Frederick and Wilhime Schwinkendorf, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of Frederick and Wilhime Schwinkendorf
SCHWINKENDORF
Frederick and Wilhime (Minnie) Schwinkendorf came to America from Germany in the mid-1800's. They settled in Valparaiso where he was able to get work. In the year of 1872 he bought a farm in Washington Township in Porter County.
The property dates back to 1832 when it was occupied by the warriors and chiefs of the Potowatomie Indian tribe with Chief Kisis Shadona as lead er. The land grant was given to the Potowatomies and agreed to under a treaty signed by U. S. President James K. Polk. The Chief Shadona died about 1838, so the land was handed down to his brothers and sisters. They eventually sold to the white man about 1865. It may be interesting to note that the interest rate at that time was 10%. Through the years, even to this day, arrowheads, beads and relics are still being plowed up each spring.
It wasn't long after Frederick and his wife became citizens of this great country that he became very civic minded and his interest in politics resulted in his being assigned to Supervisor of Roads. They were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Three children were born to them, but only one son, Fred W., survived.
Fred W. married Caroline Lindeman about 1890. Walking in his father's footsteps, he, too, became politically minded and was elected Township Trustee.
Fred W. and his wife had 5 sons and 3 daughters, Laura, Ernest, Louis, Arthur, Hulda, Earl, Howard and Grace. In 1916 Fred W. and his Caroline inherited the family farm in Washington Township, which was across the road from their home. Caroline died March, 1929; Fred W. died September, 1943.
In 1944 their son, Howard, bought said farm from the rest of the heirs. He had 4 children, Karen, Richard, Laura Mae and Edward.
Howard, his brothers and sisters attended Washington Township School, as did his 4 children, and now three grandchildren, which makes the 3rd generation at the same school.
Howard became interested in politics and civic developments and in May, 1954, was chosen Democratic County Chairman of Porter County. He held that office until May, 1960. He and his wife, Dorothy, still reside on part of the family farm. They both retired from Indiana General in 1973. They are enjoying their home, hobbies and gardening and the wonderful nature and wild life that surrounds them daily.
Howard's son, Edward, and wife, Rosemary, and their 4 children reside close by on another part of the family farm.
With hope and good luck this area may be blessed with a 5th or 6th generation of Schwinkendorfs . . . . God willing.
Source: American Revolution Bicentennial Committee of Porter County. 1976. A Biographical History of Porter County, Indiana. Valparaiso, Indiana: American Revolution Bicentennial Committee of Porter County, Inc. 180 p.
Page(s) in Source: 157-158
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