History of Franklin County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions, Part 145

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 145

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William Welling was educated in the schools of Hamburg, and, after leaving school, was employed for six months by Henry Schrite, learning the trade of a marble cutter. He was then employed for eight years in this trade at Indianapolis by August Diener. Because of ill health, he was com- pelled to give up the marble business and, returning to Franklin county, pur- chased one hundred and thirty-seven acres of land where he now lives in Salt Creek township; to this farm he has since added six acres. His house burned in the fall of 1912, and he built his present attractive and modern home on the old site. He has improved his farm in any other ways, and now has a very attractive country home.

Mr. Welling was married. February 12, 1890, to Elizabeth Ricke, a daughter of Frank Ricke and wife, natives of Germany. Mrs. Welling was born on the place where she and her husband now live. Frank Ricke first came to Oldenburg, working at various occupations for some time. He then purchased the farm where Mr. Welling now lives, clearing and im-

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proving it. He built an addition to the house, which had been erected by the former owner of the farm, Mr. Brinkman.

Mr. and Mrs. William Welling are the parents of six children, Frank, Vincent, Joseph, Leo, Clara, and Hilda, who is deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. William Welling and family are members of St. Anne's Catholic church at Hamburg, and are sincerely devoted to their religious duties and interested in the welfare of their community.

THOMAS LOGAN.

America, the land of promise, drew its sturdy population from almost every country in the world. Among the earlier immigrants a great num- ber were of the Irish race. By nature they were venturesome, possessed great industry and were physically fit to be pioneers. Their descendants have achieved distinction in almost every industry known to this country. Their influence has been felt, not only in the private branches of our national activities, but in the councils of the nation they have occupied a conspicuous place.

The founders of the Logan family in this country were William Logan and his wife, Eleanor (Creaig) Logan. They were married after coming to this country, settling in South Carolina. A trip to this country at that early day was always fraught with great danger, requiring sometimes as long as three months to complete the voyage. During the voyage of Mr. and Mrs. Creaig to this country, a sister of Mrs. Logan was drowned en route by being washed overboard. South Carolina at that time drew a great number of settlers and it was there that William Logan and his wife settled and started their career in the New World, where Mr. Logan followed the occupation of farming. The children of this union were John, born December 23, 1789, in South Carolina; Robert, born November 23, 1792; Mary, born November 27, 1794; David, born January 28, 1797, and lived to be ninety- three years of age; Alex, born March 7, 1799; Nancy, May 4, 1801 ; Jane, born April 5, 1803; Nellie, born December 23, 1805; Thomas, born Febru- ary 23, 1808; William C., born July 1, 1810, and James, born April 5, 1813.

It is worthy of note that William Logan, though young in years, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, serving as captain of the Lighthorse Artillery. The star which he wore on his cap is now in the possession of his grandson, Wilbur Logan, while the subject of this sketch owns the cap. William Logan was a Revolutionary pensioner at the time of his death.

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Among other things, the Logan family are characterized by great longevity, the father of William Logan having reached the age of one hun- dred and five years. He also came from a large family, being one of nine brothers and the only one of these to come to America, where he died in South Carolina.

The tide of immigration began to go westward and about the year 1804 William Logan, with his family, started for the west and, on November 4, reached the place which is known as the farm of Lydia Logan in this county. Here they built their fire by the old beech tree and cooked and ate their first meal in the new place. The old tree is still standing and in good condition and is greatly prized by the Logan family. They soon had a clearing made and began to erect a log cabin, a one-story affair such as was common in those days. In 1809 they built a two-story log house, that con- tained a garret, and this place still stands. They took up a quarter section of land (one hundred and sixty acres) and soon began to till the soil. Mr. Logan lived here until his death, which occurred on September II, 1838, he then being seventy-seven years of age. His wife died February 5, 1844, in Union county. Mr. Logan and wife were buried in Sims cemetery.

