USA > Indiana > Pike County > History of Pike and Dubois counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc. : together with an extended history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 61
USA > Indiana > Dubois County > History of Pike and Dubois counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc. : together with an extended history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 61
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HENRY MEYER is the son of John and Christina Meyer, who were natives of Germany, and born in 1807 and 1810, respectively. They came to the United States in 1844, landed at New Orleans, and finally settled in Dubois County, Ind., where the mother died July 10, 1851. The father yet lives with his son Henry. The subject of our sketch was born April 10, 1847, in Harbison Township, Dubois Co., Ind. Here he passed his boy- hood days on the farm, hard at work. He received his English education in the public schools of his native State and received a somewhat limited education in Germany, in subscription schools. December 14, 1871, he married Barbara Kiefner, of Haysville, Ind. They became the parents, of seven children-five sons and two daughters : Conrad, John A., Martin, Maggie, Amelia, Fred- erick W. and John. Mr. Meyer and family are members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics he is a stanch Democrat and a respected citizen.
JOHN L. OPEL is a son of John and Margaretha Opel, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1837, and settled in Dubois County, Ind. The father, who was born in 1803, was one of the leading men of Jasper, doing business in groceries, farming and live-stock; he died in 1874, and his wife in 1872. John L. was born in Dubois County, May 3, 1843, and at the age of twenty-three left home and began farming and keep- ing saloon. Shortly after he engaged in the butchering business in Petersburg, Ind., where he remained four years, and then went to Washington and engaged in the same business; he left there after a short time and finally came to Haysville, where he has been retailing liquors and following his old trade. Barbara Doernhoefer became his wife September 5, 1865. They are the parents of eight children: George W., Sophia, Leander, Eliz- abeth, John, Frederick, Mathilda (deceased) and Caroline. He and family are members of the Lutheran Church, and in polities
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
he is a Democrat. and a member of the A. O. U. W. He has served as constable two years, and in 1881. was elected to the office of assessor, which position he has held satisfactorily four years.
A. T. POTTS is the son of John L. and Sarah Potts. The father was born in Tennessee in 1818, and died December 22. 1883. The subject of our sketch was born November, 11, 1847. in Lost River Township, Martin Co., Ind. January 21, 1869, he married Susan Rutherford, of Martin County. To their union were born six children- two sons and four daughters: Virgin M., wife of John Drabing; William H., Sarah C., Susan K., Ida and Thomas R. Mr. Potts is a member of the Christian Church. and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he is a warm Republican and is a notary public, and holds the office of post- master at Hickory Grove, Ind .; he served one term as constable of Harbison Township, giving the best satisfaction; he is at present a partner in the firm of Potts & Potts, at Hickory Grove. dealers in dry goods, notions, groceries, boots and shoes. They are doing a paying business.
DANIEL PREUSZ was born in Germany on the 16th of September, 1822. January 1, 1839, he left his native land and came to America, landing at Baltimore, and after a short period came to Indiana and settled in Harbison Township, Dubois Coun- ty, where he has since lived and followed the occupation of farming. August 27, 1849, he married Barbara Neukam, a na- tive of Germany, who bore him nine children-three sons and six daughters: George, John, Thomas, Mary (wife of Edward Stucker), Maggie, Barbara (wife of John Schott ), Lizzie ( wife of George Bretwieser ), Katie and Kunigunda. Mr. Preusz and family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and served two years as trustee of Columbia Township. He obtained a good German education, but his children are well educated in both English and German. November 13, 1884, he was appointed postmaster of Ludlow, which office he at present holds. He is one of the early pioneers of Dubois County, and one of its most prominent citizens.
JOHN RUCKRIEGEL, only son of George and Margaretha Ruckriegel, was born February 2, 1841, in Dubois County, Ind. The parents were natives of Germany, and shortly after coming to this country the father died. John staid with his parents until 1864, when he enlisted in Company D, Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteers. He fought bravely in many bloody battles, and at the close of the war returned to his native home. In 1866 he married Lizzie Brietboch, of Boone Township. To them were born these children: Maggie ( deceased), Henry. Maggie, Mary.
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Eva, Frederick and Adam. Mr. Ruckriegel has a fair German education. In politics he is a Democrat, but liberal in his views. He and family belong to the Lutheran Church. As a business man he is very successful. He is one of the old pioneers, and a veteran soldier of Harbison Township.
