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 63
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 63
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
in which he is wide-awake and enterprising. He is an old war Democrat. and cast his first vote for Seymour and Blair.
HENRY BROONER is one of the eight children of Peter and Nancy ( Rusher Broone :. The father was born in Pensylva- nia, the mother in Virginia. When Henry was two years old he came with his father to Kentucky, near where Louisville now stands. In 1819 he moved to Dubois County, Ind., and engage in farming. He lived here until a short time before his death. which occurred in 1853. Henry, the subject of this biography was born February 7, 1804. He was married to Miss Margare Cox, who died in 1848, leaving eight children: William, Eliza- beth, John P .. Mary J., Benjamin D., Matilda A .. Amelia and
Martha. His second wife was Eliza J. Rice. There were inc children born to this union, but they have raised or partially raised thirteen orphans. Both husband and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Brooner is one of Dubois County's old settlers, having lived here sixty-six years. In poli- ties he is a warm Republican, although having cast his first vote for Jackson.
WILLIAM A. BROONER is one of the ten children of Henry and Margaret (Cox) Brooner. He was born in Dubois County, May 17, 1829, and educated in the subscription schools, attending about eighteen months. At the age of twenty he began working for himself, and soon cleared a field of eighty acres, on which he built a log house. He was married to Mary Kemp, born December 26, 1829, and who died April 5, 1861. leaving three children: Aaron. Sarah E. and Martha A. In 1862 Mr. Brooner married Miss Minerva J. Person, who has borne him eleven children-seven sons and four daughters: James V., Milton W., William A .. Mary E., Minnie M., George T., Effie C., Lydia J., John S., Robert C. and Charles P. Mr. Brooner is a member of the United Brethren Church, and has been a life-long Whig and Republican, casting his first vote for Franklin Pierce. He has now a farm of 160 acres, which he has obtained through untiring energy. In connection with farming he held the office of justice of the peace for one term.
JASPER CLIFFORD. M. D., was born in Pike County, Ind., August 17, 1850. His father, A. W. Clifford, born at Lex- ington, Ky., March 25, 1816, removed to Indiana about 1838, where he followed the occupation of farming until 1882. He was married to Miss Susanna Moore in 1838. To this union were born seven children: Nancy B., Ambrose, Jesse H., Warrick H .. Julia A., Jasper and Allan W. When Jasper was about four years old his mother died, and his father married again in 1854. In 1869 he entered the Oakland Institute, graduating among the first of the class. He then began the study of medicine with
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Dr. Beeler, of Huntingburgh, Ind. In 1881 he graduated from the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, with high hon- ors. Dr. Clifford was married to Miss Annie M. D. Meyerholtz. They have four children-two sons and two daughters: Emily J., George H. E., Mary L. and Lloyd H. He began the practice of his profession in this county in 1875, $500 in debt, but has con- quered all obstacles, and is now living in ease and has an exten- sive practice.
JOHN EDELE is a son of Michael and Louise ( Haesel) E:lele, who were natives of Germany. The father was a stone- mason and worke:l at his trade during life. They were married in the old country, and soon after removed to America, locating at Wheeling, Va. In 1845 they came to Dubois County, and lived at Ferdinand. Ind., until their respective deaths. The sub- ject of this memoir was born in the same province as his parents, March 31, 1832; he received a practical education in the com- mon schools of his native land; at the age of twenty, learned the ship-carpenter's trade; he plied his trade in Louisville, Ky., and soon earned enough to enable him to purchase eighty acres of land which he has since increased to 100 acres, well-improved; he came to Dubois County soon after, and commenced farming ; In 1855 he married Christina Schmitz. To them were born six children: Urban, Mary, Michael, Tracy, Christina and Katie. The family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Edele is a life-long Democrat; he served as a soldier in the Mexican war, and has been an enterprising and useful citizen.
URBAN EDELE, son of John and Christiana (Schmitz) Edele, was born May 25, 1859; he received a good education in both German and English, and at the age of twenty-five began business for himself, retailing liquors in St. Henry. Mr. Edele is a warm Democrat, casting his first vote for Gen. Hancock; he is an active and earnest member of the Catholic Church and as a business man has been prompt and energetic; as a citizen, wide- awake and enterprising, and is respected by all.
