Thanks to Find-a-Grave contributor Christy West Alchermes #47949707 for the following. This newspaper article was published shortly before his death.
CARTHAGE MAN HAS A HISTORY
John Kizer, Aged Resident, Was Born in Germany in Year 1808
The Indianapolis Star of Sunday contained the following concerning John Kizer, of Carthage, this county;
John Kizer, who claims to be one of the oldest Hoosiers, was born Dec. 16, 1808, in Verna, near the city of Hesse Cassel, the capital of Kur Hessen, in central Germany. That country had compulsory educational laws, and during the school year the lad attended every day, including Saturdays, from the time he was 6 to 14 years of age. Mr. Kizer was a peasant's son and in addition to a knowledge of farming, he learned the wagoner's and butcher's trades. At the age of 17 Mr. Kizer passed a military examination, the requirements being physical perfection and a stature of 5 feet 4 inches. The physician who examined Mr. Kizer opened the latter's shirt at the throat and looking at him intently said, "You'll live to be as old as the rocks themselves."
Owing to a slight disfigurement of the face, caused by the kick of an army horse, Mr. Kizer was released from military service before the expiration of the required time.
In the village of Mulhoussen, five miles from Verna, lived the Walderholdts. Old Mr. Walderholdt was fatally ill. He had a large family of small children and the wife and mother was greatly concerned for their welfare. But the old man said, "Don't worry, don't worry – send for one of the Kizer boys; he can take care of you." And so, John Kizer was installed in the Walerholdt home. The debts were all paid in less than a year.
The Walderholdts had a daughter named Martha, who possessed a sweet voice and was one of the best musicians of Verna. And there it was that John Kizer loved and married Martha Walderholdt. That was March 3rd, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Kizer continued to live in Germany for more than ten years, but he couldn't endure the thought of his boys growing up to give the best years of their lives to the services of the Emperor. He thought of free America, and determined to leave his fatherland for this new land of promise. And with his wife and six children, emigrated to America in 1851. Arriving in New York, the Kizers came by rail west to Buffalo. From there they came in wagons to Germantown, Ind.
When Mr. Kizer arrived at Germantown he could not speak English. A German of that village offered him a part of his house to store his goods until a home be found. The German told Mr. Kizer anything the latter cared to place in the house would be safe. Mr. Kizer was a well-to-do man in Germany. At New York he exchanged his money for our gold, which he placed in a stout leather belt. It was so heavy it became a great burden to him. His wife wore it part of the time to relieve him. Having confidence in his Germany friend the belt was stored in a chest with the rest of their goods. A few weeks later the German disappeared. Mr. Kizer went to look for his belt of gold. It had also disappeared. The emigrant was thrown upon his own resources. His first work in this country was to help thresh wheat by horse power. At Germantown he engaged in the pork packing business. With a common shovel he helped to load the cars with gravel for the construction of the Panhandle railroad from Richmond to Indianapolis.
When Mr. Kizer moved to Rush county he lived just southwest of Carthage. His corn crop had to be cut before it matured in order to make way for the building of the pike to Walnut Ridge. He helped to build all the turnpikes radiating from Carthage.
The old Knightstown and Carthage toll road, which only a few years ago became a free pike, was one of these. Mr. Kizer would cradle wheat all day for his neighbors and shock wheat after night. Mr. Kizer's record in any work he did was the best.
The Kizers moved to their present home in 1887. Mrs. Kizer, who was born Jan. 7th, 1816, died March 6th, 1897. To them were born nine children, four of whom are living – all in or near Carthage. Mr. Kizer is the oldest man in the county. He still has his wedding shirt finished with fine hand embroidery.
(Rushville Republican, Rushville, Indiana, Tuesday, March 7, 1905)
CARTHAGE MAN HAS A HISTORY
John Kizer, Aged Resident, Was Born in Germany in Year 1808
The Indianapolis Star of Sunday contained the following concerning John Kizer, of Carthage, this county;
John Kizer, who claims to be one of the oldest Hoosiers, was born Dec. 16, 1808, in Verna, near the city of Hesse Cassel, the capital of Kur Hessen, in central Germany. That country had compulsory educational laws, and during the school year the lad attended every day, including Saturdays, from the time he was 6 to 14 years of age. Mr. Kizer was a peasant's son and in addition to a knowledge of farming, he learned the wagoner's and butcher's trades. At the age of 17 Mr. Kizer passed a military examination, the requirements being physical perfection and a stature of 5 feet 4 inches. The physician who examined Mr. Kizer opened the latter's shirt at the throat and looking at him intently said, "You'll live to be as old as the rocks themselves."
Owing to a slight disfigurement of the face, caused by the kick of an army horse, Mr. Kizer was released from military service before the expiration of the required time.
