My Genealogy Hound

AARON A. IRELAN, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec, 6; P. O. Hollandsburg; one of the substantial men of Darke Co.; was born in Preble Co., Ohio, Sept. 12, 1818; he is a son of Moses Irelan, who came from Cincinnati to Preble Co. at an early day, and in 1831, settled in Butler Township, Darke Co. Aaron remained at home until 1843, receiving but very little education, having to walk five miles to get to the nearest school; his first business for himself was “huckstering,” which he followed for a short time, then engaged in the dry-goods trade. He was married to Phebe Tillson Oct. 18, 1846; she is the daughter of Isaiah Tillson, one of the pioneers of Harrison Township. After their marriage, he continued in the dry-goods trade until 1852; he became satisfied, that that business did not suit him, and sold out and purchased a farm adjoining Hollandsburg; the following two years, he changed around from one to another farm in the neighborhood; in the spring of 1864, he removed to the farm where he now resides; he now has 100 acres of land in German Township, in a good state of cultivation, with good buildings, also 40 acres in Monroe Co., Ind., besides the home farm, which consists of 290 acres; this is nicely located, and only about one-half mile from the town of Hollandsburg, which affords good school and church privileges; the Middle Branch of Whitewater passes through the farm, affording excellent and abundant water for his stock, and when he gets the house and other improvements, which it is his purpose to build, he will have a home of which they will justly feel proud. They are the parents of nine children, four of whom are living, viz.: Norman T., resides in German Township; William D., Cora B. and Clara L. Mr. Irelan, though not among the oldest citizens, is an old resident of Harrison Township, and has been and now is a quite prominent, active and useful citizen; has administered several estates; was a member of the Township Board of Trustees ten successive years, and afterward three years; also Justice of the Peace for upward of fifteen years, and is now a member of the Township Board of Education. Mr. Irelan is a self-made man, having gained a knowledge of business by his experience while in the dry-goods trade, the knowledge and experience being about all the benefit he derived from that business, but it has enabled him by energy and industry to place himself in the front rank among the farmers of Harrison Township.