"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

WENDEL HOFMANN, proprietor of Turner Hall, Tell City, was born in Grossrohrheim, Hessen Darmstadt, June 12, 1842. His parents, Phillip and Philipena (Ehrhardt) Hofmnn, still reside at their native place. Wendel remained at home until he reached manhood, receiving a good education in German and learning civil engineering, his father's profession. He afterward learned the brewer's business in Darmstadt, and followed it there until 1863, when he came to the United States. After working a few months in New York, he removed to Connersville, Ind., where he owned a brewery until 1868, when he went to St. Louis. In 1870 he came to Tell City and bought Turner Hall, where he has since conducted the liguor business, and in addition a theater and skating-rink. In 1863 he married Sophia Weicker, also a native of Darmstadt, by whom he is the father of eight children living. They are Valentine, Frederick, Wendel, August, Albert, Edith, Sophia and Edward. Mrs. Hofmann died January 4, 1883, and on June 12 following, he married Clara Frey, a native of Baden. Mr. Hofmann is a member of the I.O.O.F., and A.O.U.W. fraternities.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

ROBERT HUELSMAN, treasurer of the Cabinet Makers' Union, of Tell City, is a native of the town, born December 21, 1859, being the only child born to the marriage of Franz Huelsman and Bertha Ludwig, both natives of Germany. The father, who was a rope-maker by trade, came to America during the "gold fever" in California, where he worked in the mines for two years. He then returned to this native country, where he married and soon after came again to the United States. In 1858 he came to Tell City, and was engaged for a number of years in saw-milling. In 1872 he bought an interest in the Cabinet Makers' Union, which he owned until his death July 5, 181. Robert was reared at home, receiving a good English as weel as German education. He learned the wood carver ad cabinet-maker's trade, and in 1883 bought an interest in the Cabinet Makers' Union, of which company he was elected treasurer in January, 1885. His marriage with Louisa Schergens was celebrated May 14, 1885. He is a Democrat in politics, and is one of the rising young men of the town.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

CAPT. EDWARD G. HUGHES, of Tell City, is a son of Stephen T. and Abigail S. (Cooper) Hughes. The father, who was a native of Jefferson County, Ky., came to Indiana in 1846 and located at New Albany, where he followed mercantile pursuits until his death June 20, 1852. The mother, who wasa native of Camden, N.J., died in Hawesville, Ky., November 8, 1868. When our subject was a youth his father died, and the support of his widowed mother and the other children devolved upon him. In 1861 he was enrolled as a private in Company A, Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served thirteen months, being promoted to Sergeant. In 1862, upon the organization of the Marine Brigade, he was commissioned captain of Company C, First Regiment Infantry, Mississippi Marine Brigade, serving until the close of the war. He returned home much impaired in health, and spent five years at French Lick Springs, Orange Co., Ind., engaging in farming during the latter part of his stay. In 1872 he came to Perry County, and engaged in the lumber business at Adyeville until 1876. From that time until 1883 he followed farming. At the latter date he entered the agricultural implement business as silent partner of Henry MNimsgerm. Capt. Hughes married his second wife, Mary E. (Carsell) Frakes, December 24, 1876. They have two sons: Goerge M. and Dudley P. He is also father of two sons, Frank and James, by his first wife. Capt. Hughes was born in Hickman County, Ky., February 19, 1834. He is a Republican, and a member of Cannelton Post, G.A.R.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

