It was to the Adams county land owned by his father that Lewis Long removed in 1862. He was married May 29th of that year and brought his bride to Adams county. The land was rough and uncleared and the task of bringing it under cultivation was a huge undertaking. However, by industry and close attention he succeeded in clearing the greater portion of the land and in making it productive. His wife, who was Miss Mary Blair, a daughter of Charles and Catherine (Lang) Blair, was an able assistant to her husband and was a fine type of a hardy, resourceful pioneer woman. She was bom in Ireland , but came to this country when young. Her parents never left Ireland and are buried there. Mr. and Mrs. Long are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living. Charles, the eldest of the family, died some years ago and George B., Wiiliam, Eva, Russell, Alonzo, Daisy and Leona are living.

Mr. Long is the owner today of a fine farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres. The land is well cleared and highly improved. The buildings are modern and adequate. The farm is well fenced and admirably drained. The owner follows general farming and his crops are large and profitable. He raises stock and his cattle and Shropshire sheep and Poland China hogs are among the best of their breed in the county. He raises bronze turkeys and these domesticated birds are raised on the land where wild turkeys and other game were shot in the owner's early days. In addition to his farm work Mr. Long is an expert carpenter and has followed this trade for more than fifty years. He is a progressive man and one who is generally esteemed. He served for seven years as a justice of the peace and was a member of the Grange of his neighborhood when that body was in existence. His family worship at the Methodist Episcopal church and give this denomination their hearty and generous support. The subject was raised a Presbyterian, but he never affiliated with any church. He is a Democrat.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,(image 557)

When he grew to manhood he decided to make a start for himself. His fathed died in Wayne county in 1873 and the following year his son was married to Rachel Baldwin, a daughter of Thomas and Diadema (Tigle) Baldwin. Like the father of Mr. Love, his wife's father was a native of North Carolina . Her mother was born in Wayne county, but the family lived in Randolph county, of which section of Indiana they were old settlers. Following his marriage to Miss Baldwin, Mr. Love decided to move to Adams county. He did this and purchased a farm of sixty acres, all but five of which are now under cultivation. This farm has been cultivated and improved by Mr. Love since he came inco possession of it in 1886, and is a valuable piece of property.

After reaching Adams county he turned his attention to carpenter work. He developed this business until it became a source of great profit. He took contracts for the erection of buildings and became one of the most successful and best known builders of the county. Among the structures that stand as monuments to his ability are several school buildings in various parts of Adams county. In addition to these buildings he has planned and erected many large barns on various farms of the county. His work in all particulars has given the utmost satisfaction and has been of a high order.

Mr. and Mrs. Love have become the parents of seven children: Clayton and Alfred, living in Randolph county; John, an oil well driller of Geneva ; Orlie, who lost his life in a railroad accident; Mary, married and living in Ceylon; Nora, married and living in Lafayette, and Maud, married and living near Geneva.

Mr. Love is a member of the Republican party and an enthusiastic worker in its interests. He has not aspired to office but has ever had the good of his party at heart. He is an earnest and esteemed member of the Beme Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with his family worships with the Friends congregation.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,(image 555)

When he bought his land it was heavily wooded and had to be cleared before it could be made productive. He labored at the task of clearing the land, and when a portion was cleared he returned to Ohio . After spending two years in Ohio he came back to Wabash township. He resumed the work of clearing his tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres and in time accomplished this. However, he permitted thirteen acres to remain in timber and pasturage. The farm is today one of the best and most attractive in the township. The residence on it and the barns are in excellent shape and are thoroughly modern. The fencing is strong and ample, and Mr. Miller has laid about fifteen hundred rods of tiling. In every respect the farm is productive and profitable and has been brought to a high state of fertility and cultivation.

The marriage of Mr. Miller and Miss Naomi Nelson was celebrated in 1860. Before her death Mrs. Miller bore her husband seven children: Emma. Mary, William, Franklin, Carrie, James and Isaac, who died in infancy. Following the death of his first wife Mr. Miller contracted another marriage in 1872. His bride this time was Miss Martha Boehm, a daughter of Barnett and Sarah (Huddle) Boehm. His wife's parents came to Indiana from Virginia and settled on a farm in Wabash township, Adams county. Later they moved to Jay county, where they lived until their deaths. As the result of this marriage eight children were born: Katie O., John A., Howard, Tilden, Barney, Nellie, Vernon and Goldie.

