USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 14
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Hugh A. Emison, who was born at Wheatland, Knox county, March 7, 1866, received his education in the graded schools of Bruceville, and after laying aside his books engaged in the grain business, in which he continued successful for a number of years. On July 1, 1897, he was appointed assistant postmaster of Vincennes and this position he has ever since filled with a fidelity that has met the hearty approval of the officials of the post- office department.
On October 3, 1901, Mr. Emison was united in marriage to Miss Lovisa H. Hartwell, a daughter of John T. and Maria S. Hartwell of Vincennes, and in his wife he has found a faithful and loving companion, who presides with dignity and grace over the household and heartily cooperates with him in every good work.
Mr. Emison since arriving at years of maturity has been identified with the republican party and accepts its platforms as being more nearly in accord
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with the ideas of a progressive people than the platforms of any other party. Socially he is connected with Lodge No. 291, B. P. O. E., of Vincennes, and he is also a member of the Pastime Club and the Old Post Country Club of Vincennes In the various relations of life Mr. Emison has so conducted himself as to make many friends and he has gained the respect of all with whom he has come in contact. In his capacity as a public officer he has been especially fortunate and he is, therefore, known as one of the well established and substantial citizens of Vincennes.
ANTHONY M. YELTON.
Anthony M. Yelton, for many years a resident of Vincennes, and one of its respected citizens, having gained high standing both as a business man and as a capable public officer, is a native of Kentucky, born at Butler, March 5, 1850. His father, Elijah Yelton, was also a native of Kentucky and was born in 1820. He was a farmer and lived on the old homestead until his death, which occurred November 21, 1910, in the ninety-second year of his age. The grandfather on the paternal side was William Yelton, of Virginia. The mother, Luthania Leland Barton before her marriage, was born in Ken- tucky, in 1825, and through the maternal line the subject of this review is of Revolutionary ancestry, his great-grandfather having served as a general in the Revolutionary war. The Barton family was originally from Providence, Rhode Island, where William Barton, the father of Mrs. Yelton, was born. Ten children came to brighten the household of Mr. and Mrs. Yelton, four of whom are now living : Anthony M., our subject ; Thomas S., who married Naomi Tarvin and has served for two terms as sheriff of Pendleton county, Kentucky; James C., now a postal clerk running between Cincinnati and Knoxville, who is married and has four daughters; and Belle, the wife of F. M. McClure, a tobacco merchant of Shelbyville, Kentucky.
Anthony M. Yelton was educated in the common schools of Kentucky and began his business career by learning telegraphy in the railway service, in which he continued in various capacities for twenty-five years. He was for three years in charge as chief dispatcher and trainmaster of the Mississippi division of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad and for seventeen years was joint terminal agent for the Pennsylvania and Big Four Railroads in Vincennes. At the end of this time, having become interested in political affairs, he was elected clerk of the Knox county circuit court and served in that position for eight years, discharging his duties in such a way as to receive the merited. commendation of the courts and the people of the county.
In 1875 Mr. Yelton was united in marriage to Miss Carrie J. Shaw, of Alexandria, Kentucky, a cousin of Judge George W. Shaw, of that state, now of Vincennes. She is a daughter of James and Sarah (Acklin) Shaw, the former of whom was engaged in farming and is now deceased. Mr. and
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Mrs. Yelton are the parents of three children: Grace Lee, now the wife of Dr. J. M. Burns, of Mansfield, Ohio, and the mother of one daughter, Marian Ivan; Francis Marion, who married Miss Marie Inglehart, of Vincennes, and is now living at Fort Worth, Texas; and Roscoe A., who married Miss Adelia Tindolph and lives at San Antonio, Texas, and has one son, Richard.
