His son, the subject of this sketch, came to Indiana in 1865. His early life had been spent on the farm where he was born and he was educated in the schools of the neighborhood. He had no more advantages in educational or other lines than the average boy of the district and period, but he learned from his sturdy parents the lessons of self-denial and frugality that were such potent factors in advancing the fortunes of the early settlers of the central western states. After reaching Indiana he bought one hundred and sixty acres in section 35 of Kirkland township. This land was heavily timbered and it was necessary to clear it before it could become valuable. During the three succeeding winters after his original trip to this state he chopped away the trees and cleared the underbrush away. He spent his winters in Indiana and returned to Ohio in the spring, where he worked on his father's farm. The trips to Ohio were made on foot almost all of the way, Mr. Fulk being compelled to walk from Adams county to Fort Wayne or Van Wert, Ohio. Finally, in 1868, he settled permanently in Kirkland township and discontinued his trips to Ohio. The Indiana farm was not, when he settled on it, what might be said to be an attractive place. It was partly cleared, to be sure, owing to the toil of three winters, but it was far from being in an improved or highly productive state. However, the proposition confronting him had few terrors for him. He went to work manfully and with a determination to make his farm as good as any in his section of the county. It was not many years before he had his original tract of one hundred and sixty acres cleared, improved, drained and fitted with substantial buildings. Its cultivation after this period was a pleasure and the farm soon was the source of a comfortable and ample income. It was at about the time that he got his first purchase of land under cultivation that he began adding to its area. From time to time he made other purchases of land and finally found himself in possession of the large tract he owns today. As stated, this consists of two hundred and forty acres.

In the same year in which he took his permanent abode in Adams county Mr. Fulk married Miss Emma Sovine, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sovine. Her father was a native of France and her mother, whose maiden name was Shaffter, was born in the Swiss republic. Both of Mrs. Fulk's parents came to this country in the early years of the nineteenth century and settled in Kirkland township, where they purchased land and followed farming. They were eminently successful and accumulated a handsome property.

In the years following their marriage six children came to bless the Fulk home, of whom three are still living. The children were named: William Edward, John H., Peter L., Charles. Two infants died unnamed.

Mr. Fulk is numbered among the most successful men of Adams county. He possesses a rugged dignity that recommends him to all who know him, and his integrity is of a very high order. He is a man who is alive to all matters that make for the advancement of the interests of his community, and is in the van of such movements that are for the betterment of his own and neighbors' condition. He is a Democrat, but seldom takes any active part in political matters.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 427 (image 873).

When he was twenty-two years of age he decided to branch out for himself. In the fall of the year in which he reached this decision he married Miss Eliza Pierce, a daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth (Showalter) Pierce. His wife's father came to Indiana from New Hampshire by the way of Virginia. He was born in New Hampshire in 1821and he married in West Virginia Miss Showalter, who was born in 1824. After marriage they moved to Curryville, Indiana , in 1879, where Mr. Pierce was engaged in the mercantile business and in addition operated a saw mill. His death occurred in 1903 and that of his wife in 1900.

The farm that was purchased by Ezra Zimmerman in 1886 was unimproved and covered with heavy timber. He began clearing the land and after some time succeeded in bringing his land under cultivation and removing all of the timber that encumbered it. He fenced his land and drained and ditched it. He erected a comfortable and attractive residence and other buildings and made of the farm one of the neatest and most productive places in the county. To his energy and ingenuity all of his success is directly attributable. What he has accomplished and gained in the matter of the world's wealth he gained through his own unaided efforts and made his competency through excellent management and foresight.

As noted above throughout his career as a farmer he has been an admirer of fine stock. In line with this fancy he has added the raising of stock to his work as a farmer. During the last eight years he has been a feeder of cattle and hogs for the market and his products demand the top price wherever they are exposed for sale. His annual shipments are about three to five cars. In connection with the stock-raising business on his own estate he owns another farm in the county in partnership with his brother. On this farm the brothers are feeding and shipping stock for the market.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman. These are: James R. and Charles F. James, although but eighteen years of age, has taught two terms in the county schools and is a fine, ambitious youth. Mr. Zimmerman is one of the progressive men of his district. He takes an active part in the advancement of his county and is considered one of the substantial men of the community in which he lives. He votes the Democratic ticket, but is not an aggressive politician, discharging his duties as a citizen, but taking no active part in the work of his political fellows. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist church and are active in the affairs and interests of this denomination. Both are among the most highly esteemed people of the county.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 425 (image 869).

In September, 1872, he married Miss Victoria LeBrun, a daughter of August and Mary (Bainey) LeBrun. She was a model wife and descended from resourceful people. Her parents were natives of France and came to this country in 1842. Her father was born in 1818 and her mother in 1816. After reaching this country her parents lived for a time in New York . They were attracted by the reports that came to them from Indiana and decided to venture west and establish themselves in the new state. Accordingly they came to Indiana and purchased eighty acres of land in Kirkland township. This farm they cleared and improved and later sold it and bought other land south of Decatur. This tract was their home until the death of August LeBrun, when his widow disposed of the estate and removed to Decatur, where she made her home with her son until her death at ninety years, December 24, 1906.

