USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 23
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In religious affiliations he is connected with St. Mary's Catholic church and although he is identified with so many business enterprises, he finds time to cultivate the social amenities and to devote attention to outdoor recrea- tions of which he is very fond. On account of his remarkable administra- tive ability Mr. Haas stands very high in the best business circles and in the community, where his entire life since infancy has been passed, he is held in general esteem.
JOHN C. STASER.
Among the prosperous farmers of Scott township, Vanderburg county, may be named John C. Staser, who was born in the town where he now lives November 8, 1857. He is a son of John C. and Margaret (Clinton) Staser, the former a native of Germany and the latter of the state of Vir- ginia. John C. Staser, Sr., at the age of seven years came to America with his parents, who were of the sturdy, independent Teutonic stock that always thrives best in the face of difficulties, locating in Center township, Vander- burg county. The family moved to Scott township in 1830 and entered government land of which a vast acreage in this and adjoining states was
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then available at a very small cost. However, the land required to be cleared and improved and this called for years of earnest application. In the meantime the father of the family, being a man of scholarly attainments, was admitted to the bar and was a practitioner in the courts of the state until ten years before his death, which occurred in March, 1886, his wife having departed this life twenty years previous, in 1866. Mr. Staser proved to be a successful financier and at the time of his decease was the owner of a beautiful farm of one thousand acres in one of the best farming regions of the state. This farm he conducted so as to provide gratifying returns.
The subject of this review received his preliminary education in the dis- trict schools, later becoming a student in the public schools of Evansville. He remained with his parents always and upon the departure of his father came into possession of the beautiful homestead which he has still further improved by the construction of buildings, fences and all other accessories which brings the farm up-to-date and make it a most desirable place of resi- dence. The home place contains one hundred and twenty-seven acres and here he keeps forty head of cattle and forty head of deer.
On October 19, 1885, Mr. Staser was united in marriage to Miss Mar- garet Major, a daughter of John and Anna (McDowell) Major, who came to this country from Ireland. Mr. Staser is identified with the democratic party and is one of those solid men whose word is considered as good as his bond and who can always be depended upon to do as he says.
WILLIAM J. ELLIOTT.
William J. Elliott, deceased, for many years a grocer in Evansville and later prominently identified with the show business, was born in New York, October 13, 1853. He was the son of Anger Livingston Elliott, who came to Warrick country, Indiana, during the Civil war and later removed to Evansville, where he followed the carpenter's trade and where his death occurred.
The education of William J. Elliott was principally that which is gained in the school of experience. He was early thrown upon his own resources and for a number of years operated on the Ohio river, where he became mate on a steamer and held other responsible positions. The railroads, however, interfered seriously with the river traffic and Mr. Elliott located in Evansville and engaged in the grocery business at the corner of Reade and Michigan streets. He attained a measure of success in his new vocation but he attracted the attention of the Walter L. Main Show Company and at their solicitation withdrew from his other interests and for fourteen years acted as privilege manager for the show company. In the course of time he traveled very extensively over the entire country and became a highly valued member of a large and growing organization.
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In 1884 Mr. Elliott was united in marriage to Miss Eva Hausman, who is now living in Evansville and who came from Germany with her parents, locating in Posey county, Indiana, in 1865, and later at Blue Grass, where her father, Peter Hausman, was a prosperous farmer. There were no chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Elliott but they adopted a daughter, Esther, now Mrs. Robert Chambers, of this city.
Mr. Elliott was a man of friendly and agreeable address and possessed more than ordinary business capacity. He made many acquaintances in various parts of the country in the course of his travels and he never allowed his energies to become so completely absorbed in the pursuit of money as to dry up the fountains of sympathy. Although he started out in life upon his own resources, he learned to utilize the opportunities that surrounded him and he became highly successful as a business manager, his employers placing the greatest confidence in his honesty and trained judgment. He was a member of a number of fraternal organizations, among which were the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Tribe of Ben Hur and the Eagles, the beneficent teachings of these orders having a perceptible effect upon his life. He died in Evansville February 9, 1906, and is survived by his widow, who still resides at the family home.
