USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Pictorial and biographical memoirs of Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana, together with biographies of many prominent men of other portions of the state, both living and dead > Part 69
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FRANK PRANGE. Many years of hard, earnest endeavor in pursuing the occupation to which he now gives attention, coupled with strict integrity, honesty of purpose and liberality in all directions, has resulted in placing Mr. Prange among the fruly respected and honored millers of this section. No man has been more the architect of his own fortune than he, for at the age of seven years he branched ont to fight life's battles for himself, and has had to hoe his own row from that time to this. He is a native of Germany, born in Westphalia, November 10, 1834, and received his education in that country. He worked out for farmers as soon as able, and remained in his native country until twenty years of age, when he decided to become an American citizen. Upon reaching the United States he came direct to
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Indianapolis, Ind., and began working for the old Peru Railroad, first as a section hand. Five years later he was made watchman in the Peru depot and subsequently commenced teaming, following that for sixteen years. In the year 1880 he engaged in the milling busi- ness on Pearl Street, remained there for about twelve years and then established himself in the same business on Davidson Street. His unusual success may be attributed to his making the finest flour in the market, by sustaining the uniformity of its brands, by offering custom- ers the best terms, and by treating every one who has business relations with him in a courteous and proper manner. In the year 1855 Mr. Prange was married to Miss Sophia Thine, a native of Germany, who came over from the native land at the same time he did, and their union has been blessed by the birth of four children, as follows: W. F. Prange; Louisa, wife of Charles Plinesick, of Lafayette, Ind., William, and Emma, widow of Chris. Stolhonn. Our subject's second marriage occurred in 1865 to Miss Mollie Dickman, a native of Germany, who bore him four children, three of whom are living: Charles, Henry and Lena. Mr. Prange is a worthy member of the German Lutheran Church, and in politics adheres to the principles of the Democratic party. He has never sought office, preferring to give all his attention to the milling business. He is a stock-holder in the Home Brewing Company of Indianapolis, and is one of the prominent business men of the place. His fatber, William Prange, was a native of Germany and there passed his entire life, an honored and respected citizen.
CHARLES E. THORNTON. A man's life-work is the measure of his success, and he is truly the most successful man, who, turning his powers into the channel of an honorable pur- pose, accomplishes the object of his endeavor. He who weds himself to a great principle lays the foundation of a successful life. In the study of every man's life we find some mainspring of action-something that he lives for. In Charles E. Thornton it seems to have been an ambition to make the best use of his native and acquired powers and to develop in himself a true manhood. A native of Putnam County, Ind., he was born July 3, 1855, to the marriage of Daniel T. and Nancy H. (Darnal]) Thornton, the father a native of Virginia, and the mother of the Blue-Grass State. The father of Mr. Thornton was reared in Kentucky, and in 1840, when twenty-nine years of age, came to Indiana, where he followed merchandis- ing for many years at Bainbridge. Later he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and for twenty-eight years was director of the First National Bank of Greencastle, Ind. To his marriage were born three children, as follows: Mary E., died in 1859; James L., business manager of the Sedalia (Mo.) Democrat, and Charles E., our subject. The mother of these children died in 1858, and in 1860 Mr. Thornton married Miss Malinda I. Chenowith. of Columbus, Ind., who now survives. Mr. Daniel T. Thornton died in 1892. The original of this notice received all the advantages of a thorough education. After leaving the common schools of Putnam County he was for some time in Bainbridge Academy, and later graduated at Butler University in 1878. After leaving that institution he returned home and taught school for a time. On account of failing health he went to farming, and continued this three years. In 1883 he came back to Indianapolis and embarked in the hardware and agricultural implement business with M. D. Darnall, and continued this until 1886, when he formed a partnership with Col. Joseph Moore, of Indianapolis, under the firm name of Moore & Thornton, and for seven years they were among the most prominent and successful firms of United States claim attorneys of Indiana. In January, 1893, he sold ont to his partner and accepted the position of president of the Indiana Society for Savings, one of the most prosperous of the State Building and Loan Associations, and devotes his entire time to the interests of the society. He is a trustee of Butler University, the leading college of the Christian Church, located at Irvington, a suburb of Indianapolis. Affable in his manners, courteous in his address, firm in his convictions, faithful in his attachments and true in his principles, Mr. Thornton is one of the city's most worthy citizens. Socially he is a member of the Indianapolis Lodge, No. 56, K. of P., and of the Indiana Division, No. 56, Uniformed Rank of the K. of P. He is also a trustee of the New Castle Hall, of the K. of P., now building; also a member of the Marion (Republican) Club; president of the Rock- ville Electric Light & Power Company, and a member of the Sigma Chi Greek fraternity. He is also a member of the Christian Church, and is president of the board of deacons of the Third Christian Church, Indianapolis. In the month of October, 1879, he was
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married to Miss Eva M. Houston, daughter of Judge S. M. Houston, of Springfield, Mo. Four children have been given them, Edgar, Mary, Margaret and Cornelia. In his political views Mr. Thornton is a Republican, and takes an active interest in the affairs of his party.
