USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 22
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Charles F. Artes, brought to America at the age of four years, spent his boyhood in Henderson, Kentucky, and acquired his education in the public schools. He has been a resident of Evansville since 1864, coming to this city when a youth of seventeen years. He entered into active con- nection with the jewelry business and has continued in this line to the pres- ent time, gaining distinction in his chosen field. By careful study of the wants of his trade and his rare taste in the selection of goods he has won a reputation that is most enviable. His establishment would be a credit
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to a city of much larger size and the integrity of his methods constitutes and example that might well be followed by any.
Mr. Artes seems to have inherited the intellectual strength of his father and a fondness for research. His attention, however, has been directed into other than musical fields. He has devoted much time to archeological research and he has a valuable collection of antiques and curiosities. His reading, research and investigation have been of a most broad character, covering the field of literature and art.
On the 22d of September, 1874, Mr. Artes was married, in Evansville, to Miss Medora Davidson, a native of this city and a daughter of William Davidson, one of the early residents here. They have become the parents of three sons, namely : William Artes, Charles Artes, Jr., and Oliver Artes.
The family are members of St. Paul's Episcopal church, Mr. Artes be- coming one of the founders of Holy Innocents church, in the work of which he has taken a most helpful and active part. He is well known in Masonic circles, holding membership with the lodge, chapter and commandery. While in business he has made for himself a creditable position, he has never allowed his activities to center upon commercial pursuits to the exclusion of other interests and is today regarded as one of Evansville's citizens of worth-a broad-minded, cultured gentleman, with whom as- sociation means expansion and elevation.
HOLT-BRANDON ICE & COLD STORAGE COMPANY.
The Holt-Brandon Ice & Cold Storage Company originated with M. C. Brandon, who started in 1886 with three or four teams hauling coal from the Diamond coal mines and in 1888 he established an office on Main street in this city. During the summer of the same year he began ship- ping lake ice from Lake Maxincuckee, Indiana, and selling it in Evans- ville. In 1891 he established an office at No. 414 North Eighth street, con- tinning until October, 1894, when ground was broken for the erection of a plant in this city for the manufacture of ice. A large and increasing business having been developed and the time for further extension having arrived, the Holt-Brandon Ice & Cold Storage Company was incorporated in 1895 with Sterling R. Holt, of Indianapodis, as president, and M. C. Brandon as secretary and treasurer. The company began the manufacture of ice and also entered upon a general cold storage business. The original ice machine had a capacity of twenty-five tons per day, but six or seven years ago the machine was increased to forty tons per day and the ice storage capacity to three thousand tons. Last year, owing to additional demands, on account of the growing population and the increasing popu- larity of the system, the ice storage capacity was brought up to four thou- sand tons and another ice machine was installed by which the output
HARRY LOEWENTHAL
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is more than doubled and the company is now able to meet all calls from whatever quarter.
In 1901 Mr. Holt sold his interest in the business to M. C. Brandon and Harry Loewenthal, Mr. Brandon becoming president and treasurer and Mr. Loewenthal secretary and manager of the company, in which positions they remained until the death of Mr. Brandon, March 11, 1909. Mr. Loew- enthal is now the president and D. A. Jansen, who became associated with Mr. Brandon in the business in February, 1888, is secretary and treasurer. The principal object of the company is to supply the local trade and large shipments are also made to points in southern Indiana, northern Kentucky and southern Illinois. The company gives employment to forty-five or fifty persons, owns a complete outfit of wagons and teams and is thor- oughly up-to-date in everything pertaining to the ice and cold storage business.
Mr. Jansen is a native of Evansville and was educated in the public schools. He is thoroughly acquainted with the business to which he has devoted more than twenty years and in which he has exhibited qualifica- tions of a high order, winning the confidence and respect of his business associates. In 1908 he was happily married with Miss Lillian Gleich- man and one child, Amy, is the result of the union.
Mr. Loewenthal was born at Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1863. He came to Evansville in 1880 and was for a number of years identified with the manufacture of clothing in this city. He became a member of the Holt- Brandon Ice & Cold Storage Company in 1901 and has since devoted his attention with remarkable success to this business. He is a son of Loew- enthal, for many years well known as a dry-goods merchant, who retired from active life three years before his death, which occurred December 8, 1908. In 1895, at Evansville, Harry Loewenthal was united in marriage to Miss Julia Bitterman. They have four children: Edwin, Jack, Philip and Arthur. Mr. Loewenthal occupies an honorable position in social and business circles and is an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the city.
EDWARD MAHRENHOLZ.
