Union Township

Union Township

his present successful undertaking in the village of Eaton. In 1890, in connection with B. F. Houseman, he established the business of manufacturing hoops and spokes in Albany and Eaton, and at the present time the output of the factory is the enormous number of 20,000 yearly. This plant has become widel}^ known for the excellence of the w'ork done and is well patronized. In March, 1893, Bartlett purchased the interest of his partner, and has since conducted the business on his sole account.

Mr. Bartlet was married February I 5, 1887, in Eaton, to Miss Lola, daughter of David Brandt, of Eaton, and one child has been born, September 22, 1891, and has been named Lerlie. Mr. Bartlett believes that the democratic party advocates those measures which will best govern this great country, hence he always votes with that organization. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic order and is much esteemed in his place of residence. He is one of the representative business men of the town in which he resides and enjoys the confidence and esteem of a large and influential circle of friends throughout Delaware and adjacent counties.

AVID BRANDT. - Although the town of Eaton, Ind., is but a small part of the county of Delaware, it has more than its portion of successful business men, and among these the gentleman for whom this sketch is written is well and favorably known. Mr. Brandt was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, July 3, 1815, a son of David and Martha (Hamilton) Brandt. The father was born in Mechanicsburg, Pa., October 22, 1876, the mother near Shippensburgh, the same state, July 27, 1875. David Brandt, Sr., lost his wife July 17, 1847, and he survived her about two years. They were the parents of thirteen children, as follows: Adam, Barbara, Eve, Francis, IMary, John, George, David, Ruth, Samuel, Jacob, Martin, and Isaac, all of whom passed away except David and Isaac, the last named being the present post master at Des Moines, Iowa. During early life, David Brandt, Sr., was a school teacher, also was engaged in the making of saddles, and carried on farming at the same time. He w'as a Dunkard in his religious faith, and a very conscientious and moral man. His declaration to his sons that he would leave them a legacy of an unblemished life, was carried out, and is now recalled with pride by the survivors. Early in life he was a whig, but at the formation of the republican party he attached himself to that faith, and so continued until his death. Mrs. Martha Brandt was a member of the Presbyterian church, a good and pious woman. When seventy-eight years of age Mr. Brandt moved to De Kalb county, Ind., and took charge of the post office, and attended to his official duties until within two weeks of his death.

David Brandt, Jr., was reared to manhood in Fairfield county, Ohio, and there learned the shoemaker trade, in which he was engaged until 1840. He left Ohio February 17, of that year, and located in Cass county, Ind., where he was engaged in the manufacture of shoes until May 15, 1842, when he came to Delaware county, locating in Union township, where he followed the shoe business, moving in 1851 to the town of Eaton, with the comm.ercial interests of which he has since been prominently identified. He has now a very prosperous business, owning a dry goods store, and also dealing in boots and shoes. Mr. Brandt has seen the country grow from a wilderness to its present advanced state of civilization. When he came, it was an almost unbroken forest and the location where his business house now stands was covered with brambles. He can relate, in the most interesting manner, tales of those early times when all settlers stood upon the same social plane, and good feeling and hospitality were universal. During his long residence here he has seen the changes, many for the better, but a few not so much so. At one time Mr. Brandt owned 400 acres of land, but he has sold all but eighty, in this township. He married in this county, October 22, 1842, Miss Jane

Long, born in Clinton county, Ohio, a daughter of Robert and Jane (Woodruff) Long, natives of Kentucky, of Irish ancestry. Six children were born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Brandt, as follows: John, who gave up his life for his country. He entered the Sixtyfourth regiment, Indiana volunteer infantry, September 20, 1863, and died January 12,

1864, in Chattanooga hospital. No. 4; Robert, a merchant of Eaton; Martha, wife of Daniel Endee, the secretary of the Glass works; Alice, the wife of Mitchell Neff; Wayman, deceased and Elmira, the wife of James Long, a farmer of Nebraska. Mrs. Brandt died Api'il 15, 1861, and her remains lie in the cemetery at Eaton. She was a consistent member of the Disciples church. Mr. Brandt married April 17, 1862, Mrs. Susan Sabin, who was born near Germantown, Mongomery county, Ohio, August 27, 1827, a daughter of Beniah and Sarah (Shafer) Eshtenfelder, of German extraction. To this marriage six children were born, as follows: an infant, deceased: Louise, wife of R. C. Peterson;

Willie, clerk for his father; Viola, wife of Oscar Bartlett, a hoop manufacturer, and Chloe and Gertrude, deceased. Eor more than forty years Mr. and Mrs. Brandt have been members of the Christian church, he being the only one now left of the original organizers of the church in this locality. Politically he is a republican, voted for William

Henry Harrison in 1^36, and in 1892 voted for Benjamin Harrison. Socially he is a member of the Masonic order and is one of thd best citizens of the county.

ILLIAM COX is a highly respected citizen of Union township, Delaware connty, and was born in Preble county, Ohio, December 7, 1832, being the son of Isaac B. and Mary (Helm) Cox, both of English descent. His father went from Maryland to Tennessee when eighteen years old and was married while living in the latter state. He then went to Ohio and remained for five years, when he came to Delaware county, Ind. , and settled upon the farm which he now owns. With haste he built his log cabin and removed into it when it had neither floor nor door. After a number of years he split his flooring out of blue ash and hewed it down. This humble house was his home for twenty-five years, when he built the comfortable home his son, William, now lives in, the same being sided up with pebble-dash siding. Here he spent the remainder of his days and passed away in the fall of 1870.

