USA > Indiana > A History of Indiana from its exploration to 1922 > Part 51
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Herbert K. Schemet. Among the young men of Evansville who have established a reputation for sagacity, and have gained distinction in various walks of life, none is more worthy of men- tion in the history of Vanderburgh county than Herbert K. Schemet. He has shown capability in various positions, as well as in the practice of law and his progressive spirit is evident in many ways. His standing as a citizen is firm and broad, and his career
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at all times has been loyal, energetic and circumspect. He was born in Evansville, July 24, 1890, and is a son of Louis Schemet and Augusta M. (Kasberg) Schemet. His father was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France in 1853, and immigrated to the United States with his parents when a small boy. The family home was established in Vanderburgh County in the early sixties, where Louis Schemet, grandfather of Herbert K. Schemet, had a farm on First Avenue, about three miles out of the city, where he en- gaged in agricultural pursuits until his death in 1893. Louis Schemet, Jr. was reared at this old homestead, and in early boy- hood assisted his father in conducting the farm. Later, however, he came to Evansville, where he established himself in the meat business and also dealt extensively in live stock, in which busi- ness he continued until his death in 1897. His wife, who still sur- vives and maintains her home in Evansville, was born in Indian- apolis, and came to this city with her parents when a small girl. Herbert K. Schemet acquired his education in the public schools of Evansville, and after graduating from the Central High School in 1908, he entered the employ of the United States Government, and was identified with the labor, interior and treasury depart- ments for about twelve years. During this time, he also studied law, having matriculated at Georgetown University, from which institution he received his degrees of Bachelor of Laws and Mas- ter of Patent Law, and was admitted to the bar at Washington, D. C., in 1917. In 1920, he went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he was associated with the Roxana Petroleum Company until No- vember, 1921, when he came to Evansville and established himself in the practice of law. Mr. Schemet was married October 24, 1921, to Miss Gertrude Anna Dyck, of St. Louis, and they have one daughter : Barbara Madeline. Their home is at 11512 East Penn- sylvania street.
William Scherffius, Sr., the proprietor of one of Evansville's successful dry goods establishments and an extensive operator in real estate and building, was born in Germany May 15, 1856, the son of William and Margareta Scherffius. His father, who was a miller by trade, died at the age of twenty-eight years, in the same year in which his son, William, was born. When William was six- teen years old, he and his mother and brother, Irwin, came to the United States, living in New York for a year before coming on to Evansville. Here William Scherffius began to work for the Hop- kins Dry Goods store as a clerk, remaining with that concern for six years, leaving that place to work with Miller Brothers for an- other six years. During these years he had carefully saved a portion of his earnings, and in 1885 he went into business for himself, open- ing a dry goods store in the Laval Block on West Franklin street. This was at its inception a very small business, but through his policy of fair dealing and legitimate profits he attracted to himself a considerable patronage, so that with the passing years he pros- pered. In 1893, larger accommodations having become necessary
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to the proper housing of his enterprise, he erected his own building at No. 1001 West Franklin street, where he is now located. Since its erection, the building has been considerably enlarged, and the volume of business done is one of the largest in the city. Mr. Scherffius has seen the opportunities for good investment in the real estate field, and from time to time has operated therein to advantage. He has constructed fifty-three homes in Evansville, and has done much to solve the housing problem of a growing city. He has on several occasions been importuned to stand for election to the mayoralty and other public offices on the Republican ticket, but since he has never cared to hold political office he has always declined to allow his name to be so used. He has traveled exten- sively all over the world and is a most congenial and entertaining reconteur. On October 16, 1880 occurred the marriage of Mr. Scherffius and Louisa Ruehman, the daughter of Herman and Louisa Ruehman, and to this marriage two children have been born : William Jr., who is manager of his father's department store, and Laura, now Mrs. James Seiler of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Frank J. Schlotter. The profession of architecture, while un- doubtedly offering a splendid future for