USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 33
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36
On the 13th of October, 1886, Mr. Saunders was married in Evans- ville to Miss Elizabeth McQuigg, a former resident of Ironton, Ohio, and they have become parents of four children: Mack, twenty-three years of age, who is now connected with the engineering department of the Louis- ville & Nashville Railroad Company; Betty, at home; J. Daniel, eighteen years of age, now attending business college; and Mary, who died in early childhood.
In the midst of a busy life Mr. Saunders has found opportunity for social enjoyment. He recognizes the obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship, and, keeping well informed on the political questions and issues of the day, gives his endorsement to the democratic party, for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government. He has been county chairman of that party twice, in 1892 and 1904. He has always been a resident of Indiana, and from early youth of Evans- ville. In his life he has manifested the enterprising spirit which has ever been a dominant factor in the upbuilding and progress of the middle west. He has never placed his dependence upon fortunate circumstances or fa- vorable environment, but has sought success in the field of earnest effort, unfaltering diligence and capability in the line of his chosen life work.
PHIL COLTON GOULD.
Among the progressive citizens of Evansville Judge Phil Colton Gould occupies an honorable place. Although only thirty years of age, he has won high standing in a profession which calls for the choicest ability in the land and demands a most arduous service. In his various acts he has shown wise discrimination and good judgment, and it is the opinion of his friends that no young lawyer of southern Indiana has greater possibilities of usefulness in his profession or of success in the various duties of life.
Phil Colton Gould comes from a long line of English ancestry and was born at Evansville, January 11, 1880. He is the son of Charles F. and Jane (Colton) Gould, both of whom were natives of England, where they were united in marriage, later removing to America. Charles F.
387
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
Gould was a lawyer and newspaper man and one highly esteemed by his friends and devoted to his family. He departed this life at Evansville, February 10, 1904, and is survived by his widow and daughter, Rose Cave, both living at Evansville, besides the subject of this review.
Phil Colton Gould received his preliminary education in the public schools of Evansville and completed an elective course in the high school in 1898. Turning his attention to the study of law, he matriculated at the law school at Valparaiso, Indiana, from which he was graduated June I, 1901. He was admitted to practice before the supreme court of Indiana and before the federal court in June, 1901, and has since been actively engaged in his profession. From January 1, 1908, to July 1, 1909, he practiced in partnership with Daniel H. Ortmeyer, but at other times has practiced alone. On account of close application to his work, his health became impaired in 1908 and he spent three months traveling through California and Old Mexico, returning greatly improved in health and with broadened understanding of the country and its possibilities.
Previous to attending law school, Judge Gould served for almost one year as deputy coroner under John P. Walker, his term of office extend- ing from December 1, 1898, to September 1, 1899. Although the duties of his profession have drawn largely upon his time, Judge Gould has, since reaching the age of maturity, taken an active interest in politics and has been an ardent advocate of the principles of the republican party. While not a self-seeker for office, he believes that every patriotic citizen should hold himself in readiness to perform public duties when called upon by the proper authority and after his nomination by the republican convention for city judge, he entered the campaign with characteristic energy and was elected to the office in November, 1909, for a term of four years. He assumed the duties of his position on January 3, 1910, and has discharged its responsibilities in such a way as to meet with the hearty approval of the best class of citizens. He is a strong advocate of providing employment for chronic offenders while they are incarcerated in the county jail and has inaugurated a movement that may result in in- stituting a modern system in this regard. In cases where offenders have been found guilty of previous violations of the law, Judge Gould calls for the police court record of each offense since January 1, 1906, and in his decisions is governed largely by the previous record of the individual. He believes that habitual offenders should be more severely punished than those arrested for the first time-a class often amenable to reformation by light sentences. He has found that about half of the offenders at Evansville are "habituals," some of them having been arraigned before the city court as many as eight times a year for four years. The study which Judge Gould is making of the criminal classes is also being pur- sued along similar lines in many cities and results of great practical benefit to society are expected. He believes that the courts can assist in many ways in restraining evil-doers and in inculcating respect for law and or-
388
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
der. This, however, calls for careful discrimination on the part of the court and the infliction often of severe penalties upon persistent offenders.
Judge Gould was united in marriage at Chicago, July 14, 1909, to Roah (Archer) McCallister, widow of Alfred G. McCallister, of Mount Union, Indiana. Mrs. Gould was born at Battle Creek, Michigan, May 30, 1887, and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Archer. She is a graduate of the Battle Creek public schools and is a lady possessing many graces of heart and character and a most attractive personality. Her parents were of English and French lineage. The home of Judge and Mrs. Gould is at No. III2 Washington avenue.