Thomas Logan, the son of William and Eleanor Logan, was the second white male child born in White Water valley. He was born February 23, 1808, and was reared on his father's farm. On December 12, 1839, he was married to Jane D. Logan, the daughter of John and Mary (Dollar) Logan, John Logan being a paternal uncle of Thomas Logan. The Dollar family originally came from England and came to Indiana from Virginia. Like his brother, John Logan was born in Ireland and settled in South Carolina, com- ing to Franklin county, Indiana, where he entered two hundred acres. Thomas Logan and Jane D. Logan were first cousins and a marriage of this kind, while not common today, was not uncommon in those days. Jane Logan was one of nine children of John Logan, the others being Jonathan, James, William, Samuel and Thomas, by a previous marriage; David D., Jane and Ruth by his second marriage.

Before marriage, Thomas Logan served as riding bailiff and was constable for about fifteen years. After his marriage he bought one-half of his father's farm, eighty acres, where he remained until a year before his death, with the exception of one year spent in Clinton county. He lived a very active life and took a conspicuous part in all of the affairs of those days. To Mr. and Mrs. Logan were born three children, of whom Lydia J. only survives. They were: John W., born September 6, 1840, who died in infancy; Mary E., born May 25, 1844, and died July 22, 1900; Lydia J.,

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born May 6, 1854, and who still owns the old homestead. For twenty-six years Thomas Logan operated the toll gates at his home on the Brookville and Fairfield pike and this his daughter, Lydia, continued three years after her father's health failed. About one year before his death Mr. Logan bought property in Fairfield and retired from active farming. The history of the Logan family from the very earliest time has been a very interesting one and Lydia J. Logan, who takes a great pride in the family history, has kept a careful record of the history of the Logan family in this country. They were a fine type of the early pioneer and contributed greatly to the welfare of this community.

FREDOLIN HAAS.

It was not only a desire to better economic conditions, that caused that fortunate (for America) immigration of German citizens to this country. The immigrants were invariably the more daring and venturesome ones, so it is plain that one of the compelling causes of that outflow of valuable citizenry was the "wanderlust," that strange impulse which causes men to ever seek new scenes, which drove the Norse adventurers over the seas, and which led Columbus to America.

This "wanderlust" combined with other and more obvious reasons in deciding Fredolin Haas to come to America. Born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, within the great Black Forest, on March 6, 1841, Fredolin was the son of Joseph and Balbina (Haven) Haas, both of whom were born in Ger- many, living and dying in Wurtemberg, where Joseph Haas followed the trade of weaver. Joseph Haas and his wife were the parents of a prosperous group of children, of whom Fredolin was next to the youngest.

Obtaining a fair education in Germany, Fredolin Haas worked for some time in a brewery and then, at the age of nineteen, came to America. At first Mr. Haas went to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked at various occupa- tions, later going to Cincinnati, and finally, on March 6, 1875, arriving in Franklin county. Mr. Haas purchased eighty acres in Highland township and erected the splendid buildings which are now in use on the old place. Mr. Haas accumulated land from time to time, first the original farm, then a twenty-acre tract near the first place; then one hundred and twenty-two and one-half acres, located on Goble creek, were bought, then a house and lot in Cedar Grove were secured. Mr. Haas cleared twenty acres of his

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land with his own axe. He lived on the old place until 1910, when he moved to Cedar Grove to lead a retired life, leaving his son Fred on the farm.

In 1865 Mr. Haas married Katharine Wiwi, who was born on the Rhine, in Bavaria, Germany. She came with her father, George Wiwi, to the land in Highland township which George Wiwi owned and which is now occupied by Herbert Haas. Ten children have been born to the union of Mr. Haas and Katharine Wiwi, namely: Emma, Cecilia, Herbert, Oliva, George, Ida, Fred, Pauline. Louis and Mary died in childhood.

Fredolin Haas is a man whom one trusts unconsciously, as his quiet dig- nity and unpretentious manner testify of a life spent in industrious and honorable pursuits. Mr. Haas is a devout Catholic and lives according to the training he has received throughout life. At all times keenly interested in the problems which concern the local or national life, Mr. Haas is rightly known as a public-spirited, straightforward man.

FRANK WEILER.

No prouder achievement could be credited to any community than that of being in the forefront in agricultural matters, as agriculture stands today as the most important branch of commerce and is not only offering wonderful opportunities ·but is making phenomenal strides forward each day. Frank Weiler has had his full share in placing Harrison county in its present im- portant position agriculturally, and should be credited accordingly.