The farm that James Steel first purchased was not a very inviting place. There were only about twenty-five acres cleared and there was much of it under water and very swampy. Nothing daunted by these conditions and the absence of any improvements, he tackled his hard proposition and conquered it. He was a skillful farmer and a practical man and in time cleared other acres and reclaimed the portion of the farm that was submerged by a system of ditching and tiling. Each year found him in more independent circumstances, and the latter years have brought him complete independence. His farm today is highly improved and is a fine example of what may be achieved through perseverance and honest effort. The residence occupied by Mr. Steel and his family is of modern and most convenient type and his barns and outbuildings are well calculated to meet the purposes for which they were designed. Although this farm is not one of the largest in the township, it takes exceedingly high rank in the matters of productiveness and fertility. During the years Mr. and Mrs. Steel struggled to make their home in the wilderness eight children came to bless their union. Of these seven are still living. The names of these children are: Mary S., Cora M., Rosa B., George C., Bessie A., wife of Homer Andrews; Celia F. and Earl E. Ezra died some years ago. All of the living children are at home with the exception of Rosa, who is married to Melvin Welker. The mother of these children, who was born August 6, 1848, died at the home of her husband, February 7, 1905.

However, Mr. Steel has found time for other business than that of farming. Eight years ago he took up the business of cement and stone work and has done work of this kind all over the county. He has done much work for the Standard Oil Company. He is a Democrat so far as politics are concerned, but it cannot be said that he is an active partisan. He and his family are numbered among the most highly respected people of the county, and he takes a live interest in all things that are slated to improve the condition of his county and state. March 23, 1907, Mr. Steel was married a second time, when Mary M. Merryman became his wife. She is a native of Adams county, being a daughter of Zachariah Merryman.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 424 (image 867).

Jacob Borne, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest of this family of children. He was an industrious young man and assisted his father in the work on the farm and did his share toward building up the fortunes of the family. In his youth he secured a fair education in the district schools of Preble township and supplemented this learning with the practical lessons he secured on his father's farm. When he grew to manhood he married Mina E. Bottlemeyer, a daughter of Henry and Mary S. (Henschen) Bottlemeyer. The wedding was solemnized August 17, 1876. His wife's father and mother were natives of Germany, who came to this country early in the last century. For a time they lived in New York state and then came west to Fort Wayne, Indiana . They lived in this city for several years and then moved to Adams county, where they secured a farm in Preble township. This farm they improved and it is still their home.

Following his marriage Jacob Borne settled on his father's farm, the management of which had been turned over to him. He made many greater improvements on it as time passed and brought it up to a high state of productiveness. He was a thorough believer in modern methods and he used these in prosecuting his agricultural labors. His tenacity of purpose surmounted all obstacles and he gained a competence. He took an interested part in the affairs of his section of the state and as a member of the Democratic party served his fellow residents of Adams county as a supervisor for a number of years. He is a member of the German Reformed church and gives this organization his financial as well as his moral support. His home is one of the pleasantest in the township, and both he and his wife are among the most highly esteemed people of the district. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Borne. Those living are: Mary A., Minnie S., John H., and Rudolph W. Those dead are: August C., Emma S. and an infant that died unnamed.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 423 (image 865).

William Berger, the son of this industrious pioneer, was raised in a most wholesome environment. To be sure, he knew what hard work meant, but he also knew that honest toil cannot fail of its reward. This fact was brought home to him in the contemplation of his father's career. His early life was spent on his father's farm, where he assisted in the cultivation of the large tract. His school days were all contained within two weeks. He lived on his father's estate until his marriage, which occurred to Miss Emaline Billman, September 18, 1879. His wife was the daughter of Henry and Mary (Zimmerman) Billman. Her father was born on a farm in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in 1830, and her mother in Bucks county, Pennsylvania , April 28, 1831. This couple came to Adams county in 1855 and settled on a farm of eighty acres in Kirkland township. Some time afterward Mr. Billman purchased an additional one hundred and twenty acres abutting on his first purchase, and with his wife lived on this farm until 1880, which year their deaths occurred. Mr. Billman died February 25th and his wife passed away November 9th.

Soon after his marriage William Berger rented land and farmed it for about four years. This was a tract of eighty acres in section 9 of Kirkland township, and was his first home after leaving his father's farm. In 1882 he bought a tract of the same area in the same township and in 1883 moved to it. The land was rough and the house was of mud and the stable of logs. But to his hardy spirit this condition meant nothing that was discouraging. He knew how to develop land and to make it productive, and soon had erected a fine home and barn and brought his land to a high stage of fertility and productiveness. Later he added another eighty acres and now owns the entire tract of one hundred and sixty acres.

Mr. and Mrs. Berger are the parents of four children, all of whom are living. These children are: Catherine A., Elizabeth M., Mary E. and Sarah J. Mr. Berger is one of the most highly respected men in his community, and one whose advice is frequently sought. He is not a party man as far as politics are concerned, but exercises a right to vote independently. In view of this he is to be found on the side of the man who, in his opinion, is best qualified to serve the people. He and his family are members of the German Baptist church and accord this denomination their hearty and substantial support.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 421 (image 861).

