USA > Indiana > History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II > Part 89
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F RANK A. VOIROL, of Fort Wayne, is a native of Switzerland, where he followed his trade of watchmaking until he came to. the United States in 1849, landing in New York. From there he came to Fort Wayne, where he engaged in the jewelry business, which he continued until 1895, when, on account of failing eye- sight, he gave up the business, which is now being conducted by his son, Frank J.
Frank A. Voirol was born May 11, 1820, and was married in October, 1847, to Miss Clara Baurat, to which union were born twelve children, of whom eleven are living, viz: Melina M., mar- (1348)
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ried to H. Andrews, of Peru, Ind .; Emuel, Julian, Frank J., Joseph, Edward, Louis, Jules, Johnnie, Mary and Emma, the last named married to F. Reed. The family are all members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Voirol is a member of the St. Joseph Benevolent society and of the St. Vincent sodality, and has always been a quiet and useful citizen and has won for himself the respect of his fellow-citizens, with whom he has for so many years been closely allied.
P ROF. F. X. VOLLMER, organist at the church of the Sacred Heart, Indianapolis, was born in Baden, Germany, July 5, 1859, and in his twelfth year came to the United States with his brother Henry, and at once entered St. Meinard's college, in Spen- cer county, Ind., where he passed three years in the study of Latin, with the intention of preparing himself for the priesthood, but subsequently relinquished this design and pursued a commer- cial course in the same institution, in order to fit himself for teach- ing. This vocation he followed from the fall of 1876 until 1886, when, his health failing, he made a trip to his native land, where he recovered his health after a stay of four months, when he returned to America, located at Napoleon, Ripley county, Ind., where he resumed teaching and followed the profession two years, when his health again gave way, and, as a matter of relief, he engaged in the jewelry business in Evansville. Prof. Vollmer was always possessed of a natural genius for music, and had given much attention to church and choral details in this art, and while in busi- ness at Evansville he was proffered his present position, which was precisely adapted to his taste and experience. As an organist, as well as vocal instructor, Prof. Vollmer is unexcelled, and the con- gregation of the church of the Sacred Heart may well congratu- late themselves on the wisdom exercised by the church authorities in selecting him as their organist.
The marriage of Prof. Vollmer was solemized at Napoleon, Ind., October 14, 1890, with Miss Cornelia Meyer, and this union has been blessed with three children, viz: William H., Frank H. and Alına Mary Theressa. The parents are true Catholics, and
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are highly respected in both church and society circles, and Prof. Vollmer, through his affability and urbanity, has won many warm personal friends since he has taken up his residence in Indianapolis.
H ERMAN VOLLMER, a leading business man of Princeton, Gibson county, Ind., and one of the trustees of St. Joseph's church, is a native of Baden, Germany, was born February 18, 1861, and is a son of Joseph and Walburga (Mauer) Vollmer, whose family consisted of six sons and one daughter, the subject of this sketch, Herman, being the fifth in order of birth. Joseph, the father, was a forest-keeper by calling and died in Germany in 1866, at the age of sixty-four years; of the children, four sons and the daughter still survive, viz: Joseph, a graduate of the univer- sity of Freiberg, Germany, and now a practicing physician and sur- geon of Hutchinson, Minn .; Francis X., who occupies a professor's chair in the Sacred Heart college of Indianapolis, Ind. ; Herman, whose name opens this paragraph; Charles, a merchant of Evans- ville, and Theressa is still at the old home in Germany, and is the wife of Rudolph Lang, an architect.
Herman Vollmer was confirmed at Durbach when fourteen years old, received a very good common-school education and later graduated from the watch and clockmaker's schools of Frei- berg and Furtwangen, Baden. In 1879 he went to England and worked at his vocation at New-Castle-on-Tyne until 1882, when he came to America, landing at Boston, Mass., whence he came direct to Princeton, Ind., and has here ever since been engaged in business on his own account-although he had nothing but his tools, when he reached Evansville on his way to his present home. But he was skillful and industrious, prospered in his calling, and now carries the most complete stock of watches, jewelry, etc., in the city of Princeton. Heis also time inspector for the Louisville, Evansville & St. Louis Railroad company, and ranks high as a busi- ness man of the strictest integrity.
