USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc. > Part 52
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HON. THOMAS B. BYRNES, a native of New Jersey, was born in the city of New- ark, August 24, 1844. His father was a native of Ireland and his mother, although a native of the Empire state, was of Irish an- cestry. The father died when the subject of this sketch was but five years old, and with his mother he returned to her old home in New York, where the latter re- mained till her death which occurred in 1873. Mr. Byrnes received his early educa- tion and elementary training in the public schools of New York city, which was sup- plemented by the completion of a part of the college course of what is now the col- lege of the city of New York, he having left that institution at the close of his sopho- more year to enter the extensive business concern of Fatman & Company, tobacco dealers. He remained with this firm in New York until 1862, when he had acquired sufficient knowledge of the business to accept the responsible position of represent- ative of said firm, in the tobacco growing states bordering on the Ohio river, with headquarters at Evansville. He continued in this capacity until 1869, when he em- barked in the business for himself. He has since continued in the business and is now one of the extensive buyers of the state. Although prominent in business circles, it is, perhaps, in the field of politics that Mr. Byrnes is most widely known. He was by birth and education a believer in the princi- ples of the democratic party, and from the
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first evinced a lively interest in public affairs, and early became an active worker in the politics of his adopted city and county. He was, however, not long confined to such narrow limits, and soon became an impor- tant factor in district and state politics, and so valuable were his services that he was made a member of county, district and state committees, in which capacity he served for many years. So well-known and popular had Mr. Byrnes become that, in 1886, he was the unanimous choice of his party for the office of treasurer of state. To receive a nomination for a state office of such re- sponsibility, without a dissenting voice, is a compliment seldom paid by a party to one of its members. Although he went down in porter in the general store of Willard Car- penter & Co., and remained with them in that capacity, and with their successors, Jewell & Benjamin, until he became em- ployed by Archer & Mackey. About this time the development of the jobbing trade led to the establishment of more specialized establishments, and in 1862, he started the first wholesale notion house in the city, in connection with W. H. McGary and S. C. Woodson, in the second story of the house later occupied by Nolte, Brinkmeyer & Co., on Main street. Six months later they changed their quarters, and at the end of the year Mr. Sweetser retired from the firm and formed a new partnership with A. H. Edwards, buying out the firm of Miller & the general defeat of his party, to him Witt. A year later, Mr. Sweetser became belongs the honor of leading his ticket. He sole proprietor, and did business at the was unanimously re-nominated for the same stand they then occupied until Febru- office in 1888, but with his party again suf- fered defeat. Mr. Byrnes is possessed of many excellent social qualities, is pleasing in his manners, uniformly kind and courteous, and with his associates genial and compan- ionable.
H. M. SWEETSER, the leading wholesale notion dealer of Evansville, has had a career wonderful in the contrast between its begin- ning and culmination, and instructive and in- spiring to every ambititious youth who be- lieves, as Mr. Sweetser's life indicates, that " there is no such word as fail " in the history of one who courageously devotes himself to steadfast and intelligent endeavor. Born at Hartford, Conn., in 1839, his parents both died while he was a child, leaving him with- out resources and dependent upon his own exertions. At the age of nine years he worked upon the farm of his uncle, and at- tended school in the winters. So he lived until reaching the age of sixteen, when, in 1855, he came to the city of Evansville, ac- companying E. S. Alvord. He became a | toward the building of the St. Louis &
ary 9, 1872, when he removed to his elegant and commodious building on first and Sycamore streets, the four floors of which are devoted to the great business he has built up. In this model estab- lishment the sales immediately increased to a remarkable degree, and the prosperity then began has in no way diminished to the present time. In spite of the inauspicious be- ginning of his career, Mr. Sweetser's talents and persistent attention to business have won him fortune and fame, and his achievements have not only benefited himself, but aided greatly in advancing the prosperity of the city, for he has carried his trade to remote points, and by selling goods in competition with the greatest cities of the west, has spread the fame of Evansville as a commer- cial center. In the most enterprising man- ner he has aided all movements for the good of the city, and has joined to business shrewdness a wide and well-placed generos- ity. He was one of the original movers
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Southeastern railway, and was one of the committee that went over the route to esti- mate its importance and locateit. He has long been an active stockholder in the Evansville & Cairo Packet company, having been for a number of years its secretary and busi- ness manager. He is also a director in the German National bank and the Evansville Street Railway company.
