USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 3
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
to Hartford City, Indiana, and became one of the organizers of the National Rolling Mill Company, of which he was made general mana- ger. This was in 1902. Business was carried on at Hartford City for three years and in 1905 the plant was removed to Vincennes, where the business has rapidly developed, increasing threefold within a period of five years. The officers of the company are: Isaac Lyon, president ; J. H. Jones, secretary; and S. N. Bradshaw, general manager.
In 1890 Mr. Bradshaw was married in Sidney, Ohio, to Miss Minnie Mumford, a native of that place and a daughter of John Mumford, who was formerly a shoe merchant and is now living retired. Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw have a daughter, Faye, an accomplished and popular young lady possessing notable musical talent.
Mr. Bradshaw takes little active part in public life aside from the loyal support which he gives to all movements tending to promote the welfare and upbuilding of the city. His business, however, makes heavy demands upon his time and the rapid and substantial growth of the Na- tional Rolling Mill is evidence of the business ability, capable management and discriminating sagacity of Mr. Bradshaw and his associates. In all business connections, as in private life, he is an upright and conscientious man and well merits the prosperity which is now crowning his labor.
GEORGE J. REINBOLD.
Systematic business methods and close attention to the work which he undertook constituted the chief features in the success which came to George J. Reinbold, who far a long period conducted business as a whole- sale and retail liquor dealer on Second avenue in Vincennes. He was born January 25, 1863, and about a third of a century was allowed him as his life span for on the 8th of February, 1896, he passed away. His birthplace was on Barnett street, in Vincennes, and his people still live in the old home. His parents were Andrew and Rosine Reinbold. The surname indicates the ancestry of the family. The father was a native of Germany and when he determined to leave that country for America he sailed for New Orleans, from which point he made his way northward, coming direct to Vincennes.
In the public schools of this city George J. Reinbold pursued his educa- tio, passing through consecutive grades, and by thorough school training, wide reading and observation became a well educated man. He was deeply interested in many themes of general interest and kept in touch with the advanced thought of the day. When he entered business life it was to become connected with the wholesale and retail liquor trade, which to him constituted a field for success as his well directed labors brought him a substantial financial return.
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On the 25th of October, 1892, Mr. Reinbold was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Soete, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Drexelius) Soete. Her people were also from Germany and her father, who was a shoemaker by trade and worked at the bench in early life, conducted a shoe store on Second street after becoming a resident of Vincennes. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reinbold there was born a daughter, Irene, who resides at home with her mother. Mr. Reinbold was a member of the Catholic church and of the Knights of Columbus, and was widely known in this city in which he lived from infancy to the time of his demise.
FRANK J. BASTIN.
Notwithstanding fire and flood which has threatened to terminate the existence of the Blackford Window Glass Company, the business has been continued successfully under the management of Frank J. Bastin from its inception in 1903 up to the present time, and as general manager, he whose name introduces this review, has come to be regarded as one of the most thoroughly reliable enterprising and progressive business men and manufacturers of Vincennes.
A native of Belgium, he was born on the 15th of October, 1872, of the marriage of Louis and B. (Richir) Bastin. His education was ac- quired in the Catholic parish schools of his native country, and later he learned the trade of a glassworker, having considerable knowledge of the business when in 1890 he came to the United States to visit a sister then living in Ohio. Pleased with this country he decided to remain in America, and resided for two years at Fostoria, Ohio, whence he removed in 1892 to Hartford City, Indiana. In both places he worked at his trade and his ability won recognition in gradual promotion until he was given charge of the interests of the Blackford Glass Company at Hartford. There he remained for eleven years, carefully controlling the business and enlarg- ing its scope.
