USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 2
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JOSEPH ROLLET.
Joseph Rollet, a representative of the farming interests of Vanderburg county, was born in Strasburg, Germany, August 15, 1840, a son of Joseph and Catherine Rollet. While spending his youthful days in his parents' home in the fatherland he began his education, which was largely acquired in that country. At length he came with his parents to America and for
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HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
two months was a pupil in the schools of Evansville. The greater part of his life has been devoted to general farming and since the 5th of May, 1854, he has lived upon the place in Perry township which is now his home. Here he has improved eighty acres of land, transforming it into a valuable tract by bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation and adding substantial buildings and modern equipments. His life has been character- ized by unfaltering diligence and industry, which in time has been crowned with success.
On the 3d of May, 1865, Mr. Rollet was married in German township, St. Joseph, Indiana, to Miss Sophia Spitzer, a daughter of Lawrence Spitzer, who fought in the French wars under Napoleon. Coming to America, he was for many years a resident of this part of the state, his death occurring in November, 1909, when he had reached the very venerable age of ninety- seven years and eight months. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rollet have been born five children. Thomas and John, twins, married Kate and Mary Speaker, sisters. Unto Thomas and Kate have been born two children, Maggie and William, while John and Mary Rollet have three children : Julia, Rosie and Andrew. Henry Rollet wedded Elizabeth Matz and their children are Francis, Sophia, Celia and Henry B. Lena Rollet became the wife of August Hartman and has two children, Joseph and Julia. Elizabeth Rollet is the wife of John Matz and their children are Annie, Delia and Josie.
For fifty-six years Joseph Rollet has lived in this county and upon the farm which is now his home and is therefore largely acquainted with the history of this region, its progress and upbuilding. He has been deeply interested in all that has been accomplished and has borne his full share in the work of development, especially along general agricultural lines.
GEORGE W. BEMENT.
George W. Bement was born in Evansville in March, 1859. His parents, Charles Russell and Mary C. Bement, had but recently removed to this city from Terre Haute Indiana, and the father became an active and influential factor in business life here, his labors constituting a forceful and resultant element in business activity and progress. He was well known in connection with mercantile and banking interests, having been the organizer and almost continuously the president of the Merchants National Bank up to the time of its liquidation in 1885. He belonged to that class whose well balanced capacities and powers of keen judgment constitute them the stable element in the community, their labors actuated by a spirit of progress that, however, tempers enterprise with a spirit of safe conservatism.
Reared in his native city, George W. Bement supplemented his public school training by a preparatory course at an academy in Norwalk, Con- necticut, before entering Yale. His college course was pursued within the
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classic walls of the New Haven university and to his college training he added the broader knowledge that comes through extensive travel. At differ- ent times, both in his young manhood and in his later years, he went abroad, visiting the many points of historic, scenic and modern interest in different countries of Europe. While family connection secured him his first position in the business world, it was individual merit that led him onward and his initiative spirit make him a factor in the organization and development of business enterprises of large value to the city. He was first connected with the Merchants National Bank but later became interested in the firm of Behme & Seitz, wholesale grocers. Opportunity for the enlargement of his activity and the scope of his business led him to organize the Bement-Seitz Company, with which he was connected until the time of his death. It became one of the most important wholesale interests of the city and for the accommodation of the business he erected on Water street the fine building which stands as a monument to his enterprise. In its erection he manifested his faith in the city and his cooperation with various projects he contributed in substantial measure to the general work of upbuilding.
Mr. Bement was also widely known because of his deep interest and support of our national game of baseball. For two years he was the presi- dent of the Central League Baseball Club. He owned the Evansville Club for a year and a half of the existence of the old Three I League, and after the withdrawal of the Evansville and Terre Haute clubs from that league he was instrumental in organizing the Central League.
On the 24th of March, 1896, Mr. Bement was married to Mrs. Myrtle Walker Hathaway, of this city, and occupied a beautiful suburban home on St. Joseph avenue, where man has vied with nature in producing all that is beautiful in flowers and shrubbery as an adornment to a well kept lawn. There Mrs. Bement has continued to make her home since the death of her husband on the 29th of January, 1908. He was then in his forty-ninth year-a man in the prime of life, too young, it seemed, to answer the final summons, for his activities and interests made him a valued and representa- tive resident of his native city. An engaging personality and social qualites rendered him a favorite with all and those with whom he came in contact cherished his friendship.
ANDREW MOLL.
