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 47
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republican, and always said that party was worthy of his support. At the polls he would generally cast his vote for his party unscratched and remained a faithful adherent all his life. But after all the dis- tinguishing mark of this man's character was his faithful, consistent Christian life. He was a member of the Methodist church for over fifty years. Religion with him was a daily, vital experience. He lived his religion as every oue that knew him will testify. Never did a vulgar or profane or impure word escape his lips. The Sabbath to him was a delight. "No busy cares disturbed his breast" on that day. No mail was ever opened, no office work of any kind ever performed on Sunday. He never thought of going to the office on Sunday, and it was his delight to make the Sabbath a day of blessed rest. His knowledge of the Bible was proverbial. In Sunday school his work was superior. From early childhood he attended the Sunday school and when still young he became a teacher. He was chosen as super- intendent and after faithful service in this capacity he again became a teacher. He loved to teach God's word, and was a master hand at it. The ordinances of God's house were to him a delight. The preached word, prayers and songs of Zion found glad response in his spiritual nature. He loved the courts of the Lord's house, and often went when it seemed as if he could not possibly get there. The class meeting was to him a source of strength and comfort, and it was given to him to impart at such a meeting more than he received. His ex- perience was always rich, deep, spiritual and never failed to impress the hearers. But the most remarkable attainment of Mr. Curnick was his wonderful power in public prayer. His power was a gift of great excellence. When in the full vigor of his mind and with unimpared vocal power, his prayers were an inspiration. No bishop, minister or layman excelled him. It was an endowment from above. He would nse the choicest language, quote the most apt Scripture, take right hold on the throne of God, and with voice sweet, penetrating, mellowed to heavenly harmony, he would soar, and, lifting his audience with him, rise into fullest strains of exalted supplication, reaching with sublime faith the very Shekinah, catching the very spirit of deepest adoration and worship. Often it would scem as if
" Heaven came down the soul to greet, And glory crowned the mercy seat."
"During special meetings his prayers and instruction to seekers were always owned and blessed of God. Quietly and peacefully this worthy man passed from our midst. Heaven opened her gates and let him in to behold the King in His beauty, and to mingle with the loved and
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honored who had preceded him there. His friends on earth can pay him no greather honor than to resolve to walk in his steps and meet him up yonder. He used to quote from the poet (who in the ecstacy of fervent inspiration sang of the joy of Heaven and His glories) when he should "catch by turn the bursting joy, and all eternity employ in songs of endless praise." The reality is now his. Mr. Cnrnick left a large family and circle of friends to mourn his departure. His seven sons and three daughters are all married and have families of their own: James L., Samuel N., Thomas, Sydney N., George L., Eliza S. Swift and Lucy Moll, reside in this city. Frederick is living in South Africa, Rev. E. T. is in Uxbridge, Mass., and Mary Ann Stevens is in Chicago."
DR. GEORGE A. CUTLER.
Dr. George A. Cutler, son of Major Jervis and Elizabeth S. Cutler, was born in Nashville, Tenn., December 25, 1832. His parents moved to Evansville when he was very young, his mother having previously resided here. Mrs. Cutler's first husband, Captain Chandler, a wealthy sea captain, had emigrated from their home in New York City, and had built and equipped a large flatboat at Pittsburgh, (it being before the time of steamboats) and had floated down the Ohio, landing where Evansville now is. Captain Chandler purchased a large tract of land, and built one of the first houses here, but, in inspecting a well that had been dug for him, he contracted a severe cold, from the effects of which he died, leaving three children, John J., William H. and Mary R. Chandler, all of whom have been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of Evansville. Captain Chaudler's daughter, who is the widow of Professor J. W. Knight, is the only one of his children now living. Dr. Cutler's father, Major Jervis Cutler, was an officer in the war of 1812, and his grandfather, Rev. Manasseh Cutler, was a staff-officer in the Revolutionary war. He was a member of the first Continental Congress, and president of the Ohio land company. In company with General Rufus Putnam, Governor Winthrop and others, they purchased one and a half million acres of land, and commenced the settlement of the territory that subsequently became the state of Ohio. His son, Jervis, a boy of seventeen years, went west with the first colony. The subject of this sketch has often heard his father say that he (his father) was the first white boy to cut down a tree to form a settlement in the state of Ohio. Rev. Manasseh Cutler was also the author of the Ordinance of 1787 (so often credited to Thomas
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Jefferson), that great charter which consecrated the territory of Ohio, Indiana and the great northwest to freedom, and which set aside the sixteenth section in every township to maintain a system of public education.
