USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 24
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He was born in Leavenworth, Indiana, November 6, 1866, a son of William Henry and Mary (Emick) Peckinpauglı. The father, who was an attorney at law, practiced for many years at Jasper, Indiana. His death occurred in 1875 but the mother is still living, her home being in Grand View, this state. During the period of the Civil war Mr. Peckinpaugh en- listed for active service in defense of the Union and was chosen captain of Company E, Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry, with which he served for three years and two months. He was with General Grant on the Tennessee River Expedition and participated in the battle of Shiloh, at which time he held the rank of lieutenant. He afterward resigned to organize Company E of the Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry, of which he was made captain. He was wounded at the battle of Missionary Ridge and his death was the result of the injuries which he sustained in the war. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Peckinpaugh were two children, the daughter being Mrs. James Gab- bert, of Grand View, Indiana.
In his youthful days Harry J. Peckinpaugh devoted his time largely to the mastery of the branches of learning taught in the public schools and completed his education in the State University, of Indiana, from which he was graduated with the class of 1892, having completed a law course in that institution. His thorough equipment, combined with laudable ambi- tion, soon established him in a good practice and Evansville numbers him among her able and successful attorneys. He has never specialized in any particular department but has given his attention to general practice and is at home in the various branches of the law. He prepares his cases with great care and thoroughness, seeming to lose sight of no detail, while at
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the same time he gives due consideration to the more salient points of the case, never for a moment forgetting the vital point upon which the decision in every case finally turns.
On the 15th of May, 1894, Mr. Peckinpaugh was united in marriage to Miss Lola M. Huffman, of Spencer county, Indiana, and unto them have been born two children, Ruth Dale and Mary Helen. In his fraternal re- lations Mr. Peckinpaugh is connected with the Elks and with the Royal Arcanum. His political allegiance is given to the republican party which has ever found in him a stalwart advocate, laboring earnestly and effec- tively to promote its success. He is recognized as one of the local party leaders, and was appointed to the office of county attorney, which position he filled for five years. Previous to that time, in 1899, he had been chosen to represent his district in the state legislature and was made chairman of the committee on building and loan associations, in which connection he drew up a bill which in that session became a law and still regulates the building and loan operations in the state. It resulted in curbing a great many of the companies that were charging enormous interest, and with- drawal fees, some of them having to suspend busienss. The interests of the people were thereby protected and the public at large recognized the beneficial chaarcter of the measure passed. Mr. Peckinpangh believes in justice and fair play not only in the courts but in all the departments of public life and his influence is given on the side of reform and progress.
CONRAD HAASE.
Evansville owes not a little of its advancement to the manufacturing interests established in this city and its vicinity, which are constant con- tributors to the growth and prosperity of the community. These interests cover a wide range of industries and they give employment to thousands of persons who are patrons of all lines of business and are most important factors in the permanency and prosperity of the city. Among the indus- tries that are of long standing here is that of mattress manufacturing, in which Conrad Haase, whose name appears at the head of this review, is engaged. Mr. Haase inherited the business from his father, who was one of the early mattress manufacturers of this region and gained a wide repu- tation in his line, establishing a business which continues to flourish al- though its founder was called away years ago.
Conrad Haase, Sr., was a native of Erfurt, Saxony, Germany, where he was born in 1826. He was educated in his native town, but after arriv- ing at manhood's estate he felt an irresistable desire to cast his lot in the new world, where opportunities were open for ambitious young men who were determined to improve their financial condition. Accordingly, Mr. Haase, in 1854, crossed the ocean and came direct to Evansville, which
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was then a thriving village and already gave evidences of becoming an im- portant city. Here Mr. Haase entered the employ of Mr. Hibbard, who was a mattress manufacturer. By patient application Mr. Haase in a few years became thoroughly familiar with all the details of the work, and in 1860 he began for himself in the 700 block on Main street, erecting the first frame structure in that block. Under his management the business flourished and later he removed to the spot upon which it has since been conducted. In this city he was united in marriage September 27, 1866, to Miss Caroline Weaver, whose parents were farmers on the Stringtown road, and three children were the result of the union: Rosie and Elizabeth, both of whom are now deceased; and Conrad, Jr., whose record is here- with given. The father departed this life in 1908 and the mother on March 23, 1910.
