Hargrave - William H. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Located in the midst of a rich farming community, it is not strange that the business interests of Rockville have attained a prominence unequaled in this section of the country. The business men of this place as a class, are enterprising, shrewd and far-seeing in judgment and it is largely through their efforts that the city has become prominently known as a commercial center. Among the number who have contributed to this pleasing result may be mentioned William H. Hargrave, the owner and proprietor of a large furniture and undertaking establishment of Rockville. Oct 11, 1834 Mr. Hargrave was born in Lancaster, Fairfield Co Ohio. On the paternal side he is of Virginia descent, his ancestors having been early settlers in the Old Dominion. There Cornelius T. Hargrave, father of our subject was born near the city of Richmond and thence he came to Ohio about the year 1830. His marriage with Miss Elizabeth A. Gephart took place at Circleville.  He engaged in farming in the Buckeye state until 1842, when he removed to Indiana and purchased a farm in Putnam County. His attention was closely devoted to improving and cultivating this place, where he resided until his death at Russellville in April 1888.  His wife had passed away several years prior to his demise. In his religious connections he was identified with the Presbyterian Church. A man of energy and thrift, he made a success of his agricultural operations and was very prominent in Putnam County. Mr. Hargrave was one of 8 children, and was reared to manhood at the old homstead in Putnam County, Indiana. At age 18 he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a carpenter, and in 1855 he embarked in business for himself. In 1868 he came to Rockville, where he has since made his home.  Here he was engaged at his trade 3 years and then entered into the millwright business, continuing at this occupation for several years.  Afterward he followed the lumber business for a number of years, and later was variously engaged until 1884, when he organized his present furniture and undertaking establishment. In this business he at once met with flattering success, and his fair dealings with all and uniform geniality of manners won for him the esteem of his customers. He has devoted especial attention to embalming and attended Prof. Clark's school at Springfield, Ohio for the purpose of securing the best possible information regarding this important department of his business. As the result of excellent judgment, brought to bear in every line of work in which he has engaged, success has rewarded his efforts and he has accumulated a competency.   In Putnam County, Indiana in the fall of 1855, occurred the marriage of WH Hargrave to Miss Susan, daughter of David C. Bishop, a blacksmith residing in Portland Mills, Putnam County.  Two sons and two daughters have come to bless their home, Arthur A is the Editor of the Rockville Republican; Prof Charles A. is Professor in the department of Science & higher Mathematics in Central Normal College, Danville; Ida Belle a graduate of the Rockville School and the Normal school at Danville was for some time a teacher, and is now the wife of Jesse R. Long, an attorney at Muncie, Ind; Loulie B, the yougest child is at home. Appreciating the fact that Mr. hargrave possesses qualifications which render him well adapted for public postions, his fellow citizens have frequently called upon him to serve in official capacities. For four years he served as Township Trustee and was a member of theTown Board for about the same length of time. In his political belief he is a Republican. When about 19 he united with the Presbyterian Church and has since been a faithful member of and active worker in that denomination, which he now serves as Elder. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity and has filled the positions of Master of the Lodge and High Priest of the Chapter. During the late war he saw something of active serv ice, having enlisted in 1862 as a member of Co. B. 78th Indiana Infantry and was 2nd Sgt of his company. - typed by kbz