Harrison Township
View a history of Terre Haute.

Under this head we propose to give extended biographies or personal sketches of a large number of the leading citizens of Terre Haute and vicinity, not only of early settlers, but also of the more modern. The items have been obtained, as far as possible, from the parties themselves, or their intimate friends, and are believed to be perfectly reliable. Many of the subjects have already been mentioned in the preceding pages, but we believe it will add vastly to our work as a book of reference and as a basis for the future historian, to give to this department a most minute detail. As far as practicable, the sketches have been arranged in chronological order or rather than in the order of coming to the township or county.--[Ed.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 159

HARRY ROSS, retired, Terre Haute, is one of the few early pioneers of Vigo county who has lived to see Terre Haute gradually grow up from a small village to a city of wealth and importance. He was born in Saratoga county, New York, though most of his early life was spent in Onondaga county, of that state. In 1820 he came with his people west, and settled in Crawford county, Illinois, and remained a resident of that county till 1824, when he came to Vigo county, and, in company with two brothers, engaged in the manufacture of brick, which they continued as a business for about twenty years. Terre Haute was a village of about forty buildings when he first became a resident of it, and all that part of the city east of Fifth street was open open prairie. When Mr. ROSS gave up the brick trade he began merchandising, which he continued until the breaking out of the war of the rebellion, in 1861. He then retired from active business pursuits. He is one of the directors of the First National Bank of Terre Haute, where, during business hours, he spends much of his time. For many years he filled the office of a city councilman, and during the building up of the free school system he took an active part in forwarding the cause of education. Lieut. ROSS, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a Highland Scotchman, and a lieutenant in the British army during the war of the revolution, and, with other officers and troops, was stationed in Halifax, to which place several tory families fled from the New England states for safety and protection, and a member of one of these families was a young lady with whom Lieut. ROSS became acquainted and afterward married. They were the parents of several children, the father of our subject being one of them, and he was born in Halifax, though he afterward became a resident of the State of New York, and in 1820, with his family, removed to Crawford county, Illinois.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 175-176

C.H. ROTTMANN, dealer in flour and feed, Terre Haute, corner of Ninth and Main streets, is a native of what is now Prussia, but was at the time of his birth the kingdom of Hanover, Germany. In 1849 he emigrated to the United States, first locating at Cleveland, Ohio. After arriving he went from there to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until 1851, then removed to Terre Haute, where he has since resided. Shortly after arriving in Terre Haute he engaged in the grocery trade, which he continued for about twelve years, then engaged in the manufacture of soap and candles for four years, after which he began the milling business. He operated the old Canal mill for about six months, when it was destroyed by fire, causing him a heavy loss. In 1873 he was elected treasurer of Vigo county. He held the office of treasurer until 1875. At the expiration of his term of office he resumed his present line of business, in which he had embarked in 1871. He is now doing quite an extensive business in his store, which is 40 feet front by 100 feet deep, his stock embracing everything pertaining to the retail trade of flour and feed.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 228-229

HENRY ROUTLEDGE, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Terre Haute, May 10, 1844, and is the son of John and Mary ROUTLEDGE, who came to Terre Haute in 1837, where they remained until 1847. Afterward they moved into the country on Early's farm, where they resided fourteen years, and in the spring of 1860 they removed to where his son Henry now lives. Isabel and Anna live with him. James, Thomas and Emily are residents of Illinois. Their father and mother were natives of England. Their mother, Mary ROUTLEDGE, died in 1874.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 188-191