Educated in the public schools of this city and also at a commercial college, Conrad Haase, Jr., grew up in the midst of advantages which proved a constant source of benefit to him in after life. Upon laying aside his books he entered the mattress factory of his father, where he soon be- came familiar with the business, and since the death of his father has had full charge of its affairs. In his work he has been highly successful, not only making many improvements in the mattresses which are sent out from the factory but also largely increasing the sales. He is owner of the building in which the business is located and also of several valuable city lots and of twenty-five acres of fine farming land in Center township on the right of way of the proposed Olney & Mount Carmel Interurban Railway.
In 1897 Mr. Haase was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Kalkbrenner, a daughter of Frank and Helen Kalkbrenner, who were both born in the fatherland and emigrated to this country, locat- ing at Evansville. Mr. Haase is known as a public-spirited and prosperous citizen, who always has at heart the best interests of the city and who has the confidence and esteem of his friends. As a representative citizen and as a native of Evansville he takes just pride in its continued advancement.
ALEXANDER LEMCKE.
A man of good business ability and a citizen whose death was a distinct loss to the city of Evansville, Alexander Lemcke will not soon be forgotten by many who knew and admired him for his genial manner and excellent qualities. He was born at Hamburg, Germany, July 2, 1834. He received a good education in his native country and came to America in 1852, locat- ing in Posey county, Indiana, where he entered the general merchandise business. He later came to Evansville and became associated with Charles Leich in the wholesale drug business but retired from that enterprise after some years and went to Europe because of impaired health. Returning to
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Evansville, he became interested in the woolen mills and was also again identified with Mr. Leich. At the time the Fulton Avenue Brewing Com- pany met with reverses Mr. Lemcke was appointed receiver and discharged his trust with remarkable ability. He was a member of the board of direc- tors of the First National Bank and for many years was a trustee of the Willard Library, acquiring a fortune in his business enterprises, of which he was a worthy and generous steward.
On April 3, 1868, Mr. Lemcke was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hardigg, of Cincinnati, who survives her husband and is making her home in Evansville. Mr. Lemcke was a brother of Hon. J. A. Lemcke, ex- treasurer of the state of Indiana, who is now living at Indianapolis.
A man of extensive reading and wide observation, Mr. Lemcke possessed many pleasing social qualities and made many friends during the course of a long business career. In announcing his death, which occurred January 31, 1896, a leading newspaper of Evansville, said: "Mr. Lemcke was one of the most esteemed gentlemen of Evansville. He prospered in business and was always found in the front ranks of those who worked to build up this city. He had a wide acquaintance and many will be grieved by the news of his death." In closing this brief review we will state that Mr. Lemcke was a typical prototype of the best class of business men. He always commanded the confidence of associates and he made an impression for good upon the younger generation that will continue to exert a beneficent effect long after his name has been forgotten, for there is nothing so lasting as the lesson of a noble human character.
HON. FREDERICK J. SCHOLZ.
Because of long connection with Evansville, because of his honorable activity in business and public life, Hon. Frederick J. Scholz has come to occupy a prominent position in public regard. His loyalty and his worth have both stood the test of time and he is numbered among those who have brought to the discharge of official duties the same spirit of enterprise, progressiveness and activity which characterizes the conduct of individual interests. A native of Nashville, Illinois, Mr. Scholz was born on the IIth of October, 1848, a son of the Rev. Frederick W. and Charlotte Sholz, both of whom were natives of Germany. They are now residents of Peoria, Illinois, and the father has devoted his life to the ministry.
