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 80
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DAVID J. PRINDLE. Few persons are now in existence who can remember the old-fash- ioned bake-ovens that were used by our forefathers in years gone by, being built in the ground and sustained by piles of brick, beneath which fires were built and the tempting bread-stuffs piled for baking. This has all changed now, and the result in the modern bakery, with its massive ovens and scores of busy men. The name of David J. Prindle is widely known in this connection, and the patronage which his establishment receives leaves one a thorough believer in the saying that "Bread is the staff of life." He established this business in 1886, and is carrying on a reasonably profitable trade, bis annual business amounting to about $2,500. He has the honor to have been born in Jefferson County, Ind., at Madison, in 1865, his parents being Merwin and Cynthia (Mefford) Prindle, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Kentucky. Merwin Prindle was a railroad contractor during his lifetime, and he was a man of much push, energy and enterprise. He was called upon to pay the last debt of nature in 1880. David J. Prindle spent his youthful days in Madison, Ind., in the public schools of which place he acquired a practical common-school education, amply sufficient to fit him for the ordinary duties of life. In 1880 he came to Indianapolis and began learning the baker's trade, and until engaging in business for him- self in 1886, labored for others. He has so arranged his premises as to have every facility for doing a high grade of work, and in the consummation of his duties employs a number of assistants. In addition to his bakery he has a first-class stand at the public market building, where he does an extensive business. He deals in all kinds of goods in bis line, such as bread, cakes, pies, etc., and their admirable nature has won him wide and favorable recogni- tion. On August 29, 1892, Mr. Prindle was united in marriage with Miss Katie McLaugh- lin, a native of Marion County, Ind., and he and his wife are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a member and in which he has served in the capacity of secretary. Mr. Prindle is a member of the I. O. O. F., and politically has always been a Republican, but not deeming it expedient to bother with politics or public affairs, he devotes his entire time to his business, but at the same time is none the less a highly esteemed citizen.
W. C. LANG. There is no line of business of more vital importance to the community than that of the grocer's calling, nor in fact one in which enterprise and integrity are better rewarded. The dealer in the necessities of life must needs be a man of great discrimination and superior judgment and these qualities are possessed by W. C. Lang in an eminent degree. His establishment is located at the corner of State and Hoyt Streets and is supplied, not only with a fine line of groceries but also of meats, and is doing a business of satisfac- tory magnitude. He was born August 26, 1856, to Christ and Wilhelmina Lang, natives of Germany, who came to America many years since and located in Indianapolis where they lived until death, the father dying in 1862 and the mother in 1891. The subject of this sketch was but six years old when his father died and he was consequently obliged to begin working for himself at the age of ten years. He followed various callings until 1873, when he became an employe on the Pan Handle Railroad, with which company he remained for eleven years being promoted to the position of day foreman and later to that of night yard- master. Upon leaving the services of this road he entered the employ of the C. H. & D. Rail- road as yard foreman and was here later also promoted to the position of night yardmaster. At the end of four years, in 1888, he resigned his position to engage in the grocery and
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meat business and has since devoted his time and attention to this line of human endeavor with reasonable success, his genial and cordial manner, his honesty and his fine stock of goods winning him many patrons. While in the employ of the Pan Handle Road, August 5, 1876, he met with a painful accident while coupling cars, losing three fingers on his right hand, his thumb and little finger being all that remains. Mr. Lang was married in 1878 to Miss Amanda Mitchell, a native of Indianapolis, by whom he has three children: Harry, Earl (deceased), and Harvey (deceased). In his political proclivities Mr. Lang has always been a Democrat, but in local affairs is not partisan, voting for the one whom he considers the best man, irrespective of party.
