Samuel Deitch, deceased, was one of the leading citizens of Franklin, Johnson County, Ind., and his prominence entitles him to a place in a work of this character. He was born in Alsace, a province of France, now belonging to Germany, in 1811, and emigrated to America in 1847, and came direct to Franklin from New Orleans, to join two of his brothers, Joseph and Felix, who were for years residents of Franklin, but are now citizens of Indianapolis. Upon coming to Franklin he engaged in stock and other trading, and later engaged in merchandising for about ten years. After that he traded in stock, buying and selling horses and buggies, and later dealt in real estate extensively. When he came to Franklin he possessed only $80 in money, and as evidence of his prosperity and good financial ability, it is only necessary to state that he left an estate valued at about $50,000. He was united in marriage on March 3, 1850, to C. L. Lowe, who was born in Johnson County, Ind., on October 21, 1829, and is the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Wetzel, who were among the pioneers of Johnson County. To this union one daughter, Sarah C., was born, and the widow and one daughter are the only survivors.