Adams County, Indiana - The whole text, 1907 (part 7 of 16)

One was in section 22, at the springs, along Seventeen-Mile, east of Monmouth; one was west of New Corydon, in section 36, and one east of Alexander, in section 28, in Wabash township; and another was west of Pleasant Mills, in section 20. in Saint Mary's township. It seems that the camp meetings held at the Monmouth grounds were a fixture in the program for years and were attended from far and near as regularly as are the county fairs of later years. Perhaps the nearness to the three towns and the locations of the roads had much to do with the attendance at "The Springs." It is true that from Monmouth up along Seventeen- Mile creek in summer there are some very beautiful landscapes, perhaps as picturesque as can be found in the county. Could some of those granite boulders relate the history of those old camp meeting days and nights it would be a fine record indeed. Even the thought of those great baskets of fat pumpkin pies and fine fried spring chicken would make even a sinner's eyes sparkle and his mouth water for a taste, to say nothing of the other dainties on tap for camp-meeting week. We were unsuccessful in our effort to learn much of the older residents as to the names of the ministers or the leaders in these annual exercises. About the most expression that wc could get was that there were very large crowds of people and that the preachers had "great big voices," and that the singing could be heard "way down by the river." The loud singing and the long sermons made more impression than the names of the preachers or singers. Since our personal "experience of camp-meeting life is somewhat limited we shall ask forbearance while we quote from the iife of one who says he at times preached some of those long sermons that our pioneer friends so - well remember. From the "Life and Times of Rev. Alfred Erunson, A. M., D. D.," by your permission, we quote the following: "Wednesday seamed to be a general holiday and we were fairly overrun with vis- our visitors had no tents. Our only remedy therefore was to keep their attention toward the stand as long as possible, say till midnight, or after, when we supposed that most likely they would leave for their homes. To accomplish this we had a long sermon from the longest-winded man on the ground, which was followed by some half dozen exhortations, interspersed with singing by the loudest son of thunder we had among us. It fell to my lot to give the last of these exhortations, in which I talked about an hour and told all the fearful and alarming anecdotes I could call to mind, many of which were enough to raise the hair upon a sinner's head and make the blood chill in his veins. About 2 o'clock a. m. we closed and dismissed the congregation, requesting the people to retire to their tents, if they had any, and if not to their homes. But after all who had tents had retired the grounds were still overrun with stragglers, to watch whom required all the membership of the male sex present. To learn how things went outside of the camp, and especially in the public road, which was some twenty rods from the tents, I took a brother preacher with me and we mingled with the crowd in the dark unnoticed by them as they left the grounds. In passing to the road through the woods we heard their remarks, at some of which we could but smile, however much we mourned over their obdurate sinfulness. One gang of seemingly sailors were just behind us, discussing the merits of the preaching and exhortations. One of them said, using- a profane word, 'Those Methodist preachers arc the greatest liars I ever heard. They can tell more yarns than any old salt I ever saw. And that last one beats all the rest. If 1 owed the devil twenty liars and he wouldn't

Secret And Benevolent Orders

Decatur Lodge, No. 571, of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons dates from the 9th day of June, 18S3. The first lodge instituted in Decatur dates from about i860, and was numbered 252. In this original lodge were Samuel Mickle, Augustus Gregory, George H. Martz, Washington Steele, Thomas T. Darwin, J. E. Tetple, Washington Kern and some others whose names can not now be given. The first meeting place of this lodge was in a hall on the east side of Second street on inlot 50, built over George Number's furniture store. This same hall was later used by the Independent Order of Good Templars and the Knights of Pythias. Along about 1870 the hall in the brick building over the Dorwin drug store was brought into use and is still the meeting place of the Masonic orders of Decatur. However, the lodge has purchased a building lot on Second street, a part of inlot 48, a fine location for the new Masonic building that is contemplated. The present Decatur Lodge, 571, was organized under a dispensation with the following named officers: J. S. Coverdalc, W. M. ; J. D. Hale. S. \V.: B. W. Sholty, J. W\; Godfry Christen, secretary; R. B. Allison, treasurer, and Levi Barkley, tyler; P. C. Clever, S. D., and Tames T Merryman, J. D. This lodge was chartered on the 27th day of May, 1884, and now has a membership of one hundred and twenty-eight. Its present officers are : Norman Lenhari, W. M. ; William Schrock, S. W.; William Winnes, J. W. ; Edward Miller, S. D.; Arthur Suttles, J. D. ; Earl B. Adams, secretary; Charles Bell, treasure]", and B. Kalver, tyjer.

The Decatur Chapter, No. 112, Royal Arch Masons, was instituted on the 22d day of October, 1896, and now has about fifty active members: Dora Moore, K. ; J. D. Hale, S. ; Henry Heller, Pi in. S. gr. ; J. W. Tyndall, captain H. ; P. L. Andrews, captain R. A. ; Will Shrock, captain first V. ; Earl B. Adams, captain second V. ; Norman Lenhart, captain third V., and Godfrey Christen, treasurer.

The Decatur Chapter, No. 127, Order of the Eastern Star, was instituted on the 26th of April, 1S93. It now has a membership of about seventy-five. The present officers are: Lettie Annen, W. M. ; J. D. Hale, W. P. ; Flo Kinzle, A. M. ; Annie Winnes, secretary, and Monta Hensley, treasurer.

Masonry is an institution of great antiquity. When and where it had its origin is a matter of controversy. However, this is one of the most social, moral and benevolent institutions ever formed. Whether found on the burning sands of the cast or in the frozen wilds of the north, the true Mason has the same fidelity to his craft. His chief mission is to relieve the distressed, bury the dead, comfort the afflicted and bring good cheer to those in gloom and sorrow. From the building of King Solomon's temple to the present time Masonry has progressed with varying degrees of rapidity. It how stands pre-eminent among the institutions established for the building up and improvement of mankind. The membership of this order has reached about the three million two hundred thousand mark. Of this number there are about six hundred thousand in the United States.

Geneva Lodge, No. 621, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, was instituted on the 6th day of August, 1898, with the following named charter members: Frederick Me- Whhmey, S. \V. Hale, James B. Brown, Charles Reicheldaffer, Charles D. Porter, John E. Lung, J. H. Hardison, W. E. Hale, W. C. Campbell, Adolph Leibert. John P. Scheer and Renaldo Sumption. This organization prospered from the beginning and now has a resident membership of ninetytwo, with quite a number of others who have removed from the town. The present officers are: William C. Campbell. W. M.; George P.. Sawdy, S. D. ; Jesse Thorp, J. D. ; William P. Hale, secretary; S. W. Hale, treasurer; Ben Miller, tyler. Connected with this organization is the Geneva Chapter, No. 263, Order of the Eastern Star, with a membership of seventy-five. This order was organized in 1900 and the charter granted on the 25th of April, 1901. Its present officers are : Alice Heater, W. M. : W. B. Hale, W. P.. and Nellie Hale, A. M. The lodge rooms are in the Herr block. which is a large two-story brick building, with business rooms on the ground floor and halls above. This property now belongs to the Masonic order and is located on the north of Line street in about the center of the town and is a valuable piece of propertv.

The Saint Mary's Lodge, No. 167, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted on the 1st day of September, 1S59. Its charter members were: William G. Spencer, Thomas J. Pierce, David Studabaker, Daniel Miller, Timothy J. Matheny and John McConnchey. The past forcyeight years has seen the coming and going of many faces. The advancement of this lodge has been steady and its results permanent. The meeting place for the first years of its life was in the upper room of one of the Houston buildings on inlot No. 56 on Second street. In 1875 the lodge removed to its new building at the corner of Monroe and Second streets. When this structure was built it was the largest and most expensive building of its kind in the city. It is twenty-six by one hundred and thirty-two feet in size and three stories in height. This lodge continued to grow in strength and its members can be found in all of the northern townships of the county. Its deceased brotherhood is scattered in many states. Its present active membership is about one hundred and thirty-five. The present officers of the subordinate lodge are: E. B. Lenhart, N. G. ; Ed S. Christen, V. G. ; Charles Helm. P. S. ; M. J. Butler, R. S. ; H. H. Harruff, treasurer.

The Olive Lodge of the Daughters of Rebekah, No. 86, was chartered on the 24th day of June. 1S72, with eleven members. This branch of the order has had a steady growth and has about sixty-five members.

ganized under a dispensation October 17, j8;pt, with about a dozen members. This branch of the order was reoigarized on the 171I1 day of October, 1893, and thereafter known as the Reiter Encampment, No. 214, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Its first orficers were : W. G. Spencer, C. P.: B. H. Dent, J. W. ; J. P. Moon, S. W. ; J. Archbold, II. P. ; Henry Winnes, treasurer, and A. J. Hill, scribe.

The Geneva Lodge, No. 634. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was the next Odd Fellows' lodge instituted in the county. It dated from the 14th day of April, 1887. Its charter members were: C. H. Bell, F. M. Rynearson, Frank H. Hale, W. H. H. Briggs, H. D. Gillum and Fliram Kraner. To this number were added fifteen members by initiation on the day the lodge was instituted. On that day there was a social meeting at the frame church on Line street in the morning, a banquet at noon and the initiations continued throughout the afternoon and evening at the lodge hall in one of the Pyle buildings on the north side of Line street. The order occupied this hall until in April, 1890, when the Cartwright Hall building was bought and put in shape for a lodge room. In 1906 this was removed and a modern and substantial brick business block, with lodge rooms above, was built at the cost of about ten thousand dollars. The Geneva lodge has been in existence over twenty years and in that time has admitted by card and initiation two hundred and forty-five members, many of w horn have removed and located elsewhere. At the present time this lodge has one hundred and forty active members. Its present officers ;,re: J hn Kraner, N. G. ; John W. Harris,

The Silvia Rebekah Lodge, No. 327, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted on the 26th day of March, 1890, with nine charter members. This is one of the active branches of this order at Geneva and at this time has a hundred and twenty-one members. Its officers are : Pearl Rayn, N. G. ; Florence Ford, V. G. ; Fanny Miller, F. S. ; Ruth Cross, R. S. ; Lydia Wegmiller, treasurer.

