USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > A history of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana : a complete and concise account from the earliest times to the present, embracing reminiscences of the pioneers and biographical sketches of the men who have been leaders in commercial and other enterprises > Part 22
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it made to obtain the new city charter, which has really been the crowning work of its existence and greatly for the public good. Time has always vindicated the wisdom of its accomplishments, which con- firms a truth found in history that the greatest minds, like tallest mountains, receive approaching light, absorb its beneficence, and reflect its splendor long before the valley awakens from nocturnal slumber.
During the first few years, while the organization was a novelty, it had great numerical strength. It took an active part in all public mat- ters but in every achievement which it gained through aggressiveness it lost in the support of members who were disturbed by such successes.
Its great battle was one fonght to prevent the city council from granting a street railway franchise that was regarded by the masses of the citizens as a one-sided contract, one in which the citizens were not receiving just compensation. In this fight the association lost a large number of its members. The B. M. A. organized the building asso- ciation that erected the grand structure on the corner of Second and Sycamore streets. In the upper story of this building a commodious hall and office rooms were secured for the association and its secretary, without rent, as long as it shall continue its organization. It also created the " Tri-state fair association " and infused into it the spirit which secured the fair grounds with its numerous buildings and fine race track.
Evansville has advanced and assumed metropolitan proportions and appearances since the business men united and resolved to take some, direct action in public affairs. The value of such an organization can- not be estimated. Its work cannot be added up at the end of a month and a balance struck, as it has a negative, intangible quality more potent than its regular work. There is a conviction in the minds of those who are familar with its history that during good times prosperity was made greater, and the rigors of hard times were softened in this city by the past work, and the continned existenee, power and activity of the Business Men's Association.
Its presidents have been respectively : D. J. Mackey, Judge W. J. Wood, M. J. Bray, Jr., J. W. Wartmann, P. G. Kelsey, E. C. Johnson, C. A. Hughes, A. C. Rosencranz and C. E. Scoville. The treasurer for the first year was Jesse W. Walker. S. S. Scantlin, who next served, has been the treasurer during the succeeding nine years. The secretaries have been August Breutano, W. S. French, King Cobbs, J. W. Wartmann, C. D. Hirst and C. J. Murphy.
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The following is a general summary of its past accomplishments which have been previously enumerated and published :
Ice and cold storage plant, capital $150,000.
Edge tool and steel casting industry.
Railroad repair shop for L. & N.
Ohio Valley railroad terminus in Evansville.
Dummy railroad, Evansville to Newburg.
Electric street railway.
Brick streets.
New city charter, modern municipal plan of government.
Insane hospital, cost $510,000.
Marine hospital, cost $100,000.
The B. M. A. building, cost about $300,000.
Tri-State fair organization, one mile race track.
Appropriation for Green river lock, $105,000.
Appropriation to prevent Ohio river cut-off above Evansville, $25,- 000; Harlan appropriation, $37,000.
Sub-signal station in Evansville.
Bringing numerous state conventions and several national conven- tions of various kinds to Evansville.
