Clinton County, Indiana Biographies
Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Connie Rushing
cj59_1999@yahoo.com
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RICE, John Andrew
RIDNOUR, William S.
ROBERTSON, David
ROBISON, A. M.
ROBISON, John E. , M. D.
ROSS, John A.
ROTHENBERGER, Lewis
ROTHENBERGER, Perry A.
ROTHENBERGER, Peter
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JOHN ANDREW RICE, dealer in dry-goods and notions, Frankfort, is a
native of Clinton county, Ind., and a son of Johna and Rebecca RICE.
The father, a son of Dr. Jonathan Rice, was born in Pennsylvania in
1833, and came to Clinton county, Ind., with his parents when about
seventeen years of age. by occupation he was a farmer and he married
in the county of Clinton.  Rebecca J. Richardson, who was born in the
state of Virginia in the year 1835.   Her father, Richard R.
RICHARDSON, also a Virginian by birth and of English descent, was a
pioneer of Clinton county and died here a number of years ago. The
following are the names of the children of John and Rebecca Rice --
William (deceased), Wesley, (deceased), John A., Milton H., Matthew
(deceased), and Mary (deceased). The father of these children died in
Clinton county, Ind., in 1867, and the mother departed this life two
years prior to that date. Dr. Jonathan Rice, the subject's
grandfather, a native of Pennsylvania, moved to Indiana a number of
years ago, settling in Henry county; thence, in 1850, he moved to the
county of Clinton, where his death occurred in 1858 at the age of
sixty-five years. He was a farmer, a physician and minister, and was
known as a man of marked intellectuality. The following are the names
of his children -- Daniel, a prominent farmer of Clinton county; Mary
J., Nancy, John, Joseph, also a farmer of Clinton; William S.,
Elmira, Angeline and Jonathan. The mother of these children, whose
maiden name was Elizabeth SAWYER, was also a native of Pennsylvania.
    John A. Rice was born January 11,1859, grew to manhood on a farm
and received a good education in the common schools. For some years,
he taught in the public schools of Clinton county, eleven terms in
all, and made a creditable record as an instructor. In 1883, he
accepted a clerkship with a business firm in Frankfort, and, after
serving in that capacity three years, embarked in the mercantile
trade upon his own responsibility and has since continued the same
with success and financial profit. Mr. Rice deals in dry-goods and
notions, making a specialty of fine furnishings, and his store room,
No. 212 Main Street, is one of the well-known and popular business
places of the city. Mr. Rice is a pleasant gentleman, affable and
courteous, stands well in business circle.and socially enjoys great
popularity in Frankfort. His business venture has fully met his
expectations and his standing in the commercial world is quoted as
strictly first class. Mr. Rice was married in 1879 to Miss Maggie C.
BEARD, of Clinton county, to which union two children have been born
-- Zua and Claude. Mr. and Mrs. Rice are valued members of the
Methodist church of Frankfort and politically he supports the
democratic party. He is a member of the Pythian fraternity, Red Men
and Knights of Honor.
Source: Pages 846 & 849.A Portrait And Biographical Record of Boone
and Clinton Counties, Ind., ... Containing Biographical Sketches of
Many Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies
and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States, and
Biographies of the Governors of Indiana. Published 1895 by A.W. Bowen
& Co. in Chicago.
***************
RIDNOUR, William S.
     Success has come to William S. Ridnour, undertaker and funeral
director, of the village of Forest, Clinton county, because he has
worked for it along legitimate and well established lines, and at the
same time has dealt honestly and conscientiously with his fellow men.
He has always manifested an abiding interest in the general welfare
of this community and his support could always be depended upon in
furthering any laudable undertaking for the public weal.  He,
therefore, enjoys the good will and respect of a wide acquaintance.
     Mr. Ridnour was born May 3, 1872, in Russiaville, Howard county,
Indiana.  He is a son of Adam and Sarah (WILSON) RIDNOUR.  The father
was born July 5, 1846, in Tennessee, and there he grew to manhood,
working hard when a boy to get a start in the world.  He remained in
his native locality until after his marriage, when he removed to
Indiana, locating the future home of the family in Howard county.
