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 69
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 69
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MARION TOWNSHIP.
JOHN E. DUDINE was the elder of two sons born to John A. and Katharine Dudine, who were natives of Germany. The father was born in 1797 and the mother in 1802. They married in Germany and came to this country in 1832, and settled in Adams County, Penn., where they remained seven years. They then came to Dubois County, Ind., where the mother died the 9th of March, 1864. Our subject lived with his parents both before and after marriage. He was married to Barbara Metz February 27, 1851, and to them were born ten children: John A. (deceased), John A., Henry P. (deceased), Henry P. T., Joseph, Katharine (deceased ), Mary B., Rosa K., Joseph J. and Anna K. Mr.
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
Dudine has a limited education in English and German. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church and in politics he is a Democrat, and a successful and influential citizen. On his farm is an overhanging rock nearly 200 yards in length, and about twenty feet thick. Near the middle was an Indian cave hewn in the form of a room, in which Mr. Dudine found many Indian utensils and implements, some of which he still possesses as relics of former times.
GEORGE DEKEMPER is a son of George and Maria Mag- dalena Dekemper, who were natives of Germany. The father was born in 1821 and the mother in 1831. They came to the United States in 1833 and landed at New York; from there they came to Cincinnati, Ohio, and finally located in Dubois County. Ind. The father departed this life on the 27th of October, re- spected and esteemed by all. Our subject was born October 31. 1854, in Dubois County. At the age of thirteen he began learn- ing the blacksmith's trade in Jasper. June 23, 1877, he married Elizabeth Mathias of Dubois County. The union was blessed with four children: Joseph, Jolin, George and Maria. Mr. De- kemper has a fair English and German education, and is doing a good business in the blacksmith and wagon-making trade. He and family belong to the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a successful and prominent man of Knoxville.
C. W. ELLIS is the son of Marvin and Phermelia J. Ellis, who were born and resided in the United States. March 23, 1873, the father died, and on the 21st of June of the same year the mother followed him. C. W. Ellis, our subject, was born March 17, 1845, in Dubois County, Ind. He began teaching at the early age of seventeen and followed the profession until the age of twenty-one. 'His marriage occurred April 29, 1866, the result being eight children: Ida, Phermelia K., Mary A., Marvin W. (deceased), Charley, Heber, Herl and Helen. Soon after mar- riage Mr. Ellis engaged in the saw and grist-milling business. and in 1880 he erected a large two-story frame house, where he is at present carrying on an extensive trade in merchandise. His enterprises have been so successful that his mill, formerly run by water-power, is now run by steam. He has good farming land near Knoxville, and is carrying on his different enterprises suc- cessfully. He is well educated, having spent two terms of school at the Indiana State University. He and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican, and a very enterprising and successful business man.
JOSEPH FISCHER is a son of George and Adalheit Fischer, who were natives of Germany. The father was born in 1794, and the mother in 1800. They were married in 1826. T them were born nine children. all of whom are dead excent th
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above named. They came to the United States in 1837, and in 1845 settled in Marion Township, Dubois Co., Ind. The father died April 4, 1856, and the mother November 17, 1869. The subject of our memoir was born in Germany June 16, 1827. and came to this country with his parents, with whom he lived until their deaths. July 13, 1858, he married Anna M. Shepers, a na tive of Germany. They became the parents of nine children six sons and three daughters: Joseph B .. John, Mary. George. Bernhard, Henry, Herman, Anna and Katy. Mr. Fischer settled on a farm that was very heavily timbered, and by his energy and industry changed the forests around him into tillable fields. He has a good education, being educated in the public schools of Cincinnati, Ohio. He and family belong to the Catholic Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served two years as consta- ble and trustee of the township, thus showing that he is well re- spected and an upright man.
