USA > Missouri > Centennial history of Missouri (the center state) one hundred years in the Union, 1820-1921, Volume V > Part 78
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DAVID GWYNNE EVANS.
There is little that is spectacular in the record of the successful business man. His progress must result from close application, earnest purpose and intelligently directed effort and the upbuilding of a business of extent and importance leaves com- paratively little time for outside interests, especially those which figure more promi- nently in public connections. David Gwynne Evans was preeminently a business man and one whose sterling worth of character commanded for him the respect and con- fidence of those who knew him. He was born in South Wales in 1840 and is indebted to private schools for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. In young man- hood he determined to try his fortune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic in 1862, remaining thereafter a resident of the United States.
In St. Louis, in 1875, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Julia Durkee, who passed away in 1897, leaving two sons, Dwight Durkee and Gwynne. In 1906 Mr. Evans was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary O'Reilly, who survives him.
Upon his arrival in the new world Mr. Evans found employment in the tea and coffee house of W. & J. G. Flint, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, there remaining from '1862 until 1866. In the latter year he removed to St. Louis and with his former employers as partners founded the St. Louis house of Flint, Evans & Company, a partnership relation that was maintained until 1881, when he purchased his partner's interest in the business and conducted the same under the firm name of David G. Evans & Company. He built up an extensive trade as an importer and jobber of teas, coffees and spices and manufacturer of extracts and baking powder, coffee roasters and spice grinders. Year by year the business increased in volume, for he ever recognized that satisfied patrons were the best advertisement and throughout his career, while displaying a laudable ambition to attain success, he at the same time preferred the good-will of his customers rather than an augmented trade through the sacrifice of any business principle. As the years passed the patronage of the house constantly extended until his trade covered a large territory of the middle and western states .. His commercial record was an unassailable one by reason of his integrity and the enterprise he displayed in the conduct of the business. He passed away on the 13th of May, 1916, since which time his son, Gwynne Evans, has succeeded to the
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presidency of the company. The death of Mr. Evans was the occasion of deep regret to many of his business associates and those with whom he had come into contact, for they recognized in him one of the substantial forces in the commercial develop- ment of the city. He never sought to figure prominently in any public light, but those who came into contact with him speedily appreciated him at his true worth and recognized in him a representative of that substantial class who constitute the basic element of a city's growth and progress. Mrs. Evans still makes her home in St. Louis and occupies a very enviable position in the social circles of the city.
T. FRANCIS CAMPBELL.
T. Francis Campbell, public accountant, with offices in the Third National Bank building in St. Louis, was born in this city on the 9th of May, 1882, a son of James P. and Margaret (Howard) Campbell, the former a native of New York city, while the latter was born in St. Louis. Here they were married, the father having removed to the middle west in young manhood. The mother is still living and now resides with her daughter, Mrs. John Tierney, of St. Louis, but the father passed away in 1910.
T. Francis Campbell was educated in the parochial schools of St. Louis and at the St. Louis University, in which he pursued a collegiate and classical course. He sub- sequently went to work in the office of Morris & Company, meat packers, and three years later was appointed head cashier of the St. Louis Dressed Beef Company, con- tinuing his identification with this firm for two years, at the end of which time he resigned his position to open an office for himself as a public accountant. This was in 1904 and through the intervening period he has won a place among the best known accountants of St. Louis. He is business advisor for four of the largest corporations of the city and is a member of the board of directors of the Lumaghi Coal Company, also an advisor to the board of directors of the Central National Bank.
In 1903 Mr. Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Carolyn Murphy of St. Louis, and to them have been born five children: Francis X., William T., Joseph E., Mary M. and John J. Mr. Campbell is devoted to his family and his leisure hours are spent at his own fireside rather than in activity in club or lodge circles. He and his family are members of the New Catholic Cathedral. His business career has been characterized by that steady advancement which results from unfaltering industry, persistency of purpose and commendable ambition. Step by step he has worked his way upward and his orderly progression has brought him to a prominent place in professional circles.
