USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Pictorial and biographical memoirs of Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana, together with biographies of many prominent men of other portions of the state, both living and dead > Part 68
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plete his professional education. This he did, and in due time we find him located at Greenwood, busily engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery. In 1861, after two years there, he removed to London, Ind., and there resided, practicing and constantly study- ing his profession until 1880. Meantime, in 1869, he attended the Indiana Medical College, graduating therefrom in 1870, one of the first to receive the degree of M. D. from that institu- tion. In 1880 he took up his residence in Indianapolis where he has since enjoyed a profitable and constantly widening professional popularity. He is a member of the Marion County Medical Society and of the Indiana State Medical Society, and is in every way influential and useful in his profession as well as a citizen. Dr. Ferree was married June 13, 1861, to Emmeret E. Loomis, a native of New York, and a daughter of Major Ruel and Eleanor (Haven) Loomis. Major Loomis began service in the Civil War with the rank of captain and was promoted for merit to major of the Fifth Indiana Cavalry. Later, he gave up his life to his country at the battle of Marietta. Dr. and Mrs. Ferree have had five children,
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only two of whom are living: Leslie C. and Edgar L. Ferree, both of Kansas City, where the first is engaged in the real estate and loan business and the latter holds a responsible position in the custom house. Since the organization of the Republican party, in 1856, Dr. Ferree has been a Republican, having cast his vote for Gen. Fremont, and for every subse- quent nominee of his party for the Presidency down to Benjamin Harrison. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHARLES H. SCHAD. There is no branch of business more important in the whole list of occupations than that of the druggist. A prominent and representative establishment devoted to this branch of industry is that of Mr. Charles H. Schad, who now carries on a successful drug trade at 344 East Washington. He served an apprenticeship and remained with his employer ten years, after which he branched out for himself, since which time he has con- ducted the business with gratifying success. He carries stock valued at over $6,000, does retail business, and manufactures many specialties in the drug line. He at all times carries a complete line of pure drugs, medicines, patent mixtures, perfumery, toilet articles, fancy goods and the usual druggist's sundries. Special attention is paid to the compounding of physicians' prescriptions and family receipts, the same being put up with care, dispatch and accuracy. Mr. Schad was born in Indianapolis September 21, 1855, and is of Ger- man descent, his father, Mathias Schad, being a native of Germany. The elder Schad left his native country for this in 1852 and located in Indianapolis, Ind. His wife, whose maiden name was Christina Weishaar, was also a product of the old country, where they were mar- ried, Mathias Schad was a merchant tailor and carried on the business a number of years. His death occurred in December, 1883, after a long life of usefulness. The mother had passed away several years previously. Six children were given them and are now living. The original of this notice was reared in Indianapolis and received his education in the schools connected with the German Methodist Episcopal Church, also the public schools of the city. When a small boy he sold daily papers in the streets of the city and later entered a drug store. Although he commenced life for himself without any means, by industry and perseverance he has amassed considerable property and is now one of the leading business men of the city. He is highly esteemed for his courteous manners and strict integrity and has met with well deserved success. He is a member of the State Pharmaceutical Associa- tion, County Association, and is thoroughly posted in all matters relating to the drug trade. He has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Schad was married April 31, 1879, to Miss Mary Payne, a native of Lan- caster, Ky., and to this union have been born three children: Carl H., Gertrude A. and Clarence R. Mr. and Mrs. Schad are members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Schad advocates the principles of the Republican party and has been active in the best interests of his party in his ward, serving on election board, etc.