Judge Gould is identified with a number of social organizations, being a member of the Evansville Driving Club, the Central Turn Verein, the First Ward Republican Club and the Elks. He has taken a great deal of interest in athletics and at one time was the owner of the Evansville Base- ball Franchise, keeping it from being lost to Evansville in the season of 1907. He organized a corporation with Harry Stahlhoefer as president, himself as vice president and six other public-spirited citizens, and succeeded in retaining the franchise during the season. Generally at the front and alive to the importance of all movements looking to the public good, he has taken a keen interest in the growth of healthy sentiment in the community and has attempted to contribute his share toward the permanent welfare of the city. He is a representative of the stalwart young men in America, who are coming forward into positions of responsibility as successors of worthy progenitors who made possible the present unexampled oppor- tunities for larger usefulness.
ROBERT A. 'ANDRES.
Among the enterprising and progressive citizens of Evansville, Robert A. Andres occupies an honorable place, not only on account of the business interests he represents but also on account of his public spirit and the use he has made of his opportunities to advance the welfare of those with whom he is immediately surrounded. As president of The Andres Company, he is widely known in the mercantile world and occupies an important posi- tion in a city noted for the ability and energy of its business leaders. He was born in Monroe county, Illinois, March 25, 1865, and is a son of George and Frances Andres. His father was a native of Alsace-Lorraine, Ger- many, born in March, 1822, and at the age of eighteen he came to America, locating in Monroe county, Illinois, where he was a wine grower for many years. His death occurred in October, 1866.
Robert A. Andres attended private and public schools at Springfield, Missouri, until twelve years of age and then became a student at St. Mary's
389
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
College, St. Mary's Kansas, continuing for three years. At the age of fif- teen he returned to Springfield and began his business career as clerk with the Charles H. Heer Dry Goods Company. From the beginning he showed special adaptability to the dry-goods business and at twenty-three years of age he was elected a director of the company and four years later was made its secretary and treasurer. Mr. Andres is not a man to be satisfied with a mediocrity of success. He belongs to the advance guard of the great army which never stands still and has supreme confidence that "just beyond" lies a fruitful country that is awaiting the magic touch of hand and brain to make it blossom as a garden of roses. In casting about for a wider field he discovered possibilities at Evansville that less discerning eyes had over- looked. Accordingly, in 1903, he removed to this city and bought out the dry-goods firm of the Hennessy-Robinson Company. The new firm was very soon incorporated and Mr. Andres was elected president. Under en- ergetic and capable management the business of the company grew rapidly and in 1908 extensive changes were made, among which was the extension of the store so as to make use of the second floor of the building, previously occupied as offices. At the same time the name of the company was changed to The Andres Company, of which Mr. Andres became president; F. X. Heer, of Springfield, Missouri, vice president; and R. C. Smith, secretary and manager. The company is now operating the largest exclusive dry- goods store in the state of Indiana and specializes in ready-to-wear garments for women and children. Branch offices are maintained at No. 14 Lispenard street, New York; No. 41, Cheapside, E. C., London, England; and 21-23 Rue d'Hauteville, Paris. The foreign offices are made necessary on account of the fact that the company is a direct importer of costumes and European- made goods, for which there is a constantly increasing demand in this coun- try.
In leaving Springfield, Missouri, for Evansville, Mr. Andres did not dispose of his business interests in the former place but retained them and is secretary of the Charles H. Heer Dry Goods Company of Springfield, as well as secretary and treasurer of The Heer & Andres Investment Com- pany, also of that city, a corporation handling real estate, stocks, bonds and securities.
On January 30, 1901, Mr. Andres was united in marriage to Miss Vir- ginia Ferguson, of Springfield, Missouri. They have two children : Louise, now seven years of age; and Mary Elizabeth, six years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Andres are members of the Roman Catholic church and are among those most responsive to the numerous calls connected with the beneficences of that great organization. Mr. Andres is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Crescent and Country Clubs of Evansville and still retains membership in the Spring- field Club of Springfield, Missouri. As may be seen, he has many responsi- bilities and is a man of unusual keenness, not only in the rare faculty of foreseeing the possibilities in his special line of business, but in that other
390
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
rare faculty of supplying the demands of a large and discriminating body of purchasers, after the demands have once been created. Herein is to be found the secret of the success of the leading business men of America.
JACOB W. JENNER.