Since reaching manhood Mr. Yelton has been identified with the demo- cratic party, accepting the principles of that party as those most friendly toward the permanence of the institutions of a free government. He and his family hold membership in the Baptist church. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Royal Arcanum and the National Union and is now acting as president of the council of the latter organization in Vin- cennes. Mr. Yelton is a man of unblemished character and has displayed ability and sound judgment in the discharge of his obligations, both public and private. Improving his opportunities as the years passed and utilizing the advantages that appeared from time to time until he has attained a promi- nent place in the esteem of the best people of the community. He is known as a patriotic and useful citizen, who never advances himself at the expense of others, his success being the result of the application of the simple princi- ples of honesty and of concentration upon whatever he has been called upon to do. He has exemplified those traits of character that inspire confidence and has assisted to the extent of his ability in advancing the public interests, belonging to that class which leaves a permanent impress in behalf of all that is most desirable in American life.
STEPHEN A. RYDER.
Among the active and capable business men of Vincennes, Stephen A. Ryder is accorded an honorable place, not only on account of his acknowl- edged ability in the conduct of business affairs, but also because he has forged his way to a responsible position through his own exertions, hav- ing started in a humble capacity and overcome many difficulties on the way. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1852, and to him belongs the distinction of having been the first white child born in that city. He is a son of John and Mary (Myers) Ryder, the former of whom was born in Connecticut in 1810, and became a brick manufacturer and contractor, operating upon a quite large scale. He built the De Soto Hotel at Galena, this state, which was for some years one of the largest hotels in the west. The father departed this life in 1856. The mother, who was born in the Blue mountains near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1815, was twice married, her first husband being Lewis Haehnlen. There were two children by that union: Lewis, who married Mary Boutwell and is the father of one son ; and Mary, the widow of James Chalmers, by whom she has two chil- dren. By her second marriage Mrs. Ryder became the mother of two children : Wilhelmina, who married A. V. Knickerbocker, a member of
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the New York family of Knickerbockers, and has one daughter; and Stephen A.
The subject of this review was educated in the public schools of Chi- cago and early began his battle with life as a messenger for the Western Union Telegraph Company. Even as a boy he was ambitious of advance- ment and he studied telegraphy while acting as messenger and became a full-fledged operator, continuing in the Western Union office in Chicago for about three years. He then entered the wholesale and retail confec- tionery business with his half-brother, but later sold the retail business and devoted his entire attention to the manufacture of confectionery for fifteen years. Seeking a change of climate and surroundings, he went west and was for two years upon a cattle range. He then returned to Chicago, where he applied his early training and was for three years with the West Chicago Park Commission, acting as assistant secretary. On May 1, 1908, Mr. Ryder came to Vincennes, having acquired an interest in the Dyer Packing Company and has since acted as secretary of the company. This is one of the important concerns of the kind in the country. It employs seventy persons and the output of the plant is twenty-five thousand cans of pork, beans and ketchup per day, the product going to the principal countries of the world.
In 1887 Mr. Ryder was united in marriage to Miss Christina Banner- man, a daughter of John and Christina (McKay) Bannerman, sketches of whom appear elsewhere in this work. Her maternal grandfather, James Mckay, was one of the Selkirk settlers, who went to Canada with Lord Selkirk and located at what is now Winnipeg. Mr. and Mrs. Ryder have an adopted son, Stephen A. Ryder, Jr., who is now six years of age and is a highly promising boy.
Politically Mr. Ryder is identified with the republican party and re- ligiously he endorses the teachings of the Baptist church as those which most nearly follow the commands of the Great Master. He has through life been guided by principles of truth and honor, and from his boyhood has been industrious and persevering in everything he has undertaken. The success which he has achieved has been worthily earned, and he has the satisfaction of possessing the confidence and respect of his fellowmen.
WILLIAM C. TESCHNER.
Vincennes is fortunate in possessing in its citizenship men not only of fine business talent, capable of directing large affairs successfully, even in the face of keen competition, but also men who are liberally endowed with public spirit and who are ever ready and willing to devote their ability and a goodly portion of their time to the public welfare. Such a man is William C. Tesch- ner, who is a native of this city, born March 28, 1876. His father, Charles
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Teschner, was born in Germany in 1849 and, coming to Indiana, has for many years lived in this city, being at the present time custodian of Harrison Park. The mother of our subject was Lonise (Berger) Teschner, who was born in Germany in 1851 and is now deceased. Eight children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Teschner, six of whom are now living : Augusta, residing at home ; William C., the subject of this record; Martha, now Mrs. Leroy Davis, of Newport, Kentucky ; David, also of Newport; Lena, now in the Cincinnati City Hospital studying to become a nurse; and Bertha, a stenographer for the Vincennes Trust Company.
