History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc., Part 55

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 55

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agent of the E. & T. H. railroad, was born in Evansville, October IS, 1858. He is the son of John W. and Sarah Harwood. He was reared and educated in the public schools of this city. At the age of fifteen years he was employed as a messenger by the E. & T. H. company. Being attentive to his duties and capable of doing clerical work, he was soon made entry clerk, then bill clerk, and at length cashier in the gen- eral freight office of the road. From the responsible position of cashier he was pro- moted to the chief clerkship, and eventually was assigned the duties of local freight agent. He has been efficient and trust- worthy in every position, and has earned, by good work, the advancement made. April 27, 1880, he was married to Miss Mollie E. Rowland, daughter of Robert Rowland, a well-known resident of this city. They have two children living, Bessie M. and Grace, their first child, Ruby Belle, having died at the age of eleven months. Mr. Harwood is a K. of P. and a member of the State Association of Railroad Agents; also a charter member and secretary of Vander- burgh Council, Royal Arcanum. An esti- mate of his career cannot be made at this time, with justice. It is but well begun, but the past augurs well for the future.

WILLIAM E. BARNES, a trustworthy young business man of Evansville, was born October 24, 1859, at Lockport, N. Y., being the son of Alphonso and Eliza (Stevens) Barnes, natives of Vermont. His parents came to Indianapolis about 1862, and subsequently removed to Terre Haute, where the father was employed as agent for the American Express company. His death occurred in that city in 1867. William E. Barnes received the rudiments of his edu- cation in the public schools of Terre Haute, but because of his father's death, was early

ALBERT W. HARWOOD, local freight thrown upon his own resources. At seven-

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teen years of age he entered the service of the Vandalia railroad, and remained with that corporation six years. From 1883 he was employed by the Adams Express com- pany, first at Terre Haute and since 1885 in this city, until November, 1888, when he resigned his place, and accepted the position of entry clerk with Mackey, Nisbet & Co. His fidelity to every trust has raised him from time to time in the confidence of his employers and the business community. Possessing an unsullied reputation and the elements of popularity, a career of useful- ness may safely be predicted for his achieve- ment. He belongs to Orion Lodge, No. 34, K. of P., and stands high among the members of the fraternity.

WALTER RUSTON, a worthy representa- tive of a well-known pioneer family, and a popular young business man, was born in this city October 4, 1860. His father, Rob- bert S. Ruston, was a native of Cambridge- shire, England, where he was born in 1815, and came to Vanderburgh county in 1838, settling on a farm near the city limits. He subsequently removed to the city, and for many years was engaged in the commission business. Later he was connected with the fire department during a long period. He died in this city in 1882. The wife of this pioneer, Miriam (White) Ruston, was born in London, England, in 1844, and still re- sides in Evansville, much respected by all with whom she has been associated, as friend or neighbor. Walter Ruston is the eldest of five children, four of whom are yet living. His education was obtained in the public schools of the city. In 1882, he en- tered the service of the Adams Express company, and by fidelity to trust and busi- ness ability rose rapidly in his employer's favor. Commencing as a messenger, he soon became money deliverer; then in 1884 money clerk, and since I885 has rendered | ploy of A. Reis, who, in addition to his bus-

satisfactory service in the responsible posi- tion of cashier. July 9, 1885, he was united in marriage to Mary L. Bateman, born in Hawesville, Ky., in 1861, the daughter of Charles B. and Maria Batemar, prominent people of that place. Mr. Ruston, his wife and mother, are members of St. Paul's Epis- copal church.

In 1854 Christopher and Amelia (Knip- ping) Hulvershorn came to Evansville from Prussia, their native country. For a time they remained here, then removed to the neighboring town of Newburgh, where they were well known, and at length returned to this city. They died in this city, each at an advanced age. Christopher was a cabinet-maker and undertaker. His family consisted of six children, four of whom, all natives of Prussia, still survive. EMIL HULVERSHORN, the oldest son, was born September 5, 1840. He was educated in Prussia, and learned the trade of his father. When his father left Newburgh he con- tinued in business there until his property was destroyed by fire in 1884, at a loss of $1,500. Since that time he has worked at his trade in this city. He was married in 1867 to Sophia Mountell, a native of Ohio. They have six children: Eleanor, Edmond, Emma, Edith, Edgar and Eva. Mr. Hul- vershorn is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics a democrat. The second son, Louis Hulvershorn, who now resides in Newburgh, continuing the business early established by his father, is a man of family and of high standing in business circles. FRED W. HULVERSHORN was born June 13, 1845. Educated in the public schools and at Wells & Kleiner's Commercial College, he was well equipped for a business career. He learned the trade of a blacksmith, and worked at it for some time; then clerked in a grocery store; and later entered the em-

