Joshua A. Enos
The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., January 5, 1823, being the son
of Joshua A. and Nancy (Pearson) Enos, natives of the State of
Delaware. Paternally, Mr. Enos is descended from Scotch-Irish ancestors, and on the mother's side, is of
English descent. His father moved to Philadelphia at an early day and died in that city in 1824. The mother,
in 1852, came to Shelbyville, Ind., and resided here until her death about twelve years later. Joshua H.
Enos in early life learned the stone cutter's trade in Cincinnati, and after becoming proficient
in the same, began working and contracting in various places. He did the first cut limestone work in Indianapolis,
aside from the old State house, the material for the building he put up being hauled by wagons from this county.
In 1852, he came to Shelbyville, where he has since resided, being at this time one of the oldest and most highly
respected residents of the city. He served as a member of the Common Council from 1871 until 1882, and was again
elected a member of that body in 1886. During the year 1883, he served as Mayor of Shelbyville, in which office
he displayed wise judgment and good executive ability. He was originally a Whig, but when the standard of that
old party was trailed in the dust, he identified himself with its successor, the Republican party, of which he
is an earnest supporter. He joined the Odd Fellows fraternity in 1852, and for thirty years has been a member of
the Grand Lodge of Indiana. Mr. Enos was married in 1843, to Miss Louisa Layton, by
whom he is the father of four children, viz.: Mary, Nannie, Joseph and Lulu.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Chicago: Brant & Fuller, 1887, page 482.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
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