USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 29
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He was an ambitious and persevering man, who possessed an unim- peachable character and was actuated by the highest ideals. His life was. largely controlled by the teachings of the Christian religion and he was a member of the Episcopal church. He was called from earthly scenes October 29, 1856, at the age of thirty-six years. His death, just as he was
DAVID NEGLEY
CRAWFORD BELL
MARY E. BELL
DAVID BELL
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entering upon a highly successful career, was regarded as a distinct loss to the community, and the general expression of regret attested his worth in the city which he had adopted as his home.
In 1846 Mr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Negley, a daughter of David and Martha (Lambert) Negley, who were then resid- ing on Pigeon creek. Mr. Negley was of old Pennsylvania Dutch stock and came to Indiana very early. from that state. He built the first water power grist and saw mill in southern Indiana. This mill proved of great assistance to many people living in southern Indiana, southern Illinois and northern Kentucky, and its proved a good financial investment. He built a sawmill on the opposite side of the stream and such was the demand upon it on account of the erection of new houses by incoming settlers that the mill was kept in operation night and day. He built a beautiful residence on Pigeon creek, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1851, he having been recognized for years as one of the leading men in this part of the state. Mrs. Negley was a native of Kentucky and was married there before coming to this county.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crawford Bell: David; and Jennie Crawford, who grew up to be a beautiful woman and was married to Edward Law, but is now deceased. She left four children: Mary Bell; Sarah; John; and James, who is deceased. Mrs. Bell is now eighty-five years of age and, although her husband died fifty-four years ago, her recollection of him is almost as clear and she is as faithful to his memory as though he had been called from mortal view not more than a year ago. She has been a witness of a great transformation in a region where she was born and where she has passed her life, and her store of reminiscences of early times would make a volume of surpassing interest. It is to the noble men and women of whom she is a worthy representative that the present generation owes the many blessings which are to be met with on every side, enhancing our happiness and revealing a world of utility and beauty which was unknown to the pioneers.
CHARLES H. JOHANN.
The name of Johann seems to be a synonym for business ability, enter- prise and progression in Evansville, where the firm of Albert Johann & Sons Company has made continuous progress since the establishment of the undertaking business here many years ago. The younger element as represented by the sons has continued the same reliable business policy in- stituted by the father and the patronage accorded them makes for success.
He whose name introduces this review was born in Evansville, July 4, 1857, and at the usual age entered the public schools, where he passed through the consecutive grades in the acquirement of an education which
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well qualified him to become a strong factor in business circles. After put- ting aside his text-books he worked at the carpenter's trade for four years, and on the expiration of that period engaged in the planing mill business for four years. In 1884, upon the change of the firm of Albert Johann to Albert Johann & Sons Company, he was made secretary-treasurer and has so continued to the present time. In more recent years he and his brother have largely relieved the father of business cares and are now managing the business, bringing to its control powers of keen discern- ment and unabating energy which are ever basic elements in success.
In 1899 was celebrated the marriage of Charles H. Johann and Miss Mary S. Wilson, a daughter of William Wilson, well known as a con- tractor of Louisville, Kentucky. They occupy a prominent position in the social circles of this city and their own home is justly celebrated for its warm-hearted and generous hospitality.
Mr. Johann has always adhered to the political faith in which he was reared, for his matured judgment sanctions the policy of the republican party, believing that its principles are best adapted to good government. He has served four years as coroner of this county, and held the position of deputy United States Marshal for four years in this district. He is a valued member of several fraternal organizations, including the Degree of Honor, the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen of America. In disposition he is kindly, in manner genial and courteous, and his strongly marked characteristics commend him to the friendly regard and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
FRED KAUTZ.
