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 77
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JOSEPH H. ALEXANDER. A biographical compendium of Marion County, Ind., would be incomplete were not mention made of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, for he is a man of much public spirit; is interested in worthy public measures and in every enterprise for the common good. He is endowed by nature with such gifts as charac- terize true manhood, in all that the word implies, and seems admirably fitted for the calling in which he is now engaged-that of drugs-for he is methodical, careful and very painstaking. He was born in Greensburg, Ind., August 25, 1866, a son of Dr. John H. Alexander who has for over thirty years been a leading and remarkably successful practitioner of the "heal- ing art" at Greensburg. His knowledge of medical lore was obtained by much private read- ing and in the Ohio Medical College, from which admirably conducted institution he was graduated. During the early portion of the great Civil War, he offered his professional serv- ices to his country and became surgeon of the Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry, and while in the discharge of his duties was on many a hard fought and bloody battle-field. He is now a member of the pension board, to which position he was appointed by President Cleveland during his first administration. He still makes his home at Greensburg where he is highly honored by his extended circle of acquaintances. Joseph H. Alexander, his son, received his first instruction in the paths of learning in the public schools of Greensburg, but afterward finished his education in college, which he attended until 1885. He then entered the employ of Daniel Stewart, the wholesale druggist of Haughville, as city salesman and
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remained with the house five years, during which time he made a name and reputation for himself of which he has every reason to be proud. His services were considered invalu- able by his employer and his honesty and fidelity to his interests were recognized and thor- oughly appreciated. Upon leaving the service of this house he established himself in his present business in Haughville where he has a neat and attractive store, fitted up with an excellent and complete line of first class goods, including all kinds of drugs, patent medi- cines, and varions articles for the toilet. He is always to be found at bis place of business, and his patrons have the full assurance that their interests as well as his own will be looked after. His trade is among the elite of the city, but he attends to the wants of the poor as courteously as though they were possessed of unlimited wealth. He is a model business
man and citizen and is popular and well liked in social circles. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the K. of P., and in his political views is a Republican.
CONRAD C. WULFF. The practical value of shrewdness and discrimination, combined with strict probity is exemplified in the prosperous condition of those who transact business on these principles, and among this class of business men may be mentioned Conrad C. Wulff, who has a reputation for honorable dealing, built up out of the practice of these in- ยท valuable business qualities. He was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1841, and came to the United States in May, 1870, but prior to that time had obtained a good education in theschools of his native city, from which he graduated in 1856. At the end of that time he turned his attention to the wine business in a wholesale house in Hamburg and continued to follow this occupation with success until about 1870, when he determined to seek his fortune in the United States, and upon reaching this country he at once went to St. Louis, Mo., then to Cincinnati, Ohio, but in the latter part of the same year took up his residence in Indian- apolis. In 1874 he came to West Indianapolis and for some time acted in the capacity of a salesman where the old stock yards used to stand, but in 1877 engaged in business for him- self at the corner of Missouri and Kentucky Avenues, where he successfully conducted a pros- perous business for about one year. Hethen opened another establishment at East Washington Street, but at the end of two years decided that a more desirable location could be had on West Washington Street and remained there about two years. At the end of that time he located on Hadley Avenue and Morris Street where he has since been located. Having an astute vision, a clear head and good health he began his business life with energetic appli- cation and determined purpose. He has given close attention to details, has neglected noth- ing, in which he has shown good judgment and proved himself a capable manager. In 1887 he erected his present magnificent business block, and is doing a business with which he has every reason to be satisfied, for it is extensive and paying. Mr. Wulff is well and favorably known to the public and since locating in Indianapolis has identified himself with her inter- ests and growth. He is a law-abiding, public-spirited citizen, and the property of which he is now the owner has been acquired since his arrival in this country. Mr. Wulff was mar- ried in 1879 to Miss Lonisa Schleger, daughter of Christian Schleger, her natal State being Ohio, and in due course of time a family of five children gathered about their hearthstone. Mr. and Mrs. Wulff are members of the Lutheran Church and socially he belongs to the I. O. O. F., the I. O. R. M. and the K. of P., in which latter organization he has attained to the position of treasurer of his lodge, No. 244.
