History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II, Part 5

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Logansport, Ind., A. W. Bowen & co.
Number of Pages: 1476

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Henry Stier, father of Mrs. Beadell, died at his home, 106 Lafayette street, Fort Wayne, at the date already mentioned, after a long illness. For several years past the infirmities of age had weighed heavily on the old pioneer, and a stroke of paralysis, sustained a few weeks prior to his death, supplemented his other ailments, and eventually led to his death at the age of eighty-one years, in the faith of the Catholic church, being a member of St. Mary's, of which he was one of the founders. The deceased was born in Germany, came to America in 1834, and in August of that

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

year came to Fort Wayne. He was employed in the construction of the old Wabash & Erie canal a few years later, and afterward engaged in the stone business. He took an active part in city pol- itics some years ago, and at one time occupied the position of superintendent of street repairs. Advancing age induced him to retire, and, having accumulated some property, he was enabled to live comfortably. He was married, in 1840, to Miss Charlotte Meyer, who survives him, with the following children: Mrs. Henry Beadell, Mrs. M. E. Fitzgibbon, Mrs. John Schuckman, Miss Sophia Stier, Jacob, George and Henry Stier. There are also nineteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The deceased possessed all the attributes that make men respected and esteemed in any community. A man of sterling, · rugged honesty, pure religious sentiments, and withal of a kindly, cheery disposition, he was liked by every one. He was the high- est type of a good citizen, and his adopted country had no more faithful son than he. He had lived in Fort Wayne since the city's infancy, and loved the town with the pride of one who had watched its gradual development from the first. He was one of the last of the men who made the city's history, and his death is generally mourned by those who knew him in the early days.

H ENRY J. BECHTEL, in the grocery business at Lawrence- burg, Dearborn county, is a son of Joseph and Catherine (Gander) Bechtel, both from Germany, and who came to Law- renceburg in 1838; the father was a cooper and learned the trade in Cincinnati. He died in Lawrenceburg August 22, 1891. The mother still survives. She was twice married-first to Alexander Schwartz, and by this union two daughters and one son were born, viz: Mary, now wife of Matthias Lipps; Elizabeth, wife of Peter Zins, and Edmund, who died in 1880. By her marriage to Joseph Bechtel two sons were born-Henry J. and Charles F., of whom the latter died October 10, 1894, aged twenty-seven years.

Henry J. Bechtel was born July 14, 1865, attended common schools, and at the age of thirteen began working in his present

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

store for his father, in which he has continued ever since. He has a stock valued at about $2, 500 and does a business annually to the amount of $5,000. He was united in marriage June 9, 1896, to Miss Carrie Fangman, a daughter of Henry Fangman. He and his wife are both devout members of the Catholic church, and are held in very high esteem by the entire community of Lawrenceburg. Mr. and Mrs. Bechtel have one son, Joseph William, born May 29, 1897.

F RANK CARLYSLE BECKER, M. D., a regular practicing physician and surgeon at No. 201 Hadley avenue, Indianapolis, is a native of LaSalle county, Ill., was born July 8, 1868, and is a son of Charles and Mary E. (Asherman) Becker, the former a native of Germany and a shoe dealer formerly, but now a stock raiser, and the latter a native of the state of Illinois, and of German and Irish parentage, and educated in the convent at Lasalle.

To Charles and Mary E. Becker have been born five children, of whom Dr. Frank C. is the eldest; William L., the second born, is a graduate of the Northwestern college of Pharmacy and is engaged in the drug business in Indianapolis; Carl L. is a student in St. Bede college, preparing for the Catholic ministry; Delia A. and Joseph are still attending school and reside with their parents.

Dr. Becker, after passing through the usual preparatory course of study, entered the Northwestern university at Chicago, and, later, the Indiana Medical college, from which he graduated in March, 1896, and at once established his office at the address mentioned above, where he is actively engaged in practice, having already achieved a reputation for skill and ability. He is a mem- ber of Marion county Medical society, and has for the past nine years been a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, of Chi- cago; he is also a member of Weber council, No. 274, Young Men's institute, of which he is examining physician, and is likewise regi- mental surgeon of the Weber Zouaves, of West Indianapolis.

The doctor is of a congenial and sympathizing disposition, keeps well abreast of the modern progress in the science of medi-

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

cine, and it is only a matter of time when he will stand in the front rank of the profession. He is a devout Catholic and stands ever ready to aid the church in its good work.

