History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II, Part 80

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

USA > Indiana > History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II > Part 80

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A UGUST SCHERER is a native of Bayern, Germany, born in Londmeigh parish, on the thirtieth day of August, 1845. His father, Henry Scherer, was born in the same locality in the year 1808, followed the pursuit of agriculture in his native country until 1859, and then came to the United States, locating near Dayton, Ohio, and purchasing a farm about three miles from that city, near a place known as Texas, where he passed the remaining years of his life. He was married in Bayern, Germany, in 1833, to Mary Perat, who was born in the year 1812 and who bore him four children, to-wit: John, an inmate of the Soldiers' home, Dayton, Ohio; Jacob, a resident of Dayton; Auboria, wife of George Spier, and August, the immediate subject of this sketch.

August Scherer passed his youthful years in his native country, in the schools of which he received his education, and after coming to America, in 1859, was apprenticed to learn the trade of collar- making in the city of Dayton. After becoming a proficient work- man, he followed the trade in Dayton five years and for a period of seventeen years carried on a shop in Richmond, Ind. For some time Mr. Scherer has been keeping a sample room on Main street, Richmond, having discontinued his trade. He was married in Dayton, Ohio, January 5, 1869, to Helen Reitz, the ceremony being solemnized by Father Hahn, and has a family of three chil- dren, Caroline, Anna and August. Mr. Scherer served as trustee (1228)

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

of St. Andrew's church for three years, and he was also a member of St. Joseph society of that parish; Mrs. Scherer belongs to the St. Ann's society, and is active in church and charitable work. Politically Mr. Scherer is a democrat, and while always taking an active interest in politics, is not a partisan in the sense of seeking official preferment.

E B. SCHENK, hardware merchant of Mt. Vernon, Ind., is a son of Francis and Maria Ann (Deig) Schenk, the father, who was a Prussian and the mother, a Bavarian, being both now deceased.

E. B. Schenk was born in Vanderburg county, Ind., July 10, 1844, and attended St. Philip's school in Posey county. At the age of twenty-two years he engaged in the steam-fitting business and remained in that for eight or ten years, and then engaged in the hardware business. In 1871 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Stahlhoefer, of Vanderburg county, and they have five children, viz: Mary Elizabeth, John E., Clements V., Mary L. and Mary Leonora. Of these, Mary Elizabeth is married to Joseph A. Schapker, of Evansville. The family are faithful members of the Catholic church, to the support of which they freely contribute of their means, and the teachings of which they conscientiously fol- low. Mr. Schenk has made his way through life by his own exer- tions, and no merchant of Mount Vernon has a name more honored for integrity and fair dealing.

J R. SCHERSCHEL, a well-known manufacturer of staves and headings, and dealer in lumber, at LaGro, Wabash county, Ind., was born in Hocking county, Ohio, April 16, 1843, and is a son of Rudolph and Barbara (Sahner) Scherschel, who came to this country in 1837 from Germany. After leaving school, at the age of sixteen years, he learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked, as a journeyman, until 1868, when he engaged in the manufacture of staves and headings on his own account in Oak-

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

land, Ohio, which he there successfully conducted until 1871, when he came to LaGro, Ind., and engaged in the same line of business and in the manufacture and sale of lumber, and also in the buying and selling of real estate, owning, at present, fine farm lands in Indiana and Kentucky, as well as valuable property in the cities of Wabash and LaGro.

Mr. Scherschel was united in marriage, in Cleveland, Ohio, August 20, 1872, with Miss Ottilia Esch, who was born in Ger- many January 28, 1848, a daughter of Dr. J. A. and Gertrude (Singzig) Esch, who came to America in 1866, and settled in Cleve- land, where the death of the father took place in 1888; the mother died at LaGro in 1890. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Esch, there are four still living. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Scherschel, which was solemnized in St. Peter's church by Rev. Father Westerholdt, has been blessed with four children, viz: Frederick, Rudolph, Ottilia (a student and teacher of music) and Carl W. The family are all members of St. Patrick's church, of LaGro, and the parents are members of the Rosary society, while Miss Ottilia is a member of the young ladies' sodality. Mrs. Scherschel is a highly accomplished lady, was a school-teacher in Germany, and after coming to America taught three years in the graded schools of Cleveland, Ohio. The family stand very high in the esteem of the residents of LaGro, and are strict in the observance of the teachings of the Catholic church, of which they are devoted members and to the support of which they are liberal contributors. In his business affairs Mr. Scherschel has been very prosperous, and is especially esteemed for his straightforward methods in all his transactions.