Perhaps the most important work of the association-the magnum opus-was the construction of the B. M. A. building, situated at the corner of Second and Sycamore streets. In a sense, it may be said that Mr. Charles Viele, a liberal and public-spirited gentleman, is the corner-stone of the building. He had obtained the lot from the Roman Catholic church for $50,000, and for this sum he took stock in the new enterprise. He afterward increased his stock until the amount reached the magnificent figure of $65,000. Other liberal-minded, pro- gressive men took stock in large sums, but none equalled Mr. Viele- More than five hundred leading, active citizens procured stock in the building. The idea of erecting a building of this character was first suggested at a meeting of the association on March 6, 1888. The capital stock was increased to such a figure that an act of the state legislature was necessary to authorize it. The building committee was composed of Messrs. Charles Schulte, M. J. Bray, Jr., and Samuel Vickery. Mr. Bray was entrusted with the actual superintendence of the work. The building of the magnificent edifice progressed rapidly, and it was formally dedicated about November 1, 1889. Mr. John S. McCorkle had the contract for the erection of the entire building, both the office block and the theatre. It occupies a quarter of a square, that is, it is 150 feet each way, bounded by the lines of the adjacent
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streets and alleys. The style of architecture is Romanesque, affording the greatest amount of light and the combined qualities of strength and beauty. It consists of five stories and a basement. The first story is built entirely of red granite and brown stone, laid up pitch or rough hewn face, with just enough dressed and carved work to give a pleas- ing effect. The facing materials above the first story are pressed brick, copper and terra cotta. The main entrance is in the center on the Second street front, through an arch eighteen feet wide supported by polished granite columns. Over this, ornamenting each story and towering up above the roof lines, runs a central feature of projecting bay and round turrets. At the main corner a square tower rises one hundred feet above the street level. Within, the building is furnished for store-rooms, offices en suite, and a B. M. A. hall and chamber. The corner is occupied by a bank, and the various floors chiefly by railroad offices. The Grand theatre fronts on Sycamore street. The finish of this splendid amusement hall is scarcely excelled anywhere in the world by any similar structure. From the porte cochere and lobby to the foyer and wings, the detail of finish gives the eye the rare satis- faction there is in beauty, completeness aud repose. The proscenium boxes, the auditorium, the soft carpeted floor, all give an air of ele- gance and ease that delights and soothes. As a concluding word, allow it to be said, that no building iu the city gives such a view of substan- tiality and is so characterized by business activity as the B. M. A. building.
CHAPTER XIX.
CHURCHES.
The Churches-A Complete History of All the Churches of the City -The Protestant Churches-The Catholic Churches-The Jewish Congregations-The Spiritualists.
It is perhaps not too old an idea to say that churches have an incal- culable influence on communities for good. They shape and soften the character of man, and restrain him from evil-doing and brutishness. A country without a church, or churchly precepts and doctrines, would be in a worse condition than Hale's man without a country-it would be a people without a God. And history demonstrates what godless people finally come to-heathenism.
Pastors are men of different types of intellect and culture, as well as of varying social qualities. They have been moulders of sentiment and examples of manly worth. Their own individual force has been working continually for good. Their daily lives have always directed others to cleaner and better ideals, and their teaching has ever been bread "cast upon the waters."
The churches of the city to-day, in most cases, have comfortable, if not magnificent, Zions in which to worship "the unknown 'God" of whom Paul spoke to the Athenians. They are prosperous and have many auxiliary organizations doing good work, such as aid societies, Epworth leagues, unions and the like. The denominations are now more disposed to union than to controversy and contention, as in the days of debate and disputes. They are struggling to save souls rather than doctrines.
TRINITY M. E. CHURCH.
As I learn from history and tradition, the Methodist Episcopal was the second organized church in Evansville, and out of it grew the present Trinity church. Rev. Robert Parrett, a local preacher who emigrated from England to this country in 1816, and died in this city
1
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January 29, 1860, established the " Evansville class" in 1825. This was the first organization of the Methodist church in this place, and the second religious society.
The members of this class were: Rev. Robert Parrett, Martha Par- rett, Edw. Hopkins, Mary Hopkins, Jane Lewis, Abraham P. Hutch- inson, Olive Hutchinson, Arthur McJohnston, Mary McJohnston, Han- nah Robinson, Jane Warner, Mrs. Seaman. Abraham P. Hutchinson was appointed class leader. Previons to the organization of this class, Evansville and its vicinity were frequently visited by members of the " circuit." The first minister appointed to the circuit, embracing what is now Evansville, was Rev. Benjamin Edge, of the western conference, in 1811. This locality was included in the " Patoka cir- cuit," and was one of the seven pastorates in the Wabash district under the superintendence of Rev. James Axley, presiding elder. The succeeding minister of the Patoka circuit was Rev. John Smith, 1811; Rev. Peter Cartwright was presiding elder in 1812. He was distin- guished alike for his eccentricity and effectiveness, being a muscular christian, he frequently descended from the pulpit and quieted disturb- ances without consulting the arm of the law.
