History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II, Part 97

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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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

bought in the interest of his brother, and has since carried on the business on his sole account, carrying at present a stock valued at $4,000.

To the marriage of Frank Endress with Miss Elizabeth Frei- hant, daughter of Frank and Theresa (Scherer) Freihant, have been born the following named children: Frank T., Jacob, Walter G., Clemmens, Edmund, Tillie, Loretta, Anna and Mary E. The fam- ily are devoted Catholics and belong to St. Mary's congregation and Mr. Endress is, beside, a member of St. Joseph's society.

Mr. Endress is recognized as a leading citizen of Evansville, and is the occupant of one of the most prominent buildings in the east end of the city as a dwelling and place of business. He is active in the affairs of his church and very liberal in his contribu- tions toward its support, but has never sought official position either in the church or in the government of the city. The family is universally respected and have many warm friends, both Cath- olics and non-Catholics.

R EV. PETER W. SCHAROUN, O. M. C., pastor of St. Bene- dict's church at Terre Haute, was born June 21, 1852, of German parents, in the city of Syracuse, N. Y., and was baptized in the church of the Assumption, in which church he likewise made his first communion and received the sacrament of confirmation. In the parochial school attached to this church he received his earlier education; later on his parents sent him to St. Francis' col- lege, Brooklyn. N. Y., for further development in the higher sciences. In the seventeenth year of his age he began a career of teaching, and during this period successfully filled the position of principal in some of the prominent Catholic schools of Brooklyn. He was also awarded a teacher's certificate from the board of edu- cation in the city of Kingston, entitling him to teach in the public schools of Ulster county, N. Y.

March 2, 1878, he resigned his position as teacher, and on the 6th day of the same month and year joined the Franciscan Fathers, Minor Conventuals of St. Francis, established in his native city; here he made his novitiate, after which he was sent to the house (1446)

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yours truly Filet Wt Scharown Omul.

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

of philosophy and theology at Trenton, N. J., where, under able professors, his progress was remarkable. November 8, 1882, he made solemn profession, and on the 17th day of February, the following year, was ordained to the priesthood in St. Mary's cathe- dral, Trenton, N. J., by the Right Rev. Michael Joseph O'Farrell, bishop of Trenton.

His first missions were St. Joseph's church, Beverly, N. J., St. Peter's church, Riverside, N. J., Our Lady of Lourdes, Tren- ton, N. J., SS. Peter and Paul's church, Camden, N. J., and at present (1898) he is pastor of St. Benediet's church, Terre Haute, Ind., of which church a full history will be found in the first vol- ume of this work.

R DEV. MAURICE WAGNER, O. S. B., pastor of the Help of Christians church, at Mariah Hill, Spencer county, is a native of Ferdinand, Dubois county, Ind., and was born May 16, 1853, the eighth in a family of eleven children-six sons and five daugh- ters-born to Henry and Rosina (Weber) Wagner, natives of Ger- many. Two of the daughters are Sisters of the Benedictine order, one at Covington, Ky., and the other at Ferdinand, Ind. The father of these children died at the age of eighty-four years; the mother is still living.

Father Wagner's primary education was acquired in parochial schools. In September, 1865, he entered the celebrated St. Mein- rad's college at St. Meinrad, Ind., and passed through the prepar- atory course and the full philosophical and theological courses. June 29, 1870, he entered the novitiate of the Benedictine order at St. Meinrad, and June 29, 1871, made his vows. May 28, 1877, he was ordained priest by the Right Rev. Bishop Maurice de St. Palais, and celebrated his first mass June 8, 1877, at St. Mein- rad's. For some years he held the professorship of Latin and Greek, of vocal and instrumental music. His first parish charge wasat St. Meinrad's in or about 1880, after which he was trans- ferred to Mariah Hill September 22, 1883. The first work of Father Wagner in this charge was the securing of three Benedic- tine Sisters, two as teachers and one as housekeeper, in 1884. He

