October 3-5, 2025
Where a step back in time
is measured by 200 years.
Meet our Executives
Anthony Decker
President
Heather Allen-Hoover
Vice-President
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Joe Ruley
Secretary
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Alexis McClure
Treasurer
Anthony Decker
Anthony Decker has been serving as President of the Mississinewa Battlefield Society since 2016 and has been participating in the event as a reenactor for over 20 years. He fell in love with the event as a child, attending with his grandfather. Eventually, he collected enough gear and clothing and convinced his uncle to start reenacting with him. Now, decades later, he brings his wife and children to enjoy the magic and tradition of the event every year.
Although acting as president is a lot more work than magic, Anthony has never forgotten what made him fall in love with the event as a child. He has led the Battlefield Society through a triumphant transition of gaining and molding a new home for Mississinewa 1812, and his energy has helped keep everyone's spirits high. With a talent for seeing the potential of what the event could become, his leadership has brought Mississinewa 1812 to its best chapter yet.
Outside of 1812, Anthony and his wife are owners/operators of a local ABA Autism Center and plan to open The Old Fitz (an Irish pub in downtown Marion) very soon. Anthony is known for his love of history, music, and the community that raised him.
President
Heather Allen-Hoover
If you’ve visited Mississinewa 1812, you know that this event boasts the very best food and merchandise vendors. A large portion of that credit can be given to Heather, who is the main coordinator for vendors and ensures that only the best are chosen. After over 30 years of involvement with the event, she is an expert on all things Mississinewa 1812.
Heather got her start through her uncle, who was a gunmaker with the American Mountain Man Association and was involved from the beginning. She began in the Wilderness Camp but now has more American military influence in her portrayal. She takes historical accuracy very seriously: “My advice for beginners, don’t go out and buy the first thing you see. Ask questions, do research, ask your fellow veteran living historians who’ve been in the hobby a long time! Be cautious of clothing for the wrong timelines.”
A Wabash resident, Heather owns her own business and is also Vice President of The Woman’s Clubhouse Association (another non-profit). With great knowledge of the inner-workings of the event and a passion for keeping history alive, Heather has played a vital role in the perseverance of Mississinewa 1812.
Vice-President
Joe Ruley
A man with a spirit for adventure and a love of history, Joe was destined to get involved with Mississinewa 1812. First coming as a visitor, Joe transitioned to a reenactor in 2013. Joe is a retired Flight Nurse for Parkview Samaritan Helicopter, has circumnavigated ⅔ of Lake Michigan by sailboat, and loves traveling with his wife Judi. At 1812, Joe loves a spontaneous skirmish with the Natives and over the years he has reenacted with the militia, wilderness travelers, Cannon Crew, and the Rangers.
Being a part of Mississinewa 1812 is an important tradition for both Joe and his family. His wife, Judi, is another one of the Battlefield Society’s most dedicated volunteers. Their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters also reenact alongside them every year. Occasionally, their son joins in on the action too.
Outside of serving as Secretary, Joe coordinates the event registration process, security, and is always onsite putting in manual work. Joe has played an important role in helping with the transition of Mississinewa 1812 to its new home.
“I feel very strongly that the future for the Mississinewa Battlefield Society and our event, Mississinewa 1812, is on the doorstep of major growth and development. I envision our event to be one of the biggest anywhere and known nationwide.” - Joe Ruley
Secretary
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Alexis McClure
Alexis, her husband Austin, and their Great Dane Rytlock can be found every year at Mississinewa 1812 wearing many hats. Aside from serving as Treasurer, Alexis has helped with the Information Booth, posted for social media, helped build the Mississinewa 1812 website, run the participant registration booth, volunteered with the Merchandise booth, and so many more things than one person could count. At the event, Alexis’s setup and dress reflect a wealthy family who would be building a Federal-style home along one of the numerous waterways in the Northwest Territory. Additionally, Alexis and Austin love making period style signage and matching ironwork.
Alexis first gained her interest in Mississinewa 1812 back in 1990 through her father, Dr. Gary Adsit. Gary was an active member of the Grant County Historical Society and coordinated the Northwest Stationers booth at Mississinewa 1812, which featured printed items including a map of Frances Slocum and literature about the Battle of Mississinewa and War of 1812. Eventually, her family joined the Mississinewa Battlefield Society and now years later, Alexis and her husband are still giving their hearts and souls to both the Society and the event.
Outside of reenacting, Alexis works as a Resource Manager for a large automotive assembly plant. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry from Indiana Wesleyan University and also worked in industrial chemical management for thirteen years. Although she now lives in Fort Wayne, nothing stops her from coming back into town (weekly and sometimes more) to help the Mississinewa Battlefield Society.
Treasurer
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