"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

GEORGE W. KESTERSON, a prominent young farmer of Columbia Township, Dubois Co., Ind., was born August 6, 1861; he is the only child of Albert and Martha E. (Beaty) Kesterson, who were born and married in Dubois County, where they remained until the Rebellion, when Mr. Kesterson enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; he was killed in battle, at Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862; the mother married John W. Simmons, who is now deceased, and still resides in Columbia Township. Our subject, George W., made his home with his mother and step-father, and received a good common school education. He was married, March 9, 1881, to Miss Lucinda Nicholson, daughter of Joseph H. and Elizabeth (Coonrad) Nicholson. To them were born three children: Charles C., William F. and Ida E. Mrs. Kesterson was born November 13, 1863. They own a good farm of eighty acres, and are energetic and enterprising young people. Mr. Kesterson is a Democrat in politics.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

DAVID C. LANE was born September 20, 1846, and was one of a family of three children - Jesse A., Henry and David C. - born to Mordica and Mary (Allen) Lane, natives, respectively, of North Carolina and Tennessee. They were married in Orange County, Ind., where they remained until 1879, when they moved to Dubois County, Ind., and lived there until their deaths. The mother was an earnest and useful member of the Christian Church. Our subject was reared and educated by his parents, and remained at home until his marriage, which occurred June 11, 1863; his wife was Miss Mary McGrew, daughter of Washington and Susan (Archer) McGrew, of Orange County, Ind. Eight children were born to this union: William M., Emma J., Lavina, Andrew, Zerilda, Martha, Sarah A. and Charley H. Mrs. Lane was born in 1845, and is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Lane owns 340 acres of excellent land, well improved, and is a good farmer and stock raiser, and by energy and industry has acquired all his property since his marriage.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

WILLIAM A. LINE, M.D., was born January 12, 1844, and is a son of John and Phoebe (Pierson ) Line, who were natives of Tennessee and Indiana, respectively. The father’s parents came from England and settled in Tennessee. Our subject’s father made his home in Orange County, Ind., where he died in 1854. He was a colonel in the State militia, and county surveyor of Orange County, and filled several other minor offices. His wife still resides on the old farm in Orange County and is a member of the Baptist Church. Our subject was educated by his parents and remained with them until his marriage. At the age of eighteen he began the study of medicine with Drs. Schoonover and Ellis of Hardinsburg, Ind. About two years after he entered the medical college of Louisville, Ky., where he remained one term. Returning home he was united in marriage to Margaret Ellis, December, 1864. To them were born two children: John C. and William M. For his second wife he took Mrs. Mary (Radcliffe) Young, and to their union three children were born: Mary, Francis and August. His wife dying January 1, 1881, he married Jennie Wineinger, August 8, 1881. Dr. Line began practicing medicine in the town of Hillham in 1865, where he remained until 1883. Since then he has given up his profession to some extent and is now running a general store, and is doing a thriving business. He owns 200 acres of land, well improved. The Doctor is a Democrat in politics, and is one of the central committee of Dubois County, and he is well and favorably known in his neighborhood. His present wife belongs to the Baptist Church.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

THOMAS McCUNE, a native of Kentucky, born March 7, 1829, is the youngest in a family of twelve children born to James and Keziah McCune. The father came to Orange County, Ind., in 1832, and later came to Dubois County where he died. His wife was a member of the Baptist Church and died in Lawrence County. Our subject was left an orphan when about twelve years of age and made his way as best he could, working by the day and month until his marriage to Miss Lucinda Parsons, April 5, 1850. She is a daughter of Robert and Jane Parsons, and is the mother of nine children: Jane (deceased), Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah A. (deceased), Lucinda, Missouri, Viola, Robert and James. Mr. McCune owns eighty acres of land, well improved, and is a good substantial citizen of Dubois County. In politics he is a warm Democrat, and his wife is a member of the Christian Church.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

