USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > Evansville and its men of mark > Part 3
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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
In the following October the father died, after a short ill- ness of the so-called " Milk Disease." Mr. Daniel Chute, an estimable gentleman, about this time started a school, and Wil- liam was under his instruction only a few months, as the terms were short and of irregular sessions.
In 1822, his mother was married to Major James Cutler, of Massachusetts, and the family removed to New Orleans - the conveyance again being a flat-boat. In 1823, they returned, fortunately for the subject of this sketch, to New York City, as William was enabled to"attend the first free school of the city. This was located in the rear of the City Hall.
In 1824, the family again came West, and located at Nash- ville, Tennessee, where they remained till 1839. At Nashville William attended the Stevens Preparatory School till his fifteenth year, with the intention of entering Nashville Univer- sity. He soon noticed that his mother could not afford to send both John Jay and himself to college, so he resolved to do something for himself. He 'accordingly became a printer, and entered the office" of the Nashville Republican. He remained in this office five years, the last year of which he acted as fore- man of the book and job department. As a result of his econ- omy and diligence, we would note that he saved two thousand dollars. At the age of twenty, he joined the State militia, and
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was elected a Captain before he reached his twenty-first birth- day. In 1836, his company was ordered to join the forces engaged in the Creek War; but the same day received orders which detained them. The next day after they had disbanded the soldiers received word that Santa Anna was marching upon Texas ; and, as there were Tennesseans in Texas, the people were greatly excited. Harry Hill, a generous and worthy citi- zen of Nashville, offered the soldiers two thousand dollars to defray their expenses, provided they would at once proceed to Texas. Captain Chandler also tendered two thousand dollars, if the men would volunteer. Fifty-four men, before night, had enlisted ; and the next morning Captain Chandler, with his company, took a steamer for New Orleans.
On reaching New Orleans, Captain C. sent the men, with one officer, via the Gulf to Velasco, Matagorda Bay, thence by land to rejoin him on the banks of the Gaudaloupe ; while he was to proceed up Red River and overland to the place of meet- ing. Considerable marching was performed, but Gen. Houston for several weeks could not be found. Once the company was within the sound of the drums of the main body of the Mexican army, but prudently retreated before they were discovered. The Mexicans had invaded Texas with their armies, and this little band were endeavoring to report to General Hous- ton, even within the territory of their corps. Fortunately no fighting occurred ; and though they did not reach the command of Houston till after the close of hostilities, the amount of marching they performed was rarely excelled in the history of any of the wars on the Western continent.
In January, 1837, Captain Chandler returned to Nashville, at the same time that his brother, John Jay, returned from the Seminole War. This year, also, he went to Lexington, Hen- derson County, West Tennessee, and published a paper called the Lexington Gazette. This was Whig in politics, and the money to establish the same was supplied by the wealthy men of that political faith. In six months the paper was discontin- ued ; as it was only designed to affect the State election of that year.
In the Spring of 1839, he came to Evansville, on his way to New York ; and at the request of several influential citizens, 5
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he, in company with his brother, John Jay Chandler, purchased the Evansville Journal and Vanderburgh Weekly Advertiser. The paper was then christened The Evansville Journal, and has since retained that name. His brother, John Jay, remained connected with the paper seventeen months; and then, on account of the pressure of his legal business, he sold out to Captain Chandler-upon whom the entire editorial and publish- ing responsibility depended. Many a time he has " set " edi- torials while standing at the "case " - thus composing the matter and arranging the type at the same time. This was the leading Whig paper of the State, and it was forced to depend, in a great measure, upon its intrinsic value, as a leading organ in that party.
In 1846, the Tri-weekly was started ; and in 1847 the Daily Journal was inaugurated, as an experiment. His working- hours were from 4 in the morning till 12 at midnight ; and he performed the duties of editor, reporter, and office-boy, as well as sometimes compositor and pressman. Those who read the Journal or Courier of the present day, and are aware of the force requisite to carry on a city daily, can have some idea of the toil and anxiety attached to a daily with a single man to perform the entire work of the various departments. The Journal was a success, and battled manfully for the old Whig organization.
