USA > Indiana > Memorial and genealogical record of Representative Citizens of Indiana > Part 30
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the warmest admiration for his educational-botanical work, and for the personal influence he exerted in this field. He always seemed to me a very high type of the man who, fully competent to win success in advanced scientific research, chose rather to devote himself to the equally difficult but much less conspicuous task of teaching the many rather than the few. His work will live long after him. I sympathize with Wabash College in its great loss, which I feel also as a severe one in our profession."
George R. Lyman, assistant professor of botany at Dart- mouth College, gave expression to his feelings in this wise: "It has been my great privilege to be associated with Professor Thomas during the past four summers, and to know him was to admire him and to love him. But long before I met him face to face, I seemed to have some acquaintance with him. I had used with great satisfaction during my student days a laboratory text- book written by him, and for many years I have known several of his former students, with some of whom I have been closely associated. Personal acquaintance with Doctor Thomas but served to strengthen the impression I had gained of him from his book and from his students. He was a man of strong character, with that peculiar mingling of qualities which at once commands at- tention and makes a lasting impression. Quiet and self-contained, yet with strong enthusiasms, earnest, sincere, broad-minded, eager for service, even a casual acquaintance at once felt his personal interest and good will. Professor Thomas' sudden death in the prime of life seems to us a tragedy, but we are mistaken in meas- uring life by length of years rather than by amount accomplished. If we count the number of lives touched, infineneed and moulded by the strong personality of this man, we are profoundly impressed by the quality and the quantity of his achievement. We regret his loss, but we must rejoice in the example of accomplishment which he has set us."
One of the important enlogies on the death of the subject of this memoir was that of Charles Warren Fairbanks, former Vice- President of the United States, who wrote as follows: "In the full maturity of his powers our friend, Professor Thomas, has left us; when he was best fitted to serve others, he was called from his labors. We do not understand why he should have laid down his burdens when he was best able to carry them and when we were most in need of him, yet we know that the All-Wise Ruler doeth all things well. While we shall miss our friend from his daily
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walk and shall no longer enjoy sweet companionship with him, we shall always cherish the memory we hold of his kindly service and noble character. Professor Thomas was our friend and we were his. We were drawn to him, as all who knew him were, by the fine ideals which he always kept in view, by the singleness of his devotion to whatever tended to exalt character and make for the welfare of the entire community. His rich gifts of mind and heart were devoted to the good of others. He found delight and ample reward in the consciousness of good done. HIe carried into all his endeavors an enthusiasm and complete consecration, which won the confidence and admiration of his co-workers. He was a brave, sincere man, and followed loyally wherever his conscience led. He was a faithful student of nature and drew from her ample store- house much which enriched his mind and ministered unto his moral well being. He found delightful companionship among the trees and the perfume of flowers filled him with inexpressible ecstacy. His great soul was enraptured with the infinite goodness of God, as manifested in the fields and forests; and he sought to preserve the priceless bounties which came from the Omnipotent Hand to bless his fellow men in his time and in the years to come. He was never self-centered; in fact, few men took less thought of selfish things than he. He believed as all good men do that the joy which longest abides in this world comes from enlarging the in- tellectual and moral horizon of those about him and making lighter in some degree the burdens which they must bear. A noble life has ended, but the wholesome influences which it inspired will not end. Like a sweet benediction, they remain. Professor Thomas, faithful fellow laborer, loyal friend, we bring our tributes of ad- miration and love and place them upon thy tomb and say 'Fare- well.' "
A Cornell memorial meeting was held on Sunday, March 27, 1912, at the home of Prof. S. H. Gage, in Ithaca, and a number of touching tributes were offered on the death of Professor Thomas, to whose memory former students, old friends, and teachers paid their respects. P. J. Anderson spoke from the standpoint of younger botanists; Fred Rhodes expressed the sympathy of the Cornell boys in the department of chemistry; Prof. George F. Atkinson spoke as a friend; Dr. H. J. Webber, as a fellow botan- ist; Prof. J. H. Comstock and Prof. S. H. Gage, as former teach- ers; Prof. H. H. Whetzel also spoke.
