Monroe County - W - Biographies
WALDRON
JOHN WALDRON was born in Drogheda, Ireland, in June, 1827. He is the eldest in a family of three children born to John and Mary (Hughes) Waldron. He acquired the rudiments of a good common school education, and while yet a boy learned the tanner's trade with his father, and being left an orphan he came to America in 1847, and worked at his trade in Newark, N. J., until 1848; going thence to St. Louis, Mo., he worked at tanning until March, 1856, at which time he removed to Bloomington. Soon after his arrival, he purchased the old Judy Tannery, to which he has since made a number of additions and otherwise extensively improved it. The tannery is at present one of the largest in Bloomington, and employs a large number of men. On September 4, 1853, he was married to Miss Ann Bonecum, daughter of John Bonecum, of St. Louis. He is a prominent member of the Catholic Church, and a stanch Republican. He has for twenty years served as an efficient member of the Town Council, and also for three years creditably served as County Commissioner. In 1871, at the organization of the First National Bank of Bloomington, he was elected a director, and upon the death of George W. Buskirk in 1874, he was elected President, which office he at present fills. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Page 597
JOHN B. WALDRON, a native of Indiana, was born in Bloomington, Monroe County, April 2, 1856. He was the eldest son of eleven children born to John and Ann (Bonecum) Waldron, natives of Ireland and Missouri respectively. He was reared in Bloomington, where he received a good education in the public schools. When eighteen years of age, ho took charge of the books in his father's tannery, where he remained for about seven years, at which time he accepted a position as bookkeeper in the First National Bank, retaining it for two years. On March 15, 1883, he formed a partnership with S. C. Dodds and Showers Bros., in the manufacture of chairs, to which, on September 1, 1883, they added the manufacture of center tables, and have facilities' for making sixty-five dozen chairs and one thousand center tables per week. They have in their employ about sixty five persons and pay from $250 to $300 per week for this assistance. Mr. Waldron is identified with the Catholic Church, and is a faithful member and an active worker in its maintenance. He is politically a Republican, and quite influential in his party. He is liberal as a citizen, highly respected in the community, industrious, energetic and ever ready to assist in any commendable public undertaking. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Pages 597 - 598
WALKER
GEORGE W. WALKER, a native of Indiana, was born September 13, 1844, in Lawrence County. He is the third son of John F. and Sarah (Green) Walker, natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively. He was reared in Polk Township, Monroe County, and acquired a good common school education. When ten years of age, he came to Bloomington with his parents, and here entered the public schools, through which he passed with great credit. About 1856, he commenced learning the printer's trade, continuing to work at it until 3861. He was assigned the position of Deputy Postmaster under William M. Tata, and has since been seen at his post, faithfully discharging the duties devolving upon him. Mr. Walker is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is an active as well as an influential member. Politically, he is a Republican, a stanch worker and highly esteemed by the citizens. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Page 598
WEIR
DR. ROBERT M. WEIR was born in Richland Township, Monroe County, Ind., in July, 1841. His parents, Charles S. and Elizabeth (Strong) Weir,. natives of South Carolina, and of Irish extraction, came to Indiana in 1832, locating on a farm in Richland Township, where they now live. Our subject is the eldest in the family, and was educated in his native township. In 1857, he entered the State University at Bloomington, graduating thence in June, 1863. In the fall of that same year, he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. D. Maxwell, and continued for about eight months, when he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-third Indiana Volunteers, under Capt. Rutledge, in the one hundred days' service, and on September 5 received an honorable discharge. In the fall of 1864, he entered the University of Michigan, in the Medical Department, and graduated in March, 1866. Two months later, he entered the regular practice at White Hall, Owen County,. Ind., and continued there until March, 1876; going thence to Paxton, 111., he remained for about one year and a half, when he returned to Bloomington, Ind., where he is at present engaged in practice. He has been Secretary of the County Board of Health since its organization. October 16, 1866, he was married to Harriet A. Turner, daughter of the Rev. William Turner, of Monroe County. They have had six children, five of whom are living, Charles T., Julia E., Mary E., Mattie E. and Anna. Dr. Weir is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and politically he is a Republican. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Page 598