The list of ministers is as follows: Rev. James Porter, 1813 ; Rev. John Schripps, presiding elder, 1814; Rev. Thomas King, 1815; Rev. Daniel McHenry and Rev. Thomas Davis, 1816; Rev. Samuel Thompson and Rev. Thomas Davis, 1817; Rev. John Wallace and Rev. Daniel McHenry, 1818 ; Rev. John Wallace, 1819; Rev. Elias Stone, 1820; Rev. James L. Thompson, 1821; Rev. Ebenezer Z. Webster, presiding elder, 1822; Rev. William Medford and Rev. William Beauchamps, presiding elder, 1823.
Rev. Joseph Wheeler, an old and prominent resident of the Blue Grass region of this county, preached as a "local minister" for a large portion of this period. He emigrated from England in 1819, and died in July, 1864, leaving several children, who afterwards obtained posi- tions of prominence in the community. The oldest of this family was Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, residing at Washington, Ind., at the time of her demise, in December, 1896; the next Joseph Wheeler, one of the leading merchants of his time ; the third was Mrs. Daniel S. Lane, wife of a prominent physician ; the fourth is Mrs. A. A. Goslee, who is now living in this city ; the fifth is Mr. E. E. Wheeler, Esq., of this city ; the sixth was Mrs. J. P. Elliott, wife of the author. She was but thirty-seven years of age at the time of her death. She left several children, E. P. Elliott, Mary Louise, now Mrs. Oakley ; Joseph B: Elliott, who died about nine years ago, and John D. Elliott, still
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HISTORY OF VANDERBURGH COUNTY, IND.
living. Lizzie, at the age of eight, and John B., at the age of two, preceded their mother.
Richard Hargrave filled out an unexpired term in Evansville in the years 1823 and 1824. In 1825 two ministers, William H. Smith aud George Randall, visited the society alternately once in four weeks.
The following is a list of the ministers as they were appointed suc- cessively : .
Revs. James Garner and Joseph Tarkington, 1825; Rev. Asa West, 1826; Rev. Slocum, 1827; Rev. Cooper, 1828; Rev. Fox, 1829; Rev. A. Arrington, 1829; Rev. John Richey, 1830 and 1831; Revs. Enoch Wood and Arion Wood, 1832; Rev. Cornelius Schwank, 1833; Rev. Brouse and Rev. Reeder, 1834; Rev. Owen and Rev. Hebben, 1835; Rev. McElroy and Rev. Beharrel, 1836; Rev. Reeves and Rev. Bar- wick, 1837; Rev. J. S. Bayless, 1838; Rev John Daniels, 1839; Rev. Robinson, 1840; Rev. Kearnes, 1841 and 1842; Rev. Samuel Reed, 1843; Rev. F. C. Holliday, 1844; Rev. Wm. M. Daily, 1845; Rev. Beeks, 1846; Rev. Wm. Daniels, 1847; Rev. Goodwin, 1848 and 1849; Rev. J. W. Noble, 1850; Rev. James Hill, 1852; Rev. Davidson, 1853 and 1854; Rev. Sabin, 1855 and 1856; Rev. Gilmore, 1857 and 1858; Rev. Gillett, 1859 and 1860; Rev. Rawlins, 1861 and 1862; Rev. Fel- lows, 1863; Rev Sims, 1864 to 1866; Rev. Andrus, 1867 to 1869; Rev. Carpenter, 1870 to 1872; Rev. John Hight, 1873; Rev. Cranston, 1874; Rev Andrus, 1875 to 1877; Rev. Watson, 1878; Rev. Rawlins, 1879; Rev. Ferd Iglehart, 1880 to 1882; Rev. Pitner, 1883 to 1884; Rev. Craft, 1885 to 1887; Rev. Joseph Woods, 1887 to 1890; Rev. C. E. Bacon, 1891 to 1896; Rev. J. W. Turner, 1896.
