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1907 Past and Present Biographies

O. P. Kercheval

O. P. Kercheval, who carries on a general blacksmithing shop in Scranton, is one of the worthy citizens that Indiana has given to this county and we take pleasure in presenting to our readers the record of his life. He was born in Decatur county, Indians, in 1848, and is a son of William V. and Mary (Paremore) Kercheval, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. The father removed to Indiana at an early day and followed the trade of a blacksmith at St. Oma, that state. He spent his life there, passing away in 1877 at the age of fifty-five years. Unto him and his wife were born six children, five of whom are still living.

O. P. Kercheval received his education in the common schools and devoted his vacation periods to learning his father’s trade. This latter experience was worth much to him, for it has been the business which he has ever since followed. He removed to Greene county, Iowa, in 1880, and here he worked for Jim Eason for a short time but, wishing to be at the front in whatever he undertook, he accordingly purchased the shop where he has since conducted a general blacksmithing business. So successful has he been and so rapidly has his business increased that be erected a building, fifty-two by twenty-five feet, and added to his enterprise that of the manufacture of plows. He has a five horse power gasoline engine and all the machinery for the same, also a trip hammer and the appliances necessary to carry on his extensive business. He has worked hard and faithfully and success has crowned his efforts. He owns some five acres of land a half mile from town, where he has erected a most pleasant home and where he enjoys life during his hours outside of business.

Mr. Kercheval was married in 1880, in Scranton, to Miss Lizzie Lee, a native of New York, who is a most estimable woman and an excellent housekeeper whose reputation is well known among the many friends who enjoy her hospitality.

Mr. Kercheval exercises his right of franchise in the interests of the republican party. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is a valued trustee of the Methodist church, to which he has always given his hearty support and of which he has been a lifelong member. Public-spirited and progressive, he takes an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community and does all in his power for the upbuilding of those enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit.

Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead,"
by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver,
Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.

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