T' "HOMAS F. BARRETT, chief of the Indianapolis fire depart- ment, was born in Wheeling, W. Va., April 3, 1852, a son of Patrick D. and Catherine (Murphy) Barrett, natives of county Mayo, Ireland, but married in Virginia.

Patrick D. Barrett was a railroad contractor, and first brought his family to Indianapolis in 1866, but the duties of his profession called him south, and in 1870 the family went to Memphis, Tenn., where the father died of yellow fever in 1873. The children were seven in number, and were named, in order of birth, as follows: Thomas F., Mary, Catherine, Rose, John, Patrick and Ellen. Of these, Catherine and Patrick died about the same time the father passed away, and of the same disorder; John died at the south when twelve years old, and Ellen died in Indianapolis; Rose. the widow of Thomas Monaghan, resides at No. 413 South New Jersey street, and here, also, the widowed mother makes her home; Mary, widow of John Lanigan, lives in Memphis, Tenn. After the death of the father, the surviving members of the family returned to Indianapolis, and this city has since been their home.

Thomas F. Barrett was educated in a private Catholic school in this city and in Bryant & Stratton's Business college. His early business life was passed as a clerk in various mercantile houses in this city, and for several years he kept his father's accounts at the south, and was also employed in the Evening Mirror office in Indianapolis, a publication now extinct. September 22, 1874; he became a member of the Indianapolis fire department as a hoseman of engine company No. 7, on Maryland street; in June, 1882, he was transferred from the Seventh to the Fourth engine company as an engine fireman; from 1886 to 1889 he was a pipeman; then, until 1890, was a driver; February, 1890, he was promoted captian of No. 6 engine company, then, January I, 1891, was promoted assistant chief; November 18, 1896, he was

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

promoted to his present responsible position, and thus has seen over twenty-three years of activity in the service.

The fire department of Indianapolis comprises 160 members, has twenty-two station-houses, nineteen hose carriages, nine steam engines, three chemical engines, three service trucks, and one aerial ladder and water tower, over all which Capt. Barrett has chief control and direction, and it may well be imagined that his responsibility and duties are somewhat onerous.

Capt. Barrett was united in marriage, November 25, 1879, at St. John's church, by Rev. Father Curran, to Miss Sarah McManaman, of North Vernon, Ind., and daughter of Thomas and Catherine McManaman, natives of Ireland, but both now deceased. Three children have come to bless Capt. Barrett and wife, viz: Catherine, born February 22, 1881; Thomas, Jr., born January 24, 1884, and Mary, born September 14, 1887. The family are members of St. Patrick's church and Capt. Barrett is a member of the Celtic club. In politics he is a democrat, but is not bitterly partisan, yet sound. The family residence is at No. 527 East Merrill street, where many warm friends find a hearty welcome.

JOHN E. BECKETT, a well-known business man of Montgom- ery, is a native of Daviess county, Ind., was born August 9, 1859, and is a son of William and Mary (Graves) Beckett.

William Beckett was born in Bourbon county, Ky., in 1817, and in 1818 was brought to Daviess county by his parents, who settled in Barr township. Here he grew to inanhood on the home farm and here married Miss Graves, a native of the county, born in 1825 .. To this marriage were born eight children, of whom three are still living, viz: Robert O., in California; John E., the subject of this notice, and Emma, wife of Harry Walker, a mail agent on the B. & O. road. Mrs. Beckett passed away in 1876, a true Catholic, and Mr. Beckett died in 1893, in the same faith, and in politics a democrat.

John E. Beckett was reared on the home farm, was educated in a common school, and was confirmed by Bishop de St. Palais

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

in 1874. November 9, 1881, he married Miss Catherine Drew, a native of Daviess county, and a daughter of James and Catherine (Cuzick) Drew. This union has been blessed with four sons, of whom one is deceased, the survivors being Norbert, a student, and Albert and James, attending the parochial school.

In politics Mr. Beckett is a sound democrat, cast his first presi- dential vote for Winfield Scott Hancock, and has adhered to the party ever since. He opened his present place of business in 1893, and by his genial and pleasant deportment has made hosts of friends. Although he began with limited capital, he now owns his place of business, a comfortable home and a fine farm of 120 acres in Reeve township. He and his wife are among the leading laity of St. Peter's church, and also hold a high position in social circles.

B ENHART BELLEDIN, a representative and substantial citi- zen of South Bend, was born in Harris township, St. Joseph county, Ind., May 18, 1845, a son of Joseph and Barbara (Bech- erer) Belledin, natives of Germany.