WILLIAM H. ELSHOFF is one of six children born to Harmon and Elizabeth ( Fenneman ) Elshoff, natives of Germany. The father was born March 26, 1807, the mother in 1816. In 1841 they came to America, and settled on a farm of eighty acres, near Holland, Ind., where they lived for thirty-two years. The mother died in 1851; the father still lives, at the ripe old age of seventy-eight. The subject of this sketch was born in Dubois County, January 18, 1845; in 1868 he bought the farm of 120 acres, on which he now lives, of his father-in-law. April 8, 1869, he was married to Anna Williams, born October 14, 1848. in Dubois County. To them were born five children: Henry L., Lydia, William, Jacob and Samuel. Both husband and
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Elshoff is a Republican, having cast his first vote for Gen. Grant. JOHN ERNE is a son of Nicholas and Appelona (Isele) Erne. The father was born in Baden, Germany, and was burgomaster of Berau. During the rebellion of 1848, he became one of the leading spirits, mustering the men and preparing to resist oppres- sion. He was imprisoned twice, and each time the citizens se- enred his release; he was afterward elected to his old position, which he filled till his death, which occurred about 1857. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, May 24, 1837; he was educated in the common schools of his native land, and at the age of fourteen, learned the miller's trade as a pre-requisite to learning the baker's trade. In 1854 he came to this country ; and after a short stay in New York, went to Kentucky, then to Evansville, Ind., then to Illinois, and finally to this county in 1858, where he bought 120 acres of land, which he has increased to 200 acres. On the 9th of May, 1861, he was married to Mary Miller, born April 21, 1841, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who has borne him six children: Lizzie B., William H., John A., Mary K., Frank S. and Ottillie C. M. Both parents are members of the Evangelical Association. Mr. Erne is a strong Republican, having cast his first vote for Lincoln.
AUGUST FINKE. November 23, 1852, near Holland, Du- bois Co., Ind., was born the subject of this notice. The father, Henry F., was born in Germany in 1814. His mother, Henrietta Taylor Finke, is also a native of the old country. They came to America and settled in the eastern part of Ohio. August is the second of the children. He received a limited education on ac- count of having to assist his father on the farm. When eighteen years old he commenced learning the saddle-maker's trade with Jonathan Kruger, of Huntingburgh, Ind. He has ever since practiced that vocation in Holland. In 1876 he and Miss Min- nie Imbush were united in marriage. Four children were born to this union two sons and two daughters: George and Henry (deceased), Nora and Lurena. Both Mr. and Mrs. Finke are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Finke was at one time a trustee of Cass Township, which position he filled for two years. He declined renomination as a brother-in-law was one of the candidates. The latter was elected but soon sickened and died and Mr. Finke was chosen to fill the vacancy. He is a prompt, enterprising citizen and a reliable Democrat, having tast his first vote for S. J. Tilden.
CASPER FULLING is a native of Germany. About 1833 he left his native land and came to America. In 1869 he moved to this county and settled on the farm of 100 acres where he now lives. September 22, 1864, he was married to Mary E. Koch,
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born in Dubois County, Ind., July 1, 1847. To them were born ten children: John B., born July 19, 1865; Sarah A., September 15, 1867: Emma R., March 27, 1869; Mary E., March 29, 1871; John F., July 12, 1873; Elanora E., April 6, 1875; George W., March 25, 1877: Lucinda, February 13, 1879; Amanda M., Jan- uary 22, 1881, and Arpha R., May 13, 1883. Both parents are members of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Fulling is a Repub- lican, having cast his first vote for Lincoln, He began life's bat- tle poor and with but limited means at his command. He has overcome many obstacles in his labor, but energy and perseverance have crowned ils labors with success.
JOHN GRIFFITH is a son of John L. and Mary Guin Griffith, who are natives of Virginia. The father was born in April, 1798, and Mrs. Griffith in March, 1803. They were married in Virginia and removed to Ohio where they remained till 1865, and then moved to this county, where he and his son John purchased 140 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born January 1, 1833. At the age of twenty he began working in the lumber business for himself, and soon saved enough to enable him to purchase a farm. In 1857 he was married to Jane Blackburn, born June 15, 1836, who has borne him thirteen children: Mis- souri K., Albert G., Clarence V., John B., Belle, Mary F., Fan- nie, Norman, Sylvia, Bertha, Emma, J. Franklin and Nora. Mrs. Griffith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Griffith is a warm Democrat, casting his first vote for Buchanan. He is a good farmer and well respected.