DAVID S. MORGAN was born August 5, 1834, in Orange County, Ind., and is the eldest son in a family of ten children born to Samuel G. and Mary (Taylor) Morgan, natives respectively of North Carolina and Indiana. They were married in Orange County, Ind., and resided there the rest of their lives. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the father was a minister for about fifty years. Our subject received a liberal education and made his home with his parents until his marriage. October 19, 1853, he led to Hymen’s altar Adaline McPheron, to whom one son was born, namely: William. Mrs. Morgan was born February 17, 1838, and died September 12, 1854. For his second wife Mr. Morgan took Rachel Horton, April 20, 1854, who has presented him with eleven children: Alfred, Samuel, John J., Fidella E., Mary E., Milly J., David G., Charles, Adaline I., Rachel M. and Pleasant. Mr. Morgan owns 245 acres of good land mostly under cultivation, and is a Republican in politics. In the late war he enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served his country for over three years. He is well and favorably known throughout the county, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

JOHN W. NICHOLSON, a native of Orange County, Ind., was born December 7, 1836. He is the eldest son in a family of eleven children born to Harvey and Maria (Connel) Nicholson, natives of North Carolina and Indiana, respectively. They settled in Orange County, and, about 1840, located in Dubois County, Columbia Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The father held the office of county commissioner two terms, and was township trustee under the old school law. The subject of our sketch received as fair an education as could be obtained in the schools of his boyhood, and January 31, 1861, he was united in marriage to Catherine McIver, born January 20, 1831, and daughter of Kenneth and Elizabeth (Cox) McIver. To this union seven children were born: Benjamin F., Attosey H., Thomas S., John W., Joseph S. and two children deceased. Mr. Nicholson owns forty acres of land, well improved. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as constable and notary public in his township, and is well respected by his neighbors. Mrs. Nicholson is a member of the Christian Church.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

BENJAMIN OWEN was born February 20, 1824, in Hawkins County, Tenn. He is a son of William and Phoebe (Luna) Owen, natives of Tennessee, who lived and died in their native State. Our subject received a limited education, and during the Mexican war he enlisted for five years, but served only one year. November 5, 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss Adaline Crowder, born July 19, 1828, daughter of Jacob and Susan (Henley) Crowder. To this union were born eleven children - seven of whom are living: Susan J., Martha E., William P., Benjamin B., Thomas S., Commodore P., and Orlena A. Mr. Owen is an extensive farmer and stock raiser, and owns 503 acres of fertile land, well improved. Politically he is a Republican. August 31, 1861, he enlisted in Company P, Thirty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was veteranized in January, 1864, at Rossville, Ga. He was first lieutenant of his company, and a tried and true soldier; he and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and he is well and favorably known throughout the county.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

JOHN PENDLAY, a native of Lincoln County, Ky., was born June 1, 1831, and is the second son of Joshua and Jane A. (Darter) Pendley, natives of Virginia, where they were married. They soon after settled in Kentucky, where the father died. Some years later the mother came to Indiana and died in Lawrence County of that State. Our subject received a limited education, and followed farming as an occupation. February 2, 1854, he wedded Matilda J., daughter of Stephen and Susan (Highenbotham) Owens of Wayne County, Ky. This lady has presented her husband with ten children, namely: Giles (deceased), Andrew J., Nancy D., Samuel W.L., Lemuel R., Martin S., Theodore, Alonzo, Malinda F. and Nora B. Mr. Pendley is a wide-awake farmer and owns 279 acres of first-class land. During the Rebellion his patriotic feelings were aroused, and he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, January 20, 1864. February 1, 1865, he was discharged, owing to expiration of service. Mr. Pendley is a Democrat in politics and an esteemed citizen.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

