USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 16
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On the 15th of August, 1899, Mr. Dreier was married in Evansville to Miss Anna Wunderlich and they have two children, Walter and Grace, aged eight and six years, now students of the public schools. Throughout his entire life Mr. Dreier has maintained his home in Evansville and in Vanderburg county, so that his life history is largely familiar to his fellow
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townsmen. The incumbent of a public office is constantly the target for criticism, if his acts do not measure up to the highest standard, and that Mr. Dreier is uniformly spoken of in terms of respect and admiration in- dicates that his course has ever been an honorable and straightforward one, not only in official but in business relations as well. He is concerned in those questions which are of vital significance to the age and is thinking out broadly along the lines which are of general interest.
JOHN M. LAUGHLIN.
A resident of Evansville from his boyhood days, John M. Laughlin as the years passed by, left the impress of his individuality upon the city through his business and social relations. He came with his mother and in his early youth undertook alone the solution of life's problems, necessity early forcing him to provide for his own support. He was first employed as a clerk in a store but could not be content with mediocrity, and gradually worked his way upward, proving his ability in his worth, fidelity, close ap- plication and unremitting industry. Gradually, therefore, promotion was accorded him until he became the head of a department in the store of Miller Brothers. He was thus associated for years with the business and contributed in no small measure to its success. He was considered an expert judge of silk and his knowledge thereof enabled him to so manage that department of the house that a large trade was enjoyed and satis- faction was at all times manifested by his patrons.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Laughlin put aside business cares to espouse the cause of the Union, enlisting in the Fourteenth Indiana Regi- ment, with which he served throughout the period of hostilities, taking a part in many hotly contested battles, and at all times proving his valor and loyalty by his fearless defense of the old flag.
Following his return home, Mr. Laughlin was married in Evansville in 1867 to Mrs. Margaret Manning Fergus Byrne, who in early girlhood came to Evansville with her parents, both of whom died soon afterward of an epidemic. She was then adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fergus and reared as their own child. Her foster father was one of the pioneer residents of Evansville and was accorded rank with its substantial citi- zens, doing much to further the welfare and upbuilding of the community. His integrity and rectitude of character made him honored by all who knew him, and his Christian manhood constituted an example well worthy of emulation. His sympathetic nature made ready response to the need of the little girl who was left an orphan by the early death of her parents, and therefore into his home as his own child he received Margaret Man- ning. She was accorded exceptionally good educational privileges, at- tending St. Mary's of the Woods near Terre Haute, Indiana. On attain-
JOHN M. LAUGHLIN
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ing womanhood she gave her hand in marriage to J. P. Byrne, a native of Kerry, Ireland, who when twenty years of age came to the new world, establishing his home in Evansville. Here he engaged in general mer- chandising, conducting a store on Main street. He was one of the early merchants of this city who traded in New Orleans when all shipments were made by boat. Evansville numbered him among her progressive and pub- lic-spirited citizens, for he was interested in her welfare and gave aid to many projects for the public good. His religious faith was that of the Catholic church. In 1861 he married Margaret Manning Fergus, but three years later was called to his final rest, leaving two sons, Thomas and John, both of Evansville. In 1867 Mrs. Bryne became of the wife of John M. Laughlin, and unto them were born six children, all of whom are yet living : Mrs. Blanche Elliott, Mrs. Marie Thomas, Mrs. Margaret Wheatley, and Isabella ; and Robert and James, both of whom are in St. Louis.
For twenty years Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin traveled life's journey to- gether and were then separated by the death of the husband in 1887. He was truly a self-made man, who had been not only the architect, but the builder of his own fortune. Whatever he achieved and enjoyed was at- tributable to his own exertions, and his life record is an indication of what may be accomplished when earnest and faithful purpose constitute the motive power. Mrs. Laughlin has resided in Evansville from her early girlhood and is widely known here, having an extensive circle of warm friends.
CHARLES M. FRISSE.
