Adams County, Indiana

Adams County lies in northeastern Indiana in the United States and shares its eastern border with Ohio. It was officially established in 1836. The county seat is Decatur.[3]

Adams County
U.S. county
Adams County courthouse in Decatur
Location within the U.S. state of Indiana
Indiana's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 40°45′N 84°56′W
Country United States
State Indiana
FoundedMarch 1, 1836
Named forJohn Quincy Adams
SeatDecatur
Largest cityDecatur
Area
 • Total339.97 sq mi (880.5 km2)
 • Land339.03 sq mi (878.1 km2)
 • Water0.94 sq mi (2.4 km2)  0.28%%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2019)
35,777 [1]
 • Density105/sq mi (41/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district3rd
FIPS No. 001[2]

According to the 2010 census, its population was 34,387, an increase of 2.27% from 33,625 in 2000.[4] The county has four incorporated cities and towns with a total population of over 15,000,[5] as well as many small unincorporated communities. The county is divided into 12 townships which provide local services.[6][7] There are four Indiana state roads in the county, as well as three U.S. Routes and one railroad line.[8][9]

In 2017, about a quarter of the county's population (estimated 8,600) was Swiss Amish.[10]

History

The statute that mandated creation of this county was passed on February 7, 1835, and the organization itself was authorized on March 1, 1836. Its name honors the sixth President of the United States, John Quincy Adams.[11] Selection of the county seat was finalized on 18 May of that year.[12]

The first non-Native settlers arrived in what is now Adams County in 1835, encouraged by the new Erie Canal and by the end of the Black Hawk War. They consisted entirely of settlers from New England. These were "Yankee" settlers, that is to say they were descended from the English Puritans who settled New England in the colonial era. They were primarily members of the Congregational Church though due to the Second Great Awakening many of them had converted to Methodism and some had become Baptists before coming to what is now Adams County. The Congregational Church subsequently has gone through many divisions and some factions are now known as the Church of Christ and the United Church of Christ. When these settlers arrived they found dense forest and wild prairie.[13]

The first Amish settlers arrived in 1840; most came directly from Switzerland, preserving their Bernese German dialect, not adopting the Pennsylvania German dialect of the majority of the Amish.[14][15]

The Yankee settlers commissioned the first courthouse in 1839, a two-story frame building. The log-building jail was completed in 1837.[16] The present Adams County courthouse was built in Decatur in 1872–1873 at a cost of $78,979.[n 1] The designer was J. C. Johnson, who had been trained as a carpenter and joiner and became a self-taught architect; he won second place in the Indiana State Capitol design competition. The construction was done by Christian Boseker of Fort Wayne. It is built of red brick with stone ornamentation.[18]

Map of Adams County

Geography

According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 339.97 square miles (880.5 km2), of which 339.03 square miles (878.1 km2) (or 99.72%) is land and 0.94 square miles (2.4 km2) (or 0.28%) is water.[19]

Adjacent counties

The county has four incorporated settlements, all of which lie in a rough north–south line. The city of Decatur is the largest and is also the county seat, and is in the northern part of the county where U.S. Route 27 and U.S. Route 33 intersect with the east–west U.S. Route 224. U.S. Route 27 continues south through the town of Monroe, near the center of the county, and then on through Berne and Geneva.

Communities

Cities

Unincorporated communities

Townships

Climate and weather
Decatur, Indiana
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
2.2
 
 
32
17
 
 
2.2
 
 
37
21
 
 
2.9
 
 
48
30
 
 
3.7
 
 
61
39
 
 
3.8
 
 
72
50
 
 
4.4
 
 
81
60
 
 
4
 
 
84
64
 
 
3.7
 
 
82
62
 
 
3
 
 
76
54
 
 
2.6
 
 
64
43
 
 
3.2
 
 
50
34
 
 
2.8
 
 
37
23
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation totals in inches
Source: The Weather Channel[20]

