USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Biographical cyclopedia of Vanderburgh County, Indiana : embracing biographies of many of the prominent men and families of the county > Part 11
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John A. Reitz was born December 17, IS15, at Dorlar, Prussia, where his father, Francis Joseph Reitz, owned large estates. His childhood received careful training at home. When only twelve years of age he was sent to Osloh, one of the important education centers of Prussia, where he pursued his studies four years under a capable tutor. The five years next succeeding were spent in work at home. On attaining his majority, inspired by a spirit of adventure and a desire to enjoy the blessings and opportunities afforded
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by a free popular government, he turned his face toward and set. sail for the United States. He was the first immi- grant to leave his native village for America, and it required courage to break home ties and start alone on a voyage of nearly four thousand miles. The sturdy German races have long been noted for courage and determina- tion, and he possessed the characteristics of his race. His ancestors were long lived. It is related that his grandmother lived to the age of one hundred and sixteen years, and, on the death of her husband, at the age of eighty-one, man- aged successfully for nearly thirty years, the business of manufacturing salt, inaugurated by him.
After a long voyage the young man landed in Baltimore, but in a short time crossed the Alleghenies and located in Louisville. Soon afterwards he was induced by a practical potter to estab- lish a pottery in Evansville, where clays adapted to that industry had been dis- covered. The business proved unprofit- able, for want of demand for the ware, and was abandoned after a few kilns had been burned.
came one of the substantial and profitable manufactories of Evansville. Subse- quently his sons were taken into part- nership and the firm became John .1. Reitz & Sons. The firm is probably the largest manufacturer of hardwood lumber in the country. In 1857 he formed a partnership with John A. Haney, to operate a foundry, which was continued with great success for a period of twenty-four years, and then sold to other parties. He assisted in organ- izing the Crescent City bank in 1856, and became one of its directors, subse- quently filling the offices of vice-presi- dent and president. This institution was one of the solid banking organ- izations of the state and continued to transact business until the national bank law was enacted. It was then succeeded by the Merchants' National bank, of which Mr. Reitz was a director. Later on he transferred his interest to the German National bank, in which he held the position of director for several years, then was elected vice-president and afterwards president, holding the presidency at the time of his death, May 12, 1891. He was not only a successful manufacturer and banker, but was asso- ciated with other enterprises and organ- izations that promised remuneration to their founders and benefit to the city. Realizing the value of transportation as a factor in the building up of a con1- mercial center, he became an active promoter of railroads, was one of the incorporators of the Evansville, Carmi and Paducah road and president of the company. It is now known as the St.
After spending a year in Louisville, he settled permanently at Evansville, in 1838, taking employment in a saw and planing mill owned by Judge Stephens, which was soon afterwards destroyed by fire. For several years after that he was in a saw mill, and then with his half-brother built a mill in that city. At the end of ten years his brother retired and the mill burned. It was rebuilt immediately, and in 1873 was again rebuilt and enlarged until it be- Louis division of the Louisville and
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Nashville system. He was for years also a director of the Nashville division of the same system, from Evansville to Nashville, Tenn. Mr. Reitz was char- itable as well as public-spirited. He was liberal in the expenditure of his means to benefit the poor and the unfor- tunate. As a memorial to his daughter, Louise, who died some years ago in California, he built a commodious home for the aged poor on a site selected for its beauty and pleasant surroundings. This home he presented to the Little Sisters of the Poor, in order to insure the proper care of the inmates. The number cared for is about one hundred. He was a devout Roman Catholic in his religion and a member of the Church of the Holy Trinity. No member was more generous in contributing to the erection of its building and the mainten- ance of its worship. He built at his own expense the church of the Sacred Heart, and presented it to the bishop as a place of worship for Irish Catholics. His liberality was characterized by a catholicity not confined to the church of his own belief. Protestant churches received liberal contributions from his abundance. Every public enterprise that tended to advance the interests of Evansville or better the condition of mankind found in him an active sup- porter. His charity was as broad as humanity. There is no sectarianism in the home which he founded. The deserving poor, whose weight of years incapacitates them from earning a live- lihood in the ordinary pursuits, are wel- comed to its privileges, without regard to their creed or nationality. He con- 12
tributed liberally to build and maintain Evans Hall, dedicated solely to the cause of temperance.