Mr. Vollmer was united in marriage, at Princeton, September 1, 1885, by Rev. P. Hommes, to Miss Mary C. Keimer, a native
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of Gibson county, born August 6, 1863, a daughter of Thaddeus Keimer. and confirmed at the age of thirteen years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Vollmer has been blessed with three sons and two daughters, of whom, however, the eldest has been called away, the survivors being, Herman Joseph, Rudolph Arthur, Mary Christina and Anna Theresia. The parents are liberal in their aid to the church, and Mr. Vollmer, beside being a trustee of the same, is a member of the Evansville branch, No. 77, of the Catholic Knights of America, and a charter member of the Baden Benefit society of Evansville. In politics he is a democrat and takes a lively inter- est in the welfare of his city, where he is held in the highest esteem both in social and business circles.
H ENRY FREDERICK VOLLMER, one of the foremost busi- ness men of Washington, Daviess county, Ind., is a native of Hanover, Germany, was born May 15, 1852, a son of Henry and Sophia (Gerke) Vollmer, parents of five children, viz: Theressa, deceased; Jacob, of Germany; Joseph, deceased; Henry F., the subject, and Theodore, the last named still in Germany-all of whom received good educations, the parents, who are now deceased, having been well to do. The father was a prime mover in estab- lishing a sugar factory, and a man of great strength of character, and was, with his wife, a sincere Catholic.
Henry F. Vollmer was classically educated in Hildesheim, Germany, and at the age of seventeen years sailed for America, landing in New York city in June, 1867. From New York he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was variously employed, working, in one instance, for Ferdinand Bodemann three years, and later serving an apprenticeship of two years at carriage paint- ing. In 1872 he came to Washington, Ind., and engaged in the same line on his own account. In 1875 he bought a general store at the corner of Mill and Center streets, and this he has ever since conducted. Subsequently he erected a pork-packing estab- lishment on the opposite side of the street from his store and has here also been doing a thriving business ever since.
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October 3, 1873, Mr. Vollmer was married, in the old St. Simon's church, by Rev. Father Gueguen (now deceased), to Miss Louisa Miller, a native of Washington, Ind., and a daughter of Jacob and Eva (Hegsdens) Miller, of Stockstadt, Bavaria, and to this union have been born ten children, viz: Mary T., Henry J., Sophie E., Anna J., Otilla C., Theodore J., Carl, Leo, Oscar F. (deceased), and Francis D. The family belong to St. Mary's Catholic con- gregation, of which Mr. Vollmer became a trustee in 1887, has been treasurer since the same year, and a member of the choir since the organization of the congregation.
In politics Mr. Vollmer is a democrat, and twice was elected to the city council, a third time refusing the honor. In 1890 he was elected a member of the school board and twice he has been re-elected, now serving his third term. He is president of the board, and during his incumbency of the office the south end and west end school buildings and new high school have been erected, and a great deal of money has been expended on the improvement of the central school building, and that he has a warm place in the hearts of our people is testified by the fact that when he was first elected to the council his majority was larger than any other man in the city ever received, and for the second term the republicans put up no opposition against him.
Mr. Vollmer has been active in business and social circles of Washington since he came here. He is a public-spirited citizen and few men in the community stand as well with the people as he does. For over a quarter of a century his name has been identi- fied with the business institutions of Washington, and no man in the city stands better in business and social circles than does Henry Vollmer.
R' EV. FREDERICK VON SCHWEDLER, the venerable pastor of St. Patrick's church, in Chesterton, Porter county, Ind., is a native of the province of Westphalia, Prussia, was born in Feb- ruary, 1841, and is a son of Theodore and Gertrude (Von Hannes) Von Schwedler. He received his education in Innspruck, Lorraine and Rome, and was ordained priest August 12, 1869, at Fort (1352)
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Wayne, Ind., immediately upon his arrival in America. His first charge was at Union City, Randolph county, Ind., and next at St. Joseph's church, Logansport; thence was transfered to St. Mary's church, at Fort Wayne, and thence to Decatur, Adams county, where his labors were blessed by his success in erecting St. Mary's church. In 1877 Father Von Schwedler left the Fort Wayne dio- cese and attached himself to the Peoria diocese, of Illinois, and was stationed at Gilman, where he erected a new church and remained until 1879, when he was assigned to St. Boniface congre- gation, at Peoria, which he organized and erected a church, school and a brick parsonage, and remained until 1892, when he rejoined the Fort Wayne diocese and was assigned to Monroeville, Ind., where he officiated until 1895, when he was placed in charge of the pastorate of St. Anthony, Benton county; there he remained until 1898, when he was given his present charge of St. Patrick's, at Chesterton, Porter county. Here he has labored as assiduously as elsewhere, and already has in course of erection a brick school- building, 73 x 54 feet and two stories high.
