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 83
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a contractor in his line he has all the business he can properly attend to. He was born in Napoleon, Ripley County, Ind., fifty- three years ago, his father, Joseph E. Lange, having been born in France. When a young man of about sixteen years of age he came to the United States and in 1837 located in the city of New York, after which he moved to Brook- ville, Ind., and later to Ripley County, this State, and here followed the calling of a mer- chant and farmer, and as he was shrewd and far- seeing in his views he made a success of his enterprises and accumulated a competency. He became a leader of the Democratic party in Ripley County and there held many positions of honor and trust, in the discharge of which he showed himself capable, honorable and painstaking. He was also prominent as a Mason and on numerous occasions represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State. At the time of his death he was about the age of sixty-nine years, and during all this time naught was ever said derogatory to his honor. He was married to Julia Ann Lindley in this State, but she was born in Ohio, and still survives him. Louis L. Lange was the eldest of their thirteen children and received a good common education in the public schools of Rip- ley County, after which he attended the State University for two years. Upon leaving this institution he entered his father's store, and still later was in the recorder's office. In June, 1861, he joined Company I, Thirteenth Indiana Infantry with which he served until June 30, 1864, participating in the battles of Rich Mountain, Winchester, Fort Wagner, Chester Station, Bermuda Hundred, Petersburg, and many others. After the war closed and he had returned to his home, he learned his trade and commenced business for himself, opening an establishment of his own in this city in 1867. He is not only a neat, skillful and rapid worker but he is also artistic, and his taste in all matters pertaining to his work cannot be questioned. He has always taken an active part in the conventions of the Democratic party as a delegate, but has not been a political aspirant. He is also a member of the G. A. R. In 1867 he was married to Mary A. Eaton, of Ripley County.
JAMES TOBIN. Enterprise and square dealing methods frequently lead to more flatter- ing results than the practice of sharp and unscrupulous business measures, and when these qualities are combined with a thorough knowledge of the business engaged in, it is sure to bring a legitimate and well deserved reward. The business career of James Tobin has been a successful one, and as a builder and contractor he has not his superior in Indianapolis. He owes his nativity to Madison County, Ind., where he was born on November 4, 1862, a son of Thomas Tobin, who was a native of the Isle of Irin. As a lad of sixteen years the latter came to the United States, and first located in the State of Pennsylvania, where he eventually became interested in a rolling-mill, although he was engaged in different occupa- tions during his life time. From Pennsylvania he removed to Ohio, and from Ohio to Indi- ana, and took up bis residence in Indianapolis when the subject of this sketch was a child one year old. He was always quite actively interested in the political issues of the day, and at all times earnestly espoused the cause of Democracy. He was called upon to pay the last debt of nature about sixteen years ago. The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools of Ohio, Madison County, Ind., and Indianapolis, and after the death of his father he resided in the Buckeye State for some time. At the age of sixteen years be started to learn the carpenter's trade at Camp Chase, Ohio, but after serving a short appren- ticeship he returned to Indianapolis, and here completed his knowledge of the trade. Later he was employed at his trade by James Cummins for two years, and at the end of that time he engaged in business for himself, and has built up an extensive trade, employing many men, and is his own superintendent and invents his own plans. He is a master work- man, is skillful in the management of his employes, and his work is always of a most praise- worthy kind. He is noted for living up to the letter of his contracts, and his services are in demand by owners of property and real estate agents. He has made a success of his career through his own perseverance and energy, and is deserving the success which has attended his efforts. He is quite an influential political leader, and has always labored for the success of the Democrat party. In 1883 he was married to Miss Annie Ayers, of this city, but a native of Ohio, and they have a comfortable and hospitable home.
JOHN H. TECKENBROCK. This wide awake business man is a member of the well-known contracting firm of Teckenbrock & Ante, and was born in the city in which he is now doing business September 9, 1855, a son of Christian Teckenbrock, who was a native of Germany.
