Carroll-Cass County IN Archives Biographies.....Shanks, John U. 1858 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/in/infiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com March 28, 2006, 5:12 pm Author: John C. Odell (1916) JOHN U. SHANKS. The fact that John U. Shanks has filled with honor and credit many public offices, and that he is the trusted president of the Farmers State Bank, of Camden, is evidence that his record has been a clean one and his character above reproach. In private as well as in public life this gentleman has lived not only so as to reflect credit upon himself and his early training, but so as to be an inspiration to others. Education has meant to him not a means of earning a livelihood, but a means of attaining the culture which recognizes also civic responsibility. Mr. Shanks, who is the owner of five hundred acres of valuable land in Carrollton township, is a native of Cass county, Indiana, having been born in Deer Creek township on May 7, 1858. He is the son of Henry and Mary (Blue) Shanks. Henry Shanks was born and reared in Troy, Ohio. His wife, Mary Blue, was a native of Illinois, being the daughter of Uriah and Fanny Blue, both natives of Virginia. Henry and Mary were married in Indiana and lived in Cass county until John U. was seven years of age. They then came to Carroll county and lived near Clymers Station for six months, returning to Cass county, where they lived for many years, finally returning to Carroll county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. John U. Shanks received a common-school education and remained at home until his twenty-fifth year, but about two months before his marriage, rented the old Elam Segraves farm of one hundred and seven acres in Carrollton township. By hard work, saving and fortunate trading, Mr. Shanks had accumulated twelve hundred dollars, which he invested in cattle and stock, and it was this money that gave him his first start. On August 19, 1883, Jonn M. Shanks was married to Amy A. McCloskey, the daughter of John and Jane McCloskey, natives of Butler county, Ohio. The month following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shanks moved to the Segraves farm and the next year Mr. Shanks bought a life lease from the widow of Elam Segraves. He and his wife remained thene until fall and then moved into their log house, which had only one window and a shed and kitchen and log smoke house. It was surrounded by woods, the fences were in a dilapidated condition and as for a stable, it had none at all. Such was the problem the young farmer tackled, but out of it he made the fine estate that he owns today. As a result of these improvements he was in debt for two years, but with a stout heart went to work, paid his debts and bought thirteen acres of land, which was a part of the original one hundred and twenty acres, of which one hundred and seven acres formed the Segraves estate. Two years later Mr. Shanks bought forty acres more and located one-half mile west of the one hundred and twenty acres. Subsequently, he sold forty acres, and bought forty acres adjoining the tract of one hundred and twenty acres which he already controlled. He then had one piece of property consisting of one hundred and sixty acres. He then built a barn of forty by sixty feet on the one hundred and seven acres which he had only leased, constructing this barn of his own timber. He then bought out the heirs of the Segraves estate and put the farm in good condition, using modern methods. He again went in debt to the extent of three thousand dollars when he bought an additional eighty acres from a neighbor at a cost of thirty-five hundred dollars. This debt was paid in the course of two or three years, and he added twenty acres to the two hundred and forty acres which he already owned, and soon afterwards purchased sixty acres more. He remodeled the brick house and built a new barn, at the same time becoming owner of eighty acres of land in Cass county. It was by these methods of strenuous work and speculation and trading that he accumulated the fortune which he now possesses. He says that it was his theory to handle young colts and cattle and thus make the money which was to clear him of indebtedness. When business success was assured, Mr. Shanks began the accumulation of bank stock and when he had secured sufficient stock in the Farmers State Bank of Camden, he was elected a director and served as such until his election to the presidency of the bank in 1915. At present he holds large interests in this institution, as well as having stock in the Farmers Elevator Company. Recently, he and his wife have bought a beautiful and commodious home on Main street in Camden, and here they delight to welcome their friends. To Mr. and Mrs. Shanks have been born five children. Opal, Ora, Belva, Margaret and John A. Opal married Henry Croghan and lives on her father's farm in Carrollton township. She is a graduate of the local high school and taught school for five years after attending school at Otterbein University at Westerville, Ohio, from which she graduated in 1914 in the same class with her husband. She is a talented musician. Ora is the wife of Garfield C. Todd, who lives on the home place. She graduated from the high school, attended the state normal and, like her sister, is a talented musician. Belva married Roy Hunter and lives on a farm in Carrollton township. Her education has been similar to that of her sister, Ora. Margaret graduated from the high school, attended Indiana University, taught school three terms and studied music at DePauw University. John A. graduated from high school, attended Purdue University and is now assistant cashier of the Farmers State Bank. Politically, Mr. Shanks is a Democrat and has served as township trustee for six years, begining in 1909, and also as road supervisor, having filled both offices efficiently and entirely satisfactorily. Fraternally, Mr. Shanks belongs to Camden Lodge No. 211, Free and Accepted Masons, and to the Knights of Pythias at Young America. Mr. Shanks, as well as his wife, has been sincerely interested in the work of the United Brethren church, and at one time Mr. Shanks was the superintendent of the Sunday school, and has been for twelve years one of its popular teachers. He was also on the building committee of the church. In Mr. Shanks' success he has been ably assisted by his good wife, and credit is duly given her for the rearing of a family of children who are a credit to the name. Additional Comments: Extracted from: HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY INDIANA ITS PEOPLE, INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS BY JOHN C ODELL With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families ILLUSTRATED 1916 B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY, Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/carroll/bios/shanks260nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/infiles/ File size: 7.2 Kb