JOHN BROWN

Abraham Brown, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and the first of his immediate family to come to this country, was a native of Scotland and emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania . He was an industrious, thrifty man and his successful life was an inspiration to his descendants. He had a son also named Abraham, who became the father of John Brown. Abraham married Mary Reed in Pennsylvania and moved with her to Ohio , where he entered land from the government. He followed the calling of a farmer and lived in Ohio until his death in 1863. His wife died the same year. He was survived by five of his family of ten children.

John Brown was born in Van Wert county, Ohio , November 23, 1853. He spent his youth on his father's farm and assisted in the labors incident to the operation and management of the farm. In 1870 he came to Indiana and settled on one hundred and five acres of land, which he purchased in Wabash township, Adams county. This land under his management and development has come to be a very valuable tract, and is still the home property of Mr. Brown. He improved his land and soon had it at a very profitable stage of cultivation. In addition to general farming he devoted his attention to the raising of stock for shipment to the markets. This work he has continued and has built up a business in shipping cattle, hogs and sheep that is one of the largest and most important and profitable in northeastern Indiana . As time wore on Mr. Brown added to his real estate holdings in the township until he has today four hundred and fifty acres of fine land all in one piece. This is situated about one and one half miles from Geneva and is one of the best improved in the entire county. All the improvements on the land were put there by Mr. Brown. .A large part of his farm is under cultivation and the crops that are grown on the land are fed to the cattle and hogs that are raised. These grades of cattle and hogs are common grades, but under the experienced eye and management of Mr. Brown become excellent for marketing and are sold at the highest market prices in a number of localities. Mr. Brown sells all of his stock on foot and ships much of it to distant points. The estate owned by Mr. Brown is one of the finest in the county. He has erected a fine residence and large and commodious stock barns and sheds. The improvements that have been made are of the very best and in the operation of the farm the latest machinery and most improved and modem methods are employed. The place is well fenced and excellently drained.

March 31, 1876, Mr. Brown married Miss Nettie Martin, a daughter of William and Caroline (Fitzsimmons) Martin. Her parents were residents of Pennsylvania originally, but later came to Ohio and thence to Indiana . Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown. These children are: Nora, the wife of John Love, an oil man; Hattie, one of twins born, now the wife of Wesley Dunboodie, who is a farner employed by Mr. Brown; Emma C, Harry, one of the twins, and the husband of Blanche Michaels, and Harvey, still at home.

Mr. Brown is one of the most highly respected men of his community. He is interested in all movements for the improvement of the township and county and is a ready contributor to such movements. He is a Republican and votes with this party on all subjects. Although he has never aspired to or sought a public office, he served for five years as a township trustee. He is not a member of any lodge.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 559)



PETER J. BAUMGARTNER

Although brought up on a farm on which he grew to manhood, Peter J. Baumgartner forsook the farm and engaged in a mercantile pursuit which he continues today. He is the owner of one of the largest and most complete and profitable hardware stores in northeastern Indiana . He is of Swiss parentage. His father and mother, Peter and Fannie (Basinger) Baumgartner, were among the early pioneers of Adams county. The father was born in Switzerland and the mother in France . When they came to the United States they hurried to the west and settled in the woods. The land they secured was heavily timbered and wholly without improvements. It was the home of Indians and was full of wild game, such as turkeys, deer and wolves. They lived for a time in Wayne county, Ohio , but removed to Adams county in 1S42, where they commenced farming in French township. Peter J. Baumgartner was born November 5, 1853, on the French township farm. He spent his boyhood on the farm and secured his education in the township schools. He remained with his father until he reached his majority, and then decided to take up a mercantile life. He was employed for five years following his departure from the home farm as a carpenter and then opened a hardware business in Berne . This business was a small one at its start, but there was a vast amount of pluck behind it, and a determination on the part of the owner to make it successful in all respects. He continued his business for a few years and then engaged as a clerk in the store of L. A. Brickley & Son. However, he resumed his hardware business in 1888 and enlarged it at different times until it reached its present capacity and volume.

Mr. Baumgartner's father died in 1885 and the same year his son was married to Miss Bertha L. Saurer, a daughter of John and Marian (Tschandrey) Saurer. His wife's parents came to this country from Switzerland and were among the older inhabitants of Adams county. Their farm was originally located in a wilderness and under their management and development became in time very valuable. Mr. and Mrs. Baumgartner became the parents of eight children. Four are still living: Homer H, Grover C., Lima E., and Carl. Those dead are : Elroy P., Mahala M., Howard and one that died unnamed in infancy.

Since he resumed his hardware business in 1888 it has prospered and developed until today it yields a handsome profit. The store building is admirably adapted to its purpose and a complete line of hardware and implements is carried. Mr. Baumgartner is an aggressive and wide-awake business man who appreciates the value of modern methods and conducts his business accordingly. He is a public-spirited citizen and a man who is interested in all movements for the improvement of Berne and Adams county. He takes a leading part in such matters and contributes his support to them generously. He is a Democrat in politics and is a staunch supporter of his party in his section of the state. He has never aspired to public office but works in harmony with the members of his party. He has accumulated considerable property and is interested in several enterprises. One of his most valued possessions is a summer home at Odin, near Petoskey , Michigan . It is at this place that Mr. Baumgartner spends his summers and he is a keen lover of out of door life and activities. He is an esteemed member of the Reformed church and contributes generously to its support.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 563)



CHRISTIAN BURGHALTER

Tales of the opportunities that awaited young men in the United States came to the ears of Christian Burghalter in his native village in Switzerland and he was inflamed with a destire to go to the new republic and make his fortune. He was bom in the Swiss village February 5, 1833, and grew to manhood there. He had little money and was poor, but he made up in determination what he lacked in wealth. He succeeded in borrowing enough money to pay his passage to this country and started out. When he landed in this country his funds were about exhausted, but he had sufficient money to carry him to the Swiss community of Wayne county, Ohio . He was a carpenter by trade and followed this employment in his early days in Ohio . Finally he acquired enough money to purchase some land and started as a farmer. His father and mother, Barnhardt and Emily (Worst) .Burghalter, came to this country in 1852.

