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The Ploenges family was one of many German families who emigrated from Prussia to the Unites States in the 1800's.
Located on the border of Marion and Hancock Counties, the Ploenges and other Prussian family farms in the area
prospered. Also in this region of central Indiana where other German families with the name as:
Holzhausen Wulf Mithhoffer Meir Bodensick Prange Franke Cook Schutt Weise Koch Mussing Kruse Harting Welling Kleine Ostermier
The Ploenges migrated from Westphalia to
the United States. (source Emma Ploenges daughter in law Carol Wulf)
Westphalia is roughly the region between the rivers Rhine and Weser, located north of the Ruhr river. No exact definition of borders can be given, because the name "Westphalia" was applied to several different entities in history.
Originally Westphalia was a part of the duchy of Saxony, until it was elevated to the rank of a duchy by emperor Barbarossa in 1180. This duchy comprised only a small area south of the Lippe River.
There was a kingdom of Westphalia from 1807 to 1813. It was founded by Napoleon and was a French vassal state.This state only shared the name with the historical region, it contained mostly Hessian and Eastphalian regions and only a relatively small part of Westphalia.
Afterwards Westphalia became a province of Prussia. The northernmost portions of the former Westphalia, including
the town of Osnabrück, were ceded to the states of Hanover and Oldenburg.
See Westphalia for more information.
The Ploenges family lived in Marion County Indiana, but the farm was in both Marion and Hancock County Indiana,
located at 30th Street and County Line Road outside Cumberland Indiana.
On November 27 2004, I met with Nell Lines, granddaughter to Maria Christine Ploenges. From this meeting the Harting
Family history document provided information, and many photos.
In the 1960 through the 1980's, our area was not heavily populated. I used to cut Andy's grass in the mid 1970's.
It was a job many kids in the neighborhood had performed. My older brother cut his grass, and my younger brother
cut his grass. I also cut the Prange's grass on Cumberland road.
Andy used to tell us that he was born in a log cabin in the back area of his farm. Mike Hampton remembers this
and said he thought it was the old foundation behind the barn.
The Ploenges attended St Johns Evangelical Church (German Church & US 40) Cumberland Indiana and most are buried
there. Anton and Verna (Welling) Plonges attended Amity United Methodist Church (6042 West 100 N Road) since the
Wellings lived in Mt. Comfort. Vernas parents attended Methodist Episcopal church of Mt. Comfort - see Richmond
biograpghies.
In the 1920's and 1930's, the St Johns Evangelical Church held church picnics in the Ploenges woods adjoining their
farm.
During WWI, Louis and Edward both joined the service. Louis received his notice that he was to go overseas. When
Edward found this out, he immediately requested to go overseas as well, but he did not. Louis died during WWI.
- Nell Lines 2004
Please sign the guest book. - As Vernie Ploenges used to say: "Many, many thanks!"
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I read of a man who stood to speak, at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone; from the beginning...to the end. He noted that first came her date of birth, and spoke the following date with tears. But he said what mattered most of all, was the dash between those years. (1934-1998) For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth... And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own; The cars...the house...the cash, What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard... Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real, and always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more, and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile.. Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.