USA > Indiana > Allen County > History of the Maumee River basin, Allen County, Indiana > Part 20
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1873 elected him to represent them in the city council and to him belongs the unique distinction of being the youngest man ever chosen a member of that body. During his incumbency of two years he took an active and influential part in the deliberations of the coun- cil, introduced a number of ordinances and succeeded in bringing about much important municipal legislation. Always untiring in his efforts to promote the interests of his constituency and of the people of the city in general, he won the esteem of the public and when he retired from the council it was with the reputation of an able, discreet and exceedingly popular public servant.
Religiously, Mr. Pfeiffer subscribes to the English Lutheran creed and with his family belongs to Trinity church in the city of Fort Wayne. He manifests an abiding interest in the welfare of this church, contributes liberally to its material support, and for a period of eight years has been treasurer of the organization and for two years a member of its board of trustees.
On November 19, 1902, Mr. Pfeiffer was united in the bonds of wedlock with Miss Henrietta Eckert, of Fort Wayne, daughter of Fred and Elizabeth Eckert, the union being blessed with one child, a daughter by the name of Marguerite Elizabeth.
The career of Mr. Pfeiffer presents a notable example of the exercise of those qualities of mind and heart which overcome ob- stacles and win success and his example is eminently worthy of imitation by those dissatisfied with present attainments and who would aspire to higher positions of honor and trust. A business man in all the term implies, his integrity has ever been above reproach, while his methods will bear the test of the severest criticism and among his fellow citizens his name has ever been synonomous with fair and honorable dealing. While subordinating every other con- sideration to his business affairs, he has not been unmindful of his obligations as a citizen, as is attested by the interest he manifests in the public welfare, nor is he negligent of those social ties which every well ordered community requires of those who constitute its mainstay and support. Among his marked characteristics are his energy, optimism and self-reliance and, with an abiding faith in his own abilities, he addresses himself manfully to every undertaking
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which engages his attention and seldom if ever fails to achieve the end he seeks. In private life, as already indicated, he is an ac- complished and genial gentleman, popular with all classes and condi- tions of his fellow citizens, and few men in the city of Fort Wayne are held in higher esteem by the people as a whole.
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PROF. JOHN HENRY UNGUMACH.
The subject of this review not only takes high rank among the leading educators of Fort Wayne, but has achieved much more than local distinction in the particular line of work to which his energies and talents have been so long and so faithfully devoted. He has also made his presence felt as a citizen and in every walk of life his influence has made for the advancement of the community and the good of his fellow men. His name with eminent fitness occupies a conspicuous place in the profession which he adorns, and his career presents a series of successes such as few school men attain.
Prof. John Henry Ungumach is a native of Zanesville, Ohio, and dates his birth from February 26, 1843, being the son of John and Magdalen Ungumach, both parents born in Germany, the father at Rosenthal, near Cassel, the mother not far from the town of Gieben. Mr. and Mrs. Ungumach resided at Zanesville, Ohio, until their son John Henry had attained to the age of ten years, during five of which he attended the parochial schools of that city, taught by the minister of the Lutheran church, of which communion the parents were earnest and consistent members. At the expiration of the period noted the family moved to a farm near Zanesville, where, during the five ensuing years, young Ungumach became familiar with the rug- ged duties of country life, laboring in the fields of summers and in the winter seasons attending the district schools of the neighborhood, in which he made commendable progress. Actuated by a laudible desire to add to his scholastic attainments, the subject, in December, 1857, entered the Lutheran Seminary at Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he pursued his studies for some time under the direction of Profs. Creamer and Fleischman, the meanwhile laying broad and deep a substantial foundation for his future career of usefulness. While prosecuting his studies in the seminary, his father earnestly
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besought him to enter the ministry and devote his life to the church, but this line of work not appealing very strongly to the young man, he decided to fit himself for a calling more in harmony with his taste and desires; accordingly, he yielded to an inclination of long standing by preparing himself for the profession of teaching.