CHARLES A. DALE. People who have real estate for sale should appreciate the impor- ance of placing it with an agent who is thoroughly acquainted with the business and has business connections that enable him to reach the purchaser promptly and secure as early a transfer of the property as consistent with the best interests of the owner. Prospective purchasers should also, when they wish to buy, consult with an agency that is well acquainted with values and has the reputation of dealing honorably with all parties to a contract in every instance. Such an agency as this will be found in Charles A. Dale, who, at his conveniently located office, is prepared at all times to exhibit an excellent line of property, as well as to enter, on his books, any additional business that may be offered him. He transacts all business on the principle that he expects in the future to deal with the same parties again. He does such business in his line as may be offered him, and since embark- ing in the business in 1891 he has built up a business that is not only extensive but also profitable. Charles A. Dale was born in Tipton, Tipton County, Ind., February 10, 1866, son of James I. N. and Zerelda (Lee) Dale. James I. N. Dale was a native of Ohio, born in 1829, and was an extensive constructor and brick manufacturer at Tipton, Ind., for several years, where he had located during the earlier period of his life. He was a lover of art and music and was considered one of the finest musicians of Tipton County. In politics he was an ardent Republican, and for many years he was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. His death occurred in 1869. His wife, who is a native of Kentucky and a distant
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relative of Gen. Lee, survives him and resides with her son, Charles A., in Indianapolis. The latter passed his boyhood days in his native town until attaining the age of fourteen, when his mother removed to Jonesville, where he continued his studies toward acquiring a good practical education, such as the schools of that section and period afforded. Later the family removed to Virginia, Ill., where he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1884 Mr. Dale returned to Jonesville and in company with his brother-in-law made a trip to Kansas, after which he came to Indianapolis and began work at his trade. Possessed of energy and good business and executive ability he soon began contracting and building on his own account. Meeting with deserved success, he was enabled to carry a considerable supply of lumber, and eventually extended his business operations until he was operating a planing-mill and general lumber business on an extensive scale. At this period an unfortunate and serious accident happened.to an employe operating a machine in the planing-mill, which resulted in a suit and judgment for damages, and required all the property Mr. Dale had accumu- lated to adjust the matter. He then removed to Seattle, Wash., where he became manager of a large Inmber company which had been placed in the hands of a receiver. Upon his return to Indianapolis in 1891, he engaged in his present business, and is now at the head of the firm of Charles A. Dale & Co., which under his management is rapidly coming to the front as one of the most reliable real estate firms in Indianapolis. Mr. Dale was instru- mental in organizing the Farm and Lot Savings and Loan Association, and is secretary and director of the same, the object of which is to operate principally among farmers, enabling them to borrow money and pay for farms on the same plans as building and loan associations. In May, 1893, he assisted in the organization of the Personal Property Savings and Loan Association, and is secretary and director of the same, it being the only one of the kind in the United States, whose object is to loan to responsible parties money on personal property. Mr. Dale is a member of the Plymouth Church. In politics he is generally independent, voting for the man whom he considers best fitted for the office.
DR. CHARLES B. KNERR. Among the promising young physicians of Indianapolis stands the name of Charles B. Knerr who was born February 10, 1854, in Reading, Penn., of which city his father, Levi P. Knerr, was also a native. The latter was a machinist by trade, at one time was master mechanic and had chargeof Philadelphia Navy Yards. He served as lieutenant- colonel of a Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment in the Mexican War, and was on duty from begin- ning to finish. He married Miss Mary A. Miller, a native also of the Keystone State, and in that State both received their final summons, the father dying May 24, 1876, and the latter in March, 1887. Both were highly respected by all acquainted with them, being honorable, upright citizens. The original of this notice, Dr. Charles B. Knerr, received his scholastic training in the common schools and later learned the machinist's trade, following locomo- tive work for twenty years. In 1877 he came to Indiana and located at Lafayette, where he worked at his trade until 1880, after which he appeared in Indianapolis. Here he had charge of the Pan Handle Tool Room until 1889, at which date he began the study of medi- cine with Dr. M. G. Martin. He entered the Medical College of Indiana, and graduated from the same in March, 1891, immediately after which he located in Indianapolis, where he has since carried on a successful practice, which has enabled him to purchase property, and erect a residence and office thereon. He has already acquired a flattering reputation as a physician, has proved himself a man of ability and energy, and is universally liked in the city. He is a member of the Indiana State and Marion County Medical Societies, and is also a member of the K. of P., and Chosen Friends. He was married July 15, 1883 to Miss Lenora Benson, a native of southeastern Iowa and the daughter of Aaron and Mary (Keeling) Benson, natives of Shelby County, Ind. Dr. and Mrs. Knerr are the parents of two children, DeWitt, born April 14, 1887, and Willard, born September 17, 1890. They are members of the East Washington Street Presbyterian Church, and in politics Dr. Knerr is an Independent Republican.