Adams County is in the humid continental climate region of the United States along with most of Indiana. Its Köppen climate classification is Dfa,[21] meaning that it is cold, has no dry season, and has a hot summer.[22] In recent years, average temperatures in Decatur have ranged from a low of 17 °F (−8 °C) in January to a high of 84 °F (29 °C) in July, although a record low of −24 °F (−31 °C) was recorded in January 1985 and a record high of 107 °F (42 °C) was recorded in July 1934. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.16 inches (55 mm) in February to 4.42 inches (112 mm) in June.[20]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18402,264—
18505,797156.1%
18609,25259.6%
187011,38223.0%
188015,38535.2%
189020,18131.2%
190022,23210.2%
191021,840−1.8%
192020,503−6.1%
193019,957−2.7%
194021,2546.5%
195022,3935.4%
196024,64310.0%
197026,8719.0%
198029,61910.2%
199031,0955.0%
200033,6258.1%
201034,3872.3%
2019 (est.)35,7774.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[23]
1790-1960[24] 1900-1990[25]
1990-2000[26] 2010-2015[4] 2019[1]

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 34,387 people, 12,011 households, and 8,673 families residing in the county.[5] The population density was 101.4 inhabitants per square mile (39.2/km2). There were 13,014 housing units at an average density of 38.4 per square mile (14.8/km2).[19] The racial makeup of the county was 97.0% white, 0.3% black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 1.4% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 4.1% of the population.[5] In terms of ancestry, 42.9% were German, 8.2% were Irish, 7.9% were American, and 6.9% were English.[27]

Of the 12,011 households, 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.4% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 27.8% were non-families, and 24.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.41. The median age was 34.0 years.[5]

The median income for a household in the county was $47,697 and the median income for a family was $53,106. Males had a median income of $40,133 versus $29,907 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,089. About 11.8% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.9% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.[28]

Amish community

The Amish (Swiss Amish) community in Adams County, whose antecedents trace to 1840, speak a Bernese dialect in everyday life. They had a total population of 8,595 people in 58 congregations in 2017,[10] or 24.2% of the county's population.

Transportation

Three U.S Routes cross the county. U.S. Route 27 and U.S. Route 33 enter the north end of the county from Fort Wayne in neighboring Allen County. Passing through Decatur, they split; U.S. Route 27 goes south through Monroe, Berne and Geneva and continues into Jay County, whereas U.S. Route 33 heads southeast into Ohio.[29][30] U.S. Route 224 passes from west to east through the north part of the county, intersecting U.S. Routes 27 and 33 in Decatur, then continuing into Ohio.[31]

Indiana State Road 124 runs east–west through the county, from Bluffton in Wells County through Monroe and on to the Ohio border.[32] Indiana State Road 101 runs south–north, from State Road 124 near the Ohio border, through Pleasant Mills and Rivare, to Allen County.[33] Indiana State Road 116 runs west–east across the county, from Bluffton southeast to Linn Grove, south to Perryville, then east to a terminus at U.S. Route 27 in Geneva.[34] Indiana State Road 218 runs west–east across the southern end of the county, passing through Berne.[35]

CSX Transportation operates a rail line from Decatur, running northwest toward Fort Wayne.[9]

Government
See also: Government of Indiana
Adams County superior court, Decatur (2006)

The county government is a constitutional body granted specific powers by the Constitution of Indiana and the Indiana Code. The county council is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all spending and revenue collection. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four-year terms and are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, in the form of an income and property tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes and service taxes.[36][37] In 2010, the county budgeted approximately $2.2 million for the district's schools and $2.8 million for other county operations and services, for a total annual budget of approximately $5 million.[38]

A Board of Commissioners forms the county's executive body. They are elected county-wide, in staggered four–year terms. One commissioner serves as Board President. This board executes the acts of the council, causes necessary revenues to be collected, and manages day-to-day functions of the county government.[36][37]

The county maintains a small claims court. This court's judge is elected to a term of four years and must be a member of the Indiana Bar Association. The judge is assisted by a constable who is elected to a four-year term. In some cases, court decisions can be appealed to the state level circuit court.[37]