EDWARD SCHMIDT. Biography should be written for the sake of its lessons, that men everywhere may place themselves in contact with facts and affairs, and build themselves up to and into a life of excellence, not in any sphere but in their own rightful place, where they may keep and augment their individuality. To record in some respects the details of such a life is purposed in the following history of Edward Schmidt. This gentleman is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born May 10, 1859, and when an infant was brought by his parents to Indianapolis, Ind. He grew to manhood in that city and received a good practical education in the German-English schools there. Later he attended the high school there aud in 1872, went to Hoboken, N. J., where he attended college for about two years. There he laid the foundation for his subsequent prosperous career. After finishing at that college he went to Leipsic, Germany, and there attended college for about a year and a half. He then returned to Indianapolis and entered his father's brewery where he remained until the brewery was sold to the English syndicate. This was in 1888, and since that time Mr. Schmidt's time has been employed in looking after his large interests. Since the year 1888 he has traveled a great deal, and in 1893 he completed a trip around the world. Politically Mr. Schmidt is a Democrat and is deeply interested in the welfare of his party. In 1885 he was elected to the Legislature and served in an efficient and satisfactory manner for two years. He is a young man yet, in the vigor of his manhood, and, much as he has already achieved, his history, if he lives, lies largely in the future.
HENRY LANE BRUNER. A man's life-work is the measure of his success, and he is truly the most successful man who, turning his powers into the channel of an honorable purpose, accomplishes the object of his endeavor. He who weds himself to a great principle, lays the foundation of a successful life. In the study of every man's life we find some main spring of action, something he lives for. In Mr. Henry Lane Bruner it seems to have been an ambition to make the best use of his native and acquired powers, and to develop in him- self a true manhood. A native of Illinois, born near Galesburg, January 10, 1861, our sub- ject is the son of Rev. Francis M. and Esther (Lane) Bruner, the latter the daughter of Ira Lane who was born in South Carolina. Rev. Francis M. Bruner is a native of the Blue- Grass State but was reared in Illinois, where he graduated at Knox College, Galesburg. He is a minister in the Christian Church and has been preaching since his graduation in 1857, a period of nearly forty years. He held the rank of captain in the Federal service during the Rebellion, but only for about one year, when he was discharged on account of ill health. A prominent man wherever he makes his home, he has held many official positions, and represented Warren County in the Illinois Legislature. To his marriage were born several children, seven of whom now survive: Mary, wife of W. A. Seevers of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Henry L., our subject; Celeste, wife of D. F. Givens of Des Moines, Iowa; Frank M., and his twin sister, Fannie, who is the wife of Samuel G. Jeffrey of Albany. N. Y. ; Jessie, wife of Dr. H. A. Mynassian, professor in the college at Eureka, Ill., and Bessie. The paternal ances- tors of these children came from Germany and first settled in Maryland. The youthful days of our subject were passed in Galesburg, and he received his primary education at Mon- mouth, Ill. Later he took a preparatory course at Oskaloosa College, and then went through the Freshman year at Monmouth College. In 1880 he graduated at Abingdon College, at Abingdon, Ill., with the degree of A. B. and was valedictorian of his class. Leaving Abing- don Mr. Bruner went to the Sheffield Scientific school. of Yale University, remained there one year, and then began teaching at Abingdon College, where he remained three years. From there he went to Eureka, Ill, and there had the chair of natural science, holding that position for three years when failing health obliged him to give it up. He discontinued teaching then until the fall of 1891, when he accepted the chair of biology and geology in Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. In 1892 be came to Butler University, Irvington, where he has since held the same chair. He was given the degree of A. M. by Eureka Col- lege. Prof. Bruner is a worthy member of the Christian Church. He was married in 1890, to Miss Carolyn L. Aumock, daughter of Dr. W. S. Aumock of Colorado Springs, Colo. One child, Harold Aumock, was born to this union.
