USA > Indiana > Porter County > Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 69
USA > Indiana > Lake County > Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 69
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CONRAD HOERETH was born in Stammbach, county of Munch- berg, Bavaria, February 16, 1840, and is one of the six children of John and Catherine (Popp) Hoereth, both natives of Stammbach, Bavaria. John Hoereth was a tailor, which trade he followed in early life, and
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afterward buying oats and grain for the military posts, of Bavaria, in which he is still engaged, at eighty-three years of age ; he is a member of the Lutheran Church. Conrad Hoereth received a fair education in the schools of his country. In 1854, when but fourteen years old, he emigrated to the United States and located at Elgin, Ill., where he en- gaged in a mineral water factory, and afterward as clerk in a general store. In April, 1857, he came to Crown Point, Ind., where he learned the har- ness-making trade, at which he served three years with Mr. J. C. Sauer- man, with whom he worked as journeyman afterward for sixteen years, and then bought out, which business he has since managed successfully ; he was obliged to borrow money to pay his passage to America, and now, by integrity, industry and economy, he has amassed property valued at $8,000. On November 11, 1866, he was married to Maria Knapp, of Bavaria, a daughter of Christian and Kunigunda (Wirth) Knapp, natives of Bavaria. Mrs. Hoereth came to Crown Point in 1865. They have had one son, John Conrad Otto Booth, aged twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Hoereth are members of the Lutheran Church.
JOHN G. HOFFMAN, Clerk of Lake County, was born in Ba- varia, Germany, September 6, 1827, and is a son of John and Kunigunda (Sauerman) Hoffman; he was the first of the family to come to America, and anxious to become a citizen of this free country and find a home here; he arrived in New York in 1849, and went direct to Chicago, where, on the 5th of November of the same year, after being seven days in the United States, he declared his intentions of American citizenship. Mr. Hoffman was educated for the professoin [of teaching, which, how- ever, he did not follow here, but engaged in peddling notions, at which he was employed while visiting Lake County. In 1852, he removed to Crown Point, where he has since resided. After this, he embarked in merchandising until 1864 ; he then began dealing in hay, but has never given up farming. Mr. Hoffman was an Abolitionist, then a Republican and is now independent in politics. During the war, he was an active supporter of the Union cause. In 1874, he became an independent candidate for Clerk of the Circuit Court, and was elected by 329 votes' while the Republican majority was 664. In 1878, he was re-elected, with an increased majority of 905, the Republican majority being 885; . his term expires November 1, 1883. On September 6, 1852, Mr. Hoff- man was married to Elizabeth Dall, by whom he had eight children- Frank E. (deceased), Flora (deceased), Maggie C. (deceased), Joseph G., Frederick E., Henry W., Schuyler C. and Irving L. (deceased). Mrs. Hoffman died July 2, 1869, and Mr. Hoffman married his second wife, Babetta M. Simonis, February 11, 1873. By this union there are four children-Mary, Anna, Maggie and May. Mr. Hoffman expended on
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his education $100 more than he received from his parents ; he borrowed money with which to emigrate, and commenced life $156 in debt ; yet, by hard labor and prudent management, he has accumulated property, and is to-day a substantial citizen. Besides a fine property in Crown Point, including Hoffman's Opera House, he has 400 acres in Lake County ; he can recall his trying experiences as a peddler, and look back upon a well-spent life. He is a practical farmer and stock-raiser, as well as an enthusiastic horticulturist.
J. S. HOLTON, real estate dealer and farmer, was born in Norridge, Canada West, December 17, 1823, and is a son of Dr. Ira and Rosalinda (Smith) Holton, both natives of Vermont, but moved to Canada about 1820. The eldest of their children-Charles V .- who died in Lake County in 1881, was the first to emigrate to Indiana in 1838. Dr. D. S. Holton, a younger brother, came in 1841, but now resides in Oregon. In 1844, Dr. Ira Holton and family located in Michigan City, La Porte County, where he practiced medicine; but J. S. Holton came to Crown Point and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he continued, with in- terruptions, for thirty years. Dr. Ira Holton died about 1851, aged sixty years; his widow, now in her eighty-eighth year, resides with her son, J. S. Holton. Perhaps there is no man in Lake County so intimately blended with the history of Crown Point as is Mr. J. S. Holton, having resided here since 1844, and now one of the few remaining old settlers of the county. He came here a poor boy, but now owns 100 acres adjoining the original town site, besides other property-all the result of enterprise and labor. Mr. Holton has been twice married-first, about 1850, to Josephine Robinson, by whom he had two children-Arabella (now Mrs. John A. Wheeler, editor of the Star), and Jennie S. (now Mrs. J. F. Rowins, of Chicago). To his present wife-Catherine J. Eddy-he was united in 1860; she was born July 4, 1840, near Troy, N. Y. To this union were born three daughters-Olive R., Mary A. and Mabel G. Mrs. Holton is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Holton is a Royal Arch Mason; a Republican, in politics, but lib- eral. He was Sheriff of Lake County four years, and from 1856 to 1860, County Treasurer. Mr. Holton has always taken great interest in the welfare and prosperity of the county, and is one of its most enter- prising, honorable and esteemed citizens.
