Samuel Egly lived on hjs father's estate and assisted in its cultivation during his youth and young manhood. He was educated in the schools of his neighborhood and obtained as good an education as was possible in that district. He was married to Miss Fanny Schindler, a daughter of Christian and Barbara (Leichty) Schindler. Her father was born in France . Her mother was a native of Ohio . To this union five children have been born: Albert, employed in a bank in Grabil, Allen county; Katie E., at home; Adam, who assists in operating his father's business, William and Rachael, both at home.

Mr. Egly is the owner and operator of a flour mill in the town of Geneva . His mill is equipped with the most modern machinery and he does a large business. His products have a wide popularity and find a ready sale in the markets of the northern part of the state. In 1901 he became connected with the Berne Grain and Hay Company, but later sold out his interests. But before engaging in the milling business or connecting himself with the grain and hay company he operated his farm, to which he still devotes some of his time and attention. Now, however, he has given up the active work and management of his farm, which is located in Hartford township, and consists of eighty acres of excellent land, and rents the property.

In every respect Mr. Egly is a model citizen. He takes an active interest in all things and movements that are for the advancement of the material prosperity of his town and county and is a wide-awake man in all particulars. He is an adherent of the Democratic party and although he has not been an aspirant for party or public preferment, is high in the councils of his party in his district. With his wife and family he worships at the Mennonite church and gives his moral and material support to the affairs and projects 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 597)

When the subject was a young man of sixteen years and after the completion of his common school education he formed a partnership with his brother, Jacob S. Lutz, and engaged in the mercantile and drug business in Williamsport . They were successful in this line, in which they continued until 1882, when the subject came to Decatur and in the following year engaged in the real estate business in partnership with the late J. F. France. A year later Mr. Lutz took up the study of law in the office of France & Merryman and in 1885 was admitted to the bar and entered upon the active practice of his profession the following year. His course has been honorable and consistent from the outstart and he now ranks as one of the ablest lawyers in the Adams county bar, being held in high esteem not only by his fellow practitioners, but also by the citizens of the community. Mr. Lutz has a fine residence in the outskirts of Decatur.

On the 14th of October, 1885, the subject married Miss Ann a M. Lewis, who was born in Zanesville , Ohio , being the daughter of Dr. J. V. Lewis. To them one daughter has been born, Miss Jean B. Lutz.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 597)

Dr. Reusser received his early education in the Berne schools and later took a classical course for two years at the Tri-State Normal School at Angola . After finishing this course he taught school for three years. Casting about for a profession other than that of an educator, he decided to take up medicine. Accordingly he entered the Homeopathic Medical College at Chicago and pursued his studies in that institution for thiee years. During his summer vacations he read in the office of Dr. Ernest Franz, whom he selected as his practicing preceptor. In March, 1897, he completed his course in the medical school and was graduated and returned to Berne and commenced active practice of his profession.

One year before his graduation from the Chicago school Dr. Reusser was united in marriage to Miss Clara Bixler, a daughter of David and Anna (Luginbill) Bixler. Three daughters have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Reusser: Frances, Helen and Laura.

Since his establishment in Berne Dr. Reusser has come to be recognized as one of the leading members of his school of medicine of northern Indiana . He is a progressive man and is in complete harmony with the idea that a professional man to be a successful man must keep abreast with the developments of his profession. Dr. Reusser does this and is posted on the newest methods and discoveries in the realm of medicine and surgery. But his interest in life and its activities is not limited by his interest in his profession. His progressive spirit finds much for it to do in connection with the business and social affairs of his fellow man. He is, therefore, one of the public-spirited men of Berne and a mover in all things that are designed to improve or uplift the community. His business connections are varied and he is interested in a number of different lines.

His political affiliations are with the Republican party. However, like other men, he reserves the right to vote for the man best fitted for the particular county office rather than the party candidate. On national issues he votes with his party. With his wife and the members of his family he is a consistent and faithful member of the Mennonite church.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 599)

Nathan B. Shepherd spent his early life on his father's farm and grew to manhood there. In 1877 he started out for himself and engaged in the grain business with J. D. and O. W. Hale at his present location in Geneva as an employe. He continued in this business until 1898, when he was appointed postmaster of Geneva . This office he filled with credit and discharged all of its duties and obligations with intelligence and to the satisfaction of the citizens of his native town. In 1901 he engaged in his present business. Under his able management and attention this business has grown until it is one of the most important and largest of its kind in the county. He has of recent years enlarged the scope of his business and includes in his grain business dealing in hay, coal, cement and other similar products. He is a member of the Berne Grain and Hay Company. This concern was organized in 1901and stock in it is held by a number of farmers and dealers of Adams county. It has been developed from a comparatively small concern to a large business and the annual business done is gratifying to those who are interested in the company and who have been instrumental in promoting its prosperity.

In 1879 Mr. Shepherd married Miss Sarah C. Conner. His wife is a daughter of William and Catherine (Farber) Conner, natives of Jay county, Indiana, where her father was a carpenter and joiner. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd are the parents of four children, all boys. Earl is employed in the railway mail service, William is in a railway office at Fort Wayne and Charles and Clarence are in school at their home.

