USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 4
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For many years Mr. Boehne concentrated his energies upon his busi- ness affairs with no thought nor desire for public office, and it was a mat- ter of surprise to him when, in 1897, he opened a local paper which con- tained an account of his nomination as candidate for the position of coun- cilman at large. This expression of a public desire for his service in office awakened his sense of public obligation and he entered the race and was elected. At the close of his term he was reelected in 1899 and in 1901 he was chosen president of the council. He presided over its deliberations and exercised his official prerogative in support of every measure and move- ment which he deemed of significant value to the city's welfare. In 1901 he received his party's nomination as mayoralty candidate but at the elec- tion was defeated by eighty-six votes. In 1905 he was renominated and defeated his opponent by a vote of one thousand five hundred and ninety. He thus served from January 1, 1905, until March 1, 1909, when he re- signed as chief executive of the city to take his seat in congress, to which he had been elected in the fall of 1908. His political service has demon- strated the fact that the trust reposed in him was well merited. He has ever manifested a public-spirited devotion to the general good that none have questioned, and his advocacy of many progressive measures has proven of material benefit to the city.
On the 26th of November, 1885, in Evansville, Mr. Boehne was united in marriage to Miss Emilie Ide, and with the passing of the years their home has been blessed with five children, namely: Elizabeth and Esther, both of whom are proficient in art and music; Laura, attending high school; and J. W., Jr., aged fifteen years, and Edna, both students of the high school. All are yet under the parental roof.
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Mr. Boehne is a member of the Lutheran church, and his life has ever been guided by principles which require no explanation and seek no dis- guise. He has won well earned fame and distinction, possessing much natural ability, and has used his talents not only for his own advancement but for the welfare of the city and district in which he makes his home. His party fealty is not grounded on partisan prejudice, and he therefore enjoys the respect and confidence of all of his associates, irrespective of party.
JAMES RUSSELL FERGUSON.
A record of the representative citizens of Evansville would be incomplete were there failure to make definite reference to James Russell Ferguson, who for forty-two years has resided in this city, during which period he has been closely associated with its business enterprise and activity and many of its progressive public measures. He was born in Coahoma county, Mississippi, September 3, 1847, a son of Thomas Campbell and Lucinda D. (Carr) Ferguson, natives of Livingston county, Kentucky, and Lauderdale county, Alabama, respectively. The father died about 1849, when only thirty-four years of age, and the mother passed away in Mississippi, April 21, 1885, having survived her husband for thirty-six years.
James Russell Ferguson began his education in the country schools of his native state and afterward attended the public schools of Helena, Arkan- sas, and Evansville, Indiana. He came to this city in 1868 and for ten years thereafter was associated with the firm of N. F. Carr & Company in the capacity of bookkeeper and commercial traveler. Subsequently he engaged in the grocery business for two years and then sold out, after which he turned his attention to manufacturing interests as a member of the Crescent City Chair Company, with which he was associated for three years. On the expiration of that period he was called to public office, being elected city clerk in 1884 by a majority of five hundred. He was again chosen to the office in 1887 by a majority of thirty-five. That year there was a republican land- slide in Evansville and the personal popularity of Mr. Ferguson and the con- fidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen were indicated in the fact that he was the only man elected on the democratic ticket. In 1890 he was again chosen to the office and received endorsement of his capability and fidelity during his two previous terms in a majority of twelve hundred. After nine years' service he retired from the position as he had entered it-with the confidence and good will of all. Again becoming an active factor in the business circles of the city, he was connected with the Heilman Plow Com- pany, now the Vulcan Plow Company, and in March, 1896, he turned his attention to the fire insurance business, in which he is now engaged. He stands as one of the prominent representatives of insurance interests in this
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city and has developed a business of large proportions as the result of his close application, keen sagacity and unfaltering energy. His standing in the business circles of the city is indicated in the fact that for two years he was elected to the presidency of the Evansville Business Association, serving as chief executive officer in 1907 and again in 1908.
