USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > Evansville and its men of mark > Part 6
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Judge M. W. Foster.
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ATTHEW WATSON FOSTER was born in Giles- field, County of Durham, England, on the 22d of June, 1800. When a boy, he was apprenticed to a bookseller, and in that way became a great reader and remarkably well informed, both upon literary and legal topics. He removed to New York in 1812; came West, to Edwards County, Illinois, in 1817, and removed to Pike County, Indiana, in 1819, where he was Associate-Judge of the Circuit Court several years. He was engaged for some years in taking produce from Pike County to New Orleans in flat-boats, and on several occasions returned on foot through an almost unbroken wilderness. In 1828 he commenced business in Petersburgh -- then Knox County-and continued in active service as a merchant, farmer, or miller, in Pike County, till 1846, when he removed, with his fam- ily, to Evansville, where he resided till his death, on the 13th of April, 1863. If the people ever desired an honest, intelli- gent, sensible opinion on any matter of business or public inter- est, they could always be sure of one from him.
On his removal to Evansville he engaged actively in busi- ness, and immediately took a prominent position as one of our most enterprising, upright, enlightened and philanthropic citi- zens. In every public enterprise connected with this city, or for the benefit of his fellow men, Judge Foster's advice and as- sistance were always sought and never refused. Our railroads, our churches, our free schools and our public libraries testify to his generosity and enlightened mind. His patriotism was active, consistent, and enthusiastic. When the late war broke out, he was among the first to raise his voice and open his purse for recruits. Two of his sons early enlisted to fight for their coun- try ; and though the affairs of this nation grieved and oppressed
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him during his last days, the conviction that he, when able, had done his whole duty as a patriot ; and that one of his sons had merited and received distinction in defending the cause of lib- erty, cheered his last moments.
In every relation in life he deported himself with honesty, faithfulness and propriety ; and his daily walk and conversa- tion was that of a straightforward, enlightened Christian.
Judge Foster was married on the 18th of June, 1829, to Miss Eleanor Johnson, who died on the 22d of September, 1849, aged thirty-seven years. There were eight children born, of whom five are living. In 1851, he was married to Mrs. Sarah Kazar, widow of Nelson Kazar, who died in California in 1849. Two children were the result of the second union, and they are occupying useful positions in society.
Judge Foster died as he had lived-a true, devoted Chris- tian. The city, a nation, and humanity lost a true and honest champion and friend.
Dr. Isaiah Haas.
DAM HAAS, the father of Dr. I. Haas, was born in Virginia, December 25th, 1798, and in early man- hood removed to Newark, Ohio, where he was married to Miss Christina LaPert, of New York. At this place their eldest son, Isaiah, was born, February 22d, 1829. From thence he removed to Delaware County, Ohio, and commenced merchan- dising. In 1845 he removed to Wabash, the county-seat of Wabash County, Indiana, at which place he continued business as merchant until 1860. Isaiah Haas received a fair education - such as the schools of the locality furnished; and when not at school, assisted his father in the store, as book-keeper and salesman. In 1849, when the Morse Electric Telegraph was being extended westwardly, an office was opened above the 10
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store of Adam Haas, and a teacher was sent to instruct a young lawyer of the place how to manipulate the (at that time) won- derful instrument. The pupil failing to comprehend quickly what was demanded of an operator, and the instructor's time being limited, Colonel Hanna, one of the leading citizens of the place, solicited Isaiah to go up-stairs and learn to operate ; to which he consented, reluctantly, on account of the father's absence in New York, purchasing goods, and fearing that it might not meet with his approbation. In ten days thereafter he not only understood how to receive and send communica- tions, but many of the principles of the electric telegraph, and he also kept a supervision of the store until the return of his father. The next three or four years were devoted to his new- found love : and by the sense of hearing read its faintest mur- murings. During this time Ezra Cornell, Esq., of Ithaca, New York, the founder of Cornell University, became lessee of nearly a thousand miles of telegraph line, running in and through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. This great length of line, with all its offices, men, and material, he placed in the hands of I. Haas, as its Superintendent ; and the energetic and successful man- ner in which he managed the affairs, caused him to receive many flattering letters from Mr. Cornell.
