USA > Indiana > Memorial and genealogical record of Representative Citizens of Indiana > Part 21
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"Now, our Lord Jesus Christ, himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work. And may that gracious One- who wept with the weeping sisters at the grave of Lazarus, and in whose tender, pitying heart dwells the deepest sympathy for man-speak solace to the sorrowing widow and to these father- less children, in their irreparable loss.
"It was the command of the father of Alexander the Great that a soldier should come every morning to his door, and loudly proclaim: 'Philip, remember that thou art mortal!' My beloved, as we look before us this afternoon, a voice far louder than any voice of man calls to every one of us, Remember that thou art mortal. In the midst of life we are in death. O, that the prayer of everyone here may be: Lord, so teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. And may we, one and all-standing as we this moment do, so very near to the great ocean of eternity, that its sprays are dashing at our very feet- feel a deep impulse and form a firm determination, that for us, we
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will look at the things not seen, that are enduring-we will en- denvor to live with eternity in view."
The death of Mrs. Margaret Hamilton, wife of the immediate subject of this memoir, occurred on January 22, 1892. The next day the Indianapolis News printed the following:
"Mrs. Margaret Hamilton, of No. 503 North Pennsylvania street, died last night, after a lingering illness, of paralysis, ag- gravated by the grip. She was born in Camnish, county London- derry, Ireland, May 20, 1818, and came with her father's family to this country when two years old, and settled at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They removed to Rushville, in this state, when she was thirteen years old. Her maiden name was Margaret Lowry, and she was married to Joseph Hamilton in 1835. The sturdy traits of the Scotch-Irish people were strongly exemplified in the character of Mrs. Margaret Hamilton. She showed by her life how strong were her convictions in the Presbyterian faith, und her loyalty to everything that pertained to truth and right- consness. She loved to do good, and the remaining members of her family, Mrs. Sarah J. Patterson and Miss Margaret E. Hamilton, mourn the loss of a loving mother and a wise and tender counsel- lor. She was a sturdy character and her life was full of good works. The remains will be buried by the side of her husband nt Rushville, on Monday, January 25."
The funeral of Mrs. Hamilton was conducted from her late residence by Rev. M. L. Haines, whose address was, in full, as fol-
"Christian faith shines the brightest when earth's exper- where are the darkest. In the presence of the great mystery of death, liefure which human science drops its hands in helplessness, and human philosophy has no sure word of hope, then and there Christian faith gives us some of the most glorious utterances. It limits out into that song of wondrous triumph, 'O death, where is the sting! () grave, where is the victory?' 'Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.'
"In the book of Job death is spoken of as the 'King of Ter- rors,' und to the mind unenlightened by faith it is such. There is m the mind that natural shrinking from the change which it in- volves, that dread of what lies beyond, and that fear of the un- certainties it may involve. So man needs some great and clear revelation of truth to meet the needs of his spirit as it faces the shadowy mystery. The gospel of Jesus Christ meets that need,
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in its disclosure of a Saviour 'who hath abolished death and brought life and immortality to light.' To the sincere believer in Jesus death is no calamity. It is the very opposite. 'To die is gain.' It is a beatitude. 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.' How great that blessedness is no one of us can imagine, for 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.'
"As one beautifully says, 'We picture death as coming to destroy; let us rather picture Christ as coming to save. We think of death as ending; let us rather think of life as beginning, and that more abundantly. We think of losing; let us rather think of gaining. We think of parting; let us rather thing of meeting. We think of going away; let us think of arriving.'
"This is the Christian view of death. It is the view with which we comfort our hearts today as we are gathered in this Christian home to pay our tribute of sincere esteem and affection to a faithful follower of Christ, called through death to the bless- edness of the heavenly realms. -
"God's word pictures life in this world as a pilgrimage. The patriarch Jacob said: 'The days of the years of my pilgrimage,' and the great company of the faithful spoken of in the immortal eleventh chapter of Hebrews, 'All * * * confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.' The very constitution of things makes life here for each of us a pilgrimage. Nothing abides; we pass on from one experience to another. We find in our journey mingled good and evil. We have enough of good to enable us to bear the evil-in our lot-and enough of evil to keep us from setting our hearts overmuch on mere earthly good. A traveler expects to meet discomforts as well as comforts on the best road. The varied experiences of sunshine and storm are to discipline our spirits in the graces of faith and courage and pa- tience and love.