HENRY MAGEL. A daily provision for the material wants of life, which means an appeasing of that craving creature of man known as the appetite, is one of the most important necessities of existence. Without the aid of the tradesman, the whole public would find itself in a tangled dilemma from which extraction would be impossible. The mission of the merchant is so important that he is an indispensable member of society at large. The grocery store is one of the prime necessities of life, and one of the most important establishments of this kind is that owned by Henry Magel, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 16, 1861, a son of Philip and Anna E. (Green) Magel, who were natives of Germany and came to the United States in 1858 and to Indianapo- lis in 1862, the father being connected with the Big Four Railroad for a number of years. The subject of this sketch was but a few months old at the time his parents came to Indianapolis. Here he was reared and received a good education in the public schools. After finishing his education he learned the upholsterer's business and for over four years was employed in the shops of the Big Four Railroad at Brightwood, a portion of the time as foreman in which capacity he was acting at the time of his resignation. He then entered a retail furnishing establishment owned by Spiegel, Thomas & Company of In- dianapolis with which he remained as upholsterer for a number of years. In 1891 he embarked in the grocery business on North Delaware Street, being associated with a Mr. Pasquier the firm being known as Pasquier & Magel, to which business the most of his attention is still given, and given successfuly. In the fall of 1893 he was elected a mem- ber of the city council on the Republican ticket from the eighth ward by a majority of fifty four votes, although he was in the stronghold of the Democracy. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., but aside from this belongs to no secret organization. While a resident of Brightwood he was treasurer of the town three years in succession. He was married November 23, 1882, to Miss Louise Keribu, a native of Ohio, by whom he has three children: Aurzella, Frank and Edmund.
CHARLES H. BLACK. A recent historical work made an effort to ascertain the names of the nations that were furthest behind in the actual improvements of civilization and it was determined that China leads the list. While there are, it is true, darker and less explored countries, China appears doubly dark, for the simple reason that her pretentions to civili- zation do not accord with her appearance. This is particularly true in the case of vehicles for conveyance. In this line America no doubt eclipses all nations, and in Indianapolis, a noted carriage maker is Charles H. Black, whose present desirable premises are at 44 East Maryland Street and 42 and 44 South Pennsylvania Street, with the wood working shops on Louisiana Street, where his shops are, while the repository is at 44 South Pennsylvania Street, with the painting and trimming department on the upper. floors. The shops are a model of thorough organization and are fully equipped with the latest tools and machinery. Mr. Black employs only the most experienced, skilled workmen. He is one of the best judges of material in America, and buys only the highest grade of everything, while being such a large consumer, he is enabled to secure discounts for cash, that place him in a posi- tion to turn out the best work at the same prices that much inferior carriages are sold for elsewhere. The manufactory has become renowned all over the United States for the supe- riority, elegance and durability of its construction and is among the first to produce all the new styles as they come out, being originators not imitators. Mr. Black is a thoroughly practical man, and is the oldest carriage manufacturer in the city. Born in Hagerstown, Wayne County, Ind., October 5, 1852, he has grown up in the trade in this locality, and brings to bear experience that is reflected in his vehicles, which are now so generally in use
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throughout Indianapolis and vicinity. His parents, George H. and Lydia A. (Beck) Black, were natives of the Keystone State and there made their home until 1842 when they moved to Indiana, locating at Hagerstown, where they resided until 1854. The father then moved to Indianapolis where he became one of the popular and successful contractors and builders in that city. There he resided many years, dying in 1891. During the Civil War he served as first-lieutenant of Company L, First Heavy Artillery, Twenty-first Indiana Regiment, for nearly two years, or until the close of war. He was wounded at Brazos, Tex. His son, Edward E., enlisted in July, 1861, when only eight and a half years of age, as drummer boy of the Twenty-first Regiment band, and was the youngest boy in the United States to enlist. He served two years and nine months when the band was dispensed with and he returned home. At the time Company L was recruited by his father, George H. Black, this boy re-en- listed as bugler and served until the close of war. Charles H. Black, the subject of this sketch, was two years of age when the family came to Indianapolis, and here he was reared and educated, finishing the public schools and taking a commercial course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College. He then embarked in the carriage and blacksmith trade with S. W. Drew, on East Market Square, and after serving a three years' apprenticeship, he entered the employ of the Shaw Carriage Company, where he remained two years in the capacity of blacksmith. After serving two years at carriage making with George Lowe on Sonth Ten- nessee Street, he engaged in business for himself on the same street under the firm name of Swain & Black, and continued this successfully for one year. Then Mr. Black bought his partner's interest and subsequently became associated with V. M. Backus, under the firm name of Black & Backus, this partnership continuing one year. Mr. Black then removed to his present quarters. He does not attempt to compete with cheap, shoddy work shipped to Indianapolis, but he turns out first-class hand-made work, the finest in the city or State. In the fall of 1893 Mr. Black was Republican candidate for city council from the tenth ward but although he was defeated he cut the Democratic majority, which was formerly 400, down to 100, thus showing his popularity. He has ever taken an active interest in the politics of the city and has accomplished much for the Republican party but would never accept the nomination for anything until last election. In the year 1870 Mr. Black was married and to his union has been born one daughter. Socially he has been a member of the K. of P. for twenty-two years. He has always taken an active interest in every enterprise for the city's welfare and has contributed much to its advancement and progress. He is liberal in his views and is a supporter of church organizations, although not a member.