LEO BARTELS, M. D.
Dr. Leo Bartels, physician and surgeon of St. Louis, was born at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, March 13, 1884, and is a son of Henry C. and Louise (Lokamp) Bartels. The father, a native of Germany, came to America during the latter '40s and settled at Cape Girardeau where he resided until his death which occurred in 1918 when he had reached the notable old age of ninety-two years. He was a Civil war veteran, having served as a private through the period of hostilities between the north and the south. For an extended period he conducted a cooperage business and was quite successful. His wife, also a native of Germany, came to the new world with her par- ents when a child of but four years, the Lokamp home being established on a farm in Cape Girardeau county where she was reared, educated and married. She became the mother of three sons and five daughters and passed away in 1912 at the age of seventy- two years.
Dr. Bartels. the youngest of the family, obtained a public and high school educa- tion at Cape Girardeau and afterward entered the State Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1901. Subsequently he became a student in the medical depart- ment of Washington University where he completed his course and won his profes- sional degree in 1907. He then served for two years as interne in the City Hospital, gaining that broad and valuable experience which is never as quickly secured in any other way as through hospital practice. After leaving the hospital he entered upon
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private practice in which he has since continued, specializing in genito-urinary surgery. He is a member of the St. Louis Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Socety, the St. Louis City Hospital Alumni Association, the Association of Surgeons of St. Louis, the American Medical Association and the American Urological Association and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Southern Medical Association.
On the 30th of September, 1911, in St. Louis, Dr. Bartels was married to Miss Pauline Becker, a native of this city and a daughter of E. C. and Augusta (Thies) Becker. They have become parents of one child, Pauline, who was born in St. Louis, August 8, 1914. In politics Dr. Bartels is a republican where national issues are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot. Fraternally he is con- nected with Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 40, A. F. & A. M. He belongs also to the Nor- mandie Golf Club which indicates something of the nature of his recreation. During the World war he was a member of the medical advisory board, District No. 2. His attention is chiefly concentrated upon his professional interests which are continually growing in volume and importance, he having gained prominence as a representa tive of his specialty. He remains a close student of the profession, at all times keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought and investigation through his wide reading.
M. C. MITCHELL.
M. C. Mitchell, manager of the Indiana and Illinois division for the Sullivan Machinery Company of Chicago, Illinois, with headquarters in St. Louis, was born in Athens county, Ohio, November 15, 1873, his parents being George W. and Anna G. (Lyons) Mitchell, who were natives of Hocking county, Ohio. The maternal grand- father, John Lyons, was born in the blockhouse at Marietta, Ohio, at the time of the Indian wars in that locality. He lived to witness the remarkable growth and devel- opment of the country through almost a century, having reached the age of ninety- four years ere he was called to his final rest. The paternal grandfather of M. C. Mitchell was James Mitchell, who came to this country from Cork, Ireland, thus founding the family in the new world. Throughout his active life George W. Mitchell engaged in business as a stationary engineer.
M. C. Mitchell was educated in the public schools of Nelsonville, Ohio, to the age of thirteen years, when he went to work in the mines, his father and brothers being all identified with the mining industry. Mr. Mitchell of this review did actual work in the mines for fifteen years, serving in every capacity. He then became identified with the Sullivan Machinery Company as a salesman and in July, 1919, was made manager of the St. Louis office. He entered upon his connection with this firm through an uncle, J. L. Mitchell, who was the patentee of many of the machines built by the Sullivan Machinery Company. He has proven his capability in every position which he has filled and his efficiency has led to his promotion to his present place of responsibility.
On the 24th of May, 1901, Mr. Mitchell was married to Miss Albertina Ruth Farreoll, of Collinsville, Illinois, and to them have been born three children: Albert George, Ruth Irene and Marie Shamberdon. Mr. Mitchell is a member of the Mis- souri Athletic Club and in politics maintains an independent course, holding himself free from party ties and voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He is truly a self-made man, having been dependent upon his own resources from the age of thirteen years, his success and advancement being attributable entirely to his industry, perseverance and unfaltering determination.