"The Bible view of life on earth as a pilgrimage helps us to bear with a spirit of contentment pilgrim privations and hard- ships. It inspires us to look with expectant faith for that 'city which hath foundation whose builder and maker is God.' It enables us today, in the presence of this Providence, to say, 'For one more pilgrim the carthly journey is ended. Home at last! Absent from the body, present with the Lord.'
"Three score and fourteen years ago-in the year 1818-she
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whom God has called to Himself was born across the sea. She came with her parents to the United States when she was but two years old, and to this commonwealth of Indiana when she was a girl of thirteen. Four years after, in the town of Rushville, she married Joseph Hamilton. Both she and her husband were of this Scotch-Irish Presbyterian stoek, which has exerted such a marked influence upon the best life of our land. Her husband was a man of sturdy character, of energy and enterprise. He was the oldest and the leading merchant of Rushville, a laborious and suc- cessful man of business, a man of strong religious convietions, thoroughly attached to the doctrines and worship of the church of his fathers.
"I speak of all this because she whom we mourn today shared with him in so many of those qualities of character and disposi- tion which marked his own life. For more than a third of a cen- tury of wedded life she bore her full part in the toils and strug- gles crowned by such large success. We who now enjoy the ad- vanced civilization of this state of Indiana, must not forget that the mothers as well as the fathers are to be honored as the pit- neers through whose self-sacrificing labors we now share the blessings of these commercial, educational and religious institu- tions.
"Since her coming, eighteen years ago, to this, our capital city, she has been identified with the First Presbyterian church here, transferring her membership from the church at Rushville, with which she had been connected since she was a girl. In the years in which I have been privileged to know her as her pastor, I have ever found her manifesting a strong interest in the welfare of Christ's cause; anxious for its progress, and faithful in her use of her opportunities and means in promoting its interests.
"Many of you know how bravely she has met the physical trials which have come to her during the last two years, trials which would have broken down a character less strong. But un- der them all she was strengthened to carry a patient, cheerful, hopeful spirit. Her faith in God's blessed word was strong. Her delight in its pages was marked, and when in her sick room com- munion with God was sought through prayer, her expression of comfort and confidence was clear and unwavering. She knew whom she had believed and was pursuaded that he was able to keep that which she had committed unto him against that day."
CHARLES FREDERICK MUHLER.
The record of a life well spent, of triumphs over obstacles, of perseverance under difficulties and steady advancement from a modest beginning to a place of honor and distinction in the indus- trial and civic worlds, when imprinted on the pages of history, present to the youth of the rising generation an example worthy of emulation and may also be studied with profit by those of more mature years whose achievements have not kept pace with their expectations. Dominated by the highest principles of integrity and honor was the course of the late Charles Frederick Muhler, one of the most distinguished of Fort Wayne's native sons, and who for a long lapse of years was among her leading men of affairs. He placed true values on men and events, so that he was essen- tially democratic and unassuming and showed the intrinsic strength and loyalty of his character. His benevolences and charities were large and were ever unostentatious and admirably placed. He knew the spring of human motive and action, so that he was kindly and tolerant in his judgment and ever ready to lend a helping hand to any worthy movement. His life-long residence in Fort Wayne, his upright life and mature judgment, and the many services he rendered have made his name a synonym for character and worth. He was imbued with the deepest and most helpful public-spirit, and he was well fortified in his opinions as to matters of public policy and gave of his best to the furthering of good government, as he was neglectful of no civic duty. It is scarcely necessary to say that in the inviolable precincts of an ideal home life the true nobility of Mr. Muhler found perfect apotheosis, but there is no desire in this connection to lift the sacred veil of the fireside circle. Pure, constant and noble was the spiritual flame that burned in and illumined the mortal tene- ment of the subject of this memoir, and to the superficial observer can come but small appreciation of his intrinsie spirituality, his faith being fortified by the deepest study, and the Christian veri- ties were with him the matters of most concern among the changes and chances of this mortal life. No man with his intellectual vigor and the love of truth which marked him, could live long without inevitably being brought to investigate the great moral laws gov-
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erning life, in fact, he was a strong man in every respect and was successful in all he undertook.
