USA > Indiana > Tippecanoe County > Past and present of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 37
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sold the Call to John George, Jr., of Jackson, Michigan, and terminated his newspaper career.
After a short rest, in May, 1898, Mr. Vater, by invitation of James J. Perrin, president of the Perrin National Bank and a life-long friend, bought a block of stock in this bank, and became connected with it as assistant cashier and a director. In 1899, under the bank's auspices, the Indiana Trust and Safe Deposit Company was organized under the Indiana trust company law, and Mr. Vater was made its secretary, still continuing as an official of the bank. When, in June, 1902, owing to Mr. Perrin's failing health, a consolidation was arranged between the Merchants National and the Perrin interests, Mr. Vater remained with the trust company end of the combina- tion, and was elected treasurer of the Lafayette Loan and Trust Company. This position he held until September 10, 1909, when he resigned to em- bark again in business on his own account, in the same general line of mortgage loans, trusts and estates, and is enjoying a satisfactory patronage in this business.
The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Vater has been blessed by the birth of three children. Rev. Williamson D., the eldest, is a graduate of Purdue University and the Princeton Theological Seminary, is married and settled as pastor of the North Presbyterian church, St. Louis, Missouri. A second son, Thomas Eugene, died in infancy. The youngest child, Miss Agnes Eugenie, is also a Purdue graduate, and she still gladdens and makes more beautiful the lovely dwelling of this congenial family, on Perrin avenue.
Mr. Vater became a member of St. John's Episcopal church soon after coming to Lafayette, but about 1870, with his wife, transferred his member- ship to the First Presbyterian church, with which the whole family, except the son, are still connected.
Mr. Vater's exemplary habits, his probity of character, and genial, so- cial ways have won for him the deepest respect and esteem where he is fa- miliarly known. There are, doubtless, few men who have a higher appreciation or set a greater value upon the friendship of those he respects, trusts, and in whom he confides, than Septimius Vater.
JULIUS NEUMANN.
Among the enterprising and substantial business men of Lafayette who have won success by untiring effort and rightly directed talents is Julius Neumann, who is deserving of conspicuous mention in this work along
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with other public-spirited local citizens, because they have shown them- selves to be the possessors of superior qualities, the qualities that win, and are not discouraged at obstacles. He is the scion of a worthy old German family, having himself been born in Germany in 1858. His parents were Christian and Dorothea Neumann, who, in 1881, came with their son Julius to America, coming direct to Lafayette, Indiana. Julius soon found em- ployment as a tinner, at which he worked until 1892, having learned the many details of that business while still a resident of Germany. In 1892 he and C. W. Warenburg formed a partnership for the purpose of conduct- ing a tin and hardware business. The business had, however, been started by Webber & Warenburg, but, upon the withdrawal of the former, Mr. Neumann became Mr. Warenburg's partner, as stated. Mr. Warenburg died in 1897 and Christian Mertz became Mr. Neumann's partner, the firm becoming known as Mertz-Neumann Company, incorporated in 1898. In the same year the name of the company was changed to J. Neumann Hard- ware Company. Useless to say that the business of this firm has gradually grown until its customers may be found all over the county and are con -- stantly increasing. A full and well-selected general stock of hardware is kept and prices are always right according to the statement of some of their customers of long standing. They also do an extensive business in their tin shop, which is run in connection with the store. They do all kinds of cornice work, install furnaces, and do a great deal of slate roofing. Mr. Neumann is president and manager of the company, and he is regarded as a thorough business man in every respect, keen, alert, but ever honorable and reliable.
Julius Neumann was married in 1884 to Mary Overesch, daughter of Bernard Overesch, a family of excellent standing. To Mr. and Mrs. Neu- mann eleven children have been born, of whom eight are living, namely : Edward J., who is married and has one son, is in the plumbing business with E. R. Overesch; Flora is a member of the office force of the Lafay- ette Morning Journal; Louise is bookkeeper for the company of which her father is president; Lydia is in the office of Frank Kimmel, prosecuting at- torney of Tippecanoe county; Arthur is employed in the tin shop of the Neumann Company; Walter, Elizabeth and Noble are attending school and are still members of the home circle.