Joseph Belledin was a clockmaker by trade and came to America a single man. He married in Buffalo, N. Y., Mis Bar- bara Becherer, who was born February 9, 1811, and some time after marriage came to Indiana and settled in Harris township, St. Joseph county, where he enlisted for the war with Mexico, and, after being honorably discharged, went to New Orleans, since which time nothing has been heard of him. Mrs. Barbara Belle- din died in St. Joseph county, Ind., July 23, 1894, her mortal remains being now at rest in Cedar Grove cemetery, South Bend. She was a devout Catholic, and in this faith reared her five chil- dren, who, in order of birth, were named as follows: John, who lives in St. Joseph county, and is a farmer; Joseph and William, deceased; Mary, who is married to Frank Wolf, of St. Joseph county, and Benhart. The parents, indeed, were among the pio- neer Catholics of St. Joseph county, and the mother was an attend- ant at the first mass read in the original log church-edifice at

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

Notre Dame in 1842, and it is presumable that her husband was also an attendant on the same occasion.

Benhart Belledin, the subject proper of this memoir, attended the district and parochial schools until seventeen years old, and for the following twelve years devoted his time to cultivating his mother's farm. In 1875 he came to South Bend and engaged in carpentering and contracting, a business he has ever since con- ducted with most gratifying success. He was first married Janu- ary 19, 1875, at Notre Dame, to Miss Margaret Gooley, the cere- mony being celebrated by Rev. Father Granger. This union was blessed with four children, as follows: Walter, deceased, and Laura, Grace and William, who are attending St. Mary's parochial school at South Bend. Mrs. Belledin was called away May 28, 1887, and her remains were interred in Cedar Grove cemetery. The second marriage of Mr. Belledin was solemnized April 22, 1891, with Miss Ellen McGuire, at St. Columbkill church, Chicago, Ill., by Rev. Father Burke. Mr. Belledin is a member of St. John's society and of the Catholic Knights of America, council No. 701; he has also been a trustee of St. Mary's church of South Bend for over seven years, and contributed liberally toward the construction of both St. Mary's church-building and school-house, and has ever been one of the most active workers in all projects designed for the good of St. Mary's and the promotion of the spiritual and temporal welfare of the congregation.

JOHN G. BECKMANN, dealer in farm implements, and also grain and fertilzers, at Ferdinand, Ind., son of John G. and Anna (Mueller) Beckmann, was born January 4, 1852, and was reared in Dubois county. He was educated in the common schools and also at St. Mary's college at Dayton, Ohio, and at the age of twenty years began traveling for Wurach & Bergreen, of Louisville, with whom he remained four years. He next went into the poultry business up and down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and in 1881 went into the mercantile business in Ferdinand and continued in that line for twelve years. He then sold out and engaged in his present business.

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Mr. Beckmann first married Miss Lizzie Snyder, who died in 1887. The children by her were named Robert J. (deceased), Mary A., Ella N., and Charles, the last named also deceased. The sec- ond marriage of Mr. Beckmann took place January 27, 1891, to Miss Lizzie Sieber, and this union has been blessed with three chil- dren: Jerome, Arthur and one deceased. The family are devoted Catholics and are members of St. Ferdinand's church under Father Eberhard Stadler.

JOHN H. BECKMANN, tobacco manufacturer, planing-mill J proprietor, general merchant and dealer in machinery in gen- eral at Ferdinand, Dubois county, Ind., is a son of J. G. and Anna (Mueller) Beckmann, and was born March 12, 1842, in Fer- dinand, where he attended the common schools. The father was one of the first settlers of the county and was engaged in farming; he later moved to Ferdinand and went into the merchandizing business on a very small scale, having only $250 in cash. He lived until December 25, 1870, and his wife until February. 1880, and both died in Ferdinand. Dubois county.

John H. Beckmann was educated by Uncle Sam. He enlisted in company B, Ninety-first Indiana infantry, on August 12, 1862, and was honorably discharged at Salisbury, N. C., on June 26, 1865. He returned to Dubois county July 15, but went to Chicago for a short time, returning to Dubois county in 1866. He conducted a general merchandizing business for his sister in 1867, in Cannelton, and in 1868 went into merchandizing business for himself, continuing until 1883, when he sold out to his brother, owing to bad health. He then went to French Lick Springs awhile to recuperate. After regaining his health he returned to Ferdinand and engaged in the tobacco, clover and lumber business, which he conducts at the present time. Tobacco is his principal commodity, he being one of the largest dealers in this article in the state of Indiana. He deserves all the praise that could be bestowed upon any one individual for his tact, energy, honest deal- ing and general enterprise as a business man. Mr. Beckmann was married May 12, 1868, to his present wife, Miss Anna K. Smitz,

