History of Dearborn County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions, Part 85

Author: Archibald Shaw
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1123

USA > Indiana > Dearborn County > History of Dearborn County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions > Part 85

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After the death of his first wife, Benjamin F. Burlingame was married secondly, to Dorotha Churchill, of Sparta township. She was born on the same farm where Harry Stewart Burlingame now lives, April 16, 1826. To this union were born four children, Mary, Harry S., Caroline W., and one who died in infancy. Mary died young. Caroline became the wife of Joseph E. Allen, of Sparta township, and is living at Milan, Ripley county. They have five children, Onema, Waldron F., Arthur, Hilda and Norman. all living.

Dorotha (Churchill) Burlingame was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Hennegin) Churchill. Joseph Churchill, father of Mrs. Benjamin Frank- lin Burlingame, was born in Vermont, where he grew to manhood. He came to Indiana and settled on the same farm on which Harry Stewart Burlingame now resides, taking five hundred acres from the government, at a cost of one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre. He lived here all his life, but deeded much of the land to his children. having left only two hundred and forty acres when he died. Mr. Churchill was a Whig, and took part in all local politics. He and his family were all members of the Baptist church. His wife. Mary (Hennegin) Churchill, was born in central New York, and when quite young came with her parents to Indiana, settling in Hogan township. near Wilmington, on the farm now owned by Andrew J. Bloom,

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which they took from the government. They were the parents of eleven children, Eveline, Charles, Dorotha, Vernon, Burke, Harriette, Rhoda, Ann, Jeanette, Alta and John.

Harry Stewart Burlingame was united in marriage on September 22, 1886, with Minnie Houston, daughter of John and Margarette (Beatty) Houston. She was born on May 29, 1865, in Sparta township, where she lived until her marriage. This union has been blessed with two children : Frank S., born on January 27, 1889; and Olive D., November 18, 1890.

Mr. Burlingame is a gentleman of exceptional education, and is well in- formed on all matters of public interest going on throughout the world. His school work has received the approval of all concerned, and his many warm friends are the best evidence of the high esteem in which he is held in the com- munity.

THOMAS EDWARD TERRILL.

Although still in his youth, the indications are very flattering for the future business success of the subject of this sketch. The attention and thoroughness which he has devoted to the business of securing an education will prove to be of inestimable value as a corner-stone, on which to build his fortune in life. Thomas Edward Terrill is one of the most popular teachers in Manchester township, Dearborn county, Indiana.

Thomas Edward Terrill was born on July 1, 1895, near Petersburg. Boone county, Kentucky, and is a son of Simeon Edward and Mary (Grant) Terrill. His first years at school were spent in the public schools of Missouri. and from there he went to Manchester township. where he attended the township schools for six years, going then to Aurora, Indiana, high school, covering a period of three years, graduating at the Lamar, Colorado, high school, and completed his education at Moores Hill College. Moores Hill. Indiana, where he has been a teacher for the past two years.

Simeon Edward Terrill. father of the subject of this sketch, was born on March 29, 1850, near Petersburg. Boone county. Kentucky. His parents gave him a good education in the public schools of Boone county. after which they sent him to high school, at Aurora. After leaving school. Simeon Ter- rill assisted his father, Capt. George W. Terrill. on the farm. until he took unto himself a wife, when he commenced housekeeping on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Boone county, Kentucky. He remained on this farm about eight years. during which time he had accumulated enough to

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buy a farm of one hundred and forty acres in the southern part of Boone county, Kentucky, to which he soon added forty acres adjoining his own farm. Mr. Terrill farmed this tract of land twenty-one years. He was offered a good price for his place, and was wise enough to recognize a bar- gain when he saw one. He sold out, and moved back to the home place, near Petersburg, where he became a rural route mail carrier, in which capacity he served about ten years. Becoming dissatisfied with this work, Mr. Terrill moved his family to Missouri, where he farmed for three years, and then re- turned to Manchester township, where he bought eighty acres, which he culti- vated until shortly before his death, which occurred in May, 1912, at the home of his daughter, Mrs .. E. K. Morris, at Chillicothe, Missouri.

