WILLIAM SCHWARTZ, SR.
Private, Co. H
1838-1923

Philemina and William Schwartz, date unknown

William Schwartz, Sr., Circa 1920

BIOGRAPHY OF WILLIAM SCHWARTZ, SR.

William Schwartz was born on February 2, 1838 in Baden, Germany to the parents of John Schwartz and Barbara Geiss.  All of William Schwartz’s siblings (two bothers and three sisters) were born in Baden, Germany except for his younger brother, John, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1849.¹  In 1846, the Schwartz family left Germany for America.  They traveled by sailboat, which took them sixty-three days because they were blown off course.  They came to settle in Fulda, Indiana (Spencer County) by way of New York City to Pittsburgh, and down the Ohio River to Troy, Indiana and then to Fulda, in 1851 or 1852.²

William lived on the family farm in Fulda until his enlistment as a recruit in the 42^nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in Rockport Indiana, on September 10, 1862.  His recruiting officer was Capt. Cyrus W. Medcalf.  William was mustered into the 42^nd Regiment as a Private in Company “H” on September 23, 1862, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  At the time of his muster, William was 24 years old with the following physical attributes:  hazel eyes, dark hair, fair complexion, with the height of 5 feet, 10 inches.³

     42^nd Indiana Military Service:^{3, 4}

• From time of muster to December 31, 1862:  Present at Company Muster Roll.
• January and February 1863:  Present at Company Muster Roll.
• March and April 1863:  Present at Company Muster Roll.
• April 11, 1863:  Present at “Special” Company Muster Roll.
• June 30, 1863:  Present at Company Muster Roll.
• July and August 1863:  Present at Company Muster Roll.
• April 1863 (exact date unknown):  William “overheated” while on a scouting expedition between Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee (according to his pension records, this subsequently caused a heart condition which made him “unable to do any kind of duty in which he was required to walk fast double quick or anything that required quick action”).
• September 20, 1863:  William was shot in the left leg by a musket ball at the battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, and was captured and detained as a prisoner by the Confederates.  Note: Oral family history relates the following story:  William, while lying wounded on the battlefield, was approached by Confederate soldiers.  Upon seeing him lying injured and still alive they thought about either killing him or leaving him lay there to die, but they said, “oh let the ole bugger live.”
• September 29, 1863:  Confined at Richmond, Virginia.
• December 12, 1863:  Sent to Danville, Virginia.
• August 4, 1864:  Admitted to hospital at Andersonville, Georgia, with scorbutus.
• October 21, 1864:  Returned to prison.
• November 20, 1864:  Paroled at Savannah, Georgia.
• November 27, 1864:  Reported at Camp Parole Maryland.
• December 6, 1864:  Furloughed for 30 days.
• January 6, 1865:  Deserted from furlough.  Note:  The charge of desertion on Prisoner of War Records was removed by the Adjutant General’s Office, War Department, Washington, on January 30, 1886.  Subsequently, “William Schwartz was considered as absent without leave from January 6 to January 19, 1865.”
• January 19, 1865:  Reported at Camp Chase Ohio.
• January 20, 1865:  Sent to hospital.
• February 16, 1865:  Transferred to Tripler General Hospital, Columbus Ohio (Ward 9, Bed 1).  William was listed as being treated for a “gunshot wound to the left leg” resulting in a “fractured fibula” and scurvy for which he was put on a “vegetable diet.”  His condition was listed as “much improved” on March 12, 1865.
• June 3, 1865:  Discharged at Columbus, Ohio “on order of Tripler General Hospital in compliance with telegram from War Department dated May 3^rd, 1865.  Three months extra pay due soldier ($75.00) in compliance with telegram dated War Department, Adjutant General’s Office, Washington, May 30, 1865.”
• Note:  William Schwartz, on May 29, 1865 signed an avadavat attesting to the fact that he lost the following articles of clothing at the battle of Chickamauga, on September 20, 1863:

One Wool Blanket
            One Great Coat
            One Pair of Pants
            One Shirt
            One Gum Blanket

Oral family history suggests that William Schwartz’s younger brother, John, either fought with William in the 42^nd Indiana or “changed sides” and fought with the Confederacy.  Neither story can be confirmed at this time.