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

began at once to erect their home, which is of brick, of four rooms, at a cost of about $1,400, including the grounds. The next impor- tant improvement was the addition to the church-dimensions 283 X 45 feet, and the erection of the spire, 135 feet in height. The new addition was begun in July, 1888 (the corner-stone being laid August 19, by the Rt. Rev. Fintan Mundwiler, O. S. B., the late abbot of St. Meinrad's abbey), and the rough structure of the church completed in 1889, and that of the spire in 1890. In 1892 a new roof was put on the old part of the church and the sanctuary, the ceiling changed and raised, and the entire church plastered with Acme cement and plaster Paris. The cost of the structure in the enlargement and of the improvement of the old part of the church, is estimated at $5,000. In 1893, October 29, the church was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Francis Silas Chatard.

The Rt. Rev. Abbot Fintan Mundwiler, O. S. B., celebrated pontifical high mass, assisted by Father Eberhard Stadler; Rev. Joseph Klein and Aloysius Kirschner were deacon and subdeacon. The bishop was present at the mass, attended by Revs. John Gor- man and George Hoffman.

Father Wagner has purchased two bells, the larger 2,000 pounds and the other 500 pounds. The large one was blessed by Abbot Fintan Mundwiler, O. S. B., and the other by Father Con- rad Ackerman, O. S. B. The cost was $600 for the bells.

The present membership of the parish is 165 families or 887 souls, with not a dollar of debt. There are three schools-estab- lished since 1896-with one lay teacher and two Benedictine Sisters as teachers.

W TILLIAM J. BIEDERMAN, one of the most popular young clerks of Evansville, Vanderburg county, was born in this city October 28, 1872, a son of Charles and Philomena (Fells) Biederman, whose marriage has been blessed with eight children. The father is a native of Germany, but early came to America, and for a long time was the leading coal merchant of Evansville.

William J. Biederman received an excellent common-school education in his native city, but at a very early age began his (1448)

. ATHOLIC ERURGIE OF INDIANA.

career as a clerk, and in this vocation has proved to be more than usually successful. On the 16th day of January, 1894, he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Baker, daughter of Wendell and Mary (Galagher) Baker, Wendell Baker being a machinist by trade. To the happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Biederman have been born two children-Charles W. and Ellen -- and the family enjoy the respect of the members of Holy Trinity (German Catholic) church, of which the parents are devout members and liberal sup- porters in their contributions. In politics Mr. Biederman is a sound democrat, but has never been a seeker after office.

C ONRAD HAASE, the well-known mattress manufacturer of Evansville, Vanderburg county, Ind., is a native of Germany, was born October 26, 1826, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hasting Haase, who were the parents of two children only. The father was employed in a woolen factory the greater part of his life, and both he and wife died in their native land.

Conrad Haase received a good parochial-school education, and at the age of fourteen years began learning the weaver's trade, which he followed in his native country until 1854, when he came to America, landing in New Orleans, La., where he remained a few days only and then came direct to Evansville. His first employment here was at railroad work, but he also learned carpen- tering and cabinetmaking. In 1860 he began his present business, in which he has met with abundant success, and is now the lead- ing manufacturer of mattresses in the city, being thoroughly com- petent, as well as adroit as a business man.

Mr. Haase was united in marriage at Evansville to Miss Caro- line Weaver, daughter of Anthony Weaver, a native of Germany. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Haase three children have been born, of whom, however, only one survives -- Conrad, Jr., who is bookkeeper for his father and manager of the factory and sales- room. Mr. Haase and family are members of St. Mary's church, of which Mr. Haase was a trustee four terms and he is also a member of St. Joseph's society. In politics he is a democrat and is active in work for his party, and is also very liberal in his con-

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

tributions to the church of which he is a member. He is num- bered among the substantial citizens of Evansville and he and family enjoy the full esteem of all who know them.

