USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 31
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C. HOWARD BATTIN.
Time tests the merit of all things, whether it is the worth of a product or the ability of an individual. The strength or weakness of each will be evidenced as the years go by. Personal progress, therefore, is attained when industry, adaptability and trustworthiness have been proven. These qualities have constituted dominant elements in the life of C. Howard Battin and have brought him to the present enviable position which he occupies in business circles as vice president of the Tennis Company and secretary of the Evansville Railway Company.
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A native of Ohio, Mr. Battin was born near Kensington, Columbiana county, on the 18th of June, 1871, and is a son of Franklin and Jane Bat- tin, also natives of Ohio. His parents were of Quaker ancestry and were connected with the Hicksite branch of the Society of Friends. His father was of Welsh lineage in the paternal line and of Irish descent in the mater- nal line. His wife's people were Scotch. He devoted his life to farming until his death, which occurred about 1904. His wife passed away in 1895. In their family were four sons and a daughter, of whom two sons are deceased, one son having died in infancy. The brother of our sub- ject is W. L. Battin, a resident of Greenfield, Iowa, and the sister, Adella, is also living in that place.
C. Howard Battin, the youngest of the family, was educated in the public schools and in a commercial college at Rochester, New York. He afterward engaged in teaching school for three years and then turned his attention to commercial pursuits, establishing a grocery store at Akron, Ohio, where he continued in business for three years, and then sold out. From that time he has largely been connected with urban and interurban interests. He was first employed as a conductor on the interurban line be- tween Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, operating under the name of the Rapid Transit Company. Three months later he was promoted and became road foreman, in which capacity he served for two years. He then moved to Cincinnati, and was made superintendent of the Cincinnati, Laurenburg & Aurora lines, his identification therewith continuing until 1900, when he became associated with Charles C. Tennis, of the Tennis Company, in railroad construction. He was elected vice president of this company, which is operating exclusively in the field of interurban railway building. He has also been secretary of the Evansville Railways Company for two. years, and recently joined H. M. Lukens in organizing the firm of H. M. Lukens & Company for the conduct of a stock and bond brokerage busi- ness. He is well qualified in this latter connection, thoroughly understand- ing the value of commercial paper of this character, and the enterprise, determination and progressive spirit which he has displayed in every busi- ness connection argue well for success in the latter field which he has adopted.
On the 27th of October, 1892, Mr. Battin was married to Miss Mae W. Bradford, a daughter of Thomas S. Bradford, of Akron, Ohio, who is of English descent. In the maternal line Mrs. Battin can trace her an- cestry through three generations born in Akron, Ohio. One of her an- cestors was the first white child born in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Battin are now the parents of three children: Vera, born September 2, 1893; Le- land, June 6, 1899; and Dalton W., January 10, 1909.
Mr. Battin usually votes with the republican party yet does not con- sider himself bound by party ties. He holds to no narrow creed or doctrine in religious belief but gives his support to the Universalist church. For ten years he has been dentified with the Masonic lodge and is also a mem-
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ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has social qual- ities that render him popular among friends and business associates alike, and at no time in the stress of business, in his relations as a citizen or in his associations in social life has he ever forgotten the duties and obligations which he owes to his fellowmen, while his personal traits of character are such as have won for him high esteem.
EDWARD R. SMITH.
The business world is constantly attracting to its ranks the best talent of the country and many of the feats accomplished by business men of modern times have required keener generalship than was exhibited by vic- tors on scores of historic battlefields. The business manager is the gen- eral of today, and his army is to be seen in the willing workers whose presence is felt all over our country and whose products are distributed in the most distant regions of the world. It is to the practical business leader that the mind turns as the one who will ultimately solve the prob- lems of city and state and whose counsels are always in favor of what is just and fair between them.
