Biographical sketch extracted from:

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887. p. 760.

WILLIAM ABSHIRE, farmer, Chester Township, was born in Madison County, Virginia, November 29, 1829, son of Allen and Polly (Farmer) ABSHIRE, who were born, reared and married in that State. When William was two years old his parents removed to Henry County, Indiana, by wagon, where the mother died in 1846. William was reared in Delaware County, and after changing residence twice, finally bought land there. In 1862 he sold out and purchased 186 acres of land in this county, of which about 141 acres were cleared. He was married in Rush County, in 1853, to Miss Emily Elizabeth Tackett, daughter of John and Martha R. Tackett, natives of Kanawha Countyy, Virginia. Her father was killed in a railroad accident in Hancock County, her mother also dying in that county. Mr. Abshire is independent in politics, always voting for men and measures rather than for party. He has held the office of supervisor of Chester Township.