ROBERT SIMISON, one of the old and honored pioneers of Adams County, Indiana, was born in Warren County, Ohio, November 7, 1811, a son of John and Elizabeth (Fisher) Simison, who were natives of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and of Scotch descent. John Simison, Sr. was born in Scotland, and came with his brother, Andrew Simison, to America, about the year 1765, settling in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, where he was married. He died in Pennsylvania. He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. John Simison, the father of our subject, grew to manhood in Pennsylvania, living there until after his marriage. He removed to Ohio in 1808, when he settled in Warren County, and in 1818 settled near Fort Recovery, in Darke County, where they made their home till their death, both dying in 1822. Both were members of the Presbyterian church. Their family consisted of eight children, four sons and four daughters. The father was a farmer, which avocation he followed through life. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, joining the army in 1813. He served one year, and participated in the battle of the Thames under General Harrison. Robert Simison, our subject, remained at home until the death of his parents, after which he lived at different places until he became old enough to work for himself. Being left an orphan when but a lad of eleven years he was early inured to hard work, and being industrious and economical, he saved enough to enter the land in Monroe Township where he now resides. He was married November 17, 1836, to Miss Rebecca Davis, in Wells County, Indiana. She was born in Greene County, Tennessee, June 24, 1818, a daughter of George and Margaret (Scott) Davis, her father being a native of Virginia. Both of her parents had been married before. They settled in Union County, Indiana, in an early day, where they lived till their death. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Simison - George, John, Margaret, Mary (deceased), Sarah A. (deceased), Samuel, Eliza A. (deceased), and Catherine. Mr. Simison came to Adams County, and entered his land about 1835, on which he settled March 4, 1837. He erected a log cabin nineteen feet square, with puncheon floor, in which not a nail was used in its construction. His land when he first settled on it was heavily covered with timber. Many were the trials and hardships endured by this brave pioneer and his family, but they have lived to enjoy the fruits of their years of toil, and have seen the wilderness change into well-cultivated fields and prosperous villages. After living in their humble log cabin several years, the father built a more commodious frame dwelling, which they occupied until 1874, when their present substantial residence was erected. Mr. Simison was the owner of the town site of Buena Vista, which he plated in 1856, the sale of lots beginning January 1, 1857. He has always followed farming, in which he is still engaged. In politics he is a Democrat, and has always taken an active interest in the public affairs of his township or county.

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


NANCY ROBISON, of Washington Township, widow of the late Abraham Robison, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, November 5, 1824, daughter of Eli and Polly (Smith) Zimmerman, who came to Adams County when Mrs. Robison was ten years of age. She was education in the log cabin school-house of the early day, and has been reared in this county. She was married to Abraham Robison September 17, 1843, who was born March 15, 1818, son of Ephraim and Fannie A. Robison, with whom he came to this county when a young man. Her parents were among the pioneers of this county, having located here when the country was a dense forest, and remained until their decease. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five survive - Jane, Polly, Nancy, Elizabeth and Eli. Mr. and Mrs. Robison had ten children, six of whom are living - Andrew J., Jasper W., Isaac M., Darius E., Samantha and Sarah J. Mr. Robison was a man highly respected by all who knew him. He was a kind and loving father and husband, and an obliging neighbor. He was a strong advocate of temperance, and in politics a Democrat. He died January 3, 1867. His wife resides on the old homestead, and is the owner of 300 acres of land.

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


WILLIAM TROUT, M.D., deceased, a pioneer physician of Adams County, practiced longer than any other physician who has made the county his home, and none of the old settlers are more prominently and respectfully remembered. He was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Oley Township, Berks County, March 14, 1817. There he lived until about twenty years of age, obtaining a good education in the common district schools of his vicinity. Coming West in 1837, he located near Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio, and began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Gabriel Miesse. He remained there about three years, the last year beginning the practice of the profession to which he devoted his life. He lived a short time in Delaware and Piqua, Ohio, and in August, 1840, fixed his residence permanently at Decatur, Indiana, where he practiced until his death, July 2, 1884. Not only did his acquaintance and practice extend throughout Adams County, but reached into adjoining counties, and even at Fort Wayne he had an extensive patronage. During the latter years of his life he made few visits, giving his attention to his office practice and the street near his residence was at times lined with patients and their conveyances, come from the country around to get the benefit of his skill. The simple mention of this fact is sufficient evidence of the place he held in the hearts of the people, and no greater tribute could be paid to his memory. Dr. Trout's learning was not confined to his profession. He was familiar with the whole range of thought and science, and literature. His conversational powers were wonderful and inexhaustible, and were his chief charm. He was perfectly familiar with the German language, speaking and translating it with ease. March 22, 1842, Dr. Trout was married at Decatur to Miss Mary Welsh. Her parents were originally from Anne Arundel County, Maryland, but were among the pioneers of Newark, Licking County, Ohio. To Dr. and Mrs. Trout were born six children, but one of whom is living - Dallas G. M., a physician of Decatur. A daughter, Mary F., died aged sixteen years, and four died in infancy. Dr. Trout amassed a competance during his long and successful life, and Mrs. Trout is now leading a quiet, peaceful life at Decatur.

