Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 464-466.

JACOB FATSCHER.

The story of the life of Jacob Fatscher is an illustration of what may be accomplished in America by a man of German birth and parentage. After all, the great majority of us are creatures of our surroundings and environment. Had Jacob Fatscher been taught early in life that money was made only to be spent, that industry was something to be practiced only when forced upon him by necessity, and that economy was something intended solely for the mean, parsimonious and miserly, the story of his life would be far different. Fortunate in the possession of parents conversant with the value of money, the necessity of close application in all business undertakings, and the essential truth that without industry success is doubtful, the lessons taught him were in themselves a most valuable capital with which to start out in life.

Jacob Fatscher was born July 8, 1850. When he was two years old his parents emigrated to America, landing in New York city and taking up their abode in Brooklyn. His father was a skilled merchant tailor, and so was not long in procuring employment at remunerative wages. Fully cognizant of the value of an education, he took particular care to see that his children attended school regularly. He was also energetic in fortifying himself with a knowledge of the language, habits, ways, customs and tastes of the people in the midst of whom he was destined to spend the remainder of his life. In 1865 he had accumulated sufficient capital, educational as well financial, to justify him in branching out in business for himself. His business steadily grew and before many years he was gratified to number among his patrons some of the very best people. Meanwhile the youthful Jacob had acquired a knowledge of the business. He entered his father's establishment, first as an apprentice, next as a workman and, disclosing such keen business foresight and thorough knowledge of the requirements of the calling, his father soon offered him a partnership, which was readily accepted. In this way the business was conducted successfully until the parents died. Both parents were members and workers in the German Reform church and died in the faith of its teachings. The father was a man of many sterling qualities, provident and thrifty, who husbanded his means, was prudent in his investments and at his death left an estate valued at fifteen thousand dollars. They were the parents of three children, one of whom, Minnie, is dead. The others are Jacob and Maggie, who is the wife of George Schoener, of Brooklyn.

Remaining in Brooklyn after the death of his father in 1887 only long enough to wind up the affairs, Mr. Fatscher in 1889 emigrated westward with his family, taking up his residence at Ossian. He is the pioneer tailor, being the first to locate and conduct that business there. His business is most satisfactory and constantly growing. He has invested in property in the town and identified himself with all its various interests. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bauman, and they are the parents of four children: Henry, who is associated with his father in business; Mamie, who is the wife of Adam Turner; George, a blacksmith in Bluffton, and Augusta M., at home.

Mr. Fatscher is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the endowment rank of the same order; he is past chancellor and has been a representative to the grand lodge. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the encampment at Bluffton, and represented the subordinate lodge in the grand lodge. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a straight Republican and at the present time holds the office of clerk of the town of Ossian. While fixed in his political convictions, he does not aspire to official distinction. Personally he is a genial, affable, whole-souled man, a faithful husband, an indulgent father, kind friend, good neighbor and a liberal, patriotic citizen.