USA > Indiana > Memorial and genealogical record of Representative Citizens of Indiana > Part 37
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68
Politically, Mr. O'Brien has always given his support to the Democratic party and has taken an active part in the campaigns. Prior to his election to the state auditorship he rendered effective and appreciated service to his party as chairman of the state cen- tral committee, where his advice and direction were in a large measure responsible for the success of the party ticket at the polls. He is not a politician in the cheap sense of that word as ordinarily used, but in the broader significance of the word as applied to public policies and the public good he is a politician of the best type. There are too few like him. Fraternally, Mr. O'Brien belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order
411
of Red Men and the Free and Accepted Masons, in the last-named order having taken the degrees of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and the York Rite, including the Knights Templar. Relig- iously, he is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a liberal supporter.
On May 9, 1882, Mr. O'Brien was united in marriage with !! orriot Hunter, the daughter of W. D. H. Hunter. M. D., of Mexi- co county, Missouri. To this union have been born six children, namely: Cornelius, who is employed in the A. D. Cook Pump Factory in Lawrenceburg, Indiana; Frances, who is at home; Robert S., who graduated at the West Point Military Academy in 1908, is now a second lieutenant in the Twenty-seventh Regi- ment Regular Infantry; William H., Jr., who graduated at the Annapolis Naval Academy in 1911, is now in the United States navy as ensign on the "California;" Elizabeth is the wife of Cal- vin W. Verity, of Middletown, Ohio; Harriet Jane is at home.
Both in the relation of a private citizen, as a business man and as a public official, Mr. O'Brien has been a man among men, standing "four square to every wind that blows," and his record has been clean and unsullied. In every sphere of activity in which he has engaged, he has put forth the best there is in him and at all times he has commanded the confidence and respect of those associated with him. Personally, he is genial and companionable, unassuming and approachable, and throughout the state may be found his friends, who are legion. Mr. O'Brien has always stood for whatever is best in life and as a citizen in his home community no man worked harder for the upbuilding of the city, materially, morally or educationally.
WILLIAM B. LYLE.
Among the worthy citizens of Crawfordsville, Indiana, of a past generation, whose residence here contributed in no small de- gree to the prestige of the vicinity, was the late William B. Lyle, for, while laboring for his individual advancement, as was natural and right, he never forgot his obligations to the public and his support of such measures and movements as made for the gen- eral good could always be depended upon, rejoicing to see that which would elevate or advance the interests of the race. Al- though his life was a busy one, his private affairs and his home making heavy demands upon his time, he never allowed it to inter- fere with his Christian obligations or the faithful performance of his church duties. Always calm and straightforward, never demonstrative, his entire Christian life was a steady effort for the worth of Christian doctrine, the purity and grandeur of Christian principles and the beauty and elevation of Christian character. He had the greatest sympathy for his fellow men and was always willing to aid and encourage those who were struggling to aid themselves; yet in this, as in everything, he was entirely unas- suming. When he believed he was on the right path, nothing could swerve him from it; home life was a sacred trust and friend- ships were inviolable. He commanded the respect of all classes by his exemplary life, and his memory will long be revered by his many friends and acquaintances.
William B. Lyle was born on March 5, 1835, at Richmond, Indiana, and he was the son of David and Margaret Lyle, a plain, honest, hard-working pioneer family, of whom it was well said they reared their children "in the admonition and fear of the Lord." David Lyle devoted most of his earlier years to general farming near Richmond, but spent the latter part of his life in Winchester where he died. He and his wife were the parents of three children, William B., of this review; John S., deceased, and Mrs. Sarah Cochran, also deceased.
William B. Lyle spent his boyhood on the home farm and as- sisted his father with the general work about the place during the summer months, and in the wintertime he attended the district
,
413
schools. When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade which he followed for several years in the town of Richmond, Indiana, becoming a very skilled workman. From Richmond he removed to Greencastle, Indiana, where he found employment in a foundry, and in 1866 he cast his lot with the people of Craw- fordsville, where he spent the rest of his life, having been very favorably impressed with the future possibilities of the place, and with whose growth and development he was identified in no in- significant manner for a period of over forty years, during which time he was regarded by all as one of the city's most useful and representative citizens.
