Classified among the leading and enterprising business men of Piqua, Mr. Decker is now extensively engaged as a packer and wholesale dealer in meats. His record is one of which he may justly be proud, for his prosperity is the reward of his own effort. Success is not measured by the height which one may chance to occupy, but by the distance between the starting point and the altitude which he has reached; therefore Mr. Decker has gained a most merited success--a just reward for meritorious labor; which commands the admiration and respect of all.

He was born in Baden, Germany, April 7, 1847, and when fifteen years of age secured employment in a meat market, being thus engaged until his emigration to America in 1868. Hoping to better his financial condition in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic, landing at New York city on the 1st of July, from the steamer Harmonia. He at once made his way to Miami county, and for about six months worked in a butcher's shop in Troy. He then came to Piqua, where he worked for about two years, after which he went to Union City, Indiana, where he was employed for a similar period. In 1872 he returned to Piqua and was engaged in the retail meat business until October, 1898, since which time be has conducted his wholesale establishment. He now does the largest wholesale meat business in the county and is an extensive packer. He has a good slaughter and packing house and his plant is excellently equipped for carrying on his large and steadily growing business.

On the 20th of February, 1872, Mr. Decker was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Schafer, who was born in Germany and was brought to America when two years old. They have seven children: Louis F., who now conducts his father's retail meat market; George H., who is acting as salesman and collector in his father's employ; Carl Jacob, who is also employed by his father; Walter Jacob; and Carrie Margaret, Hannah Elizabeth and William, all at home. Mr. Decker and his family are members of the Catholic church and he is now serving as treasurer of the church with which he is connected. In his political views he is liberal. He borrowed money with which to come to America, but his hope of improving his financial condition has been more than realized, for he is now the possessor of considerable valuable property in Piqua and is recognized as one of its leading and enterprising men.