USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > Evansville and its men of mark > Part 2
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
A few days after his arrival he met with an accident which resulted in the amputation of his right foot. After recovering from the operation, he relinquished his mercantile engagement and commenced teaching. He pursued this profession, with fair success, for the ensuing three years; most of the time being
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employed in Shelbyville and vicinity. It was not long before his services secured for him a situation at Louisville, where he acted as a clerk in the extensive auction store of Robert J. Ormsby. After an interval of six months, Mr. O. established Mr. Shanklin in the dry-goods business, at New Castle, Ken- tucky. Shortly after this Mr. Ormsby failed, and the young man felt it his duty to send back to Louisville all the goods received from his former employer. He was, by this misfortune, left without any property whatever, with the exception of a horse and saddle. His credit was as yet unimpaired, and he purchased a stock of goods at Shelbyville, Ky., and associated with himself a Mr. Moffatt, located at Hardenburgh, Kentucky. After an interval of six months, they removed to Evansville; arriving there on the 3d of December, 1823. Finding that their stock was too large for Evansville, they divided the goods -Mr. Moffatt taking half, and removed to Cynthiana, Indiana, and Mr. Shanklin retained the balance at their store on the corner of Locust and Water streets, and continued there until 1853. In 1827, the firm of Shanklin & Moffatt was dissolved, and our subject conducted the business, individually, till 1832.
Few people have any idea of the wants of a new settle- ment, Staples were exchanged for produce of all kinds; and this firm, for many years, did a large business in shipping to New Orleans, on flat-boats, and later by steamers, all that the farmers raised. John Shanklin's name was well known to the commission merchants of New Orleans as a symbol of honor; and in all his multifarious transactions, it never suffered stain.
From 1832 to 1837, the business was conducted under the firm name of Shanklin & Co. Since 1837, the business has been managed under the style of Shanklin & Johnson, and Shanklin & Reilly. Under the latter title the business of the house was largely extended.
On the 1st of January last, Mr. Shanklin retired from active business, and has devoted his time to the management of his private affairs. Mr. Shanklin has been active in every public enterprise, and his contributions to the religious and charitable institutions of Evansville have indicated the deep interest that he has taken in the welfare of the city. His esti- mable lady, whose name is a synonym of goodness and true
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womanliness, has the honor of being the founder, in Evansville, of our present flourishing Sunday Schools. To Mrs. Shanklin, the present generation owe a debt of gratitude for the interest she exhibited and the arduous labors she performed, in behalf of the religious wants of the youth of the "Crescent City." Her genial manners and kind disposition soon won the hearts of the children, and though the parents at first were reluctant to encourage and support the lady in her noble work, they finally became the warm friends of the Sabbath School-when they noticed that the children were the objects of her daily care, and that she watched over them with unflagging zeal, cheering their lonely hours by supplying them with instructive books, and often reminding them of their forgotten duties in relation to their Creator.
Mr. and Mrs. Shanklin have long since past the meridian of life, but still take a lively interest in the present affairs of Evansville, and work as zealously as of old to promote the right; comfort the distressed; and scatter blessings with an open hand to the worthy poor. And thus, amid these noble deeds which will blossom in the years to come, their lives are floating peacefully toward the sea that rolls around all the world.
Judge Silas Stephens
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AS born in Lexington, Kentucky, on the 24th of Feb- ruary, 1801. His father, David H. Stephens, settled in Kentucky in 1793, and was among the first settlers of Lex- ington. The village only contained, at that time, two shingle- roof houses and five log cabins with coverings of brush. There were many prowling Indians in the vicinity, and the settlers were forced to remain on guard at night, in order to protect their property. Mr. Stephens, before this time, had some con- siderable experience in fighting the Indians, directly after the close of the Revolution, and by reason of this service, was regarded as a hero by those pioneers.
When Silas was two years of age, his father removed to Greenville, Nuhlemburgh County, Kentucky, and selected a fine tract of land, situated on the Green River, as his future home. Silas' mother died when he was only six years of age, and he was deprived of many privileges which he might have secured, if his mother had lived.
