History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc., Part 23

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: [Madison, Wis.] : Brant & Fuller
Number of Pages: 714

USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc. > Part 23

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

In addition to his commercial occupations, he has acquired and successfully managed extensive farms, and since 1879 has been one of the directors of the German National Bank. For six years he has served as a member of the city council, elected as a democrat from a ward with a republican preponderance, his majorities varying from 93 at first to 363 at last. In 1880, without premeditation on his part, he was nominated for state senator. It was urged that he alone could carry the election against an adverse republican majority. His friends were right in their prediction, and again in 1884 he was honored by re-election to the senate, and was elected in 1889 a trustee for the Southern Indiana Hospital for the Insane, near Evansville, by the state legislature. In 1862 Mr. Rahm was married to Miss Rose Hart, who was reared and educated in New York. To this union four children were born, of whom but two are living. The elder, a son, graduated from Mt St. Mary's College, Maryland, and is now deputy township trustee. - One of Mr. Rahm's brothers, Emil, has held the office of treasurer of Vanderburgh county. A sister, Miss Hulda Rahm, has attained dis- tinction in the Evansville schools, and hold- ing the highest certificate, is no longer sub- ject to examination. The venerable parents are still hale and hearty, and devote their attention to the management of a fine fruit and vegetable farm close to the city.

JACOB MILLER, one of the leading mer- chants of Evansville, and a member of the Gilbert-Miller Dry Goods Company, the largest retail dry goods house in the state of Indiana, was born in Evansville, April 3, 1845. His parents were Jacob and Mary (Klein) Miller, both natives of Germany, The parents were married in their native country, and emigrated to the United States in 1836, coming direct to the west, locating

in Evansville, and being among the early settlers of Vanderburgh county. The father died in 1885, at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother in 1879, at the age of sixty-three years. To these parents five children were born, three of whom survive. Jacob Miller was educated in the public schools of this city, and began life for him- self at the age of seventeen years, in the employ of the E. & T. H. Railroad Company. A year later he began clerking in a dry goods store, and continued at that until 1866, when he embarked in business for himself in the partnership of Miller & Brink- meyer. In 1871 the firm of Miller Bros. was organized, being composed of Jacob and Conrad, brothers, which later be- came one of the best-known dry goods firms in the state. This firm was continued until March, 1886, when Conrad withdrew, going to New York city, and there engaging as a merchant in the same branch of trade. In 1885, the present busi- ness house on Main street was erected, which is the largest and most complete dry goods house in the state. The building is brick, six stories above the basement in height, 57×140 feet. The first and second floors are used for dry goods, cloaks, and notions, the third and fourth floors for carpets and mat- tings, the fifth floor for manufacturing purposes, and the sixth floor for stor- age. The first and second stories are of solid iron, the rest of the building be- ing terra cotta and pressed brick. The cost of the building approached $75,000.00. One of the largest retail stocks in the state, and the largest in the city, is carried by the firm, and its annual business amounts to between $375,000 and $400,000. In May, 1886, the Gilbert-Miller Dry Goods Co. was formed by the entrance into the business of W. S. Gilbert, son of Capt. John Gilbert. In 1864 Mr. Miller entered the service of the United

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THE CITY OF EVANSVILLE.

States, joining Company F of the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment In- diana Volunteer Infantry, under Col. John W. Foster, and served until the close of the war. He is a member of Far- ragut Post, G. A. R., St. George Lodge, K. of P., and of Excelsior Lodge, A. O. U. W. He is also a member of the Business Men's Association and of the Merchants' Exchange. He has taken an active interest in every effort to give the city of Evansville that prominence among the cities of the country to which it is entitled by reason of its merit. Energetic, public-spirited, and sagacious, he has done much to advance the public good, and deservedly takes a high rank among the prominent men of the day.