EPHRAIM W. PATRICK, agent of the Star Union Freight Line, was born in Saratoga county, New York, June 22, IS2S, son of Isaac and Anna (Woodworth) Patrick, of Scotch-Irish and English descent respect- ively, his father being a native of New York. His early mental training was ob- tained in the schools of his native county. When twenty-two years of age he left home, and going to Oneida county, New York, embarked in the business of a general merchant. Three years later he moved to Springfield, Ohio, where he was engaged for some time as a civil engineer. From 1858 to 1867 he was in the service of the Ohio & Mississippi railroad company, princi- pally as general agent at Vincennes, Ind., and East St. Louis, Ills. Coming to Evans- ville in 186S, he accepted the position which he now holds. For a time he was connected with the wharf boats and was engaged in the insurance business, but his chief employ- ment has been in the capacity which he now fills. The social phase of his career has been pre-eminently bright. For many years a Mason, he has obtained an exalted rank in the order. In 1868 he attained the degrees of templar- ism. As generalissimo and eminent com- mander of La Valette commandery he rendered dignified and honorable service. In the grand commandery of the state of In- diana he was first appointed grand sword bearer, and passing through all the chairs between 1870 and IS86, in April of the last
named year was elected grand commander, which position he occupied with credit to himself and profit to the order. In Septem- ber, IS50, he was married to Miss Frances Amelia Ostrander, a native of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga county, N. Y. Of this union five children have been born: Charles H., Walter J., William H., Mary A. (Mrs. E. O. Hopkins, deceased) and Carrie E. (now Mrs. H. B. Gates, of Indianapolis, Ind.) Mr. Patrick and his wife are members of St. Paul's Episcopal church.
CAPT. G. J. GRAMMER, traffic manager of the Evansville & Terre Haute, Evansville & Indianapolis, and Peoria, Decatur & Evans- ville railroad companies, was born in Zanes- ville, Ohio, November 11, 1843. His early education was necessarily meager, being limited to a few years' study in the public schools of his native place. Early thrown upon his own resources the strength of his character was developed in the rough expe- riences common to all men who make their own way in life. He began to maintain himself when but twelve years of age. His first trip from home was in the summer of 1856, when he went, in a subordinate posi- tion, on the steamer "Emma Graham," to Pittsburgh. He then worked on different steamers in the Muskingum river, between Zanesville and Marietta, and Zanesville and Parkersburg, until November, 1858, at which time he came to Evansville. From 1858 to 1882 he was directly connected with the river, most of the time between Evansville and Cairo, making various trips as captain in charge of different steamboats to the Cumberland, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas rivers. During the civil war he rendered valuable service to the government, though not as an enlisted soldier. He commanded the sanitary and relief steamer sent to Fort Donelson from this place, and reached there
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the day after the surrender of the fort to Gen. Grant. When, after the fight at Shiloh, Gov. Morton, his staff, and others, went to the scene of action to relieve distress and care for the disabled, Capt. Grammer was in charge of their steamer. He was also in command of the steamer "Superior" in February, March, and April, 1863, when engaged as a transport, the steamer being the headquarters of Gen. John A. Logan, and the flag-ship of the transportation fleet of the Seventeenth corps during the concen- tration of Grant's army at Young's Point, La., that invested Vicksburg, and at the time the batteries were run at Vicksburg by Gen. Grant's command, after which the " Superior " was the bearer of the dispatches to the north announcing the successful run- ning of the batteries. In various other ways as a skilled steamboat master he ren- dered efficient service. In July, 1872, he was elected a director and superintendent of the Evansville, Cairo & Memphis Packet Co., which position he retained for ten years. In the conduct of the company's affairs his capacity for management and his business qualifications were amply demon- strated. As a result, the position of general freight agent of the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad was offered to him and and accepted. This position he held until 1886, when appointed traffic manager of the E. & T. H., P. D. & E., E. & I. and Belt Line railroads. In 1886 he was elected a director in the Evansville & Richmond rail- road, and in 1887, president and superin- tendent of the Evansville, Cairo & Memphis Packet company, which position he still re- tains. From 1862 until 1882 he was most prominently connected with the river busi- ness, always in commanding and prominent positions as captain, director, superinten- dent or president. He prepared the statistics and data and contributed more than any one
person toward securing the legislation which inaugurated the snag-boat system and extension of the lighthouse system to the western rivers, thereby promoting their navigation, and reducing the risks to its present improved condition. As manager of the Mail Packet company between Evansville and Cairo, he orignated and maintained a system of lights in the several shoal and dangerous places, which system ivas fully recognized by the general govern- ment by their assuming possession of the same in 1874, which has been fully main- tained by it ever since. Throughout his en- tire career the name of Capt. Grammer has been prominently connected with the com- mercial interests of this city. His vigor, straightforwardness, and public-spiritedness have made him a valuable citizen. April 22, 1866, he was married to Miss Irene Drieter, whose death occurred May 16, 1873. He was married a second time October 17, 1878, when Miss S. A. Nisbet became his wife. Capt. Grammer became a Master Mason in 1868, and throughout his manhood has affili- ated with the democratic party.
