The subject of this sketch, whose portrait will be found in one of the groups of Carroll County officials which embellish this work, was the elder son of Capt. Samuel D. Gresham. He was born on the old McCain farm, just north of the city, august 29, 1842. The house in which he was born is yet standing. He received in his boyhood such an education as was imparted in our common schools, which was necessarily of a limited character, yet was of that practical type which fully subserved his aims in life. After his school days were over, he assisted his father in the livery business, where he gained the practical business information which has made him a successful man. In May, 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, where he served as Corporal, and discharged his duties as a soldier with great satisfaction to his commanding officer. After that regiment was mustered out of the service, he re-enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment and in the organization of the company was commissioned as First Lieutenant of Company H. By reason of the detail of the Captain of the company on special service, he succeeded to the command of the company, which position he filled with credit to himself and the service. After the war, he reentered the livery business, which he conducted with great success. In his political affiliations, he identified himself from boyhood with the Democratic party, and in 1871, was elected tot he office of Assessor of the city of Delphi. To this position he was re-elected in 1873. In 1876, he received the nomination from his party for the office of Sheriff and was elected by a very decisive and highly complimentary majority. To the same responsible office he was re-elected in 1878. It is worthy of note to remark that Mr. Gresham was the first person in this county elected to the same office once held by the father and was also the first county officer born in the county. During his official service, he served tot he satisfaction of his fellow-citizens irrespective of party prejudice and their good will accompanied him as he resumed the pursuits of private life and business. In his relations to the community, he has always manifested a liberal spirit of enterprise, and has never hesitated to contribute to all extent commensurate with his means, to any scheme which promised the promotion of the public good. For several years, he was actively identified as a Director, and in other relations with the Carroll County Agricultural Association. He has been for many years a member of the order of Odd Fellows, was a charter member of Delphi Lodge No. 80 of the Knights of Pythias, instituted in this city April 3, 1879, and was also a charter member of Boothroyd Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, holding the office of Junior Vice Commander. He was married December 21, 1881, to Miss Jennie D. Holmes, daughter of William Holmes, Esq., on of our oldest and best citizens.
Mr. Gresham has in every sense of the word been "the architect of his own fortune." His high standing in this community and the very satisfactory business he has built up and now manages, abundantly attest the fact that he has planned and builded well in life. Of such men are prosperous communities produced and by their efforts are such communities perpetuated.
County Coordinator: Suzy Sprague suzyq.wa@worldnet.att.net