The subject of this sketch was married in 1868 to Millie Hilleary, the daughter of Enos and Rachael (Rickner) Hilleary. She was one of a family of ten children, of whom the others were: Tillman, Harriet Jane, Sylvester, an infant now dead, Nellie Ann, Nathaniel (deceased), Sarah Lavina (deceased), Rachael, Maniel and Manda. At the beginning of the Civil war Mr. Bobnmoyer enlisted in Company I of the Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served three months with this command. He again enlisted in the Seventy-first Ohio Infantry and served for two years with this regiment. He again entered the service in the same regiment and company and saw busy times until he was finally mustered out of the government service at San Antonio, Texas , in 1866. War proved to be a serious business with Mr. Bobnmoyer and he saw much active service. He was engaged with his command in several of the larger battles of the war and fought at the battle of Shiloh, through the Atlanta campaign, at Franklin, Tennessee , and at Nashville , Tennessee .

Returning to his home in Mercer county, Ohio , after his discharge at San Antonio , he resumed his work of farming and continued to operate the farm his father had tilled until 1877. In this year he came overland by wagon to Adams county, Indiana, where he settled in the woods. He soon purchased forty acres and at once started to clear the heavily timbered land and to force it to a state of productivity. Years of unceasing toil followed his advent into Indiana and many struggles he and his wife had. But to their hard natures there was no such word as fail and in the end they met every difficulty and carved from the forbidding country a farm that today is as fine as any in its vicinity. The rude home that sheltered the newcomers to the strange land has been replaced by a handsome building and a barn and modern outbuildings are evidences of the thrift and energy of the sturdy farmer and attractive structures. The whole farm is well improved and Mr. Bobnmoyer makes a specialty of bee culture. Two children were born to this couple—George Enos, who lives at home and is married, and Henry Nathaniel, who is dead.

Mr. Bobnmoyer is a man of sound judgment and is a good neighbor and exemplary citizen. He votes the Democratic ticket, as did his father and as does his son, and is an esteemed member of the Christian church. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Geneva and a member of the Horse Thief Detective Association of Adams county.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 394 (image 807).

The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools of Adams county and was reared to the life of a farmer, which pursuit he has consistently followed since. His farm is all under cultivation excepting seven acres of timber land and he gives practical and careful attention to every detail of the work. The farm bears many evidences of the owner's practical judgment, possessing splendid fences and large and commodious buildings. Aside from farming he also gives attention to the raising of Duroc hogs and a good grade of cattle.

In politics Mr. Ripley assumes an independent attitude, refusing to be bound by party dictates. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge as Willshire, Ohio .

On April 11, 1893, the subject married Miss Lillie Hopf, a daughter of Michael and Sarah (Kline) Hopf, natives of Germany and Tuscarawas county, Ohio, who after marriage settled in Mercer county, Ohio , where they followed farming. To the subject and his wife have been born five children: Earl, Forest , Fay, Leland and Dorothy. Mr. Ripley takes an active interest in public affairs of his community and is regarded as one of the leading and successful citizens.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 396 (image 811).

August 16, 1864, Mr. Gerber was united in marriage with Miss Fanny Spichiger, daughter of John and Fanny (Burkhalter) Spichiger. To them were bom five children: Elizabeth, Aldena, Christian, Benjamin and John. Mr. Gerber is a staunch Democrat in politics, though not an aspirant for honor in the way of public office. Religiously he and his family are members of the Reformed church. Benjamin Gerber, who now lives on the home farm, carries on general farming and also gives some attention to the raising of Holstein cattle and Chester White hogs, in which line he has been successful. He married Miss Isabella Schwartz, daughter of Edward and Mariah (Suter) Schwartz, natives of Harrison township, Wells county, Indiana. Mrs. Christian J. Gerber died March 23, 1S99. Christian, one of the sons, was killed November 13, 1896, by being thrown from a wagon.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 382 (image 783).

The subject of this sketch secured such an education as was found in the common schools of the locality, and assisted his parents in the cultivation of the farm. He worked at the carpenter's trade for some seven years, but in the main has devoted his attention to agriculture. He is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land, of which one hundred and ninety are under the Plow and in a high state of cultivation. The farm also contains some excellent timber, which is in itself of considerable value. In addition to general farming Mr. Moeschberger carries on live stock operations, breeding and raising grade cattle and Poland China hogs. He has erected a splendid set of farm buildings, including a fine eight-room brick house, modern in every respect, and also a large and commodious barn, which he erected in 1877. In politics Mr. Moeschberger votes consistently with the Democratic party, and he is now supervisor of his township and a member of the advisory board. Religiously his membership is with the German Reformed church at Newville, Indiana , one and one-half miles from his home.

In 1872 the subject married Miss Mary Buhler, daughter of Abraham and Magdalena (Sonter) Buhler, natives of Germany and early settlers of Adams county. To this union have been born fifteen children, namely: Levi, John, Sarah, Louisa, Albert, Nathaniel, Lottie, Pearl , Delphi , Lulu, Emma, Tillie, Marth, Della and Herman, the last five of whom are deceased. Mr. Moeschberger's wife died about six years ago.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 382 (image 783).

September 19, 1873, Mr. Niblick married Mary D. Lee, a daughter of William and Eve (Misner) Lee. His wife's parents were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively. The former was born in 1833 and the latter in 1836. They came soon after their marriage to Wabash county, Indiana, which county they have made their home ever since. To this couple were born seven children: Margret, Mary D., the wife of the subject of this sketch; Henry P., Martha A., Jasper C. and Clifford are living. The following children are dead: Sarah J. and Rosanna.