In the year 1859, Christian Burghalter was married. He chose for his wife Mary Hartman, a daughter of Michael Hartman, of Wayne county, Ohio . During the early days of her husband on his farm Mrs. Burghalter proved an able assistant and a faithful wife. The marriage has been blessed by eight children, six of whom are living. These children are: Emma, Amanda. Millie, Daniel, Sarah and Ida. Eli and Leda E. are dead.

As a farmer Mr. Burghalter has been a successful and progressive man. His original place was not large and was uninviting. However, he cleared it and got it under cultivation and he made his farming profitable. He added from time to time improvements and fenced his place. He laid tiling and ditched the land where draining was necessary and he erected suitable buildings. He was engaged in cheese making for four years, but he devoted the greater portion of his time and energies to his farm work and to the cultivation of the soil. He added other tracts to his original purchase and now owns four hundred acres of good land, three hundred of which are under cultivation. He finds profit in raising stock for the market and has a number of fine Holsteins and some excellent Poland China and Duroc hogs on his place. He employs modern methods in administering the affairs and business of his estate, and in other ways demonstrates the fact that he is a thoroughly wide-awake man. Some years ago he erected a fine brick residence and a large barn. These buildings are among the best and finest in the county. His prosperity today is in strange contrast with his needy condition when he came to Indiana . He delights in telling of his early days and of the time when he hauled his produce forty-eight miles to find a market for it in Fort Wayne.

Mr. Burghalter is a public-spirited man. He takes a keen interest in all matters pertaining to the betterment of the community and has been active in many movements looking toward this end. He is an advocate of good roads and was instrumental in securing the construction of some of the present county pikes. In politics he is a Democrat, but he is not an aggressive partisan. He has not aspired to public office, but served a number of years as a supervisor. He is a member of the Reformed church and gives [his denomination his support. He and his family are highly esteemed by all who know them, and his home is one of the centers of social interest and activity of the district in which it is situated.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 565)



LEVI A. SPRUNGER

Levi A. Sprunger is counted among the substantial and successful business men of Adams county. He was born in Monroe township, Adams county, November 1, 1863, and is a son of that revered veteran of Adams county finance, Abraham A. Sprunger. His father and mother were two of the substantial and hardy Swiss people who migrated to America in an early day and setlied in northeastern Indiana . The elder Sprunger was a farmer and stock shipper and to him Berne is indebted for its strong financial institution, the Bank of Berne. Mr. Abraham Sprunger was instrumental in founding that institution and was its president continuously from the day its doors were first thrown open to the farmers of Adams county to his death. He was a large stockholder in the bank and was represented a number of Bern's leading industries.

Levi was a member of a family of thirteen children, eight of whom are still living. As a boy and young man he worked on his father's farm and secured his early education in the winter term schools of his neighorhood. When he reached his majority he turned his back on the farm and began business as a clerk in a mercantile establishment in Berne . He was employed in this manner for some time and then severed his connection with the store and interested himself in the lumber business. He operated and managed a lumber business, including a saw and planing mill, for the succeeding five years. He built up a successful enterprise and a large business. After the close of the five years' period he disposed of his mill interests and engaged in the mercantile business. He purchased his present business and has conducted it since. He began his present business in 1992 and has developed it to its present satisfactory proportions. His store is one of the most attractive and best equipped in Berne and he commands a large trade. His methods are those of a wide-awake, progressive business man and he possesses a large share of business sagacity. His methods are such, that recommends him to his patrons and his store is a trading center for the entire section of the county.

Mr. Sprunger is interested in a number of industries of Berne . He is a stockholder and a director of the Bank of Berne, which institution his father founded. He is a director and stockholder in the Berne Lumber Company and is connected with the Berne Milling Company. He was the manager of this latter concern for five years and did much to place it on the firm footing it enjoys today. He is a public-spirited man and a valuable and useful citizen. He is a leader in municipal affairs and gives his hearty and generous support to all movements that are destined to elevate the general public. In politics he is a Democrat, but is in no sense a seeker of preferment or a partisan worker. He has served on the school board and is a patron and firm friend of education. With his famiiv he is a member of the Mennonite church and contributes to the support of this denomination.

In 1887 he was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Baumgartner, a daughter of Abraham and Caroline (Ellenberger) Baumgartner. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sprunger. These are Alina, Grover, Lydia , Harry and Leona.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 567)



DAVID BIXLER

David Bixler has the distinction of being the pioneer jeweler of Berne . He opened the first store of its kind in this section of Adams county in 1872 in his father's home in French township. He began his trade with a relative who had been in the same line of business in Canada . Possessing a natural fondness for mechanics, he proved an intelligent apprentice and is today one of the most skilled men in his business in northeastern Indiana . He was born in French township, Adams county, May 29, 1854. His parents ware John and Maria (Basinger) Bixler. The father was born in Wayne county. Ohio , in 1828 and came to Indiana in 1853. The elder Bixler purchased eighty acres and cultivated this tract and improved it until 1893, when he moved to Berne and lived a retired life. His death occurred March 15, 1905. His wife is still living with her son, the subject of this sketch.

