Dearborn County, Indiana - The whole text, 1915 (part 4 of 15)

The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Carroll L. Stevens was Benjamip. P. Melson. whose widow is still living", at the age of ninety }'ears. lie was a nati\-e of ?\Iar}-land, of English lineage, and ]\Irs. IMelson was born in this coimty. Eenjamin P. INIelson was an early settler in Dearborn countv. where he followed the vocation of a merchant tailor. He died at the age of eightythree vears. He and his wife were the parents of five children, Maurice Henr)'. David, Carl. Ella and Lizetla. L'pr)n the death of .Mrs. Suzanne Stevens, widow of Charles C. Ste\-ens. who, together with her son, the late Carroll L. Stevens, owned the large store which so long had been in the Stevens famil)-, r^lrs. Carroll L. Stevens assumed the management of the store, which .she and her son, Charles C. Stevens, now own and operate.

Henry Werner

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is one of the most prosperous and highly-respected citizens of Kelso township. Being well educated, he has afforded valuable assistance to the Democratic party, of whose policies ho has alwavs been a stanch advocate, throughout all of which he has clung to the more quiet life of a farmer, in preference to a home in the city. Springing from German stock, ^Ir. Werner inherits the cjualities of thrift and economy that have been prominent characteristics for generations back, and which will doubtless be prominent for generations to come, as time appears to have made no inroad on their efficiency.

Hcnn- Werner, township assessor and farmer, was born on July 16, 1S70. in Kelso township, where he was also reared rmd educated. He is a son of Alichacl and !Magdalena (Hahn) \A'erner. His father ga^'e him a good education at the public schools of St. Leon, and after leaving school, lie assisted his father on the farm until he was married, when he took entire charge of the place, and managed it until in 1907, when he bought it outright, since which time he has continued as a general farmer. Since arriving at manhood, Mr. Werner has always been deeply in the policies of the Democratic party, to which he has given his earnest support, and in igoo was elected to the offices of clerk and treasurer of St. Leon, in v.hich he served a five-year term. In 1914 he ran on the Democratic ticket for the office of assessor of Kelso township, and was the successful candidate, the temi of office being four years.

lie was the first man in St. I.eon ever re-elected to a township or cour.ty office, and in general has been alive to the best interests of the conininnity in which he resides.

Michael ^\'erner was born in Germany, in 1S21. bnt was fillcfl \vith a desire to see more of the world, and while still a yonng man he gathered his heli^ngings and de[)arted for the United States, selecting Cincinnati ;ls a ])lace of abode. He was a cabinet-makei' by trade, and followed this vocation until about 1875, when he bought one hundred and fourteen acres of wooded land in Kelso township. Dearborn county, near St. Leon, and having already selected his life partner, he set to work with a will and soon cleared enough land for his immediate needs, continuing as a general farmer until his death, in 1807. He was a loyal Democrat, and an attentive member of the Catholic church, to which he contributed freely. His wife. [Nlagdalena (Hahn) Werner, was also a native of Germany. She was born in June, 1829, and died on April 19, 1907. She came to America with her parents, wdio settled in Kelso township. Mr. and Mrs. \\'^erner were blest with eleven children, namely. Katherine. Charlie. Emma, Louise, Adam, George, Joseph, Henry, Lena, aiui two who died in infancy.

Henry Werner was married on September 9, 1891, to Mary Alig, who was born on April 19, 1872, in Kelso township. She is a daughter of Philip and iN'tagdalena (Wilhelm) Alig. A history of the Alig family is presented elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. \\'erner have been born nine children, Ida (deceased). Helen, John, Oscar (deceased), George Lewis (deceased), Edw-ard (deceased) and Albert. Those now living are all at home W'ith their parents.

Mr. Werner, besides being a successful farmer, holds a high rank in thf citizenship of his communitv, and merits the confidence which he now enjoys

John A. Andres

With a splendid education before starting his business career. Mr. Andres was fitted to "conquer any foe," and for eighteen years fitted others for the same strenuous business of foe-conquering, at the end of which time, he felt the need of a complete change to give him a much-needed rest. Being wise enough to know that resting did not mean merely doing nothing, he interested himself in a store doing a general merchandise business, in which he has also been very successful, and in all questions pertaining to the benefit of the citizens of his county, he has given his sincere support, believing it the duty of each one to do his share in such matlers, whenever possil^le. INIr. Andres has been especially fortunate in lK?ing situated so he could follow his inclination and desires along' these lines.

John A. Anilres, townsliio trustee and merchant, was born at Kelso. Kelso township, Dearborn county, Novemlier 19, 1874, and is a son of John and Rosina (Ilannnierle) Andres. He was educated in the parochial sclux^ls of Kelso, and Moores Hill College, finishing in 1894, after which he attended the Central Normal College, at Danville, Indiana, and being thus qualified, he at once began teaching school, in which line he continued for eighteen years. He finally felt the need of a change, both mentally and pliA'sically, and in 1914, when he was elected on the Democratic ticket, by a large majority, to the office of trustee, calling for a four-year term, he gave up his school work, and is now dividing his time between his official position of trustee, and a general store, in which he has been successfully interested since 1901.

John Andres, Sr., was b<3rn in Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, ^lay 20, 1846, and died on February 29, 191 2. at Kelso, Dearborn count}-. At the age of twelve years, he came with his motlier to America, settling in Kelso township, where he spent his entire life. At an early age. ]\[r. Andres learned the wagonmaker's trade, and later became an undertaker, in which business he continued for forty years. After taking- instructions as an undertaker under Phillip Huber, he became expert enoug"h to manufacture his own coffins, and in addition to his wagon-manufaccuring plant and his undertakipig establishment, in the former of which he was associated with John Probst, he w;is alsri interested in a good-paying blacksmith shop, of which 'Sir. Probst was the man.ager. Another special line of manufacture, in which Mr. Andres was especially interested, was that of grain cradles, and in 1SS2, he still fiu-ther increase<l his source of income by opening a general store at Kelso, which he conducted until his death, in 1912. Notwithstanding the fact that he spent the most of his time and attention looking after his business in the village. Mr. Andres did not lose sight of the value and importance of owning a farm, and bouglu fifty acres of good, tillable land in Kelso township. He was trustee of Kelso township for a five-year tenn. His political beliefs .were with the Democratic party. His wife, Rosina (Hannmerle) Andres, was Ijorn in 1850, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She died in 1887, aged thirty-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Andres were the parents of ten children, as follow : George, Joseph, John, Katherine. !Mar\-, Jacob. Balser, and three, who died young. George Andres was married to !Mar\- Tallnn. and is now living at Marion. Ohi<i. where he is employed as master mechanic by the Huber Manufacturing ComvA.

Dearbokx Couxty, Indiana

panv. To this union have been born seven children. Rose, Cyral, Sarali George, Bertrand. Ang^ela and Robert, who died in infancy. Joscjih Andres was married to Catherine Ennis, and is a successful undertaker in Kelsn. Thcv have three children. }>Iary, Stella and Edith.

The paternal grandfather of J'lhn A. Andres had the distinction of fighting under Napoleon. He died before his family left Ikivaria, the land of his nativity.

John A. Andres ^vas united in marriage. June 5, 1901. with Cecelia Merkl, who was born in Kelso, Kelso town.ship, October 10, iSSi. and is a daughter of John and Elizal>eth (Walsman) ISIerkl. Mrs, Andres was reared and educated in Kelso, and both she and her husband are de\nui memliers of St. John's Catholic church. Five children have come to bless this union, namelv : Alma. Corinne, Leo, Virgil and Martha, three of whom are now attending school.

Through his official position of township trustee and his honest method of transacting business, Mr. Andres is recognized as one of the best and mo^t able citizens of Kelso township.

Louis Frederick Fischvogt, one of the leading farmers of Oay township. Dearborn county, Indiana, was born of German parentage in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 4. iSz,2. being a son of John Henry and ]\Iargaret Soiihia (Corwes) Fischvogt, h^th of whom were natives of Hanover, in Germany- John Henry Fischvogt was born on April i, 1815, and immigrated to the United States in 1S48. He located first in Cincinnati and turned to the carpenter trade as his means of livelihood. He had learned the trade in hi-^ native land, but after coming here he again apprenticed himself for three years and in that tiine mastered the English language and American ways. He followed his trade in Cincinnati for some fifteen years and then came to Dearborn county w^here he purchased a farm on ]Mud Lick branch. ab(jiit one and one-half miles south of the then small town of Dillsboro. This farm contained fifty acres and he paid the sum of fourteen hundred and fifty d(>llars for it. However, he did not take up his residence thereon for the next two years, remaining in Cincinnati at his trade in the meantime. In i860 he settled on his farm and remained there for the balance of his life. His death occurred on July 16, 1877, at the age of sixty-t^vo \-ears. 'Slv. Fischvogt was a faithful member of the (lerman LiUherau church, scr\iug his local society as trustee for a nuniher of years. ile was a warm adherent of the principles of the Republican party and took a keen interest in the management of its affairs. John Henry Fischvogt was a son of Henry Fisch\'Ogt:, who witli his wife never left their native land. However, all of their four children (John Henry, Frederick, Louis and Sophia) came to the United States and here passed the remainder of their lives.

IMargaret Sojiliia (Corwes) Fisclivogt. mother of the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in Flanover, Germany, in 1821, and in 1S47 -'"-' came alone to thi« countr\', settling in Cincinnati \\ ith friends. She worked out for a year and at that time met 'Mv. Fischvogt and was soon married, their wedding being celebrated in January of 1849. To their uniun were born eight children, namely: Henry, Louis, Frederick, Eliza (deceased), George (deceased), Frederick (deceased), Charles, Sophia (deceased), and. William. Henr}' married W ilhelmina Prnss and is living in Riplev countw He is the father of six children, Amelia, Anna, William, Tlieodorc, Emn':i and Ida. Charles married Minnie Stadtlaudcr and lives in Ohio couniy, this state, south of the tri\vn of Milttm. ?Te has tlu-ee children, Louis, Charles and Martha (deceased). W'ihiam married Emma Konig and lives at ]\b_iupt Healthy, Ohio. Lie is the father of seven children, Lillie. Edwin, Grace, Leslie. Cora, Jnhn and Emma. Margaret Sophia (Corwes) Fisch\-OQt was a daughter of Gerhard Corwes, who spent his entire life in his natixe land^ Her brother anil sifters \vere : Henry, Harr}-, George. ]\fargarct. Soplu'a, Louisa and Dorothy.