ADAM FITTERER, a prominent farmer of Dubois County. Ind., born January 15, 1825, was the eldest of a family of thirteen children. The parents were natives of Germany. and came to this country in 1831, landing at New Orleans, and lived sue- cessively in Ohio, Kentucky, and lastly in Indiana. For thirteen years they lived in Dearborn County; then sold out and came to Dubois County in 1845. Both parents died in 1875. The sub- ject of our sketch was born in Baden, Germany. He came with his parents to this country, and remained with them until he was twenty-three years old. He then engaged in different kinds of work, and was married when he was about twenty-nine years old. February 8, 1853, he led to Hymen's altar Mary Louisa Bloch, a native of France. They lived one year at Louisville, Ky., and then moved to Dubois County, Ind., and settled on a farm. At the end of four years he moved to Minnesota, and there bought a farm. He left there in a short time, and returned to Louisville, and from there came to Dubois County and settled on a farm of 120 acres, and sold out again with the intention of going West. but bought a farm in Marion Township instead, where he has since lived. He has eight children, named Philomena (de- ceased), John B. (deceased), Frank X. (deceased), Theressa (deceased), Isabella, Mary L., Barbara M. and Thomas J. Mr. Fitterer and wife are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat.
BERNHARD GEHLHAUSEN is the fourth of a family of twelve children born to Frank and Mary A. Gehlhausen, who were natives of Germany. They immigrated to this country and were married at Pittsburgh, Penn. They came to Dubois County, Ind., and bought a farm, but soon sold it and moved to Ferdinand, and engaged in farming. July 12, 1876, the mother died. The
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FFISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
father still resides on his farm at Ferdinand, and has been en- gaged in teaching school for over thirteen years. Our subject was born in Ferdinand July 19. 1848, and lived with his parents the greater part of the time. May 3, 1870, he was married to Mary Anna Heeke, of Marion Township. To them were born eight children: Bernhard H., Mary K., Anna M .. Theresia M .. Frances M., Rosa P., Joseph A. and Andrew G. Mr. Gehlhau- sen is able to read and write in both English and German, and is quite well educated. He and wife belong to the Catholic Church. In polities he is a Democrat, and has served as special constable. He is now assessor of his township, and has held that office for four years.
JOHN B. HOCHGESANG is the eldest son of Michael and Magdalena Hochgesang, who were natives of Germany, and came to the United States and were married in Dubois County, Ind., in 1843. They are still living near Jasper. The subject of our sketch was born in Dubois County, January 14, 1844. and lived with his parents until twenty-three years of age. June 8, 1867. he married Barbara K. Oestreich, of Wheeling. W. Va. To them were born eight children-six sons and two daughters: Mary J. (convent sister ), Michael A., Joseph P., John A., Frank S., Anthony, William J. and Kathrina. Both he and wife are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat in poli- tics. He has a limited knowledge of both English and German, which he has acquired by his own efforts. Through energy and industry Mr. Hochgesang has turned the woods into tillable fields. and has a nice farm and home. He is an influential citizen, and is respected by all.
JOHN LOTTES, born June 2, 1851, is a son of John G. and Elizabeth Lottes, who were born in Germany, the father in 1825 and the mother in 1829. They were married in this country and were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living. They still reside in Dubois County, Ind. Our subject, when about twenty- one years of age, learned the cooper's trade. March 18, 1875. he married Margaret Angerer of Harbison Township. The union was blessed with six children-four sons and two daughters: Simon, John S., Anna L., Maggie, Andrew and John C., all of whom are dead except Andrew and John C. Mr. Lottes received a fair education in English and German. He is a well read man and is a stanch Democrat in politics. At one time he kept a. saloon in Knoxville, but at the present time he is working at the cooper trade and farming, and is a very successful business man : he owns a good farm near Knoxville and has a pleasant residence in the town: he and family are members of the Lutheran Church.
JOHN LEISTNER is the youngest of a family of six children born to Conrad and Catharine Leistner, who were natives of Ger-
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
many. They were married in Germany and came to this country in. 1841, and settled in Dubois County, Ind., where the father died in 1843 and the mother in 1845. The subject of our sketch was born in Germany, May 15, 1831, and came to this country with his parents, and remained with them until he was fifteen years of age, when he began learning the shoe-maker's trade. Worked at that business one and a half years, then went to New Albany and continued to ply his trade, but finally started a grocery. May 15, 1855, he married Eva M. Hemsel of Dubois County. To them were born nine children: Louis, (deceased, ) John M .. George W., Henry Edward, John P. W., Henry T., Mary M .. Emma K. and Elizabeth B. He and family belong to the Lu- theran Church and he is a Democrat and an honest and useful citizen.
