USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 11
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The year 1837 witnessed the arrival of Willard Carpenter in Evansville, whither he came at the solicitation of A. B. Carpenter, whom he joined in the wholesale dry goods and notion business. Success attended the new enterprise for a period, but like hundreds and thousands of other firms they were caught in the wide-spread financial panic of 1837. Mr. Carpenter, who had returned to Detroit to settle up his business interests there, found things in a deplorable condition when he again came to Evansville, but his quick action and business ability enabled him to realize on most of his accounts. From that time forward he was closely associated with the development and progress of Evansville. At a public meeting which was called in 1842 it was resolved to ask an appropriation of lands to aid in the completion of the Wabash & Erie canal. Mr. Carpenter circulated the petition for this in seventeen different states and through five different legislatures, personally meeting the expenses connected therewith. His zeal in behalf of beneficial public interests was, perhaps, the predominant feature in his life. He was actuated by a spirit of loyalty to the welfare and progress of the community that none questioned, and his labors on the whole were extremely effective, far-reaching and beneficial. In 1849 he was one of the principal factors in promoting the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad, subscribing largely to the movement and taking more stock than any two men in the country. In 1853, after he resigned his position as a director of the railroad company, he with ex-senator O. H. Smith, entered into an agreement to build a railroad from Evansville to Indianapolis, later known as the "Straight Line." Mr. Carpenter concentrated his energies upon this work. His strong intellect was called to solve the problems in connection with the undertaking and his energy faltered not in the prosecution of a project in which he had firm faith. Mr. Carpenter himself subscribed sixty-five thousand dollars of the sum raised for the road, amounting to over nine hundred thousand dollars. The work progressed and fifty-five miles of the road bed was completed. Mr. Carpenter then went to Europe to purchase rails, but while he was abroad a pamphlet was issued misrepresenting conditions among bankers and rail makers in London, Paris and Wales. His work was therefore, tempo- rarily brought to a standstill. Every avenue of opportunity seemed closed but after much hard work he finally called upon Vorse Perkins and Company, of London, who had a branch in New York, and the purchase was consum- mated, but the Evansville city council vetoed the bonds which he was to give in security for the rails and the project of building the road therefore fell through, after Mr. Carpenter had spent thousands of dollars in its behalf. The city later learned with regret the mistake that it had made in thus blocking the progress of the enterprise.
Not alone along the line of material development but also in the field of charity and benevolence Mr. Carpenter put forth earnest effort. His dona- tion was made in 1865 led to the founding of the Christian Home, the object of which was to provide a home for and secure the reform of homeless girls who had gone astray. He gave in all about ten thousand dollars to this
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work and his donations to various churches for specific needs amounted to at least fourteen thousand dollars more. In 1840 he erected a building on his own land and established a poor house system whereby the paupers were maintained at a great saving to the county. This was accomplished during his five years' service as county commissioner, and he proved the practica- bility as well as the economy of the project.
In public office as well as in private life Mr. Carpenter accomplished re- sults that were of value as progressive agents in the upbuilding of the com- monwealth. In 1851 he was elected a member of the state legislature and while serving in the house was instrumental in securing the passage of various important bills. His name thus became indelibly impressed upon the pages of Indiana's history. Moreover there stands as a splendid monu- ment to him the Willard library, a most magnificent gift. The institution was endowed by him and was the crowning work of a noble life. His later years were devoted almost entirely to philanthropic and charitable purposes. While he prospered, becoming owner of large tracts of land in Evansville and vicinity, he regarded himself but as the steward in charge of these es- tates and rendered a strict account for that which had been entrusted to his care.
In February, 1838, Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage to Miss Lucina Barcalow, of Saratoga, New York, who at all times was a helpmate to him in her generous sympathy for and assistance in the work which he did for the benefit of the unfortunate and the needy. The death of Mr. Carpenter occurred November 6, 1883, and his wife passed away June 30, 1884. They became the parents of five children, including Albert W. Carpenter, who married Miss Ida May Pattison, a daughter of Colonel Robert Pattison, who died at the home of Mrs. Carpenter in this city, April 30, 1885. For years he was numbered among the distinguished residents of this section of Indi- ana. He was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1825, and at his death left a widow and three children ; George A. Pattison, E. Pattison, and Mrs. Carpenter, all of Evansville. Colonel Pattison was a man of marked intellectual force and of splendid physical development, his powers being used for the furtherance of interests which were of benefit to the community at large as well as a source of individual advancement and success.