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WILLIAM SLOAN. This worthy farmer, like many of the best citizens of the county, is a native of the Empire State, born November 6, 1807, and is a splendid type of the enterprise, industry and self-reliance of the early Indiana pioneer. His long life of industry and use- fulness and his record for integrity and truehearted faithfulness in all the relations of life have given him a hold upon the community which all mnight well desire to share. His parents, George and Mary (Story) Sloan, were natives of the Keystone State, where they were married. Seven children were born to this union, as follows: Nellie (deceased), was the wife of Robert Smith; Thomas (deceased); Polly (deceased), was the wife of Joseph Herestich; Peggy (deceased), was the wife of John Harris; John (deceased), and William. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812. He died about 1855, aged sixty-five years. Our subject moved with his parents to Ohio in 1817, and settled with them in Clermont County, where his father bought sixty acres of improved land and 100 acres of wild land adjoining. He remained on his father's farm until about of age, when he married Miss Deborah Stausburg, a native of New Jersey, and subsequently purchased a small farm of twenty-five acres in Clermont County. He remained on this about two years, and then returned to his father's farm, where he remained until 1833, when he and his wife and two children started for Indiana, the trip occupying two weeks. He located in Montgomery County and bought eighty acres of land, twenty-five acres of which were improved, and paid for the same $400. On this tract were 300 sugar trees, and one week during the first season, he got thirty-six barrels of sugar water. Mr. Sloan remained on this tract four years and then sold it for $600. He returned to Clermont County, Ohio, and rented a house in Clarks- ville, where he made his home for nearly a year, working during that time in Eli Hale's pork-house. Theu lie again moved to Indiana and located in Marion County within a mile of where he now lives, and there bought 160 acres of land, making the purchase in February when the ground was covered with snow. He paid $1,000 down, and turning in two horses, a wagon and a side-saddle for $400; he gave his note for the remainder, which was $100. When the snow disappeared Mr. Sloan discovered that most of the land was poor, but he lived there for four or five years. He then sold it for $1,600, and rode horseback to Louis- ville, Ky., to see about purchasing the Voorhees farm, which comprised 200 acres, and which was within a mile of his place. He bought the farm in Louisville, paying $2,050 for it, and there being no house on this tract he was compelled to remain on his old place about a year. He then moved to the Voorhees farm and farmed the same for four or five years, when he bought eighty acres known as the Major John Bell's farm, paying for the same $2,360. After this he purchased eighty acres adjoining of the railroad company, paying for the same $1,400, and at once moved on the eighty acres known as the Bellow's farm, on which was a story and a half frame house. This house stood right on the Michigan road, then the great thoroughfare of travel, and he kept tavern for thirty years. At the same time he kept his farms in a flourishing condition and added to them until about the begin- ning of the war, when he owned 750 acres. He kept tavern up to about 1870, when he gave it up and erected a handsome brick house just back of the old tavern, which was then torn down. Since that time he has followed farming. His first wife died in August, 1883, leaving him ten children, one having died in infancy. Those who lived to mature years were named as follows: Lydia J., wife of John McMullen, of Boone County, Ind. ; Julia Ann, died in 1892. She was the wife of John E. Jones, of Montgomery County, Ind .; Jackson, died in 1880; Alfred, died in 1885; Gilman, of Putnam County, Ind .; Eliza, wife of William Coffee, of Indianapolis; Silvina O., wife of George Leonard, of Indianapolis; Sarah, wife of John Pike, of Marion County, Ind. ; Oliver B., of Indianapolis, and Lafayette, of Marion County. In February, 1884, Mr. Sloan married Miss Mary F. McNiel, daughter of John and Mary (Cook) McNiel, and now lives with her on his farm in Marion County. Our subject has been a Democrat in his political views all his life, and he voted for Gen. Jackson when the latter was elected. He has voted for every Democratic president since that time. Mrs. Sloan's father, John B. McNiel, was a native of Fayette County, Ind., born in 1812, and he was a farmer all his life. He was peaceful and never had a lawsuit in his life. He was the father of sixteen children, thirteen of whom were daughters and the remainder sons. Four of these children died in infancy, and the following grew to mature years: Sarah E. died in 1889; George K. died in 1878 (he enlisted in the Eighth Indiana Infantry, and served all
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through the Rebellion); Daniel, resides in Wabash County, Ind. (he was a soldier in the Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry Regiment, and was all through the war); Martha A., is the wife of William Low, of Wabash County, Ind .; Mary F., wife of our subject; Matilda, died in 1861; Caroline, died in 1862; Vantory Y., is the wife of Calvin McLaugh- lin, of Marion County, Ind .; Margaret R., wife of Philip Love, of Marion County; Della, wife of Harry Worthington, Kansas City, Mo .; John Charles, of Marion County, and Lola I., wife of W. B. Harris, of Indianapolis. The mother of these children was a native of Kentucky, and died in 1880. The father passed away the following year.
