USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 32
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In 1865 the democrats of this district nominated him for judge of the common pleas court. Being an off year and only a few county officials were to be elected and the election being held at the beginning of October when the farmers, who composed the bulk of the democratic voters, failed to turn out, he was beaten in the four counties composing the district, and Judge John Pitcher of Mount Vernon was elected by a small majority. In 1872 the democrats nominated him for judge of the criminal court of Vanderburg, but this was the Greely campaign which proved disastrous to the democratic party and he went down to defeat with the balance of the ticket. He has since been connected with the profession in this city and his record has at all times indicated his splendid qualifications for the life work he has chosen and the ability which he displays in the presentation of his cases before the courts. He was connected with much of the important litigation tried in this district during a half century, and in 1890 he was elected judge of the superior court, serving on the bench until 1894. He was then renominated but was defeated. In 1874 he was appointed by the city council as city attorney of Evansville and served until 1875. Again he filled that position from 1882 until 1883. While undoubtedly he is not without that honorable ambition which is so power- ful and useful as an incentive to activity in public affairs, he regards the pursuits of private life as being in themselves abundantly worthy of his
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best efforts. The success which he has attained is the reward of enter- prise. The zeal with which he has devoted his energies to his profession, the careful regard evinced for the interests of his clients and the assiduous and unrelaxing attention given the details of his cases have brought him a large business and made him very successful in its conduct.
Judge Maier was married in Delaware, Ohio, to Miss Eliza M. Willey, on the 9th of June, 1864, and they have become parents of six children. They are members of the Episcopal church and Judge Maier has always been a democrat in his political views. Coming to the new world when a youth of fourteen, hoping to have better opportunities on this side of the Atlantic, he has made continuous progress. A man of broad learning and liberal knowledge, he ranks with those who have been prominent in molding public opinion and in shaping public thought and action. His cooperation has been given to progressive measures which constitute the impetus for the city's advancement and in the discussion of important public questions his opinions have carried weight.
PAUL YOUNG.
A man of sturdy instincts and strong will power, Paul Young has bravely borne up in the face of difficulty that would have overcome a man of less fortitude and he is recognized as one of the stanch citizens of his community. He was born in Scott township, Vanderburg county, where lie has passed his life, June 4, 1874, and is the son of John and Susan H. (Reimann) Young, both of whom were born in Germany and came to this country with their parents when they were children. The father was left an orphan at eight years of age and made his home with a man named Greiger. He grew up as a farm boy and was educated in the common schools, attending school in the winter and devoting his attention to the farm with an assiduity that marked all agricultural pursuits in the earlier days. As he became older he worked out by the month and at twenty- one years of age he was able to purchase a farm of eighty acres which he improved by earnest labor. By the purchase of additional land he in- creased the size of the farm to one hundred and twenty-one acres and this he operated with gratifying success until he was called away August 30, 1904. Mrs. Young and her daughter Carrie are making their home, as they have for some time past, with the subject of this review.
Paul Young continued at the parental fireside until he was nineteen years of age, having in the meantime made good use of the opportunities offered at the district school and having also become well acquainted with the pursuit of agriculture. Seeking for better educational facilities than were afforded in the district school, he became a student in Lockyear's Business College at Evansville, from which he was graduated with the
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class of 1902. At nineteen years of age he began to earn money for him- self by hiring out to neighbors and later traveled with a threshing machine for several years. For five years he was connected with a general store at Daylight, Indiana, at the end of which time he resigned his position and bought four acres of land in town, where he is now erecting a fine modern residence.
Mr. Young is unmarried and his mother and sister have charge of the household. He is at the present time township assessor and has held this office for six years past to the general satisfaction of the tax payers. In 1896 Mr. Young suffered from an attack of rheumatism which developed into what is called white swelling, causing great pain for two years, when it was necessary to have the limb amputated. He bore up bravely and instead of proving a disaster, the ordeal has made of him a stronger and nobler character than would have been the case had he never been called upon to pass through this trying experience. He is a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints and as is indicated by the official position he holds, he possesses the respect and confidence of all who know him.
THOMAS E. GARVIN.
The legal profession has always embraced many of the brightest minds in America, and it has often been remarked that this republic is governed by lawyers. Countries of the old world are governed by families or by the aristocracy but here the lawyer has from the start borne a leading part and it is in a large degree through the influence and efforts of the mem- bers of the legal profession that the ship of state has been enabled to stem the current and ride safely into a secure harbor. The law has irre- sistible attractions under free institutions to the most promising young men, and when the subject of this review began to look about him as he started out upon his business career, he decided to cast his fortunes with the law.