CAPT. LEE HOWELL, general freight agent of the St. Louis and Henderson divis- ion of the L. & N. R. R., is a native of Lauderdale county, Ala., his parents having settled in that locality in early days, as emi- grants from the Carolinas. He was born near Florence, early in the forties. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm, in the manner usual to country lads in the pio- neer era. He went through the routine of farm work, and in the winter seasons, and when the crops were all laid by, attended the neighboring country school. When fifteen years of age he entered a large coun- try store as clerk and book-keeper, acting as salesman during the day and keeping the books of the concern at night. He contin- ued at this occupation until the breaking out
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1867. Of this union four children have been born, only two of whom survive, as follows: Lee, jr., aged sixteen, and Emma, aged nine years.
of the civil war. Enlisting in 1862 in the cavalry service of the confederate army, he served faithfully until the close of the war. His record as a soldier was honorable in all its details. Great fidelity to convictions, and never faltering valor in their support, char- acterized this epoch in his career. For some time after the war he engaged in steamboat- ing on the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, acting first as chief clerk and, later, as master of vari- ous steamers on those rivers, running between Upper Tennessee river points and Evans- ville. While so occupied his acquaintance with those interested in the commerce of this city gradually extended itself, and his popularity, as well as the recognition of his worth as a manager of business inter- ests, grew in proportion. April 1, 1872, he entered the service of the Louisville & Nashville railroad company, as contract- ing agent, and continued in that capacity until 1880, when he was appointed general agent for the company at Evansville. June I, 1882, he was appointed division freight agent of the Henderson division, and on November I, of the same year, was ap- pointed to his present position, with head- quarters in this city. His capacity, integ- rity and fidelity to trust make him an efficient and valuable officer. As an aggressive, public-spirited citizen, Capt. Howell has done much to advance the general welfare of tEvansville, and has taken a prominent part in he recent awakening among the busi- ness men which seeks to develop the great natural resources of the city. He was one of the originators of the Evansville, New- burgh & Suburban railroad, and is promi- nently connected with various other enter- prises. His candor and congenial manners have made him popular, while sagacity and qualifications have gained him prominence as a useful citizen. He was married to Miss Emma Ottaway at Tuscumbia, Ala., in to the general superintendency of the road.