His death occurred on September 17, 1911. The mother of our subject
was born in Knox county, Tennessee, May 18, 1844, and her death
occurred on October 19, 1911. Adam Ridnour devoted his life to
general farming and stock raising and to the buying, and selling of
live stock, making that a business for many years.  He raised
Hereford and shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs and later Chester
White hogs, and a great many mules.  Politically, he was a
Republican.  He enlisted for service in the Civil war when only
fifteen years of age, in 1862, in a Tennessee regiment, and served
three years as gallantly as the older veterans of the army.
     Six children were born to Adam Ridnour, four of whom are still
living, namely: Mrs. Emma JORDAN, Mrs. Della FITZER, William S., of
this sketch, and Grant, the latter two being twins.  Alice and Isaac
are deceased.
     William S. Ridnour received a common school education in the
schools of Howard county, Indiana, and during the summer months he
worked on his father's farm.  On April 7, 1895, he married Alona
BLAIR, a native of Decatur county, Indiana, the date of her birth
being May 4, 1876.  She is a daughter of Leonard B. and Elizabeth
(PARKESON) BLAIR, both natives of Decatur county and both now
deceased, the mother passing away when Mrs. Ridnour was young.  Mr.
Blair engaged in farming all his life.  Mrs. Ridnour grew to
womanhood in her native locality and received a common school
education.
     Three children, only one of whom survive, have been born to our
subject and wife, namely: Fern Madilene, born September 3, 1896, died
in March, 1898;. Arthur W., born December 15, 1898, died November,
1911, having been killed by a playmate with a rifle: Adam Omar, born
February 21, 1904, now in school.
     Mr. Ridnour moved to Clinton county in February, 1906, to make
his permanent home, but has traveled for four years, sightseeing,
first in the northern states and Canada, and later in Iowa, the
Middle West, and other sections.  He lived on a farm in Clinton
county thirteen years all told, and he still owns a valuable farm of
one hundred and twenty acres, all tillable but about five acres.  It
is well improved in every respect and has a good set of buildings.
He keeps his place rented.  While engaged in general farming he
raised black cattle and shorthorns, the 0. I. C. hogs and draft
horses.  He moved to the town of Forest in January, 1912, and went
into the furniture and undertaking business, in partnership with a
Mr. Lowery, under the firm name of Lowery & Company.  He bought out
his partner in July, 1912, and is now engaged in the furniture
business alone although he has a partner in the undertaking business,
W. L. STOUT, the firm being Ridnour & Stout.  He has built up a
growing business in both lines of endeavor, keeping a large and
carefully selected stock of furniture and is well equipped as an
undertaker.  He lives in a pleasant home in Forest.
     Mr. Ridnour is a Republican in politics, and fraternally he
belongs to the Knights of Pythias at Forest.  He made the race for
sheriff of Clinton county in 1910, but was defeated.  He belongs to
the Methodist Episcopal church.
Source: Pages 555 - 557 History of Clinton County .... With
Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical
Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh.
Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana
***************
ROBERTSON, David
      A careful, industrious farmer of Clinton county is David
Robertson, one of the younger generation of agriculturists who are
upholding the reputation of their fathers as tillers of the soil. Mr.
Robertson learned many things the vocation while he was youth, and as
youthful impressions are the strongest and are the guides to future
life, and as his father's teaching was perfect in class and
technique, he has had no trouble ranking among the most successful
and scientific of this county's farmers.  His ancestors were good
Hoosier people who early in the century broke the forests of Indiana
in order that a home might be erected.
      Mr. Robertson was born on February 12, 1880, in Howard county,
Indiana, and was the son of Bryant and Mary Jane (GULLION) ROBERTSON.
The father was born April 8, 1843, in Rush county, and is still
living in Forest.  The mother was born in 1849 in Howard county, and
survives.  Both parents received a common school education and the
father followed farming all his life.  He was a Democrat.  Eight
children were born to the union: Minnie, Loren, David, Daniel,
Martha, Pearl, Homer and Ernest.