During this time he was married to Miss Adaline McHenry of Vincennes, who early fell a victim to consumption. Two children were born to them ; but, in three years all were gone !
Before leaving the telegraph, his attention was attracted to the profession of Dentistry ; and he felt that he could make his "mark" in that line and its practice would be more congenial to his tastes; and from that time forward he gave it his undivided attention ; having for his preceptors Prof. A. M. Morse, of La- fayette, Indiana, and Prof. Samuel Wardle, of Cincinnati, Ohio, both eminent men in the profession. Prior to coming to Evans- ville, he spent some seven years in Lafayette, Indiana.
In 1857 he was married to Miss Sarah K. McHenry, a sister of his first wife.
In the early part of 1859 he was on his way South, with his wife and child, for the purpose of visiting friends; being unable to get a boat, because the river was so low, he was de- tained in this city two days, and met old friends, unexpectedly,
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who insisted on his making this his future home : setting forth the outcome to the city in such glowing terms, as to cause him to lease rooms of Dr. Bray, an eminent surgeon of this city, prior to his return North. A few weeks afterward we find him a permanent resident of the city of Evansville. He also assisted Dr. Bray in his surgical operations for seven years ; and the Doctor states that Dr. Haas has no superior as an assistant-surgeon in the State of Indiana. Parties who remove from the city return great distances for their dental work ; and the extent of his practice makes him the most prominent dentist of the State. His experience and reputation increase every year. Our business men have sold goods to merchants from abroad, because those merchants wished Dr. H. to do their dentistry, His success in practice is remarkable ; and while an inventor for the good of the profession, he has refused to take out patents, or enter into that kind of business. His high ideal of his profession is equaled only by his great achieve- ments. Dr. Haas has had a distinguished Masonic career- as Master of Evansville Lodge, No. 64, A. F. & A. M., for sev- eral terms; as officer of the Grand Lodge of the State, one year ; as District Deputy Master, four years ; and as Lecturer of the District, four years. His knowledge of Masonic law and land-marks, added to his exposition of the same, has made him a marked man in the order.
H. Q. Wheeler,
FATHER OF OUR FREE SCHOOLS.
HE crowning glory of Evansville is her Free Schools ; and to these may be traced, in a great measure, the secret of her growth and prosperity. The person of whom we offer a brief sketch was not only among the originators of the present educational system, but also its constant friend and overseer, from the date of the organization till his removal from the city, in 1866. He was born in Chesterville, Maine, in 1819. At the age of twenty-one, entered Bowdoin College and graduated in 1844. His was a student's nature; and he worked with a zest, not only at the regular classical course, but
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also upon subjects which afforded his mind an ample field for thought and dissertation. He studied law with John S. Abbott and John S. Tenney - then Chief-Justice of Maine - and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court in 1846. In the Fall of that year he went to Evansville ; and in the Spring of 1847 formed a partnership with Mr. John Ingle, Jr. Subsequently, Asa Iglehart, Esq., was admitted a member of the firm. This firm, as spoken of elsewhere, was engaged in many intellectual contests, and maintained a commanding position amidst a galaxy of the best legal talent in the state. Mr. Wheeler's forte was that of a counselor and legal adviser ; his intimate acquaint- ance with the best writers gave him a knowledge of authorities and precedents which, for the time being, made him master of the situation.
In 1853, when the first Free-School law went into opera- tion, he was appointed, with Christian Decker and William Hughes, as trustee ; and although others filled the places of Messrs. Decker and Hughes, he remained at the helm for over twelve years. The school law at first did not provide for a su- perintendent; and for a large portion of the twelve years of his labor as trustee, he also filled, acceptably, this position. His scholarly attainments, added to his energy as an executive, gave to his project a success scarcely hoped for at the outset. Having to combat the prejudices of many who were inimical to a free system, his course was extremely hazardous, and the teachers, also, were not all either fitted by education or experi- ence for this most important work. It must be borne in mind, too, that this was the first experiment of the free system, and its enemies were foretelling its downfall ; but despite the croak- ing of foes, its growth has been steady and constant - and to- day Evansville is justly proud of her schools ; and their Super- intendent can point to a progress almost unrivaled in the history of the common schools of any city in the Union.
