USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc. > Part 56
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member of Orion Lodge, No. 35, Knights of Pythias, in which he has occupied all the chairs, and was elected representative to the grand lodge. He is also a member of La Valette Commandery, No. 15, K. T., and of the A. O. U. W. Lodge, No. 43. Mr. Bridwell was married September 22, 1864, to Bettie McFarland, daughter of Hon. John S. McFarland, a prominent citi- zen of Daviess county, Ky. To this union three children have been born.
CHARLES F. ARTES, for many years a prominent business man and enterprising citizen of Evansville, is the proprietor of one of the largest jewelry establishments in the city. He is a native of Leimbach, Saxe Mein- ingen, Germany, born March 31, 1847, and is the son of Prof. Casper Frederick and Cath- erine (Bierschenk ) Artes. His father was also a native of Saxe Meiningen, where he was born March 29, 1816. He possessed great natural talent as a musician, and was the recipient of a fine education, both in lit- erature and art. Being involved in the German revolution of 1848-9, he emigrated to America in 1851, and soon afterward located at Henderson, Ky., there accepting a position as teacher in the female academy of Prof. C. F. Lehman, who had been a colonel in the German army. A few years later he was employed as organist of St. Paul's church, at Henderson, which position he held for over thirty years, missing not a single Sunday. He was a master of music, and a profound scholar. His death, which occurred in Evansville, in November, 1886, where he had been brought for med- ical treatment, was regretted by all. The father of Prof. Artes was burgomaster of his native place. During a visit of the Duke of Saxony to the town, he dined with the burgomaster, and the same day requested Prof. Artes to go to the church and play for him. The request was complied with, and
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in return the young musician was granted royal recognition, and at subsequent royal festivals and fetes he was called on to pre- side at the organ. Catherine, the mother of Charles F. Artes, was also a native of Saxe Meiningen, and was born about 182I, and is now a resident of this city, having removed here after the death of her hus- band. The immediate subject of this men- tion it will be observed, was but four years old when his parents came to America. His boyhood was spent in Henderson, Ky., and he attended the public schools of that place. In 1864 he located in Evansville, and entered the jewelry business, and has continued so engaged up to the present time. He is a member of Reed Lodge, No. 316, F. & A. M .; of Evansville Chapter, No. 12, Royal Arch Masons; Simpson Council, No. 23, Royal Select Masters and La Vallette Commandery, No. 15, Knight Templars. Mr. Artes was married, September 22, 1874, to Miss Medora Davidson, who was born in Evansvile, February 7, 1861, and is the daughter of James Davidson. To this union three sons have been born. Mr. and Mrs. Artes are members of St. Paul's Epis- copal church, and were among the founders of Holy Innocents Episcopal church. The honorable conduct which has always char- acterized Mr. Artes' career in every social and business relation has gained for him an enviable regard on the part of his fellow citizens. By a careful study of the wants of his patrons, the exercise of rare taste in the selection of his goods, and an undeviating adherence to honest methods, he has achieved much success in his business life. But his entire energies have not been devoted to the accumulation of wealth nor the at- tainment of social distinction. Much time and attention have been given to archæo- logical research, and at this time Mr. Artes possesses a valuable collection of antique
curiosities which is considered one of the finest private collections in the United States. As a student he has given his in- tellect a valuable training in many branches of literature and art.
THEODORE W. VENEMANN, an enterpris- ing citizen of Evansville, who is thoroughly identified with the interests and growth of the city, is a native of Ohio. His birth oc- curred at Cincinnati, June 9, 1826. He is the son of Theodore and Elizabeth ( Rathers) Venemann, natives of Oldenburg, Ger- many, born in 1808 and 1805, respectively. His parents emigrated to America in 1836, and located in Cincinnati, where they were married. They came to Evansville in the fall of 1847. While in Cincinnati his father was engaged in merchandising, which he continued after arriving at Evansville. He was twice elected by the democrats as treas- urer of Vanderburgh county. In about 1852 he established a foreign exchange and steam- ship agency at Evansville, which was one of the leading enterprises of the city. His family consisted of six children, four of whom survive. Theodore W. Venemann received his elementary mental training in the schools of Evansville, and Cincinnati, and afterward pursued his studies at St. Joseph's College, in Nelson county, Ky., where he graduated in 1858, taking the de- gree of A. B. In 1859 he attended law school in Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated in the same year, taking the degree of LL. B. He then returned to Evansville, and for three years practiced law. At the end of this time he became associated with his father in business, and at the death of his father, assumed charge of the business, which he continues to conduct under the old firm name of Venemann & Sons. In 1873 Mr. Venemann became city ticket agent for all the railroads entering Evansville, and so continues at present. In April,
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1874, he established the City Transfer Omnibus line, which has become one of the well-known institutions of the place. He was married in 1859, to Mary, daughter of Capt. Patrick Rogers, of Cincinnati, and to that union three children were born, two of whom survive. Mrs. Venemann died in 1865, and in the following year he was mar- ried to Mrs. Britania Able (nec Melbourne ), of Baltimore, Md., and to this union one child has been born. Both Mr. and Mrs. Venemann are prominent members of the Catholic church, and he was one of the pro- moters of the St. Joseph's Cemetery asso- ciation.