Whatever he undertook was prosper- ous, not through luck, but on account of prudence and foresight, which deter- mined the character of his undertakings. His real estate investments were im- mensely profitable. His sympathy for the unfortunate prompted the greatest liberality in their behalf, and sometimes prevented that careful investigation of the merits of an appeal which he would have given to a business proposition; hence, he was frequently imposed upon by unscrupulous and designing men, who took advantage of his generosity.
When the town of Lamasco was incorporated, in 1846, he became its chief executive officer, and managed its affairs with ability until it was consoli- dated with Evansville. He was largely instrumental while president of the board of trustees in advancing the interests of the Evansville, Indianapolis and Cleve- land railroad. He embarked in some very large real estate enterprises with the late Willard Carpenter, which proved to be very profitable. In 1862 Mr. Reitz was elected to the state legis- lature, as a joint representative from the counties of Vanderburg and Posey, and served during the memorable session of 1863. He was also a member of the city council. He was very active in all public enterprises that had for their object the advancement of his city. While he always acted with the demo- cratic party, he did not allow his devo- tion to party politics to so control his actions that he could not support all
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measures which were for the general good of the community. He was not a partisan in any sense of the word. He never acted hastily in anything he un- dertook, but when he had reached a decision could not be swerved from his ยท course. The relations between himself and his employes have always been cordial and sympathetic. Though a large number of men have been em- ployed, the business, extending over a period of nearly fifty years, has never been interrupted by a strike. Mutual confidence between employer and em- ploye is firmly established. This con- dition has always existed, not only when John A. Reitz conducted the business, but under the present management as well. The result of this humane treat- ment is that the men who have grown old in his service (and there are some who have been employed forty-one years) are not discharged by reason of their advancing years; but their names hold the same place on the pay roll at the same wages they received in their strength and vigor. Such a policy is creditable to the conscience and the sagacity of the successful man who inaugurates it. It makes friends of em- ployes, and the increased interest which they take in their employer's business no doubt insures better returns than if he exacted hard conditions. It is evi- dence of a high type of humanity and tends to mitigate the antagonism be- tween capital and labor.
Mr. Reitz was married in 1839 to Miss Gertrude Frisse, who came from a locality in Prussia not far from the place of his nativity. Ten children were born
to them. all of whom are living but two -the daughter, who died in California in 1886, and a son, who was drowned in Colorado in 1892.
The subject of this sketch was a man of strong convictions and character. He was deliberate in forming his judg- ment and unyielding in his firmness when it was formed. He was ready to stand alone if necessary in defense of what he conceived to be right. He was a man of such wide experience in busi- ness and such excellent judgment that he was consulted freely regarding the management of large financial institu- tions and important enterprises He was conservative and honest. It was the policy of his business life to owe no man. He kept free from debt and was able to devote all his thought and energy to the prosecution of his work without annoyance or embarrassment incident to debt. He never entered into a contract to pay without having the cash to meet the payment at once. The freedom from obligations due in the future contributed much to his success and infinitely more to his happiness. Ile was a man of fine physique, fond of outdoor exercise and manual labor.
His family life made his best traits conspicuous. He was devoted to his wife and children, with affection that sought to provide for their comfort and happiness. Business affairs were not permitted to enter the precincts of home. His supremest enjoyment was around the hearthstone, as the central figure in the circle cemented by love and confi- dence. In that home circle, where the happiness of cach was the desire of all,
ALBERT JOHANN.
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he found rest and recreation. His wife of the I. O. O. F. and the K. and L. of was helpful by her sympathy and H. fraternities. He is a republican in politics, and his popularity is evidenced by the fact that for four years he repre. sented his ward in the city council. advice. She was a charitable woman, contributing her full share to the sup- port of the church and worthy benevo- lent objects in the community. She supplemented and made complete the home life of a happy family.
(A portion of this biography is copied from Biography of Indiana, 1895, by G. I. Reed.)