PHILLIP MILLER, a prominent citizen and farmer of Marion Township, Dubois Co., Ind., was born in Germany, August 5, 1845. He came with his parents, Joseph and Anna (Scherr) Miller, to America in 1855. The mother died while on the journey, but the father came on and settled in Dubois County. where he married again. His second wife was Mrs. Margaret (Smith) Carver. In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, Forty- ninth Indiana Volunteers. He was killed at Trenton, Ky., in December, 1862. Our subject remained with his step-mother, aiding her as much as possible, until his marriage with Miss Mary Brang, daughter of Andrew and Josephine (Hardwick ) Brang. To this union eight children were born: Tracy (de- ceased), Margaret (deceased ), Joseph, John, Jacob, Ignaz (de- ceased), Catharine and Lizzie. Mr. Miller is a well to do farmer. and owns 120 acres of fertile, well improved land, which he has accumulated by his own exertions. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the Catholic Church.
PAUL MEHRINGER, an old pioneer settler of Marion Township, Dubois Co., Ind., was born June 24, 1818. He came to this country in 1838, landed at New Orleans and finally located in Dubois County. That same year he married Barbara Gebner, a native of Germany, who died a few months after marriage. Nearly two years later he married Caroline Steger, of Dubois County. To them were born these children: Kathrina, George, Barbara, John, Kathrina (all deceased), Adalheit (wife of John Marks), John N., Joseph L., Lawrence, Nicolaus, Mary (wife of George Marks), and Margaretha. Mr. Mehringer's second wife died February 22, 1883. He has a fair English and German ed- ucation, and he and family are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a very successful and enter- prising farmer and well respected.
JULIUS NORDHOFF is a son of Joseph and Clara Nord-
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
hoff, who were natives of Oldenburg and Hanover, Germany. Our subject was born November 18, 1840, in Oldenburg. At the age of seventeen he came to the United States, landing at Balti- more. He went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and engaged in the dairy business and at various occupations until the breaking out of the civil war, when he culisted in the Ninth Ohio Volunteers and served three years. He fought bravely in the battles of Chicka- manga, Mill Springs, Corinth, Missionary Ridge and others, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea; witnessed many of the horrible sights incident to army life. For one year he served at various occupations in the war and returned to Cincin- nati after peace had been proclaimed. April 15, 1865, he mar- ried Elizabeth Haggemann, of Dubois County, Ind. To them were born these children: Theresa, Joseph, Siegfried, Clara, Philomena, Barbara, and Lizzie (deceased ). Mr. Nordhoff has a fair German education and can read and write English. He and family belong to the Catholic Church, and he is a Republican. He is a successful farmer, and an honest and enterprising man.
JOHN G. PREUSZ was born in Germany, August 10, 1829. His parents were John and Margaretha Preusz, natives of the same place. They came to the United States and settled in Du- bois County, Ind., in 1839. To them were born four children. only two now living. The subject of our sketch remained on the farm aiding his parents. His education in English is limited. but he can read and write the German language. February 12. 1861, he married Catharine Bim. The union resulted in two sons: Daniel and John. His wife dying July 7, 1866, he took for his second wife Caroline Linning. August 15, 1867. Two daughters were born to them: Margaretha and Kathrina. His second wife departed this life May 22, 1873. He and family are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat, he is a useful citizen and a prominent man.
ROCHUS REUSZ, was born August 13, 1838, in Germany, a son of Adam and Eva Rensz, who were natives of the same province. They were married in the old country and immigrated to this country in 1850, settling first in Kentucky, and finally in Dubois County, Ind. The father died January 22, 1875, and the mother in 1849. Our subject came to this country with his par- ents, and p+ the breaking ont of the Rebellion, he enlisted in the Forty-ninth Indiana Regiment, October 2, 1861, and was a faithful soldier for over three years. He took an active part in the battles of Vicksburg, Arkansas Post and Yazoo River. At Black River bridge Mr. Reusz helped capture a whole brigade, and at Cumberland Gap he lived for some time on one-fourth ra- tions, and nearly starved to death. He received an honorable discharge in November, 1864, and came back to Dubois County,
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and married Emma Prosmer, November 7, 1865, and together they raised eight children: John A., Rosa, Lizzie, Emma, Willie (deceased), Mary (deceased), Barbara and Anna. Mr. Reusz and family, are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and a successful and enterprising farmer.