Among the practical business men of Evansville is Edward R. Smith, vice president and general manager of the E. Q. Smith Chair Company. He is a native of Evansville, born August 17, 1866. His father, E. Q. Smith, who was a chair maker by trade, was born at Hunter, Greene county, New York, and there engaged in the business before coming to Evansville in 1857. The E. Q. Smith Chair Company was established in Evansville by him. In 1887 the firm was incorporated and he became president of the company, continuing in that position until his death, which occurred March 10, 1903. He was a thorough business man and as an expert in his line had few superiors anywhere.
Until the age of seventeen years Edward R. Smith was a student in the public or high schools. Having shown a tendency for the same line of business as his father, he received his introduction to his future career as traveling salesman for the house, remaining in that department for three years. He then entered the factory and gained a knowledge of its opera- tions by starting at the bottom and working through the various depart- ments, devoting six years to the acquisition of a complete understanding of an industry which he had chosen as his life work. 'At the age of twenty- six years he was made general manager and since 1892 he has been vice president of the company. Under his management the business has grown until it is one of the most flourishing industries in Evansville. The product turned out by the factory represents a complete line of chairs of all grades, up to the leather covered diners and rockers of the finest workmanship and most elegant design.
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Mr. Smith was united in marriage at Evansville, June II, 1889, to Miss Amelia Neekamp, and three children were born to them: Edward H., now eighteen years of age and a traveling salesman for his father; Floyd N., sixteen years of age, in the office of the E. Q. Smith Company as bookkeeper; and M. Wallace, now five years of age.
Mr. Smith is a member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal church. He has been for many years actively identified with the Masonic order and is deeply versed in its teachings. He is past master of Evansville Lodge, No. 64; past high priest of Evansville Chapter, No. 12; a member of Simpson Council, R. A. M .; of La Vallette Commandery, No. 15, K. T .; and of Hadi Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. In political, social and business circles Mr. Smith is recognized as one who shirks no responsibility, and, like his father before him, he does not hesitate to perform his duty as he sees it. A pleasant companion and a genial gentlemen, he has many friends. He is bringing up his sons in accordance with principles which he himself has found most effective and which are expressed by the words truth, sincerity, energy, capability, tenacity and confidence in one's self. It requires no argument to prove that any young man who is actuated by these elements and balanced by the saving grace of common sense is ab- solutely sure to win.
FRED W. KRIEGER.
Fred W. Krieger is a well known representative of the German-Amer- ican element, which has played such an important part in the business development and upbuilding of Vanderburg county. He is now living upon a farm of one hundred and thirty-nine acres in Center township, which he purchased in 1907. His birth occurred in Germany, December 4, 1862, his parents being Charles and Louisa (Busse) Krieger, who were likewise natives of that land where they spent their entire lives. The father died March 7, 1901, while his wife's death occurred in March, 1904.
Fred W. Krieger spent his youthful days under the parental roof, re- maining at home until he reached the age of eighteen, when the opportuni- ties of the new world proved to him an irresistible call and he crossed the Atlantic. He first settled in Washington county, Illinois, where he remained for eight months, when he came to Vanderburg county, Indiana, and began a contracting business, having previously learned the carpen- ter's trade. He followed that pursuit for a year and to some extent still does contracting, but the greater part of his time and attention are given to his farming interests. He purchased his present place in 1907 and now has a well developed tract of one hundred and thirty-nine acres, having brought the fields under a high state of cultivation. He has also built fences and outbuildings and expects soon to commence work on a barn
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thirty-four by sixty-six feet. Thus he has put forth earnest effort in the line of general improvement and his farm has become a paying prop- erty.
On the 29th of November, 1888, Mr. Krieger was united in marriage to Miss Christina Kuester, a daughter of Charles and Louisa Kuester, both of whom were natives of Germany. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Krieger has been blessed with three sons, Charles, Arthur and Freddie, aged respectively, nineteen, seventeen and seven years, and all yet under the parental roof.