FREDERICK W. LAUENSTEIN.
Castle Lauenstein, the ancestral home of the family, still stands at Grieszan, Germany, and the ancestral history can be traced back through three hundred years. Friedrich and Constanze Lauenstein, both natives of Germany, were for many years residents of Evansville, where the former engaged in newspaper publication almost to the time of his death, which occurred July 12, 1904.
His son, Frederick W. Lauenstein, whose name introduces this re- view, was born in Evansville, February 6, 1879, and, after attending the public schools of this city until about ten and a half years of age, entered the Educational Institute of St. Louis, where he continued his studies for six years. In 1896 he matriculated in the Indiana University at Bloom- ington, completing his course there in 1899. In his youthful days he was much interested in athletics, particularly in football and baseball. Turning his attention to the more serious duties of life on leaving school, he be- came identified with newspaper interests and in that field has worked his way steadily upward, starting in a humble position and advancing as merit has gained him promotion. His attention has been given almost entirely to newspaper work and as editor of the Demokrat he ranks now among the leading journalists of southern Indiana. Taking active part in formulat- ing the policy of the paper, he has kept it in touch with the most modern and progressive ideas of journalism, while as editor his writings have been
F. W. LAUENSTEIN
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an influencing factor in molding public opinion by his intelligent and com- prehensive discussion of vital questions of the day. Into the field of busi- ness he has also extended his efforts, being interested financially in many enterprises. He is now a director of the Citizens National Bank, also of the Tri-State Fair Association and vice president of the Evansville Suburban Land & Mining Company, all of which have profited by his keen business discernment and unfaltering enterprise.
On the 5th of March, 1902, Mr. Lauenstein was married to Miss Eliza- beth Fares, a member of one of the oldest families of Evansville. They now have one daughter, Margaret Constanze. Mr. Lauenstein is a lead- ing spirit in German circles and is, moreover, a prominent and valued member of the Elks lodge, the Liederkranz Maennerchor, the Germania Maennerchor, the Concordia Singing Society, the Turners Society and the German Society. He likewise belongs to St. John's Evangelical church and for three and a half years was a member of the school board, serving from April, 1906, until January, 1910, as the youngest man ever a member of that body. His political allegiance is given to the democracy but above and beyond all partisanship is his deep interest in public affairs resulting in the championship of every measure and movement which he deems of interest to Evansville and her upbuilding. His life work has been char- acterized by an orderly progression. Starting out without any vaulting ambition to accomplish something especially great or famous, he has fol- lowed the lead of his position, doing as best he could everything that came to hand and seizing legitimate advantages as they have arisen. He has never hesitated to take a forward step when the way was open. Possess- ing ability and character that inspired confidence in others, the simple weight of his character and ability has carried him into important rela- tions with large interests.
ANDREW JACKSON SIRKLE.
The name of Sirkle has long figured on the pages of the history of Vanderburg county, for representatives of the family were among the first setlers in this part of the state and later generations have continued the work which they instituted in the development and upbuilding of this dis- trict. George Sirkle, the grandfather of Andrew J. Sirkle, was one of the first county commissioners of the county. He was also a soldier in the Indian wars under General Andrew Jackson. Andrew Sirkle, the father, was born September 26, 1824, devoted his life to farming and died on the 9th of December, 1862. He was one of those who rescued Dr. Trafton, one of the first physicians of Evansville, from a flatboat, from which he took him in a canoe to the shore. For three days he remained in the Sirkle home and was then taken to Evansville. The family name indicates their German ancestry.