Mr. Miller's life has been a busy one, filled with energetic work. He was employed at times during fifteen years of his life in Adams county as a carpenter and helped in the construction of many of the buildings in the county. He has brought his farm to a model basis, and he enjoys a comfortable competence. In addition to tilling his acres he raises stock. His farm is well provided with good grades of shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and these he sells at excellent prices. He is a man who takes an interested part in the things that are going on about him. He is an active worker for all measures that mean the improvement of his neighborhood, and although giving his complete allegiance to no party has served ten years as a trustee of Wabash township. He affiliates with no lodge, but is an active and consistent member of the Disciples' church. He is a respected citizen and a good neighbor, and his advice and counsel are frequently sought by his fellows.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,(image 553)

The Armstrong' brothers are the owners of three hundred and forty-eighty acres of farm land in Adams county. All of this land is under cultivation and the brothers follow a general farming business, at which they have been uniformly successful. In addition to raising crops that are profitable the brothers raise much stock. Their strains of shorthorn cattle, Duroc and Poland China hogs and horses are among the best in this section of the state. They take especial pride in their breeds of stock, and are continually improving the strains. The greater part of the work of clearing the original place this family occupied in Adams county fell upon Charles. His father had the misfortune to be an invalid and partially incapacitated for manual labor. Young Charles, as a result, went to work in the fields of his father's farm almost as soon as he was tall enough to grasp the handles of a plow. He worked earnestly and faithfully and much of the fertility and productiveness of the place today is due to his labors and faithful attention to the management of the farm.

Mr. Armstrong is one of the most highly respected men of his community. He is a man who is alive to the needs of his township, and is one of the most earnest in working for these needs. In politics he is a Democrat, but in county and township affairs is guided in his voting by the qualifications of the man for the office rather than any party dictum. His farm is well improved and is one of the best in the neighborhood. He has the credit for all the improvements, and can say that it indicates the work of an intelligent and consistent worker. He is not a member of any lodge. The entire family of Armstrongs were Christian people, members of the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Armstrong, mother of our subject, has lived longer in this neighborhood than anyone else living. Their only neighbors were Indians. The first year they lived here all their cattle were killed by wolves. They endured many hardships and for the first few years lived on wild game.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, p. 272 (image 551)

Daniel Beeler followed the fortunes of his father for the years succeeding his birth. He was educated in the common schools of the day and learned the art of agriculture. There was nothing about his early life that made it differ materially from the lives of the average boys of his time. He worked hard and his pleasures were the rude pastimes of his pioneer neighborhood. After reaching his majority Daniel Beeler married Miss Rachael Hilleary, a daughter of Enos and Rachael (Rickner) Hilleary. Her father was a native of Virginia and her mother of Licking county, Ohio . Mr. Hilleary was a carpenter and followed this work in addition to agriculture. He spent his life in Ohio , never coming to Indiana , and died in that former state in about 1876. His wife died three years before his own death occurred.

After his marriage Mr. Beeler devoted all of his attention to agriculture. He improved his farm from time to time. He constructed ditches and laid tiling as it became necessary and so reduced the greater part of his homestead to cultivation. As the needs of his farm and its increased productiveness presented themselves, he erected better and larger buildings and now has his original estate equipped with a fine home, substantial barn and other buildings. His fences are strong and kept in excellent repair, and altogether his estate is one of the best improved and most attractive in Adams county. He owns a total of one hundred and sixty-seven acres in this and Jay county, Indiana, and almost the whole of these two farms are under cultivation. Mr. Beeler conducts a general farming business. He rotates his crops with judgment and applies modern methods in tilling the soil. In addition to his general farming business he raises much stock. His breeds of cattle, horses, sheep and hogs are of a high standard and are sold at profitable prices. In matters apart from business he is a man wide awake. He takes an interest in public affairs and in all matters affecting the general good. He is a member of the Prohibition party and gives this organization his support, but he has never been a candidate for political office. He is an esteemed citizen and with his wife supports the United Brethren church.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Beeler: Eva J., the wife of James Armstrong, a farmer of Washington township; Delia, the wife of Wilson Hollingsworth, and Samuel E. and May G., living with their parents.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,(image 549)

George Zehr obtained a good education in the public schools of his native land and in 1866, in order to better his financial interests, emigrated to America and located in Wayne county, Ohio , where he lived for two years, and then removed to Adams county, where he spent a year working at the carpenter trade. Subsequently he located in McLain county, Illinois , and also spent three years in Taswell and Livingston counties, Illinois . In 1872 he returned to Adams county and bought a farm of ninety-two acres, located "in section 19, Wabash township, which at that time was densely covered with timber excepting a tract of about ten acres. For a number of years their home was in a log cabin, but in 1887 this was replaced by a splendid two-story frame residence, followed two years later by the erection of a large barn, a large part of the carpenter work on both buildings having been done by Mr. Zehr. Today he owns as good a farm as can be found in Adams county, having put upon it many substantia! and permanent improvements. In addition to agriculture he gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock, in which he has been successful.

