HESTER A. WINANS was born in Harrison County, Ohio, October 31, 1837. Her parents were Samuel and Margaret (Beeman) Heaviline, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Maryland. Her paternal grandparents were Samuel and Mary (Layport) Heaviline. Her maternal grandparents were Moses and Sarah (Poland) Beeman. In 1851 her parents immigrated to this county, locating in Blue Creek Township, where her father purchased forty acres of land, which was entirely uncultivated, but there were about ten acres partially cleared. At this time the family consisted of parents and ten children, all of whom were living - Christina J., born August 10, 1828; James I., born May 30, 1831; Enoch J., born October 20, 1833; Joseph, born December 12, 1835; Hester A., born October 31, 1837; Sarah E., born July 20, 1840; Mary M., born November 13, 1842; Rebecca J., born January 15, 1846; Samuel O. D., born January 31, 1849, and Iantha L., born March 30, 1851. August 27, 1863, Hester Heaviline was united in marriage with Richard Winans, who was a descendant of one of the oldest and most honorable of the pioneer families in St. Mary's Township. His father, Benjamin B.Winans, came from Miami County, Ohio, to St. Mary's Township in the fall of 1836, bringing a load of goods and entering his land. He left two sons, one daughter and one son-in-law in the new home, then returned to Ohio. In February, the following year, he returned to his home in Indiana, bringing his movable goods, the remainder of his family and his stock. Thus equipped, the father of Richard Winans began the development of this wild tract of laud, consisting of 244.65 acres. A little cabin, 16 x 16 feet, was all the room the family of fourteen children had to live in. When beds were spread upon the floor the entire space was occupied, and great fears were entertained lest the bedding should take fire. At this time matches were unknown, and the pioneer depended upon the stump or log heap to keep him supplied with that essential article. Sometimes flint was used to start the fire; and in cases of emergency the early settler would go to the nearest neighbor, perhaps two or three miles away, and borrow fire. Thousands of ways were improvised by the pioneer. The milk, which was kept until in proper condition, would be confined in a vessel and placed in a wagon, and as the emigrant pursued his lonely journey over rough and almost impassable roads, the jostling and shaking wagon would churn the butter; and at the next camping place the delighted family would regale themselves on hot pone, fresh butter and roast venison. Richard and Hester Winans moved upon a farm of 160 acres, one mile west of the village of Pleasant Mills, which Mr. Winans owned previous to his marriage. A commodious frame dwelling was erected and other improvements were made; although obliged to pay over $3,000 bail bonds, he nevertheless left a handsome property to his wife and children at his death, which occurred October 5, 1885. Mr. Winans served the people in many capacities - constable, deputy sheriff, administrator and guardian, being at one time guardian of tweny-eight wards. He served as township trustee two terms, and was a liberal contributor to educational and religious enterprises. When there was need the hand of Richard Winans was always extended, and never empty. He was an expert mechanic, being a mason by occupation as well as a farmer. He was a devoted member of the Masonic fraternity, and was buried with all the rites and sacred honors of this institution. Seven children were left, as follows - Samuel A., born February 24, 1849; Jasper H., born December 14, 1851; Sarah I., born Decernber 14, 1854; Joseph D., born January 27, 1858; Charles S., born February 22, 1862; Ira F., born June 6, 1864, and William H., born November 17, 1865. Charles S. served five years in the regular army, having enlisted September 27, 1881, and being mustered out September 27, 1886. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal for meritorious service. His was the First Regiment Company I, United States Infantry. Jasper H. is a minister of the Baptist church at Warsaw, Indiana, having been ordained in 1878. The children have all acquired a liberal education, two of whom are teachers. Mrs. Winans taught several terms previous to her marriage. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist church, and is very comfortably situated in the old homestead. Her son Ira F., and his wife, Geneva Cowens, make their home with her. The Cowens belong to the honored and respected pioneer families.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