David Robertson received the usual common school training in Howard
county, and then took up active farming.  He moved in 1897 from
Howard county to Forest township and then jumped to Johnson township,
where he now lives.  He has continued to farm ever since, and  raises
jersey milch cows and Jersey hogs on the side.  He has one hundred
and ninety-six acres of land where he lives and which belongs to his
wife's father.  It is all tillable with the exception of twenty
acres, which is in timber.  On the estate is a fine home, which is a
model for a country residence.
      Mr. Robertson was married on December 24, 1902, to Jennie
DAVIS, who was born in this township on May 23, 1882, the daughter of
William H. and Molly (PRUITT) DAVIS, farmers who now reside in Forest
township.  Three children have been born of this union: Lillie,
January 10, 1903; William, July 18, 1906, and Mable Iretha, August
23, 1913.
      Religiously, Mr. Robertson is a member of the Methodist
Protestant church. and politically a Democrat.
Source: Pages 568 & 569 History of Clinton County .... With
Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical
Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh.
Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana
***************
ROBISON, A. M.
       Eighty years have dissolved in the mists of the irrevocable
past since A. M. ROBISON, venerable and honored retired framer of
Owen township first saw the light of day, he being the oldest living
son of Warren township, Clinton county. He has lived through one of
the most remarkable, and in many respects the most wonderful, epoch
in the history of the world's history. There will never be another
one like it, for it embraced that period when the strong-armed
homeseekers from the Eastern states invaded the Middle West, his
father being among the number, and redeemed this splendid section of
our great Union from the wilds, bringing it up through various stages
to its present high state of cultivation and civilization. To all
this our subject has been a most interested and by no means a passive
spectator, having sought to do his full share in work of progress in
the locality which he has ever taken a delight in seeing develop. He
talks most interestingly of the early days when the customs and
manners were different, men and women were different - everything -
in fact, unlike what is our civilization is today. He and others who
came down to us from the pioneer epoch are of the opinion that those
were better, at least happier times, than now, and this is, in the
main, true.
       Mr. ROBISON was born November 27, 1833, in Warren township,
Clinton county. He is the son of Andrew and Grizella (McAFEE)
ROBISON. The father was born in Warren county, Ohio, January 10,
1802, and there grew to manhood, removing from there once in 1824 to
Parke county, Indiana. In October, 1824, about the time of his
removal from his home community, he married the mother of our
subject, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, December 30, 1801, and
whose death occurred in 1852. On March 18, 1832, the parents of our
subject moved to Warren township, Clinton county, they began life in
typical fashion, erecting a log cabin and clearing up the land on
which they settled, and here the father's death occurred on April 5,
1877. He was a man or (sic) rare soundness of judgment and had a
naturally fine mathematical mind. He became quite prominent in
politics, was first a Whig, and later a Republican.
 James H. ROBISON, paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in
1772, served in the war of 1812 and died in 1814. His wife, Elizabeth
PARKS, was born in 1775, and her death occurred in 1855.
       Andrew ROBISON was twice married, first to Grizella McAFEE, by
whom five children were born. A. M., of this sketch, the youngest,
being the only one now living.  The others were John M., James H.,
Thomas P. and Margaret N. The father's second -marriage was to Phoebe
J. EMLEY, who was born in Michigan township, Clinton county, and who
is still living.  To this second union four children were born, three
of whom are still living.
      A. M. ROBISON grew to manhood on the old home farm, where,
being a
pioneer child, he found plenty of hard work to do, which he did
uncomplainingly.  He received a meager education in the old-time
schools of his day.  November 16, 1865, he married Hannah A. BATE,
who was born in Clark county, Ohio, January 4, 1837.  She was a
daughter of Josiah and Hannah A. (JONES) BATE, the father a native of
New Jersey, and the mother of Ohio.  The death of Mr. ROBISON's first
wife occurred May 7, 1899. Eight children were born of this union:
Maggie M., born October 25, 1866; James P., born November 4, 186;
Andrew J., born January 8, 1869, died August 19, 1870; John E., born
August 28, 1871; Emma E., born April 7, 1874; Winfield M. and
Grizella, twins, born October 4, 1876, the latter now living;
Winfield, died October 5, 1882; and Jessie B., born January 6, 1881.