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


HARLO MANN, senior member of the firm of Mann & Burkhead, grocers of Decatur, is a native of Ohio, born near Cleveland, September 15, 1835, and in April, 1836, he was brought to Adams County, Indiana, by his parents, Enos and Sarah (Crawford) Mann. They settled in Preble Township on the bank of the St. Mary's River, and there he grew to manhood, being reared to the avocation of a farmer, receiving his education in the district schools. On becoming of age he learned the plasterer's trade. He was married February 11, 1858, to Miss Winifred A. McAlhaney, a daughter of Hamilton and Sarah McAlhaney, old settlers of Blue Creek Township, Adams County. They have four children living - Sarah Margaret, wife of Charles H. Lammiman, of Monroe Township; James F., an attorney of Decatur; Nora Esther and Matie Agnes, attending the high school at Decatur. One daughter, Rosa Belle Jane, died in 1867, aged eight years. In 1861 Mr. Mann located at Decatur, where he worked at plastering until 1865. He then engaged in the grocery business with Emanuel Woods, with whom he was associated under the firm name of Mann & Woods until 1867, when the business was discontinued. In 1870 Mr. Mann again embarked in the grocery business, and in 1876, his son-in-law, C. H. Lammiman, became associated with him, the firm name of Mann & Lammiman continuing until 1883, in which year John B. Burkhead succeeded Mr. Lammiman, when the present firm of Mann & Burkhead was formed. In politics Mr. Mann is a Democrat. He served six years as assessor Washington Township, and was township trustee for four years. He is a member of St. Mary's Lodge, No. 167, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the chairs. Mr. Mann is a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church, his wife being a member of the same church.

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


WILLIAM McCONNEHEY, deceased, came to Adams County in May, 1837, with his wife and seven children, settling on the Hill farm, now owned by W. P. Rice. He remained there only a short time, having built a cabin on his land that he entered after reaching Adams County. This land was the west half of section 36, Root Township, where he lived until his death, which occurred March 14, 1851; he is buried in the Pillars cemetary. He was born, reared and married in Pennsylvania, then removed to Darke County, Ohio, where he lived until he came to this county. He was the sole contractor to furnish plank for the road that was built between Willshire and Decatur. He worked at this road almost day and night, and by these exertions brought on the sickness that terminated in his death. He was a zealous member of the United Brethren church, and his residence was freely given to hold meetings for several years, until the church was built. He was a local preacher, and often officiated in that capacity. The names of children are - Sarah, Rebecca, David, Josiah, John, Susanna, Mary, Andrew and William. The father lived to see all his children growing up around, the youngest being eight years old. Susanna, Mary, Rebecca and William have died since the death of the father. David McConnehey was born in Darke County, Ohio, March 23, 1829, and came to Adams County when eight years old, with his parents. He now lives in Decatur. He was married June 5, 1850, to Miss Mahala Harden, who was born in Pennsylvania, and died in 1856, aged thirty years. The father of William McConnehey was born in Scotland, and came to America with his wife and settled in Pennsylvania, where he remained until his death. The wife of William was born in Pennsylvania, and was of German ancestry. Her name was formerly Catherine Clever. The Hardens are also of German origin, and came to this county about the year 1845; both died in Adams County. William Henry McConnehey was born in Root Township, this county, March 20, 1851, on the farm his grandfather entered from the Government. With the exception of three years spent in Mercer County, Ohio, he has lived all his life in Adams County. He was married March 12, 1874, to Miss Margaret E. Lee, who was born in Wabash County, Indiana, October 26, 1855 where she was reared until sixteen years old, then came to this county with her parents, and was soon after married. Her parents were William and Eve (Misner) Lee. Mr. and Mrs. William H. McConnehey have had six children, three of whom are living - Mabel, born December 2, 1874, died December 5, 1874; Charles B. C., born February 26, 1876; Christian L., born September 4, 1879; Derusa E., born February 13, 1884. William H. has been a school teacher for thirty-three terms, making eleven years. His education was finished in the public and Normal school of Decatur. During the summer he follows other occupations. Politically he is a Democrat, as was his father and grandfather.