In view of the importance and widespread circulation of the
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writing of Professor Mason B. Thomas, we herewith give a list of publications from his forceful pen, which works show a wide range of information in his special field of endeavor and also a high lit- erary finish, elegance and clearness of style and withal, valuable additions to literature and science:
"The Collodion Method in Botany" and the "Proceedings of the American Society of Microscopists," Botanical Gazette, 1890; "A Dehydrating Apparatus," Microscopical Journal, 1891; "An Apparatus for Determining the Periodicity of Root Pressure," Botanical Gazette, 1892; "The Genus Corallorhiza," Botanical Gazette, 1893; "The Ash of Trees," Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science, 1893; "Sectioning Fern Prothallia and Other Delicate Objects," The Microscope, 1893; "The Androchonia of Lepidoptera," American Naturalist, 1893; "Collection of Plants During 1894," Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science, 1894; "Periodicity of Root Pressure," Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science, 1896; "The Effect of Formalin on Germinat- ing Seeds," Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science, 1897; "The Sectioning of Seeds," Journal of Applied Microscopy, 1898; "Some Desmids of Crawfordsville," Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science, 1898; "Cryptogamie Collections Made Dur- ing the Year," Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science, 1900;"Experiments with Smut," Proceedings of the Indiana Acad- emy of Science, 1900; "Forestry in Indiana," Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science, 1901; "The Woodlot for Central Indiana," Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science, 1909; "The Nature of Parasitic Fungi and Their Influence on Their Host," a paper read at the fifth annual convention of the Illinois State Horticultural Society, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, Febru- ary 1, 1911; also "Methods in Plant Histology," published joint- ly with Professor Dudley. This list does not include numerous newspaper articles and various addresses made before organiza- tions, all of which are of a semi-scientific character.
GEORGE LUICK.
The specific history of the great Middle West was made by the pioneers: it was emblazoned on the forest trees by the strength of sturdy arms and a gleaming ax, and written on the surface of the earth by the track of the primitive plow. These were strong men and true who came to found the empire of the West-these hardy settlers who builded their rude domiciles, grappled with the giants of the forest, and from the sylvan wilds evolved the fertile and productive fields which have these many years been fur- rowed and refurrowed by the plowshare. The red man, in his motley garb, stalked through the dim, woody avenues, and the wild beasts disputed his dominion. The trackless prairie was made to yield its tribute under the effective endeavors of the pioneer, and slowly but surely were laid the steadfast foundations upon which has been builded the magnificent superstructure of an opulent and enlightened commonwealth. To establish a home amid such surroundings, and to cope with the many privations and hardships which were the inevitable concomitants, demanded an invincible courage and fortitude, strong hearts and willing hands. All those were characteristics of the pioneers, whose names and deeds should be held in perpetual reverence by those who enjoy the fruits of their toil.
While not coming so early as some to the locality of which this memorial volume deals, yet the Luick family, of which the late George Luick, of Muncie, Indiana, was a worthy and well known representative, were influential pioneers who witnessed the remarkable growth and transformation, taking no small part in the same, of this nature-favored region. They were important factors in its progress and advancement.
George Luick, who devoted his life to argicultural pursuits in Delaware county, also to large business interests in the city of Muncie, was born in Pennsylvania, on April 25, 1835. He was the scion of a sterling old German family and the son of Christopher Godleff Luiek and Catharine (Burkhardt) Luick, both born in Germany, where they spent their earlier years, finally emigrating to America and locating in Pennsylvania, where they lived for some time, then came to Delaware county, Indiana, when their son
George Jevich
Mary J. Quick
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George, subject of this memoir, was three years old. Here the father became the possessor of a large farm two and one-half miles southeast of Muncie, which he developed through thrift and close application, taking his place, in due course of time, with the most substantial farmers of the county. His family consisted of six children, only one of whom survive at this writing, William Lafel, residing at No. 1100 East Main street, Muncie, being one of the few remaining pioncer citizens.
