USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 28
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long been an honored one in Vanderburg county. Moreover his ex- periences in life, travel and reading have placed him in that class where the most intellectual men of the city are wont to gather in the discussion of questions of significant and vital interest.
JOHN WILLIAM GLEICHMAN.
John William Gleichman is treasurer of the Anchor Supply Company, of Evansville, with which business he has been connected since its organi- zation. It is recognized as one of the important manufacturing and com- mercial interests of the city. Throughout his entire life Mr. Gleichman has never feared that laborious attention to detail upon which success largely rests. His ability to coordinate forces and to recognize the value of each opportunity has been an element in the substantial advancement of an enterprise that has long been one of the profitable concerns of Van- derburg county. Evansville numbers him among her native sons, his birth having here occurred February 4, 1856. His parents were John M. and Emilie Gleichman, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they came to the new world in early life. The father was for many years en- gaged in merchandising and in the insurance business in this city, and was numbered among its respected and valued residents. He died in February, 1909, having for only a few months survived his wife, who passed away in November, 1908. Five of their seven children are yet living and are residents of Evansville. Our subject comes of long-lived ancestry and very few families can claim the distinction of two golden weddings, but his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Rahm, Sr., celebrated their golden wedding May 30, 1884, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Gleichman, celebrated theirs on the Ist of January, 1905.
John William Gleichman left the high school at the age of fifteen years to become a clerk in the store of William Rahm & Son, the partners being his grandfather and uncle. They conducted a general mercantile estab- lishment, in which he acted as salesman for five years. He next became bookkeeper for Matthew Dalzell, a wholesale grocer, with whom he re- mained for three years, when he accepted a position of bookkeeper and manager with John J. Sinzich, conducting a boat, awning and tent business. He acted in that capacity until January, 1894, when he joined with Louis A. Daus and Peter Emrich in organizing the Anchor Supply Company, which bought out Mr. Sinzich. The business was incorporated January 13, 1894, with Mr. Gleichman as secretary and treasurer. He has been identified with business interests in this block for thirty-three years and thirty years in the same building. His success is attributable to close at- tention, unfaltering perseverance and energy that never flags. He has never been afraid to work and when the present company was organized
J. W. GLEICHMAN
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each partner had specific duties, Mr. Daus managing the awning work, while Mr. Gleichman found his time fully occupied with the office work and the sales department. Gradually the business has been developed along specific lines until the trade of the house is now extensive and the income derived therefrom substantial and gratifying.
On the 13th of April, 1881, Mr. Gleichman was married to Miss Laura A. Myers, a daughter of Jacob Myers, of Evansville, and unto them have been born two sons and a daughter: Oliver C., who is connected with the Anchor Supply Company; Beulah, now the wife of Ernest E. Lee, who is in the government service, being assistant superintendent of mechanical and electrical engineering of the lock and dam construction of the Panama canal; and William A., who at the age of eighteen years is attending busi- ness college.
Mr. Gleichman is prominent in the Masonic order, with which he has been affiliated for fifteen years. He has attained high rank and has crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to both the subordinate lodge and uniform rank of the Knights of Pythias, and was a captain in the latter. For twenty-four years he has been secre- tary of the local organization of the Royal Arcanum and is a very promi- nent, helpful and valued member in these different associations. He is equally loyal to his professions as a member of the Methodist church and is a stanch advocate of the republican party. He finds his chief recreation in fishing and an occasional vacation serves to counterbalance the pressure of continued business cares. Although he started out in life empty-handed at the age of fifteen years, he has attained enviable success in the business world, and, moreover, his business probity stands as an unquestioned fact in his record.
TRAVIS D. MUNDY.
