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

DALLAS G. M. TROUT, M.D., was born in Decatur, Indiana, October 8, 1846 and is the only living child of William and Mary (Welsh) Trout. His early education was obtained in the common schools of Decatur, where he laid the foundation for an academic course, which he pursued in the colleges at Berea and Haysville, Ohio. On his return from Berea, in 1866, he commenced the study of medicine with his father and continued his readings until 1869, interrupted only when absent at college in Chicago, Illinois. In the fall and winter of 1867 he attended the Rush Medical College, returning home in the spring of 1868, and the next winter took his second course, graduating in the spring of 1869 with honors. Immediately after his return from college he became associated in practice with his father, the partnership continuing until his father's death in 1884. His career as a physician has been marked with success, and his time is now almost entirely taken up with his office and city practice. He stands at the head of his profession in Adams County, and by his honorable and upright life has gained the confidence and esteem of all who know him. He was married in 1876 to Miss Flora B. Blackmond, at Otsego, Michigan. They have four children - William, Mariam, Emilio C. and John A.

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

JOSIAH CRAWFORD, farmer, section 2, Wabash Township, is one of the pioneers of the township, having lived within a few rods of his present residence since 1839. His first habitation was a log cabin, 16 x 18 feet. He afterward moved into a house, built by a brother, John Crawford, of Decatur, with whom he was in partnership in farming and stock dealing. They were the first to bring stock into the county in large numbers, having brought 140 head from Darke County, Ohio. They brought the first short-horn cattle into this part of the State. They usually sold to drovers. Mr. Crawford made a specialty of stock-raising as long as his health and age permitted. He was born in Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania, April 21, 1811. His father, William Crawford, was a native of Waynesborough, Lancaster County, same State. His paternal grandparents, Josiah and Margaret (Kincaid) Crawford, were born in Donegal, Ireland, and immigrated to America when young, settling in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where they were married, and afterward removed to Franklin County, where they passed the remainder of their days. He accumulated quite a property, but, owing to the depreciation of Continental currency, lost heavily. William Crawford was reared in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and married Jane Alexander, who was born in Maryland, and came with her parents to Pennsylvania. His father, William Crawford, was a native of Pennsylvania, and followed the mercantile business in Waynesburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1803 until 1815. In this business he secured a competency. Mrs. Crawford's mother, Mary (Curswell) Alexander, was born in Wales, and of Scotch parentage. The parents of our subject had six children, of whom he is the second child. The mother died in1821, and the father afterward married Nancy Hayes, and to this union were born six children. The father died January 21, 1837. The family were good Christian people, having been members of the Presbyterian church. The father was well educated for those days, and held the position of associate judge, besides other offices of trust. Josiah Crawford received a good common-school education. In 1832 he became his father's partner in the mercantile trade, which he continued a few years, and in October, 1839, he came to Adams County, as previously stated. He had been here the year before and purchased and entered 500 acres of land, in company with his brother. Mr. Crawford was married, March 25, 1841, to Rosanna Abnet, born in Virginia April 10, 1816, and a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Baker) Abnet, who settled in Jefferson Township in 1839, where they lived until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford had one child - Mary J., wife of Abram Rawley. She was born January 1, 1842, and died December 10, 1881. Mrs. Crawford died in November, 1884. Mr. Crawford is a Democrat in politics, and cast his first Presidential vote for General Jackson, in 1832. He was elected a member of the board of county commissioners in October, 1856, and held the office eighteen years. He had the honor of shaking hands with General Jackson, and has heard Henry Clay and William Henry Harrison speak; has also seen David Crockett. He has 260 acres of land and a comfortable home. His granddaughter keeps his house for him. Mr. Crawford is one of two, now residing in the township, who voted at the Presidential election in 1840. He was no hunter, although game was very plenty when he settled here. He has always been a popular man, is liberal in all his views and a good converser. He served as justice of the peace five years.