David Bixler lived on his father's farm during his youth and early manhood. His youth differed in no respect from that of the other boys of his community. He attended the schools of his neighborhood and secured as good an education as was possible under the conditions. At an early age he showed an aptitude for mechanics and began learning the watchmaker's and jeweler's trade under his relative. He made rapid progress and set up a small establishment at his father's home. He repaired the watches of the farmers of his neighborhood and as his fame as an accomplished workman grew he was patronized by many from a distance. He enlarged his little business and added a stock of jewelry to his equipment as a watchmaker. He continued to conduct his business at the home farm until 1880, when he removed to Berne and established himself in business there. His store was the first of its kind opened in Berne . Today it is one of the best equipped in the county. Mr. Bixler is a skilled optician, being a graduate, as well as a jeweler, and he enjoys a large and constantly increasing patronage. Of an inventive turn of mind, Mr. Bixler has invented and made a number of the more delicate tools he uses in his work. He has built two fine regulators and a balance that will respond to the two-hundredth part of a grain.

He has two sons, Frank and Noah, who are also of their father's inventive turn. The former of these is an assistant in his father's establishment and the other is studying the same trade. Mr. Bixler was married in 1875 to Miss Anna Luginbill, a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Steiner) Luginbill. Her parents were natives of Switzerland and came to Adams county at an early date. They settled on a farm and were successful tillers of the soil. Eight children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bixler. These children are: Clara H., the wife of Dr. Amos Reusser; Mary A., the wife of T. M. Huffman, connected with the telephone company; Franklin G., Noah A., a student at Toronto, Canada; Laura H., in Chicago; Emma M., Esther E. and Erwin D., at home.

Mr. Bixler is considered one of the best citizens of Berne . He is a thoroughly modern and progressive man. In the sense of possessing a competence he has proved a successful business man, but he has not neglected his civic duties in accumulating his possessions. He has always taken an active and aggressive part in municipal and county affairs, and served for fifteen years as treasurer of Berne . He is a Democrat in politics and is a staunch adherent of this party. He owns real estate in Berne, a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Lisbon , North Dakota , and is interested in several financial enterprises.

There is no family more highly esteemed than his own in the whole of Adams county. He has led an exemplary life and has contributed his full share to the happiness and welfare of his fellow men. He is a consistent member of the Mennonite church and with his family gives his support to the aims and ambitions of this denomination.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 567)



JULIUS C. SCHUG

Julius C. Schug is an example of progressive men that it is a good thing for a community to claim as a resident. He is a leader in all things that are for the benefit of Berne and is in every way an exemplary citizen. He was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio , December 20, 1858, and is a son of Karl and Catherine (Roush) Schug. His parents were natives of Germany and came to Indiana from Ohio at an earlv date. Their son Julius was educated in the schools of Adams county, Indiana, whither the family removed in 1862. He experienced a hard struggle when a youth, but he possessed thrift and industry and gained for himself a competence early in life. When he grew to man's estate Julius worked for a time at the trade of carpentering. Following this employment, he engaged in the sale of sewing machines and farm implements. He sold in various parts of Indiana and met with success. His work attracted the attention of the McCormick Harvester Company and they engaged him to represent the firm in this state with headquarters at Indianapolis . He accepted the proposition made him and in 1886, 1887 and 1888 was employed by the company as traveling salesman. In 1887 Mr. Schug purchased a half interest in the Schug Brothers' Hardware Store in Berne . Since that time he has been identified with this line of business in Berne . The business grew and twelve years later the firm erected the present fine store property. This building is the finest of its kind in Berne and is sixty-six by one hundred and twenty feet, two-story and basement. The display rooms of this store are large and conveniently appointed. A complete line of hardware, builders' materials, farm implements and machinery and vehicles is carried. Their stock is one of the largest and best in this section of the state and a large force of men are employed attending to the large trade they control. In addition to his hardware business Mr. Schug is interested in a number of Berne enterprises and industries. He is a stockholder in both of the Berne banks and is president of the People's State Bank. He is interested financially in the Berne Manufacturing Company at Berne and is one of its organizers, and has since been its president; was secretary of the Berne Stave and Heading Company before that plant was destroyed by fire.

Mr. Schug was married in 1890 to Miss Nanny Burghalter, daughter of Christopher and ___ Burghalter, who came to Carroll county, Indiana, at an early date, where they were early settlers. Mrs. Schug died about a year after her marriage, July 21, 1891. Mr. Schug married again to Miss Emma Frances Kelly, a daughter of Samuel F. and Elizabeth (Deo) Kelly. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schug: Velma T., Catherine E., Walter C. and an infant daughter.

If one characteristic rather than another might be said to be the keynote to a man's character in the case of Mr. Schug it would be his firm integrity and public spirit. He is an active promoter of the welfare of his native city and co-operates heartily in all movements looking toward the advancement of the city's interests. He has the esteem and confidence of all who know him and is reckoned among the most progressive men of his section of the state. In politics he is an adherent of the Democratic party, but is not a man who aspires to public office.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 571)



CHRISTIAN G. EGLY

Christian G. Egly, who is conducting a large business in hay and grain at Berne and who is also numbered among the most progressive and up-to-date citizens of this thriving county, is a. native of Adams county, Indiana, having been born in Hartford township on the 10th of April, 1864. He is a son of Henry and Catherine (Goldsmith) Egly, the former a native of Baden, Germany , and the latter of Alsace , France . The father was born April 5, 1824, and the mother June 15, 1827. They were the parents of eight children, namely : Jacob, Magdalene, Henry J., Samuel, Joseph, Abraham, Christian G. and Catherine. The parents of these children came to the United States in 1837 and located in Butler county, Ohio , where they remained until 1849, when they came to Adams county and located in a woods in Hartford township. The forest was so dense it was almost impossible to erect even the log cabin which they did, but by dint of much labor a comfortable home was established, where they lived until 1865, when a frame house was erected. Henry Egly successfully followed farming and was also engaged as a preacher of the Defenseless Mennonite church for forty years. He was a man of the strictest integrity and highest sense of honor and commanded the absolute respect of his community. He died in 1890 and his wife in February, 1905.