BENJAMIN A. SIMMONS was born in Columbia Township, Dubois Co., Ind., March 11, 1845. He was one of five children born to Benjamin and Hester Simmons, natives of Washington County, Ind. Soon after marriage they settled in Columbia Township, Dubois County, where the father died in 1844. The mother is still living and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was married twice. Her last husband being William Harris. Our subject was raised by his mother and step-father and remained with them until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in his country’s cause November 14, 1864, in Company E, Twenty-fourth Regular Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged at Galveston, November 17, 1865. Returning home he married Elizabeth Harmon, born December 25, 1843, and daughter of Asa and Nancy (Sullivan) Harmon, of Orange County, Ind. Their nuptials were celebrated February 11, 1866. Six children were born to this union: America T., William G., Charles N., Henry S., John W. and Porter A. Mr. Simmons is a farmer and stock raiser, and owns 280 acres of land with good buildings and improvements. He is a Republican and has served the township six years as assessor. He is a well known and respected citizen, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

WILLIAM S. WINEINGER was born in Virginia, November 30, 1828, and was the eldest child of a family of fifteen children born to John A. and Catherine (Wineinger) Wineinger, who were natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. They were married in Virginia and came to Orange County, Ind., in 1837, and in 1855 located in Hillham, and some years later settled near Jasper, where he and wife remained till their deaths. He was a good and honest citizen, and he and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject was educated by his parents and remained at home until he reached his majority. He was united in marriage with Miss Diana Roberts, December 6, 1849. To this union eleven children were born: John A. (deceased), Nancy J., George W., Lydia A. (deceased), Lucy E., Martin L., Sarah E., Charles W., Mary C., Stephen S. and William K. Mr. Wineinger is quite an extensive farmer and stock raiser, and is well and favorably known throughout the neighborhood. He has 440 acres of excellent land, partially improved with fair buildings. He is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Wineinger gave about $800 to the construction of the church, and has always taken a great interest in its wellfare.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

DAVID G. ABELL (deceased), was a native of Crawford County, Ind., born December 10, 1829. He was one of thirteen children born to Francis and Elizabeth Abell. When he was six years old his father died, and he came with his mother to Dubois County. They located near Ferdinand where they lived about eight years after which they removed to Jackson Township and bought the farm upon which he resided until his death, April 28, 1881. He was a very successful farmer, and at his death, he owned 220 acres of land which is now managed by his son Jasper N. In 1851 he married Jane Dameron, who died two years later. He chose for his second wife Katharine Bretz, a native of Germany, whom he married in October, 1855. To their union were born ten children, Jasper N., born September 10, 1856; Maggie, born August 16, 1858; Mary E., deceased; David, born January 29, 1862; Anna, born June 6, 1864; William T., born December 10, 1865; Sarah, deceased; Jacob, born June 30, 1869; George E., born March 5, 1871, and Peter S., born November 23, 1873. Mrs. Abell is a member of the Christian Church, and the family is universally respected and esteemed by the community in which they live.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

GEORGE BRENNER, a native of this county, was born in Jackson Township, July 8, 1845. He is one of two surviving children born to John and Anna (Miller) Brenner, both natives of Germany. The father, who had been previously married, came to America in 1840, and located in Harrisburg, Penn., where he worked at his trade of shoe-making for about three years. His wife died in that city, and he married the mother of our subject. After working one year in Pittsburgh he came to Dubois County, and located on a farm in Jackson Township, where he died in 1863. George was reared at home, receiving only a limited amount of instruction in the schools. In 1864 he went to Tell City, Ind., and worked at brick-molding the greater part of the time for several years. In 1869 he opened a brickyard at Ferdinand, this county, which he operated for a short time. He was also a resident for a short time of Owensboro, Ky. In 1872 he came to St. Anthony, where he was engaged for three years in the retail liquor business. He has since been engaged in operating a saw-mill. In connection with his other business, he has had considerable experience as a solicitor, selling papers, sewing machines, fruit trees, etc. November 17, 1868, Mr. Brenner was united in marriage with Eva Gilles, by whom he is the father of six children, only three of whom are now living. They are William, Theodore and Frederick N. Mr. Brenner is a Democrat in politics, and is one of the well informed men of the township.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