HON. GUSTAVE HUTHSTEINER, cashier of Tell City Bank, is a native of Prussia, born April 17, 1844. He is the eldest of eight children born to the marriage of Edward Huthsteiner and Caroline Achenbach. The father who was a merchant, came with his family to the United States in 1848, and located in Cincinnati, where he died in 1862. His widow still resides in that city. Gustave received his education in the schools of Cincinnati, where he taught for two years. In 1864 he came to Tell City and was engaged in the drug business for a year, after which he again taught school until 1869. He then assumed the management of the Chair Maker's Union, and continued in that position until 1871, when he was elected to the office of county treasurer, which he filled for two consecutive terms. In 1874 he was elected cashier of the Tell City Bank, and he still holds that position. During the session of 1879, he represented this county in the State Legislature, to which he was elected by the Democratic party in 1878. He served for three moths during the Rebellion in Company K, Fifth Ohio Cavalry. November 26, 1864, he was united in marriage with Pauline Weber, who died December 25, 1883, leaving six children: Eugene G., Ella P., Edward E., Robert E., Alfred and Walter F. One child is deceased. Mr. Huthsteiner deserves great credit for the interest he has taken in building up the town and developing its manufactures.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

COL. GUSTAV KEMMERLING, one of the proprietors of Steinauer's grsit-mill at Tell City, is a mative of Prussia (Province Rhine), born December 9, 1819. He received a fair German education, and was engaged for a number of years in silk manufacture. During the rebellion of 1848-49, he was commander of militia in his native town. In 1850 he came to the United States, and worked at manual labor in Pennsylvania for two years. He then was foreman of a pork-packing establishment in Cincinnati until the beginning of the war, when in 1861 he went to the scene of conflict as captain of Company F, Ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served his adopted country faithfully and gallantly for over three years, and his promotions are evidence of his military ability. He was successively promoted to major, lieutenant-colonel and colonel, serving in this capacity until he resigned, though he received his commission as brigadier-general after the battle of Chickamauga, but declined it on account of ill-health. In 1865 he came to Tell City and engaged in the milling business, in which he still retains an interest, though he has retired from active work. In 1856, he married Gertrude Steinauer, by whom he is the father of two children, only one of whom, Gustav is living. Col. Kemmerling is one of a family of eight children born to John and Catharine (Hueten) Kemmerling, neither of whom ever immigrated from their native country.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

WILLIAM CLUTHE, M.D., of Tell City, is a native of Fritzlar, Hesse-Cassel, born May 16, 1847, being one of a family of five sons and four daughters, born to the marriage of Jacob Kluthe and Catharine Gerecht, born natives and residents of Germany. Dr. Kluthe received a thorough education in German, French, Latin and Greek. He began the study of chemistry with a view of making it a profession, but in 1866 came to the United States on account of the Austro-Prussian war. He learned pharmacy in Cincinnati and engaged in the drug business in that city and at Reading, Ohio. In 1872 he began the study of medicine at Cincinnati, and graduated from the Ohio Medical College of that city in 1875. He was appointed district physician for the poor in Cincinnati, but he resigned that position and went to Carrollton, Ky., and later to Dubois County, Ind. In 1880 he came to Tell City, where he has acquired a large practice, making a specialty of clinicology. January 3, 1869, he marred Lena Kelsch, a native of Bavaria, by whom he is the father of six children. Those living are Charles F., Anna H., Edward C. and Walter J. He and family are members of the Catholic Church. He is one of the charter members of the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

FREDERICK KRAMER, Merchant of Tell City, was born in Hanover, Germany, September 28, 1822. He is the only surviving member of a family of six children, born to the marriage of Ernest Kramer and Clara Brinkmann, both of whom passed their lives in Germany. Frederick, after obtaining a fair education, worked as a waiter in a university until 1857, when he came to the United States. He located at Cincinnati, where he worked in a lead factory for two years. He then, in company with a brother-in-law, conducted a bakery until 1858, when he came to Tell City, and engaged in the general merchandise business. He has a large and well selected stock of goods, and does a good business. September 7, 1851, Sophia Wiebking, a native of Hanover, became his wife. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a member of the I.O.O.F. Both he and wife have lived in the Protestant faith, and are highly respected by the community in which they live.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