Christian Egly was educated in the common schools of Hartford township, but his education ceased at the age of sixteen, when he went to work on a farm, at which labor he was engaged until 1898, when he came to Berne and engaged in his present business as a dealer in grain and hay. He is associated in business with C. A. Augsburger, but to the subject of this sketch is attributed the management of the business.

In 1886 Mr. Egly married Miss Ann a Schenbeck, daughter of Daniel and Ann a (Klopfenstein) Schenbeck, residents of Holmes county, Ohio . Her father was born in Holmes county, Ohio , and her mother's birth occurred February 12, 1834, in Germany . To the subject and his wife have been born three children, namely: Lillian M.. Henry D., who is attending school at Berne. Indiana, and Catherine A. Lillian M. took a four years' course at a college in Bluffton , Ohio , and later took a musical course at Findlay , Ohio . In politics Mr. Egly is a staunch Republican, though he has never held public office. Religiously he and his wife are members of the Mennonite church, of which they are faithful and active followers.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 573)



RICHARD S. WILSON, M. D.

To Dr. Wilson belongs the distinction of being one of the foremost surgeons of northeastern Indiana and his reputation as a skilled operator has gained him a wide patronage in his own and neighboring counties. He was born June 30, 1S56, in Ross county, Ohio . He is a son of George C. and Eliza A. (Wood) Wilson. His father was born in Ross county in 1835 and is the son of John C. Wilson, a soldier, who received a grant of land in Ohio as a reward for the faithful performance of his military duties. The paternal grandfather of Dr. Wilson was the son of the direct ancestor of the family in this country. He came to Virginia from England at a very early day and the grandfather of Dr. Wilson was born in that state. Dr. Wilson's father lived on his Ross county farm until 1883, when he moved to Van Wert county, where he is still living.

Dr. Wilson spent his youth, and early manhood on his father's farms. He received a good education in the Ohio county schools and later supplemented this preliminary education with a classical course at Taylor University at Fort Wayne . He completed the course at this institution and was graduated "cum laude" with the class of 1884. By this time he had decided to adopt the medical profession for his life work and he entered the medical school at Fort Wayne after his graduation from Taylor University . He pursued his studies in this medical school and received his degree in four years. Following his graduation from the medical college he spent two years in post-graduate work and in hospitals. He was connected with the St. Joseph 's Hospital at Fort Wayne and was a student under Dr. C. B. Stemen, a celebrated surgeon of Fort Wayne . He established his first office after completing his hospital work in Scott, Van Wert county, Ohio , where his father was living. He practiced in Ohio until 1898, when he removed to Indiana and settled in Berne . He has built up a large practice and he has been successful in a number of very delicate and critical operations. His successes have gained a wide repute for him and he has become the leading surgeon of his vicinity.

In 1879 Dr. Wilson was married to Miss Elizabeth Eutsler. His wife died in 1886 and was survived by three children. These are: Edward, a farmer in Scott, Van Wert county, Ohio ; William, a railroad engineer, and Minnie, married and a resident of Scott, Van Wert county, Ohio . Two years after the death of his first wife Dr. Wilson married again. His wife this time was Miss Victoria Click. She died a few years after the marriage and bore her husband a daughter, Myrtle, a trained nurse, connected with the Cleveland , Ohio , City Hospital . Dr. Wilson was married for the third time in 1904 to Miss Flossie Dudgeon.

Dr. Wilson has been a busy man. His profession has demanded the major part of his time and attention, but he has found time for studying. He took up the law and completed its study and was admitted to practice in the Adams county courts. However, he has not practiced law. He is a man who keeps fully abreast with his profession. He is a member of and keeps in close touch with the national, state and county medical organizations. He reads extensively and is informed of all the progress, discoveries and developments of his profession. He is a broad-gauge man and is alive to the movements that are for the benefit of Berne . He is public spirited and a hearty colaborater with his fellow townsmen in all matters that are for the general good.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 575)



PHILIP SCHUG

Several members of the family bearing the name of the subject of this sketch have achieved success and prominence in northeastern Indiana . In Berne several are living at this time and are successful and respected business men. Among this number is Philip Schug. He was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio , May 30, 1861. His parents were Karl and Catherine (Roush) Schug. They were natives of Germany and came to the United States at an early time, settling in Ohio , where they lived until 1864. In this year the elder Schug came to Indiana and settled on a farm in French township, Adams county. Philip Schug was a small boy when his parents brought him to Indiana , and he has spent all of his subsequent life in this state. Philip was one of a family of eight children that were left fatherless soon after the family came to Indiana . The early life of the boy was a hard one. It meant an uncompromising struggle for existence in a new country and against overwhelming odds. However, the mother and children were industrious and at length firmly established themselves. Philip attended the common schools of the neighborhood and obtained a fair English education. He worked on the family farm until he reached his twenty-third year. He came to Berne and established himself in the implement business. He also handled and sold sewing machines. His venture was a success and he increased his business and prospered. He continued in this line for a number of years and then he disposed of the business and went into the insurance business. He represented a number of strong and popular fire insurance companies and was rewarded with a fair degree of success. He gave up his insurance business after a few years and entered the employ of a local firm of hardware merchants. He was connected with this concern for three years and then engaged in the sewing machine business. He sold insurance later for a short period and then purchased his present retail shoe business. This purchase was consummated in 1905. He secured his interest in the shoe business known under the firm name of Ryf & Schug by purchasing the interest held by Samuel Schindler. The store occupied by this concern is one of the handsomest and best appointed in Berne and the annual business is large. A full line of shoes is carried and represents an investment of approximately ten thousand dollars. A repair shop is operated in connection with the retail business.