WILLIAM BUSCHMANN, deceased. The prudent way and careful methods of Teutonic set- tlers are conspicuous in Marion County, Ind., where so many representatives of the German race have settled, and William Buschmann was no exception to the rule. Honest and upright in every particular no man held a higher place in the estimation of the people than he. He was born in Bielefeld, Prussia, in 1824, and there grew to mature years and received his edn-
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cation. During his youth, and before the days of railroads, he drove four-horse merchandise wagons throughout Germany, and he derived much pleasure in recalling those days later in life. Prior to coming to America he worked in Berlin six years as an engineer; he also served in the German Prussian Army three years, and during the Rebellion of 1848. In 1852 he emigrated to America, and came direct to Indianapolis, where he secured employment with the late Judge Morrison. While in the employ of the Judge he planted a tree upon the property fronting what was then the Ft. Wayne road, now Central Avenue; he subsequently became the owner of the property, and until the day of his death took special care of the tree. Mr. Buschmann finally engaged in business for himself, and owned and carried on suc- cessfully the first store on the old bluff road. Later he became a clerk for Henry Severin, and was finally taken in as a partner, the firm being known as Henry Severin & Co. In 1870 he erected a large and handsome brick block on Ft. Wayne Avenue, where he carried on an extensive and prosperous business until 1891. He then retired, and turned his interests over to his son, William F. He was unusually successful in business, and owned much valuable property, the most prominent being the Buschmann Block on Ft. Wayne Avenue, Wash- ington Street Block, occupied by Sander & Recker; the block on Central Avenue, occupied by Lewis Meier & Co., Broad Ripple Park, besides several farms and other property about the city. He was one of the oldest and best known German citizensof Indianapolis, and was known for his charity and liberal deeds. It can be said of him that no deserving person ever applied to him for help, and was turned away empty handed. He was a member of the Zion German Lutheran Church many years, and a most generous contributor to its support. In politics he was a stanch Republican, although he was never active in political affairs. His death occurred July 5, 1893, and the county then lost one of its most valued citizens. Mr. Buschmann was married in 1862 to Miss Caroline Froelking, who died in 1880, and unto them were born six children, all of whom survive them, viz. : Louis F. and Charles L., of the firm of Lewis Meier & Co .; William F., who succeeded his father in business; Emma, the only daughter, is at home: August W., a clerk in his brother's store; Harry C., a student at Perdue University, and George H , now iu the Indianapolis High School. Mr. Buschmann instilled into the youthful minds of his children the principles of honesty and uprightness, and his last words to them were: "Children be honest, do your duty, and stay together." These children all possess excellent business qualifications. The eldest son, Louis F., was born in Indianapolis September 28, 1863, and was educated in the German- English schools of that city. Later he attended the Commercial College, and then entered the employ of Henry Schwinge as salesman in the tea business. Three years later he was employed by M. O'Connor & Co., wholesale grocers, as bill clerk, and afterward became city salesman for this firm. In January, 1887, he became a member of the firm of Lewis Meier & Co., manufact- urers of shirts, pants and overalls. This is an extensive business, 350 hands are employed, and an annual business of $225,000 is done. Mr. Buschmann is traveling salesman for the house. He was married in 1886 to Miss Franciska Endelmeyer, of Indianapolis, and they have two children, Frank W. and Louis Edmund. Mr. Buschmann is a Scottish Rite Mason, thirty-second degree, and a member of the Mystic Shrine, also a member of the Commercial Club. In politics he is a Democrat.
