Adams County, Indiana - The whole text, 1907 (part 16 of 16)

The paternal grandparents were Robert and Mariah (Drake) Smith, natives of England, and who were the parents of two children. Upon emigrating to the United States they first located in Columbiana county, Ohio, subsequently removing to Piqua, where Mrs. Smith's death occurred. The husband then removed to Sidney, Ohio, and here died at the advanced age of eighty-two years. They had four children, all of whom attained their majority, married and reared families, namely: Ann, who was twice married, first to John O. Wiley and second to James Clarkson : she resides at Piqua, Ohio ; John E., who resides

James Harrison Smith was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on October 5, 1844, and was reared on a farm and removed with his family to the western part of the state. At Sidney, Ohio, in August, 1861, he enlisted and was mustered into service as private in Company K. Twentieth Ohio Regiment, and so served until July, 1S65. He participated in the battles at Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg- and in the numerous engagements encountered while with Sherman on his march to the sea. While at Raymond, near Vicksburg, he was wounded and was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison. After being mustered out of sen-ice he returned to Sidney, Ohio, and was united in marriage with Miss Hettie Smythe. In , 1 868 he removed to Adams county, where for a number of years he worked in saw mills and factories, and finally settled at Decatur, where for eighteen years he served as justice of the peace. He is past commander of Sam Henry Post, No. 63, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children - David E., whose name introduces this sketch, and Eva G., the wife of Dorsey Hoagland.

Eli Meyer

Eli Meyer, the present sheriff of Adams county, is an example of what a man can accomplish through his own efforts by persistency and intelligence. He has risen to an important public office and can look back on a career in business that is whollv untarnished. He is of Swiss descent and possesses those qualities of heart and mind that make for success and arc prominent characteristics of those venturesome immigrants from the little Alpine republic. He was born in French township, Adams county, March 8, 1869. He is a son of Abraham and Mar}' (Klopferstine) Meyer. His paternal grandfather was Peter Meyer, a native of a village near Berne, Switzerland, who came to America with his wife and family in 1835. He settled in French township when Abraham Meyer was but twelve years of age and followed the occupation of a farmer until his death. Abraham Meyer was reared in French township and married in Adams county. He is still living, but his wife died on the family estate in French township in May, 1S88. Abraham Meyer continued to live on his French township farm after his wife's death until about the year 1903, when he removed to Decatur.

Of a family of eleven children, consisting of five sons and six daughters, born to Abraham and Mary Meyer, Eli Meyer was the youngest son and the tenth child in order of birth. He was reared on his father's farm and received a good English education in the common schools of his neighborhood. He lived with his father and assisted in the cultivation and management of the family estate until he was twenty-two years of age. He then decided to leave home and went to Vera Cruz, in Wells county, and engaged in the manufacture of hoops. He continued in this business in Vera Cruz for about three years and then sold oat his interests in the hoop manufacturing business and went to Messick, Michigan, and engaged in the saw mill business. He remained in Michigan for the following two years and then re- turned to Adams county. After his return to Indiana lie entered ihe mercantile business at Berne and operated a store for four years. At the expiration of this period he sold out his interests in Berne and removed to Decatur. He connected himself with a livery business after settling in Decatur and conducted this business for the next six years. Still another change was made, and after selling his interests in the liven- business he entered the furniture and undertaking business in partnership with two other gentlemen. This firm conducts business in Decatur today and is known under the name of Ball, Meyer & Presdorf. After settling in Decatur Mr. Meyer began to take an active part in politics. He identified himself with the Democratic party of Adams county and became very active in its affairs. In 1906 he was the Democratic nominee for the office of sheriff of Adams county and in November of the same year was elected to the office by a comfortable majority. He is still serving in this capacity to the entire satisfaction of his party and his fellow residents ot Adams county.

Mr. Meyer was married in Decatur January 1, 1895, to Miss Florence Wood. His wife is a daughter of Emanuel and Jane (Elzey) Wood. Both parents of Mrs. Mey- ' er are natives of Ohio and settled in Adams county at early dates. Mrs. Meyer is the fourth child in order of birth of her parents' family, which: consisted of seven children - two sons and five daughters. She was born on her father's place March 28, 1864. She spent her girlhood in Decatur and was educated in the public schools of that place, graduating from the Decatur high school. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are the parents of three daughters: Gladys, Naomi and Helen.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are numbered among the substantial people of their community. They are active in charitable movements and are consistent and worthy members of their church. Mr. Meyer is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen. He is a man who is alive to the interests of his city and county and is found allied with the men who are working for the advancement of Decatur and Adams county's commercial, industrial and social advancement.

William Miller

William Miller, the subject of this sketch, was born October 10, 1837, in West Penn township, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Samuel and Polly (Zimmerman) Miller, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. Samuel Miller was a carpenter and followed this trade in the east until 1859. In this latter year the Miller family removed from Pennsylvania and settled on a farm in Sandusky county, Ohio. After coming to Ohio Samuel Miller cultivated his farm until his death. He and his wife both lived to the advanced ages of seventy-eight. William Miller was one of a family of eleven children that were born to his parents. His early life was spent on his father's place in Pennsylvania. He received a good English education in the schools of West Penn township and learned the trade of carpentering. He was twenty-two years of age when his parents came to Ohio. He continued to live in Ohio until 1881, when he removed to Indiana and made his home in Decatur, Adams county.

After reaching Decatur he cast about for an investment for the money he had accumulated during his days in Pennsylvania and Ohio. There were numerous opportunities in Indiana and some were attractive propositions. However, decision was reached in the end, and he established a saw mill. At the day he settled in Adams county there was" much standing timber in the county. This had to be cut before the land in some sections could be transformed into farms and be made productive for agricultural purposes. From this land and this standing timber he derived the logs that meant business for his mill. From the start of this enterprise it was a financial success and netted a handsome profit to its owner. M«r. Miller continued to run his saw mill and to operate his business in connection with it for about three years. He then disposed of his mill and business to P. W. Smith. He purchased a farm from William Reider consisting of one hundred and twenty-six acres, located in Washington township, and he has devoted his time and careful attention to its development and cultivation. He has one hundred and twelve acres of his .tract under cultwation. From time to time he has added improvements to his place and has made of it one of the most profitable and attractive in the township. He has the land well drained and ditched, the fencing is substantial and modem and the buildings are well adapted to the purposes for which they were erected. His crops are large and are of a uniformly high quality. There are sixteen hundred rods of tile on the farm.

The marriage of Mr. Miller and Miss Wilhelmina Gnepper was solemnized in 1863. His wife is a daughter of Frantz and Matilda Wilhelmina (Albright) Gnepper.

They were born in Germany and are counted among the old settlers of Adams county. They lived first in Fremont, Ohio, after coming to this country and finally settled in Adams county in 1859. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller. Of this number two sons survive: Lewis, living with his parents, and Fred E., a member of the educational department of Chicago. Mr. Miller is a progressive citizen and takes much interest in the affairs of his county and township. In politics he is a Democrat and an earnest worker for his party. He has been chosen commissioner twice and is serving his second term in this office at the present time. He is a successful farmer and one of the best known stock men of the county. He makes a specialty of Poland China swine and shorthorn cattle. He is a member of the Lutheran church and with his family contributes in a hearty manner to all the objects and enterprises of this congregation.

Davidson Mattax

It may be said with entire justice that in many cases when the term "a self-made man" is used it is a misnomer and one designed to flatter the one to whom it is applied. However, there are men who deserve to be so styled because of their personal efforts in establishing themselves on a basis of sound financial integrity and social worth without assistance from their associates or from their progenitors. This is the case with Davidson Mattax. He is in the broadest sense of the term a self-made man, and to him alone belongs the credit for the success he has achieved and the enviable among' his fellow men. Davidson Mattax is today one of the most highly respected men in his community and is esteemed by all who know him and have been associated with him. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, May 25, 1840. He is the son of Louis and Ann (Stephenson) Mattax. His father was a native of Green county, Pennsylvania, and spent his boyhood and youth in that state, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Cleuy fire. After ending his time in the milling business he settled on his farm in Blue Creek township, on which he now resides, and devoted his entire time and attention to the management and cultivation of this farm.

