He remained on the homestead until Fort Sumter was fired upon, when, the same month, he joined Company D, Seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry.  He fought at Phillipi and Cheat River, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis at the expiration of his term of service.  He returned to this county and followed agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1872, when he engaged in the grocery trade at Waldo, in which be continued up to 1880.  He then started in the dry goods trade and in July 1882, moved to his present store room and admitted J.G. Gompf as a partner.  They built their large store room at a cost of $4,000.  This firm carries a stock of $10,000 and enjoys a good business.

December 1869, Mr. Gabler was married to Miss Laura A. Rupp, who died in November 1872, leaving two children Edson C. and Laura.  Mr. Gabler again married in February 1872, to Lucinda [Straub] Stroup, by whom he has had four children; three are living Dora, Ralph and Charles.  Mr. Gabler is a member of K. of P., and in politics is a Republican.  He is serving his second term as Township Trustee.