JACOB BOERGER, farmer, sections 10 and 14, owns 120 acres of land in Root Township, and eighty acres in Madison Township, Allen County, on section 34, making 200 acres in all. He was born in Prussia, Germany, January 28, 1817, and came to America in 1841. His parents, three broth ers and one sister had preceded him to this country, he being left behind in the German army, where he served two years. He left the Prussian army and came to Fort Wayne to find his family, but his mother had died before his arrival. He went to Allen County, where he lived twenty-two years, working at the carpenter's trade. He was married in that county November 6, 1845, to Miss Engel Fuelling, and November 23, 1863, they came to this county. Jacob's father, Jacob Boerger, was born in Germany, May 12, 1788, where he was reared and married, and where all his children were born - William, Rudolph, Jacob, Harmon, who died in 1849, at Fort Wayne, aged thirty years, leaving a wife and one child, Sophia, who lives in Noble County, near Wolf Lake; Eberhart, who died in Germany, aged eight or nine years. All but two are living. The father died in 1863, at Fort Wayne. The mother, Anna C. (Buller) Boerger, was born in the same house where Jacob was born, in Germany. She died at Fort Wayne, in 1838. Mrs. Boerger was the daughter of Clanor and Mary (Thomas) Fuelling. Mr. and Mrs. Boerger have had nine children - Amelia, Frederick, Lisette, Louis, Charles, Otto, Louisa and Jacob; Au gust died in October, 1856, aged seven months. Mr. Boerger's grandfather, Herman Boerger, died at the age of nearly eighty-two years. His maternal grandfather, Harmon Buller, was born in Germany and died in that country.

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


ELI REBER, a successful farmer of Kirkland Township, residing on section 16, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, the date of his birth being June 1, 1849. His parents, Henry and Nancy (Bibler) Reber, were natives of Hanover, Germany, and Fair field County, Ohio, respectively. They came with their family to Adams County, Indiana, in 1853, and settled in Kirkland Township, where they lived till their death. Both were members of the German Reformed church. They were the parents of five children, of whom only two are now living. Eli Reber, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Adams County, coming here with his parents when a child of about four years, and here he was educated in the common schools. He left his home at the age of twenty years, when he began working by the month as a farm laborer. October 13, 1872, he was married to Miss Leah Hoffman, a native of Pennsylvania, born in Schuylkill County, May 14, 1852. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Reber - Lewis E., Carrie M., Charles H. and Iva A., and two who are de ceased. In 1872 he bought his farm in Kirkland Township, on which he has resided since 1873, where he has 102 acres of choice land. In politics he is a Democrat. He has filled several local offices acceptably since coming to Kirkland Township, and as a citizen is much respected.

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


TILMON RAWLEY, deceased, who was one of the old settlers of Adams, and a much respected citizen of Wabash Township, was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, in October, 1812, his parents being natives of the same State. His father being a farmer he was reared to the same avocation, and received such education as the subscription schools of that early day afforded. When a young man he went to Clarke County, Ohio, where he was married to Elizabeth (Harsh) Cargee, who was born in Clarke County, Ohio. Eight children were born to this union, six sons and two daughters. After his marriage Mr. Rawley farmed on rented land, and later engaged in the mercantile business, but on account of failing health he was obliged to give it up. He then entered 160 acres of land in Adams County, Indiana, on section 12, Wabash Township, on which he lived three years, when he returned to Ohio and engaged in farming there about five years. He then, in 1838, returned to his farm in Adams County, to which he added from time to time until he had 830 acres, a part of which was divided among his children before his death. He commenced life entirely without means, his sole wealth when he landed in Clarke County being a 10 cent piece. He immediately found work on the farm of his future father-in-law, and by persevering industry and strict economy he became one of the prosperous citizens of Wabash Township. In politics Mr. Hawley was a Republican. He took an active interest in the affairs of his township, and served acceptably as supervisor and township trustee. He was a man of strict integrity, and honorable in all his dealings, and at his death left many friends to mourn his loss.