In 1884 Mr. Schug married Ann a Striker, a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Striker. Her father was born in Germany and her mother in Pennsylvania . Mr. and Mrs. Schug are the parents of four children. The children are: Otto F., who died July 8, 1907, being killed by a train, aged twenty-two years; Cora P., Jesse A., and Everett J.

Besides being one of the aggressive and substantial business men of Berne , Mr.Schug is one of the leading citizens. He has taken an active part in public affairs all his life and served as one of the earlier marshals of the town. He was a member of the town board for a period of five years and was twice a candidate for the office of county auditor. He was defeated but the majorities secured against him were not large. He is a Democrat and takes an active and intelligent interest in the affairs of his party in Adams county. He is a member of Berne Lodge, No. 398, Knights of Pythias. He owns considerable town property and lives in a comfortable home. He and his family are among the most highly respected people of the community.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 577)



ERNEST FRANZ, M. D.

It is justly said that the medical profession of northeastern Indiana has among it some physicians of note. These men have made places for themselves in the confidence of their fellows and are highly esteemed both as physicians and citizens. Prominent among the number is Dr. Ernest Franz, with, whom this sketch is concerned. He is a native of Switzerland , having been born in Bubendorf, canton of Basel , in that republic, April 14, 1865. He is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Schaad) Franz and came to this county with his parents in 1879. He lived with his father and mother in various sections of the country until he grew to manhood. His early education was secured in the schools of his native village and this he added to after reaching America . When his parents landed here they went to New Martinsville, West Virginia. His father was a cheesemaker and followed this trade in West Virginia for a year. The family then moved to Ohio and again back to West Virginia . After a year of residence in this state a third trip was made. This time the family went to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and after a year to New Glarus, one of the greatest cheese-making towns in the country. Another year found the family in Adams county, Indiana, where the father is still living. The elder Franz followed his trade until 1894, when he retired and lives in his home about one and one half miles east of Berne . To Daniel and Elizabeth Franz five children were born, of whom four are living. These children were named: Ernest, Jacob, deceased ; Julia, the wife of Peter E. Habegger; Emil and Otto. Emil is a practicing attorney of Berne and Otto is in the rural mail service as a carrier.

Dr. Franz assisted his father in the cheesemaking until he grew to manhood. He decided to take up the study of medicine, meaning to adopt it as a profession. November 14, 1887, he began his studies in the office of Dr. Peter A. Sprunger, one of the older physicians of Berne . Dr. Franz was associated with Dr. Sprunger until 1890, when his mother died. He then entered the Hahnemannain Medical College at Chicago and was graduated from this institution March 23, 1893. During his first summer vacation he assisted in the office of Dr. Sprunger and the second summer he was connected with the office of Dr. Neueuschwander. Following his graduation he returned to Berne and began the active practice of his profession. He was a successful practitioner from the start and has built up a fine and profitable practice. He is a man who believes in keeping clear of rust and in not permitting himself to drift or to fall behind the discoveries or advancement made in his profession. He is an earnest reader of professional literature and is a member of the state, county and national medical associations. He attends the annual conventions of his own school and is an important member of his associations.

The marriage of Dr. Franz and Miss Lea Neuenschwander occurred March 9, 1890. His wife is a daughter of Christian and Ann a (Lehman) Neuenschwander. Like her husband's parents, her own were natives of Switzerland and came to the United States about the middle of the last century. Nine children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Franz. These are all living at home and are: Ann a E., Franklin, Ernestine E., Elfriede E., Gerhard E., Irlene E., Ilma E., Agnes E. and Flora E.

Dr. Franz is a progressive citizen and takes an interest in the affairs of his adopted city. He is a leader in movements destined to promote the general good or to advance the interests of Berne . He is a member of the Mennonite church and with his family contributes to the support of this denomination. He cannot be said to be a public man. His profession keeps him busy, and he has not time to engage in politics. However, he is keenly alive to what is happening in county, state and national politics, and has well founded, accurate opinions on measures of this nature.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 579)



P. A. MACKLIN

P. A. Macklin is a farmer of Wabash township, Adams county, and is one of the successful and esteemed men of his section. He is a native of Indiana and was born in Bear Creek township, Jay county, July 7, 1858. His parents were Philip and Mahala (Cole) Macklin. They were natives of Ohio , his father being born in Fairfield county and his mother in Franklin county. They were farmers and came from Ohio to Indiana years ago and settled in Jay county, where the father died October 30, 1898. The mother died October 1, 1893. Their son, P. A. Macklin, was reared on the family homestead in Jay county. His boyhood was not unlike that of any other boys who were reared on the farms of the period. He attended the sessions of the district schools during the winter months and at other times of the year assisted his father in the work of cultivating the farm. He secured as good a general education as was possible at the time and became expert in farm cultivation and management. After he grew to manhood he engaged in work independent of his family. He was variously employed for some years and then decided to move to another part of the state. In 1880 he came to Adams county and purchased land in Wabash township. This is a tract of seventy-seven acres and was but partially cleared. He addressed himself to the work of clearing all of his laud and improving it, and after some time found himself in possession of a good farm, well cleared and improved to a point of profitable productiveness. The old buildings he first used on the place were replaced with new and modern ones, and in many ways the entire estate was transformed.