A. P. LAHR, a prominent merchant, and proprietor of one of the leading dry goods, carpet and window shade houses of the city, was born at Wendelheim, Rheinhessen, Ger- many, June 17, 1849, and is the son of Peter and Mary (Schlossstein ) Lahr. His parents, natives of Germany, emigrated to the United States in 1868, came direct to Evansville, and for a number of years the father was engaged in manufacturing and milling, and also carried on farming. His death occurred February 29, ISSS; that of the mother seven days previously. To these parents five children were born, two of whom survive. A. P. Lahr was reared in his native land, and attended the schools there. In 1867, he came to Amer- ica, coming one year before his parents. Soon after arriving in this country he came to Evansville. Having learned the dry goods business in Germany with an uncle, through the assistance of Hon. William Heil- man, he secured a position in the dry goods house of Frank Hopkins & Co., with which house he remained six years. He then located in Rockford, Iowa, opened a grocery WILLIAM E. FRENCH was born near Pa- store, and remained about two years. At the | toka, Gibson county, Ind., January 26, 1825.

end of this time he returned to Evansville, and engaged with the firm of Hopkins & Co. again. Remaining with that house for two years more he then took a course in the commercial college and next entered the store of Miller Bros., where he clerked for a short time. That firm then opened a branch store, known as the " Centennial Store," and Mr. Lahr was placed in charge of the same as manager, and continued in that capacity for about two years. He next entered the store of A. G. Evans & Co., clerked for a year, and was then relieved of his position in that store by the entrance into the firm as a partner, of John Hubbs. Through the assistance of Jacob Haas, he was enabled to purchase a stock of goods, and, going to Carmi, Ill., opened a store, where he remained three and a half years. Returning to Evansville, he erected a handsome store building on Fulton avenue, and embarked in the dry goods business for himself, where he met with great success. On January 5, 1888, he purchased the large stock of John S. Hop- kins at public sale, and began business at the old stand of that firm on Main street, still continuing his Fulton avenue store. He carries a stock in the Main street establish- ment of between $40,000 and $50,000, and does an annual business of between $115,- 000 and $125,000. In the Fulton avenue store a stock of between $15,000 and $18,- ooo is carried, and an average business of about $45,000 is done. Mr. Lahr was mar- ried on September 10, 1876, to Miss Amelia J. Hodson, a native of this city, daughter of. John and Jane Hodson. To this union two children have been born : Mabel B. and Her- bert H. Mr. Lahr is a progressive citizen, and one whose success has been rapidly achieved.

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

His parents, William and Mary (Breading) French, natives of La Fayette county, Pa., shortly after their marriage in IS22, moved by flat-boat down the Monongahela and Ohio rivers to Evansville, then a small vil- lage, and thence to a farm near Patoka, where they settled. Here their lives were spent as useful citizens, God-fearing and up- right. The father was accidentally killed in 1844 by the falling of a tree, in the fiftieth year of his age; the mother died in 1876 at the age of eighty-three years. Their family consisted of four sons: David, William E., Nathaniel B., and Lucius S. The oldest of these, David, was accidentally killed when sixteen years of age. Nathaniel B. was for many years a merchant in Princeton, where he now resides, and during the war served as major of the Forty-second Indiana Infantry. Lucius S. resided until his death in 1886, on the old family farm. At his father's death, the cares of the family devolved on William. He had attended the common schools of the country, had spent one year in an academy at Princeton and another in Hanover Col- lege, at Hanover, Ind. He was anxious to continue his studies, and a year later entered the State University at Bloomington, where he graduated in 1846. He returned home and for several years was engaged in farm- ing and trading in produce, which he trans- ported to New Orleans in flat-boats. In August, 1850, he moved to Evansville and with Fielding Johnson entered the wholesale and retail dry goods business under the style of Johnson & French. Six years later Mr. Johnson retired, disposing of his interest to Mr. French, who admitted Sylvester T. Jerauld to a partnership, the firm style being changed to French & Jerauld. Soon thereafter, the busi- ness was changed to that of wholesale clothing, and the style to William E. French & Co. An extensive business was trans-

