During the Civil War, we find Daniel on the rolls of Company G, 155 Indiana Infantry. Although he was only 16 years old, his enlistment papers record his age as 18, on March 27, 1865. Daniel was mustered out of the Army August 4, 1865. According to his Civil War Pension File S310417 during the not quite 6 months of military service, Daniel was disabled when he contracted Erysipelas that lead to blood poison. He collected a pension of $15.00 per month until his death. Erysipelas is a bacterial infection of the skin that causes painful fiery red inflammation, fluid seepage and blistering of the skin. It is easily treated today with antibiotic therapy. During Daniel's lifetime antibiotics were not available and they just had to suffer the course of their diseases. Following Daniel's death Nancy was able to collect a widow's pension related to his illness. Certificate # 831915 shows a pension of $30.00 a month was paid to Nancy until her death. These records are available from the National Archives in Washington D.C.
July 4, 1869 in Fulton County, Indiana, Daniel and Nancy Ellen Snider were married by Moses McKee, Justice of the Peace.
There is a bit of family folklore surrounding Daniel. A granddaughter of Daniel and Nancy- Charlotte Hattery passed the story to her children that Daniel was of Indian ancestry. We have been unable to find any record of this but according to Charlotte the family worked very hard to hide this fact due to the poor treatment and discrimination of Indians during this period of our history. Charlotte's daughter Margaret remembers her mother telling her of this heritage when she was about 8 years old. Margaret cannot remember the name of the tribe (she says the name was too difficult for an 8 year old, but the name reminded her of birds). Charlotte would take her children walking through the woods and tell them stories of the Indian ways and of her grandfather Daniel. It is very obvious that Charlotte loved her grandfather very much. She tells a story of his going into town to register as all Indians in the area were required to. We have been seeking these rolls and have not found any trace of these much desired records. I wonder, if he was going to all the trouble to hide an Indian heritage wouldn't registering in town make the secret unnecessary? We may never know for sure the reality of these old secrets however the family devotion of these people is clear.
Like most marriages there were highs and lows for Daniel and Nancy. In 1881 Nancy filed for a Divorce, in Marshall County, Indiana. There is no record of this being granted and they must have reconciled for at some time later, Daniel went to the local blacksmith shop and had a biscuit cutter made for Nancy. This biscuit cutter was made from a tin can and has in the handle, an Indian Head Penny of the year 1882. The occasion for this gift is unknown but it reflects either a love of biscuits or a bond with his wife. The workmanship of this biscuit cutter is of a high quality and it remains a treasured heirloom. I currently have it in my home in Colorado.
Life in the late 1800's was not an easy one. The Hann's were not a wealthy family, like most in the area at that time they had just enough to get by, they also had the extra stress of a chronically ill child and the pain of Daniel's illness following the war. Nancy worked outside the home for at least part of their marriage to provide for their family. The 1910 census lists Nancy's occupation as a cook in a restaurant. Options for women of that time, were generally cooking, cleaning, taking in laundry or sewing.
We can only guess what thoughts were in Nancy's mind when Susan B. Anthony visited Plymouth, Indiana. Did Nancy and Daniel attend? The local newspaper noted her arrival with this notice published October 30, 1879: " Monday evening November 10th, should not be forgotten by any of our citizens. On that evening Miss Susan B. Anthony, the most renowned lady lecturer of the world, will speak at the Opera House in Plymouth. The Springfield (Missouri) Patriot says : Miss Anthony is fifty five years of age, and has been engaged for years in public speaking. She is pleasant looking, dresses in a becoming manner, and speaks with a clear, full voice, and in such a way that she holds the attention of her audience as if by magic."The Republican on Thursday, November 6, 1879 was somewhat more flamboyant in their advertisement: " Young man, bring your girl; old man, bring your wife; & old bachelor; come yourself and hear woman's rights discussed by Susan B. Anthony at the Opera House next Monday night. You will hear a discourse worth ten times the price of admission."
