USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 25
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In February, 1860, Mr. Bower was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Staser, a daughter of John C. and Margaret Staser, both natives of Indiana. He later married again and in his family are eight children : Margaret, now Mrs. Charles Vogel, of Boonville, Indiana; Clara, who married E. D. McAvay and lives in Evansville, Indiana; Annie, who became the wife of Wilber Blankenship and resides in Center township, this county ; Daniel W., living at home; Martha E., also at home; Katherine, now Mrs. S. K. Chall- man, who resides with her father ; and John H. and James C., both of whom live at home.
Mr. Bower has been for many years identified with the democratic party and has held some responsible public positions. For about six years he served as county commissioner of Vanderburg county and for several years as township assessor. He has always taken an active interest in advancing the cause of agriculture and is a member of the Farmers Institute and also of the American Society of Equity. He and his family are active members of the Methodist church and as he approaches the age of three score and fifteen years he looks back on a life well spent. He has always aimed to do right by others and he has no cause to regret any kindly act or helpful deed by which he was able to make his fellows happier or to prepare them better to meet life's responsibilities.
JOHN NUGENT.
The dominant qualities in the life record of John Nugent were such as commanded for him the respect, confidence and good will of his fellow- men. With comparatively few opportunities in youth, he not only worked his way upward in business lines but also constantly broadened his knowl- edge by wide reading and became a forceful and valued member of society, prominent in matters of public concern as well as active in individual busi- ness interests.
A farm in Ireland was his birthplace, his natal day being in February, 1838. His parents were James and Catherine (Tohill) Nugent, who came to America with their family during the childhood days of their son John. They settled upon a farm in Vanderburg county, where they lived until John Nugent, then seventeen years of age, induced them to remove to the city and the family home was set up in a small cottage on the west side.
JOHN NUGENT
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The son believed that in the business circles of Evansville he might find lucrative employment. He was prompted by laudable ambition nor was his native diligence scared out by the arduous nature of the task. He at first was employed at odd jobs, doing any work that he could secure, and on pay days his earnings were turned over to his mother that she might use what was needed for the support of the family and save the balance for him in later life. In those early days rigid economy as well as untiring industry were practiced and in the course of years Mr. Nugent invested in property as his earnings permitted until at one time he owned nearly all of the land from Wabash avenue to the creek. He never for a moment forgot his filial duty and built a home for his father and mother. He cared for his parents as long as they lived and set a splendid example of filial devotion.
Mr. Nugent's first real work was in driving an ox team at four dollars per month and as soon as possible he purchased a team and began doing grading work for Mr. Lowry. At one time he also conducted a small store but his labors were mostly in the line of teaming until he found it possible to broaden the scope of his efforts. After a time he began taking contracts for street improvements and put through many of the early streets and roads in Evansville and the surrounding district. Gradually he extended his business until he became one of the leading contractors of the city. He was fortunate in securing a great many public contracts and by close application and economy succeeded in winning a comfortable fortune. As he prospered he invested in property, owning and erecting the Arcade building and also owning other realty.
In 1880 Mr. Nugent was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Jenner, a daughter of Adam Jenner, who was born in 1810 and died April 10, 1890. He came from Germany, his native land, to America when nineteen years of age. He had previously learned the weaver's trade but as he could secure no work of that kind here, he followed different pursuits for a time. He was working in Washington, D. C., when twenty years of age. Subsequently he assisted in building the Evansville wharf and was also employed on boats running out of the town. He learned engineering in that way and occupied a position as steamboat engineer for some time. Later he was employed as engineer in the old Indiana mills until they were destroyed by fire, after which he went to Mount Vernon, Indiana, where he occupied a position as engineer for five years. He then returned to Evansville and in 1871 retired from active business life, enjoying well earned rest throughout his remaining days. Although his school privileges were limited, he was a great reader and became a well educated man. He held membership in St. John's church and his noble qualities of mind and heart won him the honor and respect of all. He married Louise Jenner, a native of Germany, who, though of the same name, was not a relative. She came to the United States when fourteen years of age and in early womanhood gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Jenner. Nine children were born unto them, of whom six reached years of maturity, while five are
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still living: Mary L., now Mrs. Nugent; Thomas; Elizabeth; Rose, and Fred. Jacob and Sarah have both passed away. The death of Mr. Jenner occurred April 10, 1890, but Mrs. Jenner is still living.