Mr. Niblick's farm consists of fifty-five acres, all under cultivation. He is a progressive farmer, who knows the vault of modern methods and good management, and through the application of this knowledge has brought his farm to a highly remunerative basis. It is well improved and has a fine residence and buildings. The estate is well fenced, drained and cleared and reflects much credit on the owner, who alone is responsible for its unusual fertility and attractiveness. Mr. Niblick is a conservative man and although he has the welfare of his neighbors and fellow residents of his county at heart, is not aggressive. He is interested in political questions, but cannot be considered a public man. He votes the Republican ticket, but has not aspired to office. He and his family, which numbers two children — Jesse M., married and living in Huntington county, Indiana, and Harry F. Mr. Niblick and family are members of the Methodist church.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 436 (image 891).

In 1862 the marriage of W. D. Hoffman and Miss Catherine Zimmerman was consummated. His wife is a daughter of Moses and Rachael (Fry) Zimmerman, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. While Mrs. Hoffman was still a child her father died and her mother contracted another marriage and moved with her husband to Indiana, locating in Adams county. This was in 1855, and the new home was established in Kirkland township. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman lived on their farm for three years after their marriage and worked hard to clear it and make its cultivation profitable.

In 1865 Mr. Hoffman enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, and served from February of that year until his discharge at Indianapolis While in the army Mr. Hoffman went to Harper's Ferry, then up the valley to Charlestown, then to Summit Point and returned to Harper's Ferry. The command moved again to Maryland Heights and again returned to Harper's Ferry before being ordered to Indianapolis to be mustered out. After receiving is discharge he returned to his family and farm and resumed his work of cultivating the soil.

Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman, all of whom are living. The children are: Rachael, Sarah, William Franklin, Matilda, Maliza, Hattie, Letta and Harvey Merton.

By dint of hard work and close attention to business Mr. Hoffman has developed a good farm. It is well tiled and ditched and is highly productive. The family residence is an attractive and commodious building and the barns and similar buildings are eminently designed for the purposes for which they are erected. Mr. Hoffman is a Democrat in politics and has been honored several times by the members of his party. He served as a justice of the peace for a number of years and in 1900 was elected a trustee, which office he filled admirably for four years. He is a member of the Sam Henry post of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the German Reformed church. He is a good citizen in every respect. He enjoys the high regard of his fellow men of Adams county and his success is of the variety that has won through his own unaided efforts.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 444 (image 885).

The youth of the subject of this sketch was spent on his father's farm. He secured his early education in the common schools of his neighborhood and was brought up to the life of a tiller of the soil. He was an industrious youth and made the most of such opportunities as presented themselves to him. He followed farming in his later youth and assisted his father in the work of clearing, improving and cultivating his farm. He stayed on his father's farm until he reached his manhood. For a few years after this event he worked in various parts of the county and purchased his present farm located within two miles of Berne in 1900. During the interval between leaving his father's home and his purchase of his present farm he engaged in the threshing business and the saw mill business. He followed threshing for fifteen years and did much work of this kind in Adams county and the adjoining Ohio county of Mercer. He also ran his saw mill for ten years.

Mr. Stuckey is now living on his farm. It is a tract of fine land, comprising eighty acres, sixty of which he has under cultivation. The land is exceedingly fertile and valuable and the crops it produces each year are large and profitable. Since he came into possession of his farm Mr. Stuckey has greatly improved it. He has it thoroughly drained and well fenced, and the residence of brick is as handsome and comfortable a home as any in the entire township. Recently a new bar was erected on the place. In addition to his general farming business he raises a good breed of Poland China swine.

He was married in 1888 to Miss Caroline Baker, a daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Bolenback) Baker. His wife is a native of Mercer county, Ohio, and her mother still resides in Mercer county, Ohio . Her father is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Stuckey are the parents of the following children: Walter J., studying for the ministry of the Reformed church at Franklin, Wisconsin; Homer, Stella, Lulu, Irene and Leslie. The latter children are at home with their parents.

The Democratic party claims the political allegiance of Mr. Stuckey. He has been active in the- political affairs of his township and has served as a trustee for five years. He is not affiliated with any fraternal body and with his family supports the German Reformed church.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 414 (image 847).

The boyhood of John Soldner was spent on his father's farm in Wabash township. He was educated in the schools of his immediate neighborhood and secured as thorough an education as the times and circumstances warranted. He was an industrious boy and a dutiful and considerate son and he made the most of each of his meager opportunities. When he was not attending the sessions of the district schools he assisted his father in the cultivation of his farm. He learned the wholesome lessons to be learned on a farm and applied the lessons tus learned to his profit in his after years. He continued to live on his father's estate until he reached manhood. After his marriage he lived on other places until 1881, when he purchased his present farm of eighty acres.

Mr. Soldner was married in 1876 to Miss Catherine Huser. Her father was born in Adams county November 6, 1853. Her grandfather, Philip Huser, came to Indiana and settled in French township of Adams county when the land was infested by Indians and when they were the neighbors and associates of the white settlers. She was the second child born to her parents, who are the father and mother of nine children. She was reared on her father's farm in French township and was educated in the township schools. Mr. and Mrs. Soldner are the parents of seven children, three of whom are still living. These children were named: Sarah A., deceased; Prudent E., Matilda, deceased; Aldina, deceased; John C., Ivy, William H., deceased, and Noah N.

