Township Histories & Biographies

Center Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana
History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Brant & Fuller. 1889

Part 1 — Part 2 — Biographies A-K — Biographies L-Z

John Alleon, of Center Township, was born in Germany, February 24, 1826. He is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Seeman) Alleon, who were both natives of Germany. They came to America about 1832, and settled in Marion County, Ohio, where they remained about nine years, after which they removed to Vanderburgh County, Ind., and settled on the farm where John Alleon now resides. The father died soon after reaching this County, but his wife survived until the fall of 1880. Our subject is the oldest son, and when the family came to this country was only a little over fifteen years of age. He has devoted his entire life to the farm and now owns 140 acres of good land. He was married to Miss Caroline Becker, who was born about 1839 in Germany, the daughter of John and Emma Becker. She died May 31, 1880. Of their three children, two died when quite young. The other, John, was born February 14, 1860, and married Miss Caroline Ahles, daughter of John and Theresa Ahles, December 13, 1883. He and wife live with his father. They have one child, Edwin, born October 25, 1884. Mr. Alleon is a member of the German Methodist Church. In politics he is a republican.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 604.

Gottlieb W. Baumann, a citizen of Center Township, was born in Switzerland, May 18, 1849, the son of Rudolph and Susannah Baumann. They emigrated to the United States in 1853. They proceeded at once to Evansville, Ind., where the father became engaged at work as a carpenter. He remained but a few years in Evansville, and then removed to Posey County, Ind., where he continued until his death, about 1880, his wife dying about 1854. Gottlieb was educated in the schools of Evansville, both in English and German. At nineteen years of age he determined to learn a trade, and accordingly began life for himself in Posey County. He first worked on a farm for a time, and then learned the blacksmith's trade in St. Philips, that County. He worked there nearly three years, and then went to Henderson County, Ky., where he spent four years. He then removed to Evansville, and after ten years' work in Blount's plow factory, he came to his present home in Center Township, where he has since been engaged in general black-smithing. He was married January 1, 1873, to Miss Amelia Riechelt, who was born in Warrick County, Ind., April 16, 1852, the daughter of Gottlieb and Philipina Riechelt. Her father is still living in Evansville, and her mother died April 1, 1888. They are the parents of four children, viz.: William, born October 7, 1873; Julia, born October 27, 1875; Virginia, born July 7, 1880; Allan, born December 2, 1882. Mr. Baumann and family are members of the German Methodist Church.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 605.

Frederick Brandenberger, a farmer of Center Township, was born in Switzerland, October 3, 1846. He is the son of Henry and Magdalena (Schorri) Brandenberger. They came to Vanderburgh County in October, 1848, remained one year in the city of Evansville and then settled on a farm in the southwestern part of Center Township, and remained until 1865, when they removed to another farm, which the father occupied until his death, March 22, 1880. His wife survived him about two years, her death occurring November 16, 1882. Frederick attended the common schools and was employed chiefly in farm work until November 27, 1864, when he enlisted as a private in Company K, Twenty-Second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until August 4, 1865. During his term of service the only hard battle in which he participated was that of Bentonville, N.C. He was mustered out at Louisville, and received his discharge at Indianapolis. After returning home he went into the saw-mill and threshing-machine business, but was engaged in farming at the same time. This he followed for about ten years, since which time he has devoted his entire attention to farming. He was married November 7, 1867, to Miss Mary Schwartz, who was born in Scott Township, this County, February 14, 1848, the daughter of Henry Schwartz. He owns a farm of eighty acres. He and his wife Mary were the parents of eight children: Amelia (deceased), Louisa, Martha, William W., Mary E., Bertha, John H. and Minnie M. Mrs. Brandenberger died August 14, 1885. He was married August 17, 1886, to Miss Mary Newmaster, who was born in Louisville, Ky., in November, 1854, the daughter of Charles and Dorothy (Loudonberg) Newmaster. Mr. Brandenberger and part of of his family are members of the German Methodist Church. In politics he is a republican.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 605-606.

Henry Brandenberger, farmer and dairyman in Center Township, was born in this County December 7, 1848. He is the son of Henry and Magdalena Brandenberger, who are noticed in this volume in connection with Frederick Brandenberger. When he was about sixteen years of age his father removed to the farm, on a part of which he now resides. Here he and his brother John own 160 acres of good land, nearly all of which is in cultivation, and is well improved, and supplied with buildings for carrying on the dairy business. With the exception of a few summers spent in threshing wheat, he has given his entire attention to the farm and the dairy. He and his brother have built up a very extensive trade in the latter business, and supply their customers twice a day with the products of the dairy. Mr. Brandenberger was married October 24, 1875, to Miss Sarah Strobel, who was born in Center Township, June 27, 1855. She was the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Strobel, who were both natives of Germany, and are still living in this County. Mr. and Mrs. Brandenberger are the parents of three children: William H., George S., and Edward G. He and his wife are members of the German Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Brandenberger is a republican.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 606.