Mr. Nugent was called to his final rest on the 24th of September, 1902, and thus passed from the scene of earthly activities one whose labors had been a forceful element in the work of public progress along many lines. He attended the Presbyterian church, was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and was prominent in local political circles, giving stalwart support to the republican party. About 1882 he was a member of the city council and in 1888 was elected to the state legislature from what is known as the shoe string district. In 1895 he was appointed one of the trustees of the prison at Jeffersonville and was acting in that capac- ity when it was transformed into a reformatory. His helpful interest in public matters was of a tangible quality. His labors produced practical and substantial results, for he brought to bear in all public matters the same keen judgment and untiring industry which characterized him in the con- duct of his private business affairs. The story of such a life is an inspiring one. The public always loves a conflict and sympathy is on the side of the one whose cause is righteous, whose labor is persistent. In the battle of life Mr. Nugent came out conqueror. Though hampered in his youth by straitened financial circumstances and lack of early advantages, he later overcame difficulties and obstacles and with "Excelsior" blazoned upon his banner, he marched steadily forward until he reached the goal of prosperity. The thrill of success was his and his life work elicited encomiums, for the record was at all times honorable.
ANTON TENBARGE.
Anton Tenbarge, a well known and highly successful farmer of Vanden- burg county, was born in Armstrong township, February 10, 1867, the youngest son of John and Theresa (Brueger) Tenbarge, who were early set- tlers of this county, and prosperously identified with its farming interests. The father came to Armstrong township from St. Philip, Indiana, in 1866. He was a native of Holland, born in 1826, and about 1856 emigrated to Louis- ville, Kentucky, where he worked in a slaughter house for two years, at the end of which time he removed to St. Joseph, Vanderburg county, and en- gaged in the cooperage business. Two years later he located in St. Philip, where he conducted a general merchandise business and a saloon. Desiring to devote his entire attention to farming, he invested in two hundred acres of land, of which thirty-one acres were cleared. By patient labor the entire farm was made tillable and parts of it were placed under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Tenbarge departed this life January 9, 1900. His wife was a native of Prussia and came with her parents to Vanderburg county
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In her girlhood. Here she met her future husband and they were married in 1865 at St. Philip. She died in 1868.
Educated in St. Wendell's parochial school until sixteen years of age, Anton Tenbarge grew up upon the home farm, assisting his father in its development and gaining a thorough knowledge of a business to which he has devoted his life. After arriving at maturity he became the owner of the farm on which he was born and his industry and good management are ex- hibited in the neat and commodious buildings, well kept fences and the general air of comfort and prosperity everywhere to be seen on the farm. His place is regarded in many respects as a model. It comprises one hun- dred and forty-seven acres on section 6, Armstrong township, and is con- ducted so as to yield a handsome yearly return and at the same time the land is not impoverished but improves in value from year to year.
On October 28, 1892, Mr. Tenbarge was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Hillenbrand, of Vanderburg county, a daughter of William and Katherine (Kissel) Hillenbrand, who were natives of Wheeling, West Vir- ginia. The American ancestors of the family came from Germany about 1830 and were prominent and well-to-do people. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tenbarge, four of whom died in infancy. The living children are: William, born August 26, 1896; Anton, May 5, 1899; Vincent, June 19, 1903; Edgar, October 6, 1904; and Henry, April 9, 1909.
Mr. Tenbarge is at the present time township trustee and is a believer in the principles of the democratic party and has voted that ticket ever since he cast his first ballot. He is a consistent member of the Catholic church and in discharging his obligations in life is governed by the same principles of justice and fair dealing that constituted a salient feature in the character of his father. His entire life has been passed upon the farm where he now lives and amid the scenes where he was born. By an upright and conscien- tious course he has earned the respect of all the residents of the township, who regard him as one of the substantial citizens, whose promise is as good as his bond and who always willingly lends his assistance in advancing any worthy cause.
RHINEHOLD F. SCHOR.
Rhinehold F. Schor, for a number of years bookkeeper of the First National Bank of Evansville, was called from earthly labors twenty-one years ago, but is still remembered by many with whom he was associated in business, social and family relations. He was born in Germany in 1844 and was the son of E. Gottlieb and Pauline (Boehmer) Schor, who came with their family to Evansville in 1853. The father was an intelligent man of good business ability and was connected with a German paper in this city for many years, continuing here until his death.
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Rhinehold F. Schor possessed the advantages of a good education, which he received in the public schools of this city. After leaving school he was identified with the same paper as his father and later became con- nected with an insurance company then operating on Water street. For quite a number of years in the latter part of his life he was associated with the First National Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper, exhibiting an industry and faithfulness which would have gained success for him in any vocation to which he might have turned his attention.
He always took a great interest in muncipal affairs and as a member of the school board proved highly efficient in promoting the educational welfare of the growing generation. In politics he was in sympathy with the republican party to which he gave the interest of a true citizen, al- though he never sought public office or aspired for political honors. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Ger- man Evangelical church and never permitted an opportunity to pass for promoting the comfort and well being of those about him. He was also a charter member of the Orien Lodge, K. P.