The names of the brothers and sisters of William Cox are : Sarah, wife of Robert Lansing; Caroline, wife of J. C. Long; Nancy, wife of William Adsit; Joanna, wife of Isaac Sleeth; Eliza, wife of Dr. Helm - William being the youngest of the family. When William Cox was twenty-two he went to Minnesota, where he remained one year, and then returned home, his mother dying soon after, in 1854. Again leaving home he went to the Rocky mountains, at Gold Run, Colo., and worked in the mines for four years, being very successful and making enough to buy the farm upon which he lives, then consisting of eighty acres. Subsequently he bought the farm of his father, consisting of 200 acres.

William Cox was married, December lO, 1865, to America Long, daughter of William and Anna (McLaughlin) Long, of English and Scotch descent, respectively. The parents of Mrs. Cox came from Clinton county, Ohio, at an early day and settled in Delaware county, Ind., on what is known as the William Props farm. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Cox are: Lucetta, wife of Joseph Hinton; John W. , a farmer; Martha J., wife of John Morris; and Mary, wife of John Pilkey - Mrs. Cox being the second child. After his marriage, Mr. Cox settled upon the farm where he now lives, a splendid tract, consisting of 306 acres, finely improved. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are the parents of five children, namely: Charles V., a farmer; Anna, wife of Ezra Armstrong; John, a farmer; Erank, and Jennie Fern.

When Isaac B. Cox settled here there were no roads between this point and Muncie, and game of all kinds abounded. During a period of thirty-five years of their married life Mr. and Mrs. Cox had no cook stove, and the father worked with a wooden plow, and cut his grain and grass with a sickle and other oldfashioned tools and implements. Once a year these parents made a trip to Ohio for flour, salt and coffee, and hauled it home in a wagon drawn by oxen. The first wheat grown in this section was called "sick," and could not be eaten. Mrs. Cox is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is highly esteemed in that body and also by all who know her. Mr. Cox is a member of the Masonic order and is much esteemed for his active interest in that society. He is a republican, having cast his first vote for Fremont and his last for Harrison.

It will be seen that the Cox family are of pioneer stock, and that the township is somewhat indebted to them for its splendid present development, and the present generation is not at all behind in continuing the good work.

EORGE W. DUKE is a successful farmer of Union township, who was born in North Carolina, May 22, 1820, being the son of James and Catherine (Reece) Duke, natives of Virginia. James Duke went from Virginia to North Carolina after he was married, and was overseer for Capt. Williams on a slave plantation for four years. He then removed to Henry county, Ind., where he entered 120 acres of land, cleared the same, and after a life of toil died in 1873, and was buried in the Canada cemetery in Henry county, where his mother was buried in 1833. To James and Cathe e Duke were born the following chil George W. ; John, living in California; Edward, a farmer; William, an invalid; and James, a laborer.

George W. Duke left home when a lad of sixteen, and worked by the month for three or four years, after which he went into the business of buying stock-, and continued at that for twenty-five years. He was married in the year 1847 to Jane, daughter of William and Hannah Smith, her parents being of Irish and German descent, respectively. The people of Mrs. Duke all lived in Virginia, and in the year 1870 came to Henry county, Ind., and spent the remainder of their days. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Duke, are: Carlson, a grocer; Myer, a farmer; Emeline, wife of Myer Bell; and Minerva, wife of Miles Pierce.

George W. Duke first settled upon a farm of 160 acres in Henry county, and lived there the twenty-five years he was dealing in stock. From that point he came to Delaware county, Ind., and lived near Selma for four years on a farm; then moved upon a farm west of Muncie, resided there four years, after which he bought the farm of 120 acres, in 1882, upon which he now lives. His children by his marriage to Jane Smith were ten in number.

John, a barber in Missouri; Martha, wife of George Koons; James, a liveryman in Eaton; Morrison, a cattle dealer in Texas; Joseph, a farmer in Illinois; Scott, a farmer; George, deceased: Newton, a locomotive engineer, and Luther, restaurant keeper in Missouri. The mother of this large and interesting family died in Henry county in 1873 and was buried there. Mr. Duke remained there a short time and then married Sarah, daughter of Wilson and Sarah (Dixon) Wisehart, both of German extraction. The people of the second Mrs. Duke went from Virginia to Tennessee; lived there for several years, and then went to Henry county, Ind., where they lived upon a farm. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Duke, namely, Josie. Mr. Duke and his wife are members of the Christian church, and are very much esteemed by all who know them. Mr. Duke has given up buying and selling stock, and devotes his entire time to the management of his farm.

ISAAC G. GOODRICK is widely known throughout Union township, and the adjacent country, and is highly respected, being a farmer of industrious habits and correct life. He was born in Ohio, was reared on a farm, and married at the age of twenty-six to Martha, daughter of John and Asenath (Greenleaf) Murphy, her father being a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of ^hrginia. The parents of Mrs. Goodrich came to Delaware county, Ind., first settling near Smithfield, in Liberty township, and then removing to Albany, where they spent the remainder of their da}^s, the father dying January 5, 1885, and the mother September 5, 1872. A fine monument marks their resting place in Bethel cemetery. The brothers and sisters of Mrs Goodrich are Samuel B., a

Isaac G. Goodrich first settled on a farm near Albany, where he lived two years, and then removed to the Reesling farm, near Smithfield, where he lived three years. At this time he bought eighty acres near his present farm, and lived there sixteen years; then, selling out, he bought his present farm, consisting of I I rj acres, where he has lived for the past eighteen years. The children by our subject's marriage are seven in number, namely; Thomas W. , a farmer; Albert L. , deceased; Walter A., a teacher; John N., deceased; Emma O., Mary M., wife of Riley Garrard, and Josie L. The parents and children are members of the Christian church, and are highly respected by all who know them. The children have received a good common school education, and are occupying worthy and useful positions in 'the community in which they live. Mr. Goodrich is a republican, and cast his first vote for Lremont.

