Biography of John Hebel, pages 542/543/544. History of DeKalb County, Indiana; B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., Indianapolis, 1914. John Hebel In the laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a solid career on the part of a business or professional man there is little to attract the casual reader in search of a sensational chapter; but to a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgment, conquers adversity and finally wins, not only pecuniary independence, but, what is far greater and higher, the deserved respect and confidence of those with whom his active years have been spent. John Hebel was born at Tarentum, Pennsylvania, on October 1, 1862, and is descended from rugged old German stock, his parents, John and Mary E. (Meiser) Hebel, having been natives of Hessen-Cassel, Germany. The family came to Auburn, Indiana, in 1864, the father dying here a few years later. The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools and at the age of seventeen years he and his brother, Michael, engaged in business on a small scale, selling confectionery and cigars in a store room at the corner of Seventh and Main streets. Two years later they were enabled to erect a business block at the corner of Seventh and main streets, part of which they rented and in the other part installed a stock of groceries. Through the exercise of business judgment and sound business principles and methods the business grew rapidly and the brothers enlarged their stock, adding other lines of merchandise, and three years later found it necessary to enlarge their store room. They have built up a large and remunerative trade throughout the sixty-six feet with basement under all, besides ware rooms on the second floor. They carry a full line of staple groceries, a good variety of queens-ware, and a completely stocked meat market, and the store is numbered among the leading concerns of the kind in Auburn. John Hebel has for many years taken a prominent and active part in the public affairs of Auburn, having served as treasurer of the city during the later nineties, and also rendered efficient service for several terms as a member of the city school board. During the past dozen or more years, he has served as treasurer of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. In the fall of 1912 Mr. Hebel was elected clerk of the circuit court, assuming the duties of this office on December first following, and his administration of the duties of this responsible position have been marked by promptness, efficiency and courtesy to all who have had dealings with the office. Politically, Mr. Hebel is a Democrat, standing prominently in the counsels of his party, while his fraternal membership is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the local lodge of which he has passed the chairs. In February, 1886, John Hebel was married to Winifrede O. Richmond, a native of Stafford township, this county, and the daughter of William and Maria D. (Allen) Richmond. Mr. Richmond was for many years prominent in the civil life of DeKalb county, and at one time served on the board of county commissioners. Through her mother Mrs. Hebel is descended from the Allen family, of which Ethan Allen was a noted member. To Mr. and Mrs. Hebel have been born two children, J. William, born in April, 1891, and Irene Elizabeth. J. William graduated from the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, in 1911, to which institution he later returned for post-graduate work, taking the Master’s degree, majoring in English. He is now a student at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, and received the fellowship in 1913, a much coveted honor. He is pursuing the course with the expectation of following the profession of teaching in college. In 1911 he went to Europe with Professor Fred Smith, of Bloomington, traveling extensively over Scotland, Germany, France and Italy, and attending college at Jena, in Germany. Irene Elizabeth is a student in the public schools at Auburn. Besides these children, Mr. and Mrs. Hebel have lost a little daughter, Hilda, who died of diphtheria, when two and one-half years old. Mr. Hebel is regarded as a good business man and an excellent manager, possessing sound judgment, keen foresight and who believes in pressing forward, keeping the wheels of the car of civilization ever moving up the steeps. He enjoys the respect and esteem of those who knows him for his friendly manner, business ability, his interest in public affairs and upright living, and is regarded by all as one of the substantial and worthy citizens of DeKalb county. Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com