Frederick J. Scholz supplemented his early educational privileges by study in the Theological Seminary at Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he re- mained for three years. His initial business experience came to him as clerk on the steamboat Indiana, running between Cincinnati and New Or- leans. He was thus engaged from 1864 until 1866. His identification with commercial interests of Evansville has been unbroken since 1868, in which year he established a marble business that he has since conducted, its de-
FREDERICK J. SCHOLZ
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velopment and growth making him one of the leading representatives of industrial activity in this city. He has lived in Evansville continuously since 1865 and his business headquarters are at Nos. 11 to 20 Third street, same has been conducted under the firm style of F. J. Scholz & Son since 1895. In 1906 he built the New Vendome Hotel, one of the finest build- ings in the state, owned by a stock company now. This was built by Mr. Scholz following his return from Indianapolis and is a monument to his ability. Extending his efforts into other fields, he has become a stockholder in the Old State National Bank and the American Trust Company of Evansville; is a stockholder in the Claypool Hotel of Indianapolis; and is the possessor of considerable real estate in Evansville and elsewhere.
The success which Mr. Scholz has achieved in business and the impor- tance of his work as a factor in the industrial circles of the city would alone entitle him to mention among Evansville's prominent men. In other fields, however, he has labored with equal success and has risen to eminence in the political field. He was first called to public office in 1876, when he was elected councilman from the fifth ward. He discharged his duties in such a manner that reelection continued him in the office for twelve years and his official prerogatives were ever used in support of measures which are of permanent value to the city. In 1890 he was appointed census commis- sioner of southern Indiana by President Harrison and made one of the best showings that Evansville has ever had. He was most careful and accurate in compiling the census, which in 1890 showed a population of fifty-one thousand, seven hundred and fifty-six, while the tenth census taken in 1880 showed but twenty-nine thousand. The work that he had done in behalf of the party and the creditable record which he had made in office led to his nomination for the position of state treasurer in the convention which was held at Fort Wayne in 1892, but with the other candidates on the republican ticket he was defeated at the ensuing election. In 1894, however, he was more fortunate. Again he received the nomina- tion and popular suffrage called him to the office, to which he was reelected in 1896. Following his retirement from the position he became one of the directors and builders of the Indianapolis & Logansport Traction Line. A letter written by Governor Durbin to Hon. Frederick J. Scholz upon the expiration of his term of office as state treasurer reads as follows:
To Whom It May Concern:
Hon. F. J. Scholz, the bearer, was treasurer of the state of Indiana for two terms and while filling the office in the most acceptable manner the state debt was reduced about three million dollars. No predecessor has ever paid so much money in reduction of the state debt.
Mr. Scholz was an excellent officer. He was at all times courteous, considerate and alert. The interests of the state were well cared for dur- ing his terms.
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I cheerfully commend him for honesty, ability and trustworthiness. WINFIELD T. DURBIN,
Governor.
May 4, 1901.
Mr. Scholz, indeed, gave tangible proof of his interest in the welfare of the state and his loyalty thereto. He was a faithful custodian of the public exchequer and while he would not countenance useless or extrava- gant expenditure of the public funds he did not allow conservatism to hamper a wise progressiveness.
In 1870 Mr. Scholz was married to Miss M. Lindauer, and unto them was born a son, Charles J., who is now in business with his father. At his second marriage Mr. Scholz wedded Miss Amelia Grill, a daughter of Colonel John F. and M. Grill, and unto them were born five children, of whom three are living, Lydia, Minnie and Clara, all of whom are married. Minnie and Clara are now residents of Indianapolis, while Lydia makes her home in Boston.
Mr. Scholz and his wife belong to St. John's church. His fraternal re- lations are with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. He belongs to Orion Lodge, No. 35, of the latter organization, and has taken the degrees of both the York and Scottish Rite in Masonry, being a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, also a Knight Templar and Consistory Mason and likewise a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is today numbered among the distinguished citizens of Indiana, having impressed his personality upon its business development and its history, while at the same time he has aided in no unimportant manner in shaping the annals of the state. His abilities well fit him for public office or for the successful control of im- portant business affairs, While undoubtedly not without that ambition which is always an incentive to faithful service in public office, he yet re- gards the pursuit of private life as abundantly worthy of his best efforts and in the direction of important affairs has displayed keen sagacity, sound judgment and an aptitude for successful management.