The Geneva Encampment, No. 203, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted on the 15th day of July, 1892, with seven charter members. Within the last fifteen years it has increased to more than ten times its original number. This lodge now has a membership of seventy-two members and the following officers: \V. J. Nelson, H. P. ; J. W. Burris, S. W. ; F. F. Gregg, scribe: Frank R. Haughton, J. \V. ; W. N. Stall, treasurer.

The Linn Grove Lodge, No. 683, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was installed on the 14th day of January, 1S92, with C. B. Funk, John W. Bears, J. W. Keckler, W. D. Williams, Edward Heller, Fred Neaderhouser and John S. Anderson as its charter members and twenty-six candidates were initiated on the day of its institution. In 1 89 1 the old graded school building was sold and the lower room was used as a paint shop and trimming room by a carriage-maker and the upper room was fitted up for a lodge room and used by the Odd Fellows' lodge until the fall of 1904, at which time a new brick block forty-four by seventy feet in size was erected, with a commodious hall on the second floor. This was dedicated on the 21st of December, 1904, with appropriate ceremonies. The Linn Grove Lodge has a Rebekah Degree Lodge that was organized on the 27th of January, 1905. The Linn Grove Lodge was in a measure interested in the institution of Petroleum Lodge, No. 721, and Berne Lodge, No. 838, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, as several withdrawal cards were taken out for this purpose. This lodge at this time has seventyfive active members, with the following named officers: John Romey, N. G. ; Sherman Higgins, V. G. ; Leander Dunbar, P. S. ; Peter Hoffman, R. S. ; Samuel Opliger, treasurer.

The Berne Lodge, No. 838, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted on the 26th day of January, 1906, with five charter members, who were : C.'B. Funk, D. A. Passon, A. C. Augsperger, Lewis Reynolds and Eugene D. Runyon. This lodge now has between sixty and seventy members.

Berne has two secret orders, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. From the time of their organization these orders have met with steady and determined opposition - often by those who do not understand them, and more frequently from those who oppose all secret orders from a conscientious standpoint. In the face of all of this resistance there has been a steady and continuous growth of each of these orders. The present officers of Berne Lodge are D. A. Passon, N. G. ; John Marshall, V. G. ; C. E. Brenner, P. S. ; J. L. Love, R. S. ; Lewis Reynolds, treasurer. At the present time there are four Odd Fellows' lodges in Adams county, and, about four hundred active members. In one of the recent reports made on Odd Fellowship it was stated that Odd Fellowship in the United States began on the 26th day of April, 1819, in Boston, Massachusetts; that on the 26th day of April, 1907, the order in this country was eighty-eight years old ; that at that time there were one million two hundred and seventyeight thousand and sixty-five Odd Fellows in the United States in active membership; that in Indiana at the last date named there were in the Encampment 6.790 members, and in the Rebekah Order there were 43,451 members ; that in the original order in Indiana there were 72,578 active members on the 26th day of April, 1907. The time is here that very good people may honestly differ and live in peace in the same town. And it is also true that in nearly every town of any size the secret orders are represented by their lodges. That this is a fraternal order whose usefulness has ceased to be questioned by all who are familiar with its teachings has long since been established.

The Kekionga Lodge, No. 65, Knights of Pythias was instituted in the I. O. G. T. hall, on the east side of Second street, opposite the court house, on the 20th day of August, 1875, with eleven charter members, who were: C. T. Dorwin, Godlry Christen, W. S. Congleton, N. Blackburn, A. R. Bell, M. Burns, J. P. Ouinn, Fred Shaffer, W. W. Vanness, Frank Railing and D. L. Phelps. That at the same time there were twenty-six members taken into the lodge by initiation. This order did not long remain in the Good Templars' hall, as the building at the corner of Second and Monroe streets was then under construction, and an agreement was made by which the Knights of Pythias order built an additional story on the Henry Derks build- mir next to the Odd Fellows' block. This lias been their meeting place since the fall of 1S75. This lodge has rapidly grown and now has a membership of one hundred and tiny-eight in the subordinate, sixty-five in the Pythian Sisters and thirty-five in the Uniform Rank. Its present officers are Walter Johnson, C. C. ; Fred Houer, V. C. Samuel Schamp, prelate ; C. M. Rice, M. A. C. O. Sipe, M. W.; Wilson Lee, M. E. Fred Mills, M. F. ; J. C. Trich, K. of R. and S. ; Curt Brown, I. G. ; W. Ward, O. G. ; Of Eureka Temple, No. 39, Rathbone Sisters, organized March 6, 1891 : Mrs. Fred Vaughn, M. E. C. ; Mrs. E. M. Hower, V. M. E. C. ; Mrs. Lee Vance, J. C. In the rank of uniform knights : DeFrench Quinn, captain; E. B. Lenhart, first lieutenant: William Herst, second lieutenant, and Huber M. DeVoss, clerk.

The Geneva Lodge, No. 514, Knights of Pythias, was insti tuted on the 1 1 th day of April, 1904, with forty-eight members. This lodge has been of steady growth and now has the Uniform Rank and the Pythian Sisters lodges in connection with the subordinate. Jts first officers were: W. D. Hendricks, P. C. ; F. J. McWhinney, C. C. ; O.

D. Mowrer, K. of R. andS.; W. W. Briggs, M. E. ; Thomas Drew, M. F. ; H. W. Mc- Ginnett, M. A. ; C. G. Barr, O. G. ; C. Shaffer, I. G. ; trustees, G. W. Schafer, A. M. Redding and S. W. Hale. The membership of this order at this time, is one hundred and fifteen, an increase of nearly seventy members since its institution. At present it leases :< hail building, but has an increasing fund set aside, which in a short time will enable U to own 'ts lodge room. Its present officers are: L. L. Mattax, C. C. ; Solomon Moser,

The Berne Lodge, Knights of Pythias, No. 398, was instituted on the 5th day of December, 1893, with twenty-three charter members, and three admitted by card. This was the first secret order that tried to get a footing at Berne. There seemed to be an entirely mistaken idea as to its purpose when it was first instituted. Those who did not understand its workings seemed to believe that its main purpose was to get unlawful people out of trouble. That idea has long since been discarded by even those who are opposed on general principles to secret orders. Its membership has now reached one hundred and three members and the lodge is growing in usefulness Its present officers are: D. N. Eckrote, C. C. ; Joel Lidy, V. C; E. B. Rice, prelate; H. S. Michaud, M. W. ; F. C. Foreman, K. of R. and S. ; C. H. Schenck, M. of F. : Lewis Gerig, M. of A. ; Ransom Smith. M. of E. ; J. W. Marbaugh, I. G. ; Dennis Striker, O. G. The trustees of this lodge are: Rudolph Schug, W. E. Evrets and A. J. Porter

Decatur Court, Tribe of Ben-Hur, No. 156, was organized on the 3d day of April, 1900, with forty members. This is a fraternal and life insurance order that has grown perhaps more rapidly in Decatur than any other of its secret societies. Its membership now has reached the number of two hundred and forty-five. Its meeting place at the present is in the Studabaker building on Court and Second streets. Its officers are: L. L. Baumgarlner, chief; Morris Hays, past chief; Louisa Peoples, keeper of tribe;

The Pocotaligo Lodge, No. 203, of Red Men, was instituted at Decatur on the 24th day of April, 1S95, with thirty members. As yet this order has leased its lodge hall. The interest and increase of membership has continued from the beginning and at the present time this lodge has a membership of one hundred and twenty-four, an increase of ninety above its number at the beginning. Its present officers are: R. Lord, sachem; W. Darwechter, prophet : O. N. Jlildebrand, S. S. ; Richard Roop, j. S. ; A. P. Beatty, K. of R. ; J. D. Hale, K. of W.

The Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Lodge, No. 993, was instituted September 6, 1905, with fifty-eight members. This lodge is at present using the Studabaker & Allison building hall for its meetings. Since its beginning it has added quite a number of members and now has a membership of ninetyeight. A banquet followed the installation of this lodge, at which there was a large representation of Elks from adjoining lodges. Its present officers are : David E. Smith, exalted ruler; W. A. Lower, E. L. R. ; William Bosse, E. L. K. : C. E. Neptune, E. L. K. ; D. E. Studabaker, sentry; C. S. Niblick. treasurer; J. D. Reiter, tyler.

The Evans Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles, No. 1570, was instituted on the 21st day of February. 1907, with a membership of eighty-two. In several ways this was a notable event in the lodge work of the county. In the afternoon there was a street parade, headed by the city band, which inarched to the hall where the lodge was instituted. An uhustial and memorable feature of this parade was that a live bald eagle was hauled at the head of the procession in a cage on a cart drawn by a goat. The meeting place of this lodge is in the Niblick building hall on Second and Monroe streets. Its present membership is one hundred and seven and its officers are: D. D. Coffee, worthy president ; Charles E. Patten, vice president; E. E. Snow, secretary; N. C. Anderson, treasurer.