In 1847, he was married to Miss Rebecca Hugg, neice of Hon. William M. Walker, and for the first time in his life he experienced the comforts of a home.
In 1848, he was appointed postmaster by President Taylor and sold the Journal-not being able to perform the duties of both positions. He served as postmaster for four years ; and, upon the inauguration of President Pierce, he was relieved. For the next five years he was prostrated with rheumatism and utterly unable to attend to any business. In 1857 he started a book and job office; and in 1857-8 published the first city directory,
On account of ill-health, in 1862 he retired from active business life. and has since reaped the benefits of a prosperous career. Captain Chandler has always been a man of decided opinions ; and when his judgment admonished him to follow a
JOHN J. CHANDLER.
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particular line of duty-however difficult the work seemed to be - the war was carried bravely on till the goal was reached and victory was secured. Though somewhat bodily enfeebled, his mind is vigorous as of yore, and his voice can still be heard in advocacy of the improvement of his adopted home. He has done a good work for the Crescent City, and it will be a truly degenerate age when the name of Captain William H. Chandler shall be forgotten within her borders.
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John Jay Chandler.
AS born in New York City, on the 17th of November, 1815; and his family history will be found fully traced in the sketch of his brother, Capt. William H. Chandler -as regards their removal to Evansville and Nashville.
In his youth, JOHN . JAY CHANDLER was characterized by a devouring thirst for knowledge; and every book that came in his way was pored over with unflagging interest. He received the greater portion of his education at the Nashville University, of which the late Dr. Phillip Lindsey was Presi- dent. - As a student, he was fond of the classics; and distin- guished himself as an essayist on Political Economy and Mental Philosophy. In the literary societies he was regarded as one of their best debaters, and his ironical repartees won a rather formidable reputation ; few dared to attack him on his peculiar topics. He graduated, with high honors, in 1836, and immedi- ately raised a company for the Seminole War, then raging in Florida. His bravery at the battle of Withlacooche, in which the company suffered severely, received the unstinted praise of General Armstrong. He also participated in three other engagements with the Creeks and Seminoles, and gained a sig- nal and meritorious success for his skill in manœuvering his men, and the care he exhibited for their safety in fighting a peculiarly wily foe.
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After the close of this campaign he commenced the study of law, at Nashville; but removed to Evansville in the Fall of 1838. He at once entered the office of Amos Clark. and con- tinued his law studies. In the Spring of 1839 he was admitted to practice, and was at once received as a partner by his former instructor. The success which has attended him as a profes- sional man, was marked, and the cases in which he figured at once stamped him as a keen logician, a shrewd counselor, and an advocate with few superiors in the West - often abrupt in the assertion of his opinions ; intensely personal, as he was, in the course of an argument ; there was so much of gentlemanly courtesy and dignity about his deportment, that even his most bitter opponents would forget their defeat when they saw the au- dacity and skill he exhibited in the management of a cause on trial
Mr. Chandler took a lively interest in the affairs of the town; aided materially in organizing the city government ; and was elected its first City Clerk and City Attorney. Disa- bled by physical infirmities, from engaging in many political canvasses, yet his talents and energies in behalf of his party and political friends were such that he might have attained an emi- nent position in the State, had his ambition pointed toward such paths. A scholar by nature, his conversation indicated the depth of his learning and the scope of his reading-able to quote, at random, the best thoughts of the standard authors. He was, in every respect, a man of fine literary taste and cul- ture ; and his generosity was as open-handed as his tastes were elevated and refined.
Mr. Chandler was married, in 1851, to Mrs. Ann Hann, a sister of Dr. Isaac Casselberry. This excellent lady, with three children, survive him. Mr. Chandler's lameness gave him the appearance of being much under the average stature. Though spare, as regards flesh, his well-marked features indicated his will, energy, decision ; and distinguished him as a man of com- manding presence.
When we look around and see the improvements which have taken place in the Crescent City, and think of how closely John Jay Chandler was identified, either directly or indirectly, with their growth, we can not but feel that a master-spirit has gone from the place he loved so well.