AMUEL J. HARTLE, was born in Miami county, Ohio, December 26, 1851, being the son of Andrew and Anna (Petersiamee) Hartle. The father was born in Pennsylvania, and his father came to Ohio when his son was but ten years old, bringing him with the family. Mrs. Anna Hartle came from Germany with her parents when she was but ten years old. They settled in Miami county, Ohio, where she, like her husband, grew to maturity. There they were married and lived until 1882, when they came to Union township, Delaware county, Ind., where they live upon a well improved farm of eighty acres. The family comprised the following brothers and sisters: Jacob, John, and and James, farmers; Barbara, wife of Jacob Baker; Hester, wife of Mahlon Martin, Fannie, wife of Zachariah Tobias, and India, wife of Isaac Tobias. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Anna Hartle are, Adam, Henry, and Martin, farmers; Christena, the wife of C. Smith; Harriet, wife of John Hartle; and Mary, the wife of Dr. Lingen. Samuel J. Hartle has no brother, but four sisters: India, Sarah, wife of Henry McDowell; Cassie, wife of Charles Carpenter, and Mina, wife of Levi .Hayworth. After Samuel j. was of age he remained on the farm until two years before he was married, and these two years his sister kept house for him. In 1875, February ii, he was married to Hester, daughter of Wilson J. and Nancy Johnson. Her parents were of English descent, and lived near Cincinnati for a number of years; they moved to Champaign county, Ohio, where they bought land, and lived the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1892, and the mother in 1872, both being buried in Honey Creek cemetery in that county. The father of Mrs. Hartle had one brother, Samuel. After his marriage, Samuel J. rented his uncle's farm for four years, and then moved in with his father, and has farmed his place ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Hartle are the parents of six children, namely: Mahlon, Emma, Charles, Wesley, Martin, Willie and Onie Maud. The family are members of the German Reformed church, and are held very high in esteem by all who know them. Mr. Hartle is a democrat in politics.

AMES M. MOTSENBOCKER. - The following biography concerns one of the members of a popular and successful business firm of the town of Eaton, Ind. , a gentleman of many talents and a fine character. Mr. Motsenbocker was born in

Marion county, Ind., December 30, 1856, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Draper) Motsenbocker. The father was born in Crittenden county, Ky. , and was left an orphan at an early age, but when eighteen years old he came to Indiana and located in Marion county, where he followed his trade of coopering until the close of the late war, and then engaged in farming in Boone county, following the same in connection with coopering, at Zionsville. In 1869 he removed to Grant county, and there engaged in farming until the fall of 1877, when he removed to Kentucky, where he decided to remain two years, at the end of which time he removed to Arkansas, where he and wife remained until his death, in 1881, she surviving him one year.

Samuel Motsenbocker was of a roving disposition, but was a good man, and never willingly injured any one. The political party to which he held allegiance was the republican, and he took much interest in the affairs of the nation. Mrs. Motsenbocker was a member of the Disciples of Ghrist church and died in that faith. They were the parents of seven children, as follows: Surilda, the wife of Joseph Cluster, of Arkansas; James M., our subject; Elias, of this place; Mary C, of Kansas; Leander M. , Delos S., and Nancy A., all three deceased, and Sylvester L. , of this place.

James M. Motsenbocker was reared in Grant county until he was about sixteen years of age. Eor three years he worked for an uncle near Indianapolis and thus assisted his father, and later attended school in winter and worked during the summer until he had acquired a good common school education. He was a lad of more than ordinary intelligence and ability, and was possessed of a desire for a thorough education. For five weeks he attended school at Gharlottesville, Ind., and upon his return to Grant county obtained a certificate, enabling him to teach school, which he did for six nronths. In the winter of 1875 he thus taught, and in the following summer studied telegraphy at the business college at Indianapolis, but this term lasted only six weeks, and, having an opportunity, he taught during the following winter in Grant county and the next summer attended two terms of school at Lebanon, Ohio. The following winter, Mr. Motsenbocker taught in Marion county, Ind., and when his school was out attended one term at Terre Haute, following this with one term. more of teaching in Marion county, and then, to recuperate after so much intellectual labor, he returned for a time to farm labor. In the fall of 1878 he came to Delaware county and engaged in teaching until 1888, and then embarked in the hardware business until the following January, when, in company with Dr. A. L. Murray, he bought the drug store of which they are now the proprietors, and where they carry a full line of drugs, wall papers, etc. - in fact, they have the largest and most complete line in the county outside of Muncie. Mr. Motsenbocker was married in Delaware county, December 25, 1885, to Nanny A. Peterson, daughter of Eli and Sarah (Hook) Peterson, of Green county, Ohio. One child has come to bless this union. Merlin Bliss. Mrs. Motsenbocker is a member of the Methodist church, and a very estimable lady. Politically Mr. Motsenbocker is a republican and is considered a valuable member of the party. He is a stockholder in the Eaton Window Glass company and was its manager for some time. He is also interested in the Mississinewa Land Improvement company, and is its secretary and treasurer, and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

James M. Motsenbocker, although yet quite a young man, has shown himself to be made of sterling material, and to be worthy of the pioneer family from which he is descended.