The Methodist Episcopal Sunday school, now known as Trinity, was organized by Dr. Wm. M. Elliott and others in the spring of 1837, and these are the officers of this school up to the present date : Superintendents-Wm. M. Elliott, John Ingle, Jr., Wm. T. Iglehart, John F. Glover, F. M. Thayer, Charles E. Scoville, Wm. B. Jaquess, A. W. Emery, J. W. Barbour, M. N. Ross, F. M Barbour. Present officers-F. M. Barbour, superintendent ; Mrs Wm. H. Woods, assistant superintendent ; Elmer E. Miller, secretary and treasurer ; Miss Ella Williams, assistant secretary and treasury ; Prof. W. A. Hester, chorister ; Mrs. George Daum, pianist ; Will McMasters, librarian; Wm. Heilman, assistant librarian. Primary department- S. N. Curnick, superintendent ; Miss Carrie Curnick, assistant super- intendent ; Miss Mand Abbott, pianist. Kindergarten department- Mrs Fannie Guthrie, superintendent ; Mrs. Will Foster, assistant superintendent. At Home Class department-Mrs. Trimble, super-
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HISTORY OF VANDERBURGH COUNTY, IND.
intendent. Executive committee-Rev. C. E. Bacon, Wm. Allen Charles E. Scoville, C. A. DeBruler and Mrs. W. V. Iglehart. Average attendance for the year, 325. Total number enrolled, offi- cers, teachers, scholars and orchestra, 575. Number of teachers now enrolled, 30. There is an orchestra of eighteen pieces under the leadership of Prof. Mathias.
The jubilee of this Sunday school, so happily prosperous, was cele- brated in commemoration of its fiftieth anniversary on May 8, 1887. It was a memorable occasion, and one to give canse for great gratitude to God. .
THE INGLE STREET M. E. CHURCH.
In the year 1849 some Christian people started a mission Sunday school, under the leadership of a local preacher by the name of J P. Lindeman, a painter by trade. They worshipped in a little brick house which at that time was at the head of Main street, known as Pennsyl- vania and Main streets. This school was the beginning of what after- wards became the Ingle Street M. E. church In the year 1850 it was thought advisable to call for a preacher. A minister by the name of Daniel Cloud first came in response to the call; but from some unknown cause he remained but a short time. In the fall of 1850 Rev. Mr. Green was sent to take charge of the work. The pastors, in their order of succession, have been Rev. W. McK. Hester, W. F. Mason, J. H. Keteham, J. J. Hight, M. McHobbs, Jesse Walker, L. M. Walters, A. Turner, Hayden Hays, J. B Likely, James Hill, J. H. Clippenger, William E Davis, J. W. Webb, E. Hawes, J. A Scam- mahorn, William Telfer, J. V. R. Miller, John Walk, Morris E. Woods, C. E. Asbury, G. D. Wolff, D. Davis and Samuel Reid, the present pastor, who completes the list from 1850 to 1897. During the past years the church has been much improved and beautified at a cost of about $3,000. It is Gothic in style, the main auditorium being forty by seventy feet in size, and seating 250 people comfort- ably. In the rear a prayer-meeting room will seat 100 people The membership is about 400. The present trustees are: Wm. Warren, Wm. Shaw, Joseph Herron, Syd. Curnick, Dr. W. S. Pritchard, and C. D. Eves.
The Sabbath school, under the leadership of E. Q. Loekyear, super- intendent, is enjoying a great success. The school meets every Sun- day afternoon at 2 o'clock, with au average attendance of 175. The Epworth League was organized May 20, 1889, having twenty-five
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HISTORY OF VANDERBURGH COUNTY, IND.
charter members. It has been constantly increasing, until at present there are fifty names enrolled. The presiding officers are as follows : President, Ida Craiger; first vice president, Lula Davidson; second vice president, Ella Inwood; third vice president, Letitia Miller; fourth vice president, Addie Pickhardt; secretary, Isabella Pickhardt; trcas- urer, Emma Scheller. The first president of the league was George L. Daum, Jr., and following him came John Zeigler, Aaron Skinner, Harmon Heim, Genevieve Negley and Letitia Miller. The league is known as M. S. Woods Chapter No. 377. The Junior league was organized in May, 1892, with a membership of forty-two.