Judge Nathan Rowley.
OR nearly fifty-four years Nathan Rowley was associated with the progress of Evansville; and during that period he maintained an enviable reputation for honor and principle.
He was born in Shoram, Vermont, on the 28th of Septem. ber, 1788. His father was a farmer, and Nathan remained at home, working on the hilly farm, till 1819, when he removed to Evansville.
The journey westward was a pleasant one to the young man ; and as the flat-boat touched the Indiana shore to "wood up," he resolved to remain in the " Hoosier State " and make his fortune. His capital was limited, but sufficient to set up a boot and shoe shop. He had learned the shoe business at his old home, and as there seemed to be an opening for that trade, he resolved to make a venture. In 1820, he established him- self on Water street, and remained in that location eight years. His industrious habits and prudent economy enabled him, in that time, to save several hundred dollars.
During this time he acted as justice of the peace, and in that capacity was often consulted by the litigious inhabitants of the town, who were prone to quarrel upon every trivial subject, and had great confidence in the " 'Squire."
From 1828 to 1831, he was engaged in the drug and gro- cery business ; having as different partners John Shanklin, Dr. Trafton, and Gen. Evans. In 1831, he built a store-house on the present site of the Merchants' National Bank ; and in the next year, in company with Marcus Sherwood, opened a dry- goods store in the building. In 1838, he sold out his interest in the establishment, and took a contract on the Wabash and Erie Canal. By the terms of his contract, he had to dig seven
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half-mile sections, and to finish the part which ran through Fifth street to Division in 1839. His part of the contract was faithfully observed; and if all had been as energetic in their connection with the construction of the canal, it would have, undoubtedly proved a success.
In 1840, he was appointed Probate Judge by Governor Noble. and in 1841 was elected to the same position by a large majority. He resigned this office in the latter part of 1841. As a judge, he proved a faithful guardian of all the interests committed to his care; and though not so learned as some of his brother officials, his judicial career was highly commended by all who had any business with him in a probate capacity.
In 1842, he rented the Indiana Flour Mill, which formerly stood near the present depot of the Railway, and was engaged in a large and profitable business till its destruction by fire, in 1844. This entailed a loss of over ten thousand dollars upon him ; but, with his usual energy, he rebuilt the mill, and after a year's continuance in business sold it, and opened the Salt Well Park, in company with John Gifford. This soon became a popular resort, and in 1853 Judge Rowley was mainly instru- mental in making the Crescent City Spring the leading resort of the public.
In 1832 he purchased the property which was afterwards platted by him under the style of the North-eastern Enlarge- ment, or Rowleytown. He was also collector for the canal sev- eral years ; and in 1865 he terminated his active career, as his term of office as justice of the peace expired.
From his arrival, until he was disabled by age, he was active in promoting the interests of Evansville-and especially will he be remembered in his efforts to relieve the State of In- diana from the odium of repudiation in connection with its debts.
In 1849, he worked earnestly for the Evansville & Craw- fordsville Railroad project, and subscribed liberally for its construction. In 1853, he was a warm friend of the Straight Line Railroad, and for which he contributed two thousand dollars.
This enterprising pioneer died January 12th, 1872, at the residence of Thomas D. Smyth, of Knight Township-and thus closed a life of usefulness in which rare liberality and generos-
te
HON. M. S. JOHNSON.
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ity were exhibited toward his friends and State. The name of Judge Rowley will long be held in remembrance, as one who contributed so nobly for the advancement of Evansville ; for his effective labors in her behalf; and his valuable contribu- tions to any and all projects to serve the interests of all classes of society.
Hon. Morris Stanberry Johnson,
T was the fortune of Hor. MORRIS STANBERRY JOHNSON, even though in his prime at the time of his death, to realize the fruits of a successful career, whose course had been guided by honor and integrity. His ability was recognized by all while he was living, and in his death there were left behind him none but pleasant recollections and tenderest sorrow.