When Mr. Soldner purchased his tract of land in Monroe township it was unimproved. He cleared it as the years passed and added the necessary improvements. He thoroughly drained the land and ditched and tiled it and erected fences and a dwelling. This dwelling is substantial and he added a large and modern barn to the farm's equipment recently. His land is exceedingly fertile and at a high state of productiveness. He carries on a general farming business and in addition raises much stock. His breeds of cattle and Poland China swine are among the best in the township. He is a man who is wide awake and takes an active interest in the affairs of his county and township. He has served his fellow residents of the township in the important offices of road supervisor, assessor, which he served five years, and trustee, serving in this latter office from 1900 to 1904. He is a member of the Democratic party and active in party councils and work. He had charge of the building of the six miles of road known as the C. E. Bolinger pike. With his wife and the members of his family he is a member of the Mennonite church at Berne and gives this denomination and church his hearty and generous support. He is known to his associates as a sound and substantial man and his advice is frequently sought on matters of great importance to the community in which he resides.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 414 (image 847).

Jesse W. spent his boyhood on his father's farm, where he assisted in clearing the land. He attended the winter terms of the schools of his district and picked up as good an education in the English branches as was possible under the conditions that then existed. When he attained his majority he decided to start out for himself. He worked for three years as a farm hand for various men of his section of the country and when twenty-four years of age purchased eighty acres of land in section 15 of Kirkland township. This land he tilled in a modern and rational manner and had it soon in a satisfactory condition.

In 1874 he married Miss Sarah R. Kistler, a daughter of Stephen and Mary (Bowman) Kistler. His wife's parents were natives of Trumbull county, Ohio. The finely improved farm owned by Jesse W. Stoneburner was not a finely improved farm when he secured it. In fact, the land was timbered and in a rough state. To bring it under cultivation he labored hard. In time, however, he cleared his land and drained it and laid tiling through it until it became one of the model states of its kind in the county. He is not a man who is contented with half measures. He must have the best, produce the best crops possible, and this spirit spurred him on to more and more improvements. He built a handsome and comfortable residence, large barn and other necessary outbuildings and made his farm one of the show places of the neighborhood. In 1903 he purchased an additional eighty acres in section 27 of the same township, and this farm, under his son's management, is also highly productive and well improved.

During his active life Mr. Stoneburner has taken an interested part in the affairs of his township. He is a Democrat so far as his political affiliations are concerned. When a young man he was an active worker in the interests of his party and was elected a justice of the peace, which office he held for four years. Later he was elected township assessor, and held this important and exacting office until 1894. He and the members of his family give their support to the German Baptist church and he is an elder of the local congregation. The Stoneburner family is one of the most highly respected in Adams county. To Mr. and Mrs. Stoneburner ten children were born: Amos, Viola, Mary C, Victoria, Floyd, Miles W. and Alice , a twin, are living. Stephen L., Ida L. and Willis W., the other twin, are dead.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 420 (image 859).

On August 15, 1858, he was married to Miss Mary J. Runyon, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Nicholas) Runyon. His wife's parents were natives of Virginia, in which state they .were born in 1819 and 1820, respectively. Shortly after his marriage John Huffman purchased forty acres of wood land in Adams county. This tract had a log cabin, built some time before, as a portion of its equipment, and this was the honeymoon home of the young people. John was an industrious young man and commenced to clear his homestead. He attended strictly to this business and after an interval found himself in possession of a cleared, well improved farm that compared favorably with any other similar tract in his township. About the time he succeeded in clearing his original purchase and erecting suitable buildings for his home and to house his stock he bought an additional thirty acres. This was, like the first tract, wooded and demanded clearing. In time it was cleared and improved with drains, fencing and additional necessary buildings, and today the entire estate, which is on the main pike road in section 15, is one of the model establishments of its kind in Adams county.

In the course of the years they have been married five children came to bless the Huffman home. Three are still living and are: Iantha, who is married and living in Chicago; Lenora, living at her father's home, and Edward, a farmer of Wells county. Molly and Alberta are dead. Lenora was long an educator of the youth of Adams county and taught school for twenty-two years. In this time she has a record of never losing a day because of her own illness.

Mr. Huffman is of the progressive type and is much interested in matters affecting his county's growth and development. He takes an interest in politics and adheres to the Democratic faith, but has not been a candidate for political office. He and his family are consistent members of the Baptist church and give their moral and financial support to the aims and objects of this denomination. The Huffman home is one of the pleasantest in the county and has ever been noted for its hospitality.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 442 (image 903).

Davidson Mattax was the third in order of birth of his parents' family. He was very young when his parents settled in Adams county and spent his youth on his father's farm in this county. He was educated in the schools of his neighborhood and secured as good an English education as the times and local conditions warranted. When he was not attending the sessions of the district schools he assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm and became in time a skilled agriculturist. After reaching manhood he engaged in business for himself. He spent ten years in the saw milling business, five of which he lived in Missouri. During this period he suffered the loss of his mill by fire. After ending his time in the milling business he settled on his farm in Blue Creek township, on which he now resides, and devoted his entire time and attention to the management and cultivation of this farm

Mr. Mattax was twice married. His first marriage occurred February 24, 1870, and his bride was Miss Eliza Cleland. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Cleland, who are natives of Ohio, and large farmers of Crawford county. Following the death of his first wife Mr. Mattax again married. This time he was untied to Miss Malinda Wolf. His second wedding occurred October 1, 1885. His present wife is a daughter of John and Catherine (Spangler) Wolf. They were natives of Fairfield county, Ohio, and came to Indiana many years ago. They settled in Blue Creek township in 1882 and died in that township. Mr. and Mrs. Mattax have no children.