The county has other elected offices, including sheriff, coroner, auditor, treasurer, recorder, surveyor and circuit court clerk. Each of these serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare party affiliations and be residents of the county.[37]

Each township has a trustee who administers rural fire protection and ambulance service, provides poor relief, and manages cemetery care.[7] The trustee is assisted by a three-member township board. The trustees and board members are elected to four-year terms.[39]

Adams County is part of Indiana's 3rd congressional district; Indiana Senate district 19;[40] and Indiana House of Representatives district 79.[41]

Presidential elections results
Presidential elections results[42]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2020 75.2% 10,686 22.8% 3,236 2.0% 287
2016 73.1% 9,648 21.3% 2,805 5.6% 741
2012 68.6% 8,937 29.2% 3,806 2.2% 289
2008 62.1% 8,404 36.4% 4,928 1.5% 207
2004 73.0% 9,734 26.3% 3,512 0.7% 94
2000 68.0% 8,555 30.0% 3,775 2.1% 260
1996 55.1% 6,960 33.6% 4,247 11.3% 1,430
1992 47.8% 6,078 29.2% 3,708 23.0% 2,922
1988 67.8% 8,137 31.8% 3,811 0.4% 49
1984 66.6% 7,958 32.8% 3,923 0.6% 71
1980 53.2% 6,368 39.0% 4,673 7.8% 937
1976 55.6% 6,280 43.4% 4,908 1.0% 118
1972 65.2% 7,549 34.3% 3,971 0.5% 52
1968 51.3% 5,774 41.5% 4,667 7.3% 818
1964 38.6% 4,230 60.5% 6,637 1.0% 106
1960 61.1% 6,972 38.0% 4,338 0.9% 99
1956 66.1% 7,079 32.9% 3,520 1.0% 109
1952 59.6% 6,204 36.0% 3,744 4.4% 460
1948 50.1% 4,832 48.1% 4,640 1.8% 173
1944 58.8% 5,648 39.6% 3,804 1.6% 149
1940 53.9% 5,247 45.0% 4,382 1.0% 101
1936 35.3% 3,249 63.2% 5,822 1.5% 137
1932 32.7% 2,910 66.1% 5,892 1.3% 111
1928 49.7% 4,045 50.0% 4,066 0.3% 28
1924 41.3% 3,330 53.4% 4,300 5.3% 425
1920 51.8% 4,144 45.7% 3,653 2.5% 201
1916 36.8% 1,796 59.0% 2,875 4.2% 205
1912 19.1% 917 61.6% 2,961 19.3% 927
1908 32.6% 1,726 64.4% 3,404 3.0% 159
1904 37.9% 1,967 57.3% 2,973 4.8% 247
1900 32.9% 1,688 65.1% 3,337 2.0% 101
1896 32.1% 1,613 66.5% 3,340 1.5% 73
1892 27.9% 1,247 65.1% 2,906 7.0% 314
1888 29.3% 1,277 67.3% 2,936 3.4% 150

Education

Public schools in Adams County are administered by three public entities: North Adams Community Schools; Adams Central Community Schools; and South Adams Schools. The Diocese of Fort Wayne and Lutheran Schools of Indiana both operate in Adams County as well. In all, these organizations operate 13 schools in the county.[43]

Festivals and Fairs in Adams County
  • Adams County 4-H Fair (Monroe)
  • Swiss Days (Berne)
  • Calithumpian Festival (Decatur)
  • Festival of Kekionga (Decatur)

Media

Radio

Newspapers
  • The Decatur Daily Democrat (Decatur)
  • Berne Tri-Weekly (Berne)

Notable people

See also

Notes
  1. A $79,000 capital expense in 1872 would be roughly equivalent to $18,900,000 in 2010.[17]