C. J. TRUEMPER, Indianapolis, was born in Germany, May 4, 1853, being the son of Christopher and Anna (Rosendahl) Truemper, both of whom were natives of that country and lived there until their respective deaths. The father was a successful wholesaler and broker of hides, tallow, etc, and also owned and operated a hotel, being a man of wealth and more than ordinary intelligence. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native country and received a liberal education, his parents being well to do, and desirous of giving their children suitable advantages in the struggle for wealthi, fame and happiness. He attended the university at Goettingen three years, where he thoroughly mastered the occupation of saddlery, upholstering and decorating, receiving a diploma from that famous institution. After completing his course at the university, he traveled throughout Germany for a year, working as a journeyman at his trade, after which he located near Hamburg, and secured a position as foreman of a large factory, continuing as such about five months. He then went to Hamburg, where he remained about a year, working in one of the largest upholster- ing and decorating establishments of the East, where none but the finest grade of work was turned out. Here he received high recommendations to Vogt, of Berlin, the leading decorator and upholsterer of Germany, who recently made such fine displays at the World's Fair, at Chicago, and who is the official decorator of the imperial court. Only workmen of high artistic taste, bearing the highest recommendations, were able to secure work there. Here Mr. Truemper spent three years, during which time he executed the very finest work. Owing to troubles arising from the war between France and Germany, and in order to escape military service, Mr. Truemper came to America in 1873, going direct to Indianapolis, where he entered the employ of Albert Gall, taking the foremanship of the decorating department of his business, which position he held acceptably for four
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years, during which time he was also a partner in the tent and awning department of the business. Mr. Truemper is the inventor of three or four valuable patents in awnings, shades, rollers, etc, which fact was one of the principal reasons that induced him to embark in business exclusively for himself in 1877. He has been prosperous ever since, and conducts a large manufacturing business in regalias, society goods, theatrical goods, awnings, etc., and occupies for this purpose a two-story brick building, 50x130 feet, equipped with special machinery, operated by a six horse-power steam engine, and employs many skilled work. men. He makes a specialty of interior and exterior decorations of buildings, and is the only practical public decorator in Indiana, and many are the flattering comments, published and otherwise, which have been made in recognition of his natural ability and taste in this artistic direction. He was one of the originators of the annual chrysanthemum exposi- tions at Tomlinson Hall, and during the seven years of its existence he has had charge of the same, and has executed all the beautiful decorations which have charmed the eye of thousands of observers. During the Columbian celebration, in 1892, Mr. Truemper constructed and decorated the gorgeous floats for the occasion, which all so much admired. Also during the national encampinent of the G. A. R., in Indianapolis, in 1893, he deco- rated all the elaborate floats for the processions of war pageantry, which were so realistic and thrilling. In 1891 he was appointed chief decorator for the World's Columbian Exposi- tion, but owing to important business and private reasons, was unable to accept the same, which was a real loss to the Fair management. Mr. Truemper was married in 1878, to Anna Stump, a native of Indianapolis, by whom eight children have been borne, four of whom are living, as follows: Adolph H., Christopher J., Lillie, A. V. Mr. Truemper is a member of the K. of P., uniformed rank; the Elks, the Red Men, the Mannerchor Society, the Turner Society, and of several social clubs. He is also a member of the State Floricultural Society and is president of the People's Building Association No. 4, one of the most successful in the city. He is a director of Castle Hall of his lodge-K. of P .- having passed all chairs, and is a trustee of Castle Hall Association, for the erec- tion of the new building which will cost $200,000. He has served officially in the Turner Society as treasurer, first speaker, and has held various positions of trust in other orders and societies. Mr. Truemper in a Democrat in politics, and has taken an active interest in the past in such affairs. He is one of the substantial, upright and well-known German citizens of Indianapolis. He is a great lover of Nature and of out-door exercise and sport. He has erected boats and yachts for private and public use, having purchased eighty-five acres of land near North Indianapolis, on the White River, where he has fitted up a club house for public use, known as "Bellevue," which he intends to make one of the most popular resorts for members and friends in Indiana devoted to the best interests of the people, and strictly a family resort. It may also be said greatly to his credit, that he was one of the promoters and organizers of the Fresh Air Mission for the poor children of the city during the heated term, which organization has proved to be one of the most popular charities in the city. All in all. he is a broad-gauged man, of highly cultivated tastes, of deep philanthropy and superior intelligence and public spirit.
