Michael Sheets

    Michael Sheets, farmer, Monroe Township. The subject of this sketch was born in Prussia, September 12, 1827. He is the son of John Sheets, a native of that country. Michael emigrated to this country in 1841, and settled with the family of his father in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

    His father removed to Ripley County, Indiana, and there bought 240 acres of land. He was the donor of land and money for the founding of the St. Magdelen Church and School in that county. He died in 1875. He was a farmer.

    His mother was Elizabeth Lisman, who was the daughter of a teacher in Prussia. Her only brother was forced into the army of Napoleon Bonaparte, and served under him; while returning home he was starved to death -some of his comrades lived to return home and tell the story.

    The father of the subject of this sketch raised a family of six children, four sons and two daughters. Michael was the youngest of the family, was raised on a farm and educated in the county schools of his time.

    In 1840 he enlisted in the war with Mexico, in Capt. Sullivan's company, in Third Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Was in all the battles of his regiment, along the Valley of the Rio Grande. At the close of the war he crossed the Gulf of Mexico to New Orleans, where his regiment was disbanded.

    In August, 1849, he was married to Miss May Ann Miles, of this county. The result of this union was six sons and four daughters: Enos J., Evan, Marion, John A., Chas. F., Michael J., Mary F., Nettie, Anna and Ida.

    The subject of this sketch was also in the late war for ten months and fifteen days, in the Twenty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteers. Entered September 22, 1864, served to the end of the war; was with Gen. Thomas at Nashville, Tennessee. After the close of the war he returned home and engaged in farming, especially fruit culture.

    For twenty years past he has been quite successful in this line, and has now a very nice nursery. He also engaged in the fish culture a few years since, and now has a pool of fine carps on his farm.

    He has raised and educated his large family, giving to them all of the benefits of schools and teaching which the country afforded. he is a good farmer and citizen.

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.