Jefferson County Related Biographies
from
Biographical Record of Bartholomew County, Indiana, Including Biographies of the Governors and Other Representative Citizens of Indiana; 1904; B. F. Bowen, publisher


Lewis J. Friedersdorff - Justly merits the reputation which he enjoys of being one of the best known raisers of fine stock in Indiana. His farm is certainly a credit to the state and the business is a profitable one as conducted by Mr. Friedersdorff, who in all his undertakings is energetic, diligent and persevering. He was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, on the 7th of December, 1863, and is a son of Lewis & Amelia (Schiff) Friedersdorff. There was no event of special importance to vary the routine of life for hij in his youth and yet he laid an excellent foundation for his present prosperity, by forming habits of industry, of carefulness and of straightforwardness in business dealings. His mental training was received in the public schools and he gained a goood knowledge of the English branches of learning to aid him in later life. He is today the owner of a fine farm, well improved. It is supplied with all modern equipments and accessories, such as are found upon a model farm of the twentieth century. He has now eighty acres of rich land, all of which is under cultivation. He has assisted in clearing at least one hundred acres of land in this county and in the control of his own farm he follows progressive methods which are practical as well. He raises shorthorn cattle and also Poland China and Chester White hogs, and upon his farm has been produced some of the finest stock ever seen in Bartholomew county. He likewise raises roadsters and horses have sold for from one hundred and fifty to three hundred dollars. He has also been the owner of draft horses, selling them for from one hundred and fifty to three hundred dollars. He raises and fattens mules, which he sells when young, and in his varied operations as a stock dealer he has met with very gratifying success. Upon his places he keeps Jersey cows for milk purposes and in all his stock there is not one inferior animal. The county has benefited by his labors because, by producing high grades of stock, he has raised the value of farm animals and thus has aided the entire farming community. Many excellent improvements has he placed upon his property. He has erected an attractive one-story residence, has built a large and substantial barn and other outbuildings and has fenced his land, thus dividing it into fields of convenient size. His farm is one of the best in the county, ditching and tiling being used in the fields until the land has become very fertile and arable. He values his land at one hundred dollars per acre and the valuation is a just one, for the farm is one of the best in this portion of the state. He also has a good orchard and year by year he adds to the improvements upon his place, which is now splendidily equipped. Mr. Friedersdorff was united in marriage to miss Lillie Davis, a daughter of John and Maggie (Isgregg) Davis. Her father is a resident of Hartsville, Indiana, and is an enterprising farmer who is also engaged in dealing in hogs. His farm is well improved and he is careful and systematic in his work. In his family are nine children.
   Unto Mr. and Mrs. Friedersdorff have been born three children: Nellie, whose birth occured on the 3d of December, 1897; Roy, born on the 3d of April, 1901, and Harold, born August 26, 1904. Both Mr. and Mrs. Friedersdorff are people of the highest respectabillity and the hospitality of the best homes of this portion of the county is freely accorded them. Mrs. Friedersdorff belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is associated with no religious denomination, but has lived a life gaining for him the respect and trust of all with whom he has been associated. He votes with the Republican party; but he has never sought or desired office for his time and attention are fully occupied with his business affairs, which are of an important nature. He is bending every energy to develop his farm and already deserves to be classed among the best farmers of Indiana.

