Henry Shideler

HENRY SHIDELER, one of the successful farmers of Cherokee County, who owns a fine farm in section 19, township 31, range 23, in Ross township, consisting of 200 acres of good land, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Lower) Shideler.

Daniel Shideler was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and his wife in Coshocton County, Ohio. The father moved to Ohio in young manhood, following the trade of blacksmith. After his marriage, he moved to Jennings County, Indiana where he lived from 1859 to 1860, and then removed to Clay County, in the same State. In 188I he came to Cherokee County, Kansas, where he died three months later. He was affiliated with the Republican party, but never accepted any political office.

Daniel Shideler's first wife died in Ohio, and the father married, for his second wife, Mary Culler, who was born in Holmes County, Ohio, and died in Clay County, Indiana. Both were members of the Dunkard Church. The four children of the first marriage were.—John, who died in the Civil War, at Mount Sterling, Kentucky; Henry; Alfred, who was also a soldier in the Civil War, being a member of the 71st Reg., Indiana Vol. Inf.; and Isaac. The children of the second marriage were as follows: George, William, Elizabeth and Clara, all deceased; and David O., who resides at Salmon, Oregon.

The subject of this sketch had few educational opportunities in his youth, and attended subscription schools for but a short period. Through reading, observation and association with the world, he has cultivated his faculties until he is now able to rank in general culture with all with whom he is thrown in contact, but all his knowledge has been acquired by his own persistent efforts. He remained at home until the spring of 1864, when he was 18 years of age, and then enlisted as a private in Company G, 59th Reg., Indiana Vol. Inf. His service lasted a year and a half, during which time, he took part in the campaign made memorable by the "March to the Sea," with General Sherman. After the close of his army term, he returned home and went to work as a blacksmith and wagon-maker; he also taught school for a long period. In 1882 he came to Ross township, Cherokee County, and first bought 120 acres in section 19, township 31, range 23, in Ross township, which farm he has increased to 200 acres. Here he has made substantial improvements, and has one of the finest homes in the township. He raises wheat, oats and hay, and takes much interest in his cattle and stock, paying attention to their quality as well as numbers. He is ranked with the superior farmers of this section.

In 1870, Mr. Shideler was married to Sophia Harbaugh, who was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, and died in 1885, having been the mother of four children, namely: Capt. Harry W., a teacher for 14 years, and now county superintendent of schools of Crawford County, who was captain of Company F, 20th Regiment Kansas Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, during the Spanish-American War; Daniel W., a teacher and farmer residing at Pittsburg, Kansas; John W., also a teacher; and Dora E., the wife of H. F. Painter, of Crawford County. In 1886 Mr. Shideler was married to Mrs. Susan E. Huffer, of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and they have two children,—Floyd and Goldie May,—both of whom are at home. The present Mrs. Shideler is the mother of two children by her marriage with Mr. Huffer,—Charles N., a teacher in Cherokee County, and Grace, wife of B. C. Marshbanks, of Labette County, Kansas. Mr. Shideler has given his children the best possible educational advantages, and they are a credit to him.

Politically, Mr. Shideler is a Republican, and has served on the School Board for 12 years. He is one of the leading members of the Dunkard Church in Ross township.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 3/11/97.