Charles M. Frisse, one of the younger business men of Evansville, whose life record has already demonstrated the fact that he possesses busi- ness qualifications and laudable ambition whereby he has attained to the position of secretary of Globe-Bosse-World Furniture Company, was born in this city, December 15, 1879, his parents being Fred and Elizabeth Frisse. His father was born in Germany near Liebstadt, on the 8th of August, 1849, and was a young man of twenty years when he determined to cross the Atlantic and seek the opportunities of the new world. Accordingly in 1869 he sailed for the United States and came at once to Evansville. Throughout his entire business life he was engaged in the manufacture of shoes, continuing in that field until his retirement in 1907.
Reared in Evansville, Charles M. Frisse was a pupil in the parochial schools until fourteen years of age and afterward attended the public schools for one year and the Lockyear Business College for six months. He made his initial step in business circles as bookkeeper for H. Schminke, stove manufacturer, with whom he remained for ten months, after which he accepted a position in the accounting department of the Evansville & Richmond Railroad, there remaining for one year and four months. He
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then engaged with the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad Company in the accounting department, occupying that position for six years, when he be- came bookkeeper for the Globe Furniture Company, which he thus repre- sented for three and one-half years. During that period he gained con- siderable knowledge of the furniture trade and when he left that house it was to assume the duties of secretary and treasurer of the World Furni- ture Company, to which he was elected in 1907. This company was con- solidated with others August 1, 1910, under the name of the Globe-Bosse- World Furniture Company. The business is one of the important pro- ductive industries of the city, the consolidated factories employing six hundred men in the manufacture of a general line of furniture. They are continually bringing out new and attractive styles, and in design, durability and finish their furniture is equal to that produced by any house and sold at a similar figure. The steps in the orderly progression of Mr. Frisse are easily discernible, showing that he has been faithful to the trust reposed in him and that his constantly broadening experience has made his services of greater effect and value. He is today regarded as one of the forceful factors in manufacturing lines in Evansville and his initiative spirit and firm purpose are elements that promise success in the future.
Mr. Frisse is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks lodge and also belongs to the National Union and is a communicant of the Catholic church. He has social qualities that render him popular with many friends and has a wide and favorable acquaintance in the city of his nativity.
CHARLES WILLIAM LONG.
Charles William Long is engaged in the cultivation of two hundred and thirty-seven acres of rich land in Union township, of which he owns eighty- seven acres. He is yet a young man and the success he has already achieved indicates that he will make further progress in the future. He was born in the township which is still his home on the 5th of May, 1877, a son of Elias and Dora (Hills) Long, who are likewise natives of Union township and representatives of old pioneer families of the county. The father was born February 1I, 1853, and the mother on the 13th of May, 1849. They have spent their entire lives in this locality, Mr. Long always following farming as a means of support for his family.
The youthful days of Charles W. Long were spent at the old home- stead, where he was trained to habits of industry, economy and integrity. Practical experience in the work of the fields well qualified him to take charge of a farm of his own, for from early life he assisted his father and in his youthful days alternated his time between the farm work and the attainment of an education in the public schools.
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After reaching his majority he was married on Christmas day of 1900, to Miss Amy King, a daughter of James L. King, a veteran of the Civil war, who served for three years as a member of Company F, Sixty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was afterward prominent in public af- fairs of the community, serving as justice of the peace and also as county commissioner. His decisions in the former office were characterized by absolute fairness and impartiality and his duties as commissioner were also discharged with equal faithfulness. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Long began their domestic life upon a farm and as the years have passed their home has been blessed by the presence of two sons and one daughter: James, born August 3, 1902; Floyd, born November 26, 1904; and Grace Naomi, born October 3, 1910.
Both parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their fidelity to its principles has made their lives of such value and worth to the community that they are numbered among the best citizens of Union township. Mr. Long votes with the democratic party and has been called to local offices, serving for the past two years as township assessor, while his incumbency in the office will continue for two years more. His atten- tion, however, is chiefly given to his farm work and in addition to the property which he owns, comprising eighty-seven acres of fine land, he also rents and cultivates one hundred and fifty acres. The large farm of two hundred and thirty-seven acres makes extensive demands upon his time and energies and the excellent appearance of his place indicates the busy life he leads.
JOSEPH B. LINDENSCHMIDT.