The farm of which Mr. Mattax is the owner is one of the most attractive in the township. It consists of one hundred and twenty acres and is very fertile. With the exception of twenty acres the entire estate is under profitable cultivation and is admirably improved in all respects. In connection with his farming Mr. Mattax raises some stock.

During his busy life Mr. Mattax has been able to devote some of his time to benefitting the community in which he resides. He has always been prominent in township affairs and an active worker for the interests and advancement of his community. He is an ardent Democrat in politics and was elected a township trustee in 1899. He sered with admirable ability in this important office for four years and is at present president of the township advisory board. During his term as trustee his best friends in the township were the members of the Republican party of the township. He is an advocate of good roads and has helped in the building of the roads of the township in which he resides. He is a successful man and is interested in a number of financial enterprises besides being a stockholder in the Farmers' and Merchants' State Bank of Willshire, Ohio. Mr. Mattax is an earnest Christian and God-fearing man and believes in keeping the Sabbath day holy.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 453 (image 925).

The opportunities that came to S. W. Hale were greater than those that fell to the lot of a majority of the boys of his time. He received an excellent education in the Bluffton schools and graduated from the high school of that place with high standing. After the completion of his education he lived in Bluffton until 1864, when he enlisted for service in the Civil war. He became a member of Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, which regiment was attached to the Army of Tennessee. He served with his command during the remainder of the war and was discharged with an honorable record for faithfulness and efficiency. He returned to his home after his regiment was mustered out of service in 1865.

Four years after his return from the war he was married to Miss Phoebe C. McFadden, a daughter of John and Catherine (Daugherty) McFadden. His wife's parents were natives of Ohio, where she was born, and came to Indiana in 1852, settling on a farm in Wells county. Her father served as county auditor for eight years. For some time after his marriage Mr. Hale engaged in the grain and produce business at Bluffton. He disposed of this business and moved with his family to Geneva, Adams county, where he has since resided excepting four years he lived at Portland, Indiana. He established himself in business and his enterprise was among the first of its kind launched in Geneva.

It was after he had established his residence at Geneva that his public career began. He was from the first one who believed in doing things for the general good of a community. He had little patience with mere theorists. His gospel was that of work and accomplishment. He took an immediate interest in furthering the educational facilities of his adopted village and was a member of the school board for eighteen years of continuous service. In time his fellow townsmen began searching for a man to represent the county in the upper house of the state's legislative body. The name of Mr. Hale was offered and it was seen at once that he possessed just the characteristics that would make a safe and sane representative. He was nominated by the Democratic party in his district and was elected in 18S6 with but little opposition. His services during his first term as a state senator were distinguished and he was re-elected for a second term. Again he distinguished himself. But his public usefulness was not circumscribed by his terms as a member of the state senate. He served as a member of the board of trustees of the Eastern Indiana Hospital for the Insane for twelve years and as a member of the board of trustees of the State epileptic village near Newcastle, and is still serving. He is interested in many commercial enterprises and his business life has been characterized with acumen and progressiveness. He is now a stockholder in and the vice president of the Bank of Geneva. Finding time to take some delight in the more peaceful occupation of tilling the soil, he owns and superintends a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which are located several productive oil wells.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hale have been born six children. These are: William, assistant cashier of the bank at Geneva, and married to Miss Nellie Clawson this couple have three children : Helen, Mary and William; Frank, living at Geneva ; Stella, deceased, Clara, married J. A. Anderson, a druggist of Geneva, and Fred, who married Anna Schaffer, and operates a farm in Wabash township. Mr. Hale has found time to enjoy some social intercourse with his fellows and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, which he joined in 1867; of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Hale died August 17, 1906.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 469 (image 957).

Adam J. Smith, about whose life this sketch centers, was the youngest of his family. He was always of an aggressive and conservative disposition. His boyhood years were spent on his father's farm in Whitley county, Indiana, where he learned the practical value of his minutes and hours, out with the dawn of morning and always at work, each day gave a good account of itself when the year's balances were footed up. In this county in the country schools he received his preliminary education. At about the age of eighteen years he began his studies at the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, became thoroughly fitted for the work of teacher and at the age of twenty-one years secured employment in the public schools of his home county and successfully taught for three years. In 1881 he was employed by a school supply house as salesman and continued in this work with good success for a period of two years. Though in this business he made a high salary, its transient nature was not to his liking and he resigned the position and took employment as foreman of the lumber mills at Williams and Monmouth, owned and operated by Colter & Company, of which his brother, Philip W. Smith, was then a member. He served in this capacity for about a year and a half, when he resigned his position and with a capital of about $500 started in business for himself at Decatur -- the hardwood lumber business.

He was very successful in this undertaking and in 1886 formed a partnership with Alexander R. Bell under the firm name of Smith & Bell, which soon enlarged the business, built a saw mill at Decatur and steadily extended their territory of operation to several states. This firs has been in operation now more than twenty years and is one of the most extensive of its kind in northeastern Indiana. Its principal industry was and has been the manufacturing and sale of hardwood lumber. In 1906 this firm disposed of its milling interests and at this time devotes its entire attention to the purchase and sale of lumber in the states of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Missouri, its business annually running near the three hundred thousand dollar mark. Besides Mr. Smith's lumbering interests he is a stockholder in the telephone company, the furnace factory, the Smith & Uhlman Stock Company for the breeding of Hereford cattle, of which company he is the senior member, which company is operated on one of Mr. Smith's stock farms near Decatur, and is also a stockholder in the First National Bank of Decatur.