That Mr. Neumann is deserving of great credit for what he has ac- complished is shown by the fact that when he started in business he had nothing except a good credit. His former employer took him into the firm on merely his note for thirteen hundred dollars, which Mr. Neumann paid
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off in part each year from his profits above his wages. He is now a thrifty and substantial citizen, having a large business and a splendid and attract- ive home. He is a member of the Salem Reformed church, and in his fraternal relations he belongs to Siegel Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Star City Lodge of Druids. He is also a member of the German National Park Association. He has an excellent family, all fairly well educated and young people of much promise, all members of the Neu- mann family being held in high favor by their neighbors and acquaintances.
GEORGE HENRY SATTLER.
Judging from the laudatory statements of a wide coterie of friends and acquaintances of the late George H. Sattler, no citizen of Tippecanoe county in recent years has so indelibly impressed his personality upon the people here. A cursory glance at his honorable and eminently useful career is sufficient to show the genuine worth of the man, and the fact that he was unqualifiedly popular with all classes is criterion enough of his exemplary character. Such a life is deserving of emulation and of a place on the pages of history. He was a native of Lafayette, having been born here April II, 1861, the son of John and Catherine (Sattler) Sattler, a prominent family here for many years, a detailed sketch of which appears on another page of this work.
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George H. Sattler was educated in the local public schools, and he also attended business college, receiving a very serviceable and practical education. Deciding to become a tailor, he took a course in a cutting school in Cleve- land, Ohio, and from there he went to Chicago, where he attended Stone's Cutting School, but not yet content to leave school until he had thoroughly mastered his trade, he attended Mitchell's Cutting School in New York city, graduating from all three of these institutions and thus preparing him- self for the very highest grade of workmanship. After spending a short time at Indianapolis, Mr. Sattler returned to Lafayette, and April 1, 1889, went in with his father as a partner in the well-known tailoring establishment of John Sattler. At the death of his father, young Sattler became prac- tically the sole owner of the business, which was incorporated when Ferdi- nand Sattler became a partner, the firm continuing under the corporate name of the Sattler Sons Company. Under the management of George H., the business continued to rapidly increase until a very liberal and extensive
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patronage was enjoyed, for the reputation of the firm was for fair dealing and high-class work. Their establishment was a neat, well-equipped and systematically managed one-a credit to any community.
Mr. Sattler's harmonious domestic life began on October 15, 1885, when he was married to Katherine D. Smetzer, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, where her family has long been prominent. She is the daughter of Frederick and Sophia (Match) Smetzer, the former a native of Bavaria, Germany, who came to America about 1850. He was at one time treasurer of Allen county and held many other public offices there, being a man highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, owing to his honorable dealing with his fellowmen, his genuine ability and his public spirit. He was a highly educated man and a descendant of the famous Von Winderbach family, a representative of the German nobility. Mrs. Sattler now has many valuable and interesting heir- looms from the family.
George H. Sattler was called to settle up his accounts with this world on August 17, 1908, dying of an unexpected attack of heart failure. Sur- viving him are Mrs. Sattler and two children, Mrs. Ross E. Ault, whose maiden name was Olga Octavia, and G. Herbert.
Mr. Sattler was one of the city's leading business men, and his death was a great shock to the business world of Lafayette, being sudden and unexpected. Expressions of sorrow were general throughout the city. Prob- ably no man in Lafayette had more friends than he, for he was universally adinired and loved by all, young and old, having inherited the industry of his honored father, the late John Sattler, and, like him, was a man of un- questioned integrity, having the highest respect of all. His disposition was peculiarly friendly and his personality was magnetic. He was never known to speak ill of any one, and was particularly known for his optimism and . his regard for his fellowmen, especially of the business world. Few men made friends more readily than he and still fewer men valued friendship as did he. He was fond of a wholesome joke and a hearty laugh. Seldom was he seen without a smile lighting up his pleasant face. His presence was like sunshine and he was welcome wherever he appeared. He made his business an art and was as conscientious in that matter as in everything that was associated with his life and character. He was one of the con- servative, substantial and successful young business men of the city. and his ability in his particular line was recognized by competitors as well as patrons. He was a man of strong character and his life was one of un- broken honor. He was devoted to his family, a man of unblemished repu- tation and was a useful and worthy citizen. Being honest and reliable. he
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enjoyed the confidence of every one with whom he came into contact. Be- ing of even temper, always pleasant and courteous, he had hosts of warm friends. As a member of the Lafayette Club, he took a great interest in the city's affairs, and he was a conscientious Christian, having been a faithful member of the German Lutheran church.
