R. A. MELTON
Page 456

R. A. MELTON. Among the residents of Mason County who have prosecuted a successful business career for many years, and then invested their means in such a manner as to derive a good income without undue exertions, have retired from the arduous labors of life, is the gentleman above named. Mr. Melton is an old settler of this county, and is now living on his present farm, located on section 16, Salt Creek Township. He was born in Norwich County, Ind., June 22, 1826. The father of our subject, A. P. Melton, was born in South Carolina, March 12, 1800, and remained in his native state until attaining his fourteenth year, when he came west to Indiana and made location in Norwich County. When attaining mature years he was married in the Hoosier State to the mother of our subject, Miss Olive Grenway, who was born in Kentucky. Their union resulted in the birth of eight children, six of whom grew to mature years. A. P. Melton emigrated further west in 1829, making his home in Sangamon County, this state, where he lived for two years, and then came to this county and resided on a farm north of Salt Creek Township, where his wife departed this life in the winter of 1844. The second union of Mr. Melton was when he married Mrs. Julia Rupel, and to them were born six children. When leaving this county the father of our subject removed to Tazewell County, and then came back to Mason County, where he died July 1, 1877. He was a stanch Republican in politics and an intimate friend of Abraham Lincoln, who was a frequent caller at his home. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a man who was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. R. A., of this sketch, was the second in order of birth of his parents' children, and was four years of age at the time of their removal to Sangamon County. He received his education, however, in this county, and as soon as old enough began working out by the month on farms, The first house which his parent occupied in Macon County was built of logs, had a mud and stick chimney, puncheon floor, clapboard roof and all the primitive furnishings found in the pioneer home. Miss Margaret E. Rupel became the wife of our subject in 1848. She was born in Virginia, and came to Tazewell County when quite young, with her parents. Soon after his union Mr. Melton located in the above county, where he lived for eight years and improved a fine farm. He then came to this county and purchased the property upon which he now resides, and which he has placed under such excellent tillage. At the time of his advent into this section, there were but two or three houses which could be seen from his dwelling, and the entire surroundings were of a most primitive order. He broke the first land and erected the first dwelling on his property, and has ever since given his entire attention to farm pursuits. Mr. Melton operated the first threshing machine ever used in Tazewell County, and has been engaged in running a thresher off and on since 1850. Of the twelve children born to our subject and his wife., there are four daughters and eight sons. William D. and Gilson are deceased; Reece makes his home in Havana, this state; Joseph is a farmer of Pennsylvania Township, this county; Mary, married a John A. Ferguson and is living in Salt Creek Township; Olive Ann, now Mrs. Dave West, is residing in Mason City; R. Henry is living in Iowa; Frank is a well-to-do agriculturist of this township; Nora, Mrs. Lewis Auxier, makes her home in the Hawkeye State; Rosanna is deceased; Horace is living on a portion of the old homestead, and Charlie is at home with his parents. Mr. Melton has a quarter section of land, where he is living. He has witnessed much of the pioneer growth of this county, and has acted well his part in its development. Those were very trying times in the early days of the settlement of this county, as the pioneers had much to contend with. There were scarcely any facilities for carrying on labor, such as the farmer of to-day enjoys, and he can well remember when flour was made by the most primitive methods. Mr. Melton is a Democrat in politics during national elections, but in local elections votes for the one whom he thinks the best man. He has been Highway Commissioner for twenty years, and for the same length of time served as School Trustee. He has the honor of being the oldest living settler in Salt Creek Township, in whose advancement he has taken such a prominent part.

1894 Biography Index

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