USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 5
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On the Ist of January, 1857, Mr. Knowles was married to Miss Mary Ann Peck, a daughter of John and Esther Peck, who were natives of Eng- land and in 1820 came to Vanderburg county, settling in Scott township, where the father secured land and carried on farming until his death. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Knowles have been born two sons and three daughters, namely: Charles A., who is married and lives in Evansville; John R., who is likewise married and makes his home in Evansville; Clara, who resides with her parents; Gertrude Van Winkle, living in Evansville; and May, who died in infancy. The parents are members of the Episcopal church and have guided their lives by its teachings. Mr. Knowles votes with the republican party and is interested in its welfare but has never sought the honors nor emoluments of office. His success has come as the legitimate reward of his earnest labor and his life record is a proof of the fact that prosperity and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
HENRY REIS.
The banking business of American history has developed men of prodig- ious mental force and, it seems, almost indestructible physical energy- men who have ranked the financial system of this country with the fore- most among the nations of the earth. A man's genius asserts its force in the mastery of his work, the completeness of his undertaking. The strength and force of the character of Mr. Reis are manifest in the success which he has achieved. His history is a part-a potential part-of the banking and business history of commercial Evansville. The steps in his orderly progression are easily discernible. From youth working for his living and dependent on his own hands for whatever the world was to bring him of enjoyment or honors, he has reached an enviable place of business promi- nence and also of exalted social position. He started with nothing and now has almost everything that men covet as of value, and he has won it all by his own unaided exertions.
HENRY REIS
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Mr. Reis was born near Mayence (Mainz), Germany, February 15, 1847, a son of Peter and Elisabeth Reis, who in the year 1849 sailed for America with their family, settling in Posey county, Indiana. The father was a farmer by occupation and died in Parkers settlement in Posey county in the year 1856.
Deprived of a father's care and support at the age of nine years, Henry Reis was early thrown upon his own resources. In his youthful days he attended the common schools until, at the age of fifteen, he secured a posi- tion in a drug store. Working in the day time, he attended Behm's Com- mercial College at night in order that a broader and more thorough educa- tion might better qualify him for the practical duties of life, and was grad- uated with the class of 1864. He also attended the night school of Pro- fessor S. K. Leavitt. A boy of less determination and ambition would have devoted his leisure hours to rest and recreation, but Mr. Reis recognized that he must depend upon his own exertion and ability for advancement and utilized every opportunity that led to promotion in business lines. For about three years he was employed in a drug store and then entered the bank of W. J. Lowry & Company in a minor position, remaining with that firm from the 8th of March, 1865, until 1872. In the latter year he became connected with the bank of which he is now the president and. which was then called the Evansville National Bank. In 1885 a reorgani- zation was effected under the name of The Old National Bank and in December, 1904, the name was changed to The Old State National Bank. From his earliest connection with the banking business Mr. Reis made rapid progress through close attention and hard work. He was appointed assistant cashier in 1873, was made cashier in 1875, was elected vice presi- dent and cashier in 1902 and in 1908 was called to the presidency. Un- faltering industry and unassailable business integrity brought him success and he stands today in a most prominent and enviable position in the banking circles of Evansville, with which he has been connected from his boyhood, covering a period of forty-five years. He is not only a stock- holder in this institution but also in the City National Bank of Evansville and is vice president of the Evansville Clearing House Association.
When he was called to the presidency of the institution of which he is now the head one of the local papers said: "The election of Henry Reis to the presidency of The Old State National Bank comes as an honor to a man who has won it by long and faithful service in the banking institu- tions of Evansville. The selection of Mr. Reis for this important post will be hailed with delight by every depositor as well as stockholder of the bank. Few men in Evansville have had as long experience in the banking business as he has and none more successful. Since 1865 he has filled various positions in the banks of the city, going to The Old State National when the city was in the flush of its first growth. In all these years, in whatever capacity, Mr. Reis has ever maintained those valuable qualifica- tions that make for popularity of an institution of such moment to the
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community. Under his management there is no doubt that The Old State National will maintain its strong place among the banking institutions of Evansville and be known as 'Old Gibraltar' in the future as in the past. The election of H. H. Ogden as cashier some months back gave a strong impetus to the business of the bank and now that the presidency has been filled so well there is no doubt of the bank's future."