JOHN SATTLER.
A well-remembered and highly honored business man of Lafayette was the late John Sattler, whose career has been terminated by the fate that awaits us all, but whose influence still pervades the lives of those with whom he associated most closely. He was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, November 26, 1832, the son of George and Elizabeth (Kemp) Sattler, the former of whom was a prosperous miller.
John Sattler learned the tailor's trade at Fuhrt, Odenwald, Germany, and he followed this trade in his native country until March 13, 1851. On April Ist of that year he took passage from London on the sailing vessel "Yorktown," arriving at New York May Ist following. After working four months in that city he went to New Brunswick, New Jersey, where, on October 3, 1853, he married Catherine Sattler, also a native of Ger- many. John Sattler's father came to America in 1854 and located at New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he remained until 1855, when he came to Clinton county, Indiana, and in 1857 to Tippecanoe county, where he fol- lowed farming successfully until his death, January 10, 1870, his widow surviving until April 23, 1875. John Sattler followed his father to Indiana in April, 1856, settling in Lafayette, and soon thereafter began working at his trade for Clark & Fitzpatrick, an old and extensive tailoring firm, with whom he remained for two years, when the firm failed, after which he worked as a journeyman until 1866. In August of that year the firm of Sattler & Nehing was established and in February, 1870, Mr. Sattler purchased the interest of Mr. Nehing. On April 1, 1889, he admitted his son George H. as partner, and the firm was then changed to Sattler & Son. Ten years later Ferdinand C. Sattler, brother of George H., was taken into the firm and the name was changed to the Sattler Sons Company. Three years later Ferdinand went to Milwaukee where he entered the tailoring business, leaving his father and brother to manage the firm at Lafayette.
In 1895, John Sattler's first wife was called to her rest, and Mr. Sattler again married, his second wedding occurring in June, 1896, to Mrs. Minnie
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Lang, who survives him. John Sattler was summoned from his earthly labors on April 24, 1907. To Mr. and Mrs. John Sattler the following children were born: John P .; Mrs. Matt Schnaible; George H .; William V .; Ferdinand, of Milwaukee; Emil A., of Akron, Ohio; and Mrs. Ernest T. Hahn, of Chicago.
Mr. Sattler was one of the leading members of the German Lutheran church-in fact, he was truly a pillar of the church, having been identified with the official life of the same from the time he came to Lafayette until his death, and had he lived until June, 1907, he would have rounded out a half century of service in this church as elder. He had been treasurer of this church since 1872. He was one of the founders of the Citizens' Build- ing and Loan Association, having been president of the same at the time of his death. In 1880 he was elected a member of the board of water-works trustees and he served in that capacity for a period of six years, acting as president of the board. He also served four years as a member of the county board of tax reviewers. In politics he was a Democrat.
Mr. Sattler was a stockholder in the First National Bank, also a stock- holder in the Sterling Electric Works. He was vice-president of the John- son Hardware Company at the time of his death, and he had an interest in the Matt Schnaible Grain Company, also the Shadeland Grain Company. He was a recognized expert in judging the value of real estate-in fact, an all-around, progressive business man.
John Sattler was recognized by all as a splendid type of citizen, and he occupied an enviable position in the commercial circles of Lafayette. His integrity was never questioned, everybody having confidence in his honesty. Besides being the very soul of honor, he was a polite and polished gentleman, a conscientious and upright man. He had a pleasant disposition and was always affable and agreeable. In business circles his word was regarded as good as his bond, and everyone had confidence in his judgment, his advice being often sought on all questions, and he assisted many in this way, being frank in giving advice or in expressing his opinion on any subject. His death was a great loss to the community where he had long been regarded as a leader.
AARON WALLACE.
The superintendent of the Tippecanoe county infirmary. Aaron Wallace, is one of those capable and genial men that it is a pleasure to know. His disposition is uniformly sunny and according to those who know him best no more competent man could be found for the place he fills.