MAURICE DONNELLY. The trade in hardwood lumber is undoubtedly one of the most important in Indianapolis, and the city is excellently represented in this respect by a number of responsible, reliable houses, among which may be mentioned that of Landers & Don- nelly, of which Maurice. Donnelly is a member. This firm established themselves in business on the premises now occupied by them in 1890, at 148 South West Street, since which time they have met with satisfactory success, both financially and as regards reputation. Their lumber yard covers an area of 180x600 feet and is well equipped with buildings of all descriptions and is provided with every convenience for receiving and shipping their goods. They deal in all kinds of hardwood, for furniture manufacturers. agricultural implement makers, builders, cabinet-makers, and annually supply millions of street car and railroad ties, their year's sales amounting to about 10.000,000 feet. They supply a large trade in Indiana and sister States and their time is fully occupied in looking after their extensive interests. Maurice Donnelly, the junior member of the firmn, was born in Ireland, April 21, 1859, his parents being Thomas and Honora (Lawler) Donnelly, the former of whom died in 1868, the latter being still a resident of the Isle of Erin. Maurice was left fatherless at the
Charles, es, Hartmann
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age of nine years, and owing to this fact he was compelled to look out for himself at the early age of fourteen years; and with this end in view he went to England, where he secured employment in the office of a large coal mining concern, with which firm he remained for seven years, during which time he was promoted to the position of agent of the firm at Liverpool. In 1882 he came to America, and after spending a short time in New York City he went to Chicago, where he spent two years in the freight department of the C. M. & St. P. Railroad. At the end of the above mentioned time he came to Indianapolis, arriving in the month of August, and for four years thereafter he held a position in Landers' pork-house, and then became a member of the wholesale liquor firm of Hild & Donnelly, which firm was in existence from 1887 to 1889, when Mr. Donnelly retired to take the agency of the Madison Brewing Company, with which he was connected two years. While thus engaged he formed a partnership with H. J. Landers, under the firm name of Landers & Donnelly and they embarked in the wholesale hardwood lumber business, which they are still conducting. In 1892 Mr. Donnelly and his partner purchased a rice plantation of 600 acres in southwest Louisiana and are extensively engaged in the cultivation of this com- modity. In fact, these gentlemen are exceptionally wide-awake business men and have built up a reputation for reliability, honesty and fair dealing which is in every sense of the word well deserved. In July 1891, Mr. Donnelly severed his connection with the Madi- son Brewing Company and accepted the management of the Indianapolis branch of the Terre Haute Brewing Company, which position he still retains. The growing and prosper- ous business of this brewery in Indianapolis and vicinity is the best evidence of Mr. Don- nelly's close attention to his business, the annual out-put of the same averaging over 80,000 barrels of which Mr. Donnelly's branch disposes of over 20,000 barrels. Mr. Don- nelly was married in October, 1892, to Miss Sallie McCarty, a native of Indianapolis, and a daughter of Michael and Mary McCarty. Socially Mr. Donnelly is a member of The Elks, the Red Men and the Shields Club, and also the Ancient Order of Hibernians, having been a member of the latter order for the past ten years, and served as its president four years. He has been an active worker and supporter of the Democratic party and wields a wide influence throughout the city. He has on various occasions been urged by his many friends to make the race for some county office, but has invariably declined, the political arena having no charms for him. On the 16th of November, 1893, the recorder of Marion County died suddenly, and the county commissioners unanimously selected Mr. Donnelly to fill out the unexpired term of the deceased recorder. The place was tendered him unsolicited and is further evidence of his standing as a citizen.