The women of Marshall County continued to stand up for their rights, they organized and visited saloons, stationed committees of women at their doors to pray for the saloon proprietors and customers, creating much excitement in the community. One woman even went so far as to break out several windows at the local saloon because her husband was drunk. In 1881 the women of West Township German Church refused to clean the church until the men agreed to stop chewing tobacco in the church.
Through out all this commotion Daniel continued to raise his family the best he knew how.
Daniel owned his own home although mortgaged in Union Township, Marshall County, Indiana in 1900. His occupation at that time was carpenter. The Plymouth, Marshall County, Indiana, City Directory 1908 - 1909 reveals Daniel and Nancy living in a house at 312 W. Pierce St. Plymouth. By 1910 Nancy and Daniel had sold their home and moved to Adams Street in Plymouth, Marshall County, Indiana. The census record shows that they rented that home. In 1912 Daniel has once again moved the City Directory lists; Hann, Daniel (Ellen) retired, 412 Dickman St. at same address is Moselander, Joseph (Mary) Laborer.
Daniel and Nancy attended Union Twp, United Brethren Church, located just outside Plymouth, Indiana on what is now State Road 17. Their Great Granddaughter Margaret (Moore) Carr attends this same church.
Daniel died September 19, 1916, in Plymouth Indiana.
Obituary - Daniel Hann died at 3 o'clock on Monday afternoon at his home east of Jefferson street bridge. Mr. Hann has been a great sufferer for some time. He was born in Germany and lived to be 67 years, 7 months, and 11 days old. His wife survives him. The funeral will be held at the home at 10:30 Wednesday morning, with burial in the Union Cemetery in West Township.
*Daniel was born in Miami County, Indiana per his Civil War Pension File --Certificate #831915 - According to Charlotte Hattery - Granddaughter of Daniel and Nancy, Germany was listed because Nancy thought it sounded better.
Nancy Ellen passed away June 6, 1927, in Plymouth, Indiana.
Obituary - Mrs. Mary Ellen Hahn passed away at her home, South Cleveland Street, Monday morning, June 6. she was born October 3, 1849, and was married to Daniel Hahn, Deceased, July 4, 1869. She is survived by three children, Mrs. Mary Moselander, Andrew Hahn and Miss Effie Hahn all of Plymouth. Funeral Services will be held at the home at 10:00 o'clock, Wednesday morning. Rev. J.F. Appleton officiating. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery.
Death Certificates for Nancy and Daniel are on file in Marshall County, Indiana:
Mary Elizabeth Hann
Effie Louisa Hann Andrew Hann, the third child and only son of Daniel and Nancy Hann, had the misfortune to be born an epileptic. During the late 1800's and into the early 1900's these citizens of our country carried not only the burden of their disorder but the stigma of the mistaken belief that they were mentally deficient or Insane. Many including Andrew were locked away in insane asylums. Andrew never had the opportunity to marry or have children and this line has "daughtered out". There are no further descendants of Daniel Hann who carry the Hann name.
Andrew spent time at the Indiana Poor Farm from December 4, 1900 until April 26, 1901 when he was taken home by his mother. He again appears on the roster of the Indiana Poor Farm from January 9, 1903 until March 6, 1903 when he was again taken home by his mother. Andrew then appears to have had a relapse as he was again admitted to the Indiana Poor Farm June 4, 1903 until on May 23, 1905. This time he was transferred to Long Cliff Insane Asylum in Logansport.
The Indiana Archives have possession of the early medical records from what was then the Northern Indiana Hospital For the Insane. A Bath Examination dated May 23, 1905 provides us with the only physical description we have of Andrew. Height 60 inches, weight 130 lbs, Head 21 r inches, Neck 13, Chest 33, Waist 28, Hips 32, Thighs 19, . Light brown hair.