In 1903 he organized the Blackford Window Glass Company of Vin- cennes, and began operations here on quite an extensive scale in the fall of that year. The new venture succeeded from the first, and in fact its success has been little short of phenomenal, for Mr. Bastin had much to contend against. On one occasion a fire broke out and partially destroyed the plant, and again there was a flood which did much damage. The plant also suffered from the ravages of storms, but notwithstanding all this the business has been carried on along progressive lines that have been fol- lowed by prosperity. Mr. Bastin is a clear-headed capable man whose ex- perience covers every part of the business, having a practical knowledge of the various phases of the work, he is, therefore, capable of directing the labors of those who serve under him. Moreover, he is a man of high
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
character, and from the beginning of his residence in Vincennes he has attracted the attention and enjoyed the confidence of the good people of this city. He has established here a valuable industry, contributing much to the general prosperity of the town, for in the large plant employment is furnished to many high class men to whom excellent wages are paid. The officers of the company are: Emil Goossens, president; Henry J. Boeck- man, vice president ; and Frank J. Bastin, secretary and general manager. Although he has other financial interests, Mr. Bastin devotes his time and energy largely to the manufacture of glass.
In 1896 occurred the marriage of Mr. Bastin and Miss Anna Bastin, also a native of Belgium. They have two children: Nellie C., and J. C. In his political views Mr. Bastin is an earnest republican, unfaltering in his advocacy of the principles of the party, and has served as city council- man-at-large. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus. He is one of the directors of the Pastime Club, and is chairman of the manufacturing com- mittee of the Board of Trade. He is deeply interested in everything re- lating to the welfare and progress of Vincennes, and is of that type of citizen whose worth is widely acknowledged, for in the conduct of in- dividual interest and the attainment of personal success he also contributes to the general welfare. He displays an aptitude for successful manage- ment that has advanced him continually in his chosen field of labor, and he is a notable example of the self-made man of foreign birth who recog- nizes and utilizes the opportunities offered in America, and thus reaches a prominent place in business circles.
REV. JOHN A. BECHER.
Rev. John A. Becher, who on the 15th of December, 1908, was appointed to the charge of the Sacred Heart Catholic church in Vincennes, was born at St. Meinrad, Indiana, June 10, 1879. His father, Melchoir Becher, was a native of Switzerland, and married Elizabeth Klueh, a native of In- diana. They resided in St. Meinrad during the youthful days of John A. Becher, who became a pupil in the St. Meinrad college and seminary, continuing his studies there until ordained to the priesthood on the 28th of May, 1904, by Bishop O'Donahue. He was afterward appointed as- sistant at St. John's church in Vincennes, coming to this city on the 16th of July, 1904. On the 15th of December, 1908, he was appointed to take charge of the Sacred Heart, a new parish but recently organized. It was situated in a district of the city that was apparently little but corn fields at that time, but the wisdom and foresight, which has ever been character- istic of the Catholic church in the extension of its work, recognized the fact that the city must necessarily grow in that direction, and prepared a
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
field of religious labor for the population that was soon to come. Father Becher undertook the work, organizing the parish and erecting a fine church and rectory, which are a credit to the city. The corner-stone was laid April 22, 1909, and the church was dedicated on the 26th of Sep- tember of the same year, by the bishop who had officiated at his ordination. The splendid building erected is used for both church and school purposes. The first board of trustees is composed of the following: John Frisz, Charles Laubey, John Brown, Patrick Ryan, William Wentzel and Joseph Madigan.
Father Becher is a very popular and hardworking young priest. He is a man of liberal education, and is putting forth untiring effort for the upbuilding of his cause and the existence of the influence of the Catholic church in the section of the city in which he labors. Under his guidance the church has shown marked growth in both numerical and spiritual lines, and the different branches of church work are now well organized.
JOHN L. BUCKLES.
John L. Buckles who, as a member of the bar, is confining his attention solely to probate work and for twenty years has been secretary of the People's Savings Loan & Building Association of Vincennes, was born in Vigo township, Knox county, Indiana, August 23, 1854. His father, Jackson Buckles, was also a native of that township. The grandfather, Robert Buckles, came from Maryland in the early days and settled in Vigo township when almost the entire township was covered with its native growth of timber. His grave was the first made in the present Edwardsport cemetery. Jackson Buckles was reared in this district when it was still a pioneer region and in his youthful days he learned the cabinet- maker's trade, in which connection he won fame for his expert work- manship. Settling in Edwardsport, Indiana he there worked at his trade until his death which occurred in 1857. In early manhood he married Martha J. Godwin, also a native of Knox county, and they became the parents of two sons, the brother of our subject being William A. Buckles, who is now living in Kentucky.
