History of Franklin County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions, Part 119

Author: Reifel, August J
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1648

USA > Indiana > Franklin County > History of Franklin County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions > Part 119

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William Simonson was reared on his father's farm and educated in the log school house near his home and at Andersonville. When nine years of age he spent one year in Rush county, Indiana, and aside from that all his life has been spent on the farm in Posey township. He began farming on the old home place and later bought the farm of eighty acres where he now lives, in section 15, in Posey township. He erected an excellent house and other buildings and improved the farm in many ways. Mr. Simonson en- gages in general farming and stock raising, making a specialty in the breed- ing of Polled Durham cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs.

William Simonson was married September 21, 1873, to Anna Goble, who was born in Posey township, near Cracker Ridge, the daughter of Israel and Elizabeth (Jinks) Goble, the former born on Mill Creek, within four miles of Cincinnati, the latter born near Laurel, on what is now the Lon Masters farm. Mrs. Simonson's paternal grandparents were Isaac and Nancy Ann (Haines) Goble, natives of New Jersey. They came from that state early in the last century and located near Cincinnati, Ohio. About 1820 they moved to a point just west of the Metamora bridge, where they erected a small log house which still stands, and there they kept a tavern for many years. Isaac Goble was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land,

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which he probably entered from the government, and on this land he lived until his death.

Mrs. Simonson's maternal grandparents were Gideon and Sarah (Shaw) Jinks. Gideon Jinks was a native of New York and married there before coming to Indiana. Upon his arrival in this county he settled at a point where the Lon Masters farm is now located. At one time he probably owned five hundred acres of land, which he cleared and improved to a great extent. Gideon Jinks was a soldier in the War of 1812. His wife was born and reared in Pennsylvania until sixteen years of age, when she moved to New York state with her parents.

Israel Goble, Mrs. Simonson's father, was educated at Metamora, and was a farmer on the home place until his marriage. He then moved to Posey township, where he lived on a farm until he moved to Laurel and engaged in the drug business. After disposing of his business in Laurel he owned and operated several different farms in the vicinity of Andersonville, at one time owning two hundred and eighty-five acres of land. Mr. Goble was a prom- inent citizen in his day and generation, an adherent of the Democratic party, twelve years a member of the board of county commissioners, a member of the Indiana State Legislature for two terms and appraiser of real estate for Franklin county for about twenty years.

To Mr. and Mrs. William Simonson four children have been born, Israel, Katherine, Ethel and Leona. Katherine died at the age of two years. Israel married Josie Mattingly and lives at Brazil, Indiana. Ethel is the wife of J. P. Kelso and lives near New Salem, in Rush county, and has two chil- dren, Celia and Elmer.

Mr. Simonson is a Democrat and has held several public positions, which he has faithfully filled. He became supervisor many years ago and later was appointed township trustee to fill out an unexpired term, being elected to succeed himself in the same office. He has served as land ap- praiser for school funds of the county ever since the death of his father-in- law, Mr. Goble, the latter of whom had held this position for many years. In every position held by Mr. Simonson he has discharged his duties with efficiency and faithfulness and in such a manner as to win the approval of the people whom he served.

Mr. and Mrs. Simonson and family are earnest members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church and are liberal contributors of their time and means to the support of this denomination, as well as being effective co-workers in the various local movements which seek to advance the general welfare of the community.

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CLARENCE W. ABBOTT.

Indiana soon will round out one hundred years of her history. It is the record of the steady growth of a community planted in the wilderness in the last century, reaching its magnitude of today without other aid than that of continued industry. Each county has had its share of the story and every county can lay claim to some incident or transaction which goes to make the history of the commonwealth. There is probably no county in the state that has produced more famous men than has Franklin county. From within its borders have come United States senators, governors, congressmen, scientists, artists and men of military renown. Yet there are those whose names are unsung and whose deeds are not emblazoned on the pages of history. Among these sturdy men are the farmers of the county, who have been content sim- ply to do well the things which their hands found to do, without thought or hope of public renown, and their work has been as essential to the welfare of this county as has that of the many distinguished men who have claimed this county as their birthplace.

Clarence W. Abbott is one of the representative younger farmers of the county. He is a son of Joseph and Eleanor (Vanausdall) Abbott and was born in Springfield township October 17, 1886. He is one of six children born to the first marriage of his father, the others being Florence, Chester, Elmer, Rettie and Ellis.

