HON. DAVID STUDABAKER, president of the Adams County Bank, of Decatur, and a prominent and influential citizen of Adams County, was born at Fort Recovery, Ohio, the date of his birth being August 12, 1827. At the age of seven years he was taken by his parents to Adams County, Indiana, they settling in Wabash Township, where he was reared to the avocation of a farmer. His father died when he was but thirteen years of age, and being the eldest child, he aided in the maintenance of his mother and family. He received his primary education in the district schools, which he attended during the winter months, being a pupil in the first school taught in Wells County, Indiana. It was a subscription school taught by an Irishman, and held in a primitive log cabin, built with puncheon floor; a log cut out and the aperture covered with greased paper, served as a window, and the seats were made of logs. Mr. Studabaker attended the high school near Greenville, Ohio, one term, after which he attended the Jay County Seminary, at Portland, Indiana, one and a half years, and in the meantime taught in the district schools of Adams and Wells counties. He continued to teach school until the spring of 1851, when he began reading law in the office of Hon. Jacob M. Haynes at Portland, Indiana. In June, 1852, he was admitted to the bar at the same place, Hon. Jeremiah Smith presiding, and during the same month he settled in Decatur, where he began the practice of his chosen profession. He was married at Fort Wayne, Indiana, October 26, 1854, to Miss Harriet Evans, a daughter of Hon. John K. Evans. She was born at Shane's Crossing, Ohio, and in 1835 came with her parents to Adams County, Indiana, and received her education in the public schools of her neighborhood, and at the Methodist Female College at Fort Wayne. Mr. and Mrs. Studabaker have five children living - Mary J., wife of John Niblick, a merchant of Decatur; Lizzie F., wife of A. B. Morrison, a merchant and banker of Eckmansville, Ohio; Hattie, at home; Maggie, wife of William J. Vesey, an attorney of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and David, Jr., a student of the grammar school at Lima, Indiana. One son, John E., died at Decatur in May, 1869, aged eleven years. Mr. Studabaker practiced law at Decatur until 1883, a period of thirty-one years, and during this time was associated a number of years with James R. Bobo and John P. Quinn, both of whom were formerly students in his office. In connection with his law practice, he at an early day began dealing in real estate, which he has continued until quite recently. In 1852 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the district comprising Adams and Allen counties, serving as such two years, and in 1854 was elected a member of the State Legislature to represent Adams County in the lower house, and was re-elected in 1856. In 1858 he was elected State Senator by the district comprising Adams, Jay and Wells counties. In 1868 he was elected judge of the common pleas court for the district comprising Adams, Allen, Huntington and Wells counties. In 1869 he was identified with the building of the Richmond & Fort Wayne Railroad, and was elected one of its directors, which position he still holds. In 1871 he became a stockholder in the Adams County Bank, which was conducted as a private bank until 1874. It was then incorporated under the State law, and Mr. Studabaker was chosen one of its directors, and also vice-president, and in 1883 was appointed its president, which position he has since filled. Politically Mr. Studabaker affiliates with the Democratic party. He is numbered among the active and public-spirited citizens of Decatur, and is always interested in any enterprise calculated to be of benefit to his town or county.
For a photo of David Studabaker.

