For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 777
MILTON J. SHELLABARGER....Milton J. Shellabarger, was born on the farm where he now lives in Seventy-six township, Muscatine county, January 25, 1859. He is a son of John M and Ruth P. ( Collins ) Shellabarger, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of New Jersey. John M. Shellabarger came to Muscatine county, Iowa , in 1846, and after looking over the country returned in January, 1847 to Cleveland, Ohio, walking the entire way. In 1852 he again set his face westward, continuing his journey until he reached Muscatine county once more and established his home, building a log cabin and making other improvements upon land which he secured in the wilderness. He became one of the well known farmers of Seventy-six township and continued upon the place where he first settled until he was called to his reward. His widow is now living in Guthrie county. Iowa, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. There were nine children in their family, six of whom are living in Iowa and other states.The subject of this review received his education in the common schools and grew to manhood on the home farm, showing an interest and a capacity for agricultural pursuits even in his boyhood, which gave bright promise for his future. After reaching manhood he rented the home farm, which he has owned since 1898. He has improved the place in many ways and brought it to a high state of cultivation, so that it is now one of the desirable properties of the township. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock.
In 1894 Mr. Shellabarger was united in marriage to Miss Cora Rice, who was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1872, a daughter of Joseph and Mary ( Rist ) Rice, both of whom are natives of the Keystone state. The parents removed to Hancock county, Illinois, in 1872, ten years later going to Danville, Iowa, where they have ever since made their home. There were five children in their family, four of whom are now living. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Shellabarger has been blessed by the birth of seven children : John R., Ruthetta, Ralph W., Lile C., Maud E., Frank M., and Viola M.
Mr. Shellabarger has from the time of reaching his majority been a supporter of the republican party, and has taken an active interest in its success. He served for four years with general acceptance as member of the board of supervisors of the county and also has filled the offices of township trustee and school director. As a public official he exercised judgment that met the hearty approval of the taxpayers. He and his wife are active members of the United Brethren church and believers in the inspiration and authority of the Old and New Testaments. As a native of Muscatine county Mr. Shellabarger has witnessed many changes throughout this part of the state and has assisted as opportunity presented in the march of progress as seen in beautiful homes and prosperous communities. He is widely known in this county where he has a host of friends.
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