On the 26th of September, 1871, Mr. Ferguson was married to Miss Ella Frances Lyon, a daughter of Matthew S. and Sarah (Frost) Lyon. Mrs. Ferguson was born in Kentucky, on the 18th of January 1846, and her parents were also natives of that state. On the 29th of August, 1884, Mrs. Lyon's mother and two sisters were lost on the steamer Belmont, which was capsized during a cyclone in transferring passengers from Evansville to Henderson. Mrs. Ferguson is a descendant of General Lyon and others of the name who were early settlers of Kentucky. Her ancestors were the founders of the town of Eddyville and also of Lyon county. Mrs. Ferguson has been very prominent in the social circles of Evansville and for a quarter of a century has been president of the Ladies Aid Society of the First Christian church, which position she stills fills. She has also been president for many years of the Fitzhugh Lee Chapter of the Daughters of the Con- federacy, the only chapter north of the Mason and Dixon line. Any good work done in the name of charity or religion is sure to receive her support and cooperation and her liberal culture and innate refinement well qualify her for the position of leadership which she occupies in good works and also in the social life of the city. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson have been born three children of whom two are living, William Owen and Glenn. The lat- ter is the wife of Charles A. Ecker, of Terra Haute, Indiana. A little daughter, Fannie, died at the age of four years. The parents are members of the First Christian church and have ever been most helpful in the various lines of church work.
Mr. Ferguson also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is a stalwart advocate of democracy. He is today regarded as one of the fore- most citizens of Evansville and while he has made a place for himself among the successful business men his poularity is due to his genial manner, cordial disposition, deference to the opinion of others and genuine personal worth.
THOMAS J. ROLLET.
Thomas J. Rollet is a representative of one of the old families of Van- derburg county, represented here for more than half a century. He was born in Perry township, April 3, 1866, and is a son of Joseph and Sophia Rollet, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. When about six years of age he became a pupil in the district schools near his father's home and the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields also claimed a part of his time and attention. He learned the value of industry, economy and
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integrity as factors in business success when in early manhood and these have always constituted elements of his business life. In connection with general farming he has engaged in contracting and building, having much mechanical ability that found expression in the mastery of the carpenter's trade. He is likewise a factor in financial circles, being now one of the directors of the Howell Bank.
On the 28th of November, 1890, Mr. Rollet was married to Miss Kate Speaker, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Speaker. Unto them were born two children, William and Maggie, but they had the misfortune to lose their little daughter. Their religious faith is that of the German Catholic church and in his political views Mr. Rollet is a democrat. He has lived continu- ously in this county nor sought success in other districts, for he believes that good advantages are here accorded and that this is so is evidenced in his own success. Gradually he has worked his way upward in business lines and whatever he has undertaken has brought to him good returns by reason of his perseverance and capable management.
WILLIAM REISTER.
The period of sixteen years which covers the connection of William Reister with the Vanderburg county bar chronicles his steady rise in the profession until at the present time he enjoys a large and distinctively representative clientage. He was born in Gibson county, Indiana, April 3, 1866, and is a son of Christian and Katharine Reister. The father was born in Baden, Germany, April 25, 1824, and was a young man of twenty- five years when in 1849 he crossed the Atlantic to America, landing at New Orleans, whence he made his way up the Mississippi river to St. Louis. He enlisted in the regular army, becoming a member of Company E, Sec- ond Regiment of Artillery, and at the outbreak of the Civil war in 1861 he was commissioned captain of Company D, Thirty-second Indiana Vol- unteer Infantry, with which he was connected until 1865, when he was honorably discharged by reason of the close of the war. His was a credi- table military record, characterized by the faithful performance of every duty whether called to the picket line or to the firing line. After the war ended he returned to Gibson county, Indiana, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick and in contract work of that character, continuing in the business until his death, which occurred in March, 1907.