Col. Gideon R. Kellams’ Sworn Pension Letter for William Schwartz:⁴

State of Indiana
County of Spencer

On the 19^th day of June, 1870 personally appeared before me Gideon R. Kellams a credible witness and being by me first duly sworn says that he was late Capt. of Co. H, 42^nd Regt. Ind. Vols. And that he is personally acquainted with William Schwartz late private in said Co. and Regt. And that said soldier was wounded in the leg at the battle of Chickamauga in the State of Georgia on the 20^th day September, 1863 and on the same day was captured and held prisoner fourteen months, and was still suffering from said wound at the time of his discharge.  The bone in the leg being fractured he is still suffering from the effects of the wound and also from a general debilitated state of health from insufficient care while a prisoner.

He was in the line of duty at the time he was wounded and was a good and faithful soldier, and I have no interest in his claim for pension.

Signed
Gideon R. Kellams
Late Capt., Co. H, 42^nd Regt. Ind. Vols.

Note:  William’s pension file also contains sworn pension letters, signed by James Farrow, Henry Fleischmann (Co. H), Frederick Kokemore (Co. H), William B. Musgrave (Co. B), the latter three were past members of the 42^nd Indiana.

William Schwartz’s “Declaration for Invalid Army Pension” application, dated December 13, 1866, stated the following:  “….that while in the service aforesaid, and in the line of duty near a place called Chickamauga in the State of Georgia on the 20^th day of September, 1863 he was wounded by a musket ball in the left leg and taken prisoner and 14 months afterwards was paroled at Savanna State of Georgia, and that his wounds and his sufferings in various Rebel Prisons have so shattered his constitution that he is unable to perform manual labor.”⁴

After the war, William moved back to the family farm in Fulda.  On November 11, 1865, William was married to Philemina Gress at St. Meinrad Archabbey, St. Meinrad, Indiana by Rev. Father Isidor Hobi O.S.B. William and Philemina moved to Dale and were the parents to nine children:  Joseph (b. 9/6/1867 – d. 4/4/1905 or 1906?), William Jr. (b. 5/30/1869 – d. 10/8/1944), Henry (b. 12/23/1871 – d. Unknown), Elizabeth (b. 12/24/1872 – d. 11/20/1873), John (b. 4/11/1876 – d. 11/25/1964), Daniel (b. 9/25/1878 – d. 11/22/1887), Jacob David (b. 3/21/1881 – d. 12/22/1881), Maria Juliana Philomenia (b. 11/17/1882 – d. 7/15/1897), and Rosa K. (b. 6/10/1886 – d. 5/24/1977).

In 1872, William Schwartz and Michael Heichelbech, his brother-in law, opened a general merchandise store in Dale.  The Store was located on the corner of Main and Medcalf Streets.  The 1879 “Historical Atlas of Spencer County,” published by D. J. Lake &Co., states that William Schwartz was a “Dealer in Dry Goods, Groceries, Hats, Caps, Boots, Shoes, Hardware, Queensware, Ready-made Clothing, Toilet Soaps, Fancy Articles, and all goods usually kept in a first class Country Store.” 

The following article appeared in the Dale Weekly Reporter on February 24, 1888:

Heichelbech & Schwartz

Among the prominent mercantile interest of the country none are better or more widely known than the one of which we now write.  The co-partners are Michael Heichelbech and Wm. Schwartz; who have been associated in trade for a number of years.  Their partnership was first formed in 1872 and continued until 1878, and two years ago last January they again formed a partnership.  In 1886 they built the premises they now occupy, a two story frame, 24x80 feet, the second floor being fitted up as a public hall. The first floor affords the largest sales room in town, and it is made very attractive by reason of the display of goods made.

