\
nA
\
f
GREATER TERRE HAUTE
AXD
VIGO COUNTY
CLOSING THE FIRST CENTURY'S HISTORY
OF CITY AND COUNTY
SHOWING THE GROWTH OF THEIR PEOPLE
INDUSTRIES AND WEALTH
MR
I!V THE LATE
. C C. OAKEV
VOLUME n
ILLUSTRATED
• .:.. r^ ; ..• : ,; •.
' -,• . •.. . . .
• •••••. • ••• •
• • . • ' • t . • . ,
• •••«•••»• ,
I (,0S
Till'; Li-:\\ IS Pliu.isiiinc ("dmi'A.w
(^iiicAdo N i:\\ \'oi<K
(THE NEW YORkI
PUBLIC LIBRARY
456685
A»TOH, LENOX ANP
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
1909 L
« C *
» c <
C ( C I •
' «. I t. t t '
>^>^</x?c
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND
VIGO COUNTY.
Maxwici-l C'arsox IIaaiill, one of the leaders of tlie Terre Haute
bar. is a native of Sullivan. Indiana, where he was born March 2-j, 1866.
He is a son of the late Hon. Samuel R. Hainill, Sr., and Martha (Wood)
Hamill. His father was a native of Shipj^ensburg', Cumberland countv,
Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of Jefferson and Williams College
and in law of the university at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. When he became
a settler of Indiana he located for ])ractice at Evansville, and' thence re-
moved to Sullivan, where he was long' the leader of the bar and promi-
nent in the state as a skillful lawyer and an eloquent orator. He served
as prosecuting- attorney in the district composed of \ igo and Sullivan
counties. He died in Sullivan in June, 1876. His mother was born in
P>altimore. Maryland, and as a }'oung woman came to Terre Haute with
her widowed mother, brothers and sisters. The late surgeon general of
the Cnited States Xavy, William Maxwell Wood, was her brother. The
Wood family was a large one and its various members were prominent
in the earh linancial and social history of Terre Haute and its descend-
ants ha\'e been iniluential and leading citizens.
The children of ^\x . and Airs. Samuel R. Hamill were: .Alar_\- Au-
gusta, the wife of Rev. Rdward W. .\bbey, a minister of the Presbyte-
rian church at Smithtown, Pong Island, Xew York: Frances \Vood, of
Xew \'ork City : Samuel P., jr., who at the time of his death was classed
as one of the most able and brilliant attorney's in the West : Charles Wood,
also deceased: Elizabeth R., who married Harry J. liaker, a lawyer of
Terre Haute: and AEaxwell Carson Hamill.
Afaxwell Carson Hamill was reared in Terre Haute and educated in
the ])ublic schools of that city and Hamilton, ( )hio. While pursuing his
law studies he taught school in the vicinity of Terre Maute and was also
with tlie Cnited States mail scrx'ice for some time, with head([uarters at
indiana])nlis. During the latter period he was a student in the office of
Duncan, Smith lK; Wilson, of lndiana])olis, and finished his studies with
his brother, Samuel l\. llamill, jr.. of Terre Haute.
In Kjoo he was admitted to the Indiana bar, and at once commenced
practice in that cit\'. In the following year he was elected prosecuting'
altorncA of \ igo count\' and re-elected to the office in i o",v Tie after-
wards ser\ed as count\ attorney for two years. His marked success as
prosecuting attorne\ made him a leader in criminal ]iroceedings. and since
he relin(|uished the oriice tliere ha\'e been no ini])ortant cases in that field
474 GREATER TERRE HAUT1<: AXD VIGO COIXTY.
of law in which he has not participated. As a private attorney, however,
he has generally been retained by the defense. Still, he is not regarded
as a criminal lawyer, for his practice in civil litigation for years has been
large and he is retained in almost every important case, and as a legal
consultant his reputation is strong and wide and he is recognized as one
of the leading law^yers in the state.
( )utside of the professional organizations of which he is a member,
Mr. Hamill is Xo. i in the Terre Haute Lodge of Elks, and is also identi-
fied with Social Lodge, X'o. 86, Ancient Free and Accepted ]\Iasons, and
the Commercial Club of Terre Haute.
He married Miss Ann Van DerVeer. a native of Hamilton, Ohio,
and daughter of Henry A'an DerVeer, niece of General Ferdinand Van
DerA'eer, of Civil w^ar fame, and granddaughter of Thomas ]\Iilliken, who
was one of Ohio's most distinguished lawyers. Mr. and Mrs. Hamill
have one daughter. ]\Iary Milan, born in 1899.
Homer L. A\'illi.\ms. — It is a noticeable fact that the }oung men
of today are constantly forging to the front, becoming leaders in the
business world, successfully controlling the veins and arteries of traffic.
To this class belongs Homer L. \\'illiams. the efficient manager at Terre
Haute of the Great Atlantic & I'acific Tea Company. He was born at
Brookhaven, ^lississippi. December 18, 1880, his parents being Thomas
and Ann Elizabeth (Martin) Williams, both of whom are natives of
Mississippi. The father was a cotton planter of that state for many
years, but during the latter part of an active business life engaged in
growing rice in Louisiana. He became a prominent and influential resi-
dent of his community, exerting considerable influence in public life in
both Mississippi and Louisiana. He held membership in the Baptist
church, was a leading representative of the ^Masonic fraternity and also
belonged to the Woodmen of the World.
The maternal grandfather of ]\Ir. Williams was the late Capt. A. J.
^Martin, of Mississippi, who was born in Lincoln, then Lawrence, county,
that state, September 21, 1835. His life record covered the span of
years to N^ovember 8, 1905. He served in the Confederate army during
the Civil war as captain of Company C. Third ^Mississippi Regiment,
and was a brave and gallant soldier and an efficient commander, who
inspired his men to deeds of valor by reason of his own braver}- and
loyalty. He left home for the front on the 15th of April, 1862. muster-
ing one hundred and fort}^ men in the company. At the surrender of
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston at Greensboro, X'orth Carolina, on the 26th of
April, 1865. there w^ere only thirteen members who were able to be at
their post of duty, for illness, wounds and death had thus decimated
the ranks. This fact alone stands in incontrovertible evidence of the
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND A^IGO COUXTY. 475
splendid service performed by Company C in that long an sanguinarv
struggle. On the 25th of October, 1855, Captain ]\Iartin was married
to ^liss Sarah Gwin, a daughter of a prominent planter of Lawrence
county, Mississippi, and their daughter, Elizabeth, became the wife of
Thomas Williams and the mother of our subject.
Homer L. Williams acquired his education in the common schools
of Brookhaven and also attended the Peabody high school at Summit,
Mississippi. Removing with his parents to Crowley, Louisiana, his
father there engaged in rice growing and the boy spent his time on the
plantation. Later he attended business college at Macon, Georgia, and
in 1 90 1 he came to Terre Haute, where he accepted the management of
the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company. In this connection he has
given excellent satisfaction to the company which he represents by reason
of his clear discernment and sound judgment, his unfaltering energy and
his unflagging diligence. In the meantime, however, he returned to
Louisiana and spent one season in rice growing, but in 1903 again came
to Terre Haute and resumed his position as manager of the branch house
of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company at this place.
Mr. Williams was married to Miss Louetta Greggs, of Terre Haute,
and the hopsitality of the best homes of the city is cordially extended
them. Air. Williams is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, No. 86, Paul Revere Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and also
belongs to the Young Business Men's Club and is in hearty sym-
pathy with its purpose to advance the commercial interests of his
adopted city. Alert and energetic, he is making good use of his oppor-
tunities and his many friends feel no hesitancy in prophesying for him
larger successes in the future.