H ENRY JOYCE (deceased) was formerly a well-known resi- dent of Howell, Vanderburg county, but was a native of Ire- land and a member of a family of eight children. His birth took place in 1836 and at the age of eighteen years he came to America. He was united in marriage February 20, 1855, with Miss Ellen McEreily, a native of Ireland, but who was only fourteen years of age when she came to America, and to this happy union were born nine children, six of whom still survive, viz: Charles J., Ellen, the wife of James C. Wilson; Mary A., James, Margaret A. and Henry. The mother and the children are all united with St. Agnes' church and are strict in the performance of their religious duties, but the father departed this life December 16, 1896, a faithful Catholic and an honored gentleman.

JOSEPH A. MESSMER, a retired capitalist of Howell, Van- J

derburg county, was born in Alsace, France, July 27, 1847, and after receiving a good common-school education and learning engineering came to the United States early in the 'fifties. He landed in New Orleans, where he lived about five years, and then for some time resided in Ohio. He next located in Evansville, Ind., was for some years employed as an engineer on the Ohio river and later engaged in keeping hotel for over twenty years in that city. In 1884 he came to Howell and re-engaged in the same business until 1896, when he sold out and retired to private life, and, although he passes mnuch of his time in Colorado for the ben- efit of his health, he owns one of the most handsome residences in Howell and makes this his permanent home.

Mr. Messmer was united in marriage in 1869 with Miss Maria Peek, daughter of Levi P. Peek, of Daviess county, Ind., and this union has been blessed with one child, Emma, who is now the wife of William Rowe, of Kentucky, who is an engineer on a pas-

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

senger train of the Louisville & Nashville railroad. Mr. Messmer and wife are members of St. Agnes' church, of which Mr. Messiner has been a trustee several terms. He is recognized as one of the solid men of Howell and, with his wife, enjoys the respect of the entire community.

P ATRICK J. MOYNIHAN, assistant foreman of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad shops at Howell, Vanderburg county, was born in Vincennes, Ind., February 22, 1858, a son of Patrick M. and Mary (Callaghan) Moynihan, natives of Ireland, but now deceased.

Patrick J. was educated in the parochial schools of his native city, where he also learned the blacksmith's trade, and where he worked as a journeyman until appointed to his present position in Howell. Mr. Moynihan was united in marriage with Miss Anna Spitz, daughter of Roman Spitz, a native of Germany, and to this marriage have been born four children, two of whom are still liv- ing, viz: Martha L., born January 14, 1886, and Anna P., born September 8, 1889. The family are members of St. Agnes' church, to the support of which Mr. Moynihan is a liberal contributor, while the democratic party receives his franchise at each and every election. Mr. Moynihan has ever been an industrious and frugal man, and through his own savings has become the owner of one of the finest residences in Howell.

JOSEPH F. REITZ, a retired merchant of Evansville, Ind., was born in Westphalia, Germany, February 19, 1837, a son of Francis J. and Wilhelmina (Wiene) Reitz, who came to the United States in 1843 and settled in Evansville, where the father passed a retired life until called away by death, November 1, 1859, the mother dying in January, 1876.

Joseph F. Reitz learned a trade and worked at it in Evans- ville until 1860, when he went to California and remained until 1865, and then returned to Evansville and engaged in the saw- mill business until 1869. His next venture was in the wholesale

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

and retail furniture trade, and this occupied his attention until 1894, when he disposed of his establishment and retired to the enjoyment of private life.

Mr. Reitz was united in marriage at Sainte Marie, Ill., on the 19th day of May, 1874, with Miss Louise Picquet, a daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Muller) Picquet, and this marriage has resulted in the birth of four children, of whom, however, only one, Charlotte, a young lady in her 'teens, lives to bless the household. Mr. Reitz, wife and daughter are members of the Assumption church, and Mr. Reitz is also a member of St. Joseph's society.

H J ENRY ROSENBERGER, a well-known proprietor of a coop- ering establishment at Evansville, as well as a liquor dealer on a large scale, was born May 21, 1851, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Moschner) Rosenberger.