Joseph B. Lindenschmidt, although one of the younger business men of Evansville, his native city, has already attained a creditable place in manu- facturing circles, being secretary and treasurer of The Lindenschmidt Com- pany, iron and bolt manufacturers.
He was born on the 3d of April, 1880, and while spending his youthful days in the home of his parents, Henry and Mary Lindenschmidt, he pur- sued his education in the public schools, which he attended until 1893. Then at the age of thirteen he started out in life for himself and has since been connected with business interests. The enterprise of which he is now a representative was established in 1883 by Henry and Goswin Lindenschmidt at its present location under the firm name of H. & G. Lindenschmidt. Ten years later Joseph B. Lindenschmidt entered the employ of the house, making it his purpose to master the business in all of its departments. The papers of incorporation were taken out in 1905 under the name of The Linden- schmidt Company. Henry Lindenschmidt has now retired, while Goswin Lindenschmidt is deceased.
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This is a close corporation, the stock being owned by members of the family, Edward C. Lindenschmidt being now vice president. They manu- facture builders' iron work, structural iron work, iron fencing, fire escapes and stairways and do all kinds of blacksmithing and machine work. Their patronage is largely local, although they ship to some extent. The plant is operated to its full capacity, twelve workmen being employed. Their building is a one-story structure, sixty by seventy-five feet. They have made many outside fire escapes, also ornamental gates for cemeteries and public grounds and their trade is satisfactory and profitable. Firmness of purpose, recti- tude of intention and persistence in effort are the stock in trade of self-made men and these qualities have constituted the foundation upon which Joseph B. Lindenschmidt has reached the plane of success.
JOHN BROWNLEE.
For forty-four years the name of John Brownlee has appeared upon the court records of southern Indiana and figures in connection with many of the most important cases that have been brought to trial in the state and federal courts. His success is evidenced in the large clientage accorded him and the high regard entertained for him by his fellow members of the bar. He was born in Princeton, Indiana, August 23, 1847, a son of John and Jane (Harrington) Brownlee. The father's birth occurred in Lexington, Ken- tucky, in 1793, and in 1816 he removed to Princeton, Indiana, where he and his father opened a dry-goods store, in which he continued until his death in May, 1855. He was one of the pioneeer merchants of southern Indiana and his enterprise was a feature in the business development of this part of the state. The business is now carried on by Charles Brownlee, making a period of ninety-four years in which the family have been engaged in the dry-goods trade in Princeton, and the old homestead in that city has been occupied by members of the family for seventy-six years, it being now the residence of Charles Brownlee.
John Brownlee entered the public schools at the usual age, therein con- tinuing his studies to the age of fourteen, when he responded to the coun- try's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company F, Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry, with which he served for three years, participating in many of the hotly contested battles of the war, the long, hard marches and the strenuous campaigns which eventually crowned the Union arms with victory. He was one of the youngest among the Indiana soldiers at the front. The experiences of war, however, well equipped him for the duties of later life and John Brownlee returned to his home with an understanding of life, its purposes and responsibilities seldom held by a young man of his years. He attended a private school in Princeton for a year and then, in preparation for the bar, entered Albany Law School, at Albany, New York, from which he
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was graduated with the LL. B. degree in 1866. The same year he was ad- mitted to practice by the supreme court of New York. He entered upon his professional career at Mount Vernon, Indiana, here he continued in the private practice of law until 1870, when he was elected prosecuting attorney for a district comprising four counties. He filled that position for ten years and in the meantime removed to Evansville, where he began practicing. In 1887 he was called to the office of city attorney and served until 1890. He has been very successful, being ever regarded as an able minister in the temple of justice; ever careful to conform his practice to a high standard of professional ethics. He has never sought to lead the court astray in a matter of fact or law, nor would he withhold from it a knowledge of any fact ap- pearing in the record. He has ever treated the court with a studied courtesy which is it due and has indulged in no malicious criticism because it arrived at a conclusion in the decision of the case different from that which he hoped to hear. He has given to his clients the service of great talent, unwearied industry and wide learning, yet he never forgets there are certain things due to the court, to his own self respect and above all to justice and the righteous administration of the law, which neither the zeal of an advocate nor the pleasure of success permits him to disregard.
