USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36
HENRY W. KUHN.
Henry W. Kuhn is the owner of one of the model farm properties of Vanderburg county. His home is situated in Center township and he is a practical, progressive farmer, his intelligently directed labors bringing him substantial success. He was born in Evansville, May 28, 1871, and is a son of John J. and Charlotte (Tilius) Kuhn, both of whom were natives of Germany. On coming to the United States in 1854 they landed at New York city and there remained for a brief period, after which they sought the opportunities of a growing western country and came to Evansville, arriving here in 1858. Here Mr. Kuhn began work in a flour mill and followed that business for about fifteen years. He was also employed by George Start in the commission business for a number of years and had experience in that line before engaging in the milling business. Later he again took up milling and continued in that work until his death, which occurred on the Ist of March, 1909. He had been a resident of Vander- burg county for more than a half century, had witnessed much of its growth and development and had borne his full share in the work of public progress. His wife died February 28, 1904.
While spending his youthful days in his parents' home Henry W. Kuhn attended the public schools of Evansville and many of the friendships which he formed during his school days have continued to the present time. Later
161
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
he pursued a course in bookkeeping. He was nineteen years of age when he made his initial step in the business world, beginning work in a flour mill, in which he was employed for eight years. His long connection with that industry proved his worth and fidelity. He never sought to shirk a re- sponsibility or to cast upon another the duty which he should discharge. At length he took up his abode in Center township, purchasing fifty-one acres of land, which he has improved to the present time. The property is now regarded as one of the model farms of the district, each acre is tilled to good advantage and by practicing the rotation of crops he keeps his land rich and arable. Sound judgment characterizes him in all of his work and his practical management of the place is manifest in the success which has come to him.
On the 4th of January, 1893, Mr. Kuhn was united in marriage to Miss Mamie M. Schultz, a daughter of Julius and Marian Schultz, both of whom were natives of this state, where the father died April 17, 1891, and the mother was called to her final rest on the 12th of July of the same year. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn have been born two children: Mamie I., now seventeen years of age; and Wilhelma K. H., now thirteen months old. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn belong to St. John's Evangelical church and their ster- ling qualities have gained for them warm friendship and kindly regard. Mr. Kuhn is a member of the Knights of Honor and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is inclined to support socialistic principles. He keeps in touch with the questions of vital interest that affect public wel- fare and his influence is always on the side of progress and reform.
WILLIAM HENRY KLUSMAN.
It seems a far distant period when the flat boats were sent down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, carrying the produce of these valleys to the New Orleans market, and yet many a time did William Henry Klusman load such a boat and go down the river to the Crescent city. In other ways he was closely connected with many of the early important happen- ings of Evansville. His birth occurred in Germany in 1824, and he was only four years of age when brought to America by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernst Klusman, who settled first in Cincinnati but soon afterward came to Indiana, locating near Princeton, where he resided until about 1856, when he disposed of his land and came with his family to Evansville. Here he built a large foundry-one of the early industrial enterprises of the city-which was later sold to the Blount Plow Company. In his later years he lived retired.
William Henry Klusman acquired a good education in the public schools of Princeton, and in young manhood was associated with his brother in loading the produce from the farm upon flat boats and then going down
162
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
the river as far as New Orleans, selling at different points, however, along the way. At one time he was engaged in the grocery business at Nashville, Tennessee, and was well known in Evansville in connection with the foundry business, which he developed to extensive proportions. He was prominent among the early representatives of industrial life here and for many years continued in business, his well directed energy and intelligent effort bringing him a gratifying measure of success.
In 1858, in Evansville, Mr. Klusman was married to Miss Therese Seigel, a native of France, who came to the United States when nineteen years of age. Their only child, Anna, is now the wife of William Kratz, and she has one son, Frederick W. Kratz.