Travis. D. Mundy, engaged in the grocery business at No. 701 John street, was born on a farm in Warrick county, near Boonville, Indiana, November 7, 1864, and is the second child of Middleton K. and Eliza (Rhodes) Mundy, who were also natives of Warrick county. The father died while residing upon a farm in that county, in 1906, and the mother afterward came to Evansville, where she passed away in the spring of 1910. In their family were five children: Ida, now the wife of William B. Davis, a resident of Glasgow, Kentucky; Nellie, the wife of William M. Fisher, who is engaged in the real-estate business in Stanley, New Mexico; Andrew and Minnie, both deceased. The former died in 1890 at the age of twenty-five. Being in poor health, he went to Texas for a change of climate but in 1890 returned to Evansville and passed away in St. Mary's hospital. Minnie became the wife of Charles Webb and since her death her son Oscar has lived with his uncle, Mr. Mundy of this review.
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In the common schools Travis D. Mundy began his education, which he continued in the high school of Boonville and in the State Normal School at Terre Haute, where he spent two terms. Taking up the pro- fession of teaching, he followed that work through the winter months and attended school in the spring and fall. For thirteen years he continued teaching in the district schools of Warrick and of Vanderburg counties, after which he took the civil service examination, being one of the three who received the highest marks among the competitors at that time. He was afterward one of the first to receive an appointment as clerk in the postoffice of Evansville under Jack Nolan, postmaster, remaining for eight years in the postoffice, the last four years under the administration of James D. Parvin. At the end of that time he turned his attention to the grocery business, which has since claimed his time and energies. He bought out the stock of I. J. Neal on Walnut and Canal streets, remaining in that location for two years, after which he purchased his present loca- tion at No. 701 John street. He carries a large and well selected line of staple and fancy groceries, constantly replenishing with new stock and keeping on hand the best that the market affords. This fact, combined with the reliability of his business methods, constitutes the basis of the prosperity which he has attained as one of the merchants of Evansville. From 1907 until 1910 he was also interested in the Sargeant Coal Com- pany of Evansville, of which he was secretary and treasurer, but in the latter year he disposed of his interest.
In 1888 Mr. Mundy was united in marriage to Miss Ella Still, a daugh- ter of Jesse Still, a farmer of Warrick county, Indiana, now deceased. The mother makes her home with Mrs. Mundy. In his political views Mr. Mundy is a democrat yet does not hesitate to cast an independent ballot when he believes that the best interests of the community will be conserved thereby. He belongs to the Odd Fellows society and to the National Union lodge of Evansville and both he and his wife are members of the Olive Street Presbyterian church. Their interest is in those things which work for good for the individual and for the community. Along the legi- timate lines of trade Mr. Mundy has achieved success, depending solely upon his own efforts for advancement, his diligence and reliability con- stituting the salient features in the progress he has made since entering busi- ness circles.
S. WYLE LITTLE.
For more than a half century S. Wyle Little was a resident of Evans- ville, and practically his entire life was spent in Indiana. He stood, there- fore, as a splendid example of its progressive citizenship and his life record gave proof of the fact that America, as Emerson has declared, is another name for opportunity. Of Scotch-Irish lineage, Mr. Little was born in
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Chester district of South Carolina, May 17, 1832, and was the youngest son in a family of seven children. He was about three years of age when his father came with the family to Indiana, establishing the home near Bloomington, in Monroe county. He was not satisfied there, however, and went to Iowa, where he remained until 1853, when he returned to Indiana, becoming a resident of Princeton.
The schools of Indiana and of Iowa afforded S. Wyle Little his educa- tional privileges, and by improving these he qualified for the duties of busi- ness life. In 1856, at the age of twenty-four years, he left his father's home in Princeton and came to Evansville, where he became a partner in the old Canal Flour mill, there remaining for several years. The out- break of the Civil war, however, temporarily terminated his business ac- tivities, for, with patriotic ardor, he enlisted in the navy, serving in the flotilla on the Mississippi river. When the term of his enlistment had ex- pired he returned home and from that time forward until his death was associated with commercial and industrial interests in Evansville. He be- gan manufacturing staves and shingles, and, broadening the scope of his business as he found opportunity, he built a saw mill in 1871, operating it successfully until it was destroyed by fire in 1880. He then rebuilt the mill on a much larger scale, but again conflagration claimed his business as its victim, not only the mill but also a large amount of lumber being thus destroyed in 1888. A short time previous he had purchased a large tract of timber land in Pike county, from which he cut the logs, shipping them to the mill in Evansville.