THOMAS L. RYAN.
Thomas L. Ryan, advertising manager and treasurer of the Star Chronicle Pub- lishing Company, publishers of the St. Louis Star, was born at Kirkwood, Missouri, November 19, 1888. His father, Thomas J. Ryan, also a native of this state, was a son of William M. Ryan, who was one of the first to establish a home at Kirkwood. The father was reared and educated in St. Louis county and during his active life was connected for thirty years with the Missouri Pacific Railroad. He passed away
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in 1915, at the age of forty-nine years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Louise Greber, was born in St. Louis county and is a daughter of Henry and Selma (Holt- hausen) Greber, both of whom have passed away. Mrs. Ryan is still living in St. Louis.
Thomas L. Ryan of this review was the only child born to his parents. He was educated in the public schools of Kirkwood and in the St. Louis high school, from which he was graduated in 1903. After putting aside his textbooks he took up office work with the Barnes-Crosby Engraving Company and afterward entered the employ of the St. Louis Republic. His next position was with the Star Chronicle. On the 22d of December, 1910, he started to work in a minor capacity and has steadily advanced through various positions to that of advertising manager and treasurer of the company, having served in the dual capacity for the past three years.
On the 8th of January, 1909, Mr. Ryan was married to Miss Margaret B. Cronin, a native of St. Louis and a daughter of Marion Edward and Mary (Murphy) Cronin, the latter a member of one of the old families of St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan have become parents of three children: Lawrence Edward, born in St. Louis, November 22, 1909; Thomas L., August 22, 1911; and Richard J., September 4, 1914.
Politically Mr. Ryan is a democrat. He is appreciative of the social amenities of life as shown in his connection with the Missouri Athletic Association, the Ad Club and the Midland Valley Golf Club. His religious belief is that of the Roman Catholic church. During the World war he was a member of the Ad Club team on the sale of Liberty bonds and did other work to uphold the interests of the govern- ment and support the war measures. He finds recreation and diversion in golf and motoring but does not allow these to interfere with his business activities and responsi- bilities. Steadily he has worked his way upward to his present position and is a well known representative of newspaper interests in St. Louis.
RUDOLPH SCHNEIDER.
Rudolph Schneider, attorney at law, practicing in St. Louis as a member of the firm of Rollins, Schneider & Halter, was born in Cologne, Germany, September 21, 1886. His father, the late Karl J. Schneider, was a native of Germany and came to America in 1891, making his way direct to St. Louis where he resided until his death, which occurred November 5, 1901. when he had reached the age of forty-seven years. He was a merchant tailor and was not only active in business circles of the city but also in connection with political and civic matters. He married Christina Nagle, who was born in Germany and came to America with her husband and their family. They had six children, four sons and two daughters.
Rudolph Schneider, the fourth child and youngest son of the family, was educated in the parochial schools of St. Louis and afterward attended the City College of Law. He was graduated on the completion of an academic course in 1914 and was graduated with the LL. B. degree in 1917. In the same year he was admitted to the bar and entered upon the general practice of the profession in connection with the late Hon. James M. Rollins, at one time state senator. In 1918 he became a member of the present firm of Rollins, Schneider & Halter and has since practiced in this connection. His ability is bringing him steadily to the front and those who know him and are familiar with his mental qualities and business characteristics have no fear as to the future.
On the 2d of July, 1918, in Springfield, Illinois, Mr. Schneider was married to Miss Elsie Erd, who was born in St. Louis, a daughter of Martin and Louise Erd. They have become the parents of a little son, Karl J., who was born in St. Louis, August 8, 1919.