Jacob W. Jenner, who was a prominent and widely known citizen of Evansville, devoted the greater part of his life to the banking business, wherein his ability won him promotion, while his uniform courtesy and obliging manner made him popular with the patrons of the old First National Bank, whch he represented as cashier. A native of Indiana, he was born in the year 1851. He was of German lineage, a son of Adam Jenner, who came to Evansville from Germany when but nineteen years of age. In his native land he had learned the weavers' trade but as there was no employment of that kind to be obtained here, he worked at whatever he could secure. When twenty years of age he worked for a time in Washington. With many events of early progress in Evansville he was closely associated. He assisted in building the wharf in this city and for a time was employed on boats running out of Evansville. In that way he learned engineering and continued in active connection with steamboat interests for some time. He afterward accepted the position of engineer of the old Indiana mills until they were destroyed by fire, when he went to Mount Vernon, Indiana, where he occu- pied a position as engineer for five years. He then returned to Evansville in 1871, remaining one of the worthy and respected residents of this city until his death. He was a great reader and in this way educated himself, constantly broadening his knowledge, while his ready adaptability enabled him largely to use his learning in the practical affairs of life. He was a member of St. John's church, a man of great honor and respected by all.
Adam Jenner married Louise Jenner, who, though of the same name, was not a relative. She, too, was born in Germany and when fourteen years of age came to the United States. They were the parents of nine children, of whom seven reached adult age, while those still living are: Mrs. Mary L. Nugent; Thomas of Evansville; Elizabeth, of this city; Rose, the wife of Thomas Kerth, of Cairo, Illinois; and Fred, of Newburg, Indiana. A daughter, Sarah, reached womanhood but is now deceased.
The other member of the family to attain adult age was Jacob W. Jenner of this review. His early life passed without special event to differentiate it from that of most American youths. Study, work and play occupied his attention. Early in life, however, he manifested decided aptitude for business and remained throughout his life a forceful factor in those fields wherein he labored. His success and advancement were attributable to close appli- cation, unfaltering loyalty to the interests which he represented and prompt-
JACOB W. JENNER
398
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
ness in the discharge of all of his duties. When a young man he became an accountant in the old National Bank, where he was afterward made re- ceiving teller, and filled that position for thirty years, so continuing until his health compelled his retirement from active business. In the meantime, as his financial resources had permitted, he had operated to some extent in the field of real estate and had contributed to the improvement of Evansville in the erection of a large, fine apartment building at No. 507 West First street, a building largely used for doctors' offices.
In 1879 Mr. Jenner was united in marriage to Miss Adeline Tenney, and they became the parents of a daughter and two sons : Irene, at home with her mother ; Will, now in Chicago; and Lawrence, who is in this city.
During the later years of his life Mr. Jenner was in poor health and on the 21st of February, 1910, passed away. His business connections had brought him a wide acquaintance, which was further extended in his social relations and wherever known he was held in high regard. He possessed a kindly spirit, a genial disposition and cordial manner and was rich in those qualities which develop warm and enduring friendships.
ROBERT S. RUSTOĊ.
Robert S. Ruston, deceased, was for several years one of the active business men and highly esteemed citizens of Evansville. His early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in Chatteris, Cam- bridgeshire, England, in 1812, and was one of a family of five sons whose father was John Ruston. He acquired a good practical education in the common schools of his native land and was eighteen years of age when he came to the United States. He at once made his way to this county and first worked on the farm of his uncle, Mr. Peck, whose place is now occu- pied by the Oak Hill cemetery. Later he engaged in farming for himself in Blue Grass and for some years conducted the only tavern on the Spring- town road, now the site of the Country Club. At one time he owned and operated a hay press at Inglefield, Indiana, and while engaged in that busi- ness met with an accident which resulted in the loss of both arms. It was in 1848 that he became a resident of Evansville and embarked in the whole- sale and retail feed business on Water street. During the Civil war he did a large business with the government and acquired considerable prop- erty in this city, but reverses overtook him and he lost much of his real estate. He then turned his attention to other lines of work and did heavy hauling on a very extensive scale in Evansville.
Mr. Ruston was three times married, his first wife being Isabel White- head, of McCutchanville, who died on the 22d of September, 1843, and of the three children born to them John G. is the only one now living. For his second wife Mr. Ruston wedded Mrs. Mary Childs, of Evansville,
394
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
who died soon after her marriage. On the 23d of October, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Miriam White, who came to Evansville from London, England, and they became the parents of four children, namely : Walter, now deceased; Edgar 'A'., a resident of Davenport, Iowa; Isabel; and Edith.
By his ballot Mr. Ruston supported the men and measures of the re- publican party and took an active interest in the welfare of his adopted country. He was a faithful and consistent member of St. Paul's Episcopal church and also was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 'Although handicapped, he made a success of life and gained the confidence and high regard of all with whom he came in contact either in business or social life. He passed away in 1881 but is still remembered by a host of friends in Evansville and the surrounding country.
HON. JAMES H. McNEELY.
