John F. Homann

    John F. Homann, merchant and postmaster, Sparta Township, was born in the county of Meinersen, Hanover, Germany, December 20, 1848. His parents, John F. and Frederick (Wrede) Homann, were both natives of Germany, former born in 1824, the latter, in 1826. They resided in Germany their entire lifetime, the former dying in 1875, the latter in 1881. They were the parents of two children, viz.: Caroline, and John F., our subject, the eldest.

    He was educated in Germany, and when about fourteen years of age, began the shoe-making trade, which he completed, and in 1870 immigrated to the United States, landing at New York City May 7, of that year; from thence he came immediately to Chicago, Illinois, and after traveling through Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas, in the spring of 1871, landed at Cincinnati, Ohio. He worked at his trade there for about four years, and was there married, October 13, 1874, to Emma Schilling. She was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, August 24, 1855, and was a daughter of August and Dorthea (Ideker) Schilling, who immigrated to Dearborn County in the year 1861. In 1877 Mr. Homann moved to Cold Spring, and in the same year purchased the store of Henry Wilkening, which he has since conducted with vigor and success, and is now doing a large business in general merchandise. June 2, 1884, he was appointed postmaster of this place, which office he at present holds. Mr. Homann is a good citizen, and a member of the Lutheran Church. He is the father of four children, namely: John F., George A., Augusta E. and Charlotte M.

Source: History of Dearborn and Ohio Counties, Indiana by F.E. Weakley & Co., 1885