JOHN M. KREISLE was born in Indianapolis, June 28, 1857. His father, Magnus Kreisle, was born in Germany, September 9, 1824. He was a cabinet-maker, and followed his trade in his native country until 1844, when he came to this country and located at Cincinnati, where he married Christine Eckhardt. In 1856, he moved to Indianapolis, and four years later to Tell City, where he worked at the carpenter's trade and in a planing-mill until 1867. He then bought a one-seventh interest in the Tell City Planing Mill & Toy Making Co. After 1870, the firm dropped the manufacture of toys, and January 2, 1882, he assumed complete control of the business, which he retained until his death March 18, 1885. Since his father's death, John Kreisle has assumed the management of the planing-mill, and owns a one-third interest in the business. Previous to 1882, after learning the cabinet-maker's trade, he worked in most of the large cities in the West. Since 1882, he has worked in the planing-mill. December 30, 1883, he wedded Emma Kuhn, and to them one daughter Rosa M. has been born. Mr. Kreisle is a Republican, a member of the I.O.O.F., and one of the rising young business men of the town.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

AUGUST KROGMANN, distiller, of Tell City, is a native of Holstein, Germany, born December 28, 1821. He grew to manhood in his native country, where he learned the distilling business. In 1855, he came to the United States, and located at Davenport, Iowa, where he worked in a brewery until 1858. He then worked in the coal mines at Cannelton, for a few years, and in 1862, came to Tell City, where four years later he engaged in his present business. He manufactures Bourbon, whiskey, and apple and peach brandies. In 1856 Dora Shubert became his wife, and to their union have been born three children, Emma (deceased), Dora and Willie. Both Mr. Krogmann and wife are members of the Evangelical Church. He is a Republican, and is a highly respected business man. His parents, John and Margaret Krogmann, were both natives of Germany, where they passed their lives.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

MAJ. WILLIAM S. LAMB, United States storekeeper and guager, of Tell City, is one of the oldest native residents of Perry County, having been born near Troy, January 21, 1816. His father, Solomon Lamb, a native of New York, came to the county in 1810. He was a prominent Whig, a leader of his party in the county, and was the first clerk of the court, having been appointed in 1814. He held the office until 1838. He married Elizabeth Shepherd, a native of Kentucky, who bore him a family of six sons and four daughters. He died in 1848, and his widow four years later. William S. remained at home until attaining his majority, when he was elected clerk of Perry County, which office he filled efficiently for eighteen years. He afterward farmed and traded on the river for a time, meanwhile giving considerable attention to law. He was admitted to the Perry County bar in 1853. At the beginning of the war he was appointed paymaster in the United States Army, and served in that capacity until its close, ranking as a major. He returned to his farm and subsequently engaged in conducting a tannery near Rome, which enterprise proved unsuccessful. In 1877 he was appointed to the position which he has since filled. He is a Repubican in politics, and was the first candidate of his party for State Representative in 1856. In 1837 he married Mary F. Dumont, a native of Switzerland County, Ind., who died two years later. In 1842 he wedded Julia A. Thompson, who died in February, 1880, leaving three children: William R., Henry C. and Porter H. Maj. Lamb is a Mason, and a member of the Methodist Church.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

AUGUST MENNINGER, an influential business man of Tell City, was born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, November 21, 1826. He received a good education in his native language, and also obtained some knowledge of French. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and in 1845 came with his father to the United States, where he worked in the machine shops of Baltimore, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Cincinnati. In 1857 he engaged in running a small machine shop and foundry in that city, and continued until 1860, when he came to Tell City much impaired in health. Since that time he has been successfully engaged in saw-milling, and does the leading business in that line in the county. In 1850 he married Catherine Schmidberger, a native of Germany. To this union nine children have been born, six of whom are now living. They are Anna E., wife of John Patrick; Elenore, wife of Rudolph Kaercher; August V.; Charles F.; Emma M. and Flora A. In politics Mr. Menninger has always been quite liberal in his views. Previous to 1872 he voted the Republican ticket, but since tht time has affliated with the Democratic party. He is an enterprising citizen, and takes an active interest in education, and everything of public importance. He is the second child in a family of six children born to Andrew and Barbara (Pauly) Menninger, both natives of Germany, where the latter died in 1843. The father came to America with his family in 1845. He lived in Maryland for two years, and then removed to Cincinnati, where he worked at blacksmithing, and later to Dearborn County, Ind. He was drowned in the Ohio River while on a visit to Cincinnati, January 3, 1852.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