      A. M. ROBISON began farming for himself when a young man and
this continued to be his life vocation, with the exception of some
time spent in working in the timber in the early timbering days.  He
is owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Warren
township, and two and one-half acres where he lives in the village of
Gettingsville, Owen township.  He has been very successful as a
general farmer and stock man and is spnding (sic) his old age in the
midst of plenty and comfort.
       He was one of the gallant Hoosiers who made up the great army
in blue that suppressed the rebellion, having enlisted September 1,
1861 in the Third Indiana Light Artillery, under Captain Freyberger,
in which he served faithfully until overheated and sent home; but in
September, 1862, he enlisted in Company 1, One Hundredth Indiana
Volunteer Infantry serving in the same about four months when he was
sent home as a result of sickness.  Upon his recovery he re-enlisted
in the same company and regiment, February 22, 1864, in which he
served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged July
22, 1865.
       Politically, Mr. Robison is a Republican and has always been a
loyal supporter of his party.  He ably served as a member of the
county council for a period of fourteen years, having been elected
four times and is still incumbent of this office, the duties of which
he has discharged to the satisfaction of all concerned.  He is a
member, of the Grand Army of the Republic.  He attends and supports
the Presbyterian church.
Source: Pages 624 & 625. History of Clinton County .... With
Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical
Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh.
Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana
***************
ROBISON, John E. , M. D.
        It is often said that a poet is born, meaning that the
individual who essays to court the muses with success must have been
peculiarly fitted by mother nature.  It seems that the same phrase
might be applied with equal truth to the successful practitioner of
medicine.  Of course the poet can go ahead and write without taking
any special preparatory work in college.  There is not much to be
learned in the way of the "mechanical" part of his work, such as the
laws of prosody, and on the other hand the physician must take a long
and special course of study, but if he succeeds above the ordinary
plodder he must be specially gifted by nature.  Many men go through
the prescribed routine of work under the law and obtain a diploma
entitling them to practice medicine when they are utterly unfit for
this field of work and do more harm than good.  One of the general
practitioners of Clinton county who seems to have been peculiarly
fitted for his chosen vocation is Dr. John E. Robison, of the village
of Geetingsville, Warren township, for he has been successful from
the first and has ingratiated himself into the hearts and affections
of his patients.  In due course of time he will doubtless rank among
the leading professional men of this section of the state.
       Dr. Robison was born August 28, 1871, in the above named
township and county.  He is a son of Andrew M. and Hannah A. (BATE)
ROBISON. The father was born November 27, 1833, also in Warren
township, Clinton county, having enjoyed the distinction of being the
second white child born in Warren township.  He was a son of Andrew
Robison, Sr., one of the first settlers in this vicinity, who entered
land here when the country round about was a wilderness and still
roamed by red men and wild beasts.  He began life in typical pioneer
fashion, in a log cabin and cleared his land by hard work and
perseverance.  From that early day to the present this family has
been well known and highly respected for their industry and exemplary
habits.  The father of our subject, who has devoted his life
successfully to general farming is still living, making his home in
Owen township, this county.  The mother of the doctor was born
January, 1837, and her death occurred on May 7, 1899. Eight children
were born to these parents, named as follows: Mrs. Margaret SMYTHE;
James P., married Maud BAYLES; Andrew (deceased); Dr. John E., of
this sketch; Mrs.  Emma ERDLE; Grizella and Winfield, twins
(deceased), and Mrs. Jessie B. WRIGHT.
       Doctor Robison was reared on the home farm and educated in the
district schools in Warren township.  First deciding to be a teacher,
he attended the Danville Normal School in order to fit himself, after
which he taught two terms, but deciding that his true bent lay along
the line of a practitioner of medicine he abandoned the school room
and began the study of medicine, in which he made rapid progress.  He
attended the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis, where he made
an excellent record and from which he was graduated with the class of
1901.  He soon afterwards located for practice in the village of
Geetingsville, in his native township and county, and here he has
since remained, enjoying a large and growing practice which extends
all over this section of Clinton county.