In 1872 Mr. Zehr married Miss Lydia Roth, daughter of Christian and Mary (Hirschy) Roth, the father a native of France and the mother of Switzerland . They came to America separately many years ago and settled in Adams county, Indiana, where they subsequently resided until death. Mrs. Zehr was born in French township, Adams county, and was here reared and received her education. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Zehr have been born ten children, namely : Christian, David, Jacob, Mary and Sarah (twins), Rosa, Enos, Simeon, William and Lillie, now deceased. The family are members of the Mennonite church and take an active interest in everything that tends to the upbuilding of the community.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,(image 549)

The marriage of Mr. Sellemeyer and Miss Savilla Kohler was celebrated April 17, 1884. The bride was a daughter of John P. and Mary Ann (Steiner) Kohler. Her father was a native of Switzerland , from which country he came to the United States early in the last century. Mrs. Sellemeyer was one of a family of eleven children born to her parents. Of this large family Peter and Mrs. Sellemeycr are living. William, John, Philip, Celestina, Calvin, Mary, Josephine, DanieUand Edward are dead. John Kohler after coming to America located for a time in the east. Later he removed to Wayne county, Ohio , where he lived and farmed for about five years. In 1858 he disposed of his Ohio place and removed with his family to Indiana . He purchased land in French township, Adams county, and continued to farm. In addition to his work on the farm he followed his trades of mason and plasterer and added to his income each year through the medium of the work he did for various farmers of the township. His wife lived on the Indiana homestead and was a faithful and able helpmate to her husband until her demise. She died in 1890. After the death of his wife Mr. Kohler lived, with his daughter and Mr. Sellemeyer until his own death, March 9, 1900. He was one of the most highly respected men of the township and his life had been of great benefit to the community in which he lived.

Mr. and Mrs. Sellemeyer are the parents of three children, all of whom are living. The eldest, Emma, is one of the best-known educators of Adams county. She is a woman of much initiative and has had a most successful career as a teacher. At present she is teaching in the primary grades of the public schools at Decatur . A second daughter, Matilda, is also a teacher and is at present one of the teachers of the Preble school in Preble township. Agnes, the youngest daughter, is attending the schools of her home district. In addition to his three daughters Mr. Sellemeyer has given a home and a parent's consideration and affection to Hulda Bauer.

The estate owned by Mr. Sellemeyer consists of seventy-five acres, all well improved and at a high stage of fertility and productiveness. He has practically made all of the improvements on his place without outside aid. He has lived on it continuously for twenty-one years. Two years of his life he spent working in a saw mill in Decatur before coming to his present farm. He takes an interested part in the affairs of his community. He is a member of the Democratic party, but has never held or aspired to public office. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed church at Decatur and are earnest supporters of this denomination.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,(image 547)

In 1855 James Wagner was married to Lydia L. Martz, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Lydic) Martz. Her father was a native of Maryland and her mother was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania . They came to Indiana and settled in the Adams county wilderness in 1838. They bought land in Monroe township and lived there until their deaths. Mr. Martz died in 1870 and his wife survived him twelve years and died in 1883. Thirteen children came to bless the union of James Wagner and Lydia Martz. Of these children nine are still living. Those living are: Mary, now Mrs. Andrews, of Columbus , Ohio ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Middleton, resides in Arkansas ; Louisa, now Mrs. Hunter, of Decatur; Nicholas, a farmer in Washington township; Ella, now Mrs. Estell, of Cincinnati , Ohio ; Eva, now Mrs. Dimond, of Hartford, Connecticut; Angie, now Mrs. Peterson, residing on the home farm; Leonard, residing in Fort Wayne ; Jesse, residing in Fort Wayne . Those dead are: Emily, Rena, Frank and Ida.

The entire life of Mr. Wagner has been spent on the family homestead. He has grown up with his township and has witnessed and taken part in many changes that have come about. He is a public-spirited man and enjoys the esteem and fullest confidence of his fellow men. He has served his neighbors in public capacities several years and has been a supervisor. He is an enthusiastic member of the Horse Thief Detective Association and other bodies devoted to the improvement and protection of the district. He votes an independent ticket, favoring the man rather than the party. With the members of his family he is a religious man and a supporter of churches. His home is pleasant and most comfortable.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,(image 543)

