USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > History of the city of Evansville and Vanderburg County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 8
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In 1872 Mr. Harms was united in marriage to Miss Emily Leich, a daughter of Henry Leich, a native of Germany and a cabinet-maker by trade, who died two years after coming to the new world. The death of Mr. Harms occurred in Evansville, September 9, 1890. He was a Lutheran in religious faith and a republican in his political belief. He strongly desired the success of the party, for he considered its principles most conducive to good govern- ment. He was ever active in behalf of the welfare of the city and never allowed personal interests or ambitions to dwarf his public spirit or activity.
GEORGE W. VARNER, M. D.
Among the most eminent physicians of southern Indiana is Dr. George W. Varner, of Evansville, who is also recognized as a public-spirited citi- zen, a scholar of rare endowments and a man whose influence for good is felt wherever his name is known. Dr. Varner was born in Spencer county, Indiana, July 7, 1862. He is a son of Isaac and Ida M. (Alley) Varner. His father was a representative farmer of Spencer county and is now de- ceased. His mother is still living. Five children were born to them, three sons and two daughters. The daughters are still living but two sons have been called away.
George W. Varner received his preliminary education in the common schools. He early showed an aptitude for books and fixed his attention upon the medical profession as his chosen field. In the meantime he at- tended the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, an institution under the `noted teacher, Alfred Holbrook, which attracted thousands of ambitious young men and women from many states. After graduating from this school he engaged in teaching, devoting his leisure hours to the study of medicine. He matriculated in the Kentucky School of Medicine, at Louisville, Kentucky, and was graduated in 1886, with the degree of M. D. and also with the highest honors of his class in general proficiency. He also received highest honor in anatomy and was awarded two gold medals in recognition of his ability in the same. Still another award was granted-appointment as interne, or house physician, in the Louisville City Hospital for a period of one year. This was a position greatly to be de- sired, as it gave opportunity for practical application of teachings received during the medical course. At the close of his duties at the Louisville City Hospital Dr. Varner was invited to New York city as interne in the New York Hospital for the Relief of Ruptured and Crippled Children. Here he continued for a year, gaining a fund of useful knowledge and coming into personal contact with many of the leading physicians and sur- geons of the metropolis. In 1895 he took a post-graduate course in New York and Vienna, Austria, paying special attention at Vienna to surgery and gynecology under some of the masters of world-wide reputation. Pos-
DR. G. W. VARNER
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sessing advantages of the highest character and bringing to his work a mind trained by observation and experience, he was well prepared to enter upon a successful career in the noble art which has made the profession a synonym for beneficence and philanthropy.
In 1888 Dr. Varner located in Evansville and established his office on the west side. His practice has grown until it embraces a large part of southern Indiana and often taxes his strength to the limit of its capacity. He is surgeon at St. Mary's Hospital and of the Vanderburg County Or- phans Home. He is medical examiner for a number of fraternal and bene- ficiary orders, among them the Royal Arcanum, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World, the Degree of Honor and several old line insurance companies. He is widely recognized by members of the profession as a consultant and is a member of the American and Indiana State Medical Associations. Dr. Varner is an indefatigable worker and a student who never spares any pains or time in the attempt to solve the many difficult problems arising in the course of his practice. He has one of the largest and best selected medical libraries in the city and has also made an extensive collection of the best books relating to science and litera- ture. Being a lifelong student whose habits of careful inquiry were early formed, he is an investigator whose interest never tires and he is recog- nized as one of the energetic and progressive men of the profession who will always be found on the advance line and whose powers of discrimina- tion and judgment may be depended upon in all emergencies.
Although his time is mainly occupied by the demands of his chosen calling, Dr. Varner is identified with various business interests. He was one of the organizers of the West Side Bank and is its vice president. He is vice president and a member of the board of directors of the West Side Insurance Real Estate Company, and a director of the West Side Building, Loan & Savings Association and the Evansville Pure Milk Company. He is a member of the West Side Business Men's Association and was for two years its president. His most recent activity in the field of business has been in the organization, in association with other prominent Evansville men, of the American Bankers Life Insurance Company. Its incorporators were C. Howard Battin, Melvin H. Lockyear, Dr. George W. Varner (medical director), Albert W. Funkhouser, H. Fred Riechmann. Francis M. Van Winkle and William E. Stinson, all prominent in business circles in this city. The home office is at No. 304 Furniture building in Evans- ville. The purpose is to conduct a pure life insurance business according to plans and at rates that are attractive. These rates are protected by an adequate reserve fund which guarantees the future stability of the com- pany, and with such well known business men at the head as the incopora- tors, there is no reason to feel any doubt concerning the growth and success of the business. Politically Dr. Varner is identified with the re- publican party but he has in no sense been a seeker for political honors. During 1893-1895 he served as a member of the city council at large. For
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many years he has been a member of the Methodist church and is recog- nized as one who is ever ready to lend a willing ear or extend a helping hand to any worthy individual or cause.