PHILIP BRETZ, a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, was born July 13, 1836, being the third of ten children born to the marriage of Philip J. Bretz and Ann M.E.M. Frick, also natives of Germany, from which country they came to the United States in 1840, and located on a farm in Jackson Township, Dubois Co., Ind., where the father died in 1884, at the age of eighty years. The mother is still living. Philip remained at home until attaining his majority, receiving but little instruction in school. He has, however, obtained a fair education through his own efforts. For many years he spent the greater part of his time in hunting. January 4, 1879, he was united in marriage with Margaret Bretz, a daughter of William Bretz. He has since been engaged in the retail liquor business at Bretzville. He has three children: Charles W., P.J. Edward and Gertrude. Both he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and is one of the well informed men of the township.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

JOSEPH FRITZ, one of the enterprising farmers of Dubois County, was born in the county, February 14, 1843, being one of a family of four sons and three daughters born to the marriage of John Fritz and Mary U. Block, natives of Alsace, Germany. The father, when a young man, came to the United States, and located at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he worked at various kinds of work until about 1840. In that year he came to Dubois County, and bought the farm where he resided until his death, which occurred November 9, 1879. The mother died June 28, 1871. Joseph was reared at home, receiving a good education, obtained mainly through his own efforts. September 26, 1864, he entered the service of his country, and was enrolled in Company K, Twenty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served until June 4, 1865. He was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea and through the Carolinas. After his return from the war he began farming on the home farm. He was married, January 8, 1867, to Josephine Kessler, a native of the county, and to them have been born eight children. Those living are Joseph J., Susanna C., Anna M., George, Adam, Frank J., Michael and Katharine. Both he and wife are members of the Catholic Church. Politically Mr. Fritz is a Democrat, and has been trustee of the township for two terms.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Columbia Township

JACOB FRICK, a prominent farmer of Jackson Township, was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 24, 1829, being the youngest of six children born to John and Mary (Bollenboch) Frick. The father, who was a farmer, came to America in 1847, and located in Dubois county, where he lived until his death in 1856. The mother died in 1830, and Jacob was reared without her care, and remained with his father until he was fourteen years of age, when he learned the blacksmith’s trade, and followed it in his native country until 1846. In that year he came to the United States and worked at his trade in Jasper, Ind., Louisville, Ky., and St. Louis, Mo. In 1852 he went to California as a gold seeker, and worked in the mines with fair success until July, 1865, when he returned to Dubois County, and bought the farm upon which he still resides. He now has 200 acres of good land, well improved. February 22, 1856, he married Mary A. Onspaugh, a native of Ohio, who died March 28, 1872, leaving five children: John, Sarah, Mary A., Philip and Jacob. July 9, 1874, he was united in marriage with Lizzie C. (Risch) Hagan, by whom he is the father of six children, five of whom - Hammond, Otto, William, Valentine and Charles W. - are living. Both Mr. Frick and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and are highly esteemed by the community in which they live.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Jackson Township

HENRY C. HOSENOUR, dealer in general merchandise, St. Anthony, began business in August, 1881, in a small room, which he has since enlarged. He carries a well selected stock, consisting of almost every article in any line of goods. He does about an $8,000 business annually, dealing largely in produce. Mr. Hosenour was born in Dubois County in February, 1853, being the youngest child in a family of four sons and three daughters, born to the marriage of Martin Hosenour and Tharsela Kaerner, both natives of Germany, from which country they came to the United States soon after their marriage. They located in Louisville, where they remained only a short time when they came to Dubois County, where the father died in 1861. The mother is still living. Henry remained at home with his mother until he was fourteen years old. He then worked in his brother’s store for eleven years. July 22, 1878, he married Elizabeth Miller, a native of Louisville, by whom he is the father of four children: George W., Mary A., Elizabeth and Rosa. After his marriage he worked for his father-in-law on the farm until he came to St. Anthony, and engaged in his present business. Both he and wife are members of the Catholic Church.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Jackson Township