George Luick grew to manhood on the old homestead near Mumeie, where he assisted with the general work when he became of proper age and he received such educational training as the early schools afforded. Early in life he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, following in the footsteps of his father, and for many years he ranked with the most progressive tillers of the soil and stock raisers in this locality. He retired from farming about thirty-six years ago and moved to the present home of the Luicks, No. 401 South Franklin street, Muncie, one of the cozy and attractive homes in one of the choice residential districts of the city. But being by nature a man of business, he did not retire from active life, his faith in the future of the city and his ambition to become one of her leaders in industrial affairs inducing him to launch into the coal business, which he followed successfully, enjoying a wide patronage, until the discovery of natural gas in this vicinity gave a great impetus to general com- mercial lines here, when he sold out and entered the gas field, in which he remained one of the most active and best known the rest of his life, accumulating a fortune through his keen business ability, close application and honorable dealings with his fellow men. He was also interested in numerous large real estate deals, thus when he was summoned to his reward on September 3, 1909, he left behind him much valuable real estate and business prop- orties in various parts of Muncie; but he also left what is more to be desired-an untarnished namc.
Mr. Luick's harmonious and ideal domestic life began on August 22, 1860, when he was united in marriage with Mary J. Hopping, a lady of many commendable characteristics and a rep- resentative of an excellent old family, being the daughter of Jos- eph and Mary Ann (Madden) Hopping, the father a prominent farmer, residing three miles south of Muncie, both parents having been natives of Ohio, from which state they came to this county in early life. Mrs. Luiek was born in Indiana on December 16,
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1842, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated. She was the youngest of three children. Mrs. Luick is still living at the homestead in Muncie, where she has a wide circle of warm personal friends.
To George Luick and wife one child was born, a daughter, Willissa Jane Luiek, who, while giving much promise of a future of which her parents would be justly proud, was called to close her eyes on earthly scenes when thirteen years of age. She was born July 2, 1861, and died March 25, 1874.
The late George Luick was known as a man honorable in business, loyal in friendship and faithful in citizenship. Ile was a man of charitable impulses, liberal to those in need and in support- ing worthy public enterprises. Ile and his good wife were con- sistent members of the Methodist Eiscopal church and liberal sup- porters of the same, she being still a worthy member of the local congregation. Ile was class leader for several years. He was fond of home, but enjoyed company and the association of friends. his pleasant home being noted for its hospitality. He was a staunch Republican, and in his earlier years was very active in the ranks; however, he never sought public leadership or political preferment, merely striving to do his duty as a plain, honest citi- zen.
That Mr. Luick stood well in Muncie and Delaware county may be ascertained from the following clipping, which is taken from a local paper at the time of his death:
"The last sad rites over the body of one of Muncie's best known citizens, George Lnick, will be conducted from the family residence, corner of Franklin and Charles streets, at two o'clock this afternoon. The Rev. W. W. Ross will officiate. Eight neplı- ews of the deceased will act as pall bearers. The body will be laid to rest in the Moore cemetery. Mr. Luick passed away at his home early Friday morning as the result of a paralytic stroke suffered some time ago. The deceased was one of the best known and most highly respected citizens in Muncie and Delaware county, having spent seventy years of his life here. He had re- sided in Muncie for a period of thirty-three years. During the life of Mr. Luiek he had accumulated a large amount of real estate and at the time of his death was considered wealthy. A widow and one brother, residing in this city, survive."
The life record of such a noble citizen should be held up as a worthy example to the youth of the land.
WILLISSA JANE LUICK
ALBERT JACOB PIEPENBRINK.
Perseverance and sterling worth are almost always sure to win conspicuous recognition in all localities. The late Albert Jacob Piepenbrink, who for more than a quarter of a century was rec- ognized as one of the leading authorities on electrical subjects in northern Indiana, afforded a fine example of the successful self- made man who was not only eminently deserving of the confi- dence reposed in him by his fellow citizens, but also possessed the necessary energy and talent that fitted him to discharge worthily the duties of the responsible place with which he was entrusted. A man of vigorous mentality and strong moral fiber, he achieved signal success in a calling in which but few rise above mediocrity.
Mr. Piepenbrink was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, August 1, 1864. He was a son of Conrad D. and Cathrine (Driebelbiss) Piepenbrink, the father being a native of Germany and the mother was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The father spent his boyhood in his native land and came to America when young, finally establishing his permanent home in Fort Wayne, where he became well known among the German element, and here his death occurred thirteen years ago, having been a successful shoe merchant here. His widow lives with her daughter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, being now seventy-six years of age. She was one of the pioneer settlers of Fort Wayne.