On the 24th of June, 1891, Dr. Varner was united in marriage to Miss Olive L. Edmond, of Vanderburg county. Mrs. Varner is a daughter of John F. Edmond, one of the pioneer farmers of the county and a man of sterling characteristics. Five children have been born of the union, all of whom are living at home: Olin E., Victor I., Marguerite O., Earl and Norman L.
Dr. and Mrs. Varner are highly popular socially and their home radiates an influence whose beneficent effects are felt by young and old in the community. Dr. Varner has long recognized that every human being, whether he knows it or not, is a missionary for good or evil. He recog- nizes that there are no neutral characters in the great drama of life and each leaves an impress that we are taught goes on forever. Guided by wise teachings and worthy examples, Dr. Varner has attained a reputation for fidelity to his profession and honorable discharge of responsibility that are worth more in the final summing up than great riches.
MAURICE L. WILLIAMS.
Maurice L. Williams, who owns a well improved tract of land compris- ing sixty acres in Center township, devotes his attention to the pursuits of farming and dairying with excellent success. His birth occurred in Fort Branch, Indiana, on the 15th of September, 1878, his parents being George and Eliza Jane Williams, both of whom were likewise born in this state. The father, who came to Scott township, Vanderburg county, at an early day, has since been successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits and has resided on his present place for more than forty years. He has gained many friends here and is widely recognized as one of the substan- tial and respected citizens of the community.
Maurice L. Williams remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of age and then began providing for his own support by working on a dairy farm by the month. After being thus employed for about four years he purchased a tract of sixty acres of land in Center township and embarked in business as a dairyman on his own account, having since built up an expensive and profitable enterprise in this connection. His farm is well improved in every particular, all the buildings thereon being of a sub- stantial and up-to-date character. He has won a gratifying measure of suc- cess in both his agricultural and dairying interests and is well entitled to recognition among the prosperous and representative citizens of the community.
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In September, 1896, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Euler, a daughter of Jacob and Louise Euler, both of whom are natives of Indiana. Since his arrival in Vanderburg county the father has been actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born seven children, as follows: Louise E., who is nine years of age; Ethel E., a little maiden of six years; Amala K., who is five years old; Leslie M. and Gladys M., who are three and two years of age respectively; and Ella N. and Elsie M., twins, who are in their first year.
In politics Mr. Williams is a republican, while his religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the German Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. The young couple enjoy a wide and favorable acquaintance in the locality where they reside and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended to them.
MAJOR JULIUS F. BLUM.
Long experience with the grocery trade has well qualified Major Julius F. Blum for the conduct of the business in which he is now engaged-the sale of fancy groceries, delicatessen goods, wines and liquors. In this he is in partnership with Alex. L. Hardigg and under their capable manage- ment the enterprise is proving a profitable one. Major Blum was born in Evansville, July 22, 1858, and is a son of Robert and Margaret Blum. The father was born in Switzerland and in 1850 came to the new world, settling in Evansville, where he was employed as a machinist until 1880. He then engaged in the sale of periodicals and newspapers, having the agency for a number of German publications up to the time of his death which occurred in 1884.
In the public schools Major Blum pursued his education to the age of sixteen years when it seemed incumbent that he should provide for his own support and he secured a position as delivery boy for William Caldwell, a grocer of this city, with whom he remained for three years. He was after- ward connected for six months with the wholesale grocery house of Ragon Brothers and then became a clerk in the employ of Davis Brothers, retail grocers, with whom he continued until 1896. In that year he became a. clerk for the Cook Grocery Company, whom he thus represented for eleven years, or until 1907, when he was made manager of the concern. In 1908 he joined Mr. Hardigg in purchasing the business which they have now conducted for two years, a large trade being accorded them. They draw their patronage from many of the best citizens of Evansville and from the beginning theirs has been a profitable venture.
On the 29th of May, 1888, Major Blum was married in Evansville to Miss Josephine Oswald and unto them have been born four children:
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Oswald R., twenty-one years of age, who is now in the United States army ; John and Clarence, aged eighteen and sixteen, who are pupils in the high school; and Lillian, nine years of age, attending the public schools. The family are well known in the city and the Blum household is a hospitable one.
