USA > Indiana > Franklin County > History of Franklin County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions > Part 77
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Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Renyer and family are communicants of the Catholic church and politically he gives his support to the Democratic party. While he has been a citizen. of this county but a comparatively short time, he already has evinced a warm interest in all that makes for the better- ment of community life and being known as a man of most exemplary habits and excellent influence, he is, therefore, well worthy of representation in a work of the character of the one in hand.
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ANDREW WEIDENBACH.
One of the best known and most enterprising of the younger agricul- turists of Franklin county is Andrew Weidenbach, now in the very prime of life and usefulness, and his influence as an honorable and upright citizen is productive of much good upon all with whom he comes in contact. His past success gives assurance of something yet to come, and he is evidently destined to continue a potent factor for substantial good for many years to come. He is the owner of fine farming lands, which he manages in a manner that stamps him as abreast of the times.
Andrew Weidenbach is a native of this county, born in Highland town- ship on November 4, 1878, a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Elrich) Weiden- bach, both of whom also were born in Highland township of parents who emigrated from the German empire. Adam was a son of Wendell and Mar- garet (Wilherm) Weidenbach, both of whom were born and reared in Ger- many. Shortly after marriage they decided to try their fortunes in the land across the waters, and upon reaching this country, came almost direct to Franklin county, where, in Highland township, they found many people from their native land. They soon purchased a tract of land where they made their home and here they spent the balance of their lives. The little old log house which they built is still standing and the ownership of the farm still remains in the family. Mr. Weidenbach's mother, Elizabeth Elrich, is a daughter of Christian and Barbara (Sutton) Elrich, who were born in Germany and who also located in Highland township, Franklin county. For many years they were numbered among the progressive farmers of this section, their farm being located about three miles west of the home of the Weidenbachs'.
Adam Weidenbach, father of our immediate subject, attended the schools near his home when a boy, and was early instructed by his father in the details of the work incident to a farm home. He was quite young when he became a farmer on his own account and continued in this calling throughout his life. His death occurred in September of 1911 at his home in Highland township, while his widow is still living. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Anna Barbara, Samuel, George, Andrew, the immediate subject of this sketch: Joseph, John and Frank. Adam Weidenbach was known as an honest and honorable man and was highly respected by a host of friends. He was desirous of accumulating something to leave his children and succeeded so well that at the time of his death he was possessed of one hundred acres of fine farming lands and also retained his interests in the old family homestead.
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Andrew Weidenbach was also educated in the schools of Highland town- ship near his home, and the first work he did on his own account was to hire out his services by the month. Mr. Walker was his first employer and after working for a time in this manner, he next rented land and farmed for him- self. He proved a good manager and, being industrious, was rewarded with a fair degree of success in his undertaking; then, in the spring of 1914, he purchased a farm in Bath township containing one hundred and sixty acres and known as the old Abel James farm. Here he now lives and carries on general farming, bringing to his enterprise ability of a high order. Special credit is due Mr. Weidenbach owing to the fact that he has won for himself every bit of the prosperity he enjoys.
Mr. Weidenbach was married on September 1, 1908, to Miss Cora Jose- phine Hyde, daughter of E. H. Hyde, and a native of Whitewater township. Mrs. Weidenbach is a member of the Big Cedar Baptist church, which or- ganization she assists both in a financial way and with her personal services. Politically, Mr. Weidenbach is a supporter of the Democratic party, although he has never aspired to public office. While seeking primarily to further his own interests, he is wide-awake to the best interests of the community and gives whole-hearted support to all movements for the good of his fellows. He has a wide acquaintance and is well liked by all who know him.
JOHN A. SCHUM.
Every country in Europe has contributed its quota to the cosmopolitan population of the United States, but no nation has furnished better citizens for our country than has Germany. The numerous revolutions in that coun- try, while disastrous in many ways, have been responsible for a large influx of its people to this country, and wherever they have settled they have be- come prosperous and substantial citizens. Franklin county was honored by receiving many such citizens from Germany in the early history of the county. Among the many German families to locate here the Schum family has been prominent.
