Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
David J. Hoerner
One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful business men who ever lived in Richmond was the late David J. Hoerner. Few men have been more prominent or widely known in this enterprising city than was he. In business circles he was an important factor and his popularity was well deserved, for in him were embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flagged. He was public-spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of Richmond, and for many years he was numbered among its most valued and honored citizens.
A native of Germany, Mr. Hoerner was born in Waldenburg, February 12, 1830. His parents spent their entire lives there, the father dying during the early childhood of our subject and thus leaving to his wife the care of their little son and daughter. The latter, grown to womanhood, became Mrs. Christina Rist, and is now a resident of Dayton, Ohio. At an early age David J. Hoerner began preparation for the ministry, pursuing his studies in Stuttgart until after he had attained his majority, but his financial circumstances were limited, and finding it very difficult to meet his expenses he followed his uncles's advice to abandon his studies and take up some trade. Accordingly he began learning the baker's trade, beginning his apprenticeship in the Fatherland. In 1854, however, he determined to try his fortune in America, and crossing the Atlantic took up his residence in Dayton, Ohio, where he completed his apprenticeship in the bakery establishment of the firm of Bosler & Bowman.
In 1855 Mr. Hoerner removed to Richmond, where he began business on his own account, establishing the second enterprise of the kind in the city, his predecessor being William Mason. He began operations on a small scale at No. 13 South Fifth street, but his trade constantly increased in volume and importance until it had assumed extensive proportions. The quality of his goods, his evident desire to please his patrons, and his straightforward dealings won him a very marked success, and for many years he maintained the leadership in his line in this section of the state. During the war, in 1862 and 1863, he furnished bread and other bakery goods for over one thousand soldiers. He was one of the first cracker manufacturers of Richmond. These goods were at first made by hand, but after a time, owing to the great demand, he increased his facilities by putting in the most improved machinery used in the manufacture of crackers, and his trade was then extended over many of the adjoining states. He carried on a general bakery business, and prosperity attended his well directed efforts. He was solicited to join the United States Baking Company when the great combine was formed, but refused, and carried on an independent business until 1893, when he retired, being succeeded in the enterprise by his son, John J., who is still carrying on the business at the old headquarters.
Mr. Hoerner was a man of excellent business and executive ability, of keen discrimination, sound judgment and capable management. He did not limit his efforts to one line of business, but encouraged many enterprises that promoted the commercial activity of the city and promoted some by his financial assistance and his advice. He was at one time a large stockholder and a director in the Richmond National Bank, which for a considerable period was one of the substantial institutions of the city, but which afterward failed, Mr. Hoerner losing considerable money thereby. He was also one of the organizers of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company, was chosen its first president, and served in that capacity until his death. His reputation in all trade transactions was above question, and to an unusual degree he enjoyed the confidence and regard of those with whom he was brought in contact through business dealings.
In 1855 Mr. Hoerner was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Markwart, a native of Germany, but at the time of her marriage a resident of Dayton, Ohio. They had two sons, Charles, who is now living in Richmond; and David, who died in early manhood in the west. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Hoerner was again married, in 1860, his second union being with Miss Catherine Leab, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born in 1839. Her parents, John and Christina Leab, were both natives of Germany, the father born in the city of Nurttengen and the mother in Phulinga. Coming to the United States in 1830, they located in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Centerville, Indiana, in 1853, and finally came to Richmond, where the father died in 1877, and the mother in 18S1. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoerner were born eight children, of whom two died in infancy. The others are Mrs. R. D. Sherman, of Chicago; Mrs. Robert Jenkins, deceased; Mrs. Cassius C. Beall; John J., Mrs. Charles Bradway; and Mary C, who is living with her mother. With the exception of Mrs. Sherman the surviving children are residents of Richmond, and the family is one of prominence in the community, the members holding enviable positions in social circles.
In his political connections Mr. Hoerner was always an ardent Republican, and took a deep interest in local political affairs, but was never an aspirant for office. He held membership in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church, and socially was connected with Harmony Lodge, I. O. O. F.; Webb Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and the German Benevolent Society. He was always loyal to his duties of citizenship, and in many ways aided in advancing the measures and movements which promoted the city's welfare. He was a man of deep sympathies and broad humanitarian principles, faithful to his friends and devoted to his family. In 1892, accompanied by his wife, he went abroad, visiting the principal cities of France, England and Germany, also the places of historic interest, and the beautiful scenes for which those countries are famed. He passed away November 9, 1895, but those who knew him still cherish as a sacred treasure the memory of his friendship. Mrs. Hoerner and her youngest daughter reside in the pleasant family home in Richmond, left to her by her husband. She is a lady of culture and social grace, and the hospitality of her home is enjoyed by many friends.
Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899