Louis Frederick Fisch\'ogt rccei\'ed liis elementary education in the public schools of Cincinnati and also in Green township, IIamiIt(Mi county. He later attended the German schools at Farmers Retreat and South Dillsboro, this county. After completing his studies, he took up farm \vork on the family homestead near Dillsboro and remained there until 1873, when he took up farm work in various parts of Dearborn county. In 18S9 he started a huckster route, which he operated four years, living in Dillsboro two years of the time. Fie abandoned that enterprise an.d returned to the farm in Clay township belonging to his wife and in i8qS removed to his own farm which he had Ijor.ght fr^nn one of tlie heirs. In 1901 the family returned to hi"; wife's farm, where they still reside.

daughter of John W. and .\nn_it.' Mary (Lnhrsenl I'liuncr. John W. I'lumcr was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1S15, and died in lyor. at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Annie Ahiry Luhrsen was born in Oldenburg. Germany, and died in April of iS(38. when but thirty-two }-ears old. Upmi coining to this country she settler! in Cincinnati, where her marriage tnnk place. To John W'. PKuner and wife were born four children, Anna .\I. Louisa, Anna Louisa (deceased), John Henry, and John Christian (deceased). John Henry Plumer, who is a carpenter and farmer living in Dearborn countv, married Elnora M. Hocker and has six children, John (deceased), Emma, William, Sophia Elizabeth, Harry and Clara Elizabeth.

To Mr. and Mrs. Fischvogt ha-\-e been born four children, nan.ielx-. John Henry William, Anna ALargarct Soph.ia, Carl Louis Henry and Carl George Louis. William, the eldest son, married Amelia Sandmian and li\"cs in Tipton county. He has four children, Dorothy Louisa, Aviary Elizabeth. Anna Leonora and Louis William flcnry. Anna Margaret Sophia became the wife of John Tepker, living in Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio. He is a blacksmith by trade and they have three children. Helena Dorothea, Erwin Louis William and Howard William Carl.

The Fischvogt family has always been considered aniong the represeiUative citizens of this commimity, the head of the family having always been known as a man of sterling qualities of character and entitled to the high, degree of respect which he enjoys. jNIr. Fischvogt is a member of the Lutheran church of Dillsl.)oro, as is also his wife. His political support is given to the Republican party. He is keenly alive to the political questions of the hour and, while never seeking office for himself, is known to be a man of influence in his party's ranks.

Charles A. Off

Charles A. Opp, whose name commences this sketch has, by associating his interests with the various institutions of his home citv, arrived at a point of affluence that ought to satisfy the ambitions of more than the average individual, and no doubt, were he urged for an answer, he would admit that Fate has been most generous in dealing out her prizes. Tn these times of competition and trust-juggling, the man is fortunate who can earn from h's business investment a fair living, and when success such as Mr. Opp is enjoying rewards one's efforts, that man is especially favored.

Cliarles A. Opi^, coal dealer, Aurora, Indiana, is a son of Anth(3ny and Mary (Heffclmire) Opp, and was born on January 16, 1S66, at Farnu-rs Retreat, Cresar Creek township, Dearborn county, Indiana, and was reare! on his father's farm. He attended the district schools and then took a course at a business college in Cincinnati, after which he became a commercial traveler, and at the end of nine years he associated himself with his brother, Frank ^l., in a g'eneral store at Farmers Retreat for a period of eight years, and then conducted it alone until 1904, when he came to Aurora and estai> lished himself in the coal business, in which he is still interested. In politics Mr. Opp's views are in line with the Republican principles, and his religious views are in accord with those of the Methodist church. }ilr. Opp is a director of the Aurora State Bank.

Anthony Opp was born at Hessen Damistadt, and his wife was a native of Bremen, Germany. They were reared and educated in the land of their birth, coming to .America in 1849. They were early settlers in Cresar Creel: township, where Mr. Opp became engaged in merchandising, and also operated one of the first cooper shops in the township, and later conducted a blacksmith and shoe shop. FIc and his three brothers were men of such influence that their neighborhood was called Opp town. He died there on the home place in 1S99, at the age of eighty years. Mr. Opp was very fond of travel, having made three trips to Germany, and was all through South Africa, but became t'loroughly Americanized and enthusiastic for the interests of this country.

The paternal grandparents were Abraham Opp, and his wife, Elizabeth Opp, both natives of Germany. They immigrated to America at an early day and settled at Fanners Retreat, wdiere they died at an old age. They had eight children : John, Frederick, Jacob, Anthony, George, Catherine, Rebecca and Elizabeth. Their son Anthony was thrice married, his first wife being a Miss Dexhcimer, of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. To this union one son was bom, Philip, now- a resident of Portland, Oregon. Plis second wife was Mary (Heffclmire) Schmolsmire, widow of Casper Schmolsmire. To this union were born six children, namely: John F., of Cincinnati; Elizabeth, the.W'idow- of Isaac Shutts, of Seymour, Indiana; Sarah C, who married J. M. Pate, passed away during the fall of 1904; Frank M.. of Cincinnati, Ohio: Lydia K., wife of Christian Lubbe, of Aurora: and Charles A., of Aurora. His third wife was Mrs. Frederick Heffclmire.

Dearborn Couxtv, Indiana

Mrs. Mary E. Opp was twice married, her first husband Iicing Casper Schmolsniire. Mr. Schmolsmire passed away during- the cholera epidemic of 18.-19. To this union three children were born, Mary, Henry and Louise. The only surviving child at this writing is Louise, wife of Martin ^^fatting, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Charles A. Opp was united in marriage June 6, 1S95, with Mary E. ]3enton, daughter of John H. and Martha (Cole) Denton, of Aurora. Indiana. There is one son to this unicJn. Denton Y., who is now in high school. !Mrs. Opp was born in Aurora, December 9, 1S65.

The parents of Mrs. Charles A. Opp came from one of the eastern states, and were early settlers in Aurora, \\here her father was postmaster for eight vears. He died in 1893, '"''^ her mother is still living. They were the parents of three children, Mary, Nellie and Cora.

An Italian writer has said, "It is not by sleeping, but by working, waking and laboring continually, that proficiency is attained and reputation acquired." a sentiment that may apply truthfully to every self-made man. A splendid strength of character is his who, forced to confront obstacles early in the struggle of life, removes them one by one from his path to success, and finally finds himself a conqueror who not only has kept his own self-respect, but has won the esteem of his fellow men. This is what Herman H. Lei^e has done, and his life has thereby become an inspiration to the younger generation who are beginning to tread the same difficult path. Mr. Leive's first difficulty was overcome when he mastered the language and customs which he found in America, the new country to which he migrated when a lad of seventeen. It was then that he came with his parents, John Elenry and Cicrtrude (Obermueller) Leive, from Germany, where he was born on September 3, 1842, in Oldendorf by Melle.

During the Napoleonic War. the paternal grandfather of Herman H. Leive drove a team for the government. His occupation was farming, in which task he was helped by his good wife who, before her marriage, was Clara Bishop. To this union one child was born, a son, John Henrv.

The maternal grandfatlicr Oliennucllcr was a miller ami farmer. He and his wife were natives of German)', and lived to be quite aged. Their children were three in number, Henry, Gertrude and William, of whom the firstnamed was ijudfather to the subject of this sketch.

To John Henry and Gertrude (Obermueller) Leive were born twcb.e children, namely: Henr_\' \\'., of South Webster, Scioto comity, Ohio; \\'iiliam, deceased: Louisa, ^Irs. \\'illiam Sherman, deceased; Herman H., of Aurora, Intliana ; John Christian, of Cincinnati, Ohin ; Charles. decease<l; Catherine, who married Barney Lecker, of Cincinnati; Henry, deceased, whn was for several years an Aurora jeweler; August, a retired farmer of Aurora, and three who passed away in early childhood.

John Henry Leive came to America with his mother, wife, and children in i860, first living in Cincinnati, afterwards purchasing a farm in Dearborn county, Indiana. This land which he proceeded to improve consisted of eighty acres in Center township, and here he lived until after the death of his wife in 1S73, whicli occurred in her fifty-eighth year. He spent the vear beginning 1876 in the old country, and returning to America, bought a tract of good land near Brockville, Salina count)', Kansas. But because of illness, his son Hemian brought him liack to Aurora, and he died at the home of his daughter in Cincinnati, in 1898. at the ripe old age of eighty-two. Both he and his wife were adherents to the Lutheran faith.

When only a lad of seventeen Herman H. Twelve began his battle with life's realities by becoming an apprentice of the cabinet-maker and woodcarver's trade, in Cincinnati. His ne.xt ventures were in the grocerv and furnitiu'e business, and after some experience in these lines of trade, he moved to Batesville, in the year 1S66, at the time when there was in tlie town only one factory. It appears that business affairs did not run as smoothly as he had expected, and in a few months he returned to Cincinnati, and from there went to Louisville to open up a grocery store wnth his brother-in-law, William Sherman, at the same time working at his carving trade. After the death of his mother he returned to Aurora, which has been his home ever since. His first position there was with the Aurora Chair Factory, whose proprietor was John Cobb. He preferred, however, to have a business of his own, and in 1878 formed a partnership with Henry Wolka and John Fran^, who established together the Cochran Furniture Company, at Cochran, now a part of Aurora. One year later he and Mr. Franz bought out the interest of Mr. Wolke, and the firm became the Cochran Chair Company. Subsequently, in 1879, August Steinkamp and Clemens Post were added to the partnership, but this arrangement lasted tor only a vear, at the eml of vviiich, Mr. Post sold out, and Frederick Schmntte was adfled to the firm. In 1901 Mr. Lei\-e retired from active business, when William E. Stari; and ilarrv Schniutte became the sole owners, and devoted their entire time to the manufacture of chairs of all descriptiuns, selling- these in everv part of the United States. About one hundred and twenty emplovees vvcrc required in the establishment. \\'hile ]\Ir. Leive still retains stock in the company, he gives his time to other business interests, being vice-president and treasurer of the Aurora Tool Works, a stock-holder m the Wvnu.'nd Cooperage Company, and in the Indianapolis Furniture Company of Aurora, as well as in the Aurora State Bank.

