My Genealogy Hound

JOHN WAHL, merchant and proprietor of the Veranda Hotel, at Dale, was born in Carter Township, Spencer Co., Ind., March 17, 1844, and is the fifth of ten children born to Peter and Catharine (Volman) Wahl. The father immigrated to the United States in 1836, residing first in New York, then in Pittsburgh, marrying in the latter city, and in 1842, removing to this county. John Wahl remained with his parents until of age, receiving a limited education in the old fashioned log-schoolhouse of that day. From 1866 to 1869, he drifted about from place to place, farming for a time in his native township, chopping wood, mining coal at Cannelton, working as “roust-a-bout” on boats of the Ohio River, etc. January 11, 1869, he married Mary A. Basler, who was born in this township August 11, 1851, daughter of Simon and Barbara (Hartel) Basler, natives of Germany. Seven children have been born to this union, these yet living: Louis, Emma, John J., Simon B., Peter F. and Mary Magdalina. Mr. Wahl and family, are of the Roman Catholic faith. Since marriage, Mr. Wahl has farmed, bought tobacco, retailed liquor, been engaged in hotel keeping and merchandising, and in all has met with good success financially. He runs a hack to and from all trains for his hotel, which is the best in the place, and is also doing a good business in handling groceries, provisions, etc. As a Democrat in politics, he has been elected to several local positions, and has served four years as township constable. Mr. Wahl is a clever gentleman and a good citizen.