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


JOHN JUDD, farmer, section 21, Preble Township, was born in Shenandoah (now Page) County, Virginia, September 2, 1805. When ten years old he went with his parents to Stark County, Ohio, where the father bought eighty acres of land. There were two other children besides John. He was reared in Stark County, and lived there three years after his marriage. He settled upon his present farm in Preble Township in May, 1840, having purchased 160 acres of land of David Miller. The land was perfectly wild at that time. He built his log cabin, assisted by his two brothers-in-law and a cousin, who came with him to this county. The names of the former were William and Isaac Double, and of the latter, Abraham Summers. His father, William Judd, was born near Port Republic, Virginia, where he was reared and married. He died in Stark County, Ohio, at the age of eighty years. He served in the war of 1812. The mother, Nancy (Gander) Judd, was born in Pennsylvania, and was reared and married in Virginia, where she died when her son John was about a week old. In the father's family were ten children, of whom John was the oldest and the only child of the father's first marriage. His second wife was Nancy Welch, and they had nine children. April 12, 1836, our subject was married to Miss Anna M. Double, who was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, April 14, 1816, and when a child was taken by her parents to Stark County, Ohio, where she was reared and married. Her parents were Jacob and Winifred (Masters) Double. Her father was born in Germany and settled in Pennsylvania when he first came from the old country. They had nine children, four of whom were born in Pennsylvania and five in Stark County. They removed to Wells County, this State, in 1841, and both parents died in Jefferson Township, that county, the mother being past eighty years old, and the father still older. The mother was born in England. The Judds are of English ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Judd have had ten children, six of whom are living - Ellen, born February 13, 1837; Isabella, born January 22, 1839, died September 11, 1850; William, born February 17, 1841, died May 21, 1850, George, born January 7, 1843; Ezkiah, born May 26, 1857; Isaac, born December 16, 1848; Jacob, born February 27, 1851, died September 12, 1857; Mary A., born August 2, 1854; Daniel W., born March 24, 1857, died August 24, 1857; Henry F., born Jan nary 18, 1860. Politically Mr. Judd is a Democrat, and religiously is a member of the Presbyterian church. In May, 1879, he was injured by the falling of a tree, two ribs being broken, also the right leg.

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


WILLIAM A. WISNER, a farmer of Washington Township, was born in Adams County September 4, 1840, son of David and Lydia Wisner, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. His parents immigrated to Adams County about the year 1836, settling in Washington Township, upon the farm known as the Coffee farm, on section 14. The father bought eighty acres of land, all timber. Previous to moving into his own log cabin, he lived for a short time in a log house situated where Decatur now stands. His first crop was five acres of corn, which he cultivated with a grubbing hoe, he having sold the oxen he brought with him to the county, to secure the necessaries of life. He endured the usual privations and trials of the pioneer, being obliged to go to Fort Wayne with a yoke of cattle over trails in order to get his milling done. The meat consumed in the family was principally wild game which was abundant. He died September 29, 1868, respected by all who knew him. His wife, who still survives, resides in Wells County, and is in her seventy-second year. Of their ten children, seven are living - Thomas, William A., Margaret J., Priscilla, David F., Aaron W. and James A. Previous to the war the father was a Whig, and since that time he has been a Republican. He was a worthy and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. William A. Wisner has nearly always lived in his native county, and his time has been occupied in working at the carpenter's and cabinet-maker's trades, and in farming. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Twelfth Indiana Infantry, and was assigned to the army of West Virginia, under General McClellan. He participated in the first battle of Bull Run, Winchester, Antietam, and several others of less importance. In July, 1862, he was discharged and almost immediately re-enlisted in Company H, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, Sixteenth Army Corps. He participated in the Red River expedition, being thirty-three days under fire, Fort Dalhousie, Tupelo, Fort Spanish, Fort Blakely and several others. During the second enlistment he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, May 1, 1864, and served in that capacity until February 15, 1865 then being commissioned First Lieutenant served in that capacity until July 19, 1865 being then honorably discharged from the service of the United States Army. He was married February 4, 1864, to Mrs. Adaline Boothe, born June 28, 1843, in this county, and daughter of Greenberry and Lucinda Le masters, who settled in Root Township, this county, about the year 1834, and were among the first settlers of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Wisner have had three children - Maggie, Lydia E. and William T. By her first marriage with John Boothe Mrs. Wisner had one child - Edward B. For about six years after his marriage Mr. Wisner resided in Indianapolis and vicinity, after which he re turned to Adams County, making this his home ever since. He owns forty acres of land and has been fairly successful as a farmer. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