The Decatur Camp of Modern Woodmen of America, No. 9770, was instituted on the 30th of March, 1907. by James Corsant, district deputy, with twenty-five charter members. Within the last few months this organization has grown from its twenty-five members at institution to a membership of forty-five. This is a fraternal order as well as a life insurance institution. It is said to have the largest membership of any order of its kind in existence. Its present officers are : E. B. Lenhart, consul : C. L. Walters, clerk; S. E. Schamp, adviser; Eli Myers, banker; George Everett, escort.

The Adams Camp of Modern Woodmen, No. 10952, was organized at Benie 011 the 22d of October, 1902. This organization started with nineteen charter members, has had some unusual reverses, but is now recovering from its losses and is increasing in membership. Its present officers are : Rafe Imboden, consul ; Fred Wechter, banker ; W. S. Ray, adviser; T. W. Heare, clerk; W. B. Tucker, escort.

The Monroe Camp of Modern Woodmen of America, No. 6S40, was instituted on the 2 1 st of November, 1903, with a membership of nineteen. Within the last four years it has steadily grown and at this time its numbers have reached a membership of forty-six. One 01 the main purposes of this organization is to provide social and financial protec

The Geneva Tent of the Knights of the Maccabees of the World, No. 106, was instituted on the 4th of April, 1895, with twenty-four members. It has grown in numbers to forty members. This is a fraternal and social order that looks after the life insurance of its members as well as their present social welfare. Its present officers arc: L: C. Messner, past commander; G. \Y. Weeks, commander; R. E. Redout, record keeper, and Adam McKisic, sentinel.

The Sam Henry Post, Grand Army of the Republic, Ne. 33, was mustered on the 12th of May, 1882, with thirty members and the following officers: Henry Hart, commander; David Laman, senior vice commander; I>. VY. Sholty, junior vice commander; J. P. Quinn, officer of the day: John S. McLeod, officer of the guard ; L. A. Counter, quartermaster; Washington Kern, chaplain; R. B. Freeman, surgeon; A. C. Gregory, adjutant. Tins order has had a membership of about one hundred and fifty, but the ravages of time have steadily diminished its numbers. I here are now sixty-nine members. The long hard winters have thinned the attendance at muster and an answer at the last roll-call will soon be heard no more by the volunteer soldier of a half century ago. As an auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic is the Woman's Relief Corps, No. 41, which was mustered on the 5th day of October, 18S6, with twenty-eight members. This division now has forty-seven members. 1 here wai - Safes of Veterans order organized about 1886, but surrendered its charter and reorganized in 1895 with a small membership. The ex-soldiers in connection with the Sam Henry Post have from time to time revived the scenes of war in a small degree by engaging in sham battles. The first of these was in August, 1890, just east of Decatur in the Zimmerman fields. The commanders were David Laman, with part of the old soldiers and Lieutenant P. L. Andrews with the state militia on one side and Norval Blackburn with the old soldier forces on the other side. In this engagement a real interesting skirmish took place, perhaps the nearest war the militia had ever seen. The other sham battle was conducted on the Dyonis Schmitt grounds to the southeast of the city after a two clays' encampment and reunion of certain regiments outside of the Decatur Grand Army of the Republic order. This occurred in the fall of 1892. In this engagement a battery was in attendance from Fort Wayne, a branch of the militia company that assisted in the fight. The militia was also engaged in this battle and was under the command of Major M. L. Byers. In each of these engagements muskets and blank cartridges were used and from the snapping and cracking it would seem that the war was actually in earnest.

From the fifteen members at first this post numbered one hundred and twenty-four members, though it is at this time much reduced by deaths and removals from its vicinity. On the 8th of May, 1SS4, the Mcpherson Camp, No. 11, Sons of Veterans, was mustered with sixteen members. This post is still in operation and is said to be about the only active post of the kind in the state, most others having surrendered their charters. The John P. Porter Relief Corps, No. 119, was mustered on the 20th of January, 1S98, with a large membership.

This Grand Army post has taken part in sham battles as well as the real article itself. The first of these was a representation of the battle of Shiloh. In this sham battle J. M. Holloway was one commander and John Sullivan the other. There was a very large crowd of people in attendance to witness this mimic game of war, which occurred on the 27th day of September, 1886. The next battle of this nature was fought in the meadow just west of the present town of Geneva. In this John M. Plolloway and Martin M. Herr were the commanders. The batteries were back in the field and fired to distraction with their "Quaker" guns, served with sticks of dynamite. The noise was there, but that was all. In this there was a real bayonet fight between John McCollum and J. C. Ball. The combatants had to be separated, as Ball was fighting in defense of his person and his antagonist had become excited and forgot that half this world is sham and that the other half is not what it seems. This engagement took place on the 12th of September, 18SS. The last military maneuver of this kind was on the 3d of August tRcj2, and was a representation of Custer's massacre. In this engagement J. M.

we are not informed as to which. But to say the least of it, his forces, adorned in ;:!i the turkey feathers the country could produce and war paint galore, came in on the whoop and soon cleared the field of their pale-faced enemies. This was a bloodless battle, but the long scalplock of the brave Custer was lifted and swung from the girdle of his savage antagonist. However, "Gen eral" Holloway escaped with a much-priVed trophy, his own scalp, which he has to this day succeeded in keeping near him.

Company B, Fourth Regiment, Indiana National Guard, was organized at Dccatir. on the 7th day of June, 1889. However, this was not the first military company organiz?ii in this county. The first company, so far as can be ascertained, was about 1845 or 1 S46. Then the company met twice a month as muster days and were drilled by a detailed officer from the governor's staff or from the United States service. From the best sources that are available Samuel S. Mickle, William Trout and James Niblick were officers in this company. And that it participated in the Fourth of July exercises or 1846, Decatur's tenth birthday. In 1862 there were several companies organi.-ed, some of which went to the front and were mustered into the United States service and some others that remained at home and were known as "home guards." On the 4th day of February, 1892, Company B of the Fourth Regiment was mustered as a part o! the Indiana state militia. This exercise w.v conducted in the Meiber's Hall in Decatur by Colonel George W. Guilder, of Marion. Indiana, as mustering officer. After the r call of the company and the commissions - officers elected and the non-commissioned officers chosen a muster banquet was given bv the company. Major M. Eyers was toastmaster. Some of the speakers were C. T. lionvtn, 011 the subject, "The Courage and Bearing of the Third Regiment, Indiana Slate Militia" ; J. D. Hale, "Quartermaster's Supplies - How the Militia Should Be Fed" ; Nerval Blackburn, "The City of Decatur's Interest in Company B." At the time of mustering this company its officers were: john H Steele, captain: DeFrench Ouinn, first lieutenant; C. M. King, second lieutenant; John Myers, orderly sergeant; A. C. Ball, H. M. Besser, J. D. Andrews and D. E. Studabaker, sergeants; Ben Broysher, Irvin Pyle, W. E. Russell, M. F. Burkhead, 1.. C. Corbin and Peter Lorent, corporals.

This company at the time of mustering bad thirty-four members. It changed officers from time to time, but a list of its electiuns and appointments can not be given. At the beginning of the Spanish-American war, in April, 1S98, the following members of the company were its officers. John M. Lenhart, captain; Solomon C. Edington, first lieutenant; Charles E, Barnhart, second lieutenant; Richard D. Myers, first sergeant; John D.

Andrews, quartermaster sergeant; Jesse B. Uoop, John W; Watkins, Louis Andrews and William Bushnell, sergeants; Harry Keichert, Charles Beery, Frank Peterson, Harland Steele, Fred Vaughn and John C. Ault. corporals. From the history of Company B, One-hundred-and-sixtieth Indiana the Third Regiment, Indiana Legion. It was mustered in by Colonel McBride and with Jonas Coverdale, M. D., as captain. In 1891 the company was called out to guard the jail against a mob. At that time M. L. Buyers was captain, and in 1S94 served twelve days at Hammond during the riots under Captain John Myers. The organization was transferred to the Indiana National Guard and at the time of the declaration of the late war Major E. P. Miller was captain. Sergeant J. D. Andrews is the only charter member of the original organization of Company B, One-hundred-and-sixtieth Indiana. The company was recruited on the 27th of June by mustering in twenty-five additional men. The only change in officering of the company was the resignation of First Lieutenant Charles Edington. The vacancy was filled by appointing Charles Barnhart to fill the vacancy and promoting First Sergeant R. D. Myers to second lieutenant."

The One-hundred-and-sixtieth Regiment was made up of the companies from Marion, Decatur, Lafayette, Wabash, Bluff ton, Ossian, Columbia City, Warsaw, Tipton, Huntington, Anderson and Logansport. In answer to the call it arrived at Camp Mount on the 26th day of April, 189S, for the purpose of being mustered into the service of the United States. After a rigid examination this regiment was mustered in on the 12th of May, 189S, and left Camp Mount on the 16th by rail to Camp Thomas at Chickamauga Park, Georgia, arriving there on the 18th of May. Iv left Camp Thomas on the 28th of July under orders to proceed to Porto Rico. It arrived at Newport News on the 30th, but the order having been countermanded, left Newport News on August 21st and proceeded to Camp Hamilton, at

Lexington, Kentucky. It left Camp Hamilton November 9th and arrived at Columbus, Georgia, on the nth. On the 15th of January, 1899, the regiment was ordered to proceed in three sections to Matanzas, Cuba, where they were united on the 27th of January and went into camp. The regiment remained in Cuba until March 27th, when it was' ordered to proceed to Savannah, Georgia, to prepare for disbanding. It arrived in Savannah on the 29th of March and was mustered out and discharged on the 25th of April, 1899. Some of the volunteers left singly and returned ahead of the mam body of the troops, but the larger part of this company returned to Decatur on the 5th <.f May and were met at the morning train fri im the south with a prearranged program thai the mayor of the city, who then was A. P. Beatty, should give them a soul-stirring welcome speech at the court house. As soon as the train came in they scattered in every direction and enjoyed the welcome of their relatives and friends. Perhaps that speech will save until it is needed, as no one knows of it ever being; delivered.