When Silas was nine years of age, Rev. Mr. Nelson, a Presbyterian minister, of Logan County, made a proposition to Mr. Stephens, that if he would commit Silas to his care, he would give him a classical education, with a view to his enter- ing the ministry. The boy was not consulted in this matter, but, in accordance with his father's request, he proceeded to Logan County, and remained there two years. Instead of being a student and doing " chores," he was worked severely, from early morn till late at night. His father had again married, and another situation was sought for the lad. A saddler. at Russellville, wished a bound-boy, and articles of apprentice- ship were drawn up; and now, at the age of twenty-one, his destiny seemed to be settled. The new master was kind, and
JUDGE SILAS STEPHENS.
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though he only gave Silas three months' schooling while he remained with him, nevertheless he was a good friend and care- ful guardian of the young man.
In 1822, Silas came to Evansville; as his brother, about two years previous, had settled in the country about four miles from the village. This brother was a tanner, and also a farmer; and as our subject was now a good saddler, his brother offered him thirty-seven and one-half cents a day, (to be paid in trade) if he would work for him. Silas proposed to work for twenty- five cents a day, in cash ; but as the latter article was rarely seen in the embryo city, the proposition was declined.
In the Winter of 1822-3, he, however, came to town and worked for a saddler. Being economical in his habits, though only receiving little remuneration for hard work, in the Spring of 1823, he found he had saved one hundred and sixty-two dollars. He also, about this time, carried on a saddler's store at Princeton, Indiana ; but still having a great desire to make his home at Evansville, he removed here, and opened an estab- lishment, extensive for those days. His brother managed the the tannery in the country, while he manufactured the leather into saddles, harness, and even boots and shoes. The business was large and lucrative, and upon dissolving the part- nership in 1836, the handsome sum of twenty-eight thousand dollars, in land, notes, and other valuables, was divided be- tween them.
In 1837, in connection with his father-in-law, Gen. Evans, he erected a steam saw and planing mill. The business was very profitable and the mill was rapidly paying for itself, when it was accidentally burned in 1841. The banks generously offered Mr. S. the money to re-build, but he concluded to settle up his affairs and not go into debt.
In 1846, he was elected to an unexpired term as Associate- Judge of the Circuit Court. Upon the expiration of his term of office, he was re-elected to the same position. Though not having a legal education, by patient study and a determination to master the law, he soon became familiar with the duties of his position, and proved himself and able and successful official. Before his second term had expired, the Legislature changed
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the character of the courts, and the associate-judges were retired from office.
In 1829, he was married to Miss Julienne Evans, daughter of Gen. Evans. On the 15th of March, 1845, Mrs. Stephens died-following soon after the decease of her lamented father. This estimable lady will long be remembered as a woman of practical piety-ever anxious to contribute to the necessities of all with whom she came in contact.
After retiring from the bench, Judge Stephens gave up his residence on the corner of Water and Walnut streets, and it was used afterwards as a hotel. The Judge boarded at the hotel - remaining in the city in order to have his children educated. In 1857, he removed to Walnut Grove, about three miles from the city, where he since has made it his home. This beautiful place, so called from the magnificent groves of timber situated thereon, is one of the most picturesque and inviting country-seats in the vicinity of the city. The diversity of til- lage, with meadow and timber, is not only pleasant to the eye, but, in an agricultural point of view, forms an excellent com- bination rarely met with in this section of the State. To the management of this extensive estate, in connection with his city and country property, Judge Stephens bestows his undi- vided attention - though yet retaining an unwearied interest in the progress of his early home.
For several years Judge Stephens was a trustee of the town, and in that capacity proved an efficient guardian of the rising village. He was noted for his indefatigable industry in behalf of the levee; improvement of the streets, and the pru- dent management of the town's financial affairs.
The prosperity, which it is hoped may be long enjoyed by him, is the product of his industry and ability : and may the revolving seasons permit him to reap the full benefit of his nobly-earned happiness.
Hon. Wm. Heilman.