The leaders are few. The great majority of men are content to follow in the paths which others have marked out rather than to put forth the effort and exercise the courage that are always concomitants to original, definite action. Mr. McNeely, however, was of the class who mould pub- lic opinion and gained a large following because of the confidence placed in his ability-an ability that he himself developed through the exercise of effort, and a deep and continuous consideration of vital questions affect- ing the welfare of the majority. He came to be known as one of the leading editorial writers of the middle west, and his attitude upon certain questions of government control led to his appointment to official positions in which it was evident that his interest in the public good surmounted all partisan- ship or desire for personal advancement. With the early history of Pennsyl- vania and of the middle west the names of his ancestors, the Hamiltons and the Laugherys, were closely connected, figuring prominently in the de- velopment and upbuilding of those sections of the country. Like his an- cestors. Mr. McNeely in time played an important role on the stage of public action.
His life work found its expression in journalism, which shares with the platform the honor of being the most potent element in molding public opinion and shaping public destiny. Like the majority of men who attain prominence and success, his start in life was humble. He was apprenticed to the printer's trade in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, his native city, and after mastering the business to some extent went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and was among the early printers of that city who came into prominence later in life as a newspaper writer. Even while engaged on mechanical construc- tion of journals of that day his time and thought were in a measure centered upon contributions to magazines, and he was making of his mind a store
395
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
house of wisdom from which he drew liberally in later years. From Cin- cinnati he went to Indianapolis and secured the position of foreman of the composing room on the Indianapolis Journal. His ability was attracting attention, however, and successive promotions brought him to the position of city editor of that paper. He was also connected with other printing enterprises and the force of his individuality and his original thought were being made manifest.
The telegraph, too, was becoming an important feature in the business development of the west and Mr. McNeely was one of the first to take up the study of telegraphy with the Morse key, becoming one of the pioneers of the profession.
On coming to Evansville, Mr. McNeely joined with his brother, the late John Hamilton McNeely, and with F. M. Thayer, also now deceased, in the purchase of the Evansville Journal, which in time was sold to Claud G. DeBruler, at which time James H. McNeely, became half owner in the Richmond (Indiana) Palladium. After continuing in that connection for a time Mr. McNeely took charge of the Terre Haute Express as manag- ing editor and business manager, remaining with the paper for several years. He then returned to Evansville and purchased the interest of Mr. Thayer, the newspaper then becoming the sole property of himself and his brother.
From that time forward he remained half owner of the Journal-News and as editor in chief of the paper he wielded a trenchant and facile pen. His interest in public affairs was not merely that of a casual observer. He was a close student of the signs of the times and looked beneath the super- ficial to find the real meaning of the work that was being accomplished and the purposes actuating it. He stood fearless in support of a project which he deemed beneficial to the community, and advocated strongly the cause of one whom he believed to be working for the general good. On the contrary, he was equally strong in his opposition of men or measures when he believed they were inimical to the welfare of the community or the state.
It was not alone, however, in the field of journalism that his influence was widely exerted, for in many other ways his efforts promoted public progress or conserved the general good. He was prominent in affairs of the state as early as 1852, when the constitutional convention was called to give to Indiana its present organic law. He was acquainted, as few others have been, with the history of the state in detail, as well as in its more important features, and his memory of men and affairs was most retentive. He consented to hold but few public offices, his ambition being in other directions, but those which he filled were adorned by his presence, their duties being most promptly, capably and faithfully executed. At different times he served as postmaster of Evansville, assessor of internal revenue, and supervisor of construction of the Federal building. His work in the later connection was notable. Upon the completion of the building he returned nearly thirty thousand dollars of the money appropriated by
396
HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
the government for its construction. The records show that this is the only instance where such an act has been performed. It stands, moreover, as positive proof of his integrity and honor in matters of public trust. Fol- lowing the inauguration of President Mckinley and the convening of con- gress, he was made a commissioner under the Indian bureau to contract with the Indians in the northwest for the sale of land. His work there was commented upon by the officials of the interior department as being of the best ever performed. Shortly before his death he was sent by the depart- ment to the state of Washington to act as government agent in the con- demnation of the land for the purpose of extending traction lines through Indian reservations. Completing his work there, he was sent to Muskogee, in the Indian Territory, for the performance of a similar work, and while thus engaged the illness developed that eventually terminated his life, on the 6th of April, 1902.
Mr. McNeely came into political prominence with the organization of the republican party. He had been a close student of the political situa- tion of the country and felt that nothing was to be accomplished through the old organizations. He it was who penned the first editorial suggesting Abraham Lincoln of Illinois for the presidency; was a member of the con- vention which resulted in the nomination of Lincoln and from that time forward to his death attended every republican national convention, serving as a delegate to several, including that at Minneapolis, when General Ben- jamin Harrison was renominated. He also attended many democratic national conventions and gained a clear insight into the position of the op- posing party. Politics never interfered with his personal relations and it is safe to say that he had as many warm friends among the prominent demo- cratic leaders of the state as among the republicans. His position on any vital question was never a matter of doubt, for his opinions were expressed clearly and forcibly, if concisely, and the logic of his position usually at- tracted wide attention.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.