J. R. Graber spent his boyhood on his father's farm in Allen county. He received as good an education as was possible in the country schools of the period. Pie learned the lessons of a farmer's life on his father's homestead and became in time a successful and resourceful tiller of the soil. In 1871 he purchased a tract of land in French township, Adams county, and commenced to till the soil on his own responsibility. He improved his land and under his efficient direction and able management it became one of the finest estates in the county. He improved it and erected suitable and commodious buildings. He lived on this tract until he was selected to manage and conduct the county poor farm. This place he took charge of December 8, 1895. The Adams county poor farm is a large tract containing two hundred and seventy acres. When Mr. Graber became superintendent of the farm he set to work to make it a model establishment of its kind in the state. The building of the house or infirmary cost thirty-three thousand and sixty-six dollars, but is worth much more than this today. Under the able management of Mr. Graber the county farm has been materially improved. He has devoted all of his time and attention to his work and has discharged his obligations to the citizens of Adams county with intelligence and to their entire satisfaction.

The marriage of Mr. Graber and Miss Lydia Schlather was solemnized in 1871. On September 10th of that year he purchased his farm containing one hundred and twenty-two and one-half acres situated in French township. His wife is a daughter of Joseph and Lizzie (Augsburger) Schlather. Her father was born in France and came as a youth to this country. He first lived in Pennsylvania and later removed to Ohio. He came among the earlier settlers to Indiana. Mrs. Graber was born in Adams county, January 7, 1849. Five children have come to bless this union: Joseph, living in French township; Lucy, the wife of Ephraim Hirschy, a farmer of Beaver county, Oklahoma; Albert, connected with the Schaffer Hardware Company of Decatur, and who taught school for five years before his marriage; Lizzie and John H., both at home with their parents. The mother of Mr. Graber is still living in excellent health in Daviess county, Indiana.

Mr. Graber is in all sense a successful man. He has earned what he has of the world's goods by his own efforts and can look back on a career full of benefit to his fellow men with satisfaction. He is highly esteemed and whether as a citizen or as an official he has always lived an exemplary life. He and his wife are esteemed members of the Mennonite church and contribute generously and heartily to the aims and objectives of this denomination.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 418 (image 855).

It is doubtful if there was a more uninviting piece of land in the entire county than that purchased by John Becker when it came into his possession. Fourteen owners had tried to make it productive and had failed. They in turn gave it up and sought more favorable locations. This was anything but an encouraging prospect for a young man who had worked almost all of his life in the coal mines of his native land and had had but a comparatively few years of practical farming experience. However, it is just here that the indomitable will of John Becker asserted itself. He viewed his land and realized that a titanic work lay before him before it could be made productive and profitable. But he knew that it could be made productive and profitable if sufficient labor and energy were devoted to the task. He also realized that he possessed the determination and the energy to conquer this difficult proposition and he set to work to do it. The admirable state of his farm today, with its broad acres, well cleared and yielding excellent crops, attest in large and convincing measure the industry and perseverance of John Becker.

In the same year in which he came to the United States Mr. Becker was married to Miss Mary Luxenburger. She was also born in Germany and is a daughter of Michael and Katherine (Rupp) Luxenburger. They died in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Becker have become the parents of twelve children. All of these children are living with the exception of a son, William, who died in his infancy. Those living are: Katie, Anna, John, Morris, Maggie, Matthias, Mary, Joseph, Frank Tiny and Frederick.

The farm that is now owned and operated by Mr. Becker consists of one hundred and thirty-one acres. Of this amount one hundred and twenty acres are cleared and under cultivation. The remaining ten acres are in timber and pasturage. In addition to a general farming business Mr. Becker raises a good quality of Duroc swine and cattle. He raises cattle and swine for the market and feeds the greater share of his farm products to his stock. He has his place well fenced and drained and the buildings he has erected are comfortable. In politics he is a Democrat and has served as a township supervisor. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church and a consistent supporter of this faith.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 417 (image 853).

In 1884 Mr. McClain was united in marriage to Miss Sylvia E. Harris, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, and who came to Indiana and settled in Adams county with her parents in 1864. She is a daughter of Thomas P. and Eliza (Poterfield) Harris. After her parents came to Adams county they followed the occupation of farmers for a short time. Her father opened a store in Berne and did a general merchandizing business for the farmers of the neighborhood during the year 1871. This store was the first opened and operated in Berne. It was established before the railroad had entered the little village. He conducted his general store for one year and then returned to his farm. After residing six years on his farm he went to Decatur, where he was employed in a store for two years. Returning to his farm, he spent the next six years in its cultivation and then removed to Henry county, Indiana, where he lived until his death in 1905. He and his wife became the parents of a family of six children, all of whom are still living.

Mr. and Mrs. McClain are the parents of five children. These children are: Melda M., Eva J., the wife of Edward W. Tumbelson; Nora G., attending school; Paul H., also attending school, and Luella.

Mr. McClain is the owner of one hundred and forty-seven and three-quarters acres of excellent land. Almost all of the land is under profitable cultivation. He allows sixteen acres to remain in timber and pasture land and cultivates the rest. He is a progressive man and one who appreciates the benefits of modern methods and ideas. He employs these methods and ideas in the cultivation of his tract and has made of it one of the most attractive in the township, as well as one of the most valuable. He raises cattle and swine for the market and his strains of cattle and Duroc swine are among the best in the township. In addition he raises a fine breed of Norman and Belgian horses. His crops are always large and he feeds the greater part of the products of his farm to his stock. His place is well improved and thoroughly drained. He has laid in all about sixteen hundred rods of tiling and has fenced his entire property. He is a member of the Republican party, but has never sought or held public office. He is a member of the Berne Lodge, No. 208, Knights of Pythias, and of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 416 (image 851).

