Charles M. Shively
Charles M. Shively, a general farmer and stock-raiser of Delaware County, Ohio, who has been prominently identified with the agricultural and public interests of Delaware Township, was born August 4, 1865, in Delaware, Ohio, and is a son of John and Eliza B. (Cooke) Shively.
John Shively was horn in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 12, 1824, and in his native place followed the trade of carpenter until coming to Delaware, Ohio, over half a century ago. at which time there were but twelve houses here. He engaged in the coopering business in a small way, and it so increased in volume that he was forced to employ from seven to ten hands, and his barrels were shipped all over the State of Ohio. The last 25 years of his life were spent on the farm now occupied by his son, Charles M., and here he erected the comfortable brick residence. He was a veteran of the 145th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. Prior to the war, Mr. Shively was a Democrat, but after its termination he became a Republican. Mr. Shively was married to Eliza B. Cooke, who was a daughter of Isaac Cooke, and to them 11 children were born, 10 of whom grew to maturity, namely: Mrs. Mary Barry, now deceased; Edward W., who resides in Spokane, Washington; John W., who is deceased; Silas C., who lives in Radnor Township; Alfred, of Kingston Township; Franklin B., a resident of Delaware; Anna May, who married James Grubb, of Delaware; Charles M.; and William and Lewis N., both of Delaware. Mrs. Shively died September 28, 1896, aged 65 years. She and her husband were both members of the United Brethren Church, but there being no church of that denomination in their locality, Mr. Shively attended the Methodist Episcopal Church at Stratford, where he acted in the capacity of Sunday school teacher and class leader.
Charles M. Shively was reared in the city of Delaware, and there attended the public schools. He has always lived on the farm of his father since its purchase by the latter, with the exception of a period of seven years, during which it was carried on by his brother William. The property, which consists of 62 acres, does not suffice for his extensive operations and consequently he rents the James R. Lytle farm and several other tracts, devoting about 50 acres to corn, 70 acres to hay. 25 acres to oats and 25 acres to wheat. He has given much attention to the breeding of registered Poland China and Jersey Red hogs, of which he raises about 100 annually, and he also has 12 Jersey dairy cows, selling his milk to a creamery. In addition he raises French draft horses, and about 150 sheep. In addition to his fine residence, Mr. Shively has two excellent barns, one 40x50 feet with 14-foot posts and sheds, and the other 45x22 feet with 22-foot posts. He is a good practical agriculturist and excellent business man, and is held in high esteem by all who know him.
Mr. Shively was united in marriage with Mary P. Miller, who is the daughter of Henry and Eliza (Frye) Miller, and to this union there have been born four sons, namely: Ernest M., born February 1, 1889; Chauncey P., born March 17, 1890; Bert M., born August 13 1892; and Charles R., born October 10, 1898. Mrs. Shively has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for 25 years, and Mr. Shively's religious connections are also with this body, but formerly he was a member of the U. B. Church.
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