William F. Shollenbarger

As printed in 1894

WILLIAM F. SHOLLENBARGER. The name introducing this narrative is that of an agriculturist of more than ordinary skill and ability. A man of quick, keen perceptions, and possessing a clear insight into the best methods of tilling the soil, he knows well how to apply these principles so as to produce the best results, and in his harvest fields larger crops of grain are grown to the acre than is usual, even in this highly productive region. His farm is situated on section 5, Milford Township, and comprises one hundred and fifty-six acres of as desirable land as may be found in Butler County. To its cultivation he devotes his entire attention, and with the most flattering results, for through the proper rotation of crops and fertilization of the soil he has increased the moneyed value of the land.

A native of this county, Mr. Shollenbarger was born in Ross Township, January 31, 1836, being the eldest of the family of nine children born to the union of Daniel and Elizabeth (Smith) Shollenbarger. His boyhood years were uneventfully passed on the home farm and in the neighboring school, where he was the recipient of the somewhat limited educational advantages common to that day. After attaining his majority he continued to reside in the parental home until he was twenty-eight, when he established domestic ties. February 10, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Kapp, an estimable lady residing in Milford Township. She was the daughter of Samuel and Mary Elizabeth (Ream) Kapp, who in an early day removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio and settled on section 8, Milford Township, Butler County, where she was born and reared and where her parents remained until death. Her birth occurred September 7, 1842, and she continued a resident of Milford Township, well known in its social circles, and highly esteemed for her many noble qualities, until she passed from earth, July 9, 1891, when forty-eight years old. While all mourned her loss, it was in her home that she was most deeply missed, for her happiness had centered in the welfare of her family. Her children, three in number, are Kate E., wife of George Phares, a farmer residing in Preble County, Ohio; William Luther, who is a student in Miami University at Oxford, belonging to the Class of ’96; and Bertha Belle, a brilliant young lady of fifteen, who remains with her father.

After his marriage Mr. Shollenbarger rented a farm for a period of ten years, and meanwhile, saving his earnings, he was enabled to purchase his present place, which is known as the “old Greenwood farm.” The firmness of his character and the fidelity with which he clings to what he believes to be the right, are proved by the fact that, though his township gives a large Democratic majority and his neighbors are, with very few exceptions, allies of that political organization, he never serves from his allegiance to the Republican party, but ever supports its doctrines and cases his ballot for its candidates. Township and community value him for his good citizenship. He is a man of excellent sense and wise discretion, and has a thoroughly practical knowledge of his work. He is never behind his fellow-citizens in contributing his quota to the material improvement of the township, and has been of great assistance in bringing about its present high reputation as an agricultural center. In religious belief he is a Lutheran and holds membership in the church at Darrtown. In 1862 he became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is now a member of Covenant Lodge at Somerville, in which he has passed all the chairs.

As printed in Memorial record of Butler County, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of representative citizens of the county together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States (1894). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.