Fred Kautz, who for twenty-six years has been a resident of Evans- ville, has been engaged in the wholesale paper business since 1888 and in this connection has developed one of the important commercial enterprises of the city, extending the trade relations of the house until the business covers a wide territory. Success has followed as the logical sequence of his close application, keen business discernment and reliable methods; and his record is alike creditable to Germany and America, the land of his birth and the land of his adoption, A native of Germany, he was born April 30, 1850, a son of Frederick and Sarah (Kramp) Kautz, who were likewise of German birth and lineage. Their family numbered six chil- dren, four of whom are now living. The family left Germany for the United States in 1852, imbued with the hope of finding business conditions that would lead more rapidly to the attainment of success. A . settlement was made in Cincinnati, where the father undertook the task of providing a home and competence for his family, but death intervened in 1859. His wife survived him for many years, passing away in 1902.
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Fred Kautz was but two years of age when the voyage was made across the Atlantic, so that practically his entire life has been passed on American soil, and in youth he became imbued with the spirit of enterprise that has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the middle west. Necessity forced him into the business world when he was quite young, so that his educational advantages were limited. He began providing for his own support by working at the carriage painter's trade, which he followed al- together for twenty-three years, spending two decades of that time in Cin- cinnati and the remaining three years in Evansville, where he located in 1884. He did not purpose to remain forever in the employ of others, however, and, ambitious to engage in business for himself, he wisely saved his earnings until his careful expenditure made it possible for him to en- gage in the wholesale paper business in 1888. He handles paper sacks, wrapping paper, paper buckets and other paper goods, having a large es- tablishment in the wholesale district of Evansville, for the venture, be- gun on a small scale, has proved profitable and the growth of the business has made it one of the important commercial interests of the city.
On the 25th of August, 1875, Mr. Kautz was married to Miss Louisa Selbert, of Cincinnati, in which city the wedding was celebrated. Their home has been blessed with the presence of four daughters, Louisa, Edith, Norma and Lillian, the first named being now the wife of a Mr. Shelborn, of Evansville.
The family are members of St. John's church and take an active inter- est in its work. Mr. Kautz belongs to the Travelers Protective Association, to the Court of Honor and to the Knights of Pythias lodge of Lexing- ton, Kentucky. His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party, but political honors and emoluments have no attrac- tion for him. He prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and the record of his commercial activity is written in the tangible terms of profit. The consensus of public opinion places him not only with the successful men of Evansville but also among those whose business records have at all times been progressive and honorable.
J. WESLEY STORK, M. D.
The career of Dr. J. Wesley Stork presents a rare illustration of a young man who has followed in the footsteps of his father and has at- tained an enviable record in a community where he passed the earlier years of his life. He was born at Evansville, April 17, 1871, and is a son of Dr. Henry and Christine (Finke) Stork, the former of whom was a na- tive of Germany and the latter of the state of Kentucky. The father ar- rived in America with his parents, who left the familiar scenes of the fatherland behind them to seek more favorable conditions when he was
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eight years of age. The emigrant party landed at New Orleans and Mr. and Mrs. Stork came up the river to Evansville, where they remained about a month, the head of the family looking about for a favorable location. He finally selected a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Du- bois county, Indiana, where the family took up its residence, and Mr. Stork, the grandfather of our subject, set about vigorously clearing away the trees and improving the land for farming purposes.
There Henry Stork grew up and attended the public schools of the neighborhood, after which he became a student in a college at Cincin- nati, Ohio. Having decided to become a physician, he began the study of medicine and matriculated at Evansville Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1878. He at once began practice at Hol- land, Indiana, and faithfully attended to the duties of his profession almost to the time of his death, which occurred in June, 1910. Several years be- fore his departure he was stricken with paralysis and at the end of two years suffered a second stroke which incapacitated him for active ser- vice and he lingered, an invalid, until called away. He served as post- master of Holland under Presidents Arthur and Roosevelt and it was due to his interest and influence that Holland now enjoys two mail de- liveries daily. He was a man of fine attainments and a citizen who did everything in his power to promote the welfare of others. In early man- hood he united with the German Methodist Episcopal church at Holland and remained to the end a beloved and loyal member of the church and a Christian both by practice and profession, he having early found that "peace which passeth understanding," and attained a personal conscious- ness of salvation. Mrs. Stork was called to her final rest in October, 1875, when the subject of this review was four years of age.