His generosity as a citizen. affability as a gentleman, and kindly treatment of all with whom he came in contact, were alone sufficient traits to have drawn to him warm friends, while his energy and perseverence have left an indelible stamp upon the business community and legal fraternity of this section.
The Hon. Morris Stanberry Johnson was a native of the State of New Jersey, having been born at Morristown, in that State, on the 15th day of March, 1817. He came of good, patriotic stock-his mother being a daughter of Colonel Stan- berry, who figured at White Plains, in the Revolutionary War. She was also a cousin of Hon. Henry Stanberry, of Newport, Kentucky, who was Attorney-General of the United States during a part of the administration of Ex-President Johnson, and who was one of the attorneys who defended that gentleman at the impeachment trial.
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His early life was largely devoted to literary pursuits ; having decided to enter the legal profession, even at an early age. With what fidelity he pursued this aim, may be seen from his subsequent course. His leisure hours, in an active business career, were devoted to the end which he had determined upon as his object in life.
Owing to the solicitations of his family, and his recognized success in mercantile life, he did not begin the practice of law until he had reached his thirty-fifth year.
It was in the year 1844 that his removal to Evansville occurred ; and from that time his history became a part of that of the city. In that year he opened a wholesale and retail dry goods establishment in company with Isaac A. Crane, Esq. The firm of Johnson & Crane continued in business for several years, when it was dissolved, and Mr. Johnson continued business on his own account. He removed for a short time to Newburgh, but soon returned to Evansville and revived his knowledge of the law in the office of the late Gen. James E. Blythe. He soon afterward commenced the practice, and formed a partnership with Hon. John Law and Hon Charles I. Battell, two of the most eminent attorneys that ever graced the bar of our city.
His success as a lawyer began from his first introduction to the profession ; and up the time of his election as Judge of the First Common Pleas District, he had already gained a large and lucrative practice.
In 1848, Mr. Johnson first gave evidence to our citizens of a capacity and fitnesss for public life, and his career was marked with the honor and dignity that seemed his habitual character- istic. He was a zealous supporter of the Taylor and Fillmore Presidential ticket, and his voice was often heard in the " wig- wam," in advocacy of the claims of these men, and the doc- trines of the old Whig party.
In the mutations of politics which followed close upon the demise of the Whig party, Mr. Johnson became identified with the Democracy, and continued in that relation to the time of his death, in 1872. His first appearance as a candidate was in 1862, when he ran against William Baker for Mayor of Evans- ville, but was beaten fifty votes for the office. It was remarked however, that he made a splendid race, and we doubt whether
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any other man of our city could have made as many votes in opposition to the incumbent, as Mr. Johnson did at that time.
In 1837, Mr. Johnson was elected Judge of the First Com- mon Pleas District, to fill a vacancy. His competitor was Maj. A. L. Robinson, who held the office by appointment of the Gov- ernor. The following year Judge Johnson Was elected over Isaac S. Moore, Esq., of Boonville, for a full term, and was the presiding Judge at the time of his death.
In 1840, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Warner, of New York City ; and his private life was filled with domestic joys and pleasures. No children were born to them.
By strict and honorable attention to business, Judge Johnson had accumulated a valuable property, and two or three years ago had erected a fine residence, which is one of the orna- ments of our city.
As a lawyer, Judge Johnson had achieved an honorable distinction, as a judge, he was impartial and just ; as a gen- tleman in private life, he was genial, affable, and hospitable ; as a citizen, he was generous and liberal.
Such a man, as was Judge Johnson, is an ornament to any community. He was more than this : a man of brains and heart; a man of power and of much usefulness to his fellow men.
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Theodore Venemann.
AS born in Ahausen, near Essen, Dukedom of Olden- burg, March 19th, 1808. He emigrated to America in August, 1834, and resided first at Cincinnati. In 1835, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Rathers, of Cincinnati, an esti- mable lady, who was a worthy help-mate of the industrious foreigner.
