USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc. > Part 25
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ress of the age could not be wholly checked. Ultra-conservatism at length gave way and Evansville took her place in this regard among the enterprising cities of the country. The first plant was established in 1882, since which time the use of elec- tricity has become more general every year. The gas company and the electric light company were after a short time consoli- dated under the corporate name of the Evansville Gas & Electric Light Company. The present officers of this company, are: F. J. Reitz, president; R. K. Dunkerson, vice-president; J. B. Hall, Jr., secre- tary; Samuel Bayard, treasurer; Thomas E. Garvin, R. K. Dunkerson, F. J. Reitz, Jacob Eichel, Samuel Bayard and William Heilman, directors. There are now in the city about 1,600 gas consumers and about 50 electric light consumers, besides which the city is furnished by the company under special contract. The use of gas for light- ing the streets is practically discontinued, though not entirely so, the use of electricity being extensively adopted. There are in the city for the proper distribution of the electric light, ten towers each 150 feet high, 13 masts, each forty feet high, and forty-six arches spanning the principal streets at their intersections.
Public Halls, Opera-Houses and Places of Amusement .- In the earliest times public entertainments of various kinds were held in the McGary warehouse, or at the Warner tavern. Dances were occasionally indulged in with great zest, and some of them were events long remembered by the participants. Theatrical performances were not provided for until after Evansville had become a city. Occasionally a traveling troupe passed through the village, and for a few evenings did a good business among a people who were ever ready to support any proper effort to relieve the monotony of pioneer life. A
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German theater was for a time conducted, but it was not recognized as a permanent in- stitution. The first regular theater was opened by Martin Golden, now of New Harmony, Ind., an actor of no mean ability, whose wife, Bella Golden, was a universal favorite in southwestern Indiana when critics were not so plentiful or so caustic as they now are, and when the people were ready and willing to be entertained by a bright, versatile actress, who had a fair knowledge of the histrionic art. The first house wholly devoted to theatrical purposes was the " Apollo," subsequently called " Mozart Hall." It stood on First street, between Vine and Sycamore streets, in the rear of the old homestead of Edward Hopkins. Martin Golden began the management of the Apollo in the latter part of the fifties, and continued it through the civil war period. Entertainments were given every week-day evening and were well patronized. Indeed, these were the palmy days of the theatrical profession in this city. This Mozart Hall was the scene of a terrible tragedy, not represented on its stage, but actual, and costing three lives. Two brothers, John Paul Evans and Robert M. Evans, grand- sons of Gen. Evans, for whom the town was named, attacked one another with revolvers and both were shot to death. The fight was the result of an old feud. An innocent by- stander, Solomon Gumberts, a young man, was also killed by one of the shots.
The Evansville Opera-house, located at the corner of First and Locust streets, was built in 1867 and 1868, and opened for busi- ness in September, of the latter year. The total cost of the building and site was $107,- 000. It is built of brick, fronted with Green river marble, and was designed by Boyd & Mursinna, architects. It has a seating ca- pacity for about 1,000 persons. At the time of its construction it was ample for | principal of those now in use. Many halls
the needs of the city. The degree of its success has varied from time to time. How- ever, the anticipations of its builders have never been realized. The complex nature of the city's population renders it extremely difficult to secure attractions interesting to all classes of citizens. Perhaps because of this, as much as of anything else, in late years the opera-house has not been all - that could be desired as a business invest- ment. It has been fairly managed and its entertainments have been of the highest class. Recently the manager, Thomas J. Groves, has had plans prepared for a com- plete remodeling of the house, which, when carried out, will make of it a first-class place of entertainment.
At the present time the Business Men's Association is building a magnificent struc- ture at a cost of $100,000.00, the main fea- ture of which is an auditorium for theatrical and operatic purposes which will probably supply all reasonable demands for several years to come.