Among the rising young farmers of Vanderburg county is Edward Mahrenholz, who lives upon a rented farm of thirty-three acres and by his energy and wise management has gained the confidence and good will of his neighbors. He was born and reared in this county and is a descend- ant of worthy German ancestry, whose characteristics of aspiration, per- severance and thrift he exemplifies in his life and action. He first saw the light of day in Perry township, October 21, 1884, and is a son of Christian Mahrenholz. The father came from Germany in the '6os and located in
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Vanderburg county, which even then was a promising farming region but has since been developed on a large scale by many intelligent and competent agriculturists.
The subject of our review was educated in the district schools and im- mediately upon laying his books aside directed his undivided attention to the farm. He has from the beginning of his active career always taken the greatest interest in his work and is now regarded as one of the most competent farmers of his age in this region. That he has been successful is indicated by the position he occupies in the estimation of the community.
On September 19, 1906, Mr. Mahrenholz was united in marriage to Miss Lida Miller. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mahrenholz: Elsie, now three years of age; Rudolph, two years of age; and a third addition to the household, now eight months old.
Mr. and Mrs. Mahrenholz are members of the German Lutheran church and represent a harmonious family, their home being the abode of happi- ness which is known only as evidence of duty performed. Mr. Mahrenholz is affiliated politically with the republican party, believing this party to be the one that best subserves the farming interests. In his life he is governed by principles of industry and perseverance that seldom fail of their re- ward and the indications are that each year will witness new victories and he will attain the independence his father sought when he left the old world and faced an untried destiny under the stars and stripes of the American republic.
CHARLES E. FINKE.
Charles E. Finke, president of the Finke Furniture Company, and thus prominent in the commercial circles of Evansville, has worked his way steadily upward to the creditable position which he now fills. His start in business life was a most humble one but merit has secured his advance- ment until he is now at the head of a profitable and growing business. He is numbered among Indiana's native sons, his birth having occurred in Boonville, Sepember 13, 1867, his parents being William and Mary Finke. The father was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1840, and after coming to In- diana lived in Boonville, Huntingburg and other parts of the state.
Charles E. Finke attended the public schools of Huntingburg until fif- teen years of age when he became. a wage earner in a brickyard where he was employed for three years. On the expiration of that period he became connected with the restaurant business and for three years was a represen- tative for the Southern News restaurant. Removing to Evansville, he spent six months in canvassing for a feather cleaner concern, at the end of which time he accepted the position of collector with the firm of Venne- man & Rhodes, prominent representatives of the furniture trade of the
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city, with whom he was connected for eleven years. At one time he was manager of the Union Furniture Company, a branch of the business of Venneman & Rhodes, but the ambitious man is seldom content to remain in the service of others. He seeks an independent field that he may direct his own interests and secure the profits of his own labors. To this end Mr. Finke rented a small storeroom at Nos. 320-322 North Fourth street, and began the sale of new and second hand furniture. Although he started the business on a small scale, his trade steadily increased and later justified the establishment of another store at No. 623 Main street. He placed his brother in the latter establishment as manager and made him a partner in the business. In 1907 the C. E. & L. B. Finke Furniture Company was organized, with the elder brother as president of the company and the younger brother as secretary and treasurer. Two stores are now conducted and the business is extensive and profitable. Charles E. Finke also bought out Joseph Muskawitz and reorganized the business under the name of the Handy Furniture Company, of which he is sole proprietor, handling a general line of new and second hand household goods and furnishings.
Mr. Finke was married in Evansville on the 16th of November, 1893, to Miss Amelia K. Herth, and unto them have been born three children, Ralph, Albert and Florence, now fifteen, nine and seven years of age re- spectively. The elder son is a high school pupil and the two younger children are also attending the public schools. Mr. Finke manifests justi- fiable pride in his little family and his home is a hospitable one whose good cheer is greatly enjoyed by the many friends that he and his wife have won during their residence here. Mr. Finke gives his political support to the republican party and fraternally is connected with the Royal Arcanum and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is an earnest and faithful member of the German Methodist church and is serving on the board of trustees of the Deaconess Hospital. His spirit of helpfulness is a manifestation of broad humanitarianism which prompts him to reach out in aid of all who need assistance.
ALBERT J. SHAFER.
An important line of business that has grown up in America as the population has gathered in the cities is truck farming. It is a business that requires close attention and no laggard can expect to accomplish any im- portant results as a truck farmer, because such a farm flourishes only when weeds are not in evidence, and its financial management requires a head who recognizes the value of a dollar and how to collect the same when the products of his toil pass from his hands. A successful truck farmer is one who is wide-awake, energetic and prompt and efficient in making deliveries of his products after he has given his promise to do so. It is readily to be
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seen that successful truck farming requires a man of good character and all-round effectiveness. Such a man is Albert J. Shafer, the owner of a flourishing truck farm of fourteen acres within convenient access of Evans- ville.