acted, but heavy losses were incurred, and Mr. French was forced to retire for a year, in order to settle up the affairs of the house. Upon the passage of the new internal rev- enue bill, he was appointed deputy collector for this division of the first district of In- diana, and served three years in that capac- ity. By this time many of the maimed sol- diers of the war had returned home, and be- lieving that the civil offices under the pat- ronage of the government should be held by the returned veterans who had risked their lives for its support on the field of bat- tle, he resigned his office in favor of William Warren, Jr., an honorably discharged pri- vate of the Twenty-fifth Indiana Infantry, who had returned home to Evansville, with the loss of his right arm. He recommended the appointmentment of Mr. Warren, was on his bond, and assisted him in gaining a knowledge of the various duties of the office. In 1863, Mr. French again entered the wholesale dry goods business with J. S. Jaquess, under the style of Jaquess, French & Co. The business was profitably con- ducted for five years, during which time car- pets were added to the stock. By mutual agreement the business was then divided; the dry goods portion being sold to Hudspeth, Smith & Co., and Mr. French, with Charles Klinglehoeffer, going into the general car- pet and house-furnishing business exclusively. The spacious and elegant store of William E. French & Co., at No. 205 Main street, contains one of the largest and most varied stocks of carpets to be found anywhere in the west. By a strict adherence to honorable methods throughout his entire business career, and by keeping pace with the ad- vancement of public tastes, Mr. French has succeeded in firmly fixing his house in public favor. On May 10, 1849, Mr. French was married to Miss Mary H. Stockwell, daugh- ter of Dr. W. H. Stockwell, of Patoka, Ind.

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THE CITY OF EVANSVILLE.

The following children have been the issue of this marriage: Harry B., who was as- sociated in business with his father until his death in 1876; William S., who entered business with his father in ISSI, is now a prominent young business man and secretary of the Business Men's Association; Carrie L., now wife of Charles E. Chase, of Louis- ville, Ky .; Nannie S., now wife of W. D. Crothers, of Brownwood, Tex .; and Minnie B., unmarried and residing with her parents.

legislature. His father, Marcus Sherwood, a native of Fairfield county, Conn., born May 28, 1803, was a prominent pioneer citi- zen of this place. In his early boyhood Marcus determined to leave his native place in New England and seek his fortune in the west. Setting out with an uncle, he drove an ox team for fifty-eight days, and at the end of this time reached Pittsburgh, Pa. Here his uncle and friends bought a flat- boat, loaded it with their effects, and after a tedious voyage arrived in Evansville June 6, 1819. He was now thrown upon his own resources, and went bravely to work as a day laborer at fifty cents a day. He saved his earnings and commenced flat-boating when that mode of transportation came into use, spending twelve years so occupied and making twenty-eight trips to New Orleans. The business was profitable and the capital thus earned was invested in real estate which, through the later growth of Evans- ville, increased rapidly in value. He, speculated extensively in pork and produce, and was during his life a very prominent man in business circles. He aided, as a con- tractor, in the construction of the Wabash & Erie canal, and was prominently connected

with other public works of early days. He was progressive and public-spirited. When others doubted the success of the undertak- ing he built the Sherwood House - a well- known hotel now nearly fifty years old. It was built in 1839 and the original building was 40x100 feet. Throughout his entire career he was very active and ener- getic, and always had the confidence and respect of the entire community. He amassed a large fortune and became one of the wealthiest citizens of his day. Gener- ous and benevolent, he gave liberally to charitable purposes. He was a member of

WILLIAM B. SHERWOOD was born in Evansville, March 24, 1836. His grand- father, David Sherwood, born June 13, 1777, was a stone mason by trade, and at one the First Cumberland Presbyterian church, time was a member of the Connecticut and to this organization he made many mu- nificent gifts. His life was well spent, and he was considered in his day one of Evans- ville's most prominent and useful citizens. He was married in 1834 to Miss Prudence Johnson, a native of Kentucky, born in ISO8, and daughter of Alexander and Mary John- son, pioneers of this city. To this union but one son, William B., was born. The death of Marcus Sherwood occurred in 1880; that of his wife ten years earlier, in 1870. William B. Sherwood grew to manhood in this city and attended its public schools. He is the owner of the Sherwood House, and has concerned himself principally with the management of the estate inherited from his father. Not taking an active part in public affairs his life has been uneventful. He is a good citizen and is respected by all. November 24, 1879, he was married to Miss Johanna A. Marlett, who was born in this city July 23d, 1838. Of this union two children have been born: Burton W. and Marcus M.