On October 25, 1870, Simeon Edward Terrill was married to Mary Frances Grant, who was born near Petersburg, and is a daughter of Will- iam and Jane (Willys) Grant. Her early education was secured at public schools of Boone county, and later at a college at Ghent, Kentucky, where she was a very attentive student. She is a direct descendant of Daniel Boone's family, than which none has ever been more prominent in the history of Ken- tucky. She still survives her husband. To Mr. and Mrs. Terrill were born six children, as follow : Simeon Buford, Ethel Sue, James Grant, Robert Lindsay, Mary Alice, and Thomas Edward. Simeon Buford was united in marriage with Jennie Randell, and is now cultivating a farm in Manchester township. Ethel Sue is the wife of E. K. Morris, a prosperous farmer in Missouri. They have one child, Alice May. James Grant was married to Ida Amberg, and is now residing at Cincinnati, where he is employed by the Ohio Trust Company. They have had two children, Mary E. and James Gordon. Robert Lindsay is conducting a farm in Manchester township. Mary Alice was edu- cated in the public schools of Kentucky and Manchester township, going later to the high school at Aurora, Indiana, after which she attended school at La- mar, Colorado, one year, finishing at Moores Hill College, where she has been teaching for the past three years.

The Terrill family comes from good old Kentucky stock, and has al- ways believed in taking every possible advantage leading up to a good educa- tion, the result of which is shown in the number of professional and able mem- bers it has produced, and of which the subject of this sketch promises much in bearing out its reputation. Thomas Edward Terrill does not believe that rest, after a long, strenuous term of school, means simply doing nothing. He is a lover of nature, and employs his vacation seasons on the home place, spending most of his time out of doors.

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PRESTON H. CONAWAY.

Preston H. Conaway, farmer and highly respected citizen of Clay town- ship, Dearborn county, Indiana, was born in the township where he now lives on March 25, 1856, son of Simon B. and Hannah (Harper) Conaway, the former a native of Clay township, and the latter born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, August 29, 1830.

Simon B. Conaway. father of the immediate subject of this sketch. was born on September 4, 1824, and received his education in the schools of his native township, also at Wilmington and later at Hartford, this county. After his school days were over. he assisted his father in the work of the farm home, becoming unusally skilled in the practice of successful husbandry. Upon the death of his father. the homestead fell to his share and he continued to manage it for the rest of his active years. His death occurred on March 20, 1907, when eighty-two years of age. Simon B. Conaway was the son of Robert and Edith (Weathers) Conaway.

Hannah Harper, mother of Preston H. Conaway, was a daughter of Henry and Matilda (Swearingen) Harper, the former of whom was born on September 14. 1800, in Greene county. Pennsylvania, and the latter. born on November 24. 1803, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. The Harpers came to Adams county, Ohio, in 1835. and remained there until 1842. when they came to Indiana, locating in Ripley county, where Henry died. on August 5. 1844. His widow, Matilda, lived to be quite an old lady, passing away when in the eighties. They were the parents of a family of twelve children, namely : Thomas, Rebecca, Jane, Samuel, Hannah. Louisa. Sarah Ann. George. Allen, James. John, Henry, and one who died in infancy.

Thomas Harper married a Miss Pendergrass and had a family of five children, Louisa (Mrs. Pryon), Matilda. Ann. Emma and Addie. Re- becca Jane married James Huckstaff and had a large family. Samuel married Sarah Robison and had a family of eight children, two of them being John and Malinda. Louisa became the wife of Charles Nettleton and lived in Minnesota, where they reared a large family. Sarah Ann became the wife of Calvin Shook and had one daughter, Alice. Allen married Lessie White, of Versailles. Rip- ly county, and had the following children, James, Emmett, Charles and Anna. James chose Julia Fall as his wife and they reared a family. John married Belle Pryor and they reared a family of five children. Ira. Nelson, Clay. Howard and Laura. Henry married Mary O'Neal and had three children : Lizzie, Nora and Howard. Hannah, mother of the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and located with her par-

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ents in Ripley county, where she was married on September 24, 1850, and died on November 3, 1882.

Preston H. Conaway was one of a family of two children, the other being his brother, Hamilton A. Preston, who received his educa- tion at the Nixon school house, in Clay township, assisting his father with the work of the farm home during vacation times. After finishing school, his entire time was spent on the homestead, which he inherited upon the death of his father.