DANIEL W. NOBLE (deceased). There is little need to portray the virtues or defend the memory of this gentleman, for he lives in the affection of his family and friends as a devoted husband, kind neighbor and public-spirited citizen. During the many years in which he resided in Marion County, Ind., he was to the people all that is required in good citizenship, public enterprise and sympathetic friendship. In the love of his family he found his cares lightened and in the respect of his fellow citizens received the reward of his faithfulness. This worthy representative was born in Lanesboro, Mass., February 14, 1808, and when but seven years of age he removed with his father to Genesee County, N. Y. He walked through with the wagons and helped drive the cows. From a boy he had always been industrious, economical and thoroughly reliable. As soon as old enough he worked out by the month and managed to save enough from his wages to embark in business for himself when a young man. From 1834 to 1836 he was engaged in business in Whiteford, Mich., from that date until 1837 he was in Boston, Mass., from 1837 until 1840 he was in Cincinnati, Ohio, and from 1840 to 1848 he was in Dayton, Ohio. During all these years he kept a book store. In 1840, September 8, he was married to Miss Harriet M. Blood, daughter of John Blood, who was born in Groton, Mass. Five children were the fruits of this union and named as follows: Edwin W., born at Dayton, Ohio, in 1842, died in 1871 from the effects of a wound received in the army; he enlisted in the Civil War, in Company D, Twenty-sixth Indiana Regiment; he had married Miss Ethel Hathaway in 1870, but had no children. Charles H. Noble served in Company K, First Indiana Cavalry, for three years; in 1865 he was appointed second lieutenant in the regular army by Gen. Dumont and he is now capt- ain of Company A, Sixteenth Infantry, at Fort Douglas, Utah; he was first married to
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Miss Sallie Kline, but after her death, in 1890, he married Miss Mary E. Palmer; he has no children. Cyrus B. was also in the Civil War, enlisting in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-second Indiana; he is now residing in Indianapolis; he married Miss Hattie Mathews and they have three children, as follows: Harriet M., Mary W. and Charles C. The next child born to Daniel W. Noble-Frank W .- is now residing in Indianapolis; he married Miss Elizabeth T. Lightfoot. Daniel W., who resides on the home place, is married to Miss May C. Tomlinson and they have these children: Lucy E., Edwin F. and Ruth H. In 1848 the father of these children removed to Indianapolis and opened a book store in Temperance Hall, an old-fashioned, two-story brick building standing on the north side of Washington Street, next to the alley east of Illinois Street. At that time he resided on the northeast corner of Ohio and Illinois Streets, which was then on the outskirts of the city. He finally sold out his business and after this was associated with several others in the first planing-mill in the city, situated on the site of the Enterprise Hotel, on Massachusetts Avenue. In December, 1854, he removed to his farm in Perry Township, Marion County, Ind. , and there passed the remainder of his days. His record as a public and private citizen and neighbor was alike untarnished and in all the affairs of life he bore himself in an upright manner and was recognized as a man of true worth. He was thoroughly conscientious in all things. Though reared a Democrat he left the party at the time of the slavery agita- tion and ever after was an earnest Republican. He furnished three sons to fight for the old flag. He was not a member of any secret order nor was he a member of any church, but while in the city he attended the Presbyterian Church, to which he contributed liberally of his means. Mrs. Noble's father, John Blood, was reared in Groton, Mass., and was there married to Miss Lydia Kemp. Soon after he emigrated to Mason, N. H., and tilled the soil there until his death, about 1839. To his marriage were born eight children, as follows: John (deceased), married, and left one daughter; Moody (deceased), married, and left one daughter; Junia (deceased), married, and left three children; Betsey (deceased), married Asa Emerson and left six children; Nancy, married Mr. Lakin and died, leaving one daugh- ter, Melissa; Mary, married Charles Nicholas first and afterward a Mr. Pratt. She is now deceased; Martin L. married but is now deceased, and Harriet M. married D. W. Noble (our subject). Mrs. Noble's great-grandfather came from England.
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