GEORGE W. HAYNIE, a prominent young citizen of Evansville, and proprietor of a re- tail drug house on Upper Second street, was born in Newburgh, Ind., February 22, 1857, and is the son of Jefferson and Emma (Hastings) Haynie, both natives of the state of Indiana. His parents died in 1880, the two deaths occurring within one month of each other. George W. Haynie was reared in Evansville, his parents removing to the city in 1868. His education was obtained in the public schools. He began life for him- self when about eleven years of age, and in 1872, engaged in the drug and prescription business in the store of T. C. Bridwell, ex- mayor of Evansville. In 1884 he withdrew from the employ of Mr. Bridwell, and opened a drug establishment on Main street, where he remained until October, 1887, when he sold out to M. J. Compton. He then established himself at his present quarters on the corner of Sec- ond street and Adams avenue, where he has one of the neatest and best supplied drug stores in the city. Mr. Haynie, though a young man, has figured prominently in pol- itics, and in 1883 was appointed metropoli- tan police commissioner of Evansville, which was quite a compliment to one of his age. himself. All the machinery used in his
He held the position only a short time, and then resigned. He is a member of Orion Lodge, No. 37, K. of P., and of Leni Leoti Lodge, No. 43, A. O. U. W. He was mar- ried in 18So to Emma Mauntel, who was born in Huntingburg, Ind. To this union one son, Gilmore M., has been born.
C. S. LOCKWOOD, proprietor of one of the leading steam laundries of Evansville, is a native of Warrick county, Ind., born Janu- ary 26, 1849, and is the son of A. W. and Mary (Corwin) Lockwood, the former of whom is a native of New York state, and the latter of Warrick county, Ind. His parents are now residents of Evansville, having removed here in 1860. He was reared in Warrick county and in this city, and was educated in the public schools. August 31, 18So, he was married to Alice Ross, of Indianapolis, Ind., and to them four children have been born, two of whom - a son and daughter - survive. For a num- ber of years after leaving school, Mr. Lock- wood was connected with the daily newspa- pers of the city. In 1879 he engaged in the laundry business and established the second steam laundry in Evansville. In December, 1887, he removed to his present handsome quarters in the Orr Masonic block, on Locust street, between Second and Third streets, where he has one of the most complete outfits to be found anywhere. Mr. Lockwood has built up from the bottom a successful and lucrative business, having earned an extensive patronage by careful attention to the wants of his customers, and by taking advantage at once of every im- provement provided for laundry work. He was at one time vice-president of the Na- tional Laundry association, which of itself shows that he is prominent among success- ful laundrymen throughout the country and is entitled to the position he has made for
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establishment is of the latest improved pat- terns, driven by a thirty-horse power engine, and arranged for the convenience and safety of the operators. The entire laun- dry is thoroughly equipped, well managed, and by reason of the progressive spirit of its proprietor, has become one of the leading institutions of its kind in the state.