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Andrew Jackson Sirkle is a native of Union township and throughout his entire life has been connected with farming interests in this part of the state. That he has succeeded in his undertakings is indicated in the fact that he owns and has improved some six hundred acres of land. He is therefore one of the large landowners of the county and his methods of farming have at all times been practical and progressive, converting wild land into rich fields, from which he annually gathers substantial harvests. His life has been a diligent one and his record is written in the tangible terms of profit.
On the 8th of June, 1866, Mr. Sirkle was married to Miss Catherine Elizabeth Dusner, of Union township, a daughter of Phillip Dusner, and unto them have been born seven children: Amelia, Andrew Jackson, Lulu, William, Louise E., Frederick and Walter, all of whom are now married with the exception of two. The work instituted by his grandfather in pioneer days and later carried on by his father is now being continued by Andrew J. Sirkle, who, like his predecessors, has been faithful in the duties of citi- zenship and capable in his efforts to promote the general welfare. His in- dividual success indicates his business ability and keen foresight and his business affairs have always been transacted in terms of honor.
WILLIAM SCHMIDT.
When the names of the prosperous and successful farmers of Knight township are mentioned that of William Schmidt always occupies a promi- nent place. He has stanch Teutonic blood in his veins and inherited from his father a fearlessness and energy that are such prominent characteristics of the sons of Germany and their descendants wherever they may be found. Indeed, it is very doubtful whether the American republic would be such a great world power as it is today were it not for the strong arms and valiant hearts that ever since the establishment of the Union have sought here the blessings of freedom of thought and action which the old world does not afford.
Mr. Schmidt is a true representative of this noble race. He was born in Knight township, Vanderburg county, August 6, 1862, and is the son of Jacob and Krausznthia Schmidt. His father was born in Germany in 1824 and upon arriving at maturity became a soldier of the German army, where he gained new ideas as to the world and, coming into contact with many other intelligent young men, he received an education which is not taught in the schools. He finally recognized that in the fatherland, where lines of caste are tightly drawn and a son is expected to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors, a young man, ambitious of advancement, has little oppor- tunity to improve his condition, so he decided to bid farewell to his native country and to make his permanent home in America. After arriving in
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this country he settled for a time in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, but not find- ing there the advantages that he expected, he came to Evansville and began in Vanderburg county as a farm laborer. As time passed he prospered and became the owner of sixty-two acres of land in Knight township, which he cleared and improved and upon which he dwelt until his death. In 1851 he was united in marriage to Miss Krausznthia Spitzmueller, a daughter of Charles Spitzmueller, a successful farmer of Knight township. Seven children were born of this marriage: William, of this review; Mary ; Jacob, now deceased; Lou; Kate; Fred; and George.
William Schmidt as a lad received his first lessons in agriculture upon the home farm and in the neighboring schoolhouse was given a practical education in the fundamental principles of learning that has been of con- stant assistance to him in extending his sphere of knowledge and usefulness. As a young man he was active, energetic and efficient in his work and through years of faithful application he became the owner of a highly improved farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Knight township and also of a farm of eighty acres in Warrick county, this state. He conducts operations on both farms in accordance with methods that he has thoroughly tested and that have brought him liberal financial recompense. He is known as one of the respected members of the community who has fairly earned the honors that have come to him.
In 1888 Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Schluter, a daughter of Fred Schluter, who is engaged in farming in Warrick county. Of this union four children were born: Robert, Nora, Albert and Helen. Mr. Schmidt is happy in his work and in his home and friends. He is a man of sympathetic nature who readily responds to the calls of distress and assists in any worthy enterprise that tends to advance the interests of the neighborhood.
HON. LOUIS H. LEGLER.
The subject of this biography is a man well known in southern Indiana, having a state-wide acquaintance through affiliation with the leading politi- cal party and membership in the legislative assembly of the state. He has been a resident of Evansville for forty-four years and has occupied posi- tions of trust and responsibility in which he exhibited the sterling qualities of character than gain recommendation and commendation from all true citizens. His career has been along the path of patient and persistent effort and the reward is witnessed in the general esteem which is accorded even from members of political parties not in harmony with his own. In this country the lines in politics are not always sharply drawn and the good citizen and close adherent to party principles are often synonymous.