Social And Commercial Clubs

It is not our purpose to include such clubs or societies as are wholly a part of some church organizations. Those are auxiliaries to the various churches and are left to the writer of church history, every church having its own special societies to look after the work to which it is devoted. In the seventies there was a great agitation of the temperance question throughout the country by what was then known as the Independent Order of Good Templars. There were several lodges in this county - one in Monmouth and another in Decatur. The Decatur lodge is said to have had about eighty members, but politics took possession of the order and it went to pieces.

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union followed immediately in the wake of the Good Templars and in iSSl, on the 6lh of November, this union was introduced into Adams county by S. G. Hastings, an excity superintendent of the Decatur schools.

sale of intoxicating liquors. This society continued for a time, but was reorganized in 1888, and then grew to its largest membership, which was seventy-five members. Some of its active advocates were : Mrs. Marie L. Holloway, Mrs. W. J. Myers, Mrs. R. S. Peterson and Mrs. L. C. Miller. However good its cause may be, its workers have greatly diminished in Decatur.

The Decatur Commercial Club was organized on the 1st day of May, 1903, with about seventy-five members of the representative business men of the city. Its primary objects are to secure such manufacturing interests to locate in the city as will increase the amount of labor for the working people and make a larger payroll to be laid out in the stores of the town. And also to furnish a pleasant room nicely situated and well furnished that any one may while away a few hours in day or evening with his acquaintances and friends without intrusion or interruption of others at their places of business. This club is managed by a board of directors, who choose the executive officers. Its first officers were: DeFrench Ouinn, president; William Schrock, secretary, and Lew G. Ellingham, treasurer. The efforts of this club have in a measure been successful. The location of the power house north of Decatur by the traction company was largely due to its efforts. The whip stock factory, the furnace factory and the motor car factory were induced to locate in Decatur at the instance of the Commercial Club. In March, 1907, it put several additions of city lots upon the market at public sale and thereby began a "factory fund" that may prove of some additional benefit to the city. The sale of these lots in the aggregate amounted to about forty thousand dollars. The rooms of this club are at the corner of Front and Monroe streets in the Dr. William Trout brick homestead. The present officers of the club are: L. G. Ellingham, president; Earl B. Adams, secretary, and Charles S. Xiblick, treasurer.

The Shakespeare Club, a literary organization, is perhaps the oldest club of its kind m the county. It was organized in 1882, with the following charter members : Harriet Studabaker, Margaret Dorwin, Jennie Clever, Hattie Studabaker, Dick Morrison, Dehie Mickle, Jennie Phelps, Malete Numbers, Carrie Smith and Mary Niblick. Mrs. David Studabaker was probably the most active in its organization. It has its work regularly outlined for each year, and its president changes with each meeting, a novel plan, by which the hostess at whose house the meeting is held acts for that time as president. It frequently closes its year's work with an extensive banquet, at which the woi' is scanned and the delicacies of

This society does not confine its readings and investigations to the works of Shakespeare, but changes from year to year, local literature one and perhaps travels through the old world the next, and so on, thus giving a great scope for investigation and study. Its present members are : Miss Hattie Studabaker, Mrs. E. S. Morrison, Mrs. John Niblick, Mrs. Clint Patterson, Mrs. Daniel Sprang, Mrs. David E. Studabaker, Mrs. D. G. M. Trout, Mrs. J. W. Tyndall. Mrs. M. L. Holloway, Mrs. P. G. Hooper, Mrs. D. M. Hensley, Mrs. D. D. Heller, Mrs. L. G. Ellingham, Mrs. C. A. Dugan, Mrs. Jane Crabbs, Mrs. Samantha Dorwin, Mrs. R. K. Allison, Mrs. Helen Blossom and Mrs. Harry Moltz.

The Historical Reading Club is an organization of women for the systematic study of such certain literary productions as may be from time to time chosen for its consideration. This club was organized in April, 1889, has regularly chosen officers and stated meetings for the exchange of ideas and pursuit of the most knowledge that can be gotten from the subjects under consideration. This club was organized with the following charter members: Mrs. Helen Blossom, Mrs. R. B. Allison, Mrs. Carrie Burns, Mrs. E. A. Allen, Mrs. Mary Congleton, Mrs. Samantha Dorwin, Mrs. Kannie Fristoe, Mrs. R. Harb, Mrs. Victoria Hill, Mrs. L. Patterson, Mrs. Lucy Rout and Mrs. Elizabeth Waldron. It has proved to be of much real benefit to not only its members, but to others from a historical point of view, as it has from time to time taken up state and local historical subjects and made its researches known to the public through the columns of the daily papers. This club is limited in its numbers and by its constitution can admit no new member until a vacancy occurs in its ranks. Its present membership consists of the following: Miss Kit Christen, Mrs. Helen Blossom. Jane Crabbs, Catherine Allison, Carrie Burns, Mary Conglcton, Ella Erwin, Sadie Gillig, Hattie Lewton, Fannie Peterson, Nettie Schrock, Marie Holloway, Anna Vance, Nannie Miller, Jennie Studabaker, Ella Rice, Orpha Erwin, Addie Blackburn, Viola Allison and Dora Lower.

The Fortnightly Club was organized on the 13th day of September, 1894, with a membership of thirteen, an unlucky number, but a very fortunate club, as the preacher was with us in it all. The purpose of this club was social improvement and general research and discussion on any such subjects as might be selected by a member as his text for a paper to be read to the club and dissected at will by the other twelve. These meetings became very interesting, as many pet notions were put on "the frying pan" and roasted to a nice brown by all who cared to do so in the presence of the club. They promoted a careful study and a nice distinction between fact and theory. This club perhaps had more subjects to consider than any other ever organized in the city. It had also a conservative, conscientious, combative crowd to consider them, such as had never before undertaken such a job outside of a college faculty. The charter members of this club were: James R. Bobo, J. S. Boyers, Dell Locke. Dave E. Smith, C. L. Walters, J. F. Snow, C. A. Dugan, J. T. Merryman, E. T Gregg, R. K. Erwin, J. F. Mann, A. D. MolYet, D. G. M. Trout. At the end of each year's work a banquet was and a general outline of the subjects briefly discussed. This club continued for three successive years and is still waiting the call of its president to reassemble for another year's work. The subjects presented the first year were, these: "The Birth and Growth of Myth," J. F. Mann ; "The Effects of Climate and Environment Upon Civilization," J. S. Boyers; "God," R. K. Erwin; "Anglo-Saxon in the Public Schools," A. D. Moffet; "Miracles," E. T. Gregg; "Expense of Glory," David E. Smith; "Evolution," D. G. M. Trout; "Is Genius Hereditary?" J. F. Snow; "Eclipses," C. A. Dugan; "The Sun," Dell Locke; "Phrenology," C. L. Walters: "Mind," J. T. Merryman,

Within its brief existence two members of this club were called away by death. The one was Judge J. R. Bobo, who in early life was a power in the field of thought, having served his constituents in Adams county in various fields of usefulness. He was school examiner, state representative, senator and circuit judge of the twenty-sixth judicial district for twelve years. Nature had bestowed upon him the qualities of a profound thinker, an orator and statesman. When his brilliant intellect gleamed forth in oratory, though even on a doubtful side, defeat often gave place to victory. On his sixty-second birthday, June 4, 1901, he crossed the "Great Divide" to another life beyond. The other was the Rev E. T. Gregg, who spent four years of his spirited young life as pastor of the First Methodist church of Decatur. It was during the 30th ot May Deconuion day services of 1&59 that the word came from Kokomo, where he had recently moved, that "Rev. E. T. Gregg is no more." The members of this club and his many church friends he'd his memorial service on the 4th day of lime, 1899, in which his past was viewed from the present by those who knew him Lc^t. Memorial addresses were delivered to a large audience assembled in the First Methodist Episcopal church by four of his club mates. They as given were: "E. T. Gregg as a Minister," by J. T. Merryman ; "E. T. Gregg as an Odd Fellow,", by J. F. Snow; "E. T. Gregg as a Mason," by R. K. Erwin ; "E. T. Gregg as a Citizen," by J. T. France.

A similar memorial was held at Kokomo by his church brethren, which referred to E. T. Gregg as "A Layman," by Rev. A. S. Wooten; "As a Preacher," by Rev. T. T. Simpson; "As a Pastor," by Rev. W. YV. Daniels; "As an All-Round Man," by Rev. W. D. Parr. Some quotations taken from his expressions may give a better idea of the man :

"This world is full of bandbox people. They are made of pasteboard and can contain nothing that has any weight in it. They occupy more space than they are worth, and never fail to obtrude themselves into the

"The busy man finds a place for what he lias a desire to do. It is the maid of honor to the queen who scarcely has anything to do, who never finds time for anything. The very busy man who perhaps has fifty letters to answer every day, always finds some time to help with his great executive ability, the causes that are near his heart."

Whatever may the great hereafter be, a fitting remembrance will be observed. Not such as of a military genius, by noisy bands through crowded streets, thick set with banners and plumes and glittering sabers and polished bayonets - but when the spring comes with its sunshine, birds and blossoms, a loyal procession of his comrades and countrymen will heap high his mound, by each a little flower, and drop a sympathetic tear on the grave of him who so young and so vigorous, so full of promise and future expectation, was so soon called to the great beyond.