Mr. Shepherd has been a consistent voter of the Republican ticket and gives that party organization his loyal support. He served for a time as a member of the board of trustees. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities and is enthusiastic in the interests and work of these bodies. In religious matters he and his family support the Methodist church. His grandfather had the distinction of being the first member of this faith in Adams county and the first services of this denomination in the county were held at the grandfather's home and in his log cabin the first church was organized.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 599)

The subject of this sketch received a common school education and received two terms of instruction in the military college at Rensselaer , Indiana , subsequently graduating at the International Business College at Fort Wayne . After this he was employed as bookkeeper at the Old Adams County Bank for two years, after which he engaged in the horse business, buying and shipping horses from all over the west. In 1902 he engaged in the livery business, which he has since followed successfully, being now considered one of the leading concerns of this character here. In politics he is a staunch Democrat and religiously is affiliated with the Catholic church. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Eagles at Fort Wayne .

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 601)

In 1876 Mr. Hardison was united in marriage to Miss Maiy E. Brooking. His wife is a daughter of John Brooking, who was a sea captain. She was born in Newfoundland , where her father's home was located and where he lived. Two children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hardison: Bertha A., now the wife of H. O. Butler, engaged in the oil business at Geneva , and a son, Wallace B., living at his father's home.

Mr. Hardison is a man who takes an interest in public affairs, and has contributed to the development of his adopted home. He is a member of the Republican party, but has not held public office. His fraternal affiliations are represented by the Masons, of which he is a member, having attained the thiry-second degree, and by membership in the Salina ( Kansas ) Lodge, No. 28, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He owns considerable property in Geneva . Wallace L. Hardison, a younger brother of the subject of this sketch, lived for some time in Los Angeles , where he owned the Los Angeles Herald. He built this paper up to a very high standard and invested more than three hundred thousand dollars in it. He still lives in California . A nephew, C. P. Collins, is president of the largest oil producing company in the Indian Territory . Another brother of the subject of these lines, Harvey Hardison, was killed in a tunnel while exploring for oil by an explosion in 1890.

The Superior Oil Company, of Geneva , is a prosperous concern and of it Mr. Hardison is the vice president. The other officers arc: C. P. Collins, president; J. R. Leonard, treasurer, and Harry Heasley, secretary. The directors are: C. P. Collins, J. H. Hardison, J. R. Leonard, Harry Heasley and J. H. Evans.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 603)

Mr. Niblick was born in Decatur October 19, 1866. He is a member of a famliy that has been aggressively and prominently connected with the development of Adams county and long identified with its banking interests. He is a son of Jesse Niblick, who was a pioneer banker and merchant of Decatur , and who attained a high standing in the commercial life of his community. His father began his business life in a modest and small way. He conducted a small store for a number of years and later engaged in partnership in a general store that grew to large proportions. He also was instrumental in founding and organizing the Old Adams County Bank and was its president after its organization. He continued to act as president of the bank for a number of years and then resigned to devote his attention to his growing store. He was succeeded in the presidency of the bank by David Studabaker, but retained his place on the bank's directorate and was chosen vice president of the institution.

Charles S. Niblick was educated in the schools of Decatur and grew to manhood there. March 15, 1881, he entered the bank of which his father was the head in the capacity of a clerk. He had gained some commercial experience during the school vacations by clerking in his father's store. He filled various positions in the bank's employ for several years and was made assistant cashier. He learned the duties of a cashier under the able instruction of R. K. Allison, and when that gentleman resigned as cashier of the bank to engage in the lumber business Charles S. Niblick succeeded him. He assumed his duties as cashier of the bank November 12, 1906. During the time he had been associated in the bank with others a number of changes had taken place. David Studabaker, who was elected president of the bank to succeed Jesse Niblick, was in turn succeeded by William H. Niblick, August 1, 1894. December 26, 1906, Mr. R. K. Allison resigned his position as president of the bank, to which he had been elected after his resignation as cashier in November of the same year, and Charles S. Niblick was selected as his successor. This position he is still holding and in addition takes an active part in the management of the bank's affairs. On Mr. Niblick's elevation to the presidency of the bank he was succeeded as cashier by E. N. Ehinger.

During the years previous to and during the connection of Mr. Niblick with this bank it has grown to be one of the most important financial institutions in the northern section of the state. Its present capitalization is one hundred and twenty thousand dollars and its surplus is in excess of twenty thousand dollars. It is managed and conducted along the most conservative lines. The stock is held closely and a majority of it is in possession of the Niblick and Studabaker families.

In addition to his interest in the Adams County Bank Mr. Niblick is interested in a number of financial enterprises of the county. He is a stockholder and director in the bank of Wren, Ohio ; a director of the German Building , Loan and Savings Association of Decatur, and a member of the Decatur Commercial Club. He is an active citizen and is interested in all movements to improve the city of Decatur and to advance its commercial interests. Although he is an adherent of the Democratic party, he is not in any sense a politician. He is essentially a business man, but finds enjoyment in his membership in the Knights of Columbus ; also a charter member of No. 993, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is treasurer, and it is no detraction from his standing as a financier to say that he enjoys a game of baseball and is an enthusiastic "fan."