William C. Teschner received his education in the German school of Vin- cennes, also known as St. John's school. At the age of sixten he laid aside his school books and entered the service of the Hartman Manufacturing Com- pany, in which he continued for three years, receiving a good introduction to business life. In 1893 he went with the Central Foundry Company and there learned the molder's trade, working for five or six years. After prov- ing his ability in his trade he was advanced to the position of assistant super- intendent of the company and was placed in charge of the fitting department. As time passed Mr. Teschner, like many capable young men in all lines of business, came to the conclusion that he could enjoy greater freedom if he were at the head of his own establishment. Accordingly, in 1904, he began independently in the furnace business and has since continued with increasing success in that line and other lines with which he is closely connected. Dur- ing recent years he has conducted an extensive jobbing business in furnaces. registers and appliances for heating in southern Indiana and Illinois, deliv- ering in carload lots. Two years ago he became interested in a compressed air and vacnum machine, which also does whitewashing and cold-water paint- ing, and he has developed a prosperous business with this machine. He is interested in real estate in the north end and, although not yet thirty-five years of age, through the application of good judgment and industry, he has acquired the foundation of a comfortable fortune.
As indicated above, Mr. Teschner is the happy possessor of talents aside from business capacity. As a musician he has contributed in no small degree toward making lighter the cares of everyday life and is well known to a wide circle of lovers of the "art divine." He is now serving his fourth enlistment as a member of the First Regiment Band, Indiana National Guard, and as bass singer has occupied a place as member of the choir of St. John's church for more than ten years past. He holds three honorable discharges from the military band and is recognized as one of the most useful members of that patriotic organization. The duty of the band, in case of war, is to lead the regiment to battle and later assist in carrying off the wounded, thus being faithful auxiliaries of the Red Cross, whose beneficent work is the admiration of the world. Mr. Teschner is a member of the local Society, No. 366, of the American Federation of Musicians, and has served at various times as secre- tary and also as president of this organization.
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In May, 1904, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Held, who was a native of Vincennes. The great sorrow of his life was the loss of his beloved wife, who was called away in June, 1905. Mr. Teschner is identified with the Knights of Pythias, and the Order of Eagles, having entered the former as a charter member of Vincennes lodge and having served as its first keeper of records and seal. He is also a member of St. John's Benevolent Associa- tion, the Travelers Protective Association and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has for a number of years held membership in St. John's Evangelical church and in political matters he is an adherent of the principles of the democratic party. A man of energy and of unusual decision of char- acter, Mr. Teschner has been trained in a school which retains on its rolls no laggards and which calls for the best ability and highest efforts of its disciples. It is in these ranks that are to be found the self-reliant, patriotic workers who have made America supreme in the world today.
CHARLES S. MILLER.
Charles S. Miller has been connected with the business interests of Vin- cennes for nearly thirty-five years and twenty-seven years ago entered busi- ness for himself, in which he still continues. He has been actively identified with the city since his boyhood and one of the interested observers of its pro- gress, contributing his part toward that end. He is a native of Ohio and was born at Springfield in 1859. He is of English descent, his father, John G. Miller, having been born at Hull, England, in 1808. Possessing the laudable ambition to improve his circumstances in life, he emigrated to America where he became a successful contractor and builder. The mother, whose maiden name was Matilda Stout, was a native of Springfield and was born in 1820. Two children came to brighten the household of Mr. and Mrs. Miller : Eliza, now the widow of John Love and the mother of one daughter, Anna; and Charles S. An uncle of our subject, Captain Charles Stout, of Springfield, was one of the brave soldiers who upheld the Union at the time of the Civil war. An uncle by marriage, General Joseph Warren Keifer, of Springfield, is now one of the noted survivors of the Civil war and at seventy-four years of age is a leading member of the house of representatives in Washington, of which he was speaker from 1881 to 1883. He was a man of wonderful bravery in the war and was wounded four times. He was brevetted brigadier general of volunteers for gallant and meritorious service and later as major general of volunteers, the highest position in the army. He is one of the greatest orators of America and also one of its most honored citizens.