those who are equipped by nature and study to engage therein, calls for something more than ordinary ability and close application. It is the possession of these qualities, together with hard work and the possession of original ideas, that has given Frank J. Schlotter, of Evansville, a leading place among the architects of his part of the state. Mr. Schlotter was born at Evansville, July 21, 1864, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Neg- ley) Schlotter, the latter being a sister of Philip Negley, who a number of years ago conducted a well-known retail liquor business on the cor- ner of Vine and Sycamore Streets. Mrs. Schlotter, born in Germany, December 3, 1822, came to Evansville in the early '40s, and here spent the rest of a long, kindly and useful life, dying July 23, 1901. Joseph Schlotter was born December 27, 1827, in Germany, and as a vouth emigrated to the United States, locating at Morganfield, Kentucky, where he became a citizen of the United States, after which he located in Evansville. During the Civil war he fought as a soldier of the Union, then returning to his grocery business, of which he had made a success prior to his death, June 26, 1888. He was a man of worth and character and had the esteem, good will and respect of the people of his community. Frank J. Schlotter was educated in the parochial and pri- vate schools of Evansville, and after a course in business college started soliciting subscriptions for the Argus, a weekly newspaper. He then entered the office of Reid Brothers, architects of Evansville, and after fifteen years succeeded this firm. Since 1886 he has followed his profession as Frank J. Schlotter, architect, and has risen to a high point in his profession. Mr. Schlotter has contributed much to the growth and beautifying of Evansville, not alone through his architec- tural skill, but through his support of all movements that have tended to better the city. April 25, 1888, Mr. Schlotter married Miss Alice P. Dean, of Evansville, a daughter of William and Elizabeth R. (Leven-
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worth) Dean, the latter a former prominent politician who held a num- ber of governmental positions and the latter of an honorable English family. To Mr. and Mrs. Schlotter there has been born one child: Frances Margaret, who is now the wife of William M. Cowell, of Evansville.
Paul H. Schmidt, who is engaged successfully in the practice of law at Evansville, is also interested in a number of business enter- prises, and an active factor generally in the various phases of the city's life. He was born at Morganfield, Kentucky, May 26, 1887, a son of Fred J. and Elise (Ulrich) Schmidt. Fred J. Schmidt established a clothing and tailoring business, which he conducted with success until his early death, October 15, 1903, when he was but forty-three years of age. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Schmidt, at the age of sixty-two years, survives her husband as a resident of Evansville. The only child of his parents, Paul H. Schmidt attended the graded and high schools of Morganfield, graduating from the latter in 1904. He then enrolled as a student at the Indiana State Uni- versity, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1908, and secured his Bachelor of Laws degree as a member of the class of 1911. He spent the following year traveling in Europe, and on his return to this country, in 1912, located at Evansville, where he at once entered upon the practice of his profession. His career was interrupted tem- porarily by the World war, when he enlisted in the service February 25, 1918, and served as quartermaster, navy navigation officer in the United States Navy, until receiving his honorable discharge in January, 1919. He then resumed his general practice in his offices in the Old State Bank Building. While his professional business is principally of a general character, he has had considerable experience in corporation law, and a number of the large enterprises of the city are found among his clients. Mr. Schmidt is a member of the American Bar Associa- tion, Indiana State Bar Association and the Vanderburgh County Bar Association. He has a number of business connections, being treasurer of the Florida Highland Citrus Corporation and a director in the Chero-Cola Bottling Company, Ward's Cakery Corporation, and the Pleasure Park Company, and holds membership in the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and Evansville Real Estate Board. He is also a member of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church and the Evansville Country Club. While independent as a voter, when everything else is equal, he is inclined to favor the Democratic party. During the World war, when not engaged in his official duties, he served as a four- minute speaker. He is a charter member of Funkhauser Post No. 8, American Legion, and belongs to the Art League and the T. P. A. and is also a Mason and a Shriner. December 28, 1915, Mr. Schmidt mar- ried Samuella, daughter of Samuel and Melissa Robinson, residents and natives of Atlanta, Georgia.