Thomas E. Garvin was born at Gettysburg, Adams county, Pennsyl- vania, September 15, 1826, and the place of his birth several years later became the scene of the decisive conflict of the Civil war when the ad- vancing army of the Confederacy was turned back by the forces of the Union. Mr. Garvin was the son of John and Providence Garvin, both of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and after a preliminary education in the schools of his native town, he matriculated at Mount St. Mary's College, a famous old institution of Emmettsburg, Maryland, where at the age of fourteen he entered upon a systematic course of study leading to graduation in 1844. He was a diligent student and showed himself to be the possessor of a logical mind which readily grasped the principles of any subject to which he directed his attention. Soon after graduation he removed to Evans-
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ville, where he has since resided. Few men now living have witnessed so many changes in the valley of the Ohio. In 1844 Evansville was a small river town-only one settlement of many on the Ohio river, having ap- parently equal advantages. As the years passed the city grew in trade and population far surpassing many other towns of more pretentious claims. One of the most important elements in the growth of Evansville is to be found in the character of the men who there located, whose energy and ability are indelibly impressed on one of the most prosperous and beauti- ful cities to be seen in the entire length of the Ohio.
The young citizen from Pennsylvania lost no time in the preparation for the legal profession. He began study in the office of Hon. Conrad Baker, ex-governor of Indiana and one of the ablest members of the bar in the entire west. Being in need of funds, Mr. Garvin taught school for a time but on March 27, 1846, after an examination for admission, he was duly licensed as an attorney. Upon the invitation of his preceptor they became associated in practice under the firm name of Baker & Gar- vin. This partnership, which proved pleasant and profitable, continued for eleven years, the firm being identified with many of the most important cases in the state. Mr. Garvin gained an enviable reputation as a cogent reasoner who appealed with directness and force to both judge and jury. During his active years at the bar he was considered a most careful and vigilant attorney in whose hands it was safe to entrust the most intricate and important litigation. His clients have been among the most influen- tial citizens of the city and county. Of late years he has gradually with- drawn from active participation in important cases, but his interest in friends and in developments, both public and private, has continued. He is interested in real-estate litigation although his private affairs demand a large part of his time. He has been connected with many enterprises as attorney, adviser, officer or stockholder and has contributed largely to- ward the advancement which has been witnessed in Evansville and throughout the surrounding country. He was one of the original pro- moters of the First National Bank of Evansville, and for many years was a member of the board of directors. He was also one of the original trustees of the Willard Library and a member of the board to which the property was deeded. Although not a seeker for political honors, Mr. Garvin has taken a lifelong interest in all matters pertaining to city, county, state or nation. He was elected to the state legislature as a representative from Vanderburg county in 1862 and performed his duties to the general acceptance of his constituency.
On November II, 1849, Mr. Garvin was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia M. Morris at Pen Yan, Yates county, New York. She is a di- rect descendant of the Morris family of Morristown, New Jersey, which gained an enduring reputation through the patriotic services of Robert Morris, the noted financier of the Revolution, and others of the same name.
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The career of Mr. Garvin is a striking example of a self-made man who has accomplished a noble mission in life by adherence to principles founded upon truth and justice. His high character met with due recog- nition from his alma mater in 1876 when Mount St. Mary's College con- ferred upon him the honorary, degree of LL. D. To this honor he was justly entitled not only by his distinguished law record but on account of his rare attainments in history and polite literature. Respected and hon- ored by many friends and acquaintances, he looks back upon a life of activity and usefulness which has few regrets and many pleasing memo- ries.
JOSEPH F. REITZ.
Carefully conducted business interests brought Joseph F. Reitz to a prominent position in mercantile circles and gained for him the honor and respect of his fellowmen. He is now giving his supervision to his real- estate interests but otherwise has retired from active life. His name indi- cates his German lineage. He was born in Westphalia, Germany, in 1837 and was about seven years of age when the family came to the new world. His father, Francis Joseph Reitz, also a native of Germany, came to Evans- ville in 1842.
Brought to Evansville in his early boyhood, Joseph F. Reitz pursued his education in the parochial school of the Trinity Catholic church on Third street. For more than two-thirds of a century he has been a resident of this city. In 1860 he went to California, where he spent five years in gold mining. On his return to Evansville, in 1865, he engaged in the sawmill business with his brother, John A. Reitz. In 1870 he established a furni- ture and manufacturing business and was for twenty-five years located on Main street, conducting a wholesale and retail enterprise which is still in existence. In the 'gos, however, Mr. Reitz sold out to the Jordan & Loesel Furniture Company, since which time he has given his attention to his real- estate investments. While engaged in merchandising his activities con- formed to the highest standard of commercial ethics. He carried large and well selected lines of goods both in the wholesale and retail depart- ments. He became one of the foremost representatives of the trade in Evansville, which in recent years has become an important center for the manufacture and sale of furniture. As he prospered and his financial re- sources increased he made investment from time to time in real estate until his property holdings are now quite extensive and return to him a gratify- ing annual income.