OHN J. SCHINDLER, a well-known business man of Misha- J waka, Ind., was born in Buffalo, N. Y., February 11, 1851, a son of Andrew and Rosa (Kuhn) Schindler, natives, respectively, of Germany and Switzerland.

Andrew Schindler, who was born in Baden, Germany, June 16, 1822, attended a parochial school of his native land until six-

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

teen years of age, and then came to America, landing in New York city in 1838, whence he went, via the Erie canal, to Buffalo, where he remained until 1864, marrying, in the meantime, Miss Rosa Kuhn, who was born in 1818. To this union have been born eight children, four of whom are still living, viz: John J., our subject; Andrew J., William N. and Joseph J. From Buffalo Mr. Schindler moved to Dunkirk, N. Y., where he engaged in hotel keeping until 1869, when he came to Mishawaka, Ind., and here engaged in the grocery trade and also resumed hotel keeping, and by close attention to both lines of business succeeded in acquiring a handsome competency. He died August 25, 1872, a devoted member of the Catholic church, and an honored citizen.

John J. Schindler attended St. Joseph academy, at Buffalo, until thirteen years old, when he came to Mishawaka and entered the employ of his uncles, the Kuhn Brothers, proprietors of the St. Joseph flouring-mills, with whom he worked eight years, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business. About this time his father passed away, and the subject assumed charge of the hotel and grocery, which he conducted in the interest of the family until 1879, from which date until 1887 he conducted them on his own account. In 1872, also, he secured the agency of the Girard Fire Insurance company, and in 1873 secured a steamship agency, in connection with which he carries on a foreign exchange business, which is constantly increasing. He now represents about thirty of the best fire insurance companies in existence, and is patronized by the heaviest insurers in the vicinity. In 1876 he was commis- sioned notary public and conveyancer, and in 1888 was elected on the democratic ticket trustee of Penn township by a majority of five votes, but so satisfactorily did he fill the office, that he was re-elected, in 1890, by a majority of 419. In 1880 he was admit- ted as an attorney in the interior department of the United States, and assigned to the pension bureau. From 1890 to 1894 he served as secretary of the county board of education, and still takes great interest in educational matters, having organized the township libraries, and having distributed over 2,000 volumes among the seventeen school districts of his township.

The marriage of Mr. Schindler was solemnized by Rev. John

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

H. Oechtering, now of Fort Wayne, May 20, 1879, with Miss Christina Fierstos, and this union was blessed with three children -- Aloysius J., John W. and Clara M. Mr. Schindler was bereft of his wife June 14, 1894, and his second marriage was solemnized by Rev. Father A. B. Oechtering, of St. Joseph's parish, Misha- waka. Mr. Schindler was a charter member of the Catholic Knights of America when the order was established in Mishawaka in 1884, and has served as its secretary ever since. He is also a trustee of St. Joseph's church, and Mrs. Schindler is a member of the Rosary and Christian societies attached thereto, while their sons act as altar boys during divine service at St. Joseph's. As a business man, Mr. Schindler has been a success from the beginning, and is recognized as one of the most enterprising and liberal- hearted citizens of Mishawaka.

JOSEPH MAURICE SCHITTER, a prosperous farmer of Dubois county and prominent as a layman of Ireland parish, כ was born in this county November 14, 1854, the fourth in the family of seven sons and three daughters born to Andrew and Genevieve (Hurst Schitter.

Andrew Schitter was born in Alsace-Lorraine, in 1816, and died in Dubois county, Ind., May 25, 1896. He was one of the workmen on the first Catholic church in Jasper, and also worked several years for Father Kundeck, the pioneer priest. His wife was a native of Baden, Germany, born in 1827, came to Dubois county when a child, and was here confirmed by Bishop de St. Palais. Her death took place in the Catholic faith in 1894, and of her children, who were left to mourn her loss, all still reside in Dubois county, with the exception of one son and one daughter, in Ken- tucky, and one son, in Vigo county, Ind.