WHETSELL
LEONARD WHETSELL was born in Wythe County, Va., March 24, 183'J, and is the second son and sixth child of Peter: and Elizabeth Whetsell. When four years of age, he came to Indiana with his parents, and located in New Albany, where they remained for two years, coming thence, in 1838, to Monroe County. They settled on a farm near Bloomington, where they remained for about two years, then went to Bloomington in 1840. His parents were only in moderate circumstances, and he, being,compelled to work, only obtained a very limited education. On coming to Bloomington, his father engaged in farming and the liar,ness business, which he followed until his death, which occurred October 6, 1841; his widow died November 21, 1875. After the death of his father, they returned to the farm, and subject farmed for several years, removing thence to Ellettsville, where he lived for some time, coming thence to Blodmington. He entered the employ of Orchard & McPheeters, as stage driver, continuing in this capacity for several years. He then purchased a two,wheeled dray, from which has sprung the present nourishing transfer line owned by him. He was Bloomington's first drayman, and his success is evidence of what may be accomplished by unfaltering energy and industry. On June 8, 1856, he was married to Miss Rebecca J. Hughes, daughter of David Hughes, a respected citizen of Monroe County. To crown the happiness of their wedded life, they have had born to them five children, George, Edward, Elizabeth, Leonard L. (who was born in Bloomington, Ind., May 18, 1863), and Charles B. In April, 1883. he entered the employ of J. H Byors & Co., spokes, hubs and wagon stock manufacturers of Bloomington, and he is at present so engaged. Mr. Whetsell is a member of the I. O. R. M., and is identified with the Methodist Church. Politically, he is a Republican. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Pages 598 - 599
EDWARD WHETSELL, second son in a family of five children born to Leonard and Rebecca J. (Hughes) Whetsell. was born October 26, 1858, in Bloomington, Monroe Co., Ind. He was educated in the public schools of Bloomington, obtaining a very good common school education. "When about sixteen years of age, he began running a dray for W. B. Hughes, which he continued to do for about four years, when he tired of the business, and worked at various things for some length of time, being always industrious. For some time past he has been in the employ of William T. Blair, the popular boot and shoe merchant of Bloomington. On October 7, 1878, he was united by marriage to Miss Letitia Perdue, daughter of C. R. Perdue, one of Bloomington's most prominent citizens and merchants. This union has been blest with one child, Edward Leon, born February 28, 1880. Mr. Whetsell and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in good standing. Politically, he is a Republican, and is highly esteemed in that party. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Page 599
WICKS
W. W. WICKS, born in New Albany, Ind. July 14, 1843, is the only son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Tuley) Wicks, and was reared in New Albany, where he was educated in the public schools. When sixteen years of age, he entered the employ of his uncle, J. L. Wicks, a retail grocer of New Albany, where he continued until he enlisted in the three months' service; in January, 1862, he came to Bloomington, entered the employ of a merchant here, with whom he remained for two years. January 2, 1864, he enlisted in the Twentieth Indiana Artillery, and took part in the battles at Atlanta, Jonesboro and Nashville, and on June 28, 1865, by reason of the closing of the war. he received an honorable discharge, and again came to Bloomington. Re-entering the employ of Mr. Tuley, he remained until September 10, 1868, when he was married to Sarah McPhetridge, daughter of Milton McPhetridge, pioneers of Monroe County. They have two children, Blanch and Grace. After his marriage he lived for one year in Pana, Ill., removing thence to Bloomington, and resuming his former position with Tuley & Co., which he retained until 1874, when he purchased a furniture store, shortly afterward selling out, however, and forming a partnership with J. B. Clark, in the dry goods business, continuing for three years, and then retired from active business for seven months, on account of ill health. He next formed a partnership with R. M. Gamble and C. B. Mitchell, in general merchandise store, the former going out in January, 1882, the latter selling his stock to our subject January 1, 1883, and at present the business is now under the firm name of W. W. Wicks. He is a member of the L O. O. F. and of the LO.RE He is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church and is a Democrat. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Pages 599 -600
WHISNAND