Upon coming to Crawfordsville. Mr. Lyle identified himself with the foundry business with John Blair and a Mr. Smith, under the firm name of Blair, Lyle & Smith. They soon had a growing business established, and in a few years both Mr. Blair and Mr. Smith retired from the firm, and Mr. Lyle took in as a partner Pembroke Reynolds, with whom he continued in business until the time of his death, since which time Mr. Reynolds has con- dueted the business, Mrs. Lyle still owning two-thirds of the business. Mr. Lyle was very successful in a business way, and was one of the best known foundrymen in this section of the state. It was his aim to have his place equipped with all modern and most approved devices for prompt and high grade work and his plant was frequently studied by others in this line of endeavor. He kept every department under an excellent system and his busi- ness inereased with the years and the growth of the city and com- munity.
On June 9, 1858, Mr. Lyle was united in marriage with Eliza- beth MeCorkle, at Richmond, Indiana. She is a daughter of Hugh Hall MeCorkle and Agnes (Knox) McCorkle, old residents of Troy, Ohio, where they both spent their lives, the father dying first. He was a tanner by trade and was an honest, highly re- spected citizen. The family of Hugh H. Lyle consisted of six children, two of whom died when quite young, the other four being named, James, who is now deceased: Elizabeth, who married Will- iam B. Lvle, of this memoir; Maggie was next in order of birth; and Mrs. Zilpha Anderson, of Indianapolis.
Mrs. Lyle spent her childhood days in Troy, Ohio, and re- ceived a good education in the common schools, remaining in that town until after the death of her parents, when she and two sisters
414
moved to Richmond for the purpose of making their home with their brother James.
Fraternally, Mr. Lyle was a member of the Knights of Pythias at Crawfordsville, and he was a loyal member of the First Presby- terian church, being an elder in the same and clerk of the session for twenty years. Always taking an active interest in Sunday school work, he served ao superintendent of the Sunday school for a period of thirty years, a record of which his descendants may well be proud; indeed, he was truly a pillar in the local congrega- tion of the church of his choice and he did an incalculable amount of good in the Sunday school. He was also actively identified with the Young Men's Christian Association of Crawfordsville, being one of the directors of the same and contributing much to its success. Politically, he was a Republican, but made no effort to be a public man and would never permit his name to be used as a candidate for a political office, although often importuned to do so by the leaders in his party, who recognized his peculiar fit- ness for public office and his general popularity and excellent standing in the community.
The union of William B. Lyle and wife was without issue; however, they took into their home, Miss Rose, a young lady, whom they have reared as their own child, and who is left to com- fort Mrs. Lyle in her bereavement, Mr. Lyle having been sum- moned to his reward on May 27, 1907, after a successful and use- ful life.
The following tribute to William B. Lyle was adopted by the session of the First Presbyterian church of Crawfordsville, in May, 1907, and ordered to be read in the church, inscribed in the minutes and a copy furnished to the family of the deceased:
"In the past few years the hand of death has fallen fre- quently and heavily upon our church. One by one the members of the 'old guard' are falling. Each year of the present pastorate has been marked by the death of a ruling elder, David F. McClure, William F. Remley, Christopher Dice and William B. Lyle. Few churches have been served by such a group of faithful and de- voted elders; few have suffered the loss of such a group in so short a time. And of these four, none was more faithful, more useful or more unselfishly devoted than Mr. Lyle. He literally belonged to the church. His time, his labors, his money were unreservedly at her command. Her gain by his life was incalculable and her loss in his death immeasurable.
415
"While a boy in Richmond, Indiana, William B. Lyle gave himself to the Lord and took those vows of loyalty to Christ and the church which he has so grandly fulfilled by more than half a century of consistent Christian life and untiring Christian work.
"In beautiful harmony and mutual helpfulness he and his wife, a well-mated pair, traveled the changeful road of life to- gethier, almost to the golden wedding anniversary.