JOHN H. HEMMER is one of four children born to Will- iam and Elizabeth (Helsmeyer) Hemmer, who were born in Prussia, Germany, and who came to America in 1843, settling on a farm of eighty acres, near Holland, Ind. The father built a log house, and began clearing off his farm. In 1856, be- fore the work was completed, he died, and in about three years the wife followed him. The subject of this biography was born January 3, 1839. He received about nine months' instruction in the German schools, and about thirty-six days in the English schools. Through persistent effort he has acquired a practical education in business affairs. When quite young he worked for his board and clothes, and on reaching manliood received $5 per month for his labor. October 18, 1860, Mr. Hemmer was mar- ried to Elizabeth Katterhenry. The fruits of this union are seven children: Carrie, William N. W., Eli B., Louis W., Henry W., Lizzie C. and Sarah S., all of whom are at home. In 1857 Mr. Hemmer bought the farm of 120 acres, on which he now lives, and which he has since increased to 150 acres. Both hus- band and wife are members of the Evangelical Association. Mr. Hemmer is a wide-awake citizen, and has helped to make Dubois County one of the best in the State.
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
FRANK F. KINCHEL is one of six children born to Fred- erick and Frederica ( Zoerner) Kinchel, who were natives of Ger- many, and who still live in the old country. The subject of this sketch was born December 3, 1835, in Germany. There he_re- ceived a common school education, and at the age of fifteen left home, and came to America to seek his fortune. He landed at New York, and in the spring of 1843 came to Spencer County, Ind., and worked on a farm. During the Rebellion he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-fifth Indiana Infantry. He took part in many noted battles, and after four years of faithful service he re- turned home, bearing an honorable discharge. He was married to Rachel Hack, June 16, 1867. To them were born five children: William F., Henry B., Anna E., Sarah N. and Mary H. (de- ceased). In 1866 Mr. Kinchel bought eighty acres of land north of Ferdinand Station, and, by good management, has been able to purchase 100 acres more where he now lives. Mr. Kinchel is a wide-awake Republican, having always supported that party since his first vote. He has been a prompt and suc- cessful business man, and an influential citizen.
GERHARD H. KLAUSMEIER is a son of John F. and Caroline (Meyer) Klausmeier. Both parents are natives of Ger- many, the father being born in 1800 and the mother in 1801. They lived to a ripe old age and died in their native land. The subject of this memoir was born September 20, 1835, in Hanover, Germany. He was educated in the common schools of that country and came to America in 1853, and settled in Dubois County, Ind. He was married to Anna M. Weglage in September, 1858. To this union were born thirteen children: Henry, Carrie, Fred, Louise, Willie, Earnest, Anna, Christ, Sophia, Sarah, Daniel, Lydia and Samuel. Mr. Klausmeier bought 160 acres of the farm on which he now lives, and by industry and care it has become one of the finest farms in Cass Township. He now owns 173 acres. He is a warm Republican, and he and his wife have long been members of the Evangelical Church. He is a capable and industrious man, and is much respected by those who know him.
EDWARD H. KUNZ was born at Holland, Dubois Co., Ind., October 24, 1865. His father was born in Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, October 12, 1824, and his mother, Mary E. (Tonnah- lan) Kunz, in Hanover, Germany, January 21, 1851. At one period the father was a ship builder; later, a house carpenter. In 1855 he built the first house of Holland, Dubois Co., Ind., and may rightly be called the founder of the town. During this year he began to keep store, and by persistent energy and industry increased his stock till it became the largest in town. He con. tinued in this business until his death 'January 22, 1885. Mr-
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Kunz was an honest and upright citizen, and a zealous worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The immediate subject of this sketch is one of eight children-four sons and four daughters. After completing the course in the graded schools of Holland, he attended the high school at Jasper, Ind. In 1883 he became a pupil in the art school at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he showed superior ability as an artist. On his return home he entered the schoolroom as a teacher, in which occupation he was very success- ful. Inheriting the sterling qualities of his father, he is now carrying on the mercantile business with success, and promises to rank high as a prosperous citizen and merchant.