The Carpenter home was for many years the most imposing residence in this section of the state. It was located at No. 13 Carpenter street, the work of construction being begun in 1848. It was ready for occupancy in 1849, and Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter went to New York where they purchased elegant, magnificent and tasteful furnishings that are still to be found in the house. Its genial and warm-hearted hospitality is also one of its most attrac- tive features. Mr. Carpenter never measured friendship by worldly posses- sion. True worth could always win his high regard, and no man had greater appreciation for the qualities of nobility and honorable manhood. His strong mentality, his unfailing sympathy, his kindly spirit and his genial dis- position made him the friend of the highest and of the humblest. It was
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thus that he left notably impress upon Evansville, causing his memory to be revered and honored by all who knew him. Although more than a quarter of a century has come and gone since he has passed away, he is of "The choir invisible, Of those immortal dead who live again In lives made better by their presence."
FRIEDRICH LAUENSTEIN.
Friedrich Lauenstein, who departed this life in this city six years ago in the midst of a useful career, was well known in the newspaper circles of Indiana and gained many friends in the course of a long career during which he administered to the happiness and permanent welfare of others in an important degree. He was born at Hanover, Germany, September 10, 1845, the son of William and Wilhelmina (Reinecke) Lauenstein, and was educated and grew to manhood in the fatherland. His brother, Dr. Carl Lauenstein, had come to this country and located at Evansville. In 1868 he purchased the Evansville Demokrat and at once invited his brother Friedrich to come to this city and take charge of the paper. The invitation was gladly accepted and the latter became permanently identi- fied with Evansville and in a few years gained an established reputation in newspaper and business circles in this portion of the state. He was also for a time in charge of the Evansville Courier, which he conducted with an energy that produced highly satisfactory results. The Demokrat is now owned by Frederick W. Lauenstein, and is under his efficient man- agement. The son seems to have inherited many of his father's traits as a newspaper man.
Mr. Lanenstein possessed excellent business capacity, and for a num- ber of years was a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Na- tional Bank. He was also a member of the school board but although frequently urged to enter political life, always declined to do so, his tastes leaning in the direction of business rather than politics. He was a con- sistent advocate of the platform of the democracy but in local affairs often supported men who were not of his party affiliation, but whom he admired on account of their ability and character.
On the 16th of February, 1871, at Evansville, Mr. Lauenstein was united in marriage to Miss Constanze Scheller, who proved to him a worthy and loving companion. Four children were born of this union, one of whom died at the age of four years. The surviving children are: Anna, now Mrs. George Fink; Minnie E., now Mrs. Herman C. Frick; and Frederick W., who married Elizabeth Fares.
Mr. Lanenstein died July 12, 1904. Although born and reared in Ger- many, until he was twenty-one years of age, he early adapted himself to ,
FRIEDRICH LAUENSTEIN
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the customs and manners of a new country and no citizen was more up- right or more willing to make sacrifices for the public welfare. For many years he occupied a prominent position in Evansville and contributed in no small degree toward the upbuilding of the city. He was a man of genial and lovable disposition, and the beautiful home on Washington avenue now occupied by the family, one of the most attractive residences of the city, is a visible evidence of his character and of his love for those to whom he was bound by ties that the passage of years cannot efface. He inherited the noblest instincts of the Teutonic race and by many acts of kindness and charity he demonstrated his sympathy and helpfulness for others, which is the dominating characteristic of a true gentleman.
JOSEPH MARX.
