Democrat, and he always manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of his township, where he ranks as one of the enterprising and progressive young citizens. F 12
MILTON BOOHER is a native of Marion Township, born August 29, 1852, the only child of A. C. and Lucinda ( Rhodes) Booher, who were natives of Lewis County, Virginia, and Shelby County, respectively. The latter died September 14, 1856, the former emi- grated to Shelby County with his parents, in 1826, and is still living. Our subject remained at home until he attained his majority, receiv- ing a common education such as the facilities of those days afforded. August 30, 1873, his marriage with Nancy A. Wicker, was solem- nized, and to their union four daughters have been born, Elma B., Elva A., Hattie M. and Mary C. Mr. Booher has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 129 acres of well improved land. He is a member of the United Brethren, his wife of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat. Rebecca Booher, wife of Jacob Booher, is now living and has attained the good old age of eighty-one years, having been born July 18, 1806. She came with her husband to Shelby County about 1826, making her residence in this county for over sixty years.
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Jacob Booher was a native of New Jersey, born April 13, 1799, he died at the age of about seventy-six. Elijah Wicker, father of Mrs. Booher, was born in North Carolina, came to Shelby County when he was but two years old and is still living at the age sixty-eight years. His wife was Milly Fair.
JAMES K. BOWERS, of Marion Township, is a native of Mont- gomery County, Ind., and was born October 9, 1844, the next youngest in a family of seven children born to Henry and Mary Bowers, who went to Montgomery County from East Tennessee. They both died when our subject was but six years of age, and he was taken and reared to manhood by William A. Bennett, of this county. He received a common education, such as was to be afforded in those days. He remained with Mr. Bennett until he attained his majority. March 21, 1866, his marriage with Zerua J. Cross was solemnized and to their union five children have been born these four now living: Arthur G., Leora G., Alvin and Charles C., the deceased child was the next eldest named Clarence. September 7, 1861, he enlisted as volunteer private in Company F, Fifty-first Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry where he served until December 16, 1864, when he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., on account of expiration of term of service. He was present and participated in the following important engage- ments: Shiloh. Stone River, Days' Gap, Crooked Run, Blount Farm, Cedar Bluff near Rome, Ga., where he was made prisoner remaining thirteen days, when he was paroled. He was under Thomas at Atlanta, Columbia, Tenn., Springfield, Franklin, Nash- ville, besides a number of minor engagements. Mr. Bowers has always made farming his occupation. He, in the last ten years, has devoted considerable attention to, and has been successful, in raising and dealing in fine poultry of the Light Brahma variety and he has been successful in his farming. He now owns ninety-six acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He belongs to the Central Indiana Poultry Association. being honored by an election to the office of Vice President of that society, and in IS83, he was honored with an election to the position of Road Superintendent for Marion Township. He entered the army as a poor boy at the early age of not quite seventeen years. He saved his money and at the ex- piration of his service had amassed the handsome sum of $666.
DR. JAMES BOWLBY, physician and surgeon at Marion, is a native of Rush County, and was born February 17, 1854. He is the youngest in a family of eight children, born to Dennis and Eliza A. (Cregar) Bowlby, who were both natives of New Jersey. They removed to Shelby County in 1869, where they have since
John S. Wheeler
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lived. The Doctor remained at home with his parents until he attained his majority, receiving a common school education in the schools of the county, sufficient to enable him to teach, which he did for six terms in Rush County. His attention was devoted to farming in the intervals between terms. In ISSo, he commenced reading medicine with Dr. Lot Green, with whom he continued three years, during which time he took two courses of lectures at the medical college of Ohio, at Cincinnati, graduating from that in- stitution in March, 1883, when he immediately located at Marion where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He enjoys a good lucrative practice. April 28, 1885, his marriage with Mary E. Yarling was solemnized, and one child has blessed their union: Bertha. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Shelbyville. In politics he is a Republican.
MAHLON BOWMAN, a prominent citizen of Marion Township, is a native of Franklin County, Ind., where he was born March S, I845, being the sixth in a family of nine children born to Moses and Evaline (Gordon) Bowman: the latter was also a native of Frank- lin County. The family came to this county in the year 1851, and remained residents of it until their death, the former dying Decem- ber 15, IS72, and the latter, December, 1885. Mahlon received a common school education. March 28, 1878, his marriage with Eliza Pumphrey, a native of Fayette County, was solemnized, and to their union this one child has been born: Nelson T. Mrs. Bow- man is a daughter of B. M. and Eliza Pumphrey; she was born December 3, 1849. Mr. Bowman has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns IIO acres of well improved land. In 1865, Mr. Bowman enlisted in Com- pany C, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, but he never saw any active service, the war closing a few months after his enlistment. In politics he is a Republican, and he always manifests a good, live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.
