Biography of Joseph Pepple, pages 755/756. History of 
DeKalb County, Indiana; B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., 
Indianapolis, 1914.



One of the sterling citizens of DeKalb county is Joseph 
Pepple, a name well known, especially in Butler township, 
where he has a splendid and attractively kept landed 
estate, an being regarded as one of the leading 
agriculturists of his community. As a result of his 
industry, integrity and genuine worth he is held in high 
esteem by the people of his vicinity, mainly as a result of 
his principles of modern farming and progressive and 
upright citizenship.  Joseph Pepple was born on July 4, 
1867, in Butler township, DeKalb county, the son of Joseph 
and Addeline (Hahn) Pepple. His parents, at an early date, 
came from their native state of Ohio and were among the 
pioneers who fought and conquered the hardships and perils 
of those days. To the elder Joseph and Addeline Pepple were 
born seven children, namely: Mrs. Frances Lung lives in 
DeKalb county; George and Jessie are deceased; Mrs. Ellie 
Thrush lives in DeKalb county; Mary is deceased; Joseph; 
Mrs. Leah Fitch lives in Seattle, Washington. At such times 
as he could be spared from the work of framing on the home 
place, the subject attended the common schools of the 
county. After reaching his majority he was married, on 
November 27, 1895, to Celia Griffin, daughter of Alanson 
and Henrietta (Surfus) Griffin, he a native of New York and 
she of Indiana.   To the subject and wife have been born 
five children: Mrs. Viola Timberlan lives in Allen county, 
Indiana; Mrs. Effie Griffin lives in Butler township; Mrs. 
Annie Rugman is also living in DeKalb county; John Griffin 
is a resident of Allen county; Jessie lives in Butler 
township.  The subject is now actively engaged in tilling 
the one hundred and ninety-seven acres of his splendid 
farm. Good buildings have been added by Mr. Pepple and his 
home is a model among the good homes of this community. 
Along one side of his possessions runs an interurban line, 
which not only adds to the value of his holding, but is a 
great convenience. The Republican party claims Mr. Pepple’s 
suffrage.

Submitted by:

Arlene Goodwin 

Auburn, Indiana

Agoodwin@ctlnet.com