There is no rule for achieving success and yet there are certain elements which are indispensable in the attainment of prosperity. These are close application, industry and reliable business methods, all of which find expres- sion in the life work of Andrew Moll, who is now engaged in merchandising in Stringtown. Vanderburg county numbers him among her native sons. He was born in October, 1874, of the marriage of John B. and Katherine Moll, who were natives of Germany and of Indiana respectively. They
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HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
became residents of this county in 1872, settling in Scott township, whence they afterward removed to Center township. In early life the father learned the woodworker's trade and followed that business continuously until his death, which occurred in March, 1898. His widow still survives him and now makes her home with her son Andrew, who remained with his parents through the period of his boyhood and youth, acquiring his education in the public schools and in the Catholic schools of this city. For a time he attended St. Mary's Catholic school of Evansville and was graduated from St. Anthony's Academy in June, 1888. At the age of twenty-two he left home to undertake the solution of life's problems independently. To provide for his support he secured employment by the month, being thus employed for about a year. He then returned home and worked for his father for some time, gaining expert skill in that line. Following his father's death he operated the shop for the mother for five years, when he bought out the business, added other stock and started independently. A year later he opened a mercantile store at Stringtown, where he has since carried on business. He has a well selected line of goods to meet the demands of general trade and has succeeded in securing a liberal and growing patronage.
In 1902 Mr. Moll was united in marriage to Miss Frances Wemhener, a daughter of William and Frances Wemhener, who were natives of Ger- many. Mr. and Mrs. Moll attend the Catholic church and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but does not seek or desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he is meeting with substantial success. He has two large fish ponds upon his property, furnishing a fine place for game fishing. His enterprising spirit has brought him into important business relations and the passing years chronicle his success, for he is making steady progress toward the goal of prosperity.
CAPTAIN OTTO F. JACOBI.
Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in commercial and financial circles in Evansville than Cap- tain Otto F. Jacobi, the president of the Central Trust & Savings Bank. This is due not alone to the success which he has achieved but to the honor- able and straightforward methods which he has always followed. He early recognized the fact that promotion is won through a service, not of time, but of talent-the utilization of one's powers for the benefit and interests of those whom they represent, and because of this his loyalty and energy were ever manifest in the service of those whom he represented until he passed from the ranks of the employed to that of the employer, his progres- sion at length bringing him to the prominent place which he now fills in the banking circles of Evansville. He was born in Meiningen, Saxony, Ger-
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many, November 28, 1835. His father Gottlieb Jacobi, was a graduate of the University of Breslau and for many years held an official position under the Duke of Saxe-Weimar. His wife, Mrs. Fredericka Jacobi, was a des- cendant of the Von Oswalds, a prominent family in military and literary circles in Germany. The death of Gottlieb Jacobi occurred in 1849, while his wife passed away in 1841.
Captain Otto F. Jacobi, the eldest son in a family of four children, was about thirteen years of age when left an orphan. He was educated in the schools of his native country, and in 1852, when a youth of seventeen, came to America, settling first in Philadelphia. In 1855 he enlisted in the regular army, becoming a member of Company D, First United States Infantry, in which he attained the rank of first sergeant, acting in that capacity for many years. When the Civil war broke out he was with his regiment at Fort Cobb, in the Indian territory. He remained with the regular army until 1863, when he received a commission as first lieutenant in the Tenth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. Faithful service won him promotion to the captaincy of Company G on the Twenty-third of July, 1864, and in the fol- lowing year he was appointed assistant commissary of musters by the sec- retary of war and assigned to duty with the First Cavalry division of the department of the Cumberland. He continued to act in that capacity until after the close of hostilities, when in July, 1865, he was honorably discharged.
Following the close of the war Captain Jacobi took up his abode in Evansville, where he established a wholesale tobacco and cigar business. In 1869, however, he sold out and in 1870 accepted the position of bookkeeper in the H. F. Blount Plow Works. The value of his services won him ap- pointment to the position of financial manager and he was admitted to a share of the profits in 1883. He has long been numbered among the repre- sentative business men in this city, and extending his efforts into banking circles has ever maintained a most honored name and prominent connection therein. For years he was vice president of the Central Trust & Savings Bank, and on Jan. 1, 1901, was chosen to the presidency. He is also direc- tor of the First National Bank. To the solution of involved financial prob- lems he brings sound judgment, keen sagacity and long experience. By his work he has reared for himself a magnificent testimonial and an indestruc- tible compliment to his management and financial genius. He is one of that class of representative and successful men who seem to find the happiness of life in the success of their work, yet his activities have been by no means confined to interests which bear alone upon individual prosperity. His public trusts have been many and all have been faithfully executed. On various occasions he has been a moving factor in projects which have been of distinct value to the city and he is now one of the trustees and treasurer of Oak Hill cemetery and a trustee and treasurer of the Willard Library.
Captain Jacobi was married in 1862 to Miss Mary E. Sawyer, of Corinth, Mississippi, and unto them have been born five children, but only two are now living, Otto F. and Sidney F. The spirit of enterprise which caused
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Captain Jacobi to leave his native land at the age of seventeen and seek the opportunities of the new world has ever been with him a dominant charac- teristic. He has never regarded any position in business as final, but rather as the starting point for further effort towards successful accomplishment. At the age of seventy-five years he is still an active factor in financial circles in Evansville, honored and respected by all who know him and most of all where he is best known.