Joseph Rosenberger, a native of Germany, came to the United States in 1853 and first located in southern Indiana. He was a musician by profession and in 1863 enlisted in company A, Six- tieth Indiana volunteer infantry, in which he served until his death, near the close of the siege of Vicksburg, Miss. His family consisted, beside himself and wife, of five children, all of whom were reared in the Catholic faith.

Henry Rosenberger, whose name opens this biographical notice, was educated in the parochial schools of Indiana and at the age of twenty-one years engaged in coopering, a trade he fol- lowed for thirteen years, when he added the traffic in liquor, in both of which occupations he has met with marked success-a suc- cess he has deserved by his close attention to his business and his courteous treatment of his patrons.

The marriage of Mr. Rosenberger took place October 17, 1876, to Miss Theresa Leibel, daughter of Henry and Frances (Polk) Leibel, natives of Germany. Miss Theresa Leibel was born in Pennsylvania October 4, 1855, but at the age of six years had the misfortune of losing by death her mother, and at the age of ten years was deprived by the same fell destroyer of her father. This union of Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberger has been blessed with 11452)

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

seven children, of whom five are still living, viz: Henry, William. Amelia, Lilian and Sylvester. Tlie family are members of St. Boniface's church, are very liberal in their donations to its support, and Mr. Rosenberger is, beside, a member of the Catholic Knights of America and St. Boniface's society. In politics Mr. Rosen - berger is a democrat and stands prominently in the favor of his party, but, so far, has never sought official position.

S IMON BARTHOLOME, son of Joseph and Anna M. (Scholly) Bartholome, was born in Lawrenceburg, Ind., September 7, 1844, his parents being natives of Baden and Bavaria, Germany, who came to the United States about 1840 and became parents of fourteen children, of whom Simon Bartholome is the eldest. After receiving a common-school education in his native city, Mr. Bar- tholome went south and located at Vicksburg, Miss., and remained there until the confederation of the southern states, when he returned to his native city, and, at the age of about seventeen years, manifested his patriotism by enlisting in the Union army in August, 1861, returning from the war, honorably discharged, in April, 1865. On his second return to his native city he engaged himself in the brewing business until 1877, when he removed to Evansville, Ind., and engaged in the grocery trade for several years, and then engaged with Rietman & Schulte in saw-milling, and finally, on July 3, 1882, drifted back into the brewery busi- ness and up to this writing has been and still is general accountant for the Fulton Avenue branch of the Evansville Brewing associa- tion, which has a capacity of turning out 200 barrels of their cel- ebrated Rheingold beer daily.

Mr. Bartholome was married in Lawrenceburg January 23, 1866, by Rev. Father Scheve, to Miss Mary M. Albrecht, daughter of F. X. and Barbara (Beck) Albrecht, natives of France, who came to the United States about 1850. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bartholome have been born six children and all are still liv- ing to bless the home of their parents, and who are named, in order of birth: Lillie M., Joseph F., Anna C. B. J., Simon A., Marguerite I. and Charles L. The family are members of St.

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

Anthony's church, and in politics Mr. Bartholome is a republican. As a Catholic, no person in Indiana has been more ardent and energetic than Mr. Bartholome, as he has largely aided financially the erection of several churches, including St. Lawrence's, at Law- renceburg, and St. Boniface's and St. Anthony's in Evansville: of the former two he was for some years a trustee, and is now one of the leading laymen of St. Anthony's, to the support of which he contributes most liberally. The family are highly respected throughout the city and certainly deserve the esteem in which they are held.

JOSEPH R. KUHLMANN, the accomplished bookkeeper and J secretary of the Southwestern Broom Manufacturing company, was born in Germany, March 21, 1847, a son of John William and Katherine (Nunning) Kuhlmann. The father was a dyer by occu- pation, was born in 1802 and was called away, in the Catholic faith, in 1864, while the mother survived until 1872, when she passed to her reward, also in the same faith.