The subject of this memoir was one of six children. He re- ceived his earlier education in the Manuel's Lutheran school, where he remained until he was fifteen years of age, then became associated with his father in the shoe business, remaining with him until the son was twenty years of age, and during those five years he mastered the various phases of this line of endeavor. But having long manifested a natural bent for the subject of electricity, he decided to give up the shoe business and turn his attention ex- clusively to electricity, and this he made his life work, vigorously prosecuting his studies and investigations, making rapid progress and became an expert in this great field. He was employed by the Northern Indiana Traction Company, with which he remained continuously for a period of twenty-six years, or until his untime- ly death, on May 6, 1912. His long retention here is certainly a criterion of his eminent satisfaction and ability, having occupied the responsible position of chief engineer at the company's power
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plant on Spy Run avenue, having been regarded as one of their most efficient, faithful and trustworthy employes. He enjoyed his work immensely and was greatly devoted to it. Ilis counsel was frequently sought by other electricians of this locality, and he did much to encourage and assist young aspirants in this great field.
Mr. Piepenbrink was married twenty-six years ago, on February 27th, in Fort Wayne, to Minnie Elligsen. She is the daughter of Henry Elligsen, who was born in Germany, from which country he emigrated to the United States when young and established a good home in Fort Wayne, and here his death oc- curred fourteen years ago. He was for many years successfully engaged in the tailoring business. His wife, Louise Diesterdiek, was also born in Germany, and she was young when she came to Fort Wayne, and here her death occurred in early life, forty years ago. Henry Elligsen and wife were among the very early set- tlers in Fort Wayne, and they were the parents of eight children.
Two children were born to the subject and wife, namely: Clarence, who is living at home with his mother at No. 1911 Spy Run avenue; Wilbur also lives at home. The family are mem- bers of the Lutheran church.
Surviving Mr. Piepenbrink are also three sisters and a brother, namely: Mrs. Francis Covert, of Chicago; Mrs. E. C. Rust, Pellston, Michigan; Mrs. M. E. Wilde, of Milwaukee; and George D. Piepenbrink, of Fort Wayne.
Albert J. Piepenbrink was forty-seven years old at the time of his death, and was well and favorably known, and was a mem- ber of Summit City Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of the Mizpah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and was a thirty-second-degree member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, long prominent in Masonic circles. He was very enthusiastic in fraternal work and was loyal in his rela- tions with the local bodies and his daily life indicated that he tried to carry the sublime principles of Masonry into his every relation with his fellow men. The Masons had charge of his funeral, which was very largely attended, and was held from the Scottish Rite cathedral, the usual beautiful and impressive Scottish Rite ritual being used. Interment was made in Lindenwood cemetery. Politically, he was a Democrat, but was not a biased partisan and never took much interest in political questions. He was a kind, large-hearted and neighborly gentleman whom everybody trusted and was glad to claim as a friend.
L
Levt, Webster.
GEORGE CHESTER WEBSTER.
Among the men who were instrumental in advancing busi- noes interests in Indianapolis and after a useful and honorable carcer passed on to other planes of action on "the outmost banks and shoals of time" was the late George Chester Webster. Time and prolific enterprise have wrought wonderful changes in this locality since he took up his residence here, through which he kept well abreast of the times and his activities benefited alike himself and the general public, his well directed efforts gaining for him a position of desirable prominence in commercial circles. His chief characteristics seemed to be keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of purpose and motive and every-day common sense. Ile was successful in business, respected in social life and as a neighbor discharged his duties in a manner becoming a liberal- minded, intelligent citizen of the state where the essential quali- ties of manhood have ever been duly recognized and prized at their true value. To write in detail a full account of his long and useful life would require a much more elaborate article than the nature of the work admits or requires. Sufficient will be said, however, to form a correct conception of the man and his career, a career affording many valuable lessons to the young of the rising generation.
