William Riley Hogshire

WILLIAM RILEY HOGSHIRE.

The subject of this sketch was the eldest son of Riley B. Hogshire, and was born at Northfield, this county, April 5, 1835. He spent his early life on the farm, and received a meager education in the common school of the village. His father being one of the pioneers of the county, he was brought up to know the hardships and privations of early life in a new country.
In 1858 he was appointed stewart [sic] of the Indiana Deaf and Dumb Institution, and held the position for several years, during which time he was elected one of the board of managers. He then, in connection with John F. Council, purchased a retail grocery store at No. 25 West Washington street, Indianapolis, which was afterwards converted into a wholesale and retail shoe store, J. B. E. Reid being taken into partnership. After carrying on the business successfully several years, Messrs. Council and Reid retired, and with George A. Reisner, Mr. Hogshire continued the business. From this he retired about 1876, and located on the farm south of this city, where he has since lived.

Mr. Hogshire has an extensive acquaintance throughout the state, and was a faithful adherent to the principles of the Democratic party. In 1864 he was the Democratic candidate for auditor of Marion County, and with a Republican majority of between two and three thousand to overcome, came within a few hundred votes of being elected over Gen. Geo. F. McGinnis.

He married Miss Mary E. Johnson, daughter of James Johnson, one of the wealthy and influential pioneers of Marion County, October 5, 1864, and to them were born two sons and two daughters, all of whom are living. Mr. Hogshire died at his home surrounded by his family and friends. He is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis. See his portrait in another part of this work. He died February, 1887.

Source: "Early Life and Times in Boone County, Indiana," Harden & Spahr, Lebanon, Ind., May, 1887, pp. 293-294
Transcribed by: Julie S. Townsend - June 28, 2007