USA > Indiana > A History of Indiana from its exploration to 1922 > Part 42
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Newton Kelsay. A resident of Evansville for more than thirty- six years, Newton Kelsay has participated in the city's wonderful growth and development, and has prospered in his undertakings in due proportion with his ability and industry. Manufacturing and banking now holds his interests, and he is known as a leading maker of hames and president of the North Side Bank of Evansville. Mr. Kelsay was born in Warren county, Ohio, March 18, 1850, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah (Heitzman) Kelsay. His grandfather, a native of Scot- land, was the younger son in a titled family, so received a large inheri- tance instead of the family title and estate. When he came to America. prior to the War of the Revolution, he was still a young man and brought with him an immense amount of money. He settled at Fort Stanley, New York, but when the Revolution broke out, the Indians under the English general, Grant, killed his stock, burned his home and other buildings, ruined his crops and destroyed him financially. In the meantime, he had been fighting throughout the Revolution, and during the latter part of the war held a major's commission. When the long conflict ceased, the Government gave him a tract of land, and at first he settled near Cincinnati and prepared to carry on agricul- tural operations, but the climate in that community did not agree with his health, and accordingly he moved to Warren county. During the War of 1812, he commanded the Second Ohio Infantry in the battle in which the Indian chief Tecumseh met his death. Following the
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close of the War of 1812-14 Colonel Kelsay returned to Warren county, where he passed the rest of his life in agricultural pursuits, and died in 1830. A graduate of Oxford, he was well educated, and fre- quently acted as a local preacher, without charge. He was also noted for his great hospitality and his home was the gathering place for those socially inclined for miles around. He was twice married and was the father of thirteen children. Thomas Kelsay was born in Ohio, in 1828, and when his father died was still a minor. An administra- tor was appointed to supervise his wishes, but he sold his share of the estate for $140,000, which was placed in a bank. This bank failed and Mr. Kelsay lost all his inheritance save $700, with which he faced life. In his youth he learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in an Ohio regiment and fought through that struggle. He was a man of progressive spirit and industry and assisted in the building of the Little Miami Railroad, which is now a part of the Pennsylvania system. From small begin- nings he retrieved a large part of his lost fortunes, and when he died, in Oregon, where he was carrying on his business affairs, he was a well-to-do man. He passed away in 1912, at the age of seventy-two years, while Mrs. Kelsay went to her final rest at the age of fifty-six years, in 1903. She was a native of New Jersey and the mother of nine children: John, David, Lydia, Charles, Egbert, Henry, Newton and Frankie, the last named of whom died at the age of seven years. Newton Kelsay was educated in Warren and Clermont counties, in the latter of which he was married and where he served as a black- smith's helper to his father. While his educational facilities were not numerous, he made opportunities for himself, and frequently spent the long evening hours applying himself to self training and improve- ment. In this manner he gained a better education than many lads who had greater advantages. He was likewise far-sighted and pos- sessed of initiative, and eventually began the manufacture of hames. He began in a small way, but his business grew rapidly under his direction, and after sixteen years in Ohio, he found it necessary to come to Evansville, in June, 1887, in order to secure better timber and coal facilities. As a newcomer, Mr. Kelsay was unacquainted with people in his adopted community, and he states at this time that it was necessary for him to get into politics so that he could make himself known. Evidently this method was a good one, for there are few better-known business men at Evansville today. During the thirty- six or more years that he has resided here he has built up a large and prosperous business in the manufacture of his product, which meets with a ready market all over the state and into the surrounding country. He has also formed other profitable connections, being president of the North Side Bank, and a director in a number of lead- ing industrial associations. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, and his civic connections are numerous. January 1, 1872, Mr. Kelsay was united in marriage, in Clermont county, Ohio, with Miss Belle Pierce, of that county, and to this union there have been born two sons: Leroy and Clarence, both of whom are associated with their father in the manufacturing business.
