| Wesley Sanders |
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| Wesley Sanders. – This gentleman, a well known citizen and a representative of a pioneer family of Franklin county, residing in Blooming Grove township, where he owns an extensive and valuable tract of land. He was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, in 1819, a son of John and Jane Sanders and a grandson of Moses Sanders. When he was about eight years of age the family emigrated from Kentucky to Indiana, the father making settlement upon a farm near Mount Carmel, in Franklin county. Both he and his wife have long since passed away, but all of their children, with the exception of James, the eldest, are now living. They are William, Wesley, John and Sally Ann. Wesley Sanders and his brothers assisted the father in clearing up a farm, which was one of the first tracts of land developed in Springfield township. He entered upon an independent business career at an early age, working as a farm hand for three dollars per month. In this way he aided in clearing much of the land in the vicinity of Mount Carmel, and thus promoted the material welfare of the community and aided in its progress and improvement. When he had acquired a sufficient capital to make an investment for himself, he purchased forty acres, which was the nucleus of his present farm. From time to time he added to that amount until within the boundaries of his farm are now comprised four hundred and sixty acres of rich land, the greater part of which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, the well tilled fields yielding to him a golden tribute in return for the care and cultivation of the owner. Good buildings and substantial improvements also indicate the progressive spirit of Mr. Sanders, who is accounted one of the leading farmers of the community. Our subject has been three times married. He first wedded Hannah N. Whittaker, whose death occurred ten years later. Four children were born of this marriage, but only one is now living: Hannah, wife of James Jarvis, of Connersville, Indiana. Those deceased were Reta, Charlotte and Wallace. For his second wife Mr. Sanders chose Lydia Apsley, who lived only three years, and died leaving a son, Henry A., now of Laurel. The present wife bore the maiden name of Sarah E. Wilson and was a daughter of Robert and Rebecca (Downes) Wilson, native of Maryland. Two daughters honor this marriage – Ollie May and R. Bertie. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He came to this county in its pioneer days, and had but little opportunity to secure an education, but has always manifested good judgment in his business career; and by his industry, economy and enterprise has secured a very desirable competence. His life has ever been a busy and useful one, and such men form the strength of the county, state and nation. Source: Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana. Chicago. The Lewis Publishing Company. 1899. |