Father Von Schwedler is an accomplished and eloquent divine, and is well fitted both by nature and education for his sacred calling.
JOHN W. VOLPERT, a very prominent citizen and business J man of Peru, Ind., was born in Louisville, Ky., May 21, 1863, a son of Casper and Christine (Solomon) Volpert, natives of Bay- ern, Germany. These parents came to America in 1845, and first located in New Albany, Ind., where they resided until 1851, when they removed to Louisville, Ky., where for a time the father was engaged in stonemasonry, and later entered the dry-goods trade. In 1891 the mother came to Peru on a visit to her son, our subject, who had already made his home here, and on this visit was taken ill and died, in the faith of the Catholic church, December 31, of that year. The father then relinquished his business in Louisville, Ky., and in 1892 also came to Peru, where he has since resided, retired from active business and making his home at the dwelling of subject. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Volpert,
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seven grew to maturity, are still living, and are all faithful Catholics.
John W. Volpert attended a parochial school in Louisville, Ky., until thirteen years old, and then apprenticed himself to a horseshoer for four years; he then worked at the trade for six years as a journeyman, and on March 29, 1886, came to Peru, Ind., and entered into a partnership with a Mr. Hays, for the pur- pose of conducting a general blacksmithing and horseshoing busi- ness, which has been continued with the most decided success until the present time.
Mr. Volpert was united in marriage, October 29, 1887, with Miss Mary A. Spitznagle, born at Logansport, Ind., and this mar- riage has been crowned by the births of six children, in the follow- ing order: John W., Frank C., Anna M., Lucille A., Fidailes and Loretta, all members of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic con- gregation.
As a Catholic Knight of America, Mr. Volpert is quite promi- nent, being chief of staff of the uniform rank, the second highest office in the United States; he held the rank of brigadier-general under Maj .- Gen. Leo J. Kadeske for two years, and was reap- pointed by Maj .- Gen. J. W. Nordhaus, successor to Kadeske, in 1897, for two years longer; he also held the position of vice- president and trustee of St. Joseph's branch No. 42, C. K. of A., and was delegate to the convention of the knights held at Coluni- bus, Ind., in 1896. In 1898 he was appointed by Supreme Presi- dent Edward Feeney as organizer of Catholic Knights, and in the performance of the duties pertaining to this position has been both energetic and successful, being the organizer of the Volpert zouaves, company A, of this order, and is at present a member of branch No. 42, St. Charles commandery, in which he has served as president and financial secretary.
REV. JAMES JOSEPH WADE, the venerated pastor of St. - Bridget's church at Liberty, Union county, Ind., was born in Madison, Jefferson county, August 9, 1867, a son of Thomas and Julia (Quinn) Wade.
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Thomas Wade, the father, was born in county Galway, Ire- land, in 1839, in the parish of Kilkern, and came to America in 1866, landing in the city of New York, whence he came directly to Indiana, located in Madison, where for twenty-five years he was engaged in the seed business, and then removed to Indianapolis, whence he was called to his long home in 1893, dying in the faith of the Catholic church, of which he had been a life-long member. He had been married, in Madison, Ind., in 1866, at St. Michael's church, to Miss Julia Quinn, by the Rev. Father Dupontavice, and the marriage was blessed with the following-named children: James Joseph, the subject of this memoir; Patrick, now of St. Louis, Mo .; Martin, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Ella, of Indianapolis, Ind. ; Mary, wife of James Kelly, of the same city, and Thomas, deceased, his death occurring in the Railroad city, as the capital of this state has been christened.
Rev. James J. Wade attended the parochial schools of Mad- ison until fifteen years of age, and in 1882 entered St. Meinrad college, where he studied the classics five years. In 1888 and 1889, he studied philosophy at Bardstown, Ky., after which he took a course in theology in St. Mary's of the West, at Cincinnati, Ohio. He was ordained priest at Sts. Peter and Paul's chapel, Indianapolis, Ind., June 24, 1893, by Right Rev. Bishop Chatard, and immediately thereafter was appointed assistant pastor of St. John's church of that city, and filled the position until July 25, 1895, when he was appointed to his present charge, where he has manifested much zeal in promoting the welfare of his congregation, in whose hearts he holds as warm a place as it is possible for any pastor to hold, and whose spiritual welfare is his constant care and study.