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


JAMES THOMAS MERRYMAN, attorney, a member of the firm of France & Merryman, Decatur, Indiana, was born in Washington Township, Adams County, Indiana, October 1, 1854, a son of Charles Wesley and Mary Ann (Archbold) Merryman. His father was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, July 2, 1827, a son of Zachariah and Mary Merryman, of English-Scotch extraction. He obtained a good common-school education by his own efforts, having been left an orphan before the age of ten years. He came to Indiana in 1836, when he obtained employment, and when not at work devoted his time to study until twenty years of age, when he began teaching school, which he continued until August, 1862, when he enlisted in the defense of his country and was assigned to Company H, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry. He served nearly three years, when he was discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, the war being ended. He participated in many severe engagements, among the more important being those at Bull Run, Chickamauga and Nashville. After his discharge he returned to Adams County and engaged in farming until his death, which occurred February 5, 1870. In polities he was a Republican. He was married October 18, 1848, to Mary Anu Archbold, a native of Ohio, daughter of James L. and Malinda Archbold, of Irish and German descent, who came to Adams County in 1836. To them were born six children, but four of whom are living - Jonathan and Zachariah, farmers of Washington Township; Susie and James T. A daughter, Eliza J., died in July, 1878, aged twenty-six years, and a son, Henry L., died June 5, 1884, a few days before he would have graduated from the Normal School at Valparaiso, Indiana. The mother still lives in Adams County, making her home with her children. She has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since her girlhood, her husband being a member of the same church. James Thomas Merryman was educated in the schools of Decatur, and when sixteen years old began teaching, following that vocation during the winter until manhood. In 1876 he was deputized clerk of Adams Circuit Court, by Byron H. Dent, and also served under his successor, Henry Krick, until 1880, when he was employed as clerk in the Adams County Bank. In the meantime he devoted his leisure time to the study of law, and was admitted to the bar at Decatur in 1881. In 1882 he was elected the first mayor of Decatur and served one term. In January, 1883, he became associated with John S. France in the practice of his profession. Mr. Merryman is a member of St. Mary's Lodge, No. 167, and Decatur Encampment, No. 138, I.O.O.F., and has received all the honor's of both. He has been a representative to the grand lodge and also to the grand encampment of the State of Indiana. He is also a member of Decatur Lodge, No. 511, A. F. & A. M. In polities he is a Democrat. He was married August 29, 1878, to Miss Louisa P. Albers, a native of Willshire, Ohio, daughter of August L. and Eve C. Albers. She was reared in Adams County, and educated in the Decatur schools. Mr. and Mrs. Merryman have had three children - Matie June, Iona Dale and Charles August. Iona died September 15, 1884, aged three years. Mr. and Mrs. Merryman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

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


JOHN NUMBERS, deceased, formerly of Root Township, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1826, and when a boy was taken by his parents to Fulton County, Ohio, thence to Wayne County, where he grew to manhood and where he was married January 31, 1848, to Miss Mary Jane Yocum, who was born in Wayne County July 4, 1827, where she was reared, educated and married. In 1851 they removed to Decatur, this State, where they lived two months. The family consisted of parents and one child, Myrtilla Jane, who was born in Wayne County June 12,1850, and is now a teacher. Elmore L. was born January 10, 1853, in Monmouth, in the house where the father first settled, and where the widowed mother is now 1iving. The father was a mason by trade, which he followed during the summer, and worked at shoemaking during the winter. His parents were John and Nancy (Linton) Numbers, both of whom died in Wayne County, Ohio. The mother died in the summer of 1886, aged ninety years. John Numbers, our subject, died November 18, 1854, of typhoid fever, and is buried in Monmouth cemetery. Mrs. Numbers' parents were Abraham and Mary (Hoffman) Yocum. The father was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania,, December 15, 1790, and died March 8, 1872, at the house of Mrs. Numbers. The mother was also born in Lancaster County, July 4, 1796. At the death of her husband she made her home with Mrs. Numbers, and died June 20, 1881. The parents were reared and married in Pennsylvania, removed to Wayne County, Ohio, thence to this county in 1851. They had six children - John, Rebecca (deceased), Mary Jane, Martha, who lives in Ashland County, Ohio, Anes, living in Chicago, and Elizabeth. Both Mr. and Mrs. Yocum were of German descent. Mrs. Numbers' grandparents, Henry and Martha Hoffman, were born in Germany. Elmore L. Numbers was reared and educated in the schools of Monmouth, and commenced teaching at the age of eighteen years. He has since followed that occupation during the winter seasons. He was married March 28, 1876, to Mary S. Vaughan, who was born in Allen County, this State, May 24, 1858, daughter of Joel and Nancy (Coverdale) Vaughan, natives of Ohio. The father died in July, 1876, aged forty-eight years; the mother is living in Blue Creek Township. They have four children - W. Roy, Nancy J, Linton V. and Ethel B.

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


DAVID B. LINTON, an active and enterprising farmer of Wabash Township, residing on section 33, was born in Wabash Township, Adams County, Indiana, March 18, 1842, son of Samuel and Margart (Walker) Linton. He grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving his education in the common schools of his native county. Mr. Linton engaged in farming on the home farm in Wabash Township until February, 1865, when he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, serving until the following July, when he was taken sick with measles, and received his discharge, when he returned to his home in Wabash Township. He was first married January 9, 1869, to Miss Margaret O'Harrow, who was born in Gallia County, Ohio, and to this union was born one child, who died in childhood. Mrs. Linton died September 14, 1869, and August 24, 1876, he was again married, to Mrs. Amy T. Wheeler, a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, born September 26, 1842, a daughter of Jacob and Temperance Tederick. One child has been born to bless this union - Iretta Pearl, who was born July 12, 1877. Mrs. Linton was first married January 31, 1863, to Zeadock M. Wheeler, a native of Jay County, Indiana, and to this union were born three children - James L., George H. (deceased) and Merton D. (deceased). Mr. Wheeler died September 13, 1873. Mr. Linton settled on the farm in Wabash Township after his marriage, where he has since resided, engaged in agricultural pursuits. His farm contains sixty acres of choice land, all well improved and under fine cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Linton are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In polities Mr. Linton is a Republican, and since coming to the county has had several local offices. 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