The Ingle Street M. E. church is one of the oldest in Evansville Much good work has resulted from the earnest labor of the members. Great interest is always taken in the revival meetings of this church. Many of the leading workers in the different churches of the eity were converted and trained here, and a number of them have entered the ministry. In fact, it may be called a veritable nursery, where beanti- ful plants and trees are nurtured and tended. Later they are trans- planted in the gardens, where they cast fragrance and goodness around them.
KINGSLEY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This Methodist church has grown out of the missionary work of Trinity. An organization was effected in 1868, at the corner of Gov- ernor street and Lincoln avenne, in a place that had once been a bar- room, and in 1869 a church house was dedicated by Rev. Reuben Andrus, D. D. It was located at the corner of Eighth and Gum streets. Previous to this date the class worshipped in Rev. McJohn- son's wareroom at the corner of Eighth and Canal streets, and the people were, for about a year, spiritually guided by Rev. Edwin Mc- Johnson, a local preacher. . Rev. John Poucher was next in charge of the church for two years; then Rev. Francis Walker for one year; and later W. W. Rundell for two years. Rev. R. B. Martin began his pastorate in 1874 The following pastors have ministered unto this congregation in the order here given : Rev. James Dixon, Rev W. H. Grim, Rev. J. W. McCormick, Rev. I. N. Thompson, Rev. M. S. Heavenridge, Rev. John W. Payne, Rev. Samuel Reed, Rev. G. W. Fansler, Rev. L. F. Dimmitt, Rev. C. E. Hargrave, Rev. Wm. Telfer, Rev. S. N. King, and Rev. H. J. Black, the present pastor. The membership is 225. The Sunday school is meeting with success. All the aid societies are zealous and useful. The building
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HISTORY OF VANDERBURGH COUNTY, IND.
was remodeled, enlarged, refurnished, and in every way improved- built anew, it might truthfully be said-in 1895, and dedicated in December, 1895. The Senior and Junior Epworth leagues are ener- getic and prosperous. The present trustees are : Henry Earl, J. W. Buttriss, E. H. Stevens, J. P. Walker and G. Shellhouse.
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SIMPSON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Simpson Methodist Episcopal church, located at the corner of Illi- nois street and Eleventh avenue, belongs to the Evansville district of the Indiana conference. It is the most aggressive church in the west- ern part of the city, and wields a great influence for christianity and good citizenship. Numerous societies are organized in connection with the church, all tending to advance the interests of the Master.
In the conference of 1859, Rev. E. H. Sabin was appointed mis- sionary to Evansville, where he organized the first quarterly confer- ence of this charge, and selected a site for a church on Pennsylvania street, between Eighth and Ninth avennes. A beautiful little brick church was constructed there. The Pennsylvania street church was a moral power in that part of Evansville known as Independence. The building was completed in February, 1861. The following pastors have served this church : E. H. Sabin, E. Hawes, H. B. Cassovant, J. Waring and John W. Webb; 1864-5, Miles Woods ; 1868, J. H. Maddox ; 1869, J. Poncher ; 1870, O. M. Smith ; 1871, W. E. Rob- bins and F. Cooper; 1862-3, J. W. Culmer; 1874, L. S. Knotts, 1875, J. Dixon ; 1876, H. J. Barr; 1877, J. B. Holloway ; 1878-80, Wm. Telfer; 1881, S. O. Dorsey; 1882, J. F. McGregor; 1883, G. C. Cooper, and George E. Platt, 1884. This constitutes the list of pastors who served in the Pennsylvania street church. On March 20, 1882, two lots were purchased on the corner of Illinois street and Eleventh avenue, as a site for a new church. In 1884, during the pastorate of George E. Platt, the present edifice was built, and was called Simpson chapel in honor of Bishop Simpson, Indiana's beloved native bishop. It was dedicated by Bishop Bowman. The following pastors have served in the new church : In 1885, Wm. E. Davis was appointed to this work, but he was soon after called by the Master from his labors here to his reward in heaven. The unexpired year was very acceptably filled out by Paul C. Curnick. The following pastors have since served in this congregation : 1886, Wm. S. Biddle; 1887, J. B. J. Smith; 1888- 89, Thomas P. Walter; 1890, J. H. Carnes ;
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HISTORY OF VANDERBURGH COUNTY, IND.