Mr. Smith has held many positions of honor and trust at the hands of his constituents, though never giving any especial attention to politics. He was for four years a member of the Decatur city council, served on the Decatur school board as secretary and treasurer for three years. He has for some years served as one of the trustees of the First Methodist church at Decatur, of which he and his family are devoted members. Not especially a lodge man, but he is a member of the Kekionga Lodge, No. 65, Knights of Pythias, of Decatur.

On the 5th day of June, 1SS4, Adam J. Smith was married to Miss Alwillda Fonner, a daughter of John A. and Elizabeth (Pillars) Fonner, who were early residents of Root township, Adams county. Mrs. Smith's mother was a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Pillars, who came to Adams county in 1839 from the eastern states. Her father, John A. Fonner, came in 1841 and settled near the old Piqua road, just below Decatur. These pioneer residents accumulated a large amount of property, were hardworking people and were held in high esteem by their associates and acquaintances.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of one child, a daughter, Miss Edith Fonner Smith, who was born in Decatur on the 15th day of April, 1885. She was educated in the Decatur city schools, from which she graduated in 1903. She has a great fondness for music, being a fine musician. Her parents gave her a musical education befitting her inclinations and station in society by a thorough course at the Parr Conservatory of Music at Cincinnati, Ohio .

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 474 (image 967).

The subject of this sketch was reared on the paternal homestead and attended the common schools during his youth, subsequently attending the business department of the Kentucky University, from which he graduated with the class of 1894. He then engaged in teaching school in Hartford City. In 1895 he engaged in the restaurant business in Hartford City , but two years later returned to the home farm and conducted the same for three years. He then clerked in a department store at Decatur and in 1903 became a member of the firm of Acker, Elgey & Vance, which firm established a general clothing and gents' furnishing business at Decatur. One year later Mr. Acker disposed of his interest in the firm and moved to Geneva where he purchased an interesting in his present business, forming the firm of Acker & Teeple. The members of this firm are well known and the enterprise has a reputation for fair dealing on a sound business basis. The business has increased year by year and is now considered among the solid commercial enterprises of Geneva.

In May, 1895, Mr. Acker married Miss Frances W. Triplett, of Scott county, Kentucky, and to this union have been born four children: Doris L., Sanford I. , Samuel S. and Caroline T.

Mr. and Mrs. Acker are members of the Christian church and fraternally the subject is identified with the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, in which order he has a three thousand dollar life insurance policy.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 476 (image 971).

On the 17th day of June, 1854, in the pioneer village of Portland , in Jay county, Indiana, a "Hoosier" boy was born. When but five years old he removed with his parents, Dr. Barton B. Snow and Rebecca H. Snow, to their new home in southern Adams county near the banks of the Wabash river. That boy was John Fletcher Snow, the subject of this sketch. Here he grew to manhood, attending the short terms of school until his eighteenth year, at which time he entered college. The death of his parents within the next three years greatly interfered with his plans and expectations. Instead of completing his course, he taught and attended normal schools for further preparation of the work as teacher. It was not until 1883 that he received his B. S. degree, and in June of this same year he was chosen county superintendent of the Adams county public schools, succeeding himself in numerous reelections. He filled this position with great success and much to the credit of his county in teachers' institutes and state teachers associations.

From the American School Board Journal of April, 1892, the following is taken:
"The subject of this sketch, John F. Snow, was born in Portland, Indiana , June 17, 1854. His mother, Rebecca H. McDonald, was of Scotch-Irish parentage. Barton B. Snow, M. D., his father, was a descendant of Puritan residents of Boston, Massachusetts. He received his first ideas of education from his mother, who was a teacher. His early years were devoted to agricultural pursuits and attendance at the district schools until the age of eighteen, at which time he entered Ridgeville College. His health and the death of his parents greatly retarded his educational progress. After ten years devoted to the work of student and teacher in various grades, from the district schools to the normal and high school, he attained the degree of Bachelor of Science. In 1883 he was elected county superintendent of schools and as a member of the Indiana County Superintendents' Association served on various educational committees, and in 1890 was chosen president of the association. Being possessed of ample energy and indomitable will power, his undertakings are usually crowned with a merited degree of success.

From the campaign edition of the Indiana State Sentinel, edited by Gilbert Shanklin, in 1898. the following is taken:
"In the joint senatorial district composed of Adams and Allen counties, in 1898. John F. Snow was a candidate. He received the entire vote of his county and the bulk of the country vote of Allen. No one questioned his capacity to make an efficient representative. However, the Fort Wayne Democracy placed the senatorial credit to another. Until the present time he has never aspired to an elective office, though a good campaigner and active Democratic worker. He served in 1896 as chairman of the Adams county Democratic central committee and contributed his efforts toward placing the Democratic majority in his county nearly four hundred higher than it had ever been before."

From the Geneva Herald of February 11, 1898, the following is taken:
"At the age of six years J. F. Snow came with his parents to the garden lands of Adams county on the southern banks of the Wabash river. There the love of natural primitive scenery, the huge oak forests, the gigantic walnut timber and hundreds of bushels of hickory nuts that lined the bottom lands, the myriads of squirrels and thousands of the finest fish that ever tempted a Hoosier lad in his youth were those the Wabash country offered up just for the asking. As this lad grew up the woodman's ax was placed in his hands, the lumber mills were located, the first railroad in the county was built and put in operation. Ten miles of bridges and culverts were furnished upon contract by the mills upon which he worked while yet in his teens. Large tracts of land were cleared and prepared for the plow, manhood grew apace, the dinner horn took the place of the steam whistle of the mill, the clearing and the new farm was a reality. The district school of three months' term ; the verdant youth as a scholar now sets in motion the machinery that leads on to knowledge.