Ervin F. Schminke, manager of H. Schminke & Company, tin- ners and roofers, and operators of a sheet metal works at No. 124 South Sixth Street, has been identified with the present business ever since he left school when little more than a lad. He has made himself
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familiar with every department of the work, and through incessant in- dustry and capable management has built up one of the successful en- terprises of the city. Mr. Schminke is another one of Evansville's native sons to make good in their own community, and was born June 11, 1889, his parents being Henry and Julia (Baetz) Schminke, na- tives of Germany. Henry Schminke was born in 1853, and when nine years of age came alone to the United States and located at Evansville, where he was adopted by M. Seibert, of this city. He received an ordi- nary education and was still a youth when he secured employment, for some years working as a teamster, and through thrift and industry succeeded in saving enough capital to embark in the teaming business on his own account, a venture in which he was very successful. En- couraged, he then entered the coal business, but this proved a failure, and all his hard-earned means were swept away. Nothing daunted, he began all over again as an employe of the J. B. Mesker Company. Again his economy and good management stood him in good stead, for in 1895, when the opportunity arose, he was able to buy the busi- ness from his former employer. He thus became sole proprietor of the business, the style of which he changed to The H. Schminke Company, remaining at the head of the enterprise practically until his death at the age of sixty-six years. He was a man of business honor and integ- rity and one who had the full confidence of his associates. Mr.
Schminke was quite active in Democratic politics and at one time was a candidate for county treasurer, but met with defeat, as he was also for county councilman. However, he was elected county commissioner, but only served from January, 1918, until June, 1919, when his death occurred. He is survived by Mrs. Schminke, who was born June 3, 1870. There were four children in the family: Ervin F., of this re- view ; Amelia, the wife of George Lamey, of Evansville; Florence, the wife of Frank D. Stewart; and Harry B., who is in the government service. Ervin F. Schminke attended the Carpenter Street School, but his education was limited to only the graded school curriculum, as he was anxious to go to work, and when he was still a lad commenced learning the sheet metal worker's trade under the supervision of his father in the latter's business. When the latter took office as a member of the board of county commissioners, in 1918, the younger man took charge of the business, of which he became proprietor at the time of his father's death. The works are located at 126 South Sixth Street, where is maintained a modern plant with suitable equipment for turn- ing out first-class sheet metal work of all kinds. The company also does expert roofing and all manner of tin work, and the patronage of the concern is growing rapidly under the energetic management of Mr. Schminke, who is not only a master of all the details of his trade, but also a capable handler of labor and a business man who appre- ciates the value of honorable dealing and strict adherence to the letter of contracts. Mr. Schminke is an independent voter, and as a frater- nalist belongs to the Masons. September 20, 1910, Mr. Schminke was united in marriage with Helen D., daughter of August and Mary Nolte, the former of whom, an early Evansville settler, was a moulder
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and patternmaker for stove works. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schminke: Marvin and Dolores.
E. F. Schnacke, whose prominent connection with a number of business enterprises at Evansville has made him a well-known figure in commercial circles, has had a varied and interesting career in which he has worked his way upward from modest beginnings to a recognized position of substantiality. He is a native son of Evansville, and was born February 18, 1882, being a son of Fred and Minnie (Borcherd- ing) Schnacke, both of whom were born in Germany. Mr. Schnacke received his educational training in the Lutheran and public schools of Evansville, and when still a youth secured employment at the Evans- ville Woolen Mills, where he spent fifteen years, gradually working his way upward and obtaining consecutive promotions because of his fidelity and persevering application to his duties. When he left this business it was to accept the position of secretary and treasurer of the Becker Wagon Works, with which he has continued to be identified. The former president of this concern, Azro Dyer, is now deceased, but his successor has not been appointed. W. Miller, for a number of years an employe of the concern, occupies the position of vice-presi- dent, to which office he succeeded in 1910. Mr. Schnacke has con- tributed materially to the success of the enterprise, to the operation of which he has given his best energies, but in addition has found time to apply himself to other ventures, each of which has benefitted by his abilities. In July, 1923, Mr. Schnacke became associated with Clar- ence Leich in organizing the North Star Furniture Company, sit- uated at Pennsylvania Street and Ninth Avenue, Evansville, of which he is treasurer and general manager. He is interested in a wholesale cigar and tobacco business and in the Globe-Bosse-World Furniture Company, is a director in Scheip's Shoe Company, and is a stockholder in the West Side Bank. Among his associates he is known as a man of high integrity and proven ability. In politics he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, but not as a seeker after pre- ferment. He belongs to the West Side Nut Club, the Chamber of Com- merce and the Evansville Manufacturers' Association. With his fam- ily, he holds membership in the Lutheran church. April 24, 1907, Mr. Schnacke was united in marraige with Miss Elfreda Deckert, of Evansville, whose father was for a number of years engaged in the livestock business. To this union there has come one child: Bernard, born in 1914.