Conrad J. Friedersdorff -
The name of Friedersdorff has become well known far beyond the borders of Bartholomew county, because of the activity of the subject and other members of the family as stock dealers. If stock is shipped from the farm of Conrad J. Friedersdorff it is a guarantee of its high grade, for he has owned and sold some of the best farm animals that have ever been raised in Indiana. He is a business man, active alert and enterprising, and it is to such men that the county owes its development and prosperity. He was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, April 12, 1859, his parents being Lewis and Amelia (Schirff) Friedersdorff. A picture of farm life surrounds most farm boys of this state would be representative of his own youth. There was no special event of importance to vary the routine of the duties of the fields and of the schoolroom for him during his boyhood days. At the usual age he began his education in a school near his home and therein he remained until he had mastered the branches of learning taught in such institutions. When still a youth he began work in the fields, plowing, planting and harvesting from early springtime until crops were gathered in the late autumn. As a self-made man he deserves great credit for what he accomplished. He started out life on his own account, empty handed, and today he is a prosperous resident of his adopted county, owning one hundred and fourteen acres of arable and productive land in Rock Creek township, not far from Elizabethtown. This is all under cultivation with the exception of a tract of ten acres which is covered with timber. He raises stock, making a specialty of hogs of the Ohio Improved Chester breed. He has had twenty-one years experience in this work and he is thoroughly well qualified to take up hog raising and pass judgement upon the value of such stock. He has also engaged in the raising of shorthorn cattle and he was the owner of the first high grade pacing horse raised in Bartholomew county. "Alert" was a standard-bred horse and had a record of a mile in 2:18. Mr. Friedersdorff now raises draft horses, selling each year, and the price which he recieved has varied from one hundred and fifty dollars to three hundred dollars. Several times he has sold yearlings for one hundred dollars. He feeds his farm produce to his stock and he is especially engaged in the raising of hay, putting up each year a large amount raised in fields covering from fifty to one hundred acres. His farm is well fenced and tiled and is supplied with many modern equipments of a superior order. Mr. Friedersdorff is also successful as a horticulturist, being engaged in the raising of fruits, including grapes, cherries and berries. This supplies his table with many delicacies in season and also adds to his income, because his fruits, owing to their excellent quality, size and flavor, find a ready sale on the market.
   The home life of Mr. Friedersdorff has been most pleasant. He was happily married on the 2d of September, 1881, to Miss Lotta Terry, a daughter of Frank and Nancy (Tucker) Terry. The father was a native of Lebanon, Ohio, and came to this state at an early day, settling at St. Paul, Shelby county. By occupation he was a farmer, thus providing for the needs and wants of his family. His political support was given to the Democracy. He died in the year 1862 when his daughter, Mrs. Friedersdorff, was quite young. In the family were ten children. Unto the subject and his wife have been born three children: Edgar, who was born in 1884, is a graduate of the public schools of Grammer, with the class of 1900; Jessie, born February 11, 1887, is yet in school; and Ray, born in 1889, completes the family.
   The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, contributing generously to its support and taking an active interest in its work. Mr. Friedersdorff is serving as one of the trustees of the church and is also a school officer. He votes with the Republican party and takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the material, social and intellectual welfare of his community. He shows great care and sound judgement in the management of his business affairs and certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished. He has had no assistance, but has made his way unaided, and his high moral worth has been indicated in his business transactions as well as in other relations of life. He now has a fine home upon his farm, a brick residence which he erected and which is surrounded by other modern improvements, all of which indicate the progressive spirit of the owner.
   Lewis Friedersdorff, the subjects father, was born in Germany, October 16, 1836, and came to the United States when twenty-one years old, settling in Dearborn county, Indiana. He there married Amelia Schirff, also a native of Germany, and who came to this country at ten years of age.  The year following their marriage they removed to Jefferson county and in the fall of 1863 they came to Elizabethtown and engaged in farming. Later they removed to Madison county and in the spring of 1866 came to his present farm, comprising three hundred and forty-three acres, located six miles east of Elizabethtown, on which he has since resided. He has himself cleared fifty acres and now has two hundred and ten acres under cultivation. In 1875 he erected a fine barn and 1896 built his present large and handsome residence. He carries on general farming, giving considerable attention also to stock raising. He was one first in this section to engage in the breeding of shorthorn cattle, and has taken a number of prizes on his display of stock at various fairs and stock exhibitions.

John Henney -
Farming interests in Bartholomew county find a worthy and well known representative in John Henney, who is now carrying on agriculteral pursuits in Sand Creek township. He was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, on the 14th of April, 1853, and a son of John and Margaret (Reed) Henney. The family of English lineage, the father being a native of England. He was born near the city of Liverpool, and when a young man he came to this country and for some time earned his living by sailing upon the seas. When he ceased to be a sailor he worked on the Ohio river boats. Richard Lawson, a brother Englishman, introduced him to Miss Margaret Reed, whom he wooed and won, their marriage being celebrated near Hanover, Indiana. After his marriage he purchased a home and his wife remained upon the farm while he was employed upon the river. He afterward however, devoted his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits, in Saluda township, Jefferson county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henney were born nine children, of whom seven are still living.