W. T. HORINE, attorney at law, was born in Carroll County, Ind., September 28, 1840, and is one of the ten children of George W. and Belle (Murphy) Horine. When two years old, his parents moved to Pulaski County, Ind .; his mother died in 1846 and his father in 1850. In 1853, he went to Iowa, with Daniel Tilman's family, and engaged in farming, but returned to Pulaski County, Ind., on account of the better
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educational facilities. When the war blast sounded, he enlisted in the first call for 75,000 troops, but was not mustered in. In June, 1861, however, he enlisted in Company K, Twentieth Indiana Volunteers. During the three years, he was actively engaged in the Army of the Potomac, and after the "seven days' battle " was made Corporal and Regiment Color Bearer, having borne the colors during that engagement. He was in all the battles of that time, and while engaged at Gettysburg, on the evening of July 2, 1863, was struck in the right ankle by a minie ball, which necessitated amputation one month later. He remained in the hospital until July, 1864, when he was discharged, on crutches, with the regiment at Indianapolis. Mr. Horine has a record of which any American might be justly proud, as the following, from Capt. J. C. Kirk, will affirm : "Glancing over papers, and seeing your name as a candidate for Clerk of Courts of Lake County, and being an efficient member of the Board of Directors of the State Prison, it occurred to me you were my old comrade of the gallant Twentieth Indiana. I was by you on the memorable day on which you lost your leg at Gettysburg, and recall your remarks, and how bravely you kept the dear old flag from trailing in the dust." After being wounded, Mr. Horine was rec- ommended for a commission. For meritorious conduct at Chancellorsville, he was presented by Gen. Sickles, his corps commander, with a maltese cross, and previously with a fine sword and sash by the Captain of his company, which he wore during that battle. In 1868, he graduated from the old Male and Female College of Valparaiso, and afterward entered the law office of Judge Ryan, of Winamac. In 1869, he came to Lowell, Lake County, opened an office and began the practice of law. In 187 0, he removed to Crown Point, and was elected Prosecuting Attorney. He is in politics a Republican, a member of the Odd Fellows and has served as Clerk of Crown Point many years. In 1881, he was elected by the Legislature Northern Prison Director, and in September, 1882, nomi- nated for Clerk of Courts. While at Lowell, he was Principal of Schools for two terms. On September 28, 1871, he was married to Emma J. Beattie, by whom he had one daughter, Florence Jessie. Both are mem- bers of the M. E. Church.
PETER HORST was born in Chicago, Ill., November 26, 1848, and is one of eight children born to Nicholas and Barbara (Plaumeisser) Horst, both natives of Germany. Nicholas Horst was a painter and plasterer, at which he worked in Germany until 1843, when he emigrated to the United States with his family and settled in Chicago, where he followed his trade until the advent of cholera in 1849, when he removed to Port Washington, Wis., soon after returning to Chicago. In 1851, he came to Lake County, Ind., where he purchased land known as the Pierre
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farm, where he died September 1, 1871, aged sixty-four years ; he was a member of the Catholic Church. Peter Horst received a school educa- tion, and worked for his father until his twentieth year ; he then worked by the job until 1874, when he engaged in the saloon business at Crown Point, continuing the same until 1882, when he sold his stock, rented his building, moved to his farm, and engaging in agricultural pursuits. On July 12, 1874, he was married to Elizabeth Griesel, a native of Germany. One child was born to them, George. Mr. Horst is a member of the Catholic Church, and Mrs. Horst of the Lutheran. Mr. Horst is a Demo- crat, and an old settler.