      Doctor Robison was married June 23, 1901 to Sarah E. MILLER,
who was born in Ross township, Clinton county, March 7, 1874, and
here she grew to womanhood and was educated in the public schools.
She is a daughter of Christian and Jane (TROXELL) MILLER, both still
living.  Mr. Miller devoted his life to general farming in this
locality.
      To the doctor and wife three children have been born namely:
Adeline, born July 8, 1902; Paul M., born October 12, 1905; and Lena
Esther, born November 24, 1910.
      Doctor Robison is owner of eighty acres of valuable land in
Tippecanoe county, near Dayton, Ind., which is well improved.
Fraternally, he is a Mason, being a member of the Council and
Commandery, the Blue lodge at Beard and the Knights Templars of
Frankfort.  He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and
politically, is a Republican. He is a member of the Clinton County
Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Association, and the
American Medical Association.
Source: Pages 640 - 642. History of Clinton County .... With
Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical
Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh.
Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana
***************
JOHN A. ROSS, of Frankfort, Ind., was, born in Tippecanoe county,
near La Fayette, Ind., January 26th, 1861, a son of Alexander and
Mary (JOHNSON) ROSS.  Alexander Ross is of Scotch extraction, born in
Ireland, and was but thirteen years of age when he came to the United
States, locating at La Fayette. He was united in marriage with Miss
Mary JOHNSON, who was born in Sweden, but came to the United States
when twelve years of age.
    John A. Ross, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest of eight
children and until twenty-one years of age resided in La Fayette,
where he received an excellent education, including a course of
book-keeping and civil engineering, and from the age of fifteen until
twenty-one he greatly assisted his father, who was a general
contractor. In 1882, John A. ROSS located in Frankfort and engaged in
contracting for a year; in 1883 and 1884 he was engaged in the same
business in La Fayette and Huntington, Ind. After alternating between
Frankfort and La Fayette he permanently located in Frankfort, in
1888, and formed a partnership with James A. HEDGECOCK for the
purpose of doing a general contracting business, embracing
gravel-roads, bridges, street improvement, sewerage and erection of
business blocks, and the firm were awarded contracts for the
improvement of many of the principal streets of Frankfort, miles of
gravel-road and a large number of the principal iron bridges for the
county. In every instance their work has proved eminently
satisfactory to all concerned, and stands as a monument to their
ability and integrity as public contractors. They were able at all
times to furnish employment to hundreds of laboring men at a just and
reasonable compensation, believing that, "the laborer is worthy of
his hire." The business of this firm has been most successful, the
Petty building, Clark block, Sheets block and numerous other
buildings being among their work in Frankfort. Street contracting,
bridge building, and general contracting occupied the time of the
firm from 1888 until 1892, the business amounting to thousands of
dollars annually.
   In 1892 the firm established The Frankfort Brick works, with a
capacity of three and one half to four million brick annually, giving
employment to sixty or seventy men. In the spring of 1894 their brick
works were totally destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $16,000 or
$18,000, which was only partially covered by insurance. Not
discouraged by this misfortune, the firm at once cleared the wreck
and proceeded to re-build the works on a larger scale and with
increased facilities, and at the present have one of the best
equipped brick works in central Indiana. During all these years, thus
engaged in public works, giving employment to hundreds of men, this
firm has never experienced the least trouble on account of strikes or
dissatisfation on the part of the men in their employ.
    On the twelfth day of February, 1884, Mr. Ross was happily
married to Miss Lola A. Curtis, daughter of Charles P. CURTIS, who
was born in England, and Esther (RINARD) CURTIS, born in America but
of German extraction. Miss Lola was born La Fayette, Ind., and of a
family of eleven children she was the youngest. To this union have
been born three children, viz : Worley A., Carrie Venita and Margaret
Zola. Mr. Ross is an honored member of the K. of P. and I. 0. R. M.,
is a Methodist, and in politicts is a republican; socially he and his
estimable wife hold an enviable position.
Source: Pages 849 & 850. A Portrait And Biographical Record of Boone
and Clinton Counties, Ind., ... Containing Biographical Sketches of
Many Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies
and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States, and
Biographies of the Governors of Indiana. Published 1895 by A.W. Bowen
& Co. in Chicago.