LEVI H. FESSLER. While it is of rare occurrence for the man who is by natural bent and training a farmer, to adopt any other calling, wlien he does so he usually rises to success in it, because his whole life has been based upon the principle of integrity, with the firm conviction that in all the avenues of trade honesty should be the ruling spur. Surely no person is better fitted for the arduous task of the wholesale and retail dealer in dairy prod- ucts, because it is part of the farmer's duty to provide dairy products. The wholesale milk, cream and dairy product establishment under the proprietorship of Levi H. Fessler, of North Indianapolis, is one of the very essential business houses there. This gentleman was born in Berks County, Penn., July 4, 1852, a son of Isaac and Catherine (Heid) Fessler. The paternal ancestors originally came from Switzerland, several generations ago, and located in Berks County, Penn., where Isaac Fessler died when the subject of this sketch was but a child. His widow survives him and makes her home with the subject of this sketch, being now in her seventy-seventhi year. Levi H. is the youngest of their six children and after the death of his father he was bound out to a farmer in his native county and there grew up
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with no advantages or pleasures, and compelled to labor early and late with no compensation. Notwithstanding these disadvantages he thrived both physically and mentally, and in 1866 he determined to come west and for some time was a resident of Hillsboro, Ill. In 1868 he came to Indianapolis, and having prior to that time been engaged in farming, he had handled considerable stock and had learned to like that branch of the business, but for some time after his arival here he followed other pursuits. For three years he was in Gibson & Co.'s mill, and for two years was with the Indiana Hominy Mills, after which he was employed by the gas company as superintendent of their lamps, and during the eight years that he was in this business had entire charge of their stock. Upon leaving the employ of this company, although his capital was limited, he started in a business that he had always desired to fol- low-that with which he is now connected-in North Indianapolis, but at the end of three years located on the Armstrong homestead where he has since lived. He has a large herd of milch cows, which is made up of Jersey and other graded stock, and his patronage has so increased that he has now a wide patronage, which most desirable and satisfactory state of affairs has been brought about by always giving his customers pure milk and by the most honorable dealing. He is doing well financially and has the satisfaction of knowing that what he now has has been acquired by his own good management and energy. Politically he is a decided Republican and he has for years been a devoted member of the First Presby- terian Church, On first coming to North Indianapolis he assisted in organizing the Mission Sunday-school, in which he became a teacher and superintendent. He has for many years been a member of Capitol Lodge of the I. O. O. F. but aside from this belongs to no secret organization. December 19, 1871, he was married to Miss Mary A. Hindley, a daughter of Robert Hindley, who was born in Manchester, England, and who, upon coming to the United States, located in Philadelphia, of which place he has been a resident for thirty years. Mrs. Fessler was born in Philadelphia where her father plied his trade of carpet weaving and designing, being thoroughly acquainted with the weaving of all kinds of woolen goods. He was a man of much intelligence and from the time he settled in this country he identi- fied himself with her every interest and made a useful, law-abiding citizen. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Fessler resulted in the birth of two sons and a daughter.