Prof. Ungumach's first work in his chosen vocation was in the parochial schools of Boston, Massachusetts, where he went in 1861 as assistant teacher, which position he filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned for a period of fourteen months, returning to Fort Wayne in September of the following year, for the purpose of further prosecuting his studies to the end that he might the more thoroughly be prepared for his life's work.
After spending a couple of months in Fort Wayne, Prof. Ungumach, in December, 1862, was recalled to Boston to take charge of a recently established parochial school, and remained in that city until 1873, achieving the meanwhile an enviable reputation an an able teacher, successful disciplinarian and accomplished mu- sician, having in connection with his regular scholastic duties filled the position of organist in the church which he attended. In the year 1873 Prof. Ungumach severed his connection with the school of Boston and, returning to Fort Wayne, took charge of the school of the St. Paul's Lutheran congregation, which place he has since filled, being in point of continuous service one of the oldest as well as one of the most successful educators, not only in the city, but in church circles throughout the northern part of the state. The mar- riage of Prof. Ungumach was solemnized on June 6, 1870.
In closing this brief review of the long and eminently useful career of Prof. Ungumach, it is needless to state that he has fully met the high expectations of his friends and the public, and that he enjoys the esteem and confidence of all with whom he comes in con- tact. That his professional labors have been signally successful is attested by the continued growth and prosperity of the institution under his charge as well as by the honorable positions to which many of his erstwhile students have been called. Ever mindful of moral growth as well as intellectual advancement, he has been untiring in his efforts to produce symmetrically developed manhood to the end that those whom he leads into the field of knowledge may under-
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stand and appreciate the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, a work which only the consecrated teacher of noble aims and high ideals knows fully how to prosecute with the assurance of abundant results. Prof. Ungumach is still in the prime of his physical and mental power and professionally bids fair to continue for many years in the noble work so auspiciously begun and so successfully car- ried on.
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JOHN C. PFEIFFER.
This retired farmer, and for many years one of the substantial and representative citizens of Allen county, is a native of Witten- berg, Germany, where his birth occurred on July 27, 1821. His childhood was spent in the fatherland until 1832, when, at the age of eleven years, he accompanied his parents, Christofer and Catherine Pfeiffer, to the United States, locating at Buffalo, New York, where he remained during the eight years following. In 1840 he came with the family to Fort Wayne, by way of Lake Erie and the Mau- mee river, the portion of the trip from Maumee, Ohio, to his desti- nation requiring nine days' time, the boat being propelled by poles.
Shortly after his arrival in Fort Wayne, Mr. Pfeiffer purchased a farm north of what is now the city limits, near the Orphans' Home, where he lived until January 18, 1849. In the latter year he mar- ried Margaret Bosler, and immediately thereafter bought another farm three miles north of the city, on what was then known as the Huntington road, building a small log house and several other structures of the same material which answered well the purposes for which it was intended until replaced by more substantial im- provements a few years later. After residing on this farm and bring- ing it to a successful state of cultivation, he sold out and moved to a farm on the Leo road which he also purchased and which, under his industry and able management, soon became one of the best im- proved as well as one of the most valuable places of its area in the vicinity of Fort Wayne.
It was while living on this farm that the death of his wife occurred, on January 7, 1876. She was born in Germany, was a lady of beautiful character and sterling worth and her memory is fondly cherished, not only by her husband and children, but by all who enjoyed the privilege of her acquaintance. She presented her
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husband with five offspring, whose names are as follows: Charles F., of Fort Wayne; Carrie M., wife of Dr. Edward F. Sites, of the same city; Sophia S .; Edward L., who operates the home farm, and Abbie E. Mr. Pfeiffer devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits and stock raising until 1890, at which time, having accumulated an ample competence, he turned his farm over to other hands and re- moved to Fort Wayne, where he has since lived in honorable retire- ment, enjoying the fruits of his many years of toil and successful management. He has always been a public spirited citizen and in addition to his private interests was for a number of years engaged in the building of plank roads and other highways throughout the county. All laudable public enterprises received his countenance and support and to him more perhaps than to any other man is due the progress of the community in which he so long resided. Politically he is a Republican, but has never aspired to official positions, having always been content with the life of a business man and satisfied with the simple title of citizen. For a number of years he was a director in the First National Bank of Fort Wayne, a position he resigned some time since, although he is still identified with that institution as a stockholder. He was also a partner for some years in the Bloomingdale Flouring Mills, but since retiring from active life has severed his connection with that and other enterprises so as to spend the evening of his day in the quiet and content which one of his activity knows so well how to appreciate and enjoy.