In 1868, at Evansville, Mr. Schor was united in marriage to Miss Mary Schmutte, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Abel) Schmutte, both of whom were natives of Germany. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schor, of whom four are living : Mrs. Scott Haynes, Ernest, Anna and Arthur.
Mr. Schor was a man of scientific tastes and was especially fond of nature, of which he was a constant student and close observer. He made a practical use of his knowledge by collecting many insects and relics which are now to be seen in the city museum and indicate that had he possessed the advantage of a university education he would have attained prominence in the scientific world.
DANIEL G. TWEEDALL, M. D.
Dr. Daniel G. Tweedall, of Evansville, has made a practical demonstra- tion of success, although he has been engaged in practice only seven years in a field where other physicians of long standing were well established. Application, perseverance and energy are the elements that have greatly contributed to his career, and in an important degree he possesses the good will of the community.
Dr. Tweedall was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1881, a son of Samuel Tweedall, who removed with his family to Evansville in 1893 and became identified with the Evansville Tool Works. The Doctor came with his parents to Evansville and was graduated from the high school of this city. Having early decided to devote his life to the healing art, he matriculated in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, which is a branch of the University of Chicago, and was graduated with high
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honors in 1903, receiving the degree of M. D. In recognition of his ability and the faithfulness with which he attended to his duties, he was appointed house surgeon and during the last year of his attendance at the college was a resident of the hospital. This gave him the advantage of contact with many of the leading physicians and surgeons and an insight as to the actual workings of a difficult and trying profession, which has assisted him greatly in his career. After leaving Chicago he returned immediately to Evansville and has since been actively engaged in practice here.
In 1901 Dr. Tweedall was united in marriage to Miss Peresstrella M. Cody, a daughter of Bruce Cody, of this city. She is a lady of many ac- complishments and has been a constant support and encouragement to her husband at the outset of what promises to be a highly successful career.
Dr. Tweedall is secretary of the United States pension examining board of this city and is also examiner for the Massachusetts Life Insurance Company, the Improved Order of Red Men, etc. In politics he is identi- fied with the republican party although he is not an ardent politician, as his time and attention are devoted to his profession. He is a member of the Indiana State Medical Society, the Vanderburg County Medical So- ciety, and by a courteous manner and a straightforward course has es- tablished himself in the confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact. He is a thorough student of everything pertaining to his pro- fession and to the best of his ability discharges every obligation as it ap- pears. He belongs to that class of men who add worth and dignity to their calling and who represent the best product of modern life.
CHRISTIAN D. HELDT.
The soldiers of the Civil war who fought for the Union will always command the admiration and respect of every lover of liberty. Viewed at the distance of half a century, it is seen that the cause for which they fought was one of the noblest the world has ever known. By their sacri- fices they established upon permanent foundations a republic which clearly stands out as a symbol of liberty and fraternity and awakens a response in the heart of every lover of freedom. The mission of America, as has been beautifully said, is to teach mankind the meaning of liberty and, not- withstanding all the faults that we may discover in our government, she is accomplishing that mission and is the greatest civilizer on the globe. It is to men like Christian D. Heldt, now a prosperous farmer of Knight township, this county, that the permanency of American institutions is due.
Mr. Heldt is of German parentage and was born at Rehme, Germany, in 1837. At seventeen years of age, after having received his education in the common schools and believing that America presented a more inviting field for an ambitious young man than his native land, he came to Evans-
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ville and began as a farm laborer. He continued at this work until after the call to arms by President Lincoln, when, like a valiant and true-hearted man, he presented himself for enlistment under the stars and stripes and served through the entire war as a private in the Twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteers.
After returning from the army Mr. Heldt was a different man from what he had been as a recruit a few years before. The privations and sufferings through which he passed are known only to the soldier and many of his comrades who started out with high ambition and undaunted courage and are now at rest in the southland, where tens of thousands of brave men of both armies met their death. Hr. Heldt resumed his occupation as a farmer in Vanderburg county and is now living in comfort on a farm of two hundred and fifteen acres, which he redeemed from its wild condition and has made one of the best improved farms of the township.
In 1866 Mr. Heldt was united in marriage to Miss Mary Fickas, of Vanderburg county, and six children were born to this union: Humphrey; Mary, now Mrs. Joseph Haag, whose husband is a farmer of Knight town- ship; Lizzie, the wife of Julius Wiggers, also a farmer of Knight township; Mattie, now Mrs. Elmer Hodson, of Evansville; Bismarck; and Frede- rick. Mr. and Mrs. Heldt have reared their children to the same habits of industry which they themselves have applied during their entire lives and have given them every advantage of society and education that the neighborhood affords.