When he became of age he came west to Ohio and settled in Knox county. He was a cooper by trade and followed this line of employment in his young manhood. In 1840 he removed to Adams county, Indiana, with his family and entered land in Monroe curred October 1, 1S85. His present wife is township. He followed farming after com- a daughter of John and Catherine (Spanging to Adams county and continued to live ler) Wolf. They were natives of Fairfield on his homestead near Berne until his death, county, Ohio, and came to Indiana many He and his wife became the parents of five years ago. They settled in Blue Creek children: Labou, living in Monroe town- township in 1882 and died in that township, ship; William L., living in Blue Creek town- Mr. and Mrs. Mattax have no children. ship; Davidson, the subject of this sketch; The farm of which Mr. Mattax is the Mary E. the widow of John Eley, a farmer owner is one of the most attractive in the of Monroe township, and Ruth, the de- township. It consists of one hundred and ceased wife of Benjamin Burket. twenty acres and is very fertile. With the Davidson Mattax was the third in order exception of twenty acres the entire estate of birth of his parents' family. He was very is under profitable cultivation and is adyoung when his parents settled in Adams mirably improved in all respects. In concounty and spent his youth on his father's^ nection with his farming Mr. Mattax raises farm in tins county. He was educated in the some stock.

township advisory board. During his term as trustee his best friends in the township |vere the members of the Republican party of the township. He is an advocate of good roads and has helped in the building of the roads of the township in which he resides. He is a successful man and is interested in a number of financial enterprises besides being a stockholder in the Farmers' and Merchants' State Bank of Willshire, Ohio.

Robert D. Patterson

Few men among those who have contributed to the development of northeastern Indiana are destined to or have left a more indelible imprint on the growth of that section of Indiana than will history show has been the result of the life of Robert D. Patterson, the subject of this sketch. The present commercial, industrial and social life of Adams county reflect the man and are better - for his having lived and toiled within the confines of the count)'. He was born at Saint Mary's, Ohio, October 31, 1838. His father was James Patterson and his mother was Eliza (Peterson) Patterson. Both of Jiis parents were natives of Saint Mary's and came to Adams county, Indiana, in the spring of 1S39. The fact that they arrived in this state at the early date noted makes them pioneers of the rugged country to which they migrated. Reaching Indiana, the elder Pattersons chose to make their home in Decatur, where the father engaged for a time in several lines of business, finally settling on what is since known as the old Patterson farm. This tract is now included within the city limits of Decatur and was tided by the elder Patterson until his death at the age of sixty-six years. His wife survived him some years and died at the advanced age of seventy-nine. The couple were the parents of seven children, of whom Robert D. Patterson was the eldest.

Robert was not more than a year old when his parents removed to Adams county from their former home in Ohio. Consequently he has known no other state and is to all intents a native of the Hoosier commonwealth. His early life was spent on his father's farm, where he learned the lessons of thrift and self-reliance that equipped him for his independent struggle with the world. He was educated in the schools his immediate section of the state afforded and secured the best education the times and opportunities placed in his environment afforded. While still a young man, after finishing his school work, he learned the trade of stonecutter and followed this trade for several years, from 1859 to 1S62. In this latter . year the country was sounding with the call to arms to repel the invading hosts of the southland, and young Patterson was among the first to volunteer his services to meet his country's need. He enlisted in Company H of the Eighty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served with this command until the close of the war. He was a model and intelligent soldier and was promoted from sergeant of his company to first sergeant, six months before the close of the Rebellion he was promoted to captain and commanded the company with which he had marched to the front as a simple private. After the close of hostilities Patterson returned to De- to expend his energies, he decided to engage in the milling business. To this end he purchased an established property and commenced to grind flour, corn and similar farm products for the farmers of his neighborhood. In this venture he was singularly successful and he operated his mill and business until 1905, when he retired and sold his mill holdings. But Mr. Patterson found time during his busy life to engage in matters pertaining to the public weal. He was signally honored several times by his friends and associates by being chosen to offices of political preferment. In the fall of the year 1880 he was elected treasurer of Adams county and assumed the duties of his office in September of the following year. He was again elected to this office and served two terms with distinction and credit to himself and to the men who had chosen him. He has been a Democrat in politics all his life and is still one of the stanchest adherents of his party in the entire state. He has also been several times chosen a member of the school board of Decatur and has shown wisdom and judgment in discharging the duties of. this important office. In fact, he is a man who has taken an active part in all things that made for the welfare of his community.

Mr. Patterson was married to Miss Sophia Beery, a native of Adams county, in October, 1869. His family has consisted of his wife and seven children : Jennie, the wife of Nelson K. Todd; Eva, the wife of D. French Quinn ; Harry, who died in infancy; Harriet, the wife of George Morris; Elizabeth, wife of Charles Myers; Vera, the wife of Frederick Bell, and Glenn M., who died at the age of nineteen months. The religious convictions of Mr. Patterson are cast with the Presbyterian faith and he has been a member of this church and a trustee for many years. He affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in his twentyfirst year. He is now awaiting the final summons at his home in Decatur, satisfied that he has made much of his life and with the certain assurance that his life and efforts have been of benefit to his fellows and that he is held in high esteem by all who know of his sterling qualities, his honesty and his fairness to all mankind.

Dr. Marie L. Hollow Ay

It has been but within the last two decades that the professions have been thrown open to women and since they have been admitted to an equality with men in the pursuits attendant on active professional life. This statement is peculiarly true of the medical profession,' and today the woman physician is a familiar and a welcomed addition to the professional life of almost every community in the laud. No profession brings its practitioner closer to the real lives of others than the medical profession, and it is one to which women are especially adapted. Of course, there have been the venturesome spirits who have been the pioneers, so far as women are concerned, in the practice of the medical profession, and among them in this state Dr. Marie L. Holloway ranks high indeed. Dr. Holloway was born near Mansfield, Ohio, March 26, 1S36. Her father was

John Kennedy and her mother Maria (Lorimer) Kennedy. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and her mother was horn in $Ohio of Scotch-Irish parentage. The father died in Marion county, Ohio, in 1851, in his fifty-sixth year. He was a man who was prominent in the community in which he lived and was active in promoting the interests of the Democratic party, to which he helonged, during his mature years. He was honored a number of times by the members of his party and was a candidate for the state legislature at the time of his death. His wife survived his death a number of years, finally passing away in 18S9, when in her seventyeighth year. This estimable couple were the parents of nine children, of which Dr. Holloway was the third in order of birth.

Dr. Holloway's life until her ninth year was spent in Richland county, Ohio, when . her parents removed to Marion county, Ohio. It was in this latter county that she grew to young womanhood. She attended the common schools of her neighborhood and was known as an earnest student. She was an apt pupil and mastered readily the subjects her homely opportunities afforded. . At fifteen she took up the work of teaching and she filled various engagements of this nature to her own credit and the advantage "of her pupils for the succeeding five years. At the expiration of this period she married ,Dr. A. G. Holloway, the wedding taking place in May of the year 1855. Following his marriage her husband, who had been practicing medicine in Marion county, engaged in the work of his profession in several places, finally coming to Decatur in 1877. In this city he continued in the practice of his profession until his death, which occurred November 4, 1904, at which time he was seventy-six years of age. He was an esteemed member 'of his community and had served with distinction through the Civil war. He was first assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry and later served in the same capacity with another command. For some time he served as a member of the United States Pension Board and as a Republican took an active part in the political struggles of his section of the state. Dr. and Mrs. Holloway were the parents of three children. These are: Addie E., the wife of Charles Hoxie; George H. and Bertha A., the wife of YV. E. Winch.

