My Genealogy Hound

John Herrmann, one of Posey county’s most enterprising and intelligent citizens, was reared and educated in Germany, where he was born August 10, 1827, the fourth son of a family of six children born to John and Magdalena (Wagner) Herrmann, who were natives of Germany and lived and died in the Fatherland. He came to America in 1851, locating first in New York State, where he remained for one year. He then went to Ohio and on March 18, 1853, he located on a farm near Wadesville, Ind., remaining there until 1887, when he came to Mt. Vernon. John Herrmann made his own start in life, unselfishly leaving his share of the family estate to his widowed mother and brothers and sisters. By indomitable courage and energy he succeeded in acquiring 300 acres of very fine land, now under cultivation. His barn, which is the finest in the county, cost $6,000. He has an elegant residence and financially is one of the foremost farmers in the State. Mr. Herrmann is a member of the Lutheran church and is a Democrat and takes an active interest in politics. He held the office of justice of the peace sixteen years, and in all respects is worthy of the confidence reposed in him. He has been offered many positions of honor and trust by his political friends, which for various reasons he could not accept. He is prominent in the councils of his party and as a citizen takes a leading place in the community. In 1887 he removed from Wadesville to Mt. Vernon and after holding the office of county treasurer he retired. Mrs. Herrmann died in 1906, and since that time he has made his home with his son, John G. Herrmann. On August 20, 1851, occured the marriage of John Herrmann and Margaret Hempfling and they became the parents of seven children: Barbara, deceased; Simon, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Christiana; Carolina, deceased; John G., and Sophia, deceased. John G. was born September 10, 1866. On September 7, 1890, he married Miss Tillie Stephens, daughter of Henry and Mollie (Vosloh) Stephens. The next year he removed to Mt. Vernon and engaged in farming. At the same time he was in the implement business with his brother-in-law, Joseph M. Stephens, from 1902 to 1912, when he purchased Mr. Stephens’ interest in both farm and implement business. At present Mr. Herrmann is the proprietor of an up-to-date garage located on Main street and sells the Buick automobile and carries a full line of automobile accessories. The farm is known as the Little Island in the western part of Black township, and consists of 423 acres. Mr. Herrmann was also in the race horse business for three years. He belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows and Elks.