On December 22, 1881, Preston H. Conaway was married to Miss Alice M. Sale, daughter of Fleetwood H. and Mary C. (Morrison) Sale, the former of whom was born in Owen county. Kentucky, May 17, 1828, and died at Dillsboro, Indiana, January 14. 1907. Mary C. Morrison, his wife, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, October 5, 1837. and died on March 17, 1856.

Dr. Fleetwood H. Sale, father of Mrs. Preston H. Conaway, was one of the oldest practicing physicians in Dearborn county. He also served as a surgeon in the Civil War from April, 1862, to March, 1864. He resigned, but in November, 1864, he returned and served until 1865. His father was also a soldier and noted pioneer, having served in the War of 1812, enlisting from Kentucky. Mrs. Preston H. Conaway was born in Dillsboro, November 27, 1854, and received her education in the schools of Dillsboro, later taking more advanced studies at Moores Hill College. To Mr. and Mrs. Conaway has been born one son, Fleetwood B., whose birth occurred at Aurora on January 6, 1900. Fleetwood B. remains at home on the farm. He has just completed the eighth grade course in the district school.

Mr. Conaway is a man who goes quietly about his own affairs and who by his consistent manner of living has won the confidence and respect of those about him. His political support he gives to the Democratic party, al- though taking no more than a quiet interest in political affairs. The Conaways are numbered among the older families of the county. They belong to the Methodist church.

GEORGE NIEMEYER.

In the days of his youth, the subject of this biographical sketch was un- able to secure the necessary education for a successful business career : as in those days Indiana did not have her present splendid public schools created by law of the commonwealth, a clause in the first constitution stating: "It shall be the duty of the General Assembly, as soon as circumstances will permit. to

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provide by law for a general system of education, ascending in regular gra- dation from township schools to a state university, wherein tuition shall be gratis and equally open to all." Since which time Indiana has long been widely reputed for its public school system, and the high efficiency of its schools.

George Niemeyer was born on July 25, 1862, at Cincinnati, Ohio. and is a son of Henry and Louisa ( Ellerbrook ) Niemeyer. The education he re- ceived in Clay township was of a limited nature, as he was obliged to help his father on the farm until twenty-one years of age, when he decided to do some investigating as to a desirable location. He went to Topeka, Kansas. but after remaining there one year, he returned to Clay township, and at the death of his father took over the farm, to which he later added two tracts, one of ninety acres, and one of ninety-six acres, which he still operates. doing general farming. Mr. Niemeyer realizes the necessity of proper schooling, and is sending all his children through school, and in order to keep his family together, he purchased ninety-six acres more, so he could keep them em- ployed at home. He has always been a public-spirited man, and interested in all enterprises pertaining to the welfare of his township, and especially in good roads, many of the good roads in Clay township being due to the energy dis- played by him. He was road supervisor for thirteen years, and is now town- ship assessor, having been elected on the Republican ticket. Mr. Niemeyer is well liked by all, and as an evidence of his kind and thoughtful disposition. one hired man, Reason Johnson, has remained in his services for twenty- three years.

Mr. Niemeyer has traveled extensively in the United States. In 1887. he was called to the deathbed of his brother in Kansas, and while in that sec- tion visited many of the important cities in the central West. In 1909 he ac- companied a party through the southern Gulf states, visiting all the prominent cities en route. The greater portion of his life has been spent where he now resides, and he is the oldest living resident of the township. He belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, past sachem; and Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor commander.

Henry Niemeyer, father of George Niemeyer, was born in 1816, in Ger- many, coming to the United States as a young man. He settled at Cincinnati. where he was married, and followed the tinner's trade several years. In 1874, he bought a farm of ninety acres in Clay township, and lived there until his death, which occurred on December 8, 1884, aged sixty-eight years. Mr Niemeyer was a Republican, and belonged to the Lutheran church. His wife. Louisa (Ellerbrook) Niemeyer, was born in Germany, and came to America with her parents, John and Charlotte Ellerbrook, when quite young. Mr. and

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Mrs. Niemeyer were married at Cincinnati, and were the parents of six chil- dren, Amelia, George, Harry, Matilda, and two who died in infancy. Amelia became the wife of Ernest Ruhlman and is living in Clay township. They have four children, Henry, Theodos, Clara and Harry. Harry is deceased. Matilda is the wife of Ernest Boulthop and is living at Lawrenceburg. She is the mother of three children, Elmer and two others, one of whom died young.

