My Genealogy Hound

HANSELMAN FAMILY. This family, like that bearing the name of Shotzman, have been long identified with the growing interests of Franklin Township. Its members are all well-to-do farmers; their farms and buildings are positive proof of their untiring energy and ceaseless toil; their influence is felt far and wide, and their names are a sure guarantee of sobriety and peace. They have always been agriculturists, and have ever evinced a deep interest in the raising of stock. The members of this family, and especially those mentioned in this sketch, are well known throughout this part of Brown County, and respected by all. Charles Hanselman, a native of Germany, came to America in 1818, locating in Cincinnati, where he was employed as a teamster for many years. In 1832, he came to Brown County, locating 148 acres of land where his son Jonathan now resides. He lived there until his death in 1874. He married Christinia Hetzell, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, who bore him eleven children, nine living. Mrs. Hanselman departed this life in 1876. C. F. Hanselman, son of Charles and Christinia Hanselman, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, January 13, 1822. Ten years later, he accompanied his parents to Franklin Township, where he was reared. His educational facilities were rather limited. He assisted his father on the farm till twenty-four years of age, and then bought fifty acres of his present farm. He has since added 225 acres to his first purchase, his farm now consisting of 275 acres, 100 of which is woodland. Mr. Hanselman is a prominent member of the Democratic party in this township, and, although repeatedly been offered offices of trust, he has declined on account of business matters. He was married, in 1846, to Margaret Kress, a native of this county. Of their seven children, five are living — Margaret, wife of George Seips, a farmer of Scott Township; Frederick, a farmer, this township; Louise; Catherine, wife of Philip Miller, of Scott Township; and Charles. Mrs. Hanselman departed this life about 1864, and Mr. Hanselman was subsequently married to Sarah Miller, also a native of Brown County. Seven children have been given to this latter union, six living — Philip, Sallie A., Jacob, Willie, Mary and Benjamin. Mr. Hanselman and wife are members of the Protestant Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Arnheim, as was also his first wife. William Hanselman, another son of Charles Hanselman, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, in February, 1830. He was two years of age, when his parents located in Franklin Township, and here he has passed the greater portion of his life. He remained with his father till twenty-three years of age, and then purchased sixty-six acres of his present farm, where he now resides. Mr. Hanselman’s political opinions coincide with those set forth by the Democratic party. His industrious life has always been a preventive to holding office. He was married in December, 1856, to Wilhelmina Shotzman, a native of Germany, coming to this country when a year old. Seven children are the fruits of this union, six living — Elizabeth, wife of Adam Bolles; Jane, wife of Henry Bohl, a blacksmith of Arnheim; William, Joseph, Charles H. and Marietta. Mr. Hanselman, wife and family are members of the Protestant Evangelical Lutheran Church of Arnheim. Jonathan Hanselman, a brother of C. F. and William Hanselman, and a prominent farmer and stock-breeder of the township, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 1, 1832. The same year, he accompanied his parents to Brown County, locating on his present farm, where he has always resided. He has always been a well-known agriculturist, owning 186 acres of well improved land. Mr. Hanselman also owns two stallions — McClellan and Young Duke — both used for breeding purposes. His politics are Democratic, and his official life has been limited. He was married, January 3, 1860, to Josephine Wall, a daughter of Christian Wall, a prominent German land-holder of Franklin Township. Of their ten children, nine are living — Christopher, Jacob W., Jonathan W., Walter P., Louis H., Catherine E., Mary J., Tilda L. and Edna A. George B. is deceased. Mr. Hanselman, wife and family are connected with the Lutheran Church at Arnheim. Frederick Hanselman, eldest son of C. F. and Margaret (Kress) Hanselman, is a native of Franklin Township, born on the old homestead farm, which adjoins his own. He resided with his parents till twenty-two years of age, and then rented a portion of his father’s farm. He has since purchased eighty-four acres, which bids fair to become a well-cultivated and fruitful piece of land. Mr. Hanselman was united in marriage, February 9, 1873, to Mary Bush, a native of Jackson Township. They have four daughters — Rosa, Flora, Josephine and Ida. Mr. Hanselman is a Democrat, and has served as Director of School District No. 7. He is still a young man, but his industrious and economical habits are sure guarantees of wealth and plenty in the future.