The youth of John S. McClain was spent on his father's farm in Monroe township. He attended the winter sessions of the schools of his neighborhood and secured as good an education as was possible under the circumstances. He assisted in the cultivation of his father's estate until he reached his majority. At the time of this event the country was ringing with calls to arms in defense of the Union. The fever of war got in the veins of young McClain and he hurried to the defense of his country's flag. He enlisted in Company I, Eighty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which regiment was attached to the Sixteenth Army Corps, and he saw nearly three years of service. His command took part in many fierce engagements and was present at the battles of Mumfordsville, Fort Derusse, Pleasant Hill and Yellow Bayou, Louisiana; Tupelo, Mississippi; Nashville, Tennessee , and Fort Blakley, Alabama. He was finally mustered out of the Federal service with his regiment in 1865.

After the close of the war Mr. McClain returned to his home in Monroe township and remained there for some years, managing and cultivating the family homestead. With the exception of a year spent in the hardware business at Berne, Adams county, and one year spent in Iowa and Nebraska, he has always resided in Adams county and operated the family's original farm, a part of which he now owns. He has always followed farming, the only interruptions to this pursuit being the time he spent in Berne and in the west and two terms when he taught school in Monroe township. His present estate is a fine farm of eighty acres in section 26 of Monroe township. It is most admirably located and is very fertile. The tract was originally entered by the father of the present owner from the government in 1839, although the original owner did not remove to it until 1852. The original patent deed to the land is in the possession of Mr. John S. McClain. He is a public-spirited man and takes a live interest in the affairs of his township. He votes the Republican ticket, but has not held or aspired to public office. He is a progressive man and believes in applying modern methods and ideas to the cultivation of his farm, and his crops are always profitable.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 415 (image 849).

The youth of Christian C. Beer was spent on his father's farm in Monroe township. He was educated in the common schools of the neighborhood, and was an apt and diligent pupil. He spent the winter months in the school and during the milder months of the year assisted his father in improving and cultivating his farm. He contributed his share to the work on the home farm from the time he was old enough to do any farm work. He was a dutiful son and took many of the cares and burdens of the farm from the shoulders of his parents. He lived on the home place until he grew to manhood.

The marriage of Christian Beer and Miss Sarah Ellenberger was solemnized in Adams county in 1888. Mrs. Beer is a daughter of Henry and Katie (Baumgartner) Ellenberger. Her father was a native of Adams county and with his wife settled in Monroe township among the first settlers to enter this section of the county. His wife's parents are still living in Berne . Mr. and Mrs. Beer have become the parents of twelve children: Harvey, Lavina, Caroline, Delia, Lillie Ruffina, Dora, Ermine, Roselle, Jesse, Edna and Elmer.

Mr. Beer has lived on his present place, which is located three miles north of Berne, for the last fourteen years. It is a good farm of eighty acres, seventy of which are under cultivation. The place is well improved and is a very productive estate. The land has been much improved since it came into the possession of the present owner, and he has added much tiling and bettered the buildings and fencing. His home is a fine brick residence that is a model of its kind, and his outbuildings are good and commodious. Recently he erected a large new barn on his place. In addition to a general farming business he is a buyer of stock and buys for Elmer Johnson, of Decatur. He has bought horses for the last four years and has been uniformly successful. He is a member of the Democratic party, but of no fraternal bodies. He gives his allegiance and support to the Reformed church of his neighborhood and is in all respects a model citizen. He is highly esteemed and has hosts of friends and acquaintances, who have entire confidence in his judgment and who admire his abilities.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 413 (image 845).

The youth of the subject of this sketch was spent on his father's farm in Blue Creek township. He attended the sessions of the rude schools of the neighborhood and secured as complete an education as was possible under the circumstances. He was an industrious youth and a dutiful son. He learned the wholesome lessons to be learned on a farm and applied these lessons to his profit in his after life. He lived on his father's farm and assisted in its cultivation until he grew to manhood.

Mr. Tinkham was married in 1894 to Miss Phoebe Murray. His wife is a native of Adams county and a daughter of Horatio Murray, who was among the oldest settlers in the northeastern section of Indiana. Her parents lived in St. Mary's township for many years, where they followed the occupation of farming, and then removed to Decatur. Mr. and Mrs. Tinkham are the parents of three children. The eldest of this family, Floyd, died some years ago. Alta G. and Dewitt are still living at home with their parents.

The present farm owned and occupied by Mr. Tinkham is a fine tract of one hundred and fifty-seven acres. He came into possession of it about thirteen years ago and has resided on it continuously since. Of the total acreage one hundred and thirty acres are under cultivation. The land is exceedingly fertile and it has been improved until it is a valuable and profitable property. The land is well drained and substantially fenced and the buildings are attractive and comfortable. A general farming business is carried on by Mr. Tinkham and he raises some good breeds of swine. Mr. Tinkham is a man of much public spirit. He takes a live and intelligent interest in all matters affecting the prosperity and welfare of his home township and is a leader in movements for the advancement of the commercial and industrial growth of the county. He is not affiliated with any fraternal body, but with his wife is an ardent and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is active in the work of this church and contributes generously to its support.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 411 (image 841).