BENJAMIN F. JONES was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., February 27, 1841, and is the eldest of the three children of William H. and Florilla (Burge) Jones, both natives of New York. His grandfather. Benjamin Jones, was one of the first settlers of Rochester, N. Y .; his father, in 1868, moved to Porter County, Ind., and purchased land in Union Township, where he and his wife are now living. Benj. F. Jones was reared in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and on May 21, 1866, was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Read, daughter of Charles and Mollie (Chapman) Read, a native of England, born August 22, 1844. Mr. Jones engaged in agriculture until 1869, when he removed to Porter County, Ind., where he dealt in hay for three years. In 1872, he moved to Crown Point, purchased a barn and began the pressing of hay ; he has since built a warehouse, where he buys hay, giving labor to seven or nine men; he is also engaged in buying hay at Lowell and Chicago, under the firm name of Jones & Stinchfield. Mr. Jones is a self-made man and substantial citizen, and has, by energy and fair dealing, established a fine business. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of two sons-William D. and Charles. Mr. Jones is a Republican. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Baptist Church. Jones & Stinchfield have nine hay presses, some of which are portable ; their business is large and growing.
CHARLES JOUVENAT, ex-editor of the Lake County Star, was born near Geneva, Switzerland, July 30, 1843, and is one of the eight children of Francis and Emily Jouvenat, both natives of Switzerland. Francis Jouvenat was a land-owner in his native country, but in conse- quence of religious oppression there, he, with nine other families, emi- grated to America in 1849 and 1850, and founded a colony at Knoxville, Tenn., where they worshiped according to their belief-the Evangelical faith-in peace. Mr. and Mrs. Jouvenat died at their home, he in 1878, and she in 1860. Charles Jouvenat remained in Knoxville until sixteen years old, receiving a fair school education, and, at the age of eighteen, became a messenger for Adams Express Company. In 1862, he re- signed ; remained home one year, then moved to Indiana and engaged in
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teaching at Rensselaer. In 1864, he went to Watseka, Ill., where he studied law and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court. In Decem- ber, 1865, Mr. Jouvenat was married, in Rensselaer, Ind., to Miss Mellie C. Walton, and to them have succeeded two children-Jules W. and Grace E. In 1865, 1866 and 1867, he edited the Iroquois County Herald, during which he was appointed Postmaster by President John- son. In 1870, he removed to Remington, Ind., where he practiced law, and for fifteen months published the Remington Times. In 1879, he re- moved to Crown Point, his present residence. From November. 1878, to September, 1880, he was editor and proprietor of the Lake County Star, a Democratic newspaper. Since his retirement therefrom, he has been engaged in the real estate business. In politics, Mr. Jouvenat is a Democrat. Mrs. Jouvenat is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
KELLER BROTHERS carry a large and well-selected stock of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, carpets, fancy goods and notions. Their stock is the best in the town or county ; having a value of $20,000. Their trade is the most extensive, and is constantly increas- ing, having a branch store in the same line at Lowell, in this county ; at North Judson, Stark County ; at Winamac, Pulaski County ; and at Rose Lawn, Newton County, Ind .; they have also a commission house in Chicago. The house at North Judson was established in 1867; that at Winamac in 1875; that at Crown Point in 1879; that at Lowell in 1880 ; that at Rose Lawn in 1881, and the Chicago commission house in 1880. The firm comprises three brothers-Louis, Jacob and George. The old house at North Judson was opened under the firm of L. & J. Keller, since changed to Keller, Scott & Co .; the aggregate stock of the five branches is $105,000, with annual sales of $250,000. Louis Keller, senior member, was born in Lycoming County, Penn., in 1841. He was reared on a farm, acquired but a meager education, and when twenty- seven years old commenced his business career at Winamac, in the boot and shoe trade. Jacob Keller was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1844, his educational advantages being equal with his elder brother, and commenced his mercantile career as a clerk in Winamac. George Keller, junior member of the firm, was born in Abington, Wayne Co., Ind., September 2, 1857, received a plain education, and at the age of fifteen commenced as clerk at North Judson in the store of his brothers. The business career of Keller Brothers has been one of unusual and unvary- ing success. They are sons of Jacob and Caroline (Kouch) Keller, both of whom were natives of Germany. The firm of Keller, Craig & Co. have a mercantile house at Rose Lawn, Newton Co., Ind.
JOSEPH KRAMER was born in St. John Township, Lake County, Ind., October 30, 1854, and is the eldest of the eight children of Mathias
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and Susan (Wachter) Kramer, both natives of Germany, near Treves. About the year 1852, Mathias Kramer and family emigrated to the United States, settling in St. Johns Township, where he worked at his trade of shoemaker. He then came to Crown Point, working for Mathias Miller for some years, and afterward opened a shoe shop for himself, which he now operates ; he is a member of the Catholic Church. Joseph Kramer attended the schools of the time, and at the age of four- teen commenced as a clerk in a store at Hobart, in this county. At the age of seventeen he began the cabinet-making trade with Peter Geisen, at Crown Point, serving three years, after which he opened a shop, and has since continued the business. On May 4, 1880, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Enswiler, a native of Merrillville, Lake Co., Ind., by whom he had one daughter-Caroline. In November, 1881, he opened a general and variety store in connection with his former business, at which he has done a good trade. Mr. and Mrs. Kramer are members of the Catholic Church. He is an enterprising young business man.