FRANK MORRIS, an old and well-known citizen of Evansville, was born in Germany, December 28, 1828, and came with his par- ents to America when but five years of age. His parents were Joseph and Gertrude (Beckman) Morris, both natives of Ger- many, who came to America in IS33 and located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The mother died in Cincinnati in 1844 during the cholera epidemic. The father located in Evansville about 1850, and died during the late war. To these parents six children were born, only two of whom survive. Frank Morris located in Evansville in 1856, and for the following two years was foreman in William Heilman's foundry. He then spent a year in the employ of Henry Roelker. In 1859 he was elected constable of Pigeon town- ship, and for the next twenty years was re- elected and served in that capacity, having held that office for a longer period than any office was held by a single man in the history of the county. During the war, when it was next to an impossibility for a democrat to be elected to an office, Mr. Morris was chosen by a large majority when no other democrat in the township, county, or state was elected. This occurred several times, and shows the estimation and confi- dence in which he was held by the people. After leaving the constable's office he en- gaged in merchandising, owning a store in Warrick county, to which he gave his at- tention, but not removing thereto. He was again appointed constable by the county commissioners, and gave bond, but did not
serve. He next engaged in merchandising in Evansville, continuing also his store in Warrick county. He also owns two good farms, one in Perry township, Vanderburgh county, and the other in Campbell township, Warrick county. Mr. Morris was married in 1847 to Gertrude Tentee, who was born in Germany, in 1830, and died December 20, 1887. To this union nine children were born, three of whom survive, as follows: Benjamin, Josephine and Joseph.
CAPT. F. P. CARSON, a leading citizen, long identified with the city, was born in Butler county, Ky., July 9, 1822. He is the son of Thomas E. and Jane B. (Carson) Carson. Thomas E. was a native of Vir- ginia, and with his father, Thomas, removed to Kentucky at an early date. The mother was also a native of Virginia and a daughter of Thomas Carson. The grandfather on the father's side was a soldier of the revolu- tion, and with Gen. Washington crossed the Delaware river on that memorable Christmas night, and surprised the Hessians. A remarkable coincidence in the ancestry of Mr. Carson is that, though not related, the grandfathers bore the same name, were born in the same county in Virginia, and re- moved to the same county in Kentucky. The father died in 1828, at about the age of thirty-five years. The mother died in 1840 at about the age of forty-five years. Capt. Car- son was reared in Butler county, Ky., and then attended the public schools. He left home when about fifteen years of age, and obtained employment as a clerk at Bowling Green, Ky., in the store of M. W. Henry, who was then en- gaged in building the lock in Green river, at what is now known as Woodbury. Later he engaged in steamboating on the Green, Wabash, Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and for ten years was thus occupied as clerk and captain, during which time he located in
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Evansville, and built the first steamboat built at this place, excepting, of course, the " Otsego." In 1852 he left the river, and three years later engaged in merchandising in Evansville, at which he continued for twenty years. During the two years follow- ing 1875, he traveled in the interest of a wholesale establishment of the city. In 1877, he entered the merchandise brokerage business, in which he is now engaged, with his office in the Merchants' National Bank building. Captain Carson has always taken an active interest in Evansville and her affairs, and has always occupied a position of prominence and influence. He was married July 15, 1845, to Miss Drusilla Duncan, of Bowling Green, Ky., the daughter of Ed- ward Duncan. To this union four children have been born, as follows: Frank Bruce, Harriet (now Mrs. H. W. Hand, of Padu- cah, Ky.), Edward C., and Jane Bell.
JOHN J. CASEY, sanitary officer of the city of Evansville, and member of the metropoli- tan police, was born in Louisville, Ky., Au- gust 14, 1855, and is the son of William and Mary (Ryan) Casey, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father came to America in 1844, and the mother in 1847. They were married in Louisville, Ky., where the father resides at present. The mother died in 1867. To these parents three chil- dren were born, all of whom survive. John J. Casey was reared in Louisville, Ky., and attended the public schools of that city. When young he served three years as er- rand boy in a dry goods store in Louisville, and then learned the moulder's trade. He located in Evansville in 1877, following his trade until 1885, when he was appointed on the police force, and was made sanitary of- ficer of the city at once, which position he has held up to the present. He was married, in November, 1882, to Miss Lizzie Hess, of Evansville, daughter of Henry Hess ..
WILLIAM HACKER, a conspicuous Ger- man citizen of Evansville, and one of the substantial business men of the city, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, February 21, 1846, and is the son of Frederick and Mary Hacker, both natives of Germany, who emi- grated to America in 1854 and located in Warrick county, Ind., where the mother died. Later the father located in Evans- ville, where his death occurred. William was but eight years of age when his parents came to this country.