PETER J. RYAN, livery keeper, Terre Haute, has been a resident of Terre Haute since 1856. He is a native of Ireland, where he was born January, 1844. At the age of two years he was brought to the United States by his parents. From 1867 to 1876 he was engaged in the harness trade, but before giving that up he had become interested in his present business. He began learning the trade of harness-maker with Mr. MUSSELMAN, with whom he was to serve a three years' apprenticeship. His time would have been out in August, but instead of remaining till that time, in May he entered the army, enlisting in company D., 11th Ind. Vol. Inf., under Col. Lew WALLACE, who was succeeded by Col. McGINIS, and he in turn by Col. McCAULEY. This enlistment was for a three years' term of service, but after having served two and one half years he reenlisted for another term of three years. During his service in the army he was in many of the hard-fought battles, among which may be mentioned Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Fort Gibson, Champion Hill, Vicksburg, Jackson, Lake Tasse, La., Halltown, Va., Opequon, Va., Fisher's Hill, Va., Timm's Brook, Va., and Cedar Creek, Va. At the last named battle, October 19, 1864, he was wounded slightly in the knee, but not so seriously as to leave him crippled. For his bravery and meritorious conduct while in the army he received a medal of honor made from a piece of artillery which had been used during the war; this medal was accompanied by a letter. The inscription on the medal is as follows: "The Congress to Peter J. RYAN, Co. D., 11th Ind. Vet. Vol." The letter was sent from the office of the assistant adjutant-general of the war department, dated March 29, 1865, and signed by E.D. TOWNSEND, assistant adjutant-general. The letter and medal are still in Mr. RYAN's possession, and are proof of his bravery and patriotism. He is one of the true kind of brave men, who does not make a parade of these honors. In 1874 he became interested in the livery business, and in 1877 added to it the business of undertaking, in both branches of which he has supplied himself with everything neat and elegant pertaining to either line. His place of business is located at Nos. 10 and 12 North Second street. He gives employment to about six men on an average. His stock of horses consists usually of from sixteen to twenty, and of vehicles he has two hearses, one of which cost nearly $1,000, three carriages, and ten top buggies. The building up of this extensive business has been the result of his own energies and good financiering. He is now one of the substantial, prosperious business men of Terre Haute, where he once began a poor apprentice at learning the trade of a harness-maker.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 270

W.A. RYAN, dealer in boots and shoes, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county in 1841. He spent most of his early life at Terre Haute and in traveling. In 1862 he enlisted in the 71st Ind. Vol. Inf. for a three years' term of service. A short time after he had entered the service he was commissioned a lieutenant in company G of the 7th Ind. Cav., from which he resigned in 1865 as captain. His superior officers were Lieut. Col. Tom BROWN and Col. J.P.C. SHANKS. During the service Mr. RYAN saw some hard fighting, Richmond, Kentucky, Okolons, and Guntown, Mississippi, being among some of the harder battles in which he participated. After leaving the army he returned to Terre Haute, where, in 1868, he began in the auction and commission business, from which he gradually worked into the boot and shoe trade. For a time he carried on both lines of business, but in 1875 he gave up the commission business; since which he has devoted his time to the boot and shoe trade. His place of business is on the corner of Fourth and Ohio streets, where he is selling everything in the boot and shoe line. He has taken so much pride in keeping his store in neat and tidy order, and always kept on hand so fine a line of goods, that his establishment has grown to be one of the best known in the city. He is a member of Social Lodge, No. 80, A.F. and A.M., of Terre Haute Lodge No. 2, A.O.U.W., and a charter member of Court Sherwood Lodge, No. 5, of Foresters.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 198

JNO. SACHS, engineer, Terre Haute, who succeeded his father in the running of the stationary engine of the Vandalia shops, is a native of Bavaria, Germany. In 1839, when he was about ten years old, his people emigrated to the United States. They settled first in Montgomery county, New York. He was in the employ of the New York Central railroad for six years, as station master at St. Johnsville. In 1852 he and his father began work for the Vandalia company. His father continued in the employ of the company until 1866; his death occurred in 1878. John succeeded his father in running the engine in 1866, since which time he has been steadily employed by the Vandalia company in that capacity. He is a sober, industrious and hard working man, and rose to his present position by having been careful and honest in the discharge of his duties. He began first at work upon the gravel train and is now one of their tried and trusted men.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 233-234