JOHN D. WHISNAND was born in Washington County, Va, September 22, 1822, and is a son of Isaac and Mary (Isley) Whisnand. The former was born about 1800, in Washington County, VA; went thence to Sullivan County, Tenn., and in 1829 came to Monroe County. He was a farmer, and entered land which is now known as the John Buzzard farm, and resided there until his death in 1858. He was teaming in an early day, from Bloomington to Louisville, and sold wheat for 37£ cents per bushel, and bacon for 1£ cents per pound. John D. was reared on the old farm until his twenty-fifth year; then with $100 he started in life alone. He purchased eighty acres of land, for which he paid $800, and after paying for this, added fifty acres, which cost $1,000. His farm is in a fine condition, and he enjoys the comfort and convenience of a fine residence, added to which are outbuildings, all of which is the fruit of his honest toil. In 1846, Mr. Whisnand was joined in matrimony to Susan O., a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of Reuben and Nancy (Bailey) Shipley, who were early settlers of Monroe County. To this marriage have been born six children, Mrs. Bradley, James L., Louisa (deceased), Mrs. Bode, Sarah and Cynthia. Mr. Whisnand is a Republican. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Page 600
JONATHAN O. WHISNAND, farmer, was born in Clarke County, Ind.,, August 26, 1816, and is the son of George and Mary (Owen) Whisnand, the former was born in Washington County, Va., December 27, 1780, and the latter in Tazewell County, Tenn., on June 26, 1790. George was a hatter by trade, and moved to Ohio in 1811, where he worked at the trade two years, when, in 1813, he moved to Indiana, the State being then a Territory, and resumed his trade at Charlestown, Clarke County. In 1819, he came to where Bloomington now stands, where he again resumed his occupation. In 1821, he entered eighty acres of land, and followed fanning in connection with his trade. In 1838, he built a woolen mill at Ellettsville, which was taken charge of by his son Jonathan .until 1844. ' He died in 1863, his wife in 1852. He was a member of the Baptist Church, she of the Methodist. Jonathan, our subject, is a farmer, and now owns a fine farm of 230 acres, which he has secured by hard labor and untiring industry. In 1852, he married Rebecca A.? daughter of Benjamin and Henrietta Kidge, who were old and prominent settlers of this county. To our subject and his wife was born one son— Benjamin R. Mr. Whisnand is a member of Ellettsville Lodge, No. 245, A., F. & A. M., and in politics is a Republican. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Page 600
WILLIAM E. WHISNAND was born in Washington County, Va.., May 26, 1807, and is the son of Jacob and Rebecca Whisnand, the former a / native of Pennsylvania, who served as a spy during the Revolution. William E. came to Monroe County in 1830, and settled near Bloomington, where he followed farming and wagon, making until 1848. He then purchased his present farm, consisting of 115 acres, for which he paid $1,100, and since that has followed farming. In 1828, he married Elizabeth, a native of Tennessee, and daughter of Henry and Annie (Hickman) Wolf. She died in 1871, the mother of eleven children, John C, Franklin, Mrs. Ridge, Emanuel (who was a soldier of the war of the rebellion). Mrs. Elizabeth Ridge. Mrs. Minet, Sarah J. (Riddle), Thomas (who served in the war of the rebellion), Mrs. Mayfield, Laura C. (Parks), and Elihu (deceased). January 5, 1876, lie married for his second wife, Mary, a daughter of Cornelius and Rebecca (Coleman) Ridge. Mrs. Whisnand's father was a Kentuckian, and a soldier of the war of 1812. Mr. Whisnand is an old and highly respected citizen of the county; is a member of the Christian Church, and in politics is a Republican. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Pages 600 - 601
WOOLLEY
FRANK R. WOOLLEY was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 28, 1853, and is the second son in a family of eight children born to John C. and Margaret V. (Getzendauner) Woolley, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. His parents came to Monroe County soon after his birth. He was reared on a farm near Bloomington, and in the district schools received the rudiments of an education. "When about eighteen years of age, he began learning the carpenter's trade with. J. Nichols, of Bloomington, and later on with his uncle, William H. Neeld. In 1874, he entered the employ of D. W. Fish & Co., grocers of Bloomington, and soon afterward took charge of his father's interest in the firm of Fields & "Woolley, grocers. In 1878, he formed a partnership with his father in the grocery business, under the firm name of "Woolley & Son, continuing about three years. In the spring of 1882 he was elected by the Republican party as Trustee of Bloomington Township, and is at present faithfully in the discharge of the duties of that office. He is at present Noble Grand of the Bloomington Lodge, I. O. O. F., and an active member of the Methodist Church. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Page 601
WORLEY