WILLIAM H. H. FRANCE, superintendent of the Adams County infirmary, was born in Vermont July 29, 1841, son of Frederick and Alice France, the former also a native of Vermont and now deceased, and the latter a native of Vermont. In 1847 the parents emigrated to Licking County, Ohio, where they lived until 1853, then came to Adams County. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are living - Charles M., attorney at law, living in Bluffton; Philemon T., of Van Wert County, Ohio; Martha P., of Willshire, Ohio; Mary M., also of Willhire, and William H. H. The mother has made her home in Adams County since the death of the father. Mr. France has always been engaged in farming from his boyhood. He received a rudimentary education in the early district schools. He was married August 26, 1860, to Miss Phebe M. Matthewson, a native of this county, and a daughter of Joshua and Almira Matthewson, who were born in New England, and were early settlers of Adams County. The father purchased a farm in St. Mary's Township, and entered forty acres from the Government. Mr. and Mrs. France have had four children - Edwin W.; Alice A., wife of Jeremiah Archer; Charles M. and Osa M. Mr. France was a resident of St. Mary's Township until 1888, then removed to his present home in Washington Township. He served as constable in St. Mary's Township, and as justice of the peace eleven years. In 1883 he was appointed superintendent of the Adams County Infirmary for six years. He owns a farm of eighty acres in Washington Township. Politically he is a Democrat, and is also a member of St. Mary’s Lodge, No. 167, I.O.O.F.

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


HIRAM L. GLADDEN, farmer, section 7, Union Township, owns 160 acres of land on the southwest half of the section. He was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, ten miles west of Steubenville, August 31, 1822, and when four years of age was taken by his parents to Ashland County, where he grew to manhood, spending his time on his father farm. His parents were James and Hannah (Dickey) Gladden. The father was born in Jefferson County, and died in Ashland County during the war, aged about sixty years. The mother was also born in Jefferson County and died there when her son Hiram was two years old. He was reared hy a step-mother who resides on the homestead in Ashland County. Hiram was the fourth of five children - Absalom died in infancy; Harriet resides in Macon City, and is the wife Samuel Black; Elizabeth married Adamson Tannehill, and died in Defiance County, Ohio; Drusilla married Sriles Winters. The second wife had twelve children, nine of whom are living - Hannah, Rachel, Caroline, Lovina, Martha, Joseph, Louisa, Emma and Leroy, The deceased are - Madison, Margaret and Emeline. Hiram was married February 27, 1851, to Miss Elmira Snyder, who was in Washington County, Pennsylvania, August 20, 1829, and when a child went with her parents to Ashland County, Ohio, where she was reared and married. Her parents were Samuel and Mary (House) Snyder. The father was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Ashland County, Ohio, aged about seventy years. The mother was born in Washington County, same State, and also died in Ashland County at an advanced age. There were five daughters and one son in her father's family - Catherine, Sarah, Elmira, Henry, Mary A. and Eliza; all area living except Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Gladden have one child - Elvaretta J., born December 19, 1853, in Union Township, where she was reared and married December 17, 1874, to William M. Scott, who was born in Defiance County, Ohio, September 1, 1850. He died January 1, 1878, leaving one child, Ota May, born February 25, 1877. Mr. Scott was the son of Mathew and Sarah A. (Minear) Scott. The grandfather of Mr. Gladden, Joseph Gladden, was born in Pennsylvania, and died in in Jefferson County, Ohio, having been married three times. His maternal grandparents were born in Ireland. The Snyders are of German ancestry, and the Gladdens of English, Scotch and Irish. Mathew Scott was born in Wayne County, Ohio, December 18, 1823, and lived with his father until 1844, when he went to York County, Pennsylvania, where he married Sarah A. Minear, who was of born in said State and county August 28, 1826. In 1850 they settled in Defiance County, Ohio, two miles north of Hicksville, where he lived until his death, which occurred April 17, 1874.