Coming into this world on May 15, 1885, Mr. Weiler is native to Frank- lin county, having been born near St. Peter's. He is the son of Michael and Rosena (Ripperger) Weiler, and is one of the following ten children: John, Mary Magdalena, Elizabeth, Adelia. Catherine, Michael, Conrad, Joseph, Anna and Frank. Michael was born in Dearborn county on July 16, 1839, the son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Shoal) Weiler, both of whom were born in Germany and were married in Philadelphia after coming to America. About a year after marriage they went to Cincinnati where Conrad carried brick, finally coming to Dearborn county in 1833. Conrad entered eighty acres of the virgin forest and built the first cabin in the county, while his wife claimed to have cut the first tree. Conrad acquired one hundred and ninety- two acres of land in Dearborn county.

The boyhood days of Frank Weiler were spent on his father's farm and,

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in the winters, attending the schools of St. Peter's. Having familiarized himself with the customs and conditions of farm life, it was no more than was to be expected that Mr. Weiler should follow agriculture as his chosen life work, as he did. At the present time he owns one hundred and sixty acres of very fertile land, which is located just south of St. Peters. Mr. Weiler specializes on no particular crop, but raises general farm produce.

On February 1, 1910, Mr. Weiler married Mary Zimmer, a native of Dearborn county, and to the union have been born four children, whose names in order of birth are, Victor, Edna, Rosa Marie and Clifford. These children are such as any parent would be proud to own.

Mr. Weiler and his wife are members of the St. Peter's Catholic church, and they constitute a devout family, well worthy of emulation. Mr. Weiler does not hesitate to investigate any improvement in farming methods, and if it meets with his approval, based on an ample agricultural experience, he gladly accepts the improvement, thus maintaining his reputation as a pro- gressive and intelligent farmer. Mr. Weiler has a widespread reputation for fair dealing among the citizens of his township.

JOHN J. SCHNEIDER.

It is only within the last few years that the occupation of dairying has attained its present stage of efficiency. The farmer of native birth, ac- customed to operating on an extensive scale and impatient of the attention to details and constant care necessary to successful dairying, was not so well adjusted to this form of farm life as the German, who is accustomed to dairying and aware of the profits which can be gained therefrom. Silos, cream-separaters, the Pasteur test and the grading of each cow's production has put dairying on a basis far different than it ever was before. A farmer who recognized the value of the dairy and met with much success in this business is John J. Schneider.

John J. Schneider was born at Southgate, Franklin county, Indiana, October 13, 1874. He is the son of George M. and Katherine (Aug) Schneider, both of whom were natives of Germany. The paternal grand- parents of John J. Schneider were Joseph and Elizabeth (Wertzel) Schneider, also natives of Germany. They immigrated to America in 1846 and located in Kentucky, where they remained for three years. They then bought twenty acres covered with timber on which they built a cabin. Clearing the

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land, they undertook the cultivation of tobacco. After remaining here three years, they bought eighty acres north of Southgate, where they lived for two years, and then sold the farm to their oldest son, George. The brave old couple then lived a retired life until their death, Mr. Schneider being eighty- nine years of age at the time of his death. That Mr. Schneider is of pure German descent is verified by the fact that his paternal great-grandparents were natives of Germany. His great-grandfather was a blacksmith and also held the position of burgomaster. He remained in Germany his entire life and died at the advanced age of ninety-two. The maternal grandparents of John J. Schneider were Ferdinand and Magdelena (Hauger) Aug, both natives of Germany. They came to America about 1852, located in Dear- born county, Indiana, bought a small farm and remained there two years. They then purchased a farm in Franklin county on the county line in High- land township. They remained on this farm of one hundred and thirty acres until their death. Mr. Aug was tragically drowned in White Water river, at the age of forty-six, when he was fording the river on his way to Cincinnati with produce.

George M. Schneider, the father of John J., was educated in Germany. After coming to America he took up farming as his occupation and later opened a grocery in Cincinnati, which he conducted for four years. Abandoning it, he came to Indiana and purchased the farm of his parents, on which he erected many new buildings. The barn and outbuildings were later destroyed by fire, but were speedily rebuilt. The house is built of brick, which were hauled from Brookville, the haul necessitating two fords of the river. He was a member of the Catholic church. He was married to Katherine Aug and they were the parents of twelve children : Katherine, John Jacob. Charles, Mary, Rosa, Ferdinand, Jacob, George, John, Frank, Joseph and Anna. Three of these children are deceased, Katherine, who died at the age of twenty-two; John Jacob, who died at the age of three, and Anna, who died when four months old.