John Brandenberger, a prominent citizen of Center Township, was born in this County February 9, 1858. He is the son of Henry and Magdelena Brandenberger, elsewhere noticed in this volume. Our subject was educated in the common schools of Center Township, where he obtained a good common school education. He has devoted his entire life to the dairy and farming. He and his brother Henry own 160 acres of good land, and are well established for carrying on the dairy business on an extensive scale. He was married January 4, 1880, to Miss Rose Miller, who was born in Switzerland, November 5, 1859. She is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Miller, who were both natives of Switzerland, and are now living in this County. They began married life at their present abode, the old Brandenberger homestead, and their happy home circle now includes six little ones, as follows: Charles, Rosalie, Frederick, John, Flora and an infant. Mr. Brandenberger is a member of the Methodist Church, his wife of the Reformed Protestant Church. In politics Mr. Brandenberger is a republican. He is a young man of energy and enterprise, and bids fair to become one of Center Township's most substantial citizens.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 606.

Joseph Bultmann, a worthy and prosperous farmer of this Township, was born in Prussia, December 15, 1817, the son of Adam and Francisca (Kruz) Bultmann. He spent his time from six to fourteen years of age in school, and after this time he learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked until he was about eighteen years of age, when he accompanied his parents to this County and settled on the farm where he still resides. The father bought eighty acres of land and settled down in the woods. Soon after settling on the farm Joseph went to New Orleans, where he spent about ten years in the boot and shoe business. At the end of that time he came back to this County, and here met Elizabeth Osterman, whom he married July 13, 1847. His wife was born in Germany, January 24, 1827, and is the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Floehr) Osterman. Mr. Bultmann owns 250 acres of good land, most of which is in cultivation and is well improved. He has risen from a small beginning to be one of the most prosperous and substantial men in this Township. He is the father of six living children: Joseph, John, Elizabeth, Henry, Josephine, Frank. Mr. Bultmann and family are members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Bultmann is a liberal democrat.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 606-607.

James F. Crane was born in the state of New York, May 6, 1831, the son of Arza Lucy (Boynton) Crane, the former of whom was born in the state of New York, in 1800, and the latter in Vermont, in about 1803. When three years of age his parents removed to the state of Ohio. Here he attended school principally at Steubenville, and acquired a good common school education. At about twelve years of age he began river life as cabin boy, and since that time has served as cook, mate, pilot, and captain, almost continually to the present time. He has navigated the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and all their principal tributaries. He was married October 20, 1856, to Miss Urania A. Blake, who was born in the state of Ohio, September 17, 1834, the daughter of Simon and Hannah (Cunningham) Blake, both of whom were natives of Maine. Since 1865 or 1866 they have resided in this County, and for nearly four years have occupied their present comfortable home in Center Township. Mr. Crane was steamboating during the war, and was in the service of the government the greater portion of the time, serving on the transports, and was frequently in greater danger than if he had been serving on the field, it being a frequent occurrence for the guerrillas to fire upon them while navigating the Green and Cumberland Rivers. Mr. Crane and wife are both members of Grace Presbyterian Church of Evansville. Mr. Crane is a member of Crescent lodge, I.O.O.F., at Evansville, and in politics is a republican.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 607.

Henry Eissler, a farmer of Center Township, was born in Evansville, October 12, 1854, and is the son of Jacob and Anna Maria (Steiger) Eissler. His parents were born in Germany, and emigrated to the United States more than forty years ago, settling in Evansville. After spending several years in the city, the father began on rented land until he was able to buy the sixty-six acres where he still lives. He has risen to be a prosperous and substantial farmer by reason of his energy and enterprise. His wife died January 13, 1888. Henry is their oldest living child. He secured a good common school education, and also received instruction in German in the city of Evansville. He has devoted his entire life to farm work, and now owns 105 acres of good land, about seventy-five acres of which is in cultivation. Mr. Eissler has obtained this farm by his own industry and economy. He was married May 6, 1879, to Miss Johanna Happel, who was born in German Township, this County, June 8, 1857 the daughter of John and Magdalena (Damm) Happel. Mr. and Mrs. Eissler have only one child, Harry, born March 23, 1888. They are members of the St. John's Reformed Church in Evansville. Politically Mr. Eissler is independent, voting with whichever party best suits him, and taking but little interest in politics.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 607.