1891-3, Joseph Rawlins. In September, 1894, the present pastor, F. A. Steele, was appointed to the work by Bishop Hurst, and is now serving his third year in this charge. He served two years at Stewarts- ville, in Posey county, before coming to Simpson. Center Ridge appointment, near Locust Hill cemetery, is also connected with Simpson. This is a thriving country charge and is in a very prosper- ous condition. Their church, a beautiful structure of brick, was dedicated under the pastorate of Joseph Rawlins. by Rev. C. E. Bacon, theu pastor of Trinity M. E. church. The trustees are: Moses Stinchfield, Ed. J. Bill; George L. Curnick, Wash Stinchfield, Alex. Brown, Jay N. Utley and Chas. A. McGrew.
FREE METHODISTS.
Like Minerva, out of the head of Jove, the Free Methodist congre- gation in this city, sprang out of Kingsley Methodist church. The head and front of this denomination was Rev. J. W. Vickery. The organization of the class was effected in 1871, with a membership of twelve, by Rev. Septer Roberts. The original members were: Jesse Schofield and wife, Richard Mansell and wife. Ben Cash and wife, J. W. Vickery and wite, Mrs. Ellen Allen, Mrs. - Cash and two others. A frame building was erected at the corner of Walnut and Governor streets in 1872 For a time no regular pastor served the congregation, but in 1873 Rev. B. R. Jones was put in charge in the regular manner. He is now a bishop in the church. Rev. George Windust became connected with the congregation in a pastoral way in 1875. He was succeeded the next year by Rev. John A. Wilson, who remained two years as their spiritual advisor. Rev. T. W. Thornburg also preached to the class, and he was succeeded by Rev. A. F. Neis- wanger. Revs. John Hardin, M. C. Belem and J. Lewis acted as pas- tors. Rev. E. E. Jenkins, the present pastor in charge, is serving his third year.
The present membership is about twenty. The trustees at present are Lewis Habenicht, James Richie and J. W. Vickery. There is an official board to transact the business of the church. Rev. J. W. Vickery, who received a ministerial license some time after the organ- ization of the class, is a local preacher of much zeal and faithfulness.
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HISTORY OF VANDERBURGH COUNTY, IND.
FIRST GERMAN M. E. CHURCH.
This denomination was first organized in 1842. They built a house of worship four years later at a cost of nearly $1,300, which was located at the corner of Vine and Fourth streets. Twenty-two years later this was replaced by a brick church at a cost of abont $35,000. There is at present a membership of 300. The list of charter members is as follows : Christ Wyttenbach, Charles Keller, Henry Schwarz, Andrew Roth, J. Kerth, William M. Elliott, Joseph Mnth, Joseph Dell, John Ingle, Jr., Joseph Kappler, David Inman and Conrad Herschelman. The present board of trustees consists of the following members : Geo. Herth, Ph. Jourdan, Ad. Hoelscher, Frank Weil, Frank Tosettle, C. F. Schneider, George Roesner, Herman Brandt and John Miller. There is also a chapel or mission connected with this church. It is situated at the corner of Read and Delaware streets. Rev. J. F. Sev- eringhaus is serving both congregations at present.
These pastors who have served the charge are : Peter Schumacher, H. Koeneke, M. Mulfinger, John Hoppen, Christian Wyttenback, Fr. Heller, John Bier, Charles Schelper, Henry Lich, Fr. Becker, John Reimer, John Hoppen, G. A. Breunig, John H. Lukemeyer, John Reimer, Gottloeb Trefz, P. F. Schneider, Fr. Schimmelpfennig, C Bozenhard, John C. Weidman, John W. Roecker, G. Nachtrieb, J. H. Lich, E. F. Wunderlich, George Schwinn, and J. F. Severinghaus, who is the present pastor.
There is an interesting and successful Sunday school conducted by the ehnreh, which has an average attendanee of 200.
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