Major Blum gives his endorsement to the republican party and supports its candidates at the polls. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and with the Modern Woodmen of America and his life history contains an interesting military chapter through his connection with the National Guard, for he is now commander of the First Battalion of the First Infantry. Indeed, he has long been identified with military affairs in Evansville. He assisted in organizing Company E and was enrolled as a private on the 5th of October, 1887. On the Ist of November of that year he was made corporal, becoming sergeant on the IIth of December, 1887, and on the 7th of May, 1888, was made second lieutenant. Promotion to the first lieutenancy followed on the 8th of April, 1889, and on the 11th of March, 1892, he became captain, resigning that position, however, on the Ist of January, 1894. He then gave his attention to the work of raising Company M and was commissioned captain May 29, 1895. He served as commander of the company through the war with Spain, entering the United States service on the 12th of May, 1898, and continuing therein until mustered out November 23, 1898. Following the war he was com- missioned captain of the reorganized company formed of members of both Company E and Company M. This company was unassigned when he received his captaincy on the 26th of April, 1899. He was made captain of the Fifth Separate Company, January 20, 1900, and when the First Regi- ment was reorganized he was commissioned captain July 3, 1900. As an officer he has attended every encampment held from 1888 until 1900 in- clusive. He has stood for a high standard of proficiency in the National Guard, believes in careful organization and thorough discipline and at all times has commanded the respect and loyalty of those who have served under him. His varied interests have brought him a well rounded develop- ment and he is recognized as a forceful and honored citizen of Evansville.
HENRY STEINMETZ
A well improved and valuable property of one hundred and four acres indicates in its attractive appearance the practical and progressive methods which its owner, Henry Steinmetz, pursues in its cultivation. Moreover, it is the visible evidence of his business ability and his well directed thrift. He was born in this township February 23, 1838, his parents being Fred and Elizabeth (Smith) Steinmetz, both of whom were natives of Germany. The development and improvement of this section of the state were largely
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attributable to the discerning efforts of those citizens whom the fatherland has sent to Vanderburg county. They have not only exhibited the sterling characteristics of the Teutonic race, but have also shown marked adaptability in utilizing the advantages which surround them here. Fred Steinmetz, at- tracted by the favorable reports which he heard concerning America, crossed the Atlantic to New York in 1837, and from the eastern metropolis pro- ceeded westward by way of the canal. Eventually he reached Evansville and from that village, as it was then, made his way into Center township, where he purchased eighty acres of land from Mr. Clinton. He at once began culti- vating and improving this and continued the operation of the fields for a number of years, his energy and earnest labor bringing to him substantial success in the undertaking. At length he sold out and invested in two hun- dred acres elsewhere. From that time forward until his death, which occurred in September, 1903, his attention was given to the improvement of the latter property with a result that he made it one of the fine country places in his township. His wife passed away ten years before his death.
Henry Steinmetz reared to farm life and has always been engaged in general agricultural pursuits. He remained with his parents until twenty-two years of age, and then married Miss Olive Blackburn. This was in 1861, at which time his father gave him forty acres of land. He at once began farm- ing and it was an arduous task that confronted him, for the tract was mostly covered with timber. Slowly it was cleared as the monarchs of the forest fell before his sturdy strokes. The brush was burned, stumps were grubbed up, and, in the course of time, the land was put into cultivatable condition. Then the plowing and planting were done and in course of time good harvests were gathered, for the soil was naturally rich and productive. While work- ing in the fields he also had care for the stock, building good barns and sub- stantial outbuildings for its shelter. He also built a substantial home upon his place and as time has passed on has added modern improvements. Prospering in his undertakings, he has extended the boundaries of his farm until he now owns one hundred and four acres-a valuable and richly culti- vated tract.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Steinmetz have been born five children, namely: Barney, who is married and lives in Evansville; Schuyler, a locomotive engineer of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad, who is married and makes his home in Evansville. Charles and Fred, who assist in the affairs of the home farm, and Mrs. Ella Laubscher, also of Evansville. The wife and mother died in September, 1905, her death being the occasion of deep regret among her friends as well as in her immediate family. Mr. Steinmetz and his children hold membership in the Methodist church and his political opinions are in accord with the principles of the republican party. Three times he has been called to the office of road supervisor of Center township and has capably and faithfully discharged his duties. His has been an honorable and upright life, characterized by the faithful performance of all the duties that have devolved upon him. He has never been known to take
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advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any business transaction nor has he sought to shirk his responsibilities in other connections. His worth is widely acknowledged and he has reached the evening of life with an untarnished name. Few men of his age can claim to be be native residents of Vanderburg county, but for more than three score years and ten he has lived here, witnessing the many changes that have occurred as the district has been reclaimed from a western wilderness and converted into one of the richly improved sections of the state. He has seen many changes, too, in the methods of living, particularly in farming, for the old crude farm implements have been replaced by modern machinery that greatly lightens labor and enables the agriculturist to accomplish many times more in a day than he could do when the old methods were in vogue.
MARCUS S. SONNTAG.
The career of Marcus S. Sonntag, a leading financier and business man of Evansville, is a striking instance of results that may be accomplished by a life of energy and integrity, having as its incentives a worthy ambition. Mr. Sonntag is a native of Evansville and all his life has taken a lively interest in its growth and in the welfare and prosperity of its citizens. He has been instrumental in securing the establishment of many new industries at Evansville and no one has done more toward beautifying and building up the suburbs. Any man who devotes years of his life to the upbuilding and improvement of the homes in the community in which he lives is worthy of respect and honor.