"Immediately upon his arrival in Crawfordsville, Mr. Lyle cast his lot with the First Presbyterian church. He was then only thirty-one years of age. It was not long before his qualities as a church man began to be recognized. In 1871 he was elected Sunday school superintendent, and so effectively and efficiently did he fill the office that, with the exception of two or three brief intervals, he was retained in this position till the end of his life. In 1879 he was elected and ordained to the office of ruling elder, which he thereafter held continuously until his death. In 1887 he was made clerk of the session, and by virtue of his interest and ability in church affairs, he was recognized as the managing and leading spirit in the board of elders. He was always the pastor's righthand man, wise in council and prompt in action.
"As a business man Mr. Lyle maintained a character for honor, integrity and fair dealing which won him the high esteem of his employes and the confidence and respect of the entire com- munity. In his social life he was genial and friendly without suspicions, jealousies or grudges. In his nature there was not a trace of sham or hypocrisy. His tongue never lent itself either to slander or flattery. In heart, speech and behavior he was thor- oughly honest and sincere. He might be wronged by the dishon- esty of a business associate, wounded by the unfaithfulness of a friend or deeply hurt by lack of appreciation on the part of those he served, but his soul was too large and unselfish to cherish bit- terness or resentment. He bore the misfortunes of life with the calin faith of one who knows that he has 'in Heaven another and an enduring substance.'
"Mr. Lyle was positive in his opinions and strong in his sense of duty. He was always on the right side of every moral ques- tion. Ile was outspoken in his views and fearless in his conduct. He had the courage of his convictions. He practiced what he pro- fessed. He had withal a kindly heart and a charitable spirit, and gave most generously both of his time and money for the relief of
416
the sick and needy. For this many will rise up and call him blessed.
"Christ and the church held the first place in his heart. He was never absent from the services of the house of God. With him business interests were subordinate to religious duty. To the support of the church he gave liberally, according to his means, von, and beyond his means. And he gave, not only his money, but himself.
"He is gone and we feel keenly the greatness of our loss; but he has left behind the abiding results of his labors, the memory of a substantial Christian life and the inspiration of a noble example. For these the church will ever be the richer.
"And so, 'having served his generation according to the will of God,' he fell asleep at the age of seventy-two years.
"Servant of God, well done. Brother beloved, farewell. Thou hast fought the good fight and finished thy course and kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for thee a crown. 'Go thou thy way till the end; for thou shalt rest, and shalt stand in thy lot at the end of thy days.' "
Simon Freiburger
SIMON FREIBURGER.
Germany has contributed some of her best citizens to the United States- men who have here entered into the spirit of our institutions and have not only gained pecuniary independence for themselves, but have also been a distinct acquisition to our popu- lation. In taking up this review of the life of the worthy gentle- man whose name appears above, the biographer calls attention to one who by a life of earnest and consecutive endeavor won for himself the sincere respect of all who came into contact with him. For many years he was a potent factor in the industrial and civie life of Fort Wayne and Allen county, where no man stood higher in the estimation of the people. The late Simon Freiburger pos- sessed the characteristic German thrift and through his own ef- forts scaled the ladder from the bottom to the topmost rung of industrial success, and he ever tried to do the right as he saw and understood the right. Quiet and unostentatious and seeking the sequestered ways of life rather than its tumult and strife, he ever attended strictly to his own affairs and made better all who came within range of his influence. His career is eminently worthy of being preserved on the pages of the history of the state of his adoption.
Simon Freiburger, one of the pioneer business men of Fort Wayne, who lived to see and take a prominent part in its develop- ment from a country village to one of the important cities of In- dinna, was born in Rexingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, January 8, 1824. He was a scion of a sterling old family, and was the second of five children born to Moses and Hanna (Frohlich) Freiburger. 'The parents grew up and were married in the fatherland, where they spent their lives, never having come to America.