Margaret Schwaka, of Cincinnati, became the wife of Herman FL Leive on December 3. 1863. To this union seven children were born, two of \\'hom passed away in infanc}', as fi.illow : Anna married John Ritter, ot Cochran, and is the mother of six children, Walter, Edna, Herman, Flildah, Anna and Harry; Mary married Henry Poehlmann, of Cochran, and of this union three children, Lucille, Lelah and Emma, were born; Carrie becaiv;e the wife of John Hang, a merchant tailor of Aurora, their children bein.g 1-oretta. Esther and Alvin ; Amelia is at home; Matilda Ijecame the wife of William Sieffermann, also a merchant tailor of Aurora. Besides being an ideal wife and mother, ]Mrs. Leive has been of invaluable assistance to her husband in the social life which his prominence in the communitv attracted, and their home has been one of the popular gathering places for their friends. Both Mr. and Airs. Leive are members of the German Evangelical church, having identified themselves with it "when it was first established in 1S74.

For over fifty years Air. Leive has been a prominent member of the Indei)endent Order of Odd Fellows, also belonging to the Encampment. Republicanism in this county has had a strong ally in the subject of tliis sketch, and for one term he was a member of the town council of Cochran. Not all of Mr. Leive's attention has been given to business and politics for, being a lover of music, he has been a singer, possessing a splendid tenor voice, and has done much for the community in bringing to it good music, this being made possible through his activity in the Saengerbund; of which organization he is at present treasurer.

Herman H. Leive has risen above the common-place, and by business ability, foresight and an unusual amount of energy, has passed from the oliscure life of a German youth in a strange land, to a place of prominence in a larg'e American coniniunit\'. thus showing the possession of innate abihty and integ'rity. He has been true to his ideals, and in his own success, has contributed to the commercial activity of his town in which he is a recognized leader.

Totin A. Eobrixk

Thackeray, in introducing to "the gentle reader" one of the most interesting of his manv f.'unilies of story folk, observes, in one of his inimitable asides : "You may not like my friends ; very few people do like strangers to whom they are presented with an outrageous flourish of praise on the part of the introducer. But don't you acknowledge that the sight of an honest man, with an honest, Icn'ing wife by his side, and surrounded by loving and obedient children, presents something very sweet and affecting to }'OU? If you are made acquainted with such a person, and see the eager kindness of the fond faces round about him, and that pleasant confidence and affection which beams from his own, do you mean to say you are not touched and gratified?"

It does not require an overly inclusive acquaintance in Dearborn county to make positi\'e the statement that there are many families in this favored section which might very properly be introduced in just such a fashion as the above, and it is a pleasure on the part of the present biographer to call the reader's attention, at this point, to just such a family as the great n(j\elist might have had in mind when he penned the above introduction, the family of the gentleman whose name heads this brief biographical review, John A. Bobrink, a well-known and popular grocer of the Greendale section of Lawrenceliurg and the present efficient treasurer of Dearborn county, Indiana.

John A. Bobrink was bom in Lawrenceb^urg township, this county, on February 22, 1867. the son of Henrj'- and Anna ( Niehaus) Bobrink, natives of Germany, to whom three sons and five daughters were born : John A., treasurer of Dearborn county: Henry, who lives in Lawrenceburg; Louis, who lives in Greensburg, Indiana; Alaggie, the wife of Enoch Hilderman, of North Vernon, Indiana; ]Mary deceased; Sophia, a teacher in the public schools of Lawrenceburg; Anna, the wife of jNIartin Linkmeyer, of Lawrenceburg townshijj, and Alice, the wife of A. J. Blackburn, of Tampa. Florida.

Henry Bobrink was the only son of Albert Bobrink and grew to }Oung manlmod in his native land, receiving there the careful tuition prescribed b}' the German regulations. In 1866, shortlv following his marriage with .Anna

Nielinus. the daughter of Albert Xieliaus, he came to America, pnicccilini;- immediately to Dearliorn C'>iint\-, hiihaiia. where he settled on a farm in Millar township, where he reared hi-^ family and where for fi:)rty years he enL;aged in farming', dairying and stock raiding. His wife died in 18S4. at tlie age of fortv-fonr rears, and he is nin\ living, at the age of seventy-two, in comfi:irtahle retirement on his fine farm of two hundred acres (the old William Marshall farm), in Lawrenceburg township. In his native days Henry Bobrink was a man of large influence in the neighborhood in which he lived and there are few men in the county today who have a wider acquaintance or a UKjre devoted circle of friends than he.

John A. Bobrink was reared on t!ie paternal farm in Lawrenceburg township, attending the district scliools of that township and the Lawrenceburg high school. For fourteen years he dro\e a milk wagon in the interest of his father's daily and for the past twenty-fi\'e years has been eng-aged in the grocer}- business in the Grccndale section of Lawrenceburg, in which business he has been quite successful, the scrupulous care and attention which he from the very start of this enterprise gave to the wants of his customers having made his store one of the most popular in the citw

While thus engaged in business. >lr. Boljrink never neglected his duty as a citi;ren and was active in the political affairs of the city and count}', his interest in good government forcing him to the front. Li 19 14 he was nominated by the Democrats of Dearborn county for the office of county treasurer, was successful in the ensuing election and is no\v serving- \'ery efficientlv as treasurer of the county, his fitness for this office being a matter of general recognition throughout the county. This extension of his activities has not interfered with the business of his grocery, however, the store being continued at the same old stand, as for man}- years.

On September 4, 1901, John A. Bobrink was united in marriage with Margaret Ulrich, who was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, the daughter of Christopher and Christina (Lommcl) Ulrich, natives of Germany and early settlers in Lawrenceburg. Mrs. Bobrink's father and mother both are dead. They were the parents of a number of children, four of whom li\-ed to maturity; Margaret, who married ]\[r. Bobrink; Frederick, of Lawrenceburg; Louise, the wife of Prof. Farl T. Gold, suj^erintendent of the Cincinnati, (Ohio) public schools; and I'reda. who is a teacher in the public -^chnuls of Lawrenceburg. ]\Irs. Bobrink's paternal grandfather came to America after the death of his wife in Germany and died in Lawrenceburg. He was the father of Christina, Mrs. Kate Hriefer, of Cincinnati, Charles and Chris- topher. Her maternal grandfalher, Peter Lommel, was a well-known resident of Lawrenceliurg- in an earlier day. He and his wife came to this coiintr)- following- their marriage in Germany aiKl reared a large family in thJs county.

To John A. and ^ilargaret (Ulrich) Robrink three children have been torn, Irma Mary. John Henry and Charles Louis. ]\Jr. and !Mrs. Bobrink are members of tlic Zion Evangelical churcli and are raising their children in the faith of that church. Yir. Bobrink is a member of Dearborn Lodge Xo. 49, Knights of Pythias, and is an active participant in the affairs of that lodge.

Mr. and !Mrs. Bobrink take a proper interest in the social affairs of the community and are deservedly popular in a large circle of social acquaintances, their friends according- them the confidence and respect to which they are so justly entitled. Mr. Bobrink is a man of large public spirit and is doing well his part in the promotion of the best interests of the city and county, of which he is so prominent and influential a citizen. His counsel and ad\ice on matters of public import are mucli souglit and on more than one occasion have proved of value to the community, his sound business judgment and political acumen gi\'ing much weight to his suggestions in affairs relating to the common weal.

The gentleman whose biography is here presented has always followed the principle of doing whatever fell to his share, in the best possible manner of which he was capable, ^nd has instilled into the minds of his children the same sound, sensible views.

Frederick Schmutte, president of the People's Building and Loan Company, of West Aurora, Indiana, was born on February 7, 1847, in Hanover, Germany, and is a son of Frederick and Sophia (Fracking) Schmutte. He was reared and educated in the land of his birth, coming to America in October, 1866, at the age of nineteen years, and engaged his services on a farm in Jackson county, Indiana, near Seymour, receiving one hundred and eighty dollars a year, including board. At the end of the first year, he went to Cincinnati and did teaming for a short time, after which he went into a cigar facton,'. during which employment he was married, and on March 15, 1882. he brought his wife and two children to Cochran, now West Aurora, Indiana, where they ha\-c since resided. At this place Atr. .'-!chnuille entered into partnership with Herman Leive, John Fi'anz and Angiist Sleinkanip, continuing for twenty-five years in the n\annfacture of chairs and rockers. 'I'iic factrir\- was then sold out to \\'illiani E. Stark and Harry Schmulte, and has since been continued inider the name of the Cochran Chair Company. Air. Schnuitte is a Rcjniblican, antl has demonstrated his loyalty hv serving one term as a memljer of the comnir)n council of Cochran. He ser\ed as president of the fire department for a number of years, and is at present a director in the following institutions: First National Bank, of Aurora; Dearborn National Bank, of Lawrenceburg ; the Aurora Tool Works, and is also a director on the executive committee of the River View Cemetery Association. AFr. Schniutte belongs to Almania Lodge No. 334, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both he and his wife are attentive members of the Evangelical Protestant church, on which board he officiates as president.

Frederick Schmutte, father of the subject of this sketch, was a nati\'e oi Germany, where he served as a soldier in the regular army. He died in Wachenfeldt, ag"ed over sixty years. He was a public-spirited man, and held various town offices. His wife, Sophia (Fracking) Schmutte, was also a native of Germany, and they were both members of the Lutheran church. Airs. Schmutte died while still a young woman, and Frederick Schmutte is the only one of their children now living.

Both the names and history of the paternal grandparents are lost. They were farmers, and had four children, Frederick, Henry. Lena and Sophia.

Frederick Schmutte was married on August 24, 1S71, to Dora Steinkamp. daughter of Henry and Wilhelmina (Biermann) Steinkamp. She was born on February 15, 1845, '" Enkter, Llanover, Germany. This union has been blessed with two children, Minnie and Harry. Alinnie is the wife of Paul Smith. They reside at Aurora, and have two children, Irvin and Kenneth. Harr)' is the cashier of the First National Bank of Aurora, and is married to Lilly Oerster.