Marcus S. Sonntag was born at Evansville, February 17, 1859, and is a son of John H. and Ellen Sonntag. He was educated in the public schools of Evansville, there receiving an impetus for the acquisition of knowledge which has been strengthened and broadened by extensive travel, close obser- vation and personal contact with men of affairs. For fifteen years he was a traveling salesman. During this time he gained much information in regard to the conduct of business affairs and made many observations which have proven of practical benefit in large enterprises in which he has since engaged. For ten years he was connected in the insurance and real-estate business in Evansville with his brother, John H. Sonntag, Jr., under the firm name of Sonntag Brothers. The business proved highly successful and developed from year to year under the fostering care of a management thoroughly trained in all the details of modern methods. The active man- agement of this business was in the hands of the subject of this sketch, who in its conduct demonstrated his capacity for larger duties and in an un- usual degree won the confidence and esteem of the business men of the community.
M. S. SONNTAG
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During the period of his activities as member of the firm of Sonntag Brothers, he became president of the Union Investment Company, which position he still occupies and in which company his activities have been quite extensive. This company has within the past ten years erected and sold more than three hundred homes in Evansville and has been one of the important factors in enlarging and beautifying one of the most attractive cities of Indiana. In the suburbs especially the work of the company is to be seen in beautiful homes amid attractive surroundings and provided with all the comforts and improvements regarded as essential in modern life. The policy of the company has always been in the direction of encouraging worthy citizens to own their own homes, and its liberality and accommo- dating spirit has enabled very many to gain this end.
On December 5, 1901, he was elected a member of the board of directors of the Old State National Bank to take the place of late Captain John Gilbert and has since been actively identified with that institution.
On December 4, 1904, largely through the energy, activity and public esteem of the subject of this sketch, the American Trust & Savings Com- pany of Evansville, Indiana, was organized, in which he launched one of the substantial financial institutions of this city. Upon the organization of the company he became its vice president and within one year thereafter became the president of the institution which position he still occupies. The company has a capital and surplus of two hundred and fifty thou- sand dollars and the confidence of the public is shown by deposits of a mil- lion dollars. The company owns the handsome building at Sixth and Main streets which is valued at one hundred thousand dollars, and it is gen- erally considered that no institution is more ably and conservatively managed.
Mr. Sonntag is one of the vice presidents of the American Bankers As- sociation. He is director, secretary and treasurer of the Evansville Rail- ways Company, and in all positions and trusts has shown a clearness of grasp and promptness of action which has commanded the respect of his associates and the confidence of investors.
Mr. Sonntag has twice served as member of the school board of the city of Evansville. His first appointment was for a term of five years from May 7, 1901. On the Ist of January, 1910, he was again appointed and is now serving on this board. He is chairman of the Play Grounds Com- mission and has taken great interest in securing permanent play grounds and swimming pools. Although never an office seeker Mr. Sonntag has taken the interest of a patriotic citizen in political affairs and has been identified with the republican party. He was sent as delegate from his dis- trict to the national republican convention in Chicago in June, 1909.
On February 12, 1884, Mr. Sonntag was united in marriage with Miss Genevieve M. Cook, of this city. Two living children are the result of this union : Marion and Jeanie. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Sonntag is one of the happiest in the city and is a welcome center for the gathering of
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friends and relatives. Mr. Sonntag is a director of the Young Men's Christian Association. It is the teaching of the best thinkers that man has something in him higher than the pursuit of pleasure, and the career of Mr. Sonntag is an exemplification of the truth of this conclusion. Early he became imbued with worthy ideals, not only in business affairs but in the many responsibilities of society, friends and family and it has been his aim to discharge them manfully, leaving the result with an inscrutable wisdom and power that controls the universe. That he has been in an im- portant degree successful in his career is attested by the confidence and love of those who know him best, and by the universal esteem in which he is held in the city of his birth by his fellow citizens.
GEORGE L. MILLER.
George L. Miller, whose labors constitute an important element in the improvement of Evansville through his operations in the field of building activity, is now well known as the leading contractor of the city, notwith- standing the fact that he started out in life empty-handed, with no advant- ages save those which the public schools offer. He was born in this city, October 15, 1867, and is a son of Peter and Margaret (Muth) Miller. His father was born in Niederengelheim, Hesse, Germany, in the year 1828, and his life record covered the intervening years to 1894. In early life he learned the cabinet-maker's trade and at the age of eighteen he became a resident of the United States. Settling in Evansville, at an early day, he resided for nearly forty years in this city and was not only well known in business circles but was also a prominent factor in the German societies here. His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1840 passed away on the 7th of August, 1882.
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