In the country schools John L. Buckles began his education and after- ward pursued a scientific or teacher's course in Danville, Indiana. He then took up the profession of teaching to which he devoted his energies for five terms in the schools of Knox county. He was always active in politics and while closely associated with public affairs in that connection he also engaged in various lines of business and traveled to a considerable extent. In 1887 he was appointed deputy sheriff and filled the position until 1892 when he was elected sheriff. The endorsement of his first term's service came to him in his reelection in 1894. While still in office
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
he took up the study of law under the direction of Judge Orlando H. Cobb. He gives his attention to probate work and has never engaged in general practice. For twenty years he has been secretary of the People's Savings Loan & Building Association of Vincennes, which was organized in 1889. Mr. Buckles took an active part in its formation and became one of its directors. Since leaving the sheriff's office he has devoted his entire time to the affairs of this company, has been its secretary for twenty years, and has acted as attorney for the association for twelve years. The business has grown enormously under the capable management of Mr. Buckles, who is watchful of every detail pointing to success and manifests most sound judgment in placing investments. The loans have grown from a very small sum of money to six hundred and fifty thousand dollars, there is a membership of over eighteen hundred and altogether the enter- prise is considered one of large local value, the assets of the concern amounting to, in round numbers, seven hundred thousand dollars.
In 1886 Mr. Buckles was united in marriage to Miss Mary Etta Yates, a native of Knox county and a member of one of its old families. There are two children by this marriage, Ennis R. and Gladys Anne. Mr. Buckles is a Knight Templar Mason, greatly interested in the craft, the beautiful symbolism of which clearly points the lessons of life. He is also a charter member of the Elks lodge of Vincennes and served as its secretary for two years. His name is likewise on the membership roll of the Knights of Pythias lodge. Politically a democrat, he is an earnest worker in the affairs of the party and served for four years, from 1906-1910, as a mem- ber of the council from the fourth ward. His attention has largely been given to those every day duties which constitute the real forces of life. His energy has never faltered when obligations have rested upon him, either of a personal nature or in the line of citizenship, and all who know him find him trustworthy, reliable and progressive.
JAMES T. ORR.
Endurance of trials is the test of character. The sufferings which James T. Orr bore in his last illness gave evidence of his fortitude, the nobility of his nature and his Christian faith. Throughout his life he was a man of kindly spirit, manifest in a helpful, sympathetic attitude to all with whom he came in contact. He remaimed for many years a rep- resentative and valued business man of Vincennes, where he engaged in the manufacture and sale of harness and saddlery.
A native of Ireland, he was born in 1835 and was of Scotch-Irish lineage. His parents were James T. and Catherine (Farrell) Orr, who in 1837 crossed the Atlantic to America as passengers of one of the old- time sailing vessels. They made their way westward, settling in North
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Vernon, Indiana, and in 1843 became residents of Vincennes, where the father soon afterward passed away.
James T. Orr was but a young child when brought by his parents to the United States, and was only about eight years of age at the time of the removal to Vincennes, so that his education was largely acquired in the schools of this city. Like every healthy boy, he enjoyed the sports of youth yet in the schoolroom he laid the foundation for his success in later life. He made his initial step in the business world when seventeen years of age; going to Louisville, Kentucky, in 1852, he became an apprentice in a wholesale leather house. He remained in that city for three years, during which time he mastered the harness and saddle-maker's trade, and then returned to Vincennes. Here he embarked in business in partner- ship with a Mr. Page, and in 1873 established an independent venture near the corner of Second and Main streets, where he built up a harness and saddlery business that became one of the famous enterprises of this character in the town, both in extent and in the nature of his trade. He continued at that place until his death, after which the business was con- ducted by his sons, James and John, until it was sold about two years ago. In his business life Mr. Orr was ever straightforward and reliable and any- thing made in his house bore the stamp of good workmanship. He never sought to lead a customer astray concerning the value of an article and his commercial integrity became proverbial. In addition to the conduct of his harness and saddlery business he was at one time president of the Vincennes Draw Bridge Company which constructed the wagon bridge over the Wabash river at Vincennes and operated it for a number of years as a toll bridge.
On the 3d of June, 1873, Mr. Orr was united in marriage to Miss Mark Beckes, a daughter of Thomas P. and Margaret (Emison) Beckes, This marriage was blessed with the following children: Thomas, a resi- dent of Smithfield, Virginia; who married Stella Edwards and has one daughter, Virginia; James, who married Hannah Du Kate and resides in Vincennes; John, Walter and Robert, at home.
The death of Mr. Orr occurred on the 15th of December, 1903, and in his passing his family lost a devoted husband and father. Some months prior to his death he was stricken with paralysis on the left side, but he bore his long illness uncomplainingly and, as was characteristic of his sunshiny nature, he always answered inquiries concerning his health with "I am pretty well." In politics he was ever a stalwart democrat, unfal- tering in his support of the party, and on several occasions was called to positions of public honor and trust. For a long period he served as a member of the city council of Vincennes, in which connection he sup- ported all of the progressive measure which he deemed of benefit in advancing the municipal welfare. He was also county commissioner for several terms and no word was ever in justice uttered against his official
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
record. He was a very prominent and active member of the Catholic church and also belonged to the Catholic Knights of America.
It is said he that never had an enemy, even in an opposing political party. By nature he was most charitable and to the extent of his ability he gave in aid of the poor, his benefactions being many. His was one of those natures which shed around them much of the sunshine of life and his death left a vacancy at his own fireside and among his friends that can never be filled. The memory of his upright, honorable life, helpful spirit and generous nature, however, remains as a blessed benediction and an inspiration to all who knew him.
FRANKLIN CLARKE.
Franklin Clarke was one of the pioneer representatives of industrial activity in Vincennes and through long years was the promoter of various business enterprises which contributed in large and substantial measure to the growth and upbuilding of this city. Thus he left the indelible im- press of his individuality upon Vincennes where his name is yet honored and his memory cherished. He was born in Sodus Center, Wayne county, New York, January 9, 1832, and was descended from an old New England family which settled in Massachusetts in the early part of the seventeenth century. New England, perhaps, more than any other section of the country, early had high regard for the value of education, and Mr. Clarke, like other youths of that district, was carefully trained in the elementary branches of learning. He was seventeen years of age when he was regu- larly apprenticed to the machinist's trade, serving a four years' term of indenture in the town of Lyons, Wayne county, New York. He became quite proficient during that period and for several years thereafter was employed as a machinist in Richmond, Virginia, where he assisted in building the engines for some of the vessels afterward used in the Civil war. He left the Old Dominion to become a resident of Indiana in April, 1857, which month witnessed his arrival in Vincennes. Here he resided continuously until his death, with the exception of two or three years passed in the south during the war between the two sections of the country. He was employed as a machinist by the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad Com- pany until about 1862.
Mr. Clarke became a pioneer in industrial operations in Vincennes when, in 1864, he joined Mr. H. A. Buck and a Mr. Chapman in building the Wabash Valley Foundry and Machine Shop. His was the first home establishment of the kind in this city and was a valuable addition to the enterprises of the town and to southern Indiana. The new undertaking was successfully conducted, becoming an important feature in promoting the commercial progress of Vincennes. It did not, however, encompass
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
the scope of Mr. Clarke's activities, for he became connected with various business enterprises, being at the time of his death the owner of the Vin- cennes Calorific Brick Works, and the general manager and a stockholder of the Prospect Hill Coal Company. He was recognized as a man of judg- ment and high character. He was essentially a self-made man, his success being due to his exceptional industry, nerve and perseverance.