The maternal grandfather was John Ellerbrook, and his wife was Char- lotte Ellerbrook, both natives of Germany, who came to America at an early day, settling at Cincinnati, and later bought a farm in Clay township, con- sisting of ninety acres, and was the same farm which Henry Niemeyer bought in 1874. After selling the farm they made their home with Henry Niemeyer until they died, at an advanced age.

George Niemeyer was united in marriage on October 26, 1892, with Jennie Johnson, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Headly) Johnson. She was born in Missouri, and when six months old, owing to the death of her mother, came to Clay township, and was reared by Hezekiah Martin, and was educated in the district schools of that township. Mr. and Mrs. Niemeyer have had six children, Harry, Albert, Alma, Laura, Dora and John, all living at home.

Mr. Niemeyer is one of the most industrious and highly respected citi- zens of Clay township, where he is bringing up his family of children to be in -- telligent and useful citizens.

CHARLES H. BERKERMEIER.

Agriculture is the oldest vocation and as a usual thing men of honorable and human impulses, as well as those of energy and thrift, have been patrons of husbandry. The free outdoor life of the farm has a decided tendency to foster and develop that independence of mind and self-reliance which charac- terize true manhood and no greater blessing can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with nature in the healthful. life-inspiring labor of the fields. It has always been from the fruitful soil that the moral bone and sinew of the country have sprung, and the majority of the nation's scholars and distinguished men of letters were born on the farm and were indebted to its early influence for the inspiration which resulted in their mature attainments. The subject of this sketch is a true son of the soil and one who has succeeded well in his chosen vocation.

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Charles H. Berkermeier was born on January 18, 1850, in Hanover, Germany, a son of Frank and Elizabeth (Berkermeier) Berkermeier, both of whom were born and reared in Germany. In -868 Frank Berkermeier brought his family to America, with the exception of Hannah and William, the two eldest of the family, who remained in the Fatherland. He settled on a farm of eighty acres in Switzerland county, this state, and there passed the remainder of his life, dying at the age of seventy-seven years. While he gave his attention to farming in this country, he was by trade a maker of wooden shoes, a commodity which is not greatly known in this country except among those of German and Dutch birth.

Frank and Elizabeth Berkermeier were the parents of seven children, Hannah, William, Louise, Charles H., Elizabeth, Ernest and a child who died in infancy. Ernest married Flora Grive and had a large family, among the children being Emma, Lizzie, Carl and Henry. Louise was twice married, her first husband being Fred Berner, by whom she had five children, Lizzie, Anna, Lena, Henry and Harmon. After Mr. Berner's death, she became the wife of Henry Rah. Elizabeth became the wife of Casper Strader and the mother of three children, Lena, Elizabeth and John.

Charles H. Berkermeier was eighteen years of age when his family im- migrated to this country and he immediately took up the work of the farm home purchased in Switzerland county, having received his education in his native land. In 1872 he purchased for himself a tract of land containing eighty acres, which he farmed until 1913 when he disposed of it and moved to a farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres in Clay township, this county, which be- longed to his wife, where he has since resided. Mr. Berkermeier carries on general farming, such as is practiced throughout this section, and in addi- tion gives some attention to the raising of live stock, being uniformly success- ful in his endeavors, for he brings to the task in hand always the most careful thought and energetic performance.

In June. 1876. Charles H. Berkermeier was united in marriage with Mary Binning, a daughter of Henry and Katherine (Licking) Binning, both of whom were born in Germany, and were farmers in Switzerland county. Mrs. Mary Berkermeier died in 1910, at the age of fifty-three years, leaving her husband and seven children: Amelia. Elizabeth, Minnie, Clara, Harry, Edith and Amanda. Amelia married John H. Smith, of Aurora, Indiana, and has three sons. Carl. Russell and Clayton. Elizabeth became the wife of Fred Thomas and lives on a farm in Switzerland county. There are three children in their family, Edith, Hilda and Charles. Minnie married Harry Ampt and lives in Aurora. They have three children, Lester, Mabel and Florence. Clara

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became the wife of John Thomas and has two children, Laura and Irene. They live at Cross Plains, Indiana. Harry married Allie Cutter, and lives in Switzerland county. Edith married Harmon Sandbrink. Amanda mar- ried Luke Fishvogt.

