Olery Whipple

    Olery Whipple, druggist and postmaster, Briant, was born in Barnstable, Massachusetts, July 15, 1829, son of Jason and Eliza (Burse) Whipple. The family removed to Delaware County, Ohio, in September, 1829, and in August, 1838, came to this county and located in Wayne Township. The father entered 160 acres of Government land, and here our subject resided until 1848, when he removed to Randolph County and engaged in milling. In 1875 he removed to Ridgeville where he was engaged in milling three years, then took the contract for building an iron bridge at that place. In 1878 he engaged in the drug business at Portland, this county, where he remained until November 17, 1884. In January, 1887, he removed to Briant, where he has since been engaged in the drug business. January 31, 1887, he was appointed postmaster, and fills the office creditably. The store is well stocked with drugs and fancy articles, and everything usually kept in a first class drug store.

    Mr. Whipple was married June 5, 1856, to Miss Sally E. Steele, of Winchester, a daughter of James  Stele of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Whipple have six children -Rose, Ella, wife of I.G. Simms, of Portland; Cora L., Charles L., Clyde S., Ray C. and Elgie. Charles L. is a member of the firm, and a thorough business man.

Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford County, Indiana. The Lewis Publishing Co., 1887, page 340.