After settling in Decatur Dr. Marie L. Holloway took up the study of medicine with her husband. She read with him for some time and then entered the school at Keokuk, the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons. After some work in the Iowa instiuttion she entered the Indiana Medical College and graduated with the class of 1887, at which time she was fifty-one years of age. Dr. Holloway immediately took up the serious practice of her chosen profession. For about one and one half years she practiced in Fort Wayne and then returned to her home at Decatur. Her success in her home town was assured from the beginning, and as the years succeeded one another she increased her clientele. Today Dr. Holloway enjoys a large circle of patrons and is counted an honored member of the medical profession.

However, Dr. Flolloway's interests have not been bounded by the immediate horizon of her professional life. She is a woman who sees much of interest and much calling for endeavor in every-day life. Believing this, she. has been active in many lines. Nat- urally she is interested in the progress of her profession in her adopted state and is a member of the State Medical Society and Secretary of the Adams County Medical Society. In addition she professes a strong interest in the Prohibition movement, and is closely associated with its interests in Indiana. She is identified with the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and an ardent supporter of its organization in her home city and county. She is a member of and an active worker in the Christian church of her- city and has been a professing and active and sincere Christian throughout her long life. The social and educational movements arising in Decatur have found her a ready and intelligent supporter. She is a member of the Ladies' Historical Reading Club and of the Ladies' Shakespeare Club. She is also / a member of the Ladies of the Maccabees of the World. Few women have filled their lives with the degree of usefulness to their fellows as has Dr. Holloway. She is universally esteemed and beloved.

Harry O. Grove

- The fame of the products of the Cottonwood Stock Farm have carried the name of Harry O. Grove into practically every community of the state of Indiana and to many points in neighboring states. However, the present prosperity and comfort of the proprietor of this fine business and estate does not mean that it was achieved without effort. On the contrary, to reach the present comfortable estate he enjoys the owner of it labored long and arduously and suffered many disappointments before success in large measure came to crown his efforts. Born in Perry county, Ohio, on July 15, 1865, he learned from his farmer parents the lessons of industry and frugality that he has applied so earnestly in his later life. He is the son of Hiram and Leah (Eoyer) Grove, both natives of Ohio, where they lived until 1894, when they came to Geneva, Adams county. Indiana, where they still reside. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and in 1SS9 was united in marriage to Ida M. Rohr, a daughter of Joshua and Louise (Koester) Rohr. Mr. Rohr is a native of Darke county, Ohio, where he was born, and his wife came to this country from Germany. Following his marriage in Ohio Mr. Grove lived with his wife in that stare for several years. Several children were born on the Ohio homestead. About seven years ago he removed to Indiana with his family and settled on a farm of eighty acres in French township, Adams county, that his father-in-law had secured some time previously. This farm he operated for a few years. Then he purchased eighty acres for his own use. This tract was not far distant from the one he originally farmed in this county, which was southwest of Geneva, in Wabash township. It was situated in the Lob district, and was covered by a heavy growth of timber. An idea of its wild character may be gained when it is said that in order to reach the tract it was necessary for Mr. Grove and an assistant to chop away the underbrush and timber during four days to clear a road to a comer of the farm. Reaching his tract, he erected a temporary residence made of timber and boards he sawed from the trees he chopped down. This structure was a most primitive affair and while the family lived in one portion an- is sought many times on many subjects. His other part was used to house his stock. It fraternal affiliation is with the Berne Lodge, was in this barnlike home that two of his Knights of Pythias, and his own and fam- Vhildren were born. With this uninviting ily's religious connection is with the Lutherprospect and under these decidedly adverse an church, to which the heartiest support is economic conditions Mr. Grove made his given.

Association. In addition he was a promoter at the age of fifty-two. His widow subseand director of the poultry exhibition held quently came to Decatur, Indiana, and spent est to his fellow citizens of Adams county. He has dipped slightly into local politics under the banner of Democracy and in 1904 was elected an assessor. He is keenly alive to all movements that are in line with county on his father's farm in Seneca county, Ohio, and township improvements, and his advice and received his education in tire common schools of that locality. After the death of his father he took practical charge of the family and remained on the old homestead %intil twenty-four years of age, in which year he was married. He continued to farm in his native county about two years and in the fall of 1862 came to Adams county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Saint Mary's township, which he sold one year later and purchased forty acres in Root township, near Decatur, where he has since resided. During the nine years after settling in his present home he followed the butcher business, owning the first regular meat market in the town of Decatur. He was elected recorder of Adams county for a four-years' term and so satisfactorily did he perform his duties that he was re-elected to the office, thus holding it for a total period -of eight years. Upon the expiration of his term of office he engaged in the abstract business, making the first abstracts that were -ever made in Adams county. Subsequently he formed a partnership with William H. Reed in the abstract and law business, and they continued together for several years. Eventually David E. Smith was admitted to the firm, which was then known as Schurger, Reed & Smith, and they continued together. for three years, at the end of which time Mr. Reed withdrew and the firm has since been known as Schurger & Smith. Both of these gjentfemen are highly qualified for the business to which they have applied themselves and have been eminently successful in their line. Mr. Schurger is considered among the leading and progressive citizens of Decatur and commands the unqualified respect of all with whom he is thrown in contact.

Fischer, who was born in Baden, Germany, accompanying her parents to America in September, 1S50. To this union were born eight children : Catherine, the wife of John Schurger; Rosa, who is overseer in the Indian Orphan Asylum at Assinins, Michigan, and is known as Sister M. Isidore ; Albert ; Magdalene, the wife of Elmer Rohr; Anthony ; Christena ; Louisa, the wife of Frank Kurber, and Fred. Mr. and Mrs. Schurger and their children are members of the Saint Mary's Catholic church at Decatur and Mr. Schurger is a member of the Catholic Benevolent Legion.

David Steel

A scene shifting from the peaceful life of a boy on a pioneer farm through the stirring events of a titanic struggle and back again to the arts of peace is one through which many men of northeastern Indiana lived. Such also was the scene that made the life of David Steel anything but commonplace. He was born on a farm in Kirkland township, Adams county, Indiana, in 1840. His parents, Samuel and Susan (Worley) Steel, had settled the farm three years before the birth of David. This pioneer couple reached Indiana in 1837, where the husband entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land. All of this tract was uninviting and heavily timbered. But the pioneer built a log cabin for a temporary home and set earnestly to work to clear and improve his land. At the time he moved to his farm there were but two houses between the farm and Decatur, which fact gives some idea of the wildness of the county and the thinly settled

N year Buchanan was chosen President he died. He and his wife had a family of nine children, six of whom are still living. These are: George \Y., David, Nancy A., James A., Robert N. and Martha J. The three children dead were: Mary E., Joseph and Samuel. Following the death of the father of this family George and David assumed the management and direction of the farm. In a short time they cleared an additional fifty acres and brought the cleared area to a fine state of productiveness.