'About 1860 Mr. Klusman purchased a home on Bond street, where his family still reside. He had maintained his residence there for ten years when he was called to his final rest. He was one of the most liberal men of Evansville where the welfare of the city and its people were concerned, putting forth strenuous and effective effort to promote the upbuilding and advance municipal interests. He was ever anxious to see water works in- stalled here but died just before this was accomplished. He was engineer of the old Lemasco fire department, a volunteer system, and was associated with Mr. Binkenmeyer in the building of the first little brick church in his section of the city. For long years he was active as a member of St. John's church, doing everything in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. The democratic party found him among its active supporters and frequently he went upon the rostrum, making campaign speeches in de- fense of the party candidates and principles. For a number of years he served as one of the councilmen of the city and exercised his official prerog- atives in support of many measures which have proved of lasting benefit to Evansville. He was prominent in the public life of the community and his labors at all times partook of a practical, helpful character that made him one of the most valued and honored residents of the city. Mrs. Klus- man is well known here and has an extensive circle of friends.
ROBERT LINCOLN HARWOOD.
Robert Lincoln Harwood, a highly respected farmer of Union town- ship, is a native of Vanderburg county and has always lived in the region where he was born. He is known as one of the substantial farmers of the county and in addition to operating a large farm, which he conducts on up-to-date principles, he is the owner of a steam threshing machine, which he operates for several months each year with marked success and thus assists his neighbors in preparing their grain for the market.
Mr. Harwood was born in Union township, June 18, 1864, and is a son of Jeremiah Dale and Jane (Chapman) Harwood. The father, who was
R. L. HARWOOD
165
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
born January 29, 1832, was a farmer and a pioneer and died March 3, 1909. The mother of our subject was born August 29, 1839, and departed this life April 11, 1886. In their family were six children: Mary, who married Samuel Adcock; Carrie, now Mrs. George Melborne; Eliza; George; James, deceased; and Robert Lincoln.
Educated in the public schools and reared upon the home farm, Robert Lincoln Harwood early became thoroughly familiar with the duties to which he has devoted his life. He has never married and at present is renting a large farm, from which he is securing substantial returns. He has to some extent engaged in buying and selling live stock, but it is as a general farmer and not in any special line that he has attained his present standing. For many years he has been a member of the Methodist church, whose teachings he recognizes as a fair interpretation of holy writ. He is interested in political affairs and the principles which he supports are those of the republican party. Although not an aspirant for office of any kind, he is now serving as township trustee to the general satisfaction of the people of the township. He is a man of earnest convictions and in all points of business or conduct where there is reason to doubt, he aims to select that side which is just and true.
FRED M. HARMAN.
Fred M. Harman, actively engaged in truck farming and in dairying, is finding that industry constitutes the key that unlocks the portals of suc- cess, for in his chosen field of labor he is meeting with good results. He was born in Davis county, Indiana, July 17, 1875, his parents being Joseph H. and Keziah (Allen) Harman, the former a native of Ohio and the lat- ter of the Hoosier state. In the year 1871 Joseph H. Harman came to Indiana, establishing his home at Odon, Davis county, where he followed blacksmithing for eight years. Thinking to find agricultural pursuits more congenial and profitable, however, he turned his attention to farming, rent- ing a tract of land which he cultivated for about three years. On the ex- piration of that period he bought two acres of land and built a blacksmith shop, resuming work at his trade, in which he continued until his death, passing away in May, 1905. His widow is still living, her home being now in Odon.
Fred M. Harman was with his parents until twenty-five years of age, and his youthful days were devoted to the acquirement of an education in the public schools, to the pleasures of the playground and to the per- formance of such duties as parental authority assigned him. He made ar- rangements for having a home of his own in his marriage on the 19th of March, 1901, to Miss Catherine Kimbel, a daughter of Daniel and Cath- erine (Smith) Kimbel, both of whom were natives of this state. At the
166
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
time of his marriage Mr. Harman purchased fourteen acres of improved land and turned his attention to truck farming, which he followed for two and a half years. He then removed to Evansville, where he accepted a posi- tion in a grocery store, but after a short time entered the street car service as motorman and devoted three and a half years to that work. Subse- quently he removed to Center township and invested in twenty-four acres of improved land, since which time he has been engaged in raising garden products and in dairying. Both branches of his business are proving re- munerative. He cultivates vegetables of large size and fine quality, for which he finds a ready sale on the market. His dairy products are also of equal excellence and the most sanitary conditions prevail in the dairy.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harman has been born one child, Daniel J., now eight years of age. Mrs. Harman is a member of the German Lutheran church. Politically Mr. Harman is a republican, exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the party, but never seeking office as a reward for party fealty. He is a young man, ambitious and energetic, and by the improvement of his time, talents and opportunities he is working his way steadily upward.