R. ALFRED LESLEY MURRAY. - Conspicuous among the successful professional men of the town of Eaton, Delaware county, Ind., is Dr. A. L. Murray. Dr. Murray was bron in Henry county, Ind., February 25, 1845, a son of

James and Catherine (Taylor) Murray, the former born in Pennsylvania, July 19,- 1813, and the latter in Indiana, March 31,. 1817. James and Catherine Murray were married in Wayne county, Ind., November 19, 1835, 3-nd immediately thereafter located in Henry county and engaged in farming. During the winter seasons Mr. Mui'ray engaged in teaching school, which profession he followed for several years after his marriage. In 1880 he sold his farm and built a home in Blountsville, Henry county, Ind., and has since then resided there. Mr. and Mrs. Murray were among the early pioneers of Henry county, he buying his first forty acres of land in 1838. During his farming life, he accumulated some 200 acres and was a very prosperous and successful business man. In 1855 he was stricken with paralysis, and since that time he has not been able to do much in any active line. In early life he was a whig, but later joined the republican party. Public affairs, particularly temperance and educational matters, have interested him greatly, and he has always been regarded as a man of intelligence and high moral character. Mr. and Mrs. Murray reared the following family; F. W. , of Henry county, where he is engaged in farming; S. T. , a physician of Greentown, Howard county; Mary A., deceased; Alfred L. , Helen,. Viretta and Alice, all three deceased, and Laura, the wife of R A. Johnson, of Hamilten township, Delaware county.

Dr. A. L. Murray was reared on the home farm and received the advantages afforded in the common schools, remaining with his parents until he was nineteen years old. At the age ot eighteen he began teaching in Delaware county, in 1863, and taught six terms, and two years later entered upon the study of medicine, under the direction of Dr. John A. Windle, of Blountsville. He continued his reading with him for eighteen months, finished his preparatory course with Dr. D. N. Kendall of the same place, subsequently passing one term in the Ohio Medical college at Cincinnati, and then began his practice at Economy, Wayne county, in 1867, at which place he remained one year. He then returned to Blountsville, where he practiced his profession until 1873, at which time he located in Granville, Delaware county, and in 1884 removed to Eaton, where he practiced until 1892, when failing health caused him to retire. In 1889 he engaged in the drug business with J. M. Motsenbocker. Dr. Murray was married December 24, 1870, to Miss Viretta Jordan, of Delaware county, where she was born January, 30, 1849, 9- daughter of W. A. and America (Davidson) Jordan, of Irish and English descent. Three children have been born to this union: Bertha, wife of C. K. Van

Buskirk; Goldie, and Cora deceased. Politically, the doctor is a republican. He takes great interest in public affairs and is one of the representative citizens of Delaware county.

AVID P. ORR was born in Greene county, Ohio, January 5, 1837, a son of Joseph and Mary (Hoppings) Orr, natives of Ireland and Ohio. Joseph Orr left Ireland when a lad of eleven years, and came to Monroe county, Va., where he helped his father on the farm until he grew to manhood, and then removed to Greene county, Ohio, where he worked in a woolen factory, later in a saw mill, but in the year 1840, he came to Delaware county, Ind., and bought

! near Selma, where he lived and died, March 28, 1881, and the mother at the home of our i subject, August 26, 1886. They were laid to ! rest near Selma, in the Orr cemetery. In those days large families were the rule among the worthy pioneers, and Mr. and Mrs. Orr had nine children, as follows: David, James, deceased; Josephine, wife of Aaron Sholty; Ann Eliza, wife of Mordecai Whitne}-; Elizabeth M. , deceased; Martha, who died in Iowa, was the wife of Hugh HcHardy; Julia, wife of Zeph. Martin, and Joseph J., deceased in in- I fancy.

When the civil war broke out among those ' who hastened to offer his country his services was our subject, who enlisted July 29, 1861, at i Indianapolis in company K, Nineteenth Indij ana volunteer infantry. From there the regij ment was sent to Washington, D. C. , where I they remained until the last of April, 1862,

I South Mountain, Anteitam, Fredericksburg and Fitz Hugh crossing. They were taken to ] Belle Plains, Va. , on the Potomac river, j where they went into winter quarters. In the spring, operations were commenced under Gen. Hooker, who took them across the river to Chancellorsville, from there to Frederick, Md. , and on to Gettysburg, after which they wintered at Mine Run. Mr. Orr re-enlisted at Culpeper, Va. , as a veteran and was given a furlough of thirty days, after which the regiment remained at Culpeper until March 5, 1864, when they took part in the following j battles: Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North

Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Weldon railroad, where he was discharged October 19, 1864. He draws a pension for his services and was one of the fortunate ones who came out of the war unhurt.

At the age of twenty-four years Mr. Orr was married to Miss Rebecca Sholty, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Musselman) Sholty, both of German extraction. They had come from Pennsylvania in 1838 and settled upon an eighty-acre farm, later buying twelve acres more, where Mr. Sholty now lives in comfort. The mother was laid to rest February 3, 1890, and was buried in Liberty township, near Selma. When Mr. and Mrs. Sholty came to this part of the country, they were members of the United Brethren church, but later united with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Orr, Sr., were members of the United Presbyterian. He was a man widely known and served as commissioner for one term. The three brothers of Mrs. Orr are all farmers - Aaron, in Indiana; William, in Kansas, and John, in Pennsylvania, and her sister Mary resides at home.