Joseph Abbott was born in Springfield township and was a son of John Abbott, one of the very first settlers of the county. John Abbott and his wife had three children : John, Jr., deceased ; James, deceased, and Joseph, the father of Clarence W. Abbott, with whom this narrative deals.

Joseph Abbott was educated in the district schools of Springfield town- ship, and early in life became interested in general farming and stock raising. Year after year found him more prosperous until he finally owned two hun- dred and forty acres of well improved land in Springfield township, near the Ohio line. He continued in active service until recently, when he moved to Oxford, Ohio, where he now resides. His son, Clarence W., is now manag- ing the old home farm. Joseph Abbott has been twice married. His first wife was Eleanor Vanausdall, and his second wife Mrs. Shultz, formerly Alice Gillespie.

Clarence W. Abbott was reared and educated in Springfield township and has spent his whole life thus far within the limits of the township where he was born. He was married December 17, 1913, to Hazel Woodruff, the daughter of Charles Woodruff, of Oxford, Ohio.

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C. W. Abbott is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically, he is a Democrat, but thus far has taken only a passive interest in political affairs. Since his marriage he has assumed the management of his father's large farm, and has already demonstrated that he has those qualities that will assure him success in his chosen lifework. As a consequence, he is fast coming to be regarded as one of the coming men of affairs in his section of the county.

LEWIS BARBER.

One of the well known farmers and highly respected citizens of Posey township, Franklin county, Indiana, is Lewis Barber, who was born in the year 1879 on the farm where he still lives in Posey township, the son of William H. and Esther (Ailes) Barber, both of whom also were born in Posey township. A biographical sketch of William Barber is found else- where in this volume, to which the reader may turn for further interesting details of the life and the works of this family in Franklin county.

The maternal grandparents of Lewis Barber were Amos and Olive (Weston) Ailes, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, who located in Franklin county, where he followed farming all the rest if his life. His parents are mentioned in another biographical sketch found else- where in this volume.

William H. Barber, the father of Lewis Barber, was educated at the McCready school. Many years ago he bought the farm where his son, Lewis, now lives. This farm consisted of eighty acres, and here William H. Barber resided until his death. He was a general farmer but was also actively interested in stock raising. He was a man of rather wide local in- fluence in politics, having served effectively as supervisor and assessor. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, including two sets of twins, Lewis, Charles, Pearl, Edgar and Edwin and Mary and Martha, all of whom are still living.

With the exception of four years, when he lived upon a rented place, Lewis Barber has lived on the home farm all his life. He was educated at the McCready school. He bought the home farm in September, 1913, and since that time has been engaged in general farming.

Lewis Barber was married February 12, 1912, to Bessie B. Moore, the daughter of Frank Moore, a farmer of Rush county, who is prominent in the local politics of his section of that county, having once served as super- visor of highways in his township.

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Mr. Barber is identified. with the Progressive party and has been some- what active in the councils of his party in local affairs. He was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but is no longer so. Mr. Barber is known as a well-to-do and prosperous farmer in Posey township. He is a man of genial disposition and, therefore, has a wide circle of friends in the neighborhood, both he and his wife being held in the highest esteem by their large circle of acquaintances.

HENRY BENEKER.

Moderate progressivism as opposed to radicalism is essentially the key- note of modern agricutural thought and is the explanation of general rural prosperity, as evidenced by the fertile fields and commodious buildings which are the rule rather than the exception. Our government is fully awake to the necessity of aiding this movement and does so by the free issuance of bulletins, weather reports, experiment stations and a general system of bene- volent paternalism which seeks to aid the agriculturist at every point of his useful work.

Fully in sympathy with this spirit is Henry Beneker, of Highland town- ship, Franklin county, Indiana. He is the son and only child of Frederick and Margaret (Beckman) Beneker, both of whom were natives of Germany, and was born on the farm where he now lives July 9, 1849. His father early in life came to America with his parents and located in Pennsylvania. As a young man he moved to Cincinnati and worked as a carpenter on the con- struction of the canal which passes through Brookville. Later he bought forty acres, on which farm Mr. Beneker now lives. This land was but partly cleared and bore a log cabin which is now incorporated in Mr. Beneker's home.