MELVIN BOWMAN is a native of Franklin County, Ind., born December 25, 1846, being seventh in a family of nine children born to Moses and Evaline (Gordon) Bowman. Our subject remained at home with and assisted his parents until he attained the age of twenty-eight years, receiving a common school education, such as the facilities of those days afforded. November 30, IS75. his marriage. with Sarah F. Monroney was solemnized, and to their union these two children have been born: Jessie and Clara. Mr. Bowman has always been a farmer, and he has been quite successful, and now owns eighty acres of well improved land. He and family
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are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican.
LEANDER Fox, a native of Marion Township, was born No- vember 21, 1836, the fifth in a family of nine children born to Jacob and Sarah (Reed) Fox, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Kentucky; they both came to Shelby County with their parents, in an early day, where they remained until their deaths. She died August 19, 1852, aged forty years; he died De- cember 22, 1870, aged nearly seventy-two years. Leander re- mained at home and assisted his parents until he attained his ma- jority, receiving a limited education in keeping with the facilities afforded in those days. In 1857, he emigrated to Missouri, re- maining there until 1860, spending the summer of that year on the plains. In the fall of 1860, he located in Kansas, where he lived until the following spring, when, in May, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, 2nd Kansas Volunteer Infantry, where he served, lacking three days of three months, when he was wounded at the Battle of Wilson's Creek, Springfield. Missouri. in the knee, which rendered his leg stiff and compelled his retirement from the service. He then returned to Shelby County, where he has since made his
home. December 31, 1864, his marriage with Lida Phares was solemnized. Since his marriage he has made farming his occupa- tion, and he has been quite successful. He now owns IIO acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Uuited Brethren Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
HENRY T. GAINES, a prominent citizen of Marion Township, is a native of Madison County, Va., and was born September 12, ISIO, the son of William M. and Sarah A. (Rucker) Gaines, who were natives of Orange and Madison Counties, Va., respectively. Henry Gaines, grandfather of our subject, was of English descent, always a resident of Virginia. Angus Rucker was born in Vir- ginia, of French parentage. He served with distinction in the War for our Independence. He raised a company, was elected Captain, and served during the entire struggle in that position, refusing to be promoted. He lived to the good old age of about ninety years. William M. Gaines was born January 31, 1777, grew to manhood in his native State, married there October 4, 1804, and in ISII; they removed to Boone County, Kv., where they made their home until their deaths. He died November 21, 1856, and was buried in his native State, he being there on a business trip. Our imme- diate subject was reared to manhood in Boone County, Ky., re- ceiving a common education, such as was to be obtained in the subscription schools of those days. August 9, 1836, he came from Kentucky, and was united in marriage with Matilda Cornelius,
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daughter of George and Elizabeth Cornelius, who had come to Shelby County from Boone County in the fall of 1833. Mr. Gaines was engaged in the mercantile business at Petersburg, Ky., and re- turned there with his wife where they lived until 1838, when he disposed of his stock of goods and came to, and has since made his home in, Shelby County. The following spring he established a store in connection with which he was engaged in clearing and im- proving his farm. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gaines three children have been born, these two are now living: George C. and William C., the latter a resident of Saline County, Mo. Mr. Gaines continued the mercantile business on his farm for about five years, since which time he has made farming his principal occupa- tion, in connection with which he has dealt in stock most all his life. He was in partnership, in 1850, with James E. Robertson, in the mercantile trade, at Shelbyville, for one year, and, in 1859, in company with E. G. Cornelius under the firm name of Gaines & Cornelius, which continued for a period of six or seven years. From a business point of view, he has been quite successful. He now owns 200 acres of well improved land. He and wife are mem- bers of the Baptist Church. He also belongs to the Masonic fra- ternity. In politics he is a Democrat, and he has been honored with an election to the offices of Township Trustee, two terms, and Justice of the Peace. Mr. George Cornelius, father of Mrs. Gaines, was a prominent and influential citizen. He was a native of Virginia, came here in 1833, and, in 1837 moved to Dearborn County, Ind., from whence, in 1859, he returned to Shelby County, locating in Shelbyville, and, in 1866, removed to Illinois and died in that State, November 14, 1868, at the age eighty-one years. His wife died in Indianapolis, July 1, 1871, at the age of eighty- three years.
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