David P. Orr first settled on a farm near Selma, where he lived until 1879, when he sold this and came to Union township, near Eaton, where he pui-chased eighty acres of extra fine and well improved land, where he now resides. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Orr are as follows: William H., married

Belle Davis and they live Eeaton; Christian W., May 9, 1893, married Miss Bertha Graham; John B., Ida L. , Cora, died February I, 1885, and is buried at Eaton, and Samuel. As members of his family, Mr. Orr has two of his grandchildren, Oscar and Ethel Younts. He and family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church and the whole family is one highly esteemed throughout Union township.

AVID S. RENCH. - Among the farmers of Union township, David S. Rench is one of the most earnest, hardworking and enterprising. He was born in Blackford county, Ind. , September 25, 1864, the son of John and Elizabeth (Studebaker) Rench, who were both of German extraction, John Rench and his wife moved from Pennsylvania to Miami county, Ohio, and purchased eighty acres of land, and after living there several years sold out and came to Blackford county. Inch, living there until 1873. Selling out again, they came to Delaware county, Ind., and purchased forty acres, which were situated near Shideler, on which farm they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Rench had a family of ten children : Mary, wife of Elsworth Galbraith; Abraham, a farmer; David; Sarah, wife of Louis Holliday; Emma, John, a farmer; Henry, a farmer; Bertha; Hattie, deceased; and Joseph.

1 889, when he married Miss Sarah Haynes, the daughter of John and Catherine (Ashenfelter) Haynes, the former of English and the latter of German extraction. John Haynes was born and reared in Indiana, while his wife was born and reared in Ohio. After their marriage they settled in Union township, where they now reside. They had four children, whose names are: Sarah; William, deceased; Flora A. ; and Anna P. The father of these children is a very honest, industrious, influential and highly respected citizen. He served as supervisor for several terms, and is a member of the order of Red Men, and he and his wife are members of the Christian church.

Mr. and Mrs. David S. Rench have been blessed with two children, Lulie and William M. Mr. Rench resides on his grandfather's farm, which consists of 160 acres. He is an honest and hardworking man, and is highly respected in Union township. He is a faithful member of the Dunkard church, and Mrs. Rench of the Christian Disciples church at Eaton, and both show the sincerity of their faith in their conduct.

OSMER IRWIN REASONER, M. D., is a descendant of an old and highly respectable family, which settled in Blackford county, Ind. , at an early period in the history of that part of the state. His grandparents, Peter and Rhoda (Fry) Reasoner were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. The great-grandfather, Benjamin Reasoner, was born April 27, 1770, the son of Peter Reasoner, who left Germany for France in early manhood, and in 1770, during a religious persecution emigrated to America, locating in Pennsylvania, having married Sallie Spears in France. Then, in 1805, he located in Muskingum county, Ohio, where they lived and died quite aged. Peter and Rhoda Reasoner, grandparents of Osmer I. , were married in Ohio, and in 1832, with their family, then consisting of two children, set out by a team for Indiana, which they reached after a long and tedious journey, locating in what is now Licking township, in the county of Blackford. It w'as here, in an almost unbroken forest, that this hardy pioneer began to lay the foundation of a home, and all the vicissitudes and hardships incident to those early times were experienced by him in full measure. He was a true type of the settler of sixty years ago, a successful hunter, an energetic, hard working farmer, and most estimable Christian gentleman of the Presbyterian faith, as his ancestors were before him. He died on the farm where he settled in October, 1868. The following are the names of the children born to Peter and Rhoda Reasoner: Levina S., Washington F., MaryE., Noah H., Calista Ann., John B., Almira C. , and Jacob M. Washington F. Reasoner, father of the gentleman whose name introduces this mention, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, July 27, 1830, was reared amid the scenes of pioneer times, and, on arriving at a suitable age, his ax was swung in unison with that of his father's in the work of clearing the farm. He was united in marriage, October 15, 1850, to Rachael Slater, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, June 26, 1829. Mrs. Reasoner accompanied her parents, Jacob and Sarah (Alban) Slater, to Indiana in the year 1836, settling in Blackford county. Her father died in September, 1839, and the mother departed this life in July, 1840. W. F. and Rachael Reasoner are the parents of the following children: Mary K. , deceased; Harriet Samantha, deceased; Ethan Thomas, a prominent attorney of Peru, Ind. ; Osmer Irwin, the subject of this sketch; Rhoda Ann, wife of Lewis D. Mc- Vicker; Riley R. ; Allie Maria; and Orval Madison. Mr. Reasoner is one of the substantial agriculturists of Blackford county and has been residing upon his present beautiful farm since the year i860. During his long period of residence in the county of Blackford, embracing a period of over sixty years, he has witnessed many important changes, and by his upright character and conduct has gained the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens.

Dr. Osmer I. Reasoner, the immediate subject of this mention, was born November 20, 1852, in Grant county, Ind. His youthful years were spent on the farm of his father, and at the age of nineteen he entered the academy of Wabash college, Crawfordsville, Ind., for a period of two years. Having decided to enter the medical profession, he began the study of the same shortly after finishing his literary education with Dr. Reasoner at the town New Cumberland, Grant county, under whose instructions he continued three years, and then entered upon a course in the Ohio I^Iedical college at Cincinnati. Subsequently, he became a student of the Kentucky school of Medicine, Louisville, graduating from the same upon the 29th of June, 1876, after which he began the practice of his profession at the town of Wheeling, Delaware county, where he remained for a limited period. In April, 1878, he removed to his present location, the town of Shideler, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice, which embraces a large area throughout the northern part of Delaware county and southern part of Blackford county.