Lawyers, Doctors And Some Other People

An ancient historical writer once described a model woman as from his point of view and finished with : "And where can such a one ever be found?" We have above given a brief outline of some women's clubs. 1 hese have their spheres of action and mental development. There is but one club when -n the hands of the "new" woman a genial tern . -to mankind. This is the "Come Home Husband Club," frequently called the broomstick. This is seldom used by the lion of the family. We are told that the day will come, and perhaps it is close at hand, that the "lion and the lamb will lie down in peace and harmony," perhaps in every household. In some households the club is laid aside and the new woman, if she may be so called, has taken up intellectual lines of work rather than the common life of so many women though their attainments are fine and intellectually able for many works of highest art. The pen has taken its place and the work of producing literature is with them a profession, not perhaps of invitation by their friends to write, but like Edgar Allen Poe or Phoebe Carey, with an energy that nothing but expression will satisfy. Intellectual energy, well directed, toward the cause of authorship has made the millions happy. What branch, may much depend upon the special turn of mind of the particular author. There may be many avenues to fame, but he or she who travels the line of authorship in search of it will ere long conclude that he has missed his bearing and wish that he had taken another road. If he or she has the ever-urging, controlling, prompting impulse to give written expression to thought the work wiil go happily on whether or not the world cries or smiles. It is so much easier to choose a nice new book and read it than to write a nice new book for someone else to read. Ability, energy and continued labor of intellect and body are necessary to produce a worthy literary production. When we peruse the pages of a new publication the product of some energetic mind, we soon determine whether its course is traveling in the line upon which our interest lies. The subject may be one upon which we like to linger and view its beauties and read those inscriptions left by nature's hand. But should we stop to pluck a flower on our way and find it an imitation, an artificial rose, without perfume, our interest is lost at once and no effort can bring it back. The successful author of today must keep a few paces ahead of the aggressive moral and scientific people who move along by electi'' lines. The historical work on Company B, One-hundred-and-sixtieth

Indiana Volunteer Infantry-, by George Bowers, a former resident of this county, but now a captain of police in the Philippine Islands, is an interesting work. Attorney Shaffer Peterson is the author of an extensive work on the "Citations of the Supreme and Appellate Courts of Indiana." He is now a practicing attorney in Decatur. "The Song of the Cardinal," "Freckles" and "What I Have Done with Birds," are three valuable literary productions from the pen of Mrs. Gene Stratton Porter, who is a resident of Geneva, Indiana. Mrs. Porter is a specialist on birds and her works make frequent mention of these feathered songstersin their mission to make the world more cheerful. Her last production is finely illustrated with colored plates and is a valuable contribution to that class of literature.

"Freckles," which appeared in 1904, has been dramatized by a London (England) playwright and will soon go on the stage in that country. "What I Have Done with Birds" appeared in the Home Journal of 1907, and other volumes are forthcoming, as Mrs. Porter says that, "I am the busiest and hardest worked woman alive. I am just finishing a novel and in a week will beafield again for the summer."

The Doctors

The doctors of Adams county in its early days found very little that would in our time be an inducement for any one to stay in the country to build up his profession. Until about 1S60 the settlers were very much scattered and there was nothing in the shape of graded roads. The only way to travel from place to place was on horseback or to walk. No roads, no bridges, but few of the conveniences and often a scarcity of the necessities of life. Can one think of a doctor attempting- to cure a sick person when there was little food in the house with which to nourish him, and neighbors perhaps several miles away? But the doctor in the forties and fifties did not long stand on ceremonies; he did the best he could for his patient and let nature do the rest. Lack of suitable care and proper diet in those days doubtless lost many a valuable life. Some of the worst conditions and ailments they had to contend with were mumps, measles, milk sickness, malaria, mosquitoes and impure water. Epicac, calomel and quinine were dished out in telling quantities and the patient always got well - or died - under this treatment. The census of 1850 shows that the following named doctors were then practicing in Adams county : William Trout, who could speak the German language, lived in Decatur; John F. Alsop resided near Pleasant Mills; J. C. Champer, at Monmouth; John N. Little, southeast of Decatur, on what is now the Elmer Johnson farm; Thomas B. Kimsey, in Root township, northwest of Monmouth; Alexander Porter and John P. Porter and Jacob Pierce then resided in Decatur. There were perhaps some others who were in the county before some of these mentioned, but had removed to some other locality. A little later there came Dr. Lemuel Coverdale from Allen county, perhaps about 1855 ; Thomas and John Pierce, in 1858, and in the southern part of the county came Dr. B. B. Snow, in i860; to the Wabash. Dr. J. B. Snow, to Linn Grove, in 1S62. Dr. William C. Vance; of New Corydon, but practiced in the sou'.hern part of the county, in 1S66, was in the army three year* preceding this ; Dr. James McDowel, Dr. S. G. Ralston, 1865; Drs. A. G. VanCamp, John Burdg, in 186S; Dr. LeBlond. 1872; Drs. Bergman, James Caklerwood, John Neuenschwander, David Neuenschwander, Peter A. Sprunger, P. B. Thomas, William Broadwell, C. A. Zimmerman, J. C. Ulrnan, J. W. Stoneburner, at Berne came in 1S90. The northern pari of the county has since 1875 had these doctors : T. T. Dorwin, F. A. Jelleff and his son, Charles Jelleff; W. W. Vanness, A. T. Sorg, A. G. Holloway, R. J. Freeman and several others. Those now in the practice in Decatur are: J. S. Coverdale and his son, E. G. Coverdale; W. P. Miller, \V. W. McMillen, C. A. Smith, J. S. Boyers, Mrs. M. L. Holloway, D. D. Clark and C. S. Clark. B. P. Thomas, S. D. Beavers, H. F. Costello.

The dentists at present are: Drs. J. Q. Neptune, Dick Neptune, Roy Archbold and Bert Mangold. Dr. Glen was the first dentist who located in Decatur, in 1880, remained but a short time. Dr. A. L. DeViibiss was the first permanent dentist to continue the practice for any length of time. He came to Decatur in 1876 and remained until the time of his death, perhaps in 189S. II. R. Raper, present dentist at Geneva.

The medical profession of this county as a general thing has been represented by a moral, high class of citizenship. The towns throughout the county have their physicians, as: Dr. J. C. Grandstaff, at Preble; Dr. J. W. Vizard, at Pleasant Mills; Dr. J. T. McKean. at Linn Gro.-e; Dr. L. L. Mattax. H. M. Aspy, W. R. Braton, O. M. Graham, C. R. Price, W. W. Swarts, at Geneva, and Drs. M. F. Parrish and A. C. Ryl, at Mon-

If it were not for the ignorance and greed of mankind the lawyer's profession would soon be abandoned by, many bright minds that are devoted to the cause of securing just men their rights. Some contentious specimens of genus homo may be heard in condemnation of the dishonest lawyers. He is the very first individual to seek the advice and counsel of the shrewd attorney to pull him past his danger of standing behind prison bars. Were it not for the kindly counsel of our most able attorneys the very ones who are loudest in his condemnation would be the surest convicts. A good lawyer, a*s a good doctor, saves worry, health and reputation of his clients and is a model citizen. Ever)- class of men have their demagogues and some who are no credit to their community. But be it to the credit of the legal profession, there are fewer of them wearing prison ^stripes than of some other classes who claim to be twenty-four karats fine - a claim never hinted at by the lawyer. The responsibility of systems of enactments rest with the people. There is but one satisfactory issue with a lawyer: Where does justice lie; what are my client's rights? What the law is, becomes in the hands of the courts, what the judge- and the lawyers think the law ought to be. The requirement for an attorney-at-law in the forties was far different from what it is now. Then but few lawyers had more books than could be carried under one a..n; and some "f them not of recent date. However, justice was the thing sought after then as now. And in certain instances there was much less ceremony in procuring it. All the judges along in the forties and even later were supposed to dress within the dignity of their office. A part of their apparel must contain a silk hat, known as a tile or plug hat now, a silk or satin vest, tall standing white collar, doeskin pantaloons and "pumps," a low, comfortable slipper. An attorney who did not properly address the court was publicly reprimanded, and if he entered his objections was summarily fined. The court that attempted to hold his sessions without his silk tile and other equipage was not worthy any special recognition, and an attorney was exempt from the fine or reprimand until the dignity of the court was maintained. Among the earliest lawyers who were residents of the county were Beatty McLellan. in 1840; William H. Baugh. in 184S; William Carson. 1S50; William G. Spencer, 1849; David Studabaker, 1852; James R. Bobo, i860. One of the first cases docketed is "Alexander Smith, treasurer school section 16, township 27, range 15 east, vs. Thomas Ruble. Dismissed and costs paid." This dates from 1838. Ezekiel Hooper, William Elzey were associate judges. The first divorce case was docketed in 1849, Joseph Ross vs. Mary Ross. The case was decided against Mr. Ross, with thirteen dollars and seventy-eight cents costs and twenty-five dollars alimony. The next divorce case was Ruthanett Giiiispie vs. John B. Giiiispie. This is marked "continued" and is still pending. There was a rather amusing "incident in thecase of the state of Indiana vs. J. C. Fiuley. The court then sat much as the county board of commissioner-, the two together, but the "dignity of the court" was "on," that made some difference perhaps. Finley had been arrested on a charge of horse stealing. The court was on the bench, but in the old court house there was no consultation rooms down on the first floor. The prisoner was brought in by the sheriff and as all was ready for trial, he was asked to plead to the indictment. Ke plead "Not guilty." The court asked him if he had counsel. He said that he had not. Turning to a young" attorney, whose home was then at Fort Wayne, the court said : "Jinkinson, clear that man." Mr. Jinkinson then asked permission to take the prisoner just around the corner of the court house for a consultation with him, which the court granted. When back of the court house with his client he said: "Are you guilty of the offense as alleged in the indictment?" "Yes," said the prisoner, "they caught me with the goods." "Have you any money ?" "Yes, I have ten dollars." "Well, let's have it. Now you see that woods there, don't you? See how long it will take you to be through it to the Indiana state line." Mr. Jinkinson paced backand forth outside the house for thirty minutes or more. , The sheriff came and called from the court house door, "Jinkinson, the court is ready to go on with the trial ; bring your client and come in." Mr. Jinkinson walked leisurely in and took his seat. The court inquired: "Mr. Jinkinson, where is your client?" "Why, your honor, I cleared him." The sheriff threatened and the court gave each other a bewildered look, but the prisoner never returned.