Charles F. Muhler was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, April 21, 1841, and here he spent his entire life, never permitting the wan- derlust spirit to lure him away in quest of better places, and, judg- ing from his useful and successful record, he was wise and the city was fortunate in his decision to remain at home. He was the son of Charles M. and Anna (Stark) Muhler. The father was born in Sulzdorf, Germany, of an excellent old German family, and when a young man he emigrated to the United States, in 1837, and in 1840 took up his residence in Fort Wayne, thus being a pioneer, and here he became well established through his industry and per- severance and was well known and active in the early upbuilding of the city.
Young Muhler grew to manhood in his native city and here received his educational training in the Catholic schools, to which he later added by general home study, and, gifted with the faculty of keen observation and excellent judgment, he added to his store of knowledge until his mind became a storehouse of useful'in- formation far above that of many men who had the advantages of higher educations. In fact, he was always a student, and kept fully abreast of the times on all current matters and was familiar with the world's best literature. He had excellent home training, for his parents were sterling people, honorable, industrious and highly respected-of the type that has given to America its best uititens, They believed in equipping their children as best they ronld for the battle of life, and accordingly at the age of fifteen Charles F., having mastered the rudiments of education, which the early days in this locality permitted, was apprenticed to B. W. O.d.ley to learn the trade of a tinner. About a year afterward When & Company having purchased the tin and stove business from Mr. Oakley, the subject completed his apprenticeship with them, remaining with the firm until 1864, having mastered the ins and outs of this particular line during the eight years of his con- nection with this house. At that time Mr. Muhler purchased the interest of Mr. Allen, who retired, and the firm name was changed to Wilson, Selmekman & Muhler; later Mr. Schuckman retired and the firm name became Wilson & Muhler, and the firm became prosperous, their products covering a wide range of territory and were eagerly sought for owing to their superior qualities, and for years was one of the best known business houses in Fort Wayne.
CHARLES F. MUHLER
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It was located on East Columbia street. Mr. Muhler subsequently retired and in a few years started in the lime and cement business, in which he was decidedly successful from the first, and which, after his death, was continued by his son, Charles B. Muhler.
In all his business ventures the elder Muhler was guided by ripe judgment and a spirit of enterprise, which, impelled by the activity of his nature and tempered by the most steadfast hon- esty, was bound to win, and did win, success.
When the Jenney Electric Lighting & Power Company was organized Mr. Muhler was a moving spirit and was its first presi- dent, in fact, its pronounced success was due very largely to his able management and judicious counsel. He retained his stock in the same until his death. Toward the latter part of his life he assisted in the organization of the Crescent Paper Company, which built and successfully operated an extensive paper mill at Hartford City. After several years of struggle Mr. Muhler suc- ceeded, with the aid of his associates, in placing the institution upon a paying basis. He was president of this company and a heavy stockholder. He accumulated a handsome competency by his own efforts, and owned a commodious modern residence and considerable other valuable and desirable real estate holdings, being rated as one of Fort Wayne's most substantial citizens.
Mr. Muhler was married on May 17, 1866, to Mary A. 'Trent- man, daughter of Bernard Trentman, at that time a leading wholesale grocer of Fort Wayne. He was born in Hanover, Ger- many, in the year 1816, and he emigrated to America in 1838, locating at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained two years, com- ing to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1842. Soon he turned his atten- tion to farming near that city, later working on the canal, then in the City mills. He started in the retail grocery business in 1848, which he continued until 1864, when he converted it into a whole- sale business, and he became very successful, ranking as one of the leading mechants and business men in northeastern Indiana, thus deserving a great deal of credit, for he came to Allen county without means. In 1838, at Cincinnati, Bernard Trentman mar- ried Anna Reinhardt, also a native of Hanover, Germany, and she came to the United States when a young girl. They became the parents of eleven children. Mr. Trentman's death occurred on March 19, 1874, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1859.
