Hester - Elmer
Source: History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Indianapolis; AW Bowen, 1913) p 1144
It is a pleasure to any one, whether a farmer or not, to look over a well improved and finely kept landed estate like that of Elmer HESTER of Scott Twp, Montgomery Co, for like his honored father he is a man who believes in keeping abreast of the times, in adopting, so far practicable, the most approved 20th century methods in general farming and stock raising. As a result of his careful study and investigation he has, while yet young in years, about solved the question of scientific farming as we know and understand it today. However, where agriculture has gained, the educational element in this locality has lost, for Mr. H. was formerly regarded as one of the leading public school teachers in this section of the state. He has always stood for progressiveness, not only in material and educational matters, but in political, moral and civic conditions, and he is an ardent advocate of wholesome living and honesty in public life, and while laboring for his individual advancement he has never been found neglectful of his duties to his neighbors and the general public.
Mr. Hester was born in Brown Township, this County in 1880. He is a son of James and Lucy (EADS) Hester, a complete sketch of whom appears on other pages in this volume. It was on the home place, north of the village of Parkersburg, that Elmer Hester grew to Manhood, and when a boy, did his share of the work during crop seasons, and there he continued to reside until his marriage. He attended the district schools and later the Ladoga HS, from which he graduated with the class of 1901. Having long entertained an ambition to enter the profession as teacher and desiring to properly equip himself for the same, he entered the State Normal School at Terre Haute, where he made an excellent record. Thus well equipped for his vocation he began teaching, which he followed for a period of 7 years, beginning in Walnut Twp, his native County. He taught 5 years in Scott Twp. His services were in great demand, for he was soon recognized as an instructor of exceptional ability, one who spared no pains in giving his pupils the best and latest according to advanced methods of instruction. During this period he farmed during the summer months. Finally, tiring of the close confinement of the school room, he turned his attention exclusively to general farming and stock raising. He has enjoyed to the full the freedom of the country and has prospered through his close application and good management. He is the owner of a fine improved and productive farm of 184 acres in theSW part of Sec 3, Scott Twp all under a fine state of cultivation and is one of the choice farms in the southern part of the County. He has a good set of building on the place, and in connection with general farming he raises a good grade of live stock from year to year.
In 1906 Mr. Hester married Salome KESLER, daughter of Nathan Kesler, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. H. grew to womanhood and received her education in her native community. To Mr. & Mrs. Hester was born one son, Donald. Politically, Mr. Hester is a Republican, but he has never been active in public affairs, preferring to devote his attention to his individual affairs and to his family. He and his wife being pleasant, agreeable and neighborly have made a host of friends since settling on the farm in Scott Twp. - typed by kbz