ABRAHAM RAWLEY, a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of Adams County, engaged in farming and dealing in stock on section 15, Wabash Township, is a native of Ohio, born in Clarke County, Jauuary 15, 1838, the eldest son of Tilmon and Elizabeth Rawley, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. When an infant he was brought by his parents to Adams County, Indiana, and there he grew to manhood on his father's farm on section 12, Wabash Township, his youth being spent in assisting on the farm and attending the common schools of his neighborhood, where he obtained a fair common-school education. He was united in marriage November 19, 1861, to Miss Mary J. Crawford, who was born in Wabash Township, Adams County, January 1, 1841, a daughter of Josiah Crawford of Adams County. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rawley - Mary E., deceased; Edna, wife of William A. Pickett; Effie M., wife of William Farlow; Rosanna C., deceased, and Jessie A, deceased. Mrs. Rawley died December 10, 1881. Mr. Rawley has met with good success in his agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of a fine farm in Wabash Township, containing about 144 acres of choice land under a fine state of cultivation. He is an active and public-spirited citizen, and takes an active interest in any enterprise which he deems for the advancement of his township or county.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


HENRY D. FUELLING, farmer, resides on section 4, Root Township, where he owns 200 acres of land. He came to this county in April, 1837, the family settling on the farm where his brother John is living. He was born in Hanover, Germany, August 14, 1833, and in the fall of 1836 the family came to America, spending the first winter in Fort Wayne. His parents were Clanor and Anna Mary (Thomas) Fuelling. He was educated in a private school of the neighborhood and spent three mouths in school at Fort Wayne. He was married June 5, 1856, to Miss Sophia F. Hoppe, who was born in Prussia, near Minden, April 24, 1838, and when thirteen years of age she came with her parents and seven other children to America, the family settling in Preble Township, where she was reared and married. She was the daughter of Sophia (Dammeier) Hoppe, who was born near Minden, January 24, 1805. She remembers when the French army passed through Minden. Her brother was forced into the French army and went to Moscow, but never returned. Her father died in 1837, in Preble Township, aged about fifty-three years. Mrs. Fuelling died December 19, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Fuelling had ten children - Ernest J., born March 28, 1857, died at Harvel, Montgomery County, Illinois, August 23, 1886; was pastor of the Lutheran church at that place. He had been married, but his wife had died one year previous. Henry F. W., born November 23, 1858; Maria L. S., born November 4, 1860, wife of Conrad Selking; Lisette W. C., born February 26, 1862; Mary F., born December 25, 1863; Caroline A., born February 12, 1866; Harmon F., born January 14, 1868; Emma A., born April 18, 1870; Jacob H., horn December 16, 1872; Clanor A., born January 24,1875, and Lewis F., born October 2, 1879. Mr. Fuelling has served as justice of the peace four years. In the spring of 1886 he was appointed county commissioner to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John Rupright, and in the fall of that year he was elected to the office.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


JACOB D. HENDRICKS, a farmer of Washington Township, was born in this county August 26, 1854, son of Bazil Hendricks, one of the first settlers of Adams County. His life has been spent in this county, and his education was obtained in the common schools of his father's district. In 1876 he and his father engaged in the mercantile trade at Monroe, the partnership existing about two years. He then formed a partnership with V. B. Simcoke, which continued about one year, when he sold out to his partner and began farming on section 33. He was married June 8, 1876, to Mary A. Martz, born in Adams County, March 25, 1857, daughter of Jacob and Susan Martz, of Monroe Township, who were pioneers of this county. They have five children - Harry E., born August 7, 1877; Elta P., born November 20, 1879; August C., born March 9, 1882; Clara V., born June 5, 1884, and Florence, born September 21, 1886. Jacob and Susan Martz had eleven children, ten of whom survive - William H., John T., Samuel J., George W., Jacob R., Joseph D., James W., Nathan F., Mary A. and Martha E. Mr. Hendricks is a Democrat in politics.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