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Edward C. Kerth. At a time when the country is enjoying a period of prosperity, with the attendant building and improvement of housing facilities that always accompany such an era, it is desirable that careful and experienced men be placed in positions in the big cities who can supervise these operations and thereby obviate the danger that accrues from lax methods of construction and maintenance. In this direction the city of Evansville may be said to be fortunate in the possession in the office of city building inspector, of Edward C. Kerth, who has shown himself conscientious in the performances of his duties and alert and active at all times. Mr. Kerth was born February 19, 1885, at Evansville, and is a son of William G. and Anna (Decker) Kerth. His father, who was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1856, was brought as a child by his parents to Evansville, where subsequently he was engaged in the hide and leather business with his father, Thomas Kerth. William G. Kerth, who is now living in retirement at Evans- ville, has been prominent in the civic life of the community, having served as city auditor during the administration of Mayor Goetlet, and as deputy sheriff under Sheriffs Davis, Habbe and Males. Edward C. Kerth attended the graded and high schools of Evansville, and early developed a mastery of the subject of mathematics that was a constant surprise to his instructor. As a result of his experience in business offices, he was able to secure a certificate as a registered architect of the state of Indiana. For some years Mr. Kerth was iden- tified with the firm of George L. Mesker & Company, for which concern he was chief draftsman from 1902 to 1913. In January, 1914, he assumed the duties of city building inspector of Evansville, which he has held ever since, with the exception of a short time during the World war, when he served in the Bureau of Aircraft Production at the Dayton Wright Airplane Company's plant. When the Armistice was signed he returned to his duties, and is conducting the office as though it were his own personal business. This office, in 1916, broke a national record in its work of correction of housing reform. Mr. Kerth belongs to Reed Lodge, No. 316, A. F. & A. M .; Lavalette Com- mandery, K. T .; Hadi Temple of the Mystic Shrine; and the Indiana Society of Engineers. In his political affiliation he is a Democrat. In 1920, Mr. Kerth was united in marriage with Miss Joy Byers, a native of Evansville and a member of a well-known and highly respected family of this city.
Rev. Frederic Ketter. Dealing with the careers of men who have contributed to the upbuilding and prominence of the church is a task which leads through varied avenues of usefulness and gives truth and expression to the fact that those who have done most for their fellow-men and the uplifting of humanity, are the ones who have lived unselfish lives themselves. Few men have made a more favorable impression upon the citizens of Evansville, both for educational ability and for individuality of personal character than has Rev. Frederick Ketter, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Evansville. His his- tory is written in the lives of those who come under his influence and follow his teachings, while in the splendid organization of his church
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are found the ties of mutual interest and devotion which bind him and his people together. Father Ketter was born at Evansville, January 23, 1874, and received his early education in the parochial school of Trinity parish. He then entered St. Meinrad's Seminary, where he studied for ten years, at the end of which time he was ordained a priest of the Catholic church. Father Ketter's first charge was at St. Mary's Church, at Sullivan, Indiana, where he remained one and one- half years, going then to Warrick county, this state, where for six years he was in charge of St. John's church. Going then to Prescott, Indiana, he labored for twelve years, and in July, 1918, was called to Evansville to become pastor of St. Mary's church, at the corner of Cherry and Sixth Streets. The present church edifice was built in 1867, since which time there have been numerous improvements made on the structure and in its interior decorations. The communicants number 1,250 at this time, and the two parochial schools have an attendance of 185 children. Father Ketter is much beloved for the good that he has accomplished, for the example set of a noble Christian manhood ever struggling toward a higher ideal, and for the lesson in patience and unselfishness emitting from his life.