JoTix Xelso.x White, who in every relation of life displays a
fidelity to purpose and a trustworthiness that have gained for him the
respect and confidence of his fellow men, is now in business circles occu-
I>3>'ing the position of collecter with the Root Dry Goods Company, while
as a representative of ( )dd Eellowship he is known throughout the state.
I le was instrumental in forming what is today the second largest organi-
zation of the order in Indiana, and enjoys in the fullest degree the con-
fidence and friendship of his fraters of the society. He was born in
Ross county, Ohio, September 18, 1855. His parents were William
J. and Mary Ann ( Niseley ) White, who were also natives of Ross
county, the former born in 1825 and the latter in 1830. The family,
however, conies of Scotch ancestry and was established in America by the
great-grandfather of our subject, who. leaving the land of hills and
heather, came to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania, where
4/6 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
the grandfather of our subject was born and reared. The maternal
grandfather was also a native of Pennsylvania and, removing westward
to Ohio, became one of the pioneers of Ross county, aiding in laying
the foundation for its early development and progress.
William J. White, born and reared in Ohio, started westward in
1857 and visited Terre Haute, but did not settle here. He located on a
farm in Clark county, near Marshall, Illinois, and there his wife died
in the year 1861. Long surviving her, Mr. White passed away in Terre
Haute in 1897, having made his home with his son, John, during the
last twelve years of his life. Both he and his wife were devoted mem-
bers of the Methodist church.
John Nelson White, wdiose name introduces this record, was but
a young lad at the time of his parents' removal to Illinois and was
there reared upon a farm in Clark county. There he acquired a com-
mon school education, and when not busy with his text books devoted
his time and energy to the w'ork of the fields. At the age of sixteen
years, how^ever, he left the farm and became engaged on construction
work on the Vandalia Railroad. P'or six months he was employed as a
laborer, after which he learned the stone-cutting trade with the com-
pany, following that pursuit for about three years. He next entered the
employ of the state of Indiana, his time being thus passed between
June, 1874, and April, 1876, in assisting in the care of the insane at
Indianapolis. Going thence to southwestern Kentucky, he went to work
for the firm Booth, Delaney & Company, proprietors of a hub and spoke
factory, where he learned the trade of spoke and hub turning. Eighteen
months were spent in Kentucky, after which he returned to Terre Haute
in the latter part of 1877. He then joined his father in the business of
getting out railroad ties in southern Illinois, and the following year took
up the occupation of farming in that state, continuing in active connec-
tion with agricultural interests for two seasons.
In 1879 ]\Ir. White once more came to Terre Haute, where he made
permanent location, going to work in the spoke factory of Shoyer Broth-
ers. He was first employed as a turner, but eventually took charge of
the works. In 1882 the factory was closed and in the following spring
Mr. White took up planing mill work with the firm of Snapp & Rogers,
with whom he continued until the dissolution of the company. His
next connection was with the Clift, ^^'illiams Company in their planing
mill. There he was given charge of the machine-made product and so
continued until April, 1895, when he withdrew from that line of busi-
ness and engaged in the retail grocery trade with his brother, William
J. White. In January, 1896, they closed out their establishment and
began contracting wdth the Terre Haute car works, where John N.
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD VIGu LOL'XTY. 477
White continued until November 19. 1899. -^t that time he became
deputy under Sheriff Fasig, being a riding deputy. He continued in
the sherift"'s office until September 5, 1904, when he resigned, having
been appointed a member of the Terre Haute city board of works bv
Mayor Bideman and continued under Mayor Buckingham, who filled
out Mayor Bideman's unexpired term. He served on the board as a
minority or Democratic member for two years and acted as its secretary
during that period. On the ist of November, 1906, he accepted a
position as collector with the Root Dry Goods Companv and continues
to the present time.
Mr. White became a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows on the nth of October, 1887, when he joined Terre Haute
Lodge. No. 51. He took all of the degrees until he became a full mem-
ber of the subordinate lodge, and in June, 1888, he joined the encamp-
ment, ultimately reaching the highest degree in that department of the
society. In February, 1889, he was one of the charter members of
Canton McKeen, No. 28, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He began
active work in the order upon receiving the third degree in the subordi-
nate lodge, and as the years have passed his activity has increased until
he is today considered one of the leading Odd Fellows of Indiana. He
has filled all of the chairs in the subordinate lodge and encampment and
retains a membership in the grand lodge and grand encampment. For
eleven years he was captain of Canton ]\IcKeen, and in 1894 associated
with James Colter, he originated the idea of organizing a new subordi-
nate lodge, the charter members of wliich should be composed of tran-
sient Odd Fellows, who held withdrawal cards. It required not less
than ten to procure a charter to institute a lodge. In pursuance of this
plan Mr. White withdrew from Terre Haute Lodge, No. 51. and ^Ir.
Colter withdrew from Fort Harrison Lodge. No. 157. The charter was
granted and the new organization, as Amico Lodge, No. 707. was in-
stituted on July 16, 1894. with Mr. \\'hite as treasurer. Amico lodge
began its new life with an initiation of sixty-eight members and is now
the second largest lodge in the state of Indiana, having a membership
of five hundred and fifty at the report of December, 1907. 'Sir. White's
present activities arc in the line of financial secretary of Amico lodge,
which ])osition he has filled for the last eleven years, and as secretary
of the Temple Association, which was formed for the building of an
Odd Fellows temple. Its plans have been perfected and the contract
is now let for the building. Mr. ^^'hite has not only been most active
in all the work of the order, but is in thorough symjiathy witli its benefi-
cent spirit and in his life exemiilifies that mutual kindliness and broth-
crlv charitv which constitute the basic elements of the order. He be-
4/8 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD MGO COUXTY.
lonj^s to Social Lodge, Xo. 86, Free and Accepted Alasons, is also a
charter member of Camp X'o. 3376, Modern Woodmen of the World, and
also a charter member of Tent X'o. 43. Knights of the Maccabees. He be-
longs to the Junior Order of American Mechanics and all of these soci-
eties find him most loyal and faithful.
On the 20th of December, 1881. occurred the marriage of Mr. White
and Aliss Caroline Hoff, who was born in Terre Haute, a daughter of
John H. Hoff, a pioneer German resident of this city, and a sister of
Charles W. Hoff, of Terre Haute. They have one daughter, Lilly
INIarie, who was born in Terre Haute. ]\Iay 10, 1889, and a son, William
LeRoy, born Alarch 2^, 1892. Mr. White was reared in the faith of the
Methodist church, but withdrew from that society and is now with his
family a member of the German Reformed church. The analyzation of
his life work shows that in all that he has done he has been actuated
bv a spirit of helpfulness and kindliness. His deference for the opinions
of others is one of his salient characteristics. He possesses, too, that
executive ability and keen discrimination which enables him to become
an effective force in fraternal organizations, and the Independent Order
of Odd Eellows today recognizes him as one of its most prominent and
valued representatives in Indiana.