Heni^' and Wilhelmina (Biermann) Steinkamp were natives of Germany, the fomier dying there in 1S62, aged fifty-two years. His widow came to America in 1867, and died at Cincinnati, Alarch 3, 1905, aged ninety-one years and over. To this union were born eight children, as follow: Mary, William, Anna, Louis, Dora, Louisa, Henry and August.

ings with his customers, has placed himself in a position of high esteem with the citizens of the community in which he lives. He lives retired although he assists in directing the concerns in which he is interested. He is still active in body and mind and is a highly intelligent and interesting gentleman who has contributed greatly toward tlie advancement of this community and its people.

While the professional man makes his great and precious gift to his time, it must be recognized also that the American business man, by reason of his ability to organize, also is a benefactor. Especiall}- is that man to be credited who is fair in his commercial transactions, honest in his purpose, and unselfish in his desire to contribute to the general good, as well as to build up his own individual fortune. The gentleman mentioned at the head of this biographical sketch is one who recognizes such obligation, and therefore it is wiih satisfaction that the present publishers include him among those who have been a real benefit to the community in which they have made their homes. \\'. J. Neukom is secretary and treasurer of the Indianapolis Chair and Furniture Company, of Aurora, and a native of Indianapolis, having been born there on May 8, 1872.

\V. J. Xeukom is a son of Frank and Verona fEerner) Neukom, natives of Switzerland, who established their home in this country, and to whom eight children were born. These were: William J., of z^urora ; Frank, of Denver, Colorado ; George, deceased ; Grace, who married Edward Podmore, of Anderson, Indiana; John and Walter, of Indianapolis; Sadie, wife of Thomas B. Campbell, of Indianapolis, and Robert, of Denver, Colorado.

The paternal grandfather of Mr. Neukom was Henry Neukom, and he and his wife, Barbara, lived to a ripe old age, their deaths taking place at Fulton, Missouri. Their children were Conrad, Melchior, Frederick, William. Jacob, John and Barbara.

The maternal grandfather was Rudolph Berner, his wife being Barbara (Conrad) Berner. The latter died while still a young woman, on shipboard coming to America. Mr. Berner, who was a silk weaver by trade, and later, kept a saloon, died in Indianapolis, at the age of eighty-si.K. He was survived by Verona, Barbara, Jacob, Samuel. Wilhelmina and John.

settled in Fulton. [Missouri, where he had lived three year.s when the Civil War broke out. As a private, sen'ing under General Siegel, lie was in inan\- battles, his service covering three enlistments, and a period (jf tour }ears and four months. He was enrolled in the Third Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Infantry. The war over, Mr. Xeukom made his li\"elihood in the baker's trade, later beconu'ng proprietor of a first-class boarding liouse and saloon in Indianapolis. This was the old Chicago House, which he managed for man\- years. When he gave this up. he again became a baker. In iQoo, when he had reached his fifty-eighth milestone he passed away, his wife who had shared all his J03-S and sorrows, having preceded him by six v'ears, when she was forty-three. Both were at one time members cif the Lutheran church, but in later years they ^\-ere adherents of the ^Methodist Episcopal denomination. Air. Neukom belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic, and was a Republican all of his life.

The subject of this sketch began his business career as "bell-bov" at the Spencer House, having gone through the public schools of Indianapolis. Shifting about for employment, he found work at the old Indianapolis Chair Factory, and although that was thirty years ago, he has maintained connections with the firm ever since. Coming to Aurora, ]\lr. Neukom organized a company composed of Edward Schulz, Clarence B. Wilson, John Ullrich. W^illiam L. Hoskins and himself, for the manufacture of chairs, and in this enterprise has been engaged ever since. The factory, which occupies a floor space of fifty-five thousand square feet, employs one hundred persons, and sells its products in all parts of the United States.

On May i8, 1898, W. J. Neukom married Cornelia Taylor, daughter of Alexander and Jean (Forrester) Taylor, of Indianapolis, in which city she was horn, on ^larch 6, 1S74. IMrs. Neukom's parents were natives of Scotland,, the occupation of the father being the grain and fruit business. Both parents are now dead. i\Irs. Neukom's brothers and sisters are Mary, ^largaret, William, Alexander, Jennie, Annie and Edward. The daughter born to Mr. and Mrs. W. ]. Neukom is Jean Forrester Neukom.

Mr. and Mrs. Neukom have entered largely into the social life of the vicinitv, and also have contributed much to the usefulness of the Presbyterian church, to which thev belong. Mrs. Neukom is domestic in her tastes, and a-^ a home-maker she has achieved the same degree of success that her husband has achieved in business.

Masons : also to the Knights of l^ythias. IndianapoHs Lodge No. 56 : and to the Maccabees. As a Repubhcan poh'tician, he is known not only in Aurora. but in Indianapolis, where at one time, he was president of the cily council. Alen possessing the sterling characteristics which are evinced by the life and work of the subject of tb.is biography are of distinct value to the community fortunate enough to have their citizenship. Having won for himself a conspicuous place among the leaders of men, Mr. Neukom has still been true to his ideals, and has thus enlianced the value of his example to the younger generation.

John L. Xolte, the subject of this sketch, like the most of the countrymen of his ancestors, began life in the business that presented the best inducements, namely, farming. Being forced to take charge of the farm at his father's death, he earlv learned the successful methods of agriculture, and was well qualified for his chosen vocation, of which he could not have made a better selection.

John L. Xolte, county commissioner, Dillsboro, Caesar Creek township. Dearborn county, Indiana, was born in that township, Novem]>er 17, 1871, and is a son of Christian and Mary (Willman) Nolte. He was educated at the district and parochial schools, and remained on the farm, following agriculture, under the instruction of his father. When John L. was nineteen years old, in 1S91, his father died, and he was thrown upon his own responsibility in managing the farm. His mother died in 1S96, and he bought out the heirs to the one-hundred-acre fann. ^Iv. X'olte has always been an ardent su])- porter of the Democratic party, and in 1912 was elected to the office of county commissioner from this section, being re-elected in 1914. He is an earnest member of the Lutheran church of Farmers Retreat, and to which he contributes liberally. ]Mr. N'olte is also president of the Farmers' Telephone Company, with headquarters at Friendship, Indiana, and is a director of the German -Mutual Fire Insurance Company, covering this section of the country, and of which his father was an organizer. Mr. Nolte was also township chairman of the Democratic party in Caesar Creek township for six years.

Christian Nolte, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, was born on November 12, 1833, in Hanover, Germany, and came to the United States with his parents when but five years old. He was a son of Charles Nolte, and his early education was secured in Caesar Creek township, after which he assisted his father in agricultural pursuits until His marriage. ]Mr. Xolte was a slanch Democrat, and served as road supervisor for many years, bcino- later elected trustee, in which office he served two terms. His death occurred on May 23. 1S91, aged fifty-eight years. His wife, ^Fary (Willman) Xctlie, was born in Hanover, German}-, coming to the United States with her ])rothers and sisters at the ag'e of twelve years. They settled on Bear creek, Switzerland county. There were two sisters and three brothers, b'rederick. Henry, Florence, William and ^Nlary. Mary A\'illman was educated in Switzerland countv. To and 3.1rs. Christian Xolte were born nine children, I'retlerick, Elizabeth, Louisa, William, Henry, Mar}', ^finnie, John, and Henry, who died in infanc}". Frederick was married to Annie Fleiderman, and li\'es at Aurora. They have two children, Clara and Marie. Louisa became the wife oi John Windhorst, and lives at Seymour, Indiana. She is the mother of three children. Alma, ILarry and one deceased. William died single at the age of thirtynine years. Henry was married to Carrie Shicle, and is living in X^ebraska. The}- have a large family. Minnie is the wife of Benjamin Rueter, and resides in Scott county, Illinois. They have six children, ^lartin, Irvin, Harvey, Ehner, Jessie, and ^Matilda, who is deceased.

Charles X^'olte, the paternal grandfather, was born in Hanover, Germany. He came to the United States and settled in Caesar Creek township, a Httle southeast of Farmers Retreat, on a farm of one hundred acres, in 1844, where he spent the remainder of his life.

John L. Xolte \\-as united in marriage on X'ovember 9, 1898, with ]Miss Amelia Miller, daughter of Rudolf and ]\Iary (Honsmeyer) Miller. She was born on October 6, 1S75, in Pike township, Ohio county, where she was educated and lived until her marriage. To this union have been born four children, Edith, Clifford, Xorma and Gilbert; the three younger of whom are going to school.

Rudolf jMiller, father of Mrs. John L. Xolte, is a native of Hanover, Germany, and came to the I'nited States when seven years of age, with hi.; parents, Henry and ]\Iinnie (Huhlmire) Miller. His wife, Mar\- (Honsmeyer) Miller, was a daughter of Fred Honsmeyer. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of nine children, John. George, Louisa, Christian (deceased), Edward (deceased), Theodore, and Christina (deceased). John was married to Anna Offencamp, and lives in Caesar Creek township. They have three children, Alfred. ]\I_vrtle and W'iliner. Georo-e was married to AuKdia Wicliman, and lives in Johnson township, Ripley county, Indiana. Thev have one child - Mabel. Louisa became the wife of William Eushnian, and resides in Washington townsliiii, Ripley county. Theodore is emplovetl in I'ike towi;- ship, Ohio count}", Indiana.

Henry and ]\Iinnie (Huhlmire) ATiller, paternal £;-randparents of Mrs. John L. Xolte. were natives of Germany, and were earlv settlers at Cincinnati, moving- later to I'ike township, Ohio county, Indiana.

John L. Nolte resides on a splendid farm of one hundred and seventytwo acres, wiiere he has won for himself a place in the front rank among the farmers of the countv, and where he has manv warm and admiring- friends.

The love of freedom, so dominant a passion in the breasts of all people . of the Teutonic division of the human race, has given to America man\- of this nation's best and most patriotic citizens. One of the best-known and most influential residents of Dearborn county, the gentleman whose name the biographer takes pleasure in calling- to the attention of the reader at this point, is the son of a German immigrant who fled from his native coiuitry at the age of nineteen to escape the oppressions uiider which his people were groaning at ihat tin-ie incident to the perpetual wars which were Ijeing v.aged in that country, and \\-ho. with no outside influence, but spurred on constantly b_\- his inflomitable energ\- and per^e\-erance, to which was joined the spirit C)f tlu'ift for which his countrymen are so noted, became one of the largest and \\ealthiest landowners in Dearborn county, and a man of wide influence in the section of the county in which he lived.

