ADER, Nathan W. - Putnam

The career of Nathan W. ADER happily illustrates the fact that if a young man posesses the proper attributes of mind and heart, with the ability to direct the same in proper channels, he can attain for himself not only material success but gain an honored place among the factors that shape the destinies of communities. His life proved that true success in this world depends upon personal efforts and consecutive industry in the pursuit of some specific and honorable purpose; it also demonstrated that the road to positions of influence among men, whatever the relation of life may be, is open to all who may possess the courage to tread its pathway, besides serving as an incentive to the young of the present generation, teaching by incontrovertible facts that true excellence in any worthy undertaking is ambition's legitimate answer. Mr. Ader was born in Putnam County Jan 22, 1848 the son of David and Elizabeth Aldridge Ader, a complete sketch of whom is to be found in another part of this work. Mr. Ader was educated in the common schools and the Ladoga Academy, later attended Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts. He was a very close student and received a splendid education and he always kept well abreast of the times in matters of not only current import, but also literary and scientific. Believing that merchandising offered special inducements for him, he accordingly opened a dry goods store at Bainbridge, this county in 1869, which he conducted in a very succesful manner until 1879, becoming known during that decade as one of the leading merchants of this locality. In 1872 he erected a substantial brick block in Bainbridge. In 1881 Mr. Ader went to Florida, remaining there several years, meeting with varied successes, returing to Putnam County at the death of his father. He later became the owner of a part of the old family homestead, which he placed under modern improvements and on which he erected a very attractive, commodious and nicely furnished residence, surrounded by a well-kept lawn, and standing at proper convenience are numerous substantial out-buildings. He kept some good stock of various kinds, being especially fond of good horses. There is a fine flowing well on the place. All in all, the farm is one of the most desirable in the township and it has been so well managed that its soil is as fertile as ever. Mr. Ader married Mollie Nelson, daughter of a highly respected family, and she herself a lady of refinement and such engaging traits as to be a favorite with a large circle of friends. This union resulted in the birth of two children: Lily R, born Nov 19, 1876 now living in SD and Charles E. born May 11, 1870 now living in California. Mr. Ader's second wife was known in maidenhood as Martha A. McKee, whom he married Nov 15, 1883. She is the daughter of William and Lucinda Yates McKee, a fine old pioneer family. Mrs. Ader's grandfather, Samuel McKee was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and Mrs. Ader is a member of the noted organization, Daughters of the American Revolution. Her brother, Melvin McKee, was a circuit clerKnights of Pythiasutnam County for a period of 8 years, during which time he won wide notoriety. Mrs. Ader is a well educated, refined and affable woman, who makes friends readily and always retains their good will. Mr. Ader's death occurred suddenly, on May 10, 1910 at Indianapolis, while he was seated, resting in a store in that city. Mr. Ader, in his fraternal relations, was a member of the Free & Accepted Masons Lodge No 542 at Groveland, this county having become a Mason in 1872, joining Bainbridge Lodge 75. He filled all the offices from tyler up; he was also a Royal Arch mason and had attained the degree of Knight Templar. He took an abiding interest in Masonry and stood high in its circles, which is criterion enough that he was a man of proper principles and that his neighbors and friends were justified in placing explicit confidence in him, without fear of having it betrayed.