WILLIAM HOOKER.
William Hooker, who is a flourishing farmer of Knight township, Van- derburg county, belongs to the Teutonic race that has contributed so mate- rially in its sons and daughters in upbuilding and extending this great re- public. He was born in Germany, November 10, 1848. He is the son of Henry Hooker who came to America, leaving his family at the old home in Germany, for the purpose of finding a suitable location under the American flag, and then sending for his wife and child. However, he was not as suc- cessful as he expected to be and after two years of disappointment he died from homesickness. In 1852 Mrs. Hooker came with her son William and
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her brother, John Ersick, to this country and settled on a farm in Knight township, Vanderburg county, Indiana. Four years later she was united in marriage to Christian Schiffer and of this union four children were born, only one of whom is now living, John Schiffer. With him the mother made her home in Knight township until her death, February 19, 1910.
The subject of this review was enducated in the district school and grew up under the direction of his stepfather, becoming well acquainted with the operations of the farm. By the exercise of thrift and economy he was able, in 1876, to purchase one hundred acres of land in Knight township. At the time of the purchase the land was unimproved. He erected a comfortable residence and other necessary buildings and his farm is recognized as one of the most productive in the neighborhood. Here he carries on general farming operations and each year adds to his financial resources through the profits from abundant harvests and the sale of live stock.
In 1878 Mr. Hooker was united in marriage to Miss Christina Wiggers, of Knight township, and six children were born of the union: William, a dentist, residing in Evansville; Jacob, a street car conductor, also of Evans- ville; Carrie, now Mrs. Harry Scheilds, of St. Louis; Julian, who is living upon the farm; and Nonie and Tonie, twins, who died in infancy. The family was deprived by the hand of death of its maternal head and in 1898 Mr. Hooker was married to Mrs. Lena Neusmeyer, widow of Henry Neus- meyer, who has proved to him a faithful companion.
Mr. Hooker is a member of St. John's Evangelical church, a faith in which he was reared and of which he is a worthy exemplar. He has always devoted his attention to his private affairs and by the concentration of his energies and the application of good judgment, he has become the owner of a productive farm and is sure of a comfortable income for himself and his family during the remaining years of his life. Such are the rewards of well directed energy.
CAPTAIN HARRY D. BALDWIN.
Death has been called by some "the king of terrors" and by others, "a gentle messenger" whose summon's are to be regarded as an invitation to eternal joys. It may be comparatively easy at times to be reconciled to the messenger when his presence means the departure of one who has reached the limits of a career of usefulness, but when the summons is to one who is just in the midst of a busy life and who is looking forward to many years of continued advancement, death is a mystery whose solution is the deepest problem known to man.
Captain Harry D. Baldwin was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1861, and departed this life at Evansville, April 8, 1907, at the age of forty-six years. His father was a wealthy manufacturer and for many years was promi-
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nently connected with the Cincinnati Cooperage Company, which was ex- tensively engaged in the stave and hoop business. Captain Baldwin re- ceived his education in the public schools and after laying aside his text- books, being of a vigorous and active temperament, he was attracted to the river transportation business. It was not many years before he was in charge of a fleet of tugs and he gradually extended his operations up and down the river until he was known in every port form Pittsburg to New Orleans. In 1891 he located at Paducah, Kentucky, continuing on the river and attaining a position as one of the most skillful men in his line of work.