References
  1. "QuickFacts. Adams County, Indiana". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  2. "EPA County FIPS Code Listing". EPA.gov. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
  3. "Find a County – Adams County IN". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on February 3, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
  4. "Adams County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
  5. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  6. "Adams". Indiana Township Association. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
  7. "Duties". United Township Association of Indiana. Retrieved January 6, 2011.
  8. "Indiana Transportation Map 2009–2010" (PDF). Indiana Department of Transportation. 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 15, 2010. Retrieved December 16, 2010.
  9. "State of Indiana 2011 Rail System Map" (PDF). Indiana Department of Transportation. 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 15, 2011. Retrieved June 19, 2011.
  10. The 12 Largest Amish Communities (2017). at Amish America
  11. Baker, Ronald L.; Carmony, Marvin (1975). Indiana Place Names. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. p. 1.
  12. Goodrich, De Witt Clinton; Tuttle, Charles Richard (1875). An Illustrated History of the State of Indiana. Indianapolis: R. S. Peale & Co. pp. 549–550.
  13. Standard History of Adams and Wells Counties, Indiana by John Wilson Tyndall and Orlo Ervin Lesh, 1918
  14. Who are the Swiss Amish? at amishamerica.com
  15. The 10 Oldest Amish Settlements at amishamerica.com
  16. Snow 1907, p. 83.
  17. Williamson, Samuel H. (April 2010). Seven Ways to Compute the Relative Value of a U.S. Dollar Amount, 1774 to present. MeasuringWorth. Calculations made using Nominal GDP Per Capita, a measure of capital intensivity, using "the 'average' per-person output of the economy in the prices of the current year." This is a measure of the amount of capital and volume of labor required to reproduce the work over varying production methods, but assuming that money represents a proportion of the economy.
  18. Counts, Will; Jon Dilts (1991). The 92 Magnificent Indiana Courthouses. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. pp. 8–9. ISBN 978-0-253-33638-5.
  19. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  20. "Monthly Averages for Decatur, Indiana". The Weather Channel. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  21. "Köppen Climate Classification for the Conterminous United States". Idaho State Climate Services. Archived from the original on September 30, 2009. Retrieved January 23, 2011.
  22. Peel, M. C.; Finlayson, B. L.; McMahon, T. A. (2007). "Updated world map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification" (PDF). Copernicus Publications. p. 1636. Retrieved January 23, 2011.
  23. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  24. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  25. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  26. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  27. "Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 14, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  28. "Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 14, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  29. "U.S. Route 27". Highway Explorer. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  30. "U.S. Route 33". Highway Explorer. Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  31. "U.S. Route 224". Highway Explorer. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  32. "State Road 124". Highway Explorer. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  33. "State Road 101". Highway Explorer. Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  34. "State Road 116". Highway Explorer. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  35. "State Road 218". Highway Explorer. Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  36. Indiana Code. "Title 36, Article 2, Section 3". Government of Indiana. Archived from the original on October 5, 2008. Retrieved September 16, 2008.
  37. Indiana Code. "Title 2, Article 10, Section 2" (PDF). Government of Indiana. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 29, 2008. Retrieved September 16, 2008.
  38. State of Indiana Department of Local Government Finance. "2010 Budget Order (Adams County, Indiana)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 17, 2010. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
  39. "Government". United Township Association of Indiana. Retrieved January 6, 2011.
  40. "Indiana Senate Districts". State of Indiana. Archived from the original on January 15, 2011. Retrieved January 23, 2011.
  41. "Indiana House Districts". State of Indiana. Archived from the original on January 15, 2011. Retrieved January 23, 2011.
  42. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved May 14, 2018.
  43. "DOE Compass". Indiana Department of Education. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
  44. Linda C. Gugin and James E. St. Clair, eds. (2015). Indiana's 200: The People Who Shaped the Hoosier State. Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Society Press. pp. 333–35. ISBN 978-0-87195-387-2.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
  45. "Richard R. Schrock - Autobiography". Nobelprize.org. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  46. "Overview for David Anspaugh". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  47. "David Smith chronology". David Smith Estate. Archived from the original on October 11, 2011. Retrieved October 11, 2011.

Bibliography

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