Charles S. Miller came to Indiana in his boyhood and was educated in the public schools of Vincennes and in Vincennes University. After leaving the university he entered the employ of Moore & Harris, druggists of this city, and continued with the firm from 1876 until 1883 when he began in the drug
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business for himself. In 1902 he added a book store to his business and has since conducted both lines, and by his ability in commercial affairs and gentle- manly address has achieved merited success.
In 1897 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dawes, who was born in Vincennes in 1862 and whose father, now deceased, was a con- tractor and builder. There were four children in the family: Richard L., who lives at Evansville and has two children; William K., of Vincennes; Frank R., also of Vincennes, who is a federal employe and has two children ; and Elizabeth, herein mentioned.
Mr. Miller as a result of his study and observation in affairs of the govern- ment many years ago accepted the principles of the republican party as those best adapted for a free government and he is a stanch supporter of the party. He accepts the Bible as the revealed word and his name is found upon the rolls of the Presbyterian church. He is a valued member of the A. F. & A. M. and has advanced through the various degrees, being now a Knight Templar. He is also connected with the Royal Arcanum, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Pastime Club of this city. As may be seen, although Mr. Miller is thoroughly interested in his business, to which he has devoted so many years of his life, he is also an active factor in social affairs and as a patriotic citizen has always used his influence in forwarding the permanent welfare of the city and state. In his estimable wife he has found an assistant who has never failed in her duty and who presides over one of the peaceful and happy households of the city. Mr. Miller is known as an honorable, straightforward man, belonging to that class of citizens that adds to the permanency and stability of the community and whose advice in times of emergency it is always safe to follow.
HON. RICHARD JAMES McKENNEY.
Among the prominent citizens of Vincennes who have passed from mortal view but whose memory is kept green in the hearts of those who knew their estimable traits of character, was Hon. Richard J. McKenney. He was for thirty years a resident of this city, and both as a private citi- zen and public official bore himself in such a way as to reflect the highest credit upon himself and those with whom he was associated. As mayor he proved one of the most capable executives the city has known, exercis- ing his prerogative in the interest of the community and making a record which has never been surpassed in Vincennes for honesty or efficiency. As a financier he was prudent, reliable and far-seeing. He gained a reputa- tion as one of the sagacious men of his time in Knox county, a man whose opinion was often sought and whose advice if followed almost invariably proved the accuracy of his judgment.
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Mr. McKenney was born in St. Louis, February 13, 1827, and was a son of Samuel and Jane (Hayes) McKenney. The father was of Scotch descent, but a native of Virginia, his ancestors having come to America in the eighteenth century. He was an Indian trader, and for many years was prominently engaged in that business with headquarters in St. Louis.
Richard J. McKenney received his preliminary training in the parochial schools of St. Louis and under the Jesuit Fathers was educated for the priesthood. However, he felt attracted to a business career and after leav- ing college he spent eight years in Mexico. Returning home, he removed to Vincennes and became identified with the railroad business, acting as paymaster for a construction company which built the first railroad in this city, and he had charge of the first railway train that entered Vin- cennes, in July, 1855. Later he was identified with the transfer business in St. Louis, continuing there for three years, after which he went to Cin- cinnati but, returning to Vincennes in 1860, made this city his permanent home. Here he was prominent in financial affairs and became president of the Vincennes Deposit Bank: He occupied the office of mayor from 1861 to 1863 and also acted as trustee in settlement of the estates of his father-in-law and others. On November 13, 1890, Mr. McKenney was called away at the age of sixty-three years and nine months. The general expression of regret upon the announcement of his death indicated the profound respect in which he was held by the entire community.