ADAM RUDOLPH, of the firm of Rudolph Bros., Hays- ville, Ind., is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Rudolph, natives of Germany. They married in Pennsylvania, and were the parents of nine children. The old folks are still living near Portersville, where our subject was born June 1, 1857. At the age of twenty- four years he engaged as clerk with his brother in the grocery and dry goods business in Portersville, continuing in that capacity two years, when he became a member of the firm. He was mar- ried, April 27, 1884, to Margaretha Huebner, of Harbison Town- ship. They became the parents of one child, Cordelia. Mr. Rudolph received a good education in the public schools of Du- bois County, and afterward attended the Commercial College of Evansville, Ind. His wife is a member of the Lutheran Church, and he is a Democrat in politics. He is doing a good business as a merchant, and is one of Haysville's leading men.
HENRY RUEKRSCHNECK, native of Germany, is the son of Thomas and Caroline Ruekrschneck who were born in Germany in 1820 and 1821, respectively, where they were married and always lived. The mother died in 1884, but the father, who is a shoe-maker, still lives there, hale and hearty. Henry, our sub- ject, was born August 16, 1844 and immigrated to this country in 1869. He landed in New York and finally settled in Havesville, Ind., where he engaged in making boots and shoes. July 1, 1868, he married Sophia Faerber, born January 22, 1845. To them were born six children-three sons and three daughters: Liz- zie, Anna, William, Katie, George and Ehrhardt. Mr. Ruekr- schneck obtained a fair German education in his native land, and has acquired his English education through self-exertion in this country. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and was appointed postmaster of Hayesville, August 3, 1874 and has held the posi- tion eleven years, giving good satisfaction. He and family belong to the Lutheran Church.
MARTIN ZEIGLER was born June 20, 1858, in Baiern, Germany. In 1860 he with his parents left his native land and came to the United States to make his home. They settled in Dubois County, Ind., and began tilling the soil. Martin remained with his parents until his marriage January 25, 1879, to Elizabeth Harder, of Harbison Township. They became the parents of four children-three sons and one daughter.Lawrence, George W., Fred and Margaretha. Mr. Zeigler is an enterprising and energetic young man and has done much for the improvement of
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
the county. He has received a very good German and English education. He and family are members of the Lutheran Church and in politics he is a warm Democrat and is a prominent - young man of the county.
FERDINAND TOWNSHIP.
JOHN ALTMEYER, born July 2, 1846, is a son of reter Joseph and Margaret (Hauser) Altmeyer, natives of Germany. Mr. Altmeyer, Sr., came to this country in his youth and lived for several years in Allegheny County, Penn. From there he moved to Dubois County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of land in Fer- dinand Township. He died July 9, 1853. The mother is still living and is about sixty-four years old. The subject of our sketch received a common school education and remained at home working for his mother until he reached his majority. In Octo- ber, 1868, he was married to Rosena Jackoby, a native of Allegheny County, Penn. They have seven children: Margaret, Peter, Frances, Susan, Mary, Joseph and Paul. After marriage he lo- cated on the old homestead, which he bought, and which he has since increased to 120 acres. He is an industrious hard-working farmer and deserves success. In politics he is a Democrat cast- ing his first vote for Seymour and Blair. The family are Cath- olics.
J. H. BECKMANN was born in Ferdinand, Ind., March 12, 1842. He is a son of John and Anna M. ( Wheeler ) Beckmann. Our subject was the first child born in Ferdinand. He received a common school education and worked in his father's store until he reached the age of seventeen. He then worked at the carpen- ter's trade for about three years. During the Rebellion he enlisted in Company E, Ninety-first Indiana Infantry, and served for three years. He took an active part in the battle of Nash- ville, and was in the entire Atlanta campaign and many minor engagements. He remained till the close of the war, then returned home and began working for his father. In 1868 he started in business for himself, establishing a merchandise store in Ferdinand. May 12, 1868, he married Kate Schmid, daugh- ter of Henry and Catharine Schmid. They have one child, Berta. Mr. Beckmann remained in the mercantile business for twelve years. He then sold out to his brother in 1880, and commenced dealing in lumber. In connection with this he speculated in tobacco and grain, and now carries on the three lines of business
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
with marked success. He handles, on an average, 600,000 pounds of tobacco, 1,000,000 feet of lumber and 100,000 bushels of grain annually. He is a stanch Democrat, and he and his wife belong to the Catholic Church.