The youth of the subject of this sketch was spent on his father's farm in Blue Creek township. He received his preliminary education in the common schools of his neighborhood and progressed satisfactorily. He decided to adopt the profession of teaching and accordingly after he completed his common school education he entered the normal college at Valparaiso, Indiana . He spent four years in this educational institution and graduated from it in 1885. After his graduation he returned to Decatur and began teaching. He taught through successive grades of the Decatur schools, and was the first principal of the west ward school of Decatur . In all he taught twenty-one years. He resided in Decatur for ten years and while he was city engineer put down the first crushed stone street in that city. Following the close of his work as a teacher Mr. Tyndall removed to a farm in Blue Creek township, which he had previously purchased. He has been living on his farm for the last ten years, although he has been the owner of it for twenty-two years.

He was married in 1890 to Miss Ann a M. Wechter, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Clancy) Wechter. Mr. and Mrs. Tyndall are the parents of one child, a daughter, Frances, who is living at home keeping house for her father.

The farm owned and operated by Mr. Tyndall is a fine place of eighty acres. It is well improved and all but ten acres are under cultivation. He carries on a general farming business and is a successful man. He raises a mixed breed of swine and disposes of them at a profit. When he purchased his farm only about half of it was improved and cleared. He has improved and cleared the remainder and has it now at a high stage of profitable cultivation. It is excellently drained and fenced and the farm buildings are adequate and commodious. Mr. Tyndall is a Democrat in politics and has served in public capacities with much credit to himself. He was deputy county surveyor for six years and has served his fellow residents of Blue Creek township in other valuable manners. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and attends the Methodist Episcopal church.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 410 (image 839).

The years that immediately followed the removal of the Arnold family from Germany were filled with arduous toil. Their land in Adams county was rough and demanded that much labor be expended before it could be made productive. However, the difficulties were overcome and the land in time became profitable. The youth of Frank Arnold after coming to the United States was spent on his father's farm. He secured a meager education in the log cabin school of his immediate neighborhood and progressed satisfactorily in his studies. During the milder months of the year he assisted his father in clearing and improving his farm and was a dutiful and industrious son. He was the eldest of his parents' family of six children and naturally more responsibilities fell on him than upon the others. His father's family consisted of the following children: Frank, Melina, Charles, deceased; William, Lewis and Allie, deceased.

When the Civil war was engaging the entire country in a fearful struggle Frank Arnold answered a call for volunteers to help preserve the Union . He enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served with this command until he was mustered out of the service in 1865. His regiment was attached to the Army of the Tennessee and he saw much actual warfare. After his discharge he returned to Indiana and purchasing a tract of land in Kirkland township, in Adams county, took up the life of a farmer where the demands of war had interrupted it.

Two years after the close of the war, in 1867, Mr. Arnold was married to Miss Susanna Berger. His wife was a native of Massillon, Ohio , and a daughter of Nicholas Berger, who, with his wife, were among the older settlers in Adams county. She is a member of a family of six children born to her parents. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Arnold. These children are: Albert, William, Charles, Sarah, Rosa and Edward. All live in Adams county.

Measured by a number of standards, Mr. Arnold is a successful man. Since he began living in Kirkland township he has engaged in a general farming business. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres, all of which is under cultivation, and raises Durham cattle and a good brand of swine. He appreciates the value of modern methods and applies them in the cultivation of his estate. All of his land is well ditched and drained and the fencing and buildings are substantial and suitable. In addition to his general farming business he operated a saw mill for about ten years and a threshing machine business for about eight years. All of his ventures have proved eminently successful and profitable. He is a man who takes an active interest in the affairs of his township and county and has served a term of two years in the important office of township supervisor. He is affiliated with the Republican party and is active in the work of this party in his section of Adams county. With his wife he is a member of 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. 408 (image 835).

Their son, James McCune, was reared on his father's farms in Fayette and Adams counties. He was educated in the common schools of these two counties and secured as liberal an education as was possible under the circumstances. He learned the lessons of a farmer's life and applied these lessons to advantage in his after life. At the outbreak of the Civil war he answered one of the first calls for volunteers to preserve the Union and enlisted in Company I of the Eighty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Soon after his enlistment his regiment was attached to the Army of the Tennessee and he saw much real warfare. He participated with distinction in the engagements fought at Tupelo, Mississippi; Mumfordsville, Kentucky; Yellow Bayou, Louisiana; Franklin, Tennessee; the two days' siege of Nashville and at Fort Blackley, Alabama. He was twice taken prisoner by the Confederates and was severely wounded in the arm at the engagement fought at Tupelo , Mississippi . He served with his regiment until the close of the war in 1865 and was mustered out of the Federal service with an honorable discharge. He then returned to Adams county and resumed his life as a tiller of the soil.

The marriage of Mr. McCune and Miss Emeline Baker was solemnized in Adams county in 1860. His wife is a native of Indiana and a daughter of Jesse and Lydia (Vance) Baker. Her parents were among the older settlers in northeastern Indiana and came to Adams county in 1857. He purchased a farm in this county, which he cultivated until his death. Her parents had seven children, all of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. McCune are the parents of three children. These children are: John, Cynthia and Martin.