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When a young man of nineteen years he came to the United States and for some time was a resident of the city of Cincinnati, then came to Indianapolis, which place has since continued to be his home. His wife was also a native of Germany and is now enjoying a hale and hearty old age. John H. received his education in the schools of Indianapolis, and when a lad of fourteen years began learning the trade of paint contracting under Louis Helle, in this city, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He was then bound out for two years, but continued to thus labor for three years, after which he entered Bryant & Stratton's Business College, and there acquired a thorough knowledge of the art of book-keeping. After grad- uating from this institution he was engaged in the grocery business for a short time, and then for some time longer was with the firm with which he had learned his trade. He next entered the employ of Charles W. Lyzott, with whom he worked for about a year and a half, at the end of which time he started out in business for himself and continued alone until 1882, when he formed a partnership with Louis Ante, and has been successfully engaged in contracting with him ever since. They are doing a large and paying business and have filled many important and extensive contracts in a most satisfactory manner, among the most important of which may be mentioned the German Orphans' Home, the residences of Messrs. Weaver, Werner, Franklin and McDongal, besides many business houses throughout the city, as well as numerous buildings throughout Marion county. " In his political views he has always been a Republican, although his father was a stanch Democrat. He was married in 1881 to Miss Rebecca Conover, of this city, who was born in Jefferson County, this State, and by whom he has three promising sons and one daughter. He is secretary of the Master Painters Association, and socially is a member of the I. O. O. F., Center Lodge, No. 18, the Order of Redmen, Red Cloud Lodge, No, 18, and others of less importance. Mr. Teck- enbrock is an upright citizen and has the respect of all his acquaintances both socially and in a business way.
CHARLES W. READ. There is probably no other kind of artist-for the sign-painter, if he be true to his profession, is surely an artist-the result of whose originality and skill are everywhere so visible to his fellow men. It is necessary to expend a great deal of time and care to thoroughly fit one's self for a successful career in this branch of human endeavor, and that Charles W. Read has done so cannot be denied, in looking at the numerous ema- nations of his brain throughout the city of Indianapolis. He was born in Dearborn County, Ind., November 16, 1866, a son of William B. Read, who is also a native Hoosier and is a citi zen of Indianapolis, his residence being at 181 Lexington Street. He is a musician of far more than ordinary ability and for some time was a teacher of music in the Blind Asy- lum, but is now himself blind. Like many of the wide-awake young business men of the present day in Indianapolis, Charles W. Read received his education in the public schools, but when still a boy commenced working at the painter's trade, which he has since made, and which he expects to make, his life work, although the greater part of his attention is given to the painting of sigus, in which he has become exceedingly expert and remarkably artistic. His services are in demand all over the city and he has all the work he can conveniently do and do well. He showed his ability and taste in painting the floats for the Columbian Expo- sition, used on a certain day, which were remarked upon for their beauty and the artistic manner in which they were executed. He is also well known to householders as a decorator of no mean ability, and the evidences of his handiwork may be seen in many of the most beautiful homes of the city, His place of business is at 94 East Market Street, and besides, he has a comfortable and pleasant home, where he and his wife, whose maiden name was Laura A. Coffin, and whom he married in November, 1887, dispense a generous hospital ity to their many friends. Politically he has always been in sympathy with the Democratic party and socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the P. O. S. of A., being secretary of the latter.