Another of the Evansville journals, commenting upon his promotion, wrote: "The election on Thursday of Henry Reis to be president of The Old State National Bank furnishes a theme of inspiration to the young man who aspires to high positions. Starting in as paying teller of the bank at a modest salary, diligent services and work well executed pro- cured promotion until the vice presidency of the bank was reached. Mr. Reis' long and valued labor for the institution and his high standing as a gentleman and a banker have now secured for him the election to the presi- dency. Courteous, experienced, a helper and encourager of young men, filled with civic pride and irreproachable in character, Mr. Reis is a fit man to head the institution. No young man can analyze the secret of the new president's success without reaching the decision that, by the man who is willing to work and believes that genius is hard work, high posi- tions can be attained."
On the 9th of September, 1869, in Evansville, Mr. Reis was married to Miss Caroline Blass, of Erie, Pennsylvania. She is a member of a large family who came from Germany in 1860 and settled in Erie, where her parents and some of the older members of the family have since died. Mr. and Mrs. Reis have five children living: Olga, now the wife of Gra- ham F. Denby, of Evansville; Alma, the wife of Sidney B. Mitchell, of New Orleans, Louisiana; Katherine, the wife of Owen H. Jean, of Evans- ville; Henry, who is with the National Bank of Commerce of St. Louis, Missouri; and Alvin C., a student in the State University at Madison, Wis- consin. Two children died: Arthur, in 1876; and Walter, in 1889.
Mr. Reis is never unmindful of his duties of citizenship nor of his obligations to his fellowmen and in both fields his labors have been ef- fective forces for good. He votes with the republican party, deeming its principles indispensable agents of good government. His benevolent spirit is manifest in his helpfulness toward many individuals and also in the fact that he is serving as treasurer of the Rathbone Memorial Home for Old Ladies. He is a consistent member of St. John's church. In more strictly social lines he is connected with the Country Club, while fraternally he is a Mason and a member of the Court of Honor. He manifests practical activity as a member of the Evansville Business Association and belongs to that class who seem to find the happiness of life in the success of their work. In demeanor he is modest, seeking no notoriety, and his influence is perhaps all the more potent because it is moral rather than political and is wielded for the public good rather than for personal aggrandizement. Every business day finds him at his desk save in summer when he takes a
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short vacation with his family. His business integrity and uprightness of his methods is indicated in the fact that he has no enemy. While he has written his name in the terms of success, it is spoken by his fellow towns- men only in the terms of respect. Such a record should serve as a source of encouragement to young men, for by unremitting diligence and unas- sailable honesty he has advanced from the lowest to the highest position in the bank and has gained thereby the honor and esteem of his fellowmen.
JOHN O'DONNELL.
The growth and prosperity of a community are never due to a single individual but result from the combined efforts of many, each of whom bears his part through the capable conduct of individual interests. Well known as a factor in industrial circles in Evansville, the enterprising spirit and intelligently directed activities of John O'Donnell have at length brought him to a prominent position as secretary and treasurer of the O'Donnell Steam Heating Company. He was born in Pennsylvania, Sep- tember 4, 1864, a son of John and Helen (Connor) O'Donnell, whose family numbered seven children, namely: J. S., who is a building contractor of Minneapolis, Minnesota ; Thomas S., who is with the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company in Pittsburg; Mrs. Mary J. Hayes, also a resident of Pitts- burg; Mrs. A. J. Townsend, of Sharon, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Kate Brady, of McDonald, Pennsylvania; Julia, who is living in Butler, Pennsylvania ; and John, who completes the family. The father devoted his life to the occupation of farming until his labors were ended by death, about seven- teen years ago. His widow long survived him, passing away about four years ago.