Posey T. Kime. High on the roster of successful attorneys of the younger generation practicing in Vanderburgh county is found the name of Posey T. Kime. While he has been engaged in practice at Evansville for only a comparatively short time, his career having been interrupted by service in the army during the recent World war, he has already established a reputation as an alert, industrious and reliable lawyer, and has attracted to himself a large and representative clientele. Mr. Kime was born at Petersburg, Pike county, Indiana, August 5, 1895, and is a son of John T. and Effa (Posey) Kime. The former was born at Union, Indiana, January 27, 1866, and the latter in Illi- nois, April 24, 1869, and both are descended from ancestors who fought in the patriot forces during the War of the Revolution. Dur- ing his boyhood Posey T. Kime attended the Petersburg public schools and was graduated from the high school. He then enrolled as a stu - dent at Purdue University, where he continued his studies. Decem- ber 10, 1917, he enlisted for service in the United States army, for participation during the World war, became a private, and eventually was assigned to Battery E, 123rd Field Artillery, with which he served nineteen months. He saw a great deal of overseas service and took part in some heavy fighting, particularly during the fierce engage- ments that characterized the campaign and drive in the Meuse-Ar- gonne sector. Following the signing of the armistice he accompanied the Army of Occupation to Germany, where he remained for about seven months, then returning to this country where he received his honorable discharge, June 7, 1919. On his return he resumed his studies at the Indiana University School of Law, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and in 1922 located at Evansville, where he established an office in the Old State Bank Building. He has built up a large clientele of the best kind for an aspiring and ambitious young legist and is rapidly making a name for
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himself by reason of his success in handling the interests of his clients. Mr. Kime is a Democrat, but has found no time for politics, outside of taking a good citizen's interest in public affairs. His religious con- nection is with the Presbyterian church. He belongs to the Gamma Eta Gamma fraternity, the Acacia fraternity and the Elks, and is a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. January 21, 1920, Mr. Kime married Marguerite, daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Nelson) Bolenbecher of Bloomington, Indiana.
Charles Emery Johnson, who is now engaged in the real estate business at Evansville, where his operations have been extensive and numerous, was born December 29, 1860, at Boonville, Indiana, a son of Alvah and Jane ( Parrett) Johnson. His father was born at John- son's Landing, just above Newburg, Indiana, on the Ohio river, where his father, K. K. Johnson, had settled in 1820, having come from Ken- tucky. As a boy Alvah Johnson attended the schools of his native community, later entering Indiana University, at Bloomington, where he studied law, in which he was to gain prominence later in the vicinity of his birth. Upon his graduation in 1849 he opened his office at Boonville, with Judge William F. Parrett, and won such recognition as to be chosen recorder and later treasurer of Warrick county. By 1862 his popularity had become such that he was nominated on the Repub- lican ticket for congressman from the first congressional district, fail- ing to win the office only because of the Democratic landslide caused by President Lincoln's proclamation freeing the slaves which met with disfavor in his district for a short time, even though the people of the district were strong supporters of the cause of the North. At this time, the Civil war being at its height, Alvah Johnson was appointed United States provost marshal of the first congressional district, in which capacity he rendered valuable service, especially in the organiza- tion of the troops which were destined to fight so valiantly in the cap- ture of Richmond. For his excellent work, Mr. Johnson was commis- sioned captain. In the same year, 1862, he moved his offices to Evans- ville, locating at the corner of Third and Locust Streets and devoting most of his time to the real estate business. There he remained for about fifty years, establishing himself as one of the prominent men of the city. In 1910 he retired to enjoy his remaining years in leisure, and passed away ten years later, at the age of ninety-six years, ending a long life and a useful one. His wife, Jane (Parrett) Johnson, likewise a Hoosier, was born at Evansville, in 1832, the daughter of Robert and Martha (Mason) Parrett. The parents were both of Yorkshire, Eng- land, where they were married, and sailed for the United States taking passage on one of the slow-going sailing vessels of that time. Crossing the Allegheny mountains by stage, they came down the Ohio river on a barge to Evansville, where they took their residence and where the re- maining years of their lives were passed. Jane (Parrett) Johnson was identified with charities and philanthropic work throughout her life. She assisted in the building of the Presbyterian Mission Church, on Jefferson street, and took a leading part in building the present Home of the Friendless, an institution for girls. She was also a stanch advo-
Ahah Johnson
Jane 1. Johnson
