Faust - George B - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893)p 478

George B. FAUST, whose residence is at No. 106 W. Chestnut Street, is a retired farmer. It would seem that there is something in the occupation of farming that develops strength of mind and body and makes a man more fully a man. At least it is well known -- too much so, perhaps to require mention -- that many of our grandest characters have been reared on a farm. Looking over the record of this county, the old truth holds good, and in no case more decidedly than in that of our subject. Mr. Fausts's birthplace is in Union Twp, five miles South of Crawfordsville and on Sept 2, 1833 he made his first appearance upon the stage of life where he was to play so importna a part.

His parents, Aaron and Sarah BIRD Faust, were from Ohio, in which state they were married, His mother was a native of Lehigh County, PA and came to Montgomery Co. about 1825. His father is still living on the old homestead at the good old age of 84. The latter has been married twice, his first wife, the mother of our subject, having been dead some years. His second wife, Emily CRANE died five of six years ago. There was only one child from this second marriage, Sarah, Mrs. James KAPLINGEr who died four years ago. The children by Mr. Fausts' first wife were: mary Ann, Mrs. Thomas SURFACe of Hoopeston, Ill; George b; John who lives five miles south of Crawfordsville; Catherine, who became Mrs. Albert KELSEY and died 15 years ago at the age of 30; Matilda, Mrs. Henry DOUGLAS who died about 10- years ago; and Hanna, Mrs. Alex BOWERS, who also died when about 30. Mr. Faust, Sr. always lived on his old place, where George was reared and where he remmained until he was married in 1855, at the age of 22. HIs marriage day was june 6 and he led to the alter, MIss Martha Margaret RICE, daughter of Abraham and Margaret LYDICK Rice, of Kentucky, both of whom have been dead for 17 years. The young daughter came to Crawfordsville in 1852. She was born July 13, 1831 near Lexington, Fayette Co, Ky. The newly married couple settled on a farm near New Marekt, Mr. Faust buying 80 acres of land. 15 or 16 years later he traded this for a farm one mile north of New market, where he lived till four miles north, of New Market where he lived till four years ago, his 160 acres making a fine piece of property. He is the owner of a threshing machine whose operation is a source of profit. In March 1887, he moved to Crawfordsville, renting his farm. He also owns several houses. Mr. Faust's sons John W. and Levi R., are proprietors of the Mill Supply & Oil Company at Crawfordsville and have a fine business, the only one of the kind here. Both live in the city.

Mr. and Mrs. Faust are members of the Christian Church, Mrs. Faust having been connected with that church since she was 16. She is a faithful and earnest worker for the cause of Christianity, and is one who would be greatly missed should her help be taken away. She is altogether a pleasant, estimable woman and one who has warm friends in the community. George B. Faust is a Democrat, although he does not engage very actively in politics, his influence being of the quiet kind which makes itself felt without efforto n the part of the one form whom it proceeds. Doubtless he inherits much from his father, who is a grand old man with the rugged strength that characterizes many of the pioneer settlers of our county. He was one of these pioneers and one of the most worthy to be specially noted. He carved out his fortune in a quiet way, yet with a reserve power that, under other circumstances, might have made him an important factor in the government of the nation. As we have said, his son inherits this strength, both physical and mental. He is a man of marked features, large and athletic in build, a powerful man in every way and with a military bearing that adds much to his appearance. In this case, the outward semblance is a true representation of the inward man, for he is one who is looked up to as a leader, while he commands the respect of all, and the warm regard of many friends. - typed by kbz