JOHN JACOB MEYER, dealer in stoves and tinware, Tell City, is a native of Canton Zurich, Switzerland, born September 24, 1828. He is one of nine children of John J. and Barbara (Staubli) Meyer, who were also natives of Switzerland, where they lived and died. John J. grew to manhood in his native country, receiving a good education in French and German. In 1844 he entered upon a four years' apprenticeship to the tinner's trade, which he followed in that country until 1854, when he came to the United States. He worked at this trade successively at Indianapolis, St. Louis, Quincy, Ill., and Collinsville, Ill. In 1858 he came to Tell City as a member of the Colonization Society, and engaged in the business, which he has since followed with good success. He has his store well stocked, and has a full share of the trade in the town and surrounding country. He is also a stockholder in the Southwestern Furniture Association. In 1858 Verena Meyer became his wife, by whom he is the father of two children, Mina and Gustv. Both he and wife are members of the Evangelical Church.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

ANTON MORAWECK, proprietor of the Steiner House, Tell City, came to the town as a member of the Colonization Company in 1858, but removed to Rockport two years later. He followed his trade for three years, after which he clerked in a store at Henderson, Ky., until October, 1870, when he returned to Tell City, and purchased the house of which he is proprietor. He improved and refurnished it, making it a first-class hotel. Mr. Moraweck is a native of Bohemia, born August 15, 1828, being the youngest of four children born to Joseph and Josepha (Philipp) Moraweck. He learned the baker's trade in Vienna, and came to the United States in 1856. He lcoated at Chicago, and a short time after removed to Davenport, Iowa, where he remained until coming to Tell City, in 1858. May 13, 1856, he was united in marriage with Klaudina Kroboth, who has borne him three children, Ernest, Klaudina and Alvin. Both he and wife were born in the Catholic faith, but are not members of any religious denomination. He is a Republican, and a member of the I.O.O.F. encampment.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

HENRY NIMSGERN, a prominent citizen of Tell City, was born in Cincinnai, Ohio, December 28, 1851. His father, Peter Nimsgern, was a native of Metz, France. He chose for a wife Catharine Meyer, by whom he was the father of five sons and an equal number of daughters. He came to the United States in 1847, and located at Cincinnati, where he was engaged in the hotel and saloon business until March, 1865. From that time until his death, May 14, 1871, he was engaged in a similar business in Tell City. His widow married John Rauscher, and is now living in Cincinnati. Henry received a good education in both English and German, in the schools of Cincinnati, and is a graduate of two different business colleges in that city. He came with his parents to Tell City, where he worked for a time at civil engineering, and later learned the printer's trade, which he followed until 1871. He then learned the machinist's trade in Cincinnati, where he followed it about three years. In 1874 he returned to Tell City, and worked for D.R. Hubbs in the agricultural implement business until 1876, when the latter became insolvent. He then assumed control of the business, and has since successfully conducted it. Although he began with little or no capital, by untiring energy, economy, and strict business integrity, he has succeeded in building up a large trade in this and surrounding counties, and now has six men employed as agents for his machinery. On October 28, 1878 he was united in marriage with Mary Hartman, a daughter of John Hartman, and a native of Williamsburg, N.Y. By this union he is the father of three children, Edward G., William and Harry C. Himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F. encampment, and A.O.U.W.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