THOMAS SCANTLIN, one of the most active business men this city has ever known, was born in Lexington, Ky., August 9th, 1814, being the son of the pioneers, James and Elizabeth (Young) Scantlin, natives of

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

Kentucky, who came to Indiana in the year sociated in business till 1844, when Thomas again assumed sole control. The growth of the business was commensurate with 1814, settling first in Pike county, and re- moving to Evansville in IS33. Upon his arrival here Mr. Scantlin opened a tin shop, that of the town, and about this time the first of its kind in the village. He had it will be remembered that Evansville, because of her important commercial

previously combined to some extent, the occupation of farmer and tinner. In this relations, was making rapid strides forward. In 1846, Mr. Scantlin put on the second tin roof in the town, and two years later put up the first iron front seen in Evansville. Just prior to this his entire stock was destroyed by fire. The insur- ance did not cover one-half the loss, but with characteristic zeal he rented a room temporarily and erecting a new store house, continued the business on an enlarged scale. About 1850, he established a foundry, and sive works on Upper Water street and the

city his career was long and successful. His family consisted of seventeen children, six of whom are now living. These have main- tained the high degree of respectability by which their parents were distinguished. During his boyhood whenever opportunity afforded, Thomas Scantlin attended school, by which means he succeeded in obtaining a good practical education. By working in his father's shop he learned the tinner's trade. When twenty-one years of age he in 1873 opened the now well-known exten- was ready to embark in business for him- self. He had been faithful in his father's store-rooms on Upper First street, his son, service, and when his intention of establish- Thomas E., an efficient manager, being at ing himself in business was announced his |this time admitted to the firm and placed in father gave him credit for $50.00 worth charge of the sales department. By honest and industrious effort, by wise and skillful management, these gentlemen have achieved a large measure of success. They enjoy the confidence of the business community and a high social position. Thomas Scant- lin was married in 1840, to Miss Eleanor Jane Parvin, a native of Gibson county, born in 1820. His family consists of seven children, Lavinia E., James M., Julia, Thomas E., Ethel, Cary and Ira C. Politi- sally, Mr. Scantlin was formerly a whig, and is of stock. With this amount of capital he opened a little shop at Princeton, and during his first seven months there earned $150. His father, now anxious for his return, offered him an interest in his business here. This was accepted, and the partnership thus formed continued until 1838, when his father withdrew. At first the business grew slowly. Money was hard to obtain, and settlers purchased only what was necessary to prevent suffering. Stoves were then considered a great luxury. Cooking on now an earnest republican. He has served the hearth by the fire place was the order of as a member of the city council for two the day, using " Dutch ovens," skillets, frying terms. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. As a resident of the city for more than half a century he has taken an active interest in all public en- terprises and lends his influence to all pro- per efforts to uplift and educate mankind. pans, etc. His first stock of stoves, costing $1,600, introduced about 1838 and bought on credit, met with a slow sale. Over three years were necessary for their disposal. Then profits amounting to $500 per annum were thought by merchants to be a fair compensation. In JAMES SCANTLIN, one of the seventeen children of the pioneers, James and Elizabeth IS41 his father returned and they were as-

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THE CITY OF EVANSVILLE.

Scantlin, was born near the village of Union in this state, July 29, 1823. Hither his parents had come, in IS14, from Louisville, where the father was born and raised. His youth was spent upon his father's farm, and in this city. The schools of that period were very imperfect, and the mental train- ing obtainable was necessarily meagre. In his father's shop he learned the trade of a tinner, and for many years he has been en- gaged here as a dealer in stoves and tin- ware. Adopting honorable methods at the outset and pursuing them steadfastly, he has won the respect of the people, and a com- fortable degree of financial success. In 1846, he was married to Miss Jane E. Stephens, a native of this county, born in 1830, daughter of the eminent pioneer, Judge Silas Stephens, one of Vanderburgh county's most illustrious old-time citizens. The mother of Mrs. Scantlin was Julienne Evans, daughter of Gen. Evans, and a most estimable lady. Eight children have been born to James and Jane Scantlin: Julian, Silas, James, Mary, Mattie, Alberta, Eliza S., and Robert E. In politics Mr. Scantlin affiliates with the democratic party, and has represented his ward in the city council for three and one-half years. He takes a lively interest in the advancement of the city, but not unmindful of the past, he delights to recall the good old days and to honor the heroic pioneers of an age that is gone forever.