Mr. Reitz was married in 1874, in Sainte Marie, Jasper county, Illinois, to Miss Louise Picquet, who was born at Boersch, Alsace, then a province
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of France. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reitz were born four children but only one is now living, Mrs. Charles Reitz Rudd.
The parents hold membership in the Assumption church, in the work of which they take active and helpful part. In the city where he has so long lived Mr. Reitz has ever been regarded as a man of well balanced char- acter who has learned to correctly judge of the values of life and of those things which go to make up life's contact and experiences. Actuated by a laudable ambition, he has followed the path of progress to the goal of suc- cess, and honor and esteem have been accorded him all along the way.
LOUIS A. DAUS.
Louis A. Daus was one of the founders and promoters of the Anchor Supply Company and is the strong center of the business community in which he moves. He has developed an enterprise of extensive proportions hardly exceeded by any undertaking of similar character in the world and, moreover, his business balances up with the principles of truth and honor.
Mr. Daus is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, born September 1, 1862. His parents, August and Wilhelmina Daus, were both natives of Germany. The father came to this country when seventeen years of age and the mother when a maiden of twelve summers. They were married in Cleve- land, Ohio, and unto them were born twelve children, of whom Louis A. is the eldest. Spending his youthful days in his parents' home, he was sent at the usual age to the public schools of Cleveland, won promotion through the various grades and also spent one year as a student in the high school. His initial step in the business world was made as an apprentice to the sailmaker's trade and when he had mastered that pursuit he followed it in different parts of the United States, continually advancing in ability and experience.
Following his arrival in Evansville in February, 1888, Mr. Daus took charge of the tent and awning department of the business of John J. Sinzich. He remained in that connection for four and a half years, at the end of which time he engaged in the tent and awning business on his own account, carrying on the undertaking successfully for about eighteen months, when he became associated with others in organizing and incor- porating the Anchor Supply Company, with which he has since been con- nected as vice president and as president. He has not only watched it grow from a small beginning to one of the largest establishments of the kind in the world but has been a most important factor in its continued development and in the extension of its trade connections until its ramify- ing interests reach out to all parts of the country. The plant has been en- larged to meet the growing demands of the trade and at all times has been equipped with the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work. Cor-
LOUIS A, DAUS
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rect business principles and close conformity to the highest standards of business ethics have, moreover, been strong features in the success of the undertaking. While Mr. Daus confines his attention largely to the man- agement of the interests of the 'Anchor Supply Company, he was also a director and the vice president of the Mercantile National Bank for two and a half years after its organization and then became its president, so serving from July 1909, until it was merged into the Mercantile Trust & Savings Company in July, 1910.
Mr. Daus was married in Evansville on the IIth of July, 1888, to Miss Lavinia L. Biszant, who was born in Marietta, Ohio, a daughter of Philip and Lavinia Biszant, who came to Evansville when their daughter, Mrs. Daus, was only about thirteen years of age. She has been a very promi- nent church and society worker, being a recognized leader in the social circles of the city. By her marriage she has become the mother of two sons, Frank A. and John J. Daus.
In politics Mr. Daus is a republican, although not an active party worker. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Arcanum and in Masonry he has attained the degrees of Knight Templar and Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Country Club and is a trustee of Grace Memorial church. He was a member of the National Guard of the state of Ohio for three years and acted as guard on the line of march during the progress of the funeral of President Garfield. He was also on duty guarding the body while it lay in state in the public square at Cleveland. Since coming to Evansville he has proved his worth as a citizen by his active cooperation in many projects for the public good, for he is interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual, social and moral upbuilding of the community. He is, however, preeminently a business man with a genius for organization and an aptitude for successful management.
HON. CHARLES G. COVERT.
It has been said that one of the secrets of success in life is a good start; but all thinking minds will agree that good judgment, honorable character and an abundant supply of energy go a long way toward the accomplishment of a well rounded career. It is to all of these desirable elements that may be ascribed the enviable position occupied by the sub- ject of this review in the estimation of the people of Evansville and Van- derburg county. A native of the Hoosier state, his parents also belonging to this state, he grew up under the favorable influences of an advanced civilization and right worthily has he acquitted himself of the duties and responsibilities involved.
Charles G. Covert was born at Washington, Daviess county, Indiana, September 4, 1864, a son of Jacob and Maria Catherine (Gooldy) Covert.
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His father was born in Wells county and his mother in Lawrence county. Jacob Covert first saw the light of day August 13, 1837, and is said to have been the first male white child born in Wells county. He had the following children : Harriett, now Mrs. Grant L. Austin, of Washington city; Charles G., our subject; Martha, now Mrs. Charles P. Beard, of Evansville, and William H., of Washington, D. C. Jacob Covert was a well known newspaper man of Indiana. He was the founder of the Evans- ville Tribune, which he conducted for many years. Later he moved to Washington city, where he held a lucrative position in the government printing office in 1905.