Reared at Holland and educated in the public schools and under his father's capable guidance, J. Wesley Stork at the age of twenty years entered the Kentucky School of Medicine, at Louisville, Kentucky, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in June, 1895. In August following he located at Darmstadt, Indiana, and began practice, bringing to his work a well trained mind and a fund of practical knowledge which have been of great assistance to him in the years that have since passed. Here he has gained a reputation which is by no means limited to the im- mediate neighborhood and has been acquired by years of patient study and practical application of the recognized principles in his profession.
In October, 1899, Dr. Stork was united in marriage to Miss Johanna B. Bauer, a daughter of Michael and Barbara Bauer, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Germany. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Stork: Jesse M. H., now nine years of age; and Urban F. D., aged four years. The family occupies a fine large home beautifully located upon an acre of ground and showing every evidence of taste and refinement.
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Dr. and Mrs. Stork are members of the Salem Evangelical church and he holds membership in Hooppole Camp, No. 118, Woodmen of the World, of which he is council commander at the present time. He is iden- tified with the republican party and is a member of the Vanderburg County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He has inherited many characteristics of the suc- cessful medical practitioner; has a carefully selected library of the best medical works and is thoroughly informed as to the advancements in the healing art, which have been so marvelous during the past decade and promise even greater marvels in the years to come. As a natural leader in the community where he lives he occupies a prominent place and he never lowers the standard which he erected as a young man and which has made him a most useful citizen in the county where he has lived ever since his birth.
ALBERT JOHANN.
Albert Johann, the senior member of the Albert Johann & Sons Com- pany, was born in Prussia, Germany, July 16, 1831, and was the oldest child of Charles W. and Lisetta Johann. In the year 1848, at the age of seven- teen years, he left his native country and on the 10th of May arrived in Evansville where he has now made his home for sixty-two years. There are few who have resided for a longer period in this city, and none who during so extended a time have enjoyed in fuller measure the confidence, good-will and high regard of their fellow townsmen.
During the early years of his residence here he worked at the iron molder's trade but subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a number of years as one of the leading contractors of the city, forming a partnership with Conrad Farr under the firm style of Johann & Farr. The two were associated in business for some time and in 1866 extended the scope of their business by establishing an undertak- ing department. In 1867 Mr. Farr withdrew, Mr. Johann continuing the business alone. His attention was given to the dual interests of contract- ing and undertaking until 1872, when he abandoned the former in order to devote all of his time to the funeral business, which had greatly in- creased and demanded his entire attention. In 1884, upon the admission of his sons, Charles H. and Albert H., to an interest in the business, the firm style was changed to Albert Johann & Sons, and was conducted under this partnership relation until 1904, when it was incorporated under the name of the Albert Johann & Sons Company, with Albert Johann as pres- ident; Albert H. Johann as vice president; Charles H. Johann, secretary and treasurer ; and J. H. Berges, superintendent. It is estimated that dur- ing its existence this firm has buried twelve thousand people. The com-
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pany ranks second to none in the state and has every equipment for the care- ful and satisfactory conduct of funerals according to the most modern methods of caring for the dead.
In 1854 Mr. Johann was married to Miss Barbara Spies, and unto them have been born eight children: Amelia, the wife of John A. Fisher, of Chicago; Charles H. and Albert H., engaged in business with their father; Lydia, who passed away in 1880 while a resident of Evansville; Emma, who married Fred Strohm and makes her home in Evansville; Mamie, who passed away in Evansville in 1899; Edward W., who is married and is living in Memphis, Tennessee; and Eva, a resident of this city. The parents have traveled life's journey together for fifty-six years, sharing with each other in the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which checker the careers of all.