GEORGE KRIMBILL was born in Colmer, France, September 29, 1824, and is the eldest of five children born to Jacob and Catherine (Youcho) Krimbill His father served in the regular army five years. He determined to try his fortune in the " new world," and left France in 1833, landing in New York, but settling in Warren County, Penn., where he and his children cleared a farm. In 1848, he disposed of this property and moved to Chicago, where he soon after died of heart disease, his wife dying two years later. George remained with his parents and one Thomas Struthers until manhood. He received a usual school education, and in 1846 removed to Chicago, and clerked for Krim- bill & Fuller and for George Hogan. Shortly afterward, he opened a pro- vision store, which he continued one year. In 1851, he came to Lake County and began a store west of Cedar Lake, and later engaged in stock business and farming for four years. Subsequently, he went in partnership, at Crown Point, with Harding, Smith & Co., but retired in 1868. On June 24, 1849, he married Anna M. Arnold, born in Alsace, France, by whom he had eight children, seven of whom are living- George, Julia, Daniel W., Albert (deceased), Lena, Oscar, Sarah and Lily M. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Krimbill is an Odd Fellow, a Granger, a Republican and a Prohibitionist.
WILLIAM KRIMBILL. County Treasurer, was born in Warren County, Penn., January 7, 1836, and is the youngest of the ten children of Jacob and Catherine (French) Krimbill, both natives of Alsace, France. About 1833, they emigrated to the United States, settled in Pennsylvania, and engaged in farming until 1838, when they removed to
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Chicago, where Mr. Krimbill died in July, 1845, followed by his widow one year later. William Krimbill lived in Pennsylvania until twelve years old, and afterward five years in Chicago. He received a fair edu- cation at the common schools, and in 1853 visited a brother in Cedar Lake, in this county, and while here obtained a position as clerk at Crown Point; this he continued seven years, and with the proceeds of his labors was enabled to establish himself in business in 1860. By strict attention to his own and the interests of the town, he has founded one of the best mercantile houses of Crown Point. In 1857, he was married to Miss Margaret Wheeler, a native of Ohio, but a resident of Crown Point. To this union have been born four children-Cora A. (died March, 1882, aged 22), Effie, Frank B. and Florence. Mr. Krimbill is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken an active part. He was Worshipful Master of Lake Lodge, No. 157, fifteen years ; High Priest of Lincoln Chapter, No 53, nine years ; Illustrious Master of Crown Point Council, No. 44, Royal and Select Masters, five years ; and a member of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28. He is also a mem- ber of the Odd Fellows, in which he has taken every degree. In politics, he has been a constant Republican. For fifteen consecutive years, beginning in 1861, he was Trustee of Centre Township, and is the pres- ent Chairman of the Republican County Committee. In 1878, he was elected County Treasurer, and after two years re-elected, and is now serving a second term, making four years of service. He is one of the prominent men of Lake County, and highly esteemed as a citizen.
JOHN LEHMAN, editor and proprietor of the Freie Presse (Ger- man), was born in Berne, Switzerland, November 5, 1835, and is the youngest of the four children of John and Madaline (Gerber) Lehman, both of whom died in the old country. John Lehman, our subject, was educated in Switzerland in a practical way. In 1860, he emigrated to the United States with a view of bettering his financial condition, and came direct to Lake County, Ind .; remained two months, and changed to Chicago, where he worked at his trade of watch-maker and jeweler. In 1864, he returned to Crown Point, Lake County, and opened a jewelry store, at which he continued until 1865, when, in partnership with J. J. Wheeler (present editor of the Crown Point Star), and John H. Mayer, he established the Crown Point Freie Presse. At the end of six months Mr. Lehman purchased the interests of Messrs. Wheeler and Mayer, thus obtaining control of the enterprise, which he has since retained. He is doing finely ; he is a Freemason and a Democrat. In 1867, he was mar- ried to Minnie Heide, by whom he has five children-Minnie, Matilda, Laura, John and Hermann.