Levi Erskine, son of John Erskine, was born January 21, 1833, on the farm where his father first settled. His life, until he was twenty years of age, was spent on the farm, where he worked during the summer, and then in the winter attended school. In this way he obtained a good knowledge of the common branches, and an introduction to some of the higher ones. At the age of twenty he entered college at Greencastle, Ind., where he remained about two years. After leaving college he divided his attention between farming and school-teaching, working the farm in summer and teaching school in winter, until he had taught six terms. In 1868 he busied himself as a railroad contractor and bridge builder, which he followed for five years. The latter part of 1872, he became engaged in work for the County, graveling and macadamizing the roads, which he followed for two or three years, during which time more than 100 miles of roads were thus improved in Vanderburgh County. Since then he has been in the employment of George P. Heilman as general shipper and manager of the erection of buildings. He was married February 22, 1860, to Miss Sallie L. Benjamin, daughter of Elijah and Sarah (Waters) Benjamin, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. Mrs. Erskine was born December 31, 1838, in the city of Evansville. By this marriage were born five children: Lottie, born December 19, 1860, died March 12, 1883; Wilbur, born January 8, 1863; Erwin F., born October 5, died December 22, 1872; Annie L., born September 14, 1874, and Levi, born August 9, 1876. Mr. Erskine is a liberal republican, but has never sought nor held office, except one or two terms as Township trustee. Mr. Erskine and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are highly respected citizens of Center Township.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 607-608.

Jacob Euler, Jr., was born March 9, 1845. He is the son of Henry Euler and his wife, Mary Ann Steinmetz, both natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in 1836, and settled on land in Center Township. Henry Euler died in January, 1860, his wife surviving until December, 1871. Our subject spent his early life on his father's farm, and attended school a few months each winter. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company F, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, and was mustered out July 9, 1865. During his term of service he was in the battles of Chickamauga, Fayetteville, Mossy Creek, Talbot's, Dandridge, Fair Garden, in the Atlanta campaign, and Wilson's campaign in Alabama and Georgia. He was married December 22, 1871, to Miss Louisa Korb, who was born in this County, October 18, 1846, daughter of Adam and Catharine (Schmidt) Korb. Her parents were natives of Wachenheim-on-the-Hardt, Germany. They are the parents of six living children, viz.: Frank A., Ella N., Oscar, Florence, Louisa, and George J. Mr. and Mrs. Euler are members of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Euler is a republican, and is a member of Farragut Post, No. 27, G.A.R.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 608.

Oliver Goldsmith. The ancestry of the subject of this sketch, as far as can be determined, is as follows: Zaccheus Goldsmith, of Wenham, Mass., was the father of Richard Goldsmith, who married Hannah Dodge. They were the parents of the following children, born between the years 1732 and 1747: Hannah, Abigail, Mary, Thomas, Richard, Lucy, Josiah, our subject's grandfather, born September 9, 1744, and Jeremiah. Josiah Goldsmith married Sarah Fox. They were the parents of the following children, born between the years 1768 and 1786: Thomas, Sally, Hannah, John, Lucy, Betsy, Daniel F., born May 22, 1784, and Roxanna. Daniel F. came to Vanderburgh County, Ind., locating at Evansville about the year 1818. Here he went to work at his trade, that of a mason, and was one of the contractors who built the first court-house in 1820, and afterward erected many other buildings of more or less importance. He was married March 27, 1823, to Miss Melissa Hopkins, of this County, who was born in the state of Vermont February 3, 1804, the daughter of Stephen Hopkins and wife, the former of whom was born about 1766 and died in this County May 17, 1849. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith made their home on the farm in Center Township, but his engagements as a contractor claimed the greater portion of his attention. They were the parents of ten children: Mary Ann, Cordelia, Electa, Daniel Webster, Oliver, Elmira, Hester, Lucy Roxanna, Chauncey, and John Henry. Mr. Goldsmith died December 5, 1855. His wife had preceded him a number of years, her death occurring April 27, 1844. Oliver Goldsmith was born on the old homestead April 8, 1834, and with the exception of fifteen months in California, has devoted his entire attention to farming. He was married November 18, 1858, to Miss Mary Smith, who was born in this County January 18, 1839, daughter of Robert and Mary (Skinner), both of whom were natives of England. They are the parents of eight children, as follows: Moses R., Hester, Katie, Walter C, Jessie Elmer, Cora, Bertha, and Oliver, all of whom are living except Hester and Oliver. Mr. Goldsmith and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is one of the most substantial citizens of the Township, and he and family are highly respected.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 608-609.

