Fraley - Samuel W. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Source: History of Montgomery County, Indiana. Indianapolis: AW Bowen, 1913, p 1211

The student interested in the history of Montgomery County does not have to carry his investigations far into its annals before learning that Samuel Wesley FRALEY has long been an active and leading representative of its great agricultural interests and that his labors have proved a potent force in making this a rich farming region. Through several decades he has carried on diversified farming and stock raising, gradually improving his valuable land, and while he has prospered in this he has also found ample opportunity to assist in the material developement of this county, and his coperation has been of value for the general good. He is one of the honored veterans of the Union Army, who, when the tocsin (sic) of war sounded in the nationa's greatest crisis, uncomplainingly went forth to defend, with his life, if need be, the honor of the old flag. His career in every respect has been one of commendation and is well worthy of study and emulation by the young men of the locality whose fortunes are yet matters for future years to determine, for he has sought to live a life of public spirit, industry, uprightness and one that would be devoid of offense to all. Mr. Fraley was born near Linden, Montogmery County on Jan 7, 1848.

He is a son of Charles Washington Fraley and Sarh Ann KETCHAM Fraley. The father was born in Ohio, where he spent his earlier days, being young when his parents, in 1824, brought him to Indiana the family locating near West Point, Tippecanoe Co. Here the family became very comfortably established, developed a good farm on which the parents and Charles W. Fraley spent the rest of their lives, the death of the latter occuring Jan 1861, in Illinois. He had been very succesful as a general farmer, was a hard worker and a public spirited citizen, who became well and favorably known throughout that vicinity. Sarah Ann Ketcham was a duaghter of ex-Judge Absalom Ketcham, who at one time owned what is now the county poor farm and a prominent man in the county in his day and generation, a leader in public affairs and successful in business. Sarah Ann Ketcham was born in Ky and was a mere child when she accompanied her parents to this section of the Hoosier state. Here she grew to womanhood and received her education. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Charles W. Fraley removed with her children to Marshall Co, Iowa, where she spent the rest of her life, dying there 1863.

Samuel W. Fraley had little opportunity to obtain an education, being compelled when a boy to work hard in assisting his mother support the family, but this deficiency was overcome later in life by wide miscellaneous home reading, books, journals and newspapers. After the death of his mother, and while still living in Iowa he entered the service of the Federal Army by enlisting Jan 18, 1864 in Co. 14, 13th Iowa Vol. Inf. in which he served very faithfully and acceptably until the regiment was mustered out july 21, 1865 in Louisville, Ky. He had participated in many engagements, never showing the white feather in any of them. His regiment was with Sherman in his memorable march to the sea and was with him all through the Carolinas, the last battle our subject was in began the victory at Bentonville, NC and afterwards was in the grand review in Washington City, May 1865. After his career in the Army Mr. Fraley lived in Grundy Co, Iowa and followed farming and stock raising until 1872, when he came to Montgomery Co, Indiana. He continued general farming until 1888 when he purchased his present farm north of Crawfordsville. Here he has improved a fine farm and been very successful as a general agriculturist and stock raiser.

In the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, Mr. Fraley has long been very prominent, having served as junior vice commander, senior vice commander and post commander. He served 2 years as Sgt. Major and is now in his fourth year as adjutant. He is also a member of the Hickory Grove Anti-Horse Thief Association, having been sec. for 20 years. Politically, he is Republican. He is a member of the Christian Church, holding membership with the congregation of Yount's Chapel.

On Feb 23, 1869, Mr. Fraley married Lydia J. MODLIN formerly of Blackford Co, Indiana. To this union were born Lillian A. Fraley West, now of Kenatchee, Washington ; Frank E of Auroria, Nebraska; and Bertie E. of Fulton, Illinois. In 1875 Mr. Fraley was divorced from Lydia J. and returned to Indiana where he has since resided. Mr. Fraley was married June 14, 1877 to Mary A. NICHOLSON, daughter of Allan T. and Rebecca Ketcham Nicholson. The father was a native of Ohio and mother of Ky. Allan Nicholson came with his parents to Montgomery County, Indiana in 1831, the family locating in Union Twp, entering 480 acres from the government in Sect 19 & 20, Rg 4 W and of this valuable tract our subject has the original land grant. Members of the above named family all lived and died on this land, and here they established an excellent home through their industry, and were highly respected throughout the locality. Mrs. Fraley is directly descended from Revolutionary Stock. 5 children born to M/M Fraley, two are living: Walter, died 5 months old; Freddie d. when 10 1/2 months; Ada L, in school at BLoomington, In; Roy A., a well known teacher and is at this writing Principal of Palestine, Illinois; Louis Earl died 12 years old. The website management appreciates all the contributions provided for use here. -- kbz