Mr. Krieger is a committeeman in the Home Storm Insurance Com- pany. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he and his family attend and support the German Lutheran church. His life has been a busy and useful one, devoted to the business interests to which he has felt himself adapted, and as the years have passed he has made steady progress. He may truly be called a self-made man, for when he came to America his capital was limited. He recognized the fact, how- ever, that opportunity is open to all and by the improvement of the ad- vantages which are afforded in the business life of the new world he has steadily worked his way upward.
EUGENE PFÄFFLIN.
Eugene Pfäfflin, local agent at Evansville for the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association of St. Louis since April 15, 1900, was born in this city, December 4, 1865, his parents being Adolph and Mary (App) Pfäfflin, whose surnames indicate their German nativity and ancestry. The father entered the Union service during the dark days of the Civil war and organized Company A of the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth In- diana Volunteer Infantry. Coming to Evansville in 1856, he was for soine time engaged in the hotel business as proprietor of the Washington House, which stood on the corner of Third and Main streets, where the Nathan Grass clothing store now stands. He was called upon to serve as city clerk and also county sheriff and representative to the state legislature, filling these responsible positions with credit to himself and honor to the city and county. He was also a member of the school board for several years. After a useful and well spent life, he passed away November 20, 1879, and his wife died August 3, 1895.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof Eugene Pfäfflin attended the public and high schools until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he crossed the threshold of business life by accepting the position of bookkeeper in the planing mill of George Mutchler, with whom he remained for two years. He then engaged as bookkeeper for Koerner, Kuehm & Koerner, proprietors of a planing mill, by whom he was em-
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ployed for three years. His next position was with E. S. Babcock, capi- talist, by whom he was sent to California as timekeeper and paymaster on the erection of the Coronado Hotel. After two years spent on the Pacific coast he returned to Evansville and embarked in the retail grocery busi- ness, with which he was connected for two years. He afterward engaged with Val M. Schmitz & Company, a retail clothier, with whom he was associated as bookkeeper for three years. On the expiration of that period he became bookkeeper at the local branch of the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association and so continued until 1900, when he was appointed general agent of the Evansville branch and has since successfully managed their interests in this city, building up for the St. Louis house an extensive trade. His business methods are progressive and effective and under his guidance the patronage of the Evansville branch has continually increased.
On the Ist of December, 1887, Mr. Pfäfflin was married in Evansville to Miss Katie Hahn, and unto them have been born seven children: Adolph, nineteen years of age, who is now engaged with the Evansville Trunk Com- pany; Carl, seventeen years of age, who is also with the same company; Eugene, fourteen years of age; Theodore, twelve years of age; Arnold, aged ten, and Edward, aged seven, all pupils in the public schools; and Catharine, two years of age.
Mr. Pfäfflin gives his political allegiance to the republican party but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and social interests, the forces which contribute to his support and his pleasure in life.
FRANK P. FUCHS.
Frank P. Fuchs, cashier of the Citizens National Bank and popular in the social circles of the city, was born in Evansville September 6, 1875. His father, Jacob Fuchs, a native of Germany, is still living here and was one of the first free delivery mail carriers of Evansville. In recent years he has turned his attention to merchandising and is now engaged in the grocery business at No. 109 High street. He married Sophia Eggert, also a native of Germany, and her death occurred in December, 1907.
Frank P. Fuchs is the eldest in a family of four children, all of whom are living in Evansville. He began his education as a public school student and afterward pursued a course in a commercial college. On leaving that institution in January, 1890, he looked about him for a favorable oppor- tunity for entrance into business life and in May of that year he secured a position as messenger in the Citizens National Bank. Through successive promotions he has risen to the office of cashier, to which he was elected on the 27th of January, 1910. He is a popular official, obliging and cour- teous, and yet never neglectful in the least of the best interests of the in- stitution which he represents.
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Mr. Fuchs is a republican, although somewhat independent in his politi- cal tendencies. He belongs to the Zion Evangelical church, Reed Lodge, No. 316, A. F. & A. M., and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is interested in all manly athletics and outdoor sports, was one of the organizers of the Central Turners, and is secretary, treasurer and one of the most active members of the Recreation Gun Club. He also belongs to the Grand Chain Fishing Club and several bowling clubs.