In 1875, at the death of his father, Dr. Barton B. Snow, he was thrown entirely upon his own resources to make a living and get an education at one and the same time. "Being of Puritanic stock, he has a supreme hatred for cowards, hypocrites and imposters of every type, and with nearly a spirit of devotion regards the friend of his friends. Though reared by Methodist parents, a Beecher or a Talmage are his ideal divines, as a Jackson and a Washington are his ideal statesmen and patriots. In politics he has long since exercised and advocated the cause of Democracy, has taken part in congressional and state conventions and always labored for the advancement of the principles of the Democratic party. His addresses in institutes and educational associations have won for him a host of acquaintances and friends, who shall be delighted to know of his ultimate success in his new field of labor. As opportunity would permit within the past years he has devoted his attention to a study of the law and in the fall of 1807 he formed a partnership with Hon. C. J. Lutz, of Decatur, Indiana , and became a member of the law firm of Lutz & Snow. He now requests the privilege of representing the counties of Allen and Adams as joint state senator in the coming session of the Indiana general assembly. Being an able campaigner, strength would be added to the ticket by his nomination to the position he seeks."

From various sources we leam that Mr. Snow is a careful, painstaking attorney, whose court papers are of a kind that will stand repeated attacks without serious results; that he is an industrious student and continuous worker, never to be found idle; that as a friend he can be trusted and depended upon to the limit; that he is an Odd Fellow, a Royal Arch Mason, a Democrat and a conservative citizen of the Andrew Jackson type; that he is an able political campaigner and an interesting platform orator.

On the 25th day of August, 1881, J. F. Snow and Miss Sadie Alice Hoskinson were married. To them were born two sons, Edwin Earl and Horace Hamilton, both of whom are living at this time in Decatur. Edwin Earl was married on the 15th day of April, 1906, to Miss Myrtle Miller in Anderson, Indiana. The parents of Mrs. Sadie A. Snow on the paternal side were from near Parkersburg, Virginia, and were of Scotch-Irish descent. Her paternal grandmother's parents were slave-owners before the war of 1812, of which her grandfather was a soldier. Her maternal grandparents came from Vermont and settled near Newark, in Licking county, Ohio, in the early thirties, her parents removing to Indiana in 1865.

J. F. Snow's paternal grandparents were of English descent, as will be seen from this bit of history, taken from an early history of Plymouth : "We find that Nicholas, Anthony and William Snow came over from England . The former two brought families; the latter was an apprentice and settled in Doxbury. Anthony was first at Plymouth, then in 1642 at Marshfield. Nicholas, who came in the 'Ann' in 1623, had a share in the division of the land at Plymouth, settled in Eastham." At the close of the Revolutionary war several families of Snows settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, near the town of Chester. A James Snow there married an Irish girl by the name of Eleanor Tate. These were the parents of Barton B. Snow, the father of the subject of this sketch. They came westward to Defiance, Ohio, in 1833 and in 1837 removed to Jackson township, Jay county, Indiana, since which time there have been frequent "Snowsqualls" in northeastern Indiana.

The sons of J. F. and Sadie A. Snow are practical printers and newspaper men. They were once known as the youngest publishers in the United States - their career beginning when they were children, eight and twelve years of age, in the publication of the Star-News.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 472 (image 963).

David grew to manhood on his father's farm. He obtained a meager education in such schools as existed in his neighborhood and developed into a sturdy, capable man. He assisted his father until the latter's death in 1895 and in all things was a dutiful son. Many of the improvements made on the paternal estate were his work.

In 1864 David was united in marriage with Miss Augusta Bley, a daughter of Adam and Rosa (Sebert) Bley. Like the elder Werlings, the elder Bleys were Germans, who came to this country in an early day and settled in Preble township. They were farmers and raised their children to a farmer's life. After his marriage David Werling settled on a tract of land he had purchased some time before. This land was uncleared and the ensuing years were devoted to its improvement. He was an industrious and intelligent farmer and allowed nothing to interfere with his chosen work. He adopted modern methods and applied them skillfully, so that in a few years his place was cleared, improved and profitable. He lived on this original tract of land and farmed it until 1905. In this year he moved across the road from his old place and purchased sixty acres of finely improved land. On this farm he has a fine residence that is one of the most complete and attractive in the entire county. His barns are new and modern and his entire country place is at an advanced stage of fertility. In addition to his farming business he has found time to branch out in other lines of business. He operates a saw mill on his present property and a tile factory. These businesses he makes highly profitable. His career has taught him the lessons of business sagacity and he applies these lessons to the best of advantage. His enterprises are healthy ones and show balances on the profit side of the ledger with the close of each year of business.

Mr. Werling is a man who is public spirited. He is in the van of all movements that are designed to improve the community where he lives. He was largely instrumental in inducing the Standard Oil Company to locate a plant on its Preble township location and his efforts cost him much time and money before the plant was definitely secured. However, since its erection it has proved a source of profit and income to himself and to many of his fellow residents of Preble township.

To Mr and Mrs. Werling there were born five children: Mary, August, Albert, Charles and Vernon . The mother died in 1898. Mr. Werling again married in 1900 to Ida Sebert, by whom he has two children: Raymond and Vera. Mr. Werling has been a lifelong Democrat and served twelve years as supervisor and is now serving his second term as county commissioner. The family are stanch members of the German Lutheran church.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 468 (image 955).