WILLIAM KUPER is one of six children born to Henry and Elizabeth Kuper. Both parents were born in Hanover, Germany, and came to this country at an early period. They were soon after married in Louisville, Ky. In 1847 the father came to this county and bought a farm of 120 acres, which he has since increased to 200 acres. The subject of this sketch was born Jan- uary 18, 1848. He attended both German and English schools, and later took a two years' course at St. Meinrad's College, where he was very successful. He then began teaching, which business he followed for seven years, teaching six years at one place. In 1872 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Deic, born January 18, 1855. To them were born two children: John and Frank. Both husband and wife are members of the Catholic Church. In 1872 Mr. Kuper began the mercantile business in St. Henry's, where he has since been doing a thriving business.
LOUIS LAMMER was born in Cass Township, Dubois County, Ind., May 21, 1858. In boyhood he attended the com- mon schools, and on reaching his majority, began working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed three years. He then bought a fourth share in Daniel Tohmolen & Co.'s saw-mill, and after that a share in the planing and saw-mill, known under the title of Rottger & Lammer. His father, Adolph W., was born in 1819, in Hanover, Germany. At the age of seventeen he came to this country and worked as a day laborer. In March, 1852, he came to Dubois County, and bought a farm, where he has lived ever since. His mother, also a native of Germany, was born November 11, 1820, and was united in marriage to Adolph Lammer, in 1847, at Louisville, Ky. To this marriage were born nine children, two of whom are dead. At the age of twenty- one, Louis identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been an active member ever since. He has no particular political views, but cast his first vote for Gen. Han- cock. Mr. Lammer is a steady young man, and is doing a good business.
J. B. LUBBERS is a son of J. B. Lubbers, Sr., and Anna
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
Winterman Lubbers. Both parents were born in Germany, as were also their children. The father died in his native land, and the mother and five children came to this country in 1866, set- tling at Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1868, the mother came to this county, where she died in 1884. The subject of this biography was educated in the common schools of Germany. He afterward learned the blacksmith's trade, and came to Dubois County, Ind., where he has since been working at that business. He married Rosa Deil, of Cincinnati, Ohio. To them were born four chil- dren: Caroline, William, John and Elizabeth. At the end of nine years his wife died, and about a year after, he was married to Victoria Handschiegl, a native of Spencer County, Ind. To them were born two children: Emma J., and Franciska H. Both husband and wife are members of the Catholic Church. In pol- ities Mr. Lubbers is a stanch Democrat. In 1880 he started a grindstone quarry, which proved to be an excellent one. In all his dealings he is prompt and honest.
AUGUST LUBBERHUSEN is one of five children born to Henry and Elizabeth Lubberhusen. Both parents were born in Germany, and about 1845, the father came to this country, and lived successively in Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was married, and then came to this county in 1854. He pur- chased a farm of 120 acres, where he still lives. The subject of this sketch was born July 15, 1851, at Cincinnati, Ohio. At the age of fourteen, he began to learn the shoe-maker's trade, at which he worked until 1884, when he formed a partnership with W. H. Cooper, for merchandising. Shortly after he quit this business, and began keeping hotel and bar. In addition to this he is suc- cessfully filling the office of justice of the peace. On the 13th day of May. 1872, he was married to Miss B. Barth, born in Prussia, in 1854. Their children's names are Joseph, Lizzie, Mary, August, Louise and Beno. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lubber- husen are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a warm Democrat, casting his first vote for Horace Greely.
JOHN LUEBBERT was born January 30, 1855, near Hol- land, Dubois Co., Ind. His parents are natives of Germany, the father being born June 11, 1829, and the mother April 15, 1834. They immigrated to this county in 1853, and were married Janu- ary 12, 1854. To them were born eight children: John, Emma, Louise, Julia, Lizzie, Dina, August and Mary, all of whom are living. The father was a stone and brick-mason, and followed that trade until his death, which occurred in October, 1882. His mother is still living, making her home with her son-in-law, on the farm. The subject of this sketch received a good education, both in English and German. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the miller's trade, and is now one of the proprietors of
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the flouring-mill of Meyer, Luebbert & Co. Mr. Luebbert has been a member of the German Lutheran Church for six years. He is a Democrat in politics, casting his first vote for S. J. Tilden. GERHARD H. MEYER is one of the children of Adam and Elizabeth (Wistuf) Meyer, who were natives of Germany. The subject of this memoir was born February, 1814, in the same province as his parents. He attended the common schools of Germany, and at the age of twenty, according to the require- ments of his Government, was drafted into the regular army, where he served his full time. In 1841 he crossed to America and landed at Baltimore; a year after he began working in the iron mines in Lawrence County, Ohio. He soon accumulated money enough to buy eighty acres of land in this county, which he has since increased to 200 acres, and on which he has ever since lived. He married Miss E. Bunte, born in 1819, and a native of Germany. To this union were born nine children- four sons and five daughters-the sons being Christian, Henry, Ger- hard and William. Both husband and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. The two sons, Henry and Gerhard, are mar- ried and settled in the neighborhood. William is also married, and living at home with his father. His wife, nee Lizzie Shafer, has borne him two children: George H. and Clemens W. Mr. Meyer is a successful farmer, and has helped make Dubois County what it is.