Mr. Heldt often meets with his old comrades of the war and at Farragut Post, G. A. R., of which he is a member, the old soldiers gather to renew the friendships of years ago in recalling the thrilling scenes of the great event of their lives. Although the subject of our review has never urged his personal claims for public office, prferring as he does the duties of private life, the voters of his township selected him as a competent man for assessor and for thirteen years he filled that office to the satisfaction of the entire community.
EBEN C. POOLE.
One of the popular men of Evansville, who has by his genial qualities attracted the good-will and friendship of many of the best citizens of this city, is Eben C. Poole, born in Bangor, Maine, in 1847. He is a son of Eben and Hannah F. Poole and comes of sturdy and long-lived ancestry. He received his early training under favorable auspices in a happy home and was educated in the public schools of his native city. There he lived until he was sixteen years of age and then he was seized with the desire to migrate-a desire that has been one of the important elements in the dis- tribution of mankind and the advancement of the race. He first went to
EBEN C POOLE
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Boston and there received induction into the drug business. The feeling of unrest, however, still prevailed and he responded to the invitation of a brother who was engaged in the meat business in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he joined him in that line of trade. Later he went to St. Louis and entered the service of the Pullman Company as a conductor, running between St. Louis and Houston, Texas. After an experience which extended over a number of years and in the course of which he operated in many parts of the country under the direction of the Pullman Company, he settled for a short time on an Illinois farm. However, he was called from the farm by an appointment as receiving cashier for the Monarch Palace Car Company and later entered the service of the Wood- ruff Car Company, continuing with this organization until its business was acquired by the Pullman Company and he found himself once more under the same general management in which he had started years before. Mr. Poole always had the confidence of his employers and he made a very ex- tensive acquaintance among business men and others in his travels over the country.
At last, however, he retired permanently from the railway field and settled in Evansville, where he engaged in the oil business. About sixteen years ago he was elected to the office of justice of the peace in this city and at each recurring election has been returned to the same office, which he has conducted in such a manner as to meet the general acceptance of the people.
On the 20th of September, 1867, at Boston, Mr. Poole was married to Miss Ella C. Buzzell and one son, Samuel C., who now lives at Louisville, Kentucky, was born to them. His wife having been called away by the hand of death, he was united in marriage, at Jersey City, December 15, 1875, to Miss Margaret H. Mathews and five children resulted from this union : Helen F., now Mrs. W. M. Crabb; Ella M., now Mrs. Henry Feneman; Lillian M., who became the wife of George Bertelson; Edward Percy ; and Harold M.
The father of Mr. Poole was a member of the old whig party, and ever since he arrived at voting age the son has given earnest support to the re- publican party, which succeeded the whig party in the '50s. He became a member of the Knights of Pythias in Boston in 1871 and was a charter member of the local lodge of Ben Hur and is past chief of the grand lodge of that order. He is a member of the Court of Honor and was first presi- dent of the Owls Club of this city. As is indicated by his fraternal affilia- tions, Mr. Poole is a gentleman of pleasing address, with pronounced social characteristics, and is an active worker in all matters tending to promote brotherly relations between men. Having had a large acquaintance with human nature in many of its phases, he is broad-minded in his views and easily makes friends wherever he is known. In his duties as a public officer he often adheres to the spirit rather than the letter of the law, lean- ing to the side of clemency when circumstances admit but at all times
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shielding the public against the habitual lawbreaker. He believes that within certain limits the law may often be applied as a reformatory measure and it should not always be used as a means of chastisement. He is an independent thinker, a man of sound judgment and one who has in an eminent degree the confidence of those with whom he has been longest associated.
JOSEPH F. SCHENK.
An excellent farm of one hundred and eighty acres responds to the care and labor bestowed upon it by its owner, Joseph F. Schenk and its fine appearance is the result of his practical and progressive methods, im- provement and cultivation. He has always been identified with agricul- tural life, his birth having occurred upon a farm in Perry county, Indiana, on the 2d of April, 1866, his parents being Joseph and Mary Schenk. The father was born in Germany but was brought to America by his parents when a little lad of seven years. At the time of his marriage he settled in Posey county, Indiana, where he followed general farming and also op- erated a sawmill. He was an industrious, energetic man and gained his success by reason of his untiring industry and determination.
While spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Joseph F. Schenk of this review pursued his education in the district schools in the winter months; in the summer seasons he was employed in the labors of the fields and gained practical experience which well qualified him to take up farming on his own account after attaining his majority. In his farm work he practices the rotation of crops and all the modern methods, which science sanctions and experience approves. Of his farm of one hundred and eightly acres he has himself cleared fifty acres, cutting down the trees, burning the brush and grubbing up the stumps until the land has been brought to a cultivable condition and now responds readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. As the years have gone by he has prospered in his undertakings owing to his close application and careful management and aside from his farming interests he has stock in the West Side Bank of Evansville.
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