SIMON V. LEVI.
To say of Simon V. Levi that he has risen by his own efforts to rank among the foremost merchants of southwestern Indiana would seem trite to those familiar with his life record, yet it is but just to say in a history that will descend to future generations that his record is such as many a man might be proud to possess, for his advancement is attributable to his own exer- tions and at all time he has followed methods that will bear close investiga- tion and scrutiny. Moreover, in the development of his business he has also contributed to the commercial progress and prosperity of the cities in which he operates, for he is conducting department stores in both Evans- ville and Oakland City.
Mr. Levi was born in Harrison county, Indiana, in 1858, play, work and study occupying his attention during his youthful days. He supple- mented a district school course by a normal course, pursued at Paoli, In- diana, and when his education was completed he began teaching in the country schools, following the profession for five years. He believed that broader opportunity was offered, however, in mercantile fields, and in 1883 went to Oakland City, Indiana, where he opened a department store, which he is still conducting. It is today the largest establishment of the kind in Gibson county. Several years ago he came to Evansville. After de- liberate and thoughtful consideration he found the section of the city where a business such as he proposed to establish was most needed. He decided on his present location at Nos. 505-507-509 Fulton avenue, secuc- ing the large three-story building erected by William Heilman for a whole-
167
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
sale house. Stocking it with a large line of goods, he is now conducting what really deserves to be called a department store, for he has here thir- teen complete departments and is handling an extensive line, meeting every demand of his customers. Progressive methods have been instituted and Mr. Levi has ever made a close study of the trade and of popular demand. He is therefore able to supply his customers with what they desire, and he handles the latest goods sent out by the different manufacturers.
In 1889 Mr. Levi was united in marriage to Miss Eva Baker, of Boon- ville, Indiana, and they have three children, two daughters and a son. The family hold membership in Trinity Methodist Episcopal church and in the work of the church Mr. Levi takes an active part, doing everything in his power to promote the social, intellectual and moral progress of the com- munity. In this regard, as in the conduct of his private business, his ideas and his efforts are practical and resultant. He is a man of marked force of character, who accomplishes what he undertakes, laboring persistently and energetically for honorable success whether for the benefit of him- self or for the community at large.
ANTHONY J. KLEIN.
Inflexible as the laws of nature is the rule which governs honorable success. It comes as the direct and logical result of earnest effort, intelli- gently directed, and the life history of Anthony J. Klein is another proof of this fact. He was born in Germany, July 23, 1855, a son of Anthony and Josephine (Hoffman) Klein. The father was a carpet weaver by trade and about 1867 sailed with his family for the new world, his son 'An- thony being at that time twelve years of age. Ere the period of his minority was passed he entered business circles as an employe in the fac- tory of Anthony Reis, a tanner of Evansville, in whose service he was pro- moted through ability and fidelity until he reached the responsible position of bookkeeper. Ambitious, however, to engage in business on his own account that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he organized and established the Southwestern Broom Company, of which he was presi- dent. In this he instituted a productive industry that is still controlled by his family and which from the beginning proved a source of gratifying profit, owing to its continuous growth and substantial development. Mr. Klein was also an active member of the firm of Rosenberger & Klein, wholesale and retail grocers, and, moreover, was an active factor in the management and successful control of the Certain Cure Company, manu- facturers of proprietary medicines. Turning his attention to financial in- terests, he became one of the organizers and also a member of the board of directors of the City National Bank, and his opinions formed a guiding. factor in the institution throughout his remaining days. He was also a
168
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
stockholder in several other banks of Evansville and indelibly impressed his name on the business history of the city and the substantial development of Evansville resulting therefrom.