ROBERT R. WILLIAMS.
The path of opportunity is an ever broadening one and the way be- comes easier as one progresses, for there is less competition the higher one goes. Each forward step brings a wider outlook and greater advantages, and with firm step and unalterable purpose Robert R. Williams has con- tinued along this path until he has attained a position of prominence in the business circles of his adopted city, being now general manager, sec- retary and treasurer of The Indiana Tie Company of Evansville. He was born in Morganfield, Kentucky, December 20, 1870, and is a son of H. R. and Mary E. Williams, being one of their four surviving children, the other three being Ella M., Elizabeth A. and Leslie Williams.
The father was born in Smith county, Tennessee, January 10, 1846, and the district schools afforded him his early educational privileges, after which he had the benefit of instruction in a Nashville college. When his college days were over he returned to the home of his father, who owned a large plantation and was also proprietor of a general mercantile store. H. R. Williams then worked for his father until the latter's death. In 1869 he removed to Morganfield, Kentucky, where he engaged in the building and contracting business until 1879. That year witnessed his arrival in Evansville, where he was also closely, actively and successfully identified with building operations up to the time of his retirement in 1900. The liberal patronage that had been accorded him brought him a comfortable competence, enabling him to put aside the cares of active business life, and he is now spending his days in well earned rest.
Robert R. Williams was a lad of seven or eight years when the family settled in Evansville, and he received his education in the public schools of this city. Seeking a position in business circles, in 1887 he engaged as messenger in the accounting department of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad. Gradually he worked upward, winning his promotions through merit and ability, and when he severed his connection with the railroad company, he was holding the responsible position of traveling auditor. He afterward entered the service of The Indiana Tie Company as chief clerk and in 1902 he was elected secretary, treasurer and general manager. As an officer of that company he has contributed much to the success of the
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enterprise, capably controlling the interests of the company and managing its trade connections in such a manner that successful results are achieved.
On the 15th of October, 1901, Mr. Williams was united in marriage in Mount Vernon, Illinois, to Miss Ellanora Fitz-Gerrell, daughter of James J. and Sarah M. Fitz-Gerrell, one of the most prominent families in southern Illinois. They have one child, Robert Fitz-Gerrell, born September 10, 1906. The family attend the Christian Science church. Mr. Williams be- longs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and two of the promi- nent social organizations of the city, the Country and Crescent Clubs. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party but without desire for office as a reward for party fealty. While his business career has none of the spectacular features of the military or political leader, it is none the less important, nor none the less successful in the results achieved.
ANTHONY REIS.
In the year 1855 Anthony Reis became identified with the business in- terests of Evansville, and in 1857 became connected with the leather trade, with which he was associated for many years thereafter. He was born in Cincinnati, May II, 1829, and is of German parentage, as the surname indicates. Habits of industry were early developed and from his youthful days until his demise he was dependent upon his own resources, becoming a self-made man. While yet a boy he entered the tannery of his brother- in-law and afterward served a regular apprenticeship that he might learn the trade of a tanner and currier. Later he was employed as a currier for two years. In time he became actuated with the ambition of engaging in business on his own account and bent his energies to the accomplishment of this hope. Eventually he found opportunity to carry out his plan and was engaged in business in Cincinnati, Ohio, until 1855, when he disposed of his interests there and came to Evansville.
Here in 1857, Mr. Reis opened a leather store and later established a tannery in connection with the sale of leather. In the conduct of this enterprise he displayed marked business ability, for when he purchased the tannery it was a small and inconvenient plant and had but little machinery. He applied his practical knowledge and experience previously obtained to the production of leather and to the development of the plant, as well as to the enlargement of his patronage, and finally had one of the best establish- ments of its kind in the country, equipped with the latest improved ma- chinery and conveniences for carrying on the trade. He not only produced an excellent product but was also careful and systematic in the manage- ment of his business, never following fictitious methods but stuck to that which is honorable, laborious and true in winning success. His record has proved that an honestly conducted business in accordance with the great
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HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
laws which control all legitimate trade will grow and devleop and return rich reward. In 1876 he admitted John Shumacher to a partnership under the firm name of Reis & Shumacher. Gradually enlarging their plant and at all times watchful of every detail of the trade, their business at length extended in large measure over the west, northwest, the south and the east.