Since 1866, Mr. Wheeler has resided at Portland, Maine; and though absent from the scenes of his early trials and successes, the old citizens will remember the man who had the ability to infuse his own energy into all his assistants ; the careful disci- pline that characterized his work; and the self-abnegation he exhibited throughout his entire course.
Christian Decker.
F the many German citizens who have contributed so largely to increase the influence of the city, we find CHRISTIAN DECKER ; who has aided, directly, more than any other individual, in bringing his countrymen to Evansville. Hundreds of Germans have heard of Evansville and this sec- tion through his letters addressed to friends. Many are the letters that he has answered, in reference to a location here. How cheerfully the new-comers were received, and the pecuni- ary aid afforded to those in humble circumstances ! Many live to-day to bless the name of Christian Decker, who might aptly be termed the " Father of the Germans."
He was born in Hesse Darmstadt, on the 10th of March, 1808. His education was obtained in the common schools ; and when fifteen years of age, he was apprenticed to a wagon-maker. After the expiration of three years, he traveled over South- western Germany and visited Vienna, where he remained sev- eral years. In 1834 he worked upon the first railroad passenger coach manufactured in Germany. His recollections of Germany, especially Vienna, are very vivid. In 1835, after a voyage of forty-two days in a sailing vessel, he landed in New York. Worked for a while in Newark, New Jersey ; eight months in New Haven, Connecticut ; and then, till the Spring of 1837, for James Gould, the celebrated coach-maker of Albany. New York. In May, of that year, he arrived at Evansville ; and as he noticed that this was a healthy site, he determined to remain in the city. He worked first as a journeyman, but in six months he commenced as a manufacturer, on Third street ; and for twenty-seven years built wagons, using hand-tools, only, in their construction. He then removed to the corner of Main and Fifth streets, where he erected a large factory, introducing steam-power and all the modern machinery needful for the
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construction of wagons and carriages. Mr. Decker built the first carriage of home manufacture, and has, in successive years, turned out a large number of vehicles which have not only added to his reputation as a builder, but have also greatly ad- vanced the interests of Evansville as a manufacturing center.
Mr. Decker was one of the founders of the Zion Evangel- ical Church, and for over twenty years was one of its deacons. He was among the first Trustees of the Free Schools, and an early advocate of the anti-slavery doctrines of the Free Soil party, and its successor, the Republican organization.
He was married in 1837, to Miss Anna M. Griess, who ar- rived in the State a short time after his arrival in Evansville.
Now advanced to mature years, our subject, with his pow- ers well preserved, lives to see his humble store supplanted by a large factory ; the little band of Germans increase into the thousands; and a city, whose name alone is typical of a rapid progress, from an insignificant village to a metropolis, with its adjuncts of extensive factories and all the accompaniments of a mighty city.
Colonel Philip Hornbrook.
OR nearly fifty - four years PHILIP HORNBROOK has watched the growth of the Crescent City, and has noted her gradual change, from a straggling village to the me- tropolitan position she occupies to-day. Perfectly familiar with her "unwritten history," if he had time and opportunity, he could relate a tale, which for originality and interest would excel any of the border romances of the Far West.
Saunders Hornbrook was a woolen manufacturer in Devon- shire, England ; his son, Philip, was born on the 16th of March, 1810. The family sailed for America in 1819, and arrived in Hampton Roads, Va., in August of that year. They came in a sloop to Georgetown, D. C., and thence by wagon to Wheeling,
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Virginia. Here they engaged a flat-boat, and after a long and tedious trip, arrived at Evansville, on the 20th of December, 1819. Mr. Hornbrook purchased a large amount of land, and at one time owned fourteen quarter-sections in Scott Township, about ten miles from the village ; and as there was much tim- ber to be removed, the reader can have some idea of the hard work Philip performed for many years. The lad had attended school for about five years in his native country, and as his father was an educated gentleman, and his mother a lady of superior attainments of mind and character, his situation was immeasurably better than that of their neighbors' children. Philip attended school three months in Kentucky ; but beside his home instruction, little was obtained to benefit his mind in fighting life's battle. His father, also, for many years carried on a store, wool and carding-machine and a cotton-gin. The business was largely extended - the farmers coming for many miles to have their wants supplied, and attend to the various industries incidental to farm life. Philip assisted his father in the store and elsewhere; and we have the testimony of some of the old citizens, who relate many incidents of his sharpness and business skill, even when a boy. No task was so difficult but what he would attempt it - and being of an obliging tem- perament, he often wearied himself in assisting the settlers upon any and all occasions ; and his services were often re- quested, as he was unusually active and strong.