Mr. Brownlee was married in Mount Vernon, April 2, 1877, to Miss Mittie Templeton and they have three children: Mrs. J. H. Deacon, of Evansville; Dalmar T., twenty-six years of age, who is a mechanical en- gineer now acting as superintendent of an automobile factory in Indianapolis ; and Mrs. Jane Rash, a resident of Henderson, Kentucky.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Brownlee is a Mason, a member of the Tribe of Ben Hur, of the Court of Honor and of the Grand Army of the Republic. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He was a faithful soldier of the Civil war and he has ever since marched in step with that great army of loyal American citizens who seek the best interests of the country, the upholding of good government and the maintenance of individual rights and privileges.
ELI L. HART.
Eli L. Hart, general agent at Evansville for the American Express Company, was born in Calumet, Michigan, June 25, 1875, and is a son of James and Adelaide (Bourjet) Hart, both of whom were natives of Sorol, Canada, and of French ancestry. The father followed farming in his na- tive country but became a contractor in Calumet following his removal to Michigan. As the years passed he gained substantial success and was recognized, moreover, as a prominent citizen whose identification with public affairs was of value in promoting general progress. He died on the 23d of February, 1907, at the age of seventy-five years, while his widow now lives with a married daughter in Duluth, Minnesota.
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In his native city Eli L. Hart began his education as a public school student, and passed through consecutive grades until he entered the high school. He afterward matriculated in a commercial college, pursuing a gene- ral business course, and at the age of twenty years he entered the employ of the American Express Company as driver. Gradually his ability won him recognition and he was promoted to the successive positions of mes- senger, clerk and cashier at Duluth, Minnesota. His advancement came through his merit and his loyalty to duty. In 1903 he was appointed express agent for the company at Ashland, Wisconsin, where he re- mained for three years, and was then transferred to St. Paul, Min- nesota, in the capacity of agent. In September, 1907, he came to Evans- ville as general agent, which position he has since acceptably filled.
On the Ist of September, 1901, Mr. Hart was marired to Miss Anna Mckinnon, of Detroit, Michigan, a daughter of Angus and Mary (O'Neil) Mckinnon. The father was a successful contractor of that city. Both he and his wife were natives of Prince Edward's Island but are now residents of Detroit, where Mr. Mckinnon is living retired. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hart has been blessed with one child, Francis Marion, born April 23, 1905. They attend the Catholic church and Mr. Hart is in his fraternal relations connected with the Royal Arcanum. There are no un- usual chapters in his life record but it is the account of one who has been faithful to duty and whose loyalty and diligence have won him promo- tion. Such an example may well be followed, for it indicates the path to success.
GEORGE BROSE.
One of the best known millers of the Ohio river valley is George Brose, of Evansville. For forty years he has been identified with the milling busi- ness in this city and few men in the west have a more extensive knowledge of this great industry in all its bearings than has Mr. Brose. He is a son of Daniel and Christian Brose. His father was born in Germany in 1815, and being an ambitious man and therefore desirous of improving his condi- tion, he came to America and located at Evansville in 1838. Two years after arriving in the city he was married to Miss Christina Jenner and ten children were born to them, five sons and five daughters: John; George; Thomas; Dr. L. D. Brose; Sarah, the wife of William Alexander, Sr .; Mary, the widow of F. W. Herrenbruck; and Emma, who is living with her sister Tillie, the latter the wife of Phil J. Klein. Two others are deceased. Daniel Brose was an enterprising business man and in addition to operating a dray line he was at the head of a flourishing grocery business. He was called to his reward in 1864.
George Brose was born in this city, January 9, 1847. He proved to be an apt pupil in the public schools and after he laid aside his books at the age of
GEORGE BROSE
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fifteen he began to assist his father in the grocery store, where he gained practical ideas in mercantile transactions which he has ever since been able to apply successfully. He had two brothers, John and Thomas, with whom at various times he was associated in business. A short time after the death of the father he and his brother John established a grocery business on Water street, where they continued for six years, closing out in 1871 in order to build a flour mill, which they conducted most successfully. The relations with his brother were terminated by the death of John in 1878, and George Brose then united with his brother Thomas in building a new mill, which was quite an improvement upon any previously erected at this point. In 1880 Thomas Brose withdrew to engage in business for himself and since that time the mill has been operated by the subject of this review and is now one of the largest flour mills in Evansville, having a capacity of four hundred barrels per day. This flour finds a ready market throughout a wide region which is not limited to the confines of any one state.