In his political views Mr. Johann has long been a stalwart republican, and several years ago was twice elected as councilman from the sixth ward at a time when that ward was considered democratic by a sound majority. The fact of his election is certainly an indication of his popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. During later years he has taken no active part in politics but is still enjoying good health and is one of the honored and revered patriarchs of the community, being now in his eightieth year. He possesses a retentive memory and has close and intimate knowledge of the upbuilding and history of Evansville, relating many interesting incidents of the early days and indicating by his con- versation the progress that has been brought about and the changes which have been wrought, bringing Evansville to its present position of prosperity and prominence.
WILLIAM T. HOFFHERR.
Fifty-five years ago William T. Hoffherr was born in Vanderburg county and here he has passed his entire life. He first saw the light of day upon a farm and farming has been his occupation up to the present time. He is regarded by his neighbors as one of the best farmers of the township and, judging by the abundance of his crops for the year 1910, the high opinion entertained of his agricultural abilities is not misplaced. Mr. Hoffherr is a native of Armstrong township and his natal day was October 10, 1855. Here he grew up and in his boyhood attended to the duties of the farm and also received such education as was available in the district school. He was an obedient pupil in the school and an industrious worker on the farm, gaining a practical experience which he has been able to apply through many years with very favorable results. At the present time he is renting a farm of one hundred and forty acres, of which he was formerly overseer. This farm lies in the river bottoms and has
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the richest soil that can be found in the township. By skilful management Mr. Hoffherr has approached a condition of financial independence and the present season promises more abundant return than ever before.
On the 10th of November, 1880, Mr. Hoffherr was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Bank, of Darmstadt, Indiana, a daughter of Henry Bank. By her advice and encouragement Mrs. Hoffherr has been a most valuable assistant to her husband. Mr. Hoffherr is affiliated with the democratic party. He believes that the individual should be given the largest liberty possible as long as he does not interfere with the rights of others. He also believes in a moderate tariff. He is an earnest member of the Ger- man Lutheran church and a willing contributor to its support. He has always been industrious, resolute and persevering in everything he has undertaken and in his life work as a farmer he has put these principles into successful practice.
SAMUEL BARKER BELL.
It is estimated that the Civil war cost a million lives and among this number were many of the most promising young men any nation has ever known. The survivors of the war, many of whom entered the service be- fore they were twenty-one years of age, came home at its close with new ideas. Their outlook had been broadened and the years of marching, fight- ing and suffering made an impression upon their minds which they could never forget and which largely controlled their future career. Thousands of soldiers after laying aside the implements of warfare engaged in the pursuits of business with the same energy that they had displayed in up- holding the country's flag, and the sons of these defenders of the nation are now taking their fathers' places and upon their shoulders largely rest the responsibilities of the nation,
Among the soldier sons is Samuel Barker Bell, a successful farmer of Union township, Vanderburg county and also identified with the business interests of Evansville. He was born at Decker, Indiana, February 16, 1876, a son of Henry S. and Mary Bell, the former of whom is now liv- ing, but the latter was called to her final rest in California in 1885. Henry S. Bell was one of the valiant young Americans who responded to Pres- ident Lincoln's call, enlisting in the Union army and serving under the celebrated cavalry leader, General Phil Sheridan, one of the most daring commanders of modern times. He continued in the service until the fight- ing had been brought to a close and the army of General Lee had been paroled and sent home to start the battle of life all over again after four years of disastrous struggle. Mr. Bell was a true soldier and his honor- able discharge entitles him to the confidence and respect of every lover of liberty. The stories of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty which he told
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at the home fireside and of which he was a living exemplar, had a marked effect in shaping the life of his son.
