My Genealogy Hound

JACOB SHELLER. About thirty years ago this worthy old pioneer of Johnson County purchased a homestead on section 12, township 44, range 29, and from that time until his death gave his entire energies to the development and improvement of his farm. To the original tract of one hundred and sixty acres he added another quarter-section, thus making a large and valuable piece of property, all in one body. Mr. Sheller, who was much esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and who possessed sterling characteristics, was called to the home beyond June 12, 1880. His widow, who is still living at their old home, took charge of their home as administratrix, finished paying the amount due on the farm, and in 1883 built a fine residence. She is a lady of superior business talent, and has proved her ability by the manner in which she has managed her husband’ s large possessions.

Jacob Sheller was born in Crawford County, Ohio, December 29, 1828, and was reared to farm life. His father, Jacob, Sr., was born in Germany, and his mother, who in her girlhood bore the name of Mary Ambrosier, came from Pennsylvania-Dutch stock. She married after the death of Mr. Sheller, which event occurred before the birth of our subject. Young Sheller was taken to be brought up by his maternal grandparents, though his home was not far distant from his mother’s place of abode.

While still a mere youth, Jacob Sheller commenced learning the carpenter’s trade, and worked at the business for eight years. He became very skillful in all branches, including bridge-building, and always had plenty to do to keep up with his contracts. He received only a common-school education, but was a great reader and was particularly fond of mathematics. He started out to make his own way with only $100 as capital, but soon accumulated a good fortune and financially was successful. In 1865 he moved with his family to this county, and was thenceforth closely associated with its welfare. During the war he was drafted, but paid his assessment and thus escaped service. In politics he was a Republican, but was not fond of argument and contention on that or any other subject.

January 6, 1859, Mr. Sheller was married, in Crawford County, Ohio, the lady of his choice being Louisa White, a native of Richland County, Ohio, born February 18, 1836. Her parents were Mahlon and Harriett (Gloyd) White, the former of whom was born March 17, 1813, in Ohio, and the latter in Virginia, July 8, 1813. Mrs. White moved to Richland County, Ohio, with her parents in her girlhood, and there met her future husband. Mrs. Sheller received a good education, attending the schools of Cold Water, Mich., and began teaching when she was only thirteen years of age, as she was solicited to take charge of a school. From that time until she was married she continued in the profession, missing only one summer term. To Mr. and Mrs. Sheller were born four children, the eldest of whom, Hattie, born October 20, 1859, married L. D. Stall, January 29, 1884, and lives in Cross, Okla.; they have had three children, Johnny Clayton, who died in infancy; Charles Voorhees, born September 25, 1887; and Louisa Cassandra, August 22, 1894. John, born March 17, 1862, in Crawford County, Ohio, lives at home and takes charge of the farm. Like his father before him, he is quite an expert in mathematics and is a good student. Charlie, born in this county, July 25, 1874, is attending school at Chillicothe, Mo.; and Mary, twin sister of Charles, died at the age of thirteen months.

In personal appearance Mr. Sheller was a fine looking man, about five feet, five inches in height, and weighed about one hundred and seventy-five pounds. He had black hair, fair skin and blue eyes, and though he was retiring and quiet in manner, made many friends. He was known to be thoroughly honorable in all his transactions and possessed the confidence of his neighbors and acquaintances.