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


GEORGE W. ARCHBOLD was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, November 7, 1837, son of John A. and Elizabeth (Gibson) Archbold, of Irish ancestry. His brothers were Joseph, Willam and Thomas, the latter of whom survives. His sisters were Letta Ann, Sarah, Fannie and Rebecca, Rebecca and Fannie surviving. His father was born in 1809, in the State of Ohio, and the mother in 1809 also, in the State of Virginia. His mother's brothers were George, William and Hugh; her sisters were Mary, Jane, Susan, Catherine and Isabella. His grandfather, Patrick Archbold, emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio, thence to Wells County, this State, where he passed the remainder of his days. His maternal grandfather, George W. Gibson, removed from Pennsylvania to Virginia, thence to Ohio, where he died about the year 1855. His paternal grandfather served in the war of 1812, receiving an honorable discharge and a land-warrant from the Government. His grandfather Gibson owned 200 acres of land. His ancestors were all farmers. Mr. Archbold came to Adams County in the year 1851, and engaged in farming with his father, who owned 120 acres of land, which the heirs now own. Besides the homestead farm, the father gave his son Thomas forty acres, William forty acres, and James twenty-six and two-thirds acres, the last tract being situated in Wells County. The father had been a member of the Presbyterian church a great many years at the time of his death, which occurred December 23, 1885. He was an intelligent, public-spirited man. He held the office of justice of the peace in Preble Township about twenty years; served as administrator and guardian; held official positions in Ohio; aided by contributions and otherwise in the erection of various churches, and at the time of his death had made a request that $100 be paid toward the building of the Presbyterian church in Jefferson Township, Wells County, this State. He left his wife comfortably situated in a pleasant home in Decatur, of which she holds a life lease. She has been a kind and affectionate wife and mother, and has been a consistent member of the Presbyterian church for many years. George commenced teaching school when quite young, which profession he pursued until after his marriage. This occurred February 16, 1860, with Miss Martha Russell, who died June 19, 1876. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died in that faith. Mrs. Arcbbold's father was Levi Russell, and her mother was formerly Melinda Andrews, who died before Martha's marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Archbold had eight children - Elizabeth, born January 8, 1861; Melinda, born June 30, 1862; Evaline, born July 12, 1864; Enos W., born July 14, 1866, died January 12, 1871; Mary Stella, born May 10, 1870, died February 10, 1871; Levi, born May 23, 1872, died December 17, 1874; Edna E., born July 31, 1875, died June 7, 1876. Elizabeth and Harvey Hessler were married July 3, 1884, and they have one child - Mary Christina; Melinda and Adolph Hart were married September 2, 1880, and they have two children - Blanche and Bertha; Evaline and David Aicher were married June 8, 1882, and they have had two children - Harvey, deceased, and Susan. November 21, 1878, Mr. Archbold was married to Christina Meibers, and they have had one child - Charles L., born March 9, 1880. Mrs. Archbold's parents, John and Catherine (Heiderman) Meibers, were born in Germany. Her father immigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence to Decatur, where he embarked in the mercantile trade, which he carried on successfully many years. He served two terms as treasuirer of Adams County. He is now retired from active business, and has the satisfaction of knowing that he shares the confidecce and respect of all his neighbors and friends. He is an extensive property owner, and a devout member of the Catholic denomination, to which church his family also belong. Mr. Archbold's brothers are Thomas, William, James, John and Ezra; his sisters are Margaret, Mary Jane, Rebecca Ann, Sarah, Catherine and Martha. He removed from Decatur to Pleasant Mills in 1850, at which village he was appointed postmaster under the administration of President Hayes. That same year he was also appointed station agent of the T D. & B Railroad, now known as the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Railroad, at Pleasant Mills. He retained that office seven years, during which time he was agent of the American and United States express comipanies. He retained the office of postmaster until the election of President Garfield, and in 1885 was appointed to that office under President Cleveland, which position he still holds. He commenced life with little or no capital, and despite surrounding circumstances, which by no means have always been favorable, he has overcome all indebtedness and opposition. He possesses a large stock of general merchandise, and has a rich and comfortable home at Pleasant Mills, besides his family residence at Decatur. He is a member of Decatur Lodge, No.167, I.O.O.F., and an accepted candidate of the encampment.