John A. Schum, the son of Dr. Carl and Catherine (Seibel) Schum, was born at St. Peters, Franklin county, Indiana, April 19, 1862. His father was born at Brichnow, Germany, October 7, 1825, and died at his home in Brook- ville, Indiana, September 11, 1910. His mother was born in Highland town- ship, Franklin county, Indiana, and died here in 1864.
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Dr. Carl Schum started to school in a convent in Bavaria when he was six years of age and remained there until he was fourteen. His father, who was a physician, desired him to follow the same profession and after receiving his elementary education in the convent, entered a high school and later a college of medicine in Vienna, Austria, in which he remained for seven years. When twenty-one years of age, Doctor Schum was called home to enlist in the Revolution of 1848 and during the progress of the war was wounded by a bullet in the arm, which he carried until his death. He was in the service of his country for four years and then received a two-years' furlough. While on his furlough he went to Vienna and finished his medical education. In 1853 he returned to his old home in Bavaria and practiced with his father until 1854. In that year Doctor Schum came to America and after staying in New York city for a few weeks came west and located in St. Peters, Franklin county, Indiana. He practiced his profession here for five years and was then married, in 1859, to Catherine Seibel. To this union were born two children, Maggie, the wife of Joseph F. Dudley, of Brookville, and John A., with whom this narrative directly deals.
In 1863 the first wife of Doctor Schum died and two years later he married Barbara Geis, a sister of Frank Geis, Sr., of Brookville. To this second union were born two children: Frank, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Anna, the wife of Michael Cook, of Brookville. A short time after his sec- ond marriage, Doctor Schum moved to Kansas and while living in that state his second wife died, in 1870. He remained a short time after his wife's death in Kansas and then returned to St. Peters, Franklin county, Indiana, where he built up a large medical practice. For thirty-seven years he min- istered to the physical ailments of the people of that community, traveling on foot most of the time. About 1904 he went to Brookville to live and there made his home with his son, John A., until his death. He was a member of the Catholic church and a Democrat in politics. His professional career cov- ered fifty-six years and he was justly regarded as one of the ablest practi- tioners of the county, his memory being cherished warmly throughout that whole region.
John A. Schum was educated in the parochial school at St. Peters, In- diana, and later spent two years at St. Meinard College, Spencer county, Indiana. In 1889 he opened a general merchandise store in St. Peters and remained there for six years. He then disposed of his store and moved to Brookville, where he engaged in the saloon business. He followed this for the next fifteen years, and in 1910 entered partnership with Abraham Bos- sert.
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Mr. Schum was married in May, 1886, to Rosa C. Shuck, who was born at St. Peters, Indiana, a daughter of John and Johanna Shuck. Her father, who was the proprietor of a general store at St. Peters for many years, is deceased, while her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Schum are the parents of seven children: Carrie; Laura, the wife of Joseph Quick, a civil engineer stationed at Richmond, Indiana; Margaret, the wife of Her- bert Waddell, a painter, of Indianapolis, Indiana; Anna; Carl, who is a stu- dent in the Brookville high school, and Marie and Catherine, who are still in the public schools.
Mr. Schum and his family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church in Brookville. He is a member of the St. Peter's Benevolent Society and also of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, being treasurer of the latter organization. Politically, he is a Democrat, but has never taken an active part in political affairs.
HARRY RAY MYERS.
One of the most enterprising of our younger generation of farmers in Franklin county is he whose name forms the caption of this article. He has believed from the outset of his career that the "wisdom of yesterday is some times the folly of today," and that while the methods of our grandfathers in tilling the soil were all right in their day, yet in the twentieth century we are compelled to adopt new methods and farm along different lines, in view of the fact that conditions of climate, soil, grains, etc., have changed since the days of the pioneers. He has been a close observer of modern methods and is a student at all times of whatever pertains to his chosen life work and he has, therefore, met with encouraging success all along the line, and judging from his past record, he undoubtedly will achieve in the future years still greater success and take his place among the leading agriculturists of a com- munity noted for its fine farms and adroit husbandmen.