Joseph R. Kuhlmann received a sound education in his native land, and at the age of nineteen years came to the United States. He landed in the city of New York, where he remained about fif- teen months and then came to Indiana, resided in Franklin county some time and then moved to Morris, Ripley county. His next change was to Lawrenceburg, Dearborn county, where he was employed as secretary of the Ohio Valley Coffin company one year, and for fifteen years was superintendent of the German-English department of the public schools of that city. He had, in the interval, learned cabinetmaking, but bookkeeping was more to his taste. From Lawrenceburg he came to Evansville in 1893, and entered the employ of the Southwestern Broom Manufacturing - company as bookkeeper and secretary, and in this position he has rendered complete satisfaction.

Mr. Kuhlmann was first united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Fender, daughter of Frederick Philip Fender, of Brookville, and to this marriage were born three children, to-wit: Elizabeth P., who was born March 16, 1870, and died February 7, 1897; Will-

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

iam T. and August F. are the names of the surviving two. Mrs. Mary C. Kuhlmann was called from earth in March, 1886, and the second marriage of Mr. Kuhlmann, June 11, 1889, was with Miss Emma R. Albrecht, daughter of Francis X. Albrecht, a native of a province in France now belonging to Germany, and this marriage has been blessed with four children, of whom three are still living, viz: Barbara F., Joseph R., and Lucien S. The third child, Louis F., died in infancy. The family are members of St. Boni- face's church and stand very high in the esteem of the residents of Evansville.

JOSEPH ZIEGLER, of Evansville, is a native of Germany, was born May 12, 1853, and is a son of Joseph and Magdalene (Kahre) Ziegler, parents of two children. The father was born November 24, 1828, was a merchant, came with his family to the United States in July, 1853, and was here laid to rest January 4, 1890, dying in Evansville, a devout member of the Catholic church.

Joseph Ziegler, the subject of this biographical notice, was educated in the parochial schools of Evansville and began his busi- ness life as a clerk in his father's grocery, and was so employed until twenty-one years old, when he engaged in business on his own account in Gibson county, where he was also a justice of the peace for four years. A few years later, however, he returned to Evans- ville and here learned the coppersmith's trade, which he followed for six years, and was then appointed patrolman, and later sergeant of police, and seven years later was promoted to the post of court officer, which position he shortly afterward resigned and opened a combined hotel and saloon July 17, 1896. In this business, by his gentlemanly demeanor and obliging disposition, he has met with more than usual success and has gained a popularity of which he may well feel proud.

Mr. Ziegler was united in marriage October 20, 1874, to Miss Rachel C. Zirkelbach, daughter of Andrew and Kathreine Zirkel- bach, of St. James, Gibson county, eight children being the blessed result, and of these there are six still living, viz: Mamie, now the

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

wife of George Grassmann, an employee in William Heynes' furni- ture store; Rosa, Amelia, Ida, Edward J. and Victor. The family are members of St. Boniface's church, and Mr. Ziegler is also a member of the Catholic Knights of America and of the Royal Arcanum. In politics he is a warm democrat, but, although he works ar ently for his party, he has never sought reward through public office.

C HRISTIAN ENGEL, who does the most extensive cooperage business of any man in the line at Elkhart, Ind., was born in Rhine province, Prussia, August 29, 1830, a son of Adam and Annie Engel, who had a family of seven children, viz .: Henry, Lambert, Peter, Christian, Anthony, Catherine and Elizabeth, all now deceased with the exception of Christian. The father was a contractor and builder and left a goodly estate at the time of his death, which occurred in his native province in 1854, his widow surviving until September 12, 1887, and both dying in the faith of the Catholic church.

Christian Engel attended a parochial school until fifteen years old, and was then apprenticed to brewing and coopering until twenty-one years old, when he entered company Seven, Thirtieth regiment, aid corps, of the Prussian army, in which, for three years, he held the position of corporal. After the expiration of his term of service, he worked two years at coopering, and then, in September, 1857, sailed for the United States, reaching Chicago, Ill., on the 27th of the same month. For four years he followed his trade, working in thirteen different states of the American Union. In 1861 he settled in Elkhart -although he had been here several times previously - and began business for himself in a small way, employing but six men the first year. But as the years rolled on the business increased, and he erected a saw-mill, adding staves and heading to his industry; he now employs twenty men, does a business of $20,000 per annum, and owns, beside, considerable real estate in the city.

