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EPHRAIM SHELLABARGER. There is probably, not within the limits of Clark County a more thorough or skillful farmer than the subject of this notice, who is the owner of a fine homestead on section 5, Mad River Township. This embraces three hundred acres of choice land, which under the careful management of the proprietor yields annually handsome returns. It is considered one of the best stock farms in this county, being naturally adapted to this purpose on account of its numerous springs of water, which issue in unfalling streams from the solid rock.
Mr. Shellabarger in former years made a specialty of full-blooded Poland-China swine, but later on account of the cholera which committed great ravages among these animals, he abandoned the industry, although he had the most convenient arrangements for feeding, care, etc., in the whole county. He now gives his attention mostly to the breeding of cattle and is quite extensively interested in bee keeping, having a thriving apiary. All his surroundings indicate more than ordinary enterprise and it is evident that he has contributed his full share in furthering the agricultural interests in Clark County.
The Shellabarger family was first represented in Mad River Township by the paternal grandfather of our subject who settled in it at a very early day. In the sketch of Martin Shellabarger, the paternal uncle of our subject, will be found a more extended history of the family. Reuben Shellabarger, the father, was reared to farming pursuits and when starting in life for himself without other resources than his own industry and resolution, went into debt for one hundred and twelve acres of land on section 6, Mad River Township. In the meantime he had been prospered and now purchased two hundred acres of the old Galloway farm, going into debt for this also. With the aid of his boys, however, he relieved the property from encumbrance and spent his last years in the midst of comfort and plenty.
Reuben Shellabarger was a very active man in his community, holding the office of Township Trustee for years. He was also a land appraiser and one of the most prominent members of the Christian Church in which he officiated as Elder for many years prior to his death. Politically, he was a sound Democrat, a man of decided views and one who held to his convictions with all the natural strength of his character. He was temperate in all respects, using neither whiskey nor tobacco in any form. He departed this life at the old homestead October 27, 1889, when seventy-five years old. Of a jovial and genial disposition, he made friends wherever he went and was not only mourned by his immediate family, but the entire community.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Baker) Shellabarger, the mother of our subject, was born in Mad River Township, Clark County, and was the daughter of Melyn Baker one of its earliest settlers. She passed away on September 5, 1873, several years prior to the decease of her husband and like him, was an active member of the Christian Church. There had been born to them ten children of whom seven are living, our subject being the eldest: Melyn (a farmer), Minerva (Mrs. Dolbeer), and Sarah (Mrs. Smith), are all residents of Mad River Township, Clark County; Rebecca (Mrs. Dunkel), Elizabeth (Mrs. Athy), and Irene (Mrs. Miller), are all living at Enon.
Ephraim Shellabarger was born at the old homestead near Enon, September 28, 1837, and spent his boyhood days after the manner of most farmer's sons, assisting in the development of the new land and obtaining such education as was afforded by the district school. He took charge of the farm at about the time of reaching his majority and remained there until a man of twenty-seven years. In the meantime he was married, December 22, 1863, at the bride's home in Mad River Township, to Miss Jane E., daughter of Isaac N. Dolbeer.
The latter was one of the earliest settlers of this region, to which he had emigrated from New Jersey. He followed various pursuits, including farming and served as Justice of the Peace for many years. He is still living and a resident of Springfield, being now seventy-five years old.
Mrs. Shellabarger acquired a common school education and remained under the parental roof until becoming the mistress of her own home. The newly wedded pair began the journey of life together at the old Galloway farm, which the father of our subject had purchased, and which the latter and his brother operated in partnership until it was paid for and then received a deed for one-half of it. In 1874 he purchased the brother's interest in the property and is now the sole proprietor. In 1877 Mr. Shellabarger purchased the Francis Johnson farm of one hundred acres, paying therefore the sum of $15,000. He thus has three farms and need not worry about being provided for in his old age. Like his father before him he votes the straight Democratic ticket and has been quite prominent in local affairs, serving as a delegate to the county conventions, but has steadily declined to assume the responsibilities of office, although frequently solicited to do so. In his religious belief he inclines to the doctrines of the Christian Church.