In the country schools John O'Donnell pursued his education to the age of fifteen years, spending about four months each year in mastering the elementary branches of learning. The remainder of the year was devoted to such farm work as he was fitted for, his labors and responsibilities in- creasing as the years passed on. Leaving school at the age of fifteen, he went to Pittsburg, where he was employed in a glass factory for two years. He afterward learned the trade of steam fitting in the house of Kelly, Jones & Company and subsequently went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he followed his trade for a year. He then returned to Pittsburg where he continued for two years and then made his way westward to Kansas City, Missouri, where he spent two and one-half years. In 1889 he came to Evansville and has since been identified with the business of this city in the line of his chosen occupation. He had charge of the work on the court house and for six years was connected with the Tennessee Range & Iron Company, the successors of J. T. Foley & Company. In 1896 he embarked in business on his own account, forming a partnership with H. G. Rotzel,
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with whom he had been connected for two years when he purchased his partner's interest. Four years ago he incorporated the business under the name of the O'Donnell Steam Heating Company, with August Koring as president, while Mr. O'Donnell is secretary and treasurer. The trade of the house extends over western Kentucky, southern Illinois and southern Indiana and the name of the company has become a familiar one in the largest and smallest towns of those districts. His business interests have now grown to extensive proportions owing to the capable manage- ment, keen discernment and unfaltering determination of one who from the outset of his career has been imbued with the laudable ambition to at- tain honorable success.
In his political views Mr. O'Donnell is a democrat and fraternally is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He also belongs to the different trade organizations, to the Builders Exchange, and is constantly alert to note opportunities for improvement not only in his individual busi- ess affairs but in the commercial and industrial conditions which exist in Evansville and upon which the prosperity and growth of the city must depend.
CHARLES EULER.
For more than sixty years Charles Euler has resided in Vanderburg county. It was here that he was born, his natal day being February 28, 1849, while his birthplace was in Center township. He has always continued in this section of the state and has lived a life of thrift and industry, being now the owner of a model little farm of thirty-four acres which has been brought to a high state of cultivation. His parents were Henry and Mary (Steinmetz) Euler, both of whom were natives of Germany. The year 1837 witnessed their arrival in America, and at once they came to Evans- ville, soon after completing arrangements whereby a farm of eighty acres in Center township was purchased. Mr. Euler bent his energies to the task of developing and improving this farm, continuing its cultivation until his death, which occurred in 1861. For eleven years thereafter the mother traveled life's journey in her widowhood, and in 1872 was called to the home beyond. They had crossed the Atlantic in one of the old time sail- ing vessels and they were closely, actively and helpfully associated with the pioneer development of this part of the state.
Charles Euler was reared on the old homestead and in his youthful days attended the district school, pursuing his studies through the win- ter seasons while the summer months were devoted to farm work. At the age of eighteen he left home and went to Evansville, where he learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed for eleven years. By the terms of his father's will he inherited thirty-four acres of land, and at that time aban-
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doned blacksmithing and took up his abode upon his farm. It was unim- proved as far as buildings were concerned, so that he erected there a com- fortable house, also a barn and sheds. His attention has since been given to the development of his property, and the modern and progressive methods which he follows have made his fields very productive.
On the 21st of October, 1876, Mr. Euler was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Seoser, a daughter of Simon and Eva Seoser, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Switzerland. Mr. and Mrs. Euler have be- come the parents of five children, as follows: Eva, who lives at home; Simon H., who is married and resides in Evansville; Maggie M., employed in Evansville; Edward, who passed away in October, 1904; and Anna W., who resides at home and is engaged in teaching school.
In his political views Mr. Euler was a republican, finding that the prin- ciples of that party are the best embodiment of his views concerning gov- ernmental policy. He was elected and served as road supervisor of Cen- ter township for two terms, but has had little ambition for office holding. He was formerly a member of the Knights of Honor, and is now a mem- ber of the Evangelical church. His entire life has been passed in this local- ity and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time indicates that his course in life has at all times been honorable and upright.
THOMAS E. SMYTH.