Reared in his native county, William Reister was a pupil in the public and high schools to the time of his graduation from the latter with the class of 1882. He then went to Cynthiana, Indiana, where he was associated with his brother in a general mercantile store until 1892. Going to Bloom- ington, Indiana, he entered upon preparation for the practice of law as a student in the law department of the state university, from which he was
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graduated LL. B. in 1894. Admitted to practice in the state and federal courts upon passing the required examination at Indianapolis, he at once opened an office in Evansville and has been very successful in his profes- sion. He manifests unfaltering loyalty to the interests of his clients and in the preparation of his cases is very thorough, while his logical arguments, clear deductions and sound reasoning are the elements of his success at the bar.
In May, 1889, Mr. Reister was united in marriage at Mount Vernon, Indiana, to Miss Mamie Dunn, who died in January, 1908. He was mar- ried in Evansville, in November, 1909, to Miss Mamie Goodge. His five children are Ruth, now Mrs. Pfeffer, of Mount Vernon, Indiana; Wilma, a high school student; Hilda and William, who are attending the public schools; and Isabel, at home.
Mr. Reister is a democrat in his political views and a Cumberland Pres- byterian in religious faith. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp, to the Court of Honor and to the National Union and through these associa- tions has broadened his acquaintance and won the high regard of his fellow members.
WALTER S. WILLIAMS.
There was a period in the latter half of the nineteenth century when it seemed that the great majority of young men were turning from the farms to the cities, feeling that greater opportunities could be had through the commercial and industrial business interests as well as the professions to be practiced in the more congested centers. In later years, however, there has seemed to come a reaction and many young men are convinced of the fact that there is no better investment to be made than in farm property. They are therefore turning their attention to agricultural pursuits and in the conduct of the business are applying scientific principles.
In the latter class is numbered Walter S. Williams, who was born in Evansville, October 22, 1873, a son of George and Eliza J. (Scott) Will- iams, both natives of this state. The father is an engineer and worked at that trade for about twelve years, after which he withdrew from indus- trial circles and took up his abode in Scott township, Vanderburg county, where he purchased forty-four acres of land. It was covered with tim- ber, which it was necessary to clear away that the regular farm work could be carried on. When that was accomplished he tilled his fields and has since successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits upon a tract of land which adjoins the home of his son Walter. He has erected a com- fortable residence, good barns and outbuildings and now has a well im- proved property, which indicates his careful supervision and the practical methods which he follows in its cultivation. He is regarded as one of the
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leading and representative citizens of the community. His political faith is that of the republican party and his religious belief that of the Methodist church.
Walter S. Williams spent his youthful days with his parents to the age of nineteen years, when he returned to Evansville, securing a position in connection with the dairy business. He was thus employed for three years, at the end of which time he purchased a dairy and began business on his own account. He has since continued in that line and, removing to Scott township, he rented seventy-five acres of land from his aunt, Miss Mary Scott, since which time he has cultivated his fields. He is also the owner of two threshing machines and actively carries on the threshing business. His life is indeed a busy one, owing to the various interests which claim his attention and which are carefully conducted by him. Upon his farm he keeps eighteen head of cows, four horses and four mules and he is con- ducting a most excellent dairy.
In April, 1897, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Annie Wetchsky, a daughter of Charles and Helen Wetchsky, who were natives of Virginia. They now have five children: Howard, Marion, Helen, Belle and Edith Marie. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Williams votes with the republican party, thus following in the poli- tical footsteps of his father. He is now serving as one of the trustees of Scott township and is active in community affairs, supporting all meas- ures which he deems beneficial to the district and county at large. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen of America, his membership being in the lodges of Evansville.
JOHN F. KUHN.