ALBERT JOHANN,
"THE leading undertaker of Evansville. was born in Prussia July 16, 1831. His father, Charles William Johann, harness-maker, came to America in 1848, and after living a few years in Evansville, removed to Cannelton, Indiana, where after a long and busy life, he died in July, 1875, at the age of seventy-four years. He married Miss Elizabeth Worth, who died in Cannelton in 1895, at the age of eighty-six years.
Albert Johann received his early mental training in his native country, and when a young man learned the trade of a moulder. His frailty did not permit him to work at his trade, and he learned that of a house carpenter, at which he worked occasionally, in con- nection with other business until ISSo. In 1865 he began to do an undertaking business.
He began life a poor man. When he began business he bought a small house, but was able to make a cash payment of only $25.00. By industry and economy he has accumulated a comfortable property. He is a member
He was married in July, 1854, to Miss Barbara Spies, a native of Ger- many, and daughter of Henry Spies. Eight children have blessed their union: Amelia K., Charles H., Lydia, (who died at the age of twenty-one years in ISSo), Emma L., Albert H., Edward W . Mary A. and Eva A.
He is a consistent member of the German Methodist church. He has been connected with the Deaconess' Home, and as one of the trustees, pur- chased the original property where that institution stands.
PROFESSOR WILLIAM MUSHLITZ,
PRINCIPAL of the Fulton Avenue school, of Evansville, was born in the east- ern part of Pennsylvania on March 6, 1851, and is the son of Monroe Mnshlitz, a native of Pennsylvania.
William Mushlitz received his early education in the public schools of Penn- sylvania and attended Beaversville Academy and the Lehigh University. He was engaged in the public schools of Pennsylvania for seven years, and came west in 1877, locating in Clinton county, Indiana, where he was made superintendent of teachers, in which capacity he served one year, and from 1879 to 1885 he occupied the position of superintendent of the schools of Clin-
1
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ton county. In 1885 he removed to married Miss Elizabeth Pfeifer, a native Evansville, and since that time has been principal of the Fulton Avenue school.
He is a member of the Masonic order and is a Knight Templar and is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, council No. 491. He is a consistent member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal church, and is a most highly respected citizen.
He was united in marriage in 1878 to Miss Ida Holliday, of Frankfort, Indiana, and to them have been born two boys, DeEarl and Curtis T. The elder, DeEarl, served for some time as reporter for the Evansville Journal and also for the Courier.
Professor Mushlitz is a man of great ability as a teacher, and much of the prosperity of Fulton Avenue school is the result of his untiring efforts. Always courteous, and his pleasing manners have made him exceedingly popular in educational and social circles.
GEORGE L. LOUDEN,
M ANAGER of the Southern Planing Mill company, of Evansville; was born in Keokuk, lowa, September 17, 1856.
of Germany, who came to America in 1836. They met in Posey county, where they were united in marriage, and their union was blessed with three children. the subject of this sketch being the youngest. The father died in 1857 and the mother is still living and resides with her son, a brother of George Louden's, in Evansville.
George Louden received his education in the common schools of Keokuk, lowa, and when he left school went into a planing mill, where he learned to be a machine hand. He came to Evans- ville February 4, 1879, and engaged to work for Swanson Brothers and was afterwards employed in the MeCorkle planing mill as machine hand. In 1881 he, in connection with J. M. Overell. Gus Schellhase and Henry J. Ashley, organized the Ohio Valley Planing Mill company. Six months afterwards Mr. Schellhase went out of the business and Mr. Overell sold his interest to Messrs. Louden and Ashley. The plant was destroyed by fire November, 1886, but no sooner was the debris cleared away than they began to rebuild and by February, 1887, a new planing mill was in operation at the corner of Main and Iowa streets, the same being known at present as the Mechanics' planing mill. Mr. Louden continued with the con-
George Louden (father) was a native cern until 1893, when he sold out and of Germany and came to America at an for some time afterwards he was engaged in the real estate business. In 1896 he organized the Franklin street planing mill company and later the business was merged into the Southern planing mill company and the plant early day, locating at Mt. Vernon, Indiana, where he remained for two years, when he removed to Keokuk, Iowa, and was there successfully en- gaged in the brewery business. He
G. L. LOUDEN.
JOSEPH C. SAUM.