Sylvester J. Schoening. A modern grocery establishment which has been developed from modest beginnings to a thriving, pros- perous enterprise of comprehensive proportions is that of Sylvester J. Schoening, at 1224. West Franklin Street. The proprietor, who is still a young man, has been identified with this line of business throughout his career and is thoroughly familiar with its every branch and de- partment. This thorough training has enabled him to give his cus- tomers the best of service, and thus has been erected a business struc- ture of stability and strength. Mr. Schoening was born at Evansville, July 21, 1891, and is a son of Albert and Emma (Koenig) Schoening. On both sides of the family he belongs to families that have resided at
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Evansville for a number of years and which have been well known and respected. His parents were born at Evansville, and for many years Albert Schoening was a bookkeeper in the employ of the old firm of H. H. Herman Company, being with that concern up to within a short time of his death. Mrs. Schoening survives her husband as a resident of Evansville, and is the mother of five sons: Sylvester J., Albert, Jacob, Fred and Oscar. Sylvester J. Schoening attended the Centen- nial School, after leaving which he at once started to work in the gro- cery store of John Gordner, with whom he remained for a period of approximately seven years. When he left the employ of Mr. Gordner he became associated with the Folz Grocery Company, a well-known Evansville establishment of former years, and was identified with this concern for eleven years, the last five of which were spent in the capac- ity of manager. At the time of the death of the elder Mr. Folz, Mr. Schoening severed his connection with the firm, and in November, 1917, embarked upon a venture of his own in the same line of business. During the six years that he has conducted his present business he has won well-merited success. Hard work, good management and unfail- ing courtesy at all times have combined to give him a large and repre- sentative patronage, and promptness and honorable dealing have given him a standing in business circles. At his modern store, 1222-1224, West Franklin Street, he carries a full line of staple and fancy gro- ceries, attractively arranged and tastefully displayed. He has made use of ingenuity and up-to-date ideas, and has conducted his establishment along the policy that "the customer is always right." Mr. Schoening has several civic, fraternal and business connections with organiza- tions, and he and Mrs. Schoening are members of Sacred Heart Church. In June, 1910, Mr. Schoening was united in marriage with Miss Clara Herrman, of Evansville, daughter of Aloysius and Eliza- beth (Fisher) Herrman, the former of whom was an early mill owner of Evansville.
E. A. Schor, whose extended connection with the Karges Fur- niture Company has made him well known in business circles of Evans- ville, has spent his entire life within the limits of this city. He has gained success through industrious application and fidelity to high standards, and is now occupying the position of secretary of the con- cern with which he has been identified since 1905. Mr. Schor was born at Evansville, January 13, 1871, and is a son of R. F. and Mary (Schmutte) Schor, the former a native of Evansville and the latter of Germany, both now deceased. He acquired a common school educa- tion, and when sixteen years of age, after graduation, entered the em- ploy of the First National Bank, the name of which has been changed subsequently to the City National Bank. Mr. Schor was a bookkeeper with this institution and remained in its employ for a period of nine- teen years, gradually working his way upward to other and more im- portant posts. In 1905 he accepted an offer from the Karges Furni- ture Company, which he joined in the capacity of bookkeeper, and soon was advanced to the secretary of the company, his present post. A business man of experience and ability, he has contributed largely to
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the success of the enterprise, which has taken its proper place among the prosperous furniture houses of Evansville. Mr. Schor is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a Republican, although he only takes a good citizen's part in public matters. His religious affilia- tion is with the Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church, in which he is serving as an Elder. In 1892 Mr. Schor was united in marriage with Miss Anna Karges, of Evansville, and to this union there have been born two daughters: Esther Karges, the wife of F. J. Scholz, Jr., of Evansville ; and Annamary.