He was married in 1837, to Miss Mary Sampson, formerly of Boston, Massachusetts.
In 1839 his father died, and Philip succeeded to the mer- cantile and farming interests, and soon disposed of the wool and carding-machine and the cotton-gin. He was engaged at the old location several years. and in 1848 removed to Evans- ville and engaged in the grocery and bakery line, on Main street. In 1851 he removed to his present location, on Water street, and which has been the headquarters for river men, citi- zens and farmers, ever since.
Mr. Hornbrook was Trustee of the Schools from 1853 to 1860; and we can truly say that they never had a better friend. For several years he was Secretary of the Vanderburgh County Agricultural Society. From 1861 to 1865 he was mili-
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tary agent of the State of Indiana, with the rank of colonel. For four years he was commissary of the Southern Relief Asso- ciation of Evansville. As a friend of the soldier, many a tear- ful woman and anxious parent can testify to his untiring labors in their behalf. In 1869 Colonel Hornbrook was appointed Surveyor of Customs and Collector of the port of Evansville ; and he discharged the duties of his position in a manner profitable to the Government, and honorable to himself.
This brief sketch gives but a faint idea of his long career, as a pioneer merchant and public-spirited citizen. We can only say that he has been faithful in every position, and not a stain is left upon his career as a business man and patriot.
Henry F. Blount.
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HE stranger who passes up Main street is attracted by the peculiar countenance of the man who looks more like the late Charles Dickens, than any of his numerous pictures and photographs. Upon inquiry, the person is found to be HENRY F. BLOUNT, of whom we append a brief notice :
He was born in Richmond, Ontario County, New York, on the Ist of May, 1829, and was the son of Walter Blount, a woolen manufacturer who emigrated from Norwich, Connecticut, at an early day, and located in Western New York, when that part of the country was called the Far West. His education was such as the common schools afforded, and supplemented by four years experience as a clerk in a country store in an ad- joining county. After working at a salary of from six to ten dollars a week, he saved seventy-five dollars, and came West to Peoria, Illinois. With no acquaintance or recommendation, he trusted to his energies to procure him a situation. A Mr. Lan- worthy, a merchant of Worthington, Indiana, was attracted by his appearance, and offered him a position in his store, and he
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eagerly proceeded to his new home. After working as a clerk two years, his employer offered him a full partnership in the concern. This generous offer was readily accepted by Mr. Blount; and for over eight years their business associations were very successful. After the abandonment of the Wabash and Erie Canal, Mr. Blount was desirous of obtaining a new location - as Worthington did not seem destined to become a much larger place, and the merchants generally were of the opinion that it had seen its best days. Mr. J. H. Roelker, of the Eagle Foundry, being in town, he asked our subject to pur- chase an interest in his foundry. He therefore secured Mr. Klusman's interest ; and the firm was known as Roelker, Blount & Co, for over eight years. We have elsewhere spoken of the large amount of stoves manufactured by this establishment . and they also owned a three-fourths interest in the Urie Plow Factory -- the products of which were obtaining some note, as a new and useful article of trade. Mr. Blount purchased the firm's interest in the plow works, and also the individual share of Mr. Urie, and at once increased the capacity of their manu- facture ; made several improvements, and advertised their merits in the adjoining States, especially in the South. Even in Mexico, " Blount's Extra Point Steel Plows" are used, and the natives seemed to be pleased with the rather unique and economical arrangement. From eight to ten thousand plows are shipped annually ; and the factory gives employment to about thirty hands. This large trade does not altogether hold his attention ; as he has an extensive library, and is well versed upon the scientific and moral questions of the day. To one. familiar with the standard authors, it is a pleasure to con- verse with Mr. Blount ; as his apt illustrations, his inimitable story-telling, and extensive fund of historic lore, make one feel that he is in the company of a man who delights in literature, and who finds it an agreeable task to go over the fields of fiction and questions of moral reform, with the purpose of securing correct ideas on the topics of the day.