A.B. SALSICH, agent fast freight lines, Terre Haute, who has been a resident of Terre Haute for the past sixteen years, is a native of Livingston county, New York. During the first eight years of his residence in Terre Haute he was engaged in the grocery trade. June 1, 1872, when the Great Western Dispatch Transportation Company established an office at Terre Haute, he was appointed their agent. In 1878 the Erie and Pacific Dispatch Company was consolidated with the Great Western Dispatch Company, the whole being under the management of the latter company. Their entire business is managed at this point by Mr. SALSICH. His office rooms are 7 and 9 Beach Block. He is also grand recorder of the state of the order of A.O.U.W., which office he has held since February, 1880. Mr. SALSICH was educated at the College of Lima, New York, and in the discharge of his duties has been prompt and accurate. He has never sought political preferment, but has chosen rather to devote his time to the prompt discharge of duties of a business nature. His own financial standing and good name have not suffered by his choice, as he is now one of the enteprising and respected citizens of the city.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 294

JAMES M. SANKEY, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Riley township, Vigo county, July 26, 1836. His parents moved from Butler county Ohio, to Vigo county as early as 1834. James M. was educated in Vigo county and at the State University of Bloomington, Indiana, spending two years at the latter place. About 1859 he began teaching school during the winter and farming in the summer, which alternate occupation he continued for a number of years. In 1870 he was elected by the democrate party to the office of treasurer of Vigo county. He had, however, for about three years prior to this held the office of township trustee of Riley township. In taking charge of the treasurer's office in 1871, he purchased a home, No. 649 Poplar street, and became a resident of the city. Failing to be reelected in 1872, he again moved back to Riley township. In 1874 he was, however, again elected to the same office, and again with his family became a resident of Terre Haute. Since the expiration, in 1876, of his second term of service as county treasurer, he has remained a resident of the city, though devoting much of his time to the superintending of his farm in Riley township. His home farm there consists of 369 acres, 160 of which was the old farm that used to belong to his father. He has, however, in all over 800 acres of farm land, most of which is located in Vigo county, and the accumulation of the most of which has been the result of his own energy and industry. He is a member of Riley Lodge, No. 390, A.F. and A.M., of Lockport, which he helped to organize, and was made its first master. He is also a member of the Terre Haute chapter, council and commandery, No. 16. Mr. SANKEY was married in 1872 to Miss Harriot A. LEAK, who came to Vigo county with her mother about 1860, though she was born in Warren county, Ohio. They are the parents of but two children, Anna B. and James M., whom they propose giving the advantages of the excellent schools of Terre Haute.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 187

HENRY SCHAEFER, hotel keeper, Terre Haute, though one of the more recent comers to the city, has already in his line, with the help of his son, Chas. F., built up a good business. Mr. SCHAEFER is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, where he was born October 15, 1818. Before leaving his native country he had secured a good business education and had learned the trade of a weaver. In 1836 he emigrated to the United States, and for about two and a half years after his arrival remained a resident of Baltimore. He removed from there to Newark, New Jersey, and there resided for about eight years, during which time he learned and followed the trade of a coach lace weaver. From Newark he went to Louisville, Kentucky, but finding he could not make it pay there he went to Evansville, Indiana, in 1849. There he remained a resident till September 15, 1878, when he bought the establishment in Terre Haute owned by Mr. BLOOMANBERG, which since, under his management, has been known as Schaefer’s Hotel. During his residence in Evansville he was engaged most of the time in the saloon business, though from 1865 till 1869 he was in the woolen trade. His principal business now is liquors, in the sale of which he keeps a neat, orderly place at No. 639 Main street. This branch of the business, though, is principally under the charge of Mr. Chas. F., his son. Mr. SCHAEFER was married in February, 1850, to Miss Carolina CAPPLER, she being a native of Baden, Germany.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 362