N the life of a man of business, we do not expect to find the achievements of the military hero, or the sublime passages of the eloquent statesman. But there is a fascination in tracing the life of a poor boy, step by step, as he advances in his career toward wealth and influence, and much of interest that may be profitably recorded.
WILLIAM HEILMAN was born in Hesse Darmstadt, on the 11th of October, 1824. His father, Valentine Heilman, was a farmer and died when William was a small child. His mother married a Mr. Peter Weintz, and William alternately labored on the farm and attended the common school of his native village.
In 1843, the family emigrated to America, landing at New Orleans. They first removed to St. Louis, where they remained only a short time, and then came to Indiana, settling in Posey County, where Mr. Weintz engaged in farming. Our subject labored early and late on the farm, but only received a slight remuneration for his work - and more could not be expected from a market in which potatoes were selling for ten cents; corn, ten cents ; wheat, twenty-five cents. He became disgusted with his present business, and resolved to follow a more paying avo- cation. Christian Kratz, Esq., an experienced founder and machinist, had married his sister; and, in conversation at William's home, Mr. Kratz had spoken of the money to be made in that business This conversation soon set Mr. Heilman to thinking, and he proposed a partnership. Mr. Heilman bor- rowed five hundred dollars from his mother, and, as Mr. Kratz had the same amount, they soon began the preliminaries of the business ; each partner had a blind horse, and these supplied the power.
4
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Their first shop, consisting of hewed logs, rudely con- structed as it was, was very serviceable. Their foundry was located in the block between Elm and Pine and First and Sec- ond streets. Six men were employed at the outset; but even with this small force, it was with difficulty that Mr. Heilman provided for them on pay-day-as he was the financial manager of the business. Their first work was on dog-irons, cast plows, stoves, etc.
Slowly but surely business increased, as their work was well and promptly performed, and at prices, too, which pleased the consumer. In 1850, they built a brick shop and commenced using steam-power. The engine and boiler were constructed by themselves, using their usual horse-power. From this time they commenced the building of machinery on an extensive scale ; and now the ability of Mr. Heilman was manifested in securing orders for machinery, collecting the bills, etc., for which he exhibited a very decided penchant.
In 1854, they manufactured their first portable steam engine ; and these, for many years, formed a very important specialty in their extensive trade. They also constructed all kinds of mill machinery, boilers, etc., which soon advertised the machine shops, and finally established its reputation. In 1859, they turned out their first thresher, which was patterned after the "Pitts" machine. This soon obtained favor with the farmers, as they were very durable as well as effective. Some of these first machines are yet in use, and able to do good work.
On account of the scarcity of labor, after the commence- ment of the late Rebellion, the demand for machinery of all kinds rapidly increased, and Mr. Heilman was among the first manufacturers to take advantage of this trade. Having an excellent and practical partner, they made arrangements where- by they secured a large trade, and disposed off an immense amount of machinery. At this time, too, there were many favorable openings for investments, as a large number of capi- talists and business men were in doubt as to the success of the Union armies; but Mr. Heilman, as well as his partner, had great faith in the Government, and never hesitated for a moment to extend their trade; increase the number of their workmen; and erect new buildings-to keep pace with every demand of
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their patrons. It was here that the business forecast, so essen- tial to the practical man of affairs, was exhibited in its strong- est light. In 1864, Mr. Kratz retired from the firm ; and since that time Mr. Heilman has conducted the business individually.
After the close of the Civil War, his trade was largely extended in the South and South-west ; and the products of the City Foundry are almost as well known there as in the place of their manufacture. The City Foundry, from a log house with six employees, has expanded to the extensive buildings which comprise nearly the entire block, and is surpassed by no foun- dry in the West for the quality of its work or the durability of its machinery.
Up to 1868, his residence was by the side of his foundry, but in that year the increasing trade demanded more room ; the building was removed, and the present spacious salesrooms erected on its site. In 1868-9, after visiting several cities and examining the plans of their most beautiful residences, he erected the elegant mansion on First avenue, fronting on Ninth street. This structure, perfect in all its appointments, towering above a park of trees and shrubbery, is beautiful in itself, but finds an additional charm in the grounds about it. All who visit this portion of the city accord to it the name of being one of the finest residences in the State of Indiana.