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a daughter of Henry Smitz, of Germany, who died in 1871, he being one of the first families of Germany. To their union have been born two children, one living, viz: Bertha, now the wife of William R. Sauer, of Louisville, Ky., but who resides in Ferdi- nand, Dubois county, engaged in business with his father-in-law. Both Mr. and Mrs. Beckmann and the daughter, Bertha, are strict and devout Catholics, and members of Father Eberhard's church.

JOHN HENRY BECKMANN, general merchant and dealer in clover-seed and produce, at Ferdinand, is a son of John G. and Anna C. (Mueller) Beckmann and was born in Dubois county, June 2, 1848; he attended common schools and St. Meinrad col- lege, also the Louisville Commercial college, and at the age of eighteen years engaged in business with his father, in general merchandizing, and is still thus engaged.

Mr. Beckmann was married on September 4, 1871, to Miss Katie Pfaff, a daughter of Joseph Pfaff, of Dubois county, but a native of Germany. This marriage has been blessed with ten chil- dren, viz: Laura, Emma, August, Ida, Huber and Hugo (twins, now aged sixteen years and attending college at Dayton, Ohio), Edward, Henrietta, Robert and Lucile. All of the family are faithful members of St. Ferdinand's church and are very highly respected. Mr. Beckmann occupies a storeroom 40 x 100 feet, car- ries a stock valued at $12,000, and is doing a thriving trade.

JOHN J. BEISEL. -- Few Catholics of Indianapolis have exer- J cised a more potent influence in behalf of the church than the well-known gentleman whose biography is herewith presented.

John J. Beisel is a native of Prussia, Germany, born on the historic Rhine, July 27, 1829. His parents were Henry Joseph and Mary Margaret Beisel, also natives of Prussia, where they passed their lives and where their bodies lie buried. The father

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

was, for many years, a gardener for one of the noble families of Prussia and is remembered as a man of sterling worth. Two full brothers, two half-brothers and three half-sisters of the subject constitute the family of the above Henry Joseph, he having been twice married-Mary Margaret being his first wife.

John J. was educated and grew to manhood in the land of his nativity and served three years in the Prussian army, taking part in the Baden revolution. At the age of twenty-two, he came to the United States, locating at Hudson, N. Y., where he remained thirteen years engaged in farming. He was married in Holy Cross church, Albany, N. Y., by Bishop McCloskey, July 4, 1853, the lady of his choice being Miss Philopena Buch, a native of Bavaria, Germany, born August 16, 1821. Mrs. Beisel came to America alone in 1851, and was reared a Protestant, but accepted the Cath- olic faith after her marriage.

Mr. Beisel moved to Cincinnati in 1865, and for twenty years thereafter was employed in the foundry and furnace business in that city. In 1885 he became a resident of Indianapolis, where he has since lived, spending the first seven years after his arrival in the car works, and the two succeeding years as an employee in the pump works of Dean Brothers; since severing his connection with the latter firm, he has been head melter at the Brown & Ketchum works, Haughville.

Mr. and Mrs. Beisel have been unfortunate with their family, four children having been born to them, all of whom died. The eldest was Philopena, who died in childhood, as did also Katherine and John Joseph. Mary Elizabeth, a most lovable daughter, grew to womanhood, married John Clouse and died several years after- ward. She was a devoted Christian, active in all the works of religion and charity, and on her death bed exacted a promise of her father that he would never relinquish his efforts until there was a Catholic church established in west Indianapolis. About that time he presented her a lot, which she transferred to the bishop to be used toward paying for the church. By reason of the above request, coupled with his own desire to see the church established, Mr. Beisel has been very active and liberal toward Assumption parish, sparing no reasonable efforts in inducing the settlement of

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

Catholic families in that part of the city, and giving freely of his means to the promotion of the faith of his fathers.

In company with Patrick Carey and James Coyle, he took the initiative in establishing the above named parish, in addition to which he also contributed much in behalf of the church of the Sacred Heart, where services were conducted in his native tongue. He served as church treasurer and was largely instrumental in rais- ing the money for the purchase of the church property. He was also a member of the board of trustees for some time, but his prin- cipal efforts have been along the line of soliciting outside aid to erect the church building, his people being poor in this world's goods and unable to contribute as fully as necessary. His life has been an unselfish sacrifice to duty, and the future awaits him with bountiful rewards.