Through a period of forty-four years Joseph Marx has lived in Van- derburg county. This covers his entire life, so that he is yet comparatively a young man. That he has used his time to good advantage is indicated in the fact that he is now the owner of a well improved property of one hun- dred and seventy-two acres situated in Center township, all of which has been acquired through his own labor. He was born in March, 1866, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth Marx, both of whom were natives of Ger- many. On coming to America the father settled in Vanderburg county, being among its earliest residents. The conditions of pioneer life were here to be found at that time. With persistent energy he labored to de- velop a farm, purchasing two hundred and seventy acres of land which was entirely wild and unimproved when it came into his possession. His diligence soon wrough a marked transformation, however, and as the years passed his labors were rewarded with good crops, making him in time one of the substantial citizens of the community. He continued a worthy and respected resident of Vanderburg county until his death, which occurred April 28, 1906. His wife had passed away on the 8th of November, 1897.
Joseph Marx was reared as a farm boy with the usual experiences that come to those who spend their youthful days amid an agricultural environment. The Catholic schools afforded him his educational privileges and the summer months were largely devoted to the work of the fields. He remained with his parents until 1890, when he established a home of his own, being at that time united in marriage to Miss Annie Enkenhausen, a daughter of Conrad and Franziska Enkenhausen, natives of Germany.
Following their marriage the young couple took up their abode in Cen- ter township, Mr. Marx purchasing eighty-seven acres of land. His at- tention was devoted to its improvement for some time, during which period he prospered, so that he was able to purchase an additional tract of forty acres. Still later he added forty-five acres more and is now the owner of
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a valuable and extensive farm of one hundred and seventy-two acres, which he carefully cultivates and from which he secures good crops. He has made excellent improvements on his land and his is one of the fine farm properties of the township. He has remodeled the house, has erected barns and outbuildings and has secured the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields.
As the years have passed eight children have been added to the house- hold; Albert, fifteen years of age; Frank, thirteen years of age; Celia, aged ten; Fronie, aged eight; Henry and Tony, twins, five years of age; Ed- ward, three years; and Raymond, who is in his first year. Mr. Marx be- longs to the lodge of the Woodmen of the World at Mccutcheonville and he gives his political support to the democratic party. He and his family are communicants of the Catholic church and he is accounted one of the progressive business men and farmers of the community whose diligence and determination constitute the basis of his business advancement.
CHARLES F. DIEKMANN.
Charles F. Diekmann, the secretary and treasurer of the Crescent Stove Works, is one of the young business men of Evansville who is rapidly forg- ing to the front by reason of a spirit of enterprise and a strong and de- termined purpose that will brook no obstacles but pushes resolutely for- ward along the path of success.
He was born in this city, September 29, 1880, and is a son of Charles and Anna Diekmann, who were natives of Germany. Coming to the new world, they arrived in this city about 1860 and the father became superin- tendent of the Evansville Foundry Association, in which business connec- tion he remained until his life's labors were ended by death in June, 1901. His widow still survives him and makes her home here. In their family were eight children, of whom Charles F. is the eldest son. The others are: Emma and Elizabeth, both at home; Mary, now the wife of William Bock- stege, of Evansville; Emilia, now Mrs. A. C. Franke, living in Albert, Kansas; Anna, at home; Fred A., who is bookkeeper for the Globe Bosse World Furniture Company; and Edward F., who is traveling salesman for the Crescent Stove Works.
Charles F. Diekmann obtained his education in the public schools and in a business college, where he pursued a two years' course, thus becom- ing familiar with commercial methods. At the end of that time he accepted a position as stenographer in the office of the John G. Newman Company, where he remained for four years. On the expiration of that period he became bookkeeper for the Globe Furniture Company, in which office he remained for four years, and then came to the present firm in 1905. He is one of the stockholders of the Crescent Stove Works and was elected
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secretary and treasurer of the company. The steps in his orderly pro- gression are easily discernible and his progress marks the extent of his ability, industry and close application. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as he has worked his way upward unaided. He is today the real head of the concern, the trade of which extends far to the south, southwest and southeast, while at the plant in Evansville employment is furnished to fifty-five men. He is also interested in the new Globe Bosse World Furniture Company and the characteristics which he has already displayed in the business field indicate that he is ready for larger oppor- tunities and that they will come to him.