Louis Gerhardt. — The German element in our American citizen-
ship has ever been an important one. The sons of the fatherland have
brought to the new world the determination and energy ever character-
istic of the Teutonic race, and. improving the opportunities of the new
world, where labor is not hampered by caste, class, tradition, custom or
precedent, they have gained positions of prominence in all lines of life
contributing to business development and to the upholding of the legal
and political status of the various communities in which they have estab-
lished homes. To this class belongs Louis Gerhardt, who for forty
years has been known as a thoroughly reliable and enterprising business
man of Terre Haute, conducting through four decades a successful
bakerv here. He was born in Baden, Germany, August 24, 1852, his
parents being August and Catherine (Lutz) Gerhardt, both of whom
were natives of Baden. The father was born in 1820 and the mother
in 1830. They continued residents of Germany until August, 1861,
when they crossed the Atlantic to America with their family of seven
children, landing at Xew York, whence they made their way direct to
Terre Haute, where they had friends and relatives. Following his ar-
rival in this city the father first worked for ]\Ir. Zimmerman, a baker,
for a few years, and afterward entered the employ of the Harings in
a steam bakery. Acquiring capital sufficient to justify his establishment
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND MGO COUNTY. 479
of a business of his own, he opened a bakery on the south side of Main
street, between Eighth and Xinth streets, in the old Frey building. He
next removed to the old Jenkins property on the corner of Fourth and
Cherry streets, and the growth of his business necessitating larger cjuar-
ters, in 1872 he purchased the property on which is located the present
bakery of Louis Gerhardt on Thirteenth and Deming streets. There he
continued actively and successfull}- in business until his death, which
occurred in 1879. His widow traveled life's journey for twenty-three
• years longer, passing away in 1902. Mr. Gerhardt was a good business
man, who enjoyed in full measure the confidence and trust of his fellow
citizens, and by reason of his thorough understanding of the trade he
met with gratifying success in his business career.
Louis Gerhardt was a lad of only nine years when the parents left
the fatherland and came to the new world. His education, begun in
the schools of his native country, was continued in the schools of Terre
Haute. He afterward worked in the bakery with his father and in
1880 succeeded to the business. He has continued in this line to the
present, and in 1905 erected a fine brick bakery, this building being
two stories in height and well ecjuipped for the specific uses to which
it is put. Year by year his trade has increased until he now has the
largest local sale for bread and cake of any establishment of this char-
acter in the city. He utilizes nine delivery and supply wagons and
employs eighteen men. He has always aimed at a high standard in
the character of service and has sought an increase in trade through
merit rather than by a war in prices.
]\Ir. Gerhardt was married in 1883 to Miss Christina Becker, who
was born in Baden, Germany. Their children are Estella. twenty-one
years of age ; Louis, seventeen years of age, and Mary, a little maiden of
six summers. The family are communicants of St. Patrick's Catholic
church and ^\r. Gerhardt is treasurer of the German Savings and Loan
Association. In this connection he manifests his desire to aid his fellow
countrymen, and at all times he is interested in matters of public moment,
giving efficient aid to many measures that arc proving of genuine worth
in the community. He is a supporter of the Democratic party and is a
member of Humboldt Lodge, Xo. 42. Free and Accepted INIasons,
Chapter Xo. 11, Rdyal Arch Masons, the Eagles, the Travelers', Pro-
tective Association, the Improved Order of Red Men. the German Club
and the German Benevolent Society. Perhaps Terre Haute has no more
enthusiastic hunter than Mr. Gerhardt. as is evidenced by his hunting
trips. His long residence in Terre Haute, covering almost half a cen-
turv, has brought him a wide acquaintance, and his business principles
have ccrtainlv stood the test of time. The consensus of public opinion
48o GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
regarding Mr. Gerhardt and his life is altogether favorable and places
him among the representative men of this city.
Frank F. Schmidt has the distinction of being the oldest German
citizen in Terre Hante in point of continnous residence, for he has been
proniinently identified with its business, political and social life since
June of 1849, "^vhen the now populous city was but a little hamlet of
twenty-three hundred. He was born in Bismarck, Prussia, Germany, No-
vember 21, 1830, and was but a lad of eighteen when he came to America
with his father, John Frederick, and his brother August. Another
brother, Carl, preceded them to the United States about two years, but in
1849, the year of the little party's arrival here, he and the father, who
was not pleased with the prospects here, returned to Germany. John
Frederick Schmidt was the father of four children and was a brewer and
distiller in Germany, operating a large brewery and distillery in connec-
tion with a prominent hotel, and- was a well-to-do business man. August
Schmidt died in Cincinnati, Ohio, of cholera in 1849, ^^''^ same year of
his arrival in this country.
It was in his father's hotel in Bismarck that Frank F. Schmidt was
born and reared, attending school up to the age of fourteen, and gained
a fair education. A friend of his father was a German army officer, and
at his suggestion Mr. Schmidt had his son learn the trade of machinist
that a position as such might be secured for him in the army -as chief in
that department. He accordingly entered upon a three years' apprentice-
ship, making a specialty of the edged tool trade, but instead of carrying
out the original plan of his father he left with him on the 4th of Novem-
ber, 1848, for the United States, landing in New Orleans in February,
1849, after a terrible voyage of fifteen weeks. From there they went
up the Ohio river to Cincinnati, Ohio, from whence Frank F. Schmidt
came to Terre Haute in June of the same year, and has in the main since
lived in this city. At the time of his arrival here his health was im-
paired, for he, too, was stricken with cholera in Cincinnati, and he was
not able to do any work for about two years or more afterward. But
after his recovery he followed various employments until he entered upon
his long connection with railroad work in 1851, for eighteen years re-
maining with what is now the Vandalia Railroad Company, and during
six years of that time he was their foreman. He now has the distinc-
tion of being the only man in this city who was among the employes of
the first railroad in Terre Haute. He also assisted in running the first
locomotive from the canal. It had two drive wheels and was called a
"pony."
In 1870 Mr. Schmidt abandoned the railroad business, and for two
// THE -^
NEW VORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
\
', Asttr^ Lenox and riUwi .
■A
\\ Foun(jsti»fl».
\i. 1909
(A> <^ Cri ^ Oyfj^yyiJyiyO
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 481
years was engaged in the manufactnre of stave and cross ties, being at
the head of a crew of men, and he was also engaged in the grocery busi-
ness at the same time. Since then he has devoted his activities to various
industries. In 1873 he was elected a member of the city council and
served for six years, or three terms. In the same year, 1873, he, with
others, established the Terre Haute Mutual Savings Association, of which
he has been the president since, and the institution has become one of the
leading ones of Terre Haute. About twelve years ago he was the prime
mover in instituting the Terre Haute Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
serving as its president since the organization, and he also previously
been somewhat identified with the fire insurance business, and has also
dealt quite extensively in real estate. He has been successful in business
and prominent in the public life of the community. He was one of twelve
who organized the first Republican club of Terre Haute, he having been
identified with that party's interests for several years, but has since been
independent in his political affiliations. He is well and favorably known
in Terre Haute and Vigo county, and is universally respected and hon-
ored for his many sterling characteristics.
Mr. Schmidt married, November 15, 1855, Miss Ida Nonnenbrunch,
who was born near Cologne, on the River Rhine, in Prussia, Germany,
June 10, 1837, and came to America with her parents in 1849, arriving
in Cincinnati. Ohio, on the loth of June of that year. The father, Bertram
Nonnenbrunch, had, in 1848, been involved in the Prussian revolutionary
uprising, and for that cause came with many other of his fellow coun-
trymen to America, among the number being the distinguished Carl
Schurz. The objective point in this country of the Nonnenbrunch family
was Parkersburg, West Virginia, wdiere Mr. Nonnenbrunch intended to
build a mill, for he was a miller by trade, but his untimely death from
cholera on the Fourth of July, 1849, changed all their plans. The wife
and mother then bought the farm in Clark county, Illinois, which Mr.
'Schmidt's father had previously purchased for him. and thither she re-
moved with her family of seven children. She survived her husband for
many years, dying in 1880, aged seventy-eight years.
Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have had four children, three now living,
namely: Rosa Louise, the wife of William A. Peker, of Terre Haute:
Frances Otello, the wife of Henry F. Schmidt, the present deputy sheriff
of Vigo county ; Edgar ?>., the city engineer, and Edwin F., who died at
the age of five years. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt were reared in the German
Lutheran faith. Mr. Schmidt has been a prominent factor in the devel-
opment and progress of Terre Haute, and his name is inseparably inter-
woven with the record of its advancement. The introduction of many
of the business interests which have promoted the prosperity of the city
482 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUXTY.
were the work of this progressive, public-spirited pioneer, and his canal
boating in the early days won him the title of Captain Schmidt.