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

NICHOLAS BERGER, one of the early settlers of Kirkland Township, where he is numbered among the successful agriculturists, is a native of Switzerland, born July 20, 1820. His parents, Nicholas and Elizabeth (Nueschwonder) Berger, were also natives of Switzerland, and died in their native country. Both were members of the German Reformed church. They were the parents of ten children, two dying in childhood. Nicholas Berger, whose name heads this sketch, learned the cooper's trade, which he followed in his native country until 1847, when he came to America and for a time stopped at Bethlehem, Stark County, Ohio, where he worked at his trade. From there he went to Vera Cruz, Wells County, Indiana, where he resumed working at his trade, remaining there until 1867. In April of that year he bought and removed to his present home on section 3, Kirkland Township. His first purchase here was 120 acres, of which only twenty acres were under cultivation. By persevering industry and good management he has added to his original purchase until he now has 243 acres, after giving forty acres to his son. He is now devoting considerable attention to stock-raising in connection with his general farming. Mr. Berger was married at Massillon, Stark County, Ohio, in the fall of 1849, to Rosanna Smith, who was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, in February, 1827, and to this union were born ten children, as follows - Susan C., William N., Rosanna, Sophia, Edward, Samuel A., Lucinda E. (deceased), Jacob F., Mary A., and Caroline (deceased). Mrs. Berger died April 22, 1870. She was a member of the German Reformed church. Mr. Berger is a member of the same denomination. Mr. Berger is a self-made man, having acquired his present fine property by his own efforts, he having $3 when he landed in Stark County, and by his strict integrity and honorable dealings he has gained the confidence of all with whom he has had business intercourse.

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

DANIEL W. MYERS, of Washington Township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 2, 1849, son of Frederick and Christina Myers, pioneers of Adams County. In 1851 he was brought by his parents to this county, where he was reared to manhood. He received a liberal education, and was engaged in teaching about six years, having taught in the high school at Decatur about two years. In 1872 he engaged in the lumber trade, at Decatur, with his brother, David L. Myers, as partner, under the firm name of Myers Brothers. This partnership lasted about nine years. He then removed to his present farm on section 12, Washington Township, where he owns a well improved farm of 300 acres. He was married November 23, 1800, to Miss Annie Gwinner, born March 3, 1856, in Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Elizabeth Gwinner, with whom she removed to Ashland County, Ohio, when about fourteen years old, where she grew to maturity. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers - Harry F. and Jesse N., both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Myers is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and both are respected members of society. Mr. Myers is a Democrat in politics, and belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Decatur. He has been successful in business, and this enables him to contribute largely to any enterprises which will benefit the community.

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

JAMES FRANKLIN MANN, attorney-at-law, Decatur, the only son of Harlo and Winifred (McAlhaney) Mann, was born in Decatur, Adams County, Indiana, February 9, 1861, and is of German and Irish ancestry. He was reared in his native city, and in his youth attended the public schools. When old enough he began clerking at his father's store, and was engaged in clerking and attending and teaching school until 1880. In that year he began reading law in the office of Heller & Hooper, of Decatur, and in 1881-‘82 he spent two terms in the law department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, graduating from that institution March 29, 1882. In January, 1883, he began the practice of law at Decatur, forming a partnership with John P. Quinn, with whom he was associated until the death of Mr. Quinn, eight months later. In November of the same year, L.C. Devoss became his law partner, which continued under the name of Devoss & Mann until January, 1886, when Mr. Mann retired from the firm. He is at present city attorney of Decatur. Mr. Mann was united in marriage November 12, 1884, at Decatur, to Miss Tina Teague, a daughter of Rev. Martin A. and Maggie Teague. She was born in Wheeling, Delaware County, Indiana, and was reared and educated in the various places where her parents resided, her father being a Methodist minister. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Mann is a member of the Presbyterian church and is superintendent of its Sabbath-school. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, and is past grand of St. Mary's Lodge, No. 167, at Decatur. Mr. and Mrs. Mann have one daughter, Maggie T., born March 7, 1887.