Mr. McCune is the owner of a fine tract of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Monroe township, on which he makes his home. All of his farm is under cultivation with the exception of twelve acres, which he allows to remain in timber. He has been a farmer all of life and has conducted his present farm since he returned from the Civil war. His farm is well improved and thoroughly ditched and drained. The land is very fertile and his crops each year are large and profitable. He has substantial fences about his property and the buildings on it are large and well adapted to the purposes to which they are put. He has done much carpenter work in connection with is farming and erected the building on his estate himself. He is in a very broad sense a successful man. He takes a live and intelligent interest in the affairs of his county and township, and has served his fellow residents in the important offices of township trustee, justice of the peace and as member of the school board. He was a justice of the peace for Monroe township for fourteen years and discharged the duties of this exacting office with Fearlessness and excellent judgment. He is a Republican in politics, as was his father before him, and his voice is frequently heard in the councils of his party in his community. With the members of his family he gives his support to the Christian church and is a faithful member of this denomination. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 512, of Decatur, and of the local Grange Lodge, the F. M. B. A. and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 407 (image 833).

The youth and young manhood of Christ Beery was spent on his father's farm. He was educated in the rude schools of his boyhood day and secured as complete a common school education as was possible under the circumstances. When he became old enough he assisted in the work of cultivating the home farm and in time became a proficient tiller of the soil.

In 1886 he was married to Miss Martha Burkhead, a daughter of John and Ann Burkhead, who were among the first settlers in Washington township. The father of Mrs. Beery is dead, but her mother is still living in Washington township. The father of Mr. Beery died in 1879 and his mother in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Beery have become the parents of two children: Frederick D. and Georgia Irene, both of whom are living with their parents on the home farm. Although farming has been the principal occupation of Mr. Beery, he lived for a time in Decatur. However, the liking for a farm life became too strong to be denied and he returned to his present place in 1903. His farm is a fine one of one hundred acres, eighty of which are under cultivation. It is one of the most valuable in the neighborhood and easily worth one hundred and ten dollars an acre. It is all improved. The ditches are well placed and the fencing and buildings are substantial and modern. The farm crops are rotated with excellent judgment and are profitable. In addition to a general farming business Mr. Beery carries on stock raising. He deals largely in stock for the market and with his brother has bought and sold horses all over the country. As the recent panic that affected the horse market Mr. Beery, and his brother lost upwards of thirty-two thousand dollars. Mr. Beery is in every sense a successful man. He is a successful farmer and stock dealer. He is well respected in the community where he resides.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 406 (image 831).

Reuben Beery received his education in the common schools of this county and his entire life has been devoted to farming. Twenty-five years- ago he obtained possession of his present farm, which consists of eighty acres of valuable and well-cultivated land, which he has been instrumental in transforming- from its original state to its present condition. Many substantial and convenient buildings have been erected and in many respects his farm is considered one of the best in the county.

In 1871 Mr. Beery was married to Miss Elizabeth Steele, daughter of Joseph and Mrs. Steele, both natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Adams county, Indiana, in an early day and settled in Kirkland township, where they followed farming. To the subject and his wife have been born ten children, namely: Flora, the wife of George Bright, Kirkland township; Rona, the wife of Oran Shaffer; James married Ann a Kieffer and is a harness-maker at Hoagland, Indiana; Maggie and Edith are at home; Jesse married Jessie Springer and resides in this township ; Clyde resides in Kirkland township; Mabel and Virgil are at home, and Ada is deceased. Politically Mr. Beery votes the Prohibition ticket, while his religious affiliation is with the Brethren of Christ church. In the fullest sense of the word Mr. Beery is a self-made man and commands the unstinted respect of his fellow citizens.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 405 (image 829).

Of his father's family of six children William A. Bowman was the third in order of birth and the second son born. He was reared on his father's farm in French township and attended the schools of his neighborhood. In these schools he secured as good a common school education as was possible at that time in his district and he improved all of his opportunities. During the months when there was no session of the district school he assisted his father in the cultivation of his farm and became an expert agriculturist.

October 23, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss Abbie Studabaker, born in Wells county, November 28, 1861, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abram Studabaker. Her father was born in Ohio and her mother, who was Miss Louisa Dewitt before her marriage, was born in New York . Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have become the parents of nine children. Of this number eight are living. Those living are: Earl, Edward J., Bessie, Charles, Russell, Lloyd, Edith and Viola. A daughter, Pearl, is deceased.

After his marriage Mr. Bowman continued to live on the old homestead for several years. In 1901 he purchased his present tract of ninety acres in Washington township and has since resided on it. Since his farm came into his possession he has made many improvements on it. He has ditched it thoroughly and laid in excess of eight hundred dollars' worth of tiling. The entire place is under cultivation with the exception of about three acres, which are covered with a good quality of timber. The buildings on the farm are substantial and the entire place is a fine property. Mr. Bowman is a progressive farmer and applies modern methods to the cultivation of his estate.

Although he is an earnest member of the Democratic party and works for the interest of this party, it cannot be said that he is in any sense a public man. He has never held public office nor aspired to hold any office of this nature. He is affiliated with no fraternal bodies, but he and his wife are consistent and generous members of the Methodist Episcopal church of his neighborhood. He is highly esteemed and counted among the strong men of his community.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 404 (image 827).