Description of clothing worn on admission to the hospital include coat, vest, pair pants, shirt, undershirt, pair old drawers, 1 pair socks, 1 suspenders, pair of shoes, Straw Hat, purse contained one dollar and sixty eight cents. He had a vaccination scar on his left arm, a small scar on the bridge of his nose, small scar on his forehead, a small scar one his neck under his chin, a small scar under right jaw near his ear and some small bruises on his left shoulder. From those records we also learn that Andrew was an industrious person who suffered from grand mal seizures about every six weeks. He was lucid between seizure activity but for about a week following a seizure he was homicidal with violent outbursts of anger and rage, his commitment papers indicate that he had to be locked in jail at times for these rages. January 5, 1914 Andrew was experiencing back and leg pain. His medical records indicate that he was put to bed and treated with Aspirin and Strychnine. February 1914 he had influenza. The next stop for Andrew was December 1915 , at the Indiana Epileptic Village, at New Castle, where he lived out the remaining 26 and 1/2 years of his life. The records at the village have since been destroyed with the exception of some file cards with minimal information but they indicate that Andrew remained in contact with his sister Mollie.
A Historical Perspective of the New Castle State Developmental Center provided by the Indiana State Archives tells us that Indiana began working on a statute for an epileptic institution about 1903 and passd a law in 1905 for the establishment of an Epileptic Village. Prior to this time epileptics were placed in jails, poor farms and insane asylums without hope of treatment. The village opened its doors September 16, 1907 and admitted 55 male patients. When he finally arrived at a place where he could receive treatment Andrew found not only a hospital with specialists, laboratory and clinical researchers, but housing separate from the hospital and a working farm where those who were able could feel productive and worthwhile. The Dairy barn housed thirty cows, a small brick and concrete dairy house was built over a fresh water stream. A stock barn provided winter housing for about fifty calves and cattle and several horses. A poultry house was fourteen feet by ninety feet. Until 1925 no women were formally admitted to the village due to the lack of separate housing. An industrial building, recreation hall, and chapel were eventually added (1919). A school was built in 1925 for the younger residents.The Epileptic Village closed its doors August 15, 1998 with the current residents transitioning into community based settings. The time spent in the Epileptic Village was a far cry from the poor farm or insane asylum where Andrew first spent his time. I have to believe from the repeated attempts to keep Andrew at home that Nancy was a good and caring mother, who did the best she knew how to care for her family. What a relief it must have been for her to know that Andrew finally found a place where he could receive adequate treatment and a chance for a productive life. Andrew died at the Indiana Epileptic Village August 11, 1942.
In Andrew's records from both the Northern Indiana Hospital for the Insane and the Epileptic Village is a mention of two other children - A brother and a sister who also had epilepsy. These children must have died young as their identity is unknown to us and are only mentioned in the family history of these medical records and the 1900 Census indicates Nancy was the mother of 5 children only 3 of whom were still living at the time of the Census. There is a large open space in the cemetery around Daniel and Nancy's graves, these children may be buried there. The records of the church burned in a house fire many years ago and no public record of these children has been found.
Descendants of Daniel B. Hann:
Daniel B. Hann - b: February 06, 1849 in Miami County, Indiana, d: September 19, 1916 in Plymouth, Marshall County,
Indiana. +Nancy Ellen Snyder - m: July 04, 1869 in Fulton County, Indiana, b: October 03, 1849 in Ohio d: June 06,
1927 in Plymouth, Marshall County, Indiana.
Mary Elizabeth "Mollie" Hann - b: June 16, 1871 in Peru, Miami County, Indiana, d: March 16, 1940 in Niles, Michigan.
+Jerimiah McQuellin Leiter, m: April 15, 1888 in Bourbon, Marshall County, Indiana, b: Unknown in Ashland County,
Ohio, d: Unknown in Wisconsin. Marriage ending: April 06, 1908 in Plymouth, Indiana, Marshall county.
*2nd Husband of [1] Mary Elizabeth "Mollie" Hann: +Joseph "Jobe" Moselander m: June 02, 1912 in Plymouth,
Marshall County, Indiana b: 1857, d: 1943
Effie Louisa Hann - b: March 15, 1875 in Inwood, Marshall County, Indiana, d: September 18, 1932 in Plymouth,
Marshall County, Indiana.
+Francis Marion Hattery m: October 11, 1890 in Rochester, Fulton County, Indiana, b: November 01, 1868 in Auglaize
County, Ohio, d: July 12, 1952 in Plymouth, Marshall County, Indiana Marriage ending: January 05, 1925 in Rochester,
Fulton County, Indiana.
