This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909 edition. Excerpt: ...its uplift and development, one or more of the DePrezs have been conspicuous. Public spirited and resourceful, they have always stood ready to help with time and money in whatever promised to push the town forward to renewed growth and increased prosperity. John and Mary (Carwine) DePrez were Germans, who came over some years before the Civil war and located at Cincinnati. At a later period they removed to Shelbyville and engaged in the hotel business, with various side lines. Eleven children were born to them, eight sons and three daughters, and of these five are still living. Jacob DePrez, one of the younger children, was born during 'the residence of his parents in Cincinnati, March 24, 1855. His education was obtained after their removal to Shelbyville, and was confined to attendance in the public schools. Mr. DePrez entered business at an early age, as an employe of a bakery concern, where he remained five years. His next move was to the dry goods establishment of August W. Swartz, where he clerked two years, and then served the same length of time at the store of Henry Fastlaben. About 1875, he accepted a position with Norman H. Strong in the hardware business, and after a service of five years realized the ambition of his life by going into business on his own account. In 1880, in partnership with Henry Doble, he established the hardware store which has since grown into the largest of the kind in Shelbyville. In a few years after starting. he purchased the interest of his partner, and since then has been sole proprietor. His business is conducted in a building containing three large floors and a basement, with a four-story warehouse in the rear. It is the largest department hardware store in the city, and keeps a large stock...