George H. Cooke, secretary and treasurer of the Hendrich Abstract
Company of Terre Haute, is a native of Warren county, Xew Jersey,
born February 2, 1 861. his parents being William J. and Martha (Lan-
terman) Cooke, early settlers of X'ew Jersey. The public schools afforded
him his educational privileges and as an equipment for the practical and
responsible duties of life he took up the studv of civil engineering in the
field, beginning as an axman. In 1883 he came west and, .October 14,
1898, accepted a position as civil engilneer with the Southern Indiana
Railroad Company, the headquarters then being at Bedford, Indiana.
He continued with that company on construction work until the fall of
1905. when he entered the office of the Hendrich Abstract Company,
and on the ist of April, 1906, was made secretary and treasurer. He
had become a resident of Terre Haute in 1900 and has here since made
his home. Through close application and discriminating energy he has
developed a good business and is recognized as one of the enterprising,
progressive men of the city — a valuable addition to its business circles.
Mr. Cooke was married in 1904 to ^liss Caroline Hendrich and
has one son, William Hendrich Cooke. , Fraternally he is connected with
the Knights of Pythias and became a charter member of the first lodge
of that order organized in X'orth Dakota, in which state he was located
from 1883 until 1890. He is a member of the Western Society of Civil
Engineers and aside from any membership relations is known as a gen-
tleman of genial manner, whose personal qualities make him popular
and well liked.
William E. Hendrich, one of Terre Haute's prominent citizens,
who figures in business life as president of the Hendrich Abstract Com-
panv and as a member of the bar, is a native of Tennstedt-Thuringia.
Germany, born February i, 1836. The first nine years of his life were
spent in that land and in 1845 ^^^ came with his parents to the United
States, the family home being established at New Albany, Indiana. He
was a young man of eighteen years when, in 1854, he came to Terre
Haute, and in 1856 he began reading law in the office of Col. John P.
Baird. After careful and thorough preparation he was admitted t« the
bar in 1858 and the next year was appointed attorney for the old Terre
Haute, Alton & St. Louis Railroad Company, which position he held
for a period of eight years. Throughout his entire residence here, cov-
ering more than a half century, he has contributed in substantial measure
to the growth, progress and development of the city. In 1864 he assisted
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD MGO COUNTY. 483
in erecting the block of buildings on the southeast corner of Third street
and Wabash avenue. In 1868 he turned his attention to the abstract
business, being the pioneer abstractor of Terre Haute and of the state.
He has since conducted the leading abstract office in the city and is now
president of the Hendrich Abstract Company, which he founded and
which was incorporated in 1902. He also continues in the practice of
law.
On December 25, i860, was celebrated the marriage of William E.
Hendrich and Miss Mary Katzenbach, a native of Germany, and their
children are four in number: ]\Iary, the wife of Charles Merrill, for-
merly of Clinton, Indiana, but now a resident of Riverside, California ;
Lucile, the wife of George M. Pierson, also living at Riverside ; Caro-
line, the wife of George H. Cooke, secretary and treasurer of the Hen-
drich Abstract Company, and Linda, the wife of Josephus C. Davis, of
Terre Haute.
Mr. Hendrich is a member of Humboldt Lodge, Xo. 42, Free and
Accepted Alasons, and has attained the Knight Templar, degree of the
commandery. He is also connected with the Commercial Club. His
interest in the general welfare is that of a public spirited citizen and
many tangible evidences can be given of his devotion to the public good.
All who know him entertain for him the respect and good will which
are ever given a man whose life is largely exemplary in its relations
with his fellow men and with the community at laree.
&
George \\'iLi.iA^r Jacoby Hoffman, whose 'intense and well directed
activity has gained him recognition as one of the representative busi-
ness men of Terre Haute, is conducting two drug stores here, and his
thorough preparation for the trade, combined with his stalwart purpose
and strict conformity to commercial ethics, have brought him both pros-
perity and an honored name. He is one of Terre Haute's native sons,
his birth having occurred October 28. 1864. in the old Cincinnati House,
which stood on the present site of the new National Hotel on North
Fourth street. He is a son of Tilghman j. and .\lavesta (Jacoby) Hoff-
man, both of whom were natives of Lehigh county, F^ennsylvania. and
of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. The maternal grandfather was William
Jacoby, whose birth occurred in the Keystone state. It was in that state
that th.e parents of our subject were reared and married and a son was
born to them ere they left Pennsylvania. Removing westward they
settled in Terre Haute about 1863 and tlie father embarked in business
as a retail grocer, in which line of trade he continued for many years,
being recognized as one of the enterprising factors in commercial cir-
cles here during the middle of the nineteenth century. In 1876 he re-
484 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where he engaged in business, and there
his death occurred in 1885. His widow still survives and is now a resi-
dent of Terre Haute.
George W. J. Hofifman attended the city schools and the Terre
Haute Commercial College. At the age of fifteen years he began clerk-
ing in the drug store of Gulick & Berry, who occupied the store in
which ]\Ir. Hoffman now carries on business on the corner of Fourth
street and \\'abash avenue. For four years he remained with that
house, after which to further perfect himself in this line of activity he
entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and was graduated there-
from with the class of 1886. While pursuing his studies he acted as
clerk for Thomas S. Wiegand, the registrar of the institution which
he was attending. His collegiate course completed, he returned to Terre
Haute in the spring of 1886 and took the position of head clerk in the
old drug store, where he served his apprenticeship, the style of the
firm, however, having been changed in the meantime to Gulick & Com-
pany. In 1890 Air. Hoft'man became the junior partner of the firm, and
in July, 1897, became sole proprietor of the business. From his entrance
into the trade as a proprietor he has met with constantly increasing suc-
cess, his business career being characterized by an orderly progression
which has led to substantial results. On the ist of September, 1900, he
opened his second drug store on the corner of Sixth and Wabash avenue,
known as the New Central Pharmacy, and now conducts both establish-
ments, which are two of the leading drug stores of the city. The
original one is known as the Hoffman Drug Store, and there he makes
his headquarters. It is today the oldest establishment in this line in
Terre Haute. The building was erected in 1851, and since its comple-
tion has been continuously utilized for the sale of drugs. \lv. Hoffman
carries a large stock, which, combined with honorable business methods,
insures a well merited success.
On the 2d of October, 1888, Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage
to Miss Mattie M. Miller, the eldest daughter of Peter Miller, one of
Terre Haute's oldest and best known business men and German- Amer-
ican citizens. He was at one time commissioner of Vigo county and
prominent and influential in community affairs. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Hoffman have been born two children: Hester, who was born June i,
1895, ^"d Herman M., born August 3, 1900. Air. Hoft'man and his
wife are well known socially and their circle of friends is constantly in-
creasing as the circle of their acquaintance widens. Mr. Hoffman be-
longs to the Young Business Alen's Club and Vigo County Druggists'
Association. He is widely recognized as an active, alert and enterpris-
ing voung business man. He moves carefullv and surelv in every trans-
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD \ IGO COUXTY. 485
action, possessing the persistency of purpose which ultimately reaches
the objective point.
John H. Baldridge, AI. D. — One of the best known, as well as one
of the oldest and most successful physicians of Vigo county, is Dr. John
H. Baldridge. Since 1884 his name has been enrolled among the active
practitioners of Terre Haute, and in the interim he has achieved a suc-
cess that has gained him prominence among the best representatives
of the profession in the county of Yigo. He is also the son of a physi-
cian. Dr. John Alexander Baldridge, who, too, claimed Morgan county,
Ohio, as the place of his nativity, from whence he moved to Sullivan
county, Indiana, when his son, John, was a boy of ten years. He estab-
lished the home on a farm east of Farmersburg and became actively
identified with the public and professional life of the community. His
wife, nee Eliza Leeper. bore him three sons and one daughter.