Marion L. Oliver received his education in the common schools of Adams county and under his father's able instructions was early taught the secrets of successful husbandry. He followed agricultural pursuits consistently and successfully until 1892, when he came to Monroe and accepted a position as manager for J. D. Hale, of Decatur, owner of a grain elevator at Monroe. He continued in this line of business until 1907. He is also an extensive dealer in hay, buying and shipping large quantities. For ten years of this time Mr. Oliver was associated in business with J. D. Hale, of Decatur, Indiana, and subsequently with the Carroll Elevator Company, successors to Mr. Hale. At the elevator Mr. Oliver purchased or stored more grain in a single day than any other elevator in the county, amounting at times to nearly ten thousand bushels. In 1907 the Monroe Grain, Hay and Milling Company was organized and Mr. Oliver is its manager. He takes an active interest in general business affairs and is considered among Monroe 's leading and progressive citizens. He is a staunch Democrat in politics and he is now serving as town clerk of Monroe .

In 1886 Mr. Oliver married Miss Ellen Wistner, daughter of W. A. and Adeline (La Master) Wistner, natives of Washington township, Adams county, Indiana, and descended of earliest settlers. To this union have been born three children, namely: Chauncey, Homer W. and Edward F. Homer is receiving a good education, now attending the normal school at Marion, Indiana .

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 404 (image 827).

The subject of this sketch received a good practical education in the common schools and early took up the pursuit of farming under the able tutorship of his father. He has been eminently successful as an agriculturist, due to the sound judgment exercised by him in the rotation of his crops and other features which contribute to successful agriculture. He owns one hundred and nine acres of land, on which he has resided since 1887, and to which he has devoted his entire time. He carries on general farming and gives some attention to the breeding and raising of Poland China hogs and Shropshire sheep. Mr. Smith has erected all of the present buildings on the farm and has also constructed the splendid fences and well built ditches which now characterize the place. In politics he is a Democrat and has served two terms on the advisory board of the township. He is a member of the Evangelical church

In 1881 he married Miss Isabella Kern, daughter of Philip B. and Mary (Luckey) Kern, early settlers of Union township. To this union were born six children, namely: Philip, Hannah, Clayton, Orvie, Gertrude and Leslie, all at home.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 403 (image 825).

The subject of this sketch obtained a good education in the common schools of his native township and upon attaining mature years entered actively upon the life to which he had been inured, that of a farmer. He is the owner of eighty acres of as good land as can be found in the township, all under the plow excepting twelve acres of pasture and woodland, and here he carries on general farming, also giving some attention to the breeding of live stock. In politics Mr. Hirschy assumes an independent attitude, voting independently. Though not ambitious for public office, he served as school director for three years. He attends the Mission church at Berne.

Mr. Hirschy has been twice married, the first time to Miss Magdalena Stuckey, daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Gerig) Stuckey, natives of Switzerland, who came to Adams county, Indiana, in an early day. The father is now deceased and the mother resides in Berne at the age of seventy-seven. To this union have been born three children: Matilda, Norman and Meta. Mr. Hirschy's second marital union was with Miss Katie Lehman, daughter of Christ and Ann a (Springer) Lehman, early settlers of this county, and to this union were born two children: Selma and Ida. The children all reside at home and received a good education in the public schools of the township.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 402 (image 823).

The subject of this sketch received his education in the schools of his locality and was early inured to the life of a farmer. He is the owner of eighty acres of fine land, on which are raised all the crops common to this latitude and also gives some attention to the breeding and raising of Poland China and Duroc hogs.

January 7. 1872, Mr. Schindler was married to Miss Catherine Schlatter, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Augusberger) Schlatter, who came here in an early day and settled in French township, where they followed farming. Both are now deceased. Catharina Schindler died December 19, 1876, aged fifty-six years, two months and sixteen days. John S. died August 12, 1877, aged eighty-two years. Joseph Schlatter died September 31, 1872, aged fifty-four years, eleven months and four days. Elizabeth S. died December 15, 1897, aged eighty-three years, nine months and ten days.

To the subject and his wife have been born twelve children, whose names, with the years of their birth, are as follows: Noah, who was born in 1872; Lizzie, 1874; Cassie, 1875; Elmer, 1877; Joseph, 1878; John, 1880; Samuel, 1882; Menno, 1884; Simon, 1886; Ella, 1889; Edwin, 1891; Selena, 1894. The family are members of the Missionary church and occupy a high position in the community.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 401 (image 821).

Samuel Lehman received his early education in a rude log cabin and it is an interesting fact that the cabin in which he learned his first lessons is still standing on the old home farm in Wayne county, Ohio. In 1867 Mr. Lehman came to Adams county, settling in Wabash township, where he remained during the summer, and then purchased a farm in Monroe township. He followed carpentering for two years, subsequently settling on his farm, where he lived for thirty-five years, when on December 22, 1903, he came to Berne and has since here resided. During the last fifteen years, in connection with his farming, he also successfully conducted an undertaking business. He is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of splendid land, well improved with many permanent and substantial buildings. In Berne Mr. Lehman erected a beautiful and commodious brick house on Lehman street, which thoroughfare was named in honor of his family. He votes independently and though not an aspirant for public office, he has served two terms as supervisor of Monroe township. Religiously he is a member of the Mennonite church. Mr. Lehman has taken an active interest in the local history of the Berne settlement, of which he has a complete and authentic record, containing the births and deaths of six hundred families, the only record of the kind in the community.