P
Aaran Wallace
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Mr. Wallace first saw the light of day in Jackson township, Tippecanoe county, Indiana, on February 13, 1852. He is the son of Hugh and Jane (Brooks) Wallace, both natives of the Emerald Isle, the country that has sent such a vast army of active and intelligent citizens to America who have played a very conspicuous part in the development of the same from a very early day. The date of Hugh Wallace's birth was 1819. He married Jane Brooks in their native country and a few years afterward, hearing of the larger advantages in the New World, they decided to bring their two children here. But being limited in means they did not have sufficient money to pay their passage; however, they bound themselves to pay the required sum. The father immediately sought work upon his arrival in this country, his principal thought being to pay for his passage. He found employment for the small sum of fifty cents per day, and by economy saved enough out of this sum to pay for the passage of himself and family. He later began life as a farmer, and, through frugality and perseverance, he in time became prosperous. Be- lieving that the West offered greater opportunities, he came to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, purchasing land in Jackson township, becoming the owner of three hundred acres of as fine land as could be found in the township, and he spent the latter years of his life in comfort and affluence. He is remem- bered as a very devout man, a great reader of the Bible and an active member of the Methodist church. In politics, he was a Republican. As the father of eleven children, he realized that it was his duty to rear them in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and their subsequent upright lives stand as a monument to this realization of duty. The names of his children who survive are as follows : James F., a farmer of Jackson township; Elizabeth F., wife of William Francis, of Ambia, Indiana; Belle, wife of Charles Williamson, of Texas, and Aaron, of this review.
Aaron Wallace, as already intimated, was reared on a farm in Jackson township and early in life began assisting his father with the work about the place, attending the neighboring; schools during the winter months, but the greater part of his time was taken up with farm work. He remained under the parental roof until he reached his majority, then rented a part of the home farm, and he has since devoted his life principally to agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of two hundred acres of excellent land in Jackson township where he has had a marked degree of success not only as a general farmer but also as a stockraiser.
In 1873 Mr. Wallace married the lady of his choice, Bessie Montgomery, who was born in Brown county, Ohio, December 11, 1855. When sixteen years of age she came to Indiana, but her parents never left Ohio. Mr. and
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Mrs. Wallace remained on their farm in Jackson township until 1904 when Mr. Wallace was the unanimous choice of the county commissioners for super- intendent of the county infirmary, a position which he seems to be qualified by nature to serve, but his success in the management of the institution is due in no small measure to the assistance of Mrs. Wallace. Since they took charge of the infirmary many valuable and needed improvements have been made. The building is well supplied with artificial water power, which can be brought into play in case of fire. It was through the earnestness of Mr. Wallace that the county council was prevailed upon to make the appropriation. The coun- ty is greatly indebted to Mr. Wallace for his action in this matter, as in many other things pertaining to the infirmary. He has the good will of all the inmates on the farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Wallace are the parents of three children, namely: Arthur, born December 25, 1874, married Daisy Stover, and they now reside in Waynetown, Indiana ; James A., born April 22, 1876, married Cretie Snyder ; one daughter of the subject and wife died in infancy.
Both Mr. Wallace and his son, James, are members of Shawnee Lodge, No. 129, Masonic fraternity, being members of the Scottish rite, thirty-second degree. Aaron Wallace is also a member of the blue lodge, the grand lodge, Perfection Council of Princes of Jerusalem ; the chapter of Rose Croix; also the consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret and the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the New Richmond Lodge, No. 288, Knights of Pythias.
AARON VAN NATTA.
Although belonging to a generation that has passed and he himself now numbered with the great majority that sleep the sleep of the just, the good accomplished in Tippecanoe county by Aaron Van Natta has not perished, but, like other great lives that have been transmitted to broader fields of action, has left behind an influence that will long dominate those whom it touched. He was born in Highland county, Ohio, January 7, 1822, of ster- ling pioneer parents. For a full history of his ancestry the reader is re- ferred to the sketch of John H. Van Natta, elsewhere in this work.
