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
Jacob Laubscher was born in Switzerland, November 4, 1832. He is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Gygi) Laubscher, both of whom died in Switzerland, the year of his father's decease being 1836. He was educated in his native country, where he attended school until he was fourteen years of age. He then learned the watchmaker's trade, at which business he worked until he was twenty-three years of age, and then he emigrated to the United States, arriving in Pennsylvania in 1855. There he did farm work for about one year. He then spent six months in traveling, and settled down in Hamilton County, Ind., where another year was spent in farm work. From there he came to this County in the fall of 1857-8. Here he did farm work for about two years, then went to Spencer County, Ind., and worked on a farm for another year. On July 21, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company F, First Indiana Cavalry, and served until September 12, 1864, when he was mustered out at Indianapolis. During his term of service he was in the following battles: Farmington, Mo., 1861; Cotton Plant, in 1862; Yazoo Pass; Augusta, Ark., July 4, 1862, where he was struck in the left leg above the knee by a spent ball, causing a wound which though somewhat painful did not disable him from duty; Helena, Ark., July 4, 1863; Little Rock; Pine Bluff, and numerous other smaller engagements. At March's Mill, Ark., April 8, 1864, his command had a desperate encounter with an overwhelming force of the enemy, and he was severely wounded by being shot through the fleshy part of the left arm, also in the left elbow, his left thumb shot off, and he also received a scalp wound, which rendered him unconscious. He was taken prisoner, and was held until July of the same year, when he was paroled. He then returned to his regiment, but did not engage in any other battles until he was mustered out. Mr. Laubscher is grievously disabled by his wounds and exposure, and yet the pension he draws is only $12 per month. After the war he returned to Spencer County, where he remained until about 1876, engaged in farming. He then came to Center Township, where he has since remained, with the exception of one year spent in Knight Township. He was married in 1876, to Mrs. Emily Schide, who was born in French Switzerland, May 18, 1832. She was the mother of two daughters, Ida and Caroline, who still make their home with their stepfather. Mr. Laubscher is a member of Farragut post, G.A.R., and politically is a staunch republican. He was a brave and gallant soldier, who never faltered from duty, and is in civil life an upright and industrious man, and his family are highly thought of.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 613-614.
John W. Laubscher, one of the leading men of Center Township, was born March 31, 1838. He is the son of Christian and Mary Ann (Swahlen) Laubscher. They were both born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, in 1812, and emigrated to the United States late in the year 1837. They remained a short time in Pennsylvania, where John was born, and then settled in Ripley County, Ind., where they lived seven years, working on a farm. Coming to German Township, this County, the father worked on a farm for two years, and then settled on the farm where his son now resides. They reached Evansville in 1846, and settled finally in 1848. Christian Laubscher died December 2, 1885. His wife survives and resides with her daughter on a part of the old homestead. Mr. Laubscher's early life was spent on the farm, while in Center Township. After coming to German Township, he assisted in clearing the farm and burning lime for ten years. In about 1863 he and his father formed a partnership in the steam machine business, owning a threshing machine, saw-mill, etc. This partnership lasted until about 1867 or 1868, when Christian S., another son, bought his father's interest, and the two brothers formed a partnership that has lasted to the present time. In 1876 they founded a grist-mill, with a saw-mill attached, and have since built up a splendid trade. In addition to the grist-mill, the brothers still run a threshing machine every year, and each owns a small farm. The Laubscher brothers are among the most substantial citizens of Center Township, and are known far and wide for their industry, enterprise and fair dealing with every one. John W. Laubscher was married October 6, 1861, to Miss Anna Kisling, who was born in Switzerland, June 10, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Laubscher are the parents of seven children: Simon J., born July 22, 1863; William F., August 29, 1864; Edward C., July 6, 1866; Adolph, November, 1868, died when sixteen months old; Adolph L., April 26, 1871; Andrew C., March 11, 1873; Samuel R., June 16, 1875, all of whom are engaged with their father in the business. Mr. Laubscher and family are members of the German Methodist Church. In, politics he is a republican. He was elected Township trustee in April, 1884, and that he served the people well was proven by the fact that he was re-elected by a largely increased majority to the same office in 1886.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 614-615.