Dr. Reasoner began the practice at the town of Shideler under circumstances not the most encouraging - the sum total of his earthly wealth at the time consisting of but seven dollars in money, and for several years his life was full of struggle against adverse conditions. With an enei'gy born of a determination to succeed, he overcame the obstacles by which his pathway was beset, and his ability in his profession won for him a lucrative business. During the period of his residence in Union township his practice, as already noted, has taken a very wide range, and he now ranks among the most successful physicians of Delaware county, and the town of Shideler largely owes its growth and development to the interest the doctor has taken in its welfare, behaving done more for the town than any other citizen. In addition to his success in his chosen calling. Dr. Reasoner possesses good business tact, and his careful judgment pertaining to matters financial, has enabled him to accumulate a comfortable competence of worldly wealth. The doctor is a leading horticulturist of Delaware county, growing all kinds of small fruits in abundance. He is a member of the Delaware county Horticultural society. Politically a republican, he takes an active interest in public affairs, but is not known as an aspirant for the honors or emoluments of office. Religiously he is a Presbyterian, but he affiliates with the Methodist church - which church organization he organized, and became its. first member. He is active in behalf of all religious movements, and for a period of several years served as president of the Delaware county Sunday School union. He has also filled various official positions in the local congregation to which he belongs, including that of class leader, the duties of which he discharged for a period of eight years.

Dr. Reasoner was married September 28, 1876, to Miss Luella Wood of Delaware county, daughter of Samuel and Harriet (Anderson) Wood, both natives of Clermont county, Ohio. Samuel Wood grew to manhood in his native county and there married Miss Anderson, in 1854. He followed the carpenter's trade. He immigrated to Indiana in 1866, locating in Union township, where he lived a farmer's life and was one of the progressive men. He died in 1875, having been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Wood, his widow, is now a resident of Shideler, and is a worthy member of the German Baptist church. Mr. and Mrs. Wood were parents of seven children - four sons and three daughters, and Mrs. Reasoner is the second in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Reasoner are parentsof six children, viz: Birch W. , born September 16, 1877; Selina M., born February 13, 1879; Claude B., born June 17, 1880; Homer A., born December ii, 1881, deceased February 19, 1883; Herbert W. ,

Mrs. Reasoner was educated in the common schools and began teaching when but sixteen years of age, which vocation she followed four consecutive years, her fast term being taught after her marriage. Mrs. Reasoner has been a helpmeet in the true sense of that term, and is a valuable factor in the community where she lives, being a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church. It will be understood that Mr. Reasoner affiliated with the Methodist church because there was no Presbyterian body at Shideler.

TTO M. SHARP, a prominent business man in the hardware line at Eaton, Delaware county, Ind , and a member of the late prosperous firm of Sharp & Shirey, was born at New Corner, Delaware county, Ind., January 24, 1856, a son of Thompson and Christina (Bowers) Sharp, whose biography appears in another part of this volume.

Mr. Sharp was reared on a farm and received the advantages of the public school, later attending three terms at the Ladoga Normal school. He then engaged in teaching and followed that profession, very successfully, in this county for seven successive terms, after which he bought a farm of eighty-two acres in Washington township, which he cultivated for eight years. Leaving the farm, Mr. Sharp moved into Eaton, where he engaged in the hardware business with D. W. Younts, which partnership lasted but a month, and subsequently he effected a co-partnership with L.

E. Shirey, with whom he continued in business until April, 1893. This firm did a large and lucrative trade in all kinds of hardware, implements, paints, oils, crockery, china, pumps, etc.

Mr. Sharp was married in Centre township, December 4, 1881, to Miss Kate C. Stradling, who was born in Centre township, a daughter of William Stradling, a biography of whom appears in this volume. Eive children have been born of this marriage - Edna, Leda H., Albert, Hilda and Ina. Politically, Mr. Sharp is a republican and is regarded as an important factor in his party in this county. He is considered one of the leading business men of the town and owns considerable property in the place. He is progressive and alert, and always is ready to look with favor upon any project which seems to promise benefit to the town, and is an earnest advocate and liberal patron 1 of all movements having for their object the 1

UTHER EMERY SHIREY, a well known resident of Eaton, Delaware county, Ind., is a native of this county and state, having been born near the village of Tabor, a son of Joseph W. and Susan (Bowers) Shirey, his birth occurring December 24, i860. His father was a native of Roanoke count}', Va. , his mother coming from the same place, and they were married in 1855, and were among the early pioners of Delaware county. Joseph W. Shirey located near the village of Tabor, where he engaged in farming and followed this occupation all of his life until 1888, when he and family removed to Hanover, Jefferson county, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Shirey were the parents of nine children, as follows; Lillie, L. E., C. O., W. B., W. E, W. A., N. C., J. P. , deceased, and Hazel. The family belongs to the Presbyterian church, and politically, Mr. Shirey is a republican.

Luther Emery Shirey was reared in his native county and there attended the common school, and supplemented this education with three terms spent in 'the Danville normal school. Eor the following four years he engaged in teaching, after which he engaged in farming in this county, continuing the latter occupation until 1890, when he went into partnership with Mr. Sharp, with whom he continued in business until April, 1893. Mr. Shirey married in Muncie, Ind., March 29, 1883, Miss Julia Stradling, who was born March 7, 1862, a daughter of William Stradling, to which union were born three children, Claire, Ivy and Winogene. Mrs. Shirey died January i, 1892, and her remains rest in the

Collins cemetery, west of Muncie. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shirey were members of the Presbyterian church. In politics, Mr. Shirey is an ardent republican, keeps well posted in the affairs of his party, and is a man much respected in his neighborhood.