In his religious faith Mr. Diekmann is a Lutheran and in political belief a democrat. His friends-and they are many-speak of him in terms of high regard. They recognize the fact that throughout his life he has not been afraid of earnest, arduous work and that faithfulness to duty has ever been one of his strong characteristics.
THEODORE A. ADLER.
Theodore 'A. Adler was a representative of one of the old families of Vanderburg county, and the name has ever been synonymous with industry and reliability in business. He was born in Center township, October 22, 1862, his parents being Mathias and Maggie (Knaub) Adler, both of whom were natives of Germany. On coming to this country they settled in Van- derburg county, arriving here in 1854. The father possessed the national love and talent for music and for a number of years gave his attention to that art as a source of livelihood. Finally he turned his attention to general farming, purchasing a thirty-acre tract of land which he owned and culti- vated for twelve years. He then sold out and invested in one hundred and twenty-five acres in Center township, carrying on that farm until 1902, when he divided the place among his children. In addition to that property the father also owned one hundred and sixty acres in Gibson county, In- diana. He was a man of marked energy who in business affairs carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook.
Farm work largely occupied the attention of Theodore A. Adler in his boyhood days, together with attendance at the public schools. In this way he qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He also enjoyed the pleasures of youth but was ready to take up the responsibilities of man- hood when he attained his majority. He continued upon the old home farm until twenty-six years of age, when he married and began farming on his own account renting a tract of land of one hundred acres which he carefully cultivated for five years. His success in that period enabled him then to purchase the property and with renewed energy he continued its develop- ment, transforming it into one of the fine farms of the county. He erected
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thereon a large and commodious residence and in the rear he built a big barn and other outbuildings necessary to shelter grain and stock. He ope- rated this place until his death, which occurred on the 29th of March, 1910, to the deep regret of all who knew him.
It was on the 17th of October, 1888, when twenty-six years of age, that Theodore A. Adler was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Keil, a daugh- ter of Nicholas and Elizabeth Keil, who were natives of Germany. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Adler were born two sons and a daughter: George M., a young man of good business ability, twenty-one years of age, who is ope- rating the home farm for his mother; Amelia J., fifteen years of age; and Mathew, a lad of twelve years, now in school. Mr. Adler was ill about a year prior to his death, and although everything possible was done for him the dread result could not be staid. He was a member of Ben Hur lodge and Crescent City court of Evansville, and at one time belonged to the Knights of Honor. His study of the political issues and questions of the day led him to give his support to the democratic party, while his relig- ious faith he evidenced in his membership in the Evangelical church, which his family also attend. In his life he displayed many sterling traits of character and at all times measured up to the full standard of honorable manhood. He was diligent and trustworthy in business; faithful in citi- zenship, and devoted to the welfare of his family, and to them he left the priceless heritage of an honorable name.
LYMAN S. FORD.
Lyman S. Ford, prominent in real-estate circles of Evansville, where he has conducted business for a half century, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, July 30, 1845, a son of Charles and Catherine (Halsted) Ford, who were natives of Connecticut and Pennsylvania respectively. Each re- moved westward in childhood days and they were married in Ohio, where they remained for twenty-five years. They then removed to Sullivan county, Indiana, where they resided until 1868, and then came to Evansville. The father followed farming throughout his entire life, continuing active in the development of the fields until his death in 1879. His widow after- ward returned to Sullivan county, where she spent her last days, passing away there in 1903.
After mastering the branches of learning taught in the common schools, Lyman S. Ford pursued a college course in Merom, Indiana, and also a course in a commercial college in Indianapolis, receiving business training in that institution for a year. He then returned to the farm in Sullivan county, Indiana, and has devoted more or less attention to general agri- cultural pursuits to the present time. Other business interests, however, have also constituted a source of revenue for him. In 1872 he removed
LYMAN S. FORD
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to Mount Carmel, Illinois, where he opened the office of the Adams Ex- press Company and likewise engaged in the farm implement business in association with his younger brother, Harvey. While there residing he was married in 1872 to Miss Ella Jones, who was born and reared in Mount Carmel.
