Biography of J. W. Showalter, pages 654/655/656. History of DeKalb County, Indiana; B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., Indianapolis, 1914. The subject of this sketch is one of those strong, self- reliant and determined characters who are occasionally met with and who are of such a distinct type as to seem to be born leaders of their fellow men. Not that Mr. Showalter courts that distinction, for he is entirely unassuming, but his great force of character and his zeal and energy is whatever he undertakes naturally place him at the head of the crowd, and he has been a potent factor in the development of DeKalb county, where he has long maintained his home and where he is well known to all classes for his honorable and industrious life in both private and public. J. W. Showalter was born on March 27, 1846, in Ohio, and is the son on Noah and Elizabeth (Moore) Showalter, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. These parents have three children, Emma, H.M. and J. W. Mr. Showalter came to DeKalb county in his early youth, having been reared under the parental roof and having secured a good education in the public schools of his community. His first location after coming to DeKalb county was in Wilmington township, where he secured one hundred and forty acres of good farm land, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted himself through the years, and today he is numbered among the substantial older residents of his community. His farm near Butler comprises two hundred and eighty acres of as good land as can be found in the community, and he has for forty-five years, through winter's cold and summer's heat, persistently and courageously carried forward the work to which he set himself years ago, and by his earnest endeavor and persistent industry he has accumulated a handsome competency, thus rendering his later years free from worry or embarrassment. Now, in the golden sunset of his life, he can look back over the years an conscientiously feel play, carried forward his life work in a manner that has won for him the commendation of all who know him. Mr. Showalter has made many permanent and substantial improvements on his farm. He has carried on general agriculture, and has also been active in breeding and raising of Shetland ponies and graded stock. His residence, which is about a half mile north of Butler, is a substantial and attractive brick house, and he also owns town property, including eight lots in Garrett. Soon after coming to DeKalb county, Mr. Showalter married Sarah Ball, the daughter of John R. and Sarah (Piles) Ball, and to them were born three children: Mrs. Elva Copp, whose husband is a farmer near Butler, and they have one child, Ruth; Mrs. Minnie B. Knisley, of Butler, where her husband is engaged in the clothing business, and Mrs. Nora Rudd, of Butler. The mother of these children died and subsequently Mr. Showalter married Laura Watkins, to which union were born two children, Caroline and Zelma, both of whom are at home with their parents. Politically, Mr. Showalter has given his lifelong support to the Republican party, believing that its platform embodies those principles most conducive to the welfare of the people. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order and Lodge No., 158, Knight of Pythias, at Butler. Mr. Showalter is an excellent neighbor, a praiseworthy citizen and keeps in touch with all matters of general interest to the community. He stands for law and good government, uses his influence on the right side of every moral issue, and, though quiet and unostentatious in demeanor and always attending strictly to this own business and affairs, his life has been fraught with good to all with whom he has come in contact. Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com