JAMES C. WORLEY, native of Indiana, was born November 6, 1838, in Richland Township, Monroe County. He is the youngest son of eight children born to Zimry_ and Sallie (Liegg) Worley, natives of South Carolina and Kentucky respectively. He was reared in his native township until eight years of age, when he came to Bloomington with his parents, where he received a good English education in the public schools, and in 1852 he entered the State University, continuing for two years and a half. In February, 1862, he was married to Sarah McCollough, daughter of Johnson and Rebecca McCollough, early settlers of Monroe County. After his marriage, he embarked in the livery business here, and continued until 1865, when he sold out, and the same year went into the same business again, continuing until March, 1877, when he sold out and went into the grocery business, continuing one year, when he again embarked in the livery business. In 1879, John T. May purchased one-half interest, and the business was continued under the firm name of Worley & May until January 1, 1884, when he sold to John H. Cole, and has since been engaged in buying, selling and trading in horses. He has three children, Edith, Alice and an infant child. Mr. Worley is a Republican, and is quite prominent with his party. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Pages 601 - 602
ZIMRY WORLEY, eldest child of Henry and Nancy (Pansy)" Worley, was born August 23, 1803, in North Carolina, where he lived until two years of age. His parents then brought him to Highland County, Ohio, where they lived until 1819, removing thence to Monroe County, Ind., and settling in Bloomington. Shortly after their arrival here, his stepfather died, and being the eldest son, upon him devolved the duty of supporting the family. He rented a small farm near Bloomington, and remained there for two years, removing thence to a farm known now as the old McKinley place, which he leased and farmed until April 13, 1826, when he was married to Sallie Legg, daughter of Jonathan Legg, an early pioneer of Bloomington. After his marriage, he worked at various things, such as necessarily fall to the lot of early settlers, for several years. He then purchased a farm of sixty acres, where he lived for sixteen years; then, selling his farm, he moved to Bloomington, and built what is now the National House, which he conducted for seventeen years. He traded it for other town property, and retired from active labor, at present residing in Bloomington, hale, hearty, and eighty-one years or age, the oldest living settler in the city. He has been the recipient of no gratuities, and it is only to his energy and industry that he has obtained a competency of this world's goods, and is now comfortably resting during his declining years. He has been a stanch member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than fifty-four years, and was an old-time Whig. His wife was born near Shelbyville, Ky., on December 11, 1805. Her parents moved to Bloomington in October, 1824, where they resided for about twenty-six years, removing thence to Illinois, where they died, the father at the advanced age of ninety-eight years, the mother at ninety years of age. Mr. Worley has eight children, George Henry, Jane, Margaret, Elsberry, Eli F., Harvey, James C. and an infant. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Page 601
WORRALL
C. R. WORRALL is a native of Iowa, born May 24:, 1855, in Marion. He is the eldest child in a family of five children born to I. D. and Nancy A. (Thompson) Worrell, natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively. His parents were married in 1854, in Marion, Iowa, where for sixteen years the father followed merchandising, and then moved to Greencastle, Ind. He kept a hotel there until 1874, when he came to Bloomington, where he at present resides, engaged in the harness business. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native town, where he was educated in the public schools, and in 1871 he entered the Asbury University at Greencastle, remaining for three years. He then entered the Law Department of the State University at Bloomington, from which he graduated in June, 1876. Two years later, he began the regular practice of his profession in Bloomington, remaining there but one year, when he removed to Ogden, Iowa, and practiced there for three years, during which time he served as City Attorney, and as City Recorder for one year. In the fall of 1881, he returned to Bloomington, and taught school for a year. He then resumed his practice, in which he has since continued very successfully. On July 3, 1883, he was married to Emma Walker, daughter of Dr. W. S. Walker, a pioneer of Monroe County, Ind. Besides practicing his profession, he is in the real estate business, and also in the insurance business. He is politically a Democrat, and a very prominent member of that party. - Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana Historical and Biographical, By Charles Blanchard, Published by F. A. Battey & Co, 1884, Page 602
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