FREDERICK WILLIAM SCHALEY, grocer, Terre Haute, is a German-American. He is a descendant of the old Germans of Hesse-Cassel, who took prominent part in the Reformation, and of whose views and traditions he is a representative. He was born in the province of Hesse-Cassel, Germany, November 15, 1823. At the age of twenty he emigrated to America, landing in Philadelphia, in 1844. After spending two years in that city he went to Pittsburgh and engaged in the grocery business with the firm of McCullough & Hanna. In the fall of 1850 he visited Terre Haute, and settled permanently here in 1853, engaging in the grocery business, in which he has been quite successful. At the present he is living a short distance from the city, but with a view to return to his business soon. Mr. SCHALEY started out in life a poor boy, but by energy, economy, and strict integrity he has made his way to a good standing among the business men of the city, and has made his occupation and his life a success. He justly stands high among his fellow citizens, having made his property by straightforward and legitimate business. He is a man of excellent moral and christian character, and is one of the founders of the German Reformed church of Terre Haute, and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school, almost without intermission, from the time of its establishment. Mr. SCHALEY was married May 8, 1856, to Matilda CRISS, daughter of William CRISS, of Owen county, Indiana, who was of the old Pennsylvania-German stock.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 240

HERMANN SCHIERMANN, foreman copper shop of the Vandalia railroad, Terre Haute, dates his connection with the Vandalia railroad back to 1852. He was born in 1828 in Hanover, Germany, and at the age of fourteen years began serving an apprenticeship of four years in learning his trade. After becoming a practical workman he followed work at his trade until 1849, when he emigrated to the United States. Shortly after his arrival he went to Cincinnati, and for about four months was at work in the copper shops at the Little Miami depot. From there he went to Madison, Indiana, and began work for the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad Company, with whom he remained until 1852, when he entered the employ of the Vandalia company. When he began work for the Vandalia company, he was the only man employed by them in their shops at this point. He is one of a number of long-employed men on whom the Vandalia company has depended for success in their respective departments. Mr. SCHIERMANN is a thoroughly practical workman, a sober and industrious man, and enjoys the confidence of the managing officers of his department, and the respect and esteem of the community in which he lives.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 238

Mr. PHILIP SCHLOSS, one of the most prominent dealers in, and manufacturers of, clothing in Terre Haute, is a native of Bavaria. At the age of thirteen years he left his native country, and emigrated to the United States. At this early age, he had already acquired something of an education, and had learned the trade of a bookbinder. Shortly after his arrival in the United States, in 1849, he became a resident of the State of Maryland. Being wholly dependent upon his own resources, he realized the necessity of learning the English language as speedily as possible, and also the laws and customs of the Americans, so far as they were taught by the common schools. With a view to this, he immediately began attending school, and as he says "the only words of my teacher that I could understand were yes and no," but in three months' time he had learned to speak the language quite fluently, besides having mastered several other studies in that time. In 1854 he became a resident of Terre Haute, where he has since resided, excepting the time spent in the Union army, during the rebellion of 1861-65. He first joined the state militia known as the Fort Harrison Guards. This company was at that time commanded by Capt. TOPPING, and during his command was called into active service. He was afterward in the thirty days' service, in 1863, under Capt. REIMAN, and at the expiration of this term of service he reenlisted in the same company. During the time of his service in the army he was also interested in the mercantile business in Terre Haute, as he has been identified with the clothing trade of Terre Haute for the past twenty-five years. He first began as a clerk for S. REIDELBERGER, and was afterward in the employ of J. BISHOP, then for a time was with J. GRANAUER, and afterward began with Mr. GOODMAN Sr., with whom he became a partner in the business in 1862. They continued to do business together for about five years, when he began on his own account, and has since without the aid of a partner, built up one of the largest business houses in the city, in his line. It is located at No. 420 Main street, and is 20 feet front by 120 feet in depth, and is stocked with everything pertaining to a complete line of clothing and gents furnishing goods. He gives employment to three salesmen and twenty-four tailors, and has the reputation of manufacturing the finest goods in his line in the city of Terre Haute. The building up of this extensive business has been the result of his own energy and good financiering, as when he landed in New York city, in 1849, he was but a poor boy thirteen years old, left dependent upon his own resources, his "stock and store" being but a suit of clothes and $2 in money. In 1874 he was elected a member of the common council of the city of Terre Haute, and has since served the people in that capacity, this being the only office he has ever accepted at the hands of the people, and he declares that the term of 1879 shall be his last as a member of council, or as an office-holder.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 243-244