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iness as a general merchant, conducted a tannery. After several years' service as a book-keeper and general manager, Mr. Hul- vershorn, forming a partnership with J. M. Kuebler, a tanner and prominent citizen of Newburgh, established a leather store in this city. After four years the partnership was dissolved. The Evansville Leather and Belting company, with Mr. Hulvershorn as its leading spirit, was then formed, since which time the business has been greatly extended through his able management. He was married in March, 1870, to Lena Muth, a native of Germany, daughter of Conrad Muth. They have five children: Matilda, Mary, Louisa, Amelia and William. Mr. Hulvershorn is a member, in high standing, of the I. O. O. F. fraternity, is a democrat in politics, and with his family belongs to the German Methodist Episcopal church. Hugo E. Hulvershorn, the youngest son, was born August 2, 1850, received his early training in the schools of this city and Newburgh, learned the cabinet-maker's trade under his father, and for many years worked at it in partnership with his brother Louis at New- burgh. Selling his interests to his brother he came to Evansville about ten years ago, was engaged as a traveling salesman for his brother, F. W., and then learned the trade of a'belt-maker. By dint of industry and close attention to business he has attained the position of superintendent of the belt factory. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity, and in politics is a democrat. He was married in May, 1875, to Louis Prinz, a native of Ohio. They have two children : Arthur and Edwin C.

The fashionable shoemaker of the city is STEPHEN ENZ. He makes a specialty of men's, ladies and misses shoes, and does an annual custom trade of more than $15,- 000.00. He was born in Germany, De- cember 25, 1851, and when fifteen years

of age came to the United States. After visiting several cities he settled in Evans- ville and began business here on a small scale, in 1876. By industry and close at- tention to business, he prospered, and was soon compelled to leave the small house in which he had commenced, for larger quar- ters. The extent of his trade has constantly increased, and by economically husbanding his earnings, he has accumulated a comfort- able competence. His parents, Clement and Genevieve (Kern) Enz, were natives of Ba- den, Germany, and respectable people, who came to this country in 1866. April 15, 1873, he was married to Miss Mary Schweizer, a native of Louisville, Ky. They have eight children: Lizzie, Anna, Joseph, George, Kate, Frank, Lena and Celia. Mr. Enz and his family are members of the Ro- man Catholic church.

Prominent among the dealers in stoves, tinware and like goods, is the firm of Blemker & Weaver. HENRY ERNEST BLEM- KER was born in Westphalia, Prussia, May 31, 1833. Ten years later his father, Ernest J. Blemker, came to Indiana and set- tled in Dubois county. He was a suc- cessful farmer and highly respected as a cit- izen. At the age of eighty-two years he died upon his farm. His wife attained the advanced age of seventy-six years. Henry is the second son in a family of six children. The rudiments of his intellectual training were obtained in the common schools of Dubois county. At the age of eighteen years he entered the State Univer- sity at Bloomington, Ind., and there pursued his studies for two years. He then took a course of commercial training in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the school of John Gundry, gradu- ating therefrom in 1857. It was in the next year that he came to Evansville, where he was employed as as a book-keeper. He then went into the live-stock business, and

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through the ravages of disease met serious losses. For two years thereafter he was engaged as a salesman in the Louisville (Ky.) rolling mills, and in 1860 established a stove foundry in this city. Since that time as a merchant and manufacturer, he has been closely identified with the progress of the city. His career has been characterized by enterprising activity, able management and an unyielding devotion to honorable methods. In the city council he has rendered valuable services to the public, and in the work for the advancement of re- ligion and temperance, he has ever been in the forefront. His efforts for the better- ment of humanity have been well directed and productive of good results. In 1858 his marriage was solemnized with Miss Mary Wetstein, a native of Jefferson county, Ky. Of this union six children have been born, two of whom died in infancy. The sur- vivors are: Laura M. (wife of Louis Brooks, of Jackson, Tenn., editor), Henri- etta L. (wife of Rev. Clayton Clippinger, of Salem, Ind., minister Methodist Episcopal church), Ida A., Ella M., and Henry E., jr., all of whom possess the beauties of charac- ter, and polite accomplishments, which adorn the highest social circles.