WILLIAM J. MITCHELL. No matter how crowded may be the market in any particular calling, every person who possesses original and practical ideas, with the enterprise to push his ideas to a successful termination, is bound to win success, bothi as regards reputation and the accumulation of the almighty dollar. Such has been the experience of William J. Mitchell, whose career as a contractor and builder has been one of success almost from the time of his commencement in the business, and this is without doubt due to his thorough
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knowledge of his calling, as well as to the fact that he always lives up to the letter of his contract. He is a product of the city in which he lives, his birth occurring August 28, 1858, and in the public schools of Indianapolis he acquired a thorough and practical education, amply sufficient to fit him for the ordinary business affairs of life. When a lad of twelve years he commenced learning the carpenter's trade and after becoming familiar with its details he entered the employ of William Cutter, with whom he remained eleven years, a considerable portion of the time acting in the responsible position of foreman. Upon leav- ing the services of this gentleman, he was with Adam Busch for a number of years, but for the past nine years has been in business for himself and since that time has been actively engaged in the erection of residences, principally, although he has given considerable atten- tion to other buildings also. His career has been characterized by much business acumen and unlimited energy, and since starting in business for himself he has met with more than ordinary success, for his undoubted skill and knowledge of his calling have won for him a large patronage among the wealthiest people of his section. Socially Mr. Mitchell is a member of Star Lodge No. 7, of the K. of P. In 1876 he led to the altar Miss Mollie Wiley, a native of Bloomington, Ind., and by her has one son. Mr. Mitchell's father, Bonner Mitchell, was born in Ohio, became a resident of Indianapolis in 1838 or 1839, and throughout life snc- cessfully followed the occupation of farming.
HIRAM R. ELLIS. Few persons realize the magnitude and importance of the business of the contractor and builder, and to be successful in it requires that a man must be of sound judgment, as well as possessing a thorough and experienced knowledge of the calling. A man particularly worthy of note in this line is Hiram R. Ellis, who does his work in the most satisfactory manner possible, with thoroughness, neatness and dispatch, and if the word of his patrons may be taken as a criterion, he always carries out his agreements in every detail. He was born in Watertown, N. Y., in 1860, and is a son of Halsey A. Ellis, who was a farmer by occupation, but who for the past fifteen years has made his home in Charle- voix County, Mich. He has been a pushing man of affairs, wide awake to his own interests and that of the sections in which he has resided, and in his political views has always affiliated with the Republican party. He has now reached the age of seventy-five years. In the schools of Watertown Hiram R. Ellis obtained a thorough and practical education. He began learning the trade of a brick-layer at the age of fifteen, and while serving his apprentice- ship learned all the details of the plasterer's trade as well as cement, brick and stone work. He then went to Hastings, Neb., from there to Denver, Colo., and eventually found himself in Seattle, Wash., working on many of the most important structures of these cities for seven years, then (in 1886) he came to Indianapolis and continued contracting, being one year with Peter C. Weyenberg, but since then has been by himself. He has done a great deal of very important work, and has always done it well, his specialty being residence work, and evidences of his handiwork may be seen in all parts of the city. He gives almost con- stant employment to a large force of men, whom he personally oversees, and there is no slighting of any contract that may be placed in his hands-of that his patrons feel assured. He started in life without means, but through his own force of character he has placed him- self in an independent position and enjoys the confidence of all who know him. He was married to Miss Clara Schleincher, a daughter of William Schleincher, by whom he has one son and one daughter. Mr. Ellis is independent of all exchanges and associations, and in politics is a Republican. Hie start in life was made in the West, the greater portion of his life has been spent there, and he is in heart and spirit an essentially western man.
GEORGE W. STOUT. There is no greater or more important industry carried on in the city of Indianapolis than that of building and all of its necessary accessories, and George W. Stout, of that place thoroughly understands all of its details and annually fultils a large number of important contracts. He is a product of the city in which he lives, having been born here on November 23, 1859, his father, I. H. Stout, being one of the early resi- dents of this place, whither he had come about sixty years ago. About thirty-five years ago he located on Hasbrook Street, being one of the first to take up his residence there. He is a native of Kentucky. In the public schools of Indianapolis George W. Stout was educated, and after becoming thoroughly familiar with the carpenter's trade he engaged in contracting on his own responsibility, and continued thus until recently, when his present
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partnership with Vic Pickard was formed and they have since been engaged in the building of sewers. They have since put in hundreds of miles of pipe throughout the city, and as their work is exceptionally well done, they have been instrumental in greatly augmenting the food and health of the community. Thus far in his career Mr. Stout has made his own way in the world, for when he started out to fight the battle of life for himself he had but little means, but his energy and good judgment have placed him beyond the reach of want, and as his work is strictly first class, he has all the work he can properly attend to. He has always taken great interest in political affairs, but has shown good judgment in not aspiring to political position, his chief attention being given to his business. He was mar- ried in 1888, to Miss Lily Lewis, and in 1889, after her death, he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Williams. He is not a member of any social order or association, and does his work unhampered by any society whatever. He laid the sewer pipe on Fletcher Avenue, and did a great deal of suburban work. He is president of the Indiana Vault and Sink Cleaning Company, the most extensive society of its kind in the State, and is a thorough and practical workman, and honorable and upright in his business dealings.