JOHN H. HERIG. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch has been connected with the Standard Oil Company for the past twenty five years, and for the past four- teen years has been earnestly looking after their interests in West Indianapolis. He owes his nativity to that beautiful city, Detroit, Mich., ,where he first saw the light of day in 1852, his father being John L. Herig, who was born in Baden, Germany. He was a child of three years when brought to this country, and, as he has lived here up to the present time, he is in every essential a loyal American citizen, true to her interests. Until he was a young man he was a resident of Zanesville, Ohio, but he then went to Cleveland and became a sign painter, in which he attained to considerable perfection. From Cleveland he went to Detroit, Mich., and there he met and won for his wife Miss Caroline Eisnach, a German lady by descent, who is now deceased. Mr. Herig still follows his trade, at which he has been reasonably prosperous. The subject of this sketch was the eldest of eleven children-seven sons and four daughters-and his education was acquired in the public schools of Detroit,
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which he attended until he was fourteen years of age, at the end of which time he began learning tinsmithing. After completing his knowledge of this trade he entered the employ of the Standard Oil Company as a laborer in the tin department, but taking a great dislike to that branch of the business he left it to enter the cooperage department, with which he has been connected up to the present time, now occupying the responsible position of fore- man. He went to Cleveland for this firm as assistant foreman, but since coming to Indian- apolis he has held his present position. He is one of the company's most thoroughly trusted employes, can be relied upon at all times, and is energetic and industrious. He has always been deeply interested in the political affairs of the day and in the success of the Republican party, of which he is a member and a stanch supporter. From 1885 to 1887 he was a councilman from the twenty-fifth ward, and is the only Republican representing the same. He was a member of the board on the improvement of streets and alleys and public improvement, was on the committee on contracts and on the fire department committee. In 1892 he was elected a trustee of the first district of West Indianapolis, and in various other capacities has manifested his interest in public affairs. He is a man of strict probity of character, and is honored alike by the citizens of Indianapolis and by the members of the firm with which he has so long been prominently connected. He has always shown consider- able interest in the workings of secret societies, and is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., the K. of P., the R. M., and the P. S., D. of R., and is captain of Pettibone Division No. 72 in the Uniformed Rank. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Dora Winters, of Cleveland, Ohio, and to their union three sons have been given: Albert Louis, John Henry and Edward George. John Henry died when quite young, and the other sons are still at home with their parents.
LAWRENCE SWARTTING. Nothing is more true than that good management, fair dealing and application to business will result in profit to the parties at interest. Failure rarely if ever comes to him who devotes himself conscientiously to his work, and to him who would succeed energy and perseverance are leading essentials. Lawrence Swartting has these attributes in good measure and as a florist is meeting with justly merited success. He owes his nativity to Austria, where he first saw the light in 1852. The land that gave him birth also afforded him his education, and although it was not of the higher class it was thoroughly practical and has proven amply sufficient to meet all the requirements of his business. At an early age he began working for a florist, but in him the spirit of enter- prise was strong and when only fourteen years of age, or in 1866, he came by himself to the United States to seek his fortune. He first made his way to Terre Haute and until 1871 was in the employ of a florist at that place, who was a relative. From that time until 1874 he was at Jacksonville, Ill., then went to the city of New York, where he remained two years. We next find him in the city of St. Louis, but the same year he went to Terre Haute and in 1881 came to Indianapolis, having up to that time been con- nected with some of the largest floral establishments of the United States. He labored in every capacity and in this manner succeeded in obtaining a thorough and practical knowledge of the business in all its details. After his arrival in Indianapolis he was in the employ of A. Wiegand for about fifteen months, at the end of which time he was placed in charge of the green-houses and grounds of the insane hospital, in which capacity he served for eleven years. The grounds of that establishment were beautifully kept under his management, were tastefully laid out and Mr. Swartting showed himself to be a skillful and remarkably tasteful landscape gardener and the lawn surrounding the asylum was said to be the handsomest in the State. Upon giving up this position he purchased his pres- ent property at 120 Lexington Avenue, where he has five commodious green-houses. He is an artistic decorator, in which capacity his services are almost constantly in demand and he makes a specialty of cut flowers, constantly keeping a large supply on hand. Since com- mencing in business for himself he has built up an extensive and most profitable practice, the result of intelligent grasp of the enterprise and of faithful, honest, persistent work. In 1887 be wedded Miss Sadie Herron, at that time a resident of Indianapolis but a native of Ohio, and to them one son has been given, Kearney. Mr. and Mrs. Swartting are mem- bers of the Christian Church and socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the K. of P.