CHARLES A. WEAVER was born at Louis- ville, Ky., July 4, 1858, being the youngest son of Joseph and Gertrude (Kinsly) Wea- ver, natives of Germany, who came to this country in 1832, settling at Richmond, Va. At this place his father was a merchant for many years, and moving to the west, continued in business for a time at Cincin- nati, Ohio, and Louisville, Ky. He came to Evansville in 1840, and for many years was clerk in a shoe store. When the war of the rebellion was begun he en- listed in the Union army and rendered effect- ive service. His death was the result of a railroad accident, and occurred near Dayton,

Ohio. Charles Weaver received a limited education and early began the work of self-maintenance. He began service as a collector for Blemker, Tillman & Company, then learned the trade of a tinner in the shops of that firm, and was variously em- ployed about the store and foundry. In September, 1884, he was admitted to part- nership with H. E. Blemker. He is a K. of P., having attained the uniform rank in that order, a member of the K. and L. of H., and belongs to Trinity Methodist Episcopal church. In every social and business relation he commands the respect of all.

JOSEPH B. WALKER, superintendent of the Bradstreet Mercantile Agency in this city, was born at LaFayette, Ind., June 1, 1844. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Walker, a native of Pennsylvania, was a mill-wright, and died of lockjaw, the result of an accident, when Jacob, his son, the father of Joseph B. Walker, was a child. This boy was en- trusted to the care of a friend of his father, a distinguished lawyer, who was no less a person than the father of the illustrious Shermans, Gen. William T. and the present senator from Ohio. He grew up in the Sherman house- hold, and when of age married Sarah J. Olden, an estimable lady, belonging to one of the best families of New Jersey, her native state. Jacob and Sarah Walker early moved to Indiana and were among the pioneers of Tippecanoe county. In the war against the Black Hawk Indians Jacob ren- dered distinguished service and won the rank of general. He was a merchant at LaFayette, was a very prominent citizen, and for thirteen years held the office of postmaster. He died there in 1857, his wife having died eight years earlier. Joseph B. Walker, the youngest of seven children born to these pioneers, received a good education, and at the age of sixteen years enlisted in the Union army. He joined Company H, Tenth Indiana

Ohas. Mr/elmer

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infantry, under Col. M. D. Manson, and served three years and seven months, at no time being absent from his regiment, except when on detached duty. He became orderly ser- geant under Col. Taylor. When mustered out he embarked in business at Richmond, Ind., and from there moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he unfortunately met with ser- ious reverses. Entering the employ of the Consolidated Street Railway company, of that city, he became cashier and then super- intendent. Leaving here he accepted a position with the Union Stock Yards and Belt railroad company, of Indianapolis, where, as weigh-master and assistant super- intendent, he remained four years. He was then employed in the public offices of Mar- ion county, when invited by the Bradstreet Mercantile Agency to take charge of their business here. He is a member of the K. of P. and G. A. R. orders. He was mar- ried in 1865 to Miss Carrie Jones, a native of Wayne county, Ind., daughter of Stephen Jones, a prominent citizen of Richmond, Ind. They have one son, William A., now twenty- two years of age.

WILLIAM DEAN, assessor of Pigeon town- ship, was born in England, June 11, 1828. His father, William Dean, sr., came to the United States in 1836, and labored in the ministry of the Baptist church until his death, which occurred July 2, 1848. Mr. Dean's education was obtained in the public schools of his native country, but, by force of cir- cumstances, was necessarily meagre. When old enough to enter upon a business career, he established himself at Millersburgh, Ind., but remained there only three years, when, in company with Reuben Hart, he purchased a grocery store and pottery in this city. When the canal was completed, he ran a freight boat for two seasons. During the war he rendered effective service in the quartermaster's department, being charged

with the duty of buying horses and mules at this place. For a time he was superintend- ent of the street railway, and has been en- gaged in many private and public enterprises. At present he is a stockholder and director in the Evansville National Bank. In public life he has occupied many important posi- tions of trust and honor, and in every such relation has acted with zeal, ability and in- tegrity. He has served the people as a member of the city council, superintendent of the water-works, county commissioner, city assessor and township assessor. He was married March 16, 1848, to Miss Eliza- beth R. Leavenworth, a native of Bethel, Sullivan county, N. Y., to whom nine chil- dren have been born, five of whom are liv- ing: Laura A., Emma C. (now Mrs. Will- iam H. Greiss), Jennie M. (now Mrs. Ira Scantlin), Alice P. (now Mrs. Frank J. Slaughter ) and Allen E.