Henry Beneker's mother, Margaret Beckman, was thrice married. By her first marriage, which was contracted before she left Germany, she be- came a Wolsterman. With her husband she immigrated to America and located in Cincinnati. Here she and her husband remained for a year or two and then moved to Highland township, Franklin county, where Mr. Wolsterman soon after died. Then the widow married Frederick Beneker. After his death, in 1852, she married John Coleman and they resided in High- land township the remainder of their lives.

The famous old stone school and subscription schools contributed to

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Henry Beneker's education. Choosing agriculture as his life work, he re- mained on the homestead, which he systematically improved and enlarged. It now contains one hundred acres, the buildings are commodious and in good condition and the house has been improved and enlarged. His own experience has proved that the soil of this section is best adapted to general farming and he plants his crops accordingly.

In 1872 Mr. Beneker married Caroline Scheuck, who was born at Har- rison, Dearborn county, Indiana, and to this union eight children were born : Fred, Sophia, Margaret, Elizabeth, John, Mary, William and Edward, of whom Sophia, Mary and William are deceased.

All religious obligations are promptly and gladly fulfilled by Mr. Bene- ker and his wife, who are members of the Lutheran Evangelical church. He was at one time road supervisor, filling the position with credit to him- self and satisfaction to the people of the township. Mr. Beneker lives his life as he cultivates his ground, intelligently and with a constant considera- tion of that which is best, and he and his good wife are held in the highest regard in their wide circle of acquaintances in the neighborhood in which they so long have resided.

JOHN W. SMIESTER.

The United States owes a debt of gratitude which it can never repay to those thousands of Germans who served in the Union army during the Civil War. One of the citizens of Franklin county, of German birth, who served in the Civil War is John W. Smiester, who served in a Kentucky regiment during the Rebellion. He came to Franklin county in 1872, and has since made this county his home.

John W. Smiester, the son of John Henry and Mary (Bockman) Smiester, was born in Germany, October 13. 1841,. His parents lived all their days in Germany, and reared a family of nine children, George, Henry, Kate, John W., Lizzie, Herman, Andrew. Angelina and August. John W. Smiester was educated in Germany, and when a mere youth of fifteen came to America and lated at Newport, Kentucky. He was working in that city when the Civil War opened. He offered his services in behalf of the Union and was mustered into the service of his adopted country on October 16, 1861, as a member of Troop H, Third Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Cav-

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alry, in which he served continuously until he was finally discharged at Sa- vannah, Georgia, December 26, 1864.

After the close of the Civil War Mr. Smiester returned to Newport, Kentucky, and shortly afterwards came to Franklin county, Indiana, and bought a small farm of thirty-six and one-half acres in Brookville township. He has been engaged in the dairy business for the past twenty-three years and his son is now in partnership with him.

John W. Smiester was married in 1872, to Ellen Welch, who was born in Covington, Kentucky, in 1846, to which union two children were born. Mrs. Smiester died December 5, 1907.

William Smiester, the son of John W., now owns one hundred and seventy acres of land, a part of which is within the corporation of Brook- ville, and he already has sold a number of lots from this tract. He and his father are in the dairy business together, as has been already mentioned. William was married to Kate Feiber, of Brookville, Indiana, a daughter of John Feiber. The father and son both give their support to the Democratic party, but neither have ever taken a prominent part in political affairs.

ANDREW BEDEL.

Few residents of Salt Creek and Ray townships, Franklin county, In- diana, are as well known as the enterprising merchant and representative citizen whose life is here presented, or more favorably regarded in his com- munity than is he. No man stands higher in the esteem and confidence of the community where he resides than Andrew Bedel, and none has devoted more of his time and influence toward the material advancement of his home com- munity.

'Andrew Bedel was born October 10, 1854, in Blue Rock, Ohio, and is a son of John and Anna (Stenger) Bedel, both of whom were natives of Ger- many, and who were married there before coming to this country. Neither the paternal nor the maternal grandparents of Andrew Bedel ever came to America. John Bedel and family came to the United States in 1853 and located first at Blue Rock, Ohio, where he was a farmer. About 1860 he came to Hamburg, Indiana, where he purchased a farm, and followed this occupation the remainder of his days.