In 1852 Mr. Reis was united in marriage to Miss Magdalen Keyser and unto them were born two children: Isabel, who became Mrs. Schumacher and died leaving one daughter, now Mrs. Emma Mann; and Clara, the wife of Dr. Jerome of Evansville. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Reis has continuously occupied the beautiful home on First avenue, which he erected. Mr. Reis passed away on the Ist of January, 1884, but his name is yet honored by those with whom he came in contact while an active factor in the affairs of the world. He took a helpful interest in the Catholic church, served as one of its trustees, contributed generously to its support and aided in establishing a church for colored people in Evansville. He was always very charitable, giving freely to the needy and extending a helping hand to those who deserved assistance.
WILLIAM O. FERGUSON.
Among the young business men of Evansville who are numbered with her native sons and whose life work is a source of satisfaction and pride to the city is William O. Ferguson, who was here born on the 12th of June, 1873, a son of James Russell and Ella Frances (Lyon) Ferguson, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. His education was acquired in private schools of this city and in Bethany College of West Virginia. He left college at the age of nineteen years and went to Detroit, Michigan, where he was employed by Isaac C. Baxter, of the Detroit Gas Company. After spending two years in that city he returned to Evansville and here started in the insurance business with the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. Gradually he has been advanced in this connection, as he has given proof of his business ability, sagacity and sound judgment, until he is now general agent for Southern Indiana of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company of Philadelphia. When he took hold of the business there were only about twenty thousand dollars insurance written. Today the policies represent over two million dollars. The success of the enterprise is attributable to the close application and unfaltering industry of Mr. Ferguson, who has care- fully systematized the various departments of the work and gained success by a persistency of purpose and honesty of method that is above question. In addition to his activity in insurance lines he is now receiver for the Chandler Coal Company.
On the 17th of December, 1895, Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage to Miss Meta M. Decker, who passed away on the 14th, of April, 1905,
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leaving an only son, Russell Owen, now eleven years of age. Mrs. Ferguson was a daughter of Frederick G. and Elizabeth Decker. Her father is a well known representative of commercial interests, being engaged in the insurance business under the name of Decker & Ferguson.
Mr. Ferguson holds membership in the First Christian church and is prominent in various fraternal and social organizations. A Knight Templar Mason, he belongs to La Valette Commandery, No. 15; is a charter member of the Evansville Country Club; and also holds membership with the Crescent, Press and Gridiron Clubs. One of the leaders in the ranks of the democratic party in Evansville, he was president of the Young Men's Demo- cratic Club for four years and built it up from a membership of fifty to over six hundred. His opinions carry weight in the local councils of his party and he is a young man whose strong character, business and executive abil- ity and whose high purposes are such as to win for him a large personal following.
NICHOLAS KEIL, JR.
Both mercantile and agricultural interests claim the attention of Nicho- las Keil, Jr., a native son of Vanderburg county, his birth having occurred in Evansville, November 28, 1865. His name indicates his German lineage and in his life record are displayed some of the sterling traits of his Teu- tonic ancestry. His parents were Nicholas and Elizabeth Keil, both na- tives of Germany, whence they crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in Vanderburg county when the work of general improvement and progress had been carried forward here to only a slight extent. Mr. Keil opened a store in Evansville and continued in the business for about eighteen years, when he removed to Center township and bought one hundred and three acres of land. With characteristic energy he began the development of the farm, carrying on general agricultural pursuits for a quarter of a century, when, feeling that his capital was sufficient to enable him to live retired, he put aside business cares and returned to Evansville, where he is now making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Barbara Whittmer. His wife died in April, 1901.
Nicholas Keil, Jr., was reared in Evansville and upon the old home farm, remaining with his parents up to the time of his marriage, which important event in his life was celebrated on the Ist of December, 1887, the lady of his choice being Miss Katherina Adler, a daughter of Mathias and Maggie 'Adler, both natives of Germany. Having been reared to the occupation of farming, Nicholas Keil turned his attention to that pursuit in order to maintain the little home which he set up following his marriage. He rented sixty acres of land and began the cultivation of the fields, which because of his careful and practical methods brough forth good crops an-
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nually. He also engaged in the dairy business for about eight years but on the expiration of that period came to Stringtown and opened a store which he has since conducted, being one of the leading factors in the pro- motion of commercial activity in this community. About seven years ago he bought the old home place, which he has since been operating and thus both commercial and agricultural interests claim his time and attention. In business affairs his judgment is sound, his insight keen and his enter- prise unfaltering and thus he is making steady progress along those lines to which he has elected to devote his energies.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Keil have been born seven children, namely: Otto N., twenty-two years of age; Edward, twenty years of age; Frank, eight- een years of age; Christ, who died in 1894; Julius, who has reached the age of fourteen years; Theodore, who passed away in 1898; and Henry, a lad of ten years. Mr. Keil and the family attend the Lutheran church and he makes liberal contributions toward its support. His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party and his fraternal relations are with the aerie of Eagles at Evansville. His entire life has been passed in Vanderburg county, where he is now well known, and his strongly pronounced traits of character are such as have gained for him the friendly regard and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
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