Dr. Baldridge was the third born and the youngest son, and had
his nativity in Morgan county, Ohio, November 9. 1840. He grew to
manhood's estate in the home near Farmersburg, attending the pioneer
country schools of Sullivan county, as well as a private school in the
town. He then began the study of medicine under the preceptorship
of his father, with whom he studied for three years, and then moving
to Rosedale, in Parke county, Indiana, practiced there from 1868 to
1884, covering a period of sixteen years. At the expiration of that
time he came to Terre Haute. After practicing three years in Parke
county. Dr. Baldridgfe entered the Eclectic Medical College of Cincin-
nati, where he graduated in 1873, '^"^l lias since been a successful rep-
resentative of that old and time-honored school of medicine. He has
won particular success in his treatment of lung trouble.
Dr. lialdridge was first married, in 1869, to Gelana Challis. who
died on the 20th of September, 1893, after becoming the mother of
seven children, but only two of the number are now living. In 1898
he married Lovilla Challis. He is a Republican politically. His services
in the Civil war entitles him U> membership in Morton Post. Grand
Army of the Republic. He enlisted in Company D, Forty-third Indiana
Infantry, in 1863, and served until the close of the conflict.
When Dr. Baldridge came to Terre Haute it was said that he had
consumption, and after three years' treatment of himself he was cured
and has since been in constant active practice of his profession. He
is hale and hearty, notwithstanding the decision of a number of physi-
cians that he could not last long when he came to the city. I-'or several
years he has been a member of the Eclectic Medical .\ssociation of
Sullivan .uid \'igo counties.
486 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
Joseph Frisz has taken an honorable part in the molding both of
the business and the civic history of Terre Haute. He is perhaps best
known as one of the oldest and most prominent grocers of the city, who
continued in that line for twenty-nine years at one location, No. 301
North Thirteenth street. He is a native of Alsace-Lorraine, which at
the time of his birth, September 28, 1843, was a French province. His
parents, Joseph and Margaret (Long) Frisz, came to America in 1846,
locating in Jennings county, Indiana, in August of that year. They
settled upon an uncleared and unimproved farm and there their remain-
ing days were passed, the father devoting his time and his energies to
the cultivation and development of his property until his death, which
occurred in 1864. when he was sixty-eight years of age. His wife sur-
vived him until 1868. and had also reached the age of sixty-eight at
the time of her demise. Their family numbered nine children : Barbara,
Christopher and Jacob, all now deceased ; George, who is living in Illi-
nois ; John, a resident of Terre Haute ; Michael, who has also passed
away ; Anna and Peter, who are also residents of Terre Haute, and
Joseph, of this review. The father was a Catholic in religious belief
and reared his family in that faith.
Joseph Frisz was only three years of age when his parents left his
native land and came to the new world, so that he was reared upon the
Indiana farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors of
the average farmer boy. His education was acquired in the public
schools, and after putting aside his text books he learned the black-
smith's trade.
In 1868 he was married, in Jennings county, Indiana, to Miss Mar-
garet Rolles, a native of Prussia. She died May 7, 1891. For three
years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Frisz resided at Bowling Green,
Kentucky, and spent nearly two years in Hopkinsville, that state. In
1873 they arrived in Terre Haute and Mr. Frisz commenced his career
as a grocer at the familiar location on North Thirteenth street, where,
as stated, he remained for twenty-nine years. Many patrons who came
to him in early days continued to give him their support throughout the
passing decades, and from time to time he found it necessary to enlarge
his stock in order to meet the demands of a growing patronage. His
goods were judiciously selected and tastefully arranged, prices were
reasonable and measures good, and to cap all Mr. Frisz was courteous
and accommodating. He therefore became one of the leading merchants
of the city and secured not only a handsome competency but an honor-
able name — even more to be desired than riches. Although Mr. Frisz
has been retired from the grocery business since 1902, he has long served
as president of the Mutual Savings Association and is also identified
//PUBLIC LIBRARY-
i
A»t»r, Lenox and THdtn ,
Four^stii>n»,
1909
itzcA
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 487
with the Terre Haute Mutual Fire Insurance Company. As a Democrat
and a man of municipal affairs he has wielded a strong beneficial influ-
ence, having- served for one term as city councilman and for twelve
years as city commissioner. Like his business career, his public record
has been a constant demonstration of a prompt, faithful and efficient
discharge of the duties as they developed. He is a stanch communicant
of the Catholic church, and in that faith has reared his family. Seven
of his nine children yet survive: Lena M., Jacob N., Margaret K.,
George B., Joseph A., Clara M. and Fred J. Frisz.
Joseph A. Frisz, M. D. — The medical profession of Vigo county
finds an able representative in Dr. Joseph A. Frisz, a substantial type
of the liberal, progressive practitioner of today. He has been located
in Terre Haute since his graduation eight years ago, and the commu-
nity takes a pride in his advancement and high standing because he is
one of her sons, both by nativity and preliminary education. Dr. Frisz
was born in that city on the 4th of March, 1878, and is a son of Joseph
and Margaret (Rolles) Frisz, both Germans, although the father was
born in the province of Alsace-Lorraine, which was then French terri-
tory. The father came to this country with his parents when he was
three years old, spent his earlier years on an Indiana farm, became a
resident of Terre Haute thirty-six years ago, and has since been promi-
nent in business and municipal life.
The Doctor is a graduate of the Terre Haute high school, pursuing
his professional course at the Indiana Medical College, from which he
received his degree of M. D. in 1900. He has since established a good
practice in this city. Like other progressive members of his profes-
sion, he keeps in touch with the latest development in the theories and
practices of his profession by maintaining an active membership in the
local and national societies. He is identified with county and state
medical societies, the Esculapian Medical Society of the Wabash Valley
and the American Medical Association. He is also a member of the
staff of St. Anthony's Hospital of Terre Haute. His fraternal relations
are with the Knights of Columbus, the Modern Woodmen of America
and the Red Men, and his broad education and easy bearing secure him
admission to the best society of the city.
Worth B. Steele, manager of the extensive lumber interests of R.
A. Hooton & Company, of Terre Haute, was born in Crawford county,
Illinois, July 22, 185 1. His parents were Nenian T. and Martha A. (Har-
. ris) Steele. The father was born in Virginia and was of Scotch-English
ancestry. In early life he prepared for the practice of medicine and sur-
488 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
gery, and, removino- westward, located near Hudsonville, Illinois, where
he devoted his time and energies to his profession. He died there in his
forty-sixth year, while his wife passed away at the comparatively early
age of thirty-eight. She, too, was a native of the Old Dominion.
Their family numbered three sons and a daughter, of whom Worth
B. Steele is the eldest. He resided in the county of his nativity to the
age of sixteen years, when he came to Terre Haute to supplement his
early educational privileges by study in a commercial college. After com-
pleting his course he accepted a position in the W. S. Ryce dry goods
house, where he remained for a short time. He then went to Louisville,
Kentucky, where he spent six or seven }-ears as bookkeeper in a wholesale
grocery house, but in 1881 returned to Terre Haute, where he has since
made his home. He became connected with the lumber trade as book-
keeper in the employ of T. B. Johns, who subsequently sold the business
to the Wabash Lumber Company, and in 1897 the yards were purchased
by R. A. Hooton & Company. Mr. Steele has been continuously asso-
'ciated with the business for twenty-seven years and gradual advancement
has brought him to his present responsible position of manager, which
is one of the oldest and most extensive in this line in the city. Its suc-
cess is attributable in no small degree to his close application and exec-
utive force, and few men are better informed concerning the lumber trade
and all the subjects which bear ujion this important industry.
