Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Page 715

JOHN HILGEMANN

A prosperous and progressive agriculturist of Adams County, John Hilgemann is a well-known and highly esteemed resident of Preble Township, where his fine and well appointed farm give substantial evidence of the excellent care and skill with which it is managed. A son of William Hilgemann, he was born in Preble Township, December 4, 1887, and was here brought up and educated.

The birth of William Hilgemann occurred in Adams County, Indiana, May 31, 1845. Starting as a farmer on his own account, he first purchased eighty acres of land in Preble Township, and began the improvement of a homestead. Industrious, enterprising and thrifty, he succeeded in his undertakings, and subsequently bought other nearby land, and on the homestead which he cleared and improved he and his wife are living in peace and plenty. Both are faithful members of the Reformed Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Lesitia Lammert, was born in Germany, and as a small child crossed the ocean with her parents, coming to Indiana with them. Seven children were born to Mr. And Mrs. Hilgemann, as follows: Martin, Lydia, Annie, Martha, Ida, John and Emma.

When ready to settle in life, John Hilgemann received as a gift seventy-seven acres of the parental homestead, and has since managed it with unquestioned success. Having by means of thrift accumulated considerable means, he invested in other lands, buying, January 15, 1911, eighty acres adjoining his own property, and is now the owner of a rich and finely-managed farm of 157 acres, in the improvements of which he takes pride and pleasure. In addition to carrying on general farming, Mr. Hilgemann is interested to some extend in stock raising, although he does not specialize in that branch of industry.

On June 15, 1912, Mr. Hilgemann was united in marriage with Miss Lena Worthman, a daughter of Lewis and Sophia Worthman, who were the parents of seven other children, namely: Martin, Louis J.; Ernest; Matthew, who is studying for the ministry; Manda; Edward, a clergyman; and Ellen. Mr. And Mrs. Hilgemann have one child, Emma, born in 1914. In politics Mr. Hilgemann is independent, voting for the best men and measures, regardless of party restrictions. He and his wife are both members of the Reformed Church.