HON. OVID B. JAMESON is a native of Indianapolis, where he was born July 17, 1854, his father being Dr. P. H. Jameson, who for over half a century was an active practitioner of the city of Indianapolis, and is acknowledged to be one of the most eminent of his calling. He is a man who has deeply interested himself in the affairs of his section, and has rendered valuable aid to the city as a member of the council, in which he was a leader in many important measures, and to the State as a member of the board of commissioners of State benevolent institutions, in which capacity he served eighteen years, a considerable por- tion of this time as president. Dr. Jameson has been president of the State Medical Society ; was for many years president of the board of Butler University, and in various other ways manifested his interest in the progress of his profession. In 1850 he wooed and won for his wife Maria, daughter of Ovid Butler, founder of the university of that name. Ovid B. Jameson inherited many of the most commendable traits of his worthy parents, and wisely made the most of the opportunities that came in his way. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Indianapolis, after which he entered Butler University, and at a still later period finished his education at Heidelberg and Berlin, Germany, bis absence on foreign soil lasting from 1870 to 1876. Upon his return to his native land he began the study of law with John M. Judah, now of Memphis, Tenn, and after being admitted to the bar in 1879, he at once entered upon a prosperous professional career that has since known no diminution. He is considered unexcelled authority upon real estate titles of Marion County, as well as titles throughout the State, and almost from the first has had a large practice involving real estate law and the validity of titles. He has made a specialty of this branch of his practice, and his services have frequently been called into requisition both by home and foreign corporations, and in the capacity of counselor has passed upon real estate of immense value, and his opinion has seldom been found at fault. He has directed the expenditure of immense sums of money, and his knowledge of the law and the security of tenures made him a wise and safe counselor. A considerable demand has also been made for commercial law and collections, and to this branch of his
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practice Mr. Jameson has also given much attention, but he is well posted on all branches of civil law. He was honored by an election to the State Legislature in 1885, as a repre- sentative from Marion County, and made an able, intelligent and conscientious legislator. On November 10, 1886, he led to the altar Miss Mary Booth Tarkington, a daughter of Judge John S. Tarkington, and they have a pretty and comfortable home on Pennsylvania Street.
THEODORE F. SMITHER. The desirability of a perfect and durable roof is generally admitted. During the last twenty years more unsuccessful experiments have been made in new roofing materials than in any other line, and the lesson to be drawn from this is to deal only with those who have proved the reliability of their roofing, and are thoroughly responsi- ble. Such a person we find in Mr. Smither, whose facilities for supplying the wants of his patrons in this direction are of the most perfect character, while the promptness, efficiency and reliability which characterizes every transaction, renders him worthy of every confidence. Mr. Smither is a native of Marion County, Ind., born eight miles east of Indianapolis, July 25, 1844, and was educated in the public and private schools of that county and in the city of Indianapolis, to which latter place he came with his parents when about nine years of agc. He attended school when sixteen years of age, and then commenced clerking in the con- fectionery store of Phil Haynes, of Indianapolis. There he remained about two years, and then in June, 1861, enlisted in Company I, Twenty sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry as a private, continuing as such in that company and regiment until December, 1861, when he was discharged on account of ill health. Returning to Indianapolis he clerked for Mr. Haynes for some time and later entered into the employ of the Adams Express Company, remaining with the same until the 100-day troops were called for in 1864. He then enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-second Volunteer Infantry as corporal, and served his time. . During bis first period of service Mr. Smither was in an engagement at Lexing- ton, Mo., and fought bravely for the old flag. Returning from the army he was later employed by the American Express Company, located at Indianapolis, and a year later he was appointed mail agent on the I. C. & L. Railroad (now Big Four), and continued as such for about a year. After that he was employed by the Merchants Union Express Company, and remained with that company until about a year later when the company consolidated with the American, and our subject remained with the consolidated company about four years. Then, about 1870, Mr. Smither went to Lyon County, Kan., and engaged in farm- ing, continuing to till the soil for about four years. Returning to Indianapolis he engaged in the roofing business in 1876, and this he has since carried on very successfully, He is a man of business experience and ability, and one with whom it is a pleasure to deal. He is a member of the Builders Exchange, and in 1885 was elected to the Indianapolis city council from the fourth ward on the Republican ticket, serving two years. In 1887 he was elected from the same district to the board of aldermen, and served until the board was abolished by the Legislature. Socially he is a member of the K. of P., Lodge No. 56, Indianapolis, and in his religious views he is a Baptist. In March, 1871, Mr. Smither was married to Miss Lizzie A. Weaver, daughter of Alexander Weaver, of Lyon County, Kan., and the fruits of this union were four children, two of whom survive: Ida M., wife of Fred J. Wright, of Indianapolis, Ind., and Edna H., who graduated from an Indianapolis public school in 1893 when sixteen years of age. Mr. Smither was one of thirteen children born to the marriage of John Smither, a native of Kentucky. The latter came to Indiana when a young man and died in 1878, when seventy-seven years of age. Nine of his children grew to mature years and seven now survive.
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