His son, James K. Niblick, was reared in Decatur. In his boyhood he attended the schools of his home city and grew to manhood there. With the exception of a few months spent on his farm in Union township, he has resided continuously in Decatur. After completing his course in the Decatur schools he, in 1872, entered the mercantile field. He engaged in the capacity of a clerk in the dry goods store operated by his father, and was connected with this store until the death of his father in 1895. Two years after his father's death he severed his connection with Niblick & Company and engaged in the grocery business in Decatur . He conducted his grocery business for three years and then sold out his interest in it. His next business venture was in the line of agricultural implements, and he sold this line for the succeeding three years after abandoning the grocery business. At the expiration of the three years he removed to his farm in Union township and operated his farm. However, the quiet life on his farm was not, seemingly, aggressive enough for his ambitious and active nature, and he returned to Decatur and assumed the management of the elevator owned by the Niblick estate. This elevator was purchased originally by Jesse Niblick from David Studabaker in 1877 and was operated by the elder Niblick until his death. It became a successful business venture and a valuable property.

May 9, 1882, Mr. Niblick was united in marriage with Miss Aurelia Spuller. The wedding was solemnized in Saint Mary's Roman Catholic church and was a distinct social event. Mrs. Niblick is a daughter of George and Fannie (Welter) Spuller and was born in Union township. Adams county. Her father was a gallant soldier during the Civil war and died in 1865 as the result of disease contracted while in the service of his country. Her mother died in Union township in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Niblick are the parents of four children, three of whom are living. Those living are: May C, Charles N. and Verena. Frederick, the third child born to Mr. and Mrs. Niblick, died when three years of age.

Mr. Niblick is in every way an exemplary citizen. He is a man who takes much interest in the affairs of his county and city and does much to promote its welfare and prosperity. Measured by commercial standards, he is a successful man and owns a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres in Union township and other realty. With the members of his family he is a consistent member of Saint Mary's church and accords his hearty support to the aims and charities of this denomination

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 471 (image 961).

In 1851, October 16, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Closs, a daughter of John and Catherine Longandiffer) Closs. His wife was born in Germany and came to this country in her girlhood, settling in Indiana. To her father is ascribed the credit of being the first tavern keeper in Decatur . When the family came to this country it originally settled at Maumee, Ohio, in 1836. The removal to Decatur was in January of the following year. Mr. Closs opened a tavern that stood on the corner now occupied by the bank and store of Niblick & Company. This tavern was well known in its day and was a favorite stopping place for travelers of the period. The founder of the business died in 1874, at the advanced age of seventy-four years. His wife survived him a few years and lived to be eighty-six.

To Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Niblick were born eight children, of whom seven are living. These children were: William, who was president of the Adams County Bank at the time of his death; John, the senior member of the firm of Niblick & Company; James K.; Mary; Amelia; Charles, president of the bank, and Daniel, a member of the firm of Niblick & Company.

Mr. Niblick continued in the shoe business until 1866, when he associated himself with John Crawford in the general merchandise business in Decatur. The firm became Niblick & Crawford and later Niblick, Crawford & Sons, a son of each partner being added to the firm. In 1871 Jesse Niblick, in company with J. D. Nuttman, established a bank under the partnership name of Niblick & Nuttman, bankers. Later R. B. Allison and David Studabaker became associated in the banking business and the institution was organized as a state bank. Mr. Niblick was a director and the first president of the bank and was succeeded in this office by R. B. Allison, although he retained his membership on the board of directors and was elected vice president. He had other business interests and was a director of the Eagle Manufacturing Company of Decatur.

The mercantile business with which Mr. Niblick was identified was conducted for a number of vears under the firm name of Niblick, Crawford & Sons and then the Messrs. Crawford severed their connection with the partnership and the business was taken over by Mr. Niblick and his son. This brought about another change in the firm name, and this time it became Jesse Niblick & Son. He continued in his mercantile business until his death, October 6, 1895. The death of Mr. Niblick came as a distinct shock to the community in which he lived. He was one of the prominent business men of his community and one of its most respected and esteemed citizens. His funeral was the largest and most imposing ever held in Decatur. The pall-bearers who bore the body of the aged financier to its last resting place were his old business associates: R. B. Allison, David Studabaker, deceased; John Meibers, deceased; John Shane, deceased; Conrad Brake and Ezra Lister, deceased. These men had been associated with Mr. Niblick in various enterprises covering a period of more than a half century. The interment was at Saint Joseph's cemetery.

In addition to being an active business man Mr. Niblick was a public-spirited citizen. He was an active mover in all things destined to promote the general welfare of his community and was continually aiding in increasing its commercial importance. In politics he was a Democrat and served a number of times in a public capacity. He was trustee of Washington township and in 1865 he was elected county treasurer and reelected in 1867. He served for many years as a village trustee and in its council. He was a member of Saint Mary's Catholic church. He was a Democrat in politics. He left an estate of large proportions.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 471 (image 961).

The marriage of Mr. Rupright and Miss Mary F. Short was celebrated January 2, 1873, shortly before he assumed the management of the home estate. His wife is a daughter of Richard and Rebecca (Comer) Short and was born in Roanoke, Indiana, January 3, 1854. Her father was a native of Virginia, where his ancestors had resided for many years. He lived in a number of sections of the state and finally died in Decatur at the age of seventy-three. Her mother died at Antwerp, Ohio, in her forty-first year. Mrs. Rupright was one of a family of three children born to her parents. The other children were: William B. and Minnie M. Mr. and Mrs. Granvill Rupright are the parents of nine children: William J., Lillie G., the wife of John Kreigh, a Wells county farmer; ____, the wife of George Ehrett, of Wells county; John F.; Ivy, the wife of Joseph Archbold, of Wells county; Edward E., Forrest A., George R. and Melville O.