He was born in Vanderburg county in 1884, a son of John Shafer, who came to this county from Pennsylvania and located in Knight township. In the family were six children: John F., William C .; Henry; Albert J .; Annie, at home with her mother; and Carrie, now the wife of Henry Blun- ker, a well known concrete contractor of Evansville.
Albert J. Shafer has all his life been identified with farming operations. He was educated in a country schoolhouse and as a boy became familiar with the work which has since occupied much of his attention. The farm which he owns gives evidence of thoughtful care and is conducted in such a way as to make him financially independent.
In 1905 Mr. Shafer was united in marriage to Miss Adelia Hudson, the youngest daughter of Frank Hudson, of Evansville. Unto them has been born one child, Aline Caroline. Mr. Shafer is identified with the republican party and he and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian church and continue liberally to its support. By industry and good judg- ment he has acquired his farm and in a comfortable home, provided with all the requirements of a well regulated household, he and his family enjoy the well merited results of their self-denial and toil.
ABRAHAM S. FORD.
Abraham S. Ford, general manager at Evansville for the St. Bernard Mining Company, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in November, 1854, and is a son of Charles and Katharine Ford, the former a native of Ohio. At the usual age Abraham S. Ford entered the public schools and, mastering the studies in the successive grades, was promoted until he left the high school at the age of twenty years and became a factor in business circles. For a decade after completing his education he devoted his time and attention to general farming, which he followed in the vicinity of Evansville, but believing that he would find commercial pursuits more con- genial and profitable, he left the farm and took charge of the Evansville interests of the St. Bernard Mining Company, a corporation of Erlington, Kentucky, dealing in coal, coke and anthracite. He has entire charge of the business at this point and has succeeded in building up a trade of ex- tensive proportions. His energies are concentrated upon the development of the business with the result that his close application, industry and keen insight have secured for the company which he represents a large and growing trade in this section of the state.
A. S. FORD
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Mr. Ford has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Elizabeth Laut, of Evansville, whom he married April 2, 1878, and who died Febru- ary 16, 1898. In 1901 he was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Kelsey. They are well known socially in this city and the hospitality of many of the best homes is freely accorded them.
Mr. Ford belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, to the National Union and to the Supreme Court of Honor, and is loyal to the benevolent purposes and the fraternal principles which constitute the basic elements of these organizations. A review of the political situation and issues of the day has led him to give strong endorsement to the men and measures of the republican party and yet he does not seek office or desire political preferment for himself. He feels that his personal interests are best conserved through devotion to the business in which he is now engaged, and in which connection he has made a creditable name as a re- liable and enterprising business man of Evansville.
GEORGE L. KRAUSS.
A self-made man is usually defined as one who wins his way to a posi- tion of responsibility without assistance from others and who is the happy possessor of a spirit of fearlessness and independence that would enable him to win anywhere in anything he should undertake. He must be brave, strong hearted and persevering and he must have the good sense to learn even from his own mistakes. A man who easily becomes discouraged can never become a self-made man; he will drift with the tide and will always occupy a subordinate position. It is not so with George L. Krauss, the subject of this review. He inherited characteristics that were almost cer- tain in the course of time to bring him to the front in some line of busi- ness. He comes of vigorous Teutonic stock that is not easily cast down and is not afraid to fight and even to die for what it believes to be its rights.
Mr. Krauss was born in Edenheim, Germany, February 4, 1882, a son of George and Margaret Krauss, both natives of Germany. The father, came to America many years before our subject was born, in 1860, and soon after his arrival on the shores of the western continent the great Re- bellion threw a shadow over the entire land and the armies gathered into their ranks tens of thousands of brave young men who willingly offered their lives for a cause which they believed to be right. Among this number was George Krauss. He served throughout the entire war as a faithful and true defender of the Union and after receiving an honorable discharge in 1865 he returned to his native country. This is one of the remarkable instances in which a man who was at that time not a citizen of the United States risked his life to uphold the stars and stripes. In his native land Mr. Krauss was married and engaged in the butcher business until 1884,
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when for a second time he came to America, bringing with him his wife and children, having decided here to take up his permanent abode. He located at Evansville, where he pursued the trade that he had learned in the old country and where he departed this life in March, 1897. He was an in- dustrious, worthy and useful citizen and in all respects a man who deserved the friendshinp and confidence of every lover of liberty.
George L. Krauss attended the public schools of Evansville until he was eleven years of age and, his assistance then being necessary for the support of the family, he entered the employ of the Indiana Egg Case Com- pany as driver, continuing for one year. Although very young for such a position, he acquitted himself creditably. His next employment was with W. E. Vickery, the grocer, where he continued for some years, after which he was identified for seven years with the saloon business. However, he was not a man to be satisfied with any small responsibility and in 1909 he acquired the ownership of the Imperial Laundry, which he has conducted very successfully. He gives employment to twenty-five persons and is constantly extending the field of his operations, which up to the present time has been restricted to bundle and family work.