Daniel Weldy came to Adams county in 1845. He secured land in Kirkland township when that section of the county was in a wild state. The eighty acres of land he purchased was in the woods and the hand of man had done nothing to make them productive. However, Daniel faced his future without faltering. He hewed logs and built a rude cabin and began to clear the land. At ihe time wild game abounded in the forests, and many birds and animals fell prey to his unerring rifle. He was a keen sportsman and his skill as a hunter was one of the points of his younger years in the state. Once established in his new home he began to contribute his full share to the development of the county. He was an active, wideawake man and knew what it meant to form a new country. The necessities of life were obtainable, but something more than the mere necessities were what the pioneer citizens had come for. Education was a necessity and he realized the great advantages that would come to future generations through this medium. As trustee of Kirkland township he erected the first log schoolhouse in that township and in his long and useful life he was foremost in promoting educational facilities. He served his fellow citizens of Adams county and of his own township in a number of public capacities. He was a trusted public servant. He was a trustee of Kirkland township for fifteen years, a justice of the peace in the same township for eleven years, a member of the county commissioners for six years and a supervisor for a long term. During his incumbency of these offices he built school houses, pikes, and in many other ways contributed substantially to the improvement and development of the county. During all of these years he continued to live on his original farm. In all he spent fifty-seven years on his farm, and brought it to the very acme of fertility. He built comfortable and substantial buildings, drained the land thoroughly and has made of it one of the most valuable farms in the entire county.

Mr. Weldy was married to Miss Elizabeth Beery, a daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Miller) Beery. His wife's parents lived in Fairfield county, Ohio , and died there. Eleven children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Weldy. These are: Christian, Seth. William, Barbara, Sarah, Mary, Abraham, Rachael, Ellen, Daniel and Eli. In 1900 Mr. Weldy moved to Decatur and built a fine home on First street , where he still resides. He was at one time one of the largest land owners in Adams county, possessing more than eight hundred acres, located in three townships. He sold this land later. As a farmer he was a successful man. He raised much valuable stock, making a specialty of Berkshire and Poland China hogs and general purpose horses. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for more than forty years, becoming a member of this fraternity in 1863.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 543)

Thomas H. Baltzell received a common school education and has practically given his entire attention to farming and kindred pursuits. He obtained his present farm in a rough and unimproved condition, but by dint of persistent and strenuous personal endeavor he has converted it into one of the choicest farms in his county. He is the owner of two hundred and sixty acres of land, about two hundred and forty acres of which are under the plow, and devotes a large share of his time to the breeding of thoroughbred Shropshire sheep and Berkshire hogs, in which enterprise he has been very successful. He has also given some attention to public works, having contracted for several large ditches in the county, all of which he successfully completed.

On September 22, 1882, Mr. Baltzell was united in marriage with Miss Emma J. Andrews, daughter of T. H. and Sarah (Little) Andrews, the former of whom was a native of Ohio and came to Indiana in an early day, where he followed farming the remainder of his life. They were the parents of six children, namely: Marion, Ann a, Emma, Morton, Martha A. and Emma, who is now deceased. To the subject and his wife have been born nine children, namely: Vaughn, Walter T., Theresa, Ruth, Electa, John, Dent, Victor and Crystal . Mr. Baltzell is a Democrat and takes an active interest in all public matters of his county.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (page 263-4)

While the elder Randenbush was a farmer in his later life, he learned the trade of a blacksmith in his young manhood and worked at this trade for several years. He was a Republican, but never held any public office. He and his wife were members of the Evangelical church. William Randenbush was reared on his father's farm in Allen and Adams counties. He attended the public schools of his districts and secured a good English education. He learned what it meant to be a farmer and the busy life he led assisting his father in the cultivation of his farm prepared him for the labor of a like kind he was destined to do on his own estate. When he reached his majority he started out for himself. He worked in various sections of the county as hired helper for several years and out of his monthly earnings he saved money. He was frugal and of a saving nature and it was not long before he had accumulated enough money to invest in a farm for himself.

In 1885 he was married to Miss Delia Reynolds, a daughter of Elisha and Sarah (Roe) Reynolds. Her parents were among the older residents of Adams county and her father was born in that county. He is a plasterer by trade and followed that business for many years. He is still living in Decatur . Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Randenbush — Rolla E. and Alma L. Both children live with their parents.