6 the tide that hastened to answer to President Lincoln's call for volunteers. He enlisted in Company I of the Eighty-ninth Indiana In- , -fantry. Almost from the beginning of his service he saw actual fighting. He took part in many of the battles of the southwest and numerous skirmishes that did not amount to general engagements. His first engagement was on a Sunday morning at Munfordsville, Kentucky, and two days later he was

. taken prisoner. He was paroled and returned to his home. However, at the expiration of his thirty-days' stay at home he - was found in the ranks again doing picket duty at Memphis, Tennessee. For the fol- ( lowing year he was stationed at Fort Pickering, during which time he was in a number of brushes with the enemy. He then went down the Mississippi river and fought all the way to Meridian, Mississippi. He was in the battle of Pleasant Hilis, fought on the Marchville prairie, at Wild Oak, and was a member of the expedition into Missouri. He was taken sick in this state and

Again the scene shifted. With the close of the war there was nothing for a soldier to do, and his need for weapons was at an end. Like many others, David Steel returned to his home to take up the thread of his peaceful life where the advent of the war had severed it. He stayed at his old home for about two years and then purchased a third interest in the saw mill operated and owned by Hower & Baker. He operated this mill for about a year and then sold his interest. At this time he was married to Mrs. Mary E. Hixon, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in July, 1S44. The marriage was solemnized December 24, 1868. With his wife he moved to the farm in section 1, Kirkland township, where he still resides. Fie completed the clearing of his place and improved it until it became one of the best farms in the district. He erected a modern and comfortable house and adequate farm buildings, including a large barn. Mr. and Mrs. Steel became the parents of nine children, five of whom are still living. These are: Willard S., Lauretta E., Millard N., Charles F.. Walter E. Of the family Ethel A., Cinderella M., Lewis V. and Bessie B. are dead.

Mr. Steel is one of the prominent men of his community. He has taken a more than active part in the affairs of the county and has promoted its interests on all occasions. He circulated the first road petition in the county and succeeded in putting it through. A fine road built of stone, twelve miles long, was built as the result of his efforts, and in recognition of his sen-ices his neighbors presented him with a magnificent gold watch.

He served the county as a trustee and his township as constable for certain periods. He is a member of the Decatur Lodge of the ^Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His interest in political questions is alive, and -he votes the Democratic ticket. He is not a communicant of any church, but he contributes liberally to the needs and charities of all denominations. His life has ever been a most exemplary one and the entire esteem of his neighbors and associates is extended to him.

John D. Hale

John D. Hale was born at Bluffton, Wells ^ounty, Indiana, December 27, 1S42. He is a son of Bowen and Mary A. (Deam) Hale, of Scotch and German parentage. He spent his early life with his parents at their home at Bluffton and attended the common schools. When he was fourteen years of age his parents moved from Bluffton to a farm in the vicinity of that place. John continued his studies in the common schools of the neighborhood and helped as he could to .cultivate the home farm. The call for volunteers came in his twentieth year, and he answered it. He enlisted in Company B of the One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was appointed a corporal the company commanded by Captain Peter Studabaker. Soon after his enlistment his regiment was made a part of the Army of the Cumberland and John Hale saw much active service -in this command. He toolc a gallant part in all of the battles the Array of the Cumberland fought until November 25. 1863, when he was severely wounded at the battle of Missionary Ridge.

He was confined in a hospital until the following February, and then rejoined his regiment at Marietta, Georgia. Almost immediately after rejoining his regiment he was under fire. He was in the desperate engagement at Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta and at Jonesboro. When General W. T. Sherman beg'an his famous march from Atlanta to the sea John Hale was one of the soldiers who followed their victorious and illustrious leader. He took part in all of the engagements fought during the famous march through Georgia and he bore himself with bravery and gallantry. After the war ended he took part with the other members of his regiment in the historic review of the victorious Federal troops by President Lincoln at Washington in October, 1865.

After he was discharged from the army he returned to his father's farm in Wells county. He engaged in the cultivation of the farm during the spring and summer months and taught school in the winter months. In October, 1867, he gave up farm work and teaching and engaged in the dry goods business with A. Deam in Bluffton. This partnership was continued until 1872 and then dissolved. Following the dissolution Mr. Hale went to Geneva and engaged in business with his brother, S. W. Hale. This firm did business under the name of S. W. Hale & Company and became prominent in the grain trade. Both brothers were popular men in the county and their enterprise was a pronounced success from its start. The business grew and proved a profitable venture. When the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway Company took over the original holdings of the old Fort Wayne & Richmond Railway Company in March, 1S72, Mr. Hale was appointed station and freight agent of the road at Geneva. He held this position and discharged its duties with faithfulness and care until 1876, when he resigned. In 18S2 he was elected clerk of the Adams county circuit court and was re-elected in 1SS6. After leaving the clerk's office in 1S90 he built and operated elevators along the lines of the Erie and Clover Leaf railroads.

The marriage of Mr. Hale and Miss Caroline Holmes was solemnized September 8, 1869. She was born in Hartford township and was engaged in teaching in the schools at Camden, Schuyler county, Illinois, at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Hale are the parents of five children: Ethelyn, Olive L., Sarah B., Genevieve and Lucile.

Hon. Henry Krick

Hon. Henry Krick, around whom this sketch centers, was born near Reading, Berks county. Pennsylvania, October 24, 1845. His father was one of the earlier settlers of Pennsylvania, Berks county, and his mother, Elizabeth (Schlegel) Krick, was a native of Berks county. Both of his parents died in Berks county and are buried there. To this hardy pioneer couple were born six children, of which Henry Krick was the eldest. He was born on the family homestead in Berks county and lived at his boyhood home until 1S65. His youth was spent in agricultural pursuits, in which, before his manhood, he gained proficiency. In the year 1865 he decided to move west and began seeking a favorable locality in which to settle. He finally decided on the state of Indiana and in January of the same year he came to Adams county. He was engaged in various kinds of employment for some time and then learned the tinner's trade, at which he worked for four years in Decatur. After the four years in the tinner's trade he embarked in the produce business, which business he followed until 1882. In this latter interval he was elected sheriff of Adams county and served the county in this capacity faithfully and intelligently for two terms, being re-elected after the completion of his first term of office. In 1882 he saw the advantages offered by the business of manufacturing brick and established a plant for brick making. From the start this venture was successful and Mr. Krick devoted his entire time and attention to the business of manufacturing brick for the succeeding ten years. In 1S92 he enlarged his plant and embraced in his business the manufacture of tile. About this time the firm was reorganized and became known as Krick, Tyndall & Co., under which name the business is stil! conducted. The business has grown with remarkable consistency and the annual output has grown to more than a million brick and large quantities of tile.

The success that has attended the business ventures of Mr. Krick has been pronounced and has attracted the attention of his associates. He has long been considered a conservative and careful business man and in 189S his friends in his county decided that he was a proper man to represent their interests in the state legislature. Accordingly he was nominated as a candidate for the office and elected on the Democratic ticket. He served with distinction one term in the state's legislative body and discharged the duties he had taken upon himself with rare judgment and to the entire satisfaction of

^ centered, have held an interest for Mr. Krick. He has been active in party affairs and has served in various capacities. He served, for a time as a member of the Decatur city council. In addition to his political offices Mr. Krick lias been connected with a number of public enterprises that have been brought forward in his city. He was a member of the directorate of the gas company while that concern was in existence and has been closely identified with other business ventures.

Mr. Krick was married at Decatur, June 19, 1874, to Miss Sarah Mangold, a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. She is a daughter of Abraham and Catherine Mangold, who came to Adams county from Ohio in 1864.

/.Mrs. Krick's parents both died in Preble township, Adams county. To the subject of this sketch and his wife have been born six sons and six daughters, nine children of whom are living. Nellie, a former teacher, is the wife of J. R. Parish, of Franklin, Ind. The others are: Frank J., George M., Dessie, Catherine, the wife of Dallas Butler, a deputy sheriff of Adams county; Mary Agnes, S. Josephine, Virgil M. and Walter J. Both Mr. and Mrs. Krick are active and esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur and Mr. Krick has been a trustee of this religious institution for many years. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he was first elected to membership in 1869. Few men of his section of the state have gained such prominence as has fallen to the lot of Mr. Krick, and it may be said without fear of contradiction that none is more respected or more trusted than is the Hon. Henry Krick.

Charles Dorwin Porter

Charles Dorvvin Porter, cashier of the State Bank at Geneva, which responsible position he has held since 1893, was born on April 3, 185 1, at Decatur, Indiana, and is the son of John Pomeroy and Elizabeth (Dorwin) Porter. The father was a leading physician and surgeon in his day and commanded the universal respect of not only his professional colleagues, but of the public generally.