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GEORGE DEWALD.
The days of the honored subject of this memoir were part and portion of that indissoluble chain which linked the annals of the pioneer epoch in Allen county with those of latter-day progress and prosperity, and the history of the city of Fort Wayne can not be told without intimate reference to this prominent and influential business man and loyal and progressive citizen, who did much to promote civic and material growth and development. He stood "four square to every wind that blows" and his strength was as the number of his days. He was a distinct man and made his life count for good in all its relations, while he was in a significant sense the architect of his own fortunes. He rose to prominence and affluence as one of the leading merchants of Fort Wayne, and it is most fitting that his name is retained in connection with the extensive concern of which he was virtually the founder, the George DeWald Company being at the present time one of the representative business houses of the city.
An outline of Mr. DeWald's career is succinctly given in the fol- lowing paragraphs, which were published in one of the Fort Wayne newspapers at the time of his death: "He was born in Darmstadt, Germany, on the 14th of May, 1831. When but a lad he often ex- pressed a wish to come to the new world, and when but eighteen years of age he immigrated to America, severing the home ties and giving exemplification of his courage and self-reliant spirit. Later he came to Fort Wayne, and after being here but a short time he went into the employ of a small dry-goods firm that was stationed at the same location now occupied by the large establishment of the George DeWald Company. Mr. DeWald worked hard in his youth. He was apt at learning and possessed a good business head, ready to grasp the examples of business set by his superiors. Starting in at the lowliest position in the little store, he gradually worked his way up the
Geo Dewald
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ladder. His own diligence and aptitude, combined with honesty and integrity in all his dealings, placed him in the confidence of his em- ployers. As the business of the little store increased Mr. DeWald was promoted until he was finally taken into the firm, which then became known as Townley, DeWald & Bond. Within a few years Mr. DeWald was practically at the head of the firm, and it was largely due to his efforts and business ability that the house thrived and became one of the leading dry-goods firms in northern Indiana. In a few years R. W. Townley, the senior member of the firm, de- cided to retire, and he was succeeded by Mr. DeWald. It was not long thereafter when Mr. DeWald became the sole manager and proprietor of the business. The company was merely nominal.
"Mr. DeWald had an extensive acquaintance not only in this city but also throughout Allen county and northeastern Indiana. In his business and also in his private life he was a man of but few words, but always congenial. About the store he was friendly with the employees, and he always had a cheering word for a beginner in the business. He was benevolent, and gave freely in a quiet way to charity. He shunned notoriety in all of his charitable acts, but it was well known that a person in need would never be refused help by Mr. DeWald."
From the Fort Wayne Journal of Thursday, June 28, 1899, we make extract of the following appreciative estimate: "Few events of recent years have caused deeper or more widespread regret than the death of George DeWald. He had been so long identified with the city's commercial growth, so long regarded as a pillar of strength in the business world, and so honorable and upright in his life that his unawaited demise was felt almost as a public calamity.