Mr. Randenbush is the owner of one hundred and six acres of land. He secured his present property in 1902. It was partially improved when he purchased it, but he has added many improvements since it came into his possession. He has almost all of his place under cultivation and it is well drained and equipped with buildings and fences. He raises a good quality of stock and hogs. He is a Republican so far as his politics are concerned, and has served as a trustee of his home township, Blue Creek. Other than this he has not held office. He takes an active interest in county and township affairs, but devotes most of his time to the cultivation of his farm. He is a successful farmer and his crops are usually excellent and disposed of at a profit.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 539)

The latter child, who is the subject of this sketch, was the youngest of his father's family. He was reared on the original forty-acre farm his father entered from the government. It was located in Root township and was the home of the elder Daugherty until his death, October 1, 1896. During his life the elder Daugherty had added to his land holdings, and at his death he owned one hundred and twenty acres. He was a successful farmer and his estate at his death was well improved and at a most productive stage.

The marriage of Mr. Daugherty and Miss Jemima Evans was solemnized January 26, 1870. His wife is a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth ( Sparks ) Evans. Her parents were natives of Ohio . Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty. These children are: Blanche E., the wife of George Laughrey, a school teacher of Cicero , Indiana ; Lizzie I., the wife Clyde Davis; Claude D., employed in a store al Colfax, Indiana ; True, a student at Purdue University at Lafayette , Indiana , and Fanchion, who is a student at the Decatur high school and lives at home. As a general farmer Mr. Daugherty is one of the most successful in his section of the county. His farm consists of eighty acres, all under cultivation, and he raises excellent crops each year which he sells at a handsome profit. He has improved his farm from time to time and its appearance today is a delight to the eye of the beholder. The broad fields are enclosed by fine fences and the house and other buildings on the estate are modem and in excellent repair. Considered as a whole the farm is one of the most valuable and finest country homes in the county. The satisfaction of looking at his productive property and realizing that what is revealed is the result of his own labors is Mr. Daugherty's. He has led an industrious life and he has made the most of all opportunities that presented themselves to him. He is a wide-awake man and takes an interest in the affairs of his county and township. He is interested in all movements that are designed to elevate the community in which he lives or to add to its commercial prosperity. He contributes liberally to all such movements, and is a valuable citizen and a good neighbor. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, but is not to be considered as a public man in any sense of the word. He and the members of his family are members of the Lutheran church and he contributes generously to this denomination and to its objects. In politics he is a Republican.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 537)

Of this family J. J. Dailey was the fourth born. He spent his early life on the family farm in Saint Mary's township. His life was not unlike that of the average boy raised in northeastern Indiana in the pioneer days. He attended the winter sessions of the schools of his neighborhood and secured as good an education as the times and circumstances permitted. In the months between school terms he assisted in the cultivation of his father's farm and under the guidance of his father became in time a successful and skilled agriculturist. In 1873 he decided to make a start for himself independent of his father, and in line with this idea he purchased his present farm in Blue Creek township. This was a tract of eighty acres and was splendidly located. He now owns two hundred and forty acres.

He chose for his wife in 1873 Miss Samantha Robinson, who was a daughter of Abram and Nancy (Zimmerman) Robinson. Her parents were among the old settlers of the county and were large landowners. Her father was a farmer and was one of the most prosperous in the county. Both of her parents are dead. After his marriage Mr. Dailey set to work to clear and improve his farm. The land was practically virgin soil and the task of getting it under cultivation was a huge one. However, he was filled with the determination to succeed, and it was not long before he had the greater portion of his farm under cultivation and crops being raised each year at a profit. As the years progressed he improved his place. He ditched it and drained it thoroughly and built substantial fences. He improved the buildings that were on the farm and added to the house. He also erected a large barn, ninety by forty-seven feet, and built other outbuildings. In addition to cultivating the land, he raises stock. His breeds of Durham cattle and Duroc swine are famous over the county and he raises good strains of Shropshire sheep. Altogether, his place is one of the most valuable in the county and it is kept along lines of modernity and the best farm practice.

Apart from his business of farming he takes an interest in the affairs of his county. He is a Republican, but has never held office and does not aspire to any. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Dailey are the parents of twelve children. These are: Elmira , Nanny, Esaias, Mary, Mabel, Leina and Leona (twins), Viola, Wilmia and Wildus (twins), Stanton and Stanley (twins).

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 535)

William Waggoner was reared on the Blue Creek township farm. He received as good an education as it was possible to get in the section of the state where he was brought up at that time. When he grew to manhood he worked at the trade of wagon-making for a time; later gave this up and devoted all his time to farming. He has owned his present place of ninety acres for twenty-seven years. He also owned forty acres in Blue Creek township for a time, but disposed of this tract in 1905. He served one term, from 1889 to 1893, a s postmaster of Berne . When his term was ended he returned to his farm in Monroe township and resumed farming. He owns one of the best improved and most attractive places in the township. He has put all of the improvements on the place himself and has built almost all of the buildings on his farm. These are modern and substantial and the farm is admirably fenced and drained and is at a high point of productiveness. In addition to general farming he raises shorthorn cattle, Berkshire hogs and Shropshire sheep. He also raises horses for the market and he sells numbers.