John F. !Meyer was born on a farm in Miller to\vnship, this county, adjoining the farm on which he now makes his residence, December 24, 1S54. the son of John F. and Mary ( Ba.sker) Meyer, both natives of Hanover, Germany.

The senir)r John F. ]vleyer was the son of Flenry Meyer, a small farmer in Hanover. Oppressed by the sense of dependence under which the German people were suffering at that time by reason of the militaristic passion of the governing classes. John F. Meyer borrowed enough money to insure his passage to America and. at the age of nineteen, came to this country, seeking freedom and a larger opportunity than any he reasonably could ever hope for in the Fatherland. Upon arriving in this country, he presently made his way to this county and, in company with John Garnier. beg;ui working for Colonel Ferris for the munificent wage of seven dollars a month. At the time he arrived in this county he could not speak the English language, but he quickly acquired not only the speech, but the customs and the manners of his doptcd cour.tr}'. Realizing the better advantages which awaited anyone of thrift and industr}^ on this side of the water, John F. Meyer presently borrow ed einiugh money to bring his parents to this side, and Henry [Nleyer and his wife joined their son in this county, remaining here the remainder of their lives, dying on the farm home which John F. Meyer was not long in establishing after he found himself on the upward course of things in this county. Ilenry ]\Ieyer was eighty years of age at the time of his death. Th.e death of his wife had occurred some years previously. Both these old ]icople were highly respected by their neighbors in IMiller township during the time of their residence there. John F. Aleyer, Sr., married ilary Basker, the daughter of Frederick and Sophia Basker, who also were immigrants from Flanover, who lived to ripe old ages in this county, the latter living to be eighty-eight years of age, and who had but two children, both daughters, ]\Iary and Dora. Spurred to greater endeavors by his marriage, John F. Meyer, Sr., presently bought a farm of two hundred acres, a part of the Roland tract in ]\Iiller township, and began farming on an extensive scale. He prospered and from time to time added to his original holdings until he owned thirteen hundred acres of as fine land as was embraced within the confines of Dearborn county. He lived en the original farm for many years, but late in life moved over onto the Lawrenceburg and Indianapolis state road, where he died, in April, 1900, at the age of seventy-two years. His widow survived him nine years, her death not occurring until the year 1909, she then being seventy-four years of age, the home in -which this faithful and devoted old couple passed their last days still being known as "Three-lNIile House." The senior ^Meyers were devoted members of the Lutheran church and reared their children in the faith of that church. They were the parents of eight children, to each of whom th.e}- gave deeds for good-sized farms when the children were ready to start out for themselves. These children were: Anna (deceased), who married Leonard Randall, a Dearborn county farmer; John F., the immediate subject of this sketch; Henry J.; William; Dora, who married Henry Kaiser, a farmer in Ohio county, this state; Frederick W., who owns two hundred and forty-five acres in this county; George, of Lawrenceburg township, who at one time owned, but later sold the old homestead; and Alary, who died unmarried, in iS9<). The senior John F. Meyer and his wife were prominent in all good works in their community and were generous contributors to all worthy causes. Their devotion to the Lutheran church was pronounced, and they helped to build several churches and school houses.

John Meyer, Jr., was reared on the paternal farm, in what then was a jwrtion of Miller townsliip, recci\"ing his education in the district schools of his neighborhood. He rcmain.ed at home until his marriage, at the age of twenty-three years, when he worked at farming on rented land, and on his father's death became the owner of one hundred and foity-five acres of the home farm. To this farm he lias since added, imtil he now owns a fine farm of three hundred and forty-five acres of fine land in Lawrenceburg township, and is regarded as one of the nK)st substantial and influential residents of this county.

On February 4. 1877, Jolm F. INIeyer was united in marriage with ]\largaret Behlmer, who was born in Riple_\- county. Indiana, January 27, 1S37, the daughter of Court and Adeline ('Studebach) Behlmer. natives of Hanover, Germ.any, and early settlers in Ripley county, the former of whom died at the age of sevent}--five, and the latter at the age of sixty-two, and who were the parents of six children, Albert, Alargaret, z\nna, Henry, Lena and Dorn. Court Behlmer was one of five children born to his parents, the others being- Henry, Diederick, Albert Jlnd ^Margaret. His wife, Adeline Studebach, was the only child of her parents who grew to maturity.

To John F. and }i[argaret (Behlmer) Meyer haA'e been born four children, as follow : Charles F., who married Elsie Schweps. and is farming one of his father's farms; Lena Adeline, who married J. J. Ott, and also lives on the paternal farm ; Clara Mary Dora and Margaret Anna, br.)th of whom are at home with their parents. ]\[r. and Mrs. Meyer are members of the Lutheran church, and their children have been reared in the faith of that church. the family being active workers in the same.

Mr. ]Meyer is a Democrat and for years has taken an active interest in the political affairs of the county. For thirteen years he was super\'isor of roads in his home township, and for two terms served the public very acceptably as a member of the county council, his sound business judgment and far-seeing knowledge of the needs of the people proving of much value to the public while he was serving in that capacity, yir. Meyer is a public-spirited citizen, and ever has been one of the foremost promoters of all measures for the betterment of local conditions. Fie is a man of large influence in the community and is held in the very highest regard by all who know him.

Miss I'layh- is one of the bright, intelleclual woniiiii of Dearborn countv, Indiana, possessing great exeruti\'e ability throughout tier life work. Always equal to emergencies, and ne\-er at a Idss for the right word for tbo,-,o in trouble and distress, always kind and con-^iderate of those serving her, and gentle and sympathetic toward the sick, and at home wherever fate has decreed she should be.

Miss Eva Bayly, Cold Springs, Dearliorn count}', Indiana, was born on July 26, 1844, at [Nloores Hill, and is a daughter of James and Anna E. Wills Piayly. She was educated at ]\Ifiores Hill College, after which she taught school in her home town for three }'ears, and later at the Union school, near Cold Springs, and one year at the Mulford scliool. At the death of her father. Miss Bayly took over the farm, and after disposing of a portion of it, she now has forty-one acres, which she continues to manage, and for a change from farm duties, does sewing for her friends. She is an earnest Christian woman, having" joined the ]\IethocHst E]3iscopal church when tweU'e vears of age. and is interested in all church enterprises.

James Bayly, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, was born on February 8. 1S20, at Wilmington. Indiana. mo\-ing to Cold Springs with his jjarents when quite young, remaining with them until his marriage, and . then bought a part of his fiither's farm, as well as se\'enty-three acres adjoining. In 1852 ]Mr. Bayly had the gold fever, and went to California with a party, remaining there two years. On the return trip the boat sank, and he nearly lost his life as well as the most of his gc)ld. He fi^llowed farming ail his life, and died on April Q, 1873. aged fifty-three )ears. 'Sh. Bnyly was always a loyal Republican. He was a member of the [Methodist Episcopal church. His parents were Obadiah and ^Margarette (Branm^n) Ba}dy. His wife. Anna E, (Wills) Bayly, was born on July 24, 1S22. at Lexington. Kentucky, and moved with her parents to Dearborn county, whcir quite young, and was married here. She died on November 2, igi2, aged ninety years. Mr. and Mrs. Bayly were the parents of four children, Maggie, Eva, Zachary and Marcellus.

Obadiah and ]Margarette fBrannon) Bayly, the paternal grandparents, were natives, the former of England, and the latter of Pennsylvania. When Mr. Bayly emigrated from England he settled on a farm at Cold Springs which he had entered, from the government. They were the jjarents of r.inc children, Theopholis, Obadiah. George. Thomas. James, Valeria, Lititia, \'ictoria and Mary.

Miss Eva Bavly is highh" esteemed ami well beloved for her beaulifnl character and Christian spirit, and many citizens of the township have tender memories of her patience in imparting- knowledge in da}'s gone liy.

One of the most prominent stock raisers of Dearborn county, and a man who has a large circle of friends because he deserves them, is Charles Leonidas Voshell, of Sparta township. Mr. Voshell has given so many years to the occupation of stock raising and trading that in this community he is considered an authority on the subject, and his advice and opinion is often sought by others in the same line of work. Mr. Voshell was born in Sparta, of this state, on April 14, 1S65. He is the son of George Cornelius and Mahala Jane (Johnson) Voshell, the former being a native of Petersburg, Boone county. Kentucky. He was born on November 18, 1S33. and lived in his home county until he v,as married.

After his marriage, George C. Voshell removed to Sparta township, and purchased a farm consisting of eighty acres, and besides carrying on general agricultural pursuits, he traded in farms until he made his home in a village not far from Sparta, where he and his family lived f(3r several years. But often their thoughts would wander longingly back to the old place in Kentucky, where a happy- childhood had endeared every foot of ground, and finally the family returned to the old homestead in Boone county, Kentucky, where they lived for eight vears. At the end of this time, the land was ecjualh- divided among the heirs, and after the death of his wife, Mr. Voshell made his home with his son, until his second marriage. His second wife being Dorotha (Beckett) [McConnell. The newly married couple removed to Aurora. Indiana. Mr. Voshell is a Democrat.

Mahala Jane Johnson, who afterward became the wife of George C. Voshell, was born in Sparta township, where she lived until her marriage. She is the daughter of John D. and Sarah (Brvmiblay) Johnson. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Voshell were si.\ in number, these being, Harr\-, Frank, Elizabeth, Dana, Charles L. and Anna, who passed away in infancy. Harry married ]\Iamie Stalder. and is li\-ing in Indianapolis, where he is a member of the fire department. They have three children, Bernice, Helen and Dorothy. Frank became the husband of Eliza Lowes, and they have since occupied a farm in Belleview-. Booiic county, Kentuck}-. Tiicir only child is a son nanicd Leroy. Elizabeth is the wife of James White, ami their home is the old Voshell homestead in Petersburg, Kentucky. They are the parents of four children, William, Alice, George, who is deceased, and an infant also deceased.

The subject of the present biographical sketch was educated in Boone county, Kentucky, and after school days were over, was a valuable helper of his father on the farm, until his marriage. After his marriage, ho and his wife \\-ent to live on the old home place in Kentucky, remaining there for eight years. Events then shaped themselves so that their best interests were served by a residence in this county, and returning",, they have resided there ever since. Mr. Voshell purchased a fine tract of land consisting of one hundred and fifty acres, attended to its cultivation, and engaged in the business of stock raising. Later he added seventy-four acres, this giving him in all tv.o hundred and twenty-four acres.