M ICHAEL C. WADE, manufacturer of trunks and dealer in travelers' supplies, at No. 327 Market street, Logansport, is a native of New York city and was born June 7, 1849.
Patrick and Mary (Wallace) Wade, parents of Michael C., were born in county Wexford, Ireland, where they were reared and married, and shortly after the latter event came to the United
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'States. For a time they lived in New York city, and later in Albany, N. Y., where the mother passed away. About 1854 the family came to Indiana, locating in LaFayette, where the father was in the employ of the Wabash Railroad company. To Patrick and Mary Wade were born six children, four of whom died young, the two that reached maturity and who are still living being Mary, the wife of Valentine G. Dickhout, of Terre Haute, Ind., and Michael C., the subject of this biographical sketch. Patrick Wade next married a Mrs. McDonald, who bore him one son- John L., now a tailor of Independence, Kans. The death of Patrick Wade took place in Attica, Ind., in 1858, in the faith of the church of Rome.
Michael C. Wade, left an orphan at the age of nine years, was employed by farmers in the vicinity of LaFayette until four- teen years old, and then, in October, 1865, enlisted, child though he was, in company C, Seventy-second Indiana volunteer infantry, and fought at Big Shanty, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Selma and with Sherman to the sea, in daily skirmishes for weeks. His brigade (Wilder's mounted infantry) was later stationed at Macon and at Atlanta, Ga., and at Chattanooga, Tenn., and was finally mustered out at Nashville in October, 1865, Mr. Wade being then a little over sixteen years of age, but sound in body and limb, with the exception of one finger, lost in battle.
After the war Mr. Wade returned to LaFayette, but in March, 1866, went west, where he was engaged in mining and other work until 1871, traversing, meanwhile, nearly the whole of the western states and territories. He then returned to Indiana. located in Terre Haute, there learned his trade of trunkmaking, and in 1876 came to Logansport and established the only shop then or now in the city devoted solely to this line of business. While in Terre Haute, Mr. Wade was united in marriage, October 8, 1874, by Rev. Father McEvoy, of St. Joseph's church, to Miss Susannah Smith, a native of Shelby county, Ohio, but no children have come to bless this union.
In politics a democrat, Mr. Wade takes great interest in local affairs, and for six years represented his party in the Third ward- of Logansport, as a member of the city council. It was while he
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was an incumbent of this responsible body, that the sewerage system of the city was founded, Mr. Wade being chairman of the committee on sewers and sewage, and it was also during his last term that the electric light system was adopted.
Mr. and Mrs. Wade are members of St. Joseph's church, at which they are punctual in their attendance, and to the support of which they liberally contribute of their means. Mr. Wade is also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and of the Inde- pendent Order of Foresters, of the former of which order he has been county president four years. He has always been an indus- trious and useful citizen, has made all he is worth through his per- sonal efforts, and now owns his place of business, combined with his residence, beside unimproved city property, and is a greatly respected gentleman, possessed of friends without number.
P ATRICK WADE, one of the best-known business men of Madison, Ind., was born in county Galway, Ireland, March 6, 1842, a son of Martin and Ann (Burns) Wade, of whom the former came to America in 1849, and settled in Madison.
Martin Wade was reared a farmer, but on reaching Madison engaged at common laboring, as he was not a wealthy man at that time. But he was industrious and thrifty, and in 1850 was able to send for his wife and children. In 1858 he engaged in the feed trade and prospered greatly until 1882, when he was succeeded in the business by his son, Patrick, while he, himself, retired to private life. To his marriage with Miss Burns were born two children, Patrick and John, the latter being now a married man, with a large family, and doing a wholesale grain trade in Memphis, Tenn. Mrs. Ann Wade was called away September 19, 1872, at the age of seventy-two years, and Mr. Wade died November 18, 1891, in his seventy-fourth year. They were both devoted Catholics, and Mr. Wade was very liberal in his contributions from his ample means to the support of the church and its good work.