Evans Hall, corner of Fifth and Locust streets, is devoted principally to temperance work. The lot was donated by Mrs. Saleta Evans, and the building was erected in 1878 by the friends of temperance to the memory of Gen. Robert M. Evans. Mr. J. K. Frick was the architect, and the board of trustees was made up of the following gentlemen: J. M. Shackelford, D. J. Mackey, J. K. Brownelle, W. F. Nisbet, Wm. Heilman, W. J. Darby, O. F. Jacobi, John A. Reitz and Isaac Keen. There have been been many public halls in the city, some of which are mentioned in other connections, a sufficient number, in fact, to furnish varied places of amusement at all times. Liederkranz Hall, on Fourth street near Vine, the Ice Palace, on Third street, between Locust and Walnut streets, are the
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owned by private citizens are devoted to public uses.
City Parks .- Evansville is noted for the number and beauty of its shade trees. Most of the streets, excepting those which are devoted exclusively to the purposes of busi- ness, are lined on either side by a luxuriant growth. There are also many beautiful private lawns in the portions of the city occupied by those whose wealth gives them a larger share of comforts than is enjoyed by the average citizen. Even the homes of the poor are not crowded together and forced to front upon the very edge of the pavement as is the case in many cities. For these reasons, perhaps, the public parks, those resting places so essential to the comfort of the people in most cities, have not received a great deal of attention in their care and arrangement. Some steps, however, have been taken in this direction and there are a few breathing places where one may rest and enjoy some of nature's beauties. Sunset Park is a triangular piece of property located on the river bank in the upper portion of the city. Some attempt at its ornamentation has been made. It com- mands a charming view of the river, and, as indicated by its name, affords a good view of sunsets, which in their splendor here rival those peculiar to the " glorious climate" of California. Western Park, Lamasco Park and Central Park are set apart for the use of the public, and by proper effort may be made pleasant resorts. For many years there were quite a number of handsome groves and woodlands in con- venient proximity to the city, forming popular resorts, among which were Parrett's grove and Blackford's grove, but they have been forced to yield before the city's march of progress, until now very few of their primeval trees are left. Their original sites are being fast
occupied by the homes of the people. The most beautiful woodland near the city limits is Garvin's grove, comprising thirty-five acres and possessing great natural beauty. Here are held the public entertainments and assemblies of large size. The reunion of the Blue and the Gray in 1887, the military encampment of 1888, and political meetings of vast proportions have found this grove a most convenient and suitable place for their use.
For many years the Salt Wells Park though not owned by the public, has been devoted to its use, and because of its pop- ularity as a place of resort as well as its connection with the city's early history, de- serves notice. The first settlers of Vander- burgh county made their own salt. At the proper season they repaired, in squads, to the saline bank of Shawneetown, where they made the salt by evaporation and carried it home in bags on horseback. In the course of a few years, when trading boats began to pass along the river, they were enabled to pro- cure salt which had been manufactured on the Kanawha river. This was exceedingly expensive, and efforts were early made to make practical use of the salt spring at Pigeon creek, which, as narrated by Mr. Ira Fairchild, were as follows: "It was in the fall of the year 1822, I think, that three or four gentlemen came from the saline works back of Shawneetown for the purpose of making an examination of the salt spring on Pigeon creek, of which they had heard. The strangers came to see my father. They had examined the water of the little rivulet that ran over the rocky formation composing the creek bank, and being men experienced in the manufacture of salt, were disposed to try the experiment of salt making at this point. Elisha Harrison, an enterprising cit- izen, and some other residents whom I do not clearly remember, became impressed
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with the views advanced by the visitors and joined in the enterprise. A company was formed by them and the business of boring the salt well was undertaken. My father was engaged to make the augers and other necessary machinery for sinking the tube through the rock and earth. A shaft was sunk to the depth of a few feet when the rock was found. Into this shaft a curbing was inserted, made, as I distinctly remember, of the trunk of a hollow syca- more tree. This tree grew on the lands of the late Judge William Olmstead, not far from the place where Olmstead's saw-mill was afterward erected. I remember very well the day it was cut down. Among those present were Judge Olmstead, David Negley, Elisha Harrison and Col. Seth Fair- child. Before chopping down the hollow sycamore the undergrowth was cleared away, and huge piles of brush laid along the track where the tree was to be felled, so that the fall would be in a measure broken, and the trunk thereby prevented from split- ting. Great anxiety was manifested by the persons present to secure a perfect section for well-curbing purposes. In those days a well-curb made to order could not be ob- tained for the asking. When the tree fell, without injury to the hollow trunk, there was a lively expression of satisfaction. The section needed at the salt well was cut off and floated to its destination on a raft. After obtaining a sufficient curb the machinery was put in operation and the well was stead- ily bored into the earth. When a depth of 322 feet had been reached, a volume of water was secured, which was deemed suf- ficient for the experiment of salt making. Some rude sheds had been erected and con- veniences arranged for boiling. Had the managers stopped at this point, it is possible that salt works, on a moderate scale, might be in operation on the grounds at the present
