Aaron S. Whetsel

    A. S. Whetsel, who has been identified with the interests of Jackson Township for many years, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, June 26, 1843, a son of William J. and Sarah (Hartman) Whetsel, the father being a native of Ohio, and the mother of Virginia by birth. They were married in Clinton County, Ohio, in 1842, and in 1846 came with their family to Blackford County, locating on a heavily timbered tract of land in Jackson Township, where the father made a good home for his family, living there until his death, which occurred in June, 1885. His widow is still living on the old homestead.

    Aaron S. Whetsel, the subject of this sketch, was reared to agricultural pursuits on the home farm, and received his education in the schools of his district. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company E, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, under the command of Colonel J. P. C. Shanks, and received an honorable discharge in January, 1866.

    He was united in marriage in October, 1868, to Miss Martha J. Kelly, a daughter of Benjamin F. Kelly, a prominent citizen of Washington Township. Of the ten children born to this union, eight are living -Lewis M., Nora E., Sallie A., William Benjamin, Olive M., Lucretia R., Mary L. and Harry W. Lawrence V. and John F. are deceased.

    Mr. Whetsel settle don his present farm the year of his marriage, which at that time was right in the woods. He has since cleared his land and made many valuable improvements until he has now one of the best farms in his neighborhood. He has a comfortable frame residence, a large barn, and other good buildings on his place.

    In politics he is a Republican, and is a strong adherent to the principles of that party. He is an active and consistent member of the United Brethren Church, in which he was licensed to preach in 1875, and is classed among the most respected men of Jackson Township.

Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana by The Lewis Publishing Company, 1887.