After four years' residence in that city Mr. Ford returned to Evans- ville and in 1885 established the real-estate office which he has since con- ducted, at the same time supervising his farming interests in Sullivan county. At the present time he ranks with the prominent and prosperous real-estate dealers of Evansville, handling much property, while his deci- sions concerning the value of realty are largely accepted as final.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ford have been born five children: Ida May, now the wife or Corliss Jordan, formerly of Evansville but now a resident of Lewiston, Maine; Nell T., who was married in this city to Charles Hufford and is now residing in Tacoma, Washington; George L., who is auditor for the Evansville Street Railway Company; Herbert C., who was formerly employed in the office of the general passenger agent of the Southern Rail- way Company in Nashville, Tennessee, but has recently been transferred to Elko, Nevada; and Earl, who is an assistant in the traveling passenger agents' office of the Louisville & Nashville R. R.
Mrs. Ford is a member of the Methodist church and a lady of many estimable qualities. Mr. Ford gives his political endorsement to the demo- cratic party but has never been active in political circles. Business affairs have always claimed his undivided attention, and yet he is not remiss in the duties of citizenship and no man feels keener interest in the work of improvement and development that is being continuously carried forward in Evansville, gaining for the city recognition as one of the leading manu- facturing centers of the Ohio valley.
DANIEL M. FAIRCHILD.
Daniel M. Fairchild, an expert auditor and accountant, with offices in the Intermediate Life building in Evansville, was born in this city, Decem- ber 4, 1873, and is a son of R. F. and Margaret Fairchild. The father was born in Vanderburg county in September, 1837, and after attaining his majority became a painting contractor, in which business he continued until the time of his death in 1908.
In his youthful days Daniel M. Fairchild pursued his education in the graded and high schools until sixteen years of age, when he entered the Evansville Commercial College for a six months' course, his training being in preparation for the profession which he has since followed. After leav- ing the school he engaged with the Bank of Commerce in the capacity of bookkeeper for five years and afterward spent three years as bookkeeper in
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charge of the office of the Mechanics' Foundry. Later he was engaged as bookkeeper and cashier at the Heilman Machine Works, one of the largest manufacturing concerns in the county, which position he filled for five years; but, thinking that greater profits might be derived from his labors if he worked independently, he opened an office for himself as accountant and auditor and in that field has been very successful. A liberal patronage has been accorded him, his clients including some of the most important concerns in the state, and his expert work insures him the continuance of a business that is large and gratifying. He is a pioneer in his line, estab- lishing and now conducting the only office of the kind in southern Indiana.
Mr. Fairchild was married in Evansville, on the 31st of March, 1897, to Miss Lillian Townsend. He is widely known and popular in various fraternal organizations and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, belonging to Reed Lodge, No. 316, F. & A. M .; Evansville Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M .; Simpson Council, No. 23, R. & S. M .; La- Valette Commandery, No. 15, K. T .; Evansville Lodge of Perfection of the Scottish Rite; and Hadi Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise holds membership with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Press Club, and his social qualities and personal worth are such that those who know him are glad to call him friend.
JAMES R. GOODWIN.
James R. Goodwin, a representative of the industrial interests of Evans- ville, has been both the architect and builder of his own fortunes. During the first week of his connection with the business interests of this city he earned but four dollars and seventy-five cents and his life record proves conclusively that the path to prosperity is open to all who have the willing- ness and determination to walk therein. With a nature that could not be content with mediocrity, he has met every opportunity that has come to him, nor has he waited advantageous conditions, having, on the contrary, made his opportunities where none have existed. Gradually, therefore, he has progressed and is today one of the leading manufacturers of Evansville. He was born in Mississippi county, Missouri, June 18, 1853. His father, William M. Goodwin, a native of Washington, Indiana, became a saddler and followed the trade for many years in Charleston, Missouri, and Leavenworth, Indiana. He served as a soldier of the Civil war from the beginning of hostilities until the close and was a sergeant in the First In- diana Cavalry. He married Marietta Wilbur, a native of Leavenworth, Indiana.
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