The subject received a good education in the public schools and in 1868, at the age of seventeen years, he engaged in the drug business, which he continued until 1893. In that year he assisted in the organization of the State Bank at Geneva and upon the selection of the officials he was elected cashier. The State Bank of Geneva is one of the solid institutions and holds high rank in its line. Mr. Porter has won for himself a splendid reputation as a financier and has done much to not only uphold the credit of the institution with which he is connected, but also to advance the commercial interests of the locality. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Knights of Pythias and Sons of Veterans.

Mrs. Porter possesses considerable literary talent and is the author and illustrator of "The Song of the Cardinal" and "What I Have Done with lairds/' published by the Bobbs-Merrill Company of Indianapolis.

Among the latest of her productions is a book entitled "Freckles," issued from the press of Doubleday, Page & Co., of New York. It is a splendid story and has a wide circulation.

Granvill W. Ru Fright

Granvill W. Rupright, about whom the interest of this brief sketch centers, is the son of John Rupright, one of the oldest and most respected living pioneers of Adams county. John- Rupright was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1825 and came to Indiana in 1S52. He settled in Preble township, where he lives today, and became a successful farmer and an example of good citizenship. Granvili Rupright was born on his father's homestead near Lordstown, Trumbull county, Ohio, where his parents lived before coming to Indiana. His birth occurred September 25, 1851. Fie was the second in point of birth in a family of seven children and was about two years of age when his father brought his family to Indiana. John Rupright was married in Ohio, September 30, 1S46, to Aliss Elizabeth Daugherty, a daughter of John and Isabella (Campbell) Daugherty. Granvill was reared on his father's farm in Preble township and his youthful life and experiences were in line with those of many other youngsters of the section and period. He was educated in the schools of his neighborhood and attended the common school of District 4 of the township. Fie grew to manhood on his father's estate and learned the lessons of a farmer's life. He was an industrious young man and soon demon- strated that he was able to take full charge of the management of his father's large farm and that he could cope with all of the responsibilities incident to the conduct of a large estate. In 1873 John Rupright retired from active business and delegated the care of many of his interests to his son Granvill Included in these responsibilities was the management and cultivation of the home farm. Granvill took hold of this new work and conducted the farm to the satisfaction of his father and to his own credit.

The marriage of Mr. Rupright and Miss Mary F. Short was celebrated January 2, 1873, shortly before he assumed the management of the home estate. His wife is a daughter of Richard and Rebecca (Comer) Short and was born in Roanoke, Indiana, January 3, 1854. Her father was a native of Virginia, where his ancestors had resided for many years. He lived in a number of sections of the state and finally died in Decatur at the age of seventy-three. Her mother died at Antwerp, Ohio, in her fortyfirst year. Airs. Rupright was one of a family of three children born to her parents. The other children were: William B. and Minnie M. Air. and Airs. Granvill Rupright are the parents of nine children : William J., Lillic G., the wife of John Kreigh, wife of George Ehrett, of Wells county; John F. ; Ivy, the wife of Joseph Archbold, of Wells county; Edward E., Forrest A., George R. and Alelville O.

Air. Rupright, since his father's retirement, has devoted his entire time and attention to the management of the large farm. He is a progressive man and appreciates the full value of modern methods and modern machinery. He cultivates the farm under the most approved ideas and he has brought it to a stage where it is one of the most productive and profitable estates in the county. His home and other buildings are fine and admirably adapted to their several uses, and he keeps all the various buildings at a high point of service utility. He is a man who is actively interested in the affairs of his township and county and is accounted one of its most valuable citizens. His interest in education is keen and he has served as a member of the township school board for sixteen years. In addition to this, he was a justice of the peace for eight years and filled this office with credit and with exemplary fairness.

He served his fellow residents of the township as a trustee for four years, and in other ways showed his interest in their welfare. His record as a public officer is one that reflects credit on his judgment and ability. His business interests are varied and he has been president of the Ossian Co-Operative Company since its organization in 1905. He is treasurer of the Echo Wind and Tornado Insurance Company and secretary and treasurer of the Preble Township Telephone Company. He is also president of the Ossian Live Stock Insurance Company. He is an earnest worker of the United Brethren church and a trustee of that organization. His fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 343.

Jesse Niblick

Inseparably connected with the history of Decatur and Adams county is the name of Jesse Niblick. Through a long and useful life devoted to business, but untainted by selfishness, Jesse Niblick rose from humble beginnings to be the leading financier of his section of the state and a man who did more, perhaps, than any other for the development and commercial interests of Decatur. He was born in Carroll county, Ohio, August 12, 1826. His parents were James and Anna (Carter) Niblick. His father was bcrn in Ireland, January 19, 1803, and coming to this country as a youth, was reared in New York city and in Tuscarawas county, Ohio. He was a cooper by trade. In November, 1836, he settled on a farm in Washington township, Adams county. He removed in 1869 to Warrensburg, Missouri, where he died at the age of sixty-nine. His wife was of Maryland parentage and a descendant of a long line of English ancestors. She was reared in Carroll county and was married in that county. She died near Decatur August 12, 1838. Of the eight children bom to Mr. and Mrs. James Niblick four are living. These are : Jesse, Robert, a farmer; Adaline, wife of James Daily, of Wells county, and Mary Jane.

Jesse Niblick was ten years of age when his parents came to Adams county. He learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1S46 he opened a boot and shoe store. This business he conducted with profit for several years. In 1 85 1, October 16, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Closs, a daughter of John and Catherine (Longandiffer) Closs. His wife was born in Germany and came to this country in her girlhood, settling in Indiana. To her father is ascribed the credit of being the first tavern keeper in Decatur. When the family came to this country- it originally settled at Maumee, Ohio, in 1836. The removal to Decatur was in January of the following year. Mr. Closs opened a tavern that stood on the corner now occupied by the bank and store of Niblick & Company. This tavern was well known in its day and was a favorite stopping place for travelers of the period. The founder of the business died in 1874, at the advanced age of seventy-four years. His wife survived him a few years and lived to be eighty-six. To Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Niblick were born eight children, of whom seven are living. These children were: William, who was president of the Adams County Bank at the time of his death ; John, the senior member of the firm of Niblick & Company; James K. ; Mary ; Amelia ; Charles, president of the bank, and Daniel, a member of the firm of Niblick & Company.

Mr. Niblick continued in the shoe business until 1866, when he associated himself with John Crawford in the general merchandise business in Decatur. The firm became Niblick & Crawford and later Niblick, Crawford & Sons, a son of each partner being added to the firm. In 1871 Jesse Niblick, in company with J. D. Nuttman, established a bank under the partnership name of Niblick & Nuttman, bankers. Latef R. B. Allison and David Studabaker became associated in the banking business and the institution was organized as a state bank. Mr. Niblick

^ B. Allison, although he retained his membership on the board of directors and was elected vice president. He had other business interests and was a director of the Eagle Manufacturing Company of Decatur. The mercantile business with which Mr. Niblick was identified was conducted for a of vears under the firm name of

Niblick, Crawford & Sons and then the Messrs. Crawford severed their connection with the partnership and the business was taken over by Mr. Niblick and his son. This brought about another change in the firm name, and this time it became Jesse Niblick & Son. He continued in his mercantile business until his death, October 6, 1895. The death of Mr. Niblick came as a distinct shock to the community in which he lived. He was one of the prominent business men of his community and one of its most respected and esteemed citizens. His funeral was the largest and most imposing ever held in Decatur. The pall-bearers who bore the body of the aged financier to its last resting place were his old business associates : R. B. Allison, David Studabaker, deceased; John Meibers, deceased; John Shane, deceased ; Conrad Brake and Ezra Lister, deceased. These men had been associated with Mr. Niblick in various enterprises covering a period of more than a half century. The interment was at Saint Joseph's cemetery.