John J. Schneider received his education in Highland township. He has been a farmer all of his life and should receive special credit in con- sideration of the fact that he has practically made his way unassisted. From the age of seventeen until he was twenty-seven he worked for neighboring farmers, never receiving a greater wage than eighteen dollars per month. He then rented the farm where he now lives and also the Schuck farm, making one hundred and seventy acres that he was farming. He rented for two years and then bought a seventy-acre farm which belonged to a member of the Schuck family. Two years later he purchased twenty-five acres of

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Philip Studt. Mr. Schneider has erected a model machine house, remodeled his barn and adapted it to the requirements of the dairy. He has also two well-built silos, which are used to maintain his herd of eighteen cows. This model dairy has been in operation for two years.

Mr. Schneider was married, in 1901, to Anna Schuck. She is a daugh- ter of Jacob Schuck, and her death occurred in 1907. To this union were born three children, Rebecca, Frieda and Howard. In 1911 Mr. Schneider was married to Pauline Haas, the daughter of Fredolin and Kate Haas.

Mr. Schneider and his family are members of the Catholic church. In politics, he is a Democrat and now holds the position of county councilman, although he has never been an enthusiastic aspirant for public offices. A new house has been recently erected on his farm and the fact that all of the interior work of his model dairy barn was done by himself is an excellent proof of the thoroughness and native ability which make him a self-made man.

JOHN H. ROSSFELD.

A well-kept farm is not only an inspiration to the man who owns and operates it, but it is an inspiration to his neighbors as well. One of the most successful farmers in Highland township, Franklin county, Indiana, is John H. Rossfeld. He not only owns a splendid farm, but he has erected many fine buildings and his farm is kept in a high state of repair.

John H. Rossfeld was born in St. Peter's, March 3, 1858, the son of Herman and Catherine (Geiger) Rossfeld, both natives of Germany. Mr. Rossfeld's grandfather was born and died in Germany. His maternal grand- father came to America and located where Mrs. Magdalena Hartmann now resides, south of St. Peters. He owned forty acres there which he himself cleared. He died on this farm.

John H. Rossfeld was educated in St. Peter's and has always lived on the farm where he now resides, in Highland township. He remodeled his house and built a fine barn and other buildings some time ago. Although Mr. Rossfeld's father was a skilled carpenter, the son never learned the trade, but he is naturally skillful with tools.

Mr. Rossfeld was married, June 5, 1888, to Mary Kunkel, the sister of John Kunkel, referred to elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Ross- feld have been born four children, Ida, Elizabeth, Helen and Matilda.

Herman Rossfeld, the father of John H., was educated in Germany and

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came to America when eleven years old. He learned the carpenter trade with his brother-in-law, Michael Stahl, and resided most of his life in the neighborhood of St. Peter's, following his trade. He owned and lived on the eighty-acre farm where John M. Rossfeld now lives in Highland town- ship. He died on this farm in October, 1866. His widow is still living in Cincinnati.

Mr. Rossfeld and his family are members of St. Peter's Catholic church. They are keenly interested in the welfare of this church, loyal and devout members and contribute quite liberally to its support. Throughout the com- munity where he lives John H. Rossfeld is known for his sterling integrity, for his pleasing and genial disposition and for his deep interest that has 110 boundaries when the welfare of his neighbors and fellow citizens is involved. Mr. and Mrs. Rossfeld are among the most popular residents of Highland township.

ELMER EMSWELLER.

Among the representative citizens of Franklin county, Indiana, is Elmer Emsweller. Mr. Emsweller has impressed his personality on the community where he lives and is honored and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He has figured in the growth and development of the agri- cultural interest of Franklin county, and has contributed a definite measure in his particular sphere of action to the well-being of the community where he resides. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, combined with everyday common sense, have been among his most prominent characteristics and he well merits the respect and esteem accorded him by his neighbors and friends. Although still a young man, Mr. Emsweller is considered to be capable of greater and greater achievements.