Mr. Niblick was married to Miss Minnie Waldron, of Niagara Falls , New York , January 8, 1889. For a short time before her marriage Miss Waldron was a resident of Decatur . Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Niblick. These children form a delightful family. They are: Naomi, Stewart, James, Charlotte and Margaret. Mrs. Niblick is a cultured woman and was educated in the best schools of Niagara Falls and Buffalo . She takes an active part in the intellectual life of Decatur and is a member of the city's literary clubs. Both Mr. and Mrs. Niblick are members of Saint Mary's Roman Catholic church and are devout and consistent Christians. Their home is one of the most attractive in Decatur and is a center of much social life and reflects an environment of culture and refinement.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 605)

Niblick & Company represents the largest enterprise of its kind in Adams county. The store carries a large and varied stock of day goods, notions, carpets, rugs, curtains, glassware, groceries and the like, and the annual volume of business done exceeds one hundred thousand dollars. A force of twelve people is constantly employed and John and Daniel Niblick give their personal attention to the operation and management of the growing business. The store building is owned by the Jesse Niblick estate and was erected by Jesse Niblick in 1876 at an original cost of twelve thousand dollars. This includes the cost of the bank building adjoining. The store has approximately seventy-five thousand square feet of floor space and is a building admirably adapted to the display and sale of goods.

Mr. Niblick is an active business man. He is interested in a number of Decatur enterprises and is considered an able financier. He is a director of the Old Adams County Bank and has taken an active part in the management of its affairs and contributed largely to its growth into a sound and substantial financial institution. For a time, from 1890 to 1896, he managed a grain business in Decatur and made it a successful enterprise. He is a man who believes in doing thoroughly that which he undertakes to advance the interests of his city. He is in the van of movements to build up the city and to increase its commercial significance. He is public spirited and a firm friend of education. He served for a number of years as a member of the Decatur school board and has always taken a keen and active interest in the educational progress of the city.

May 18, 1876, Mr. Niblick was married to Miss Mary J. Studabaker, a daughter of Judge David S. Studabaker. She is an accomplished and highly educated woman arid is a gradiiate of the Glendale Female College in the class of '75. Mrs. Niblick is prominent in the social life of Decatur . She is interested in movements started by women and is active in local and stale women's clubwork. She is president of the Eighth District Federation of Women's Clubs and has been instrumental in bringing peace out of chaos when the women's club life of Indiana was threatened by dissensions and factional disagreements. With her husband and family, she is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which denomination and its work both Mr. and Mrs. Niblick take leading and active parts. Mr. Niblick has been an officer of the Decatur church for many years and was secretary of the board for twenty-one years. In addition he is a delegate to the conferences of the church.

The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Niblick is most attractive. Their home is one of the social centers of Decatur and is characterized by refinement and culture. They are the parents of a number of most interesting children. These children are: Hattie, the wife of A. D. Suttles, a principal in one of the Decatur schools; Josephine, the wife of O. P. Edwards, of Leipsic, Ohio, where he is interested in a brokerage stone business and a bank ; Burton S., a student at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and Helen, attending the Decatur high schools.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 609)

The boyhood of Clement Lee Walters was spent in Decatur . He was educated in the common schools of the county, completing the regular course. He attended the normal schools at Angola and Valparaiso and Blackburn University at Carlinville , Illinois . When he was twenty years of age he began teaching and taught continuously for eight years. He taught in all the grades of the common schools and was selected as assistant principal of the Decatur high school, in which city he taught five years in the grades and high school. In the intervals between his school duties he read law and passing the bar examinations, he was admitted to practice in the Adams county courts.

Following the conclusion of his teaching period he engaged in the boot and shoe business. He continued in this business and in the general merchandise business until 1903, and then formed a partnership with Mr. John E. Kern to conduct a real estate business. This business was established in connection with a general mercantile business at Midland , Michigan , and it was in successful operation under the direction of these two men for three years. Mr. Walters then decided to take up his profession of law and to devote all of his attention to it. Accordingly he returned to Decatur and in September, 1906, he established his office. During the comparatively short time he has been engaged in practicing law he has built up a good practice and has gained much prominence. He is a man who, like his father, takes an active interest in politics. However, unlike his father, he is an adherent of the Republican party. He is an active and able worker for his party and has received honor at the hands of his fellow Republicans. He has served as chairman of his party organization in Adams county and was appointed a deputy internal revenue collector for the northeastern district of Indiana. He held this office for a year and then resigned.

He has been selected a number of times to represent his party at county and state conventions, and has proved an efficient worker for his party's interests and an able and wise counselor. He is still actively engaged in politics, but in business devotes himself exclusively to the practice of his profession.

The marriage of Mr. Walters and Miss Grace E. McConnehey was solemnized in 1896. Three children have been born to these parents: Robert K., Helen and Dorothy. Mr. and Mrs. Walters are devout members of the Methodist church and are among the most highly respected residents of their community. Both are educated people and their home is one of the most delightful in Decatur . Their social position in the community is exceptional and their home is the center of much of the social gayety of the city.

