USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > Evansville and its men of mark > Part 4
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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 1860, Col. Jones was elected by the Republican party for the office of Attorney-General of Indiana, an office which he gave up in 1861, to accept the colonelcy of the Forty-second Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. His patriotism was manifested by distinguished services in the cause of the Union. Sickness, from which he never really recovered, took him from the field of battle ; but he was, without doubt, of as great service to the country as Provost Marshal General of the State, and subse- quently as the head of the recruiting bnrean.
At the close of the war he resumed his practice of the law, but his tremendous labors in the army had told on his constitu- tion ; and in 1869 he held his last official position, by appoint- ment of Governor Baker, as Judge of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, caused by the resignation of Hon. Wm. F. Parrett.
In February, 1838, he was married to Miss Rose Ann Rappelye, the daughter of one of our oldest citizens ; and four sons and four daughters were born to them.
Colonel Jones died April 5th, 1872, and his loss was deeply mourned. His genial temperament rendered him a good com- panion and a deservedly popular man in all circles, His gifts of heart and mind held all in his friendship and bound them still closer to him. The loving husband and kind father-there is, also, the broad circle of the community which recognized his worth ; the State which honored him in its trying moments ; and the loving recollections in which his memory is enshrined.
Hon. Fred. W. Cook.
HE subject of this sketch, FREDERICK WASHINGTON Cook, of the firm of Cook & Rice, proprietors of the City Brewery, on Seventh street between Main and Sycamore, was born at Washington City, D. C., February 1st, 1831, and his parents shortly afterward removed to Port Deposit, Cecil County, Maryland. After a residence of about three years at this place, they removed to Cincinnati, Ohio; and in 1836 to this city ; and in the same year Mr. Cook's step-father, Jacob Rice, in copartnership with Fred. Kroener, the uncle of Mr. Cook, commenced a bakery business on the property where White, Dunkerson & Co's tobacco warehouse now stands, corner of Locust and Water streets. From this place they removed to Main street, between Second and Third, where Marconnier's hat store is now located ; and at this place, in connection with their bakery business, they also carried on a boarding-house.
In 1837, Messrs. Rice and Kroener bought property in Lamasco, near the terminus of the Wabash and Erie Canal, which was then in course of construction, and in the same year built what is now known as the " Old Brewery " - the first brewery built in Evansville. Mr. Cook remained with his parents until 1853, when he entered into a copartnership with Louis Rice, a brother of Mr. Cook's step-father, and built the City Brewery - the premises on which it stands then being a corn-field. When they began business the cash capital of the firm was $330; Louis Rice having saved $165 from his earn- ings, and Mr. Cook's father advancing him an equal amount. Louis Rice attended to the brewing department, and Mr. Cook to the business and financial department. They continued together with good success, until 1857, when Louis Rice sold his interest in the brewery to Jacob Rice, (Mr. Cook's father,) for $3,500. The new firm commenced building a Lager Beer
HON. F. W. COOK.
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cellar at once ; and in 1858 made the first lager beer in South- ern Indiana. In 1858, they also built an extensive malt-house.
Mr. Cook was elected Councilman for the Fifth ward in April, 1856, and for the Eighth ward in April, 1863, and April, 1864, but resigned in the Fall of 1864; having been elected Representative from Vanderburgh County to the Legislature of Indiana, in which body he served during the called session of 1864 and regular session of 1864-5. In April, 1867, he was again elected to the City Council from the Fourth ward ; and it may be said of him that both in the City Council and Legis- lature, he served to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, and with much credit to himself.
In the Fall of 1856, Mr. Cook was married to Miss Louisa Hild, of Louisville, Kentucky.
Mr. Cook has built additions to the brewery, from year to year, and has also procured all modern improvements known to the art of brewing; and the establishment is now one of the most practically-arranged breweries in the West, and the larg- est in the State of Indiana.
Mr. Rice, the step-father and partner of Mr.Cook, met with a fatal accident, on the 29th of April, 1872, and died on the 3d of May following, from the injuries received. Mrs. Rice, the mother of Mr. Cook, who survives, continues Mr. Rice's inter- est in the business; thus leaving the style of the firm unchanged. The brewery and premises are now worth upwards of one hundred thousand dollars, which resulted from the investment of three hundred and thirty dollars in 1853.