Among the architects who have done much to adorn Evansville by the introduc- tion of artistic styles and the exercise of cul- tivated tastes in the architectural art, the REID Brothers are conspicuous. They are descendants of William J. and Lucinda J. (Robinson) Reid, natives of Canada, where the latter still resides, the death of the former having occurred in 1885. The two brothers, J. W. and M. J. Reid, who consti- tute the firm, were born at Harvey, New Brunswick, November 29, 1851, and Janu- ary 20, 1854, respectively. Both were reared in Harvey and were given common school educations. Later they went to Boston, Mass., and studied architecture, first in the office of a prominent architectural firm of the city, and afterward in the Massachu- setts Institute of Technology. Coming west the elder brother located in Terre Haute, and in 1877 came to Evansville. Purchasing Mr. Boyd's interest in the firm of Boyd & Brickley, architects, he estab-

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lished himself permanently. In the following year the younger brother came to this city, and buying Mr. Brickley's interest in the then existing partnership, became a member of the firm, which was then given its present style. Some of the best and handsomest structures in the city, public and private, were designed in the office of these gentlemen. Among them are the E. & T. H. depot, Willard Library, Canal street school building, St. Paul's Episcopal church, the Gilbert-Miller dry goods company's house, the Orr building, or Masonic block, the Mackey, Nisbet & Co. and D. J. Mac- key buildings. Their work also comprises many buildings in other cities, the magnifi- cent hotel Del Coronado, at San Diego, Cal., being among the number. Their intelli- gence and enterprise have made them valu- able acquisitions to Evansville. The elder Mr. Reid is a member of F. & A. M., La Vallette commandery, No. 15, and the younger of the Royal Arcanum, K. of P. and F. & A. M. orders, having attained in the latter the degrees of Templarism.

FRANK B. EMERY, agent of the Empire Fast Freight line, is a native of Tioga county, Penn., born September 15, 1855. He is the youngest son in a family of eleven children, most of whom reside in Williamsport, Penn. His father, Josiah Emery, a distinguished citizen and eminent lawyer, of Williamsport, is the oldest school director in the state of Pennsylvania. He is a native of New Hampshire and is now eighty-seven years of age. Frank Emery was reared in his native town and received a liberal education in the public schools of the state. When nineteen years of age he connected himself with the company which he is now serving. For ten years he was stationed at various places in Pennsylvania, and in 1883 came to Evansville in the interests of the company. His ability, energy, and good business quali-

fications have enabled him to build up a splendid patronage for his line. Fair in his dealings, always courteous to shippers, and possessing the attributes of a true gentle- man, his personal popularity has increased with each year of his residence here. He is a prominent K. of P., being a past chan- cellor and representative to the grand lodge. He is also identified with the Royal Arca- num. In November, 1879, he was married at Corry, Penn., to Miss Rosa Holden, a a native of Ohio, daughter of O. C. Holden.

PROF. SAMUEL N. CURNICK, principal of the Evansville Commercial College, was born at Bristol, England, October 27, 1837, and is the son of Theophilus and Mary A. (Leaker) Curnick, both natives of Bristol. The father came to Evansville in 1855, was a book-keeper and accountant, and died May 1, 1887, in his seventy-third year. Throughout his long residence here he was known as a good man and valuable citizen. The boyhood of Samuel Curnick was spent in his native place, and there in the public schools he received his early mental training. At the age of twenty-one he left England, and coming to America reached Evansville in May, 1858. For twenty-five years he was engaged in the wholesale dry goods and notion trade, during the time having charge of every department of the business: office, finance, buying, selling, etc. In the spring of 1884 he connected himself with the Evansville Commercial College. His ex- perience of a quarter of a century had fitted him especially for the instruction of young men and women in practical business meth- ods. In the conduct of his wholesale business affairs Mr. Curnick was recognized as very competent and thoroughly informed in all matters connected with the business. The affairs of the commercial college are now under his sole management, as princi- pal. This institution has attained a high