JOHN G. BECKMANN, merchant of Ferdinand, Ind., was born January 4, 1852, in Dubois County, Ind. He is a son of John G. and Anna M. (Wheeler) Beckmann, who were born in Germany. His father came to the United States in 1836, and some time after settled in Dubois County, which he afterward made his home. His death occurred December 25, 1870, aged sixty-one. The mother died February 10, 1880, at sixty-four years. The subject of our sketch was reared at home, and at the age of twelve entered St. Meinrad College, which he attended for one year. He was for some time a clerk in a large dry goods house in Louisville, Ky., where he worked one year. He then came home and worked in a store belonging to his father until 1870, when he went to Dayton, Ohio, and attended St. Mary's ยท College for six months, Owing to the death of his father, he returned home and some time after hired out as a commercial traveler for a Louisville house. He continued in this business for three years. August 22, 1875, he married Lizzie Snyder, daughter of Charles and Catharine Snyder, to whom four children were born: Anna Mary, Charles Robert (deceased), Ella and John Charles. After marriage he worked some time for his brother, Harman, and in 1877 he commenced buying and shipping poultry to New Orleans. About 1878 he became a leading mer- chant of Ferdinand. He is also an agent for several kinds of farming implements, and is doing a profitable business. Mr. Beckmann, with his wife, is a member of the Catholic Church, and is a Democrat in politics.
JOHN B. BRINCKMANN was born September 30, 1838, in Hanover, Germany, and is a son of John B. and Mary Ann (Lindermeyer ) Brinckmann, who were natives also of Germany. The father immigrated to this country in 1845, locating at Louis- ville, Ky., where he remained about seven years and then moved to Fulda, Spencer Co., Ind., where he bought eighty acres of land and began tilling the soil. His death occurred January 21, 1881, at the age of eighty years, and his wife's in 1846. Our subject lived with his parents on the farm until he reached his majority, when he began working for himself. March 16, 1858, he mar- ried Mary Anna Miller, a native of the State of Ohio. To them were born eight children, these now living: Margaret, Lizzie, Frank. John, Louisa, Sophia, Peter and Susan. After marriage he moved to Louisville and hired out as a teamster. He lived there two years and then came to Dubois County, Ind., and bought forty acres of land in Ferdinand Township and forty
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
acres in Spencer County. He has improved his farm very much and now has a nice home. He is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.
JOHN BAUNLEIN was born in Germany, August 24, 1823, and is a son of Michael and Frances (Bowes) Baunlein, who were also born in Germany. The father followed farming as an occupation, and remained in his native country until his death, which occurred in 1851. His wife died three years later, about sixty years of age. The subject of our biography received a common school education in his native land and remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age, when he enlisted as a soldier and served six years. In 1852 he came to the United States and located near Ferdinand, Dubois Co .. Ind., where he has since lived. September 24, 1853, he married Elizabeth Krapf, a native of Germany, to whom three children have been born: John (deceased), Andrew and Catharine. By industry and close attention to business, he now owns 140 acres of land. He has erected him a fine dwelling house, built good barns, and added other improvements. In politics he is a Democrat, having cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.
JOSEPH DROLL, one of the old settlers of Dubois County, Ind., was born November 8, 1822, in Germany. He is a son of Anton and Margaret (Droll) Droll, both of whom were natives of Germany. Our subject's father came to this country in 1835, locating in Pittsburgh, Penn., where he lived for five years and then moved to Dubois County and bought eighty acres of land, where he remained until his death, which occurred in June, 1866. His wite died in October, 1839. Our subject received a common school education in his native land, and came with his parents to this country when he was about twelve years of age; he made his home with them until he was twenty-five, when he went to Louisville and hired out as a bar-keeper, at which he worked for seven years, the last year working for himself. In March, 1850, he married Mary Josephine Schum, a native of Germany, to whom four children were born: Catherine, Alexander (deceased), Mary O. and Margaret. In 1840 he moved to Dubois County and worked on his father's farm during the summer seasons, and for two winters went to Louisiana and chopped cord wood. He again tried farming the old place, but owing to ill health he was obliged to abandon that business. He then moved to Hawsville, Ky., where he kept hotel for one year, at the end of which he returned to the farm where he has since lived. Between 1843 and 1845 he bought eighty acres of land where he has since lived. Mr. Droll is a Democrat, and he and his wife are mem- bers of the Catholic Church.