The subject has been twice married, the first time in 1865 to Miss Elizabeth Oberly, who was born November 4, 1844, the daughter of Peter and Susana (Von Candle) Oberly, farming folk of Wayne county, Ohio. To this union was born one child: Josephine, who died at the age of three months. Mrs. Elizabeth Lehman died December 10, 1866, and on October 31, 1867, Mr. Lehman married Elizabeth Sprunger, daughter of Abraham B. and Elizabeth (Zuercher) Sprunger, natives of the same locality in Switzerland from whence came the subject's family. The Sprunger family came to America July 6, 1854, settling first in Wayne county, Ohio , but three months later came to Adams county, Indiana, settling, on the 4th of October, on a farm in the woods in Monroe township. Abraham B. Sprunger, who was born October 7, 1819, died August 2, 1896, and his wife, who was born August 12, 181 3, died August 16, 1887. To the subject's last union have been born eleven children: William R-, a farmer living in Phoenix, Arizona ; Caroline R., who is living in Berne; Emma, who resides in Blue Creek township, this county; Daniel J., deceased; Solomon A., of Fort Wayne; Helena M., who is living in Berne; Noah M., of Monroe township; Enos W. and Leonhard, who live in Berne; Matilda E., who resides at home, but is now attending a mission Bible school in Fort Wayne , and Wilbert H., at home.

The subject served for eighteen years as trustee of the Mennonite church. He was appointed in 1879 and served until 1897.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 400 (image 819).

Jacob Wullimann received such an education as was found in the primitive schools of the early days and was inured to the strenuous labor incident to farm life. He always has followed farming as an occupation and has been successful to a satisfactory degree, possessing now a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, of which one hundred and thirty are under the plow, the balance being pasture and woodland. In addition to general farming Mr. Wullimann also gives some attention to the raising of live stock, principally Hereford cattle and O. I. C. hogs. He has made many substantial and permanent improvements on the place, including a fine house and commodious barn. As an evidence of Mr. Wullimann's progressive spirit it may be stated that he was one of the first men in this locality to place drain tile on his farm. He soon proved the value of this and others followed his example. The country was wild when he first came here and much wild game, including many deer, was plentiful. He has always voted the Republican ticket, though never held office. Religiously he is a member of the Mennonite church.

In 1868 Mr. Wullimann married Miss Katheryn Neuenschwander, daughter of Christian and Ann a (Lehman) Neuenschwander, who came to this country in 1845, settling first in Wayne county, Ohio. Subsequently they went to Iowa, but eventually came east again and located in Monroe township, where they followed farming during the remainder of their lives. To the subject and his wife have been born twelve children: Noah, living near Berne; William, who resides at home and follows the trade of carpentering; Edward, Adeline and Jacob, deceased; Anna, David, Mennis, Lydia and Melita, who are at home; Bernard, who is deceased.

Clemenz Wullimann's first wife, mother of subject, died and Clemenz married the second time to Elizabeth Liechty, who died the same day Clemenz died, and both were buried in the same grave, in 1892.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 400 (image 819).

The subject of this sketch received his early training in the common schools of Monroe township, where he learned the secrets of successful husbandry, which occupation has been his life work until recently. He cleared his entire tract of land, placed upon it many permanent and substantial buildings. On December 14, 1905, Mr. Neuenschwander removed to Berne, renting the farm to his son-in-law, who now successfully operates the same. Prior to the improvement of the farm mentioned Mr. Neuenschwander cleared and improved another farm, which he disposed of when removing to the last named place.

In 1872 the subject married Miss Elizabeth Stauffer, the daughter of Christian and Fanny (Habbager) Stauffer, natives of Switzerland, and to this union have been born twelve children: Anna, who is married and living on the old home farm; Adam, who is a carpenter in Monroe township; Lovina, who lives in Berne; Emanuel and David, who reside with their parents; Theressa, who is living in Ohio ; Andrew, who is at home, and five who died in infancy.

For many years Mr. Neuenschwander cast his vote for the Democratic party, but recently has given his allegiance to the Prohibition party. He is a member of the Mennonite church and takes an active interest in all things tending to upbuild the best interests of the community.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 399 (image 817).

The subject of this sketch attended the common schools of his locality and during vacation periods labored on the farm until twenty years old, when he determined upon a legal career and to this end he studied law in the office of Colonel I. N. Alexander and was admitted to the bar in 1873. He practiced law at Van Wert, Ohio, for ten years and in 1878 was chosen mayor of that city and re-elected two years later. In October, 1880, he was elected prosecuting attorney of the county and in consequence resigned his mayoralty. In 1883 he came to Blue Creek township, Adams county, and for a few years lived on his father's farm, subsequently buying the farm which he now occupies. It is a splendid piece of land and is given a most careful attention by Mr. Porter, who has not had cause to regret his change of occupation. In politics he gives a staunch support to the Democratic party and fraternally is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Van Wert, Ohio, and the Knights of Pythias at Berne.

In 1874 Mr. Porter married Miss Parthena Shaffer, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Garver) Shaffer, the former a native of Preble county, Ohio, who came to Adams county in 1850, locating in Blue Creek township, where he followed farming and carpentering. To the subject and his wife have been born five children, of whom three are living: William S., who married Susie Calderwood and resides in Dayton, Ohio, where he occupies a position as photographer for the cash register company; Frances and Giles, who are at home.

Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 398 (image 815).