GRANVILLE JARED. It may safely be said that America is in the position to-day to claim the most attractive and magnificent homes in the universe. In European countries, genera- tion after generation glides by, without so much as a change of a single nook or cranny of their homes. But no such charge can be lodged against the homes of America, for their style of architecture is unique and varied and this is due to the ingenuity of the architect whose plans are carried out ably and to the letter by the contractor and builder, prominent among whom in Indianapolis may be mentioned Granville Jared, whose place of business is at 183 Beeville Avenue. Mr. Jared was born in Breckenridge County, Ky., his grandfather, Joel Jared, having moved from Virginia to that State about 1806, where the father of the subject of this sketch was born the following year. He was brought up to a knowledge of farming and carpentering. In 1841 he moved to Illinois and located in Jasper County where he died in January, 1892. He was an active politician in his day, was first an old Henry Clay Whig and in 1856 began supporting the principles of Republicanism, which he contin- ued to do the remainder of his days. He held official position in Jasper County for twenty years and was the second school commissioner of that county. He was a successful business man and while in office sold all the school lands in Jasper County and established a school fund of which he was in charge for six years. The family first came to this country during the early settlement of New England and members of it are now scattered throughout the length and breadth of the United States. The mother of the subject of this sketch was Rosa Meadows, who died in 1874 at about the age of seventy-five years. She and her hus- band were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for many years. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth. He received his education in the public schools of Jasper County and learned his trade under his father, and to this occupation he has since given the most of his attention although he farmed for a few years in Jasper County. In 1863 and 1864 he was in the provost marshal's office, a responsible and dangerous position, and he passed through a number of thrilling experiences. In 1878 he moved to Terre Haute, Ind., where he commenced con- tracting and there did some extensive and important work, chief among which was the San- ford Fork and Tool Works. For the past three years he has been a resident of Indianapo- lis and since that time his attention has been directed to contracting during which short period he has built up an enviable reputation. In August, 1862, he joined Company E. of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until he received his discharge in February, 1863, by reason of disability, after which he was in the provost marshall's service in Illinois, although he was stationed at Perryville, Ky. He was married in 1853 to Miss Samantha Tomilson of Jasper County and to them a family of ten children were given, eight of whom are living, five sons and three daughters. Mr. Jared is a member of the G. A. R., was a Whig in politics in 1852 and since 1856 has been a Re- publican.
JOHN K. SLACK. One of the many who are called upon to contribute their quota of what is needed to make up the necessities or luxuries prepared for the comfort and well being of the inner man is the grocer, whose popularity is usually measured by the quality of
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goods with which he supplies his customers. Assuming such to be the case, the name of John K. Slack has become a conspicuous one at Brightwood, Ind. He was born in Delaware County, Ind., December 9, 1867, his father being George W. Slack, a native of Bucks County, Penn. About forty years ago, when the latter was a young man, he came to Indiana, and in addition to practicing the honorable profession of medicine with more than ordinary success, he followed the occupation of farming until death closed his career in 1885. He was a graduate of the Chicago Medical School, but his knowledge was not con- fined to the paths of physic for he was well informed on the current topics of the day and was an extensive and retentive reader. John K. Slack was an attendant of the schools of Delaware County until he was eighteen years of age when he became a telegraph operator with the Bee Line Railroad, and after its consolidation with the Big Four Railroad he still continued with the road, and for three years was night operator at Daleville, Ind. He was then stationed at Brightwood at the East Yards for something over two years, and during his entire experience as a telegraph operator he was never laid off from work but two days. Upon closing his career as a railroad man he formed a partnership with Samuel Bloom and together they opened a well stocked grocery establishment which they have conducted with exceptional success up to the present time, their house being the most popular as well as most extensive in Brightwood. It was their aim when they started in business to make theirs the leading establishment of their vicinity, and they have succeeded in doing so upon lines of sterling integrity. They handle only the highest grade of products and deal with the first families of the community. Mr. Slack has always been a Democrat in politics and at the last election he was chosen trustee of ward 1. October 28, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Katie Bloom of this city. He is a member of the K. of P., the Chosen Friends, the Red Men and the Pythian Sisters.