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MICHAEL EGLER was born February 2, 1827, in Prussia, and is one of a family of four children born to Wendel and Eliz- abeth Egler, both of whom were natives of Prussia. His father left his native country and came to the United States, locating in Dubois County, Ind., where he bought eighty acres of land and began tilling the soil. Here he remained until his death, which occurred about 1840, and his wife's about 1859. Our subject re- ceived a common school education in his native country and came to America when about ten years of age, and made his home with his parents until their deaths. He followed steam-boating for three winters, meeting with fair success. April 12, 1855, he married Susana Trexler, a native of Pittsburgh, Penn., to whom eleven children were born: Joseph, Michael, Frances, Mary, Catherine, Josephine, Lulu, Jacob, Wendel, Rosa and' Bertha. After marriage he located on the old home place, where he yet resides. By good management he now owns 440 acres in Dubois County. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and family are members of the Catholic Church.
ANDREW J. FISHER, postmaster at Ferdinand, was born October 21, 1853, in Connecticut. He is a son of John and Bar- bara (Gutting) Fisher, the former a native of Switzerland, and the latter of Bavaria, Germany. His father was a cabinet-maker, but on coming to the United States, in 1840, he followed the oc- cupation of farming. About 1859 he removed to Spencer County, Ind., and bought eighty-five acres of land, on which he still re- sides. His wife died January 2, 1883, seventy-two years old. The subject of this sketch received a common school education. He lived with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age.
In 1869 he commenced learning the art of photography, in Rock- port, Ind. He soon began business for himself, and had good success. October 9, 1877, he married Catharine Rickelmann, born January 21, 1856, in Ferdinand, Ind. They have one child, Edwin J., born October 30, 1878. Mr. Fisher bought & home in Ferdinand soon after he was married, and has since been keeping a bar-room in that place. He is a Republican, casting his first vote for Garfield. In 1880 he took the census of Ferdi- nand Township.
JOHN B. GOHMANN, merchant and hotel proprietor, of Ferdinand, Ind., was born July 25, 1826, in Prussia, Germany. His parents, Theodore and Mary Ann (Eilker) Gohmann, were natives of Germany, and came to America in 1836. The father died in Washington, Ind., in 1838. The mother died July. 16, 1863. The subject of our biography received but little education, owing to the early death of his father. At the age of fourteen he commenced as an apprentice making cig- ars, at Louisville, Ky. He worked at the business for about
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
seven years, when he hired out as a salesman for a wholesale liquor and cigar house in Louisville. He worked at this business for about six years, accumulating some property. July 25, 1847, he married Mary Ann Frances Stoever, a native of Germany, who bore him three children, all of whom are deceased. In 1853 he moved to Dubois County, Ind., and bought a house and two lots in Ferdinand, where he has since resided. His wife died March 25, 1855, and April 5, 1856, he married Augusta Bunke. They have two children: Clara and Emily. His wife dying May 21, 1860, he married Mina Hanhart, July 26, 1860. Seven children were born to them: John, Albert, Theodor Frederick, Josephine Caroline, Edward Beta, Rosa Augusta and Eugene Otto. Mr. Gohmann began keeping a general merchandise store, at which he is now engaged. In 1860 he started a hotel, known as the "Indiana Hotel." In 1868 he was elected superintendent of some mineral lands that were discovered southeast of Ferdinand. The mine was worked for some time, when it was abandoned, owing to the difficulty of transportation. In 1834 he was appoint- ed postmaster at Ferdinand, and held the office for twenty years, but not without intermission. In 1875 he was nominated and elected county commissioner, and held that office for three years. His wife then filled the office as postmistress. Mr. Gohmann made an efficient officer, and in 1878 was re-elected the second time. He and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
CHARLES GOEPRICH, one of the old settlers of Dubois County, Ind., was born November 12, 1829, in Germany, and is a son of George J. and Frances ( Wallicht) Goeprich, both of whom were natives of Germany. They died in the old country, the father in 1835, and the mother in 1833. The subject of our sketch was left an orphan when but a small boy. He lived with his sister and aunt, and worked as a farmer until he was eighteen years of age, when he came to the United States, and located in Dubois County, and hired out as a day laborer, working one year, when he went to Louisville, Ky., and worked on a farm nearly two years. He then began working on a steamboat that sailed on the Ohio, Mississippi, Red and Missouri Rivers, and continued at that work for upward of six years. February 21. 154. he married Catherine Deering, a native of Germany, to whom eleven children were born: Mary. Leonard. Elizabeth, France. Joseph John. Charles. Catherine, Paul. Rachel, an! Susan. 1 1. marriage he returned to Dubois Cards and bought eigh . of land. where is located and commenced his career as a
