Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, p 184 -- Frank STRAUGHAN. He of whom we take pleasure in making a note in this work is one of the hustling business men of Rosedale, Parke County and proprietor as well as manager of a well-stocked stock of groceries, queensware, notions, miners' supplies and a fine line of cigars and tobacco. The history of the life of this young man is one worthy of note in the annals of the county for the Goddess of Fate has dealt severely with him. He first saw the light of day in Fairfield County of Durham, England on Dec 21, 1866 his parents being natives of the same country. His life up to the age of 13 was fraught with nothing more than was common with such lads. A bright, keen observer for one of his age, happy and cheerful, with no thought of the terrible calamity hovering over him, his joyous and happy life was soon to be transformed into one of sadness and gloom. On a Friday ever to be remembered by this young man, he contracted a severe cold. Retiring at night as usual, but more restless than was his wont during the night, he arose the next morning with all his ambitious gaiety gone, for during the night his eyes had become sightless, and never again has he beheld the light of day or the faces of loved ones so dear to him by the ties of nature. Being in very straitened circumstances, he was compelled to go into the coal mines as a laborer, where he worked until 1882, when he with his parents sailed for America. They landed in NY Nov 29 and about one month later found themselves within the boundary line of Indiana state. They located for awhile in Brazil, this state but the father, wishing to pursue his blacksmith trade and thinking it might prove more profitable in Rosedale, moved here and at once opened up a shop, while the son Frank again went into the mines. Although laboring under the disadvantage of total darkness, he never tried to shirk his duties, but labored earnestly and hard in order that he might earn sufficient money to pay for surgical operations to aid in restoring his sight. After submitting to a painful and expensive operation, he found it to be all in vain and as soon as able returned to his old occupation in the coal mines, where he continued for about a year. Jan 22, 1890, he opened a candy store with a "paid-up" capital of $24.25 and a stock of cigars and tobacco amounting to $38 for which he had to give ample security before obtaining the goods. With a keen eye to business, accompanied with much good judgment, he not only paid his indebtedness, but added to his stock in both quantity and variety, until he was forced to make two removals, after which he finally moved into his present large double room, which affords him all the available space necessary. He keeps a wells elected stock of goods, over which he presides with the ability and alacrity of a salesman who is not deprived of sight. He waits upon his patrons, weighing, measuring and making change with a degree of accuracy seldom excelled by even those who are more fortunate. Mr. Straughan has a corps of lady clerks to assist him, one of whom is his sister, Sarah, whose valuable services as bookkeeper and saleslady are sincerely appreciated by her brother. He keeps four horses to perform his delivery and road work. He is of a cheerful nature, making the best of everything, friendly to all, and honest to a farthing, thereby gaining the confidence of his fellow men. This fact, coupled with his well developed business tact and talent has gained for him merited encomiums as a self-made business man and esteemed citizen. His father's family consisted of 11 children, namely: James; Robert; Thomas; Frank; John, Jr.; Joseph; Elizabeth; Maggie; Isabel; Susan C and Sarah. The three eldest live in their native country. Our subject's parents now reside in Rosedale, the father working at his trade. Politically, our subject is a People's party man, believing in the "greatest good to the greatest number" of people. In social life, he is a good conversationalist, and a man of no small musical talent. In the financial world, the reputation of this young man ranks as first class and he has good credit with all dealers of merchandise in his line. With the energy and push that Mr. Straughan shows, we can but predict a successful business career through life.