William H. Eaugh. William W. Carson and William G. Spencer were among the early resident lawyers of Adams county. The two former did not long remain here. Mr. Spencer practiced his profession until 1S60, at which time he was chosen county auditor and served eight years, after which he engaged in other pursuits. In the period subsequent to i860 there is a long list of worthy names shown on the bar calendar of the courts of the county. Among them are some who by the favorable turn of fortune's wheel have reached the height of eminence worthy the efforts of any energetic publicspirited citizen, that of the judgeship. Among those of worthy mention may be named Judge David Studabaker, who as one of the first resident attorneys, began the practice of his profession first in Adams county. He studied law at Portland with Judge J. M. Haines, who afterwards in 1872 became circuit judge of the twenty-sixth judicial district. Mr. Studabaker by birth was a native of Ohio, having been born at Fort Recovery in 1S27. At the age of seven years he came with his parents to Adams county and settled on the Wabash river on what is since known as the Price farm. When he was thirteen years old his father died and being the eldest child, much more was required of him than of his younger brothers and sister. His father was a farmer according to the custom of the day, but from time to time assisted in the purchase and sale of furs, etc., which was a source of much profit to him. David Studabaker, by his careful and industrious habits not only became a master mind in his line of pursuit, whether as a scholar in the early common schools or as a student of Blackstone, or in the intricate work attendant upon the business of banking and the management of his extensive monied interests. Pie is said to have attended one of the first district schools taught in Wells county, Indiana, as his uncle lived close to that county. Later he at- tended the Jay county seminary arid a high school near Greenville, Ohio. He subsequently taught in the district schools of Adams and Wells counties. In 1852, while at Portland, Indiana, he was admitted to the bar. The Hon. Jeremiah Smith was then the presiding judge. In the same year he came to Decatur to practice his chosen profession. It is said that while living with his mother in their home on the Wabash he was greatly encouraged in his pursuit of his law studies by P. N. Collins, an acquaintance and political leader, and by his lifelong friend and neighbor, David McDonald, who subsequently became sheriff of Adams county and served in the state legislature as a representative. Mr. McDonald, '"Uncle David." as he was commonly called, was something of a hunter and chuck full of military disposition. He and the prospective judge would take to the woods. While there he would insist on "Dave," as he always called him, to make a speech. When through he would snap his fingers and encourage him by commenting on what great advancement he had made since last he had heard him.

About 1S50 John K. Evans was associate judge of the district in which Adams county is located. In 1S54 David Studabaker was married to a daughter of Judge Evans - Harriet Evans. They went to Fort Wayne, but returned in a few years to Decatur, at which place they continued to reside. As a public official he served as prosecuting attorney in 1S52, as a legislator 1-854-58. as a state senator 1S5S for Jay, Wells and Adams counties: in 1869 in the court of common pleas as judge for Adams. Alien, Wells and Huntington counties, but resigned before his term of office had expired. James R. Bobo was another oi Adams county's able sons.

Nature has given few men the intellect and the ability to apply it that she gave to Mr. Bobo. He was born in Ohio in 1839 and in 185 1 his parents moved to Indiana, and in 1S54 came to Adams county. He attended the district school and after his eighteenth year attended three years at Crown Point, Lake county, schools and subsequently became a teacher in the public schools of Adams and adjoining counties. In 1858 he entered the law office of David Studabaker and commenced the study of law. In i860 he was admitted to the bar of the Adams circuit court and later became a law partner of his preceptor. In 1861 he was married to Miss Almyra Clayton and thence afterward to the date of his death, which was on his sixty-second birthday, resided in Decatur. His great energy and his fine social traits made him a popidar "mixer" and he entered the political field as a winner from the first. In i8(">2 he was chosen by the county board of commissioners as school examiner, whose duties were somewhat similar to those of the present county superintendent. This position he held until 1866, at which time he resigned to serve as state representative in the Indiana general assembly. The district then was composed of Adams and Wells counties. And in 1870 he was elected to the senate for the district composed of Adams. Wells and Allen counties. In 1876 he was chosen circuit judge of the Twentysixth judicial district, which then was composed of Adams and Jay counties, and was re-elected in 1882. thus serving as judge for twelve consecutive years. The death of James R. Bobo occurred on June 4. 1901. Daniel D. Heller is another of the young men who virtually grew up with the county. When he came to Decatui in 1867 the town was about the present size of Pleasant Mills and in some respects was much like that village. Mr. Heller learned most of his law knowledge by close and continued application to his studies in the preparation of his cases while practicing in Adams county. He is an Ohioan by birth and his preceptors were Stambaugh & Bartleson, of Philadelphia, Ohio. Mr. Heller was bom on the 29th of March, 1S39; was educated in the New Hagerstown Academy, in Carroll county, and ranked as one of the first orators of the school. Nature blessed him with the power tc think and talk, opportunity as an attorney developed his gifts. Of the orators in eastern Indiana he ranks well to the front. Mr. Heller was admitted to the bar in 1863 and located first at Millersburg, Ohio, remained there a short time and came to Adams county in 1867 and has since resided in Decatur. In 1872 was appointed school examiner and by the act of the legislature of 1873, which created the office of county superintendent, was made the first to hold that office in the county. His ability as a lawyer had won for him such a practice by 1874 that he resigned the superintendency to give his whole attention to the practice of his profession. His unassuming disposition retarded his advancement as an office seeker, but his friends nominated and elected him as city mayor of Decatur in 1885. He served until 1S88, at which time he was nominated to the circuit judgeship of the twenty-sixth judicial district ; was elected and re-elected, serving in this capacity for twelve consecutive years. At the expiration of his term of office Mr. Heller tamed a partnership with his soii, H. B. > teller, who is now prosecuting attorney for fl»e twenty-sixth judicial district. He has

It was during Judge Heller's terms of office that the first regular court reporter was employed to take down irj shorthand the proceedings of the various trials, the evidence of the witnesses, objections and motions of the counsel in the progress of the trial of the cases brought to the notice of the court. Miss Adda Snow was the first regular court reporter in the Adams circuit court. She was also the first woman notary public in Adams county. She served as such reporter for a period of eight years. She is at this time in Los Angeles, California, conducting a school of shorthand and bookkeeping in that city. Judge Heller was succeeded in the office of circuit judge by Richard K. Erwin, an ambitious, aspiring young attorney, who was born and reared in Adams county, the date of his birth being July 11, 1S60; was admitted to the bar in 1887; married January 17, 1883, to Miss Luella Wass, of his native township - Union ; elected to the circuit judgeship in November, 1901, for a term of six years. His successor to the judgeship is James T. Merryman, whose term of office begins on the 23d day of November, 1907. Mr. Merryman has had over twenty-five successful years of experience as an attorney in Decatur, about fifteen years of which were in partnership with John T. France, one of the most able practitioners at the Decatur bar. James T. Merryman was born on the 1st day of October, 1854, in Washington township, in Adams county, Indiana ; received a good common school education, which he has supplemented by a constant study of the latest lines of useful knowledge ; was deputy county clerk in 1876, admitted to the bar of the Adams circuit court in 1SS1 ; elected mayor of Decatur in 18S2; was married August 29. 1878, to Miss Louisa P. Albers, and since has continuously resided in Decatur.

J. T. France was born in Delaware county, Ohio, on the 5th of December, 1853, came with hisparents to Adams county about iSf)i; received a good common school education and attended the Decatur high school several terms; studied law with France & Miller ; later went into partnership with his father in the law and auctioneering business; bad several other partners later, and in January, 18S3, formed a partnership with the present judge-elect. J. T. Merryman, which continued until the spring of 1S97, when it was dissolved to engage in the law business with his son. On the 19th of October, 1876, he was married to Isabella Corbin. Mr. France Was elected prosecuting attorney in 1878 ami re-elected in 18S0 for the Twentysixth judicial district, composed of Jay and Adams counties; conducted one of the heaviest mufder case^ ever tried in the county in 18S3. the Stale vs. Fred Richards and Charles \\'erst. Both defendants were found guilty and' sent to the state's prison. After a long and tedious trial in one of the defalcation suits of the ex-county treasurer he took down sick and died, November 12, 1899. Perhaps the oldest attorney at this time in the county is Robert S. Peterson, who has practically discontinued the practice. Several ethers, as Judson W. Teeple, Clark J. Lutz. Shatter Peterson, Paul G. Hooper, D. D. Heller, -have been engaged in the practice at Deeatiif for more than twenty-five years. Others have died or moved away. C. M. Fiance is at Van Wert. Ohio; J. F. Mann at Anderson, Indiana; J. E.