***************
ROTHENBERGER, Lewis
     Like many of the most enterprising and esteemed citizens of
Clinton county the Rothenbergers came from Lehigh county,
Pennsylvania.  It seems that a few courageous men of that county
found their way to this when Indiana was first being settled, and,
being pleased with the prospect here, induced their friends to make a
similar overland journey westward across the great Alleghenies: they
in turn told their friends and relatives of the splendid new country
they had found, and so for generations this has been going on until
today it is surprising how many of our citizens came directly from
the old country in the Keystone state or are descendants of those who
did come from there.
     Lewis Rothenberger, farmer of Madison township, is of the second
generation of people from Lehigh county, but he himself was born on
the old homestead in Madison township, in 1869.  He is a son of
Christian Rothenberger who immigrated when a young man to Clinton
county in 1848, locating in Madison township.  He was born in Lehigh
county, Pennsylvania, April 21, 1824.  He is a son of George and
Sarah (WENTZ) ROTHENBERGER. His father was also a native of
Pennsylvania.  On October 24, 1852 he married Marietta Leibenguth, a
daughter of Peter and Hannah (APP) LEIBENGUTH.  She was born December
3, 1831 in Northampton county, Pennsylvania.  The following children
were born to our subject's parents: Frank P., Josiah, Flora E.,
Peter, Lydia M., Perry A., Lewis, Ida A., Sarah H. and Mary J. The
father of these children was a great fisherman in his day.  In the
fall of 1881 he went fishing, accompanied by some of his neighbors,
and caught eight hundred pounds of fish on the Wild Cat river.  He
belonged to the Lutheran church and politically he was a Democrat.
He was at one time supervisor of his township.  He came to this
county a poor man, but by industry and economy he secured a
competency.  He lived to be seventy-five years of age.  His widow
survives, being now eighty-three years old.  She lives in the town of
Mulberry where she has a fine home and she enjoys good health.  She
is a woman noted for her charity, hospitality and old-time
Christianity, and also for her good memory.
     Lewis Rothenberger was reared on the old home farm and he was
educated in the rural schools of his neighborhood. When fourteen
years old he went to live with his brother Josiah.  He was married on
February 14, 1892 to Cora SNYDER, who was born in Lehigh county, Pa.,
and came to Indiana with her parents at the age of eight years.  She
is a daughter of Edwin SNYDER, who was born in Lehigh county, Pa.,
where he spent his earlier years.  Mrs. Rothenberger was born October
5, 1868.  Her mother was Hannah REX, before her marriage, a daughter
of Jacob REX, now deceased.  Eight children were born to Edwin SNYDER
and wife, namely: Oliver E. died at the age of twenty-one years;
Cora, wife of our subject; Mrs. Mary HEDRICK, of Flora, Ind.; Aaron
lives in Nevada; Albert lives in Crawfordsville, Ind.; Ada lives in
Monticello Ind.; Rev. Howard S. lives in Kingston, New York; Samuel
is engaged in farming in Clinton county.  The parents of these
children were members of the Lutheran church.
     Lewis Rothenberger has devoted his life successfully to general
farming.  He is owner of a valuable place of eighty-three acres in
Madison township, where he is carrying on general farming and stock
raising.  He has a good nine-roomed house installed with a furnace
and acetylene light plant, a large barn thirty-six by sixty-eight
feet and such modern farming implements as his needs require.
     Three children have been born to our subject and wife: Orpha
Maude, born December 21, 1892.  She is a graduate from the Academic
department of Weidners Institute at Mulberry, Ind., in 1911, and also
from junior College of Weidner Institute; Neva Hannah, born April 22,
1893.  She also is a graduate from the Academic department of Weidner
Institute in 1913 and is also attending college at present; Laura
May, born February 25, 1897, died December 19, 1898.  Mr.
Rothenberger also has some experience with carpenter, blacksmith and
cement tools, doing nearly all his own work and some for his
neighbors in that line.  He has between one hundred and twenty-five
and one hundred and fifty barrels of cement used on his farm and is
expecting to use more.