In 1873 Mr. Steele was united in marriage to Miss Delia Patterson,
and unto them have been born three sons and a daughter : Malcolm A.,
John P., Alma L. and Wilbur B. Malcolm A. represents the Bankers'
Surety Company in western Indiana and eastern Illinois ; John P. is con-
nected with his father in the office : Alma L. graduated from the high
school in 1907. and Wilbur B. will finish high school with the class
of 1907.
Mr. and Mrs. Steele have an extensive circle of friends in Terre
Haute, gained by reason of their genuine worth during the long period
of their residence in this city. Mr. Steele is moreover recognized as one
of the leaders in Republican circles here. He has always given stalwart
support to the party, served for one term as a member of tire city coun-
cil, and has done effective work for Republican interests as chairman of
the city central committee. He also belongs to the Commercial Club
and co-operates in various plans and movements which it puts forth for
Terre Halite's development along business lines. He is likewise well
known in Masonic circles, and has attained the Knight Templar degree
in the commandery. While there have been no startling or exciting chap-
ters in his life history, neither has there been a single esoteric phase. He
is a man of known honesty of purpose, despising all unworthy or ques-
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 489
tionable means of securing success in any undertaking or for any purpose.
His is a sturdy American character and of stalwart patriotism, and in the
faithful performance of life's duties as they come to him day after day
he has achieved much that is honorable and commendable and won the
respect and confidence of his fellow men. He was one of the first class
to become a member of the "Hoo-Hoos," No. 8383, and has always been
very active, especially in the state.
Edward J. Schott, ^I. D., was born in the city of Bucyrus, Crawford
county, Ohio, March 16, 1875, and since 1905 he has been prominently
and successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in Terre Haute.
When he had attained to the age of sixteen, having in the interim at-
tended the public schools of Bucyrus, he obtained the consent of his
parents to leave home and to do for himself. Making his way to Chi-
cago he completed his literary training in a high school there and later
entered a medical college, working his own way through and finally
graduating from the well known Hahnemann Medical College and Hos-
pital, ]\Iay 12, 1904. During that time he was prominently identified
with hospital work, and immediately after his graduation he began prac-
tice in Chicago. Shortly afterward, in April, 1905, he left that city
for Terre Elaute and has inscribed his name high on the roll of its emi-
nent physicians, following a general practice and a specialty of electro
therapeutics. He is a member of the Vigo County Medical Society and
of the Knights of Columbus fraternity.
Dr. Schott married Miss Ada Cornell, of Allegan, }ilichigan. They
had one child, Edward Anthony, who died at the age of four months.
Dr. Schott is a member (and on the board censors) of the Wabash
Valley Homeopathic Medical Society and the Indiana State Homeopathic
Society, also the American Institute of Homeopathy.
W. B. Rich MONO, M. D. — The name of Dr. W. B. Richmond finds a
place on the roll of the medical fraternit\- in Terre Haute, where he has
practiced since 1906, but he is a native son of Mt. Pleasant, ^lichigan.
born May 13, 1876. He was reared there and graduated from the high
school in 1894, after which for one year he was employed as a book-
keeper for a general mercantile firm. He then matriculated in the Uni-
versity of Michigan at Ann Arbor and graduated in the medical de-
partment June I, 1899. For three years after his graduation Dr. Rich-
niDud ])racticed in Brazil, Indiana, while for two years thereafter was
at Ml. I'leasant. Michigan, and returning thence to Brazil he spent two
more years in ])raclice there. It was at the close of that period, in the
fall of i<)o6, that he came to Terre Haute, and is rapidly winning a name
490 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD \'IGO COUXTY.
and place among the city's leading physicians. He served in the Spanish-
American war as a member of Company A, Thirty-first Michigan In-
fantry. He entered the ranks as a private on the 26th of April, 1898,
and was discharged from the hospital corps, Einited States army, Sep-
tember 30, 1898. He is a member of the Elks and Knights of Columbus
fraternities.
Dr. Richmond married, in 1902, Oval G. Tribble, of Brazil, Indiana,
and has one son, Richard Charles.
Albert L, Pfau. — Indelibly engraved on the pages of history in
connection with manufacturing interests in Terre Haute is the name of
Albert L. Pfau, the president and treasurer of the North Baltimore
Bottle Glass Company. He is of German-American descent, but a native
of the Buckeye state, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 7, 1865, a son of
Jacob Pfau, Jr., a pioneer of Cincinnati, and during his lifetime one of
the most prominent business men of the Queen City.
Jacob Pfau, Jr., was born in Germany, the son of John Michael
Pfau, who brought his family to the United States and located in Cin-
cinnati in 1832, becoming one of the pioneer business men. His son
in time became largely interested in distilling in that city, served as
a director in the old German National Bank and was otherwise promi-
nently identified with its industries. He married Margaret, the daughter
of Peter Bogen, another of the early pioneers of Cincinnati, and in his
time the largest pork packer in the city. He was identified with that in-
dustry when it flourished there and gave to Cincinnati her name "Pork-
opolis." Mrs. Pfau was born in that city and died there in 1889, her
husband's death having occurred a few years previously, in 1883. ,
Albert L. Pfau was reared in the old Pfau homestead on Ninth
street, Cincinnati, and graduated from the old Woodward high school
with the class of 1883. In the same year of his graduation and follow-
ing soon upon his father's death he became interested in the glue busi-
ness, his mother investing thirty thousand dollars in the industry for
him. This proved an unfortunate investment, in which ]Mr. Pfau bought
some bitter experience, for at the end of three years the company sus-
pended business and the thirty thousand dollars invested for ]\Ir. Pfau
was lost in the enterprise. This was his first business venture, and he
was at that time just twenty-one years old and married. He felt keenly
the failure of his first attempt in business, but the experience gained was
invaluable to him and he at once began looking around for another
opening in the industrial world.
The discovery and development of natural gas w-as at that time
attracting manufacturing interests to Findlay, Ohio, and Air. Pfau vis-
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD \TGO COUNTY. 491
ited that city to investigate. There he fell in with Col. I. W. Richard-
son, a practical glass mannfacturer and at that time manager of the
Hemingway Glass Company, of Covington, Kentucky, just across the
Ohio river from Cincinnati. The two conceived the idea of establish-
ing themselves in the glass industry in the natural gas belt, and in 1887
they organized the X'orth Baltimore Bottle Glass Company, erecting their
plant, on account of the high value of land in Findlay, eleven miles out
from the city, at what is now North Baltimore, Ohio. And here it may
be said that that town was laid out to a considerable extent by Messrs.
T'fau and Richardson and they became large holders of its real estate.
At the beginning the company was capitalized at fifty thousand dollars
and furnished employment to sixty people, but owing largely to Colonel
Richardson's practical experience their business prospered from the first
and soon began to expand and enlarge. Mr. Pfau had charge of the
financial business end of the firm and Col. W. Richardson the manu-
facturing. At that time the Jatter's two sons, I. W.. Jr., and David C,
were also members of the company and had charge of its different
departments.