JOHN KLEM, ex-trustee of Jackson Township, is a native of Pittsburgh, Penn., born April 10, 1842. He is the eldest of nine children born to the marriage of Michael Klem and Jane M. Schneider, both natives of Germany. The father, when a young man, came to the United States and located at Pittsburgh, where he worked at the stone-mason’s and brick-layer’s trade until about 1853, when he came with his family to Dubois county. He settled on a farm which he had bought some years previous and upon which he still resides. The mother died about 1859. John was reared at home, receiving his education in the schools of his native State. In October, 1861, he enlisted in company I, Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served, participating in all its battles and marches until mustered out in November, 1864. He was present at the battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, Champion Hills, Vicksburg and numerous lesser engagements. In 1866 he bought the farm of eighty acres upon which he has since resided. October 27, 1868, he was united in marriage with Kate Ands, a native of the county, and to their union have been born seven children: Michael, Jacob, Joseph, John J. (deceased), Frank, Mary and John M. Both he and wife are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served two terms as trustee of the township.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Jackson Township

FRANCIS LEISMAN, a farmer of Jackson Township, was born in Oldenberg, Germany, April 3, 1835, being the eldest in a family of six sons and three daughters born to the marriage of John P. Leisman and Margaret Klem, also natives of Germany. The father, who was a farmer, came with his family to the United States and located at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he remained until 1842. In that year he came to Dubois County and located in Jackson Township, where he still lives. The mother died in October, 1850. Francis, when a boy, was sent to Pittsburgh by his parents in order that he might attend school. He remained about eighteen months, receiving instruction in both German and English. June 5, 1860, he was united in marriage with Christina Berg, after which he bought the farm of eighty acres where he still lives. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church. They are the parents of twelve children, seven of whom are living. In politics he is a Democrat, and is now serving his second term as trustee of Jackson Township.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Jackson Township

JOHN MERKLEY, a native of Dubois County, Ind., was born June 21, 1847. He is one of a family of six sons and one daughter born to the marriage of Frank Merkley and Francis Hengstler, natives of Germany. The father, when a young man, came to the United States and located at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he worked in a glass factory for eight years. He then came to this county and bought a farm in Ferdinand Township, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1866. The mother is still living with her son, at the advanced age of seventy-seven years. John was reared at home, receiving a fair education in the common schools. At the age of twenty-three he bought the farm where he now resides, and began farming for himself. he now has 280 acres of as good land as can be found in the township. May 16, 1870, Mr. Merkley was joined in marriage with Katharine Fisher, a native of the county and a daughter of Andrew Fisher. They have eighty children, seven of whom are living. They are Andrew, Sophie, William, Joseph, Mary, Philomine and Frank E. Both he and wife are members of the Catholic Church.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Jackson Township

CHARLES G. SCHNECK (deceased) was born in Wittenberg, Germany, October 18, 1827. He was one of a family of four sons and an equal number of daughters born to the marriage of Henrich P. Schneck and Christina Green, also natives of Germany, where they passed their lives. Charles G. was reared at home on the farm, where he remained until 1851, when he came to the United States and located near Jeffersonville, Ind. He worked there on a farm until 1855. September 16 of that year he was united in marriage with Sophie Spiddler, also a natives of Wittenberg, who came to America one year previous. Soon after they came to Dubois County and bought a farm in Hall Township, where they lived until 1864. In that year they bought the farm of 240 acres, where he resided until his death, which occurred May 15, 1884. He was a very successful farmer, and occupied a high place among the enterprising men of the county. His death was a loss not only to his family but to the entire community. He was the father of five children: Henry P. (deceased), George W., Paulina (now Mrs. Jacob Frick, Jr.), Mary and Sophie. Henry P. was a young man of rare ability and gave promise of a brilliant career. He graduated at the Louisville Medical College, taking the first honors of the class of 1883. His death occurred May 1, 1884.

"HISTORY OF PIKE AND DUBOIS COUNTIES, INDIANA" CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Jackson Township