Andrew Hann - b: May 10, 1873 in Indiana, d: August 11, 1942 in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana--Indiana Village
for Epileptics.
Submitted by: Roberta Wunder
Excerpts from her book "History of the Hann Family 1822 - 1999"
John S. Bender, a prominent attorney of Plymouth, was born January 26, 1827, near Carlisle, Penn. His father was engaged in milling pursuits, and, when not at school, the subject of this sketch spent much of his time in the mills, assisting his father. At the age of eleven years, he accompanied his father’s family to Wayne County, Ohio, where he continued to reside for five years, and at the end of that time removed to Belleville, Ohio, where he attended a select school. In 1846, the family came to Indiana and settled in the township of Oregon, which, although now a portion of Stark County, was then attached to Marshall. He assisted in the erection of the first schoolhouse in that township, and, after its completion, became its teacher. In the following Year, he assisted his father in the operation of a mill in St. Joseph County, Ind., and, in 1849, rented this mill, in company with a Mr. DIVELY, and conducted it until 1850. Shortly afterward, he became a sufferer from inflammatory rheumatism, and, after an illness of eighteen months, entered the high school at South Bend, Ind., where he remained two terms, preparatory to a college course; but he fell a victim to typhoid fever, and, for the benefit of his health, was compelled to seek out-door employment, and accordingly engaged in the survey of swamp lands, by appointment of the Governor of Indiana. He abandoned this employment in 1856, and in that year was elected Clerk and Auditor of Stark County, Ind., serving four years. In 1861, he engaged in mercantile life at Knox, Stark County, Ind., from which he was compelled to retire in 1868, on account of failing health. In 1861, he began the study of law in Stark County, and, two years later, entered the Law Department of the Northwestern Christian University at Indianapolis, Ind., and graduated in April, 1864. Returning to Stark County, he entered upon the practice of his profession, but removed to Plymouth, Ind., in 1868, and purchased the Republican, a weekly newspaper, in the publication of which he was engaged until 1871, but owned the paper until 1875. He then resumed his law practice, which he has continued successfully ever since. He is an able lawyer, and is recognized as such among the legal fraternity of this county and wherever he has practiced. The political training of his youth was in the Democratic school, and he was a voter in the ranks of that party until the outbreak of the late rebellion. He then became a Republican, and acted with that party until 1876, when, unable to subscribe to the hard money principles foreshadowed by its platform of that hear, he gave his support to the National Greenback party, with which he still continues to act. He has occupied important positions in each political party with which he has affiliated. In 1860, he was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention for the election of delegates to the National Convention at Charleston, S. C., and was a delegate to every Republican State Convention from 1864 to 1876. In the National Greenback Convention, which met March 4, 1879, he was a member of the Committee on Resolutions and Platform. In this capacity, he introduced the only resolution ever adopted by a national convention looking toward woman suffrage. This resolution, which was unanimously adopted, was as follows: "the right of suffrage shall not be denied to any citizen of the United States twenty-one years old and upward."
Mr. Bender has never been an office seeker, yet he has consented, at the solicitation of his friends, to be a candidate at various times. In 1864, he was the choice of the Republicans of Stark County for State Senator from the district composed of Stark and LaPorte Counties, but was defeated in the convention. In 1870, he was the Republican candidate for Representative in the State Legislature; but the Democratic ticket proving the successful one in that campaign, he shared the fate of his party. In 1872, he was a Contingent Elector from his district on the Republican ticket, and in the Presidential campaign of 1876, he rendered effective service to the Republican party by speeches throughout Marshall and St. Joseph Counties. Mr. Bender has attained some notoriety as an author, and has issued two books which are instructive and entertaining. One, and perhaps the most important, is "Money; its Definition, Tests, etc.," in which the author establishes the proposition that money is intended for purposes of commerce, and not to hoard. The other, entitled "A Hoosier’s Experience in Europe," is a volume full of witty descriptions of places visited by the author during a tour of Europe in 1875. His letters from London, Paris, and other European cities were published in the Plymouth papers, and re-issued in book form at the request of a number of friends.