Andrew Bedel was educated in the schools of Hamburg, Indiana, and when about eleven years of age went to Cincinnati, Ohio, but later returned

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to Hamburg, and upon reaching man's estate engaged in farming. He began on a farm of eighty acres, to which he later added one hundred and sixty acres. This farm is located two miles east of Hamburg, and Mr. Bedel has placed many improvements on the place, making it one of the fine farms of that vicinity. In 1904 he bought a store in Hamburg, and has since been en- gaged in the general merchandise business in this town. The postoffice has been located in his store most of this time, and practically all of the time during the last nine years, and Frank Bedel, one of Mr. Bedel's sons, has been postmaster during this period. In July, 1903, Mr. Bedel also began carrying the mail on the star route out of Hamburg, which he has continued ever since, in addition to his other business.

Andrew Bedel was married in October, 1875, to Catherine Ripperger, the daughter of Anthony and Catherine ( Thalheimer ) Ripperger, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. To this union eleven children have been born, John, Joseph, Andrew, Katherine, Josephine, Frank, Barbara, Mary, Theresa, Louisa and Hilda, all of whom are still living. The family are all devout members of the St. Anne Catholic church and contribute to it a large measure of support.

Mr. Bedel has exercised considerable influence in local political affairs, and has served as township supervisor of Salt Creek township at different times. He is a loyal adherent of the Democratic party, to which he has always lent his hearty support. Mr. Bedel has built up a flourishing business in Hamburg and is popular in the community where he is so well known.

FRANK J. FLODDER.

To have served the people of a community in an official capacity and to be re-elected to the same office is an honor of no little significance, yet this is the distinction which has come to Frank J. Flodder, the present pains- taking and capable trustee of Ray township, Franklin county, Indiana. Mr. Flodder is a man of pleasing personality and of exceptional business ability.

Frank J. Flodder, the present trustee of Ray township, was born May 29, 1856, at Avondale, Ohio, the son of John B. and Elizabeth (Willenburg) Flodder, the former being born April 1, 1824, in Germany. Frank J. Flodder was educated in the schools of Newport, Kentucky, and later spent two years at St. Mary's College at Dayton, Ohio. As a young man he learned the shoe- maker's trade and worked at that trade in Newport for little more than a

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year, at the end of which time he came to Oldenburg and worked for his father in the woolen mill. After the death of his father he worked for his mother for two years, after which he and his brother took up the business, which they conducted for five years. His brother died in 1880 and Mr. Flodder then sold the mill, after which, for several years, Mr. Flodder worked in several capacities, first in a saw-mill, then in a creamery and finally in a flour mill. In 1900 he went into the beer business, to which he joined farming, being the active manager of a farm of eighty acres in Ray township, Franklin county. He lives just outside of Oldenburg, where he has a small tract of land.

Frank J. Fodder was married to Mary Fette, the daughter of Anthony and Elizabeth (Klaphaka) Fette. The Fette family came from Germany directly to Oldenburg. Elizabeth Klaphaka was Mr. Fette's second wife, his first wife having been Elizabeth Katers.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Flodder, as follow : Henry Harry, born October 12, 1880, married Mary Fehrmann and has one child, John B., born December 22, 1905; Edward, born July 17, 1884, married Hattie Wachsmann and has two children, Arthur, born January 27, 1912, and Gertrude, born June 15, 1913; Bernard F., born October 19, 1886; Gertrude Agnes, born June 21, 1888, died November 8, 1905; Normandia S., born November 6, 1892, and Leo F., born July 1, 1897.

Frank J. Flodder's grandfather, Benjamin J. Flodder, came to America when a middle-aged man with his family and settled in Ohio at Avondale. From there he went to Iowa, where he operated a flour mill at a point which in his honor was called Flodderburg. Benjamin J. Flodder, who was an ardent member of the Catholic church, was the father of two children, John B. and Mary, the latter marrying Henry Wernke.