But in 1895 the natural gas began to fail in the Findlay district, and
not waiting for it to fail entirely the North Baltimore Glass Company
moved its plant to the Indiana belt at Albany. Anticipating, however,
that history relating to natural gas would repeat itself there, Mr. Pfau,
in 1899, began looking about for a new and permanent location for the
plant, and on account of the abundance of soft coal and railroad facili-
ties, chose Terre Haute for its future location. In 1900 the company
built its first factory in this city, and in 1902 a second factory was
erected, and in 1905 the third. The company was incorporated under
the Indiana laws with a capital of three hundred thousand dollars, with
a surplus of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, with Air. Pfau as
president and treasurer, I. W. Richardson. Jr.. secretary, and David
C. Richardson, general manager, both of the latter having been with
the company since its organization at North Baltimore, Ohio. With
the passing years the business has grown to mammoth proportions, the
company now furnishing employment to six hundred operatives. They
have an annual payroll of six hundred thousand dollars and an annual
output of over two thousand cars of beer bottles, equivalent to eight
carloads a day. The North lialtimore bottles are known to the trade
over the entire United States, shipments being made from seaboard to
seabord and to all i)arts of the West.. For the reason that the name
"North Baltimore Bottles" has become so famous the appellation of the
company has never been changed from its original form, notwithstand-
ing the different removals. All of the buildings of the company are
492 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD MGO COUXTY.
of structural steel and brick, and with slate roofs, and the entire plant
is kept in such excellent condition that it is referred to by the trade
as the "parlor plant." Air. Pfau is a lover of fine blooded horses, and
owns a number of noted saddle and harness animals, finding his recrea-
tion in a spin or canter when business permits. He is a Knight Templar
Mason, a Knight of Pythias, an Elk and a member of the Commercial,
Manufacturers" and Young Business Men's clubs of Terre Haute, of the
Columbia Club of Indianapolis, and of the Union League Club of Chicago.
Air. Pfau married Miss Carrie L., the daughter of Joseph F. Jewett,
of the old commercial houses of Jewett & Adams, Cincinati, and of
Adams, Jewett & Company, of Cleveland and Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio,
manufacturers of paper boxes, burlap, twine, etc. To Mr. and Mrs.
Pfau three children have been born : Albert L., Jr., George Harold and
Luc}' Alargaret. The eldest is now a cadet at Culver Alilitary Academy,
Indiana, and the younger son is a student in the Terre Haute high
school. Air. Pfau erected his handsome home opposite Collett Park,
Terre Plaute, in 1903, surrounded by large trees and massive shrubbery,
one of the beauty spots of the city.
George AI. Click. — The name of Click in Terre Haute at once
suggests the manufacture of vehicles, for both father and sons have been
prominently identified with the enterprise since its pioneer period, and
their reputation extends throughout the country. The Click family came
to Terre Haute from Circleville, Ohio, but were originally from Penn-
sylvania and are of Pennsylvania Dutch stock. Ananias N. Click, the
originator of the vehicle manufacturing industry in Terre Haute, was
born in Ohio in 1834. and came from there to this city during its forma-
tive period and continued the manufacture of wagons here until in 1875.
He then traded his business for a farm near Salem, Illinois, and there
engaged in farming and also operated a wagon factory in Salem until
his death in 18S3. He made a specialty of manufacturing two-horse
wagons, and in all these years became well known in the industry. He
was a strict and devout member of the Alethodist Episcopal church.
His wife bore the maiden name of Alatilda Rowe.
In their family was Ceorge AI. Click, who was born on South Third
street, Terre Haute, October 14, 1866, and after completing his educa-
tion in the public schools of this city he began learning the wagon and
carriage business under his father at Salem, Illinois. In 1885 he re-
turned to his native city and began work for his brother, Philip A., who
was in business at the corner of Twenty-fifth and Poplar streets for a
number of years, and in 1887 he succeeded to his brother's business.
The plant, however, was destroyed by fire in 1905, entailing a heavy loss
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 493
to its owner, but he at once purchased the lot at the corner of Seventeenth
and Poplar streets and erected his present manufactory, a large two-
story building- forty by seventy feet. Mr. Glick is not only a manu-
facturer of and dealer in carriages, but also does general repair work
and has won a reputation in the various departments which is not con-
fined to the limits of Terre Haute or A'igo county. He is also a director
in the \'alentine Company, wholesale meat dealers.
He married a native daughter of Terre Haute. Miss Minnie Higdon.
Her parents are Robert and Mary E. (Hoddie) Higdon, and the union
has been blessed by the birth of two daughters. Edna May and Norma
Merle. Mr. Glick is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity.
Robert T. McDonald. — On the list of Terre Haute's honored dead
appears the name of Robert T. McDonald, who was one of the native sons
of the city, born on the 21st day of January, 1862. His life record cov-
ered the comparatively brief span of forty -three years, his death occur-
ring November 28, 1905. His father, Thomas McDonald, wdio for many
years was a resident of this city, served his country as a soldier of the
Union army, and in civic life was one of the employes of the Vandalia
Railroad Company. He is now residing at Stewardson, Illinois.
Robert T. McDonald was reared and educated in the city of his na-
tivity and in early manhood here engaged in the liverv business, while
later he continued in the same line in St. Louis. He was afterward fore-
man of a flour mill in Terre Haute, and later took up railroading in the
employ of the Vandalia Railroad Company, performing his duties as a
switchman at the time when he sustained injuries that caused his death.
Air. McDonald was married in the year 1890 to Miss Katherine Sou-
der, a native of Bedford, Indiana. Unto them were born two children,
Leland and Avis, both of whom possess considerable musical talent. Mr.
I\IcDonald was a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, in which
he attained the uniform rank. He was also connected with the W'ood-
men, the Red Men, the Foresters, and with the Switchmen's Union, and
in all these organizations gained the esteem of his brethren, who rate a
man not l)y his wealth but by the worth of his character and by the prin-
ciples which govern his conduct. Air. McDonald held membership with
the Methodist church and shaped his life in accordance with its teach-
ings, so that all who knew him res])ected him, and many gave to him warm
friendshij). Mrs. McDonald, residing with her sons in Terre Haute, is
a lady of good business ability and attractive social (|ualities. She has
recently erected one of the best apartment buildings of the city and from
her i)rnpcrly derives a good rental.
494 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD VIGO COUXTY.
Henry T. Biel is one of the leading photographers of Terre Haute,
and has been identified with its interests throughout the entire period
of his business career. Just one month before his sixteenth birthday he
went into the studio of G. H. ^^Vight in this city to learn the business,
and under the able instructions of Mr. Wright he learned the art in
its every department, and in 1886 was able to engage in the business
for himself. He at that time purchased the studio of John Adams, and
has ever since remained at that location, 419 Wabash avenue, his name
having long stood in the front rank of photography in Terre Haute.
He also owns considerable city real estate and is interested in other
directions in the business life of this city.
^Ir. Biel is of German parentage and a native of Sheboygan, Wis-
consin, born April 25, 1855, to Henry and Augusta (Hesland) Biel.
In the fall of 1854 the family, consisting of father, mother and six
children, came to the United States and located at Sheybogan, but
ten years later they came from there to Terre Haute. The father was a
blacksmith, and for many years was in the employ of the A'andalia Rail-
road Company. He died in this cit}' in 1885, in his seventy-second
year, and his widow survived until 1898, dying when seventy-seven years
of age. Both w-ere members of the German Lutheran church, and in
their family Avere the following children : Theresa, wife of Valentine
Burget, of Terre Haute; Fred J., a tobacco merchant of this city;
William, in the real estate business here ; Fredericka. who became the
wife of Charles Klaer, of Terre Haute, and both are now deceased ;
Hanna, wafe of W. S. Alahan, who has served as a deputy both in the
sheriff and clerk's offtces in Vigo county, and is now residing in Los
Angeles, California ; ]\Iary. who married Robert Whittenburg, who was
a dry goods merchant of Terre Haute, but now deceased ; Henry T.,
the subject of this review ; Ferdinand, of this city, and Clara, who has
never married and now resides in Los Angeles, California. Six of the
children were born in the fatherland of Germany, and the remaining three
in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Henry T. Biel received his educational training in both the schools
of Sheboygan and Terre Haute, but his entire business career has been
spent in this city. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity
and of the Retail Merchants' Association. He married Francina Bundy,
who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter of Samuel K. Bundy.