Seeing that coal had been found in that vicinity, he decided to investi- gate and on the 4th of July of that year discovered that his property was underlaid with a good coal vein. A small shaft was sunk in August and a mine that has since proved a paying proposition was opened. The works were greatly enlarged and more men employed, and with the development of the business Mr. Little became one of the foremost coal operators in this section of the state. In 1890 a depot was built on his place along the track of the Evansville & Indianapolis Railroad, thus establishing a station for the use of the men. Mr. Little opened a general store there, houses began to be erected and a schoolhouse was built, and almost as if by magic a small city sprung up. In honor of its founder and principal bene- factor it was called Littles. Mr. Little ever had the welfare of the town at heart and cooperated in many movements for its improvement. In 1893 he built and presented to the town a model church. From the time that coal was discovered upon his place he conducted a profitable business in the development of the mine and the shipment of the product. In 1894 the S. W. Little Coal Company was organized with Mr. Little as the secretary and general manager. This company maintains two offices in Evansville and owns twenty-seven hundred acres of coal lands, and is operating several fuel producing mines. During his long residence in Evansville Mr. Little earned a reputation for business integrity that was
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most enviable, and a proof of his enterprise and intelligent business methods was found in the success which crowned his labors.
In 1870 Mr. Little was married to Miss Mary E. Macer, of Evansville, a daughter of Thomas Macer, who lived in this city for many years. Unto them were born two sons: Dr. Charles S. Little, who is in charge of the mine at Blackburn; and Harry W. Little, who is president and general manager of the coal company.
Qualified to wear the Grand Army button, S. Wyle Little never ceased to feel a deep interest in his army comrades, and was a valued member of the Evansville post. He also belonged to the Walnut Street Presbyterian church and guided his life by its principles. His record not only proves that success is ambition's answer, but also that prosperity and an honor- able name may be won simultaneously. He passed away September 27, 1907, after reaching the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey, leaving to his family not only the substantial rewards of his labor and keen sagac- ity, but also the priceless heritage of an example that is indeed worthy of emulation.
MICHAEL BAUER.
Among the honored citizens of Vanderburg county Michael Bauer oc- cupies a favored position. For more than forty years he has engaged in the mercantile business here and also with great success as a veterinary surgeon. He is a man of substantial character-one who gives strength and stability to a community. He was born in German township, in Feb- ruary, 1838, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Bauer, who were both natives of Germany and came to America, the former in 1831 and the latter in 1832, with their respective parents. The Bauer family located at Evans- ville in 1834, remaining there for about six months, at the end of which time they moved to Center township, this county, and rented a farm. In 1837 the head of the family entered one hundred and twenty acres of land in German township, which he at once began to improve, erecting a com- fortable house, barn and outbuildings. There he continued until his death, which occurred December 1, 1858. Mrs. Bauer survived her husband more than thirty years and was called to her rest in December, 1891.
Michael Bauer, the subject of this sketch, was reared upon a farm and educated at a neighborhood school. He early exhibited talent for veterin- ary research and even as a young man was sought by neighbors when the animals upon their farms, from accident or otherwise, demanded immediate attention. As a veterinarian he has always been a success, having been born with a talent which made the treatment of animals to him quite an easy affair. At twenty-eight years of age he bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he operated for a year and then sold to his brother.
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He moved to the spot on which Darmstadt has since been built, bought an acre of land and erected a large store building where he has ever since conducted general merchandise business. In the course of an active life he has become the owner of over two hundred acres of well improved land in Scott township. He also owns a fine farm residence in Evans- ville and his business returns him a handsome yearly income.