     Politically, Mr. Rothenberger is a Democrat.  He is a member of
the Fair Haven Evangelical Lutheran church, near Mulberry, Ind., and
for years has been active in church and school work.
Source: Pages 778 - 780 History of Clinton County .... With
Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical
Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh.
Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana
***************
ROTHENBERGER, Perry A.
     As the name would indicate Perry A. Rothenberger, well-known
farmer of Madison township, is of German descent and he has seemingly
inherited the characteristic thrift of his forebears which has
resulted in the attainment of a definite degree of success as habits
of thrift, perseverance and fortitude always do when properly
directed.
     Mr. Rothenberger was born on the old family homestead in Madison
township, Clinton county, July 27, 1865. He is a son of Christian
Rothenberger, a native of Pennsylvania, and he a son of Peter
Rothenberger. The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood
as Marietta LEIBENGUTH, and to these parents ten children were born.
     Christian Rothenberger came to Clinton county in 1848, locating
in Madison township, where the family has remained to the present
time. He was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, April 21, 1824. He
is a son of George and Sarah (MENTRY) ROTHENBERGER. October 14, 1852,
he married Marriett LEIBENGUTH, daughter of Peter and Hannah (APP)
LEIBENGUTH. She was born December 3, 1831, in Northampton county,
Pennsylvania. The following children were born to Christian
Rothenberger and wife: Frank P., Josiah, Flora E., Peter, Lydia M.,
Perry A., Lewis, Ida A., Sarah H. and Mary J. The father of these
children was without means when he came to Clinton county, but he
worked hard, saved his earnings and in a few years had a good start
and finally became one of the leading farmers and stock raisers in
his locality. Politically he was a Democrat, and religiously a
Lutheran. For recreation he engaged in fishing, often making large
catches. His death occurred in 1900 at an advanced age, he having
been born in 1824.
     Perry Rothenberger grew to manhood on the home farm and was
educated in the common schools. On December 25, 1887, he married Ella
a. PETER, who was born on the old home place in Clinton county and
here she was reared and educated. She is a daughter of Franklin and
Eliza (BRYAN) PETER, and was one of four children, namely Mrs. Emily
F. GABLE, Mrs. Marcella Rothenberger, Ella A., who married our
subject, and Anise W., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this
work, which contains a fuller history of the Peter family.
     Perry A. Rothenberger has devoted his life to general farming
and has been very successful. He is now owner of beautiful Sunny
Slope, a farm of one hundred and sixty acres well located in Madison
township, and well improved. He has a substantial group of buildings,
and in connection with general farming he keeps large numbers of a
splendid grade of livestock. He feeds cattle and hogs for the market.
He first purchased and inherited eighty acres, and, prospering
through hard work and good management, was able in a few years to add
another eighty, thus making him an ideal farm, which at this time is
worth about twenty thousand dollars.
     To Mr. and Mrs. Rothenberger two children have been born,
namely: Mrs. Edith A. RITENOUR, of Lafayette, and Ralph W., who is
assisting his father operate the home farm.
     Mr. Rothenberger is an active member of the Lutheran church, of
which he has been a deacon for a period of eighteen years, and he has
been Sunday school suprintendent (sic) for several years. His wife
and family are also members of this church.
     "Ephraim Rothenberger was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania,
October 24, 1829. He came to Indiana in 1853 in company with the
Fretz and Foster families, the trip having been made overland, the
party walking almost the entire way. Settlement was at first made
near Monitor later on Mr. Rothenberger moved to the farm east of
Mulberry, where he lived until retiring to the home here in town.
     "Mr. Rothenberger was married to Elizabeth SLAGLE on March 11,
1856, by Squire John CLENDENNING. This union was blessed with the
following children: Marietta (Mrs. William BALSER), Susan, Elias,
Simon J., Elizabeth (Mrs. Frank STINESPRING), James (deceased), Alice
(Mrs. Ed MARTZ), Ida (Mrs. Clint HART, deceased), Sarah (Mrs. Albert
MILLER), Minnie (Mrs. Thomas WALDRON). Mother Rothenberger died July
15, 1893, and Father Rothenberger died March 2, 1911."