In the village of Mulhoussen, five miles from Verna, lived the Walderholdts. Old Mr. Walderholdt was fatally ill. He had a large family of small children and the wife and mother was greatly concerned for their welfare. But the old man said, "Don't worry, don't worry – send for one of the Kizer boys; he can take care of you." And so, John Kizer was installed in the Walerholdt home. The debts were all paid in less than a year.
The Walderholdts had a daughter named Martha, who possessed a sweet voice and was one of the best musicians of Verna. And there it was that John Kizer loved and married Martha Walderholdt. That was March 3rd, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Kizer continued to live in Germany for more than ten years, but he couldn't endure the thought of his boys growing up to give the best years of their lives to the services of the Emperor. He thought of free America, and determined to leave his fatherland for this new land of promise. And with his wife and six children, emigrated to America in 1851. Arriving in New York, the Kizers came by rail west to Buffalo. From there they came in wagons to Germantown, Ind.
When Mr. Kizer arrived at Germantown he could not speak English. A German of that village offered him a part of his house to store his goods until a home be found. The German told Mr. Kizer anything the latter cared to place in the house would be safe. Mr. Kizer was a well-to-do man in Germany. At New York he exchanged his money for our gold, which he placed in a stout leather belt. It was so heavy it became a great burden to him. His wife wore it part of the time to relieve him. Having confidence in his Germany friend the belt was stored in a chest with the rest of their goods. A few weeks later the German disappeared. Mr. Kizer went to look for his belt of gold. It had also disappeared. The emigrant was thrown upon his own resources. His first work in this country was to help thresh wheat by horse power. At Germantown he engaged in the pork packing business. With a common shovel he helped to load the cars with gravel for the construction of the Panhandle railroad from Richmond to Indianapolis.
When Mr. Kizer moved to Rush county he lived just southwest of Carthage. His corn crop had to be cut before it matured in order to make way for the building of the pike to Walnut Ridge. He helped to build all the turnpikes radiating from Carthage.
The old Knightstown and Carthage toll road, which only a few years ago became a free pike, was one of these. Mr. Kizer would cradle wheat all day for his neighbors and shock wheat after night. Mr. Kizer's record in any work he did was the best.
The Kizers moved to their present home in 1887. Mrs. Kizer, who was born Jan. 7th, 1816, died March 6th, 1897. To them were born nine children, four of whom are living – all in or near Carthage. Mr. Kizer is the oldest man in the county. He still has his wedding shirt finished with fine hand embroidery.
(Rushville Republican, Rushville, Indiana, Tuesday, March 7, 1905)
Thanks to Find-a-Grave contributor Christy West Alchermes #47949707 for the following. This newspaper article was published shortly before his death.
CARTHAGE MAN HAS A HISTORY
John Kizer, Aged Resident, Was Born in Germany in Year 1808
The Indianapolis Star of Sunday contained the following concerning John Kizer, of Carthage, this county;
John Kizer, who claims to be one of the oldest Hoosiers, was born Dec. 16, 1808, in Verna, near the city of Hesse Cassel, the capital of Kur Hessen, in central Germany. That country had compulsory educational laws, and during the school year the lad attended every day, including Saturdays, from the time he was 6 to 14 years of age. Mr. Kizer was a peasant's son and in addition to a knowledge of farming, he learned the wagoner's and butcher's trades. At the age of 17 Mr. Kizer passed a military examination, the requirements being physical perfection and a stature of 5 feet 4 inches. The physician who examined Mr. Kizer opened the latter's shirt at the throat and looking at him intently said, "You'll live to be as old as the rocks themselves."
Owing to a slight disfigurement of the face, caused by the kick of an army horse, Mr. Kizer was released from military service before the expiration of the required time.
In the village of Mulhoussen, five miles from Verna, lived the Walderholdts. Old Mr. Walderholdt was fatally ill. He had a large family of small children and the wife and mother was greatly concerned for their welfare. But the old man said, "Don't worry, don't worry – send for one of the Kizer boys; he can take care of you." And so, John Kizer was installed in the Walerholdt home. The debts were all paid in less than a year.
The Walderholdts had a daughter named Martha, who possessed a sweet voice and was one of the best musicians of Verna. And there it was that John Kizer loved and married Martha Walderholdt. That was March 3rd, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Kizer continued to live in Germany for more than ten years, but he couldn't endure the thought of his boys growing up to give the best years of their lives to the services of the Emperor. He thought of free America, and determined to leave his fatherland for this new land of promise. And with his wife and six children, emigrated to America in 1851. Arriving in New York, the Kizers came by rail west to Buffalo. From there they came in wagons to Germantown, Ind.