On October 4, 1887, Charles L. Voshell married Ida May Canfield. daughter of Holman and Hannah (Shuter) Canfield. Holman Canfield was born in ^Manchester township on August 29, 1S41, and later moved to Hogan township, and was married in 1S64. and bought a farm in Sparta township, where he engaged in general farming the remainder of his life, which was a useful one and one which gained the respect of all who knew him. Holman Canfield was an ardent Republican, a member of the Baptist church, and a Mason. He died on Januaiy 31, 1905, at the age of sixty- four. Hannah (Shuter) Canfield. his wife, was born in Manchester township, living there until her marriage. The date of her birth is January 10, 1846. The children born of this union were : Ida May, George W., Or\ille. Eugene and Cora Etta. The eldest son, George W., married Ella Slater, and took up their home in Frankton, Indiana. Their children are, Ethel and Rov. Orville E. married Alaggie Mendel, and is living now in Sparta township. Their only daughter is named Flossie. Cora Etta is the wife of Louis Pritchard, also living in Sparta. They are the parents of two children, Leslie and Mable.

Holman Canfield was the son of Cyrus and ilary (Richardson) Canfield, the former of whom was born in 1818, and died in 1892. Cyrus Canfield was the son of Noyes Canfield, born in 1818, and Fanny (Taylor) Canfield. Noyes Canfield's father was Phineas Canfield, son of John Canfield, and his mother was Amy Newton.

Ida M. Canfield was born in Sparta township on November 3, 1S64. and was educated in the common schools of that county. She was a dutiful daughter, and during her lifetime at home, which was until her marriage, she did

The children born to IMr. and Mrs. Charles L. VoshcU are as follow : jMahala. horn on October .[. iSSS; Purncll, May i8, 1897; Beatrice, December 27, igoo; and two children who died at the age of ten }-cars. Mahala married Clarence \Miitefield, and lives in Sparta. They ha\-c two children, Charle-, and Jennie.

^Ir. \'oshell is a Democrat, and is so much of a Democrat that one does not have to know him very long before finding out this fact. Politics is a very vital part of his life and he gives much time to its study and discussimi. Mr. Voshcll is a member of the Baptist church, and an enthusiastic and earnest member. He is also connected with the Odd Fellows lodge and the lodge of Modern Woodmen.

Mr. Voshell is well known in the communit}- in he li\-es. He takes an actixe part in the subjects that interest him, and in the organizatiims which represent these subjects, and is sparing neither of time nor thought ncir money where he feels that these can be profitably used to pmmote the welfare of the community.

Frank Bittner

North New Alsace lies in the southwestern corner of Kelso township, a few miles north of the Big Four railroad, the first settler in which is though.t to have been Anthony W'alliezer, a native of France, who came to this countrv in 1833. George Voglegesang. a native of Bavaria, settled here quite earh,-, and was the first village smith, thus starting the business that later grew to be of considerable importance at this point. Among those who soon followed in the footsteps of Anthony Walliezer were, John Decker, who openefl a grocery store, and James Cannon, who did a successful dry-goods trade. The first postoftice was opened in 1840, with John B. Kessler as postmaster, and it was not long ere the township was \\-ell represented by churches and schools.

Frank Bittner is a son of Frank, Sr., and Mary (Numever) Bittnci", and a native of North New Alsace, Kelso township, Dearborn countv. He was born on September i, 1849, and attended the common schools of New Alsace. In ^Sf>q he went to Missouri, learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1871 went to Indianapolis and worked at trade and got married. In about 18S0 went lack to fiinninq- in Kel-;o township, and bought fift_\'-t\vo acres near ilie ukl liuiiicstcad in Ivel^n tnwnship, \\licre he has since niadc his lionie. He has gi\cn his supp-ua to the T'enmcratic jiarty, and has held a nunil)er vi th'j township ohices, was elected assessor in i88(), serving a four-year term, wlieu he was re-elected, and served ten years, in all. In 1900 he was elected town^ s!n'[) trustee, aiid in 1914 was elected to the office of count}- commissioner for district No. 2. hy a large majority, in which capacity he served a three-year term.

I'^rank Bittner, Sr., was born in Bavaria, Ck'rman}-, in 1S21, and at the age of twenty-five, in 1846, came to the United States, settling in Dearborn county. He bouglit eighty acres of land in section 21, Kelso township, to \vhich he later added fifty-five acres more, and lived on the place until his death, in 18S8, at the age of sixiy-five _\ears. His attention was divided betvi'een general farming and sti-ck-raising'. ^Ir. Bittner \vas a strong supporter of the Demcicratic policies, but was modest, and ne\er sought public office. In religion he was a loyal member of St. Paul's cliurch, at Xew Alsace. r\Irs. P.ittner was born in 1824, in Jutvaria, and died in 1911. To this union were liorn nine children, Mary. Michael, Frank, }tlartin, George, John, Joseph, i'Vederick and Lewis. ]\Iary, now deceased, married Henr\- W'olfort, and they had six children. Frederick married ]\Jary Feller, and is a merchant in Ripley county. Lewis lives at Cincir.nati.

Frank Bittner was united in marriage with Elizabeth Cook, daughter of Henry and Katharina CcKjk. She was born in Decatiu- count}', Indiana, in 1855, 3nd li\'ed there until her marriage. I\Ir. and Bittner are the parents of eleven children, namely: Frank, Katharine, Anna, Louis, John, lilizabeth, William. Mary, Henry, Robert and Leo.

Frank Bittner, eldest son of the subject of this sketch, was married to Louisa W'ilke, and is now- li\ing at Cincinnati. Katharine is the \\ife of Martin Knue\-en, and is li\ing in Kelso tow-i-iship. Thev have five child.ren. John, Robert, Clara, Frieda and Francis. Anna is married to Peter Flausser, aiid is living on a ranch in Colorado. Louis married Amelia Schetzel, and is living in Ohio. They have two children, Frank and Flarry. John Bittner was married to Gertrude Parnell. and is superintendent in a rubber estai)- lishment at Akron, Ohio. They have one child, Paul. Mary is marrierl to Leo Roth, a contractor at Reading, Ohio.

Frank Bittner is one of the most prominent men in the community iri which he lives, and is well liked by all who have the privilege of knowing him.

Henry Herman Knippeneerg

Heniy Herman Knippenherg, a well-known farmer of Lawrenccburg township. Dearborn county, Indiana, was born on April 23, 1S66, in Wilmington. Dearborn county, Indiana, the son of Herman and Elizabeth (Seiker) Knippenberg.

The Kiiippcnbergs have been prominent in Dearborn county for more than half a century. Herman Knippenberg, who was born in Germany and who served the required period in the German ami)-, learned the stone mason's trade early in life, and after coming to America, about i860, settled in Cincinnati, where he worked in a pork-packing house. Later he worked as a farm hand near Aurora lUitil his marriage, which took place about 1865. He then rented a farm in Dearborn county and later purchased sixty acres in Manchester township, where he lived for eleven years. The remainder of his life was spent upon a farm on the Aurora road, in Lawrenceburg township, until his death on March 2. rgoS. ]\Irs. Knippenberg was the daughter nf Casper Seiker, who came to this country from Germany with his wife immediately after their marriage, and settled in Dearborn county, where he worked as a farm hand. He purchased sixt\- acres of land near Aurora and lived there for some time. Subsequently, he moved to Aurora and lived in that town until his wife's death in 18S0. The last years of his life were spent among his children. He died in 1895.

After attending the district schools of Dearborn county and completing his education. Henry Knippenberg began working on neighboring farms as a farm hand. Subsequently he became a renter. During late years he has been very prosperous and is living on a farm of seventy-five acres owned by Jeremiah Hunter.

Heiu'y H. Knippenberg was married on ^larch i, 1891, to Laura Hunter, who was born on July 10, 1861, in Dearborn county. After attending the public schools, she lived at home until her marriage. Mrs. Knippenberg is the daughter of Peter and Phoebe Hunter, the former a native of Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania, and the latter of Dearborn county. They had seven children : Jeremiah, William, John, and Laura, all of whom are living; and three daughters, deceased. Mrs. Knippenberg's father was a farmer all of his life, and at the time of his death owned a small farm of about eight acres. This eight acres is now owned by Mrs. Henry Knippenberg, Jeremiah and William Hunter, but is included in the farm owned by Jeremiah Hunter.

To Mr. and ]Mrs. l\nii)peiiberg have bet'ii born two cliikh'cn : luner^-, who is a city mail carrier in tlie Lawrenceburg postoflice : and Everett, wlio is a shipping clerk for the Rossville distilleiy.

Not only is Mr. Knippenberg a well-known farmer in this count\-, but he is a man who takes a worthy interest in public questions and is considered bv his neighbors as a well-informed man. He is a man of genial personaliiv and is popular in the community where he has li\-ed many years. Ilis standing in this communitv is the best testimonial to his worth and merit.

Thomas Johnston

Among the retired, successful citizens of Dearborn county is found Thomas Johnston, around whose family is centered a great deal of early history. Since the coming of the three Johnston brothers, David, George and Joseph, from \^irginia to this county, they and their descendants have been first in many of the progressive improvements for the benefit of the general public. From the \'er}' beginning of their residence here, they have accomplished difficult things, setting an example for those of a less venturesome disposition. Coming to a country of woods and wilderness, they found it necessan,- to cut out a road by which to reach their land, and soon afterward they erected the first grist-mill in this section of the country,

Thomas Johnston was born on January i, 1828, in ^Manchester township, and is a son of Joseph and ]\Iary (Karney) Johnston. He grew up about the mill, and his early history is pretty well associated with that of the mill. His life has always been one of great activity, and the wealth which he accjuired, and which enabled him now to enjoy life, is the result of the prurience and good management exercised in his early business career. In 1855 he became county treasurer, serving two and one-half years, and is probably the only one now living who held office here so long ago, at which time he was only twenty-seven years of age. He always had great executive ability, and during the latter life of the old mill, although much younger than his two brothers, he was head miller and manager, but the dust proved very annoying to him, necessitating a change to outdoor work, and resulted in his taking up the life of a farmer, although not confined exclusively to this line of work. His attention was directed to real estate to some extent, and he was public spirited

Joseph Johnston, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on March 22, 1793. in Frederick comity, A'irginia, and was a son of Da\id and Ehzalietli (Kyle) Johnston. He inimigrate(.l to Ohio in 1810. wlien about sixteen years of age. in compau}' w ith his mother and t\\o brothers, David and George, his father having died in A'irginia. In 1S12 the}- went to Vincennes, Indiatia, fording creeks and rivers, or Ijuilding rafts where streams were too deep to ford. At this time the war with the Indians was threatening, just before the battle of Tippecanoe, so acting under the advice of General Harrison they spent only one season there. From \'incennes they moved to Dearborn county.