Frederick Schroeder, Sr. Unlike many of his fellow country- men who have sought fortune and position in this country, Frederick Schroeder, Sr., did not arrive in the first blush of inexperienced youth, but came here a matured man of experience, who had trav- eled extensively. Arriving in Evansville in 1894 he settled down to a life of business activity, and in the years that have followed he has carved out of his opportunities success in the wholesale grocery and delicatessen line and has gained for himself a position in the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has been associated. Mr. Schroeder was born in Germany, May 11, 1850, and is a son of August and Anne Schroeder. The death of his father when he was a lad of seven years made it necessary that he begin working at a tender age, but he secured sufficient education to enable him to obtain employment in a bank in his native land, in which he spent some years in clerical work. After trav- eling through Europe extensively, at the age of thirty-three years, or in 1883, Mr. Schroeder decided to try his fortunes in the United States, and accordingly took passage for this country and first settled at Cin- cinnati, where a large number of his fellow-countrymen had already made their homes. There he learned the harness and saddlery busi- ness and owned an establishment of his own for some time. He re- mained at Cincinnati for about eleven years in all, and during that time became acquainted not only with the English language, but also with business customs and methods. In 1894 he came to the conclusion that the city of Evansville offered better opportunities for the launching of a new business which he had had under contemplation and preparation for some time, and accordingly he came to this city and founded a wholesale and retail grocery and delicatessen business on Fourth Street, near Walnut Street, the present site of Bill's. For eighteen years he remained in that one location, and then, deciding that the wholesale line was the most profitable, gave up his retail business and founded his wholesale only business in the new location. In 1917 he again moved his establishment, this time to his present location at No. 24 Sycamore Street. Mr. Schroeder has built up an excellent business through strictly legitimate channels of trade. Speculation has had no part in his career, and his dealings have always been upright and above- board. For this reason his reputation in commercial circles is one to be envied and his word, unquestionably, is to be taken as being as good as his bond in business affairs. Mr. Schroeder handles a full line of first-class goods, which he distributes to retailers throughout the
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southern part of Indiana and adjoining states, where his products are recognized as being of superior quality. Formerly a Republican, he was quite active in political matters during his younger years, but of late has given his uninterrupted attention to his business, and politics has had only a small part in his later life. He now votes independently, disregarding party lines and forming his own opinions as to the quali- fications of candidates. His religious connection is with Zion Evangel- ical Church, to which the members of his family also belong. Mr. Schroeder has always manifested a commendable public spirit and has been ready to aid with his time, his abilities or his means, all worthy objects which appeal to his good judgment as being beneficial to the people and the institutions of his adopted community. At Cincinnati, in 1887, Mr. Schroeder married Miss Sophia Rommel, and to this union there have been born two sons: Frederick, Jr., and Eitel.
Harry H. Schu. Among the men who have contributed to the development of the furniture industry in Evansville is Harry H. Schu, secretary-treasurer and general manager of the Crescent Furniture Company. Since the start of his career he has been identified with this line of business, and few men have a wider knowledge of the trade in all its ramifications. Mr. Schu was born in Evansville, December 4, 1866, a son of Anthony J. and Christina (Koehne) Schu, and a grand- son of Frank Schu. Anthony J. Schu was born in New York state and was brought as a lad to Evansville, where he received his education and early engaged in the lumber business, eventually becoming an in- spector. Prior to his death he enjoyed a number of years of comfort- able retirement from business affairs. Mrs. Schu was also a child when brought to Evansville, where she died, and where she is sur- vived by her four children: Harry H., Clemens A., Charlotte, who is now Mrs. Louis J. Huvert, and Miss Mary Schu. After securing his primary education in the parochial and public schools of Evansville, Harry H. Schu enrolled as a student at the Rank & Wright Business College, where he pursued a commercial course. On his graduation therefrom he became identified as a collector with Joseph F. Reitz, who conducted a furniture store, and after six years in this connection, joined Francis J. Reitz and C. F. Meyer, in the organization of the Crescent Furniture Company, in January, 1889. The Crescent Furni- ture Company was the successor of the Mechanics Furniture Company, whose business the new enterprise took over at a time when the old company was about bankrupt. Since that time the Crescent Furniture Company has been developed into one of the largest manufacturers of furniture in Evansville. At the start, F. J. Reitz was president, Mr. Schu treasurer and Mr. Meyer secretary, but after ten years Mr. Meyer severed his connection with the business, selling out his interest, and Mr. Schu at that time assumed the duties of secretary-treasurer and general manager, which offices he has since occupied. He is well and favorably known in trade affairs and business circles generally, and is an active member of the Evansville Chamber of Commerce, the Manu- facturers' Association and the Furniture Manufacturing Association. In politics he is a Democrat, and his fraternal connection is with the
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