Captain August Elles.
AS born in Speyer-on-the-Rhine, Bavaria, on the 22d of May, 1815. His father was a soldier in the Bavarian army, and died when August was only two years of age. He was married, at the age of twenty-three, to Miss Margaret Schmidt, daughter of David Schmidt, of Wachenheim, Bavaria. In 1840, he, with his family, sailed for America ; landing in New York on the 28th of June, and at once started for Indiana. On the 31st of July following he reached Evans- ville, with a capital of fifty-five cents. Having learned the butcher's trade in the old country, he opened a slaughter-house, - obtaining the necessary credit from some friends. In this pursuit he continued till 1848. In this year he opened a large grocery store in company with John E. Meni. In 1852, Cassi- mer Schlamp purchased the interest of Mr. Meni ; and the firm of Elles & Schlamp was in the receipt of an extensive business, for several years. Mr. Elles also opened a store on the corner of Third and Locust streets ; and this was his business location till he purchased the flouring mills, on Canal street. The mills were destroyed by fire about five years after his undertaking their management ; but, with his usual energy, in connection with his son, Nicholas, he immediately erected the spacious "Canal Mills," so favorably known in this section.
Mr. Elles was also well known as Captain of the Jackson Artillery-the first and only military company Evansville had for a number of years.
Captain Elles was a Democrat.in politics ; and, in 1855, was a fierce opponent of the organization named the " Know- Nothing " party. Often urged to accept a nomination, he only consented, in 1870, to run for an office ; and he was elected, by a large majority, a member of the Council from the First ward,
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- and to his official position he brought the same energy and honesty he had exhibited in his private affairs.
Captain Elles was a good business man; and his sound, practical merit, in addition to his genial disposition, made him very popular in all his relations with the public. His death, in 1871, was unexpected, and his loss was keenly felt by the com- munity at large, who knew him as a large-hearted citizen, who interested himself largely for the welfare of all.
E. Q. Smith.
HILE extensive factories, large foundries, and capa- cious mills have added largely to the wealth of the city, they have also been the source of the struggles and subse- quent triumphs of many of our most valuable citizens. Among those who have achieved success, as a manufacturer, is E. Q. SMITH. He was born in Hunter, Greene County, New York, on the 7th of February, 1828. Jeremiah Smith, his father, was a carpenter and millwright by trade, and withal, a very ingenious mechanic. There was a chair factory in the town, and Mr. Smith was employed to keep the machinery in order ; and our subject, when a boy, was accustomed to assist his father in his labors, and in a short time was very familiar with the method of making chairs. From 1846 to 1848 he worked at the business, and could make a first-class chair. In July, 1848, he started for the West, via the lakes, visiting Milwaukee and the pineries of Wisconsin. In the latter region he remained a few weeks, and assisted to build a saw-mill. Went South as far as Memphis, and then up the river to St. Louis, and here received a letter to go to Cincinnati and assist in making the machinery for the first machine chair factory of that city. 7
.
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He arrived in Cincinnati in July, 1849, and spent a year in the factory. He now visited Detroit, via Cleveland, and worked in a chair factory two years; was married in March, 1852, to Miss Marion W. Ray, daughter of Elijah Ray, of Vermont, and re- turned to Cincinnati. He was now employed as foreman of the largest chair factory there, and soon enlarged its limited amount
of machinery and doubled its annual production.
He also
invented three machines and made many improvements on the old machines which have been adopted by the trade generally.
He came to Evansville in November, 1858, and embarked in the enterprise of manufacturing chairs on an extended scale. With one of the largest factories in the West, and not surpassed anywhere for accommodation and convenience, we think that few men have so brilliant a prospect before them as E.Q.Smith. His trade has been so heavy and constant that he has been compelled to make several additions to his factory and enlarge its capacity. Mr. Smith, comparatively speaking, is a young man, and destined to long service in the extensive businesss he has been so prominent in establishing ; and has been the means of introducing us abroad, and thus attracting many to Evans- ville as a base of supplies. Genial and social ; industrious and active-we trust the Crescent City may be fortunate enough in attracting more of the valuable citizens who will accomplish as great a work as the subject of this article.
