Jacob Mahley, the subject of this biography, is the eldest of a family of six children, born to Adam and Margaret (Zehmer) Mahley, and dates his birth from the 9th day of November, 1834. He was born in Germany, and remained in his native country until 1854, at which time he came to the United States and located in Shelby County, Ind., where, for about ten years, he was variously employed working at different occupations. In 1865 he engaged in the general mercantile trade at the town of Mt. Auburn, Shelby County, which he continued with gratifying success for some years, and later purchased a valuable farm, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1883, he effected a partnership in the saw milling and lumber business with Henry Maley & Co., in which he met with success and financial profit. Mr. Mahley has been very fortunate in his business ventures, owning at this time valuable real estate in Shelby County and Edinburg, besides interests in a sawmill and grocery store in the latter place. He is one of the leading citizens of Edinburg, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of all who know him. He owns valuable property, his large brick residence on Walnut Street being among the finest dwellings in the city. Miss Emma Davisson, who became his wife on the 19th day of September, 1872, is a native of Shelby County, Ind., and daughter of Reuben and Rebecca Davisson. Mr. and Mrs. Mahley have two children: Jesse W. and Harry. Politically, Mr. Mahley is a democrat, and in religion, is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Mahley is a member of the Christian Church.