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

GEORGE R. DICKERSON, engaged in farming on section 15, Adams Township, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, the date of his birth being March 20, 1830. His parents, Thomas and ______ (Russell) Dickerson, were also natives of Ohio, both their families coming from New York State. They died when our subject was quite young, and he was reared by an aunt, with whom he remained till nineteen years of age. He then began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed until August 5, 1862, when he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and was assigned to Company B, Ninetieth Ohio Infantry. He first served under General Crittenden, and was also under General Palmer in the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in many of the battles of the war. He left his command at Dallas, Georgia, on account of disability contracted in the army, and now draws a pension. He was afterward placed on detached service for some time. He served his country until June 3, 1865, and after his discharge returned home to Ohio. He remained in Ohio until 1868, when he went to Mercer County, making his home there until 1876. In that year he came to Adams County, Indiana and settled on section 23 of Wabash Township. He bought and moved to his present farm in Adams Township, which contains eighty acres of land, thirty acres being under fine cultivation. Mr. Dickerson was united in marriage, June 26, 1851, to Miss Lucinda Winters, who was born in Athens, now Vinton County, Ohio, June 12, 1833. Her parents, John and Nancy (Barns) Winters, were natives of Virginia. Theywere married in Vinton County, Ohio, where the mother died. The father was a member of Company K, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, and died while on sick furlough, at Ironton, Ohio. They had a family of five children, two sons and three daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Dickerson are the parents of eight children - Henry R., Annie, Minnie, Carson, McLellan, Sadie, Thomas and America. McLellan Dickerson, of Wabash Township, was born April 9, 1862, in Vinton County, Ohio, and came with his parents to Adams County, Indiana, where he was reared and educated in the common schools. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he still follows. He is a member of McPherson Camp, No. 11, S. of V., at Geneva, of which he has been Orderly Sergeant.

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

SAMUEL SIMISON, an active and enterprising citizen of Monroe Township, and a member of the firm of Allison, Marrow & Co., of Berne, Adams County, was born at Linn Grove, Adams County, Indiana, January 10, 1855, a son of Robert Simison, an early settler of Adams County. Samuel grew to manhood on the home farm, and received his education in the common schools of Adams County. He was united in marriage December 28, 1878, to Miss Grace Howard, who was born April 11, 1854, and of the three children born to this union only one is now living, a daughter, Nellie, who was born October 11, 1881. Mr. Simison followed agricultural pursuits until 1881, in which year he removed to Berne and engaged as clerk for R. B. Allison. In September, 1885, he was admitted as a partner, and still remains in the business, having by his fair and honorable dealings gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he has had business or social intercourse.

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

WILLIAM H. PARR, an enterprising farmer of Blue Creek Township, is a native of Licking County, Ohio, the date of his birth being May 5, 1847. His parents, Rev. John H. and Catherine Parr, were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania, respectively, and were among the early settlers of Licking County. They had a family of five children - Thomas J., Margaret A., William H., Mary H. and Horace G. William H. Parr, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native county, where he was educated in the common schools. He was reared a farmer, and has followed that vocation through life. October 1, 1867, he was married to Margaret J. Foster, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, July 24, 1848, a daughter of Daniel and Miranda Foster, who settled in Licking County in an early day. The father of Mrs. Parr was born in the State of Vermont, and her mother was a native of Virginia. They were the parents of twelve children, six of whom are deceased. The names of those yet living are - Mary, Alice, Margaret J., James W., Harriet and Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Parr are the parents of five children - Bertram, Cora L., John M., Mary A. and Thomas M. In the fall of 1870 Mr. Parr came with his family to Adams County, Indiana, when he settle in Blue Creek Township on section 33. He began life without means, but by persevering industry and good management he has met with success in his farming operations, having by his own efforts acquired his present fine farm, which contains 200 acres of valuable land. Mr. Parr was a soldier during the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guards, but was not mustered into the service until May, 1864. He participated in the battle of John Brown's School-House, in Virginia, and received an honorable discharge from the United States service at Columbus, Ohio, May 1, 1866. In politics Mr. Parr affiliates with the Republican party. Mrs. Parr is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

