Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 588 & 589

JAMES HESHER

For many years Wells County people have congratulated themselves that one of the county’s most important institutions, the County Infirmary, has been under the management and direction of the HESHER family. The present superintendent of the infirmary is Mr. James HESHER, and he succeeded his father, Adam HESHER, in that place. During both administrations the county farm has been conducted in an economical manner, has practically been self sustaining, and at the same time the inmates have received the best of care and every appropriate provision for their comfort and welfare.

Mr. James HESHER was born on a farm in Lancaster Township half a mile north of Bluffton on the old Peter Studabaker farm July 10, 1884. His father, Adam HESHER, who is now living on a farm in Adamson Township, was born in Pike County, Ohio, June 21, 1855, a son of Frederick and Christina (Smith) HESHER. His parents were both natives of Germany, came to the United States when young, were married in Pike County, Ohio, and later removed to Fayette county in that state, where Frederick HESHER died. His widow subsequently came to Wells County, Indiana, and spent her last years. They were the parents of three sons; Fred HESHER, now in Illinois; Adam, and Abraham.

Adam HESHER was about seventeen years old when he came to Wells County, and found employment with the old pioneer Peter Studabaker. He worked faithfully for Mr. Studabaker thirteen years, and subsequently became manager of the old Studabaker farm. In April, 1877, he married Miss Elizabeth Ratliff, who was born in Ohio and was brought to Wells County, Indiana, when a girl. Adam HESHER was appointed superintendent of the Wells County Infirmary and entered upon the duties of that office in May, 1911, serving until March, 1914. His value as superintendent was greatly enhanced by the active co-operation of his very efficient wife. For eighteen years Adam HESHER served as gravel road superintendent for Wells County. He is a prominent democrat and a member of the American Mechanics Lodge. He and his wife had five children: David, who lives at Fort Wayne, Indiana; John, in the grocery business in Adams County; Frank, a farmer in Harrison Township; James, and Charles, a farmer in Harrison Township.

James HESHER grew up on a farm in Lancaster Township, and most of his education was acquired in the old Toll Gate schoolhouse. Schooling in winter and farming in summer made up his chief experiences until he was twenty-one, when he started out for himself and found employment at month wages on a farm. On February 19, 1906, he married Miss Jennie Lutz, who was born in Lancaster Township October 23,3 1886, a daughter of Ephraim Lutz. Mrs. Hesher was educated in the common schools of Lancaster Center. After their marriage Mr. And Mrs. Hesher located on a farm in Lancaster Township and later lived in Rock Creek Township, and in January, 1914, he accepted appointment to his present duties as superintendent of the Wells County Infirmary.

Mr. And Mrs. Hesher have two daughters: Carrie P., born May 26, 1907, and Josephine, born April 19, 1912. Mrs. Hesher is a member of the Murray Christian Church. In politics he is a democrat who has been quite active since reaching manhood and has served as a member of the Central Committee from Hancock Township. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Bluffton, and Mrs. Hesher is a member of the Maccabees.