Mr. Heilman, though busily engaged in manufacturing, also acted as director of the State Bank of Indiana, and of its successor, the Evansville National Bank, as well as director of the Horse Railway Company, President of the Gas Company, and principal owner of the Cotton Mill, and other enterprises, too numerous to mention, Where improvements were to be made and large sums of money were to be expended, Mr. Heilman was always active as president, director, or some other position. The thoroughness of his business accomplishments, the success of his undertakings, together with his financial ability and execu- tive powers, inspired all with the greatest confidence.
From the organization of the Republican party, in 1856, Mr. Heilman has been one of its warmest supporters,-never taking any active part in political life till the close of the war; though while the Rebellion was in process, he acted a noble and conspicuous part ; attended all the public meetings to raise
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recruits; and expended his money liberally to send supplies to the sick and wounded soldiers. Mr. Heilman was never an orator ; but did much and valuable service to the Union, by his steadfast and unyielding attachment to the cause he had es- poused. In 1852, as a citizens' candidate, he was elected as a member of the City Council from the Eighth ward. In 1865, he was elected Councilman from the Fourth ward-though this had usually been a Democratic stronghold. He was a member of the Council several terms, and his course was marked and de- cided-ever discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity.
In 1869, he was elected a representative to the Legislature, receiving the largest majority given any candidate in the dis- trict for that position. In the lower house there was not a member who took a more active part in the " real business" of the Legislature. He was always in his seat in the House, pres- ent at the meetings of the committees, and contended in a zealous manner for all the interests of Evansville and South- ern Indiana.
In the Spring of 1872, he received the unanimous nomina- tion of the Republicans as their candidate for Congress. Not- withstanding his great personal popularity, and the fact that he led his ticket in nearly every township, the political complex- ion of the district was so strongly Democratic, that he was defeated, though under the most flattering circumstances pos- sible. Mr. Heilman canvassed the district in person, and though not a public speaker, wherever he went he produced arguments in behalf of the continuance of Republican rule in the halls of the nation. They were very effective, as we note he was defeated by only one hundred and twelve votes-a striking contrast with the majority of two thousand two hund- red and fifty, which his opponent had received only two years previously.
In person, Mr. Heilman is above medium height, with a strong frame, and now, though inclined to corpulency, is still active and able to do much service. A broad and expanded forehead, and a wide, full face, in which the prominent charac- teristics are Dicision, Power and Benevolence. The latter quality is fully evinced by his many charitable alms to the worthy poor. No one ever asked him to contribute to a worthy
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object in vain ; and he is as well known for his generosity of heart as for his firmness and sagacity as a business man.
William Heilman is indeed a self-made man ; and his im- mense estate, the fruit of his own energy and skill, is an ample evidence of his success. He is a worthy example of the pro- gress of our young State's growth in wealth and power, from a sparsely-settled territory to its present status, as one of the fore- most States in the Union. Mr. Heilman, yet in the prime of life, full of energy, is a model Indianian ; the product of our free institutions-not so delicate as the orange of more sunny shores, but a sturdy oak, which has buffetted the winds and the rain, and now stands erect, triumphant in its manhood's success; a fit type of the worthy men whose career has marked the des- tiny of our beloved city.
William Caldwell.
HE following is the outline of the salient events in the life of an honest business man, who, dependent from early youth on his own resources, has won his way, slowly but surely to an honorable position in the mercantile word :
WILLIAM CALDWELL, familiarly known as " Partner," was born six miles from Londonderry, Ireland, in 1801. His father, James Caldwell, Esq., was a linen merchant; and, in the pro- cess of his business, crossed the Atlantic twenty-six times. His son, William, in boyhood had two occupations in view : civil engineering and navigation ; and, to engage in these pursuits, devoted much time to the study of mathematics.