ORA HERBERT ROBERTS.
O. H. Roberts is an able and distinguished Evansville lawyer who passed his youth amid ungenerous and cheerless surroundings and by the weight of his own character and ability, as represented in the utilization of every opportunity that has come to him, has worked his way upward to his present enviable position. His birth occurred in Vanderburg county, May 4, 1884. At an early day his paternal grandparents came to Indiana from North Carolina, of which state they were natives, and settled in Spencer county, while his maternal grandparents were born in Warrick county, Indiana, the family being established there in pioneer times. The Frisbies, however, were originally from North Carolina. His father, Britton Roberts, was born in Spencer county, December 4, 1854, and after attaining adult age was married to Miss Eunice Belle Frisbie, whose birth occurred in Warrick county, March 7, 1855. He devoted his life to farm- ing but spent his last days in Evansville, ill health compelling his retire- ment for about twenty years. He died four years ago.
O. H. Roberts acquired his early education in the public schools. At the age of thirteen years he went to work in the Evansville Cotton Mills and was afterward with the H. Hermans Manufacturing Company of Evansville. When still quite young he spent two years in St. Louis. He learned the machinist's trade and during that period, anxious to secure a better education than had been accorded him, attended night school. Later he went to Denver, Colorado, where he spent nine months in the Leyner Engineering Works. The southwest was his next field of labor and in Houston, Texas, he had charge of the tool room for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. Laudable ambition prompted him to seek a broader field for his energies and determination-his dominant qualities-and in 1904 he went to the capital city, where he entered George Washington University, from which he was graduated in 1907 with the LL. B. degree. The following year the Master of Law degree was conferred upon him. When in Washington he worked in the navy yard as a mechanic and in that way paid for his education, at the same time supporting his mother.
Mr. Roberts returned to Evansville to engage in general practice and his progress in his profession has been most gratifying and satisfactory.
O. H. ROBERTS
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No dreary novitiate awaited him. Almost from the beginning he was ac- corded a liberal clientage and his law business is now extensive and of a most important character. He most carefully prepares his cases and enters the court room equipped for defense as well as for attack. His deductions are logical and his arguments forceful, and he has proven again and again that he is well qualified to cross swords in forensic combat with the ablest members of the Evansville bar. He never confines his reading to the main points but also prepares for the unexpected which happens quite as frequently in the courts as out of them. He is, therefore, never surprised by the attack of an adversary and has justly won the repu- tation of being one of Evansville's most able and successful lawyers.
In his political views Mr. Roberts has always been a democrat and is recognized as one of the active workers of the party, whose opinions carry weight in its councils, and yet he has never sought nor desired the re- wards of office for party fealty. He is serving as chief of Evening Star Court, No. 231, of the Tribe of Ben Hur, his term expiring January I, 1911. Religious activity also finds a prominent place in his life. He is one of the ushers and clerk of the First Baptist church and is president of the young men's class of the church. His is a strong character devel- oped through hardships and adversity, which are often found to be the best incentives for effort and ambition. Unfaltering determination has enabled him to overcome all the difficulties in his path and the consensus of public opinion now places him in a most enviable position as a repre- sentative of the legal fraternity in Evansville.
G. MICHAEL DAUSSMAN.
G. Michael Daussman, secretary and treasurer of the T. W. Cook Brew- ing Company, is a native of Germany, born in 1847. He is a son of Jacob Daussman, who was a cooper and brewer by trade and who came to Amer- ica with his family in 1855 on a sailing ship, locating in Evansville, where he followed his trade until his death in 1896. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Eva Feibert, who survived her husband seven , years and was called to her final rest in 1903. Seven children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Daussman: Phillipina, now Mrs. Fred Stei- man; Eva, now Mrs. Sam Kamm; Kate, now Mrs. Sam Zeigler, of Chi- cago; Gertrude, now Mrs. Albert Scholtz; Louisa, who became Mrs. Stock- well and is now deceased; and Catherine, who died in infancy.
