JOHN A. RIES, proprietor of the Star City Bottling Works, and an active and enterprising citizen of La Fayette, is a native of
Hesse Kurr, Germany, born at Hanan, January 17, 1839, a son of JOHN A. and KATE (DORNHACKER) RIES, the father
being a farmer and weaver by occupation. In 1854 the parents with their children immigrated to America, and all but the father
who died on the ocean, landed at Baltimore, Maryland, May 15, of that year. They settled in Brookville, Franklin County, Indiana,
where the mother lived until her death in 1873. JOHN A. RIES, our subject, remained at Cincinnati, Ohio, three years, where he
learned the barber's trade. He left Cincinnati for La Fayette, Indiana, January 17, 1856, and for three years following his arrival
he followed the barber's trade. He then engaged in the confectionery business, at which he spent five years, when in 1864 he took
charge of the Dell House, then located on the same grounds of the present postoffice. His next occupation was in the grocery
business, at which he was engaged nine years. In 1878 he established his bottling works on Fourth street, which were destroyed
by fire in August, 1887, since which time he has been running his business in his old storehouse. He has built a new store and ice
house on Fifth street, wehre he will carry on his business.

MR. RIES was married in La Fayette December 19, 1860, to MISS KATE WURSTER, a native of Germany, who was brought
by her parents to America when six years of age, they settling in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Thirteen children have been born to MR.
and MRS. RIES, of whom nine are yet living--NELLIE, WILLIAM, LAURA, FLORA, JOHN, LOUIS, KATIE, CARRIE and
LILLIAN. Politically MR. RIES is a Democrat. He was elected city treasurer of La Fayette, holding that office during the years
1873 and 1874. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Sigel Lodge, No. 173, in which he has passed all the
chairs, and of the Star City Encampment. He is also a member of the Red Men and Druids. MR. RIES does an extensive
business, and has territory in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and other States, and by his fair and upright dealing in all business transactions
he has gained the confidence of all with whom he has business or social intercourse.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, p. 580
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Volunteer: Charlene Saunders