Wayne County Biographies



Part of the Indiana Biographies Project



H. H. Meerhoff

H. H. Meerhoff, wholesale and retail gas and steam fitter, and dealer in gas fixtures and all kinds of iron and wood pumps, iron and lead pipe, drive wells, sewer pipe, etc., Richmond, Ind., was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1829, a son of John H. and Anna E. Meerhoff. His father died in 1832, and his mother in 1833. They had two children — Ellen M., now the widow of Chris. Reitmann, of Cincinnati, and our subject. The latter came to America in 1848, his sister having preceded him in 1845. He reached Cincinnati on Christmas day, and soon after obtained employment at his trade, steam and gas fitting. In 1866 he removed to Oxford, Ohio, and the next year to Richmond. Since 1868 he has been located at No. 9 South Ninth street, and is now one of the oldest steam fitters in the State, and has gained a reputation second to none. He received a common-school education in Germany, and after coming to America attended evening school to obtain a knowledge of English. He has accumulated a good library and is well read on all subjects of importance. He is a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and has filled several important offices. He is a member of Hermann Lodge, No. 199, I. O. O. F., Washing Lodge, No. 6, A. P. A., and Osceola Tribe, I. O. E. M. Mr. Meerhoff was married in 1851 to Elizabeth Strantker, a native of Hanover, Germany, born in 1826. They have had a family of eight children, six of whom are living.

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