In 1865 Mr. Bauer was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Daudistel, a daughter of John and Katherine Daudistel, both of whom came to this country from Germany in 1854. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bauer: Lizzie, now Mrs. Charles Inderrieden of Boonville, In- diana; Katherine, now Mrs. Ed Meyer, of Evansville; Mena, now Mrs. F. W. Miller, of Darmstadt, Indiana; Annie, now Mrs. J. Wesley Stork, also a resident of Darmstadt; J. H. Michael, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this book; Gusta, now Mrs. Casper Grimm, of Darmstadt; and Julia, who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are members of the German Evangelical church. He is a lifelong member of the democratic party but has never sought for office himself, although he has served as trustee of Scott township for two terms and as road commissioner for several years. The progenitors of Mr. Bauer were men and women of high principle and sturdy industry. He has proven a worthy descendant of a nationality that has contributed largely to American citizenship and he perpetuates the family name with dignity and honor.
JOHN H. M. BAUER.
John H. M. Bauer, a merchant and veterinary surgeon of Scott town- ship, who in his business and profession is following in the footsteps of a worthy sire, was born in Vanderburg county, April 9, 1877. He is the son of Michael Bauer, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and Barbara (Daudistel) Bauer, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Germany.
The subject of this review passed his boyhood days at Darmstadt, this county, and attended the district schools there, later becoming a student in the public schools of Evansville. After leaving the latter he entered Lockyear's Business College at Evansville, from which he was graduated March 25, 1898. After completing his education he returned home and continued in mercantile business with his father until he was twenty-nine years of age. From early years he was a student of the veterinary science under his father and as a practitioner, although pursuing other duties, he has been a marked success. In 1905 Mr. Bauer removed to Evansville and became connected with Harry Joseph in the clothing business, in which he continued for about six months. He then identified himself with
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Vickery Brothers, grocers, but at the end of four years, in 1909, he re- turned to Darmstadt and has since been associated with his father in the mercantile business and also in a flourishing veterinary practice.
On September 23, 1903, Mr. Bauer was united in marriage to Miss Louise Weddeking, a daughter of Charles and Louise Weddeking, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Indiana. Two children have blessed this union : Raymond W. M., now five years of age; and Louise B., aged two years.
Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are consistent members of the German Evangelical church of Darmstadt. In political affiliation Mr. Bauer is a democrat but he is a young man of broad views and his choice is not always limited to the ticket of the party which he supports in national affairs. Morally, socially and educationally he exercises a beneficent influence in the neigh- borhood and is now fairly launched upon what promises to be a long and useful career.
ADAM B. SODE.
Adam B. Sode, occupying a creditable position in the ranks of Evans- ville's leading business men, where he is successfully engaged in dealing in monuments, was born in Germany, November 18, 1858. Seven years later his parents, Henry and Catherine (Karges) Sode, came with their family to the United States with Evansville as their destination. Here the father worked as a stone cutter, having previously learned the trade in his native land. That occupation claimed his attention until his death, which occurred in 1874. Seven years later his wife passed away in 1881. Their family numbered four sons and a daughter. Our subject's brother, A. Fred Sode, resided in New York city, while his sister, Mrs. Julia Gros- curth is the wife of John Groscurth, now of Evansville.
Adam B. Sode well remembers events connected with the long journey across the Atlantic made when he was but seven years of age. Immediately after reaching this city he was sent to the public schools and when he had completed his education he worked for a short time in a chair factory. Indeed, his initial step in the business world was made when he was but a young lad. When fifteen years of age he became an apprentice in the stone- cutting business, to which he closely applied himself until his expert workmanship won wide recognition and constituted the basis of the suc- cess which has attended him since he started in business on his own ac- count. It was on the 15th of February, 1883, that he became the senior partner of the firm of Sode, Brikman & Karsch. The relation was main- tained for about twelve years, when, in September, 1895, he succeeded to the business which he has since conducted under his own name. He is one of the leading monument dealers in this part of the state, having
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built up a business of large proportions. He has turned out some of the finest work to be found in the cemeteries of the city, it being both artistic in finish and design. He has ever been prompt in executing orders and his honesty in business transactions in unassailable.