When Mr. Kizer arrived at Germantown he could not speak English. A German of that village offered him a part of his house to store his goods until a home be found. The German told Mr. Kizer anything the latter cared to place in the house would be safe. Mr. Kizer was a well-to-do man in Germany. At New York he exchanged his money for our gold, which he placed in a stout leather belt. It was so heavy it became a great burden to him. His wife wore it part of the time to relieve him. Having confidence in his Germany friend the belt was stored in a chest with the rest of their goods. A few weeks later the German disappeared. Mr. Kizer went to look for his belt of gold. It had also disappeared. The emigrant was thrown upon his own resources. His first work in this country was to help thresh wheat by horse power. At Germantown he engaged in the pork packing business. With a common shovel he helped to load the cars with gravel for the construction of the Panhandle railroad from Richmond to Indianapolis.
When Mr. Kizer moved to Rush county he lived just southwest of Carthage. His corn crop had to be cut before it matured in order to make way for the building of the pike to Walnut Ridge. He helped to build all the turnpikes radiating from Carthage.
The old Knightstown and Carthage toll road, which only a few years ago became a free pike, was one of these. Mr. Kizer would cradle wheat all day for his neighbors and shock wheat after night. Mr. Kizer's record in any work he did was the best.
The Kizers moved to their present home in 1887. Mrs. Kizer, who was born Jan. 7th, 1816, died March 6th, 1897. To them were born nine children, four of whom are living – all in or near Carthage. Mr. Kizer is the oldest man in the county. He still has his wedding shirt finished with fine hand embroidery.
(Rushville Republican, Rushville, Indiana, Tuesday, March 7, 1905)
CARTHAGE MAN HAS A HISTORY
John Kizer, Aged Resident, Was Born in Germany in Year 1808
The Indianapolis Star of Sunday contained the following concerning John Kizer, of Carthage, this county;
John Kizer, who claims to be one of the oldest Hoosiers, was born Dec. 16, 1808, in Verna, near the city of Hesse Cassel, the capital of Kur Hessen, in central Germany. That country had compulsory educational laws, and during the school year the lad attended every day, including Saturdays, from the time he was 6 to 14 years of age. Mr. Kizer was a peasant's son and in addition to a knowledge of farming, he learned the wagoner's and butcher's trades. At the age of 17 Mr. Kizer passed a military examination, the requirements being physical perfection and a stature of 5 feet 4 inches. The physician who examined Mr. Kizer opened the latter's shirt at the throat and looking at him intently said, "You'll live to be as old as the rocks themselves."
Owing to a slight disfigurement of the face, caused by the kick of an army horse, Mr. Kizer was released from military service before the expiration of the required time.
In the village of Mulhoussen, five miles from Verna, lived the Walderholdts. Old Mr. Walderholdt was fatally ill. He had a large family of small children and the wife and mother was greatly concerned for their welfare. But the old man said, "Don't worry, don't worry – send for one of the Kizer boys; he can take care of you." And so, John Kizer was installed in the Walerholdt home. The debts were all paid in less than a year.
The Walderholdts had a daughter named Martha, who possessed a sweet voice and was one of the best musicians of Verna. And there it was that John Kizer loved and married Martha Walderholdt. That was March 3rd, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Kizer continued to live in Germany for more than ten years, but he couldn't endure the thought of his boys growing up to give the best years of their lives to the services of the Emperor. He thought of free America, and determined to leave his fatherland for this new land of promise. And with his wife and six children, emigrated to America in 1851. Arriving in New York, the Kizers came by rail west to Buffalo. From there they came in wagons to Germantown, Ind.
When Mr. Kizer arrived at Germantown he could not speak English. A German of that village offered him a part of his house to store his goods until a home be found. The German told Mr. Kizer anything the latter cared to place in the house would be safe. Mr. Kizer was a well-to-do man in Germany. At New York he exchanged his money for our gold, which he placed in a stout leather belt. It was so heavy it became a great burden to him. His wife wore it part of the time to relieve him. Having confidence in his Germany friend the belt was stored in a chest with the rest of their goods. A few weeks later the German disappeared. Mr. Kizer went to look for his belt of gold. It had also disappeared. The emigrant was thrown upon his own resources. His first work in this country was to help thresh wheat by horse power. At Germantown he engaged in the pork packing business. With a common shovel he helped to load the cars with gravel for the construction of the Panhandle railroad from Richmond to Indianapolis.
When Mr. Kizer moved to Rush county he lived just southwest of Carthage. His corn crop had to be cut before it matured in order to make way for the building of the pike to Walnut Ridge. He helped to build all the turnpikes radiating from Carthage.
The old Knightstown and Carthage toll road, which only a few years ago became a free pike, was one of these. Mr. Kizer would cradle wheat all day for his neighbors and shock wheat after night. Mr. Kizer's record in any work he did was the best.
The Kizers moved to their present home in 1887. Mrs. Kizer, who was born Jan. 7th, 1816, died March 6th, 1897. To them were born nine children, four of whom are living – all in or near Carthage. Mr. Kizer is the oldest man in the county. He still has his wedding shirt finished with fine hand embroidery.
(Rushville Republican, Rushville, Indiana, Tuesday, March 7, 1905)
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