William Jeptha Shelton
William Jeptha Shelton was born in Brown County, Ohio, August 29, 1842. He is the son of William Shelton. At the age of three years, his father moved into Adams County. He was reared on his father's farm and attended the District school.
On the sixteenth of October, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, 70th O. V. I. He was appointed Corporal, October 31, 1862, and Sergeant, April 30, 1864. He re-enlisted as a veteran, and was mustered out of the service August 14, 1865. He was wounded in the left shoulder at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. He was first duty Sergeant after his appointment, and in the last year of the war often had command of the company. He was with Major William B. Brown when he was killed, August 3, 1864, before Atlanta, Georgia. For a list of the battles in which he participated see the article on the 70th O. V. I., in this work.
He has always been a Republican. He cast his first vote, while in the service, for John Brough for Governor of Ohio. He connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1865. He was elected Recording Secretary of his Quarterly Conference, and has held that office ever since. He was elected Treasurer of Sprigg Township on the Republican ticket in 1895, and served two years.
On October 28, 1865, he was married to Miss Lucinda Lawrence, daughter of Jacob G. Lawrence. He has four children. His eldest daughter, Mary, is at home. His second daughter, Edith, is the wife of Henry Scott. His third daughter, Bertha, is the wife of Charles Little. His son, William L. married a Miss Games, and is a farmer. Both his sons-in-law are farmers. Mr. Shelton is one of the best farmers in the county, stands well in the estimation of all who know him, and is a citizen of the highest standing.
From "History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time" - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900