Source: North Manchester Journal, May 9, 1895

John Whisler, one of the oldest, best known and wealthiest residents of Wabash county, died at his home in Wabash at 3 o'clock last Saturday morning. Although in poor health for several years past his last sickness was of only short duration and we have not learned just what the exact nature of the malady was. While he was a resident of Wabash at the time of his death, he was for many years at different times during his life a citizen of this place, and was well-known and highly respected all over the county as a man of many excellent qualities and sterling integrity.

John Whisler was born in Dauphin county, Pa., March 8, 1818, on what is known as Shelley's Island in the Susquehanah river. His youth was spent in that state and he learned the tailor's trade during his early years. In 1838 he came to Marion, Indiana, with his uncle Jacob Whisler, and remained there till 1840 when he located at Liberty Mills, then one of the best towns in the county, in the tailoring business. Still later, in 1851 he moved to this place and opened a general store. A short time after going into business he took into partnership the late George W. Lawrence, which partnership lasted until 1855 when he sold his interest to his partner. Afterward he made visits in Ohio and Iowa, engaging in business with William Thorne. In the year 1864 Mr. Whisler settle on a farm near Wabash, which has been his home the greater part of the time since, but in 1870 he again entered into partnership with Mr. Lawrence in this city, moving back to this place in 1874 to take active charge of the business. Four years later he returned to his farm near Wabash where he lived, taking life easily, until about six years ago when he moved into Wabash where he resided till his death.

In June 1852 Mr. Whisler was married to Catharine Signs, daughter of Solomon Signs, who lived near this place. Nine children were born to them but only five are now living. Clinton, David, John, William and George, who with their mother are left to mourn the loss of a kind and indulgent father and a true and devoted husband. Mr. Whisler's life was a prosperous one and he accumulated considerable wealth. He was withal a quiet, unassuming and liberal man and his death is sincerely mourned by all who knew him well. Funeral took place Monday from the M.E. church in Wabash, of which he was a member, conducted by Revs. Lamport and Little. The attendance was quite large.