John B. Flodder, the father of Frank J., was eleven years old when his father came to America from Germany. As a young man he conducted a mill and dairy at Avondale, Ohio. In 1864 he moved to Newport, Kentucky, where he was in the tobacco business. From Newport he came to Olden- burg and here bought the Oldenburg woolen mill from Sellmeyer & Rom- weber. He handled the mill until his death, in 1874. John B. Flodder and wife were the parents of seven children, Mary, Benjamin H., Margaret, Agnes, Frank, Frances and Henry. Mary married Fred Duwell and lives at Newport, Kentucky. He was formerly in the tobacco business, but later operated a grocery store. Benjamin H., who married Mary Duttenhofer, was a saddle-maker by trade. Two years after his father's death he and his brother, Frank J., operated the woolen mill. He died May 20, 1880. Mar-

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garet married Adolf Duber, deceased, formerly a salesman, and lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Agnes married August A. Hackmann, president of the Batesville Bank: Frances married Henry Hackmann and lives at Rushville, Indiana. Henry married Minta Transkill and also lived at Rushville, where he and his brother-in-law. Henry Hackmann, conducted a grocery store. He is now deceased and Henry Hackmann still runs the grocery store.

Mrs. Frank J. Flodder is one of four children born to her father's second marriage. Anna (born May 24. 1851. died the following year), Henry, An- thony and Mary. Henry and Anthony also are now deceased. By his first marriage Mr. Fette had five children: August. born July 1, 1829; Herman, born August 3. 1831 : Ferdinand. born July 28, 1833 : Anthony, born Septem- ber 19. 1835. and Charles. born January 17, 1840. all of whom were born in Germany. The first wife of Mr. Fette died August 30. 1845.

Frank J. Flodder is a Democrat in politics. He was elected trustee of Ray township in 1905 and held the office until 1909. being re-elected in January. 1915. for a term of four years. Mr. Flodder is president of the Oldenburg Building and Loan Association and also president of the local lodge of the Catholic Knights of America. He is a stanch Democrat and a devoted Catholic. He is interested in all public enterprises of a local charac- ter and is ever willing to contribute his time and money in support of the same.

WILLIAM E. DICKSON.

More and more is the farm attracting men of education and ability. As a typical example of what may be accomplished by this class of men, the study of the career of W. E. Dickson will be interesting. as he is a college graduate and has given his best to his chosen vocation.

William E. Dickson first saw the light of day in Springfield township, this county. on January 20, 1866. and is the son of John and Nancy ( Blacker ) Dickson. the former of whom was born in Canada and the latter of whom was the daughter of Patrick Blacker, who then owned the farm on which Mr. Dickson now lives. Mr. Dickson has two brothers and a sister. George, John Clinton and Margaret. George married Naomi Rider and is living in Brookville. Margaret is single and also lives in Brookville. John married Viola Biddinger and makes his home at Indiana Harbor. John Dickson, Sr., died in June. 1896.

Ireland was the birthplace of Mr. Dickson's grandparents, George and

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Elizabeth Dickson, who came to America, accompanied by their family, lo- cating in Canada, and later found their permanent home near Sharptown, Indiana, while John Dickson was a small child. He had one child by his first marriage. Robert, who sought his fortune in the state of Mississippi. George Dickson married, secondly, Elizabeth Peterson, and to this union were born six children. John. Anne Sparks, Rebecca Kirk, Jane Ford. Eliza Campbell and Loretta Barbour.

As already stated, William E. Dickson has spent several years attending the colleges of Earlham and Otter. After his marriage he decided that his opportunity was in the cultivation of the soil and he accordingly located in Franklin county, where he now owns four hundred and thirty-seven acres, which are devoted to general farming. Mr. Dickson was married on Novem- ber 7, 1895. to Jennie Shafer. the daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Seal) Shafer, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Dickson and his wife have one child, a son, Howard. who lives with his parents.

Intelligent, prosperous, a leader in his community. Mr. Dickson attri- butes his success to the application of the same business principles and keen intelligence which are used in other lines of business. He and his family rightfully receive the respect and admiration of all those with whom they are connected.

GEORGE HENRY SAGEL.

Among the successful farmers of Franklin county is George H. Sagel, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1844. a son of John B. and Mary Adelaide Sagel. both natives of Germany, who came to America before their marriage and located in Cincinnati. Mrs. Sagel was a dressmaker. having learned that trade in her native land. She died of the cholera in Cincinnati in 1847.

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History of Franklin County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions, Part 119

Author: Reifel, August J Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen Number of Pages: 1648

Author: Reifel, August J
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1648