Andrew J. Fehrman, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of Andrew J. Fehrman
ANDREW J. FEHRMAN - Andrew J. Fehrman, the popular treasurer of Porter County, was born November 9, 1862, in this county, seven and one-half miles southwest of Valparaiso near the vicinity known as the Porter Cross Roads. His parents were Christ and Wilhelmina (Meiser) Fehrman, who were united in marriage in this county and were among the highly respected citizens of this neighborhood. Christ Fehrman was born in Canada, the son of Christ Fehrman, a native of Germany. Wilhelmina Meisel was also a native of Germany, and came to this country when but fourteen years of age, first settling in Laporte County and later in Porter County. To the parents of our subject were born three sons: Andrew; Daniel, who died at the age of five years; and Aaron W., who was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Valparaiso and passed away in 1919. The daughters are Phoebe, the wife of Melvin J. Stanchfield, a furniture dealer and undertaker of Valparaiso; Carrie, who became Mrs. E. M. Nichols, of Gary.
When thirteen years of age Andrew Fehrman left his studies to assist in the support of his widowed mother and the rest of the family, his father having passed away in 1865. His first occupation was as assistant in a meat market, and he was subsequently employed in a grain warehouse in Valparaiso until 1891, when he went to Chicago. He there entered the laundry business, where he remained for thirteen years. After that period he purchased an interest in the laundry, which became known as the Branch & Fehrman Laundry at Valparaiso. This was disposed of to T. T. Cauble in 1906, and Mr. Fehrman then established a furniture and undertaking business. He also became associated with Mr. Stanchfield in the firm of Stanchfield and Fehrman and retains interests in that enterprise today.
In his early life he became a militant worker in the ranks of his political party, serving as precinct committeeman for fifteen years. In 1924 he was elected to the office of treasurer of Porter County, and he was renominated for the same office in 1926. Mr. Fehrman's administration of this office has been in keeping with the ideals of his life, which have been actuated by a sincere desire to serve the community in which he lives.
He was united in marriage with Rose, daughter of Lorenzo Brainard, of Hebron, in 1881, and to this union were born two children: Raymond and Mary, the latter of whom died in infancy. Raymond is employed in the Mica Factory of Valparaiso. Mr. Fehrman's wife passed away in 1885, and his second marriage was with Bertie M., daughter of George C. and Jennie Gregg. To this union was born a daughter, Helen, who is now the wife of Harry Johnson, agent for the American Railway Express Company of Valparaiso. Mr. Fehrman rendered a splendid service in the local movements during the World war as a member of the registration board and as an especially active worker in the Liberty Loan drives. In addition to his duties as county treasurer, he is also serving as city treasurer of Valparaiso. His fraternal affiliations are with the various Masonic bodies, and he finds civic expression as a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Source: Cannon, Thomas H., H. H. Loring, and Charles J. Robb. 1927. History of the Lake and Calumet Region of Indiana Embracing the Counties of Lake, Porter and Laporte. Volume II. Indianapolis, Indiana: Historians' Association. 827 p.
Page(s) in Source: 262-263
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook