USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc. > Part 21
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W. B. HINKLE, senior member of the firm of Hinkle, Nisbet & Co., the largest wholesale boot and shoe house in Evans- ville, if not in the state, was born in Robert- son county, middle Tennessee, September 4, 1838, and is the son of Peter and Doxey (Tate) Hinkle, both Tennesseans. He was reared and educated in his native state. Coming to Evansville in 1863, he entered the old dry goods store of Archer, Mackey & Co., and for eleven years remained in that house, during all the changes in the firm. In 1874 he engaged in the wholesale boot and shoe business, being a member of the firm of Minor, Dickey & Hinkle, which continued for three years, when Mr. Minor withdrew. The business was then con- ducted for two years by the firm of Dickey & Hinkle, when Mr. Dickey withdrew, and the firm became that of Hinkle, Nisbet & Co., continuing so to the present. Mr. Hinkle is a member of the Business Men's
Association, in which he is at present a director. Coming to Evansville a poor man, he began with no capital, save his ability as a thorough business man, and has passed through the ordeal success- fully, being now one of the substantial and influential men of Evansville. In 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Willie Eveas, of Greenville, Ky. To this union three children have been born, as follows: Clarence L., born in 1867, now traveling salesman for his father; Mary L., born in 1877, and David M., born in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Hinkle are members of Trinity Meth- odist Episcopal church.
LEWIS SEITZ, of the firm of Bement & Seitz, wholesale grocers, was born in Mt. Carmel, Ill., November 23, 1848, and is the son of William and Mary (Schafer) Seitz. He received a common school education in the schools of his native place, and at the age of eighteen came to Evansville, where he has since resided. His first engagement here was with the house of Venemann & Behme, well-known wholesale grocers, where he was employed as book-keeper. He continued so engaged until ISSo, when the firm of Behme & Seitz was formed by his admission to partnership with Anthony Behme, who had previously purchased the interest of Mr. Venemann. This firm con- tinued with an annually increasing business until 1887, when the interest of Mr. Behme was disposed of to C. R. Bement, the style of the firm becoming Bement & Seitz. For more than twenty years Mr. Seitz has been identified with this house, first as book- keeper and later as proprietor, in every ca- pacity giving faithful and valuable service. The house is one of the oldest in the city, and through all the vicissitudes of trade has maintained a steady advancement, its trans- actions increasing year by year, and its po- sition in the commercial world growing
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more prominent. Actual merit and con- tinued fair dealing have been the main fac- tors in the achievement of its success, and the reputation of the house is established on a firm basis. It now ranks as one of the solid institutions of Evansville, and probably does the largest wholesale grocery business in the city. Its trade extends through In- diana, Kentucky, Illinois, and other west- ern and southern states. Public-spirited, energetic and liberal, Mr. Seitz is a highly respected and honored citizen in all the various walks of life, and his able and ju- dicious management has contributed largely to the success of the house, which has be- come justly celebrated as one of the most enterprising and complete establishments in the southwest. In 1871 Mr. Seitz was married to Miss Allie T. Fuller, whose death occurred December 8, 1888, at the age of 37 years. Of this union three chil- dren were born, all of whom survive, as fol- lows: Addie, aged 16; Percy, aged 14, and Charles, aged 11 years.
JOHN A. REITZ & SONS .- The impor- tance of Evansville as the largest hardwood lumber market in the world, and the extent of the saw-mill interests, have been adverted to elsewhere in these pages. The firm of John A. Reitz & Sons conducts one of the largest lumber mills in the country, with the prestige of nearly forty-five years' success- ful business. John A. Reitz, Sr., started this business in 1845, not amply provided with capital, but backed by his own good
business qualities and determination to succeed. As the business prospered, he | found it necessary to have help in its manage- ment, and his sons, Francis J. Reitz, John A. Reitz, Jr., and Edward Reitz, have be- come associated with the firm, and their mill, located at the mouth of Pigeon creek, is one of the most extensive of the region, em- ploying a large number of men, and is of
great capacity and supplied with the most recent and perfect machinery obtainable. The members of the firm are remarkably skillful in business, and have not only reaped ample personal reward, but have done much toward making Evansville famous. On ac- count of the advanced age of the father, the management of the business devolves upon Francis J. Reitz. For twenty-four years the latter was connected with the foundry business of Reitz & Haney, in charge of office and financial matters, and now has control of this extensive lumbering business. He is also a director in the First National Bank, and a stockholder in the German National Bank, and president of the Evans- ville Electric Light Company.