Thomas at Cardwell, Missouri ; J. Fred France at Huntington, Indiana; P. E. Manly at Marion, Indiana; P. L. Andrews, engaged in the newspaper business at the Decatur Journal office; Jeremiah Manly, John Baily, Elias G. Coverdale, F. A. Huffman and David Studabaker are deceased. Within the last ten years the court docket shows that a large number of persons have been admitted to the bar of the Adams circuit court, but that is the last that is ever heard of them in the courts. They have as jet made no effort to practice in this court. Among that, number are several sons of men who wanted to make lawyers of their boys, but found, after spending large sums of money on them, that they either had no capacity for the profession or that their liking was entirely in another direction. Among the number admitted to the bar are two women - Miss Effie Battenbcrg and Miss Blanche Hart. Miss Hart is a fine stenographer and was one of those chosen by the state legislative committee to take down the proceedings of a certain important committee in its work connected with the 1907 session of the Indiana general assembly.

The resident members of the Adams county bar who at this time are giving their attention to the practice 01 law are : Shaffer Peterson, D. D. Heller. R. S. Peterson, J. W. Teeple, Paul G. Hooper, Clark J. Lutz, J. T. Merryman, J. C. Moran, David E. Smith, Lewis C. DeVoss, A. P. Beatty, John Schurger, E. Bert Lenhart, J. F. Snow, B. W. Sholty, F. M. Schermyer, Huber M. DeVoss. Dore B. Frwiu, Henry B. Heller. Ear! B. Adams, C. L. Walters, J. Fred Fruchte. Jesse Sutton, Fred Literer. Frank Cottcrel. Emil Franz, William Drew, S. A. M. Butcher, Jacob Butcher and R. K. Erwin.

Some Other People

In writing of some other people we find that Robert D. Patterson is the oldest continuous resident of Decatur. He has lived in the town since 1838.

That Peter Holthouse, who was born October 25, 1841, was the second white child bom in Washington township. That his wife, Mary Closs before her marriage, was the first female white child born in Decatur.

That the McGriff brothers were the oldest twins in the United States. John McGriff lived in Geneva ; Richard in Ohio. That they were about ninety-six years old before they died ;Richard in 1899 and John in 1900.

That Robert Simison, who entered one hundred and forty-seven acres of land in Hartford township at one dollar and twentyfive cents' an acre, is still living; he is ninetysix years old. That he saw Andrew Jackson, William H. Harrison and Henry Clay. Shook hands with Clay and Jackson and heard all of them make speeches.

That William Nottingham, who lived in Kirkland township in 1850, was one hundred and seven years old - then said to be the oldest person who ever lived in the county.

That Adams county now has a great friend of its native forest groves in Willard Steele. He, by his own untiring efforts, has growing fine ash groves, maple groves and elm and willow groves in what is known as

That from 1825 to 1845 there was a man who traveled up and down the Wabash, the Saint Mary's and Maumee rivers and planted groves of apple trees. One. of his nurseries -was just above New Corydon on the Wabash and several of them were on the Maumee river. His name was John Chapman, commonly known as "Johnny Appleseed." He died at the home of William Worth, in Saint Joseph township, Allen county, on the nth day of March, 1845.

That Adams county now claims one of the smallest, one of the heaviest and one of the tallest young men in eastern Indiana. Joseph Brunegraph is thirty-one years old, is four feet two inches high and weighs eighty-five pounds. Everybody calls him "Little Joe." That William Ostemeyer, a former resident of Root township, is thirty-one years old, six feet and nine inches high and weighs one hundred and eighty pounds. That Orville Harruff, a resident of Decatur, is twenty-four years old, six feet three inches high and weighs three hundred and seven pounds. Was born in Berne, is deputy surveyor and is as active as any young man of less flesh.

That Decatur has the finest, brightest and best-looking fifteen-year-old triplets in eastern Indiana. That they are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Miller. Their names are: Frances, Ruth and Grover Miller, and they were born on the 23d day of September, 1892.

The Political Field

Adams county began its existence by an enactment of the Indiana general assembly in 1836. In compliance with this act the governor issued a writ of election to select the necessary executh e officers for the new county. The first election was held on the first Monday in April, 1836, and John S. Rhea, Samuel Smith and William Heath, Jr., were chosen as county commissioners, whose duty it was to have a county scat located, divide the county into proper number of town-ships, have court house and other public buildings erected and to have the general supervision of the revenues and finances of the county. Samuel L. Rugg, the founder of the town of Decatur, and the originator of establishing the new county, was elected to serve as county clerk and auditor combined. David McKnight was elected to serve as sheriff and assessor combined. John K. Evans was appointed as collector of the state and county revenues for the term of one year. The elective officers were all to serve until the next succeeding election, which occurred in October of the same year, 1836. We are frequently reminded that there are three things that we cannot recall - the spoken word, the written line and the lost opportunity. This opportunity to secure an office in a new county was somewhat contagious, as many candidates started out on a wild-goose chase to locate their friends and to make some new ones. Some of the contests were very spirited and the votes close. Colonel William Vance was made representative by a majority of three votes in 1839: EsataS Daily was elected county commissioner m 1840 by- a majority of two votes. Samuel L. Rugg was elected recorder in 1841 by a majority of five votes. James Crabbs elected county treasurer in 1841 by a majority of three votes. In 1842 Union township had her first vote. Elisha E. Parret received all the votes then polled at that election, which were nine, for representative. Samuel S. Mickle in 1843 received two hundred and twenty-nine votes and his opponent, Zachariah Smith, received two hundred and twenty-five votes for representative. Alexander Fleming received two hundred and twenty-seven \otes for sheriff in 1S44 and his opponent, William Gilson, received two hundred and twentyfour votes. William Trout in 1845 received two hundred and thirty-one votes for auditor and his opponent. George A. Dent, received two hundred and twenty-eight votes. Isaac Wheeler in 1847 received two hundred and eighty votes for county commissioner and Peter Kizer, his opponent, received two hundred and seventy-eight votes. Samuel L. Rugg in 1S49 received three hundred and ninety-two votes for county clerk and his opponent. William A. Bugh, received three hundred and sixty-seven votes. The countyseat location in 1S50 showed that there were for Pleasant Mills two votes; for Monmouth there were fourteen votes; for Monroe there were three hundred and forty-three votes, and that for Decatur there were four hundred and seventy-four votes. It is said that if it had not been for the "influence" that the Crabbes and Nutman stores used upon the voters that Monroe would have won the county seat. All the candidates from the south part of the county were then elected at this same election except where they were of different politics. The vote in 185 1 on the "colonization and exclusion of negroes and mulattoes from Indiana" stood: Yes, ;4 1 ; no, 120. In 1867 there were three candidates in the field for county surveyor. The Republican, H. C. Peterson, was elected. In the elections of 1874 and 1886 the auditors were elected by small majorities, one by a majority of sixty-nine votes and the other by forty-four majority. Those who were candidates and were unsuccessful have one consolation at least, that they had the race, if the other fellow did get the "goose."

As soon as the county was organized there were courts provided to aid in the enforcement of the laws of the state. However, there were courts with jurisdiction in this territory long before the county organization; The dates hereafter given are generally the time the officer was elected :

Associate Judges. - Ezekiel Hooper and William Elzey, 1838; John K. Evans and Ezekiel Hooper, 1842; William Stockham and Eugene A. Bunner, 1S49. New constitution. Office abolished.

The first boards of commissioners had much less business to transact and the attorneys in that day with the spirit of the times would present some legal documents that were to the point, perhaps, but they were " wonders" to behold from a legal point or view. The following petition for the ap-

-'Your humble petitioner, John Curtis, of :iM county, prays your honors that he may be appointed assessor to assess the county ;-!(- present season, which he proposes to do for ninety cents per day, all of which is re- -pectfuliy submitted. Your petitioner deems it highly necessary at this time to apprise vuiir honors why he should be appointed in preference to those othere boys that are likev. ise aspirants for the same high and honorable office. He is a man of about the highest standing in northern Indiana, measuring precisely with a new pair of boots on, six feet three and a quarter inches. Now, your honors, are probably aware of the great advantage the county would derive by its being once assessed by a man of such high Manning, and that would do it correctly and precisely right, so that it would be a precedent for all other persons in the same office to be governed by. And, besides, would it not be a case of some pride to our citizens to have it? said their county was once assessed a little ihe slickest of any in the state? Desides likewise (but I scorn to boast of myself), just let old Dick speak once. The horse I am going to ride is a smasher. It is probably enough for me to say of him that be is the same identical horse once owned by Simeon Rogers, Esq., that outrun the horsethieves and the rest of the horses found out it was no use to run. It's no use, he is one of the best-made horses for said purpose in -Juliana. And I defy any man to make one nali so good. For besides being very speedy on the Wei, smooth road, he is a little hipshot, which makes him jump the brush, roots and log heaps to a fraction. Besides being a little hipshot, at his twitching he always unwinds my legs from behind or around the saplings in the woods. Now said horse will slip his bridle and won't stand tied or hitched nohow ; so that I cannot set and talk long and it will be an utter impossibility for it to take me half so long as the rest of them gabbering boys. Your petitioner believing that your honors will ever look to the interest of your county, therefore, he will ever pray. John Cup.tis."

Surely no board of commissioners could have the hard-heartedness to disregard such a petition, especially when it presents so many law points as this one does.

Judges of Circuit and Common Pleas Courts. - The record is not complete of these elections because the districts comprised several counties. However, some of the first of record in Adams county are: E. A. McMahan, 1852, circuit court; James W. Borden, 1852, common pleas; Joseph S. France, 1859, common pleas; Robert Lowery, 1870, circuit court; David Studabaker, 1 868, common pleas, Adams, Allen, Huntington and Wells; J. M. Hayncs, common pleas, 1S69; J. R. Bobo, 1876-89, circuit court; D. D. Heller, 18S9-1900, circuit court: R. K. Erwin, 1900-06, circuit court; J. T. Merryman, 1906, circuit court (term begins November 23, 1907).

