My Genealogy Hound

Fred H. Hagerman, a retired farmer and well-to-do influential citizen of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Schnathoist, Germany, October 3, 1839, son of Henry and Mary Hagerman, natives of the Fatherland, where they were engaged in farming and stock raising. Fred H. was educated in the schools of his own country and at the age of nineteen years he came to America, locating in Vanderburg county. He worked in a brick yard and in 1862 hired out as a farm hand. He then came to Evansville, where he was married in 1867. He had only $1.25 in his pocket when he first came to Evansville, and was an entire stranger to everyone. In 1870 Mr. Hagerman moved his family to Henderson county, Kentucky, where they lived on a farm until 1874, when they bought a farm in Walnut Grove, Ky., just across the river from Posey county, and lived there for six years. This farm was the first one bought by Mr. Hagerman, and contained 200 acres. In 1880 they removed to Posey county, buying the sixty acres of land which was known as McFaddins Bluffs, and began farming. Sixteen years later Mr. Hagerman built a substantial and beautiful farm house of brick and stone, surrounded with wide lawns and beautiful trees. Gradually he added to his savings and bought land until he now owns 650 acres in Henderson county, Kentucky, and 400 in Posey county. His secret of success is hard work and economy, and by means of these two he has become not only one of the most wealthy, but one of the most influential of the old settlers of the county. Mr. Hagerman married Augusta Dusner on March 14, 1867. She is the daughter of Philip and Williamania Dusner, the former engaged in shoemaking in Evansville, where he had a shoe store. Mrs. Hagerman was born and educated in Evansville, and it was here she met and married her husband. Nine children were born to them: Katie, deceased, Philip H., Mollie, deceased, Frederick O., Sophie V., Elizabeth R., Charles E., William L., and Bertha P. Sophia V. married F. J. Wittmer, and they live in Evansville. Elizabeth R. married August Blosfeld, who is now deceased. Bertha P. married John H. Moore, deceased, and is now at home with her parents. The family are members of the German Trinity church. While living in Henderson county, Kentucky, Mr. Hagerman was school trustee for two or three terms. In his early manhood, while in Vanderburg county he belonged to the Home Guard, joining in 1864 and remaining till the close of the war.