Mr. Schneider served during the World war as deputy food commissioner for the United States and was also a member of the legal advisory board of the thirteenth ward for James M. Rollins. In politics he is a republican, and on several occasions has acted as provisional judge of the court of criminal correction, No. 2. Mr. Schneider has been very active in support of the party and from 1914 to 1916 inclusive he filled the office of deputy revenue collector at St. Louis and it was while thus employed that he studied law, attending the night sessions of the law school. Fraternally he is con- nected with Transit Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America with which he has
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been identified for sixteen years. For the past decade he has been a member of the Knights of Pythias. In 1915 he was elected supreme representative for the state of Missouri of the Knights of the Maccabees and attended the national convention of the order in San Francisco. His religious faith is manifest in his connection with St. John's Episcopal church. Along strictly professional lines his membership is with the St. Louis and Missouri State Bar Associations. He holds to high ethical standards in his profession and is making steady progress, his course being characterized by a thoroughness that brings excellent results.
MARTIN VAN RAALTE, M. D.
St. Louis numbers among her native sons many who have won distinction and success in professional fields and to this number belongs Dr. Martin Van Raalte, a physician and surgeon, who since 1912 has here engaged in practice. He was born March 21, 1888, a son of Morris and Flora (Lampert) Van Raalte. The father, a native of Germany, came to America with his parents when hut three years of age, his father being the late Julius Van Raalte, who settled first in New York city and later in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Morris Van Raalte was reared and educated. In 1875 he removed westward to St. Louis, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits and throughout the intervening years has continued in this line of business. He wedded Flora Lampert, a daughter of Moses and Esther Lampert, representatives of an old and prominent family of Dutch descent. Mrs. Van Raalte passed away in St. Louis in 1913 at the age of fifty years.
Dr. Van Raalte was the fourth in order of birth in a family of nine children, four sons and five daughters, of whom eight are living while one daughter passed away at the age of fifteen years. He pursued his education in the public schools of St. Louis, supplemented by a course in Washington University, whereby he pre- pared for the practice of medicine and surgery. He was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1912 and afterwards spent a year as interne in the City Hospital, while for three and a half years he was connected with the St. Louis City Dispensary. This public service brought him wide and valuable experience and he has since contin- ued actively in private general practice. Moreover, he has further promoted his knowledge and efficiency by a course in the New York Post-Graduate School, where he specialized in surgery and today is enjoying an extensive practice in this field. He belongs to the St. Louis, Missouri State, and American Medical Associations.
In politics Dr. Van Raalte is a republican where national questions and issues are involved, but casts an independent ballot at local elections. His ambition has never been in the field of office holding, his profession claiming his entire time and attention. In order to qualify for the practice of medicine and surgery he sold insur- ance in early manhood through vacation periods in order to continue his college course. The determination which he thus displayed in fitting himself for his chosen calling has also been a potent factor in his success. He is most careful and pains taking in the diagnosis of his cases and conscientious in the performance of all professional duties.
EMIL C. NOLDE.
An eminent financier has said, "If you wish to win success, you must be willing to pay the price-the price of earnest self-denied effort and close application." Recog- nizing this fact at the outset of his career Emil C. Nolde has concentrated his efforts, thought and attention upon the development of a business which has now grown to substantial proportions, conducted under the name of Thau & Nolde, dealers in dental supplies. Born in St. Louis, January 6,. 1879, Mr. Nolde is a son of John and Amelia (Hagemann) Nolde, the former a native of Alsace Lorraine, while the lat- ter was born in Wyandotte, Missouri, and is of German lineage. The father came to America in 1847, making his way direct to St. Louis, where he engaged in mer- chandising to the time of his death in 1908. He had attained the age of sixty-four years and had for several years survived his wife, who died in St. Louis in 1901 at
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the age of fifty-two. Their family numbered seven children, who are still living- six sons and a daughter.