"Mr. DeWald's life story is one of those, numerous in our western history, that serve as object lessons to those who would mount the ladder of success. His beginning was humble, and he owed his rise to no train of fortunate incidents or fortuitous circumstances. It was the reward of application of mental qualifications of a high order to the affairs of business; the combining of keen perceptions with mental activity that enabled him to grasp the opportunities that pre- sented themselves. This he did with success and, what is more important, with honor. His integrity was unassailable, his honor
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unimpeachable. The shrewd business man will be missed in business circles, but it is as the gentle-mannered, kindly gentleman that his friends will love most to remember him. Fort Wayne has lost a sterling citizen whose place will be hard to fill. Innumerable poor who have known his beneficence will call his memory blessed." Still another paper spoke of the subject of this memoir in the following words: "George DeWald was loved and respected not only in Fort Wayne but in all the country round. His friends were legion, and none knew him who did not thoroughly trust and esteem him. He made honor the corner-stone and cap-stone of his success. He will be greatly missed frim business circles of Fort Wayne, and thou- sands of his acquaintances will feel a sense of personal loss."
It was in the year 1871 that Mr. DeWald became head of the busi- ness which he built up to so great proportions under the firm name of George DeWald & Company, which was retained until the time of his death. Six months to the day after his demise the establishment of the firm was destroyed by fire, on the 27th of December, 1899, and in the following month was effected the organization of the George DeWald Company, under which title the business has since been continued in its wholesale and jobbing lines, the retail department having been abandoned. Apropos of the fire the Fort Wayne Journal- Gazette spoke as follows: "A pile of blackened, smoldering ruins is all that remains of the great dry-goods house of George DeWald & Company. This pioneer mercantile establishment, one of the oldest in the northwest, was wiped out by fire before dawn yesterday morn- ing (Wednesday, December 27, 1899). With the DeWald build- ing went the old crockery store of M. F. Kaag, adjoining on the east. Both are a total loss, with all their contents, and the losses are variously estimated, but will not fall below two hundred thou- sand dollars. The house of George DeWald & Company was estab- lished in the early pioneer days, and the original building, three stories in height, was erected in 1846. It was owned by Hartman & Jones, general merchants. In 1849 Hartman & Jones sold out to the Townley Brothers, who continued the business until 1854, when the firm became Townley, DeWald & Company. In 1870 the firm of George DeWald & Company succeeded to the business. The death of Mr. DeWald, last spring, caused a change, and in January
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the firm name was to have been changed to the George DeWald Com- pany. The firm was one of the most progressive and most widely known in the northwest. Since 1881 a general wholesale business had been carried on, in addition to the original retail trade. The firm owned the building on the corner of Calhoun street and the building on the east, which was connected with the store and occupied as salesrooms, was owned by the Hugh McCulloch estate until about five months ago, when Mrs. DeWald purchased the property, for a consideration of fourteen thousand dollars."
It may be noted that the business was continued without in- terruption by this disaster, but the concern dropped the retail trade and has since conducted an exclusive wholesale business, its volume of trade being very large and its territory being wide. The prestige of the concern is admirable and the name remains as a memorial to him whose energy and ability made possible the building up of the great enterprise, while its indirect benefit to the city of Fort Wayne can not be estimated in metes or bounds. A fine new building has been erected on the same site, and is one of the many modern business structures which give Fort Wayne so metropolitan an appearance. The company was organized in January, 1900, and the official corps is as follows : Robert W. T. DeWald, president ; George L. DeWald, vice-president; and William P. Beck, secretary and treasurer.
The honored subject of this memoir was summoned to the life eternal on the 27th of June, 1899. For two years prior to his demise his vitality had been somewhat impaired, but he had continued to give his attention to business and been active up to the day of his death, which came without warning, being the result of pulmonary hemorrhage. His life was one of completeness and of worthy accom- plishment, and while his death caused a wave of sorrow to sweep over the city in which he had so long made his home and in which he was so highly honored, none could fail to realize that in the measure of his accomplishments and in the fulness of his good works his days found fitting end and bore to those left behind the grateful compensation which is that of true nobility and worthiness.