CHARLES SCHILLING. As another evidence of the intelligence and usefulness of the German class of western citizens, we are glad of the opportunity of presenting this sketch. Its subject needs no eulogy, and we give a "plain unvarnished" sketch of his life, believing that there is in it matter of pride to his own Fatherland people, and certainly enough to instruct and encourage young men beginning life under difficulties. Mr. Schilling was born in Minden, Germany (Westphalia), April 3, 1835, to the marriage of Frederick and 'Maria (Slenceker) Schilling, both natives of the old country, where they passed their entire lives. They were the parents of five children, of whom our subject and Henry, are the only ones living. The mother died when Charles was but seven years of age, and the father received bis final summons about 1866. The early days of our subject were passed on a farm in his native country and he attended the schools of that country about three years only. From the age of seven to twenty-one he worked around on different farms herding, etc., and from the age of seven to fourteen he received for his services about 5 cents a day. This small amount he was obliged to turn over to his father to buy rye for bread. One memorable year rye was worth $4.50 a bushel and anything almost was used to make bread. The family had no meat, and potatoes, with the bread above mentioned, was about all the food they had. Even of this bread they frequently did not get enough to satisty their hunger. When four- tecn years of age young Schilling began to receive wages, or what was considered wages at that time in the old country, and the first year he received about $5 in money and from $3 to $4 in goods, such as linen for clothes. The second year his wages were raised to the large sum of $6 per year, the third year to $7, and the fourth year to $11. After that he got $14 per year and then $18, and aside from this about the same amount of goods as above mentioned. Certain that he could better his condition he started to America in 1857, the land of promise to thousands of his countrymen. His brother, Henry Schilling, had pre- ceded him about eighteen months, and was living in Indianapolis, working in a brick-yard. He had written our subject to come as soon as possible. After a voyage lasting eleven weeks and four days, three weeks of which were fair, the vessel reached the city of New York and our subject landed without a cent and in debt $5 to a friend who came over with him. This friend had advanced that amount to pay his passage, the ticket then costing $35. This same friend, Henry Bochemyre, who died about 1870, came on to Indianapolis with our subject and paid his fare there. The next day our subject began working in the brick-yard where his brother was employed, and received the sum of 90 cents per day, very good wages indeed he thought. For thirteen years Mr. Schilling delved in the brick-yard in summer and the warehouse in the city in winter, and aside from this chopped wood, got out logs and worked at any kind of honorable employment he could find. After this for five years at one stretch he worked in the old Bellefontaine freight-house, and then bought a team and began to haul brick. This he continued for one year and then sold a little property he had bought from his savings. This property, consisting of four acres in four lots, sitnated in Dunlap's Addition, brought him the sun of $5,000, having paid out for it about $2,400. Later he took the money and bought eighty acres of land of John Potter in Franklin township, Marion County, Ind., on which there was a one-story house, smoke-house, wood-house and barn. In 1884 he bought fifty-four acres more and of the 134 acres, about thirty-six acres was timber. The remainder is tillable land. Mr, Schilling has raised 600 bushels of wheat in one season and from fifteen to twenty-five and thirty acres of corn. In the year 1861 Mr. Schilling married Miss Anna Myer, daughter of Christopher Myer, who lived near Sey- mour, Ind. To this marriage were born nine children, as follows: Elizabeth, died at the age of twenty-two years and seven months: Fred; Anna, wife of Andy Waterman, of Marion County, Ind. ; Matilda; Charles; Christopher; Ida; Clara; Amelia, and one son who died at
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the age of ten days, unnamed. In his political views Mr. Schilling is a stanch Democrat and has always affiliated with that party. . He is a member of the Zion German Church but is not a member of any secret organization.