Bernard Trentman was a brick mason by trade, which he fol- lowed in early life, and it is worthy of note that he laid the first
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brick of the first opera house in Fort Wayne. It was after giv- ing up his trade that he began in the grocery business in a very sinall way. This seemed to be his natural bent and his growth in the same was phenomenal.
Mr. Muhler's family consisted of these children: Charles B., who conducts the lime and cement business, as before stated; Aug- ust 'T., for many years prominently identified with the Eckert Packing Company; Edward, who became a train dispatcher for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and Maude and Jeannette, who were educated at St. Augustine's Academy. The subject was also survived by his widow, a lady of many commendable attributes of head and heart, and one brother, George Muhler, and three sisters, Mrs. P. HI. Kane, Kate Muhler, who made her home with him, and Mrs. H. J. Trentman, of Auburn. Solomon A. Muhler's home life was beautifully happy. He possessed in full- est measure the love and admiration of his children. He had a picturesque and neatly appointed home on Wayne street, and was proud of it, and proud of the affection of his family. He was hap- piest when by his own fireside. -
Politically, Mr. Muhler was a Democrat and for years was a local leader, his counsel being frequently sought during cam- paigns by candidates, and his faith in the doctrines of his party was unswerving as it was sincere. He was always ready and will- ing to give his time to the party when needed, and for many years he was looked to for advice when strong minds and ripe judgment were needed. He became prominent in politics at an early age, and in 1876 was elected to fill a vacancy in the common council from the fourth ward. He gave such complete satisfaction that he was re-elected in 1877, serving a full term, and was again / rlerted in 1879. In 1881 he was the candidate of his party for mayor, and was elected by a large majority. He possessed the confidence of business men and the general public and his support waw strong even from the ranks of the opposition. He served two years as mayor, giving eminent satisfaction to all concerned, and after an interval, in 1887, he was again nominated and elected, werving with equal success and satisfaction until 1889. During his ineminheney of this office he did much for the permanent good of the city, and his record proved that he was one of the best chief executives the city has ever had. It was as mayor that his promi- ment traits came into distinguished prominence. The qualifica- tions that had won him success in business and in social life as-
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serted themselves more clearly in the responsible duties which, in his executive capacity, he was called upon to perform. His hon- esty was never questioned, his ability recognized by men of all parties. In all his affairs as mayor and citizen, he maintained an enviable reputation for probity and upright dealing. His ad- ministration of the municipality was characterized by conserv- atism and progress, and his foreseeing ability and careful methods went far to place the city in the enviable position in which she now stands.
After leaving office Mr. Muhler continued to take great inter- est in party and municipal affairs. He was considered one of the safest counselors in matters pertaining to the general welfare of the city, as well as in political affairs. His opinions were always sought for, and his advice always found valuable. He gave freely of his time and money to the cause of Democracy and both were equally at the service of the city when matters of public moment required them. His last active appearance in politics was as a candidate for nomination for county clerk. He lost, but voted and worked for his successful competitor in the ensuing campaign. Up to the time of his death, however, he was prominent in every public movement and in the discussion of public questions. His name was always one of the first to be mentioned for service in publie movements.
The death of Charles F. Muhler occurred very suddenly while walking on the street near his office, being stricken with apoplexy Wednesday evening, May 24, 1899. He had been in apparently perfect health, and the news of his sudden taking off spread with lightning rapidity and created a great shock to the city. The death of such a man, prominent for years in public and commercial life, came as a blow not only to his friends, but to the citizens at large, and it was with a sense of loss that the citizens heard of it.