In addition to being an active business man Mr. Niblick was a public-spirited citizen. He was an active mover in all things destined to promote the general welfare of his community and was continually aiding in increasing its commercial importance. In politics he was a Democrat and served a number of times in a public capacity. He was trustee of Washington township and in 1865 he was elected county treasurer and reelected in 1867. He served for many years as a village trustee and in its council. He was a member of Saint Mary's Catholic church. He was a Democrat in politics. He left an estate of large proportions.

David Werling

Among the numbers of Germans who came to this county in the early decades of I the nineteenth century were Andrew Werling and his wife, who were natives of Byron. They readied New York after a voyage across the Atlantic that was devoid of incident and pushed west. They settled for a time in Ohio, in Pomeroy county of which state David Werling was born in 1842. His parents lived for a time in Cincinnati and then made the trip to Fort Wayne, Indiana, by canal boat, a tedious method of travel, but one of the few available in that day. Arriving in Indiana, the Werlings looked about for a suitable tract of laud and finally purchased eighty acres in Preble township, Adams county. This land was unimproved and covered with timber with the exception _ of twenty acres. The lives of members of the family that ensued were characteristic of the home-making period of the new state. The older people toiled to clear the land and to bring it under cultivation. In time this was accomplished and the rude home and other buildings gave way to a modern residence, comfortable and commodious, and to modern barns and other necessary buildings. David grew to manhood on his father's farm. He obtained a meager education in such schools as existed in his neighborhood and developed into a sturdy, capable man. He assisted his father until the latter's death in 1895 and in all things was a dutiful son. Many of the improvements made on the paternal estate were his- work.

In 1864 David was united in marriage with Miss Augusta Bley, a daughter of Adam and Rosa (Sebert) Bley. Like the elder Werlings, the elder Bleys were Germans, who came to this country in an early daj' and settled in Preble township. They were farmers and raised their children to a farmer's life. After his marriage David Werling settled on a tract of land he had purchased some time before. This land was uncleared and the ensuing years were devoted to its improvement. He was an industrious and intelligent farmer and allowed nothing to interfere with his chosen work. He adopted modern methods and applied them skillfully, so that in a few years his place was cleared, improved and profitable. He lived on this original tract of land and farmed it until 1905. In this year he moved across the ioad from his old place and purchased sixty acres of finely improved land. On this farm he has a fine residence thai is one of the most complete and attractive in the entire county. His barns are new and modern and his entire country place is at an advanced stage of fertility. In addition to his fanning business he has found time to branch out in other lines of business. He operates a saw mill on his present property and a tile factory. These businesses he makes highly profitable. His career has taught him the lessons of business sagacity and he applies these lessons to the best of advantage. His enterprises are healthy ones and show balances on the profit side of the ledger with the close of each year of business.

Mr. Werling is a man who is public spirited. He is in the van of all movements that are designed to improve the community where he lives. He was largely instrumental in inducing the Standard Oil Company to locate a plant on its Preble township location and his efforts cost him much time and money before the plant was definitely secured. However, since its erection it has as supervisor and is now serving his second in mercantile pursuits in Fort Wayne, fnditerm as county commissioner. The family ana, and then removed to what became

Few men of any community have man- curred in 18S7. He was a man who took a aged to crowd into their life span more keen interest in public affairs and served in years of aggressive and useful activity than one capacity or another continuously for sixhas the Hon. S. W. Hale. His life thus far teen years. Seven children were born to has exceeded the allotted three score and ten Mr. Hale as the result of his union with years, and more than a half century of years Miss Deam, and all of these are living. The of it has been spent in close and intimate children are: J. D., engaged in the gram touch with affairs of business and with mat- and coal business in Decatur, where he ters directly affecting the welfare of the In- served as clerk of the county court for tour diana commonwealth. The cares of busi- years; S. W., the subject of this sketch; ness, the responsibilities of those elected to James P.. a graduate of the State I m'verlegislative assemblies and the hardships and sity, and a practicing attorney at Bluffton; duties of the soldier have all been incidents Emma, the wife of Andrew Van Emon a of this busy life, about which this sketch cen- Wells county farmer : Jane, the wife of Dan- \ ters. And it may be said without fear of iel Markley, a Wells county fanner; Man-, contradiction that cares have been assumed, who owns the old home place, and Bowen; responsibilities met and duties discharged in living at Spokane, Washington. 'I he elder every instance with devotion and intelli- Hale was a Democrat throughout his life gence. and a member of the Masonic fraternity.

ton schools and graduated from the high school of that place with high standing. After the completion of his education he lived in Bluff ton until 1864, when he enlisted for service in the Civil war. He became a member of Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, which regiment was attached to the Army of Tennessee. He served with his command during the remainder of the war and was discharged with an honorable record for faithfulness and efficiency. He returned to his home after his regiment was mustered out of service in 1865. Four years after his return from the war he was married to Miss Phoebe C. McFadden, a daughter of John and Catherine (Daugherty) McFadden. His wife's parents were natives of Ohio, where she was born, and came to Indiana in 1S52, settling on a farm in Wells county. Her father served as county auditor for eight years. For some time after his marriage Mr. Hale engaged in the grain and produce business at Bluff'ton. He disposed of this business and moved with his family to Geneva, Adams county, where he has since resided excepting four years he lived at Portland, Indiana.

It was after lie had established his resix dence at Geneva that his public career began. He was from the first one who believed in doing things for the general good of a community. He had little patience with mere theorists. His gospel was that of work and accomplishment. He took an immediate interest in furthering the educational facilities of his adopted village and was a member of the school board for eighteen years of continuous service. In time his fellow townsmen began searching for a man to represent the county in the upper house of the state's legislative body. The name of Mr. Hale was offered and it was seen at once that he possessed just the characteristics that would make a safe and sane representative. He was nominated by the Democratic party in his district and was elected in 18S6 with but little opposition. His services during his first term as a state senator were distinguished and he was re-elected for a second term. Again he distinguished himself. But his public usefulness was not circumscribed by his terms as a member of the state senate. Pie served as a member of the board of trustees of the Eastern Indiana Hospital for the ' Insane for twelve years and as a member of the board of trustees of the State epileptic village near Newcastle, and is still serving. He is interested in many commercial enterprises and his business life has been characterized with acumen and progressiveness. He is now a stockholder in and the vice president of the Bank of Geneva. Finding time to take some delight in the more peaceful occupation of tilling the soil, he owns and superintends a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which are located several productive oil wells.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hale have been born six children. These are: William, assistant cashier of the bank at Geneva, and married to Miss Nellie Clawson ; this couple have three children : Helen, Maiy and William ; Frank, living at Geneva ; Stella, deceased ; Clara, married J. A. Anderson, a druggist of Geneva, and Fred, who married Anna Schaffer, and operates a farm in Wabash township. Mr. Hale has found time to enjoy some social intercourse with his fellows and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, which he joined in 1867 ; of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Hale died August 17, 1906.

J. K. Niblick

Numbered among the successful business men of Adams county is James K. Niblick. He has gained a place for himself as a business man that is enviable and is a member of a family that has long been intimately associated with the commercial growth and development of Decatur and Adams county. Mr. Niblick was born in Decatur, January 14, 1859. He is a son of Jesse and Catherine (Closs) Niblick. His father was one of the older financiers of Adams county and a man who was a .strong factor in the industrial life of the county during his life. He was interested in a number of enterprises. He founded with J. D. Nuttman the Old Adams County Bank, since became the strongest institution of its kind in the county, and the business of Niblick & Company, the leading mercantile establishment of Decatur. Jesse Niblick was one of the wealthiest and most highly respected residents of Decatur at the time of his death, October 6, 1895, and his name continues to be an Adams county svnonym for integrity and progressiveness.