Moses Russell Goldsmith, the oldest son of Oliver Goldsmith above mentioned, was born on his father's farm in this Township September 18, 1859. He was educated in the district schools. He has devoted his entire attention to agriculture, and, having been raised to the business, is quite a successful young farmer. He was married, December 18, 1883, to Miss Lena Hanning, who was born in Spencer County, Ind., June 29, 1859. She's the daughter of John and Susan Hanning. Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith spent the first few years of their married life on the Goldsmith homestead. In June, 1886, he bought a farm adjoining his father's, on which he erected a comfortable house, and has resided there since. Mr. Goldsmith is the father of two children: Emma Estella, born December 20, 1884, and Fletcher Webster, March 6, 1887. Mr. Goldsmith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife of the German Methodist Church.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 609.

Theodore Hanning, of Center Township, was born in Germantown, Ohio, June 22, 1841. He is the son of John D. and Dora Hanning, the former of whom was born near Bremen, Germany, on August 26, 1806, where he grew to manhood, married, and in 1839 came to the United States. He removed to Spencer County in 1847, and now resides with Theodore, the only child living. Our subject has spent the greater portion of his life in farming, but in connection with this has at times been engaged in commercial pursuits and milling, and since coming to Vanderburgh County has been in the dairy business. He was married December 24, 1866, to Mrs. Susan Hanning, his brother's widow. She is the daughter of Jacob and Susan Fryhofer, both of whom were natives of Germany. Mrs. Hanning is a native of Jackson County, Ind., where she was born March 19, 1838. Mrs. Hanning had two children by her first husband, John and Lena. Mr. and Mrs. Hanning are the parents of seven children, viz.: Albert, May, Dania, Wesley, Addie, Edwin and Oscar W., all of whom are living and unmarried. Mr. Hanning and family are members of the German Methodist Church, and are as highly respected as any one in the County.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 609.

James Henry, of Center Township, was born about the year 1820, in Johnston, Scotland. He is the son of Robert and Margaret (Fyfe) Henry. He spent his early life in a cotton factory of his native country. About the year 1850 Mr. Henry came to America and settled in Center Township. Two years after this he returned to Glasgow, and in July, 1854, he was married to Miss Margaret Brodie, daughter of David and Janet (Anderson) Brodie. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Henry remained five years in Glasgow, and then returned to America, about 1859, and settled on the farm where they now reside. From that time until the present he has given his entire attention to farming. He owns more than eighty acres of good land, nearly all of which is in cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Henry are the parents of twelve children. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He and his family have a large circle of acquaintances, by whom they are held in high esteem.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 609-610.

Robert R. Henry, a well-known school teacher and farmer of Center Township, was born in Scotland, October 27, 1855, son of James and Margaret Henry, an account of whom is given above. Mr. Henry was reared on his father's farm in Center Township, where he worked each summer and in the winter attended the schools of this Township and gained a good education. He began teaching about 1876, and has continued in the same profession during the winter of each year until the present time, and is regarded as one of the most successful teachers of the County. During the summer he devotes his attention to farming. He was married September 15, 1886, to Miss Sarah McCutchan, who was born in this County, March 2, 1857. She is the daughter of Samuel and Isabella (Brown) McCutchan. His wife was also a school teacher, she having taught for seven or eight years before her marriage. They are the parents of one child, Isabella, born August 4, 1887. Mr. Henry and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are highly respected citizens.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 610.

Peter Heubner, deceased, was born in Germany, June 8, 1824, son of John G. and Anna Margaret Heubner. At fourteen years of age he accompanied his parents to America, locating first in Posey County, Ind., and after a few years they came to Vanderburgh County, settling in Center Township, on the farm where his widow now resides. He was married, June 16, 1847, to Miss Harriet H. Inwood, who was born in this Township October 20, 1828, the daughter of William and Hannah (Chester) Inwood, both of whom were natives of England. Mrs. Heubner's parents emigrated to America, arriving at Evansville in August, 1819. Here Mrs. Heubner was born. They are the parents of ten children, whose names are as follows: Hannah M., Annie E., George M., Sarah R., William W., Edward R., Lawrence, David, John H. and James C. Mr. Huebner died July 31, 1882, and in his death Center Township lost one of its oldest and most highly respected citizens. His widow resides with her youngest son at the old homestead. Mrs. Huebner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which her husband was also a member, and is loved and honored by all who know her.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 610.