ยท JAMES H. LUTHER was born in Clinton County, N. Y., Decem- ber 13, 1814, and is one of the nine children of James and Irena (Ran-
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som) Luther. His father was a farmer in early years, but afterward en- gaged in merchandising ; both parents died in Porter County. The name of Luther was brought to this country during the forepart of the seven- teenth century by three brothers from Ireland, whom, it is thought, left Germany and wandered into Britain, and thence to the United States. In 1832, James Luther removed to New Hampshire, and one year later James H. Luther, then eighteen years old, and having but $15, traveled westward and reached La Porte County, Ind., in 1834, and soon after- ward into Illinois, among the Pottawatomie Indians ; from thence, in 1835, he went to Wisconsin, and thence returned in 1837 to Porter County, Ind., where, on January 2, 1840, he was married to Phebe Ann Flint, of Lake County. In 1848, Mrs. Luther died, leaving four sons-John E., Amos O., Albert W. and Henry E. On May 21, 1849, Mr. Luther married Mrs. Celista (Sherman) Mills, and the same year sold his farm in Washington Township, and removed to Crown Point, where he has since resided. Only one of Mr. Luther's sons survives, the others having succumbed to the effects of the late war, in which all were engaged. Mrs. Luther died November 29, 1881. Mr. Luther is one of the rare surviv- ing pioneers of Lake County. Until the repeal of the Missiouri Com- promise he was a stanch Democrat, but is since as stanch a Republican. He has held several positions of trust, and in 1860 was elected Auditor of Lake County, and re-elected in 1864. In religion he is a Spiritualist.
HORACE MARBLE, Sheriff of Lake County, was born in Ben- nington County, Vt., June 10, 1838. His father, Simeon Marble, was also a native of Vermont, a farmer, and four times married ; first, about 1834, to the mother of Sheriff Marble, Louisa Imus, by which union there were two children; his second wife was Electa Janes, who died without issue ; his third wife was Betsey E. Booth, who likewise died without issue ; his fourth wife was Mrs. Niles, of Union Township, Por- ter County. In 1848, after the death of his second wife, he came to Lake County, and engaged in farming in Ross Township, of which he is now a resident. Horace Marble was reared a farmer, but dealt in grain and stock for three or four years at Hobart. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Ninth Indiana Volunteers, and was in active serv - ice until the war closed ; he was in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Stone River and Chickamauga ; he was made First Sergeant, and afterward commissioned Second Lieutenant of the Thirteenth Colored Infantry, and remained in the Army of the Cumberland. Previous to his discharge, in 1865, he was promoted to First Lieutenant, and then to Captain, by bre- vet. In February, 1865, he was married to Mary E. Booth, who died. leaving two daughters-Kate and Berenice. He then married his present wife, Martha Skinner, by which union there have been born two children
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-Ruth and Henry Ward. Mr. Marble is a Freemason, and a Sir Knight of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28. He was elected Sheriff of Lake County in October, 1880, and re-nominated in 1882; his family moved to Crown Point in 1881; both he and Mrs. Marble are members of the Unitarian Church.
CYRUS M. MASON, a pioneer of this county, was born in Orleans County, N. Y., January 27, 1811, and is a son of Josiah and Abigail (Storrs) Mason. His father was a native of the " Green Mountain " State ; his mother was born in 1777, and died in Michigan in 1871. Cyrus Mason, at the age of twenty-two, began work in a brick-yard in Dearborn, Mich .; he afterward worked on a farm for one year, then returned to the brick-yard as foreman. In 1839, he came to this county, since which he has made many bricks, having been the first successful manufacturer here. The land he now owns was a squatter's claim, which he bought low, and later purchased the same from the Government. On November 15, 1833, he married Diana Thomas, who died March 27, 1843, leaving two children, who have since died. On July 25, 1843, he married Mary Farmer, a native of Indiana, born August 4, 1817. To this union have been born seven children, three of whom survive -- Abigail (now Mrs. John M. Nash), her twin sister, Sarah E., and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Mason are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is also an Elder. He is a Republican and Prohibitionist.
JOHN McKNIGHT was born near Hickory Point, Lake Co., Ind., April 15, 1852, and is the youngest of the nine children of David and Catherine (Cascadden) McKnight. (A sketch of his parents will be found in the biographical department of Winfield Township.) John McKnight received but a common school education, and his occupation since boy- hood has been that of a farmer. On February 15, 1876, he was mar- ried to Mary E. Henry, a native of Rochester, N. Y., and born Septem- ber 12, 1852 ; she is a daughter of Thomas and Jane (Richard) Henry, natives of Ireland. This union produced two children-Edward A. (born September 25, 1877), and Mabel (born September 24, 1879). Mr. and Mrs. McKnight are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. McKnight is a Republican; he is a successful man, an en - terprising farmer and a worthy citizen.
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