Two years before his removal from Jay county to Adams county Mr. Macklin was married to Miss Mary Siberry, a daughter of John and Sarah (Anties) Siberry. His wife's parents were natives of Ohio and came to Jay county at an early date. Her father died in 1862, but her mother is still living at Bryant, Jay county, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Macklin have become the parents of eight children. These are: Bertha, the wife of Bertis Fifer, a farmer; Philip, Troy, Hazel, Haskel, Israel , deceased; Orena and Mark. Five of these children are living at their parents' home.

Mr. Macklin is one of the best known men in his township. He is a progressive farmer and believes in modern methods and modern machinery. He cultivates his farm in an approved manner and makes it a paying proposition. His crops are satisfactory, and he markets much of his crop each year at a profit. He raises Duroc hogs and his breed of these animals is one of the best in the county. He is a member of the Geneva Masonic lodge and is respected and esteemed. He is not a public man in the sense that he is a politician. However, as a Democrat he has well-grounded opinions on matters of genera! and local political interest.

The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Pleasant Grove church. He has served as trustee and assessor. He has five producing oil wells.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 581)



JACOB A. HABEGGER

Jacob A. Habegger, the subject of this sketch, has done much to improve the breeds of horses in Adams county. His efforts have met with acknowledgment and reward, and today the value and quality of horses owned by Adams county farmers is very high. He was born in Switzerland September 9, 1870. He is the son of Abraham and Lena (Moser) Habegger. His parents came to the United States when he was but five years of age. They settled in Adams county, and here the youth of Mr. Habegger was spent. His father owned and operated a good farm in Monroe township, and this homestead of one hundred acres is still in his possession. He had twelve children, nine of whom are still living.

Mr. J. A. Habegger was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the schools of Monroe township. He spent his time on the farm until he was grown and assisted in improving and cultivating the land. He continued to farm until 1901, when he engaged in the livery business at Berne . A good feeding barn had long been needed in Berne . The farmers and residents of the town realized this, but the attempts to conduct one had failed repeatedly until Mr. Habegger opened his present establishment under the firm name of J. A. Habegger & Company. From the beginning of the enterprise it was a financial success. The management and methods of Mr. Habegger were such that guaranteed the success of the business, and much of the credit for its success can be rightly given to him. The building which the business occupies is large and admirably adapted to the feeding and livery business. It is equipped in a most modern and convenient manner, and is one of the finest establishments of its kind in northeastern Indiana . Much of Mr. Habcgger's time is devoted to breeding fine horses. Some time ago he imported four Belgian stallions of a very fine strain and in addition he owns a highly bred Percheron Norman stallion.

The marriage of Mr. Habegger and Miss Lavina Neuenschwander, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Stauffer) Neuenschwander, was celebrated in 1896. His wife's parents were natives of Adams county, where their daughter was born. Mr. and Mrs. Habegger have an interesting family of six children. These children are: Clarence, Albert, Delia, Alma, Wilbert and Edison. His home is a fine cement block residence and is one of the handsomest and most attractive in Berne.

In politics Mr. Habegger is a Democrat, but he has never aspired to office or sought preferment at the hands of his party. He is a well-balanced and active business man and is generally esteemed. He and the members of his family' are communicants of the Mennonite church, to which they give their help and constant support. He owns about eight acres in his home place.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 583)



VERNON L. SNOW

Vernon L. Snow is a type of man who has achieved a comfortable living and accumulated much of the world's goods through his own unaided efforts. He is the only survivor of his father's family and was born in Jay county. Indiana , March. 26, 1859. His father was Dr. J. B. Snow, a practicing physician all of his life, a native of Pennsylvania . His mother was Eliza J. Lyon. After his marriage Dr. Snow moved to Jay county, later Randolph , and later came to Adams county. His wife died in 1864 and his own death occurred in 1876. His son, Vernon L. Snow, did not follow in his father's footsteps and take up medicine as a profession. He was raised in this county and attended the county schools. However, he decided to adopt agriculture as his life work, and to this pursuit he has since devoted himself with all of his energies. The present farm of Mr. Snow consists of eighty acres bordering on the corporation limits of Geneva . It is a fine tract of land and is one of the best improved in the district where it is located. Mr. Snow is a progressive man and believes thoroughly in the advantages of modern methods and modern machinery. He adopts these methods and devices in operating his farm and his crops each year are among the largest and best raised on any similar tract of land in Adams county. He has made all of the improvements that are on his place and his residence, barns and other necessary buildings are substantial and in every respect admirably adapted to the purposes for which they were erected. His land is well fenced and drained and in all respects is a handsome and valuable estate.

In 1880 Mr. Snow married Miss Mary C. Vance, a daughter of Marshall and Arabella (Diffenbaugh) Vance. His wife's parents were among the early arrivals in Indiana . They came to this state from Ohio , where they were reared, and settled in Adams county on a farm still in the family's possession. Her mother's people were natives of Marvland and came west at a very early date in the last century. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Snow: Jessie, deceased ; Grace and Bertha. The latter children are living at home.