George Linxwiler, grandfather of Isaac W. Linxwiler, was born in the town of Two Bridges, Germany, April, 1768, and attended school in his native country from six to fourteen years of age, receiving a good common school education. He then served an apprenticeship of three years, learning the miller's trade. He emigrated to the United States, landing at New York in 1785, and going from there to Pennsylvania. He was married in 1790 to Miss Catherine Stull, a native of the same place in Germany, born June 5, 1767. After coming to New York in 1785, she worked three years in the city to pay her passage to America. They probably resided in Pennsylvania for several years after their marriage, removing to Vanderburgh County previous to 1809. George Linxwiler died February 22, 1857, his wife early in November, 1858. William Linxwiler, father of Isaac, was born in this County February 12, 1809, being the third white child, and the first male white child born in the county. He was the youngest of thirteen children, one of his older brothers having been a soldier in the war of 1812, and wounded during that war. William Linxwiler was a farmer, his father having been the first to locate a number of farms in different places in the County. He was married February 10, 1833, to Jane Clinton, who was born in Warren, Ohio, January 20, 1815, the daughter of Jonathan and Letitia (McAlree) Clinton, both natives of Ireland, who came from that country to Ohio and settled in Trumbull County. Thence they came to this County in 1831. Mrs. Clinton died August 24, 1874, aged eighty-seven. They were the parents of seven children: Henderson, born March 12, 1835, died January 22, 1839; John D., born July 11, 1837; Margaret E., born September 10, 1839; George H., born January 21, 1842, died September 5, 1858; Mary J., born May 25, 1845; Isaac W., born September 14, 1847; Benjamin L., born October 7, 1849, died January 8, 1867. William Linxwiler died February 10, 1882, his wife March 13, 1888. William Linxwiler settled on the farm where his son resides, in 1833.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 615.
Isaac W. Linxwiler was born and reared on this farm, and was educated in the schools of this Township. He has devoted his entire life to farming, and now owns sixty-two acres of land, a part of the old homestead, nearly all in cultivation. He was married October 31, 1872, to Miss Cidney W. Hanson, who was born in Ohio, January 20, 1852, daughter of William and Joanna Hanson, both of whom were natives of Ohio, and came to this County in 1865. They went to housekeeping on the farm where they still reside. They are the parents of seven children living and one dead: Emma E., born July 25, 1874; Daisy L., June 28, 1876, died October 9, 1876; Charles E., March 14, 1878; James C., February 13, 1880; William H., July 5, 1881; Laura B., July 17, 1883; Jane J., April 28, 1885; Isaac L., August 11, 1887. Mr. Linxwiler is a republican in politics. He is a member of the A.O.U.W., Vanderburgh Lodge, No. 34. He is an honest, industrious man, and represents one of the oldest, if not the very oldest, families in the County.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 615.
Samuel C. Longbine, a prominent citizen of Center Township, was born in this Township, December 10, 1849. He is the son of George and Catherine (Severe) Longbine. The former is a native of Saxe-Coburg, Germany, and the latter of Virginia. After their marriage they resided in Vanderburgh County, where Mr. Longbine gave his attention to farming until his death, which occurred August 24, 1880, his wife having preceded him about twenty-five years, October 11, 1855. Samuel was educated in the schools of Center Township, and worked on the farm with his father until he was fourteen, and the greater portion of the time until he was twenty-three. He was married May 24, 1873, to Miss Clarissa Brown, who was born in this Township, November 20, 1849. She was the daughter of John M. and Clarissa (Linxwiler) Brown, the former of whom was born in the state of New York, and the latter on the farm where she and her husband now reside. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Longbine settled down to farm life, and have occupied their present home for seven years. He has devoted his time entirely to agriculture, except the time spent in filling various Township offices, such as constable for six years, tax collector two years, and road supervisor, as which he is now serving his second term. They have no children of their own, but have an adopted daughter, Ida (Willis) Longbine, who was born January 10, 1877. Mrs. Longbine is a member of the Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Longbine is a republican. He and wife own a farm of forty acres, nearly all of which is in cultivation. He is an honest, industrious gentleman, and he and family are well- known and highly respected.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 616.
Charles F. McJohnston, a native of County Longford, Ireland, was born September 30, 1810. He is the son of Charles McJohnston, Sr., who was a native of the same County in Ireland, and was born in 1781. He married and lived in his native country until he had seven children, three sons and four daughters, when his wife died. He then took his children and emigrated to America, and landed at Philadelphia in August, 1818. Here he left his children while he spent some time in looking for a location in New York and elsewhere. Failing in this he procured wagons and made the journey across the mountains to Pittsburgh, where he arrived at the end of four weeks. He then built a flat-boat and started with his family down the Ohio River, but, after reaching Beaver Dam, a short distance below Pittsburgh, he landed, sold his boat and spent the winter at that place. In the next spring, however, he built two other boats, on one of which he placed his family, and on the other his horses, and continued his journey down the Ohio to Evansville, which place was reached about March 25, 1819. Here he left his children on the boat, and went out into what is now Center Township, this County, and entered 1,000 or more acres of land, his being the first land ever entered in that vicinity. He returned for his family, and took them onto his land, where he settled down in the wilderness. He, with the help of his sons, at once began to clear the land for farming. The remainder of his life was spent here, and his home soon became known as one from which no wayfarer would be turned away. In August, 1827, he was elected to represent the counties of Vanderburgh and Warrick, in the state legislature, but did not live to serve his term out. Nothing shows his popularity at home more than the fact that in this election only two votes were cast against him in his own Township. He died May 3, 1828.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 616.