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


JOSEPH FOREMAN, one of the old and honored pioneers of Adams County, who is now deceased, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1817. He was taken to Butler County, Ohio, when four years old, and lived there until 1849, and from that time until his death lived in Indi ana. He was married in Henry County, Indiana, in 1850, to Miss Rebecca Crandall, who was born in Clarke County, Ohio, and brought to Indiana when quite a small girl. To them were born seven children, and of these nine are yet living - Elsie A., Amos, Robert L., Sarah M., James M., Frank, Seymour, Edward L. and Webster. Mr. Foreman came with his family to Adams County in 1857, where he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1884. His wife passed away two years later, in 1886. Mr. Foreman started in life a poor boy, but by hard work and strict economy, combined with good business management, he prospered in all his enterprises, and at his death left for his family an estate of 702 acres, all of which he acquired by fair and honorable dealings. His son, James M., was reared on the home farm in Blue Creek Township, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He has purchased 160 acres of the homestead which he occupies, and his farm, which is under thorough cultivation, shows him to be a thorough, practical farmer. May 20, 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Miranda Bebout, a native of Adams County, born in the year 1866. They belong to no church. Mr. Foreman affiliates with the Democratic party.

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


ROBERT A. DRUMMOND, farmer and cabinet maker, section 24, Root Town ship, was born in this county, December 9, 1841, and educated in the common schools of his father's district. He lived with his parents on the old homestead until the breaking out of the civil war, when he enlisted, in July, 1862, in Company I, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry, Captain Henry Banta, and served with his company until January 28, 1863, when Peter Litzel, the First Lieutenant, became Captain. He then served until May, 1865, when John J. Chubb was promoted to Captain, he being the last Captain of the company. The first Colonel of the regiment was Charles D. Murray. He was only the Colonel of the regiment, but he served in a higher capacity during the life of the regiment. Mr. Drummond was engaged in the battle of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, April 9, 1864, the regiment being under the command of C. D. Murray, of A. J. Smith's command. He was wounded by a minie ball, April 9, 1864, in the right foot. He went to the hospital at Grand Ecore, Louisiana, where the limb was amputated below the knee. The ball struck the inside of the right foot and passed through, breaking the bones of the foot. Mr. Drummond remained at this hospital but a short time, when he was sent to the United States barracks hospital at New Orleans, remaining there two weeks, then came up the Mississippi River in a hospital boat to Memphis, and there remained several weeks, and had the small-pox, that dread scourge breaking out on the boat while coming up the river. From Memphis he was transferred to St. Louis hospital, at Jefferson barracks, and was discharged April 30, 1865, when he came home to Adams County, where he has since resided. He was married November 13, 1866, to Miss Huldah J. Allen, who was born on the farm where Howard Shackley now lives. When she was seven years old her parents removed to Whitley County, this State, where they lived four years, then came to Root Township. Her parents were John and Adeline (Pierson) Allen. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, February 4, 1815, and died in Fulton, Indiana, November 5, 1881. He was a blacksmith by trade, and followed both farming and black smithing. Her mother was born in Ohio, March 1, 1819, where she was reared and married. She died in Whitley County, this State, May 20, 1859. Of their six children, only two are living - Mrs. Drummond, and Samuel M., who lives in Fulton, this State. Mrs. Drummond was born in Root Township, this county, March 15, 1843. Both parents were members of the Presbyterian church in early life, but later were members of the Methodist and United Brethren churches. At death the father was a member of the United Brethren church and the mother of the Presbyterian church. At the time her parents settled in Adams County there were but few settlers and times were hard. Their milling was done at Fort Wayne. Deer, and even bears, were plenty. Mr. Drummond's father, Robert Drummond was born on Chestnut street, Philadelphia, in 1808. When he was quite young his parents removed to Ross County, Ohio, where he was reared and married. He lived in that county until two children were born, then came to Adams County and settled on a part of the farm now owned by the son, Robert A. They came to the county September 12, 1838. The father entered eighty acres of land from the Government, for which he paid $1.25 per acre. When the family came there were no roads, only the underbrush was cut out. They came with a one-horse wagon, bringing wife, two children, and all their worldly possessions. They had all the trials and discouragements of pioneer life. The father had just money enough to make the first payment on the place, and had to go to work among the older settlers to get supplies for his family, depending in a great measure on the game in the woods for a living. His mother, Mary (Rains) Drummond, was born in Ross County, Ohio, January 15, 1817. She is still living on the old homestead with her son John. Mr. Drummond's grandfather, Robert Drummond, was born in Scotland and died in Ross County, Ohio. His grandmother, Elizabeth (Case) Drummond, was born in Pennsylvania. His maternal grandfather, Isaac Rains, was born in North Carolina, and came to Ross County, where he died January 1, 1842. His grandmother, Susan (Gregg) Rains, was prob ably born in North Carolina, and came to Ross County with her parents. She died in 1827, aged thirty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Drummond are members of the United Brethren church, and in politics Mr. Drummond is a Republican. Mrs. Drummond's grandfather, Samuel Allen, was born in England, and brought to America when a babe, his parents settling in Pennsylvania. He died in Root Township, this county, in 1854, aged about seventy years. Her grandmother, Margaret (Scott) Allen, was of Scotch-Irish descent. She died in Washington Township, in 1864, past seventy years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Drummond have only one living child - Mary Adeline, born October 14, 1870. Two sons are deceased - John N., born November 9, 1872, died November 25, 1873. Robert Aaron, born October 23, 1874, died March 31, 1875. Both are buried in Union Chapel cemetery at United Brethren church.

