James Ousley
James Ousey, proprietor of the leading livery, feed and sale stable of Delaware, Ohio, located at the corner of Winter and North Union Streets, and the owner of a fine grain and fruit farm of 100 acres on the Radnor pike, is one of Delaware County's representative citizens, and a survivor of the Civil War. Mr. Ousey was born April 30. 1847, near Newton. Sussex County, New Jersey, and is a son of Edward and Anna (Washer) Ousey.
Edward Ousey was born near Liverpool, England, where he resided until sixteen years of age, at which time he came to America and found employment in the iron mines of Sussex County, New Jersey, remaining thus employed until 1851. In this year he came to Orange Township, Delaware County. Ohio, and began farming on his own account, being followed here by his wife and family the following year. He was living at Westerville at the time of his death. Mr. Ousey was a stanch Republican in politics, and his patrioitism was shown by his three years and nine months service in the Union army as a member of Company D, Twentieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War. He was married to Anna Washer, whose father was a Revolutionary soldier and an old-time mail carrier in New Jersey. Of this union there were born six children, three of whom grew to maturity, namely: William H., who is now deceased; Susan, also deceased, who was the wife of William Lane, of Worthington, Ohio; and James, whose name appears at the head of this article.
James Ousey was educated in the common schools of Orange Township, and was working on the home farm at the time the Civil War broke out. In January, 1864, at the age of sixteen years, he enlisted in Company K, Second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Heavy Artillery, and joined his regiment at Munfordsville. Kentucky, remaining with it until the close of the war. when he received his honorable discharge. He then returned to the farm, on which he worked until 1876, and in this year became a railroad brakeman. being later promoted to conductor. A severe injury to his arm. which left it partially crippled, caused him to abandon railroading, and in May, 1884. he established himself in the livery business, in which he continued until 1888. In this year be sold out and purchased a farm in Henry County, still keeping his residence in Delaware, however, but this farm he soon sold and purchased his present property of 100 acres on the Radnor pike, just outside of the corporation limits of Delaware, This he operates as a grain and fruit faim. having 1,500 apple trees, 500 pear trees, 200 peach trees and 100 cherry trees. Mr. Ousey's fine two-story brick livery stable at Delaware was built by him in 1891, and he now keeps fourteen horses and boards many more.
Mr. Ousey was married to Catherine Lienfenderfer, who came from Germany as a child with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Ousey are members of Zion Reformed Church of Delaware. Fraternally he is connected with Olentangy Lodge, No. 53, I. O. O. F., of Delaware, and in politics he is a stanch Republican, although no office-seeker, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908