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cate of the cause of prohibition. Her father, Robert Parrett, took a great interest in the churches of the city, and organized the first Meth- odist church in the city, now known as Trinity Methodist Church, at the corner of Third and Chestnut streets, of which he was lay minister. He often drove his team and wagon to Vincennes as early as 1825 for the family supply of flour, and burned the first brick made in Evansville, brick which went into the combined church and school building. Charles E. Johnson relates how his paternal great-grand- father served under General Washington at Valley Forge, holding the rank of captain. The first money earned by Charles E. Johnson was when at the age of fifteen years he took the contract to pump the organ in the old Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which stood on the present site of the Owen flats at the corner of Second and Chestnut streets. The contract was for one year and paid him $25.00, for which his services were required Saturday nights, Sun- day mornings and Sunday nights. Upon completion of the year, he gave the money he had earned to the fund being then gathered to- ward the building of the new church across the street. He was educated in the schools of his native community, following which he pursued a general academic course at Indiana University. Later he studied law at the University of Virginia, and, admitted to the bar of Vanderburgh county in 1887, opened an office with James B. Rucker, city attorney of Evansville, and practiced until 1892. He then went to New York City and entered the contract department of the New York Telephone Company, and was thus engaged at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war. Enlisting in the Seventy-first Volun- teer Infantry of New York, he subsequently saw service in Cuba, par- ticipating in the battles of San Juan Hill and Santiago. At the time of the epidemic of typhus fever, in Cuba, Mr. Johnson was one of the six members of his company able to go on water detail to the San Juan river. However, he succumbed to fever on his way back to the United States and was seriously ill for eight weeks at Montauk Point, Long Island. During his service at the front, as a private, he was a correspondent for the "Outlook" magazine of New York, and at the time of his discharge his army record was characterized as "honest and faithful." In 1898 he received his honorable discharge from the army and went to the West, still in the employ of the New York Telephone Company, now the American Telephone and Tele- graph Company. Mr. Johnson was admitted to practice before the Indiana Supreme Court in 1912. In 1917 he returned to Evans- ville and embarked in his present business, in which he has since met with marked success, carrying on operations on a large scale. Politically, Mr. Johnson is a Republican. In his boyhood he joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, now Grace Presby- terian Church, and holds membership in the Society of the Army of Santiago and the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Mr. Johnson has two brothers : Robert P., who is engaged in the real estate business at In- dianapolis ; Alvah M., carrying on the same line at San Francisco ; and three sisters, Mrs. V. J. Rucker, of Lebanon, Tennessee: Mrs. D. S. Ragon, of Peoria, Illinois; and Mrs. J. M. Patterson, of St. Louis, Missouri.
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Charles Kinkle. Among the old and honored names of Evans- ville, one that has been identified with the city for nearly a century and which for the greater part of this time has been associated with the vocations of carpentry, contracting and house-moving, is that of Kinkle. A worthy representative of this family is Charles Kinkle, who, although he has now reached advanced years and is financially able to retire from active affairs, still maintains his interest in business affairs, and carries out his daily routine with the vim and enthusiasm of a man many years his junior. Mr. Kinkle was born in a house at First and Chestnut Streets, Evansville, December 2, 1845, and is a son of Charles and Philimena (Dausman) Kinkle. His father, a native of Germany, had come to Evansville as a young man, in 1828, and here rounded out a long and useful career as a carpenter, con- tractor and house-mover, his death occurring in 1891, at which time his community lost a reliable and trustworthy citizen. He moved the family home from its original site to Walnut Street, between Third and Fourth Streets, where it remained as a landmark of historical interest until recently, when it was torn down to make room for a more modern structure. Charles Kinkle, the younger, received his education in the graded schools of Evansville, and when less than seventeen years of age went to St. Louis, where he was employed by his uncle, Henry Dausman, who was engaged in the tobacco business. He remained in that line until 1865, in which year he returned to his native city, and, following in the footsteps of his father, embarked in the house-moving business, which he has followed without interrup- tion ever since, in addition to carrying on a general contracting busi- ness. During his long connection with his particular line of industry, Mr. Kinkle has performed some of the most difficult feats of house- moving ever attempted at Evansville and his work has been invariably successful, there being few cases where buildings placed under his charge have received damage of any nature. He has been prompt in fulfilling his contracts and honorable in his business methods, and therefore maintains a high standing in the estimation of his associates in business circles. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1873, Mr. Kinkle married Miss Philimena Weiland, born at Evansville, and they have four children: Edward C., of Evansville ; Charles W., of Indianap- olis; Exnia, Mrs. Throgmorton, of Memphis, Tennessee; and Zula Zue, Mrs. Swigert, of Chicago, Illinois.