Emil C. Nolde, the seventh son, obtained a public school education in St. Louis and started out in the business world as clerk in a grocery store at a wage of ten dollars per month. Later he followed various other pursuits with a view to finding a business entirely to his liking and in 1898 entered the employ of the late John T. Nolde, an older brother, who was then engaged in the dental supply business. He found pleasure in his work there and on the 9th of September, 1909, became associated with Charles F. Thau in establishing the present business. They began with very little capital and their course was for some time a hard and laborious one, but per- sistency of purpose and unfaltering energy enabled them to overcome the obstacles and difficulties in their way and today they have developed a business that is the largest of the kind in the state. They employ on an average of twenty-five people and in addition to their establishment at No. 906 Olive street, they maintain a branch house on Grand and Washington and their trade extends widely over neighboring territory. Mr. Nolde is also treasurer of the Grand, Gravois Automobile Company. He may truly be called a self-made man, for he started out in the business world without capital, depending entirely upon his own labors and resources and working his way up by perseverance and energy until his position in commercial circles is a most creditable one.
On the 27th of November, 1901, in Clayton, St. Louis county, Mr. Nolde was married to Lydia Winkler, a native of St. Louis, and a daughter of Herman and Christine (Frauke) Winkler, both of German birth and the former now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Nolde have become parents of four children: Edna, Alvin, Lydia, and Emil, Jr. In politics he is a republican where national questions and issues are involved, but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has always lived in St. Louis and those who know him bear evidence of the fact that his progress has been won along most commendable lines and that at all times he has been a stalwart supporter of civic and municipal interests of value.
ROBERT LAURELL SPELBRINK.
Robert Laurell Spelbrink, a member of the St. Louis bar, is classed with the native sons of the city who have added dignity and strength to the legal profession here. He was born September 15, 1889, and is a son of John Bernard Spelbrink whose birth occurred in St. Louis in 1857. The grandfather, Rudolph Spelbrink, was a native of Germany and on crossing the Atlantic made his way at once to St. Louis where he resided until his death, becoming a successful retail grocery merchant and at one time the owner of the largest grocery store of the city, his business being located on Leffing- well and Washington avenues, which property is still in possession of the family. His son, John Bernard Spelbrink, was reared and educated in St. Louis, and also became a prosperous retail grocer, still remaining active in that line. The grandfather was a veteran of the Civil war, serving with a Missouri company in defense of the Union and in politics he was a stanch republican. John Bernard Spelbrink, following his father's footsteps, has always remained an active supporter of republican principles and while deeply interested in the success of the party has never sought nor filled public office. He married Jennie Belle Laurell, a native of St. Louis where her father settled at an early day. She passed away November 1, 1917, at the age of fifty-three years.
Robert L. Spelbrink was the third in a family of four children, having three sisters. In the pursuit of his education he attended the Stoddard school and the Cen- tral high school, being graduated from the latter in 1907. He afterward entered the St. Louis University and won his LL. B. degree with the class of 1915. Mr. Spelbrink also attended Washington University. He had started out to earn his living when a lad of but eleven years by selling papers and later he engaged in clerical lines with the St. Louis Transfer Company and the United Railway Company. He was ambitious, however, to enter upon a professional career and directed his efforts in that direction until he was ready for college. He continued with the United Railway Company for four years after his graduation, having entered the employ of that corporation in the claim department as bookkeeper and eventually becoming claim agent and later assistant to Edward P. Walsh, one of the attorneys of the company whom Mr. Spel-
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brink afterward succeeded in the position. Since the first of April, 1920, Mr. Spelbrink has been engaged in the general practice of law and his capability, thoroughness and determination leave no doubt as to his ultimate success. He belongs to the St. Louis, Missouri State and American Bar Associations.
On the 14th of November, 1916, Mr. Spelbrink was married in St. Louis in the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic church by the Rev. Paul J. Ritchie, Rev. Edward J. Shea and Rt. Rev. Mgr. O. J. S. Hoog, to Miss Justine Weinsberg, a native of this city and a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Feldman) Weinsberg, the former now deceased. Both were representatives of well known German families of South St. Louis. To Mr. and Mrs. Spelbrink have been born two children: Robert George, born November 11, 1917; and; and Paul Herbert, born January 13, 1919.
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