JOHN G. STEIN, born April 22, 1829, in Hanover, Germany, is a son of John G. and Margaret A. Stein, natives of Germany. They were married in 1819, and came to the United States in 1845, landing at New Orleans. From there they came to Cincin- nati, Ohio, and finally settled in Dubois County, Ind. The fa- ther's death occurred November 18, 1855, and the mother's, Octo- ber 14, 1856. Our subject was married to Mary A. Fischer in 1855. They were blessed with seven children-four sons and three daughters: John J., Mary A., Mary (deceased), John, Eliz- abeth, Bernhard (deceased), and Mary. Mr. Stein has a very good English and German education, receiving some of his edu- cation in Europe, and the rest in the public schools of Louisville, Ky. He and family belong to the Catholic Church, and in poli- tics he is a Democrat, and at present a notary public. Has served as justice of the peace for eighteen years, and has held the office of township clerk for four years. A coal mine has been discovered on his farm which has been worked to some extent, and contains the best quality of coal. He is an intelligent and successful farmer of Marion Township and is highly respected.
FELIX SCHNEIDER, a prominent citizen of Dubois County, Ind., and native of the same, was born February 14. 1848, and is the third son in a family of nine children born to John E. and Gertrude ( Wigant ) Schneider, who were natives of Germany. They were married in Philadelphia, Penn., and about the year 1835, came West, and located in Dubois County, Ind .. where the father died in 1869. The mother is still living. Our subject received a common school education, and at about sixteen years of age went to Louisville, Ky., and engaged as an appren- tice in the wagon-maker's trade, serving two years. He then came back to his native county and began plying his trade. which he has carried on successfully ever since. A Democrat in politics he was elected township trustee in 1874, and re- elected in 1876, and again in 1878, serving in all five and a half years. He is the owner of 180 acres of land well im- proved. He was married to Mary Schneider, September 13, 1869. To this union were born eight children: Ferdinand, An- thony, John (deceased), Barbara (deceased), Anna, Lucy, Jo- seph and Catharine (deceased). He and wife are members of the Catholic Church.
ANDREW SPRAUER is the fourth of a family of six chil- ‹Iren, and was born in Baden, Germany, October 1, 1810. He
31
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
came to the United States in 1831, landing at New York. and worked about two years in Bedford County, Penn. : from thence he went to Fairfield County, Ohio, and engaged in the making of brick. He lived there about six years, and then removed to Marion Township, Dubois Co .. Ind., where he resides at the pres- ent time. April 20. 1835. he was married to Barbara ( Binder ) Sprauer of Baden, Germany. To them were born a large family of children, among them being Alois (deceased ). Joseph. Peter, John, Alois, Magdalena, Elizabeth (deceased ), Mary, Philomena and Anna. Mr. Sprauer received a limited German and English education. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church, and in politics he is a Democrat. He is one of the oldest settlers of Marion Township, and an honest, upright man.
JOHN H. WIBBELS, a prominent citizen of Marion Town- ship, Dubois Co., Ind., was born February 18, 1857. His parents were natives of Hanover, Germany, came to this country and were married at Cincinnati, Ohio. Our subject was raised in Marion Township and has always engaged in farming up to three years ago, when he began lumbering and saw-milling. He has been very successful in each business, owing to his enterprising spirit and good management. He was married to Rosa A. Vamppa. November 17, 1874, in Louisville, Ky. To them were born five children-two sons and three daughters: Henry J., Benjamin J., Philmina, Caroline M., and Mary K. Mr. Wibbels has a fair English and German education, and he and wife are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and was elected constable, but resigned. He afterward was elected trustee by a strong majority and has served to the satisfaction of his patrons. He is recognized as one of the prominent and influ- ential men of his township, and an upright and honest man.
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HALL TOWNSHIP
,OHN J. ALLES, a prominent man of Dubois County, was born in Prussia, April 23, 1824, a son of Jacob and Catharine (Hahn ) Alles, who were the parents of ten children. The family immigrated to America in 1840, and settled in Dubois County, Ind. The father was a school teacher in the old country, and was in the Russian war with Napoleon, acting as quartermaster in that army; was captured by the Russians and taken to Siberia. He joined the Russian Army in order to escape prison life, and after serving two years was sold to England. He was in the bat- tle of Waterloo, serving under Wellington. Coming to America he still continued teaching, being the master of several languages. His death occurred in April, 1863, and the mother's in 1\fs. Our subject received a good education in the schools of Europe. After coming to America he worked on the farm, and by industry now owns 400 acres of good farming land. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Company I, Forty-ninth Indiana Volun- teers, as captain, and participated in the battle at Cumberland Gap and the siege and surrender of Vicksburg. In all he took part in fourteen battles, and was wounded at Vicksburg by the explosion of a shell, for which he receives a pension. In 1956 he was elected justice of the peace, and served continuously for twenty-five years, except when he was in the army. In 1880 he was elected trustee of Hall Township for four years, and in 16>4 was elected county commissioner, and will take his office in De- cember, 1885. He was married to Jacobina Hoffman, to whom were born seven children, three now living: Frederick, Catha- rine and Barbara. The family are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat.