Mr. Walters is a thirty-second-degree Mason, being a member of the Bay City, Michigan, consistory; Elf Khurafeh temple of the Mystic Shrine at Saginaw, Michigan. Both Mr. and Mrs. Walters are members of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 611)

Of a family of eight children born to this estimable couple and consisting of Barbara, Matthias, Peter (deceased), Peter (living), Catherine (deceased), Catherine (living), John (deceased) and John (living), it will be seen that Matthias was the second in point of birth. He was eleven years of age when his parents decided to forsake their home along the Rhine and migrate to the United States . His youth was, accordingly, spent in the fatherland and he was educated in the parochial schools of his neighborhood. After coming to Adams countv he attended the common schools of his district and secured as good an English education as the circumstances and his environment warranted. In addition to his studies he assisted in the work of clearing and cultivating his father's farm and in time became a skilled agriculturist. He continued to live on the home estate and to assist in its cultivation and management until 1875, when he removed to Belmont , Illinois , and engaged in the mercantile business in that city. He spent the following twelve years in Illinois and in 1887 he returned to Indiana and settled in Decatur . He engaged in the lumber business after returning to Adams county, the firm name being Fritzinger & Kirsch. This partnership arrangement continued for the next two years, when Mr. Fritzinger sold his interest to A. H. Sellemeyer and the firm then became known under the name of Kirsch & Sellemeyer. This business is continued today. In addition to his lumber business Mr. Kirsch is interested in other commercial enterprises of Adams county. He is a stockholder in the Old Adams County Bank and in 1906 was elected vice president of this strong financial institution. He takes more than a passive interest in the affairs of the bank and is active to an extent in its management.

The marriage of Mr. Kirsch and Miss Amanda Langenbacher occurred in 1878. Mrs. Kirsch is a native of Preble township, Adams county, and is a daughter of Matthias and Harriet Langenbacher, who were early settlers of Adams county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kirsch: Delia, the wife of Frederick Reppert, one of the best known auctioneers of Adams county, and Otto L. and Harold, both at home with their parents.

Mr. Kirsch is one of the most highly esteemed men of his city and community a man whose advice is often sought on matters of importance. He is a shrewd and successful business man and one who takes an active part in furthering the interests of Decatur and Adams county. He is a director in the following companies: The Cement Roof and Block Company, Furnace Company, the Packing Company and the Automobile Works. In politics he is a Democrat and consistently votes the ticket of this party and works for its success. With his wife and the members of his family, he is a member of the German Reformed church and accords this denomination his hearty and generous support.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 615)

Daniel Niblick was born at the old family homestead in Decatur . Adams county. January 10, 1870. He spent his early life at his parents' home, where his mother is still living, and was educated in the Decatur schools. He was an earnest student and gained the esteem of his fellow students and his instructors. After finishing his studies in the Decatur schools he decided to take up a commercial life. Accordingly he entered the store of Niblick & Company as a clerk. In this move he laid the foundation of a successful career. The store of Niblick & Company has become an institution in Adams county. It has had a career of many years of successful business, having grown to be the most important general merchandise establishment in the county. It was founded years ago by Jesse Niblick, father of the subject of this sketch, and has been in the family since. When Daniel Niblick entered the store, February 1, 1887, he was seventeen years of age. He learned the business conducted by the store in a most thorough manner. He began at the bottom and familiarized himself with all the many details of the business. He progressed rapidly and March 3, 1897, ten years after he entered the store, he became a stockholder.

Since the death of Mr. Charles P. Ehinger, August 18, 1902, he has been manager of the enterprise and succeeded his brother, William H. Niblick, as secretary of the company operating the store.

June 20, 1894, Mr. Niblick was united in marriage to Miss Minnie D. Eiting, who had been an employe of the store for four years previous to her marriage. She was a native of Minster, Ohio . A family of four children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Niblick. Three of these children are living with their parents. They are: Omar John, Mildred and Harold. Velma, a daughter, died in childhood.

Mr. Niblick is a successful business man. He is a type of progressive merchant, and under his management the store of Niblick & Company has increased its business materially. It is a large establishment and is housed in an excellent and commodious building-. It controls a large proportion of the trade of Decatur and Adams county and is managed and operated along the most modern lines of merchandising, as its standing in the financial circles of northeastern Indiana is exceptional. In addition to his exacting responsibilities in connection with the store Mr. Niblick takes an interested and active part in the affairs of the county and his home city. He is a leader in movements designed to increase the commercial importance of Decatur and Adams county, and gives all such movements his hearty and liberal support. He is a Democrat in politics, but is not an aspirant for public office. With his wife and the members of his family, he is a member of the Saint Mary's Roman Catholic church and gives this church his earnest and liberal support.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 617)

William H. Niblick was born in Decatur March 19, 1855. He was the son of Jesse and Catherine (Close) Niblick. His parents were among the earlier settlers in the county and his father was a man of many affairs and a progressive business man. Jesse Niblick amassed a handsome fortune through his own unaided efforts and left an indelible impress upon the community in which he lived. He spent his entire life in commercial pursuits and founded the business conducted by Niblick & Company in Decatur . He began business in Decatur in a modest way, but he was a man of large abilities and he developed his properties until they assumed considerable proportions. Perhaps the most important event of his business career was the establishment of the Adams County Bank. Together with J. D. Nuttman, he recognized the need of a bank in Decatur to take care of the increasing business the development of Adams county as a farming community brought about. Accordingly he established a private bank with his partner in the mercantile business and this bank afterwards became the State Bank, still in successful operation in Decatur . Jesse Niblick was the first president of this bank and remained closely identified with its management and control, dictating many of its policies until his death.

