Phil Adler

Phil Adler was born in Weston, Platte county, Missouri, September 1, 1858. His father, Morris Adler, was born at Frankfurt on the Main. His mother, Zelia Wise, was born at Wurzburg, Germany. They emigrated to the United States and settled in Missouri. Later Mr. Adler's father removed to Ohio, residing for a time at Columbus and Cincinnati.

Mr. Adler, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Cincinnati and his education was obtained in its city schools, which, however, was meager. After passing the fifth grade, he, by force of circumstance, was compelled to assist in earning a livelihood and began business as a newsboy, later securing a position as a clerk in a wholesale house, mastering the ins and outs of the mercantile business. For a number of years he was a traveling salesman; seeing the great advantages of Lebanon and Boone county he engaged in business in his adopted city, in March, 1884, and has continued in the mercantile business in Lebanon, with a short interruption ever since.

From the small beginning on South. Lebanon street he developed the well known Cincinnati Store. In 1904 he reorganized his commercial activities and greatly enlarged his business. His success has been constant; his business establishment is one of the most modern of the city and do credit to cities many times the size of Lebanon. He carries a large stock of up-to-date goods and enjoys the largest trade in the drygoods line in his home city. His customers are numerous and come from the remote portions of the county.

Mr. Adler was married September 22, 1886, to Miss Minnie Valentine, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who was born in New York City and moved to Cincinnati where she grew to womanhood. She was a daughter of Mark and Hannah Valentine, both being natives of London, England, who emigrated to the United States in early life. Mrs. Adler is a lady of much refinement and possesses many admirable qualities.

Mr. and Mrs. Adler have three children, Mark, who resides in Lebanon and is engaged in business with his father and is a promising young business man of capacity; Miss Cecil, who is at home, as well as Mr. Philip Adler, Jr., who is now in school.

Mr. Adler has been the architect of his own success; he is truly a self-made man. During his early years adverses made demands upon him, which would have discouraged those of less force and will power. His indomitable courage, large hope and determined purpose, brooked no opposition. He is a leader among men as man of affairs, sound of judgment, liberal in views and strong in purpose. He has been a most useful citizen in the upbuilding of Lebanon, being identified with all of its prominent undertakings in the past twenty-five years.

In all his business undertakings he has been most enthusiastically supported by Miss Hattie Adler, his sister, who has been associated with him in business and upon whom Mr. Adler relies for counsel and advice and to whom he gives great credit for his own success.

Mr. Adler has not held public office, but has been identified with commercial undertakings in the upbuilding of his home city.

Submitted by: Amy K. Davis
Source: "History of Boone County, Indiana", by Hon. L. M. Crist, 1914.