Charles F. McJohnston spent but eight years of his life in Ireland, a part of which he attended school and then he accompanied his father to this County, where he assisted his father in clearing the land, and he has lived up to the present time on some one of the farms he helped to make. He was married February 14, 1833, to Miss Mary Wasson, of Gibson County, who was born September 15, 1815, and was the daughter of Joseph and Jane (Adams) Wasson. Mr. Wasson was a Unitarian minister, and both he and his wife were natives of South Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. McJohnston are the parents of nine children, viz.: Catherine, born February 6, 1834; Arthur F., born February 19, 1837; Joseph W., born February 18, 1839; Maria J., born February 24, 1841; James W., born May 30, 1843; Melissa, born October 16, 1845; William H., born June 14, 1848; Levi I., born April 5, 1851, and Katie, born February 21, 1854. All are living except the first two, Catherine, who died in her seventh year, and Arthur F., who died at the age of fifty, from the effects of exposure in the civil war, he having been a member of Company K, Sixty-fifth Indiana volunteers. Mr. and Mrs. McJohnston are now among the most venerable citizens of the County, and it is very interesting to hear them relate the many things of importance that have taken place within their recollection. They live all alone on the farm where they have been continuously for about forty years, but Mr. McJohnston has divided the estate among his children, and four of them live in sight of their parents. For their advanced age they are hale and hearty, and seem to bid fair to remain some time yet. They were present at the birth of the County, and have witnessed its growth and advancement through all its stages of progress, and have taken no small share in making their portion of the County what it is. Mr. McJohnston's father was a Wesleyan Methodist, and he has been a member of the Methodist Church for more than sixty years, and his wife for nearly as long. In politics he was a whig, and is now a republican.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 616-617.
John F. Moffett was born on the farm where he now resides, October 31, 1840, son of James and Wilhelmina (McJohnston) Moffett. The father was born in County Armagh, Ireland, March 10, 1805; the mother was born in Longford County, Ireland, June 14, 1814. Mr. Moffett's father settled on the farm where his son now resides, entering the land from the government. Here he lived until his death September 5, 1869. His wife survived until February 2, 1885. On this farm John Moffett passed his early life. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Sixty-Fifth Indiana regiment, served three years, and was mustered out a corporal in July, 1865. While in the service he participated in the battles of Resaca, Nashville, of the Atlanta campaign, and various other engagements. March 19, 1868, he was married to Miss Janet Brodie, who was born April 3, 1844, in the city of Mexico, daughter of Andrew and Janet (Henry) Brodie, both natives of Scotland. The first seven years of their married life were spent at the home of Mr. Brodie in this Township. They next removed to the farm where they now reside. He owns eighty acres of good land nearly all in cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Moffett are the parents of two children: James B., born January 1, 1869, and Mamie, born May 16, 1871; the latter died July 25, 1872. Mr. Moffett is a member of Farragut Post, No. 27, G.A.R., and he and his entire family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a republican.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 617.
Rachel H. Purdue - Daniel Williams, a native of Wales, immigrated to the United States before the Revolutionary War, and made his home in Virginia. Here he was married to a Miss Denton. They raised a family of eleven children, ten sons and one daughter. One of these sons, William D., was born March 30, 1760. He worked on a farm until he was sixteen years of age, when he entered the Revolutionary War, and served until independence was achieved. He then returned to Virginia, and afterward emigrated to Tennessee, where he was married to a Miss Shelton. They were the parents of twelve children; subsequently, this wife having died, he married in 1816, Mrs. Susanah Hudson, a widow with eight children. She was a native of North Carolina, born March 12, 1781, daughter of William and Amelia (Retherford) McDonald. To this marriage these children were born: Calvin McDonald, born 1817; James L., born July 1, 1819; Henry M., born April 26, 1821; Rachel H. born September 16,1823, and Isabel P., born January 29, 1826. Rachel H., was born in Butler County, Ky., and when four years of age she accompanied her parents to Warrick County, Ind. They settled in the vicinity of Boonville, in the fall of 1827. What little schooling she obtained was in that County, being often compelled to walk three miles or more to find a school of any kind. She was married in Warrick County to Richard Robeson Purdue, July 18, 1841. Prior to the Revolutionary War, Richard Robeson Purdue, Louis Gregory Purdue, and another brother emigrated from France and settled in South Carolina. When the war broke out one of the brothers went with Washington and the other with Marion, and both fought until the close of the war. Richard was married before he entered the army and had three children. In all, he was the father of twenty-two sons, when his wife died. He was married the second time and had one son, Howell Gregory Purdue. His