The boyhod and youth of William H. Niblick were spent in Decatur . He was educated in the schools of his home city and after completing his studies entered the county auditor's office as a deputy. This was during the tenure of office of Seymour Worden as auditor. He served in the office of the county auditor until the organization of the bank by his father and Mr. Nutman. Then he gave up his public office and became the cashier of the new bank. He held the position of cashier under a number of different presidents of the bank until it was reorganized under the state laws of Indiana . This reorganization of the Adams County Bank was effected in 1894 and consonant with the reorganization he was elected president of the institution. He continued as president of the bank until his death, November 7, 1906. Under his direction the bank grew and expanded and its business was greatly increased. He was a conservative business man and he applied his principles of conservatism to his conduct of the bank's affairs. During his tenure of office a number of financial storms shook the country and many banks and concerns went to the wall. But the storms and buffetings did not disturb the course of the Adams County Bank. It withstood all shocks and emerged stronger and more confident after each fresh assault. Much of the credit for establishing the sound financial institution the bank represents today is directly due to Mr. Niblick.

But the claims that may be made for revering the name of William H. Niblick do not rest alone on his reputation and career as a careful and discerning financier. He was, above all, a good citizen. Keenly alive to the interests of his city and county, he was ever to be found in the front rank of those who were endeavoring to advance the moral, social and intellectual, as well as the commercial, interests of his community. He was a patron of education and enlightenment, and took much interest in these things. He co-operated loyally and generously in all movements that looked toward the betterment of his city, and was active in administering its affairs. He was a member of the Decatur city council, and in other ways demonstrated that he had the welfare of his city at heart at all times.

The marriage of Mr. Niblick and Miss Christina Miller was solemnized in Decatur , November 7, 1883. Mrs. Niblick is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Meibers) Miller and was born in Decatur , October 6, 1860. Her parents were natives of Germany and came to Indiana and settled in Adams county at an early date. They lived in Decatur until their deaths some years ago. They were the parents of five children, three sons and two daughters. Of this family Mrs. Niblick was the fourth in order of birth. In addition to his widow Mr. Niblick is survived by a son, Jesse George Niblick, the only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Niblick.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 619-623)

This farm consists of seven hundred and forty acres of fine land. It is improved and has been brought to a high point of productiveness and cultivation. In fact, it is one of the finest as well as one of the largest estates in the county. The land is fertile and well drained and fenced and the buildings, including the residence and barns, are modern, large and admirably adapted to meet the purposes to which, they are put.

The marriage of Mr. Studabaker and Miss Lucy A. Beane occurred at Goshen , Indiana , November 25, 1891. Mrs. Studabaker is a daughter of the late William A. and Sarah E. (Mercer) Beane, of Goshen , Indiana . The former was editor and proprietor of the Goshen Democrat. One child, a son, David B. Studabaker, has been born of the union, October 5, 1892.

Mr. Studabaker is one of the most extensive farmers and stock-raisers of Adams county. He makes a specialty of registered Duroc-Jersey swine and of fine grades of cattle. His strains of hogs and cattle are numbered among the best in the county. He is enthusiastic in fraternal matters and is a member of the Elks Lodge, No. 993, of Decatur, of which he has been secretary and is now esteemed lecturing knight; Decatur Lodge, No. 167, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Odd Fellows Encampment, No. 214.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 623)

Of this family of eight children Peter Kirsch is the third in order of birth. His boyhood was spent on his father's farm in Adams county. He attended the winter sessions of the schools of his immediate neighborhood and secured a good common school education. During the milder months of each year he assisted his father in the work of clearing, improving and cultivating his farm and learned the lessons of thrift and frugality that he applied so successfully in his after life. He stayed with his parents on the home farm until he grew to manhood and was a dutiful son and an industrious young man. After reaching his maturity he decided to adopt some other line of work than farming. Accordingly, in 1882, he went to Decatur and learned the carpenter's trade. He worked at this trade for several years and in a number of different places after leaving the home farm, and in 1893 engaged in the planing mill business. He erected a modern, well equipped mill in Decatur and has operated this mill since engaging in this business. His venture proved a successful one from its start. His business grew under his careful management, and from time to time he was compelled to enlarge his plant as the increasing business made demands on the mill that necessitated increasing its capacity. For three years he engaged in the manufacture of washing machines in addition to his planing mill business, but after this period he abandoned the manufacturing business and devoted all of his time and attention to the operation of his mill. A general line of work is done at the mill.

The marriage of Mr. Kirsch and Miss Sophia Mutschler was solemnized July 3, 1891. Mrs. Kirsch was born in Heidelberg , Baden , Germany , and is a daughter of Frederick and Susanna Mutschler. Her father lived and died in his German home. Following his death his widow came to the United States with two children in the latter part of the eighties. Mr. and Mrs. Kirsch are the parents of two children - Lydia and Leo.