We quote the following paragraphs from the "Fort Wayne Journal" in its lengthy article on Mr. Muhler's death and career, which appeared in its issue of May 25, 1899:
"Socially, Mr. Muhler was one of the most popular men in Fort Wayne, and it is this, aside from the sense of loss to the business public, that makes his death more keenly felt. He had friends everywhere, in every class, among young and old. He was quiet and reserved in manner, but was quick to form opinions, and strong in his adherence to opinions once formed. In politics, al- ways a formidable candidate, he yet maintained the good will of
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his opponents, and it is said of him that he was liked better by the men who ran against him after the campaign than before it. He was always open to conviction, strong as his opinions were, and once convinced that he was in error, would yield a contested point quickly, But he was seldom in error, for his judgments, though rapidly formed, were based upon intimate knowledge and careful study. He was of a genial, sunny nature, could contest a point strongly with the utmost good nature and coolness, and his man- ner was always characterized by consideration for others. He was an easy man to aproach, and was rarely so busy or occupied that he could not find time to stop to listen to anyone who wanted his advice, or his opinion or his aid.
"To one of his sociable, kindly disposition there was the keenest pleasure in the society of his friends. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Fort Wayne Club, and in both was very popular among young and old alike. Ile believed in carrying heavy life insurance, having taken ont policies in various companies and associations, including the Catholic Knights of America, being affiliated with St. Bernard Branch No. 103.
"Mr. Muhler was a Catholic, a member of the Cathedral con- gregation. His religious convictions were sincere and open. He hated deceit, and frankness was one of his predominant traits. He was in all things an honest, manly man. Not narrow in his views, he saw and recognized the opportunities for good in all torn, and appreciated them at their true worth."
The funeral of Charles F. Muhler took place on Monday, Mis 20, 1599, and was attended by a large concourse of people, the great attendance being significant of the esteem in which the citizens hold the former mayor. The cortege was one of the largest ever seen in the city and the cathedral was filled with people who come to pay their last tribute. The celebrant of the solemn high many of requiem was Rev. John Guending, assisted by Fathers Bime and Durham. The sermon was preached by Father Dur- lata, from the text, "Watch and pray, for at what hour ye know not the Son of Man will come." The speaker said:
"These words of our divine Lord come to us, my Christian frirudy, over the wide expanse of nineteen centuries. They were spoken to a people whose customs and life were entirely different from ours, but they bring unto us exactly the same warning that they bore to the auditors of Christ. Watch and pray, that the
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Son of Man may not find you unprepared to give an account of your stewardship. Watch over your moral actions, pray that God's grace may rule your eonduct and dealings in this world, and then, at whatever time the Son of Man deigns to call you will be able to receive Him with joy. There is just one thing certain in the life history of every human being, and that is death; there is one thing uncertain, and that is the time of death. We were born, we shall die, but the time, place or circumstance of our death we know not. Faith, experience, nature teach us that we shall die. 'It hath been appointed one for all men to die, and after death, judgment.' Daily experience constantly warns us that we shall die. From the rising to the setting, from the setting to the rising of the sun, there is being constantly enacted the death- bed seene; every minute sends a human soul before the judgment seat of God. Open the great book of nature; read therein the solemn lesson it contains, a lesson written by the finger of God, the author of nature. The tiny blade of grass bursts forth from the ground, beautifies for a short time the face of the earth, withers and dies; the leaves rustle in their verdant freshness, then comes the frost, and they are seared and die. The flower blooms and blows for a short time, then turns its face toward the heavens, whenee eame its beauty, and then droops and dies. The bud pushes out upon the tree, summer brings the blossom, autumn the fruit, and when the fruit is ripest it is plucked or falls, and it is dead. In the morning the sun comes through the gateway of the eastern dawn, ascending in ever-increasing splendor, until it reaches the zenith of its glory, of its brightness, and then it turns toward the west, with a last parting flush falls below the horizon, and the day is dead. Let the day be the most beautiful God has ever given to earth, when the sun sets the day is dead. Away up on the mountain side we find bursting through the hard rock a tiny stream; it trickles down the mountain, gathering strength and force until it becomes a mighty river, rolls on in power and grandeur through all the land, but when greatest it falls to the sea and is lost. Thus it is with all things in nature, and thus it is with all men. The voice of nature tells us we must die.
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