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Louis H. Legler is a native of Ontario, Canada, where he was born on the 21st of December, 1855. He is the son of Dr. Henry T. Legler, who was born in Saxony in 1819 and served as a surgeon in the Union army from 1861 to 1866. Dr. Legler led a long and useful life and died in California in 1908 at the advanced age of eighty-nine years.
Louis H. Legler, the subject of this review, became a resident of Evansville in May, 1866. This was shortly after the close of the Civil war and the country had not yet become quieted after the great conflict in which the Ohio valley was the theater of many stiring scenes. As the years passed the country became more thickly populated and Evansville grew until it became one of the most important residence and business cen- ters in the state. Educated in the public schools and later in a local com- mercial college, Louis H. Legler began his active business career at fifteen years of age as an employe in the dry-goods store of J. P. & S. A. Coolidge. Here he was inducted into the practical operations of the business, which he learned so thoroughly that in 1881 he was appointed deputy city treas- urer. In this position he continued until 1883. In the meantime, on ac- count of his knowledge as an accountant, he had been appointed deputy county auditor, discharging the duties of that position for eight years, from 1886 to 1894. In the latter year he was elected auditor of Vanderburg county for a term of four years and received endorsement for the capa- bility, efficiency and loyalty which he displayed in his first term by reelec- tion in 1898 for a second term of four years, so that he remained as the incumbent in the office until 1902. His record was entirely satisfactory to the general public and won him high encomiums from those best qualified to speak with authority thereon. The discharge of his duties brought him into daily contact with the public and he made many friends who enthu- siastically rallied to his support as a candidate for the state legislature from Vanderburg county in 1905. Being elected to the lower house of that honor- able body, he conducted himself in such a way as to gain the general ap- proval of citizens of the county. He is now trustee of the Peoples Sav- ings Bank of Evansville and holds the responsible position of loan secre- tary of the institution. As a business man he is known as conscientious and conservative, the possessor of good judgment and thoroughly trust- worthy in everything he undertakes.
Mr. Legler was united in marriage at Evansville, October 10, 1888, to Miss Marion Bonnel, a daughter of Warren Bonnel. Two sons and four daughters have been born as a result of the union. Genial in disposition and possessing many pleasing social characteristics, Mr. Legler is identified with the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks and the Turn Verein. He is also a member of St. . John's Evangelical church.
Whether in business, political affairs, social or domestic relations, Mr. Legler has always earned and retained the confidence and respect of those with whom he has been associated. He is deservedly popular and while he
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is never self-assertive and has often yielded his own preferences in defer- ence to others, he has never sacrificed principles. Fair in all his dealings, his upright character has never been questioned and one of the ambitions of his life is to retain what all honorable men aspire to gain-an un- blemished reputation.
JAMES S. McDONALD.
James S. McDonald, a successful farmer of Armstrong township, who owns the farm on which he was born, first opened his eyes to the light of day August 26, 1862. He is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Calvert) McDonald, both of whom were also natives of Vanderburg county and identified with its farming interest during their entire lives. The father was born September 17, 1837, and died at the age of fifty-nine on April 7, 1896. Mrs. McDonald, who was a kind mother and a worthy helpmeet to her husband, was born December 2, 1843, and departed this life at the old homestead, November 8, 1897. The American ancestors of the McDonald family were of Scottish parentage and came to America in 1680 at the close of a war in their native country, which caused many of the sons of Scotland to seek a home in a strange land. Three brothers of the name settled in Virginia and it is be- lieved that their descendants participated in the Revolutionary war under Washington. Samuel McDonald, the grandfather of our subject, came west in a flatboat down the Ohio river and landed at Evansville in 1829. He was born in the Blue Ridge mountains, Virginia, May 12, 1799, and was the first of the family to locate in Vanderburg county.