On October 17, 1854, Mr. McKenney was united in marriage to Miss Arabella D. Wise, a daughter of John and Hannah (McCall) Wise, the family being among the oldest settlers in this part of the state. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McKenney: Cora, deceased; John, who was an unusually bright boy and died at fourteen years of age; and Marian S., who married J. Napier Dyer. Mrs. McKenney is now living in Vincennes where she has many friends who have been attracted by her kind and loving disposition. Although she has been called upon to pass through the valley of affliction, she has been sustained by a trust founded on Divine promise which to her has been a constant source of support. The snows of many winters have whitened her hair, but they have not affected her heart, and no one appeals to her in vain who needs her as- sistance or sympathy.
John Wise, the father of Mrs. McKenney, was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, on the 17th of October, 1796, of German ancestry, his grand- parents having come to this country from Germany at an early day and settled in Pennsylvania. Representatives of the family participated in the Revolutionary war. His parents both died on the same day, leaving a family of eleven children, whom Mr. Wise assisted in caring for until they were able to provide for their own support. After coming to Vin- cennes he sent for the others as he became able, bringing all of them to this city with the exception of two sisters.
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Although his educational advantages were somewhat meager, he be- came a well informed man and developed a splendid talent for business. It was in 1816 that he arrived in Vincennes, at which time the country was wild and undeveloped and the Indians were very much in evidence. He first opened a saddlery shop and later in connection with his two brothers Samuel and William embarked in the pork packing business, in which he met with most excellent success. The products of his packing house were shipped on flatboats down the river to New Orleans. He also established a stage line between Vincennes, Evansville, Terre Haute, St. Louis and Louisville, carrying both passengers and mail. As time passed he became one of the wealthiest and most influential men of the community, and at his death had amassed a large fortune.
On the 12th of February, 1824, Mr. Wise was united in marriage to Miss Hannah McCall, of Lexington, Kentucky, by whom he had six chil- dren, namely : Anna, deceased; Mary, the deceased wife of Jedediah He- bard; William, James and Arabella, all deceased; and Arabella, now Mrs. McKenney. The mother of these children passed away on the 5th of April, 1840, during the infancy of Mrs. McKenney. She was an earnest and faithful member of the Presbyterian church, to which Mr. Wise also belonged, and for some time he served as trustee. In politics he was a lifelong democrat, and was a man who took an active and commendable interest in public affairs. Of fine physique, he was over six feet in height and was a man of exemplary habits, never using intoxicating liquors or tobacco in any form. After a useful and well spent life he passed away on the 13th of August, 1884.
OTTO F. KRAMER.
Many competent business men have been attracted to Vincennes from other states or cities by the advantages here offered in commercial affairs. It is also true that many native sons of Vincennes are in evidence and by their high standing in a field where there is much active competition, have demonstrated their ability and business worth. Otto F. Kramer, who oc- cupies an honorable position in the drug business of Vincennes, is a native of this city and has here passed his life. He was born July 24, 1880. His father, Frank Kramer, was born in this city in 1854, and engaged in the carpenter trade and the mother, Mary E. Ueding before her marriage, also a native of this state, was born in 1856. There were five children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Kramer: Vernie, deceased; Otto F., our sub- ject ; Edward J. and Cletus, both at home; and Mary Louise, deceased.
The subject of our review received his preliminary education in the public schools and then attended the high school of the city. After laying his books aside, he became identified with the drug business under Herman
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J. Watjen, continuing for twelve and one-half years, during which time he acquired a thorough knowledge of the vocation to which he had deter- mined to devote his life. In 1909 Mr. Kramer began in business on his own account as junior member of the firm of Duesterberg & Kramer, opening up a store at Third and Main streets, and here maintains one of the most complete establishments of the kind in the city. Mr. Kramer thoroughly understands every detail of the business, and has talents of salesmanship which are very desirable qualities for any man who comes daily into contact with the public.
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