   John Henney of this review, however is the only one residing in Bartholomew county. His boyhood and youth were spent upon the home farm and ere he attained his majority he bacame superintendent of the property which he operated and managed until he was twenty-one years of age. In his early life he worked out as a farm hand and soon came to know what hard labor meant. About 1871 he came to Bartholomew county, where he remained for six months and then returned to Jefferson county. In 1888, however, he came to Sand Creek township, and purchased his present farm, remaining here continuously since. All of the improvements upon his property are due to his work and he now has a good home and highly cultivated tract of fifty acres.
   In 1884 Mr. Henney was united in marriage to Miss Christina Ritz, a record of whose parents is found elsewhere. Unto them have been born seven children, of whom one died in infancy. The others are Charles, Maggie, Evaline, Lewis, Carl and Warren.
   In politics Mr. Henney is a Republican, having always given his support to the principles of the party since attaining his majority. His life has been a busy and useful one. He has had no assistance from influential friends or from his family and from early youth has depended upon his own labors. All he possesses has been won through strong determination and persistency of purpose. He is well known in this locality for his sound integrity and honerable character and as a highly respected citizen.

Thomas Leslie - 
It is customary when a life record is closed to review the past and to see what has been accomplished, giving judgement as to whether the career has been worthy of commendation. When Thomas Leslie passed away the community felt that it had lost one of its best citizens, while the family mourned a loving husband and father and his neighbors a faithful friend. His work was ever along legitimate business lines and he advanced steadily through persistency of purpose, unfaltering diligence and unabating zeal.
   Mr. Leslie was a native of Ireland, born on the 14th of March, 1834, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Robert Leslie. In 1874 he was joined in wedlock to Martha E. Baxter, a daughter of John and Margaret (Wells) Baxter. Her father was born in Lexington, Kentucky, July4, 1821, and the mother's birth occurred on the 29th of April 1824, near Paris, Jefferson county, Indiana (Now Jennings county).  Mrs. Leslie's grandfather was John Baxter, also a native of Kentucky, while the maternal ancestors were from Ohio. John Baxter always carried on agricultural pursuits and died near Hanover, Indiana. Unto John and Margaret (Wells) Baxter were born seven children: Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Bluford Tapp, a farmer; Matilda J., the deceased wife of Thomas Tapp, who also carried on agribultural pursuits; Mary A., the deceased wife of James Graham, a blacksmith; John who married Dora Slater, and is a farmer and carpenter; Hester a seamstress living in Indianapolis; Lou, the wife of Robert Potter, a druggist at Poplar Bluff, Misssouri; and Mrs. Leslie.
   During his boyhood days Mr. Baxter came with his parents to Indiana, his family settling near Paris. In early life he engaged in hunting and he also followed the butcher's trade and also carried on farming. He engaged in the latter pursuit until his death, which occurred November 1, 1877. He worked hard, was persevering in his labors and accomplished much through force of character and strong determination. At the time of his death he owned a good farm and valuable town property. In his political affiliations he was a Republican and he belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, being active and earnest in church work. All he did was in harmony with his professions, for he endeavored to live a life that was guided by the Golden Rule.
   Mr. Leslie was provided with good educational privileges, attending school in Ireland. After coming to America he engaged in stock dealing. In 1867 he removed to Elizabethtown, where he became a grain dealer, purchasing grain thoughout the county. His business, therefore, furnished an excellent market to the producers in this locality and also brought to him a suitable return. He was a man of firm purpose, of keen foresight and of unfaltering energy and he carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. His business ability and executive force were widely recognized and proved an excellent foundation upon which to build success. He left to his family a valuable estate, his widow being now the owner of two hundred acres of rich land in Bartholomew county, together with a large amount of town property. He died August 15, 1896.