Joseph M. Schitter was educated in the parochial schools at Jasper, and has passed his life in farming in Dubois county. May 13, 1879, he was joined in wedlock, by Rev. Father Fidelis, at Jasper with Miss Lena Schmitt, who has blessed their marriage with two sons and seven daughters, viz: Albert A., Anna T., Maggie V., Apol-

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

lonia, Katie J., Lizzie, Lena, Martina, and Sylvester, of whom the eldest three have been confirmed by Bishop Chatard. Mrs. Lena Schitter was born in Dubois county October 22, 1860, a daughter of Adam and Magdalene (Hochsang) Schmitt, and was confirmed by Bishop de St. Palais. When Mr. and Mrs. Schitter began married life their means were limited and the farm they at present own was in the wilderness with the exception of four acres, which had been cleared; but by working with one steady aim in view, they have now as good a farm as there is in the county.

In politics Mr. Schitter is a democrat. He cast his first presi- dential vote for Samuel J. Tilden, and has strictly adhered to his party ever since. He has served as a trustee of his church in Ire- land parish for two years and is highly respected for his religious sincerity. His little daughter, Lizzie, was the first child baptized in St. Mary's church in Ireland and the first baptized by Father Bernard in his life. The father of Mr. Schitter was a singer in the choir at Jasper thirty-five years, which is something unusual, and, in fact, the entire family are devoted Catholics.

JOSEPH SCHLEGEL, a prominent merchant of Huntingburg, is one of four children born to Joseph and Magdalen (Rich) Schlegel. The parents were born in Baden, Germany, and came to America in 1853, locating in Louisville, Ky., where Joseph was born November 30, 1854. He was reared, however, in Dubois county, Ind., attended the ordinary schools until he was seventeen and then learned his trade of harnessmaking, and after serving three years went to Indianapolis and worked for one year. He then returned to Dubois county, and has resided here ever since, doing a very prosperous trade, and carrying a stock valued at $1, 500.

He was united in marriage to Mary Woerter, a daughter of A. Woerter, of Ferdinand, and this union has been blessed with nine children, viz: Mary M., Frank E., Lena M., William J., Joseph G., Mena T., Laura R., Edwin J. and Louisa K. Both parents and children are strict members of the St. Mary's church, and Mr. Schlegel is also a member of the Ancient Order of United

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Workmen. As a business man Mr. Schlegel is polite and affable and his name stands without reproach, and he and family are among the most respected residents of Huntingburg.

A NDREW SCHMITT, a leader among the laity of Ireland par- ish, Dubois county, Ind., was born in the county, October I, 1856, and is the fourth in a family of five sons and four daughters born to Adam and Magdalene (Hochsang) Schmitt, and of these nine there are five still living, viz: Apollonia, now Mrs. Sprauer, of Huntingburg, Ind .; Martina, wife of Joseph Dischinger, residing near Jasper; Andrew, whose name opens this article; Lena, wife of Joseph Schitter, a farmer of Ireland parish, and Joseph, a farmer of the same parish. The parents of these children are both natives. of Germany and are still living in Dubois, are devout Catholics, and all their children were confirmed by Bishop de St. Palais, with the exception of the youngest, who was confirmed by Bishop Cha- tard. The father, a practical miller as well as farmer, settled in Dubois county in 1840, and is now living with his helpmate in retirement, enjoying the fruits of his early industry.

Andrew Schmitt received the usual common-school education, was confirmed at the age of fourteen years, and was reared to man- hood on his father's farm. October 29, 1878, he was united in marriage, by the Rev. Father Fidelis, to Miss Lizzie Dischinger, the union being blessed with seven children, of whom, however, one son is now deceased. The survivors are: Theressa, who was educated in the parochial and common schools, was confirmed by Bishop Chatard at the age of twelve years, and is now of invalua- ble assistance to her parents; Frank J., educated in the parochial schools and confirmed by the same bishop, is rapidly becoming a thoroughly practical farmer; William, who was confirmed at the age of thirteen years, is a young man of great promise; Magdalena, who has just taken her first communion, is a very bright little miss; Katie, the next in order of birth, is an interesting child, and Apol- lonia, the youngest, is the sunbeam of the household.

Mrs. Lizzie Schmitt was born in Dubois county, Ind., March (1234)

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

17, 1869, the sixth child in George and Johanna (Burkhardt) Dischinger's family of three sons and eight daughters. Her par- ents, both Catholics, came from Germany, and her mother's family was amongst the first settlers of Jasper. Mr. Dischinger was reared a farmer, but is now deceased; his wife, however, is still

living. Mrs. Schmitt was educated in the Sisters' school, and, since thirteen years ago, has been a devoted Catholic. She is a tender and loving wife and mother, and her home she makes a paradise. When Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt began housekeeping they had but a small capital; but they have worked together and have now as comfortable a home as there is in the parish, and enjoy, beside, a competency.