In 1863 occurred the marriage of Mr. Clarke and Miss Alice Judah, who survives her husband. They became the parents of three children, but a daughter, Mamie, died in childhood. Franklin, who died in early manhood, at the outset of a promising career, left a wife, who in her maidenhood was Minnie Kelly, and a daughter, Lucinda, now in school. The surviving son, Brandon Clarke, married Mabel Purcell. .
Mr. Clarke was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity which he joined in 1857, advancing through the various degrees of the York Rite until he became a Knight Templar. The interests and companionship of his Masonic association were among the most cherished of his life. His political faith was that of the republican party and in 1875 he was chosen a member of the city council to which he was again and again reelected until the period of his service covered twenty-three years, and the munici- pal legislation of the city was largely shaped through his efforts. During this long period he acquired an extensive experience in civil affairs and by the faithful performance of his duty won the confidence of the best men of both parties. In manner he was modest and unassuming and at all times kindly obliging. He had a genial sense of humor which ever made him a welcome companion: a stalwart integrity that made him an honored associate in business circles and a public spirit that made him one of the most valued of Vincennes' citizens. His strict integrity and honesty of purpose led him to despise all unworthy or questionable means to secure success in any undertaking, either for the welfare of the city or for his own advancement.
"His life was noble, and the elements So mixed in him that Nature might stand up And say to all the word, 'This was a man.'"
CHARLES S. BRYAN, M. D.
Dr. Charles S. Bryan, who entered upon the general practice of medi- cine in Vincennes, in 1906, after a college training, was born in Xenia, Illinois, July 19, 1880. His father, Homer H. Bryan, a native of Indiana, was born in 1855 and in his boyhood days removed with his parents to Illinois where his father operated a woolen mill. In 1884 Homer H. Bryan returned to this state, settling in Vincennes, where he entered the employ of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad Company, first as brakeman and later
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
as conductor. When the division point was removed to Washington he became a resident of that place and still makes it his home. He has al- always been an active supporter of the democratic party. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rachel A. Friend, is a native of Illinois.
In the public schools of Vincennes Dr. Bryan acquired his early edu- cation and later continued his studies in Washington where he was gradu- ated from the high school with the class of 1901. Determining upon a professional career and making a choice of the practice of medicine as his life work, he began studying in the Indiana Medical College, and the medical department of Purdue University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1906. He then opened an office in Vincennes where he has since remained in general practice. In the four years in which he has represented the medical fraternity here he has succeeded in building up a good business, for he is careful and conservative in the performance of all professional service and the results which have attended his labors have proven that his knowledge is broad and his application of it correct. He is a member of the County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medi- cal Society and the American Medical Association and his standing among the local members of the profession is indicated in the fact that he has been elected and is now serving as secretary of the county organization. Since 1907 he has also been county physician.
In January, 1908, Dr. Bryan was united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Fendrich, a daughter of George Fendrich of Vincennes. The hospitality of many of the best homes of the city is cordially extended them and Dr. Bryan is a popular member of Vincennes Lodge, No. I, A. F. & A. M. His political views accord with the principles of the democratic party, but he has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional duties, in which line he is meeting with gratifying success for one of his years.
JOSEPH W. SMADEL, M. D. 1284996
Dr. Joseph W. Smadel, a representative of the medical profession in Vincennes, was born at New Albany, Indiana, in the 5th of December, 1871. His father, Tobias Smadel, was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, and came to the United States when twenty-eight years of age. He had previously learned and followed the shoemaker's trade, but, feeling that better business opportunities might be enjoyed on this side the Atlantic, he crossed the briny deep and settled in New Albany, making his way up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers by boat from New Orleans. He continued a resident of New Albany until his death, which occurred in 1880. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Maggie Shoe, came to the United States with her parents and was married in New Albany. The family
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