As a citizen Mr. Kirsch has proved a valuable member of Adams county society. He is a man who takes an active interest in the affairs of his home city and county and cooperated in a hearty manner in all movements for the betterment of his community. He has served his fellow citizens in public capacities and was a member of the Decatur city council for two years. In other ways he has shown his public spirit, and he has been intimately identified with the city's recent growth and development. He conducts his business along conservative lines and has made of it one of the most successful and substantial enterprises of the county. With his wife and the members of his family, he is a member of the German Reformed church, and he gives his hearty and generous support to this denomination and its aims and charities. In politics he is a Democrat and he has been an active worker for the interests of his party in his section of the state.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 625)

Jay Rugg, the son of Samuel, with whom this article is concerned, was born in Decatur , Indiana , April 4, 1849. He was educated in Decatur and Fort Wayne and at the outbreak of the Civil war answered the President's call for volunteers and hurried to the front. For three years he followed the varying fortunes of his country's flag through the trials and hardships of actual battle and camp life, and at the end of his service received an honorable discharge. Following the expiration of his term of enlistment and the close of the war Mr. Rugg returned to Decatur and took up once more the pursuits of a life of peace. During the years immediately following his return from the front he engaged in several lines of business, among them that of brickmaking. In the latter years of his life he engaged in farming, and he was thus engaged when his death occurred at his farm in Root township, November 1, 1896.

Mr. Rugg was married in Decatur June 20, 1876, to Mrs. Catherine (Rawley) Smith, a daughter of Tilmon and Elizabeth Rowley. She was born in Clark county, Ohio , October 26, 1836. Before her marriage to Mr. Rugg Mrs. Smith was the widow .of Franklin B. Smith, who died on his farm in Root township when forty years of age. She had four children by her first marriage, who lived to attain maturity. These are: William R.. Eliza J., the wife of V. L. Shaffer, of Allen county; Martin L. and Hannah M., the wife of James T. Dailey. Four other children by this first marriage are dead. They were: Alice , the wife of Davis Dailey, who died in her twenty-eighth year; Sidney S., who died in Adams county at the age of twenty-one; Elizabeth, who died at the age of five years, and Ora, who died when seven years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Jay Rugg are the parents of two children, one of whom died in infancy. The other, Gertrude, is the wife of Robert M. Cashen, of St. Louis , Missouri .

Both Mr. Rugg and his wife, who survives him, early identified themselves with the Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur . Their influence was ever on the side of progression and right and they were respected and admired by the entire community as a model and exemplary couple. Mrs. Rugg still enjoys a ripe old age and lives quietly and contentedly on Ninth street in Decatur . She is loved by all whose good fortune it has been to know and come in contact with her excellent and Christian influence.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 627)

The youth of Paul G. Hooper was spent on his father's farm. He secured his elementary education in the county schools and the lessons of a farmer's life while assisting his father to cultivate the home farm. He also attended for several terms the schools at Monmouth and Decatur. He decided to adopt the law as a life profession and in 1876 he entered upon the study of law in the office of the Hon. James R. Bobo, a half-brother. He pursued his studies energetically and with close attention and steadfast application to his work, he was admitted to the bar of Adams county in 1879. About this time he became associated with the Adams County Union as editor and proprietor, and took an active part in the management and policy of this paper.

He maintained his connection with this paper for one year and then formed a partnership with the late John T. France. This partnership arrangement was continued until 1891, when Mr. Hooper withdrew and became connected with the Hon. D. D. Heller. For nine years Mr. Hooper was associated with Mr. Heller. Mr. Hooper is esteemed as one of the best citizens of Decatur and is a leading spirit in all movements that have for their object the advancement of the city and of Adams county. He is a Republican in politics, and an active worker in the interests of his party. Latterly he has been associated with the Decatur Journal, and his influence is doing much to build this property up to a substantial basis. He devotes the greater part of his time to the practice of his profession and has attained an enviable position among the members of the bar of his state. He is also president of the Decatur Abstract and Loan Company, one of the flourishing financial institutions of the city.

His marriage to Miss Charity Harrod, of Hoagland, Allen county, occurred Christmas day, 1879. His wife was bom in Allen county and is a daughter of Morgan and Samantha (Beem) Harrod.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 629)

James T. Merryman is the third in order of birth of his father's children. He was born in Washington township, Adams county, Indiana, October 1, 1854, and received an excellent common school education in the district schools and attended two years preparatory school under Professor Wright, who was a graduate of Yale University . When sixteen years of age he began teaching and followed this work during the winter seasons until he reached his majority. In 1876 he was deputized clerk of the Adams circuit court by Byron H. Dent, the incumbent, and served three years. He then served a term as deputy sheriff under the Hon. Henry Krick. In 1880 he entered the employ of the Adams County Bank as a bookkeeper. In the meantime he had taken up the study of the law and after a year's service with the bank was admitted to practice in the Adams circuit court. The city of Decatur was incorporated in 1882 and Mr. Merryman was elected the first mayor of the city. He served one term. In 1881 he took up the active practice of his profession. He first formed a partnership with Edgar N. Wicks, and this relation existed until April, 1883, when he entered into partnership with the Hon. John T. France. This relation continued for one year, when they joined in the practice of the law with the Hon. William J. Vesey, who at the expiration of one year withdrew from the firm, moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana, when the former partnership of Mr. France and Mr. Merryman was renewed, and from the beginning of this partnership the firm took a prominent part in the legal affairs of the county. The ability of the partners soon won for them a large clientage and their standing at the Adams county bar became exceptional and enviable. Business increased with each year and produced a handsome income. After the dissolution of this partnership in June, 1898, Mr. Merryman, in 1903, associated with him Jesse C. Sutton, Esq. In November, 1906, Mr. Merryman was elected judge of the Twenty-sixth judicial circuit, which position he still holds. He is a member of the State Bar Association and a member of the bar of the supreme court of the state and of the circuit court of the United States . He has attained a high rank among the attorneys and judges of the state and his accomplishments have won unusual recognition for him as a jurist.