Samuel Barker Bell was reared upon the home farm and educated in the district schools. He began as a boy to take an active interest in every- thing pertaining to the farm and this interest has never waned. He has devoted his energies to raising grain and his well cultivated fields have returned abundant harvests. He has a farm of one hundred and eighty- six acres and is known as one of the intelligent and progressive farmers of Union township.
Mr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Cecilia Smythe, a daughter of Henry and Emma (Stroud) Smythe. She was one of triplets. Her parents are both living and are natives of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have a daughter, Henrietta, who is fourteen months old, and in their lives are controlled by the simple virtues, among which are industry and economy that always yield abundant returns for the time and energy em- ployed. Their residence is one of the attractive homes of the neighbor- hood and here abide peace and harmony.
Mr. Bell is in hearty sympathy with the principles of the republican party, although in local affairs he does not permit party lines to interfere with his selection of a worthy candidate. Socially he holds membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and in religious affiliation is identified with the Methodist church as that branch of Christian fellow- ship that most nearly represents the teachings of the Great Master. As the head of a happy family, the owner of a productive farm and a man respected by those who know him, Mr. Bell occupies an enviable position, but in the opinion of his friends it is a position he has fairly earned.
SAMUEL G. EVANS.
Prominent among the enterprising, successful and far-sighted business men of Evansville stands Samuel G. Evans, whose mercantile interests con- stitute an important factor in the commercial activity and stability of the city. Throughout his entire life whatever his hand has found to do he has done with all his might and with a sense of conscientious obligation, and industry and honor, therefore, have constituted the salient features in his business career.
He was born in Jackson county, West Virginia, March 19, 1839, and is a son of E. S. and Ruami (Wright) Evans, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. The father, who was born in Morgantown, Virginia, in 1800, was a gentleman farmer of the old school but while care- fully managing his business interests was never so occupied therewith that he had no time for the courtesies of life. He died in his native state in
S. G. EVANS
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1876, and his wife, surviving him for about six years, passed away in Jackson county, West Virginia, in 1882.
Samuel G. Evans was reared upon his father's farm and after study- ing in the local schools continued his education in Washington College of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with the class of 1861. For a short time afterward he studied law and then came to Evansville as an employe of the Adams Express Company. In 1864 he secured a position in the dry-goods house of Jaquess, French & Company, there remaining for about two years, when he became junior member of the firm of Jaquess Hudspeth & Company. He remained a member of that firm until 1876, when he joined D. J. Mackey in opening up business at 211 Main street, under the firm style of S. G. Evans & Company. The business prospered for four years and in 1880 Samuel G. Evans became the senior partner in the firm of Evans & Verwayne, which was organized in that year. Their trade rapidly increased and in 1895 Mr. Evans acquired the interest of his partner and removed to his present location on Fourth and Main streets. Here he has since carried on business as sole proprietor of an enterprise that is conducted under the name of S. G. Evans & Company. He carries a large and carefully selected stock and has surrounded himself with an able corps of assistants. His house has ever maintained a high standard in its personnel, in the character of the stock and in the services rendered to the public, and at all times the business methods employed have been in closest harmony with the strictest commercial ethics. He is a director of the Evansville Trust & Loan Company.
In 1867 Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Hornbrook, who was born in Vanderburg County near Darmstadt in 1842 and is a rep- resentative of one of the old, prominent and honored pioneer families of this county. Her father, Colonel Philip Hornbrook, was a son of Saunders Hornbrook, who engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods at Devon- shire, England, in which city Philip was born on the 16th of March, 1810. The family sailed for America in 1819 and proceeded westward by water and by wagon train to Evansville, where they arrived on the 20th of De- cember, the grandfather of Mrs. Evans purchasing a large tract of land and at one time being the owner of fourteen quarter sections in Scott town- ship. For many years he remained a prominent factor in the business cir- cles of the county, not only conducting a store but also operating a wool and carding machine and a cotton gin. His business grew to extensive propor- tions and he became one of the leading factors in industrial, manufacturing and commercial circles here.
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