second wife dying, he was married again and had another son, Jarrett Purdue. He then died, and his widow married a Frenchman, Gabriel Visor. Howell Gregory, Richard Purdue's only son by his second wife, was married August 25, 1814, to Miss Nancy Jane Dixon, whose mother was Ellen (Evans) Dixon. She and her husband were both natives of South Carolina, where he was born October 21, 1790, and she December 30, 1795. They were married in Kentucky, but made their home in Tennessee. They were the parents of eleven children, viz.: Richard Robeson, born February 3, 1816, Jarrett G., Ellen E., William D., Andrew V., Howell G., Basil B., Susan, Oliver L., and Nancy J. They were born in Montgomery County, Tenn., except the last four, natives of Warrick County. The parents emigrated from Tennessee to Kentucky in December, 1829, and the next fall reaching Warrick County. His death occurred July 5, 1850, and she passed away February 4, 1868. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Purdue resided in different parts of Warrick and Spencer counties until 1853, when they removed to Marion County, Ill, in which place they resided until his death, October 2, 1858. They were the parents of nine children: Jarrett G., born June 10, 1842, who enlisted in 1861 as a private in the Twenty-fifth Indiana volunteer infantry, and after participating in the battle of Shiloh, died near Corinth, Miss., June 10, 1862; Susan M., born September 5, 1843, died November 2, 1844; William H., born August 30, 1846; Orrin C, born June 24, 1848; Richard H., born April 9, 1853; Samuel D., born March 13, 1856, and James B., born February 6, 1858. After her husband's death, she returned to Warrick County, where she was married to Rufus Roberts, the marriage taking place in April, 1859. Two sons resulted from this union: Rufus J., born October 12, 1860, died in infancy, and Union B., born April 14, 1862. When the latter was only a few weeks old, she and Mr. Roberts separated, since which time she has remained a widow, and made her home in Warrick County, until the summer of 1886, when she removed to the city of Evansville, where she still resides with her youngest child.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 617-618.
Dr. S. Ruark, an old and prominent physician of Center Township, was born in Richland County, Ill., July 17, 1825. He is the son of Reason and Mary J. (Banks) Ruark. The former was born in Maryland about 1800, and the latter in the south a few years later. In 1844 he left the farm and came to Evansville, where he remained a short time, and then went to Memphis, Tenn., and spent the winter. In the spring of 1845, he returned to Evansville, and entered upon the study of medicine, reading with Drs. Wilcox and Lane for two years, and then with Dr. Casselberry for one year. He graduated from the old Evansville Medical College about 1850, having practiced for two years before graduating. After graduating, he continued the practice of medicine in Evansville for two years, in Henderson County, Ky., for six years, in New Harmony for six years. He then returned to Evansville, and has remained in that city and vicinity until the present time. At present he resides four miles north of the city on the Fulton Avenue road, where he owns a farm of over sixty acres of land, on which he has a pleasant, comfortable home, and an orchard containing a large variety of fruit grown in this vicinity. Dr. Ruark was married November 6, 1849, to Julia Ann Rogers, a native of this County, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Marquess) Rogers. Mrs. Ruark died May 3, 1860, aged forty years, nine months and eighteen days. On April 6, 1870, he was married to Miss Sophia Blakey, who was born in Virginia about 1848. They are the parents of a son, born May 19, 1888. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics the doctor is a republican.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 619.
Robert Ruston, a prominent citizen of Center Township, was born in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, England, April 6, 1812, the son of Richard and Mary (Farmor) Ruston. He was married October 25, 1835, to Lydia Grant, born May 2, 1812. On April 6, 1837, he left England, bringing with him his wife and one son. He stopped en route at Cleveland, after which he came to this County and settled in Scott Township, where he engaged in farming. Here he remained about ten years and then removed to Campbell Township, Warrick County, where he lived about thirty years, when he returned to Vanderburgh County, this time settling in Center Township, where he now resides. Mr. Ruston is the father of six children by his first wife: Matthew, born July 26, 1836; Mary, December 30, 1838; Daniel, May 24, 1840; Henry, October 13, 1841; James C, March 10, 1843, and Andrew, July 22, 1844, all born in this County except Matthew, who is a native of England. Three are dead, Ephriam, Jane and Henry, a member of the Sixty-fifth Indiana, died atKnoxville, Tenn., December 14,1864. Mrs. Ruston died February 3, 1846. Mr. Ruston was a second time married August 26, 1846, to Mrs. Mary Dodd, a widow with three children. Mr. Ruston was the father of one child by his second wife, Ephriam, who was born August 31, 1850. Mr. Ruston was again left a widower April 29, 1880. September 25, 1881, he married Miss Maria Carr, born August 11, 1833, daughter of Henry and Mary (Toland) Carr, natives of the north of Ireland. Mr. Ruston is a member of the Methodist Church, and Mrs. Ruston is a devout Catholic.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 619-620.