Judge Merryman was married August 29, 1878, to Miss Louisa P. Albers, a daughter of August L. and Eve C. Albers. She was born in Willshire , Ohio , and when four years of age came with her parents to the city of Decatur , where she attended the schools and secured an excellent common school education. Judge and Mrs. Merryman are the parents of five children, namely: Matie June, Iona Dale, Charles August, Frances Mildred and Robert Albers. The second mentioned child died September 15, 1884, when three years of age.

Aside from the position he occupies in the political life of Adams county, Judge Merryman is accounted one of the leading citizens of the county and one of the most progressive men of northeastern Indiana . He takes a live and active interest and part in all movements that are designed to better Adams county and his immediate community and is a hearty worker for all causes that are uplifting. Fraternally he is a member of Decatur Lodge, No. 571, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of Saint Mary's Lodge, No. 167, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Order of Elks. Both Judge and Mrs. Merryman are consistent and valued members of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur and are numbered among the most highly esteemed people of the city. Their home is one of culture and refinement and around it centers much of the social and intellectual life of the city. Whatever measure of success Judge Merryman may have obtained, he attributes chiefly to his wife and mother.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 631-635)

Daniel D. Heller was reared on his father's Harrison county farm. He assisted in the improvement, cultivation and management of the farm and learned the practical lessons of a farmer's life that he applied to such excellent advantage in his after years. He attended the common schools of his immediate neighborhood and secured as good a preliminary education as was possible under the circumstances and in the environment in which he lived. Proving- of a studious disposition, it was decided that he should have further advantages. Accordingly, he entered the New Hagerstown Academy , in Carroll county, Ohio . He pursued his studies in this institution and made excellent progress until he completed his prescribed course.

After graduating from the academy at the age of twenty, he engaged in teaching. He taught several winter terms in Ohio counties and spent his summers reading law, which profession he had decided to adopt. He followed his study of law in the offices of Stambaugh & Bartleson, in New Philadelphia , Ohio , and was admitted to the state bar of Ohio at Carrollton in 1863. In August of that year he launched himself on his career as a lawyer by establishing an office at Millersburg , Ohio . He practiced law in Millersburg for the following four years, until 1867, and then decided to remove to Indiana . He did so and settled in Decatur . During the earlier years of his practice in Decatur he was associated with several different firms.

In 1872 Mr. Heller again took up his work as an educator and was appointed school examiner for Adams county. He served in this capacity for one year and when the new law creating the office of county superintendent of schools became operative he was appointed the superintendent of Adams county schools. Through this appointment he became the first to hold this important and exacting office in Adams county. For the following eighteen months Mr. Heller served as county superintendent, and many reforms of great benefit were brought about during his administration of the school affairs of the county. After he had held the office eighteen months he resigned to give his whole attention to his profession.

In March, 1881, he formed a partnership for the practice of law with Paul G. Hooper. The firm became known and was conducted under the name of Heller & Hooper and was continued under this name for the following eight years. Additional honors came to him in 1885, when he was elected mayor of Decatur . He served one term of two years and in 1888 was elected judge of the Twenty-sixth judicial district. He assumed this office in November, 1889, and was re-elected to it in the fall of 1894. He served as judge of the district courts continuously until November 24, 1901. He was succeeded by Judge Erwin. Following the close of his term as judge of the Twenty-sixth district he formed a partnership for the practice of law with his son, H. B. Heller. This partnership is still in existence and the junior partner is the present prosecuting attorney of the district. The firm is known as D. D. Heller & Son.

The marriage of Judge Heller and Miss Ann a J. Corbus occurred July 15, 1869. His wife is a native of Millersburg , Ohio , and a daughter of John and Mary (Armstrong) Corbus. Judge and Mrs. Heller are the parents of four children. These children are: Mary, the wife of the Hon. John W. Tyndall; John H., manager of the Decatur Democrat; Henry B., prosecuting attorney of Adams county, and Bertha C, teacher in the public schools at Alexandria, Indiana.

Judge Heller is an affable, genial gentleman who enjoys the complete confidence and respect of his associates and all who know him. He is a man who is active in advancing the interests of Decatur and Adams county and is prominent in all movements directed toward this end. He is a staunch Democrat and an active party worker. In the councils of his party he has always held a high place and his efforts have proved signal in bringing about victory. He has lived an active and useful life and stands today as an example of highminded citizenship and of sterling character and worth.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 635-639)

The boyhood of Henry B. Heller was spent in Decatur . He received his preliminary education in the public schools of his home city and then studied in the high school. After his graduation he took up the study of law in the office of Mann & Beatty. He spent two years studying under the direction of the members of this firm and then entered the Indiana Law School at Indianapolis , where he graduated with the class of 1897, and then returned to Decatur . He was connected with several offices after returning to Decatur and was admitted to practice in the courts of Adams county in September, 1897, and March 1, 1902, he entered into partnership with his father, whose term as judge of the Twenty-sixth district had expired some time before. This partnership exists today. Recently he was elected prosecuting attorney of Adams county and he discharges the onerous and important duties of this office with intelligence and fearlessness. He is a young man who takes a live interest in the affairs of his city and county and is among the prominent men of the younger generation in his vicinity. He is a man who is in hearty sympathy with all educational movements and is secretary of the public library board, a member of the Masonic fraternity and other social and business organizations.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 639)