JOHN FREDERICK HENRY SCHILLING. This worthy representative of a successful, thoroughgoing and industrious German farmer, came originally from Germany, born in Westphalia, Minton, July 13, 1830. His parents, Frederick and Maria (Slenceker) Schill- ing, were natives of Germany, and there passed their entire lives. Our subject remained with his parents until fourteen years of age, but commenced working for different farmers, herding, etc., when seven years of age. He received as compensation from $4 to $7 per year and $3 or $4 in clothing. When fourteen years of age he went to live with an uncle, Daniel
and remained with him until twenty-three years of age, never receiving a cent of wages, only his board and clothes, and working all day and a good share of the night. When twenty- one years of age he was liable to service in the army but on account of poor health he was allowed to return home. After this he worked for different farmers near his home, receiv- ing $21 per year, a pair of boots and linen for clothing. Until twenty-three years of age he continued thus employed and then his health having improved he was taken into the army and served seven months. On April 6, 1855, he was married to Miss Caroline Burgman, daughter of Frederick Burgman, who lived near our subject, and on April 16, of the follow- ing year he and his young wife took passage for America. This voyage lasted eight weeks and two days and ended by landing our subject and wife into the great city of New York. They remained there one night and then turned their faces toward the setting sun, arriving in Indianapolis, Ind., three days later. He had $14 left of the $262 with which he had started from home and shortly after reaching Indianapolis he got employment in Charles Myer's brick yard. At first he received 90 cents a day, but a month later his wages were advanced to $1 a day. He remained with Mr. Myers about fifteen years during the summer, and during the winter months chopped wood, worked in the pork-house, freight depot, etc. After this he worked two years for Fred Sanders in the latter's brick yard, and as wages advanced during the war, he received as high as $2.25 per day. Then he rented eighty acres of land in Perry Township, Marion County, paying $350 per year rent, and resided on this for over ten years. In 1879 he bought eighty acres in Franklin Township, Marion County, but did not move on the same until 1880. On this he has remained ever since. There were sixty acres cleared, on it was a one-story frame house of three rooms, a barn and a wood-house. For this farm he paid $4,000. In 1883 he added twenty acres to the original tract, paying $55 per acre for it, and this comprises his holdings in the way of land. The additional twenty acres were cleared with a little frame honse and a log barn on it. In the year 1892 our subject raised thirty-five acres of wheat, twenty-five bushels to the acre, and many acres of corn, averaging forty to sixty bushels to the acre. Mr. Schill- ing is an ardent Democrat in politics and since his first presidential vote for James Buchanan, he has never missed voting for a Democratic Presidential candidate. The father of Mrs. Schilling was a soldier in the French War and died in 1847, when forty-two years of age, his daughter, Caroline, being about twelve years of age at that time. Mrs. Burgman fol- lowed her husband to the grave eleven weeks later. They were the parents of five children, four of whom grew to mature years: Dora, wife of Frederick Rodenbeck, of Germany; Car- oline, wife of our subject; Frederick, who died in Indianapolis in 1878 (he married Miss Louisa Klasing and left these children: Louisa, Matilda and Lizzie); Henry Burgman, who married Miss Eliza Gates and became the father of six children (Caroline, who married Frank Robertson; Frederick, who married Anna Snowden; William; Ella; Louis and Charles). Henry Burgham resides in Center Township, Marion County, Ind. To our subject's mar- riage were born eight children, four sons and four daughters, one of the daughters, Louisa, dying when about fourteen months old. The remaining children are named as follows: Lena, wife of Christopher Achgill, of Franklin Township, this county; Louisa, widow of William Shakel, has three children: Henry. Ella and Carrie; Charles, first married Miss Louisa Jones, by whom he had one daughter: Mamie. For his second wife he selected Miss Hannah Chowa, who bore him one son: Charles; Emma L., married Thomas Cochran, and has one son: Edward; Henry, married Miss Lizzie Cummins, and has one daughter: Lulu; Christopher and Frederick.
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