Mr. Waggoner was married to Miss Julia A. Hedington in 1877. His wife is a daughter of Laben and Sarah (Daniels) Hedington, who are natives of Mount Vernon , Ohio . No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner. He is a good neighbor and a highly respected citizen. He takes an active part in the affairs of his community, but has not served as a public officer. He is a member of the lodge of Knights of Pythias at Berne and is active in promoting the welfare and prestige of this order. With his wife he is a member of the Christian church and subscribes heartily to the aim of this denomination).

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 531)

When they were well advanced in years and had accumulated a Competency they retired and spent their remaining years as residents of Bluffton , Indiana . They were the parents of seven children, of whom six are still living.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools at Bluffton, whither the family removed when he was six years old. When a boy he worked in the office of the Bluffton Banner. At the age of nineteen he purcbased the Geneva Herald and during the four years he published the same he had many valuable experiences which proved profitable. In 1891 he sold the Herald and purchased the Winchester Democrat, which he conducted for three years. Subsequently disposing of this, he removed to Decatur and formed a stock company which founded the Decatur Democratic Press, of which Mr. Ellingham was editor. Shortly after founding this paper the company purchased the subscription list and good will of the Democratic World and in August, 1896, purchased the Decatur Democrat, thus consolidating the home papers and publishing the same under the name of the Decatur Democrat.

In July, 1897, the subject of this sketch purchased the entire stock of the company and became sole proprietor. In January, 1903, he founded the Daily Democrat, which was the second daily published in Adams county. In July, 1906, he purchased the daily edition of the Decatur Journal and consolidated it with the Daily Democrat, which is now the only daily paper published in Adams county. It is a seven-column, four-page paper and has a circulation of more than three thousand. The weekly edition is a six-column, eight-page paper and has a larger circulation than that of any of its competitors. These papers are staunch supporters of the Democratic party, and Mr. Ellingham devotes his entire time and attention to the publication of same.

On January 2, 1895, Mr. Ellingham married Miss Nellie Miller, the daughter of Colonel M. B. Miller, of Winchester , and they are the parents of two children—Winnifred and Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Ellingham are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally Mr. Ellingham belongs to the Masons, Knights of Pythias and Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 451)

Judge Studabaker was born at Fort Recovery, Ohio, August 12, 1827. At eight years of age he was taken by his parents to Adams county and his father died when he was but thirteen. He was the eldest of his father's family and attended the first school taught in Wells county. This was a subscription school taught by an Irish schoolmaster. The building was rough with a puncheon floor. The windows were mere cut-outs, covered with greased paper, and the benches were hewed from logs and without backs. He studied in this nude school for some time and then spent one term in a high school near Greenville, Ohio . He also attended the Jay County Seminar, near Portland. He also taught in the schools of Wells and Adams counties and became an ardent scholar and a persistent one. About this time he decided to take up the study of law and to make the law his life profession. To this end he entered the office of Judge Jerc Haines and soon mastered the technicalities of the study. He applied for admission to the Adams county courts and passed a creditable examination. He was admitted to practice and at once began the work that made him famous and one of the most accomplished men in the profession in the state. Judge Studabaker was admitted to practice in June. 1852, and for more than thirty years he was a leader of his profession. In the course of his practice he was associated with James R. Bobo and John P. Quinn, both of whom studied in his office, and both of whom are dead. In the same year in which he began practicing' Judge Studabaker was elected prosecuting attorney of the district composed of Adams and Allen counties. He served in this capacity for two years and was then chosen a representative to the state legislature from the former county. He served in the session of 1854 and was re-elected for the session of 1856.

His political service was admirable and entirely to the satisfaction of his constituents. In 1858 they again called upon Judge Studabaker to represent their interests in the state's lawmaking body and returned him to Indianapolis as the senator for the joint counties of Adams, Jay and Wells. He served in the upper house with distinction, and after the close of the session returned to Decatur and resumed the practice of his profession. He was elected judge of the common pleas court for the circuit composed of Adams, Allen, Huntington and Wells Counties . Throughout his tenure of office as judge of this district he added much to his prestige as a member of his profession. He proved himself a most excellent judge. His knowledge of the law was profound, and his administering of the ends of justice was tempered with moderation and with consideration. The attorneys who practiced in his court found in him a man who was eminently fair and courteous and he filled the office to which he had been chosen with dignity and to his lasting credit. During his incumbency many important cases came before him for adjudication and in each case he displayed a wide range of learning and a keen desire to decide the issue with regard to the facts presented without prejudice.