His son, James K. Niblick, was reared in Decatur. In his boyhood he attended the schools of his home city and grew to manhood there. With the exception of a few months spent on his farm in Union township, he has resided continuously in Decatur. After completing his course in the Decatur schools he, in 1872, entered the mercantile field. He engaged in the capacity of a clerk in the dry goods store operated by his father, and was connected with this store until the death of his father in 1895. Two years after his father's death he severed his connection with Niblick & Company and engaged in the grocery business in Decatur. He conducted his grocery business for three years and then sold out his interest in it. His next business venture was in the line of agricultural implements, and he sold this line for the succeeding three years after abandoning the grocery business. At the expiration of the three years he removed to his farm in Union township and operated his farm. However, the quiet life on his farm was not, seemingly, aggressive enough for his ambitious and active nature, and he returned to Decatur and assumed the management of the elevator owned by the Niblick estate. This elevator was purchased originally by Jesse Niblick from David Studabaker in 1877 and was operated by the elder Niblick until his death. It became a successful business venture and a valuable property.

May 9, 1882, Mr. Niblick was united in marriage with Miss Aurelia Spuller. The wedding was solemnized in Saint Mary's Roman Catholic church and was a distinct social event. Mrs. Niblick is a daughter of George and Fannie (Welter) Spuller and was born in Union township. Adams county. Her father was a gallant soldier during the Civil war and died in 1S65 as the result of disease contracted while in the service of his country. Her mother died in Union township in 1S69. Mr. and Mrs. Niblick are the parents of four children, three of whom are living. Those living are: May C, Charles N. and Verena. Frederick, the third child born to Mr. and Mrs. Niblick, died when three years of age. Mr. Niblick is in every way an exemplary citizen. He is a man who takes much interest in the affairs of his county and city and does much to promote its welfare and prosperity. Measured by commercial standards, he is a successful man and owns a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres in Union township and other realty. With the members of his family he is a consistent member of Saint Mary's church and accords his hearty support to the aims and charities of this denomination.

Reminiscent

That the author of Snow's History of Adams County has been a continuous resident of Adams county, Indiana, for more than forty-six years and the editor hereof, B. F. Rowen, of Indianapolis, Indiana, believes that a brief sketch of the author of Snow's History of Adams County would be a fitting- recognition of his labors, hereto appends such a sketch as he is able to secure from personal inquiries and from the sketches of Mr. Snow as have appeared from time to time in the various papers and periodicals : On the 17th day of June, 1854, in the pioneer village of Portland, in Jay county, Indi- , ana, a "Hoosier" boy was born. When but five years old he removed with his parents. Dr. Barton B. Snow and Rebecca IT. Snow, to their new home in southern Adams county near the banks of the Wabash river. That boy was John Fletcher Snow, the subject of this sketch. Here he grew to manhood, attending the short terms of school until his eighteenth vear, at which time he entered college. The death of his parents within the next three years greatly interfered with his plans and expectations. Instead of completing his course, he taught and attended normal schools for further preparation of the work as teacher. It was not until 18S3 that he received his B. S. degree, and in June of this same year he was chosen county superintendent of the Adams county public schools,, succeeding himself in numerous reelections. He filled this position with great success and much to the credit of his county in teachers' institutes and state teachers' associations. From the American School Board Journal of April, 1892, the following is taken :

"The subject of this sketch, John F. Snow, was born in Portland, Indiana, June 17, 1854. His mother, Rebecca H. McDonald, was of Scotch-Irish parentage. Barton B. Snow, M. D., his father, was a descendant of Puritan residents of Boston, Massachusetts. He received his first ideas of education from his mother, who was a teacher. His early years were devoted to agricultural pursuits and attendance at the district schools until the age of eighteen, at which time he entered Ridgeville College. Ill health and the death of his parents greatly retarded his educational progress. After ten years devoted to the work of stu.dent and teacher in various grades, from the district schools to the normal and high school, he attained the degree of Bachelor of Science. In 1S83 he was elected county superintendent of schools and as a member of the Indiana County Superintendents' Association served on various educational committees, and in 1S90 was chosen president of the association. Being possessed of ample energy and indomitable will power, his undertakings are

"In the joint senatorial district composed of Adams and Allen counties, in 1898. John F. Snow was a candidate. He received the entire vote of his county and the bulk of the country vote of Allen. No one questioned his capacity to make an efficient representative. However, the Fort Wayne Democracy placed the senatorial credit to another. Until'the present time he has never aspired to an elective office, though a good campaigner and active Democratic worker. He served in 1S96 as chairman of the Adams county Democratic central committee and contributed his efforts toward placing the Democratic majority in his county nearly four hundred higher than it had ever been before."

"At the age of six years J. F. Snow came with his parents to the garden lands of Adams county on the southern banks of the Wabash river. There the love of natural primitive scenery, the huge oak forests, the gigantic walnut timber and hundreds of bushels of hickory nuts that lined the bottom . lands, the myriads of squirrels and thousands of the finest fish that ever tempted a Floosier lad in his youth were those the Wabash country offered up just for the asking. As this lad grew up the woodman's ax was placed in his hands, the lumber mills were located, the first railroad in the county was built and put in operation. Ten miles of bridges and culverts were furnished upon 'contract by the mills upon which he worked while yet in his teens. Large tracts of land were cleared and prepared for the plow, manhood grew apace, the dinner horn took the place of the steam whistle of the mill, the clearing and the new farm was a reality. The district school of three months' term ; the verdant youth as a scholar now sets in motion the machinery that leads on to knowledge. In 1875, at the death of his father, Dr. Barton B. Snow, he was thrown entirely upon his own resources to make a living and get an education at one and the same time.

"Being of Puritanic stock, he has a supreme hatred for cowards, hypocrites and imposters of every type, and with nearly a spirit of devotion regards the friend of his friends. Though reared by Methodist parents, a Beecher or a Talmage are his ideal divines, as a Jackson and a Washington are his ideal statesmen and patriots. In politics he has long since exercised and advocated the cause of Democracy, has taken part in congressional and state conventions and always labored for the advancement of the principles of the Democratic party. His addresses in institutes and educational associations have won for him a host of acquaintances and friends, who shall be delighted to know of his ultimate success in his new field of labor. As opportunity would permit within the past years he has devoted his attention to a study of the law. and in the fall of 1807 he formed a partnership with Hon. C. J. Lutz, of Decatur, Indiana, and became a member of the law firm of Lutz & Snow. He now requests the privilege of representing the counties of Allen and Adams as joint state senator in the coming session of the Indiana general assembly. Being an able campaigner, strength would be added to the ticket by his nomination to the position he seeks."

From various sources we leam that Mr. Snow is a careful, painstaking attorney, whose court papers are of a kind that will stand repeated attacks without serious results; that he is an industrious student and continuous worker, never to be found idle; that as a friend he can be trusted and depended upon to the limit; that he is an Odd Fellow, a Royal Arch Mason, a Democrat and a conservative citizen of the Andrew Jackson type; that he is an able political campaigner and an interesting platform orator. >.

On. the 25th day of August, 18S1, J. F. Snow and Miss Sadie Alice Hoskinson were married. To them were born two sons, Edwin Earl and Horace Hamilton, both of whom are living at this time in Decatur. Edwin Earl was married on the 15th day of April, 1906, to Miss Myrtle Miller in Anderson, Indiana. The parents of Mrs. Sadie "A. Snow en the paternal side were from near Parkersburg, Virginia, and were of Scotch- Irish descent. Her paternal grandmother's parents were slave-owners before the war of 1812, of which her grandfather was a soldier. Her maternal grandparents came from Vermont and settled near Newark, in Licking county, Ohio, in the early 'thirties, her parents removing to Indiana in 1865.