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Hon. Alexander C. Donald.
ON. ALEXANDER C. DONALD was born in Aber- deen, Scotland, May 6th, 1818. For some years before leaving home, he was a writer in the office of an advo- cate. 3 When young, his ambition was to have a home on the shores of the Ohio. In November, 1836, he sailed from Liver- pool ; and, after having been wrecked, landed in New York in May, 1837. He proceeded to Louisville, and thence to Van- derburgh County. He walked from Evansville to St. Louis in search of work ; but failing to find employment, he returned to Evansville, where he was hired as clerk in the branch bank of the State. From 1840 to 1845 he taught school in the country.
In 1845 he married Nancy K. Duncan. From 1845 to 1852 he was employed in teaching school in the Winter, and farming during the Summer. In 1852 he was elected to the Legislature, on the Whig ticket, defeating Bailey W. Martin, by a majority of fifty-two votes. In 1850 he commenced the prac- tice of law, and at the same time acted as Deputy Clerk of the Court, under Dr. Lewis. He walked from Princeton to his farm-twelve miles-every Saturday evening, and returned by the same conveyance on Mondays, until December, 1855 ; at which time he moved to Princeton, and continued to act as Deputy Clerk until 1859. In 1860 he formed a partnership for the practice of law with Hon. Samuel Hall, which continued until the death of that distinguished gentleman, in 1862.
A man of versatile talents, ready wit, and apt judgment, Mr. Donald was by nature modeled for success in the legal pro- fession. His career in business, and also in teaching, were indicative of a strong mind and cultured habits; but his pro- fessional experience was the crowning honor. of his life. As a profound thinker and deep reasoner, his talents won for him a prominent position in that constellation of brilliant minds,
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who have made Indiana the scene of their triumphs, and of whom only a few linger behind.
Mr. Donald was an original Republican - opposed to slavery in any form, and fought a brave fight for the success of liberal principles. A Reformer in the true sense of the term, his earnest convictions of duty made him a firm friend of the oppressed-benefactor of the poor-and a patron of any and all projects for the improvement of the condition of the people. He died on the 27th of April, 1872; and the country mourns the loss of one so noted in the annals of the State.
Hon. James Lockhart.
ROUND the name of JAMES LOCKHART, cluster the recollections of a brave and gallant spirit ; a refined and cultivated man ; an erudite jurist; and a politician who understood so well the wants and necessities of Indiana. He was born in Auburn, New York, on the 13th of February, 1806. The eldest of eight children, he was forced to assist his father -Ephraim L. Lockhart-in the carding and fulling-mill busi- ness, and served a full apprenticeship in the same. During his leisure time, he devoted himself to studying the preparatory books for college, and enjoyed the privilege of a partial course. Owing to his lack of means, he was forced to relinquish his hope of being a graduate. He also studied law ; but was not addmitted to practice till after his arrival at Evansville, in 1832. His name was familiar to the people as a leading lawyer for many years. His strong will and determined mind caused him to study carefully the cases presented to his charge ; and he, in spite of every obstacle, took a commanding position in the profession. For several years he acted as prosecuting attorney ; and for over seven years he served as Circuit Judge. Many are the pleasing memories of Judge Lockhart; and he must have been an impartial and popular magistrate.
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In 1851 he was a member of the Constitutional Convention, and in that body exerted an influence second to none in the State. He was elected by the Democrats as a member of the Thirty-second Congress, and was a member elect of that body at the time of his death, in September, 1857. His health barely survived the first campaign; and we have no doubt that his extreme labors as a public speaker were the cause of his un- timely death. Tall in person; weighing over two hundred pounds when in health ; and possessing a remarkable voice for public speaking, his presence on the stump was the signal for a great rally of his political friends, and even opponents. A keen and logical debater, his arguments were presented in a style peculiar to himself; and he won a distinction for political debates which has secured for him a lasting reputation. His career in Congress was such as to add to his fame; and in Washington, as well as in Indiana, Judge Lockhart was re- garded as one of the "men of the times."
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