In addition to his arduous duties as judge and as a practicing attorney the busy brain of Judge Studabaker was concerned with many other tilings. He was engaged in many lines of business and was a prominent figure in ail movements that were destined to promote the commercial interests of Decatur and Adams county. He dealt extensively in real estate and owned much of it in various sections of the country. He became the wealthiest citizen of his community and owned at his death large interests in producing oil property and bank stock. In 1869 he was one of the promoters of the Fort Wayne & Richmond Railway that later became the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway and finally passed into the control of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was a member of the first board of directors of this road and retained this position until his death. He was a director in a number of banks — the Old Adams County Bank, of which he was a stockholder and one of its founders, serving as vice president and later president when the bank became incorporated at a state bank; the Bankers' National Bank, of Chicago; the First National Bank, of Marion, Indiana: the Bank of Geneva and the Bank of Berne, and the First National Bank of Fort Wayne, and the Bank of Wren, Ohio.

Judge Studabaker was twice married. His first marriage occurred October 26, 1854, when he was united to Miss Harriet Evans, a daughter of the Hon. John K. Evans, a prominent figure in the state's history. Mrs. Studabaker died June 7, 1891. One son of this marriage, John E. Studabaker, died May 2, 1S69. The surviving children are: Mary, wife of John Niblick, of Decatur; Mrs. Lizzie Morrison, of Decatur; Miss Hattie Studabaker, of Decatur; Mrs. W. J. Yesey, of Fort Wayne , and David E. Studabaker, of Decatur . Judge Studabaker was married for the second time in June, 1895, to Mrs. Jennie Phelps, who survives him.

After a busy, useful and distinguished life, extending over the allotted span, Judge Studabaker died on the evening of May 3, 1904. His death followed an illness of but two weeks' duration and was due to a complication of causes. He contracted a cold while visiting a farm he owned and he was stricken as the result. He was kept alive through the use of stimulants for several days and retained his consciousness until within a few hours of his death. With his passing Decatur and the entire northeastern section of the state suffered a distinct loss. His loss was voiced feelingly in a comment appearing in the Decatur Democrat. It follows:
"In the death of Judge David Studabaker a worthy and honored citizen has lived his allotted time and passed to the great beyond. During his long life, covering a period of three score years and ten, we look back upon a busy, useful and active career, in which he rose from a self-educated boy to a school teacher, then a law student, lawyer, judge, banker, and in later years has been as busy and as energetic in the control and management of his many and varied personal interests. All of these he managed and directed to the last days of his last illness, and he died honored and respected to the highest degree. Such a life is worthy of the ambition that is rife in the mad rush of progress, and its simulation should be a high ideal among the youth who are striving to win laurels in the days and years to come. Judge Studabaker's public and private life is an open book, and upon its pages are written many good deeds of charity and encouragement. Public-spirited, kind and observant, his counsel and advice will be severely missed, but, thanks to the seed that has been sown, Judge Studabaker will live for many and many years to come."

The funeral of Judge Studabaker was a most impressive function. It was participated in by the entire city of Decatur. During the hours when the cortege wound its way through the city streets and services were held at the church, the home and the grave, all business in Decatur was suspended. Representatives of the banks of Fort Wayne, Chicago, Bluffton, Huntington, Geneva, Berne and other places in which Judge Studabaker had interests, were present and many other interests paid last and touching tributes. For two days the body of the aged jurist laid in state at his home surrounded bv manv beautiful emblems and crowds viewed it. Intimate friends and strangers, rich and poor, gazed on the features of a dead friend and sympathetic counselor. The services were conducted by the Rev. W. H. Daniel, assisted by the Rev. W. E. McCarty. A choir of twenty voices rendered favorite hymns of Judge Studabaker and the services were concluded by the solemn rites of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The funeral procession was over a mile in length and was headed by the Odd Fellows and the members of the Adams County Bar Association. The pall-bearers were: Judge James T. Merryman, T. H. Ernst, J. H. Stone, A. Van Camp, Henry Hite, M. F. Rice, John S. Falk and R. D. Patterson. The honorary pall-bearers were: George Pixley and B. W. Pixley, of Fort Wayne; Dr. Reasoner, president of the First National Bank of Marion, Indiana; Judge Dailey, of Bluffton; Judge O'Rourke, of Fort Wayne; R. B. Allison, of Decatur, and Judge D. D. Heller and Judge R. K. Erwin, of Decatur. Resolutions of regret and sympathy were passed by the Decatur Commercial Club and by the Fort Wayne Trust Company at a meeting of the board of directors of these institutions.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 447)