Concerning the co-partners we have something to say.  Mr. Heichelbech is a gentleman 46 years of age.  He is a native of Alsace, and came to the United States when he was a boy 12 years of age, and this county has been his home ever since.  He followed different pursuits until 1862 when he enlisted as a private soldier in the 65^th Ind. Vol., serving until the close of the war.  Returning home he was connected with the liquor trade for four years; then he went into the grocery trade and gradually added different lines until he was doing a general merchandise business.  For four years he was Trustee, and since June, 1886, he has been Postmaster of the town.  As an individual interest he carries on the furniture trade also in the building occupied by the REPORTER.

Mr. Schwartz is a native of German(y), who came to this country in 1846, and to this county in 1851 or 1852.  He, too, was raised a farmer’s boy, and he also was a soldier, enlisting in the 42d Indiana as a private.  At the battle of Chicamauga he was wounded and captured, and for the following fourteen months he was an inmate of Confederate stockades, recollections of which are not the most pleasant in the world.

Messrs. Heichelbech & Schwartz report an increasing trade for 1887 as compared to 1886.  They are well prepared to cater successfully and satisfactorily to the trade that centers here – they are constantly widening the scope of country from which their traffic comes and we can’t do better or worse than wish them a prosperous future.  This firm has the valuable assistance of Miss Lizzie Heichelbech; who by the way is also her father’s deputy in the post office, and Wm. Schwartz, Jr., both of whom are always ready to courteously wait upon the many customers who do their trading at this house.

 An advertisement in the Dale Weekly Reporter on October 23, 1891 read as follows: 

 PRODUCE WANTED

William Schwartz, a member of our firm, having bought out a business in Louisville, we are now prepared to handle all kinds of country produce, such as hay, oats, bacon, lard, onions, bean, dried fruits, eggs, butter, and in fact everything in the produce line which the farmer has to dispose of, for which we will pay the highest market price.  Call and see us.

Heichelbech & Schwartz

Dale, Ind.

In April 1889 a new livery stable was built along the side of the store and in September 1891 the old warehouse was torn down and a new one was built in its place.⁵  The store building(s) stood through at least two other owners until it burned down in 1926.⁶

In the spring of 1884, the William C. Jackson G. A. R. Post #332 was organized in Dale, Indiana with Captain Cyrus W. Medcalf as the first Commander.  William Schwartz, it is assumed, was also an original member of this post.  William became Commander of this same G. A. R. Post, in 1888.  The William C. Jackson Post disbanded on January 20, 1925 because of too few members.⁷

On June 6, 1892 at 7:00 PM, William’s wife, Philemina, died of “inflammation of the stomach and bowels” at the age of 47 years and 27 days.  She had been sick for several weeks prior to her death.⁸  She was buried in the Mary Help of Christians Catholic Cemetery, Mariah Hill, Indiana (Sec. L – Range 9 – Grave 8).  About this same time (the exact date and year is not known) William brought in his son, William Jr., to help run the business.

An advertisement in the Dale Weekly Reporter on August 5, 1892 read as follows:

FOR BARGAINS

Call on Wm. Schwartz & Son, who are receiving a large and complete assortment of all kinds of general merchandise, including Dry Goods, Groceries, Clothing, Hats and Caps, Boots and Shoes, Notions, everything, in fact, which is to be found in a first class general store.  Our goods will be bought with great care and will be sold a slow as they are to be had anywhere.  We propose to make ours the Bargain Store of Dale.  Call and see us, examine our goods and learn our prices.  We will take all kinds of produce in exchange for goods or pay cash for it.  Wm. Schwartz, Sr. will also buy wheat.

Wm. Schwartz & Son.

On October 11, 1894, William Schwartz Sr. was married to Katherine Agnes Mauder at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Mariah Hill, Indiana by Fr. Maurice Wagner O.S.B.  It was the second marriage for both of them. 

The following article appeared in the Dale Weekly Reporter on October 12, 1894:

William Schwartz, Sr., one of Dale’s substantial business men, and Miss Agnes K. Mauder were happily united in marriage, Wednesday morning, Oct. 10^th, at the Catholic church in Mariah Hill, the Priest of that congregation performing the ceremony.