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O. R. WEAVER. The right hand of the loyal American will forget its cunning and his tongue cleave to the roof of his mouth ere he forget the services of those heroic men, who, in response to the call of the great Lincoln, left their homes and those they loved, bearing as offerings upon the altar of liberty sacrifice greater than ever smoked upon the stone of offering in Hebrew temple, even their own lives. Some were accepted and they went down in carnage, or expired in disease-laden hospitals; others in part, and they came home maimed, or halt, or blind; and still others escaped altogether. But the offering was the same in every event, and the living and the dead are equally the objects of the gratitude and the love of those who love freedom and their country. In the number of the heroic band was the subject of this sketch, now the assistant quartermaster general of the Department of Indiana, G. A. R., who was but a lad when he heard the call and heeded it with all the zeal and patriotic fire that warmed the heroes of Lexington and Bunker Hill. O. R. Weaver was born in Knightstown, Heury County, Ind., April 22, 1845, being the son of John Weaver, the oldest druggist of this State, now of Knightstown. This worthy man gradu- ated in medicine in Ohio and practiced for a number of years, and is yet in the active busi- ness of a druggist. He married a Miss Elizabeth Huttle, of Bathmor, Ohio. The grand- parents of our subject on both sides were pioneers of Indiana, the Weavers being descended from old Col. Jacob Guncle, of war fame, and are of a most patriotic line, members of the family participating in every war from that of the Revolution down to and including the last war, and taking in all the Indian wars. The paternal grandfather, Peter Weaver, came from Pennsylvania and settled in Ohio. The subject of this sketch was reared in Knights- town and was educated in the public schools. He was attending one of these and at the same time studying medicine when the war broke out, and at the age of sixteen he enlisted in Company A, Fifty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but was rejected on account of his age at the final muster of his regiment, to his keen and poignant disappointment. He fretted to think that his comrades and friends were fighting for the liberties of the country and he in peace at home. And thus it was all through the winter, but in the spring of 1862 he made another attempt, enlisting this time in Capt. M. D. Leeson's company, of the Fifth Indiana Cavalry, but was again rejected for the same reason as before. He would not be daunted, however, and was resolved to try and try again until he was successful. For the third time, in the summer of 1862 he offered himself, in Company I, Third Indiana Cavalry, as a recruit, and this time, to his infinite joy, he was accepted. At this trial he adopted an expedient that was afterward quite common, of placing the figures "18" in bis shoe, and declaring that he "was over eighteen." He was in all of the engagements of his regiment up to and including the battle of Stone River, from the date of enlistment, and here he was disabled in the summer of 1863, and discharged, he weighing but eighty pounds at this time. After partially regaining his health he re-enlisted, in 1864, as a hospital stew- ard of the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served until the term of the regiment expired, and then in the spring of 1865 he started for Indian- apolis, with the object of again enlisting, but was taken sick and was unable to join the regi- ment before its departure from the city. In the fall of 1866 he was connected with a whole- sale drug house in Cincinnati, and went to the Northwest, where he spent the fall and win- ter, returning to Indianapolis in the spring of 1867 with the object of joining Gen. Sol. Meredith's surveying corps, the objective point being the then Territory of Montana, but a railroad accident delayed him, and he reached here too late. From this cause grew the fact of Col. Weaver being a continuous resident of Indianapolis since that time. In 1868 he was in the employ of the patentee of a drive well, Col. N. W. Greene, and was connected with the company in this city for several years. Then for a year he was with Nordyke & Marmon Machine Company, after which he was with the Eagle Machine Company for two years. At this time he was taken seriously ill and was confined to his house for an entire year-from 1886 to 1887. Recovering then, he went into the office of Col. Walker, assistant adjutant general of the G. A. R., and served until February, 1891, when he was appointed assistant quartermaster general G. A. R, Department of Indiana, and has served under this adminis- tration ever since. Col. Weaver is a member of the K. of P. and is past chancellor of that order, and also past grand master of the A. O. U. W, and serving a second term as supreme representative of the latter order: He has served as recorder of the subordinate lodge A.