William H. Hornby. The great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch was William Hornby, Sr., a native of the north of England, and by occupation a sea captain. His grandfather, William Hornby, Jr., was a native of Cerne, Dorsetshire, England, and married Sarah K. Ridout. Their family consisted of three sons: William, Charles, and Henry F. The latter, the father of William H. was born in Chickerell, near Weymouth, Dorchester, England, March 17, 1811. When he was eight years of age, he accompanied his parents to America, landing at Philadelphia, in April or May, 1819. Thence they made their way to Pittsburgh, by wagon, and from the latter place by flat-boat down the Ohio river to Evansville, Ind. From Evansville they came to what is now Scott Township, this County, where they settled on a farm and where their family grew to manhood. Here Henry F. Hornby was married March 10, 1831, to Miss Caroline Mansell, daughter of Samuel Mansell, of Vanderburgh County. Her mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Bellamy, was born in London, England, December 29, 1813, and came with her parents to Evansville, in 1819. Henry F. and wife had three sons and three daughters, of whom the sons only are living: William H., Charles J. and George W. William H. is the eldest son and was born April 10, 1836. His early life was spent on his father's farm in Scott Township, where he worked and attended school, attaining both a thorough knowledge of farming and a common school education. He was married October 29, 1863 to Mary J., daughter of James Hayhurst, a pioneer of Vanderburgh who has lived in the county since 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Hornby have only three children living: Oliver W., Cicero G., and Herbert F. Mr. Hornby served as justice of the peace from 1882 to 1886, giving entire satisfaction. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 610-611.

Charles Kellaway Hornby was born in Dorsetshire, England, March 4,1829. He is the son of William and Mary (Burgh or Burch) Hornby, natives of the same County, the father born in 1800, and the mother about five years later. At the age of nine or ten, Charles accompanied his parents to America, and came at once to Scott Township. They settled on the farm where his father resided until his death. Here he passed his youth on his father's farm assisting in its culture. The opportunities for school being somewhat limited, he only succeeded in obtaining such essential instruction as was sufficient for transacting his own business. He was married February, 1863, to Miss Martha E. Paul, daughter of Cyrus and Ann (Hayhurst) Paul. They had four children: Charles E., Margaret, Anna E. and Martha E., the first two dying when quite young. When the youngest child was only two years of age Mrs. Hornby died. August 29, 1881, he was married a second time to Mrs. Harriet (Burtis) Brown, who had one daughter, Ada. He has resided in this Township continuously, and three or four years on the farm where he now lives and owns about 200 acres of good land. Mr. Hornby is an Episcopalian in belief, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 611.

Philip Kaiser, ex-soldier and well-known citizen of Center Township, was born near Frankfort, Germany, May 8, 1845, and is the son of Frederick and Mary (Binghemer) Kaiser. He remained in his native country until he was nine years of age, and then accompanied his parents to the United States. They made their way at once to Vanderburgh County, and settled on the farm where the son now resides. Here the parents continued to reside. Mr. Kaiser procured the greater portion of his education in the schools of Center Township. August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company H, Thirty-Second volunteer infantry, and served until February 14, 1865, when he was mustered out as captain at Chattanooga, Tenn. While in the service, he was in the following battles: Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and in the Atlanta campaign, and then did guard duty mostly in the vicinity of Atlanta and Chattanooga until March 21, 1873, when he was mustered out of the service. In the battle of Chickamauga he was severely founded in the leg. Since coming home, he has devoted his attention to the farm. He was married April 21, 1872, to Miss Mary J. Linxwiler, who was born in this County, May 25, 1845, the daughter of William and Jane Linxwiler. They are the parents of six children: William, Elizabeth, Letitia J., Erma, Clinton DeWitt, and Katie. Mr. and Mrs. Kaiser are members of the German Methodist Church.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 611-612.