When ]\Irs. Johnston and her sons came to this county they settled on \\''ilson creek, near Aurora. In 1S15 they moved to a site on North Ilogan creek where Joseph Johnston and his two brothers built a grist-mill run by water power. They ground wheat, corn and buckwheat for the pioneer settlers of that region. In 1845 Joseph Johnston bought his brothers' interests and became the sole owner of the mill. He continued in the btisiness until his death in 1873, when his sons took charge of the mill. The mill had been overhauled and enlarged, and valuable improvements of the most approved tN-pe were put in from time to time. In 1S82, at a time when milling was being revolutionized, the mill burned down, and as the future was \'ery uncertain they did not rebuild. At present, there is very little to mark the place, except the old brick smoke stack. The old mill served a territoiT from North Bend to Ripley C(5unty, and awav south, having at times nearl_\- a week's grinding ahead. Customers from a distance would be housed and their horses fed, which, although eating up the profits, served as an acU'ertisement. In addition to his mill, Joseph Johnston owned about two hundred acres of land which had been entered from the government in the name of an elder brother, David. ^Ir. Johnston's wife, Mary ( Karney)' Johnston, was a native of Kentucky. To this imion were born the following children: John, George, Thomas, David, Columbus, James and Joseph. David died in 1876; James died in 1S58; Columbus was in the Flouse of Representatives and also in the State Senate two or three times.

Thomas Johnston, the immediate suliject of this sketch, was married in September, 1867, to Abigail Heustis, daughter of Elias and Sarah (Ellis) Heustis. She \vas bom in Februarv', 1843. in ^lanchester township, Dearborn county. To this union were born four children. Joseph E. died in infancy. Anna Marj- died at the age of twenty-four years, when just finishing college at Moorcs Hill at the head of her class. She was graduated from the Lawrenceburg high school, at the head of her class. The two children now living arc Robert C. and David T. Robert C. was born on December 25, 1868. and lives with his father in the eastern part of Hogan township. He is married to Liiella Barkley. and has four children, Robert Preston, Stanley Maurice, Harold J-, and Laird Barkle\'; David was born on June 11, 1S76. He is immarried and is also at home with his father and mother.

Elizabeth (Kyle) Johnston, the paternal grandmother, died on August 21, 1S19, aged eighty-three years. She was a daughter of Joseph Kyle, a native of Ireland, and a son of Robert and Margaret Kyle.

Elias Heustis, father of Mrs. Thomas Johnston, was a native of New York state, and located in "Manchester township about i8iS, and his wife, Sarah (Ellis) Heustis, was a native of Massachusetts. ]\Ii-. Heustis was a tavern-keeper along the much traveled road where he settled, and entertained many drovers and travelers.

It would be a difficult matter to find one more entitled to the comforts of a retired life than Thomas Johnston, who numbers among his sincere and earnest friends an enviable list of the representative citizens of Dearborn county.

Henry Dietrich Bockhorst

There is something lacking in the man who can ride past a beautiful fieUl of golden wheat, a fine apple or peach orchard, or a drove of fine Holstein- Friesian cattle and not have a desire to be the possessor of a farm. The subject of this biography is among those earnest folk who know from experience not only the attractive side of farm life, but the hardships and disappointments which accompany it.

Henry Dietrich Bockhorst. farmer, son of Henry and Mary (Ellinghausen) Bockhorst, was born on January 6, 1865, in Lawrenceburg township. He attended district school No. 6, and in 1885 was united in marriage to Alvena Leffler, who died in iSgi. Two children were born to this union: Clara, now Mrs. Green, of Hogan township ; and Ora, who lives with his uncle. William Bockhorst. His second wife was Marv- Smith, to whom lie was married on )ilarch 10. 1903. They have three children, Alton, Herbert and Robert. The last two were twins.

Henry Bockhorst \v^.s born in Germany and came to America wlien qu'le young, settling at Spades. Ripley county, and was a farmer all his life. His wife also came from Germany at an early age, and after marriage located in Lawrenceburg township. They bought one hundred and forty-seven acres of land from his wife's father, and lived on the place the remainder i:>l their lives. This farm now belongs to Henry Dietrich Bi_^ckliorst, he ha\"ing i)urchased it from the heirs. There were ten children in this family : ^vlrs. Henr}- Lcfller, Sophia, Mrs. Alice Engleking, William, John, Louis, Henry and three who are dead. ^Irs. Henry Leftler has had si.xteen children, eight of whom are li\"ing, namely: William, John, Harry. Louis, Luella. Luzena, Mar\' and Lena. ]Mrs. Alice Engleking has four children. Harry, Estell. William and another. Louis has three children, Rhoda, Harry and Omar.

Mrs. Henry Dietrich Bockhorst is a daughter of George and ^fargaret (Bolke) Smith. She was born in Hogan township. December 6, 1S72. and secured her education in the public schools. She is a member of the Lutheran church. Ller parents were born in Germany, and came tn America when very young, settling in Ripley county. After marriage her father moved to Aurora, Indiana, where he was engaged in farming. Lie later went to Hogan town.ship, where he rented a farm, and after living on it a number of years moved to Dillsboro, Indiana, where he bought a truck farm, which he sold in 1904 and went to Dinuba, California, where he has since resided. He served three years in the army. His wife, ^Margaret, died in 1895. He was married, secondly, to Alice Hehe, at Dillsboro. There were seven children by the first marriage, as follow : Harvey, John, who married and has three children, Carl, Russell and Clayton. Louis is married and has one child. Raymond ; Frank is married and has one child, Lorene ; Edward has one child. Hazel; Charles has four children; and Airs. Bockhoist. By the second marriage there were three children, Rudolph, Lois and Harriet.

Albert Travanyan Gridley, former county surveyor and civil engineer of Dearborn county, an educator of many years' standing in the county, a gallant soldier of the Civil War and a citizen who is fully representative of the best life of the commimit}- in which well nigh his whole life has been spent, was born on a farm three miles east of Cleves, Hamilton county, Ohio. on September 6, 1S47, the son of Francis Asbury and Caroline Elizabeth

]-"rancis Asbury Clridley was burn at Eeljire, Ohio, the smi of Re\-ili:i and L,ouisa (Pease) Gridley. natives of Xew York state and early settlers of Hamilton county, Ohio, where the_\- li\ed for many years and where their famil}- was rearetl. Revilo Gridley died at Rockport. Indiana, and his wife died at Ca])e Ciirardean, Alissouri, both being well alung in years when death overtook them. They were the parents of thirteen children, some of whom died in infancy or in early youth, but seven of wdiom lived to niaturit\- and to make their impiess upon the respective communities in which the\- lived, these being, beside the father of the immediate subject of this sketch, Cyprian, Chester, Mary, Sybil, Ethan and Henry.

Francis A. Gridley was reared on the paternal farm in Hamilton coiiiily, Ohio,' receiving such education as the neighborhood schools affordcil, to which was supplemented the careful instructions received from his educated and intelligent parents. He became a proficient carpenter and the exercise of this vocation took hip-i, from time to time, to various places of residence. For a time he lived in Cincinnati, but his several moves ne\'er toeik him farther than thirty miles from the town of Cleves. He married Caroline Elizabeth Duvall, of Alukingum county, Ohio, the daughter of John anfl I'risciha (Standiford) Duvall. the former of whom was a native of Virginia and the latter of Maryland. John Duvall, who emigrated from Virginia to ]\Iuskingum county. Ohio, with his parents in the da}-s of his early youth, was reared as a farmer of the pioneer period and died there well ad\anced in years. His wife lived to the great age of ninety-one years. John Du\'all was a soldier of the War of 1S12 and he and his wife were the parents of six children, Caroline E. Tolbert, who died unmarried, Priscilla Amanda, Xelson M., Harriet and Louisa.

To Francis Asbury- and Caroline Elizabeth (Duvall) Gridley were born seven children: Albert T., the subject of this sketch; Ida, the wife of W'iHiam D. Holliday, of Erookville, Indiana; Willie C, \vho died in the year 191 1 ; Clara ]\I. (deceased), who was the wife of Charles Roberts, and three who died in infancy. In 1882 the Gridleys moved to Aurora, this count\-, where Francis A. Gridley died in 1903, at the age of eighty-five years. His widow still is living there at the advanced age of ninety years.

Albert T. Gridley 's early youth was spent in Hamilton county. Olii'), and he attended the public schools at Cincinnati, beginning early to make his own wav bv doing such work as his hands found to do. When the Civil

War broke uut his youthful heart was fired with patriotic zeal to aid the cause of tlie Union, but the war was drawing to a close before he found an opportunity to enlist, his tender years being- a handicap to his ambition to be a soldier. At the age of seventeen, liowever, he succeeded in enlisting in Company I.. Thirteenth Regiment. Ohio \^oIunteer Cavalry, but was assigned to Company M. of the same regiment, in which company he served as first sergean.t .for a period of fi\'e months, being mustered out on Julv 4, 1S65. I'pon his return to the peaceful pursuits of life, x'oung Mr. tlridlev engaged in teaching school and for se\'enteen \ears followed this profession, meanwhile quahf\ing himself for the practical work of surveying' and civil engineering. In 1SS2 Mr. Gridley was elected county surveyor of Dearborn county and for twenty years was retained by the people in this position of responsibility, in that time performing a great and permanent ser\ice for the county. Since his retirement from the public office of surveyor, ]\Ir. Gridley has devoted his time and talents to such civil engineering work of a local character as lie may be called upon to ,perf<_irm, his fine technical and practical knowledge of the requirements of such work bringing his services in much demand. 'Sir. Gridley has been the city engineer of the city of Aurora for thirty-three years continuoush' and had charge of the construction of the first brick streets laid in that city. Mr. Gridle}- has given considerable attention to the study of economics, and is the author of an interesting book, entitled "Man - Neighbor - Brother," which has attracted considerable attention in thoughtful circles. In 1900 h.c compiled and published an atlas of Dearborn county, wdiich has proved a very valuable wijrk and which has stood as an authoritati\e work of reference in this county ever since.

