Utterback - John W.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Records of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chapman Brothers, 1893
John W. UTTERBACK, a
prosperous farmer, and Town Trustee of Coal Creek Township, Montgomery County,
Ind., was born, reared and married in the county where he now resides, and
where he is highly esteemed as an honorable, upright man, and law-abiding
citizen. Mr. Utterback, who is in the prime of manhood, was born in 1850. He is
the eldest son and third child in a family of ten children, seven of whom lived
to adult age. Susan, the eldest-born, is the widow of Abraham WAINSCOTT, and
now resides in Illinois; Sarah is the wife of W. M. HOWARD, of Crawfordsville;
next in the order of birth comes our subject, John; then Virinda, wife of
Jasper HASHBARGER, of Illinois; Sanford, Stephen and James, the three last
named all being residents of the county. The paternal grandfather of these brothers
and sisters, Thompson UTTERBACK, was born in the South, probably in the good
old State of Virginia, and history records that he was descended from Scotch
ancestors. William and Keziah (WALTON) UTTERBACK, the parents of our subject,
were early settlers in Montgomery County and are numbered among the
representative pioneers of the State. They are both living, and still remain in
the same locality where they began their happy married life. The father was
born in 1817, near Culpeper, VA. The mother´s birthplace and lifetime home are
in the same State and county where she now resides. John UTTERBACK received his
education in the common schools of the county. He was reared to habits of
industry and was early taught the lessons of self-reliance which have materially
aided him in his upward progress in life. In 1872, about one year after
attaining his majority, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Martha
MILLER, daughter of Irvin MILLER, of Coal Creek. A score of years have fled
swiftly away, and the good wishes, so abundantly showered upon the bride and
groom full twenty years ago, seem to have been realized. Beginning life for
himself, Mr. UTTERBACK had as capital practical ability, which, engineered by
prudent judgment, has yielded him good returns. Our subject owns one hundred
and eighty acres of valuable land, which he has finely improved. Aside from
general agriculture, Mr. UTTERBACK raises more or less live-stock, and as a
progressive man is greatly interested in the rapid advance of farming methods
and facilities. The homestead has been greatly beautified of late by the
erection thereon of a handsome and commodious residence, which replaced the
more humble home of early years. The farmers of our country are among the most
important factors in the rise and progress of national success. Well realizing
this face, our subject gives intelligent and earnest heed to the political
questions of the day. He is an active Democrat, and a firm believer in the
principles of the part. Elected to the official position of Town Trustee of
Coal Creek in 1888, he so well performed the duties entrusted to him, that in
1890 he was re-elected and is now an incumbent of the office. Few citizens of
Montgomery County have a larger circle of friends and acquaintance than Mr. UTTERBACK,
whose business and family interests have always centered within the boundaries
of the State. He is a prominent member of the Christian Church, in whose
teachings he was firmly grounded in early youth. Mrs. UTTERBACK is communicant
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but although our subject and his wife hold
some difference of opinion upon doctrinal points, they are united in the common
desire to work for the best interests of religion at home and abroad. Mr.
UTTERBACK is a member of the Masonic order, is fraternally associated with the
Knights of Pythias, and is also a member of the National Detective Association.
The website management appreciates all the contributions provided for use here. - transcribed by kbz