H. William Schnelle was born in Brunswick, Germany, December 2, 1840, the son of William and Hannah (Bertram) Schnelle. He accompanied his parents to the United States, landing at New Orleans in the spring of 1854. They settled first in German Township and then removed to the farm in Center Township, where the son now resides. Here his father died in March, 1881, his wife having preceded him, February 20, 1879. In August, 1862, Mr. Schnelle enlisted as a private in Company E, Thirty-second Indiana volunteer infantry, the first German regiment from Indiana. He was mustered out June, 1865. During his term of service he participated in some of the principal battles of the war. At Perryville he was taken prisoner, but was paroled the next day. At Chickamauga he was severely wounded in the left side of the head, which gives him a great deal of trouble yet, the bone pressing against the brain. This wound rendered him unfit for duty until the spring of 1864, when he returned to his regiment, then in east Tennessee, and was with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, and after Sherman went on to the sea his regiment remained in the vicinity of Atlanta until he was mustered out. After he returned home he took a course in the Evansville Commercial College, kept book; for nearly two years, and was in the grocery business one year, and then came to the farm, where he has since resided. He was married in the spring of 1867 to Miss Margaret Soesser, daughter of Simon Soesser. He is the father of seven children, viz.: Henry W., William S., Minnie, Edward, August, Frederick and Simon. Mr. Schnelle and family are members of the Evangelical Church. He is a republican politically. He owns a farm of about forty acres, nearly all in cultivation. He and family are among the best citizens of the Township. His wound, received at Chickamauga, causes him to be subject to attacks of epilepsy. He draws a pension of $30 per month for this injury, which but slightly compensates for it.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 620.
Jacob Kunz, an old resident of Center Township, was born in Germany May 19, 1828, son of Conrad and Elizabeth Kunz. His father died when he was only a few months old, and his mother ten years later. He emigrated to the United States in 1850, arriving at New York in January of that year, and in May reached Evansville. January 27, 1857, he was married to Mrs. Caroline L. Schlag, the widow of John Schlag. She was born in Germany February 2,1822, daughter of John Haberer. Her parents both died in Germany. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kunz settled on the farm where he still resides, where at first there was but little cleared land on the place of ninety-four acres. Now it is all cleared except twenty-five acres. He and his wife are the parents of three children: Elizabeth, born November 11, 1857, who died September, 1869; Anna, born 1864, who died in infancy, and David G., born September 16, 1859. Mrs. Kunz died October 12, 1884. Mr. Kunz and family are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a republican. He is one of the well-to-do farmers, and has always been an honest, industrious man.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 620.
Christian F. Schlag, son of John Schlag and his wife Caroline (afterward Mrs. Kunz), is now a prominent farmer of this Township, where he was born September 16, 1852. He was married November 19, 1879, Miss Anna Freyling, who was born in Warrick County, April 8, 1857, the daughter of Stephen and Anna (Pickett) Freyling. They are the parents of two children: Louis S., born June 2, 1882, and David G., born February 25, 1884. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a republican.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 620-621.
Conrad Schmidt, a venerable farmer of this Township, was born in Bavaria, February 15, 1810, the son of Andrew and Christina Schmidt. When he was fourteen his mother died and his father married again. After leaving school he was employed as a shoemaker. In 1832, he, together with his father, stepmother, four brothers, one sister and two step-sisters emigrated to the United States. After two years at New Orleans they came to this County in the spring of 1834, and settled in the woods on the farm where he now resides. Conrad's father died in 1839, and his stepmother lived until about ten years ago. Mr. Schmidt was married September 10, 1839, to Miss Mary Schwab, who was born in Switzerland, July 8, 1822, daughter of Christian and Catherine Schwab. When about twelve years of age she accompanied her parents from Switzerland to this County, spending four years at Pittsburgh, and arriving at Evansville in the spring of 1838. They remained about three years in Evansville, and then came to this Township, where the father died about 1869, and the mother a year later. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have spent nearly forty-nine years together on this farm. They raised a family of twelve children, seven of whom are still living, and the youngest to die was seven years of age. The children's names are: Mary, deceased; Christina, deceased; Catherine, deceased; Elizabeth, Philip, Henry, Wilhelmina, deceased; Simon, deceased; Louisa, Margaret, George and Ida. Mr. Schmidt owns eighty acres of land, all of which he assisted in clearing himself. He and family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Schmidt is a republican. None are more highly respected than this aged couple.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 621.