Thomas E. Smyth is the owner of one of the best improved farms of Vanderburg county, and although the active work is now being carried on by his son, he still gives supervision to the management of the place. He was born in Wadesville, Indiana, in 1861. His father, Dr. Richard Smyth, was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. A native of Ireland, he had come to America in early life and following his preparation for a professional career practiced medicine for many years in Princeton, Indiana.
It was in the schools of the latter city that Thomas E. Smyth pursued his education until, putting aside his text-books, he secured a clerkship and devoted his attention to mercantile pursuits for a few years. The opportuni- ties of the western country then attracted him, and in 1881 he went to Kansas to try farming. There he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land upon which he made some improvements, giving his attention to the general cultivation of the fields for three years. He was convinced in that time, however, that Indiana was a better farming state, and, returning, settled on a farm in Knight township. Here he has since occupied one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he has made all of the improvements that now constitute it one of the best farms in this section. Its buildings are large and substantial, its machinery modern and the fences well kept. The stock,
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HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY
too, is of good grades, and everything indicates the progressive spirit of the owner. He has turned over the active work of the farm to his son, but his judgment still constitutes a factor in its successful operation.
In 1884 Mr. Smyth was united in marriage to Miss Emma Wilson, who was born in Canada and is a daughter of Samuel Wilson, a resident farmer of Vanderburg county. They have three children : Richard, now living in Duluth, Minn., and John and Marie, upon the farm. The family are well known here, having for more than a quarter of a century lived in Vanderburg county, where their good qualities have won them favorable recognition. Mr. Smyth votes for the republican party which he has supported since at- taining his majority, and in all matters relative to the public welfare he takes a deep and active interst.
DAVID S. BERNSTEIN.
Some men seem born for leadership in business and no obstacle can pre- vent them from attaining the object of their ambition. It matters not whether such men are born in poverty or in affluence they win their way to the top and nothing short of death can long retard their advancement. They have resources within themselves and do not depend upon others to find positions for them, but make positions for themselves. To this class belongs David S. Bernstein, a leading manufacturer of clothing and store fixtures and also identified with other business interests.
He was born in Germany, January 2, 1871. In the public schools of his native land he received an education that prepared him for the larger re- sponsibilities and at fourteen years of age he bade farewell to the fatherland and came to 'America. He spent eight years in New York city, becoming acquainted with the language and customs of this country and also receiving his first introduction to the mercantile business. In 1894 he left the At- lantic coast and established himself in Evansville as a manufacturer of clothing. Ever since that time he has continued in a business for which he has shown remarkable adaptibility and which is one of the established in- dustries of Evansville. He is president of the Old Reliable Store Company at Fulton avenue and Franklin street and also president of the Evansville Store Fixtures Company. He is a stockholder in the Old State Bank and has been actively identified for a number of years with various business in- terests, in all of which he has displayed a keenness of insight and a sound judgment which gained the respect of his associates.
On the 10th of April, 1894, Mr. Bernstein was united in marriage to Miss Nannie C. Paul, a daughter of Robert Paul, of Evansville. Two chil- dren have blessed this union, Jessie M. and Rosallie Gertrude.
Mr. Bernstein is greatly interested in fraternal organizations and is a member of the local Masonic lodge of Evansville; Lodge No. 116, B. P.
D. S. BERNSTEIN
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O. E .; and also of the Knights of Pythias, having passed through the chairs of the last named order and attained the rank of past chancellor. As is to be seen by the above brief review, Mr. Bernstein is an earnest and pro- gressive citizen, who generally accomplishes what he sets out to perform He is a worthy representative of the Teutonic race-a race that is making its presence felt in every country of the world. His success in Evansville in comparatively a few years is evidence that he made no mistake in select- ing this city as his theater of operations, although it is plain that a man of his natural ability and energy would have succeeded anywhere.
MOSES SMITH.