Oscar A. Klamer. In the important industry of furniture manu- facture and sale, which is a leading business at Evansville, one of the firms that is meeting with pronounced success is the Klamer Furniture Companies, of which the present chief executive is Oscar A. Klamer. Mr. Klamer is likewise the president and originator of Klamer Fac- tories, Inc., a medium through which other factories carry on their business, and is variously interested in other enterprises. He is a native son of Evansville and was born May 16, 1876, his parents being Herman and Marie (Schelosky) Klamer, natives of Germany, the former of whom came to the United States at the age of nineteen years, while the latter was three years of age at the time of her arrival in
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this country, in 1841. She still survives at the age of eighty-three years, as a resident of Evansville. Mr. Klamer had learned the milling business in his native land, and not long after his arrival in this country engaged in that line and for a number of years owned and operated the Bunker Hill Flour Mill. He later turned his attention to the manu- facture of brick, and was also prominent in public affairs. He was a member of the board of county commissioners at the time that the new court house was built, and was on his deathbed at the time that he signed his name to the bonds. Oscar A. Klamer attended the public schools of Evansville, and after completing a part of the high school course entered the Spencerian Business College. His first employ- ment was as a clerk in the business of Val M. Smith & Company, operating the branch store at 1026 West Franklin Street from 1894 to 1897. He then became a clerk for Strouse Brothers, with whom he remained ten years. In September, 1907, he incorporated the Schelosky- Table Company, of which he was made secretary and treasurer, and in 1909 supervised the building of the present Schelosky factory. In 1911, he purchased the veneer plant of the Evansville Veneer Com- pany, located at Edgar Street and the Belt Railroad, and this he con- verted into a furniture plant, known as Klamer-Goebel Furniture Con- pany. In 1912, Mr. Klamer reorganized the E. Q. Smith Chair Com- pany, now known as the Wertz-Klamer Furniture Company, and in 1916 purchased the old Eli D. Miller plant, which he reorganized and incorporated as the O. A. Klamer Furniture Company. Mr. Klamer continued his work of expansion in 1919, when he purchased at public sale the Mackey Nisbet Building, in which he located offices for his five factories, together with a commodious sample room, the building being located at No. 101 South First Street. In the same year he or- ganized the Monitor Furniture Company and built the plant at East Virginia Street and the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad tracks, and in 1921 organized the F. L. Schumpert Furniture Company, of Dallas, Texas, of which he is president, as he is also of all the other companies. In 1922 he organized the Klamer Factories, Inc., through which concern, as before noted, other factories carry on operations and get in touch with the trade. Mr. Klamer manufactures a complete line of bedroom, dining room and living room furniture of various periods and designs, and his product is sold in every state in the Union, there being about thirty traveling salesmen kept constantly on the road. His business has been built up from $26,000 a year to $4,000,000 annually, and the annual pay-roll, including about 600 employes, ex- ceeds $800,000. Mr. Klamer is also a trustee of the Peoples Savings Bank of Evansville, which was organized in 1871. During the World war he was regional chairman of Evansville Sub Region No. 8, and in this capacity spent considerable time at Washington, D. C., his efforts securing excellent results. Mr. Klamer is a Knight Templar Mason and Shriner, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Cham- ber of Commerce, the Young Men's Christian Association, the Crescent Club, the Evansville Country Club, and the South Shore Country Club
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