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

DR. PETER A. SPRUNGER, homoeopathic physician, residing at Berne, Adams County, is a native of Switzerland, born October 23, 1839, a son of Abraham B. Sprunger. He lived in his native country until fourteen years of age, when he came with his parents to the United States, and after stopping a short time in Ohio came to Adams County, Indiana. Peter A. was reared to the avocation of farmer, and received his education in the common schools of his native country, and after coming to America attended the schools of his district. He subsequently engaged in teaching school, which he followed twelve years, becoming a successful and popular instructor. At the age of eighteen years he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Rev. Dr. Daniel Neuenschwander, of Berne, Indiana, and for about twelve years has been engaged in the practice of medicine. The doctor has a large practice, especially among citizens of his own nationality, and is noted for the reasonableness of his charges. He is well skilled in the knowledge of his profession, and is widely known and respected throughout the community where he resides. Dr. Sprunger was first married November 22, 1862, to Catherine Amstutz, who was born in Switzerland, March 10, 1844. She died August 24, 1869, leaving two children - Dinah, who was born March 15, 1864, and died June 1, 1884, and William J., who was born October 17, 1867. The doctor was again married December 28, 1871, to Miss Catherine Sprunger, a native of Adams County, Indiana, born November 8, 1853, and to this union have been born nine children - Bertha, born May 28, 1874; Reuben, born October 27, 1875; Ann E., born January 20, 1877, died November 11, 1879; Jeremiah, born August 9, 1878; Rosina, born November 27, 1879; Christina, born February 3, 1881; Jonas, born October 13, 1882; Ernest, born August 6, 1884 and Elmer, born September 30, 1886. The doctor and his family are members of the Mennonite church.

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

JOHN RUMPLE, deceased, who was one of the early settlers of Adams County, was born in Butler County, Ohio, the date of his birth being December 18, 1816. His parents, Jacob and Catherine Rumple, were both natives of South Carolina, and were among the first settlers of Butler County, Ohio, locating there in 1811, where they lived till their death. They had a family of nine children, four sons and five daughters. They were both members of the Presbyterian church. They were of German descent. John Rumple, whose name heads this sketch, was reared to agricultural pursuits, his father being a farmer by occupation, and his education was such as could be obtained in the common schools of that early day. He remained on the home farm until attaining the age of twenty-four years, when he was married to Julia A. Yeakle, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, September 18, 1824, her parents, John and Julia (Schaffer) Yeakle, being natives of Pennsylvania, but early settlers of Butler County, where they spent their last days. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rumple two are living - Sarah E., wife of George Cook, and Jacob, with whom the mother makes her home. Mr. Rumple came with his family to Adams County, Indiana, about the year 1849, when he settled on section 7, Jefferson Township, living there till his death, which occurred in December, 1875. In his religious views he was a Presbyterian, being a consistent member of that church. His wife is a member of the same denomination.

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

JOHN M. GIDEON, a farmer of Union Township, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, November 21, 1848, and when he was seven years old his parents moved to Van Wert County, living there one year, then came to Root Township, this county, settling on a farm owned by his brother Frank, where the parents remained until their death. The father, Henry Gideon, was born in Erie County, to Miss Lydia Bevelheimer, then removed to Medina County, thence to Franklin County. He was reared a farmer and followed that occupation all his life. He died in 1868 at the age of forty-eight years. The mother was born in Pennsylvania and died in Root Township, October, 1880, at the age of sixty-eight years. Mr. Gideon's grandparents were born and died in Erie County, Pennsylvania. His paternal and maternal grandparents were of German origin. John M. was reared in this county, and his education was obtained in the common schools. February 9, 1873, he was married to Miss Maria E. Steele, who was born in Ashland County, Ohio, January 31, 1857, and when a child her parents brought her to this county, where her mother is still living. Her father died June 3, 1886, aged sixty-nine years, and is buried at Union Bethel church cemetery. Mrs. Gideon died May 2, 1886, leaving three children - Leota, born September 29, 1873; John W., born April 19, 1876; Orpha, born July 4, 1878. Mrs. Gideon is buried in Union Bethel cemetery. She was a member of the Church of God. Mr. Gideon is a Democrat.