JOHN HENRY BREMERKAMP, proprietor of the St. Joe Saloon at Decatur, was born at Decatur, Adams County, Indiana, September 29, 1853, a son of Harmon Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Heideman) Bremerkamp. His father was a native of Hanover, Germany, where he remained until he reached manhood. He then immigrated to America and located at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at the tailor's trade until 1852. That same year he came to Decatur, Indiana, where he was soon afterward married. Both he and his wife were members of the St. Mary's Catholic Church, of Decatur. Both are now deceased, the father dying in 1854, and the mother in 1875. They were the parents of four children - Mrs. Catherine Lampe, of Newport, Kentucky; Joseph, late of the United States Army; Louisa (deceased), and John Henry, the subject of this sketch. The latter was reared and educated in the public schools of Decatur. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the shoemaker's trade at Decatur, at which he worked two years. He then went to Newport, Kentucky, where he worked in the stone and marble shop of Joseph Lampe, his brother-in-law, during the summer, and at shoemaking in the winter months, being thus employed until 1873. In that year he returned to Decatur, where he found employment in the marble shops of H. Cannover and Barney Wemhoff until 1876. From 1876 until 1880 he tended bar in a saloon Decatur, when he engaged in the saloon business on his own account until 1883. February 1, 1883, he was married at Decatur to Miss Josephine Eiting, a native of Minster, Auglaize County, Ohio, born November 15, 1863, a daughter of John and Gertrude (Rehe) Eiting, former residents of Decatur now living in Minster, Ohio. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bremerkamp, named Mary Gertrude, born December 9, 1883, and John Lawrence Herbert born September 12, 1885. In 1883 Mr. Bremerkamp became associated with his father-in-law, John Eiting, in the dry good clothing and grocery business, which they carried on under the firm name of Eiting & Co. until 1884, when Mr. Bremerkamp retired from the firm and opened his present saloon. Mr. and Mrs. Bremerkamp are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Decatur.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


CASPER N. LANGE, junior member of the mercantile firm of John Eiting & Co., at Decatur, was born at Minster, Ohio, the date of his birth being August 18, 1856. His parents, Bernard and Clara (Driehaus) Lange, were natives of Hanover Germany. They came to America with their respective parents when quite young, the father's family locating at Minster, Ohio. Both are now deceased, the mother dying at Danville, Arkansas, in 1867, aged about thirty-two years, and the father dying at St. Mary's, Ohio, in December, 1873, aged about forty-three years. In their religious faith were Roman Catholics. Casper N. Lange, whose name heads this sketch, lived at Minster until his eleventh year, when he went with his parents to Danville, Arkansas. Two years later he went to Louisville, Kentucky, with his father, his mother having died, and from there they went to St. Mary's, Ohio. In 1871, when fifteen years of age, he began clerking in the store of B. Wendeln & Son at St. Mary's, where he was employed until 1877. He then came to Decatur, Adams County, Indiana, and clerked for the firm of Eiting & Enneking for three years, and in 1880 he formed a partnership with John Eiting, thus forming the present mercantile firm of John Eiting & Co. In the summer of 1881 he was married at Minster, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Eiting, her parents, John and Gertrude (Rehe) Eiting, being residents of Minster, but formerly lived in Decatur, Indiana. Two daughters, Luetta and Clara, have been born to this union. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lange are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church at Decatur.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


PETER HOLTHOUSE was born in Decatur, Adams County, Indiana, the date of his birth being October 25, 1841, and was the second white child born in Washington Township. He was reared a farmer remaining on his father's farm until reaching maturity, and was educated in both the English and German languages in the schools of Decatur. After his father's death he was made administrator of his estate, which he subsequently purchased from the heirs. In 1872 he rented his farm and removed to Decatur, where he has since been employed clerking for the mercantile establishment of Niblick, Crawford & Sons. He was married in St. Mary's Catholic Church at Decatur, by Rev. Father Von Snedler, November 5, 1874, to Miss Mary Closs. She is a daughter of John and Catherine (Langdorfer) Closs, and was the first white female child born in Decatur. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Holthouse - Gertrude, Lena and Anthony Bernard. Mr. and Mrs. Holthouse are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Decatur. The parents of Mr. Holthouse, John Bernard and Catherine (Mesker) Holthouse, were natives of Hanover, Germany. They immigrated to America before their marriage, both coming to this country in the year 1836. The father landed at New York in May, 1836, remaining there until the fall of the same year, when he came to Adams County, Indiana, and located on land in Washington Township, near Decatur. He was married at Fort Wayne in 1837, and to the parents were born six children. The mother died in Washington Township, in February, 1869, aged fifty-six years. The father improved two farms in Washington Township, and died there, in 1871, at the age of sixty years. The parents of our subject were among the original members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Decatur, and were numbered among the respected citizens of Washington Township.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


