George W. Black
The primary accomplishment of a successful career is the establishment of a home and a suitable provision for a family. this itself is a creditable performance, especially when the circumstances of the early life have been those of poverty and privation. One of the most estimable citizens of Swayzee, Mr. Black started life a very poor boy, and before he he was in his teens was contributing to the support of his father and mother, and dutifully cared for them until their death. Besides this he has built up a splendid estate as a farmer, in Sims Township, and is one of the most influential citizens in Grant County.
In his boyhood days his attendance at the common schools was very much limited owing to the impoverished condition of the family and when nine years of age he began earning his first money. He then went to work for Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Sites in Fairfield County, Ohio, and lived there until twenty-one years old. When he was eighteen he had saved two hundred dollars and paid that amount upon a home in which he established his parents and in two years more had the place paid for. In 1878 he came to Grant county for the first time, and in 1882 was married and returned to Ohio for a few months. He then established himself permanently in Sims Township. He was married to Miss Eliza M. Mauler of Grant County, daughter of Seth and Ursula Mauler, who entered land in Sims Township, and began making a home for themselves. They went in debt in order to secure some land, and both worked very hard and deprived themselves of all but he necessities of life, in order to get a start. After locating here Mr. Black sent for his parents, and also kept them above the line of want. At the present time Mr. Black is owner of two hundred and forty eight acres of land, ninety five acres of which is in Green Township. It is regarded as some of the best and most productive soil in Grant county, and its improvements are hardly second to any to be found in this section. Mr. Black as his resources have increased, has invested nearly all his surplus in land, and included in his estate are eighteen acres adjoining the town of Swayzee. On that place he has his beautiful modern home, fitted up with all the conveniences and facilities which made living comfortable and attractive.
Mr. and Mrs. Black are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living in 1913. Pearlie is a graduate of the common schools and the Marion Business College and is the wife of Frank Retz. They have two children, Ruth and Charles. Clifford is a farmer in green Township. He married Lena Mahoney, and they have two children, bertha and Ava. Minnie is the wife of David Fansler, and they have three children, Lucille, Vera and Walter G. Ernest is a farmer in Sims Township. He married Hazel Knee, and they have one child, Signa. Dale was killed by a stroke of lightning a few years ago. Lottie is a graduate of the Swayzee High School and lives at home. Fay was born in 1902, and is a school girl, and the youngest is Ada.
Mr. Black is affiliated with the Swayzee Lodge, A. F. & A. M., with the Knights of Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is past noble grand of the Odd Fellows. Some years ago Mr. Black was appointed by the Untied States Commissioner of the general land office as assistant superintendent of the Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota, and discharged the duties of that office for about two years, at the end of which time he returned to Grant County. He is an active member of the County Central Committee of Sims Township. He has never been an active seeker for office, but some time ago was a candidate for sheriff. Besides is farming interests, Mr. Black has built up a large business as a contractor, and has an excellent organization and all the facilities and experience of a successful worker in the construction of gravel roads and streets. He has constructed a great deal of this class of public improvement, and his business is growing each year.
Centennial History of Grant County Indiana 1812-1912. The Lewis Publishing Co., 1914.