GEORGE OBANSSIER, of the firm Wiedmer, Obanssier & Co., proprietors of Tell City Foundry and Machine Shops, is a native of Switzerland, born May 19, 1824. He is a son of John P. and Elise (Bohnenblust) Obanssier, both natives of Switzerland, the former of French, and the latter of German descent. The father came to the United States about 1830, and lived in Kentucky until his death, a few years later. When George was about two years old his mother died, and he lived with his relatives after his father's departure for America. By the time he was twenty-one, he had served a four years' apprenticeship at the machinist's trade, and became master of it. After working between two and three years in Belgium, in 1848 he came to the United States, and worked at his trade in Boston, New York, and Cambridge, Mass., for ten years. In 1858 he came to Tell City, and followed farming for two years, after which he worked as a blacksmith, gunsmith, etc., doing all kinds of work in iron. In March, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Sixtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving his adopted country faithfully until the close of the war. He was in the Red River campaign, and at the siege of Vicksburg. At the close of the war he returned home and worked at manual labor until 1868 when he engaged in his present business. He has no family. Politically he is a Republican, and one of the industrious citizens of Tell City.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

ANTON PAALZ, agent for the Cabinet Maker's Union of Tell City was born in Frier, Germany, August 30, 1851. He came to the United States with his parents in 1865, and learned the cabinet-maker's trade in Tell City, where he followed it until 1879. In that year he was appointed to the position which he now holds. June 22, 1876, his marriage with Mary A. Smith, a native of Cincinnati was celebrated, and to this union five children have been born: Leo, Anton, Antoinette, Louise and Mina. In politics Mr. Paalz is a Democrat, and a warm advocate for thr principles of his party. Himself and family are members of the Catholic Church. He is a stockholder in the association which he represents, and is recognized as an enterprising and successful business man. He is the only son born to the marriage of Peter Paalz and Kathrina Kronz, both natives of Germany. The former died in 1876; the latter still resides in Tell City.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

JOHN T. PATRICK, attorney-at-law and insurance agent of Tell City, was born in Crawford County, Ind., April 6, 1842. He is one of a family of ten children born to the marriage of John D. Patrick and Mary E. Powers, both natives of Maryland. They came to Indiana about 1840 and located in Crawford County, where they lived upon a farm until 1851. In that year they came to Perry County where Mr. Patrick was engaged in mercantile pursuits until his death, which occurred January 2, 1871. He was also engaged in merchandising for a time during his residence in Crawford County. He was postmaster at Leopold for many years, and also held the office of justice of the peace. His widow is still living with her son at Tell City. John T. Patrick came to this county with his parents when he was nine years old. In 1862 he enlisted as a privated in Company G, Eighty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Stone River he was wounded and disabled for further service, and was honorably discharged in July, 1863. After his return home he followed the profession of teaching until 1873, when he accepted the position of agent and manager for the Cabinet Maker's Union, which he held until 1876. He was then elected clerk of the county court, which office he faithfully and efficiently filled for eight years. In the meantime he had studied law, and was admitted to the Perry County bar in May, 1884. December 27, 1869, he married Margaret Menninger, who died March 8, 1881, leaving two children - Clara E. and Alice A. September 17, 188, he married Anna E. Menninger, by whom he is the father of one son - Charles M. Mr. Patrick is a member of the F. & A.M. and I.O.O.F., and is a highly influential citizen.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885

VALENTINE RESS, a member of the Cabinet Maker's Union, was brn in Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, September 30, 1833. He learned the cabinet maker's trade in his native country, and in 1854 came to the United States and followed his trade in Cincinnati for about nine years. He then removed to Indianapolis where he remained until 1869, when he came to Tell City and bought an interest in the Cabinet Maker's Union, which he still owns. He was one of the directors of that company for four or five years. In 1858 he married Frederika Vogel, who died two years later. In 1861 he was married to Elizabeth Green, by whom he is the father of four children: George, John (deceased), Frank and Anna. Mrs. Ress died in 1876, and in 1878 he chose for his third wife Margaret Simosen. To this union has been born one child, Marie Theresa, now living. Mr. Ress was born in the Catholic faith, but his wife and family are Protestants. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Appel) Ress, who were both natives of Germany, where they passed their lives.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Troy Township & Tell City" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885