Randolph County, Indiana
Benjamin F. Denlinger
In looking over the life records of the citizens of Randolph county one is struck by the immense number who have come from Darke county, Ohio, and have cast their lots among the Hoosiers. That county has, beyond question, furnished more settlers to Randolph than any other in the Union. These people have, in nearly every instance, proven to be industrious, public spirited and of honorable impulses and therefore we owe much to this sterling band of Buckeyes, of which Benjamin F. Denlinger, proprietor of the Union City Hardware Company, of Union City, is one deserving of special mention in the pages of this history.
Mr. Denlinger was born in Darke county, Ohio, August 15, 1865. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Barr) Denlinger, who spent their lives on a farm in Darke county, Ohio, the father's death occurring in 1904, and the mother died in 1902. They were the parents of the following children: Mary Lovina, who married W. W. Parent, lives in Paulding county, Ohio; Anna married Robert Rich, and they reside in Union City, on the Ohio side; John B. lives in Jackson township; and Benjamin F., of this sketch. Benjamin Barr, the maternal grandfather, was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and his death occurred there many years ago. Jacob Denlinger was a native of the above named county also and there he resided until about 1850, when he removed to Darke county, Ohio, and bought timbered land, which he cleared and made into a farm. He was one of the pioneers of Darke county. He was a scion of an old Pennsylvania German family.
Benjamin F. Denlinger was educated at Hill Grove, Ohio, but he is what might properly be called a self-made man, for he left school when only sixteen years of age and began life for himself. For many years he followed farming and threshing grain. He is still owner of a valuable and well-improved farm of ninety-four acres in Darke county, Ohio, where he carried on general farming and stock raising until 1908, when he moved to Union City, Indiana, and bought the business of the Union City Hardware Company, which he has since conducted most successfully, enjoying a large and rapidly growing business which extends over a wide territory. He keeps a large and carefully selected stock of general hardware and farming implements, and his store would be a credit to a town much larger than Union City. By his uniform courtesy and honest dealings with his hundreds of customers they invariably remain his friends. In five years he has succeeded in building up a mercantile business second to none in Randolph county and adjoining country. He is a man of great energy, wise fore sight and progressive ideas.
Politically, Mr. Denlinger is a Republican. He was township trustee of Washington township, Darke county, Ohio, for one term. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a member of Camp Eagle, Junior Order United American Mechanics, Union Council, No. 30.
Mr. Denlinger was married December 18, 1887, to Ella L. Anspaugh, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, January 5, 1862. She is a daughter of Daniel Anspaugh, who is deceased, as is also his wife.
To Mr. and Mrs. Denlinger have been born the following children: Earl F., born April 18, 1889, married Louise Sutton, a daughter of Thomas H. Sutton, on Easter Sunday, 1910, and to this union one child has been born, Erma Louise, whose birth occurred October 28, 1912: Mary Margaret, born May 2, 1898, is now attending school and making an excellent record; she is a talented musician and every advantage will be given her along this line. The son was also given excellent educational advantages, and is a young business man of much promise.
Past and Present of Randolph County, Indiana, 1914.
Contributed by Gina Richardson