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moved to the corner of Water and seventh ward, and it is a notable fact Goodsell streets.
Mr. Louden was united in marriage August 5. 18So, to Miss Carrie M. Roes- ner, of Evansville, and five children, councilman ever elected. four of whom survive, have blessed their union. The living children are Harry, Willie, Mamie and Arthur.
Mr. Louden is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Chosen Friends. His career as a business man and pro- gressive citizen is beyond reproach and he performs every duty in the manner suggested by his conscience and judg- ment. His excellent business qualifi- cations have made him an influential factor in working out the success which he has achieved.
LEE M. CASSIDY,
PROMINENT business man of Evans- ville, was born in 1857, in Gettys- burg, Pennsylvania, and is the son of William and Mary Cassidy. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Kentucky.
The boyhood days of Lee M. Cassidy were spent in Pike and Davies counties and he was graduated from St. Mein- rad's seminary at Washington, D. C., in 1879. He lived in Washington for a number of years and afterwards spent a number of years in the west and came to Evansville in 1883. He was engaged in the railroad business for a few years and for the last eight years has been contractor and builder. In April, 1897, he was elected councilman from the
that he was the first democratic coun- cilman elected from that ward, and he received the largest majority of any
He was united in marriage in May. IS85, to Miss Mattie L. Mortore, of Davis county.
By honest and industrious effort, by wise and skillful management Mr. Cas- sidy has achieved a large measure of success. He enjoys the confidence of the business community and a high social position.
The sketch of Mr. Cassidy would not be complete without mentioning that he is a man of unblemished moral char- acter, and for a number of years he has been a consistent member of the Assumption church, and a liberal bene- factor to all the religious and philan- thropic enterprises of the day. Both as a business man and citizen, Mr. Cassidy carries with him the esteem of the com- munity. Surely, his life career has been a success.
JOSEPH C. SAUM.
C OUNCILMAN of Evansville, a native of Vanderburgh county, was born June 12, 1860, and is the son of James and Elizabeth Saum. The father was born in Ohio in 1837, came to Evansville in 1854 and was successfully engaged in farming.
Joseph Saum. the subject of this sketch, spent his early days upon his father's farm and attended the country schools. At the age of eighteen he
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began as an apprentice in a blacksmith shop, where he served for seven years, at the end of which time he purchased the shop where he had learned and for two years following operated it with gratifying success. In 1888 he sold his blacksmith interests and embarked in the grocery business at the corner of Fountain avenue and Park street, in connection with Mr. Diekmeier, under the firm name of Dickmeier & Co. Two years subsequent he erected the house which he now occupies. at the corner of Park and Maryland streets, where he has done a prosperous business ever since.
He is a member of the K. and L. of H. and also of the Knights of St. John. He was elected councilman from the fourth ward by the democrats in the spring of 1897, and the manner in which he has conducted himself in the capacity of councilman amply attests the wisdom of those who placed him there.
Mr. Saum was united in marriage October. IS87, to Miss Carrie Dick- meier, of Evansville, and three children -two boys and a girl, have blessed their union.
VERY REV. EUGENE F. McBARRON,
D EAN, member of the bishop's council and immovable pastor of the Church of the Assumption, was born in Floyd county, Indiana. near New Albany, June 18, 1844, and is the son of John McBarron, who was born in ISoy in the northern part of the Emerald Isle.
John McBarron married Miss Mary honor.
Ann O'Daly, who was born in Madison, Jefferson county, Indiana, in 1822. The father came to America in 1837, locating in New York. He remained in New York and Boston for a few months and in 1838 removed to Floyd county, and was engaged in farming and contract. ing. The boyhood days of E. F. MeBarron were spent on his father's farm, and his early education was obtained from the public and catholic schools of Floyd county. He took a classical course under the preceptorship of Father Louis Neyron, of New Albany, and in 1863 entered Notre Dame uni- versity, and in 1864 attended the St. Thomas seminary at Bardstown, Ken- tucky, remaining there one year. Ile then spent a year and a half at St. Meinrad. Spencer county, Indiana. Ilis theolog- ical course was finished at St. Sulpicien seminary of Montreal, Canada, and he was ordained to preach at Vincennes. Indiana, June 8, 1871, by the Right Reverend Bishop de St. Palias. He was appointed pastor of St. Mary's of the Woods in Vigo county, Indiana, and in 1879 was appointed pastor of the Assumption church of Evansville, and on June S, 1896, celebrated his Silver Jubilee as pastor.