Mr. Rupright, since his father's retirement, has devoted his entire time and attention to the management of the large farm. He is a progressive man and appreciates the full value of modern methods and modern machinery. He cultivates the farm under the most approved ideas and he has brought it to a stage where it is one of the most productive and profitable estates in the county. His home and other buildings are fine and admirably adapted to their several uses, and he keeps all the various buildings at a high point of service utility. He is a man who is actively interested in the affairs of his township and county and is accounted one of its most valuable citizens. His interest in education is keen and he has served as a member of the township school board for sixteen years. In addition to this, he was a justice of the peace for eight years and filled this office with credit and with exemplary fairness.

He served his fellow residents of the township as a trustee for four years, and in other ways showed his interest in their welfare. His record as a public officer is one that reflects credit on his judgment and ability. His business interests are varied and he has been president of the Ossian Co-Operative Company since its organization in 1905. He is treasurer of the Echo Wind and Tornado Insurance Company and secretary and treasurer of the Preble Township Telephone Company. He is also president of the Ossian Live Stock Insurance Company. He is an earnest worker of the United Brethren church and a trustee of that organization. His fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 343.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 465 (image 949).

The subject received a good education in the public schools and in 1868, at the age of seventeen years, he engaged in the drug business, which he continued until 1893. In that year he assisted in the organization of the State Bank at Geneva and upon the selection of the officials he was elected cashier. The State Bank of Geneva is one of the solid institutions and holds high rank in its line. Mr. Porter has won for himself a splendid reputation as a financier and has done much to not only uphold the credit of the institution with which he is connected, but also to advance the commercial interests of the locality. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Knights of Pythias and Sons of Veterans.

In April, 1886, Mr. Porter married Miss Gene Stratton and to them has been born one child, Jeanette. Mrs. Porter possesses considerable literary talent and is the author and illustrator of "The Song of the Cardinal" and "What I Have Done with Birds' published by the Bobbs-Merrill Company of Indianapolis. Among the latest of her productions is a book entitled "Freckles," issued from the press of Doubleday, Page & Co., of New York . It is a splendid story and has a wide circulation.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 462 (image 943).

After he was discharged from the army he returned to his father's farm in Wells county. He engaged in the cultivation of the farm during the spring and summer months and taught school in the winter months. In October, 1867, he gave up farm work and teaching and engaged in the dry goods business with A. Deam in Bluffton. This partnership was continued until 1872 and then dissolved. Following the dissolution Mr. Hale went to Geneva and engaged in business with his brother, S. W. Hale. This firm did business under the name of S. W. Hale & Company and became prominent in the grain trade. Both brothers were popular men in the county and their enterprise was a pronounced success from its start. The business grew and proved a profitable venture. When the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway Company took over the original holdings of the old Fort Wayne & Richmond Railway Company in March, 1872, Mr. Hale was appointed station and freight agent of the road at Geneva. He held this position and discharged its duties with faithfulness and care until 1876, when he resigned. In 1882 he was elected clerk of the Adams county circuit court and was re-elected in 1886. After leaving the clerk's office in 1890 he built and operated elevators along the lines of the Erie and Clover Leaf railroads.

The marriage of Mr. Hale and Miss Caroline Holmes was solemnized September 8, 1869. She was born in Hartford township and was engaged in teaching in the schools at Camden, Schuyler county, Illinois, at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Hale are the parents of five children: Ethelyn, Olive L., Sarah B., Genevieve and Lucile.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 462 (image 943).

The success that has attended the business ventures of Mr. Krick has been pronounced and has attracted the attention of his associates. He has long been considered a conservative and careful business man and in 1899 his friends in his county decided that he was a proper man to represent their interests in the state legislature. Accordingly he was nominated as a candidate for the office and elected on the Democratic ticket. He served with distinction one term in the state's legislative body and discharged the duties he had taken upon himself with rare judgment and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Politics, as appealing to the betterment of the community in which he lives, and in which his business interests are centered, have held an interest for Mr. Krick. He has been active in party affairs and has served in various capacities. He served, for a time as a member of the Decatur city council. In addition to his political offices Mr. Krick has been connected with a number of public enterprises that have been brought forward in his city. He was a member of the directorate of the gas company while that concern was in existence and has been closely identified with other business ventures.

Mr. Krick was married at Decatur, June 19, 1874, to Miss Sarah Mangold, a native of Fairfield county, Ohio . She is a daughter of Abraham and Catherine Mangold, who came to Adams county from Ohio in 1864. Mrs. Krick's parents both died in Preble township, Adams county. To the subject of this sketch and his wife have been born six sons and six daughters, nine children of whom are living. Nellie, a former teacher, is the wife of J. R. Parish, of Franklin, Ind. The others are: Frank J., George M., Dessie, Catherine, the wife of Dallas Butler, a deputy sheriff of Adams county; Mary Agnes, S. Josephine, Virgil M. and Walter J.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Krick are active and esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur and Mr. Krick has been a trustee of this religious institution for many years. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he was first elected to membership in 1869. Few men of his section of the state have gained such prominence as has fallen to the lot of Mr. Krick, and it may be said without fear of contradiction that none is more respected or more trusted than is the Hon. Henry Krick.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 462 (image 943).