February 4, 2007

In the mid-1850s, Simon Adler became one of the first Jewish immigrants to Batesville (Independence County). He quickly established himself as a successful businessman, operating a general store, speculating in real estate, serving as a cotton broker, and eventually founding his own bank. He fled the state during the Civil War but returned to Batesville shortly afterward, living as the town’s only Jewish citizen for many years. He successfully reestablished his business enterprises and again became one of the town’s leading citizens.