Rev. MeBarron is a man of large mental attainments and ranks among the best pulpit orators in Southern Indiana. He is a profound thinker, a good reasoner, logical and eloquent in the presentation of his sermons. For over eighteen years he has occupied this field of labor, and all who know him love him and delight to do him
HENRY MASON.
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HENRY MASON,
A TTORNEY at law, prominent member of the Evansville bar. was born on a farm in Hancock county, Kentucky, May 4. 1859. He attended the common schools and his boyhood days were spent in the monotonous routine of farm life. He entered Asbury Univer- sity, where he attended in 1879-So, and then went home to teach school, which he did for two years. He then entered his brother's law office at Hawesville, Kentucky, studied law and was admitted to the bar at Hawesville, where he practiced until 1891. He served the people of Hancock county as legislator in 1889-90, and a notable feature of his election was that the county went largely republican, he being the only democrat elected. His affiliations have always been with the democratic party, and he has at all times manifested an active interest in the welfare thereof. Mr. Mason removed to Evansville in 1891, and in 1893 became engaged with Mr. H. M. Logsdon, under the firm name of Logsdon & Mason, and their efforts in the practice of their profession have met with gratifying success.
James Mason (father ) was a promi- nent farmer of Hancock county. and married Miss Nancy Blincoe, a native of the same county. To them twelve children were born, Henry being the ninth.
Henry Mason was united in marriage June 24, 1896. to Miss Mattie Robb, daughter of James C. Robb, a success- ful farmer of , Hancock county, and a most highly respected citizen.
GEORGE J. VENEMANN,
A LEADING and representative grocer of Evansville, was born January 13, 1852, and is the son of Joseph and Eliza Ellen (Aiken) Venemann. The father was born in Germany and the mother was a native of Vanderburgh county.
The early education of George J. Venemann was obtained from the con- mon schools of Evansville, and he was graduated from the Third Street Cath- olic academy. He entered his father's store as clerk, and remained there for seven years and gained a wide and practical experience in business affairs. Leaving his father's employ he became engaged with the dry goods establish. ment of Frank Hopkins & Company as clerk, in which capacity he remained for fifteen years. He then embarked in the grocery business with his brother, Theodore J. Venemann, which continued with marked success up to four years ago, when George J. began to do a grocery business on his own account. Actual merit and continued fair dealing have been the main factors in the achievement of his success, and the rep- utation he has established and main- tained is second to none for honesty and genuine business acumen.
Mr. Venemann is a member of the K. of P. and takes an active interest in the welfare thereof. Public-spirited, energetic and liberal, he is a highly respected citizen in all the various walks of life, and his able and judicious man- agement has made his grocery one of the most enterprising and complete
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establishments of the kind in the city of Evansville.
Mr. Venemann was united in mar- riage in 1879, to Miss Helen Cook, daughter of Charles Cook, of Evans- ville, and four children have blessed their union, as follows: Maud, Eloise, Helen and Carl.
JACOB ULRICH SCHNEIDER,
PASTOR of Zion Evangelical church, Evansville, was born in Ohio August 5, 1859, and is the son of George S. and Margaret ( Traxell) Schneider. The father was born in Wittenburg, Ger- many, in 1827, and came to America at the age of eighteen. locating at Wines- burg, Ohio. For a number of years he was engaged in blacksmithing and is still living and resides at Sabetha, Kan. The mother, a native of Switzerland, was united in marriage to Mr. Schneider in Ohio, and their union was blessed with six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second. The early education of J. U. Schneider was obtained from the common schools of Ohio and he took his first collegiate course at St. Joseph, Mo., attended Bryan's business college and was grad- uated in 1879. He then entered the Protestant seminary of the Evangelical synod at Elmhurst, Ill., where he remained four years, graduating in ISS3. The three years succeeding he attended the Eden Theological seminary of the Evangelical synod of St. Louis, Mo. Was graduated from there and on June
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