He worked on the farm in Warrick county until the beginning of the war, when he came to Evansville and clerked in differ- ent wholesale houses until 1870. From that time until the present he has been engaged in the retail grocery business, enjoying a large trade and a gratifying measure of success. He has always taken an active in- terest in all city affairs, and few men occupy a higher place in the esteem of their fellow- citizens. He was married in 1870 to Miss Barbara Kiser, of Evansville, and to this union five children have been born, three of whom survive, as follows: Carrie, Mabel and Beulah. Mr. and Mrs. Hacker are members of the C. P. church. Mr. Hacker is a popular member of the republican party. He was the candidate of that party for the office of township trustee of Pigeon town- ship in 1888, but failed of election.
The superintendent of the L. & N. rail- road, JACOB G. METCALFE, was born in Cambridge, Ohio, June 28, 1849. He is the youngest of nine children, born to Jacob G. Metcalfe and wife. Until fifteen years of age he remained at home and attended the schools of his native place. His first em- ployment was with the Central Ohio (after- ward the B. & O. railroad), with which he remained for three years, first as a messen- ger and later as a telegraph operator. He was then with the P., C. & St. L. railroad,
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as a train dispatcher, for five years. In 1871 he entered the service of the L. & N. at Louisville, Ky., and was variously em- ployed as train dispatcher, train master and superintendent of transportation. For five years, from June, 1881, he was superintendent of the L. & N. short line. May 1, 1886, he came to Evansville, and has since that time been superintendent of the Nashville & St. Louis division of the L. & N. He is an efficient, trustworthy and popular officer. His marriage occurred in Louisville, Ky., September 25, 1880, Miss Lucy Garrison, a native of that city, daughter of James Gar- rison, becoming his wife. They have one child, Janes E.
OTTO KNOLL, contracting bricklayer, residing at No. 316 Indiana street, was born in Berlin, Prussia, May 11, 1839, and is the son of Gottlieb Knoll, who died about 1875, in this city. In 1849 the father and five children emigrated to America, where a son had come previously, leaving two daughters in Germany who afterward came to the United States also. Landing at New York the family proceeded to Cincinnati, and came thence to Evansville. The father was a contractor and brickmason in Germany and and America, and under him the son Otto learned his trade. He began contracting in Edwards county, Ill., in 1861, and five years later returned to Evansville, where he has since resided. He was married Octo- ber 19, 1864, to Augusta Voight, who was born in Saxony, Germany. To this union eleven children have been born, five of whoni survive, as follows: Renate, Rosa, Theodore, Harry and Alma. Mr. Knoll be- longs to the A. O. U. W. He and his wife are members of Zion's Protestant church. Through industry and economy he owns a comfortable home, and by straightforward conduct has won the esteem of his neigh- bors.
The Evansville Furniture company is one of the leading establishments engaged in manufactures from wood. It was organized in 1870, and is a stock company. One hundred men are employed to turn out and put upon the market its great product of furniture.
PHILIP NONWEILER, manager of the Evansville Furniture Company, is a native of Prussia, having been born in the Rhine Province, on February 11, 1840. His par- ents were Philip and Johanna (Wegemann) Nonweiler, both natives of the Rhine Pro- vince. The father was born in 1809 and died in 1855; the mother was born in 1815 and died in 1885. Philip was raised and educated in his native land, securing a good education. He served an apprenticeship as salesman and book-keeper, and in May, 1857, emigrated to the United States, land- ing at New York city. He came direct to Evansville, where he took a position as clerk with Henry Stockfleth, with whom he re- mained until the breaking out of the late war. On August 3, 1861, he enlisted in the First Indiana Battery of Light Artillery, and left Evansville the following month for Missouri, being assigned to Gen. Jefferson C. Davis's brigade. With the battery he was at Springfield, Pea Ridge, Helena, and Milligan's Bend, at the latter place being assigned to Gen. Grant's army; and was in the Vicksburg, Miss., campaign. After the fall of Vicksburg the battery participated in the fight at Jackson, Miss., and next returned to Vicksburg. Here he resigned on account of ill health, having served over two years, entering as quartermaster sergeant, and leaving the service as first lieutenant. At the battle at Jackson he had command of the battery and rendered effective service. Returning from the war he was engaged for a time as book- keeper for Keller & White, wholesale drug-
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gists of Evansville, and afterward served in a like capacity for Roelker, Blount & Co., and Henry F. Blount for five years. In September, 1870, he took the management of the Evansville Furniture company, which he has since held. He is the principal stock- holder in the company. His energy and ability have been the chief agents in build- ing up the business which the company now enjoys. He is a member of the Business Men's association, and has always taken an active interest in the advancement of Evans- ville. He is a member of Lessing Lodge, No. 464, F. &. A. M .; he was a charter member, and has passed through all the chairs of this lodge. He is also a member of Farragut Post, No. 27, G. A. R. Mr. Nonweiler was married in July, 1867, to Bertha Mueller, who was born in the Rhine province, in 1847. After leaving the army Mr. Non- weiler visited his native land in search of health, and while there met his wife, but the wedding did not occur until three years later, when he again visited Germany. To this union three sons have been born: Philip, born in 1868; Gustave, born in 1872, and Berthold, born in 1874.