While the ancestors of Dr. Cutler were entitled to great credit for their efforts in the cause of freedom, the son should also come in for a share. After graduating at the medical department of the university of New York City, Dr. Cutler returned to Evansville and began the practice of his profession with Professor McDowell. When the Kan- sas and Nebraska bill passed in congress, he was one of the earliest emigrants, and the outrages that he saw daily perpetrated npon the free state settlers by the pro-slavery men of Missouri, impelled him to esponse their canse of the anti-slavery element, and he soon became a prominent member of their party. He was nominated by the first con- vention in the territory to a seat in the territorial legislature, aud he stumped the district at the risk of his life. At Nemaha City, where he had an appointment to speak, he found a large body of Missourians, headed by General David R. Atchison, then acting vice president of the United States, who informed him that if he attempted to speak, he would be "riddled with bullets." He did speak, however, and the very effrontery of his doing so probably saved his life. At this election every precinct was invaded by Missourians, who, in many instances, took the ballot-boxes back to Missouri with them. Dr. Cntler received a large majority of the legal votes, and Governor Reeder gave him the certificate of election ; but it is needless to say, General String- fellow, his opponent, got the seat. Dr. Cutler was in every battle during that protracted war, was a prisoner at one time, and had many miraculous escapes from death. He was a member of the Topeka constitutional convention, was twice elected state auditor under that constitution, and was a member of the first state legislature. When the civil war broke out he organized a company and went to Washing- ton, and took part in the defense of the city. He was appointed United States Indian agent by President Lincoln. He had 20,000 of the southern Indians under his care during the war to be fed and clothed. During his term of office he disbursed over a million dollars, and assisted in putting two regiments of Indians in the field. Dr. Cutler was afterward appointed state printer for the northern district of Texas, by Governor Davis, the republican governor of that state, and he established a paper at Sherman and one at Denison, Texas. While editing a paper at the latter place, a committee consisting of the mayor and the prominent citizens, waited on him and offered a large
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bonus ifhe would start a paper at Dallas, which he did, and the Daily Commercial soon became one of the leading papers in the state. Dr. Cutler subsequently went to Chicago, and began work in his chosen profession, where he soon established a large and lucrative practice.
In 1878 he married Miss Fannie Dougherty, who was born in Ev- ansville. Her family were also identified with the early history of this city. Her. grandfather, Alexander Johnson, was one of the ear- liest settlers. She was a consin of Hugh MeGary, who owned large tracts of land here, and a niece of Marcus Sherwood, Thomas Johnson and Hon. Abram Phelps, of Newburgh. She was also a cousin of I. Neely Johnson, one of the early governors of California, who was born in Evansville. Miss Dougherty was a teacher in the public schools of Evansville for years. Her brothers, William, Frank and Henry Dougherty, enlisted from Evansville and fought during the late war. They are all dead now. In his boyhood days young Cutler was dep- uty postmaster, his half-brother, William H. Chandler, being post- master. George's uniform good humor and assidious attention to business won him the respect of all the old citizens. Dr. Cutler organ- ized a large colony in 1887, at Chicago. He afterward bought an extensive tract of land in California, and moved with his family to that state, where he now lives, engaged in the drug business at Los Angeles.
CHARLES FLETCHER JEAN.