He found that he was fitted for the law and decided to take up the practice of that profession. However, he realized that before he could do this he must study. Accordingly he addressed himself to the work of mastering the law and during his teaching days he studied. He made rapid progress, and when he returned to Indiana he entered the office of Peterson & Huffman, with which firm he read for two years. He took and passed the bar examinations and was admitted to practice in the summer of 1883. The same year he formed a partnership for the practice of law with Shaffer Peterson. This partnership arrangement lasted for one year and was dissolved when Mr. Peterson was appointed postmaster of Decatur . With this event the sign, "Peterson & Teeple," disappeared from the office in Decatur . Since his admission to the bar Mr. Teeple has continued to practice law with more than the usual amount of success and he has developed into an able and a scholarly advocate. However, he has not been a member of another law partnership.

Mr. Teeple has taken as active interest in the politics of his county since he began the practice of law. In 1884 he was elected president of the Lincoln League of Adams county, and served in that capacity for four years. He was a member of the Republican executive county committee of Adams county for a number of years, and in 1898 was chosen the chairman of this important political body. He served as chairman for four years and was one of the men who brought about Republican successes in Adams county during his incumbency of the office of chairman. He was elected a justice of the peace of Saint Mary's township for a term of four years, but he resigned this office after filling it for two years. He has served as a member of the Decatur city council for four years and has proved himself an able and a valuable "city father."

At one time he was a candidate for election to the state legislature on the Republican ticket, but he was defeated by his Democratic opponent by a very small majority. In 1900 he received the nomination for circuit judge of Adams county.

His marriage to Miss Maggie A. Zeigler, a native of Center county. Pennsylvania , occurred in Wayne county, Indiana, May 28, 1885. His wife is a daughter of Peter and Leah (Ruhl) Zeigler. Her mother died while on a visit to her daughter, Mrs. Teeple, and after his wife's death Mr. Zeigler removed to Decatur and made his home with his daughter. He spent the last ten years of his life with her. Mr. and Mrs. Teeple are the parents of three children, of whom a son, Ray Z. Teeple, is living. They are highly respected and their home is one of the centers of culture and refinement in Decatur .

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 639)

Additional information from original bio
I found a 4th marriage for Zachariah Taylor Teeple, Judson W.'s brother. The bride was Ida M. - - -

She was born Ida Oliver. # In 1880, John H. Oliver was 49 years old, farmer, born NC, both parents born NC, with Eliza, 42, born OH, both parents born OH, Rosa 18, Ida 16, Dora 14, Wm D 11, Margaret 9, George 7, Elizabeth 5, all born IN except last three, born KS. source: 1880 census, Perry Twp, Woodson Co KS, E.D. 60, p. 8D

By 1882, she was married to John Mullenneix. # In 1900, John Mullenneix was 39 years old, born Nov 1860, born KS, father born OH, mother born unknown, farmer, with Ida, 35, born Aug 1864, born IN, father born NC, mother born OH, married 18 years, 8 children born, 4 alive, Harry 17, born Oct 1882, farm labourer, Chester 12, born Nov 1887, farm labourer, Earl 8, born Feb 1892, and Lola 4, born Dec 1895, all born KS. source: 1900 census, Waco Twp, Sedgwick Co KS, E.D. 275, sheet B3

In 1911, she married Zachariah Taylor Teeple. Go to Ancestry.com. Search "All Records" for Ida Mullenneix and the marriage should pop up, in Missouri. The original document is online. If you cannot find it, I'll send you a copy.

In 1924, she married Franz Sigel Loy. In this document she is named Ida M. Teeple. put TEEPLE into the bride's surname and the marriage will pop up.

Submitted by: Anne Rahamut

The early life of Maynard Frisinger was spent at his father's home. He received an excellent education in the common schools of Decatur and then supplemented this preliminary education with a thorough course in the Decatur high school. He graduated from this institution in 1902. Following his graduation from the high school he began at once his business life. He secured a position as a clerk in the Decatur postoffice and served in this capacity under Albert Brittson for the following four years. During his career as a clerk in the Decatur postoffice he became familiar with all of the various departments of the work of the office. He made many friends during his employment under the administration of Mr. Brittson and when he aspired to succeed his chief and assume the executive charge of the office he found many supporters, who earnestly and eagerly pleaded his claims for consideration. At the expiration of the term of office of Mr. Brittson he was selected as his successor and assumed his duties as postmaster of Decatur July 1, 1906. Since his incumbency he has shown himself to be a painstaking and efficient official and has won merited commendation.

Mr. Frisinger is a public-spirited man and takes an active interest in the affairs of Decatur . He is an enthusiastic member of his party and is an earnest worker for its success in his city, county and district. He is a member of the Decatur Lodge of Elks and of the Order of Ben-Hur.

Submitted by: Margie Roop Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana, John Fletcher Snow, B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907, (image 643)