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


HENRY STACY, an old settler of Blue Creek Township, is a native of the State of New York, born April 26, 1822, a son of John and Mary Stacy, natives of Vermont. In the fall of 1837 his parents moved to Mercer County, Ohio, near the Indiana State line, where they passed the remainder of their lives. He was reared a farmer, and early learned those lessons which, well practiced, make agriculture one of the successful industries of the world. His educational advantages were somewhat limited, but he made good use of his time and acquired a practical education, fitting him for intelligent business life. In the fall of 1844 he removed to Adams County, Indiana, and settled on section 27, Blue Creek Township. He now owns 205 acres of good land, , his homestead containing 140 acres. He has cleared his land from thickly settled tract and has, with his own hands, improved it, and now has one of the best farms in the township. He is one of the representative pioneers of the county, and has always favored and assisted to promote any project that promised benefit to the community. He has held some of the minor offices of the township, and whether in private or public life his actions have been characteristic of the man. In politics he is a Democrat. He was married March 27, 1845, to Lucretia Douglass, and to them have been born six children, but three of whom are living - Mary E., Arminda D. and Minerva E.

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


DIEDRICH BUUCK, section 10, Preble Township, came to Adams County, Indiana, from Prussia, Germany, with his parents in 1836, arriving in Preble Township September 16. They were accompanied from Germany by several families, one of whom, that of Louis Kase, settled in the same neighborhood, and two others, those of Christian Muesing and George Conrad came the next year. His parents were Frederick and Margaret (Kleinsmidt) Buuck, the father born in October 1800, and the mother March 10, 1802. The father died June 21, 1871 and the mother February 16, 1887. Diedrich Buuck was married May 25, 1858, to Mary Werfelmann, a native of Hanover, Germany, and a daughter of Diedrich and Margaret (Oestmann) Werfelmann, who came to America in 1846. Her father was born December 23, 1796, and died January 23, 1880, and her mother was born January 27, 1800, and died April 7, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Buuck have had twelve children, eleven of whom are living - Sophia, wife of William Jaebker; Louisa, wife of Albert Huser ; Frederick, Mary, Anna, Henry, August, Otto, Albert, Adolph and Charles. Their fifth child, Mina, died January 11, 1871, aged two years. Mr. Buuck is a prominent citizen of Preble Township, and one of the leading business men of Friedheim, where he is the present postmaster. He carries on a general store, and also deals in and manufactures lumber. He owns a good farm of 115 acres where he resides, which is well cultivated. He has served as trustee of his township four years, and has been postmaster since 1881, appointed by President Arthur.

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


JACOB RUMPLE, general farmer, section 8, Jefferson Township, was born in Butler County, Ohio, December 25, 1842, a son of John and Julia A. (Yeakle) Rumple. He was brought to Adams County, Indiana, by his parents when about seven years of age, they settling on section 7, Jefferson Township, where the father lived till his death. The mother is still living, and is making her home with our subject. He grew to manhood on the home farm, remaining at home with his parents until his marriage. His educational advantages were limited, he having no chance to attend school before reaching the age of fifteen years; then he obtained only such education as the district schools of that day afforded. He as married May 31, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth Cook, a daughter of John and Lydia Cook. October 13 1864, Mr. Rumple enlisted in Company H, Twenty-third Indiana Infantry, and joined his regiment at Louisville, Kentucky. He was discharged July 23, 1865, the war being ended. He now draws a pension for disability contracted while in the army. After receiving his discharge he returned to his hom in Jefferson Township, and shortly after removed to his farm on section 8, where he has since been engaged in general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Rumple have had born to them ten children - John, born August 10, 1864; George F., June 12, 1866; Julia Ann, August 4, 1868; Lydia, October 28, 1870; Laura A., November 13, 1872; Amanda Jane, January 6, 1875; Andrew Perry, May 18, 1877; an infant unnamed, deceased; Amy, born March 5, 1881, died in January, 1882, and Bessie E., born March 9, 1884. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rumple are members of the Disciple church. Mr. Rumple is meeting with fair success in his agricultural pursuits, and has now a well-cultivated farm containing sixty acres of choice land.