JOHN G. ADLER, undertaker and cabinet maker, Buena Vista, Adams County, was born in Konigsburg, Saxe Weimar, Germany, the date of his birth being June 1, 1849, a son of Andrew Adler. He came with his father's family to America in May, 1851, they locating in Baltimore, Maryland, where they resided till 1864. In the fall of that year the father removed with his family to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he has since resided. While living at Baltimore our subject learned the trunk maker's trade, which he followed in Baltimore during the war. He grew to manhood in Fort Wayne, going there with his parents in 1864. He learned the trade of his father, who was a cabinet maker which avocation he still follows in Fort Wayne. John G. Adler worked at cabinet-making at Fort Wayne until he came to Buena Vista, Indiana, February 1, 1877 when he engaged in his present business, and has since established a good trade. The fine residence of Peter Hoffman was finished by him. October 22, 1871, he was united in marriage to Barbara Hooser, who was born November 21, 1847, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Michael Hooser, an old settler of Adams County. To Mr. and Mrs Adler have been born seven children, of who in four are living - George A., Annie, Henry and Lena (twins). Charles, the first born, and two infants unnamed, the second and youngest child, are deceased. In his religious belief Mr. Adler is a Lutheran, though not a member of any church. He joined the Odd Fellows order in 1871, and is a member of Concord Lodge, No. 228, of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


WILLIAM PEEL, a progressive farmer of Wabash Township, residing on section 11, was born in Madison County, Ohio, April 11, 1838, a son of Joseph and Cillicia (Hall) Peel, the father a native of Virginia, born July 10, 1814, and the mother born in Madison County, Ohio, August 25, 1815. They were married in Seneca County; Ohio, July 6, 1835, and to this union were born three children. The father died March 24, 1842, and March 30, 1845, his widow married Richard Coltrel, who was born in Ohio in 1813, and like her former husband was a farmer by occupation. Three children were born to this union. He died October 19, 1851, and the mother of our subject was again united in marriage January 5, 1856, to John Cochrun, a native of Franklin County, Ohio, born November 21, 1818. Mr. Cochrun grew to manhood in Allen County, being reared to the avocation of a farmer. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting August 7, 1862, in Company K, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, and participated in several battles. He was taken sick while in the service, and sent to Boyd Hospital at Chickasaw, where he died June 30, 1863. His widow is still living, and is now a resident of Adams County. She had one child by her marriage with Mr. Cochrun. She has been a member of the Methodist Proteatant church for fifty-five years. William Peel, whose name heads this sketch, grew to manhood in his native State, being reared in Madison and Union counties. He received but limited educational advantages in the schools of his neighborhood, but by private study he educated himself. After his father's death he worked at what he could find to do, and thus helped to support the family. He was married in Franklin County, Ohio, September 2, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth M. Seedes, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, August 7, 1840, a daughter of James and Rebecca (Mitchell) Seedes, who were natives of the same county. Her parents emigrated to Clark County, Illinois, in 1847, the father dying there in 1847. The mother was again married in 1852 to Michael Stockwell, by whom she had one son - Benjamin F. By her first marriage she had five children - Elizabeth, Mary A., Julia, Rebecca and Priscilla. While on their way to Jasper County, Iowa, the mother was taken sick, and died in Christian County in May, 1854. To Mr. and Mrs. Peel have been born ten children - Cillicia R., wife of Peter Eicher; Joseph M., Annie, John M., Hannah I., Lessey S., William S., Bertha R., Kitty M. and Celena P. After marriage Mr. Peel engaged in farming, which he followed in Ohio until 1867, with the exception of the time spent in the service of his country. He enlisted February 16, 1865, in Company C, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Infantry, and was sent to the Army of the Potomac, under General Hancock. He was taken sick with measles and sent to the hospital at Harper's Ferry. He returned home on sick furlough, and was there when the war closed. He received his final discharge September 8, 1865. In 1867 Mr. Peel removed to Wabash Township, Adams County, Indiana, where a part of his family had previously removed, and in April purchased his present farm, which was then in its natural state, covered with timber. Here he built a log house, in which he and his family resided until the summer of 1886, when his present commodious brick residence was erected at a cost of $1,400. Mr. Peel began life entirely without capital, but by years of toil and persevering energy he has accumulated his fine farm of 160 acres, which is under excellent cultivation, and a comfortable home, as well as gained the confidence and respect of the entire community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Peel are members of the Protestant Methodist church.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