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rank among the colleges of its kind in the country. It was established in 1850 by Jeremiah Behm, and under different admin- istrations has continued to the present time, being one of the oldest commercial col- leges in the United States. It has, during its existence, sent out over 10,000 students who have by the proficiency of their work maintained the high reputation of the insti- tution in this and neighboring states. The average attendance during the fall and win- ter months is from 100 to 150, of both sexes, and of ages ranging from fifteen to forty. The college building is located on the corner of Third and Main streets. The third floor, devoted to the uses of the college, was arranged, in the construction of the building, especially for the purposes which it now serves. The main school room is 70x37x20 feet, well lighted by twelve large windows; the adjoining room is commodious and so arranged as to be easily thrown into communication with the main school room; and a conveniently ar- ranged office and reception room completes . the suite. The walls are decorated with pictures and elegant specimens of pen- work of unusual merit, executed by teachers and students. Prof. Curnick's specialty is book-keeping in all of its phases, rapid business calculation and actual business practice. Penmanship and rapid business calculations are given daily as class exercises. In all other branches the students are instructed individually, this practice be- ing one of the noted features in the plan of instruction. The shorthand and type-writ- ing departments are under the management of the Misses Hoffman and Burch, compe- tent instructors. The social and religious relations of Prof. Curnick form a part of his career, no less important than that con- nected with his business pursuits. For many years he has occupied a prominent

part in the religious work of the city, and has done much to elevate and improve the general social condition. For thirteen years he was superintendent of one of the largest Sunday schools in the city, and during the fourteen years last past has served as super- intendent of the primary department of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school. Frequently, in the absence of ministers in charge, Prof. Curnick is called on occupy to the pulpits of the Methodist Episcopal and other churches. His sermons on these oc- casions are presented with ability and true unction. As a prominent member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal church, pres- ident of the state Y. M. C. A., president of the county Sunday-school union, vice-presi- dent of the district, vice-president of the Y. M. C. A. of this city, and secretary for twenty years of the County Bible society, he has accomplished much good. He was married September 29, 1856, to Miss Caro- line E. Hazel. Of this union five children -two boys and three girls-have been born, as follows: James A., deceased; Paul C., pastor Methodist Episcopal church at Topsfield; Samuel N., jr., a book-keeper; Ada, now Mrs. J. W. Rank, of St. Paul, Minn., and Carrie E.

JOSEPH EHRET, the chief train dispatcher for the E. & T. H. and E. & I. railroads was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden,, Germany, March 19, 1852. His father, Joseph B. Ehret, a native of Germany, came to the United States and is now employed as inspector of the E. & T. H. railroad. His education was obtained at the common schools and in the commercial college of this city. Having made himself proficient as a telegraph operator, he was engaged in this work at Terre Haute for about ten years. In 1883 he was employed as train dispatcher by the E. & T. H. railroad, and two years later was promoted to the respon-

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sible and profitable position of chief dis- patcher.

T. C. BRIDWELL, ex-mayor, and a prom- inent citizen of Evansville, is a native of Lawrence county, Ohio, where he was born February 18, 1841, and is the son of Sam- uel and Elizabeth (Combs) Bridwell. The father was a native of Virginia, and the mother, of Pennsylvania. From Virginia the father removed to Ohio, where he lived until his death occurred. The mother now resides in Ironton, Ohio. Mr. Bridwell was reared in Lawrence county, Ohio, and attended the public schools, graduating from the Ironton high school. In 1859, he located in Cincinnati, where he remained for about one year, and then re- moved to Owensboro, Ky., where he remained for six years, the two first of which were spent in the drug business. In 1863 he entered the United States Reve- nue service as chief clerk, under Col. Todd, assessor of internal revenue for the Owensboro district. Four years were spent in the service, and in 1866 he located in Evansville and re-entered the drug business on the corner of Third and Main streets. He continued so engaged until 1882, when he retired from active business. In 1875 he was elected trustee of Pigeon township, and was re-elected in 1878, hold- ing the office altogether five years, when he resigned. In ISSo, while serving in the capacity of trustee, he was elected by the democrats as mayor of Evansville, at a time when the city politics were decidedly repub- lican. He was re-elected in 1883, and held the office for a term of six years, giving uni- versal satisfaction and doing much to ad- vance the general welfare. Since leaving the mayor's office he has been engaged in street gravel contracting in Evansville and other cities, and now has a large contract on hand at Decatur, Ala. He is a charter

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History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc., Part 55

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