CHARLES F. WEHKING. The calling of the brick contractor has become a most important one from the fact that into nearly every structure of importance that material is put, there- fore, it is necessary for a contractor who expects to make a success of his calling, to become thoroughly familiar with every detail of the business or he will "find his house about his ears." A gentleman well up in this calling is Charles F. Wehking, who is a native of Ger- many, in which country he was born in 1846. He learned his trade in the land of his birth, as an apprentice, but before he had worked at it any length of time be entered the German army, and during the four years that he was in the service he held the rank of sergeant of his company, and was in the Franco- Prussian War, taking part in the battle of August 14, 1871, and August 18, of the same year, the latter being the hardest engagement of the whole war. He also participated in numerous skirmishes and upon receiving his dis- charge he came almost immediately to the United States, and took up his residence in the city of Indianapolis, which has ever since been his home and with the interests of which he has always fully identified himself. For fifteen years after locating here he worked at his trade for different contractors, then formed a partnership with Henry Feltman, and they were engaged in contracting together for one season, but since that time he has been by himself. He erected the new Deaf and Dumb Asylum, many fine business buildings, and the handsome and substantial addition to the Denison Hotel; the addition to the State Nor- mal Building, at Terre Haute, Ind. ; the school buildings at Evansville; the Bank building and school buildings at Connorsville; the buildings at St. Mary's In The Woods near Terre Haute, and others too numerous to particularize; suffice it to say that they were all substantial and well constructed buildings. In politics Mr. Wehking has made it a principle to vote for the one whom in his opinion is the best man for the position, but aside from this is not a politician. In 1872 Miss Christina Moldthan, who was born in Germany, became his wife, and to them eight children have been given, six daughters surviving, a son and daughter being dead. Mr. Wehking is a member of the German Lutheran Church, belongs to the German Orphans' Home Association, as well as other charitable and social organiza- tions.
OMRI T. FIELD. In a growing city there is no more important industry or one in which its exponents are in greater demand than the builder and contractor. Indianapolis' fine business houses and palatial residences have proven this, while the builder may with truth at once be designated as one of the foremost and useful developers of a vicinity. A
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popular man in this connection is Omri T. Field whose business is located at 116 Ramsey Avenue. Mr. Field was born in Jackson County, Ind., in 1871, son of Greenberry Field and grandson of William Field who was a native Kentuckian and a pioneer of Jefferson County, Ind. Greenberry Field was born in Jefferson County, Ind., in 1832, and when grown became a merchant in that county, continuing in that business for some time. Sub- sequently he came to Indianapolis and was engaged in the grocery business for two years, after which he turned his attention to handling all kinds of stock. While a resident of Jef- ferson County he was township assessor and held other local positions. Since residing here he has served as land appraiser. Politically he has always been a Democrat and socially he is a Mason, and is an original charter member of the Chosen Friends. He is also a member of the Christian Church. He selected his wife in the person of Miss Eliza A. Buxton, a native of the Buckeye State, and three children have blessed this union: Laura A., Eva Bell, and O. T. The latter, our subject, received a good practical education in the city schools, graduating when seventeen years of age, and then served an apprenticeship as a carpenter under M. M. Cotton. Later he finished under George H. Hoerette and then worked for William Martin, of Brightwood, as foreman, continuing in that capacity for three years. Since then he has been contracting for himself. His wife, Miss Lula M. Heaton, was one of Indianapolis' fair daughters, and a lady of much refinement.
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