George C. Webster, familiarly known as "Chet" Webster, who for many years was connected with the Meridian street wholesale district, Indianapolis, was born in Geneva, New York, July 5, 1844. He was a son of George Chester Webster, Sr., who was born near Waterloo, New York. He grew to manhood, was educated, and married in the East to Lina Markell, about 1838. After the birth of four children the family emigrated west, stop- ping for a short time in western Ohio, thence came on to Indi- anapolis, Indiana, where the father engaged in the confectionery business. Later, with two of his sons-in-law, William Daggett and William Smithers, he organized the firm of Daggett & Com- pany, wholesale confectioners, on South Meridian street. Mr. Smithers later retired from the firm and went west, whereupon George C. Webster, Jr., the immediate subject of this memoir, took his place, purchasing his interest in the firm. The subject
(22)
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had formerly represented this concern as traveling salesman. They built up a large business, but the firm was dissolved after the death of the senior Webster, the business being taken over by Messrs. Daggett and Messick, and they continued the same until the death of Mr. Daggett. The firm is now the Indianapolis Candy Company.
The death of George C. Webster, St., occurred in this city on March 27, 1892; his widow survived ten years, making her home towards the last of her life with her son, George C., the subject, and there her death occurred on May 14, 1902. The following children were born to George C. Webster, Sr., and wife: Phoebe is deceased; George Chester, of this sketch; Marion; Jennie, Harvey and Susan are deceased; Helen was next in order of birth; and Angeline, who is now deceased.
George C. Webster, Jr., was six years old when he came to Indianapolis with his parents and here he grew to manhood and attended the public schools. IIe quit school when about fifteen years old and entered the drug store of Ludden & Lee, which was at that time on Illinois street in the old Bates House. Later he clerked for a time for William B. Vickers, who had a drug store in the corner room of what is now the Odd Fellows building. From this he went into the candy business with his father as re- lated above and for a period of twenty-five years was on the road for the same, becoming one of the best known commercial travel- ers of Indianapolis, and, as stated above, he held an interest in the house for some years. After leaving the firm of Daggett & Com- pany he engaged in other ventures, among which were the Keely Cure Institute at Plainfield, in fact he started that institution there, the first of its kind in the state. He also organized the Keely Institute at Crab Orchard Springs, a beautiful location in Kentucky. He retained these institutes many years, disposing of the last named only a short time prior to his death.
Mr. Webster was one of the principal promoters of the Indi- anapolis & Greenfield Traction Company, the first interurban electric line out of Indianapolis, and he was vice-president and secretary of that company, in fact its success was due for the most part to his able management and wise counsel. The line is now owned by the Terre Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern Traction Com- pany. He was president of the road when it was first completed. He was by nature an organizer and promoter, a leader in indus- trial affairs, a man of keen business discernment and, believing in
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doing well whatever he undertook, he carried to successful term- ination whatever he turned his attention to. He was extensively engaged in the oil business for a period of five years with Messrs. Alfred R. Hovey and Newton Harding. They owned and oper- atcd wells near Zion, Indiana. He was also connected with Jesse Summers in the manufacture and sale of the "Watchman's Clock" and time indicators. He retired from the active affairs of life several years prior to his death, which occurred on March 29, 1911, being summoned to close his earthly accounts very suddenly and without warning. He bought his commodious, attractive and modernly appointed residence at No. 2032 College avenue about 1886.
Mr. Webster was a charter member and organizer of the Commercial Travelers Association, in which he had served as president and where he was always looked to for good counsel. He was also one of the organizers of the Marion Club, belonged to the Indianapolis Board of Trade, the Columbia Club, and of Olive Branch Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and he was also a mem- ber of the George H. Chapman Post, Grand Army of the Republic, having served faithfully and gallantly during the Civil war in the One Hundred and Thirty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was prominent in Republican politics for many years, although he never held public office, and when a state campaign was on his counsel and advice were always in demand. He was a ready speaker and a convincing talker and never lost touch with the working forces of the party. He was made president of the Com- mercial Travelers Association several times. He was known as "Chet" to the trade. At one time he went to the home of Presi- dent Garfield with a delegation of travelers and was called upon for an impromptu speech, and was highly complimented on its delivery. He often took the stump for the Republican party, being especially active in the campaign of Benjamin Harrison.
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