Harry Ray Myers is a native of Bath township, this county, having been born on November 21, 1887, a son of Theodore E. and Laura E. (Schultz) Myers, and a brother of Arthur Earl Myers, a short sketch of whose career appears elsewhere in this volume. He received his education in the district schools of Bath township and early decided to become an agriculturist. He operates a farm of two hundred and fourteen acres, known as the old A. B. Jones property, and in the management of this fine estate proves himself a young man of more than ordinary business ability and also demonstrates the
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fact that he not only possesses ambition of a high order, but that it is coupled with thrift and industry. He carries on general farming along lines approved by modern scientific research and gives part of his time and attention to the hog-raising industry, giving particular attention to Duroc Jersey hogs and thoroughbreds. In this venture he succeeds admirably, shipping over two hundred hogs annually.
Harry Ray Myers was married on November 24, 1909, to Miss Mary C. Van Ausdall, born in Bath township, this county, on June 6,, 1889, a daughter of Ira M. and Laura E. (Jones) Van Ausdall. In the sketch of Arthur Earl Myers, referred to in the first of this article, will be found much of interest relating to the families from which Mrs. Myers is descended. She comes of families which were influential in the earlier history of this county and largely active in its affairs.
Mr. and Mrs. Myers have a fine little family of three children : Merle, Keith and Ernest. Religiously, Mr. Myers is a member of the Harmony Presbyterian church, to which he gives liberal support and in the affairs of which he is active. Politically, he gives his support to the Republican party, though not taking an active interest in political affairs. He is one of the suc- cessful young men of the community and gives promise of still greater activ- ity with the increasing influence of riper years. Both himself and wife are considered representative people of the community and well worthy of rep- resentation in a book of this character.
WILLIAM AMBROSE DARE.
One of the well known citizens of Bath township, Franklin county, Indiana, and one who has spent practically his entire life within the borders of this county, is William Ambrose Dare, residing on the farm where he was born on July 16, 1863. He is a son of James and Ruth Ann (Dubois) Dare, who are living just west of Coulters Corner on the place where James first saw the light of day. The father of James was John Jennings Dare, a native of New Jersey, who married Mary Cassidy, born and raised in this county. John Jennings Dare was a little lad of but four years when he was brought to this section by his parents. They secured land from the government, where they lived for many years, and it was in all probability the same land on which James Dare now resides. At least it is known that that is the place where they lived for many years and where both died. Mr.
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Dare's mother (Ruth Ann Dubois) was a daughter of Solomon and Rhoda (VanMeter) Dubois, both of whom were also natives of New Jersey and who were married just before coming to this section. They located first on Templeton creek, this county, but did not long remain there. They re- moved a short distance north of Union, where they were numbered among the pioneer farmers and where both died.
William Ambrose Dare received his elementary education in the schools of this section, later attending DePauw University for one year, that being the year the university was dedicated. He returned to his father's home after the year spent at DePauw and took up farming on the home place. Shortly afterward he was married and he and his bride located on the river north of Fairfield in Union county, remaining there three and one-half years. They then returned to Bath township for a short time, afterwards locating in Springfield township, where they remained five years and then moved to Butler county, Ohio, where they purchased a farm of seventy- six acres, remaining there for another period of five years. They decided to return to their native township, and in 1903 purchased the farm of one hundred and four acres in Bath township, where they have since resided. Mr. Dare has erected excellent buildings on his land and made other valu- able improvements, so that the farm is considered one of the best in this section. He carries on general farming and his work is managed in such a manner as to demonstrate the more than ordinary ability which he possesses.