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


DANIEL P. TEETER, a prosperous agriculturist of Wabash Township, residing on section 1, was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, June 2, 1819, a son of Abraham and Hannah (Paul) Teeter, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, born respectively in Lancaster and Chester counties. The Teeter family are of German descent, the name being originally Deitrick, after ward changed to Deeter, and subsequently to Teeter. The parents of our subject emigrated to Bedford County, Pennsylvania, in an early day, being among the first settlers of that county, where the father lived till his death, March 10, 1837, at the age of sixty-five years. In 1839 the mother removed to Randolph County, Indiana, where she spent the remainder of her life. The father was a tanner by trade, but in later life engaged in farming. His family consisted of twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Daniel P. Teeter, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving but a limited education in the schools of that early day. Being the eldest son at home after his father's death, the care of the family devolved mainly on him, he remaining at home October 9, 1846, when he was married to Miss Mary Strait, who was born in Perry County, Ohio, September 14, 1827, a daughter of Jacob and Lettia (Bailey) Strait, the father born in Perry County, Ohio, and the mother in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. They removed to Darke County, Ohio, when Mrs. Teeter was a child, being one of the first families to settle there. The father died in 1877, aged about seventy-seven years, the mother surviving until July 11, 1885, when she died at the advanced age of eighty-one years. They were the parents of twelve children, three sons and nine daughters. Twelve children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Teeter, of whom only seven are living - Calvin, Susie E., Isaac N., John F., Hannah L., David M. and Samuel L. After his marriage Mr. Teeter engaged in fanning in Darke County, Ohio, where he remained till April, 1870, when he removed to the farm in Adams County, where he still resides, which had been purchased by him prior to his settlement there. He has met with good success in his farming operations, and is now the owner of 275 acres of choice land, all in townships. In his political views Mr. Teeter one was originally a Whig, but now affiliates with the Republican party.

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


ALBERT P. FORD, engaged in farming on section 11, Wabash Township, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 8, 1842, his parents, John W. and Martha (Minehart) Ford, being born, reared and married in the State of Ohio. The father came to Indiana with his family in 1855, settling in Randolph County, where the mother died in 1862. In 1862 the father went to Edgar County, Illinois, where he lived till his death in 1882. They were parents of six children. Albert P. Ford, whose name heads this sketch, was reared to manhood on his father's farm, remaining with his parents till attaining the age of twenty-two years, when he came to Adams County and bought a farm, which he sold soon after, and later purchased land in Mercer County, Ohio. He was married in Mercer County April 2, 1865, to Miss Sarah A Lehman, who was born in Perry County, Ohio, November 8, 1846. Five of the nine children born to this union are yet living - Charles B., William Perry, Julia M., Enos, Melvin and Minnie V. Mr. Ford came with his family to Adams County, Indiana, in the year 1869, settling on his farm, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, where he has eighty acres of well-improved and cultivated land.

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


JOSEPH PRESTON WELDY, dealer in poultry, eggs, butter, etc., was born near Logan, Hocking County, Ohio, April 23, 1847. His parents, Samuel and Martha (Kennedy) Weldy, were also natives of Ohio, his father of Swiss and his mother of Irish ancestry. In 1857 they came to Adams County, Indiana, and located on a farm in Kirkland Township, where they still live. They are the parents of seven children, but two of whom are living - Joseph P. and Sarah Catherine, wife of James Snyder, of Kirkland township. The mother is a member of the Brethren in Christ church. From his tenth year Mr. Weldy was reared in Kirkland township on a farm, receiving the advantages of the common district schools. From 1868 until 1882 he was variously employed with varied success, but in the latter year em marked in his present business. In addition to supplying the wants of the public in his line he buys large quantities of butter and eggs from the farmers, which he ships to the large cities. He was married March 9, 1881, to Miss Mary Jane Barnett, daughter of Henry and Jane (Haverfield) Barnett, both now deceased. They have three children - Wanda Diora, Fannie Arvilla and Samuel.