Anton Schmitt, an aged and respected farmer of Center Township, was born in Rhenish Bavaria, at Wachenheim-by-the-Hardt, February 14, 1814, the son of David and Justina (Haller) Schmitt. When he was fourteen, he was engaged in a vineyard, which business he thoroughly understood. Mr. Schmitt was married May 16, 1838, to Miss Barbara Kunz, born in Germany, December 4, 1817, daughter of Conrad and Susan Kunz. Her father died in his native country in 1828, and her mother died when Mrs. Schmitt was an infant. In 1840, Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt, together with their oldest child, Mr. Schmitt's father and mother, one brother and one sister, emigrated to the United States, reaching Evansville in June. Anton and wife settled in a little log cabin on the farm where he still lives, and his father and mother on another near his. Here his father, who was born in 1776, died, October 9, 1844, and his mother then went to Evansville and resided with her daughter until her death, May 3, 1873, at the age of ninety-four years. Mr. Schmitt was eminently successful, and increased his farm of forty acres to one of 167 acres, and the eight or ten acres of cleared land that he found, to more than 100. The log cabin has been replaced by a substantial frame structure, which is comfortable and commodious. In addition to this he has erected quite a handsome two-story residence for his son, which together with fifty acres of land he gave to him. He and wife are the parents of five children: Margaret, Elizabeth, David (deceased), Catherine, Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt, have passed a little more than fifty years together, forty-eight at their present home. They are members of the United Evangelical Church. In politics Mr. Schmitt is a republican.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 621.
Charles Schmitt, son of Anton, was educated in the schools of Center Township, and studied German at Darmstadt. He has devoted his entire life to farm work, and owns a farm of fifty acres, nearly all of which is in cultivation, and is well improved. He was married August 31, 1874, to Miss Louisa Kuster, who was born in this County January 14, 1855, daughter of Christopher and Louisa (Swarz) Kuster, natives of Germany, who emigrated some thirty-five or forty years ago, and now resides in Scott Township. Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt are the parents of five children: Otto (deceased), Clara, John, Victor, Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is republican. He is an honest, industrious young farmer.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 621-622.
John Henry Peter Schmidt was born at Casseburg, Lauenburg, Prussia, July 29, 1831, the son of John Henry and Mary (Ludemann) Schmidt, both of whom died in their native country, the father about 1880 and the mother about 1863. In the fall of 1856 he emigrated to the United States, and from New York went to Milwaukee, where he was variously employed, principally in a printing office, for a year and a half. From Milwaukee he went to Tell City, Ind., where he remained until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted as a private in Company A, Sixtieth Indiana Infantry, under the command of Col. Owen, and served three years. He participated in the battles of Munfordville, Arkansas Post, Chickasaw Bottoms, Vicksburg, Black River, and in skirmishes near Jackson, Miss., and at Carencro, where he was taken prisoner and held for six or seven weeks. After being exchanged, he was with Banks on his Red River expedition. He was discharged in the spring of 1865, and then returned to Tell City and engaged in the shingle business for one year. He then came to Evansville, where he followed the wharf-boat business for nine or ten years, after which he came to Center Township and bought the farm where he now resides. He was married April 1, 1875, to Mrs. Sophia (Andres) Bremer, the widow of Henry E. Bremer. She was born in Holstein, Germany, about 1834, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Bank) Andres. Her father died in Germany about 1852, and her mother in Tell City, Ind., about ten years later. Mr. Schmidt and wife have one child, Mary Christina Francisca, born January 16, 1876. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Schmidt is a republican. He was a gallant soldier, and is now an honest, industrious and successful farmer.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 621.
Rev. Ulrich Schroeter, an old and highly respected resident of Center Township, was born near Berne, Switzerland, August, 1826, the son of John and Elizabeth Schroeter. His maternal grandfather was John Swahlen, who immigrated at the age of eighty years, and lived over nine years after reaching this country. Ulrich Schroeter acquired a good academic education, and some knowledge of the French language. In March, 1847, he, with his parents, brother Christian, sisters Anna and Elizabeth, and his grandfather, emigrated to the United States, and reached Evansville, in July, 1847. The family settled on a farm in German Township, nearly all of which was in the woods. The father died about five years later, but the mother lived about twenty years. Ulrich made his home principally with his uncle, Christian Swahlen, in Center Township, and was variously employed. At about the age of twenty-six, he made a profession of religion, uniting with the German Methodist Church. He was licensed to preach, and was a local preacher for some time. He became an itinerant minister, his first circuit including Logansport, Wabash, Peru, and other places. In this work he remained about one year, when his health failed. A year later he again entered the itineracy, visiting Santa Claus, New Boston, Santa Fe, Grandview, and other places in Spencer County. There he was married May 11, 1858, to Miss Mary Fryhofer, who was born in Jackson County, Ind., May 29, 1840. She is the daughter of Jacob Fryhofer, born March 11, 1806, and his wife Susanna born December 18, 1805, both natives of Canton Cirach, Switzerland. They came to the United States about 1835, and settled first in Jackson County, then in Spencer County, where Mrs. Fryhofer died February 12, 1863. Mr. Fryhofer now resides in Riley County, Kansas. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Schroeter gave up his circuit and returned to Vanderburgh County, and purchased the farm in Center Township, on which he now resides. He has cleared most of it, and erected a substantial house and two large barns. During the time he has been engaged in farming he has been a local minister and a leading member of the German Methodist Church. He has been in demand to preach funeral sermons, far and near, and he was never too busy to respond to all the demands of this kind. At present there is an elegant brick Church erected near his farm, the successful completion of which was due, in great part, to the efforts of Mr. Schroeter. He and his wife are the parents of thirteen children, nine of whom are living. Their names are: Lydia E., John W., Hannah S. (deceased), Emma L. (deceased), Louis F. (deceased), Emma Clara (deceased), Wilhelm Jacob, Henry Edward, Albert Walter, Jesse F., Samuel T., Irwin Benjamin and Arthur Clemens.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 622-623 588.