DR. E. J. EHRMAN.
E. J. Ehrman, M. D.
AS born in Jaxthausen, Wurtemburg, Germany, on the 29th of October, 1819. He was educated in the common schools of his native land, and also in the office of his father, who was a physician and surgeon. In 1833, his parents removed to America, and settled in York, Pennsylva- nia. His father, after having thirty years' service in the Allo- pathic school, here embraced Homœopathy ; and his son, at the age of twenty, commenced the study of medicine in his office. His course of instruction continued five years ; and at the age of twenty-five, he opened an office at Liverpool, York County, Pennsylvania, and began to realize the actual experiences of the medical profession. After several years' practice, he attended a full course of lectures at the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1852. He then removed to Reitzville, York County, Pennsylvania, and from thence to Evansville ; arriving in the latter city in the Fall of 1852. Dr. E. was the first Homoeopathic physician in Liver- pool, Reitzville and Evansville. Several years elapsed before he could lay any foundation for the new school. After treating a few intelligent patients, his practice began to increase, and he enhanced his reputation by a skillful treatment of a variety of cases incident to this climate. After ten years' practice, he was forced to retain an assistant, in order to attend the many invalids requesting his services. Since 1862, ten gentlemen of the various schools have aided the Doctor ; and they are all in the enjoyment of a good practice, either in Indiana or adjoin- ing States. Dr. E. has been County Physician, and medical attendant of the Marine Hospital and Orphan Asylum. The latter position he retains at the present time.
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Dr. E. is the youngest of five brothers, four of whom are still living, and all are homeopathic physicians, doing active duty in the cause, and adding valuable contributions to its lit- erature.
Years of honorable service have won for Dr. Ehrman hosts of friends, and he is held in loving reverence by his many patients. His love of the practice has led him to confine his duties to it ; and he has, therefore, accomplished little for its literature. But he has placed Homeopathy on a firm and last- ing foundation in the Crescent City, and has identified himself with every earnest endeavor to secure and advance its interests. His ability is conceded by the profession of all schools, and he has secured universal respect, while the gratitude of his nu- merous patients is an ample reward for his laborious career. His punctuality and his temperate habits, in connection with his good constitution, will, we trust, long preserve to his State the benefit of his science and experience,
John H. Roelker.
ROMINENT among those who have devoted themselves successfully to building up our manufacturing inter- ests is J. H. ROELKER, Esq. A native of Ossenbrach, Kingdom of Hanover, Mr. R. came to America in 1835, then only nineteen years of age. He traveled on foot, fourteen days, to Pittsburgh, and then came on a steamboat to Louisville, Ken- tucky. He had one hundred dollars in his possession when he left the old country, and after his arrival at the latter city he had only eleven dollars left. He first obtained employment as a waiter-boy in a restaurant, at the rate of four dollars a month. In about four months he was offered a situation in a hotel, at the
==
J. H. ROELKER.
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increased wages of eleven dollars a month. He worked in the hotel three months, and then engaged as second cook on the Orinoco, in the Louisville and St. Louis line. At the latter city he went on board the Chariton, as second cook. The steamer was bound up the Missouri for furs, etc. The voyage of over twelve hundred miles was very pleasant, and in two months the boat returned to St. Louis, and Mr. R. was out of a job. However. a hod-carrier was wanted on a building, and Mr. R. worked earnestly at this laborious business till he obtained a position as second steward on the Potosi, in the Louisville and St. Louis trade. In seven months' time he visited Cincinnati, where he met his brother, just from the old country. Wishing" to remain near his brother, he obtained a position as driver of a furniture wagon, and was constantly at work at this avocation for three years. On the 20th of July, 1840, he commenced working as a stove-blacker, for twenty dollars a month. He worked ten years, in various capacities, and learned everything about the stove business. In 1850, he engaged as foreman of W. C. Davis & Co's foundry, and had charge of that establish- ment for over two and a half years. The following year and a half he had charge of Chamberlain & Co's extensive foundry.
