Azzel J. Shull, a native of Hancock county, was born in Vernon township, on August 15, 1846, and was the son of McCagey and Mary (Cadell) Shull, natives of New Jersey and Ohio, respectively. The parents of McCagey Shull lived and died in New Jersey. John Cadell and wife, the parents of Mary (Cadell) Shull, were natives of North Carolina and came to Ohio on horseback, later locating in Indiana near Fortville.

McCagey Shull, the father of Azzel, received his education in the schools of New Jersey. After spending his boyhood days in his native state, he came to Ohio and there met and married Mary Cadell. They later settled near Fortville and there Mr. Shull engaged in farming until the time of his death. Mary Shull died some time after coming to their new home and later Mr. Shull married Mrs. Sarah (Hellem) York. By the first marriage Mr. Shull was the father of eight children, five boys and three girls, and by the second marriage one child. The sons, John and William, were in the Civil War, John serving for years and William for one year.

Azzel Shull received his education in the schools of Hancock county, after which he engaged in farming and since 1876 has lived on the present farm of sixty acres. Here he has erected modern and convenient buildings, all of which are in excellent condition. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising.

In 1868 Azzel J. Shull was united in marriage to Nancy Miller, who was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, on May 4, 1850. Mrs. Shull is the daughter of John and Susan (Keffer) Miller. Susan Keffer was a native of Union county and came with her parents, Jacob and Eva (Teaster) Keffer, to Madison county and there died on the farm, that the parents had entered some time after locating in the county. Peter and Catherine Miller, the parents of John Miller, were for many years residents of Madison county, but later removed to Illinois, where they purchased a farm and here they died. John Miller, the father of Nancy (Miller) Shull, received his education in the schools of Madison county and later engaged in farming during his active life. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of six children, one, Michael, served in the army during most of the Civil War. The mother of Mrs. Shull died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Shulll in 1880.

To Azzel J. and Nancy Shull were born four children: Alice Cora, Mary Estella, Lena May and William Grover. The family are members of the Christian church and take an active part in the church work. Fraternally, Mr. Shull is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and of the Improved Order of Red Men.

Transcribed from History of Hancock County, Indiana, Its People, Industries and Institutions by George J. Richman, B. L., Federal Publishing Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, 1916. Page 1006-1007.

Submitted by Sylvia (Rose) Duda, Laingsburg, MI October 22, 2001.

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