In his political adherency Mr. DeWald was a stanch Democrat, and while he took a loyal and public-spirited interest in local affairs he never sought official preferment, being intrinsically and essentially
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a business man. He was a communicant and zealous and earnest member of St. Patrick's Catholic church, to whose direct support he contributed liberally, as did he also to the collateral benevolences and charities of the parish and the diocese. In this church his funeral was held, and the edifice was filled with citizens of all classes, who assembled to pay a last tribute of respect. Solemn high mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Delaney and his assistants, and the celebrant in his words of appreciation pointed to Mr. DeWald as one whose life had been passed in obedience to the divine mandate. His earthly existence had not been fruitless, for he had lived in anticipation of the end and had shaped his life accordingly. The highest tribute that could be paid him as a man, said Father Delaney, was that those who knew him best loved him best.
On the IIth of February, 1861, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. DeWald to Mrs. Sophia A. (Lasselle) Nettlehorst, widow of Charles W. Nettlehorst, to whom she bore one child, Hannah, who is now the wife of John Mohr, cashier of the Hamilton National Bank, Fort Wayne. Mrs. DeWald was born and reared in Fort Wayne, being a daughter of Francis D. and Hannah H. (Hender- son) Lasselle, both members of sterling pioneer families of this city. Of the five living children who, with Mrs. DeWald, survive the honored subject of this memoir we enter brief record as follows: Robert W. T. is president of the George DeWald Company and is individually mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Mary E. is the wife of James T. McDonald, of Chicago, Illinois; Caroline is the wife of Henry J. Beuret, of Fort Wayne; Elizabeth M. remains with her mother in the old homestead; and George L. is vice-president of the George DeWald Company.
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LEMUEL ROBERTS HARTMAN.
The gentleman whose name introduces this review was born December 9, 1838, at Wooster, Ohio, and when six years of age came with his parents to Fort Wayne, making the journey by canal packet. The family first settled in a little house on Lafayette street, near the corner of Washington, but later moved to a home of their own building on West Main street, now the brick structure occupied by H. J. Bowerfind. In those early days Fort Wayne was still in its period of village shabbiness and rough struggles with the frontier. There were no public schools at that time and the lad Lemuel was accordingly sent to a private institution of learning taught by a Mr. McJunkin. His father, a tailor by trade, opened a shop on Calhoun street near Columbia, and speedily built up a thriving business, employing a number of journeymen to meet the growing demand of his customers, besides taking several apprentices who in due time became efficient workmen.
At the age of fourteen, Lemuel R. Hartman began his business career as a telegraph messenger boy, which modest employment was followed by a term of clerking, first in Jacobs' shoe store and later in the Fort Wayne postoffice. Owing to temporary suspension of business which threw him out of employment, he subsequently entered Fort Wayne College, where he pursued his studies for several years and earned the reputation of an industrious and pains- taking student. About 1852 his father, D. P. Hartman, who for some years had been a class leader and local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, entered the regular ministry, a work which he pursued faithfully and with distinction until his death, twenty-five years later.
The itinerary of the father made necessary various changes for the family, and in 1858 the son Lemuel, then twenty years of age,
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was a student of Asbury College (now DePauw University), which at that time was one of the foremost institutions of learning in the West. Mr. Hartman remained at college until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he went to Indianapolis to become a reporter in the state senate. During his father's pastorate at Lagrange he took up the study of law in the office of the well known firm of Parrott & Kennedy, of that town, and in due time was admitted to the bar and began the practice of his profession. He tried and won his first case, but soon becoming tired of the law, he abandoned the profession and for some time thereafter held a position in the auditor's office of Allen county. With this return Mr. Hartman's permanent residence in Fort Wayne began, and two years later he entered the First National Bank, with which he retained continuous connection until his death. His first service in the bank was in the capacity of bookkeeper, which position he held for eight years, act- ing as assistant cashier for a few months and later being pro- moted cashier, a relation he sustained for a period of thirty years. In connection with his duties as cashier he also became prac- tically president of the institution, and as such made his influence felt as a keen, far-sighted and eminently successful financier. Dur- ing Mr. Hartman's thirty-nine years of banking experience he easily became one of the leading citizens of Fort Wayne and was recog- nized in the city and throughout the northern part of the state as a banker with few equals and no superior.
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