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O. U. W. continuously since 1874. In politics he is a Republican, and the only member of his family who votes that way, but he is none the less strong in his political views for that reason. He was married in 1870 to Miss Nannie Ogle, of Tipton, Ind., and one child, John R., has blessed this happy union.
R. M. SMOCK. Among the reputable men of Indianapolis, who in their conduct of business matters and the duties belonging to the various relations of life have acquired a worthy name, we may well mention R. M. Smock, who in every walk in life has carried with him the esteem of all. This gentleman was born in Marion County, Perry Township, Ind., April 2, 1841, and his parents, Isaac and Ann T. (Smock) Smock, were natives of Kentucky. Isaac Smock left his native State with his mother in 1827, and in a wagon made the trip to Marion County, Ind., where he located on a farm. He was mar- ried in this county in 1839. and he and wife started out to fight life's battles for themselves as pioneers, for the country was very thinly settled at that date. Mr. Smock was engaged as an agriculturist, and this has continued to be his occupation up to the present time. Assisted by his most worthy wife he has amassed a comfortable competency, and the con- veniences aud comforts of life are now to be found in the pleasant home of this most esti- mable couple. Mr. Smock is now in his seventy-sixth year, but the frosts of time have touched him lightly. Of the eleven children born to this union, seven are now living, and our subject is second in order of birth. The latter became familiar with the duties of farm life at an early age, and received his education in the common country school. In the year 1862, in the month of July, he enlisted in Company G, Seventieth Indiana Infantry, and served as a private soldier for three years. He was wounded in front of Lost Mountain January 16, 1864, by a gunshot in the left chest, and was sent to the Nashville hospital, where he remained two weeks. He was then furloughed home, but after arriving under the parental roof he was taken with typhoid fever, and it is only a wonder that he is alive to tell of it. It was a long time before he recovered. He participated in a number of battles, prominent among them are the following: Russellville, Ky. ; Resaca, Cassville, Burnt Hickory, New Hope Church and Golgotha Church. After recovering from his illness he was transferred to post duty under Col. A. O. Warner, and was stationed in Indianapolis. The Seventieth Regiment was commanded by Gen. Benjamin Harrison. In November, 1865, Mr. Smock entered the county clerk's office as deputy, and served in that capacity continu- ously until July, 1884. This record is ahead of any other citizen's in Indianapolis, and abundantly testifies as to his ability in that position. In 1884 he was elected justice of the peace, held that position until 1892, and since that time has been engaged in settling up old accounts that accrued in his office. On April 13, 1893, he was appointed assistant adjutant- general, Department of Indiana, G. A. R. He is a member of George H. Thomas Post, G. A. R., was adjutant one year; also commander one year. For two years he served as deputy of the board of visitors of the G. A. R. to the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors' Orphans' Home at Knightstown, and is secretary of the same. Mr. Smock has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and the U. V. L. In the year 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Jane E. Johnson, their nuptials being cele- brated at Battle Ground, Tippecanoe County, Ind., and two sons are the fruits of this union: F. C. & H. E. The eldest son is married, and has one child, Arthur A. Mr. Smock's sec- oud marriage occurred in 1874 to Mrs. F. E. Fisher, who bore him one child, Helen. Our subject's maternal grandfather, John Smock, came to Marion County, Ind., in 1821, and entered 160 acres of land just south of the city. He and his eldest son came to make the purchase, and brought the money in their saddle-bags. Isaac Smock was the youngest of his father's family, and the only one now living. Mr. Smock and family are members of the Second Presbyterian Church, and he has served as deacon in the same for ten years.
