Frederick Knefler served in the Union Army in the U.S. Civil War, joining as a first lieutenant in May 1861. He served as a staff officer and as colonel of the 79th Indiana Infantry Regiment and an acting brigade commander. In 1866, he was nominated and confirmed for appointment to the grade of brevet brigadier general of volunteers, to rank from March 13, 1865.

John Hanna was a United States Representative and United States Attorney from Indiana.