Charles F. W. Schwartz was born in Prussia, December 26,1839, their son Ernst Henry and Louisa (Redemeir) Schwartz. At the age of seven he accompanied his parents to the United States, arriving at Evansville in December, 1846. They occupied a farm in Scott Township about eight years, and then removed to German Township, where Mrs. Schwartz died about the year 1854. Mr. Schwartz survived her until September, 1874. October 20, 1862, Charles enlisted as a private in Company K, Twenty-fourth Indiana volunteer infantry, and served until October 19, 1865, when he was mustered out at Galveston, Tex. Some of the principal battles in which he participated were Port Gibson, Champion Hills, siege of Vicksburg, siege of Blakely, Ala. After coming home he worked at the carpenter's trade and then resumed farming. He was married July 22, 1869, to Miss Caroline Schemet, who was born at Wittenberg, Germany, May 3, 1851, the daughter of Louis and Caroline Schemet, who now reside in this Township. Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz have had the following children: Caroline C. (deceased), Wilhelmina R. and Mary B., (deceased); Louisa R., Louis F., William H., Anna Catherine, Ella Augusta, Christian Gottlieb, and Edward Arthur. Mr. Schwartz and family are members of the German Methodist Church.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 623.
Ernst Henry Schwartz was born in Scott Township, January 2, 1850, the son of E. H. and Louisa Schwartz, above mentioned. He was married May 5, 1885, to Miss Kate Krieger. who was born in this County May 16, 1868, daughter of William and Lizzie (Stichert) Krieger, natives of Germany; he died in this County December 23, 1886, and she December, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz are the parents of two children: Emma M., born February 15,1886, and Wesley W., born August 28, 1887. In religion, they are German Methodists.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 623.
Frederick Steinmetz, an old and prominent farmer of this Township, was born in Wachenheim-by-the- Hardt, Germany, June 11, 1811, the son of Bernhard and Elizabeth (Koehler) Steinmetz, who died in that country, his father in 1829, and his mother in 1838. Frederick attended school until he was fourteen years of age, becoming an exceptionally good penman, and afterward was engaged in his father's vineyard until he was about twenty-seven years old. March 16, 1837, he married Miss Elizabeth Schmidt, who was born in Germany, April 11,1811, daughter of David and Justina (Haller) Schmidt. Her parents afterward came to the United States and settled in Center Township. Mr. and Mrs. Steinmetz emigrated to the United States, leaving home April 24, 1837. They reached Evansville June 19, and on October 27, 1837, purchased a farm of eighty acres in Center Township. He worked there about eleven years and then bought his farm of 160 acres, which was then entirely wooded. Now there are about 100 acres cleared, and all the work of opening this farm has been done by him and his sons. They are the parents of seven children: Henry, Anna Marie (deceased), Justina, Conrad (deceased), Elizabeth, August and Bernhard. Mr. Steinmetz and family are members of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Steinmetz was for several years secretary of the Home Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Vanderburgh County.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 624.
John Ulrich was born in Switzerland, July 29, 1842, the son of Joseph and Anna (Schroeter) Ulrich. Mr. Ulrich's parents immigrated and landed at New York, July 12, 1847, and came at once to Evansville, and settled in this Township. In the spring of 1862, Ulrich took a trip up the Tennessee river on a government boat, and on the 20th of July, 1862, enlisted as a private in Company H, Sixty-fifth Indiana volunteer infantry, and served two years, ten months and five days. He participated in the battles of Blountsville, Tenn., where he was painfully wounded in the wrist, Dallas, Resaca and other engagements of the Atlanta campaign. Near Decatur he was shot through the right side, breaking two of his ribs and producing a very dangerous wound. This was so serious and so long in healing that he was unable to return to his regiment. When he was mustered out May 25, 1865, the wound had not yet healed and it still disables him. He was married October 15, 1866, to Miss Hannah M. Heubner, who was born in this County, March 18, 1847, daughter of Peter and Harriet Heubner. Mr. and Mrs. Ulrich are members of the German Methodist Church, and he belongs to Farragut Post, G.A.R. They are the parents of nine children: Anna Eliza (deceased), William H., Edward R. (deceased), Harriet F., Walter W., Elizabeth M., Jesse Martin, Sarah Esther and Ada Belle (deceased).