At the age of twenty, with the sum of only one hundred dollars, he emigrated to Philadelphia, where he hoped to obtain a position as surveyor, or a berth on board some vessel. After
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considerable time had been expended without success, in search- ing for such a situation, he met with a Mr. Sticinini, an Italian manufacturer of and dealer in marble monuments, mantles, etc. The words now were "hard work," and as he preferred to be independent, he entered the establishment as a finisher, and after four years was promoted to be foreman of the factory. He was not able to save much at the "Quaker City;" as, in 1827, when he started for Evansville, he had only one hundred dollars in his possession.
After arriving at the village, he entered the service of Mr. John Shanklin, and continued with the firm of which Mr. Shanklin was a member, ten years. In 1837, he opened a dry goods establishment on Water street, between Locust and Main, and was soon busily engaged, as he, while acting as clerk, had made an extensive acquaintance and secured the highest respect from all who knew him. Some fifteen years afterward, he removed to Third street, between Locust and Main, and opened an extensive grocery store, which was soon recognized as one of the leading establishments in the city. In 1854, he removed to his present location, in order to be in a more cen- tral position. Whenever he moved, his patrons followed him ; as, by years of experience, his motto, "Honesty is the best pol- icy," had made his customers feel that "Partner " would not lie, or deceive them in any manner. William Caldwell's name on a note added materially to its negotiable value, as the banks were certain that "Partner " would pay at the stated time. He might have acquired a handsome fortune if he had been less generous to his many friends, and refused to indorse their notes and act as security on bonds, etc. Much money, to say nothing of time, was lost by these operations, as he paid the last dollar that stood against his name,
In 1831, he was married to Miss Clementia Ann Hopkins, daughter of Edward Hopkins, Esq., an old and respected citizen of the city. This lady-deceased only six years after their union -was a most estimable woman and devoted wife. Possessed of a love for the church, she was constantly engaged in attending to the distress of the poor and the needy, and in extending the usefulness of the organization to which she belonged. Three children were the result of the marriage ; only one of whom is
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living-William H., the superintendent of his father's estab- lishment. William Caldwell has been connected with Morning Star Lodge, No. 7, I. O. O. F., since the first week of its organ- ization, and has passed through the various chairs. He is also the oldest patriarch of the Good Templars in Evansville, and has held many positions in the order.
In religious belief, he has been a Presbyterian since child- hood, and has been connected with the Vine Street Church since the formation of that society .
He had never held any office in the gift of the people, though he had been an earnest and hard worker of the Whig party; and, after its dissolution, Mr. Caldwell joined the Re- publican party, and has been identified with it.
William Caldwell will always be remembered as a warm, generous friend ; an honest, successful merchant; and an incor- ruptible citizen.
Captain William H. Chandler,
FOUNDER OF " THE DAILY JOURNAL."
N the Spring of 1818, a little boy, who was walking by the side of his mother as she passed up the muddy bank of the Ohio, said, in a reproachful tone : "Ma, where is Evansville ?" There were few signs of a village; and well might that young lad exclaim, as he did, when his anticipation had been excited, and his day-dreams had connected the des- tined village with his old home. That little boy has seen the insignificant village grow to a town, and pass on to the dignity of a city, and lives to see Evansville assume, year by year, still larger proportions.
WILLIAM H. CHANDLER was born on William street, New York, on the 26th of March, 1814. Asaph Chandler, his father,
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was a native of Vermont, and had removed to New York City in order to enter into the Atlantic trade. He commanded and owned a ship in the New York and Liverpool and New York and Havre lines, and for some years previous to the birth of his son William, was a merchant in New York City. In 1818, he removed West, coming in wagons to Pittsburgh, with the inten- tion of buying a flat-boat and thence traveling by river to Evansville. While on their overland route and encamped on Laurel Hill, Pennsylvania, they happened to meet President Monroe, and encamped for the night opposite the Presidential
wagons. At Pittsburgh they purchased a flat-boat, placed on it all their household effects, and then took passage for their new home, and arrived at Evansville in May, 1818. Mr. Chandler purchased a lot on the south-east corner of Water and Chestnut streets, and soon afterward erected a dwelling-house, long since removed.
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