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


FRANK ARNOLD, farmer, section 11, Kirkland Township, Adams County, was born in Saxony, Germany, November 14, 1841, a son of August and Augusta (Jan) Arnold, also native of Saxony. The father was a tailor by trade. He immigrated with his family to the United States in 1850, landing at New York City, going thence to Wayne County, Ohio, where they remained six months. They then removed to Wells County, Indiana, settling at Vera Cruz, where the father worked at his trade. He purchased forty acres of land in Kirkland Township, Adams County, in 1856, which was heavily covered with timber, and on which a log cabin was built, with clapboard roof and puncheon floor. They lived in this cabin until their hewed-log house was built, in which the father resided until his death, which occurred in February, 1865, at the age of forty-five years. His widow afterward married Jacob Mosselman, and to this union one child was born. By her first marriage she had a family of ten children, of whom two are deceased. The parents of our subject were members of the German Reformed church, but since her husband's death the mother has united with the Albright church. She is now living at Vera Cruz, Indiana. Frank Arnold, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Adams County, being reared to agricultural pursuits, and receiving but limited educational advantages. October 11, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Infantry. He was with the Twentieth Army Corps, being a part of the time on detached duty. He was discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, July 14, 1865, after which he returned to his home in Adams County and resumed farming. He also ran a threshing machine for eleven seasons. Since 1879 he has been engaged in saw-milling, being a member of the firm of Spade & Arnold. Mr. Arnold purchased an interest of the heirs to the family homestead on which he now resides, his farm now consisting of 160 acres. He has been twice married, his first wife being Polly Liby. She was born in Ohio, September 24, 1838, and died February 14, 1872. They had two children - Albert, born May 2, 1867, and Stephen, born November 22, 1869, died November 10, 1884. March 10, 1873, Mr. Arnold was again married to Susannah Catherine Berger, who was born in Massillon, Stark County, Ohio, February 24, 1850, a daughter of Nicholas Berger. Five children have been born to this union - William W., born December 15, 1873; Charles C., born August 19, 1875; Sarah M., born August 30, 1880; Rosetta C., born August 26, 1882, and Edward L., born November 23, 1884. Both Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are members of the German Reformed church. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party, and had held several local offices in his township. He is a comrade of Sam Henry Post, No. 63, G. A. R., of which he was a charter member.

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


MARSHALL P. VANCE, farmer, section 23, Hartford Township, was born in Darke County, Ohio, May 9, 1833, a son of William Vance, who was one of the pioneers of Adams County, settling in Wabash Township with his family in 1835, where he lived till his death. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Wabash Township, being reared on his father's farm, and in his youth attended the district school, where he obtained a fair common-school education. He was married July 1, 1857, to Miss Arabella Deffenbaugh, who was born in Maryland, May 1, 1835 a daughter of John and Ellen (Martin) Deffenbaugh. Of the seven children born to this union, only three are living - Mary, now the wife of Vernon Snow; William H. and Fred. John, Charles E., Rufus and an infant unnamed are deceased. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Vance served about seven months as a member of Company E, Thirty-second Indiana Infantry, receiving his discharge May 12, 1865, at the close of the war. He was principally engaged in camp duty at Camp Carrington at Indianapolis, Indiana. After his discharge he returned to his home in Adams County and engaged in farming, which he has since followed. He settled on his present farm in 1867, where he has eighty acres of well-cultivated land. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vance are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. He is a comrade of John P. Porter Post, No. 83, G. A. R.

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


GEORGE H. MARTZ, a prominent farmer of Monroe Township, where he has a fine farm of 100 acres, was born in Knox County, Ohio, October 22, 1838, a son of Henry Martz. When an infant he was brought by his parents to Adams County, Indiana, and here he grew to manhood, and is still living on the family homestead in Monroe Township. He attended the common schools of the county until he was of age, after which he attended Huntertown and Perry Central high schools, in Allen County. After completing his education he engaged in teaching school, which he followed for four years, or until his marriage, June 5, 1862, to Sarah J. Riley. She was born in Licking County, Ohio, July 22, 1834, and died September 4, 1875, leaving four children - Gerry R., Cora A., Walter C. and Minnie M. April 26, 1877 Mr. Martz was again married to Mrs. Amelia (Martin) Stogdill, born in Union Township, Adams County, December 26, 1850, a daughter of Benjamin Martin, an old settler of Union Township. Four children have been born to this union - Charles E., Victoria, Mary R., and Drusilla. By her marriage with William Stogdill Mrs. Martz has one child, a son, James. In politics Mr. Martz affiliates with the Democratic party. He takes an active interest in all public affairs. He has served six years as trustee of his township, was deputy land appraiser one year, and for four years was township assessor, beside holding other local offices. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, uniting with that order in 1873, and belongs to the Decatur Lodge No. 254, at Decatur.