G EORGE A. BENCKHART, one of the trustees of St. Charles' church, has been a resident of Bloomington since 1875, and is the proprietor of a thriving and popular bakery. He was born in Independence, Mo., June 8, 1848, the son of George A. and Maria (Webber) Benckhart, natives of Prussia, the former of whom came to America in 1844, when he was a young man, and followed his trade of merchant-tailor at New Orleans, where, in 1847, he was married to Maria, daughter of Francis Webber, who came to this country from Prussia in 1840. After their marriage the par- ents of our subject moved to Independence, Mo., thence to Louis- ville, Ky., and later lived in Indiana and Kentucky towns alter- nately. The mother died in 1870. There were nine children, of whom eight are still living: Our subject, the eldest; Mathias, who married Mary Short, and resides at Lexington, Ky., in the whole- sale bottling business; Theressa, married to Bernard Fotsch, of Lexington, Ky .; Henry, a merchant-tailor residing at Bloomington, who married Mary Cron; Mary, married to John Beers, of Indian- apolis; John, of Lexington, Ky., who married Mary Wecherley; Anthony, a baker, at Bloomington, who married Emma Small, and has one child, Elizabeth, born May 11, 1896; Joseph, a barber of

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

Lexington, Ky., who married Alice Dalton; Kate died in early womanhood. The father married a second time, Mary Echsner becoming his wife. Two years ago he was compelled to give up active business by reason of failing eyesight.

At the age of fifteen, George A. Benckhart began to learn the baker's trade, and worked in various towns in Kentucky, Tennes- see and Indiana, and in 1875 came to Bloomington, three years later engaging in business for himself, beginning with $75 cash, and building up a profitable trade. In 1888 he suffered a heavy loss by fire, but rebuilt on the site of the destroyed store and now owns his business building and residence combined, and two ad- joining storerooms, one of which is occupied by his brother Henry.

He was married, in 1877, to Mary Nold, who was born in Louisville, Ky., daughter of George Nold. Mr. and Mrs. Benck- hart have four children: Mary, born March 28, 1878; Mathias, January 14, 1880; Anna, November 26, 1882, and George, Febru- ary 20, 1886; also an adopted daughter, Margaret Nold, born No- vember 23, 1891. Mr. Benckhart attends closely to his own affairs. He is devoted to the church and its interests, but mingles little with political or public affairs.

R EV. BERNARDINUS ABBINK, chaplain of the Old People's Home, near Avilla, Noble county, Ind., was born in Cleve- land, Ohio, October 20, 1850, a son of Herman and Harriet (Halfkenscheid) Abbink, natives of Holland. These parents came to the United States at different periods and were united in marriage in Cleveland, where the father was engaged in the butchering business until 1850, when he transferred his family and business to Evanston, Ill., then a suburb of Chicago, but now a part of the Chicago incorporation, and there engaged in farming until his death, which occurred May 7, 1882, his widow being called to the better land, to join her husband, February 27, 1890.

Rev. Bernardinus Abbink, the eldest born of the seven children that by Heaven's blessing, were sent to gladden the hearts of his (84)

Bernardinus Abank

OLD PEOPLE'S HOME, AVILLA, IND.

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

parents, attended school at Grosspoint, Cook county, Ill., until twelve years of age, and then entered a seminary, in which he prepared by theological study for ordination, which was conferred by Bishop Borgess, following which he was stationed at Cross Village (or La Croix), Mich., St. Francis Assissi, an Indian mission, then in the diocese of Detroit, but now of Grand Rapids, where he officiated, as assistant, until 1889, then until May, 1896, as superior, his assistant being Rev. Anthony Baumgarten. His duties at Cross Village were very onerous, but he did good and faithful work, paying great attention to the education and the leading to the holy faith of the young children of the aborigines that could be induced to attend the Franciscan school. In 1896 he was appointed to his present charge, in the diocese of Fort Wayne, where his piety, benignity and devotedness have won the reverence of the aged flock over whom he presides.

C HARLES J. BERENS, proprietor of the Temple Court meat market, Washington, Ind., is a native of this city, was born September 11, 1859, and is a son of Peter and Anna (Callahan) Berens.

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History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II, Part 5

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Logansport, Ind., A. W. Bowen & co. Number of Pages: 1476

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Logansport, Ind., A. W. Bowen & co.
Number of Pages: 1476