GEORGE SCHMITT, blacksmith at the Vandalia shops, Terre Haute, is another of the old reliable employees of the Vandalia company. He is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, from which he emigrated to the United States in the spring of 1852, when he was twenty-one years old. He came direct to Terre Haute and began work for the Vandalia company. He first began in the yard, but in 1853 he went in the shops and learned the trade of a blacksmith under Thomas LAWE, and has since been working at his trade. He was married October 20, 1859, to Miss Mary FELLER, who is a native of Ohio. They have one boy at work in the shops. Mr. SCHMITT is a member of the German Benevolent Society of Terre Haute; he has also been a member of the Reform church for the past twenty years. He is a sober, industrious citizen, and a workman on whom the company may rely to do his work honorably and well.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 234-235

WILLIAM SCHMITT, car inspector of the Vandalia railroad, Terre Haute, is a native of Germany. In 1854, when he was twenty-six years old, he emigrated to the United States, stopping first at New Orleans. From there he went to Evansville and then to Vincennes, and a short time after came to Terre Haute and began work for the Vandalia company. He began first in the company's carpenter shop, where he remained about three years, and then took his present position of car inspecting. While attending to his duties in this line he has found in all about $4,000 in money, which he has returned to the rightful owners. These acts of honesty have only increased the confidence of the company in him. He now has two boys in the employ of the Vandalia company, Chas. W., who is running on the road, and Frank C., who is now firing. Before leaving Germany Mr. SCHMITT received a good education, and was also in the arms for three years. Now he is holding a good position, and is one of the sober, industrious citizens of the city. He is a member of Schiller Lodge, No. 4, A.O.U.W.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - p. 272

L.H. SCHROEDER, grocer, Terre Haute, of No. 1000 South Second street, though a resident of Terre Haute only since February 18, 1879, has already established a good business in the line of groceries, provisions, wines, liquors, etc. His establishment is 25x60 feet, and is well stocked with everything pertaining to the grocery trade. It is very seldom that a dealer in so short a time builds up a trade so extensive as that which he now enjoys. It is probably owing to his keeping a fine stock of fresh goods, selling them at low prices, and delivering the quantities sold to customers free of charge. Mr. SCHROEDER is a native of Prussia, and has now been a resident of the United States but about seven years. He first stopped in Baltimore for a time and then went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where for about two years he was employed in a foundry. He subsequently removed to New Orleans, where he also remained about two years and then went to Memphis, Tennessee, and from there to Terre Haute. He remained in Memphis during the yellow fever epidemic of 1878, and left in February, 1879, without ever having been troubled with it himself. Since coming to the United States, he has been entirely dependent upon his own resources. With the start he has now acquired in Terre Haute he bids fair to become one of the more prominent dealers in his line of business.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 364-365

ADAM SCHUMAKER, butcher, Terre Haute, who by his own energy and good management has built up and established a good trade, is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. There he learned the trade of a butcher and received a good business education. In 1867 he emigrated to the United States and came direct to Terre Haute, where he at once began work at his trade, which he followed but about one year and then engaged in business on his own account. He was located at first on the southwest corner of Main and Eleventh streets, but afterward removed to the southeast corner of the same streets, where he has one of the largest and most convenient establishments in the city in his line. He gives employment usually to three or four men. In 1871 Mr. SCHUMAKER was married to Miss Lucy GRAFF, she also being a native of Germany, but brought by her people to the United States when she was but six years old. They have a family of three bright little girls: Lulu, Anna and Clara. Mr. SCHUMAKER is a member of Schiller Lodge, No. 4, A.O.U.W. He is a sober, industrious citizen, and one who, during the time of his residence in Terre Haute, has by his own hard work established a business that ranks among the leading houses in the city in his line.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Terre Haute - pp. 335-336

View a history of Terre Haute.

Back to Vigo County Biographies Index
Back to Vigo County Biographies Project