John F. Kuhn, whose business activity contributed in large measure to the substantial development of Evansville, was numbered among the self- made men of the city, his record proving the force and effectiveness of industry, determination and honorable dealing in the attainment of success. His birth occurred on Christmas day of 1833 in the beautiful little town of Gettysburg, amid its setting of green hills. His parents were Jacob and Eliza (Hepperly) Kuhn, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the father engaging in business at Gettysburg as a carriage-maker. In 1848 the family removed to Peoria, Illinois, and John F. Kuhn there started out in life for himself at the age of eighteen years. He was employed by others for two years and at the age of twenty established an independent business. He continued his residence in Peoria until 1881, when with his family he came to Evansville, making his home in this city until his death. He was identified with its interests in many helpful ways, his labors prov- ing a substantial element in its progress and upbuilding. For a long period
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he was a member of the firm of Bartlett, Kuhn & Company, grain dealers, and build up an extensive trade in that connection. Other interests also claimed his attention and profited by his cooperation and discriminating judgment.
Mr. Kuhn was married in 1856 to Miss Elizabeth Ann Davis, of Leb- anon, Ohio, a daughter of Joshua M. and Rhoda (Evans) Davis, the for- mer a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Warren county, Ohio. Her father was well known as a stock dealer, largely engaged in buying and shipping cattle. A short time prior to his death Mr. Kuhn purchased a beautiful home on Upper Second street, which his widow now occupies. The success which he had achieved in business enabled him to leave Mrs. Kuhn in very comfortable financial circumstances. During the last fifteen years of his life he was in ill health yet he kept in close touch with his business which he directed from his home.
The simplicity and beauty of his daily life as seen in his home and family relations constituted an even balance; his splendid business ability resulting in the establishment of one of the largest grain trades of the county. Such was the regard entertained for his business ability and dis- cernment that his advice was frequently sought upon business matters. His progressiveness was tempered by a safe conservatism that permitted no false steps. He was at all times a public-spirited citizen and sought by every means possible to promote the welfare and upbuilding of Evansville. He was extremely anxious that the Big Four Railroad should be extended to this city and put forth earnest effort in that direction but did not live to see the fulfillment of his hopes, although his labors were certainly an effective element in accomplishing the result. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, and he was entitled to wear the Grand Army button from the fact that he enlisted from Peoria at the time of the Civil war and did active duty at the front in defense of the stars and stripes. He was one of the organizers of the Elks lodge in Evansville but in later years his health forced him to discontinue active connection therewith. He died March 5, 1907, to the deep regret of all who knew him. The world instinctively paid him that tribute of respect and esteem which is accorded to the self- made man whose success is the evidence of his strong character, his ability and unassailable business principles.
HENRY A. WIMBERG.
Henry A. Wimberg, general manager of one of the branches of the Evansville Brewing Association, the duties of which position he assumed on the 2d of June, 1902, was born in Evansville, on the 9th of June, 1877, his parents being Henry C. and Elizabeth Wimberg. His youthful days were spent in his father's home, during which period he attended the paro- chial schools of the Catholic church until fourteen years of age. He after-
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ward spent one year as a student in the Jasper College at Jasper, Indiana, and a year in the Notre Dame University. On putting aside his text-books he returned to this city and for two years was employed by the Evansville Brewing Company in the engineering room. As his ability and fidelity were recognized he was promoted and filled positions in different depart- ments and in the malt house for three years. On the expiration of that period he went to Chicago, where he spent four months in the employ of the Wahl Brewing Company. Returning, however, to Evansville, he ac- cepted the superintendency and general management of the brewing plant of which he now has charge. This is a well equipped enterprise of the kind. Employment is furnished to thirty-five men, eight wagons are utilized in the delivery and the capacity of the plant is fifty thousand barrels an- nually. Mr. Wimberg gives undivided attention to the business and works to secure the highest standard of excellence in the output.
In his political views Mr. Wimberg has always been a democrat since age conferred upon him the voting privilege. He has fraternal relations with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, belongs to the Lieder- kranz and is a communicant of the Catholic church. His entire life having been passed in Evansville, he is well known here and among those whom he has met in business and social relations he has made many friends.