When Ireland parish was founded, Mr. Schmitt was one of the principal leaders in establishing the church, and has always assisted freely in its support. He has been a trustee for two years, and has always been ready to do his duty on all occasions. In politics he is a stanch democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden. He and wife are among the most cordial and genial of the residents of Jasper, and have a family in which they may well take a just pride.

E GINHARD SCHMITT, manager for the firm of Schmitt & Heinly, proprietors of the Golden Rule dry-goods store, Logansport, Ind., was born in Unterscheidenthal amt Buchen, Grosherzogthum, Baden, Germany, July 11, 1856, a son of Johann Adam and Eva Schmitt, parents of four children, viz: Anna, widow of Valentine Minnich, and residing in Logansport; Eginhard, the subject of this biographical notice; Mary, wife of William Kraut, of Logansport, and Hermann, a dry-goods merchant of Danville, Ill.

Johann Schmitt, the father, having been bereft of his wife in 1870, came to the United States in 1872, and for three years was employed in the shops of the Panhandle railroad, then returned to Germany, but later made a second visit to America, re-married, and is now owner of a linseed oil-mill in Buchen.

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Eginhard Schmitt, who was the first member of his family to come to the United States (in 1871), had received an excellent education in his native land, and after his arrival in this country attended public school at Winamac, Ind., for three months, which, with daily practical experience in the English tongue, sufficed to accomplish his purpose. He then learned the tinner's trade, became an adept, and received for his services in this line $3.50 per day. Work becoming slack, however, he decided to acquire a knowledge of business, and entered a mercantile establishment at $3 per week, became an expert salesman, and advanced step by step, until, in 1883, he formed a partnership with C. O. Heffley, under the style of Schmitt & Heffley, and did a very suc- cessful dry-goods trade in Logansport until the panic of 1893- 94 forced this firm, like many others, to succumb and close out their business, although Mr. Schmitt had acquired a

competence in the meantime. In 1895, Mr. Schmitt was appointed manager of the Golden Rule dry-goods house, which was that year established by his brother, Hermann, and A. W. Heinley, of Danville, Ill., and which is now the leading dry-goods house of Logansport, employing twenty-five clerks. Hermann Schmitt has had a phenomenal career as a merchant, as he began learning the business at twenty-five cents per week, but at the age of sixteen years received a salary of $100 per month, and is now a wealthy man.

The marriage of Eginhard Schmitt took place, in 1880, to Miss Susie C. Hoover, a native of Indiana, but who was left an orphan in infancy, in consequence of which she was reared in the Orphans' home at Rensselaer, Jasper county, Ind., although her father was quite a wealthy man. To the genial union of Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt have been born two children-Lulu B. and Hermann O .- and the family reside in their handsome dwelling at No. 218 West Market street. They are members of St. Joseph's church, and Mr. Schmitt is a member of the Catholic Knights of America, of the Knights of St. John and of St. Joseph's Benevolent society. He is a pleasant, genial and affable gentleman, is one of the best business men of the city, as his career in trade plainly indicates, and personally enjoys the esteem of a wide circle of friends.

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

C HARLES J. SCHMITT, one of the most highly-respected citizens of Princeton, Ind., is a native of Gibson county, was- born September 29, 1862, and is the tenth of a family of fourteen children- seven sons and seven daughters- born to Charles B. and Magdalena (Hartmann) Schmitt, and of these fourteen, seven still survive, of whom Joseph is a merchant in the Indian Territory, although in early life was prepared for the priesthood; Mary is the wife of Prof. Mustard, who graduated from St. Meinrad's college and is now eminent as a teacher of music at Louisville, Ky., and Anna is the wife of Patrick Golden, a retired business man of Princeton, Ind. The other survivors reside in Gibson county.

At the age of thirteen years, Charles J. Schmitt was confirmed in the Catholic faith by Bishop de St. Palais; he attended the parochial school four years and the public school two years, and then took a course in Rauk & Wright's Business college at Evans- ville. At the early age of fourteen years he apprenticed himself to a saddler, and for five years followed the trade, which he relin- quished to become a salesman in a grocery store, and three years later took the road as salesman for a large saddlery and hardware firm, with whom he remained eighteen months. In 1894 he estab- lished himself in business in Princeton, and has been rewarded with the success his energy and business talents so well deserve.