After spending his boyhood days in much the same manner as other contemporaneous youths. Mr. Van Natta entered Asbury University upon reaching manhood, where he made a splendid record for scholarship, having
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been a diligent student and a close observer. After leaving the university he gratified a desire of long standing by beginning the study of law, and, in March, 1846, began practicing at Williamsport, Indiana, in partnership with a lawyer named Gregory. The future was encouraging and on March 4, 1846, he took a helpmeet in the person of Rhoda A. Clark, of Williams- port. To this union one child was born, a daughter whom they named Sallie, who died August 30, 1873, at the age of seven years. Mrs. Van Natta died in 1866, soon after the birth of her child. Within a short time after his marriage, Mr. Van Natta's health began to fail so that he was compelled to abandon the practice of law and went to farming. He located in Tippe- canoe county, not far from Otterbein, and there engaged in agricultural pur- suits until 1856, in which year, having regained his former physical vigor, he moved to Montmorenci and took up general merchandising, retaining his farm, but merely overseeing it in a general way. Becoming prominent in local political affairs, he was appointed postmaster of Montmorenci, which office he held with satisfaction and credit for a period of twenty years. He also engaged in the real estate business there together with his other nu- merous interests, making a success of whatever he turned his attention to, con- tinuing thus the remainder of his life. His career as a lawyer started out auspiciously and had he continued in the practice he would doubtless have reached a high pinnacle of success, but as a business man he attained not only a high rank, winning a liberal competency through his judicious man- agement and conscientious dealing with his fellowmen, but he was public spirited and did more to stimulate progress in a general way in his com- munity than any other man, for always in looking after his own interests he never neglected his duty to his neighbors and fellow citizens.
On February 28, 1867, Mr. Van Natta was married to Mrs Margaret E. Shigley, widow of James A. Shigley, a man who descended from an old and very prominent family of this county. Mrs. Van Natta's maiden name was Margaret E. Moore. She was the daughter of Thomas Maxwell and Nancy (McCrea) Moore, and her birth occurred at Montmorenci, February 4, 1843. Thomas Maxwell Moore was one of three brothers, the oldest of whom was Henry Hudson Moore and Joseph was the youngest. They were the sons of Lieut. Thomas Moore, who was born August 29. 1748. at Hatfield, Hartfordshire, England, the son of Henry and Hannah Moore. On July 2, 1783, he was commissioned lieutenant by General Carleton in the British army, and after the war against the American colonists he was given land in Canada for his services in behalf of his own country. He located at Kingston, Canada, where he continued to make his home. He
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married Elizabeth Maxwell in 1784, and his death occurred November 6, 1805. Henry Moore was born in Kingston, Canada, August 30, 1785, and four years later the family moved to the state of Kentucky. In 1810 Henry Moore married Sallie Brightman, and in the same year the entire family moved to Washington county, Indiana. The following year Henry Moore joined Gen. William Henry Harrison's army that moved against the In- dians in the Wabash valley, and he fought in the famous battle of Tippe- canoe. November 7, 1811. In 1830 he entered land in Tippecanoe county near the present site of Montmorenci, and after a very successful life as an agriculturist, becoming one of the most influential of the pioneers in this state, he passed to his reward on October 14, 1855. His wife, Sallie Bright- man, was born July 16, 1783, in Rhode Island, and her death occurred March 8, 1852. To Henry Moore and wife two sons and one daughter were born.
Thomas Maxwell Moore, father of Mrs. Van Natta, was born Decem- ber 1, 1791, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where the family tarried while on its way from Canada to Kentucky. He, too, enlisted in General Harrison's army, but with eight or ten other men he was detailed to guard boats at the mouth of the Big Vermillion river at the convergence of the Wabash, a blockhouse having been erected there. After the battle of Tippe- canoe he helped bury the dead soldiers, then returned with the army to Fort Vincennes. On August 15, 1822, he married Sarah Wayman, of Salem, Indiana, and to this union five children were born. In 1830 he moved to Tippecanoe county and entered land where the greater portion of Mont- morenci is now located. His wife died August 22, 1833, and on September 23. 1834, he married Nancy (McCrea) Musselman, a widow. To this marriage eight children were born, of whom only two now survive, Mrs. Aaron Van Natta and Mrs. Julia A. Carr, who now lives in West Lafay- ette. One son by the first marriage is living at Zion City, near Chicago. This son is William Maxwell Moore. After an eminently active and useful life, honorably lived, Thomas Maxwell Moore closed his eyes on earthly scenes September 27, 1866. His wife, Nancy (McCrea) Moore, was born May 19, 1808, in Berkeley county, Virginia, and her death occurred Sep- tember 26, 1866, just about twenty-four hours before her husband passed away.
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