NICHOLAS ELLIS .- Much of the pros- perity of this county may be attributed to the high class of German immigrants in early times. They brought with them the frugal and industrious habits of their native land, and exercising these upon the great natural advantages of this rich territory, a large measure of individual and general prosperity was the inevitable result. August Ellis was among these pioneers. Born in Wach- enheim, Germany, in 1814, he emigrated to | member of the Indiana Millers' Association,

the United States in 1840, and settled in Armstrong township, this county. In his native country he had learned the trade of a butcher, but coming to Evansville in 1845, two years later he embarked in the retail grocery business, at which he continued until 1862. In that year he began to operate a mill, which he continued successfully until his death, in 1871. The Ellis Mills, ordinarily called the Canal Mills, soon became a well- known industry, and their proprietor, be- cause of his probity and uprightness, is remembered as a useful citizen. His wife, Margaret (Schmitt) Ellis, was born in Ger- many in 1820, and now resides in this city. Her character is made up of

the commendable traits characteristic of the old-time German matron. The third child born to these pioneers was the well- known miller Nicholis Ellis, who was born on his father's farm in Armstrong township, March 28, 1844. His parents moved to Evansville during his infancy, and here he has resided ever since. As soon as he had passed through the schools of the city he entered the grocery store of his father, and from that time on the work of the father and the son lay in the same direction, each profiting by the other's assistance, the old man drawing upon the youth for energetic and enterprising activity, the young man drawing upon the elder for stability, conser- vatism, and experience in business affairs. In the years that have elapsed since 1862 Nicholis Ellis has become one of the leading millers in the state of Indiana. The fairness of his dealings and his high sense of honor in business transactions have made him strong in the hearts of the people. His pro- gressive ideas have kept him abreast of the times in a business where improvement has made rapid strides in late years. He has been for some time a prominent and useful

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

having been elected, in ISSI, to the presi- dency of the organization. His ability be- ing recognized, the state association named him as a delegate to the National Millers' Association held at Buffalo, N. Y., during the past year. Being progressive in his own business, he has acted a prominent part in all measures adopted for the enhancement of the general welfare of the city. In the work of the Business Men's Association he has taken a deep interest. In 1867 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Krau, who was born in Evansville in IS4S. The family consists of three children : Louis F., Adelia V., and William M. Mr. Ellis became a Mason in 1865, and a Knight Templar in ISS6. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and in their lives

practice without ostentation the Christian virtues.

GEORGE B. VIELE, junior member of the firm of Viele, Stockwell & Co., wholesale grocers of Evansville, was born in Evans- ville, Ind., and is the son of Charles Viele, president of the First National Bank, and one of the prominent citizens of the city. Mr. Viele was reared in Evansville, and attended the public schools, finishing his education at Burlington, N. J. On his twenty-first birthday he entered the whole- sale house of Charles Viele & Co., as a member of the firm, which was styled subsequently Viele, Stockwell & Co. Mr. Viele married Miss Annie, daughter of J. H. Morgan, and to this union one son has been born.

CHAPTER V.

UNITED STATES OFFICERS - CITY GOVERNMENT - OFFICERS --- POLICE DEPARTMENT -FIRE DEPARTMENT - WATER WORKS -- PUBLIC BUILDINGS - PUBLIC IMPROVE- MENTS - STREETS -- SEWERS - STREET RAILWAYS - RIVER IMPROVEMENT - GAS AND ELECTRIC LIGHT -- PUBLIC HALLS, OPERA HOUSES AND PLACES OF AMUSEMENT -- PUBLIC PARKS -- SALT WELLS PARK.

O sooner had the formation of Vander- burgh county been authorized by law than Hugh McGary took steps to se- cure the establishment of a post-office at the infant village of Evansville. In the cabin of the dauntless colonel, quarters for the new in- stitution were provided, and the founder of the town was chosen as postmaster, his com- mission bearing date February 20th, 1818. He conducted the postal affairs here until June 10th, 1819, when he was succeeded in office by Ansel Wood, who in turn gave way on the 9th day of September, 1820, to Jacob Zimmerman. Subsequently William Warner, a well-known pioneer, was ap- pointed to discharge the duties of the office, then demanding but little time and attention, the date of his appointment being February Ioth, 1822. His successor, November 2d, 1823, was Harley B. Chandler. For ten or a dozen years, during which the growth of Evansville was hardly appreciable, the post- office was an institution of but little import- ance. In later years its growth and the measure of its facilities for giving efficient services to the people have been commen- surate with the expansion of the town and city in other directions.

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History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc., Part 23

Author: Publication date: 1889 Publisher: [Madison, Wis.] : Brant & Fuller Number of Pages: 714

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: [Madison, Wis.] : Brant & Fuller
Number of Pages: 714