day. The first salt made was of an excellent quality, and was in large demand. But the managers concluded they could do better by sinking the well to a greater depth. Ac- cordingly, the following year, they began boring deeper, and at the depth of 577 feet they struck a new vein which proved their destruction. A larger volume of water was procured, and it contained saline properties; but at the same time it contained something else. Apparently, first- rate salt was produced, but it gradually dis- solved when exposed to the open air and was utterly worthless for the purpose of curing meat. Mr. Worsham, who resided on the Kentucky side of the river, dressed several head of fat hogs and packed the meat with Evansville salt. In a few days it was discovered that some chemical property in the salt had eaten the rind or skin entirely off the dressed pork, while the flesh was not penetrated or in any way affected, except to be covered with a coat of dripping slime. Thus ended the experiment of manufactur- ing salt on the banks of Pigeon creek. The buildings fell into decay, and in two or three years the ground became overgrown with a dense patch of brush. For years afterward the site of the salt works was an uninviting thicket of natural vegetation. After remain- ing a waste place for a period of nearly twenty years, the property passed into the pos- session of Nathan Rowley. He, in company with Thomas Gifford, who had then recently arrived in this country from England, cleared up the grounds, erected buildings, and opened the salt wells as a private park or pleasure resort, about the year 1842." In 1848 Mr. Gifford retired from the management of the place, which soon afterward passed into the hands of William Bates. It sold at that time for $12,000.00, and subsequently, in 1867, was purchased by the street railway com- pany. The artesian spring at the park was
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highly recommended for its medical prop- erties and drew many patients who profited by its use. The park is located at the west end of Maryland street along the banks of Pigeon creek, contains several acres of land, and in natural appearance is very beautiful.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
MAJ. JOSEPH B. Cox, a distinguished sol- dier, and long a prominent citizen of this county, is at present surveyor of United States customs for the Evansville, Ind., dis- trict, which includes the south half of Indiana, the southeastern part of Illinois, and the northwestern part of Kentucky, with head- quarters at Evansville. The history of his family is an epitome of the history of the county. For scarcely had the Indian title to the lands in this locality been extinguished before his pioneer ancestors made their way into the territory. It was in ISog that they came, crossing the river at the present site of Evansville, and temporarily lodging in a cabin which they found in the very heart of a dense forest, not far from the bank of the river near the present corner of Vine and Water streets. These were his maternal ancestors who came from Kentucky, where his mother was born in IS05. Her name was Francis M. Miller; she was the daugh- ter of George and Elizabeth Miller, pioneers whose careers have been outlined in connec- tion with the early history of Perry town- ship. Mrs. Cox, afterward Mrs. David Stephens, died in October, 1886, after a res- dence in Perry township of seventy-seven years. James Cox, the father of Joseph B., was a native of Pennsylvania, born in ISoo, and died in this county in 1834. He came to Vanderburgh county in ISIS, with a brother, Joseph, and engaged for a time as a pioneer farmer. He and his brother were potters by trade, and later were occupied in that branch of industry. When steamboats
began to ply the river, using wood for fuel, they established a wood-yard near the pres- ent site of the Ingle coal mines, and accuniu- lated some money in that business. Maj. 'Joseph B. Cox was born in what is now Perry township, this county, a few miles west of Evansville, on the Sth day of Sep- tember, IS30. He was the fourth of five children -two sons and three daughters. His boyhood was spent on the farm and his early mental training was obtained in the public schools of the county. At the age of fourteen years he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, to pursue his studies, and spent three years in the schools of that city. At the end of that period he spent one term at St. Xavier's college, and then entered Bacon's commercial college, both institutions being at Cincinnati. After his graduation from the commercial college he was occupied for eight years as clerk on various steamboats, plying between Cincinnati and New Orleans. In 1859, he entered the sheriff's office of Vanderburgh county, as deputy for John S. Gavitt, and upon the enlistment of the sheriff in the First Regiment Indiana Cavalry, nine months be- fore the expiration of his term, he was ap- pointed to fill the vacancy thus occasioned. The war for the suppression of the rebellion and the preservation of the union, was now in progress. In the fall of 1861, Maj. Cox raised a company which afterward became Company F, of the Sixtieth Indiana Infantry, and upon its organization he was selected as its captain. He served in that rank until the 27th day of May, 1862, when he was elected major of the regiment, serving as such until November 30 following, when his resigna- tion was tendered because of ill health, and accepted. Returning to Evansville, he en- tered the county treasurer's office and served as deputy for two years. Thereafter he was occupied with his private affairs for many years and was not in public life. In 1880,