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


WILLIAM JACKSON is a native of Ohio, born in Wayne (now Ashland) County, January 16, 1823, a son of Henry and Emma (Hoch) Jackson, natives of Berks County, Pennsylvania, of English and German descent. His parents were married in their native State, and in 1822 moved to Ohio. They had a family of twelve children - Jacob, William, Isaac, Peter, Henry, Andrew, Daniel, Catherine, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah and Nannie. William remained with his parents until twenty-three years of age. When twenty-one years of age he started in life for himself, with the determination to live honestly and keep even with the world. One of his first efforts was to purchase eighty acres of land in Adams County, Indiana, of his father. December 30, 1846, he married Esther E. A. Spangler, who was born in February, 1828, a daughter of Jonas Spangler. Three years later, in 1849, they moved to Adams County, Indiana, where he bought another eighty-acre tract, adjoining the one he already owned. At that time there had been very little improvement made in his part of the county. There were no public roads, the highway that now runs east and west on the south side of his farm being cut out in 1851 by Mr. Jackson and four others, all without remuneration. He has always been a public-spirited man, liberal with both his time and money, and none of the old settlers are held in higher esteem than he. He has been a hard-working man, and by good management and diligence has secured for himself and family a competence. He now has 539 acres of unincumbered land, all under cultivation, his farm being one of the best in his township. He has always been a temperate man, the only times he was even intoxicated being once when a child, when he was given whiskey in the harvest field, and another time by drinking cider. Mrs. Jackson died August 2, 1885. She was an estimable Christian woman, and a true helpmeet to her husband. They had a family of seven children born to them, three sons and four daughters - Sophia, born November 22, 1847, was married in 1868 to Ervin Carter; Sarah Ann married Philip Koose, in 1875, and died November 24, 1877, the youngest of her two children dying three days before; Henry, born May 26, 1854, was married in 1875 to M. Strickler; Andrew, born April 22, 1856, was married February 25, 1877, to Nancy J. Bay; Mary Miranda, born July 17, 1861; Daniel, born March 12, 1863; Irena, born January 28, 1867.

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


SYLVESTER WOLF, farmer, section 12, Root Township, Adams County, was born September 24, 1817, and when a year and a half old was taken by his parents to Richland County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and where he was married, September 8, 1842, to Hannah Gladden. She was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, and when six months old her parents brought her to Richland County, where she grew to maturity. Her parents were James and Jemima (Jennings) Gladden. Her father was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1795, and her mother in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1810. They were reared at their birthplace. She married James Gladden, who had five children. Mr. and Mrs. Gladden had twelve children, of whom Mrs. Wolf was the oldest. Eight of the children are living, and the mother died March 10, 1887, in Ashland County, Ohio, where the father died May, 1863. Mr. Wolf was the son of Isaac and Nancy (Small) Wolf. The father was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1789, where he was reared and married, and where three children were born. They removed to Richland, Ohio, in 1819, where the father died in 1840, at the age of fifty-one years. He served in the War of 1812 nine months, for which his wife received a pension after his death. The mother was born February 20, 1796, also in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, where she was reared. She died in Ashland County, Ohio, January 9, 1879, aged eighty-one years. After the marriage of Mr. Wolf he lived in Ashland County until 1852, when he came with his wife and four children and settled upon his present farm in Root Township. Not a stick had been cut on the place nor a house built. They stopped with Hiram Gladden until a cabin could be built, into which they moved and commenced to make a home. He lived in this round-log house, by adding a frame apartment, until he built his present house in 1871. He now has a good house and barn, and other farm buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf have nine children - Margaret C., born August 9, 1842; Sarah J., born March 25, 1846; Adamson R., born December 9, 1847; Isaac O., born January 4, 1850, died September 8 of the same year; Oliver C., born August 7, 1851; Martha E., born April 23, 1854; Laura A. E., born October 15, 1858; Ida I., born Mary 3, 1862; Mary E., born April 20, 1864. The five oldest were born in Ashland County, Ohio, and the others in Root Township, Adams County, Indiana. Mr. Wolf has served as school director for many years. In his father's family were ten children, of whom our subject was the third child. His paternal grandfather, John Wolf, was a native of Germany, and died in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. His paternal grandmother, Christena (Guy) Wolf, was a native of Holland, and was twice married, being a widow (Mrs. Myers) with two children when she married Mr. Wolf. By her second marriage she had seven children, Isaac being one of the younger. His maternal grandparents died in Southern Indiana.

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


Deb Murray