Mr. Snow has been an active and busy man all of his life. He has devoted the greater portion of his time and attention to the cultivation of his farm, but as an exemplary citizen he has taken a live interest in the affairs of the county. He co-operates with other residents of the county in all movements that have as their object the betterment of the county and his advice and counsel is frequently sought on matters of importance. He is a Republican so far as his political affiliations are concerned and supports this party in national questions. However, he reserves the right to vote independently on matters affecting the county and is to be found on the side of the candidate whom he considers best fitted for the office regardless of party lines. He is not a member of any fraternal organization. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and with his family gives his moral and financial support to this denomination. His home is one of the pleasantest in the county and his family is highly esteemed. In business he is looked upon as a successful man, and in 1900 he had his fortunes bettered by the finding of oil on his place. He now has four producing wells.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 585)



EMIL FRANZ

There are many residents of Adams county, particularly in the vicinity of Berne, who are either natives or descended from natives of Switzerland . This section of the county was practically settled by Swiss people, and the Swiss names are frequently heard. Among the residents of Berne who came from the little republic perched among the Alps is Emil Franz. He was bom in sight of the beautiful Alps , March 29, 1869. He came to the United States with his parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Schaad) Franz, when a lad of ten years. The family first lived in Monroe county, Ohio , then removed to Winnebago county, Wisconsin , and in 1883 came to Indiana and settled on a farm in Monroe township, Adams county. The elder Franz took up his trade of cheese making in his new home, and for forty years followed this employment. The combined work of farming and cheese making was followed by Daniel Franz until 1896, when he retired from active business and is now living on a small farm. He had a family of five children, all of whom are living.

Emil Franz received his early education in the schools of his native village in Switzerland. When he came with his parents to this country he studied the language and picked up a smattering of an English education. He was an industrious boy and assisted in the work of cheese making. He lived at his father's home until he grew to manhood. He was studious and conceived a liking for law, which profession he determined to make his life work. He read such law books as he could get and finally secured a broad and comprehensive knowledge of the law. He was variously employed in his early manhood and took an active part in politics. In 1894 he was elected town marshal and served in this capacity for four years. He discharged the duties of his office with ability and to the entire satisfaction of the public he served. He completed his preparatory law studies in 1900 and that year was admitted to practice in the Adams county courts. Following his admission to practice he established an office and has since devoted much of his time to his profession. In addition to his law business Mr. Franz conducted a fire insurance business until 1905. He was the local representative of a number of the older and more substantial companies, and made this branch of his business profitable. In the year mentioned he gave up his fire insurance work and engaged in life insurance work. He has also been a notary public for eight years and his practice is among the more prominent and profitable in the county.

In the course of his busy life he has found time to establish a home, and was married to Miss Katie Lehman, a daughter of Abraham and Mary A. (Sprunger) Lehman. His wife's parents formerly lived in Wayne county, Ohio , where the daughter was born, but they now reside in Adams county. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Franz: Bertha E., Rosa E., Elma E., Daniel E. and Viola E. The family are members of the Mennonite church and to this religious institution Mr. Franz gives his support. He is looked upon as a public-spirited man, and is an active worker in all things that have the betterment and uplifting of the community as an object.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 587)



REUBEN SPRUNGER, V. S.

Dr. Reuben Sprunger, V. S., is a young man and has been engaged in his profession but a few years. Still in a short period of active practice of his profession as a veterinarian he has achieved much prominence and established himself as an able and conscientious member of his profession. He was born in Monroe township October 27, 1875. His father was one of the pioneer physicians of Adams county, and the name Peter A. Sprunger became a household word in the homes of many of the older residents of the county. A native of Switzerland , from which so many came to Adams county, Dr. Sprunger came to Indiana when a mere youth. He began the study of medicine in about the year 1876, studying with Dr. Daniel Neuenschwander, a pioneer physician. In a few years he was actively engaged in his profession, and his buggy or horse were a familiar sight along the county roads. He built up a large practice and was almost continuously on the road. At times he would fall asleep from sheer physical exhaustion, and his faithful horse would take him safely to his home. He continued to practice until his sudden death in November, 1895.

It will be seen that his son Reuben comes naturally by his desire to practice medicine. As a youth Reuben Sprunger attended the county schools and later spent one year in the Berne schools. By this time he had made up his mind to study veterinary surgery and so he journeyed to Toronto , Ontario , where he studied for a year. The following year he entered the veterinary college at Indianapolis and graduated from this institution in 1903. He returned to Berne and began the practice of his profession.

Dr. Sprunger was married to Miss Laura Fuhrman, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Beck) Fuhrman, February 24, 1906. He is a successful man and is one of a type of progressive business men who are a distinct benefit to a community. His practice is constantly increasing, and although he has been in business in Berne but a short time he has become the proprietor of a fine business. He is wide-awake to all matters that have a reasonable certainty of benefiting Berne and Adams county. He takes an active part in such projects and gives them his hearty cooperation. Politically he is a member of the Democratic party. He is an enthusiastic party worker. His religious affiliations are with the Evangelical church.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 589)



CHARLES H. SCHENK, M. D.