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

SAMUEL DEIHL, a prominent farmer of Kirkland Township, was born in the same township in Adams County, Indiana, the date of his birth being November 16, 1843. His parents, William and Hannah (Billman) Deihl, were natives of Ohio, the father born in Trumbull County, of German descent, and the mother born near Harrisburgh, where she was reared and married. They came to Adams County, Indiana, in 1842, when they settled on the land in Kirkland Township on which they have since resided, being old and honored pioneers of the county. Samuel Deihl, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on his father's homestead in Kirkland Township, and received his education in the schools of his neighborhood. September 20, 1864, he was married in Kirkland Township, to Miss Lucinda Klinn, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Klinn. Mrs. Deihl died in 1873, leaving five children - William, Franklin, Mary Ellen, Hannah Rosa and Amos. In 1865 he was married to Miss Clarissa A. Stultz, of Kirkland Township, and to this union have been born seven children - Samuel, Martha, Adam and Lillie D., and three who died in infancy. Mr. Deihl has always followed farming in Kirkland Township, in which he has been very successful. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. He has served as supervisor of his township for several years and for a number of years was school director. Both Mr. and Mrs. Deihl are member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Zion.

Note, the dates above are as written in the book, although they do not seem to make sense.

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

JAMES J. LEE, farmer, section 13, Wabash Township, was born in Delaware County, Indiana, the date of his birth being June 27, 1852. His parents Aly and Emeline (Shamley) Lee, were native of Virginia and among the early settlers of Delaware County, Ohio, the mother living in that county until her death, which occurred about the year 1857 or 1858. The father settled in Adams County, Indiana, during the war of the Rebellion, and died in Wabash Township, April 27, 1877. He was three times married, and by his first wife had three children, two sons and one daughter, the subject of this sketch being the eldest child. For his second wife he married Lucinda Ausborn, who died in Delaware County, leaving one child. He was again married to Rachel C. Reed, and to this union were born three sons and three daughters. She still survives her husband, and is residing in Delaware County. James J. Lee, whose name heads this sketch, was reared in Delaware County and Adams County, Indiana, receiving in his youth the benefits of the common schools. His father being a farmer, he was reared to the same avocation, which he has made his life-work. January 14, 1871, he was married to Miss Mary A. Johnson, who was born in Monroe Township, Adams County, September 25, 1854, a daughter of Benjamin S. Johnson, deceased, who was an old settler of Adams County. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have four children - Carrie A., Lula B., Chancey D. and Clifford A. Mr. Lee has filled several local offices, serving in all to the best interests of his township. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Lee purchased his present farm in Wabash Township in January, 1886, which contains forty acres of choice land.

Note, the discrepancy between Delaware County, Indiana and Ohio are as written in the book. I have no further information on which was correct.

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

ROBERT S. PETERSON is the oldest active member of the Adams County bar. His parents, John W. and Hannah (Smith) Peterson, came to this county in an early day, and were here married in 1840. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom are yet living. John W. Peterson lives in St. Mary's Township, three and one-half miles east of Decatur. His wife died in Benton County, Iowa, in February, 1859. Of their living children Robert is the second in age. He was born February 1, 1845, on section 17, St. Mary's Township, and lived with his parents until eighteen years of age, attending the common district schools and also select schools. March 9, 1864, he enlisted in Company G, Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry, with which he served until the regiment was discharged, November 18, 1865. Returning home he taught and attended school by turns until the spring of 1867, when he began the study of law with Judge David Studabaker. His study was interrupted by teaching school again the following winter. In the spring of 1868 he was admitted to the bar, though he continued his course of reading until the December following before beginning the practice of law on his own account. He has now practiced continuously for nineteen years. Mr. Peterson's long residence in the county seat, and his long prominent connection with all important public movements, have made him one of the best known men in Adams County. He is not a politician, though taking that degree of interest in politics which is the duty of every good citizen. Though a Republican, he was president of the Board of Trustees of the strongly Democratic town of Decatur for the five years preceding the adoption of the city form of government, in 1882. To him belongs the credit of organizing and perfecting the sewerage system of Decatur. He assisted in organizing and pushing the narrow-gauge railroad through this county, and also, though to a less extent, the Chicago & Atlantic. He is a Mason, was a charter member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and belongs to the Presbyterian church. Mr. Peterson was married September 25, 1868, at Concord Church, Root Township, to Miss Fannie C. Kumkel, daughter of Samuel Kumkel. To this union have been born the following children - John S., Dora L., Martha A., Mary G., Kittie C., Lizzie Pearl, Calvin D., Bernice, Thomas E. and one which died in infancy. The first two graduated from the Decatur High School in 1887.

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