^^^^ILLIAM S. SHIDELER lives a mm I retired life in the little town of Shideler, Ind., where he takes life easily, as he well may, having fought a good fight through the years which have passed. He was born in Miami county, Ohio, August 31, 1836, and is the son of Isaac and Sarah (Little) Shideler, the father born in Miami county. May 8, 1812, and the mother in Pennsylvania, Alay 12, 1812. These parents were married in Ohio in December, 1834, and moved to Delaware county, Ind., in 1836, locating in Hamilton township, where Mr. Shideler improved a tract of eighty acres from its primitive condition, upon which they remained the rest of their lives. They were the parents of thirteen children, three of whom died in infancy, the rest living to become heads of families. The names of these children are as follows: Joseph K. , a physician of Muncie; William S. ; Isaac, a resident of Shideler; Henry, a merchant of Merom, Sullivan county; John S., a grain dealer of Lincoln, Kan.; MaryJ., wife of O. P, Kane, of Shideler; David L. , of Delaware county; Elizabeth, deceased; Margaret E., wife of B. K. Burt, and Thomas R. , who owns a sawmill and tile manufactory in Shideler.

Isaac Shideler died November 16, 1875, his death resulting from the kick of a mule. The mother of the family died November 18, 1888, and with her husband lies buried in the Granville cemetery, this county. They were among the most respected members of the Christian church. Mr. Shideler was a prominent man in the township of Hamilton, having been its trustee for three terms. He was a democrat in his political opinions and filled all of the positions of life in a commennable manner.

William S. Shideler was reared on the home farm, under good influences. The principles of industry and economy were early instilled into his mind, and these have undoubtedly contributed much to his prosperity. His early education was limited, but he has proved that a college education is not necessary to become a successful business man. He began life for himself when he reached his majority, but did not buy land - only farmed on shares. On May 10, 1864, he enlisted in company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth regiment of Indiana volunteers, and served in the army of the Potomac, being discharged at Indianapolis, September 2, 1864. In 1865, he engaged in the mercantile trade and became railroad and express agent, which position he filled for a period of fourteen years. In 1871 was made assistant postmaster, and two years later was appointed postmaster and served until December, 1876; then, in 1877, was reappointed and served continuously until July 14, 1884; was again appointed September 3, 1 885, under Pres. Cleveland, and resigned when Gen. Harrison was elected. From 1871 to 1891 he was engaged in mercantile pursuits when he sold out, and except for his duties as notary public, since 1889, he has lived retired from business. Mr. Shideler has, at various times, owned a large amount of real estate, at one time being the possessor of 280 acres, all of which he obtained by his own labors. He recently sold 140 acres of choice land, but now possesses seventy-seven acres, and some valuable town property. At the time of his marriage he was entirely without means, but he possessed a clear head, a sound body, and the proper ideas of right and wrong, consequently he has prospered.

daughter of John and Nancy (Murphy) Miller, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. John and Nancy Miller were the parents of twelve children, all of whom are deceased except three. Mr. and Mrs. Shideler are the parents of three children: Millie, the wife of Arthur G. Bowen, a telegraph operator at Decatur, 111.; William H., a telegraph operator at New Castle, and Dora Souders, at home with her parents. Mr. Shideler and his excellent wife are members of the Christian church, of which he is a deacon, and they are among the most respected residents of the community. Each of Mr. and Mrs. Shideler's children has one child, making them the grandparents of three families. The grandchildren are Carl, Herbert Bowen, Beatrice, Souders and Hazel Shideler.

BRAHAM SNYDER was born in Miami county, Ohio, September 2, 1835, the son of James and Catherine (Studebaker) Snyder, both of German descent. This worthy couple were reared in Ohio, and lived there a number of years after their marriage, when they settled in Delaware county, Ind., Abraham at that time an infant of six weeks old. Here the father entered up 120 acres of land, which he proceeded to improve with industry and skill. Upon this place the parents spent the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1845, and the mother in 1849 - the latter making her home with her children after the death of her husband. Both were members of the Dunkard church, and the remains both lie in the cemetery of that body. They reared a family of eight children, all of whom grew up to be esteemed members of society, their names being David, a farmer; Alexander, Jacob, who died in the army; John, a farmer; Abraham, Joseph, who died in the army; Hannah, wife of George Keppler, and Sarah, wife of Daniel Studebaker.

Abraham Snyder was united in marriage with Melissa Johnson, daughter of Israel and Lizzie (Berry) Johnson, on the 5th of March, 1866. Her parents were of German extraction and settled at an early day in Delaware county, having come here from Ohio. The father bought si.xty acres of land and settled upon it with his family, remaining there until the death of his wife, which occurred in 1883. Mr. Johnson then moved to Blackford county, where he died in 1887 and was buried in the Dunkard cemetery, by the side of the wife, to whom he was so strongly attached in life. They were parents of three children; Melissa, Mary and James. This much respected pair were members in good standing of the Dunkarp church. Abraham Snyder began life for himself by working the farm of his father, continuing to do so for a nnmber of years, when he moved upon what is known as the Powell farm, remaining at that place three or four years, and then bought his present farm of sixty-one acres. This property was at that time but partly cleared, but Mr. Snyder went to work with will and determination and has made of the tract a most valuable property, it being highly improved and well stocked. Eight children have blessed the union of this couple, their names being as follows; Erancis, Willie, Roily, Isaac, deceased, Eva, Joseph, Walter and May. The good wife of Mr. Snyder died March 31, 1892, and was buried in the Dunkard cemetery. The father and his boys reside upon the home place and are all highly respected as honest and industrious people. They are consistent members of the Dunkard church, following the teachings of that body and living at peace with everybody.