HERMAN GRESE, a stockholder in this company and superintendent of its lumber yards, was born in Evansville, May 1, 1852, and is the son of William and Catherine (Kramer) Grese, both of whom were born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. His pa- rents emigrated to America about 1849, and came direct to Evansville. In IS52 his father erected a residence on the corner of Seventh and Division streets, where Herman was born, which house stands at present. Will- iam Grese was a carpenter by trade, which which he followed for several years, and, later, was engaged in the manufactory of Hon. William Heilman. About 1871 he be- came a member of the Evansville Furniture company, and occupied himself with that
concern until his death, which occurred in 1876, at the age of sixty-one years. The mother died December 27, 1883, at the age of sixty-one years. Both parents were members of the German Reformed church. They had seven children, five of whom sur- vive, as follows: Mary, now the wife of William Hilgedieck; Elizabeth, now the wife of Moritz Schelosky; Louise, wife of Adolph Schelosky; Catherine, wife of John Oslage, and Herman. The only son, Herman, was reared and educated in Evans- ville. He learned the trade of a wood turner, at which he worked until about 1882; when he became a stockholder in the Evans- ville Furniture company, and was made yard superintendent.
WILLIAM H. RUSTON, proprietor of Smith's hotel, and an enterprising young citizen, was born in Chatteris, Cambridge- shire, England, September 26, 1856, and is the son of Daniel and Mary (Conquest) Ruston, both natives of Cambridgeshire, England. The Ruston family came to the United States in 1874, and at once located in Evansville. For a time the father was engaged in merchandising, but for twelve years past has been in the employ of the E. & T. H. R. R. Co. The mother died here March 14, 1887. To these parents three sons and one daughter were born, all of whom survive. William H. Ruston was reared in his native country and obtained a fair education. His boyhood was spent on a farm, and upon coming to America he be- gan farming near Sumner, Ill., but soon re- moved to St. Louis, Mo., where he remained but a short time. Since 1875 he has resided in Evansville. Several years ago, he em- barked in the hotel business in copartnership with Charles Roehrig, he purchasing the well-known Smith hotel property. In 1885 Mr. Roehrig retired, leaving Mr. Ruston sole proprietor. The hotel is one of the
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oldest and best known in the city, and under the efficient management of its present pro- prietor has attained a large degree of popu- larity. Mr. Ruston is a member of the Business Men's association and of the A. O. U. W. He was married August 4, 1871, to Miss Emma Roehrig, a native of Boonville, Ind., daughter of Jacob Roehrig. They have three children, Helen, Emma and Henry.
HENRY HELDT, dealer in agricultural im - plements at Nos. 917 and 919 Main street, was born in Scott township, Vanderburgh county, Ind., June 8, 1854, and is the son of Anton and Elizabeth (Hahne) Heldt, both natives of Northern Germany, born respect- ively in 1820 and 1828. His parents emi- grated to America at about the same time, in 1851, and were married in this country. Soon after their marriage they went to farming in Scott township, where they pur- chased eighty acres of land. There they have since resided, prospering and establish- ing a good name in the community. Their farm, now embracing 160 acres, well im- proved, is among the results of their in- dustry and frugality. Nine children have been born to them, of whom eight survive. Henry Heldt spent his boyhood on his fa- ther's farm, and attended the district schools, where he obtained a fair education. When twenty-one years of age he came to Evansville, and began traveling for Hermann Bros., continuing in the employ of that firm until 1884, when he entered the agricultural implement business in copartnership with his father. This partnership is continued under the firm name of Henry Heldt & Co. Mr. Heldt was married May 5, 1881, to Miss Annie Bohne, who was born in Scott township, December 24, 1859, and is the daughter of Gerhardt H. Bohne, a well- known citizen. To this union four children have been born, three of whom survive.
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