Simon Freiburger grew to manhood in his native community and there received his early education. Having heard so much of the great opportunities that existed in the great Republic of the West, he conceived the idea of trying his fortune in the United States when but a boy and when twenty-four years of age, in 1818, he set sail for our shores, first locating in Spencerville, In- diana, where he conducted a general store, which he continued until 1853 and got a good start. Then he sold out and returned
(27)
418
to Europe, and while there was united in marriage with Yetta Cruenwaldt, the ceremony which made them one being performed on April 25, 1854. She was born and reared near the place of his birth. She is the daughter of Joseph Marks Cruenwaldt and Adelia (Frank) Cruenwaldt, a highly respected family of that place. She was one of eight children and is the only one surviving at this time, she being almost sight; years of age, but is remark- ably well preserved for one of such advanced years, appearing to be much younger and having full possession of her faculties. Her memory is remarkable and it is most interesting to hear her recall reminiscences of the early days. She has a host of warm friends in Fort Wayne. She was born in Nordstetten, Wurtemberg, Ger- many, and she received a good education in the schools of her native community.
Immediately after his marriage Simon Freiburger brought his bride to America and located in Decatur, Indiana, where he conducted a general store for a period of four years, carrying on a good trade with the town and surrounding country as he had pre- viously done at Spencerville. Seeking a larger field for his opera- tions and having the sagacity to see great future possibilities in the town of Fort Wayne, he moved to this place about 1858 and engaged in the produce business, at which he was very successful from the first, his operations growing constantly through his able management and honest dealings with the public which inspired confidence. He followed this line of endeavor until 1871, when he became associated with his brother, Leopold Freiburger, also of Fort Wayne, in the wholesale leather business, under the firm name of S. Freiburger & Brother. Their business grew from year to year until it assumed very extensive proportions, their trade having penetrated a vast territory and brought them most satis- factory financial returns. The subject continued very active in this business until about 1884, when, having accumulated a com- petency, he retired from the active affairs of life and prepared to live quietly in his commodious and attractive residence at No. 335 West Berry street, Fort Wayne, which has been the family homestead for a period of fifty-four years, and which is in the fashionable section of this city. This picturesque old home has been known as a place of genuine hospitality to the many friends of the family for a long period.
The subject retained his interest in the leather business, and about 1889 the firm began to manufacture some of its tannery
419
products into mittens, and established the Fort Wayne Glove & Mitten Company, the success of which was instantaneous, and has since built up a large Napa glove and faced mitten business with jobbers.
Leopold Freiburger, brother of the subject, lives at No. 327 West Berry street, Fort Wayne, and is conducting the extensive business which he with his brother, subject of this memoir, es- tablished years ago. The latter's widow still retains the interest in the firm of Freiburger & Brother, which is universally recog- nized as one of the largest wholesale concerns in the country in the way of wholesale leather, the products of which are eagerly sought for owing to their superior quality and high-grade work- manship, only the most skilled artisans being employed in the plant, which is equipped with every modern appliance for first- class work and the filling promptly of all orders.
The death of Simon Freiburger occurred suddenly on July 8, 1894, at the age of seventy years, after a useful, honorable and highly commendable life, forty-five years of which was spent in the city of his choice, where he was held in highest esteem by all who knew him. He was one of the stockholders in the First Na- tional Bank and was one of the city's most substantial and fore- most men.
Three children blessed the union of Simon Freiburger and wife, namely: Louie, Adele and Miss Hannah, all of whom are deceased.
Politically, the subject was a Democrat, though he was not a biased partisan, preferring to cast his ballot for the men whom he deemed best qualified for the offices sought. He was a public- spirited man and his support could be depended upon in the fur- thering of any laudable movement looking to the best interests of his city and locality. Religiously, he was a worthy member of the Jewish congregation here, the Achduth Vesholom, in fact was one of the founders and pillars of the church, he having served for years as president and vice-president. He was also an active member and the founder of the local Jewish order of B'Nai Brith. He was one of Fort Wayne's philanthropic men. He was best contented when at home, and for that reason never took a very netive interest in clubs or public affairs. Ile was a man whom to know was to admire and respect for his industry, public spirit and exemplary habits. He was kind, genial, obliging and high- minded.
