Wayne County Biographies



Part of the Indiana Biographies Project



Jacob Getz

In the history of the business interests of Richmond the name of Jacob Getz cannot be omitted, for through many years he was one of the leading merchants of the city, progressive, enterprising and persevering. Such qualities always win success, sooner or later, and to Mr. Getz they brought a handsome competence as the reward of his well directed efforts.

A native of the Fatherland, he was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 1, 1832, his parents being John and Mary Getz, who spent their entire lives in that kingdom. Their family numbered five children. At an early age Jacob Getz was left an orphan and received no patrimony, for his father was in limited circumstances. His educational privileges were therefore meager, as in early life he was thrown upon his own resources. He worked at various kinds of employment that would yield him an honest liviug, until at length he resolved to try his fortune in America, and in 1854 crossed the Atlantic to the United States. He first located in New Jersey, where he made his home for three years, going thence to Ohio in 1857. The following year he came to Richmond, Indiana, where he resided until his death. He was employed in the oil mill until the spring of 1861, but at that time he put aside all personal considerations in order to respond to the call of his adopted country for aid. The trouble between the north and south had at length resulted in hostilities and he resolved to strike a blow in defense of the Union. On the 20th of April, he joined the command of Captain M. M. Lacey, which became Company D, Eighth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. He served for three months, and was then honorably discharged August 5, 1861, but on the 28th of the same month he re-enlisted in Company C, Second Indiana Cavalry, for three years under Captain Joseph W. Starr, holding the rank of corporal. He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Vinegar Hill, and others, and was honorably discharged October 4, 1864. He was a brave and loyal soldier, ever found at his post of duty in the faithful discharge of the task assigned to him. In the thickest of the fight he never faltered, and with an honorable military record he returned to his home.

In the fall of 1864 Mr. Getz again began work in the oil mill, and the fact that he was given his old position is an unmistakable evidence of his ability and trustworthiness. He continued there for seven years, or until 1871, when he opened a grocery store at No. 829 North Tenth street, where he remained until 1892, when he retired to private life, turning over the business to his son John, who still conducts the store. He was a successful merchant and built up a large trade by reason of his honorable methods, his earnest desire to please his patrons and the good line of stable and fancy groceries which he carried. He was industrious, economical and discriminating, and his prosperity was well merited.

On the Sth of November, 1866, Mr. Getz was united in marriage to Settie Scheibler, a native of Switzerland and a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Scheibler, who spent their entire lives in that country. She came to America in 1855 with her brother John, and resided in Hagerstown, Wayne county, until 1861, since which time she has made her home in Richmond. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Getz were born four children, two of whom died in infancy. The living are John J. and Clara E. The former conducts the grocery store and the latter is at home with her mother.

In politics Mr. Getz was a Democrat but took no active part in the work of the party, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests. He was a consistent and devout Christian, and saw in his deliverance from death in battle and triumph over many obstacles the protection of the Divine Hand. He was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church, served as elder for many years, contributed liberally to its support, and was a most active worker in its behalf. He was also an esteemed member of Harmony Lodge, L O. O. F., and of the German Benevolent Society. He died November 17, 1895, and the community mourned the loss of one of its progressive men and patriotic citizens, his associates a faithful friend, and his family a loving husband and father. His hopes of gaining a comfortable living in America was not only realized but to his family he left a very desirable competence. Mrs. Getz still occupies the old home at No. 829 North Tenth street. In 1891 she visited Europe, went to England and France and thence to Switzerland, where she visited her three sisters and a brother. She then traveled through the principal cities and places of interest in Germany, after which she returned home. She crossed the Atlantic with Mr. and Mrs. David Horner, but made the return trip alone. She and her family are members of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church, and are most highly esteemed in Richmond.

Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899





Jacob Getz was born in Wirtemberg, Germany, in December, 1832, a son of John and Mary Getz. His parents were in limited circumstances, and being one of five children, his educational advantages were meager. His parents died when he was qnite young, and in 1854 he came to America and settled in New Jersey. In 1857 he removed to Ohio, and in 1858 to Richmond, Ind. He worked in the oil-mill till 1861, when he enlisted in Company D, Eighth Indiana Infantry, for three months. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted for three years in Company C, Second Indiana Cavalry. He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Vinegar Hill and Gallitan. In the fall of 1864 he returned home and again went to work in the oil-mill, remaining there seven years. He then opened a grocery and provision store at No. 829 North Tenth street, where he is doing a good business. He was married in 1866 to Setta Sheibler. They have two children — John J. and Clara E. Mr. and Mrs. Getz are members of the St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He is a member of the Odd Fellow's order and the German Benevolent Society.

Source:
History of Wayne County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884. Volume 2