James S. McDonald was educated in the district schools and early de- cided to devote his life to farming. Under his father's instruction he gained a thorough knowledge of the business and after the death of the father he purchased the interests of the other heirs in the farm and now is the owner of a well improved place of two hundred and eight acres on section 5, Armstrong township. In various matters pertaining to his voca- tion he has exercised rare sense and judgment and the excellent condition of his farm is proof that in the race of life he has won. He is thoroughly familiar with the care and handling of live stock and few men in the county have any better judgment as to the value of farm animals and the best methods of placing them on the market.
On March 8, 1888, Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Williams, of Posey county, Indiana, a daughter of Harrison and Millvina (McReynolds) Williams. Her mother is now living in Posey county and is eighty years of age, but her father died thirty years ago. Mrs. McDonald has two sisters and a brother living in Posey county and three sisters are deceased. Mr. Williams was one of the pioneers of Indiana and he and his wife were both of Scotch ancestry, the early members of their families
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having settled in Tennessee. Two children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald: Deorda L., born January 22, 1889, who received a liberal education and is now teaching school; and Casey, who was born January 29, 1890. He received a good public-school education and later graduated from a commercial college with high honors and diploma recom- mending him as capable of entering any business as bookkeeper. He prefers the farm, however, to a business career and he is devoting his talents in the same direction as his father.
Mr. McDonald is of strong social tendencies and has a host of friends in Vanderburg county, who are welcomed by himself and wife at their hospitable home with a warmth of greeting that is not soon forgotten. His home is the abode of cheerfulness and good taste is exhibited in all its ap- pointments. With true Scottish grit he adheres to the religious belief of his ancestors and is a stanch supporter of the Presbyterian church. In political affiliations he is allied with the democratic party as the one which in his opinion is best adapted to the perpetuity of free institutions. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and, while he is never a seeker for public office, he has served four terms as township trustee and in all responsibilities of a leading citizen of his community he has acquitted himself in such a way as to gain and retain the respect and esteem of all the people in the region where he or his family are known.
EDWARD H. MANN.
Gradually working his way upward, his varied experiences promoting his ability and calling forth his latent talents, Edward H. Mann is now a well known representative of industrial interests in Evansville as a partner in the Orr Iron Company. He was born in Jasper, Dubois county, Indiana, on the 19th of June, 1857, and is a son of John and Magdalena Mann. The father and mother were born near Mainz, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and accompanied their respective parents to the United States in early life, coming direct to Posey county, Indiana. Later John Mann removed to Jasper, Indiana, where he was engaged as clerk in a general mercantile establishment.
Edward H. Mann was a little lad of nine years at the time of the removal of the family to Evansville. He continued his education in the schools of this city until fourteen years of age, when he secured a position as office boy in the mayor's office, there remaining from 1871 until 1873. From that time forward for a number of years he occupied positions in various public offices. Leaving the mayor's office, he spent one year as bookkeeper in the office of the waterworks department and was then appointed deputy county treasurer, which position he filled acceptably for three years. He then left political office to become a factor in the industrial circles of the city, be-
EDWARD H. MANN
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coming bookkeeper for the firm of Samuel Orr & Company in January, 1880. Two years later he entered into partnership relations with the house and for twenty-eight years has been a partner in the company, which is now known as the Orr Iron Company, controlling one of the important commercial industries of the city. He was one of the organizers of the Commercial Bank and is one of its directors.
HARRY J. PECKINPAUGH.
Prominent in the legal and political circles of Evansville, Harry J. Peckin- paugh has devoted his attention to the profession wherein advancement depends upon individual merit. The weight of a family name and the in- fluence of friends can avail little in this connection, for the attorney at the bar must prove his own strength and capability in the work that he does. Through the careful preparation of cases and their forceful presentation in the courts Mr. Peckinpaugh has become recognized as an able lawyer and at the same time his qualities of leadership have gained for him a posi- tion in political circles.
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