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he became deputy sheriff under Thomas Kerth, and remained with him for four years. On August 7, 1886, he was appointed by President Cleveland, surveyor of customs for the term of four years, which position he now holds, discharging its duties in an able and satisfactory manner. From early man- hood to the present time he has been inter- ested chiefly in agricultural pursuits. He owns lands extensively in Vanderburgh, Gibson and Posey counties, and in their cul- tivation follows the best methods known to the practical farmer. Maj. Cox possesses in a marked degree the attributes of genuine manhood. Honest purposes and laudable conduct have marked his career. His sym- pathetic nature, the gentleness of his dispo- sition, and the worth of his character have won for him the admiration and respect of all his neighbors. In April, 1863, he was married to Amanda W. Syrkees, who was born in Vanderburgh county in IS33, and died in 1868, leaving one son, David A., who is an alumnus of the State University, Bloomington, Ind. Maj. Cox was married a second time in IS70, when Martha J. Angel, a native of Vanderburgh county, be- came his wife. To this union two sons have been born; Robert M., and Joseph B. Mrs. Cox is a member of the General Baptist church.
CAPTAIN JAMES W. WARTMAN, since 1871 deputy clerk of the United States court at Evansville, was born in Lewisburg, Green- brier county, Virginia, February 7, 1832. His youth was spent in Cincinnati, where he attended and was a graduate of the famous "Woodward High School." He was engaged in business at Cincinnati for several years after his graduation, and then removed to Spencer county, Indiana, and began the study of law with Hon. L. Q. DeBruler. He practiced first at Rockport. In 1864 he was appointed provost marshal
of the First district of Indiana, with head- quarters at Evansville. After some service in that capacity he resigned and was ap- pointed a commissioner of the board of en- rollment for the First district. During his service the drafts of 1864 and 1865 occur- red, and important and delicate duties de- volved upon Capt. Wartman, which he performed to the general satisfaction. At the close of the war he returned to Rock- port, and resumed the practice of law in partnership with Hon. Thomas F. DeBruler. In July, IS71, he was appointed deputy clerk of the United States court at Evansville, and at once entered upon the discharge of his duties. In September, IS71, he was appointed United States commissioner, and acceptably discharges the duties of that position. Mr. Wartman has taken much interest in the common school system and served several years as president of the school board at Rockport. He is also deeply interested in Sunday-school work, and has engaged with much zeal in this direction.
JAMES W. LAUER, postmaster at Evans- ville, was born in that portion of this city known as Lamasco, November 24, IS4I. His father, Rev. H. W. Lauer, several years later, located on a farm near the west end of the city, where he died in IS50. Here the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, doing all kinds of general farm work, and receiving a common school edu- cation, supplemented by a valuable training in the practical school of experience. During the four years immediately following the at- tainment of his majority, he was employed as clerk in the Washington House, a popu- lar hostelry at that time. In partnership with Mr. Christian Hedderich, he then em- barked in the grocery business, and after a time disposed of his interest. From 1866 to 1870, he served as deputy treasurer of
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the county. He then accepted a position in the People's Savings Bank, an institution, which, as a charter member, he had been instrumental in establishing. Later he was variously engaged in mercantile pursuits. July 30, ISS5, he was appointed postmaster at Evansville by President Cleveland, and the appointment was confirmed by the United States senate June 7, 1886. As a democrat he has been a zealous worker for for the interest of his party, but has in no way prostituted his official position to sub- serve party ends. Business principles were adopted at the outset for the conduct of the office and have been carefully followed throughout, with scrupulous regard for the good of the service, and the same is univer- sally acknowledged. In 1868, September 15, he united in marriage with Miss Letitia Staser, daughter of the late John C. Staser. They have one child, a son, Henry Clinton. born March 1, IS71. Mr. Lauer and family adopt the Presbyterian faith. The former joined Crescent Lodge No. 122, 1. O. O. F., in 1863, and in 1883, the Masonic fraternity, and has attained the degree of Knight Templar in Lavalette Commandery No. 15.
