Jackson [Township]

The subject of our sketch, the fifth son of a family of thirteen, was born in Washington County, Pa., June 24, 1793. He is of German descent, his grandparent both being natives of the fatherland.

His parents moved to Ohio in the fall of 1805, and located on the farm where he now resides, and here he has ever since lived. No doubt but that a brief description of the old gentleman's place would be interesting to some of our readers. The situation of his home is an elevated plain, on the banks of Tom's Run, near where the old Indian Chief, Tom Kilbuck, from whom the stream derived its name, used to camp. The house is surrounded by a forest of evergreens, intermingled with fruit-trees of various kinds. It is an old-time house, built in the long-ago, but has since that time been somewhat remodeled. A stranger entering these sacred precincts would not for a moment dream of being in the presence of one of the oldest of Ohio's honored sons. But such is the fact: here, in this rural retreat, far from the din and confusion, strife and turmoil of the busy world, resides one of the oldest, if not the oldest, representatives of our commonwealth. And it causes a feeling of sadness and regret when we think that so few of that old and honored school of statesmen and gentlemen are now living.

What a change since sixty years ago! At that time our honorable subject was just emerging into youthful manhood, and at that period the country for miles upon miles was a howling wilderness, and tribes of the now historic red men were encamped in all those beautiful valleys. "What a change time has wrought, Mr. Shideler!" and the contenance of the venerable man will brighten and glow, as he relates the stories of his youthful days.

He was married first in December, 1826, by which union were born thirteen children: nine boys and four girls. In his early life he manifested an interest in politics, and allied himself with the Jefferson Democracy. He ever remained a steadfast supporter of Democratic principles, and has never voted any other ticket.

In 1832, he was elected to represent this County in the General Assembly, and so well were the people satisfied that in 1834 he was re-elected by an increased majority. He refused a further election, and returned to the quiet and comforts of private life. But the County demanded his services, and, despite his protestations, he was elected to the Senate in 1838. After serving two years in that body, he had no further ambition for fame, and positively refused the entreaties of his friends to be a candidate for Congress. He then served the County as one of its Commissioners for three years, and many valuable improvements were made during his term of office. With twelve years' subsequent services as a Justice of the Peace, Mr. Shideler retired altogether from the public state, and is spending his afternoon of life in the most peaceful, happy manner.