John Totten
John J. Totten, a prominent young farmer and stock-dealer
of Brandywine Township, was born in Van Buren Township, this
county, November 16, 1853. He was the eldest of thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, born to
William S. and Mary J.
(Andus) Totten, the former of whom was born in Virginia, and
accompanied his parents to this county when he was yet a child less
than one year old. The latter was born in this county. His
parents now reside in Brandywine Township. He was reared
upon his father's farm in this county and at the age of ten he
accompanied his parents to a farm in Brandywine Township. He
attended the common schools in which he received the necessary
instruction for a good practical education. He continued with his
parents until he reached the age of twenty-three, when on the
4th day of February, 1877, he was married to Mary M. Oldham, who was born in Brandywine Township, this county,
November
I, 1857, and daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Harrell) Oldham,
old residents of this country. Immediately after their marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Totten, located in Fairland, but a year later they
removed to their present home one-half mile south of that place,
where they have ever since resided, excepting a temporary residence
of six months in Shelbyville. Since his marriage the entire attention of Mr. Totten has been given to the buying, feeding and
selling of live-stock, in which business he has been very successful. During a period of ten years his business in this direction has
gradually increased until it has reached an aggregate of over $50,000
worth of stock bought and sold annually. Our subject and his wife
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics the
former is a staunch Democrat. He owns a handsome farm of
120 acres, nearly- all of which is in an excellent state of cultivation. His farm is
fitted up with good fences and buildings and is a very
desirable location. He also superintends the management of his
farm in connection with his live-stock interests. He is a shrewd,
pushing and energetic young business man, and he and wife are
first class citizens. Mr. Totten began life without a dollar, but
through industry, economy and good business tact, he has, though
young, already accumulated considerable property and is now
recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the county.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Chicago: Brant & Fuller, 1887, "Brandywine
Sketches", pages 626-627.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
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