By good management he pow .w. Hu
Township. In politics he is . Den el are members of the Cathohe (
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
GERHARD B. HOPPENJANS was born in September, 1821, in Hanover, Germany. His parents were Bernard and Mary Hoppenjans, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to this country in 1847, and settled in Dubois County, Ind., where the father died March 8, 1848, in his sixty-fourth year. The mother's death occurred May 15, 1870, at the age of sixty- eight. The subject of our sketch received a common school edu- cation in his native land. and came to this country in 1346, and settled in Dubois County, where he bought eighty acres of land, which he has since increased to 197. in Ferdinand Township, where he now lives. May 6, 1852, he married Cecelia Anlage, who was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1824. They have one child, named Henry. He is living in Ferdinand. and is running a grist-mill, and is township trustee. Our subject's wife died April 30, 1854, and April 2, of the next year, he married Mary Dall, a native of Germany, to whom four children were born: Herman, Anna, Benjamin and Chrysostomus. Mr. Hoppenjans is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Pierce. He and his fam- ily are members of the Catholic Church.
HENRY HOPPENJANS was born April 28, 1854, in Du- bois County, Ind. His parents, Gerhard Bernard and Cecelia (Anlage) Hoppenjans, were natives of Germany, who came to this country and located in Louisville, Ky. About 1851 Mr. Hoppenjans came to Dubois County, and bought 120 acres of land. He yet lives on the old place, and is sixty-five years of age. His wife di-d April 30, 1854. The subject of our sketch received a common school education, and in addition to this was three years a student in the St. Meinrad College, in Spencer County. At the age of eighteen he became a teacher, and has taught each winter since, with one exception. February 11, 1879, he married Mary E. Axe, born February, 1862, in Ohio. They have three children; Bernard H., Mary Cecelia and Henrietta. In 1881 he bought two lots, and erected a fine dwelling house and a large flouring-mill in April, 1885. John W. Willmer owns a half interest in the mill at the present time. In politics he is a Democrat, and was elected township trustee in 1884, for the term of two years, which office he has very successfully filled.
ANDREW HASSFURTHER, one of the old settlers of Dubois County, Ind., was born March 14, 1828, in Bavaria, Ger- many, and is a son of Matthew and Eve (Helmuth) Hassfurther, who were born in Germany. His father was a farmer, and pos- sessed quite a talent for music, playing on almost any kind of instrument. He immigrated to America in 1840 and settled in Dubois County, where he bought eighty-six acres of land. His death occurred June. 1869, and his widow's February 10 of the
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
following year. Our subject came to America with his parents when twelve years of age, and made his home with them until his marriage to Barbara Gessner, August 5, 1855. They have five children: Elizabeth, Mattie, John, John Peter and Mary. After his marriage he settled on the old homestead, where he now lives. His father gave him forty acres of good land, and by en- ergy and industry he now owns 205 acres, all of which make him a good home. He inherits his father's taste for music, and is quite a skillful player on nearly all instruments. Mr. Hass- further is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Cath- olie Church.
JACOB JOCHEM, one of the enterprising young farmers of Ferdinand Township, was born February 15, 1848, in Dubois County, Ind., and is one of a family of ten children born to Nicholas and Maggie (Louer) Jochem. His father was born November 2, 1815, in Hanover, Germany, and was a farmer by occupation. He immigrated to the United States in 1847 and settled in Dubois County, where he bought 105 acres of land and where he yet lives. Our subject was reared at home, attending school for four years. He made his home with his people until he was twenty- three years old. January 31, 1872, he married Mary Stroumeyer. a native of Indiana. They have had born to them five children: Maggie, Barbara, Katie, John (deceased), and Mary (deceased). After marriage he located on eighty acres in Ferdinand Township which was given him by his father and which has since been his home. In politics he is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Horace Greeley. His wife died February 28, 1882. He and family belong to the Catholic Church.
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