Mr. Schmitt was joined in wedlock, June 7, 1892, by Rev. B. Hammer, at St. Joseph's church, with Miss Anna Baxter, and this union has been blessed with two daughters. Mrs. Schmitt is a daughter of John Baxter, of Princeton, was born in 1870, and at the age of sixteen years was confirmed by Bishop Chatard.

In politics Mr. Schmitt is a sound democrat and was an advo- cate of the free-silver theory promulgated by William Jennings Bryan, of whom he is a great admirer. He is also a power in local politics, and liberally contributes toward all public enter- prises of merit. He was the chief promoter of the order of Catholic Knights in Princeton, of which the local branch now numbers twenty-five members, and is also a liberal contributor to the support of the church, its schools and sodalities.

Mr. Schmitt owns a very pretty modern cottage residence on Race street, beside other valuable real estate. He is a gentleman

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

of refined taste, and his elegantly furnished home is supplied with a fine library, containing the works of the more celebrated authors in fiction and biography, including complete editions of the produc- tions of Dickens, Thackeray, Cooper, Scott, and others, and the biographies of Blaine, Logan, Stanley, Talmage, and Ingersoll, as well as standard encyclopedias. When it is remembered that Mr. Schmitt commenced his business life with but little capital, due credit will be accorded him for his sagacity and energy, and the high respect in which he is held in business and social circles is but a fit tribute to his personal merits.

JOHN ANDREW SCHMOLL, the senior member of the gro- cery and provision firm of Schmoll Bros., Peru, Ind., was born in this city, August 3, 1857, a son of Michael and Adelaine (Speck) Schmoll. The parents were natives of Germany, came to America in 1853 and 1854 respectively, and were married in Peru, where the father was engaged in tailoring until 1860, and then in the grocery trade until his death, which occurred in June, 1871; the mother still lives in Peru, she and her two children, John Andrew and John Cornelius, being faithful members of the Catho- lic church.

John Andrew Schmoll was confirmed in the faith of the Lutheran church and adhered to that faith until sixteen years old, when, in 1873, he was converted to Catholicism, and since that time has been faithful and active in the work of this denomination. He attended the public schools of Peru until thirteen years of age and was then employed as an assistant in the flax-mill of this city for a year; he next worked a year in the Singer Sewing Machine factory, and then went to Effingham, Ill., took a course of study preparatory to his entering the Catholic church, in July, 1873, when he returned to Peru, entered a telegraph office, learned the art of telegraphy, then clerked in a bakery two years, then in a grocery until 1882, or for about eight years, and then for a year clerked in a clothing store in Michigan. In 1883, in partnership with his brother, John Cornelius, he embarked in the grocery trade

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

at the present stand in Peru, and has ever since done a prosperous business under the firm name of Schmoll Bros .- owning their fine business block of four stories.

The marriage of Mr. Schmoll took place in Peru, November 22, 1892, to Miss Mary Burke, who was born in Ireland in Novem- ber, 1857. To this union there has been born one child-Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Schmoll are faithful to their church duties, and Mr. Schmoll is, beside, a member of the Catholic Knights of America. As a business man he has been very prosperous, and the firm name stands without a flaw in the business circles of northeast Indiana.

JOSEPH SCHNEIDER, the popular general merchant of Fulda, Spencer county, Ind., is a native of this place, was born March 16, 1863, and is the fifth in order of birth in a family of eight chil- dren-three sons and five daughters-born to Bernard and Mary (Greskam) Schneider.

Joseph Schneider attended the parochial or common schools until he was twelve years of age, when he entered St. Meinrad's college and attended two years, taking the full business course. He was confirmed at the age of twelve at Fulda, by Bishop Cha- tard, and remained with his parents on their farm until the age of thirty years, then commenced business for himself as a merchant. He has been thrice married. The second marriage was with Miss Elizabeth Hurm, by Father Augustine Falley, and one child was born to this union, Elizabeth, now aged six years. Mrs. Schneider died November 8, 1893, and for the third wife he was married, by Rev. Father Villinger, February 15, 1894, to Miss Haller, a native of Spencer county, Ind., and one child has been born to this mar- riage, Joseph, now aged four years.

Mr. and Mrs. Schneider are both prominent members of St. Boniface parish. Mr. Schneider is the leading merchant in Fulda and carries a large stock of general merchandise. He is the post- master and was appointed in 1893 under President Cleveland's administration. He owns over 200 acres of land in Spencer ·county, is a well-to-do man, and is respected for his unswerv- ing integrity.

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History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II, Part 80

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