Elmer Emsweller was born at Buena Vista, in Posey township, June 31, 1881, the son of Francis Marion and Emma Josephine (Nelson) Ems- weller, both natives of Franklin county, Indiana.

Francis M. Emsweller was educated in the pioneer schools of Franklin county, and followed farming most of his life, although he was engaged in operating a saw-mill for a few years. He made a success of farming and is the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of land in Franklin county. He is a man who has always taken an intimate interest in local public affairs, and is respected and esteemed for his many good qualities.

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Elmer Emsweller was educated in the public schools of Salt Creek town -. ship, and has made farming his vocation all his life. He was married to Golda Barber, the daughter of John H. Barber, and to this union have been born three children, Harvey, Raymond Voil and Florine, the eldest of whom died at the age of three years.

Mr. and Mrs. Emsweller are highly respected and popular in the com- munity where they live and where they are well known. Mr. Emsweller's fidelity to duty and patient, unremitting industry have won for him the respect and confidence of his neighbors. By patient continuance in well doing, he has gradually risen from an humble station to a position of wide influence in his community.

HARVEY SAMUEL JAQUES.

On his paternal side, the subject of this sketch is a descendant of Cap- tain Jaques, who came from France, in 1760, in consequence of religious persecution, landed his family in New York, and, having left France in a hurry, left considerable property behind him and thought proper to return to see if some of it could be saved. His ship was lost at sea, where the Captain met his death. His family consisted of wife and three sons, David, John and Henry, who remained in this country.

The grantfather of the subject of this sketch, Samuel Jaques, was reared in New Jersey. In 1810, he married Betsey Ross, a niece of Betsy Ross, the maker of the first American flag. In 1812, he moved his family to Ohio. He went by way of the Ohio river and Cincinnati. When he reached Cin- cinnati, he left his wife and son, Richard L., the father of H. S. Jaques, with relatives while he and a company of men searched for a suitable place to make a future home. They built a comfortable cabin near Millville, But- ler county, Ohio, to which he brought his wife and son. Here Richard L. grew to manhood. He married Mary Gruver in 1832.

To Richard L. and Mary Jaques were born twelve children, Harvey S. (the subject of this sketch), William H:, Susan A., Evaline, Katherine, John M., Lewis W., Elizabeth, Daniel L., Alvin, James S. and Mary E. Alvin and Katherine died while young. Richard L. Jaques moved from Butler county to Allen county, Ohio, in 1845 and from there to Franklin county, Indiana, in 1848, on a farm two miles south of Mt. Carmel. Besides being

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a farmer, he was a brick mason by trade. He and his son, Harvey, built the Liberty school house in White Water township.

The mother of Harvey Jaques, Mary Gruver, was born in Franklin county, and moved to Butler county, Ohio, where she met and married Rich- ard L. Jaques.

Harvey S. Jaques received his early education in the common schools of White Wate rtownship. He later took a course under Doctor Chase at Mt. Carmel and later in Brookville College, under the same instructor. For a number of years he taught school. It is said by his pupils that he was an excellent instructor and believed in good discipline. While teaching school, he met Martha Jane Stout, whom he married. She was the daughter of Ira and Eliza Stout, whose ancestry dates back to the Van Princess family, whose history is given in another chapter. The ancestors of the Stout family were prominent in the Revolution. The grandfather of Martha Stout, Job Stout, was an aide-de-camp of George Washington.

To this union were born eight children: Jennie E., John W., Lyde M., Ira A., Anna R., Lenora, Edna I. and James A. The two youngest died while young. Ira A. married Melissa Young; Anna Rose married Richard E. Jacobs; Lenora became the wife of A. J. Reifel; James A. Married Hester M. Wheeler.

After H. S. Jaques taught several years he purchased a store at Whit- comb, Indiana. This store he conducted forty-five years. He died May 17, 1912, and his devoted wife, on October 20, 1913.

In politics, Mr. Jaques was a Republican, although never radical, be- lieving politics to be an individual right. Locally the man was the determin- ing factor in voting. In religion, he was a Presbyterian, but later became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Whitcomb. As a citizen and moral force in the community, he stood in highest estees. Many a poor man will testify that he was his friend.

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History of Franklin County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions, Part 145

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