County Council-at-Large. - For 1900, Frank Heimann, Samuel Soldner, William Holle. Andrew Holmes, Abel J. Hawk, Nathan Ehrman; for 1902, William Holle,

County Council. - For 1900-02, David Steele, II. H. Myers, Peter Soldner and John Cramer; for 1906, Herman Reinking, Mathias Kirsch, William Batimgartner and John 0. Kraner.

State Senators. - Since Adams county has never been a separate senatorial district, but has been joined with the contiguous counties, most of its senators lived at the time of their election in adjoining counties. W. Rockhill, 18-14; Franklin P. Randall, 1847; Samuel L. Rugg, 1S54; David Studabaker, 1858; George Brau, 1862; Robert Huev, 1865; Oc'-neg Byrd, 1868; James R. Bobo. 1869 ; John D. Sarninghausen. 1 872 ; Myrom

County Superintendents. - The county superintendent law came into effect in 1873, and for the school examiners who preceded the county superintendents, as herein given, you are referred to "Early Schools and Tteachers," in this volume. Daniel D. Heller was the last school examiner. An act of the legislature changed the examiners then in office to superintendents. D. D. Heller, 1873-75, resigned; William M. Walters, 1875-79; G. W. A. Luckey, 1879-83; J. F. Snow, 1883-97; Irviu Brandyberry, 1897- 1906, resigned January 10; Lawrence Opliger, 1906, January 15th.

Samuel L. Rugg

The present city of Decatur owes more credit and respectful notice to the memory of Samuel L. Rugg than it has ever made an effort to pay him. The day may come when his bronze statue will occupy a comer of the. public square. He was the founder of Decatur. Its early interests were his. He passed his early life here amid the privations of a backwoods village. Decatur in i860 was not larger than the Pleasant Mills of today. Then Mr. Rugg left it never more to return as a resident. In 1854 he was elected to the state senate and his long and varied work in the management of county business well qualified him to suggest needed legislation in the many lines of town and county affairs. In 1858 he removed to Allen county and was soon elected superintendent of pub- lie instruction of Indiana and later moved tu the state capital. He was a man of fine bearing', great intelligence and was a natural organizer, who was usually able to lead in the right direction toward public improvements. His early training was such as would encourage that trait in his disposition. His father died when he was a mere child. His parents lived in Waterville, New York, and had planned for him a college education, but now it was not a matter of choice, but of necessity that he assist in the care of the family. His mother, a widow with several children, needed his labor to help feed and clothe them. Employment was found for Samuel in the village blacksmith shop. Here he worked and developed that manhood that can't be understood when read from books. He became practical in his ideas and estimates of conditions. He met men, learned their ways and what was expected of him in business affairs. His employers were prompt and required promptness of their employes, of which there were several besides himself. He in this manner learned that an hour in the morning is worth half the afternoon ih life. As he worked and studied business methods he learned the management of men in keeping accounts and time rolls, but with an aspiring disposition, he most desired that he might some day manage a business of his own. When about twenty years of age he joined the tide of emigration westward and came to Cincinnati and had no trouble in finding employment in a large cotton mill, at first in manufacturing thread, but his mechanical skill and his ability to successfully direct the action of others soon placed him in the line of promotion. His wages were increased as he was promoted to shipping clerk and he steadily advanced in the confidence of his employers, at the same time gaining for himself a vast amount of new business ideas. After five years' close attention to the duties of his position he was married to an estimable young lady acquaintance. His life could not have been happier. A permanent position at good pay, excellent health, a cheerful companion. In 183 1 a daughter came to add a charm to their cheerful home. Life's pathway seemed strewn with flowers. A clear, bright and hopeful future lay before him. His little child sickened and died. In a very few short months its mother followed her to the grave. This sad loss drove hope away ; turned his bright future to a barren desert. In his heart he wondered why life in him still lingered on. He resolved to leave the scenes of mental desolation and go away back to the borders of civilization. With that idea in mind he packed his small leather trunk with what few articles he wished to keep, took his chest of tools and went by canal to Piqua, Ohio, bought an ox team, made a stone boat of plank and started down the Piqua road to Fort Wayne, then the only town in this region. In the summer of 1S33 he entered lands in what now is Adams county, a part of which subsequently became a part of Decatur. In Root township (Allen county then) a few years later he married Susan Ball, a daughter of one of the earliest residents. To them were born four children: J. Kirkland, DeWitt Clinton, Julius and Cornelia. These were a part of his family when in Decatur. This wife died in 1845 and in 1847 he married a third wife, Catherine Biggs, who 'lived but six years after her marriage. To them were born three children, only one of whom lived to maturity. Jay grew to manhood and be- came a soldier in the late rebellion. To the libera! hand of Samuel L. Rugg many organizations and industries of Decatur owe a iasting remembrance. Through his untiring effort the old plank road from Fort Wayne to Saint Mary's left the straight and graded roadway up the Piqua line to pass through Decatur, then his new town. Before it came no business thrived or trade of any consequence left the Piqua road. In this enterprise Mr. Rugg sank hundreds of dollars and was financially crippled from its results. He built the first steam saw mill in the county and furnished the lumber for a number of miles of the plank road in 1852-3 in order that it pass through Decatur. To four of the principal churches in Decatur he donated their church lots. Do they ever mention the name of Samuel L. Rugg? When Mr. Rugg entered these lands in 1833 and petitioned that a new township be made in Allen county he saw a future county. When in 1835 he petitioned the state legislature for a separate county he saw a prospective county seat on the lands he had entered. When bib county seat was established he saw an exercise of power, an action he more coveted than the money received in all his ofheeholding or from the town lots sold. Yet that power was all for public good; not his own aggrandizement. He went to the senate in 1854 and a more diligent member could not be found in the general assembly. Many of the state laws on town and county matters date from the fifties. It has been truly said that ofttimes the most thoroughly educated men are not the most practical in public service. It is equally true that many who have not enjoyed extensive school training have executive ability in a high degree and are natural leaders of men.

Mr. Rugg was a thorough business man, a skillful accountant, a man of legal knowledge and one who was not afraid to perform the duties required of him. When a state public officer his plans for the collection and distribution of the revenues for tuition show him to have been an economist of rare merit. Much of the interest on congressional funds had not been accounted for, and. he at once began legal proceedings against the delinquent officers of the various counties and secured many thousands of dollars which rightfully were intended to educate the youth of the state. Here he again shows his desiie to control, not wealth, but what money will buy, the education of the country's children. After retiring from office he took up his residence at Huntsville, Alabama, and while visiting a son at Nashville, Tennessee, died a poor man at the age of sixty-five years and seven months, on the 28th of March, 1871. A marble monument in the old cemetery at Decatur, his old home, marks the last resting place of one of the ablest and best of Adams county's citizens.

Hon. David Studabaker

When the Hon. David Studabaker died it seemed that the death angel had entered every home in Adams county and an entire community mourned and \va^ plunged in gloom. The prominent and obscure; the rich and poor; the intimate friend and the casual acquaintance, felt that something had gone from their lives that might never be replaced. The business world of northeastern Indiana suffered an irreparable loss and the bar an accomplished advocate and a fearless and just judge.

Judge Studabaker was born at Fort Recovery, Ohio, August 12, 1S27. At eight years of age he was taken by his parents to Adams county and his father died when he was but thirteen. He was the eldest of his father's family and attended the first school taught in Wells county. This was a subscription school taught by an Irish schoolmaster. The building was rough with puncheon floor. The windows were mere cut-outs, covered with greased paper, and the benches were hewed from logs and without backs. He studied in this nude school for some time and then spent one term in a high school near Greenville. Ohio. He also attended the Jay County Seminar}*, near Portland. He also taught in the schools of Wells and Adams counties and became an ardent scholar and a persistent one. About this time he decided to take up the study of law and to make the law his life profession. To this end he entered the office of Judge Jerc Haines and soon mastered the technicalities of the study. He applied for admission to the Adams county courts and passed a creditable examination. He was admitted to practice and at once began the work that made him famous and one of the most accomplished men in the profession in the state.

Judge Studabaker was admitted to practice in June. 1852, and for more than thirty years he was a leader of his profession. In the course of his practice he was associated with James R. Bobo and John P. Quinn, both of whom studied in his office, and both of whom arc dead. In the same year in which he began practicing' Judge Studabaker was elected prosecuting attorney of the district composed of Adams and Allen counties. He served in this capacity for two years and was then chosen a representative to the state legislature from the former county. He served in the session of 1854 and was re-elected for the session of 1856. His political service was admirable and entirely to the satisfaction of his constituents. In 1858 they again called upon Judge Studabaker to represent their interests in the state's lawmaking body and returned him to Indianapolis as the senator for the joint counties of Adams, Jay and Wells. He served in the upper house with distinction, and after the close of the session returned to Decatur and resumed the practice of his profession. He was elected judge of the common pleas court for the circuit coriiposed of Adams, Allen, Huntington and Wells Counties. Throughout his tenure of office as judge of this district he added much to his prestige as a member of his profession. He proved himself a most excellent judge. His knowledge of the law was profound, and his administering of the ends of justice was tempered with moderation and -with consideration. The attorneys who practiced in his court found in him a man who was eminently fair and courteous and he filled the office to which he had been chosen with dignity and to his lasting credit. During his incumbency many important cases came before him for adjudication and in each case he displayed a wide range of learning and a keen desire to decide the issue with regard to the facts presented without prejudice.