Charles Fletcher Jean was born of poor and humble parents, in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1856. His father, John Miller Jean, was born at Carlisle, Indiana, July 28, 1828. His grandfather, Fletcher Jean, emigrated from Kentucky to Indiana, in the year 1818. The paternal ancestors of the subject of our sketch were French. His mother's maiden name was Rebecah Ann Taylor. She was born at Rockville, Indiana, Jannary 22, 1830, and died at Robinson, Illinois, November 29, 1893. His father, at the age of sixty-eight, is still living, and is actively engaged in the produce business at Robinson, Illinois. His father and his four brothers, together with his grandfather, were carpenters by trade. At the age of eleven his parents moved from Terre Hante to Sullivan, Indiana. At the age of fourteen he left home, returning to Terre Haute, where he seenred a position in the Terre Haute House as bell boy. Mr. Perry Huston, who is part owner and manager of the St. George Hotel of this city, was then manager of the Terre Haute House. Mr. Jean held this position for about
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eight months. He then went to Indianapolis and secured a position as driver of a delivery wagon for a grocery store. Later he became clerk in the same store, where he continued in these two capacities for about three years. He then returned home to Sullivan, Indiana, and entered school. At the age of nineteen he secured a position as clerk in a dry goods store at Sullivan, Indiana. At the age of twenty-one he received in marriage the hand of Miss Maud Hancock, whose father at that time was sheriff of Sullivan county. Three years later he engaged in the produce business with his father and brother, E. T. Jean, and was sent to Newton, Illinois, to open a branch house. After remaining there abont two years he went to Shelbyville, Illinois, to open a branch house, where he remained about four years. From there he was sent to Carmi, Illinois, on the same business enterprise. He lived in Carmi about three years. He moved to Evansville in 1889, and established headquarters for Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri points. Two years ago he dissolved partnership, selling the Illinois and Missouri points to his brothers and purchasing the Indiana and Kentucky points, since which time he has been doing business under the style of C. F. Jean. The first ten years of his business career were hard and comparatively unsuccessful, but in the past few years he has been fairly prosperous. His family consists of five children, three sons and two daughters. He has never aspired to any political office, but in Carmi he was elected as councilman and served two years. He was nominated for mayor of the city of Evans- ville, by the republican party, at the primary election on Tuesday, February 23, 1897, a compliment of which he was in every sense worthy. Mr. Jean stands foremost among the business men of Evans- ville.
JOHN F. GLOVER.
Was born near Harrisburgh, Pennsylvania, March 29, 1814. His grandfather was a revolutionary soldier, and Jos. Glover, his father, served in the war of 1812. His mother was Margaret Ferguson, of Scotch-Welsh descent-a woman of strong religious principles of the Puritanical type. At au carly age John entered the store of Abraham Oves, a distinguished merchant of Harrisburgh, where he served as salesman and book-keeper. One of his associate clerks was W. S. Culbertson, with whom he formed a strong attachment which lasted through life. In 1834 he removed to Louisville and went into the saw mill and lumber yard of his uncle, Mathew Ferguson. In 1838
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Mr. Glover married Miss Lucinda Catharine Simons, a niece of Mrs. Matthew Ferguson. Mrs. Glover was the daughter of Arad and Catharine Winchel Simons, who came west from Lebanon, New Hamp- shire, in 1817, and took up land in Perry county, Indiana. Mrs. Glover was born February 6, 1818. Her mother died soon after her birth and she was brought up by her mother's sister, Mrs. Ferguson, the wife of Mr. Glover's uncle.
Eleven children were the fruit of this union: Catharine (Mrs. C. M. Tileston, of Minneapolis); Joseph E. died at the age of five years; Margaret died at the age of 12 years; Olive (now the widow of W. A. Culbertson); Wallis, of Montgomery, Alabama,died in 1896; Bren, mys- terionsly disappeared from Chicago in 1878; Allen S., of Cincinnati; Ed- ward D., died in 1884; Fanuy died at the age of one year; Dr. John F., of this city, and Lucie G. died in 1884. In December, 1852, Mr. Glover arrived in Evansville. He at once opened a lumber yard on the cor- ner of Main and Seveuth streets. His career was one of unwavering integrity and commendable enterprise. Mr. Glover was very success- ful in Snuday school organization. He was superintendent of Brook street Sunday school, Louisville, previous to his residence in Evans- ville. He also served the following churches in the capacity of Sun- day school superintendent: Ingle street, City Mission, then held in Cresent Hall, corner Main and Third streets, Kingsley and Trinity. He was one of the organizers of Kingsley church and also one of the founders of the Christian Home, on Fulton avenue. He was a success- ful merchant and a devoted Christian worker. His death occurred September 15, 1884. Mrs. Glover survived her husband just ten years, lacking one day, her death occuring on September 14, 1894. She was a most excellent woman and a devoted wife aud mother.