WILLIAM D. EWING, general manager of the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad, of Scotch-Irish descent, is a native of Pennsyl- vania, born January 16, 1846. He was ed- ucated in the, common schools of his native place, and commenced to learn the trade of a printer. While so engaged, civil war was begun between the north and the south. In 1861, he enlisted in the regi- mental band of the Eleventh Pennsylvania reserves, then being but fifteen years of age. One year later he enlisted in the 100-days' service, and at the expiration of the term was enrolled for an additional six months. His last enlistment was in the Independent Cavalry company, known as J. K. Weever's company, Pennsylvania troops, in which he was commissioned first lieutenant at the age of eighteen, and served in that rank until the close of the war. He rendered effective service in the seven days' fight and else- where. After the war, he was engaged for a time in the drug business, and as a school teacher in Pennsylvania and Illinois. He commenced his career as a railroad man in 1868 at the bottom round of the lad- der. He was first a freight brakeman on . the Illinois Central, and then station baggage master at Odin, Ill. Later he was station agent for the O. & M. R. R., at Trenton, Ill., and in turn, telegraph operator, private secretary to the general superintendent, and fuel agent for the same road at Vincennes, Ind. From 1874 to 1878 he was agent at Vincennes for the E. & T. H. R. R., and through the two succeeding years was agent at Terre Haute. His promotion as secretary and treasurer then followed. This office he held four years. From it he was advanced
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In May, 1886, as general manager, he was placed in charge of all lines operated by the Evansville & Terre Haute Co. His capacity, integrity, and thorough familiarity with all the details of railroad management, gained hy actual experience in nearly every possi- ble branch of employment, give him especial fitness for the responsible position which he holds. Col. Ewing became a resident of Evansville in ISSI, since which time his genuine qualities of manliness have attracted to him many friends. He is a popular and prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to LaValette commandery of Knights Templar. He is also a member of Farragut Post, G. A. R. In the state militia organizations he holds a high rank. He is colonel of the First Regiment Indiana Legion, and president of the Evansville Light infantry. He was married in 1865 to Miss Emma Wott, daughter of Judge I. M. Wott. His only son, John W., is a clerk in the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad offices. He and his wife are members of Grace Presbyterian church.
. E. B. COOKE, auditor of the E. & T. H. and P., D. & E. R. R's, is a recent acquisi- tion to the business circles of this city. He was born at Norwalk, Ohio, May 7, 1862. His boyhood was spent in his native state and in Rhode Island, where he pursued an academic course of study. His father, Allen Cooke, now a resident of Danville, Ills., being a railroad man, the boy drifted into the railroad business at an early age. Being honest and efficient, he rose rapidly. He began as a station agent when a mere lad, but gave up this employment to enter school. After two years with his books, he entered the office of his father, then master mechanic of the C. & E. I. R. R. In ISSo he went to Chicago, where he was soon recognized as an expert accountant. At Chi- cago, Ills., Alexandria, Va., and Washing-
ton, D. C., he was prominently connected with the Chicago & Eastern Illinois, Chica- go & Western Indiana, the Virginia, Mid- land & Richmond and Danville railroads. In January, 1887, he became auditor of the E. & T. H. R. R., and three months later of the P., D. & E. R. R. His discharge of the im- portant duties entrusted to him has been en- tirely satisfactory. In 1883 he was married to Miss Jessie M. Anderson, daughter of William B. Anderson, of Danville, Ills. They have one child, Allen B.
DR. ALLEN C. HALLOCK was born on the 16th day of September, 18II, in Westches- ter county, N. Y., and was the son of John and Lydia (Collins) Hallock, of English de- scent. His early years were spent in his native county, but after reaching maturity he removed to New York city, where in the year 1838, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Elizabeth Stoddard. The year before the doctor graduated with high honors in the college of pharmacy in that city. Nine years later, in 1846, he left his native state and started westward, settling in Evansville in September of the same year, and entering into business with his brother-in-law, Dr. W. H. P. Stoddard, by establishing the first wholesale drug house in this city. No in- surance companies had been established here at that time. Dr. Hallock added this im- portant branch to his other business, and having the first agency here his business increased to such an extent that he disposed of his interest in the drug business to Dr. Stoddard, and then devoted his energies to his insurance business, with his son Walter, up to the time of his death. He held a number of offices of trust in Evansville, among them being township trustee, coroner and councilman. During a small-pox epi- demic he had charge of the government hospital and served with great ability and fidelity, not losing a single patient, He was
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a Quaker and his life was as pure and spot- less as that of the people of that belief. He was also a prominent spiritualist. He was ever liberal in his views and generous to a fault, often doing acts of benevolence to the poor, in many instances to his own great pecuniary disadvantage. By such acts he endeared himself to those of all stations in life. Dr. Hallock died at his residence in this city, September 22, 1886. His was a noble character, and words cannot add to the public estimation in which he was held, or increase the respect with which his memory will ever be cherished by those who knew him.