SAMUEL S. WAGONER, dealer in groceries and confectionery, and retail liquor dealer at Monroe, was born in Monroe Township, Adams County, Indiana, October 8, 1854, a son of Nicholas Wagoner. His father being a farmer, he was reared to the same avocation, receiving in his youth a common-school education. He remained at home until his marriage, December 24,1874, to Sarah A. Baker, who was born near Wooster, Ohio, September 10, 1853. Of the two children horn to this union one is living - Blanche May, who was born May 9, 1881. After his marriage, Mr. Wagoner engaged in farming on his own account, settling on land heavily covered with timber. He cleared thirty acres of his land, on which he resided until May 5, 1881, when he sold his personal property, and November 14 of the same year came to Monroe and began dealing in drugs and groceries. He continued in this business two years, when he established his present business. Mr. Wagoner has been affected with curvature of the spine at different periods since 1876, the disease originating from liver complaint. He has been attended by eminent physicians in different parts of the State. In the fall of 1885 he went to Mount Clemens Mineral Springs, Michigan, and after his return consulted Dr. Greenwalt, of Fort Wayne, and by his instructions, went to Chicago, Illinois, where he had appliances made to aid in the treatment of the disease. He was afterward treated by Dr. C. A. Jaleff, of Decatur, remaining under his care until December 8, 1886. He has great confidence in the skill of Dr. Jaleff, as he considers his life was saved by his treatment. He then entered the National Surgical institute, of Indianapolis, Indiana, where he has already been much benefitted by their treatment. While he has had his family to support he has also spent large sums for doctor's bills, and he believes the $500 spent at this institution at Indianapolis has been of more benefit to him than the $1,800 previonsly spent for doctor's treatment and patent medicines, and now thinks his cure is permanent. Mr. Wagoner is an enterprising citizen, and is always interested in any undertaking which has for its object the advancement of his township or county.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


NICHOLAS WAGONER, one of the prominent farmers of Monroe Township, residing on section 9, is a native of France, born July 28, 1830, a son of John N. Wagoner, who was also a native of France. In 1831 he was brought by his parents to America, they settling in Fairfield County, Ohio, where the father bought a farm and there followed farming until 1843. The family then removed to Adams County, Indiana, and located in Washington Township where both parents died. They were members of the Roman Catholic church. The were the parents of five children, four son and one daughter. Nicholas Wagoner, our subject, received but limited educational advantages, attending the common schools of Fairfield County for a short time. He grew to manhood in Adams County, Indiana, being reared to the avocation of a farmer, which he has always followed. He was married January 20, 1848, to Miss Mary Everhart, who was born in Harrison County, Ohio, November 20, 1831, a daughter of John Everhart and of the ten children born to this union seven are living - John, Samuel S., Mary J. Ira, Eli, Arminda B. and Ettie. In March 1848, Mr. Wagoner settled on his presen farm, the land having been entered from the Government by his wife's father at $1.25 per acre. When he came to the county the land was heavily covered with timber, and but few roads had been made. Game of various kinds was in abundance, and wolves were frequently seen in the yard of the old pioneer. Mr. Wagoner erected a log cabir 18 x 22 feet, with puncheon floor and clapboard roof, in which he lived until he erected his present frame residence in June, 1865. He has by persevering industry cleared and improved his land, and has added to his original tract till he owned about 500 acres, all of which he has given to his children except the home farm, which contains 160 acres. In June, 1888, he erected a large barn, which is one of the finest in the township. His log barn, which is still standing, has been used about thirty-six years. Mrs. Wagoner is a member of the United Brethren church.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887


Deb Murray