On August 16, 1888, Mr. Dare was united in marriage with Miss Susan Schworm, born in Butler county, Ohio, a daughter of Henry and Susanna (Gehring) Schworm, of whom mention is hereinafter made. To Mr. and Mrs. Dare have been born three children, namely: Crystal, who in 1911 mar- ried Edmund Tilley and now resides in Butler county, Ohio; Orville and Edyth Grace, the latter of whom remain with their parents. The family is considered one of the best in this section and all are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, to the support of which they contribute generously of both time and means. Mr. Dare supports the Democratic party, although he has never taken any particularly active interest in political matters. Mrs. Dare was reared in the Reformed Lutheran church, in which she was con- firmed at the age of thirteen years, but some years ago she became a mem- her of the Methodist church at Coulter's Corner. Mr. Dare is a man of genial disposition and broad sympathies who easily wins friends and retains them by virtue of his genuine worth.
Henry Schworm, father of Mrs. Dare, was born in Germany in 1834, a son of Jacob and Ann Marie Schworm, both of whom passed their entire
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lives on their native soil. Henry married Susanna Gehring, a daughter of Valentine and Elizabeth (Steirwalt) Gehring, neither of whom ever came to this country. Valentine died and his four daughters emigrated to this country in 1857. Henry Schworm and wife located at Albany, New York, upon arriving in this country and remained at that place about a year, when they came westward and located at Riley, Ohio. Upon first arriving in this district he tried the life of a farmer, but upon becoming better acquainted with conditions in this country he decided to employ the knowledge he had gained in his native land, when as a young man he was apprenticed to the stonemason's trade. He succeeded well in this venture and continued in that business the balance of his life. He became one of the best and most re- liable stone and concrete contractors in this section and built many county bridges, etc., as well as fine residences.
He and his good wife were members of the Reformed Lutheran church at Millville, this county, and in this faith reared their family of eight chil- dren, whose names were: Katherine, Andrew, Henry, Margaret, Mary, Susan, William and Edward. Out of this family there are but three yet living : Margaret, Susan and Edward. The father, who was born Novem- ber 9, 1834, died January 12, 1904, and the mother, born January 8, 1836, died December 26, 1902.
DANIEL B. HARBINE.
Many farmers owe their success to a steady determination formed early in their careers. Where industry is required they are not afraid of toil; where economy is essential they do not hesitate to practice frugality and where careful management seems to be the keynote to affluence they are painstaking in their attention to details. Daniel B. Harbine, of Franklin county, Indiana, is a successful farmer because he has carefully adhered to the principles which strictly followed insure success.
Daniel B. Harbine was born in Harmony township, Union county, In- diana, September 27, 1853, the son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Beal) Har- bine, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Butler county, Ohio.
The paternal grandparents of Daniel B. Harbine were Samuel and Susan (Elie) Harbine, natives of Pennsylvania. When Jeremiah was ten years old they moved from Pennsylvania to Big Springs, Maryland, in 1825 Two years later they came to Cincinnati, where they spent a short time and then proceeded to what is now the old homestead between Hamilton and
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Middletown, Ohio, on the Miami canal. Here they bought one hundred and sixty acres, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The land was cleared and improved and the next to the youngest son remained there and by careful management was able to acquire a farm of five hundred acres.
The paternal great-grandfather of Daniel B. Harbine was one of three brothers who came from Germany and located in Pennsylvania. The ma- ternal grandparents of Daniel B. Harbine were Daniel and Amy (Morris) Beal, both born near Millville, Butler county, Ohio, where they were farm- ers. They reared seven sons and three daughters. The maternal grat- grandparents of Daniel B. Harbine also were natives of Ohio and pioneer settlers of Butler county.
Jeremiah Harbine, the father of Daniel B. Harbine was educated in Pennsylvania and Maryland and finished his schooling at the common schools of Butler county, Ohio. He learned the cooper's trade of his father, who had followed it all of his life. Jeremiah Harbine and his brother, Charles, conducted the cooperage business and farmed until 1852, when the former bought the farm in Union county now adjoining that where his son lives. Jeremiah Harbine died at the age of eighty-six.
Daniel B. Harbine was educated in the Jersey district schools and took up farming as a business after leaving school. He began farming in 188I on the place he now lives, consisting of one hundred and fifty acres. He added all improvements except an old house, which later was abandoned.