When he was about five years of age the parents of Charles G. Covert took up their residence at Evansville and here he has since made his home. He attended the public schools and was graduated from the high school, but a large part of his education has been acquired in the printing office -accredited as being one of the best schools the world has known-and in contact with actual affairs of life. He learned the printer's trade in his father's office and after leaving school, at the age of sixteen, he "held cases" in the office of the Evansville Journal, continuing there for several years. He left the Journal in 1887 to become city editor of the Tribune, remaining with that paper for more than seven years, the last five years as managing editor. In the fall of 1894 he was nominated by the repub- lican party as sheriff of Vanderburg county and, having been elected to the office, resigned his position on the newspaper and entered upon his official duties in January, 1895. Having administered the affairs of the sheriff's office to the general acceptance of the people of the county, he was reelected in 1896 and served two terms, making a total period of four years. At the time of his first election he was twenty-nine years of age and the records show that he was the youngest man up to that time elected to the responsible position of sheriff in Vanderburg county. He proved a courageous and safe executive officer and won and retained the respect of officers and judges of the courts and all right-minded citizens. In 1899 he was the republican nominee for mayor of Evansville but was defeated by a close margin of fifty-two votes. Again in the spring of 1901 he was presented as a candidate for the office and this time he won by a majority of eighty-eight votes. As mayor of the second city of the state he added to the reputation he had already gained as a man of good judgment even in matters pertaining to politics and one who has always aimed to per- form his whole duty to the best of his ability. He is a successful business man, being identified in an official way with several Evansville enterprises.
Mr. Covert was happily married October 26, 1887, to Miss Grace L. Tucker, of Paris, Illinois, and three daughters have been born to them. Mr. Covert is a prominent factor in social and fraternal circles as well as in political affairs. He is a member of many organizations, among them the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, Red Men, United Work- men, Royal Arcanum, Ancient Essenic Order of Buffaloes and the For-
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esters of America. In these organizations his social qualities have found expression and through these and other channels he has found opportunity of extending a helping hand to many less fortunate than himself. At the age of forty-six the subject of our record is just in the prime of a useful life and it is the opinion of his friends that as the years pass he will add new honors to those already acquired. It is evident that no rec- ord of Vanderburg county would be complete without the name of Charles G. Covert.
JAMES D. SAUNDERS.
James D. Saunders is engaged in civil engineering, a business with which the name of Saunders has been connected through more than a half century. He was born in Bloomington, Indiana, December 4, 1853, a son of James D. and Mary Saunders. The father was born in Manches- ter, England, November 2, 1829, and crossed the Atlantic to America in the period of early manhood, establishing his home in Bloomington, In- diana, in 1851, being engaged as engineer in the construction of the New 'Albany & Salem Railroad. After three years of residence there he re- moved to Evansville in 1854, as engineer of the proposed Evansville & Cleveland Railroad, known as the Straight Line Railroad. He was elected city engineer in 1857 and held that office almost continuously until his life's labors were ended in death on the 6th of June, 1880.
James D. Saunders was a pupil in the Evansville schools to the age of seventeen years, when he became assistant to his father, under whose direction he learned civil engineering. The thorough training and ex- perience which he gained in that connection well qualified him for the po- sition of county surveyor, to which he was elected in 1876. That his course in office was commendable is indicated by the fact that in 1878 he was reelected for a second term and in 1880 he was appointed city engi- neer by the city council and was elected to that office uninterruptedly until 1887. Subsequently he followed his profession independently until 1889, when he was elected city engineer and filled the office until 1891. He afterward engaged in the engineering and contracting business on his own account for two years, when he was appointed a member of the board of public works and was again in office for four years, or until 1897. Through the succeeding eight years his attention was devoted to engineering and contracting in the field of his chosen profession, during which he was a member of the firm of James D. & M. S. Saunders, civil engineers, and of the contracting firm of Stinchfield & Saunders. He did the engineer- ing work for the Princeton Railway Company and the surveys for the Evansville & Rockport Railway Company. He also constructed the mound for the city water works and executed several contracts for street work.
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In 1906 he was again appointed to the position of city engineer and con- tinued his incumbency in the office until January, 1910, his appointment coming in recognition of the excellent service which he had previously done in the same position. On his retirement from the office he once more began contract work on his own account and in the field of civil engineering with his brother Miles S. Saunders, under the firm name of J. D. & M. S. Saunders, has met with substantial success. Thoroughness, promptness and reliability have been salient features in his progress and they have become recognized as one of the most faithful and capable firms of civil engineers of this state.
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