ZIBA HI. COOK.
Mr. Cook was born in Fulton county, New York. When twenty- one years old he went to Massachusetts and there learned the cotton- mill business. That portion of his life spent in Massachusetts was at Taunton. He removed to Balston, Saratoga county, N. Y., in October, 1844, where he still pursued the business of cotton manufacturing. In October, 1850, he located at Cannelton, Indiana, as agent for the Cannelton Cotton-mill company, and started a mill at that point. Mr. Cook felt a desire to change the nature of his pursuit, and so on May 20, 1852, he arrived in Evansville, and on June 20th the same year,
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opened up in the wholesale grocery business, on First street, between Main and Locust streets, at number 323. Cook's "Oriental Tea Store" supplied hotels, restaurants, steamboats, boarding houses and private families. His wholesale grocery trade was flattering. He introduced the novelty of the free-delivery system, and despite all aside remarks the other competitors were soon compelled to use it. In time the business 'grew and the list of customers was enlarged. His great desire to please his customers in all respects and his genial attitude toward them added to his trade. He was a stirring, live business man, conducting business with a dash and boldness that won. He was a leader, not a follower. Mr. Cook served faithfully in the common council of the city, and took a leading part in many of the movements for the good of the city. He died while filling the office of justice of the peace, in June, 1882. He retired from the grocery business in his latter days, and his son, Henry A. Cook, succeeded him. Henry A. Cook and his son, Harry N., are to-day doing a large wholesale and retail grocery business at the corner of Main and Fourth streets, number 331. They handle extensively all classes of groceries, and with the greatest watchfulness to details and prompt filling of orders they have secured and hold a large patronage in and out of the city.
H. A. Cook was born September 10, 1835, at Blackstone, Massachu- setts. His brother, Norval L., shortly after he entered the army in defence of the Union, was drowned at St. Louis. He had two sisters, Verona and Medora M. Mr. Cook is a very active man, full of energy, remarkably industrions, most intelligently accommodating, liberal in views, and a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church. He is a man of wide reading, a staunch republican, and a member of the Masonic fraternity and a Knight Templar. He has been as free from the desire of public office or notoriety as any man in the city, and he discusses public issues with a surprising clearness and the fullness of one who has read much. Mr. Cook was married to Miss Carrie J. Clark. She died November 18, 1888. To them were born four children, all of whom are living: Harry N., Caroline J., Genevieve M. and Anna M. His son, Harry N. Cook, was born in this city. He is the exact prototype of his father in commercial alertness, business comprehen- sion, wide-awake industry, intelligent enterprise and social complais- ance.
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THOMAS P. BRITTON,
Of whom this biography will speak, was born in Rockport, Spencer county, Ind., July 20, 1832. He was one of the eight children of Thomas Pindall Britton, of Spencer county. His brothers were : John F., James and Frank Britton, and his sisters were : Mary, Virginia, Rachel and Caroline Britton. Mr. Britton passed his early life in and about Rockport, attended the public schools of that place and received a fair education. He was afterward engaged in the livery stable bus- iness in Rockport, and was as successful as the business of the town would permit. In the year, 1858, he was united in marriage to Sarah E. Brown, also of Rockport, Ind. He soon found that Rockport was too small for his broad ideas of business, and two years later, in the year, 1860, moved with his family to Evansville, where Mr. Brit- ton, in partnership with John Richardson, a relative of his, embarked in the livery stable business, and were quite successful in that voca- tion. Mr. Britton bought real estate in and about Evansville, and his judgment on snch occasions was admired by all. His friends saw in him a man of fine business qualities. He was fond of horses, owned several fine specimens, and took a great deal of interest in all turf matters. In the fall of 1878, his friends nominated him for treasurer of Vanderburgh county, and he was elected by a handsome majority. Mr. Britton served his term in grand style, and made quite a reputa- tion as the servant of the people by his honest, straightforward and business-like methods, and made many warm and lasting friends. He was re-elected in 1880, but the ardnous duties connected with that office soon began to tell on his health, and in the summer of 1883, he was confined to his bed, and on the 31st of July, his spirit departed from this world, respected and loved by all, leaving behind him a be- reaved family and a countless number of sad friends to monrn his demise.