eDMUND H. STRADLING. - Among the prominent men of Union township, Delaware county, Ind., Edmund H. Stradling occupies a conspicuous place. He now resides in the town of Eaton, but his efficient services have made him well and favorably known all over the country. He was born in Centre township, Delaware county, April 3, 1857, a son of William Stradling, and was reared to manhood on the home farm. His common school education was supplemented by a course in college at Danville, in April, 1879, where he made substantial progress in the department of science and engineering, having previously taken a teacher's course, which enabled him to follow that profession very successfully for a number of years. While at college he improved every opportunity, teaching at intervals and acting as janitor of the building, thus making his way, in the face of many obstacles, until he succeeded in graduating August 3, 1882. On the 5th of the following October he was appointed county surveyor, which office he efficiently filled until November, 1882, at which time he was regularly elected to the office on the republican ticket. For two years Mr. Stradling faithfully performed the duties of his office, when, in 1884, he was re-elected for a term of two more years. He afterward went to California, where, from 1886 until 1888, he was engaged in railroad surveying in San Bernadino and San Diego counties. In the latter year, he was made superintending engineer of the free gravel roads of Union township, Delaware county, Ind., which position he held until November, 1889, when he removed to Spencer county, Ind., where he engaged in the lumber trade, in hard wood, until July 28, 1892, at which time he retired to the pleasant little town of Eaton, Delaware county. He was again appointed superintendent of the free gravel roads July, 1892, and engages in surveying and engineering work whenever his services are in demand, having had much practical experience in all departments of his profession.

Mr. Stradling was married June 3, 1891, to Miss Ollie Hopkins, a native of Spencer county, Ind., and daughter of Richard and Ellen (Porter) Hopkins, to which union one son, Richard H., has been born. Mr. Stradling owns a fine farm of eighty acres in Washington township, and also eighty acres of excellent land in Spencer county, and some valuable real estate in the town of Eaton. He is a republican in politics and takes a great interest in public affairs. Mrs. Stradling is a member of the Methodist church, and they are both among the well known and esteemed residents of the village. On the resignation of William Freeman, March 6, 1893, Mr. Stradling was appointed to succeed him in the honorable and responsible office of township trustee of Union township. He is a member of Welcome lodge. No. 37, K. of P. , of Muncie. He also belongs to lodge 78, I. O. O. F. , and also encampment No. 30, at Muncie, of the same order.

ARRISON STRONG is a citizen of Union township, Delaware county, and a farmer of the highest respectability. He was born in Greene county, Ohio, November 18, 1840, being the son of George W. and Nancy (Hummer) Strong, they being of Irish and German descent respectively. The father was taken from Vermont when he was five years old to Greene county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married. He lived near Jamestown for forty-four years, and then sold his farm and came to Blackford county, Ind., where he purchased land and lived on it for twelve years, having nearly cleared it when he sold it, and came to Union township, and bought 120 acres of nearly cleared land. Upon the latter property he ended his days. He had a sister, Elizabeth, wife of Wm. Galbraith, living in Grant county. George W. Strong was married the first time to Sarah Minninghall, and there were eight children as the result of this marriage, namely: Martin, deceased; Adolph, a farmer in Iowa; Moses, living in Ohio; Jefferson, a farmer in Iowa; Prudence, deceased; Susanna, wife of Osborn Lemark, deceased, living in Madison county, Ind. ; Martha, wife of David Glass, deceased, living in Greene county, Ohio, and Benjamin, deceased. The mother of these children was born in Greene county, Ohio, and died in the fall of 1835 George W. Strong departed this life April 27, 1863, and Nancy Strong September 6, 1864, and they are laid to rest in Ashenfeller cemetery, where a fine monument marks the spot. It will be understood that Harrison Strong is the son of the second wife, who had three children, he being the second child; Elizabeth being the first, and George W. the last.

Harrison Strong was married August 25, 1863, to Naomi, daughter of Samuel and Jane (Haight) Irwin. Her parents went from Maryland to Pennsylvania, and after a short residence there moved to Ohio, stayed there a number of years, and then came to Delaware county, Ind. They lived on a farm of 160 acres in the latter place for seven or eight years, then removed to Blackford county, where they bought a farm of 280 acres, and ended their days there, the father passing to his rest October ii, 1878, and the mother July 14, 1849. These good people sleep in Mt. Zion cemetery. Mrs. Naomi Strong has one brother, William L , a farmer of Blackford county. Harrison Strong, immediately after his marriage, settled upon a farm of 120 acres, which was partly cleared, and by hard work and rigid economy he has succeeded in making it a delightful home, and a valuable piece of property. The residence and the out-buildings are in fine condition, and everything shows Mr. Strong to be a prosperous and good farmer. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Strong resulted in six children, namely: Mary A., wife of Wm. Michael, of Union township; Samuel W. , at home; Wm. A., restaurant keeper at Eaton; Nancy J., died in 1872; Emma E., died in 1885, and Lizzie May, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Strong received a common school education, and are people of superior intelligence In politics he is a democrat, and a member of the E. M. B. A. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church, and are highly respected in that body, where they are most useful workers.

DMUND TAYLOR. - Among the enterprising, intelligent and successful young farmers of Union township, Delaware county, Ind., none have shown more ability in the management of his place than has Edmund Taylor. Mr. Taylor was born in Grant county, Ind., June 9, 1862, son of Edmund and Patience (Seely) Taylor, natives of England and America, respectively. He was reared on his father's farm until he was prepared to found