The firm of L. Puster & Co. occupy a prominent place among the manufacturers of furniture. Organized in December, 1881, it is composed of Louis Puster, John H. Ortmeyer, Herman G. Menke and Leo Kevekordes. Its present buildings were erected in the fall of 1887, those previously occupied having been destroyed by fire in September of that year. The buildings now in use are commodious and well adapted to the purposes which they serve. The com- pany employs about 100 men, and manu- factures furniture exclusively. An exten- sive business, principally in the south, has been built up by this industrious, pushing concern. Its senior member, Louis Puster, was born in Germany, July 25, 1832, and came to America when eighteen years of age. The five years following his arrival were spent in St. Louis, Mo., where he learned the trade of a wood-turner. He then spent some time in Keokuk, Iowa, Quincy, Ills., and Cincinnati, Ohio. When the civil war broke out he returned to Missouri, and on July 15, 1861, enlisted in Co. K, Twenty- first Missouri infantry, as a private. His bravery and efficiency as a soldier gained him rapid promotion. He soon became first sergeant, and later captain of his com-
pany. He was honorably discharged April 19, 1866, at Ft. Morgan, Ala. On account of a severe wound received in the rear of Vicks- burg, he was in hospital for a short time, but otherwise he was always ready for duty with his command. After the war he re- turned to Missouri, but soon came to Evans- ville and entered the furniture business. He was at first connected with the Union Furni- ture company, and later was with the well-known Armstrong Furniture com- pany, where he remained until the formation of the firm of L. Puster & Co. He is a progressive, public-spirited citizen, a member of the Business Men's association and identified with the growth of the city. He is a member of Farragut Post, G. A. R. At Keokuk, Iowa, in 1856, he was married to Hermina Menke, a native of Germany, who died in January, 1862, at the age of twenty-one years, leaving three children. March 27, 1864, he married Louisa Menke, and to this union four children have been born. John H. Ortmeyer, superintendent of the finishing department and shipping cierk, was born in Evansville, December 20, 1852, and is the son of John B. and Helen (Meyer) Ortmeyer. His parents, natives of Germany, came to Evansville in 1848. Seven years later his mother died. His father is still living at an advanced age. John Ortmeyer was reared and educated in this city, and when fifteen years of age began to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker in the employ of the Arm- strong Furniture company. With this com- pany he remained twelve years, and after- ward for some time was variously employed in the planing-mills and furniture factories of the city. Since 1881 he has been a part- ner in the firm ofL . Puster & Company, first as traveling salesman, and during the past five years in the position he now occupies. He was married in 1875 to Wilhelmina
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Becker, daughter of John Becker, an early citizen of this city. Of this union five children have been born, four of whom sur- vive. Mr. and Mrs. Ortmeyer are members of Zion's Evangelical church.
Herman G. Menke, foreman of the cab- inet department, was born in Germany, De- cember 17, 1847, and is the son of Edward A. and Caroline (Blume) Menke. The family came to America in 1851 and located in Evansville. Later they went to Quincy, Ills., thence to Keokuk, Iowa, and after- ward to La Grange, Mo. The father, though an old man, when the war began, enlisted in Company K, Twenty-first Mis- souri, infantry, in 1861; was wounded and captured at Shiloh, Tenn .; was pa- rolled and returned to La Grange where he died in 1862. The mother survived her husband sixteen years. In 1865, at Quincy, Ills., Herman Menke joined the Union army, enlisting in Company A, Sixty-fifth Illinois infantry, and served for about four months. After the war he came to Evansville with his brother-in-law, Mr. Puster, and learned the cabinet-maker's trade at the old Union Furniture company's works. Later he was with S. Meyer & Co., and the Armstrong Furniture Co. He took part in the organ- ization of the firm of L. Puster & Co., and has since been identified with that company. He was married in 1872 to Lizzie Reimer, daughter of John Reimer, a well-known citi- zen of Evansville. To this union six child- ren have been born, four of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Menke are members of the German Methodist Episcopal church.
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