John Richert

    John Richert, firm of Fischer & Richert, carriage and wagon manufacturers, 315 East Main Street, opposite Court House.

    John Richert was born on the 16th day of July, 1835, in Baden, South Germany. Came to the United States in 1857, and located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he remained about twenty-one months, working in a rolling mill; but, with the desire to better his condition, he left Pennsylvania in 1859, and came to Madison, Indiana. Here he applied himself to the trade of carriage and wagon making, and worked at it for about two years with Mr. J. B. Miller. At the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained about thirteen months working on Government wagons; while there he enlisted to help build the pontoon bridge, that was constructed with coal barges over the Ohio River, from Cincinnati to Covington, to expedite military forces and supplies. Soon after his return to Madison on board the boat, it was necessary for the boat officials to arm the passengers with muskets to fight their way, should they be attacked by Confederates; they however reached Madison unmolested and in safety. Here he began work to lay the foundation for his present business. He enlisted with the Home Guards, and during the exciting period when Gen. Morgan was expected to cross the Ohio River and make a raid on Madison, he was one of the troops who stood guard on the river front.

    He joined partnership with Mr. V. Fischer, and started in the manufacture of wagons upon a small scale. By doing good work and giving their business close attention they have established a large and growing business. They commenced their business where they now are, in an old two-story frame building, but having enlarged their shops as their business increased, in the year 1874 they built the large two-story brick warerooms at present occupied by them, and commenced the manufacture of carriages also. They employ from eighteen to twenty skilled workmen.

    Mr. Richert is a member of the German Lutheran church, and for many years was one of the presiding elders; many of the improvements made are due to his good judgment, of which the congregation can be proud. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He was married in 1865 to Miss Elisabeth Keller, of Tell City, Indiana; born in the village of Ruedlinzen, Canton Shaffhausen, Switzerland. Eight children were born to them, six girls and two boys. Their names are -Anna, Elisabeth, Catharine, Magdalene, George, Caroline, Julia and Lemuel. Mr. Richert is a good citizen, upright and honest in his business, his success is deserved, and his integrity has won him the esteem of his friends and the respect of all who know him. He is a good example of what may be attained in the way of competency by any who will employ the same means, honesty and perseverance.

Source: Biographical and Historical Souvenir for the counties of Clark, Crawford, Harrison, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott and Washington, Indiana. By John M. Gresham & Co., 1889.