This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: Acker, Smith, Myers, Blissner, Black
Classification: Obituary
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/kh.2ADE/1377
Message Board Post:
"Permission granted by the Decatur Daily Democrat for
obituary transcriptions on the Adams Co., IN GenWeb site only."
Decatur Daily Democrat, Saturday, May 9, 1936, page 1
CITY'S OLDEST RESIDENT DIES THIS MORNING - Mrs. Jane Acker Died This Morning After
Extended Illness
Mrs. Jane Acker, 96, Decatur's oldest resident and member of one of the earliest
and most prominent pioneer families in Adams County, died at 10 o'clock this morning
of old age and infirmities. She had been ill for several weeks.
Until three years ago, Mrs. Acker had been quite active. Since that time, she had
remained in her home at 227 South First street but had been able to get around the house
until her fatal illness.
A native of Adams County, she was born in St. Marys township. Her family for many
years was prominent in Republican affairs in the county and was associated with much of
the early development of this territory.
Until almost the very end, Mrs. Acker's mind was active and she was able to
recall times in Adams County when Indians were still common visitors and wolves endangered
the lives of travelers.
Mrs. Acker was born in a two room log cabin between Bobo and Pleasant Mills, the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Zacaria Smith, October 9, 1840.
Her father was the first elected sheriff of Adams county. He was on the original
commission which selected the name of "Bluffton" for the Wells county seat.
While she was still a girl, her father was drowned and her mother raised the family of
five children and managed to keep all of the 600 acre farm but 80 acres intact.
When Mrs. Acker was 10 years old, the family moved to a new hewed log house, one of
the finest in Adams county.
Mrs. Acker married Irvin Acker in 1860. The family moved to Decatur in order that the
children might attend the local schools. He preceded her in death March 2, 1923.
Surviving Mrs. Acker are three daughters: Miss Eva Acker at the home on South First
street, Mrs. Dora Myers of Hartford township, and Mrs. Frank Blissner of San Jose,
California. Mrs. Lois Black, a granddaughter, also makes her home with Mrs. Acker. There
are 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home. The
Rev. Kenneth Timmons, pastor of the Christian Church of this city, will have charge of the
services. Burial will be made in the Decatur cemetery. The body will be removed from
the Zwick & Son funeral home Sunday afternoon and may be viewed at the home after 3
o'clock.