William H. Kirkpatrick is a native of Center Township, born January 21, 1848. He is the son of Alfred and Hannah (Smith) Kirkpatrick. His mother's parents were natives of England, coming to the United States and settling at Evansville in 1832. Our subject was raised in this County, and obtained his education in the public schools. He enlisted as a private in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Indiana, under Capt. Hollingsworth, and served three months. He was engaged mostly in doing guard duty in the vicinity of Murfreesboro, Tullahoma and other places. After remaining at home a short time, he re-enlisted as a private in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-third Indiana, under command of Capt. Kellogg. He was promoted to the rank of a corporal, which position he held until he was mustered out. He was married March 14, 1867, to Miss Mary Jane Niehous, who was born in Allegheny, Penn., December 17, 1847, and is the daughter of John H. and Catharine (Muntz) Niehous, both of whom were natives of Germany. They are the parents of eight children: Ella S., Edward, Katie S., Emma A., Mary J., Charles, William H., and Harry W., all of whom are living except Edward and William H., who both died in infancy. In March 1871, he was employed as sexton of Locust Hill cemetery, which position he still holds. Mr. Kirkpatrick and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Kirkpatrick is a member of Farragut post, G.A.R., and of the Order of the Iron Hall.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 612.

John H. Knight was born in Center Township, this County, September 8, 1846. He is the son of William G. and Caroline (Alleon) Knight, the former of whom was born in this County, November 18, 1822, and the latter in Germany, November 24, 1828. They were the parents of six children: John H., Elizabeth J., William L., Mary B., Caroline A. and Charles A., only two of whom are living, John H. and William L. John H. Knight spent his early life on his father's farm. He managed to acquire a good education, and taught school from the time he was twenty until he was twenty-three. With this exception he has devoted his entire life to farm work. He was married February 25, 1875, to Lucy S. Troup, who was born in Vanderburgh County, February 19, 1854, and is the daughter of William and Jessie (Jarvis) Troup, both natives of Aberdeen, Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Knight have three children living and have lost two. Their names are: John W. (deceased), James O., Jessie May, Charles Ira (deceased) and John H. Mr. Knight resides on the old homestead, forty acres of which he now owns.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 612.

John R. Kratz, son of John and Louisa (Beauchle) Kratz, was born in this Township July 1, 1860. He was educated in the schools of Center Township, and was occupied on the farm for a few years afterward, and then learned the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop in Kratzville. In October 1883, he formed a partnership with his brother, and the following spring the two bought their father's shop and have since continued in partnership. He was married October 13, 1886, to Miss Hannah Rhine, a native of this County, but who, when young, removed with her parents to Louisville, where she resided when married. She was the daughter of Frederick and Frederica Rhine, both natives of Germany. Her father is deceased, but her mother still resides in Louisville. Mr. Kratz and wife went to housekeeping in Kratzville, where they still reside. They have one child, Viola, born July 26, 1887. Mr. Kratz is an honest, industrious young man, and he and wife are highly respected. They are both members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Kratz is a republican.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 612-613.

Christian W. Kratz, trustee of Center Township, was born in this, County, July 2, 1855. He is the son of John and Louisa (Beauchle) Kratz, the former of whom was born May 31, 1830, the latter July 3, 1831, both natives of Germany. They came to the United States when quite young with their parents. Our subject's grandfather Kratz, settled first at Pittsburgh about 1834, where he remained about four years, and then moved to this County. He settled in German Township in the first place, and then in Center Township in 1857 or 1858. The grandfather Beauchle came to this County about 1841. Here the father and mother of Christian grew to manhood and womanhood, and were married August 10, 1854. They were the parents of eight children: Christian W., Elizabeth, Louisa, John R., Peter, Christiana, Karl and Martha, all of whom are living except Louisa and Peter, the former of whom died from the effects of a burn after she was about twenty-one years of age, and the latter died in childhood. Christian W. spent his early life, in good part, in school, and thus acquired a very good common school education. At the age of seventeen he entered his father's blacksmith shop, which was established in 1854, and learned that trade, and continued to work with his father until he was twenty-three years of age, when he went into partnership with him. They remained in partnership until October, 1883, when he formed a partnership with his brother, John R., in the same business. In the following spring the two sons bought the shop from their father, and have continued the business to the present time. Christian W. Kratz was married November 3, 1880, to Miss Minnie Schemet, who was born in this Township January 14, 1860, and is the daughter of Louis and Caroline (Stahl) Schemet. In April, 1888, Mr. Kratz was elected trustee of Center Township, and is filling the office to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. The Kratz family is one quite prominent in Vanderburgh County, and is noted for its industry and enterprise. The late Christian Kratz, of Evansville, is an uncle of this subject. Mr. Kratz and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a republican.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 613.

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Christopher D. Myers

April 12, 2004