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


GEORGE W. GLADDEN, farmer, Root Township, was born in Island Creek Township, Jefferson County, Ohio, May 20, 1826, and was reared on a farm until seventeen years of age, at which time he went to learn the carpenter's trade of Dukes & Dolvin, in Tuscarawas County, same State. He followed his trade until 1862, when he became engaged in manufacturing tar lubricating oils and elastic roofing. This he continued until 1882, when he sold out and came to Adams County, settling upon a farm which he had purchased in 1873. A log house had been built, which is still standing and is used as a tenant house. In the summer of 1873 he built a fine frame house, and he now has a large, commodious barn. Mr. Gladden was a son of James and Sarah (Shively) Gladden. The father was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, and was twice married. Our subject was the son of the second marriage, and was the only child. September 15, 1848, he was married to Martha L. Risher, who was born in Steubenville, Ohio, January 7, 1826, and was reared within one mile of the place where she was married. Her parents were Frederick F. and Mary (Long) Risher. The father was born in Lexington, Kentucky, October 31, 1801, and when six years old his father died, and he went to live with Frederick McDonnell, with whom he lived until twenty-one years of age. The mother again married, her second husband being Richard Lee, and they had three children - Wilson, Delilah and Martha. Mrs. Gladden's father died December 6, 1883, in Steubenville, Ohio. He was a farmer in early life, and in later years he followed saw-milling. He commenced life with nothing but his head and hands. When he was twenty-one years old he was employed by Bazabeel Wells, who was in the milling business. He remained with him five years, when his health began to fail and he was compelled to stop work and take a rest. He recovered and purchased a farm. Eight years afterward he bought the adjoining farm, and later, sold the first farm, and bought a saw-mill and a merchant-mill for manufacturing flour. He continued in this business as long as he was able to attend to it. He was a local Methodist minister and preached all over that country, and for more than forty years preached to the county poor at Steubenville. His wife, Mrs. Gladden's mother, was born in Pennsylvania, October 15, 1803, and when four years of age was put into the care of the poormaster, her father having left home suddenly, leaving her mother without an income. She was afterward taken out of the poor-house by Richard Fulton, by whom she was reared, and at nineteen years of age she was married. They had twelve children, of whom ten grew to maturity. Wilson L., born August 3, 1824, was killed by the bursting of a locomotive on the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad, in 1863; Martha L., now Mrs. Gladden, born January 7, 1826; Bazaleel W., born October 18, 1827; Asa S,. Born January 7, 1830; Mary J., born November 4, 1831; Anna E., born August 1, 1834, died at the age of eleven months and fifteen days; Marguerretta, a twin of Anna E.; Frederick, born June 1, 1837, died in the regular army; John W., born March 20, 1840; George H., born July 3, 1842, died at the age of four years; Emeline, born March 28, 1845; James M., born May 7, 1848, died July 16, 1884, from the amputation of a limb, having been injured by falling from a car and the wheels running over him. The mother united with the Methodist church in early life, and was a devoted Christian woman. She was without enemies, and died lamented by all who knew her. Mr. and Mrs. Gladden have six children - Altha, born June 23, 1849, was married February 24, 1870, to David Flanders, and they have had two children, one living; James L., born October 29, 1850, died February 17, 1876; Mary R., born November 3, 1853, died September 3, 1855; Emma P., born February 20, 1857, died August 17, 1860; Charity, born January 25, 1860, died February 11, 1862; George G., born October 2, 1867, died April 12, 1869. Mr. Gladden was a delegate to the convention at Pittsburg that organized the Republican party in that place. He was raised a Democrat, but in 1840, during the tariff agitation, he became a Whig. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Gladden was converted when twenty years of age, and is a great reader of religious and political literature.

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


Deb Murray