JOHN MOLL.
A goodly proportion of the citizens of Vanderburg county are of German nativity or lineage and the sterling traits of the Teutonic race have consti- tuted an important element in the upbuilding and progress of this section of the state. John Moll is numbered among the German-American residents of Center township, his birth having occurred in the fatherland in January 1845. His parents, Henry and Eva M. Moll, were also natives of that country, where they remained until 1849, when the hope of improving their financial condition led them to cross the Atlantic. They did not tarry on the eastern coast but proceeded at once into the interior of the country and became resi- dents of Vanderburg county, Indiana, the father purchasing a tract of land in Scott township. Here he at once began farming, his unfaltering energy being manifest in his careful cultivation of the fields up to the time of his death, which occurred in June, 1884. His wife survived him for about a year and died in April, 1885.
John Moll was only four years of age when the family made the long voyage across the briny deep. His youthful days were therefore largely spent upon the home farm and he remained with his parents until nineteen years of age, when he went to Evansville, where he began learning the trades of blacksmithing and plow making. He was afterward employed in a carriage factory and learned that business but later returned to plow mak-
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ing at a salary of six dollars per day-a fact which indicates his expert workmanship. He followed that line of business for about a year, at the end of which time he removed to Center township and bought land. It was his purpose not only to give his attention to general agricultural pursuits but also to carry on blacksmithing and he erected a shop for that purpose, continuing both lines of business until 1902, when he turned over his inter- ests to his son Henry. He is the owner of sixty acres of fine land under a high state of cultivation and well equipped with modern improvements which he has placed thereon.
On the 7th of February, 1871, Mr. Moll was united in marriage to Miss Lena Theirse, a daughter of George and Kate (Deimert) Theirse, both of whom were natives of Germany. This marriage has been blessed with ten children : Kate, who is married and resides in Pigeon township; Mary, like- wise married, who makes her home in Kratsville; Maggie, who is married and lives in Evansville ; Henry J., who passed away on the 5th of December, 1876; Henry, who is married and resides in Stringtown; Peter, who is mar- ried and makes his home in Montana; George, who is married and lives in Evansville; John, who is married and resides in Armstrong, Indiana; James who resides in Montana with his brother ; and Joseph, at home.
The parents are communicants of the Catholic church and Mr. Moll is a democrat in his political views. He has supported the party since age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise but has never been an office seeker, feeling that the demands of business should be his first consideration. His life has been one of diligence and perseverance and his success is the merited reward of his labor.
JOSEPH W. KNOWLES.
One of the finest country homes of Vanderburg county is the property of Joseph W. Knowles, a prominent agriculturist of Center township. His home stands in the midst of a valuable farm of two hundred and seventy- two acres, equipped with all the modern accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. He is one of the oldest native resi- dents of this part of the state, his birth having occurred in Scott township, Vanderburg county, on the 26th of December, 1832. He has therefore wit- nessed the growth and progress of this region for seventy-eight years and has taken active part in the work of general development. His parents, Charles and Mary Ann Knowles, were natives of England and on coming to this country settled in Evansville in 1818. Indiana had been admitted to the Union only the year before and the work of progress and improve- ment seemed scarcely begun in this region. The father was a butcher by trade but on coming to the United States turned his attention to farming, purchasing land which he cultivated and improved for about a half century.
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He died in the year 1873, having for two years survived his wife, who passed away in 1871.
Joseph W. Knowles, born and reared on the old homestead, remained with his parents throughout their lives and afterward took charge of the home farm, which he has since operated. In 1880 he purchased seventy- five acres of land in Center township, improved this place after the most modern methods and now has one of the finest residences in Vanderburg county. All of the other buildings and equipments are in keeping with the home and his possessions aggregate two hundred and seventy-two acres of as fine farm land as can be found in Indiana. The soil is rich and pro- ductive and annually returns generous harvests for the care and labor be- stowed upon the fields.
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