In 1891 occurred the marriage of Mr. Sode to Miss Mary K. Baum, a daughter of Jacob Baum, who for many years, to the time of his death, was in the retail grocery business in Evansville. Mr. and Mrs. Sode now have one daughter, Ottilia, twelve years of age. The parents are members of St. Luke's church, and are prominent socially. Mr. Sode is a republican in his political views and fraternally is connected with the Woodmen of the World and with Lessing Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He is in thorough sympathy with the principles of the craft which he exemplifies in his life. His is the creditable record of a self-made man who has never held to any false standards; who has always placed his dependence upon the sub- stantial qualities of industry, determination and reliability. Along these lines his success has been won and only words of good-will are said of him by those with whom he has had business relations.
JOHN F. SHAFER.
The dairy business is one of the flourishing industries of southern In- diana and it is in this business that John F. Shafer has attained a distinct success. As a boy he gained his first knowledge of farming operations and by practical application of the principles then acquired he has attained an independent position. He is also a live-stock dealer and is known as a good judge of live-stock. He is in close touch with the markets and is well informed as to the supply of stock in the county, its availability for market, the most convenient shipping points and all the details which go to make a wide-awake dealer. No man can know too much of the business he has chosen as his vocation and the subject of this review fully believes this and acts accordingly. Mr. Shafer is a native of Vanderburg county and was born in September, 1873. He was educated in the dis- trict schools and grew up in a home where the younger members of the family were taught habits of industry and where he learned many lessons that have been of constant assistance to him in his contact with the world. At the age of sixteen he began helping his father on the farm and ever since that time he has been intimately identified with various phases of farm life, including dairying and the successful handling of live-stock. Since 1902 he has confined his attention to the development of his dairy and the cattle business. He is the owner of a well kept farm of twenty acres in Knight township which contains a handsome residence, large barns and is provided with complete facilities to meet the requirements of the dairy business as it is known at the present time.
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In 1898 Mr. Shafer was united in marriage to Miss Anna Boeke, a daughter of Henry Boeke, a farmer of Knight township. Mrs. Shafer has been known to her husband from her childhood, and she has proven to him indeed a blessing and has in an important degree aided, by her counsel and wise management, in forwarding the best interests of the family. Three children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Shafer: Talitha, Matilda and John Henry.
Mr. and Mrs. Shafer are both members of the Presbyterian church and their aim is as nearly as possible to carry out the principles of the golden rule and thus to exemplify the teachings of the Great Master. Mr. Shafer is a republican and a member of the Woodmen of the World, hold- ing membership in Hickory Camp at McCuthanville. He is a self-made man and by perseverance and attention to duty from day to day has at- tained the position which he holds in his township as a man of high prin- ciple who always does as he promises, who is true to his friends, and who is ever ready to do anything in his power to advance the permanent wel- fare of the neighborhood.
CRAWFORD BELL.
Crawford Bell, who is remembered as one of the first prescription druggists of Evansville and a gentleman whose admirable character made a deep impress upon all who claimed his acquaintance, was born in Ire- land in 1819 or 1820. On his mother's side he was of Scotch descent and the sturdy characteristics of the Scottish race were apparent in his life. She gave to her son her maiden name of Crawford. At eighteen years of age he came to Evansville upon the solicitation of his brother William, who had previously located in this city. Here he began as clerk in a drug store, but later he and his brother entered the drug business for themselves, the subject of this sketch taking charge of the prescription department, while his brother attended to other work in the store. He soon demon- strated unusual adaptability in a position that calls for constant exercise of watchfulness and discrimination. He gained many friends not only among patrons of the store but among physicians of the city, and by unanimous vote he was made an honorary member of the Vanderburg County Medical Society. This is an honor seldom accorded and is an in- dication of the confidence and esteem in which Mr. Bell was held by those who knew how to appreciate his talents.
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