On coming to the Queen City Mr. V. had engaged in the dry-goods business, and was rapidly establishing himself in a prosperous business, when his entire stock was burned by the disastrous fire of 1844. Though his hopes were somewhat dampened by this unexpected calamity, be resolved to work on as hard as ever, and take another location. Just at this period his relations in the old country were anxious for his return ; and agreeably to their wishes he, with his family, returned to Ger- many in the Fall of 1844; but with the determination of again making America his home. He remained in the old country till the Winter of 1847, when he again came to the United States and settled in Evansville in April, 1848.
In company with his brother, he opened a dry-goods store on the south corner of Main and Second streets, under the firm name of T. & J. Venemann. In 1851, our subject sold his interest to his brother Joseph, and established a foreign exchange and steamship office. This had been a darling project with Mr. V. for several years ; as he had noticed the immense emigration of Europeans to the United States, and the necessity of such an institution - not only for the accommodation of travelers, but also a mighty influence in the development of Southern Indiana.
In this business his sons, Theodore W. and August, were associated with him in 1867, the elder of the two being the principal manager of the house.
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Ever since his location at Evansville, Mr. V. had been active in advocating any and all projects for the improvement of the city ; and though never an office-seeker, yet his fellow- citizens have several times elected him to prominent and useful positions, the duties of which were discharged in a creditable manner. In 1856, Mr. V. was elected County Treasurer, and in 1858 was re-elected to the same position, by a largely increased majority. The issue in the latter case was on the Lecompton question in connection with the admission of Kansas into the Union. Mr. V. ran as an independent candidate as an anti-Lecompton man, and the result told how warmly he was supported by the people. His official career was above re- proach, and the masterly manner of his management of the county funds, fully indicated the instinctive shrewdness of the banker, and the high-toned moral culture of his heart. He was also an amateur horticulturist and pomologist, and the zeal with which he cultivated his garden and nursery was a fair indi- cation of his domestic character. The Bee, too, was a favorite topic with our subject, and as an apiarist he was second to none in the State.
In his private life he was esteemed by all who knew him ; and at his death, on the 9th of February, 1872, a host of friends and citizens, endeared to him, mourned the loss of a kind friend, a generous neighbor, and a worthy citizen; who loved his God and fellow-men, and was an honor to the country of his adoption,
Colonel James G. Jones.
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O work on Evansville would be complete without men- tion of Col. JAS. G. JONES. He grew up with the city and was ever identified with its interests. One of the ear- liest settlers in this section, his personal reminiscences went back to the time when Evansville was a mere village, and the surrounding country a wilderness.
Col. Jones was born at Paris, Kentucky, July 3d, 1814. He came, with his parents, to Vanderburgh County in 1819, and settled in Union Township. His youthful education con- sisted in the sports and labors of pioneer life-proficient in the use of gun and oar-able to read and write-he even then gave promise of the larger fame and fortune which he was destined to experience.
It is only owing to his indomitable pluck and the aid of a hickory fire that his mind became familiar with the abstruse sciences of mathematics, which he diligently studied in his father's cabin. By dint of hard work he became a lawyer, and was recognized as among the most brilliant of the State. His logical mind made his services as a counselor invaluable, and ranked him above the eloquent advocate, for he came out from all legal encounters with victory on his side, where it was pos- sible of attainment. One of his first public positions was that of County Recorder, and he has made the county records upon which most of the titles to the real estate depend. He was, also, a good surveyor, and his work in this capacity is the recog- nized guide for the present surveys of the city.
In 1840, he was Attorney of the city under the corpora- tion ; also, a town trustee. In the latter capacity he drew, in his own beautiful chirography, the draft of the city charter, under which the city government was formed. His efforts
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secured the many special privileges which Evansville to-day enjoys, and which were put into practical operation in 1847. He was the first Mayor of the city, receiving a salary of five hundred dollars ; and in 1850 he was re-elected to a second term. His election involved the Temperance question, or that of " license " and " no license," and his majority as the license candidate, against Conrad Baker, his no-license competitor, was sixty-three votes. In 1853, he was defeated for this office, on local issues, by Hon. Jno. S. Hopkins ; and in 1856, by the late John Henson, on political questions-Col. Jones being the Re- publican nominee. He was afterward twice defeated for the City Council.
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