Mr. Klein was married in this city May 23, 1881, to Miss Mary New- haus, a daughter of Henry Newhaus, a prominent pioneer resident here. They became parents of four children: Alfred A., a well known business man of Evansville; Mrs. Charles Bartholomay, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Mary A. and Lillian, at home. The children all attended the schools of Evansville and the son was also a pupil in Notre Dame University.
Mr. Klein gave his political allegiance to the democratic party but neither sought nor desired office. He belonged to the Knights of Colum- bus and was a charitable man, who understood "the joy of generous giving." He was devoted to the welfare of his family and erected for their comfort a beautiful residence on Wabash avenue, where his widow and children now reside. He passed away May 30, 1903, and in his demise Evansville mourned a citizen whose worth was widely acknowledged and whose ex- ample is well worthy of emulation.
HARRY H. SCHU.
Carefully formulated plans executed with dispatch and decision, sound business judgment and the recognition and utilization of opportunity, have brought Harry H. Schu to a leading place in the ranks of furniture manu- facturers in Evansville. He is now secretary-treasurer of the Crescent Furniture Company, president of the United States Furniture Company, president of the Star Furniture Company and secretary of the Furniture Exposition, which are among the most important manufacturing enter- prises of the city. He is also connected with other business enterprises and his labors are a valuable element in promoting progress along indus- trial and commercial lines.
Evansville numbers him among her native sons, his birth having oc- curred in this city, December 4, 1866. His parents are Anthony J. and Christina Schu. The former, born in Dansville, New York, on the 27th of February, 1836, came to Evansville in May, 1844, when a young lad of eight years, at which time the now flourishing and growing city was but a small town. In the early years of his manhood he engaged in the retail grocery business here and in 1859 became a lumber inspector. He was closely, actively and honorably associated with the business interests of the city until 1893, when he retired from active life to enjoy the rest to which his former labor well entitled him. He was married in this city, on the 7th of January, 1864, to Miss Christina Koehne and unto them were born five children.
169
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
This number included Harry H. Schu, who was educated in the Catho- lic parochial schools until he reached the age of thirteen years. He later spent three years in the public schools and one year as a student in the Wright & Rank Business College and, thus trained for the duties of com- mercial life, he accepted the position of assistant bookkeeper with the Mechanics Furniture Company, remaining in that connection for a year. He then went to Joseph F. Reitz, a wholesale and retail furniture dealer, having charge of the office for five years. This period served to demonstrate his business ability, his initiative spirit and his unfaltering enterprise. In 1889 Mr. Schu was one of the organizers of the Crescent Furniture Company, of which he became treasurer and general manager, and in 1900 he was also elected secretary. There is no larger furniture factory in the city and none has a larger output. In the opening year the sales amounted to fifty thousand dollars and the growth of the trade is indicated by the fact that the sales have now reached three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. They manufacture a general line of dining-room furniture, side- boards, buffets, china cabinets and bookcases and the office and factory are located on First avenue, from Franklin to Michigan streets. Francis J. Reitz is president of the company and H. H. Schu is the other execu- tive officer.
The business ability which Mr. Schu has displayed has caused his aid and cooperation to be sought in other fields which have profited by his sound judgment and business discernment. In 1901 he aided in organizing and was elected to the presidency of the United States Furniture Com- pany, manufacturers of mantel, upright folding beds and davenports, with office and factory at the junction of the Belt Railway and First avenue. His associate officers are Edward Kiechle, treasurer; Nestor Brentano, secretary ; and Clemens A. Schu, manager. In 1907 he was elected to the presidency of the Star Furniture Company, wholesale dealers in chairs and furniture, located at Nos. 23 and 25, Lower Water street. The other officers of the company are L. C. Schweizer, vice president, and H. J. Sabel, secretary and treasurer. All three enterprises are a success and are among the important industrial and commercial interests of the city. Mr. H. H. Schu possesses excellent executive ability and powers of admin- istration and his capable management and keen insight have been impor- tant factors in advancing the interests of the enterprises with which he is connected.