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 624.
Karl Volkmann was born in Germany, September 15, 1844. He is the son of Andrew and Caroline Volkmann. When Karl was about nineteen years old he emigrated to the United States, and reached this County in May, 1864. He was variously occupied for a time, and then purchased sixty acres of the 120 acres which he now owns. Since that time he has been engaged in farming, and has been very successful. He was married about 1866 to Miss Justina Meyer, a native of Germany, daughter of Christian and Charlotte Meyer. They are parents of eight living children: Ernest, Charles, Frederick, Mary, Alvina, Gusta, Otto, Louisa, and two deceased, Caroline and August. Mr. Volkmann and family are members of the Lutheran Church. He has held the office of supervisor for two years. Mrs. Volkmann's father was sheriff of the court in the old country, was highly educated, and filled that position nearly all his life.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 624-625.
Michael Weber was born in Germany, July 2, 1839. He is the son of Jacob and Catherine (Hoomel) Weber, the former of whom was born in Germany, August 3, 1812, and the latter about 1801. In 1852, the family, which consisted of the parents and four children: Nicholas, Michael, Mary and Catherine, landed at New Orleans, and reached Evansville June 7. In August of the same year, his father settled in Center Township. Here they chopped cord-wood out of all the available timber, made rails, and prepared thirty acres for agriculture. In the spring of 1856 they bought fifty-two acres of land, where Michael now resides. They afterward bought eighty acres more of woodland. This land is now all cleared, except about four acres, and the Webers did the greater portion of the work themselves. Michael's mother died October 3, 1861, but his father still lives at Evansville. Michael Weber and Miss Mary Schmidt were married December 10, 1867. She was born in Pennsylvania September 18, 1850, the daughter of Michael and Christina Schmidt. Her parents removed from Pennsylvania about 1855, and settled in Center Township, where they still reside. Mr. Weber has been frequently called upon to act as administrator in settling various estates, and he has given entire satisfaction in this regard. He and wife are the parents of five children: Jacob, Michael, John, Mary and Michael. The first named Michael was killed by a horse when only one year, three months and three days old. In 1881 Mr. Weber's health failed, and he took a trip to Germany, where he remained three months, but after he returned he suffered a relapse, and then took a trip to Alabama and Florida. He and family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has been a member of Crescent Lodge, No. 122, I.O.O.F., for about thirteen years.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 625.
Benjamin S. Young, ex-County commissioner, was born December 18, 1830, in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, England. He is the son of William and Ann (Briggs) Young, natives of England, who came to America about 1835. They landed at New Orleans, and at Vanderburgh County, in the spring of 1836, first settling on the Kratzville road in this Township, thence moving to the Blue Grass flats. From there they came to the farm where Benjamin now resides, and the father purchased jointly with his brother, eighty acres of land from Ephriam Hall, paying $200 for what is now worth $60 an acre. William Young died a year or two later, from the kick of a horse. In a few years Mrs. Young married William Skeels. Mr. Skeels took a trip to California, accompanied by Benjamin, where he remained some five or six years. On his return, the family removed to the eastern part of Center Township. At the breaking out of the war, Mr. Skeels enlisted in the sixty-fifth regiment, Indiana volunteers, and was taken prisoner and died in Andersonville prison. His widow died at the home of her son, in 1882. Benjamin spent his early life in working on the farm, saw- milling, and steamboating, on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. In the latter part of 1854, he returned to Evansville, and on April 25, 1855, wedded Miss Harriet Lawrence, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Cartwright) Lawrence, natives of New York. Mr. Young bought out the other heirs to the old homestead, where he and his wife have since resided. They have had eleven children, nine of whom are living: Mary, Olivia, Anna J., Charles S., Fletcher, died in infancy, Robert L., John H. (Francis, twin brother of John, died in infancy), Laura, Katie, Emma, Esther. Mr. Young was elected constable about 1863, and served in that capacity for about eight years. In 1872 he was elected County commissioner, which office he filled with honor and credit for three years. Mr. Young and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a republican. He cast his first vote for president for Gen. Scott. Mr. Young is a popular and worthy citizen.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 625-626.
Township Histories & Biographies
Return to A Little Vanderburgh County History
Christopher D. Myers
April 12, 2004