On memory's hall there hang many pictures that time cannot dim and which are never overshadowed even by the glowing colors of the present. Who cannot remember the school in which he began his education, be the building humble or pretentious? It was in the old school building on Second between Main and Locust streets that Moses Smith began the mastery of those elementary branches of learning which constitute the foundation for all later knowledge. He was at that time a little lad of six years-years that had been spent in Evansville, for he was born in this city March 1, 1845, a son of Robert and Mary (Skinner) Smith, both of whom were natives of Chatterass, England. Leaving that country on the Ist of April, 1833, as passengers on a westward bound sailing vessel, they landed at New York with a cash capital of five dollars, and from the eastern metropolis walked all the way to Evansville, the mother carrying an infant child in her arms. As opportunity offered the father worked while on the way in order to meet the necessities of life, and found himself a dollar ahead when he reached his destination, his labors having enabled him to meet the expenses incurred on the trip and also add to the little sum which he had on reaching America. He earned his first money in Evansville by carrying plaster for bricklayers, but was not content with such an occupation and eagerly availed himself of the opportunity of cultivating on shares a section of land owned by John Mitchell, at that time a banker of Evansville. Following the death of Mr. Mitchell he continued farming on shares under the administrator, John Engle, ten years being given to the improvement of that farm. Mr. Smith then took up a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres and, stimulated to further effort by the knowledge that the land was his own, and that he should derive all of the benefits of his labors, he bent every energy to the improvement of the property, carrying on his farm work along progressive lines. He not only carefully cultivated his fields but also raised good grades of stock and was associated with John Morgan in introducing the first Jersey bull into Indiana. After many years devoted to general farming and stock-
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raising he retired from active business but continued to live upon his farm near Evansville until his death in 1864. His wife passed away in 1863.
Moses Smith was at that time a young man of twenty years and in the meantime he had pursued his education until, at the age of sixteen years, he left the Carpenter street school to take up the cares and responsibilities of business life, working with his father upon the home farm until the latter's death.
It was about that time, on the 28th of April, 1864, when nineteen years of age, that Moses Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Black- burn, a daughter of Harvey Blackburn, a native of South Carolina, and Jane (Price) Blackburn, who was born in Virginia. The latter was a daughter of Levi Price, who was appointed postmaster of Evansville, August 25, 1827, by John McLean, then postmaster general of the United States. The young couple began their domestic life upon his father's farm and for many years thereafter Moses Smith was closely associated with the agricul- tural development of Vanderburg county. Prospering in his undertaking, he invested in land and at one time owned the largest dairy and stock farm in the vicinity of Evansville. In 1874, however, he sold his home place to the city and it now constitutes the Locust Hill cemetery. At that time he engaged in the sewing machine business, which he followed for two years, when he again became connected with agricultural pursuits, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Warrick county, Indiana, upon which he lived for eleven years. He then disposed of that property and took charge of the nine-mile house, but eventually traded it for a farm in Warrick county, Indiana, which he still owns. On leaving the nine-mile house he removed to the city of Evansville, where he opened a real-estate office and is now numbered among the successful real-estate men of the city. He has thoroughly acquainted himself with property conditions and values here, understands the possibilities of sale and purchase and is thus capable of attending to the interests of his clients, who are numerous.
As the years have passed there have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith twelve children, of whom William Harvey and Byron, the two oldest, are now deceased. Mary Jane has become the wife of Samuel Newman, of Evansville. Moses, Jr., is residing in St. Paul, Minnesota. Sarah is the wife of Albert McCool, residing on a farm near Evansville. Kernie is in the employ of the Hercules Buggy Company of this city. Elmore and Dora both died in infancy. Daisy is the wife of Charles Harmon, an Evansville at- torney. Pearl is the wife of Henry C. Rueter, who is employed by the Evansville Dry Goods Company. Mildred is the wife of Emerson Gomez, a machinist with the Illinois Central Railroad of Evansville. Arvilla is the wife of Clyde Hudson, a traveling salesman living in Evansville. The family is well known and prominent in the city and county, and Mr. Smith has been closely connected with public affairs. He well remembers that at the time he was attending school the city was bounded by Division street on the north, Canal, which is now Fifth street, on the east, Walnut street on the
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