In 1874 Mr. Brose was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Laval, a daughter of John Laval, a leading druggist of this city. One child, who died in infancy, was the result of this union. Mr. Brose has spent his entire life in Evansville and is recognized here as one of the captains of industry who has fairly won his honors, and also as a man who by his ability and public spirit has added materially not only to his own fortune but to the permanent welfare of the community. His interests have not been confined entirely to the milling business, as is indicated by the fact that for three years past he has been a director of the old State National Bank. He is an active member of the Evansville Manufacturers Association and has been for many years prominently connected with the Knights of Pythias, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His influence has always been exerted in upholding the industrial and moral welfare of the city, and his record is one of which his friends are justly proud.
MAJOR HAMILTON ALLEN MATTISON.
Prominent in the history of the judiciary of Vanderburg county is written the name of Judge Hamilton Allen Mattison but his record on the bench is no more creditable than is that of his military experience, which brought him the well earned title of major, by which he is often called. For forty-four years he has continued in the active practice of law and as few men have done seems to realize the importance of the profession to which he is devoting his energies and the fact that justice and the higher attribute of mercy he often holds in his hands. His reputation as a lawyer has been won through earnest, honest labor and his standing at the bar is a merited tribute to his ability.
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A native of Rensselaer county, New York, Major Mattison was born in South Berlin, September 23, 1832, his parents being Allen J. and Lucy (Thomas) Mattison. After acquiring his early education in the district schools, at the age of nineteen years he entered the New York Conference Seminary at Charlottesville and while completing his education in that institution he earned enough as assistant teacher to pay for his tuition and living expenses. He afterward matriculated in Union College and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1860. Taking up the profession of teaching he spent two years as principal of Bacon Seminary at Woodtown, New Jersey, but the continued attempt of the south to destroy the Union led him to feel that his first duty was to his country and in July, 1862, he enlisted in the Union army, raising a company which was afterward mustered in as a part of the Twelfth New Jersey Infantry, Mr. Mattison holding the rank of second lieutenant. His natural talent for military affairs and his strict adherence to duty led to his rapid promotion through the ranks, first lieutenant and captain to that of major. He served on the staff of Generals Alexander Hayes and Nelson A. Miles and was in twenty- five of the most important battles of the war. At Chancellorsville he was wounded three times and in the battle of the Wilderness had his horse shot from under him, was twice wounded and captured. Soon after his cap- ture he was introduced to General Robert E. Lee on the field and has a distinct recollection of his conversation with the Confederate commander. He was taken first to Lynchburg, Virginia, then to Danville, and soon afterward to Macon, Georgia, where he was confined until the following July "on short rations." He was next sent to Savannah and was one of fifty officers taken from that city to Charleston and placed under fire of the Federal guns that were shelling the city from Folly Island. Some weeks later he was confined with other prisoners in a prison pen at Columbia, South Carolina, where with scant food, no shelter and ragged clothing he was kept until November 28th, when he and another prisoner, Rev. John Scamahorn, managed to make their escape. Notwithstanding that they were half starved and half naked they took to the woods, determined to inter- sect Sherman's army, then on its way to the sea. Traveling by night and concealing themselves by day, they succeeded in crossing the state of South Carolina and reached the Savannah river, where they procured a small boat. Managing to elude the Confederate guards and gunboats, they finally reached Savannah, which in the meantime had surrendered to General Sher- man. Thus after tramping nearly fifteen hundred miles through the enemy's country they found themselves once more under the protection of the old flag. Major Mattison was sent home to recuperate and ordered to report to the Army of the Potomac as soon as he was able for duty. Accordingly he joined that army about March 1, 1865, and was engaged in all the military operations at Petersburg, Richmond and Appomattox until the final surrender.
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