Patrick Wade was educated in St. Michael's school, and after finishing his studies assisted his father in business until 1881, when
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he became a partner, and in 1882 succeeded his father as sole owner. April 26, 1864, he married Miss Celia Langan, a native of county Mayo, Ireland, and a daughter of Peter Langan, the cer- emony taking place in St. Michael's church, Madison. The mother of Mrs. Wade died in Ireland very suddenly, just as the family were preparing to emigrate to the United States, but a short time afterward the remainder of the family set sail and reached Jen- nings county, Ind., prior to 1850. The father was a farmer, and died a faithful Catholic, his remains being interred in St. Catherine's cemetery, Jennings county, Ind. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Wade has been blessed with six children, born in the following order: Mary, Ella, Margaret, Martin, John and Anna.
Of the paternal uncles of Patrick Wade, Thomas lived for some years in Madison, then removed to Indianapolis, where he passed the remainder of his life, and, dying, left a large family, one son, James, being now a priest; Patrick, another uncle, died in San Francisco, Cal .; Stephen lives in Belleville, Canada, and Henry died in Australia.
Patrick Wade, the subject, is a democrat in politics, but has never sought office. For several years he has been a trustee of St. Michael's church, and has always been liberal toward its support. He is one of the original stockholders in Home Building associa- tion, No. 5, and for the past eighteen years has been a director. He owns several good business blocks, beside his pleasant residence at No. 419 West Main street, and he and family are among the most respected residents of the city of Madison.
DEV. CHARLES J. WAGNER, pastor of St. Rupert's parish, in Yankeetown, Warrick county, is a native of Dubois county, Ind., was born October 30, 1867, and is the fifth in a family of seven children born to William and Barbara (Wigger) Wagner. His primary education was completed in the common schools, and in 1880 he entered St. Meinrad's college, in Spencer county, and there finished the philosophical and theological course of study, was graduated, and was ordained priest in 1890 by Bishop Louis (1358)
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M. Fink, O. S. B., D. D. His first work after ordination was as substitute at Argentine, Kans., in the fall of 1890, and was in this position for two months; thence was sent as priest to the Holy Angel Guardian church, Ottawa, Kans., and was there for three months.
On account of his health failing him, he took a release, went upon a European tour, and passed two years there. He returned to his native land August 14, 1893, and was assigned to St. Rupert's parish, his present charge, and with this work he has the mission of St. John the Baptist at Newburg, Ind., eight miles distant from St. Rupert's, with a membership of twenty-five families and a beau- tiful church, the property at Newburg being valued at $3, 500. He also has charge of St. Clement's mission at Boonville, Ind., which has a membership of twelve families. The church building at Boonville is valued at $7,000. The number of families in St. Rupert's parish numbers thirty, and the attendance, 150 persons. Father Wagner erected, in 1893, the school-building, and the priest's home in 1894, and the value of his parish property is placed at $4,000.
THOMAS R. WALKER, the prominent and well-known miller at Washington, Ind., of the firm of Walker, Norris & Co., was born at Dover Hill, Martin county, Ind., May 24, 1856, son of Thomas and Mary (Fox) Walker, the former a native of Taylor county, Ky., and the latter the widow of John Halbert. There were five children in this family: Thomas R. and William E. (twins), Henry H., George A. and Susan.
Our subject was only three years of age when his parents moved to Loogootee, Ind. He received the advantages of the parochial schools until he was sixteen years of age, when he took a course at the Cecilian college in Hardin county, Ky. He remained on the homestead at Loogootee until August of 1895, when he moved to Washington and purchased a third interest in the prosperous milling business of Walker, Norris & Co. This firm has operated most successfully one of the best mills in this section of the state, manufacturing flour, feed, etc. It has a
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capacity of 100 barrels a day, and the superior quality of its prod- ucts commands for it a very extensive trade of much more than local importance. Mr. Walker is superintendent and manager of the institution, and possesses great capability in this direction. He is a substantial citizen and a gentleman of much personal worth. His is one of the most prominent families in St. Simon's parish, the church profiting largely by reason of his liberality and activity in all matters pertaining to the material welfare of the parish. He owns his residence property on State street, and his family is very comfortably situated in this city of pleasant homes. He is a member of the Y. M. I. Politically, he affiliates with the demo- cratic party, and, though not an active worker, gives his thought- ful attention to politics and to local affairs generally.
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