J. F. Snow's paternal grandparents were of English descent, as will be seen from this bit of history, taken from an early history of Plymouth : "We find that Nicholas, Anthony and William Snow came over from England. The former two brought families; the latter was an app'rentice and settled in Doxbury. Anthony was first at Plymouth, then in 1642 at Marshfield. Nicholas, who came in the 'Ann' in 1623, had a share in the division of the land at Plymouth, settled in

Eastham." At the close of the Revolutionary war several families of Snows settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, near the town of Chester. A James Snow there married an Irish girl by the name of Eleanor Tate. These were the parents of Barton B. Snow, the father of the subject of this sketch. The\- came westward to Defiance, Ohio, in 1833 and in 1837 removed to Jackson township, Jay county, Indiana, since which time there have been frequent "Snowsqualls" in northeastern Indiana.

The sons of J. F. and Sadie A. Snow are practical printers and newspaper men. They were once known as the youngest publishers in the United States - their career beginning when they were children, eight and twelve years of age, in the publication of the Star- News.

Adam J. Smith

Enterprise and pluck are the factors that have been most potent in insuring and making possible the enviable commercial standing of Adam J. Smith in the community in which he lives. Today he is properly rated among the business men of Adams county who have attained more than an ordinary degree of success, and this has been brought about almost wholly through his own efforts. He was born in Whitley county,- Indiana, near the village of Churubusco, February 20, 1S57. He is a son of Henry and Catherine (Leppie) Smith. Both of his parents were born in Bavaria, Germany, and were married in their native village in that country in 1830. Following their marriage the elder Smiths continued to reside in Germany until 1843, when they emigrated to the

United States. They made their first home tion. At about the age of eighteen yearn in the new land in Tuscarawas county, began his studies at the Northern Indian i Ohio, where they resided until 1856. In Normal School at Valparaiso, became thorthis year they decided to move to Indiana, oughly fitted for the work of teacher and a: and selected the northeastern portion of the the age of twenty-one years secured employstate as a place of residence. They settled merit in the public schools of his home on a practically wild tract of land in Whitley county and successfully taught for three county, Indiana, and worked to improve and years. In 1SS1 he was employed by a school cultivate their farm and lived on it until supply house as salesman and continued in 1886, when they went to Churubusco to re- this work with good success for a period of side. Mr. Smith did not long survive the. two years. Though in this business he made removal to Churubusco and died after a a high salary, its transient nature was not to three mouths' residence at the advanced age his liking and he resigned the position and of eighty-five years. His widow survived took employment as foreman of the lumber him until 1901, dying at the age of eighty- mills at Williams and Monmouth, owned eight years. It is not remarkable that these and operated by Colter & Company, of which people reached the advanced ages they did, his brother, Philip W. Smith, was then a as both families are noted for longevity. The member. He served in this capacity for maternal grandmother of Adam J. Smith about a year and a half, when he resigned reached the age of a hundred and two years his position and with a capital of about $500 and other members of the family died when started in business for himself at Decatur - very old. Henry and Catherine Smith were the hardwood lumber business, the parents of seven children: William, He was very successful in this undertak- Henry, Jacob, John, Philip W., Catherine, ing and in 1886 formed a partnership with the wife of James Roach; Adam J. Jacob Alexander R. Bell under the firm name of Smith died in infancy. They were among Smith & Bell, which soon enlarged the busithe most highly esteemed people of their ness, built a saw mill at Decatur and steadily community and consistent members of the extended their territory of operations to sev- Lutheran church. cral states. This firm has been in operation Adam J. Smith, about whose life this now more than twenty years and is one of sketch centers, was the youngest of his the most extensive of its kind in northeastfather's family. He was always of an aggres- ern Indiana. Its principal industry was and sive and conservative disposition. His boy- has been the manufacturing and sale of hardhood years were spent on his father's farm wood lumber. In 1906 this firm disposed of in Whitley county, Indiana, where he its milling interests and at this time devotes learned the practical value of his minutes and its entire attention to the purchase and sale hours, out with the dawn of morning and of lumber in the states of Michigan, Indiana, always at work, each day gave a good ac- Ohio, Kentucky and Missouri, its business count of itself when the year's balances were annually running" near the three hundred footed up. In this county in the country- thousand dollar mark. Besides Mr. Smiths schools he received his preliminary educa- lumbering interests he is a stockholder in the telephone company, the furnace factory, the Smith & Uhlman Stock Company for tlie breeding- of Hereford cattle, of which company lie is the senior member, which company is operated on one of Mr. Smith's stock farms near Decatur, and is also a stockholder in the First National Bank of Decatur.

Mr. Smith lias held many positions of honor and trust at the hands of his constituents, though never giving any especial attention to politics. He was for four years a member of the Decatur city council, served on the Decatur school board as secretary and treasurer for three years. He has for some years served as one of the trustees of the First Methodist church at Decatur, of which he and his family are devoted members. Not especially a lodge man, but he is a member of the Kekionga Lodge, No. 65, Knights of Pythias, of Decatur.

On the 5th day of June, 1SS4, Adam J. Smith was married to Miss Alwillda Fonner. a daughter of John A. and Elizabeth (Pillars) Fonner, who were early residents of Root township, Adams county. Mrs. Smith's mother was a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Pillars, who came to Adams county in 1S39 from the eastern states. Her father, John A. Fonner, came in 1S41 and settled near the old Piqua road, just below Decatur. These pioneer residents accumu- . lated a large amount of property, were hardworking people and were held in high esteem 'by their associates and acquaintances.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of one child, a daughter, Miss Edith Fonner Smith, who was born in Decatur on the 15th day of April, 1885. She was educated in the Decatur city schools, from which she graduated in 1903. She has a great fondness for music, being a fine musician. Her parents gave her a musical education befitting her inclinations and station in society by a thorough course at the Parr Conservatory of Music at Cincinnati, Ohio.

Samuel S. Acker

Samuel S. Acker, a member of the well known firm of Acker & Teeple, dealers in clothing, gents' furnishing goods and shoe?, at Geneva, Adams county, Indiana, was born in Saint Mary's township, this county, on December 24, 1870. He is descended from early Adams county pioneers. The paternal grandfather having come from New York state located in this county in 1839 and here spent his remaining years. The subject's father, Irwin Acker, was born near Rochester, New York, and was less than one year old when the family made the long and perilous journey to Adams county. He was reared to the life of a farmer, which calling he followed throughout life, and married Miss Jane Smith, a daughter of Zachariah Smith, also a pioneer of the county. After his marriage Irwin Acker continued farming on the old homestead, of which he subsequently became the owner, and here he remained until acquiring a competency, when he retired from active labor and removed to Decatur, where he has resided during the past two decades. He is the father of seven children, of whom the two eidest died in infancy. The five who are living are as follows: Levi \Y, an employe of the railroad company at Saint Louis, Missouri : Dora, the wife of Charles M. Myers, of Preble township; Samuel S. ; Eva T., for twelve years a teacher in the primary schools at Decatur, where he purchased an interest in his presand'Minta, who resides with her parents. ent business, forming the firm of Acker &

The subject of this sketch was reared on Teeple. The members of this firm arc well the paternal homestead and attended the known and the enterprise has a reputation common schools during his youth, subse- for fair dealing on a sound business basis. quently attending the business department The business has increased year by year and of the Kentucky University, from which he is now considered among the solid commerrgaduated with the class of 1894. He then cial enterprises of Geneva, engaged in leaching school in Hartford City. In May. 1895, Mr. Acker married Miss

Frances W. Triplett, of Scott county, Kentucky, and to this union have been born four children: Doris L., Sanford I., Samuel S. and Caroline T.

Mr. and Mrs. Acker are members of the Christian church and fraternally the subject is identified with the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, in which or-

In 1895 he engaged in the restaurant business in Hartford City, but two years later returned to the home farm and conducted the same for three years. He then clerked in a department store at Decatur and in 1903 became a member of the firm of Acker, Elgey & Vance, which firm established a general clothing and gents' furnishing business at Decatur.

One year later Mr. Acker disposed of his der he has a three-thousand-dollar life i:iintcrest in the firm and moved to Geneva, surance policy.