Mr. Berkermeier married for the second time on April 9, 1913, being united in wedlock with Elizabeth (Stute) Berner, daughter of William and Charlotte (Busching) Stute, natives of Germany who settled on Laughery creek in Ripley county.

The Berkermeier family is considered one of the representative families of the community, the name having always stood for all that is honest and upright. Mr. Berkermeier is a member of the Lutheran church, serving his organization as an officer for a number of years. He gives his support to the Democratic party and although not a seeker after office, is always interested in seeing the party's affairs properly administered. Mr. Berkermeier has led a well regulated and wholesome life and is justly entitled to the high degree of respect which he is accorded by those who know him.

MRS. MARGARETHA BENNETT.

In the following sketch mention is made of some of the older and highly respected citizens of Clay township, Dearborn county, Indiana, the immediate subject being Margaretha (Licking) Bennett, widow of the late Joseph A. Bennett, one of the representative citizens of this section, a man well liked by all.

Margaretha Licking was born in this county at Farmers Retreat, on Sep- tember 9, 1874, a daughter of Henry and Mary Christinia (Zeigenbein) Lick- ing, the former born also at Farmers Retreat, Cæsar Creek township, and the latter a native of the city of Cincinnati. Henry Licking was born on January 31, 1850, and received his education in the common schools of his home dis- trict. He assisted his father in the work of the homestead and when thirty- five years old. after the death of his father, he purchased one hundred and thirty acres of the home place from the other heirs. He remained on that place until 1896, when he disposed of it and purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres near Dillsboro, in Clay township. There he made his home and conducted the business of his farm until the year 1909, when he re- tired from active service and passed away on April 4, 1914, at the age of six- ty-four years. Henry Licking was a faithful member of the Methodist Epis-

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copal church, filling various offices of the local society through a span of years. His political support was given to the Democratic party, in the affairs of which he showed a commendable interest. He was a member of the an- cient order of Free and Accepted Mason and took a keen interest in the work- ing of that society.

Henry Licking was a son of Fred and Mary Clara (Libbert) Licking, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to this country when young, coming directly to friends in Cæsar Creek township, and there they were married. They bought a farm in that locality which they operated, and Fred Licking also ran a blacksmith shop, drawing his patronage for that class of work from over a wide area. His death occurred in January of 1875, when he was in middle age. Fred Licking and wife were the parents of fifteen children, many of whom still survive.

Mary Christina Zeigenbein, mother of Mrs. Margaretha Bennett, was born in Cincinnati, on October 18, 1850, a daughter of Christian and Sophia Margaretha (Deirech) Zeigenbein, both born in Germany. Both were brought to this country by their respective parents when children and grew up together in Cincinnati, where they were married. Mr. Zeigenbein learned the trade of plasterer, at which he worked for a number of years, and when in middle age he decided to leave the city and live the life of a farmer for the balance of his days. He came to Clay township, this county, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres and made his home for the next fourteen years. He then dis- posed of his original farm and purchased a tract of'like size in Sparta town- ship, where he lived until death. He died when fifty-four years of age. There were eight children in their family. namely : Mary. Wilhelmina. Cath- erine, Charles, and four who died in infancy. Mary was a child when her people came to this county, and she was educated in the common schools of Clay township. remaining at home until the time of her marriage January 18, 1872. to Henry Licking.

Margaretha Licking. now Mrs. Bennett, was one of a family of six chil- dren. the others being. Laura. Edward. Sarah. Catherine and Rosa, who died when a child. Edward married Harriett Conaway and has one son, Estal. Sarah. became the wife of Robert Borders, of Milan. Ripley county ..

Margaretha Licking received her elementary education in the school at Farmers Retreat, later attending college at Moores Hill. For special intro- duction in normal work. she went to Winona, this state, being greatly bene- fited by her studies there. On November 18. 1906, she was united in marriage with Joseph A. Bennett, son of Edward and Catherine (Huddartt) Bennett.

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History of Dearborn County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions, Part 85

Author: Archibald Shaw Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1123

Author: Archibald Shaw
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1123