In his business enterprises, as well as in the practice of his profession, Mr. Bender has been successful. All his dealings with the world have been marked by a strict sense of honor and justice, and he has gained true friends. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is also identified with the Odd Fellows and Masonic fraternities of this city. He has been twice married; first, in November 1855, to Miss Maggie BOWERS, of Ohio, who died one year later. His second wife and present companion was Miss Rachel, daughter of James HOUGHTON, a pioneer of Marshall County. They were married March 1, 1858.
Submitted by: Karen Marks
Source: History of Marshall County, Indiana 1836 to 1880 by Daniel McDonald, printed in Chicago by Kingman Brothers, Lakeside Building, 1881
Mr. BROOKE was born May 12, 1835, at Lawrenceville, Chester Co., Penn. His father, Mark BROOKE, was engaged in the manufacture of edge tools, first in Chester County and afterward in Schuylkill County, Penn. He died in the latter county in 1849. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary KOONS, survived him, and died in Marshall County, Ind., in 1871.
Keim K. enjoyed a liberal education during his boyhood, and in 1852 came to Plymouth with his mother, his elder brother having previously settled here. Some time after his arrival here, he accepted a position as clerk in a drug-store at LaPorte, Ind., and afterward occupied a similar position at Indianapolis. Subsequently, he returned to Plymouth and began the erection of a building in this city, intending to engage in the drug trade. He had scarcely completed this building, however, when it was destroyed by fire. He opened his store in another building, and was engaged in the drug trade for about two years. He then sold
his establishment, and was afterward engaged as agent for the United States Express Company at Plymouth. In 1871, he was appointed Deputy Auditor under H. C. BURLINGAME, and for eight years served faithfully in that capacity. In 1878, he became the candidate for Auditor of Marshall County, on the Democratic ticket, and his merits were recognized at the polls by the citizens, who attested their confidence in his ability by a handsome majority at the ensuing election. He assumed the duties of his new position in 1879, and has proven a faithful and efficient officer, kind and courteous to all alike, and ever willing to accommodate all whose business leads them into his office. His long and faithful service as Deputy in this office, and the eminent ability with which he has discharged its duties since becoming its chief, have satisfied his constituents that their suffrages were well bestowed. His native nobility of character has gained him many warm personal
friends, and among all who know him he is recognized as a true gentleman and a worthy citizen. He is a man of public spirit, and a friend of all enterprises designed for the welfare or improvement of the county or city. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the Masonic Lodge of Plymouth. On the 16th of May, 1858, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret H., daughter of William M. and Mary PATTERSON, of Plymouth. This union was blessed by three children - Maggie K., Carrie and Frank K. - all now living to bless and cheer their home.
Submitted by: Karen Marks
Source: History of Marshall County, Indiana 1836 to 1880 by Daniel McDonald, printed in Chicago by Kingman Brothers, Lakeside Building, 1881
Adam KUNTZ was born in Dosenheim, Alsace, France, April 22, 1838. He was one of nine children born to Adam KUNTZ, 1795, and Elizabeth PARSON, 1803. Adam came to this country with his parents in 1847 and settled in German Township, Marshall County on a tract of land, a part of which is now the Kunz addition to Bremen; of course, this was before there was a town of Bremen. There was, however, a small settlement on the bank of the Yellow River, near the Huff sawmill, called Brothersville. Here the family cleared off the timber from the land and built a home. Adam’s mother died in 1855 at age 52, and his father died in 1887 at age 92.
Adam worked the farm with his father using a team of cattle. He was educated in both English and German. He enlisted in the Civil War on January 16, 1862 as a private in the 15th Indiana Battery. He was taken prisoner at Harper’s Ferry, paroled the following morning, and taken to Chicago where he was exchanged. Returning to Indianapolis, he was armed and placed back in the service. He participated in the chase and capture of Morgan, marched through Kentucky, on to Tennessee, and joined General Burnside and took part in the defense of Knoxville, Tennessee when besiged (sic) by General Longstreet. After the east Tennessee campaign, he was in the Atlanta, Georgia campaign under General Sherman, then under Thomas to Nashville, was sent to Washington, Wilmington, and Raleigh, North Carolina, and then home to Indiana. He was discharged on June 30, 1865 after nearly four years as a second lieutenant.