As a result of his economy and industrious habits, he had saved over six thousand dollars; and he now determined to come to Evansville and establish a foundry. In 1854 he ar- rived in the city, and at once purchased a lot having one hun- dred and fifty feet front, on Main, between Fifth and Sixth streets, for thirty-two and a half dollars a foot. The necessary buildings were erected ; and having associated with himself F. W. Brinkmeyer, Esq., and John B. Mesker, a fair trade was carried on, and the prospect was encouraging for a rapid increase from that time forward. The firm of Brinkmeyer, Mesker & Co. established a lasting reputation for their stoves, etc .; and for thorough durability and style of finish the products of their factory were second to none in the country. The firm was afterward known as Brinkmeyer, Klusman & Co., Roelker, Klusman & Co., and Roelker, Blount & Co, The latter firm also manufactured plows, which obtained considerable note in the agricultural districts. The firm name at the present time
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is J. H. Roelker & Co. - J. W. Roelker, a son of the former, being admitted as a member of the house.
Seventy men are employed in the foundry, and the amount of business averages one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars per annum. All work in this establishment is turned out in a style fully equal to any in the country. The products of this foundry have advertised largely the manufacturing interests, and their trade has grown in magnificent proportions, and they find little difficulty in competing with other localities.
Mr. R. has served seven years in the City Council, and has been an active and influential member of that body. He has at all times manifested a generous public spirit, and can pride himself upon being just and impartial toward all men, of whatever political complexion they may be. Mr. Roelker has been a member of the Evangelical Zion Church since 1847 ; and we can truly say that his generosity and kindness toward the poor and afflicted are a true index of his noble heart. An ear- nest Republican, he might have received high political honors from his party ; but he preferred to devote himself to his busi- ness - in which he has met with merited success.
Judge Asa Iglehart.
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UCCESS in life more often depends upon the real merit of the man, than the sudden freaks of fortune's wheel which occasionally turns out to some prominent position, the per- son, perhaps, unfitted for the diversified walks of higher life. It has been the innate energy and studious habits of Judge IGLE- HART that has placed him so high in the profession; and the young men of this generation, whatever their condition may be, can look forward with trustfulness to the future, if they will only put their shoulders manfully to the wheel, and go forward.
HON. ASA IGLEHART.
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The ancestors of the Iglehart family were of German des- cent, and located, in 1700, in the vicinity of Baltimore, Mary- land. Levi Iglehart, the father of Asa, was born in Annarundel County. Maryland, on the 13th of October, 1786. He was a a farmer; and, not satisfied with his prospects in his native State, started for the Southwest, and finally settled in Ohio County, Kentucky, in 1816. Here, on the 8th of December, 1817, Asa was born. Little is remembered of his life in this State ; as, in 1824, his father removed to Warrick County, In- diana. There were few schools in those days; and what there were, were presided over by teachers hardly fitted for the responsible position. His mind was early inclined to books, and what education he received in his youth was directed by his own and his father's taste. As he grew up to manhood's stature, he worked on the farm and studied at his leisure inter- vals. He at one time taught school ; but his labors, otherwise, were connected with agricultural pursuits.
In 1842, he was married to Miss Ann Cowle, of Blue Grass, Vanderburgh County, and at once removed to a tract of land presented to him by his father some years before. Slowly but surely his studious habits opened his eyes to a wider world, and he now dreamed of becoming a lawyer. This was the turning-point in his career.
He came to Evansville, purchased Blackstone, and read the commentator and kindred authors, as his time would per- mit, He calculated for the future and prepared for professional life ; and at the same time managed his farm - feeling the responsibility of his position, and never doubting as to his final entry into the legal profession. With no patronizing friends to console him in his weary moments, the energy of his character finally conquered all obstacles; he completed his course, and in 1849 was admitted to practice. Mr. Iglehart removed to Evans- ville, and in a short time became associated with Messrs. Ingle and Wheeler, as junior partner. His integrity and prompt attention to business, combined with the faithfulness with which he ever labored for his clients' interests, secured for him a libe- ral share of practice. In June, 1854, he was appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas ; and here his talents as a jurist were so apparent, that he was nominated for the same position
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by the Republican party, and elected without opposition. His independent, firm, and discriminating course endeared him to the people at large ; and when he retired from the bench, he received the commendation of the members of the bar and the people, for the prompt and impartial manner he exhibited to- ward all with whom he came in contact. Ever since his retire- ment from the bench his practice has been extensive and lucrative. Never an advocate, the strong bent of his mind inclined him to the careful preparation of his pleadings - and in this particular Judge Iglehart has few, if any, superiors. The Supreme Court reports, undoubtedly, furnish the highest and most satisfactory evidence of his ability as a jurist.