On August 1, 1906, Mr. Krauss was united in marriage to Miss Ida L. Vogt, and two children have blessed the union: George Benjamin, now three years of age; and Ralph William, one and one-half years of age. Mr. Krauss is an active worker in social organizations and holds membership in the Eagles, the Owls, the Ranchmen and the Knights of Fidelity. He votes the republican ticket but his inclinations lie in the direction of busi- ness rather than politics. He stands well among his business associates ; has always met his obligations ; and is known as "a man of his word." Into his new line of business he has infused an energy that gives large promise of gratifying financial returns.
ALEXANDER CRAWFORD.
A man who has been at the head of the same line of business in the same community for thirty-eight years and has not only seen his business grow and flourish but has retained the respect of his associates and of citizens generally has in an important degree attained success in life. By success we do not mean to accentuate the financial phase of the term, for it is entirely true that a man may attain great success and not be worth a dollar. True success is the development of an upright character. This is probably the greatest work in which any human being can engage and in this respect the well known citizen of Evansville, whose name stands at the head of this review is by no means lacking. He is recognized as a stanch and a reliable man, whose virtues coming in contact with the world have not tarnished and whose word is always as good as his bond.
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Alexander Crawford is of Scotch ancestry and inherited from a long line of worthy members of the family the sturdy characteristics of the race. He was born at Otter Ferry, Argyllshire, Scotland, in 1840. In his home school he received the rudiments of an education which he has since greatly ex- tended by reading and observation, and in 1869, a tthe age of twenty-nine years, he bade farewell to his native land and started out to seek his for- tune in America. He first settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where for three years he worked at the plumber's trade. Not entirely satisfied with his surround- ings as a place for beginning business on his own account, he came to Evansville in 1872 and opened with Charles Newlands a plumbing and gas fitting establishment, with which he has ever since been identified. Four years later he purchased the interest of Mr. Newlands and admitted a brother, Peter, as a partner. Here he has continued during all the years that have elapsed and by industry and careful attention to the details of his business the firm has acquired a reputation second to no other in the same line in Evansville.
In 1897 Mr. Crawford was happily united in marriage to Miss Mary Craig, a daughter of Alexander Craig, who came to Evansville from Scot- land. One daughter has been born to the union, Mary R., who is residing with her parents. Mr. Crawford has always adhered to the religious belief of his forefathers and is an active and efficient member of the Walnut Street Presbyterian church. The fraternal principles of the Masonic order have met from him a hearty response and he now holds membership in Reed Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of this city, and for several years filled the honorable position of master of Evansville lodge. As is indicated by this review, Mr. Crawford is a man of sturdy virtues, who is highly honored by his friends and acquaintances and respected by the entire community.
JOSEPH HAAS.
Some men are born for success and some apparently are intended by nature to be followers. The secret of this inequality has never been clearly explained but all observation shows that it exists. An illustration of the class first mentioned is presented in the subject of this review. For twelve years past Joseph Haas has been engaged in the grocery business in Evans- ville and by his friends he is given the unique distinction of being the wealthiest self-made man of his age in this city.
Mr. Haas is a native of Cincinnati, born in 1875, and is a son of Frank Haas. He came with his parents to this city when he was three years of age. Here his father engaged in the saloon business at the corner of Twelfth avenue and Franklin street, moving at the end of three years to No. 1204 Main street. Later he sold out and became local representative of the In- ternational Harvester Company, in which position he remained until his
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death, which occurred in September, 1904. Mrs. Haas is still living and resides in this city. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Haas ; Mamie, now the wife of Charles Seihler, postmaster of Evansville; Dollie, the wife of Captain Jeff. Williams; Frank, secretary of the Evansville Gas & Electric Company ; and Joseph, of this review.
Joseph Haas received his education in the public schools and in a business college. At a very early age he gained his first knowledge of commercial affairs by acting as carrier for newspapers and he continued faithfully at this work for six years, until he was seventeen years of age, carefully laying aside his slender income until it was large enough to become the foundation of his present fortune. As a boy he was wide-awake, active and energetic and these desirable characteristics he has always retained. At the age of sixteen he entered the employ of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railway Company and so continued for seven years. It was in 1898 that he became identified with the grocery business, his first investment in this line being at the corner of Governor and Olive streets. Here he developed a highly lucrative trade and in 1904 acquired possession of his present location on Main street. Three years later he bought a store which he is now operating on Fourth street and in 1908 became the owner of a third store at No. 616 Main street. As the result of his attention to the grocery business he is now at the head of three flourishing stores. He also owns two well im- proved farms in Vanderburg county, is sole proprietor of the Utility Ma- chine Shops and is the owner of four residences in this city. He is a stock- holder in the steamer Francis and the owner of the pleasure barge Indiana.
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