On leaving the service he returned to farming. On October 1, 1871, he married Kate ALLEN, who was born in Hamburg, Pennsylvania on January 20, 1851. He purchased a farm from Mr. FELTEN, 2-1/2 miles northeast of Bremen. He toiled hard and improved his land, which was known as Elmwood Farm. Articles and illustrations about the farm appeared in three of the leading agriculture papers of the United States.
In politics Adam was a Republican, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. Adam and Kate had 11 children. They both died in 1923.
My grandfather, George Washington Ambrose KOONTZ, was born on May 25, 1886 in Bremen. He married Dora Mae ZENTZ on December 12, 1907. Dora was born August 23, 1886 in Kansas to Henry ZENTZ and Viella MARKLEY ZENTZ. George and Dora lived most of their married life at 217 North Indiana Street, Bremen. They had six children: Rolland Elva, August 30, 1909; Donna Mae, October 11, 1911; Lowell Eldon, September 5, 1913; Bontia Marie, August 19, 1915; Warren George, April 21, 1923; and Calvin Eugene, September 7, 1926.
George started working at the American Radiator Company on Center Street in Bremen. Then he opened Koontz Florist Shop and Greenhouse in 1929 and operated it until his death on July 25, 1955. Dora was a housewife and was very active in the American War Mothers, Women’s Relief Corps, and the United Brethren
Church. She died on July 16, 1973.
Written by Diane Hand Eveland.
Submitted by: Karen Marks
Source: History of Marshall County Indiana Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986, Published by and Copyright by Marshall County Historical Society, 123 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN 46563. This information may not be used for commercial purposes.
Mr. VANSCHOIACK was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, December 18, 1812. His early life was marked by no event of particular interest, until the year 1833, when he left the familiar haunts of his childhood, and removed to the State of Indiana. He located in Wayne County, and in 1845 removed to the State of Illinois. After a residence of five years in that State, he returned to Wayne County, Indiana, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1863. He came to Marshall County in that year, and purchased the farm upon which he now resides. In his early life he enjoyed but few educational advantages, yet he possessed a keen desire for knowledge, and availed himself of every opportunity for gratifying that desire. By a diligent course of study he prepared himself for the vocation of teaching, and taught school during the winter seasons. He was always provident, and made it a rule to save a portion of his income, however small it might be. Thus, as years rolled on, he found his fortune growing, very surely if very slowly; and as it increased, he wisely invested his means in land, establishing his prosperity upon a sure foundation. Throughout his life he has made it a practice to operated within the bounds of legitimate business, and avoid all the speculations or enterprises of an uncertain nature; and while he has made no rapid strides, he has progressed, step by step, to a position of independence, and has acquired a competence in worldly goods. His farm, which is situated on the bank of the beautiful Maxenkuckee Lake, is one of the finest in Union Township, and in all its various departments, bears evidence of cultivation by a skilled hand. It has been the aim of its owner to conduct his farm in such a manner as to merit the title "a good farmer," and this ambition has stimulated him, to the exclusion of all desire for notoriety through the channels of public office. He is a plain farmer, and his life has been even and uneventful; yet to those who know him, he is a superior man; honorable and upright in all his dealings with the world, kind to the poor, and liberal in his support of public enterprises and religious and educational institutions, he has gained the good will of his fellow-men, and is honored by all who know him.
On the 27th of March, 1838, he was married, in Wayne County, Indiana, to Miss Esther BULLA, who has proved a loving and devoted wife, and whose assistance and cheerful encouragement bore a conspicuous part in her husband’s struggle with poverty, and his ultimate triumph. They are the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are now living, viz: Francis A., Isaac A., Lavina E., Louisa J., William J., Elizabeth R., Elza B., and Edward E.
Submitted by: Karen Marks
Source: History of Marshall County, Indiana 1836 to 1880 by Daniel McDonald, printed in Chicago by Kingman Brothers, Lakeside Building, 1881