   Unto Mr. and Mrs. Leslie were born three children: Willie T. who was born February 3, 1875, died on the 1st of April, 1899; George T., born May 7, 1885, is attending school; and Lottie M., born October 6, 1889, is also in school.
   In his political views Mr. Leslie was a Democrat, active in politics and earnest in support of the men and measures of the party. On two different occasions he was a candidate for county auditor, but was defeated, and he laughingly said that a good man was always beaten. He never wavered in his allegiance to whatever he believed to be right and neither fear nor favor could turn him from a course which his conscience santioned. He belonged to the Presbyterian church and was an earnest Christian gentleman, whom to know was to respect and honor. He had excellent business qualifications, but he never allowed the pursuit of wealth to warp his kindly nature or to influence him in his relations with his fellowmen. His activity in business, however, brought him in contact with a large number of people and all with whom he was associated either in this way or socially entertained for him warm regard and thorough respect. He left behind him at his death a large circle of friends to mourn his loss, while his demise was a very great blow to his immediate family.

   John H. Redenbough -
The subject of this review is a self made man who without any extraordinary family or pecuniary advantages at the outset of his career has battled earnestly and energetically, and by indomitable courage and integrity has achieved both character and success. By sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked his way upward and is numbered among the leading and prosperous business men of Columbus, where he is now conducting a feed store and where he owns excellent city property. He likewise possesses valuable farm realty, and at one time was numbered among the enterprising agriculturists of this county.
   Mr. Rededbough has spent his entire life in Bartholomew county, his birth having occurred in Clifty township, April 1, 1836, upon the farm where lived his parents, John and Margaret (Loller) Redenbough. The father was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, in March 1809, and there remained until about twenty-four years of age, when he came to Bartholomew county. Here he entered forty acres of land from the government, for which he paid one dollar and a quarter per acre. He was a man who did a great amount of clearing and teaming and his labors were of direct and practical benefit to the county. Throughout his business career he carried on farming, engaging in the raising of oats, wheat and hay and the necessary farm stock. He was very successful in all he undertook, possessing keen foresight and discriminating judgement in business affairs. He took an active interest in political affairs, gave his support to the Democratic party and served as constable. He held membership for many years in the Baptist church and his life was upright and honerable, being in close conformity to the teachings of his denomination. The subject now has in his possession the old church letter which was granted his father in 1850. Mrs. Redenbough was also a worthy Christian and the loss of both was deeply regretted when they were called to the life beyond. The father died in 1857 and the mother, whose birth occurred near Burrville, in Franklin county, Indiana, on the 14th of March, 1814, passed away in the year 1899, at the age of eighty-two. In the family were four children: Hezekiah, deceased; John H.; James, who was a farmer of this county and died leaving a widow who bore the maiden name of Mary Blackletter; and Newton, who died in childhood.
   Pioneer conditions still existed in Bartholomew county during the period of John H. Rededbough's boyhood, and he has witnessed a wonderful transition since that time as the county has advanced, winning itself a place of prominence among the leading counties of this great commonwealth. Farm work largely occupied his attention during his youth, for it was necessary that he should assist his father in the cultivation and improvement of the home place. To the public school system of the county he is indebted for the educational privileges he enjoyed in his youth.
   On the 14th of October, 1855, the subject was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Blacketter, a daughter of Spencer and Louisa (Seibert) Blacketter.  Her father was born in Kentucky, March 4, 1809, and the mother's birth occurred July 5, 1813, also in Kentucky. He was a miller by trade and for many years followed that vocation in conjunction with farming, the dual pursuit enabling him to provide a good living for his family. He kept well informed on political questions and issues of his day and voted with the Democratic party. His relligious faith was that of the Baptist church and he was accounted one of its helpful and loyal members. Prospering in his business undertaking, he became the owner of three hundred acres of valuable land, which was gained by hard work. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blacketter were born ten children, namely: Sarah J.; William; Henry; Peter, who is deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of the subject; Mary Ann; Johnny; Jacob W.; Catherine; and Sylvanus. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Redenbough have born four children: Mary A., who was born in 1856, and is the deceased wife of George Cook, a farmer of this county; Margaret, who was born in 1860 and is the wife of Samuel Dougherty, a pension agent who is now living in Denver, Colorado, for his health; and Etta, who was born in 1876 and is the wife of Sherman Lucas, a mechanic employed in the Reeves pulley works in Columbus, Indiana.