On the 4th of August, 1891, Mr. H. H. Schu was united in marriage in Evansville to Miss Mary Behme, by whom he has two children, Elmer and Jerome, who are eighteen and fourteen years of age respectively. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and in religious faith he is a Roman Catholic, being a communicant of the Church of the As- sumption. He is secretary of the Parochial Councilors and is identified with several fraternal organizations, including the Knights of Columbus,
170
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
the Red Men, the Travelers Protective Association and St. Michael's Benevolent Society. In a history of the men of Evansville whose busi- ness enterprise has brought them to a foremost position in commercial and trade circles, Mr. Schu well deserves mention. Thoroughness and close application have characterized his work from the outset of his career and at the same time he has manifested a public-spirited citizenship nor found necessity for a dividing line between religious principles and busi- ness relations.
BENJAMIN BOSSE.
Some men are born with business talent; others acquire it after years of struggle, leading through devious paths that finally conduct to victory. In the instance of Benjamin Bosse, whose name stands at the head of this review, a talent for business affairs very early became apparent and he has accomplished within comparatively a few years a greater work than is attained in a long life of activity by many men of good judgment and large business qualifications. Mr. Bosse was the prime mover in bringing about a consolidation of interests at Evansville, July 28, 1910, by which has been launched the largest furniture manufacturing company in the world, with a paid in capital of six hundred thousand dollars and a capa- city at four factories of producing an output amounting in value to more than one million dollars yearly. It is estimated that the payroll of the com- pany will amount to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars per year. The operations of this great organization will extend to all parts of this coun- try and to foreign countries. Of this great combination Mr. Bosse is president, A. F. Karges is vice president, C. M. Frisse is secretary and Edward Ploeger is treasurer.
Benjamin Bosse is a native of Indiana, born on a farm in Scott town- ship, this county, November 1, 1874. He is the son of Henry and Caroline (Schleusker) Bosse, both natives of Germany, who emigrated to America- a land of opportunity for many thousands of the sturdy Teutonic race who have found contentment and fortune. Henry Bosse settled on a farm and became one of the leading agriculturists in his part of the county. He was industrious, honest and energetic and a practical exemplification in his own family of the best characteristics handed down from a long line of worthy ancestry. An ardent advocate of republican institutions, he always took an active part in local political affairs. He departed this life August 15, 1908, mourned by his family and a wide circle of friends who will always regard his memory with reverence and esteem. Mrs. Bosse survives her husband and makes her home in Evansville. To the couple the patriarchal number of twelve children were born, eight of whom are now living. They were as follows: William; Louise, deceased ; Mary, deceased ; Frederick, deceased; John; Henry; Louis; Benjamin; George; Ella; August, de- ceased ; and Amelia.
BENJAMIN BOSSE
173
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
Benjamin Bosse lived upon his father's farm until he was fourteen years of age. He attended the parochial schools during the winter and assisted in farm work in the spring and summer, thus laying a foundation in habits of industry and willingness to bear his share of the burdens of a large family, which has proven of the greatest benefit in later years. At the age of fourteen he came to Evansville and secured employment in the grocery business at ten dollars per month and board. He felt the need of more education than the parochial school afforded and by careful saving he accumulated enough money to pay for tuition at a business college, from which he graduated at the age of seventeen years. After leaving the college he was identified with a wholesale grocery house for two years. Being of an independent turn of mind, he was not contented to remain long upon a salary and at the early age of nineteen he decided to set up in business for himself. For him to resolve was to act, and he embarked in the retail grocery business, which he conducted for six years with the marked success that has characterized all his ventures. Seeing a wider field in the furniture business, he sold out his grocery and assisted in or- ganizing the Globe Furniture Company, of which he became general man- ager, secretary and treasurer. This was in 1899 and he has ever since been intimately identified with an industry whose growth has been one of the marvels of recent years.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.