Daniel B. Harbine was married in 1880 to Annetta Jane Davis, who was born in Bath township, Franklin county, Indiana, the daughter of Samuel and Caroline (Schultz) Davis, both natives of Bath township.
The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Harbine were Zachary and Hannah (Davis) Davis, of Pennsylvania, who were pioneers in Bath township. Zachariah Davis had practically no education. He was married in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1815, settling near Riley. About two years later he came to Bath township, Franklin county, Indiana. He and his wife were Baptists. They were the parents of the following chil- dren : James, Nancy, David, Kasiah, Mary, Nixon, Samuel, John and Nelson.
Samuel Davis, the father of Mrs. Harbine, was born in Bath township, Franklin county, March 28, 1831. His paternal grandparents came from Wales to Pennsylvania, locating in Fayette county, where they became pos- sessed of a good farm and where both died.
To Mr. and Mrs. Daniel B. Harbine have been born four children : Morris Davis, Nellie May, Jennie Estella and Orah Leander. Jennie Estella,
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the only one of these children living, is a graduate of Miami University and a teacher in the high school at Alquina, Indiana.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Harbine are members of the United Brethren church. Politically, Mr. Harbine is a member of the Prohibition party and has served as county chairman of Union county, where he lives just across the Franklin county line.
CHARLES E. SKINNER.
An enumeration of the representative citizens of Franklin county, In- diana, would be incomplete without specific mention being made of the man whose name forms the'caption of this article. He is a member of one of the old and highly esteemed families of this locality and has stamped the impress of his own individuality upon the community and added luster to the honorable name which he bears. He has always been actuated by a spirit of fairness in his dealings with the world in general and has left no stone un- turned whereby he might benefit his own condition as well as that of his friends and the favored section of the great commonwealth in which he has been content to spend his life. Straightforward, unassuming, genial and obliging, Mr. Skinner enjoys the good will and respect of a wide circle of friends.
Charles E. Skinner, who has passed practically his entire life in this county, was born about three miles north of Brookville May II, 1856, a son of John and Martha (Bassett) Skinner, the former born in the same neigh- borhood and the latter a native of Union county this state, born near Har- mony. Thomas Skinner, the father of John Skinner, early came from Pennsylvania, probably a full century ago, with his wife, and located north of Brookville, the family home for so many years. Martha Bassett, mother of the immediate subject of this sketch, was a daughter of Nathaniel and Eliza (Dubois) Bassett, the latter of whom was a member of the Dubois family which came to this section from New Jersey, and the former a na- tive of Vermont. Nathaniel Bassett located first at Cincinnati, which was at that time nothing more than a cross-roads, and afterwards came to this section, which was then nothing much more than an unbroken wilderness. When Eliza Dubois, Mr. Skinner's maternal grandmother, came to this section, she was but a small girl and with her parents made her home in the wilderness for many years. They secured land from the government which they cleared and in time the town of Harmony grew up near their home. They built the usual little log cabin of pioneer times and it is still standing
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to-day, a mute witness of the crowded home conditions which existed in those days when the average family was large and the average home very small. When Eliza Dubois reached womanhood, she became the wife of Nathaniel Bassett, who owned a farm in Fairfield township, which he op- erated and also worked at his trade of brick mason.
John Skinner received his education in the early subscription schools of this section and when quite a young man began farming for himself on various tracts which he rented from time to time. He finally purchased a farm on the west fork above Brookville, where the family resided for many years, his death occurring at College Corner. His widow is still residing at College Corner, Ohio, at the advanced age of seventy-six years. She is a member of the Methodist church and is held in the highest esteem by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Charles E. Skinner is one of a family of nine children, being the eldest. The others are: Mary, Cora, Edward, Bertha, George, Harry, Maude and Claude. Mr. Skinner when a youth attended the district schools of his home neighborhood and began farming in Franklin county, where with the ex- ception of four years spent in Union county, he has since resided. In 1900 he removed to Coulter's Corner and his since made that place his home. For the past thirty years he has operated a threshing machine over various "rings" throughout this district.
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