420
Concerning the death of Mr. Freiburger, the Fort Wayne Morning Journal, under date of July 9, 18944, prints the follow- ing:
"The announcement of the sudden death of Simon Freibur- ger, the retired leather merchant, will be a shock to his friends and the public. His death occurred at his home in West Berry street at six o'clock last evening. He had been down street to call on some friends, and was just entering the door of his resi- dence when he placed his hand over his heart, fell to the floor and expired almost instantly. The cause of death was heart failure, from which he was a sufferer for some time, but which caused his friends no immediate concern.
"Mr. Freiburger was a native of Germany and was seventy years of age. He came to this city forty-five years ago, when Fort Wayne was a primitive village, and he has resided in northern Indiana continually since that time. He first engaged in the gen- eral merchandise business at Spencerville and, closing out his store, left for his old home in Germany to claim his bride, Miss Cruenwaldt, and she survives to feel the great loss she has sus- tained. Returning to this country, he opened a store at Decatur and finally came here.
"For twenty-five years he has been engaged in the wholesale leather business and was prominent throughout Indiana. He was highly respected as a friend, citizen and merchant by the com- munity in which he lived. His integrity was never questioned, and his heart was full of noble charity. In Jewish circles he was a leader, having been for the past twenty years alternately presi- dent and vice-president of the Achduth Vesholom synagogue. He was an influential member and the founder of the local Jewish order of B'Nai Brith. He leaves only a wife, their three children having gone before.
"The funeral will be held Wednesday. The members of the Hebrew congregation will hold a special meeting this evening in the vestry room of the Jewish temple to make arrangements for the funeral and to pay their tribute of respect to the memory of their beloved friend. All the members of the congregation and the order of B'Nai Brith are expected to be present."
The Fort Wayne Daily News of July 9, 1894, paid the fol- lowing tribute to the memory of the late Simon Freiburger:
"Suave, genial, charitable, this large-hearted man was be- loved by everybody. The warm glow and sunshine of his cheery
421
presence were felt by all who came beneath its influence. Mr. Freiburger was not a bustling tradesman, stirring people to activ- ity and excitement by the rushing energy of a stormy nature, but he was ever calm and placid, and no one ever entered the sweet atmosphere of his goodly life without being helped to bet- ter thoughts and purer aspirations.
"Always unvillusive, ever unassuming, there was yet a warmth to his kindly greeting, a tenderness in the twinkle of his eye, that spoke of his grand qualities of lead and heart, and made all the world know him as the friend of all men. Hospitable, amiable, charitable, no deserving fellow being, no worthy benev- olence, ever found his ear deaf to their appeal.
"His integrity was absolutely spotless; his word was as good as his bond, and his record as a citizen was one that might well be coveted by any man.
"In Jewish circles he was a leader, having for the past twenty years alternately been president and vice-president of the Achduth Vesholom synagogue. He was an influential member and founder of the local Jewish order of B'Nai Brith."
The above paragraphs were reprinted together with an ex- tended obituary of the life of the subject in the August issue, 1894, of the American Glover, a journal widely known to leath- er goods dealers, etc., published in Gloversville, New York, the same issue carrying a half-tone cut of Mr. Freiburger on its front cover.
The American Israelite, published at Cincinnati, Ohio, printed in its issue of July 19, 1894, the following paragraphs, under a Fort Wayne date line:
"The funeral of the late Simon Freiburger, held here last Wednesday morning, was the largest ever attended in this city. Rev. Hirschberg, who was absent from the city, returned and offi- ciated in a most impressive manner. Memorial services were also held in honor of the deceased. M. Frank, president, read the res- olutions adopted by the congregations, concluding with an ap- propriate address, voicing the sentiments of the entire commun- ity, which address is appended herewith:
" 'In connection with these resolutions I feel it my duty as president of your congregation to make a few remarks on the demise of our lamented brother, Simon Freiburger. How vividly the admonition, "Man, prepare thyself one day before thy death," -which means every day, every hour, every minute,-was por-
422
trayed to us when we learned of the sudden demise of this good man. As our worthy rabbi said in the funeral oration: "Grief and consternation befell the entire community when the news was heralded through the city that Simon Freiburger was no more." It is therefore a fitting tribute to the departed that we set aside this day to the memory of Brother Simon Freiburger.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.