This is an attempt to help to know who we are,
and remember where we came from; these are the "Roots" that have
nourished our blossoming trees, allowing us to grow. It is dedicated to
all who have paved the roads for us, and the world we live in.
If any errors are found I would like to correct them, or if you would just like
to tell me about the ancestors you found here, please contact me at: jerrygarrison@yahoo.com
. I do try and reply to all who write. This revision may have
changed a search engine referral page; if so, please
Charles H. Lehr, auditor of Marshall count}', is a native of St. Joseph county, Ind., and the eldest of fifteen children born to Samuel and Malinda (Guiselman) Lehr, both natives of Ohio, the father born in Stark county, and the mother in New Paris. The subject's ancestors came originally from Germany, and were among the substantial pioneers of Ohio, in which state Samuel
MARSHALL COUNTY. 185
Lehr grew to manhood. He was a farmer by occupation, and in connection with agricultural pursuits, followed carpentering, which he learned in his younger days. Charles H. Lehr came to Marshall county with his parents when three years of age and was raised on a farm four and one-half miles east of Bremen. He was deprived of educational advantages until his eleventh year, after which he attended two or three terms in the pioneer log school-house, but did not make very great progress in his studies. He has been an intelligent observer, however, and by coming in contact with his fellow men in business and official capacities, has obtained a practical knowledge such as schools and colleges do not impart. He remained under the parental roof until seventeen years of age, at which time he began life upon his own responsibility as a moulder in the town of Bremen, but at the expiration of three months he abandoned this trade and engaged as fireman on a saw-mill. He afterward became head sawyer, a position he held during the winter season for several years, working during the summer season at the carpenter's trade. At the age of nineteen he responded to the country's call for volunteers, enlisting August i, 1861, in Company K, Twenty-ninth regiment, Indiana infantry, which formed a part of the army of the Cumberland. He was with his command in all of its varied experiences until honorably discharged, November 6, 1864, and during his period of service took part in a number of the bloodiest engagements of the war, including the battle of Shiloh, where his cartridge box and canteen were shot away and his clothing
pierced by a number of bullets. After the siege of Corinth he marched across Mississippi and Alabama, and later on a retreat to Louisville, marching from Bowling Green to Louisville, he suffered great privations, becoming shoeless and being compelled to clothe his feet with rags in order to keep them from being lacerated by the stones upon the highway. To give a full account of Mr. Lehr's army experience would require an elaborately filled volume, but suffice it to say, that his record while in the service is without a blemish, and he earned the reputation of a brave and gallant soldier. After his discharge, he returned to Bremen, and the following spring engaged in carpentering and
building, and was also head sawyer on a large mill during a part of the year. In 1870 he began journeyman work at cabinetmaking, in which he became quite skillful and which he followed for a period of several years. He was elected justice of the peace in 1872, the duties of which office he discharged for eight years, and in the meantime he was elected town clerk of Bremen, a position he filled with credit for about seven years. He was for several years engaged in the saw-milling business, which in the main was very remunerative, although he met with several reverses. He has been active in politics since 1S68, having served
1 86 HISTORY OF INDIANA.
twelve years on the democratic central committee where his abilities won for him recognition among the leaders of his party in Marshall county. He was for four years deputy auditor, and in i8S6 was his party's nominee for auditor, to which he was elected by the average majority. As a public official, Mr. Lehr has been quite popular with the people, and under his management the business of the office has been conducted with efficiency and dispatch. He is a member of the Masonic order and the G. A. R., in which he has served as commander of the post. In the Masonic fraternity he has served as master for a number of years, besides holding all other stations in the Blue lodge, and having been honored as representative member to the Grand lodge at Mays, [868, to Miss Ellen Carnahan, daughter of David and Sarah three different sessions. His marriage was solemnized May (Ringle) Carnahan. Mrs. Lehr was born in Armstrong county, Penn., and when five years of age accompanied her parents to Iowa, in which state her father died. The mother subsequently settled in Marshall county, and later moved to La Porte county where Mrs. Lehr was living at the time of her marriage. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lehr: Cora A., Norman Edward, Hattie B., and Melinda A.
This page was made possible through the help of many
people.
First, and foremost, I want to thank my ancestors, without whom I wouldn't be
here, and without whom I wouldn't be the same person I am. Second, all of the
people on the Kitch-L list who
have helped and given encouragement, but especially for the major contributions
by Linda (Antram) Smith and Tom Kitch; these two furnished both inspiration and
names and dates, as well as a sounding board for my ideas. In addition I
have had help and support from too many others to name here. It is
appreciated, and as long as we keep living, our genealogy will continue growing.