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


RUFUS K. ALLISON, a member of the general mercantile firm of Allison, Morrow & Co., of Berne, is a native of Adams County, Indiana, born in Linn Grove, September 7, 1863, a son of Robert B. Allison. He was reared to manhood in his native county, and received good educational advantages, and in 1881 graduated from the Decatur High School. After leaving school he came to Berne and took charge of his father's interest in his store, the firm being R. B. Allison & Co., and January 7, 1887, he came into possession of his father's interest, the firm being now carried on under the name of Allison, Morrow & Co., this being cousidered the leading mercantile business in Berne. Mr. Allison was united in marriage, September 7, 1886, to Miss Viola Foster, who was born March 16, 1864, and is a daughter of Joseph Foster, who is engaged in farming and is a prominent stock dealer in St. Mary's Township, Adams County, Indiana.

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


SAMUEL MAURER, engaged in farming on section 18, Jefferson Township, where he has forty acres of choice land, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, November 2, 1828, a son of Daniel Maurer. When he was five years old his parents moved to Sandusky County, Ohio, and there he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the common schools of that county. He served an apprenticeship of three years at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years. He enlisted in the late war November 15, 1861, in Company B, Seventy-second Ohio Infantry, serving until February, 1863. He was at the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, where he received three slight wounds. He contracted rheumatism while in the army, and now draws a pension. After his discharge he returned to Sandusky County, and April 13, 1884, he came to Adams County, Indiana, and settled on his present farm, which he had purchased two years before coming to this county. He has been four times married. His first wife was Elizabeth Henricks, a native of Sandusky County, Ohio, born August 27, 1831. She died February 24, 1856, leaving two children - Salome and Rebecca. Mr. Maurer was again married May 22, 1858, to Miss Margaret Blyth, who died in 1860. He then married Miss Susannah Vantze, a native of Ohio, who died March 9, 1867, aged twenty-three years and five months. Two sons were born to this union - George B. McClellan, and William T. Sherman. Mr. Maurer was married the fourth time July 28, 1867, to Mrs. Ann (Burket) Selser, who was born July 19, 1832, in Perry County, Ohio, and to this union have been born four children - Phebe E., Sarah A., Mary C. and Emma N. Mrs. Maurer was first married to Joseph Selser, a native of Sandusky County, Ohio, his parents being early settlers of that county, and were of German descent. He died in Sandusky County. By her first marriage Mrs. Maurer had three children - William F., Joseph and Nettie J. Both Mr. and Mrs. Maurer are of German descent, and can speak the German language.

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


SAMUEL LINTON, deceased, one of the old and honored pioneers of Adams County, was a native of Ohio, the date of his birth being November 16, 1807, his father being a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother born in the State of Virginia. He was reared to manhood in Darke County, Ohio, where he followed agricultural pursuits till 1838. He was married September 8, 1831, to Margaret Walker, who was born in what is now Kanawha County, West Virginia, September 20, 1815, a daughter of James and Hannah (Kincaid) Walker, the father born in Greenbrier County, Virginia. Her parents were united in marriage in Greenbrier County, and removed to Darke County, Ohio, being among the early settlers of that vicinity. In 1850 they removed to Adams County, Indiana, where they died in the year 1871. They were the parents of twelve children - two of whom died in childhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Linton were born eleven children - Hannah M. (deceased), Jane H., James W., William A., David B., Elizabeth T. (deceased), Samuel H. (deceased), John P. (deceased). Mary F. (deceased), Joseph H. and Sarah M. In November, 1838, Mr. Linton came with his family to Adams County, Indiana, and entered 120 acres of land on section 33, Wabash Township, where he resided till his death with the exception of a short time spent in the mercantile business at Geneva. He came to Adams County with limited means, but by his persevering industry and indomitable will he succeeded in his farming operations, and left his widow, who still occupies the old homestead, in comfortable circumstances. He died Oetober 24, 1871, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for thirty-two years, and a class leader for twenty years. Mrs. Linton is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

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


E. D. MOFFETT, proprietor and editor of the Decatur Journal, was born in Fostoria, Ohio, August 7, 1852. His father renoved with his family to Wood County, Ohio, in 1860, and there Mr. Moffett passed his early life, and lived until he came to Indiana. He received a thorough grounding in English education in the public schools and also at Republic, Ohio, in the normal school. Beginning at the age of sixteen, he taught school during the usual school months for eight years. In 1878 he established a paper at Weston, Ohio, which he published six years. In 1884 he came to Decatur and bought the Journal, as above stated. Mr. Moffett is a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was married in 1878 to Miss May Phillips, of Millgrove, Ohio, and they have four children - Fanchon, Paul, Mark and James.

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


Deb Murray