JOHN H. DANNETTELL, one of Evansville's most distinguished citizens, was born De- cember 14, 1843, at Covington, Ky. He received his education in the public schools of Evansville, and, at the age of twelve years, was confirmed in St. John's church. As a boy he early looked out for himself, and served as an advertiser one year with Dr. John T. White, a traveling physician. Afterward he was employed by the whole- sale clothing firm of Anspacher & Plant as porter, remaining with them for eighteen months. His next engagement was with Christian Hedderich, the proprietor of the Washington Hotel. The war of the re- bellion broke out about this time in his career, and he went on the steamer Fannic
Bullos, in government service, and remained upon the river during the war. He then was engaged as book-keeper for the Indiana Steam Flouring Mills, and remained with that establishment until it closed in 1865. He then became interested in the hat busi- ness, which he followed for a considerable number of years. His first experience was in the employ of Vautier & Marconnier, and in 1869 he opened a hat store, the establish- ment being first known as Dannettell & Duehme, but his partner died a year later and Mr. Dannettell took entire control of the business, and successfully conducted it. In 1879 John C. Fares became a partner in the business, and, four years later, Mr. Dannettell sold out his interest to his partner, and became agent of the New York Life Insurance Company, and in this has been remarkably successful. In 1883 Mr. Dan- nettell was nominated by the republicans for mayor, but suffered defeat by Mayor T. C. Bridwell by 409 votes. The following year he was elected as councilman from the Fifth ward, and two years afterward was elected mayor of the city by a majority of 698 votes over his opponent, William Rahm, |jr., at the time state senator. In that honored capacity Mr. Dannettell was still serving at the time of the compilation of this work. He was married in 1872 to Miss Mary C. Burrer, who was born at New- port, Ky., in 1850. They are the parents of seven children, of whom five survive. The family are members of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Dannet- tell has a membership with several frater- nities. For twenty-four years he has been affiliated with Crescent City lodge, No. 122, I. O. O. F., and is also a member of Orion lodge, 35, K. P., Red Cloud lodge, Knights of Honor, Lone Star lodge, A. O. U.W., the Royal Arcanum, the Deutsche Unterstützungsverein.
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GEORGE N. WELLS, city treasurer of Evansville, was born in Indianapolis October 19, 1844, being the oldest son of William F. and Mary J. (Kelly) Wells, of English descent, natives of Kentucky. His father was a lumber merchant of Indianapolis in I845, where he now lives at the advanced age of 79 years, having retired from busi- ness because of his age and a loss of sight. After receiving a good common school edu- cation Mr. Wells pursued a course of study at the Northwestern Christian University and graduated with the degree of B. S. from that institution when he was twenty- one years of age. He then took up the study of telegraphy. and for a time was engaged as a school teacher. Later he turned his attention to book-keeping and by careful study and practical experience fitted himself as a teacher of that branch. He was then connected with commercial schools . in Indianapolis, Ind., Philadelphia, Pa., and Madison, Ind. Coming to Evansville in IS67 he established a commercial college here, which soon attained a high rank among institutions of that kind throughout the country. Disposing of his interests in the college he entered the service of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad Com- pany and for ten years acted as a local freight agent. In ISS4 he was appointed assistant postmaster in this city, from which position he was removed for political reasons by President Cleveland's administration. In ISS7 he was elected city treasurer as the candidate of the republican party. Efficient. trustworthy and always courteous, he is an acceptable and popular officer. He is a member of the F. & A. M., G. A. R., and A. O. U. W. fraternities, and has attained a high standing in each of them, being past master, past high priest and past eminent commander of Lavalette Commandery, No.
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