In 1902 Mr. Baldwin accepted the position of manager of the Evans- ville, Ohio & Green River Transportation Company with headquarters in Evansville, but at the end of two years he purchased an interest in the Anchor Paving Company and retired from river life. After he became in- terested in the company its operations were greatly increased and in 1906 he acquired sole ownership of the Anchor Roofing & Paving Company. Here he displayed a business talent that gave bright promise for the future, but while directing construction work on the building of the Gas & Elec- tric Light Company, his hand came in contact with a high tension wire and he received a shock which resulted in his death. By his sudden and un- expected departure the city lost a business man of the highest standing and of unusual ability. He was prominently identified with the Masonic order and held membership in the blue lodge, chapter, commandery and Shrine. He was also a member of the Travelers Protective Association and for many years before his death was an active worker in the Methodist Epis- copal church. In his business dealings he was prompt, reliable and trus- worthy, and all who knew him regarded him with the highest honor and respect.
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JACOB KARSCH. -
Jacob Karsch, deceased, for a number of years prominent in the business circles of Evansville, was born in this city in 1850. He was the son of John and Margaret Elizabeth (Espenschite) Karsch, a thrifty and sub- stantial couple, who came from Germany to America and located in Evans- ville in the same year that their son Jacob was born. There were nine children in the family. The father engaged in the bakery business on Water street in this city until his death.
The subject of this review was educated in the public schools and took a course in a commercial college. He also assisted his father in the bakery and as he grew up devoted a large part of his time to supplying the boats which were then quite numerous on the river with bread and other necessi- ties for the table. The family became interested in the mineral water busi-
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ness, in which the father and sons attained a distinct success, putting up the water in an attractive style and having the ability to meet the public and to create a demand for a new commodity. In the course of years the business became the largest of the kind in the state of Indiana and was established as one of the permanent and valuable enterprises of the city. The firm was known as John Karsch & Sons and after the death of the father Jacob Karsch became sole proprietor. The business is now conducted by John Vogle & Sons.
In 1893 Mr. Karsch was united in marriage to Miss Clara Schultz, a daughter of Dr. Theodore Schultz, a review of whose life appears else- where in this work. Two children were born to them; the eldest of whom, Marguerite Schultz Karsch is still living, as is also her mother.
Mr. Karsch was a member of the republican party and gave earnest ad- herence to its principles, believing that they are best adapted in the main- tenance of our form of government. Although he was essentially a busi- ness man, he cultivated social and fraternal relationships and retained his membership in the Knights of Pythias to the time of his death. He was also a member of St. John's church. He was known as a man of kind disposi- tion and upright character and in the course of an earnest and purposeful life he built up an enviable reputation among his business associates, endear- ing himself to many friends. On January 17, 1898, he was summoned from earthly scenes and his remains repose in the cemetery of the city where he was born and where he passed all the years of his life.
WILLIAM BOWER.
William Bower, a successful farmer of Vanderburg county, now living retired, was born in Scott township, this county, February 5, 1836. . He is a son of Thomas and Lucinda (Lee) Bower, his mother being a native of Scotland and his father of England. Mrs. Bower was the youngest sister of General Robert E. Lee, a leader of the Confederacy. The father came to America in 1835, believing that in this country he could have advantages unknown in the old world and this hope was quickly realized. He located in Vanderburg county, Indiana, where he bought one hundred and twenty acres of fine land, which he cleared and improved, erecting a comfortable residence and enhancing the value of the property to such a degree by his labors that at the end of twelve years he sold out at a good price. He then bought a tract of three hundred acres in Scott township and here he attained even greater success through his thrift and good management. He was called to his final rest after a long life of usefulness in 1877, his wife having preceded him about five years.
William Bower was a pupil in the common schools and grew up upon the home farm, where he became thoroughly acquainted with agricultural pur-
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suits and also with stock-raising. From the beginning of his active career he was very industrious and, being of good habits, he purchased at twenty- four years of age an unimproved farm of one hundred acres, which he cleared and operated successfully until 1897, when he sold the place to his sons and retired from active labors. He is now living on the old homestead of one hundred and forty acres, Scott township which his sons are operating, and also owns a tract of forty-seven acres in Center township.
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