GEORGE MEYER, son of Gerhard H. (elsewhere written), was born March 18, 1848, in Lawrence County, Ohio. During his boyhood he received a practical education in both English and German. On reaching his majority he began working for him- self, and in 1881 was able to purchase 100 acres, the farm on which he now lives, and which he has since increased to 165 acres. In October, 1875, he was married to Caroline Smith. To them were born two children, both boys. After the brief space of three years his wife died. In 1882 he was united in marriage to Lizzie Massman. To this union were born two chil- dren-one boy and one girl: Amelia and Edward W. Both par- ents are members of the Lutheran Church. In 1882 Mr. Meyer was elected to the office of assessor, which he has filled ever since. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, having cast his first vote for Horace Greeley.
REV. CHRISTIAN F. ROTHERT was born May 17, 1817, in Hanover, Germany. At the age of twenty, in order to escape service in the regular army, he secured an elder brother's certifi- cate of service and escaped to the sea-shore. He there took pas- sage in a ship bound for Baltimore, and traveled on foot from that city to Philadelphia. In 1845 he settled near Holland, Dubois Co .. Ind., where he followed the occupations of cooper-
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
ing and farming, and gradually became a well to do farmer. In 1840 he married Miss Catherine H. Wibbeler, of Olden- burg, Germany. To this union were born these children: Fred- erick W., Eliza C., Anna M., Louis P., John F., Harmon H., John H., Randolph D., Jolin and Martin. The eldest of these, Frederick W. Rothert, was born March 4, 1840, at Louisville, Ky., and came to Dubois County, this State, when about four years old. He enjoyed such educational advantages as could be obtained at that time. At the beginning of the great civil war, he enlisted in the Forty-second Indiana Regiment, and for six months fought bravely for his country. In March, 1865, he was married to Sophia Feldwish. To him and wife were born Hellina (deceased ), Martin, Emma, Louis H., Caroline, Matilda, Arthur and Franklin. Mr. Rothert was for four years township trustee, and is now engaged in merchandising, doing a good business, and is known all over the county.
JOHN ROTHERT, the youngest but one of the children of Christian Rothert, was born July 13, 1853, at Holland, Dubois Co., Ind. After attending the common schools he spent a year at the Huntingburgh High School. At the age of twen- ty-five he became a teacher, retaining one position for five years. He afterward taught the first school in the new building at Hol- land. He was married to Miss Sophia Lammmers (born August 23, 1856), at Cincinnati, Ohio. To them were born four chil- dren-two sons and two daughters: Caroline S., Christian D., William H. and Anna M. In 1883 he moved to Holland to en- gage in the mercantile business, as one of the firm of Rothert & Bro., and at one time he was appointed deputy postmaster of Hol- land. Mr. Rothert is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is .a stanchi Republican, casting his first vote for Lincoln. He is a successful and enterprising business man.
CHRISTIAN ROTTGER was born on the 5th day of August, 1838, in Prussia, Germany. His father, Frank, and his mother, Alinne Siebe Rottger, were natives of the same province. They were married in the old country and immigrated to America in 1846. They settled near Cincinnati, Ohio, and engaged in gardening. In the spring of 1858 they removed to Dubois County, Ind., and bought a farm near Holland. The same year the father died, leaving four children-three sons and one daughter-and a widow who lived till 1884. Christian, the eldest, is the subject of our sketch. He received a common school edu- cation and then began farming. In 1862 he was engaged in the saw-mill business as one of the partners of the firm. He has remained one of the stockholders ever since, although the name of the firm has changed several times. In 1858 he was married to Miss May Rust, who bore him twelve children: Min-
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