   Mr. Redenbough was at one time the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of land in Columbus township, which he improved, making it a rich and arable tract. He continued its cultivation for a number of years, but in 1902 sold it. For fifteen years he has lived in the city of Columbus, wher he is now carrying on a store, dealing in baled hay and other feeds. He is also the owner of a nice property at the corner of Seventh and Union streets. He votes with the Democracy and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, thus being able to support his position by intelligent argument, but have never sought or desired office. He is a public spirited citizen whose aid and cooperation are freely given for the benefit of moral, material, social and intellectual improvement in his adopted city. He has a pleasant home in Columbus, which he rebuilt in 1892, and is widely recognized as a successful business man, being surrounded by the comforts of life as the result of his untiring energy and well directed efforts in former years. Mr. Redenbough cast his first vote in Columbus for the Democratic ticket and has voted the same way in the same place ever since. His first presidential vote was in 1860 for Bell and Evarts.

George E. Reynolds, M. D.

  
Since 1891 Dr. George E. Reynolds has practiced in Elizabethtown, where he is considered a leading citizen and competent physician. He is one of Indiana's sone, his birth having occurred in Jefferson county on the 27th of November, 1857. His parents were Dr. J. H. and Maria T. (Hall) Reynolds. The Reynolds family were natives of Vermont and the father was a practioner of medicine in West Jefferson, Indiana, for fifty-two years. He became a large land owner and was known as one of the wealthy men of the community as well as the leading physician. His work in the line of his profession was of value to his fellow men, because of his skill and ablility, and his practice was extensive and renowned. He voted with the Republican party and his religious faith was that of the Baptist church, in which he long held membership. Unto him and his wife were born four daughters and two sons. The eldest Dr. S. H. Reynolds, now deceased, was a graduate of the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati; Lou has also passed away; Sallie is the wife of Lewis H. Holmes, of Louisville, Kentucky; Alice is the wife of Lewis H. Levey, a resident of Indianapolis, and Blanche is the wife of John I. Ross, of Madison, Indiana.
   Dr. George E. Reynolds, during the twelve years of his residence in Elizabethtown, has gained an enviable position in public regard by reason of his personal characteristics and business capacity. He acquired his literary education in the graded schools of Jefferson county, and took up the study of medicine under the direction of his father for three years. He then entered the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, and in 1881 was graduated in the Medical College of Indiana at Indianapolis. Being thus equiped for his professional duties, he located in Scipio, this state, where he remained for three years. He practiced in Goldsmith, Tipton county, for one year and in Kent for seven years and in 1891 he became established in Elizabethtown. He has ever had a deep interest in mdeicine from a scientific as well as humanitarian standpoint and is keeping in touch with the recognized advancement of this, the noblest of professions.
   In his eighteenth year the Doctor was married to Miss Josephine Sanford, of Jefferson county, Indiana, who was born in Kentucky. They have two sons: Pl L. is assistant auditor for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad at Muncie, Indiana. He married Miss Mamie Bradford, of Elizabethtown, and they have one daughter. J. S. Reynolds is also in the railroad service, making his home with his parents. Fraternally the Doctor is a Mason, being interested in the work of the craft and in the promulgation of its principles, and has filled nearly all of the offices of the lodge. He is a Republican, but has never taken an active part in political work. He is examiner for several insurance companies and has a remunerative general practice. Thorough and painstaking in his care of patients, courteous in manner and kindly in disposition, he has many sincere friends and congenial companions.