G. Michael Daussman, the only son, received his education in the pub- lic schools of Germany and at the age of eight years came with his parents to Evansville which has since been his home. In 1866 he became identi- fied with the F. W. Cook Brewing Company first as bookkeeper and then as traveling salesman and afterward in various capacities, making him-
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self so useful that in 1885 he was elected secretary and treasurer and has since continued in those positions. By ability and inclination Mr. Dauss- man is adapted for a business career and during all the years in which he has been connected with the company he has contributed in an im- portant degree in building up its reputation and in extending the territory over which the products of the plant are distributed. He is thoroughly acquainted with the various details of the business, which has grown to large proportions within recent years.
In 1880 Mr. Daussman was united in marriage to Miss Anna Platz, a daughter of Charles Platz, of Evansville, and unto them have been born eight children: Bertha, who died in infancy; George M .; Ida; Louise; Elsie, now Mrs. Walter Holtzgrafe, of Memphis, Tennessee; Arthur; Os- car, and Grover.
Mr. Daussman in the earlier days of his manhood showed a great in- terest in all matters pertaining to music and became prominent as a mem- ber of various German singing societies. He is a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the E. B. A., and was one of the charter members of the local lodge of Knights of Pythias. He has for many years been actively connected with the Evansville Manufacturers Association and holds membership in St. John's church. For over forty years he has been connected with the company of which he is an officer. He long ago demonstrated his ability as a business man and no citizen of Evansville is more earnest in urging the advantages of the city as a place of business or residence. Since early boyhood he has made America his home. He has given to this country the same fealty that, if he had remained in Germany, he would have given to his native land. 'A's the head of a large family and the center of a circle which is made up of many friends and acquaintances, he is kindly and helpful. A's a man among men he has through his business career attempted to discharge his responsibilities according to his best judgment and among the German citizens of Evansville he is recognized as a leader and in his party activities he has shown himself to be a capable and pro- gressive citizen.
JUDGE PETER MAIER.
Judge Peter Maier has engaged in the practice of law since 1860, and the half century of his connection with the Indiana bar has been charac- terized by continued advancement in his chosen field of labor. With a mind naturally analytical and logical, his deductions are sound, his reason- ing clear and his arguments forcible, while in his application of a legal point, principle or precedent, he is seldom at fault. He has therefore gradually risen to the position which he has now occupied for a long period as a leading member of the Vanderburg county bar.
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His birth occurred in the province of Hohenzollern, Prussia, August I, 1834. At the usual age he was sent to the public schools, where he continued his studies until his fourteenth year, when he crossed the At- lantic to the new world with his mother and the family of his uncle. They went direct to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he found work, being thrown on his own resources. Realizing the need of further education if he would make substantial advancement in the world, he worked steadily and ac- quired English sufficient to enable him to attend the Ohio Wesleyan Uni- versity at Delaware, Ohio. When his money gave out, he taught school to improve his finances. The first school he taught was eight years after he came to this country. Returning to college, he graduated in the scien- tific course with the class of 1858. After graduating he commenced the study of law in the office of Sweetser & Hall in Delaware for two years. He then applied for and got the position of principal of the common schools at Delaware and in August, 1860, applied for admission to the bar and after passing his examination was admitted. He at once started for Evansville, where he arrived September I and entered upon active practice. In 1864 the democrats of Vanderburg county, being without a German paper, persuaded him to commence the publication of a party organ in the German language, which he did, the first issue being in the latter part of May and was called the "Evansville Demokrat." He con- tinued its publication for over two years, when not wishing to give up his practice he sold the paper to Dr. Carl and Fred Lauenstein, who suc- ceeded in making it the leading German paper of Indiana.
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