On ]\Iarch 25. 1S75, Albert T. Gridley was united in marriage to Anna Mary Jenkins, lovingly known to her friends as "Minnie," who was the daughter of Samuel Jenkins, of hVanklin county, Indiana. To this union two children were born, both of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Gridley died on March 25, 1879, at the early age of twenty-two years, and in 1885, Mr. Gridley married, secondly, Ilora ^'vlaud Johnson, daughter of Thomas Johnson. to which union there has been no issue.

^Ir. Gridley has a large and interesting following of friends and is very popular with his large circle of acquaintances. He takes a proper share of responsibility in the good works of the community and no man in Aurora is held in higher regard that he. Mr. Gridley is a Democrat and his long experience in pubhc affairs and his sound judgment on matters of public policy give to his voice considerable weight in the councils of his party in Dearbo'-n county nncl in tlie cit}- of .\urora. Pie is a good cilizen. in all that tb.ii^ niuclialnised term implies, and very rightly is held in the highest esteem throughout the cou!it\ . nut only in social and political circles, but in business circles, hi.-i advice on matters of business policy often being sought and accci)tcd. white his earh' experience as a teacher has given a value to his suggestiijns along educational lines which even to this day is found profitable to the school authorities of the city and county. His, indeed, has been a well-rounded life. Possessed of the liighest ci\ic and political ideals, he has kept clear tlie \ision vhich inspires higher ideals of government and now, in the calm and pleasant evening of his life, as sage counsellor and friend, he still is doing nobly his work in his home community, his life being an inspiration to the youth wh" are seeking only those tilings \\hich are of good report.

Rev. Martin Andres

It is with peculiar pleasure that a writer approaches the task of recording something of the life and work of a man who has gi-\-en himself in the service of humanity, for it is certain that such a life and work have left an ineradicable impress upon the lives which it has touched. In reviewing even briefly the career of Rev. Martin Andres, the beloved priest of St. J'^seph's church, at St. Leon, one is reminded of the words of an American -who said: "Great hearts there are also among men: th.ey carry a volume of manhood: their presence is sunshine: their coming changes our climate: they oil tlie bearings of life: their shadow always falls behind them: tliey make right living easy. Blessed are the happiness-makers. They represent the best forces in civilization. They are to the heart and home what the honeysuckle is to the door over \\hich it clings. These embodied gospels interpret Christianit}'."

It will be of interest to preface this biographical sketch with a statement concerning the predecessors of the present priest in charge of St. Joseph's. Tii 1841 the Rev. Joseph Ferneding, of New Alsace, built a log church, placing it under the patronage of St. Joseph. After his departure, the church ami young congre,gation were attended succe-^sivelv by Rev. Michael O'Rourke, of Dover, Indiana: Rev. William Engeln, of St. Peters: Rev. Martin Stalil, of New Alsace, and Rev. Andrew Bennett, of Dover, until 1853. The Rev. Aeg. Moeshall was the first resident pastor, from March till November, 1853. The next is Rev. Arnold Pinkers, in 1854, succeeded by the Rev. Henry

Koeriiig in 1S55, remaining until the beginning of i860. Under his auspices, the present church was begiui in 1S59. The cluuxh is of brick, one hundred and twenty by fifty-six feet. Rev. L. Schneider came in i860, remaining but six months. The Rev. Anthony Scheideler took charge in November, i860. He completed the church, built a new school and erected a parsonage. On July 28, 1874, Rev. John Gabriel arrived at St. Joseph's and remained until 1897, when Rev. A. Feigcn took charge. He built the present splendid new parsonage at the cost of four thousatul dollars. Rc\'. A. Feigen died "u April 28, 1902, and was buried in St. Joseph's cemetery on ^lay i, 1902. His successor was Reverend Andres.

Martin Andres was born at New Orleans, January 28, 1855, and is the son of Sebastian and Gertrude (Sebastian) Andres. Sebastian Andres was born in Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, where he lived until he was thirty years old. After his marriage, which took place in his native country, he came to America, and settled in New Orleans, but remained there only six months. He then, with his family, migrated to Fli^yd county, Indiana, where, ha\'ing purchased eighty acres of good farm land, he began the culti\-ation of tb.e ground which furnished his livelihood the remainder of his life. He later added one hundred and forty acres. At the age of sixty-eight vears he passed away in the year 1892. He was a Democrat, and ? member of the St. Mary's church, of Floyd county. Gertrude Andres lived in Germany at the time of her marriage. She was a devout Catholic, bringing up her children in accordance with the tenets of that church. Besides Martin Andres there were five children, namely: Elizabeth, William, Teressa, Nicholas and Peter.

Alartin Andres had in early childhood and youth the environment and training necessary to prepare him for the priesthood, for the religious atmosphere of the home was supplemented by denominational schools. Coming to Floyd county with his parents, he first attended the parochial schools located near his home at Floyd Knobs, until 1872. Next his studies were continued at St. Meinrad's Seminary, in Spencer county, Indiana, and he was ordained on June 11, 1881, by Rt. Rev. Francis Silas Chatard, D. D., bishop of Indianapolis. At that time he was appointed to a charge in Frenchtown, Indiana, at St. Bernard's church, where he remained until July, 1888. when he was transferred to Haymond, Franklin county, Indiana, the church being St. Mary's of the Rocks. Here he ser\ed until June, 1902, when he was sent to be the pastor of St. Joseph's church, at St. Leon, where he is living at present. Father Andres has since his pastorate here built up the material welfare, as well as the spiritual life of the parish.

Rev. Martin Andres is a man of marked mental attainments, as well as of forceful character, and as he goes aljout among- his jKviple, has won their refpcct, their admiration and their love.

Prominent for many years in the councils of the Democratic partv in Dearhorn count}-, and popular alike among- the leaders and the ranlc and file of that party, as well as with the people of the county generally, Daniel E. Mc- Kinzie, the present sheriff of Dearborn county, is making a splendid record in the office of which he took charge on January i, 1915. Dearborn county is well known among its sister commonwealths of Indiana for its standi Democracy, and Mr. Mclvinzie, undaunted by his defeat by a narrow margin of ninety-eight votes at the fiist primary in which he participated, received, in his second canvass, a plurality of seven hundred and thirty-six votes and was triumphantly elected, at the general election in 1914, by a plurality of nine hundred and seventy-six.

Daniel E. McKinzie is one of a family of seven sons born to Daniel E. and Tabitha (Giffin) AIcKinzie. Of these sons, Joseph is deceased; Jacob lives at Aurora; Samuel is deceased; Clarence lives at Cincinnati; Daniel E., Jr., is the subject of this sketch: Charles and Harry live at Aurora. Daniel E. McICinzie, Jr., was born on the old Doc Swayles farm in Logan township., this county, on !March 27, 1863. His father, who was reared near Dover, Indiana, and who was a laborer and farmer, removed from Petersburg, Kentucky, to Aurora, this county, in 1871, and lived there until his death in 1889. he then being- sixt}--fi\e years of age. His widow, who is still living, at the age of eighty-five, is a member of the Methodist church,

Mr. McKinzie's paternal grandfather also was Daniel E. McKinzie, and his maternal grandfather was Samuel Giffin. The latter was a nati\-e of Indiana and lived in Dearborn county and died at .\urora. He was the father of seven children, as follow: Kate, Tabitha, Sarah, Charles, Samuel, David and John.

When David E. McKinzie was seven years old his parents moved from Petersburg, Kentucky, to Aurora, and the latter city continued to be his home until Januar}' i, 1915, when he moved to Lawrenccbm-g and took charge of the office of sheriff. Sheriff ?iIcKinzie was first engaged in the ice business at Aurora, subsequently heini^ engaged in the restaurant business iov a period of seven vears, at the end of which time he engaged in the h\ery business and still owns a !i\ery Ijarn in .Aurora, liaxing o[)erated tliis barn for a [icriod of six years before his election as sheriff. He prospered in \.\u> business and became, during his residence in Aurora, a well-known citizen, not only of Aurora, but of all Dearborn count}'.

Daniel E. IMcKenzic married Ella Co.x, daughter of Ilirani and Xancy (Kerr) Cox, and Iierself a native of Indiana, whose father died in 1S90. at the age of sixtv-se\en vears, after ha\'ing reared seven children, the other six being Elias, James, Jacob. John, Paul and Emma. ^Irs. Hiram Cox is still living and is now past eighty-five years of age. Hiram Cox was a flatboatman during the Civil War, and a pilot on one of the Federal gun br)ats. performing distinguished service in behalf of the Unirm. He was one ui three children born to his parents, the others being Jacob and James, ]\Irs. . Pliram Cox was one of se\'eral children, among others being Xancy, Aron, James and l\Jary.

To 'Mr. and ?klrs. ^IcKinzie have been born one son and one daughter, Paul and Pearl. Paul AicKinzie is now deputy sheriff of Dearborn county and is unmarried. Pearl died at the age of eight months.

Sheriff McKinzie is a member of the Royal Arcanum. His son, Paul, belongs to the Knights of Pythias and is also a member of the Royal Arcanum. Since going to Lawrenceburg, the ]\IcKiiizie family have become popular socially in that city, where they maintain a comfortable and refined home. Already the recipient of a high honor from the Democracy of Dearborn county. Sheriff iIcKinzie"s friends predict for him even greater honors in a public wav.

Charles Mos.Aieier

When the election for township assessor was held in this township in 1914, the man elected to fill the office by an overwhelming majorit}- was Charles Mosmeier. the subject of this sketch. Long residence in the neigiiborhood contributed to the cause of the election, but this particular selection was the result of personal popularity and public confidence in the man.

Charles Abjsmeier was born in .-\dams township, Ripley county, Alarch 2. 1S65, and is the son of John Alosmeier and Katherine (Christian) AIosineier. The former is still li\-ing, a hale and hearty man of eightv-one vears.