CASPER BLUME was born September 19, 1831, in Ger- many. John and Mary (Franke) Blume were the parents of five children, our subject being the fourth. The father was a tailor by trade; he died in Germany in 1840. Casper came to the United States in 1851, and the mother about six months later. She died in Louisville in 1868. Our subject was raised a gar- dener and florist in the old country, but on coming to America he began learning cabinet-making, and worked at that business about two years, and then went into the regular army in 1854, and served exactly five years, taking part in "Indian expeditions" in Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming and Dakota He next went to
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HISTORY OF DUBOIS COUNTY.
Louisville, Ky., and began a clothing store, at which he continued until 1861. He espoused the Union cause; consequently, in that year he enlisted in the Fourth Kentucky Cavalry; was elected first lieutenant of Company G, and soon after was made captain. He was on many scouting expeditions, and in the bat- tle of Murfreesboro, and was the first man on the field of Chata- nooga. He came home from the army, and located in Dubois County, Ind., where he purchased eighty acres of land, and has since lived. He is now the possessor of 310 acres of good farm- ing land. July 3, 1860, he married Gertrude Meyer, who has borne him eight children, all living at home. The family are members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Blume is a Democrat.
AUGUST BETZ, an unpretentious, but honored citizen of Celestine, Ind., was born March 2, 1841, a son of John L. and Elizabeth (Auth) Betz, who were natives of Germany, and came to the United States in 1835, locating at Wheeling, W. Va., where they remained about seven years, and then came to this State and settled in Dubois County, where the father died in 1840. The mother is still living with our subject on the old homestead. August received such imperfect educational advan- tages as were accorded in the country schools of that day, but has since acquired a good business education. He has always been the mainstay and prop of his mother, and on that account was forced to abandon the idea of aiding his country in the late war. He has been quite successful in his farming enterprises, and now owns 160 acres of excellent farming land. He was married, April 21, 1863, to Mary Schlegel, the result of this union being ten children, all living. The eldest (Fred) is married and liv. ing near Celestine; the rest are at home. In politics Mr. Betz is a Democrat. He and family are members of the Catholic Church.
JESSE COPE was born in Knox County, Ky., September 11. 1855, and is one of seven children born to Andrew J. and Winnie (Lewis) Cope, natives respectively of Kentucky and North Caro- lina. They were married in Kentucky and came to Indiana in 1862. The father was in the late war about eight months, but became disabled and returned home. He was persecuted by the rebels in Kentucky, consequently he moved to Indiana at the above date. The mother died in Kentucky in 1862, and the father married again and came here. He died December 15, 1873. Our subject was early thrown on his own resources for a livelihood. When about twenty-three years old he married and began farming, and has dealt quite extensively in the log and lumber business for a firm in Jasper. He owns 333 acres of land, 100 acres under cultivation and the rest timber land. May 29, 1879, he married Jeannette Beaty. To them were born three children: John Elmer, Ada Anne and Everett E. Mr. Cope is a
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
member of the Masonic lodge and a firm and active Republican. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.
LAFAYETTE ELLIS, brother of James Ellis, was born near Ellsworth. Ind .. November 3, 1849. He was educated in the dis- triet schools and passed his early life on his father's farm. At the age of nineteen he began life for himself, working on a farm his father gave him. He has continued at that work ever since and by industry and economy has been quite successful, and now owns 120 acres of good farming land and some property in Orange County. Ind. He was married, January 24, 1869, to Sarah J. Hubbs, the result of this union being five children: Willis W .. Cecil C .. Albert A., Lillie L. and an infant. Mr. Ellis is a member of the Masonic lodge of Newton Stewart, Ind., and a Republican in politics. He and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In connection with farming he is running a general merchandise store in Ellsworth, the firm being known as Ellis & Henry.
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