Rountree -Wesley
Source: H.W. Beckwith History (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 587
Wesley
ROUNDTREE, farmer, Alamo, a genial, well-to-do and intelligent farmer, was b.
in Butler Co, Ohio, in 1825 and moved to Ripley (note: Township, Montgomery
County) in 1827 with his parents, Charles and Sarah (Hayes) Roundtree. Young
Wesley was given what education was afforded by the limited common school
system of his day, and made use of all the means usually falling within the
reach of a backwoods farmer's boy. He now owns 280 acres of land, and is happy
in company with his better half, Florence S, the accomplished daughter of Dr.
Brown of Alamo, whom he married Feb 5, 1872. They have no children. Mr.
Roundtree has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1856; signed the
first temperance pledge he ever saw and still is an uncompromising enemy of
King Alcohol. In politics he is a republican. kbz
Source: Portrait & Biographical Records of Montgomery, Parke
& Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman, 1893), p 355
The
late Wesley Rountree who was for many years connected with the great
agricultural interests of Montgomery County as a practical, successful farmer
and stock raiser owning a valuable farm on Sec. 24, Ripley Twp, in dying left
behind him an unblemished life record of loyal citizenship, of high standing as
a man, and of conscientiousness in the discharge of all the duties devolving
upon him in his relations with others. Mr. R. the youngest of 7 was born Oct 3,
1825 in Butler Co, Ohio. When he was 2 the family came through the intervening
forests in the year 1827 to settle in the wilderness in this county and here he
grew up on a farm that was reclaimed from its original uncultivated condition.
He became a farmer on his own account and devoted his energies to keeping his
farm of 200 acres of exceedingly fertile land up to a high standard of
cultivation and improvement so that today it is classed among the most
desirable farms in the township. He raised grain and was also interested in
raising stock, having his place wells stocked with cattle, horses, etc of good
breeds. He gave considerable attention to fruit culture and a valuable and
beautiful orchard adds to the attractiveness of the farm. Mr. Rountree was
happily married in 1872 to Miss Florence Brown of Alamo who survives him. She
was born in Waynetown Jan 31, 1849 and is a daughter of Dr. Iral Brown, who is
represented elsewhere. She is a woman of high personal character, warm of heart
and kindly and considerate to all about her, and in her our subject found a
devoted wife and true helpmate, who cooperated with him in his plans and work,
ministered to his comfort in every possible way and lovingly cherishes his
memory. She is a Christian as is shown by her daily walk and a devout member of
the Presbyterian Church, identifying herself with its good works, to the forwarding
of which she generously contributes of her means. June 2, 1891 at his home near
Alamo, Mr. R. fell into the dreamless sleep of death. For 63 years he had lived
in one place, and was greatly attached to his home and family. He was
surrounded by devoted friends and all that could make life desirable but he has
been called to a higher and more blessed life. Seldom has a death in our midst
caused more wide spread sorrow than that of our subject and those nearest and
dearest ot him received the universal sympathy of the entire community, for he
was beloved by all who knew him and he had an extensive acquaintance and many
friends, who will ever mourn his loss. His whole career was marked by
unswerving adherence to the ways of virtue and honesty, strict integrity and
justice characterizing all his dealings. Mr. R. was a man of warm sympathies,
was charitable in thought and act and was ever ready to extend a helping hand
to the needy and suffering. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and was
ever true to the faith. There is a singular coincidence in the lives of our
subject and his brother Meredith Rountree, in that both were married in the
same year and their deaths occurred within a short time of each other in the same
year 19 years later. Our subject was one of the leading Masons of this county.
Since the above was written Mrs. Rountree has united her destiny with a nephew
of her former husband, Charles Rountree.
kbz.