D. A. Thompson, M. D.

  
The world instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been worthily won, and has attained wealth by honorable methose, acquired the highest reputation in his chosen calling by merit and whose social prominence is not the less the result of irreproachable life than of recognized natural gifts. We pay highest tribute to the heroes who, on bloodyy battle-fields, win victories and display a valor that is the admiration of the world. Why should the tribute be withheld from tose who wage the bloodless battles of business? Greater than in almost any line of work is the responsibility that rests upon the physician. The issues of life and death are in his hands. A false prescription, an unskilled operation may take from man that which he prizes above all else--life. The physicians power must be his own; not by purchase, by gift or by influence can he gain it. He must commence at the very beginning, learn the very rudiments of medicine and surgery, continually add to his knowledge by close study and earnest application and gain reputation by merit. If he would gain the highest prominence it must come as the result of superior skill, knowledge and ability, and these qualifications are possessed in a eminent degree by Dr. Thompson, who has for a number of years successfully practiced his profession in Elizabethtown.
   The Doctor was born in Scott county, Indiana, on the 26th of June, 1844, his parents being E. M. and Martha J. (Hughes) Thompson. The father was born near Boston, Massachusetts, and when a small boy accompanied his parents to Madison, Indiana, the grandfather owning the land upon which the city of Madison now stands. He secured it from the government and for a time engaged in farming. Afterward he laid out his farm into lots and sold them as the growth of the city demanded. For a long time he occupied the position of justice of the peace, his decisions adding lustre to a well-earned reputation. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and was held in universal esteem.
   E. M. Thompson, the father of the Doctor, was bornin the year 1816, and received no educational privileges save what he gained through his own efforts. He became a mechanic, millwright and carpenter and his life was one of marked industry and enterprise. Successfully he carried on this work for many years, his labors bringing him financial return until he was the owner of a farm and two mills. Emigrating to Bartholomew county, he spent his last days in Columbus, where his widow is now living at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Unto this worthy couple were born three sons and four daughters and the sons and two of the daughters are yet living. The family record is as follows:  Sarah, deceased; Emeline, the wife of Rev. P. L. Ryker, of Michigan; Minnie, the wife of B. F. Cadby, of Columbus, Indiana; Oliver N., a carpenter, of Indianapolis; William H., a rural route postman, and the Doctor.
   In his early youth Dr. Thompson was largely employed in his father's mill and shop, thus becoming familiar with the two branches of business. He secured his education in the graded schools of Scipio, Indiana, where he was graduated. Having formed a desire to become a physician, he became a student in the office of Dr. D. H. VanNuys, continuing his reading with Dr. John L. Roe, and spent the winter of 1866 in the medical department of the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He was graduated however, in the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, with the class of March 2, 1868. Dr. Thompson located in Butlerville, Jennings county, Indiana . where he remained for a year, removing to Forest Hill, Decatur county. In 1874 he came to Elizabethtown where he has remained, covering a period of thirty consecutive years. He has enjoyed a satisfactory practice and has long maintained a foremost position in the ranks of the profession in the county. He has kept prepared to meet the difficult demands upon him by continued study and investigation, so that he has kept thoroughly informed in the progress of medical research.
   In 1866 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Martha Klapp, a native of Jennings county, Indiana, and a graduate of the Western College at Oxford, Ohio. Completing her course, she subsequently engaged in teaching in the schools of Bartholomew county, attaining a high standing as an educator. She is a lady of culture and refinement and occupies an enviable position in social and religious circles. Unto the Doctor and his wife have been born two daughters: Mabel, who is a graduate of the State University, of the class of 1898, and is now principal of the schools of Elizabethtown, and Inez, who was graduated in DePauw University on the completion of a course in pharmacy and is now at home. The mother and daughters are members of the Presbyterian church in Elizabethtown. The Doctor belongs to James Moffat Post No. 223, Grand Army of the Republic, in which he has served as commander for a number of years.  He is entitled to membership in this organization because of his military service in the Civil war. He enlisted in September, 1861, as a musician in the band of the Twelfth Indiana Infantry, with which he served one year. Because of disability he is the recipient of a handsome pension. He is a stanch Republican and when opportunity affords never fails to support by ballot the men and measures of the party. Dr. Thompson is a social, genial gentleman, interested in all that pertains to the public welfare. He has a large circle of intimate friends, and his friendship is most prized by those who know him best. In his professional capacity he is extensively known and his reputation ranks him among the foremost representatives of the calling in this part of the state.


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