JACOB WEINTZ.
One of the most efficient and useful citizens of Evansville was Jacob Weintz. His business relations were such as to make him known to everybody and to win their confidence and respect.
Mr. Weintz was born in Albig, Grand Duchy, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, on November 21, 1830. His father, Peter Weintz, was a farmer. There he gained an education in the common schools, and spent his young life upon a farm. He came to America in 1843,
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when only thirteen years old, touching first at New Orleans, thence preceeding up the Mississippi river to St. Louis. The family re- mained there several months, but later came to Indiana and settled upon a farm in Posey county. Four years afterward, in 1847, he located in Evansville and learned the tinner's trade under Mr. Kol- lenberg, and later kept store and made tinware for Kratz & Heilman. He subsequently became superintendent of the Kratz & Heilman foundry and machine shops. After the dissolution of the firm in 1866 he still retained this position under the proprietorship of his half brother, William Heilman. When the business was organized into a corporation in 1884, he became pecuniarily interested in it and still performed the duties of superintendent, a place he was successfully filling at the time of his death. He was connected with this business through its period of growth to prosperity and its present great pro- portions. His relations to his brother were close and confidential, so that when the estate of Mr. Heilman was taken out of the court in 1893, he was appointed trustee of the same. This was a great trust, but he filled it honorably and well, as he did everything else he under- took. At the time of his death he was president of the Evansville Cotton Manufacturing Company, and superintendent of the Heilman machine works-positions he filled efficiently and creditably. He was a successful business man, possessing that tact and close application to business which never fail to attain success. His life, in a sense, is a page in the history of the city. In every good work and enterprise for the good of the people and the prosperity of the city he not only had a good word, but a ready hand and an open purse. A man very conscientious, he was honest in every business transaction, and his loyalty to his friends was unswerving and true. He was a plain man, unassuming and modest in his course in life. He disliked publicity. In regard to his business or social conduct it was a favorite saying of his that the "act would explain itself." He multiplied no words, where a good deed would explain better. His love of truth and right was a strong element in his nature, and he never swerved from these great cardinal principles. A fine quality of benevolence moved him all along the pathway of life to do deeds of charity and help the needy and distressed. Many a time has his open hand extended aid in a substantial way, when no return was expected. His heart was often touched by the hard circumstances of some one, whom he aided liber- ally. To every good and worthy object he was a ready contributor. He had a kind heart and a gentle nature, and many were the noble acts he did. His friendly manner and social qualities endeared him to
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JOSEPH P. ELLIOTT - AUTHOR
WM. M. ELLIOTT M.D.
PETER ELLIOTT
ANN ELIZABETH ELLIOTT DUVALL
)
THE ELLIOTT FAMILY.
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all. He was particularly fond of children, and business was rarely so pressing that a child could not gain his sympathetic attention. In his domestic life he was an exemplary man, and his home was the one supreme spot in all the world to him. He was happy in his domestic relations.
He was first married to Elizabeth Woll May 27, 1856. To them were born Henry P., Clara E. and William. Their only daughter, Clara, died November 13, 1873, in the early part of her fifteenth year. The beloved mother of these children died January 29, 1866. She was an estimable lady and highly beloved. Her home was a home of peace and love, and as a wife and mother her memory was cherished with affection and her beautiful life left a lasting impression. He was married the second time to Elizabeth Kron, widow of Frederick Kron, on June 22, 1869, and her death occurred on September 7, 1877. He was married to Charlotte Straub December 9, 1879. She survives him. Of this union one son, Edward J., was born, and he is still living.
Mr. Weintz had been a member of St. John's Evangelical church- one of the carliest. He aided materially in building the church on Third and Ingle streets. In later years he was a member of First Avenue Presbyterian church, and for many years was a member of the board of trustees of the same. His political affiliations were with the republican party. His death occurred at his home on Carpenter street on June 19, 1897, and is greatly deplored by his family and all who knew him.
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