The wedding was attended by a large number of relatives and friends.  After the ceremony the wedding party returned to Dale, where a sumptuous wedding dinner awaited them at the residence.  In the afternoon and evening the couple received friends and accepted congratulations, and in return dispensed hospitalities.

May life’s choicest blessings be Mr. And Mrs. Schwartz’s and may they live long to enjoy the union consummated.

On or about the year 1899, William and Agnes Schwartz, along with William’s daughter, Rosa, moved to Evansville, Indiana.  It is assumed that William sold his general store at this time.  William and Agnes lived at the following addresses in Evansville:  801 West Franklin (1899), 1036 Main St. (1900), and 709 John Street.⁹  William’s wife, Agnes, died on September 28, 1916 and was buried in Haubstadt, Indiana next to her first husband, Joseph Mauder, Jr..¹⁰

The following article appeared in the Dale Weekly Reporter on February 7, 1919:

Mr. William Schwartz, of 709 John St., Evansville, Ind., celebrated his eighty-first birthday Sunday Feb. 2, with his children and grandchildren.  A birthday dinner was a feature of the occasion. – Evansville Courier.

Mr. Schwartz was once a prosperous business man of Dale and the Reporter joins his many friends in congratulations.

William was known to have walked with a limp and probably used a cane to get around especially when he was older (this was most likely the result of his gun shot wound to the leg he received during the war).  Oral family history also indicates that he owned rental property and that he used this to supplement his income, especially after moving to Evansville.  His pension records indicate that William suffered from chronic asthma, arterial sclerosis, and a general disability, in his later years.  He was bedridden for about the last two years of his life, with his daughter and son-in-law Rosa and Herman Noldau, taking care of him.  William died at his home in Evansville, on April 23, 1923, at the age of 85.  At the time of his death, William was receiving a military pension of $72 a month.⁴  William was buried next to his first wife, Philemina, in the Mary Help of Christians Catholic Cemetery, Mariah Hill, Indiana (Sec. L – Range 9 – Grave 7).

William Schwartz, Sr. Obituaries:

The following obituary appeared in the Evansville Courier on April 25, 1923:

William Schwartz, 85, died at his home, 709 John Street, at 8:00 o’clock Monday night.  He leaves three sons, William, Jr., Henry, and John; one daughter, Mrs. Herman Noldau, and 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  The body will remain at the home of his son, John, 308 East Tennessee Street, until 7:00 o’clock Friday morning, when it will be taken to Mariah Hill for burial.

The following obituary appeared in the Dale Weekly Reporter on April 27, 1923:

William Schwartz, for many years a Dale resident and former business man here died at his home at 709 John Street, Evansville, on Monday night at the age of 85 years.  He was a Civil War veteran and was prominent in the G.A.R. work here when a resident of Dale.  He leaves three sons, William, Jr., Henry, and John; one daughter, Mrs. Herman Noldau, and 11 grandchildren.  The body will be brought to Dale this (Friday) morning, and transported to Mariah Hill for burial at the side of his first companion.  Deceased was a brother-in-law of M. Heichelbech of this place.

The following obituary appeared in the Chrisney Sun on May 4, 1923:

William Schwartz, for many years a Dale resident and former business man here died at his home at 709 John Street, Evansville, on Monday night at the age of 85 years.  He was a Civil War veteran and was prominent in the GAR work here when a resident of Dale.

Sources:

1.      1850 Census, Allegheny City, PA.
2.      Letter written by Roselind Lubbehusen to Pauline Branch.
3.      William Schwartz Military File, Book Mark: 9597-C-85, National Archives and Records Administration.
4.      William Schwartz Pension File, Pension No.: 106.383, National Archives and Records Administration.
5.      Dale Weekly Reporter, April 5, 1889.
6.      Dale Indiana Sesquicentennial, 1843-1993, by Daryl Lovell and Ellen Winkler Rexing, 1993. Page 40.
7.      Ibid.  Page 217.
8.      Dale Weekly Reporter, June 10, 1892.
9.      Census Records, Evansville, IN.
10.  Evansville Journal, September 28, 1916.

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