.
The writer has often seen him toiling, hour after hour, arranging the legal points in his brief and condensing his author- ities for the next day's argument in court - in which he was always short - always occupying little time, even in the most complicated cases. Cautious, prudent in the formation of his judgment; yet, when decided, he executes it with an energy eminently calculated to insure success.
Plain and simple in his manner; regular in his habits ; time has thus far laid its hand gently upon him. He is, appa- rently capable of performing much service for the people of this State, who have delighted to honor him with their confidence.
Captain James W. Wartman,
CLERK OF THE UNITED STATES COURT.
APTAIN WARTMAN was born in Lewisburg, Green- brier County, Virginia, on February 7th, 1832. His early youth was passed in Cincinnati, where he received a thor- ough education, being a distinguished graduate of " Woodward High School," on a par with our best universities. For some years after finishing his education he was engaged in mercantile
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pursuits in Cincinnati, where he established an excellent repu- tation.
He removed to Spencer County, Indiana, and studied law with Hon. L. Q. DeBruler, and commenced the practice of the law in Rockport, Indiana. In 1864 he was appointed Provost Marshal of the First District of Indiana, with headquarters at Evansville ; and after serving in that capacity for some time, resigned, and was appointed Commissioner of the Board of En- rollment for the First District of Indiana. During his services in these capacities the drafts of 1864 and 1865 occurred ; and the delicate, responsible and unpleasant duties devolving upon him, were performed with satisfaction to all. After the close of the war he returned to Rockport, Indiana, and resumed the practice of the law in partnership with one of his preceptors, Hon. Thos. F. DeBruler. In July, 1871, he was appointed Deputy Clerk of the United States Conrts at Evansville, and at once entered upon the duties of his office. In September, 1871, was appointed United States Commissioner, and discharges his duties acceptably.
Commissioner Wartmann is an ardent friend and an intelli- gent judge of the common-school system ; and for some years, while at Rockport, was President of the School Board. He is, also, a Sunday-school man, and for many years has engaged with much zeal in this work as a successful teacher.
Captain Wartmann, in all his positions, public and private, has been a careful, painstaking gentleman ; a man of thorough culture, and bound to secure respect wherever he is known.
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John F. Glover.
HE career of Mr Glover can not be considered an event- ful one. He has preferred the quiet walks of life and has worked earnestly to improve the character and condition of that class of society so often neglected in our educational and religious institutions.
JOHN F. GLOVER was born near Harrisburgh, Pennsylva- nia, on the 29th of March, 1814. His grandfather was a Rev- olutionary soldier, and Joseph Glover, his father, served in the War of 1812. John remained at home, going to school and working in his father's mill, till 1827, when he engaged for fifty cents a day to work on the Pennsylvania Canal. He drove a cart and worked in the office for over two years; when desir- ous of having a regular trade, he entered the store of Abraham Oves, a distinguished merchant of Harrisburgh. John was regularly apprenticed and served in various capacities, as sales- man, etc., for over five years. He then removed to Louisville and engaged in his uncle's extensive lumber-yard till 1838, when by his savings and credit, he went into the retail grocery business. At this time he was married to Miss Lucinda C. Simons, daughter of A. L. Simons, an old resident of Louisville and one of its most respected citizens. In a short time, how- ever, he again returned to the lumber trade, associating with himself his brother-in-law, W. S. Davis. Their trade was con- tinuing with fair success, when Mr. G. determined to remove to Evansville and establish a lumber-yard at this place.
In December, 1852, Mr. G. arrived in the city, and at once opened a lumber-yard on the corner of Main and Seventh streets. Since his entry into this city his career has been marked by unwavering integrity and commendable enterprise.
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