Mr. Engel was most happily united in marriage, at Goshen, Ind., February 28, 1868, with Miss Anna Sminch, a native of Prus- (1456)

ATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

sia, born in 1840, but reared, from the age of two years to woman- hood, near Avilla, Ind. This union has been blessed with six chil- dren, born in the following order: Mary, who is still at home with her parents; Edith, wife of J. Smith, of Detroit, Mich. ; Clara, married to C. Messick, an artist of Elkhart; Anna, Lillie and Martin, all three under the parental roof. The family are all devout members of the Catholic church, Mr. Engel being a mem- ber of the School society and Mrs. Engel being a member of the Rosary society. In politics Mr. Engel is a solid democrat, and for one term has served as city alderman. He is a most energetic business man, and notwithstanding the fact that his plants have been destroyed in conflagrations, with no insurance, he has risen supreme over all disasters, and now stands as one of the substan- tial business men of Elkhart, with an untarnished name and respected by all who know him.

A UGUST ROSENBERGER, senior member of the firm of Rosenberger, Klein & Co., the most extensive grocery and farm implement merchants of Evansville, Ind., also extensive dealers in hardware, buggies, pumps, windmills, etc., was born in Neurode, province of Silisia, Prussia, Germany, on December 19, 1848, the first son and fourth child of Joseph and Elisabeth ( Mosch- ner) Rosenberger, who were blessed with a family of six children, three boys and three girls. The youngest boy died in infancy and the others are still living.

Joseph Rosenberger was a thorough musician, who came to this country in 1853, and settled in Indiana. In 1860 his fami y also arrived, and shortly after the breaking out' of the Civil war he enlisted in company A, Sixtieth Indiana volunteer infantry, which was chiefly composed of Germans, and passed through many severe engagements, including the siege of Vicksburg, during which he died in 1863.

August Rosenberger was only twelve years of age when his parents brought him to this country, and here, as well as in Ger- many, he received a sound parochial school education. He began his business career at the age of twenty-seven years by entering

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS.

the retail grocery trade. In the year 1887 he, in connection with his brother-in-law, A. J. Klein, his present partner in the firm of Rosenberger, Klein & Co., started the Southwestern Broom M'f'g Co., which they still own and which has now the reputation of being the largest of its kind in the world. , From the very start, the business under the management of Mr. Rosenberger prospered, so it was necessary from year to year to build additions to his store, until, in 1889 and 1890, he was compelled to erect his present mammoth brick store-building, and from this time dates the part- nership with his brother-in-law, A. J. Klein, and under their joint and able management they are still increasing their trade and plant, requiring large warehouses to store their immense stocks.

As to their broom business, this has been a marvelous success; never a year elapsed before an addition of one kind or another had to be made, and their goods have won such favoritism that they are now found in every portion of the United States.

Mr. Rosenberger was united in marriage October 29, 1878, with Miss Anna Klein, a sister of his present partner in business, and this marriage has been blessed with nine children, who are named, in order of birth: Bertha, Joseph, Ottilie, August, Anthony, Anna, Mary, Clara and Leo, all of whom are still living, except Joseph and Mary, who died in infancy. The eldest of these, Miss Bertha, is a most accomplished musician, although yet in her teens, and is organist for St. Boniface's church, of which the family are devoted members, and of this church, indeed, Mr. Rosenber- ger was one of the founders and for years trustee and secretary.

Mr. Rosenberger is a Catholic Knight of America and a mem- ber of St. Boniface Benevolent society, and is very generous in his contributions toward the support of church and its sodalities. He and his family stand very high in the esteem of the citizens of Evansville.

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History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II, Part 97

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