Adams county numbers among its citizens members of the medical profession who have attained prominence and note among the leading physicians of the state. Of the number none stands higher than Dr. C. H. Schenk. This physician, whose career is briefly outlined in this sketch, is an able man and has reached an enviable position in the ranks of his fellow practitioners. He is a native Hoosier and was born in Jay county Octuber 30, 1870. He is a son of G. F. and Christina (Ruckweidt) Schenk. Both of his parents were born in Wurtemburg , Germany , his father in 1832 and his mother in 1835. They came to the United States in early life and were married in Cincinnati , Ohio . They located first in Kentucky in 1862 and then came to Indiana , selecting Jay county as their home. They secured land and took up the work of cultivating the soil. As the years passed they became one of the most successful and progressive farmer families in their section of the state, and added additional land to their holdings. Finally they found themselves in possession of three hundred acres, which they still own and on which was their home until the death of Mrs. Schenk in 1902. Since that time Mr. Schenk has traveled much for his health and spends a part of each year with Dr. Schenk.

It was on this farm that eight children born to the elder Schenks lived and were reared. Of this family six boys are living. Two daughters are deceased. Dr. C. H. Schenk was one of this family of children and received his early education in the schools of Jay county. He was an industrious youth and an apt student. He was also an able and earnest assistant to his father in cultivating the homestead. After he completed his course of study in the primary schools of Jay county he attended the Portland normal school. He was a close student and gained knowledge with ease and rapidity. After finishing his work in the normal school he decided to take up medicine as a profession. To this end he matriculated in the Physo Medical College at Indianapolis and studied at this institution for four years. He was graduated with the class of 1894 and returned to his home for a short time. He entered on the active practice of his profession at Oakville , Delaware county, where he remained for two years. Circumstances shaped themselves so that he made up his mind to give up his office in Oakville and to remove to Berne . He did this and formed a partnership for the practicing of medicine with Dr. W. F. Schenk. This arrangement lasted for about a year when Dr. W. F. Schenk was compelled to abandon his active work. Later, however, he established himself in practice at New Corydon, Indiana. With the withdrawal of Dr. W. F. Schenk from the partnership Dr. C. H. Schenk took over the entire business and has continued to practice in Berne . He now enjoys a fine practice and is considered one of the leading and able members of his profession in his section of the state. Dr. Schenk is a broad-gauge man in all respects. He as a public-spirited citizen and takes a live part in matters that affect the prosperity of Berne . He is a member of the Democratic party and an active worker. He has never asked for public office but has served as the health officer of Berne and as coroner of Adams county.

In 1895 Dr. Schenk was married to Miss Elizabeth C. Atkinson. His wife is a daughter cf J. R. and Margaret (Theurer) Atkinson. Her parents came to Indiana from Wayne county, Ohio , and are residents of Jay county. Dr. and Mrs. Schenk are the parents of one daughter, Agnes, attending the Berne schools. Dr. Schenk is a member of Geneva Lodge, No. 621. A. F. & A. M., and of the Berne Lodge, No. 398, Knights of Pythias, and is a keen sportsman. He spends a month or more of each year in the Michigan woods.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 591)



AMOS HIRSCHY

When but a boy of eleven years of age Philip Hirschy left his home in Switzerland and in company with his mother came across the Atlantic to find a home in the new republic. The boy grew to manhood and prospered and in time married. Amos Hirschy is the son of this Swiss emigrant and was born in Wabash township in Adams county, Indiana, September 25. 1870. His parents were Philip and Mary (Richer) Hirschy. After reaching this country the elder Hirschy lived in Ohio until he attained his majority when he came westward and settled in Indiana . He purchased land one mile south of Berne , where his son was born, and remained on the farm until his death in 1899. He was a successful farmer and at his death was the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of fine land, all well improved. He was survived by a family of nine children, all of whom are still living.

Amos Hirschy grew up on his father's farm and attended the schools of the district, where he obtained his early education. When three years of age he passed through an illness which left him physically disabled for manual labor. He attended common schools and later entered the Tri-State Normal College at Angola and took a business course. He completed this course in 1890 and then engaged in commercial pursuits. He was assistant postmaster at Berne over two years, then took a position with the Bank of Berne, with which financial institution he was connected in various capacities for eleven years, finally serving as teller. His connection with the bank gave him a wide acquaintance throughout the county and he developed into one of the best known and most highly respected men of the county. His dealings with the customers of the bank were uniformly courteous and when he resigned his position to engage in other business his absence from the institution was regretted by many.

After severing his connection with the bank Mr. Hirschy engaged in the insurance business in Berne . He formed a partnership with Joseph D. Winteregg and established an office. This business he has built up from a modest beginning- until it is one of the largest and most substantial and profitable of its kind in northeastern Indiana . The partnership represents a number of the older and stronger insurance companies of the country, and the volume of business done annually is constantly increasing. The firm enjoys the confidence of the business men of Berne and the residents of the county, and a large part of the insurance business of the county is transacted through the offices of this concern.

Mr. Hirschy was united in marriage with Miss Emma Schenbeck in 1892. His wife is a daughter of John J. and Barbara Schenbeck. Her parents came to Indiana from Pennsylvania , where they were born, and settled on a farm in Wabash township within three and one-half miles of Berne . Three children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Hirschy. These are: Gertrude, Irvin Arbor and Willard S. The children are attending the Berne schools and live with their parents.

Mr. Hirschy is one of the most progressive citizens of Berne . He is a man who takes an active part in municipal affairs and is foremost in all movements looking toward the improvement of the community in which lie lives. He is a member of the Democratic party in his county and is an earnest party worker. He served seven years as town clerk of Berne and discharged the duties and responsibilities of his office in a manner that was highly satisfactory to his constituents, and demonstrated the wisdom of their course when they elected him to the office. He and the members of his family are supporters of the Mennonite church and are active in the work of this denomination in Adams county. His home is one of the most attractive in Berne , being thoroughly modern, and is one of the pleasantest in the town.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 559)



Deb Murray