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Author: sargentsandtowles
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Classification: queries
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http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.indiana.counties...
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My grandfather, A.W. Moehlmann lived in Linton and wrote about some of the old timers in
the area. There is nothing about John, but he did write a little on his son Ira. Here is
what he wrote:
From the writings of Alfred W. Moehlmann, Sr.
1962 - Old Timers
Ira (Busse) Adams - Orchard man, just south of Fairview Cemetery and was custodian there
for many years. Also grew many kinds of berries. Had a few sheep. Started the wood stove
silo business in the community. A great story teller. Operated a cheese factory with
Henry Duhne. Also had a big cider mill on the Letterman farm. A devoted churchman at the
Olive Branch church. His wife [Tillie Bovenschen] a wonderful cake baker. Visited them
many times. Two sons, Walter and Alvin (Baily) and a daughter Fern (Mrs. Isaac Beasley,
Jr.).
1966 - Faded Out Early Businesses and Industry In and Around Linton
Also before the turn of the century there was a Cheese Factory located on Fairview Road.
Its exact location I am not quite sure of but it was on either the Henry Duhne or Ira
Adams farm. It was run by these two men. I have no information as to what kind of cheese
they made but very likely the common brand in those days - brick and cream. When they
quit their operation (about 1900) they cut the building in two parts - one part of it was
attached to Mr. Adams two room house (now first house south of cemetery) and the other
part Mr. Duhne made some sort of out building and when you drive south from the cemetery
you can notice it because of a regular house window facing north.
In the early 1900's (1900-1906) there was a big Cider Mill or press located a short
ways east of Fairview Cemetery on the Letterman farm near where the house now stands.
When I saw it, it was operated in the fall of the year. When I saw it Ira Adams ran this
mill. It was not one of those small hand mills but horse power was used. A big grinding
machine to grind the apples in a pulp was rigged with a boom that horses pulled going
round and round in a circle. The pulp was then put in huge presses and pressed the juice
or cider out of the pulp. My only recollection is that I went there one evening with
William (Bill) Kramer, who took a wagon load of apples to be pressed and I remember he had
two barrels to hold the cider - how full they were I don't recall. Most of this cider
was left to ferment into vinegar and farmers would peddle it out in Linton and even some
taken to Terre Haute to sell. This was a busy enterprise and wagons would stand in line,
Hope you enjoy.
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