T. B. SHELLABARGER

SHELLABARGER, BEARD, FISH, BROWNING

Posted By: volunteer
Date: 3/7/2009 at 17:57:54

T. B. SHELLABARGER, who resides on a pleasant farm situated about six miles from Columbus Junction, on section 19, Grand View Township, was born in Clarke County, Ohio, in 1816, and is a son of Jacob and Jane (Beard) Shellabarger, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New Jersey. To them were born eight children, of whom our subject was the fifth. They were among the early pioneers of Ohio, settling in Clarke County in 1811, where Mr. Shellabarger owned a number of farms. They resided in that county until June 16, 1838, when they became residents of Grand View Township, Louisa Co., Iowa. The year previous the husband had made a trip to this State, and being pleased with Louisa County entered a claim on section 13, Grand View Township, which was to be their future home, but the mother was only permitted to remain in the new country for about two years, her death occurring in June, 1838. After the death of his wife Mr. Shellabarger went to Ohio, where he died in 1839, and was buried there.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent upon the farm in his native State, where he received such education as the district schools of that early day afforded. He came to Iowa in December, 1837, and having attained his majority, commenced farming for himself. In 1837, in Louisa County, Iowa, Mr. Shellabarger was united in marriage with Matilda Browning, a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of William and Grace (Fish) Browning, who were also born in that State. Her parents emigrated to Muscatine County, but in 1839 became residents of Louisa County, where Mr. Browning engaged in farming until his death, which occurred many years ago. His wife has also long since been called to her final home.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shellabarger settled upon a farm in Grand View Township, though they removed to their present home on section 19 in 1862. Seven children graced the union of this worthy couple: Matilda Jane, while attending the seminary at Grand View, completing her last term before graduation, was stricken with typhoid fever, and died Aug. 4, 1867, at the age of seventeen years, nine months and five days; Jacob L. is married, and now resides in Grand View Township; Charley B., William B. and Thomas are all married, and now make their homes in Concord Township; Kossuth, residing in Kansas, is also married; II. M. is married, and resides on the home farm.

Mr. Shellabarger is one of the most successful farmers of Grand View Township; 260 broad acres pay a golden tribute to his care and cultivation. Besides this land in Grand View Township, he is also the owner of fifty acres in Concord Township. His farm is well stocked with a good grade of Durham, Polled-Angus and Jersey cattle, and many excellent horses of the Norman and Clydesdale stock. Mr. Shellabarger takes an active interest in political affairs, casting his vote with the Democratic party. He assisted in organizing the township in which he now resides, and also aided in the organization of several of the school districts. He took part in the Missouri War, and both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church at Grand View.

For over half a century Mr. Shellabarger has been a resident of Louisa County, during which time he has witnessed almost its entire growth. On his arrival the country was one wild and unbroken prairie, where the wild deer roamed and bands of red men might frequently be seen. To the early settlers who aided in transforming the prairie into beautiful farms, assisted in building churches and school-houses, and were ever ready to support any enterprise for the public good, much credit is due, and we are pleased to record the sketch of Mr. Shellabarger, who is one of the worthiest pioneers of Louisa County.