PROF. ALEXANDER ERNESTINOFF. The man who wrote that "Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast" had indeed a true conception of the human organism. There are few peo- ple in the world who are not susceptible to music, and it certainly plays an important part in almost every walk of life. Wherever it is necessary or expedient to incite a concourse of people in a certain direction or to aronse a degree of enthusiasm, music will always prove a powerful agent. Soldiers at the sound of stirring melody will rush into the heat of battle utterly oblivious of danger. In the softer and more gentle paths of life, music also plays an
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important part but nowhere, perhaps, has its influence been more marked than as an adjunct toward christenizing people. Alexander Ernestinoff, professor of music and a vocal special- ist with office at 530 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, has played an important part in molding the public taste toward high grade music, and the large number of pupils which he at all times has is a sufficient guaranty of his success and popularity. He was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, January 14, 1853, his parents being Alexander and Clementina (Janonsh- kooska) Ernestinoff, natives of Russia, in which country they are still residing. Professor Alexander Ernestinoff was the only son of their three children and in the city of St. Peters- burg he was reared and educated, graduating from the Imperial Gymnasium and later from the Conservatoire. Immediately thereafter he went to Berlin, Germany, in which city he spent some time and while there made a contract with some New York parties to come to New York and take charge of the German Opera, and for this purpose, in 1872, he crossed the Atlantic and for three years thereafter traveled throughout the United States with this com- pany, making his home in New York City. He located in St. Louis in 1876 and took charge of the St. Louis Orchestra and was the leader of two musical societies, the Germania and the Arion. He remained in St. Louis until 1881 when he was engaged by the Indianapolis Mannerchor to come to this city, and for two years thereafter was connected with this society. He then took charge of the Lyra Society, but later the Meridian Street. Church Quartette was placed under his management, and he conducted it successfully for three years. At the end of this time he gave up all positions and has since devoted the most of his attention to teach- ing, and has one of the finest orchestras in the city. His quartette is also well known for the fine music which it renders, and the entertainments which it has given frequently in the opera houses of the city are always largely attended by lovers of good music. Professor Ernestinoff is exceptionally gifted with musical talent, and has a fine voice, which has reached much per- fection by careful and intelligent training. His renown in his line of work is wide-spread and he is therefore prosperous financially. He was married in 1876 to Miss Amalia Kinklin, a native of New York, by whom he has two children, Antoinette and Helen.
WILLIAM A. READING. One of the lawyers of Indianapolis of whom one frequently hears or reads in connection with some legal matter of moment, frequently in connection with some important transaction in real estate, is William A. Reading. Indianapolis has always been the fortunate possessor of lawyers of ability and success, and some of its most brilliant legal practitioners have been natives of the city. Mr. Reading is one of this class. Indianapolis was his birthplace and he was born August 9, 1855, a son of Alexander D. and Sarah E. J. (Brown) Reading, His father was born in Kentucky and came to Indian- apolis about 1838, and here married, in time, Miss Sarah E. J. Brown, whose father located in this county in 1824 or 1825, and was one of the pioneers of this city. Samuel P. Reading, his grandfather. was a soldier and an officer not alone in the Revolutionary War but in the War of 1812-14, risking his life in a second war to perpetuate the national liberty he had risked his life to gain. Alexander D. Reading is a resident of Irvington, Ind. William A. Reading received his primary education in the public schools of Indianapolis and was later graduated from the Greenfield Academy and from Butler University. He then took up the study of law under the direction of Judge Ralph Hill, and in 1881 was graduated from the Law School of Indianapolis and was admitted to the bar of Marion County. He kept his office with Judge Hill and for twelve years has continued it there, in fact, as student and lawyer, he has never occupied another, though his practice is entirely independent of that of every other lawyer. He is regarded as shrewd and far-seeing, careful in preparing his cases, skillful in presenting them and ingenious and logical in arguing them. He has been success- ful in a purely legitimate way, seeking not political preferment nor aid of the influential, depending upon his knowledge of his profession and his merit as a man. In business and social circles he is no less popular than with his brother members of the bar. He is a Knight of Pythias, and has from time to time been identified with other important organizations of differ- ent kinds. He is a Democrat of the stanchest kind, but while wielding a palpable political influence, is not really active as a politician, for he has no political ambition to gratify and is too intensely devoted to his profession to take up the battle for others. At the same time he is a close and most observant student of public affairs and holds the great interests of our country to be above all mere partisanship.
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