The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 789 JOHN SHELLENBERGER. In August, 1918, John Shellenberger acquired thirty-five acres of land one-half mile east of Buena, of which ten acres are in orchard. He also gives close attention to a highly productive dairy, and receives a gratifying addition to his income from the raising of hogs, specializing in Chester Whites. Although Mr. Shellenberger has now passed the age of seventy-one years he is still active in the management of his ranching enterprise and appears as vigorous as a man much younger. He was born in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, August 22, 1847, a son of James and Christina Shellenberger, who passed away in the Keystone state. The father followed the trade of a stonemason. In the acquirement of his education John Shellenberger attended the public schools and at the age of eighteen removed to Kansas, where he learned the trade of a stonemason, thus following in his father's footsteps He was engaged in that occupation in various Kansas communities and assisted in building many of the public structures in that state. For eighteen years he followed his trade and then turned his attention to agriculture, renting land in Kansas. In 1897, however, he decided to move to the far west, having heard many favorable reports in regard to the opportunities presented here and taking up his residence in the Chehalis valley, in Washington, where he successfully operated a dairy until 1915. He then leased land on the Yakima Indian reservation for two years. and having become thoroughly acquainted with local conditions, then acquired title to a tract near Buena, which he sold in May, 1918. In August of the same year he bought thirty-five acres a half mile east of Buena and of this ten acres are planted to peaches, while the remainder is plow land. He now receives a very gratifying income from fruit raising, having thoroughly studied the latest methods of horticulture in order to bring his orchard to the highest state of productivity. Moreover, he successfully conducts a dairy here, profiting by his former extensive experience, and also raises Chester White hogs. He has a fine home and good outbuildings, everything about his place indicating the thoughtful management of a modern twentieth century agriculturist. On April 13, 1875, Mr. Shellenberger was married to Miss Julia Thomas, a native of Indiana and a daughter of the Rev. John and Julia Ann (Hoover) Thomas, the former for many years a preacher in the United Brethren church. Both parents have passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Shellenberger were born five children. John, the eldest, is assisting his father in his ranching and live stock interests. Thomas, who is married and has one son, resides in Kelso, Washington, where he is successfully operating a shingle mill. Maude is the wife of Albert Flint, a merchant of Toppenish, Washington. Nellie married George Pechtel, of Sprague, Washington, and they have four sons. Paul, who is engaged in ranching on the Yakima Indian reservation, is married and has two children. Mr. Shellenberger is independent in his political affiliation, giving his support to the candidates whom he considers best qualified to fill the offices to which they aspire. In a general way, however, he gives his preference to the democratic party. He has made many friends in his neighborhood and all who know him are agreed as to his high qualities of heart and mind. As a business man he is trustworthy and reliable, as an orchardist he is progressive, as a friend he is faithful and as a citizen he is loyal and public-spirited. ******************************** Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in January 2008 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.