Source: Pages 787 - 789. History of Clinton County .... With
Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical
Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh.
Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana
***************
ROTHENBERGER, Peter
     To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of
our great country is due to the honest industry, the sturdy
perseverance and the wise economy which so prominently characterizes
the foreign element, both those who have come direct from the
European nations and their American born children, this being
especially true of those of German blood. All will agree, after so
much as a mere cursory glance over our forty-eight states, that these
people have entered very largely into our population. By comparison
with their "old country" surroundings they leave readily recognized
the fact that in the United States lie the greatest opportunities for
the man of ambition and energy. And because of this many have broken
the ties of home and native land and have entered earnestly upon the
task of gaining in the new world a home and a competence. Among this
class were the ancestors of Peter Rothenberger, one of the most
substantial citizens and progressive agriculturists of Madison
township, Clinton county, although he himself was born in America,
thus has avoided many of the trials of his forebears in getting a
foothold in a land where the customs and language are strange. He
seems to have inherited many of the thrifty and sterling traits of
his father and grandfather and has forged to the front in the face,
not infrequently, of obstacles of so huge proportions as to have
entirely broken the spirit of men of less sterner fiber. His life
history might be studied and emulated with profit by the youth of
this county who are ambitious to make good, successful citizens.
     Mr. Rothenberger was born on the old homestead in Clinton
county, Indiana, August 12, 1860, near the town of Mulberry.  He is a
son of Christian Rothenberger, also born in the old Keystone state,
of a worthy German family. The father of our subject grew up in his
native community, and when a young man he came to Clinton county,
Indiana, making the long journey on horseback, bringing two other
horses with him.  Here he purchased land, which he developed by his
thrift into a good farm, and here he married Mary E. LIVENGOOD, a
daughter of Peter LIVENGOOD, an early pioneer, he having located here
in 1836.  His family consisted of ten children, an equal number of
sons and daughters, namely: Frank P., Josiah, Flora, Peter, Malinda,
Perry A., Lewis, and Alma.  The death of the father occurred at the
age of seventy-five years.  His widow survives at the advanced age of
eighty-three years.  She lives in Mulberry, and is beloved by all who
know her, having always been noted for her fine Christian character.
She talks most interestingly of the early days.  She has lived to see
the log cabins of the pioneers replaced by modern dwellings and the
great woods give way to well improved farms, and the automobile take
the place of the ox cart.  She has lived to see her children
prosperous and respected by all who know them.
     Peter Rothenberger grew to manhood on the farm where he worked
when a boy and he received a common school education.  On October 18,
1883, he married Marcella PETER, who was born in Madison township,
where she was reared and educated.  She was a daughter of Franklin
PETER, who was born in Pennsylvania and who died in 1889 at the age
of sixty years.  The mother's death occurred at the age of
seventy-four years.  They were an early family of this township.
They were the parents of the following living children: Mrs. Emily F.
GABLE, Marcella, wife of our subject; Ella, is the wife of Perry A.
Rothenberger; Anise W. lives on the homestead.
          Five children have been born to our subject and wife,
namely: Clarence, married Susan HURST and is engaged in farming; Ada,
married C. MARTIN and they live in Madison township; Orvill, married
Maude GLICK; Ina is the wife of John ENGLE, Bessie is the wife of S.
O. BRAND.  These children were all given good educations, are well
situated in life and are well thought of by their friends and
acquaintances.
     Peter Rothenberger has devoted his life to farming and stock
raising on a large scale.  He now owns three fine farms, his home
place consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, and his two other
excellent places, all in Clinton county, bring the total up to three
hundred and forty acres.  His land is well improved, has been brought
up to a high state of productiveness and is among the most valuable
in the county.  He is one of the best judges of livestock in the
county, and no small part of his handsome competency has been derived
in the judicious handling of livestock.  He has a large, well
furnished and attractive home and numerous substantial outbuildings.
Politically he is a Democrat and in religious matters belongs to the
Lutheran church, to which his family also belong.  He is highly
esteemed by all for his honesty.
Source: Pages 780 - 782 History of Clinton County .... With
Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical
Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh.
Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana
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(c) Connie Rushing 1998 - 2001