His father died when he was a mere child. His parents lived in Waterville, New York, and had planned for him a college education, but now it was not a matter of choice, but of necessity that he assist in the care of the family. His mother, a widow with several children, needed his labor to help feed and clothe them. Employment was found for Samuel in the village blacksmith shop. Here he worked and developed that manhood that can't be understood when read from books. He became practical in his ideas and estimates of conditions. He met men, learned their ways and what was expected of him in business affairs. His employers were prompt and required promptness of their employes, of which there were several besides himself. He in this manner learned that an hour in the morning is worth half the afternoon in life. As he worked and studied business methods he learned the management of men in keeping accounts and time rolls, but with an aspiring disposition, he most desired that he might some day manage a business of his own.

When about twenty years of age he joined the tide of emigration westward and came to Cincinnati and had no trouble in finding employment in a large cotton mill, at first in manufacturing thread, but his mechanical skill and his ability to successfully direct the action of others soon placed him in the line of promotion. His wages were increased as he was promoted to shipping clerk and he steadily advanced in the confidence of his employers, at the same time gaining for himself a vast amount of new business ideas. After five years' close attention to the duties of his position he was married to an estimable young lady acquaintance. His life could not have been happier. A permanent position at good pay, excellent health, a cheerful companion.

In 1831 a daughter came to add a charm to their cheerful home. Life's pathway seemed strewn with flowers. A clear, bright and hopeful future lay before him. His little child sickened and died. In a very few short months its mother followed her to the grave. This sad loss drove hope away; turned his bright future to a barren desert. In his heart he wondered why life in him still lingered on. He resolved to leave the scenes of mental desolation and go away back to the borders of civilization. With that idea in mind he packed his small leather trunk with what few articles he wished to keep, took his chest of tools and went by canal to Piqua, Ohio, bought an ox team, made a stone boat of plank and started down the Piqua road to Fort Wayne , then the only town in this region.

In the summer of 1833 he entered lands in what now is Adams county, a part of which subsequently became a part of Decatur . In Root township (Allen county then) a few years later he married Susan Ball, a daughter of one of the earliest residents. To them were born four children: J. Kirkland, DeWitt Clinton, Julius and Cornelia. These were a part of his family when in Decatur . This wife died in 1845 and in 1847 he married a third wife, Catherine Biggs, who 'lived but six years after her marriage. To them were born three children, only one of whom lived to maturity. Jay grew to manhood and became a soldier in the late rebellion.

To the liberal hand of Samuel L. Rugg many organizations and industries of Decatur owe a lasting remembrance. Through his untiring effort the old plank road from Fort Wayne to Saint Mary's left the straight and graded roadway up the Piqua line to pass through Decatur , then his new town. Before it came no business thrived or trade of any consequence left the Piqua road. In this enterprise Mr. Rugg sank hundreds of dollars and was financially crippled from its results. He built the first steam saw mill in the county and furnished the lumber for a number of miles of the plank road in 1852-3 in order that it pass through Decatur . To four of the principal churches in Decatur he donated their church lots. Do they ever mention the name of Samuel L. Rugg? When Mr. Rugg entered these lands in 1833 and petitioned that a new township be made in Allen county he saw a future county. When in 1835 he petitioned the state legislature for a separate county he saw a prospective county seat on the lands he had entered. When the county seat was established he saw an exercise of power, an action he more coveted than the money received in all his of his holdings or from the town lots sold. Yet that power was all for public good; not his own aggrandizement. He went to the senate in 1854 and a more diligent member could not be found in the general assembly. Many of the state laws on town and county matters date from the fifties. It has been truly said that ofttimes the most thoroughly educated men are not the most practical in public service. It is equally true that many who have not enjoyed extensive school training have executive ability in a high degree and are natural leaders of men.

Mr. Rugg was a thorough business man, a skillful accountant, a man of legal knowledge and one who was not afraid to perform the duties required of him. When a state public officer his plans for the collection and distribution of the revenues for tuition show him to have been an economist of rare merit. Much of the interest on congressional funds had not been accounted for, and. he at once began legal proceedings against the delinquent officers of the various counties and secured many thousands of dollars which rightfully were intended to educate the youth of the state. Here he again shows his desire to control, not wealth, but what money will buy, the education of the country's children.

After retiring from office he took up his residence at Huntsville , Alabama , and while visiting a son at Nashville , Tennessee , died a poor man at the age of sixty-five years and seven months, on the 28th of March, 1871. A marble monument in the old cemetery at Decatur , his old home, marks the last resting place of one of the ablest and best of Adams county's citizens.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 441)