LITTLE & CROFT LUMBER COMPANY .- Another extensive mill operated until re- cently, was that of the Little & Croft Lum- ber Co., incorporated. Samuel W. Little, president and general manager of the com- pany, was born in South Carolina, June 17, 1832, being the youngest son in a family of seven children. His father, Samuel Croft, a native of South Carolina, came to Indiana in 1835, settling on a farm in Monroe county. His mother, Mary (Erwin) Little, of Scotch- Irish descent, was born in Ireland. In 1853 Samuel W. Little, who, up to that time, had been engaged at farming, on and near his father's homestead, moved to Iowa, and three years later came to Evansville. His first employment here was in the old Canal Flour Mills, where he remained for several years. The civil war coming on he entered the service of his country as a sailor on the Mississippi flotilla, continuing therein one year. Returning to Evansville, he began the manufacture of shingles and staves, and conducted a cooper shop. In 1871 he began the lumber business, with which he has since been prominently connected. In 1886 the company was incorporated under the state
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law and did an extensive business until Miss Lucy E. Thomas, a native of Morrow its mill was destroyed by fire in the county, Ohio. summer of 1888, at great loss. Samuel Little is an active, public-spirited citizen, and has aided in many ways to advance the general prosperity of the city, while at the same time he has attained for hinself a com- petence, by dint of his industry and good management. He was married, in IS70, to Miss Mary E. Macer, a native of Evansville, daughter of Thomas Macer. They have two children, Chas. S., and Harry W., aged respectively fifteen and thirteen years. Mr. Little and his family are members of the Presbyterian church.
Benjamin F. Croft, vice-president of the company, was born in Richland county, Ohio, May 30, 1848, being the youngest in a fam- ily of seven children, born to Benjamin and Mary (Buckingham) Croft. His father, a native of England, was a man of great force of character, and possessed of an iron will. Upon emigrating to America he settled in Maryland and moved thence to Richland county, Ohio, where he successfully con- ducted a woolen mill, and became one of the prominent men in that locality. B. F. Croft was educated in his native country, and when eighteen years of age, embarked in the saw- mill and lumber business. After two years he removed to Eaton Rapids, Mich., where he sustained a heavy loss by fire, but un- daunted by this he threw new energy into his business and achieved success. Later, at Saginaw, Mich., Albion, Ind., and Chicago, Ill., he engaged in the same business. Coming to Evansville, he joined Samuel W. Little as a partner, and when, in 1886, the Little & Croft Lumber Co. was formed he became its vice-president. A large de- gree of the company's success was due to his skill in management, and his indus- trious and systematic habits. He was mar- ried in Albion, Ind., August, 1870, to
JACOB MEYERS & BRO .- The Southern Planing Mill, employing no less than fifty men, and doing an extensive business, occu- pies a prominent position among the indus- tries of the city. Its proprietors are recog- nized as enterprising and progressive business men, and, by fair and honorable conduct, have established themselves in the good-will of the people. Jacob and Michael Meyers are brothers. They were born in Bavaria, the former December 25, 1828, the latter July 12, 1837. Their parents were Michael and Catherine ( Alexander) Meyers, natives of Germany, born respectively in 1795 and 1797. The father served honor- ably in the armies of his native country, and came to his death by an unfortunate acci- dent occurring in 1845. Two years later the mother, with her children, emigrated to the United States, settling in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1851 removing to Indiana. The Meyers brothers, the immediate subjects of mention in this connection, received the rudiments of a fair education in the schools of their native land. Both were apprenticed to carpenters, and learning the trade, worked for a time as journeymen carpenters. In 1856 Jacob began the business of a con- tractor, and, ten years later, was joined by his brother Michael, who, from 1862, had been engaged in mercantile pursuits. Pru- dent and economical, they had accumulated a nice capital, and being practical workmen, determined to embark in a more extensive enterprise. They purchased what was then known as the Steel & Trible planing-mill, located on Second street, between Chestnut and Cherry streets, and operated it for one year, when they removed to their present place of business, at the corner of Water and Goodsell streets. Success followed in- dustry and wise management. In 1887
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their continued prosperity warranted the tearing down of the old building and the erection of one of the finest and best equipped planing-mills in the state. The new building is of brick, the main structure being two stories high, 62x192 feet, with engine-room, boiler-house and extensive lumber sheds in addition. The manufacture of doors, sash, blinds, frames, mouldings and all manner of builders' supplies, is here extensively engaged in. The proprietors of this mill are justly accredited with being among the most enterprising and prosperous business men of the city. Both have been twice married and have interesting families. Jacob Meyers, in November, 1851, took for his wife Henrietta Plensinger, a native of Germany, born in 1832. She was the mother of four children: George W., Mary E., Laura E., and Addie. Her death occurred in 1858 and 1852, respectively. Bernhard Schuttler is third in a family of nine children, five of whom survive. His boyhood was spent on the farm. At six- teen years of age he removed to Evansville, and began serving an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade under Jacob Meyer. Two years later, in 1861, he enlisted in Co. A., Forty-second Indiana Volunteers, and, going to the front, was in the engagements at Champion Hills and Stone River, where he was wounded, and participated in the brilliant Atlanta campaign. He was honor- ably discharged October 17, 1864, at Villanow, Ga. Returning to civil life he entered the service of Jacob Meyers & Bro., and has since continued with this firm, being for the past sixteen years foreman of their extensive mills. September 8, 1868, he was married to Miss Mary Damm, born Septem- occurred in this city in August, 1862. In ber 28, 1845, in Posey county, daughter of July, 1863, Mr. Meyers was united in mar- Christopher and Christina (Bunde ) Damm. riage to Anna B. Keck, born in Posey His family consists of eight children : Emma county, Ind., in 1840, daughter of Andrew K., Edward E., Ida R., Adolph W., Julius H., Benjamin J., Albert P., and Oscar C. Politically, Mr. Schuttler is a republican. He is a member of the G. A. R. He and
and Rosanna Keck, and a very worthy woman. Of this union four children have have been born: Edwin J., Lillie, Estella and Clinton K. Michael Meyers was first married his wife are members of St. John's Luth- in 1858 to Mary Becker, a native of Indiana, eran church. born in 1838, who died August 15, 1864,
RIETMAN & SCHULTE. - This well-known leaving two children, Anna A. and Frank B. firm, manufacturers of hardwood lumber, His second marriage occurred in 1865 to railroad lumber and bridge timber, have Isabella Metz, then twenty-five years of attained a leading position among the wood- age, and to whom four children have been workers of the city. Their mills are ex- born: Alexander M., Nellie B., Emma C., tensive and employ regularly about 100 and Alice U. Both of these families belong men. Henry Rietman, who, by dint of to the German Methodist Episcopal church. industry and close attention to business
Bernhard Schuttler, the foreman of has risen from a wage-worker to a promi- Meyers Bros.' planing-mill, was born in nent place among the business men of this German township, this county, March 10, city, was born in Germany, July 31st, 1823. 1843. His parents, David and Caroline His father, J. HI. Rietman, was a respectable (Sincich) Schuttler, natives of Germany, farmer who lived and died in the land of his came to this country in 1840, and lived in nativity. He was educated in the schools German township until their deaths, which of his native place, spent his youth upon a
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farm, served three years in the German army, and at the age of twenty-six years came to Evansville. He was then a single man and for a time worked as a day laborer in a saw-mill. He was energetic, eco- nomical and ambitious. By 1860 he had saved enough to embark in business for him- self, and in company with B. Nurre com- menced the operation of a mill. This part- nership was soon dissolved, Charles Schulte joining Mr. Rietman in the business. In 1865 the mill was destroyed by fire. It was rapidly rebuilt. In three months from the time of its destruction it was again run- ning. Since that time by good manage- ment the business of the firm has been mul- tiplied many fold. Mr. Rietman was mar- ried October 20, 1857, to Miss B. W. Hanselelman, a native of Holland and daughter of John Hanselelman. They have three children: Ben H., Henry H., and Elizabeth. The family are members of the Roman Catholic church.
Charles Schulte, one of Evansville's leading business men, is a native of the king- dom of Prussia, where he was born on the 15th day of May, 1838. We find him twenty years afterward on his way to Amer- ica seeking fortune and a new home. He came directly to Evansville, and although unacquainted with the ways and language of the new world, he proceeded to engage at once in business with his accustomed en- ergy and push. His first venture was flour milling, then dealing in grain and produce, until 1863, when he became associated with his present partner, Henry Rietman, in the saw-mill business. This was then in its in- fancy, but with close application and energy, he was soon able to bring the business up to its present capacity and prosperity, making it one of the largest enterprises of the city, and extending their trade in hard- wood lumber over this country and Europe.
Mr. Schulte is part owner of the Fulton Av- enue Brewery, one of the largest establish- ments of the kind in this part of the state. He is a large stockholder and director in the German National Bank of Evansville, and the senior member of the firm of Schulte, Lohoff & Co., manufacturers of edge tools. There are employed in these different enter- prises several hundred men. Mr. Schulte has done much to build up the city where he has spent the better part of his life. Although a gentleman of ample means and able to enjoy the ease and comforts of life, he is nevertheless constantly engaged in overseeing, managing and directing his di- verse interests, which are all flourishing. Highly fortunate is the city which can boast of many men of equal push and energy. In 1861 he was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Summers, who was born in 1843, and with whom he is still living in happy wedlock, surrounded with seven children. He and his wife are consistent members of the Catholic church, and are connected with the church of St. Boniface, which has often been the recipient of their liberality. Mr. Schulte is a notable example of what a prudent and careful man, full of energy and ambition, may accomplish in this country under adverse circumstances.
Joseph A. Nurre, traveling agent for Rietman & Schulte, lumbermen, was born in Evansville, Ind., April 13, 1852, being the son of Bernard and Elizabeth Nurre. Bernard Nurre was born in Germany in 1807, and emigrated to America about 1835, locating first at Dayton, Ohio. From that city he and his wife traveled on foot to Cin- cinnati, where he went to work at his trade in a foundry. About 1839 he came to Evansville and was employed in the one foundry then in existence in the town. At an early date he engaged in the hotel busi- ness and for many years was proprietor of
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the Washington House on the corner of Third and Main streets, at that time the leading hotel in the city. After leaving the hotel he engaged in the saw-mill business in copartnership with H. Brommelhaus, and afterward purchased the old Simpson mill- site, and taking Mr. H. Rietman in partner- ship, established the present mill of Rietman & Schulte. Later he sold his interest to Mr. Schulte and retired from active business. Mr. Nurre was a strong democrat and was so well and favorably known that he was elected by his party to the office of county commissioner, a thing seldom accomplished at that time, the republicans being largely in the majority. He served but one term. declining to stand for re-election. His death occurred April 11, IS85. Elizabeth Nurre was born in Germany in 1816, and died in I853 when her son Joseph was an infant. Her husband subsequently remarried, and his widow survives him. Joseph A. Nurre was reared in Evansville. He attended the public schools of the city and completed his education at Teutopolis (Ill. ) College. He began life for himself when a small boy as bundle wrapper for Schapker & Bussing, dry goods merchants of this city. From this humble position he worked up in the same house to book-keeper. In 1873 he entered the L. & N. railroad freight office as receiv- ing clerk, which position he held for one year. He then began as a laborer with Messrs. Rietman & Schulte, and by dint of persistent effort and close attention to busi- ness worked up to his present position, after twelve years of service. He is well known as a business man and enjoys a high stand- ing in the community. In politics he is a democrat; and is a member of the Iron Hall. In ISSo he was married to Miss Ellen New- man, an estimable lady, who was born in Evansville in 1852. She is the daughter of Mason Newman.
THE HELFRICH SAW AND PLANING MILL COMPANY holds a high rank among the work- ers in wood. It deals in hardwood lumber and building materials of all kinds. Its presi- dent, Adam Helfrich, oldest son of the pio- neers. John and Anna (Barbey) Helfrich, was born in Germany, January 17, 1832. His parents emigrating to this country in early days, settled in German township and were there known for many years as indus- trious, frugal, and well-to-do people. They were among the organizers of St. Jos- eph's Catholic church, and remained its devoted members until their earthly careers were ended. Adam Helfrich worked on his father's farm until twenty-three years of age, when, having married on May 17, 1854, Theresa Hilderbrandt, a native of Virginia, daughter of Christian Hilderbrandt, he be- gan to work for himself on a farm, the gift of his father. Selling his farm after a time, he purchased a portable saw-mill. By wise management he accumulated enough to start, in company with John T. Rechtin, a saw-mill on Pigeon creek, in Independence. This mill was operated for some time, but was eventually destroyed by fire, Mr. IIelf- rich having purchased the entire interest but a short time prior to its destruction. A new mill was bought, and in 1883, a stock company was organized, with Adam Helf- rich as president, and William Hardy as vice-president, through whose ability and en- terprise the business of the concern has been greatly extended and successfully con- ducted. This company owns and operates the extensive brick-yard known as the pro- perty of the Evansville Pressed Brick Com- pany. Mr. Helfrich's ability as a man of af. fairs has been publicly recognized by his election to the city council. Politically, he is a democrat. He is the father of eleven child- ren, eight living: William. Frank, Michael, Kate, John, Annie, Joseph and Edward.
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In the dawn of civilization in southwestern Indiana, the state of North Carolina gave many valuable citizens to the new common- wealth. They came with no richer posses- sions than pure purposes and dauntless courage, ready and willing to meet any fate. James McCorkle and his wife Dorcas, who was a McIntyre, left their native state, in 1828, with a family of seven children which afterward grew to eleven, and came down the Tennessee river in a small boat or canoe to the shoals below Nashville. From there they made their way overland to Gibson county, Indiana, where they erected a cabin such as pioneer settlers hastily raised when a spot that suited their fancy was found, and there February 9th, 1829, was born JOHN S. MCCORKLE, now proprietor of the City Planing and Flouring Mills, and long known in Evansville as a progressive, public-spirited and benevolent citizen. In the spring of 1832, the family moved to Evansville, then a small village. Soon after coming here the death of Mrs. McCorkle occurred. The father of the family lived until Evansville assumed the dignity and designation of a city in 1847, and was identified with the early growth of the place. At the date of his death he was sixty-four years of age. With the exception of about two years, when he resided in Kansas, ever since 1832 John S. McCorkle has been a resident of Evansville. His father's circumstances were such that opportunities for laying the founda- tion of a polite education were wanting to him in his youth and young manhood. Naturally studious, however, in the course of a long and active life he has stored his mind with a fund of useful information. At the age of seventeen he undertook to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he worked as an apprentice and journeyman until 1866. During the civil war period he was in the service of the United States government,
building and repairing hospitals for the sick and wounded who were brought to Evans- ville for care and treatment. In 1866, Mr. McCorkle built his first planing-mill, which was successfully operated until April, 1870, when it was destroyed by fire. The mill was immediately rebuilt and the business continued. His twenty-two years' career in this business makes him the oldest planing- mill proprietor in the city. From his youth he has made his own way in life and has been eminently successful. His entire atten- tion has not, however, been absorbed by his business pursuits. An ardent republican, he is deeply concerned in the welfare of his party. For many years he has been con- spicuously identified with the work of the temperance cause, and he and his wife have been consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. As a member of the Business Men's Association he has taken a lively interest in all matters affecting the welfare and progress of the city. His life has been one of industry and constant effort. The success which has come to him has been well deserved. He was united in marriage December 31, 1850, to Miss Mary I. Thorne, a lady of worth, born in Vin- cennes, Ind., in 1836, the daughter of Charles E. and Nancy (Oliver) Thorne. Of this union four children have been born: John D., in 1853; Charles R., in 1860; Josie C., in 1862, and George A., in 1865.
SCHULTZE, THUMAN & Co. - The Me- chanics' Foundry at the corner of First street and Third avenue is an evidence of what thrift and industry can accomplish. This in- stitution, employing about fifty workmen and manufacturing steam-engines, boilers, saw- and grist-mills and all kinds of ma- chinery, is owned by five of Evansville's enterprising citizens, who in early life had no capital except the endowments of nature. Some facts concerning the lives of Henry
Fred. It look
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A. Schultze, Charles H. Thuman, John H. ing, but both eventually became part owners Thuman, Alexander Jack, and Michael in the Mechanics' Foundry, and for many Becker can not fail to possess interest. Mr. years have been connected with its manage- ment. Mr. John Thuman was married in 1845 to Miss Rosina Scheckel, who died five years later, leaving one child, Mina. Subsequently he married a sister of his first wife, Philippina Scheckel, to whom eight children have been born, seven of whom are Schultze was born in Prussia, April 19, IS31. When he was eleven years of age, his parents, George and Annie M. (Wayne) Schultze, came to Evansville, and were known here for many years as industrious and respectable people. They lived through the allotted three score years and ten, living: Mary, Louisa, Carrie, Lena, Dora, each spending a useful and honorable John, Frederick and Edward. Mr. Charles life. Henry A. was the youngest son in a | Thuman was married in August, 1853, to family of eleven children. When sixteen Miss Barbara Fuchs, a native of Germany, years of age he entered a foundry with a who came to this country in 1850. Of this union eight children have been born, seven of whom are living: Annie, Lizzie Amelia, Lena, Charles Christian, Charles J., William and Jacob L. This younger generation is rapidly advancing, and taking an honorable position in social and business circles.
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