My Genealogy Hound

Andrew A. Schenk, successful merchant, influential citizen, and treasurer of Posey county, is a native of the city of Mt. Vernon, where he was born on April 8, 1857, the son of Eberhardt P. and Margaret (Deig) Schenk. The family was founded in Indiana by Frank Schenk, a native of Germany, who came to Posey county in January, 1837, and located on land in Marrs township. He died in 1846 and his wife in 1872. They were the parents of Eberhardt P. Schenk, who was born in Germany, in 1821, and who obtained a good education in that country. His early life was passed on his father’s farm. In 1847 he settled on a farm of his own in Marrs township, which he operated profitably. In 1855 he with his brother, Frank Schenk, built the Union Hotel on the southeast corner of Main and Second streets, which they conducted until 1861, when Eberhardt P. sold his interest and returned to his farm in Black township, resumed its operation and continued farming there until his death. Mr. Schenk was an active and influential factor in the political life of Posey county, a Democrat, and served acceptably as county commissioner for several years. He married Margaret Deig in 1847. They were the parents of the following children, viz.: Mary Ann (deceased), Catherine, Frank P., Andrew A., the subject of this article, Barbara, Margaret (deceased), and Elizabeth. The parents were communicants of the Catholic church, and the family were reared in that faith. Andrew A. Schenk was reared on his father’s farm and educated in the schools of Marrs township. On attaining his majority he engaged in farming on his own account and remained in this occupation until 1892, when he removed to Mt. Vernon and engaged, in the grocery business. He has since developed one of the most profitable enterprises in this line in the county. He possesses a reputation for honesty and fair dealing which combined with commercial ability of high order has enabled his to accumulate a competence. Like his father, he has been an active factor in the political life of his home township, and later in that of the county. He has ever been a consistent advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, which honored him, in 1910, with nomination to the office of treasurer of Posey county, and elected him by a highly satisfactory majority. He was elected, to succeed himself, in 1912. In the administration of the affairs of this department of the county’s business, Mr. Schenk has given the same close attention to detail which made for his success both as a farmer and merchant. The writer is persuaded to believe that for all round efficiency the office has never had a more able occupant. Mr. Schenk married, on September 18, 1884, Miss Katy Grabert, the daughter of Frederick Grabert, of Black township. They are the parents of five children, who are as follows: Fred E. Schenk, assistant treasurer of Posey county; William C. Schenk, manager of the Schenk grocery store; Carl O. Schenk, Arthur A. Schenk, and Raymond Schenk, the last three named being employed in various capacities in the store owned by their father. The family is popular in their home city, active in its social life, and the Schenk residence on Water street is one of the handsome homes of Mt. Vernon.