Bartholomew County IN Archives Biographies.....Linsmith, Catherine (Mrs.) 1840 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/in/infiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com January 24, 2007, 4:21 pm Author: B. F. Bowen (1904) MRS. CATHERINE LINSMITH. Mrs. Catherine Linsmith owns and occupies a fine farm of one hundred and forty-eight acres in Sand Creek township, Bartholomew county, and since her husband's death has managed the property, displaying excellent business and executive ability in its control. Mrs. Linsmith was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 1st of August, 1840, a daughter of John and Catherine (Wagner) Mensch. Her parents were married in that country, where the father carried on agricultural and horticultural pursuits. In connection with the tilling of the soil he engaged in the production of fruit and the manufacture of wine, having a fine vineyard. At length, however, he sold his land and vineyard, preparatory to coming to America, where he hoped to increase his financial possessions still more in this land where excellent business opportunity is extended to the energetic and industrious. Crossing the Atlantic to the new world, he proceeded into the interior of the country until he reached Indiana and then settled near Hartsville, where he remained for two years. He next purchased a farm near by, but later sold that property and came to Bartholomew county, where he resided continuously until 1862, making his home in Columbus township. In that year, he removed to Wisconsin where he lived until 1897, when his death occurred. His wife had passed away in 1890. They were people of the highest respectability and the circle of their friends in the localities in which they lived continually broadened. In their family were eight children, but only two of the number are now living, the sister of Mrs. Linsmith being Melissa, the wife of Charles Westfall, a resident of Wisconsin. Mrs. Linsmith spent her early girlhood days in the fatherland and there acquired her education. With her parents she came to America and here she educated herself in the English tongue. Since coming to the new world she has always lived in Indiana. It was on the 3d of August, 1862, that her marriage to Henry Linsmith was celebrated, and for a quarter of a century they traveled life's journey happily together. He was born in Germany and came with his parents to America in 1858. They had been residents of Prussia, and on crossing the Atlantic they located in Columbus township, Bartholomew county, Mr. Linsmith remaining upon the old home farm there until his marriage. He, too, was educated in the schools of the fatherland. Mr. and Mrs. Linsmith had but limited financial resources at the time of their marriage. They began their domestic life upon the old Crump farm in Clay township, renting there for seven years. They lived frugally, however, until Mr. Linsmith was enabled to purchase the farm in Sand Creek township upon which his widow is now living. He made the purchase in 1869, becoming the owner of one hundred acres of land, and later he bought an additional tract of forty-eight acres. He lived economically until he had gained a good start. He did not believe in useless extravagance and his careful management, unremitting diligence and unfaltering energy were the foundation upon which he builded his success. In his business transactions he was also straightforward and was never known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any of his business dealings. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Linsmith were born five children, four daughters and a son: Matilda, who is the widow of Frank Nolding and resides in Columbus, Indiana; Lena, Mollie, Charles and Minnie, all at home. Mr. Linsmith died in the year 1887, leaving to his widow the care of their children. He was devoted to his family and was a man of honor and integrity, his salient traits of character making him a citizen of worth and value to the community. He belonged to the German Lutheran church and in his political views he was an enthusiastic Democrat, giving an inflexible support to the principles of the party. He was always loyal to whatever he believed to be right and was fearless in defense of any cause in which he believed and to which he gave his allegiance. His family and friends yet cherish his memory and often recall pleasant hours spent with him. Additional Comments: Extracted from BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY INDIANA INCLUDING BIOGRAPHIES OF THE GOVERNORS AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF INDIANA ILLUSTRATED 1904 B. F. Bowen PUBLISHER File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/bartholomew/bios/linsmith767gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/infiles/ File size: 5.0 Kb