Eugene Duenweg. — Throughout many years of his active life
Eugene Duenweg was connected with many of the leading business
institutions of Terre Haute, and his name therefore fills an important niche
in the history of its industrial development. He was born in the Rhine
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUXTY. 495
province of Germany, March 15, 1844, but his death occurred in Terre
Haute, the city in which he had so long lived and labored, March 20, 1902.
In his native land he learned the carriage and harness maker's trade, and
worked at those callings until he enlisted in the German army in 1862.
In 1866 he served in the Austrian war, and in the following year, 1867,
he came to the United States and to Terre Haute, where he first secured
employment in the lumber yards of the Vandalia Railroad Company.
Later he was with Bement & Company, a wholesale grocery house, for
three years, was with the Hulman & Cox Company for one year, and then
accepted the superintendency of the Moses Ester Brewing Company. This
was the beginning of his later successful career as a brewer. It was*
during his deputyship in the city treasurer's office, to which he was
appointed in 1877 and served for six years, that he accepted the position
of manager for the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company's interests in Terre
Haute, remaining with that corporation until the spring of 1897. In 1898
he became the manager of the Aliller Brewing Company's interest in this
city, and continued in that position until his death. This brewing com- .
pany was also of Milwaukee.
On the 8th of March, 1873, ^Nlr. Duenweg married Minnie, the
daughter of Fritz and Mary (Frautner) Glass, who were born in Germany,
as was also Mrs. Duenweg, January 20. 1853, and she survives her
husband. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Duenweg:
Marie, Toni, Alma, Max J., Freda, Minnie, Eugene, Carl, Rudolph and
Robert L. The eldest daughter, Marie, married Carl M. Reynolds and
resides in Terre Haute. The second born is deceased.
Max J. Duenweg, the eldest son, was borii in Terre Haute, Jan-
uary 4, 1880, and after attending its graded and high schools pursued
a course in the Commercial College. His first entrance into the business
world was With the Central Manufacturing Company, under the super-
vision of his uncle, Mr. Louis Duenweg. In 1898 he became an assistant
to his father in the offtce of the ]\Iiller Brewing Company's agency,
and succeeded the elder Mr. Duenweg at his death.
Oscar Piiti.I!' Ij:rrii, senior ])artner of the firm of Leith & .\very.
general merchants of Terre Haute, is a native of Effingham county,
Illinois, born November 9, 1869. His parents were David Rank antl
Mary Jane (Wilson) Leith. The father was a native of Fairfield county,
Ohio, born on the 27th of January, 1837, and his parents were James and
Barbara (Rank) Leith, the former a native' of I'\airfield county, Ohio, the
latter of Pennsylvania. In 1843 the Leith family left the lUiekeye state
and established their homes in Effingham county. Illinois, where the
grandi)arents of our subject died. Da\id l\. Leith. the father, has followed
496 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD \'IGO COUNTY.
farming throughout his entire business career but in recent years has
retired from active Hfe and since 1897 has enjoyed a well merited rest,
making his home among his children. In that year he lost his wife, who
died on the 8th of April. 1897, at the age of fifty-six years. She was
born in the same county of Ohio in which her husband's birth occurred and
was the daughter of William ^l. and Alary Elizabeth (Snapp) Wilson.
O. P. Leith pursued a public school education in the county of
his nativitv. where he was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar
with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the boy who is reared
amid rural environments. Desiring a commercial career, however, he has
since 1903, been associated with William R. Avery in general merchandis-
ing, in Terre Haute, and the firm is recognized as a strong one, with a
growing and profitable trade. In 1897 he came to Terre Haute and for
a few^ months engaged in clerking. In July, 1898, he purchased a half in-
terest in the store in which he was employed and which at the time of
his earliest connection with it, was located on the northwest corner of
Seventeenth street and Wabash avenue. When he became a partner the
store was located just across the street in the place. now occupied by Leith
& Avery. As stated, William Avery came into the firm in 1903 and the
style of Leith & Avery has since been maintained. The business from the
beginning has enjoyed a steady growth and has long since become a
profitable investment.
In June, 1900, ]\Ir. Leith was married to Aliss Fannie May Carter,
who was born in Riley township. \igo county, a daughter of John B. and
Jane (Sankey) Carter. Mr. Leith is a member of the Masonic Lodge,
No. 217, ]\Iason. Illinois, and he and his wife are faithful and interested
members of the Central Christian church. Their circle of friends is
extensive and is constantly widening as the circle of their acquaintance
increases. Having no children of their own. they are now rearing a
little niece, Cootie Ruth Carter. There have been no exciting chapters
in the life record of ]\Ir. Leith but his history is that of a citizen who
has ever been faithful to his duty, has eagerly embraced his opportunities
and by persistent, honorable etfort has worked his way steadily upward.
Edgar B. Schmidt, civil engineer, who is now occupying a position
of citv engineer in Terre Haute, belongs to that class whose lives are proof
of the attractiveness of Vigo county as a place of residence, inasmuch as
thev have always resided within its borders and yet are not lacking the
ambition to establish homes elsewhere, if this locality were behind other
districts in its advantages and equipments. Mr. Schmidt first opened his
eyes to the light of day in Terre Haute, :\Iarch 12, 1869. His father, Frank
F. Schmidt, was one of the city's pioneer German residents and became
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 497
a prominent and influential factor in its business circles, mention of
whom is made elsewhere in this volume.
The son. spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, was
sent at the usual age to the public schools, and mastering the branches of
learning therein taught, he passed from grade to grade until he was grad-
uated from the high school with the class of 1886. He afterward attended
the Rose Polytechnic Institute, of this city, for four years and lacked but
a few months of completing the regular course. He left college in 1890,
however, and started upon his business career as a civil engineer, by
accepting the position of assistant city engineer. In 1893 he entered the
civil engineering department of the Cincinnati Southern Railroad Com-
])any in the original Choctaw system, now a part of the Frisco system,
but in 1896 he returned to Terre Haute and as engineer took charge of the
construction of the big belt sewer, on which work he was engaged for
two years, faithfully executing his task in this connection. In 1898 he
became superintendent of the Peters Construction Company, of Cincinnati,
Ohio, in charge of sewer construction at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania and
Fort Wayne, Indiana. At this he was engaged for one year. In 1899 he
became assistant division engineer of the Indiana Southern Railroad and
superintendent of concrete construction, the duties of which position
occupied his attention until 1903. He was next superintendent of concrete
construction for the Cairo ( Illinois) division of the Big Four Railroad
Company and on the 1st of September, 1906, he was appointed to his
present responsible position as city engineer of Terre Haute. In the line
of his chosen profession he has established an excellent reputation, proving
his powers equal to those who occupy positions of leadership in this field
of labor.
On the 15th of June, 1904, occurred the marriage of Edgar B.
Schmidt and Miss Emma Kenens, a daughter of Jacob Kenens, one of
the old residents of Terre Haute. Mr. Schmidt belongs to Euclid Lodge,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and to the Terre Haute lodge of
Elks and is a welcome member at their meetings. In this country
where the road to success is open to all and where "labor '.z king," Mr.
Schmidt has made advancement, the years bringing to him increased ability
with increased experience. The positions which he has filled have been of
an important character and he is now well qualified for the onerous duties
that devolve upon him. while his fidelity in office is unassailable.
WiLHO Bkrgm.\xn. — The German-American clement has always been
an important one in our citizenship, for the representatives of the Teutonic
race in this as in other lands, have been foremost in i)lanting the seeds
of civilization, in developing the natural resources of the country and
32
498 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
in furthering- the ends of trade and commerce. A worthy member of this
class of r'tizenship in Terre Haute is Wilbo Bergmann, who has been
identified with the brick manufacturing industry here for a period of
more than thirty years, and is now proprietor of the Park brick plant,
at No. iioo North First street. He was born in the kingdom of Hanover,
Germany, on the 5th of September, 1846, his parents being William and
Gretchen (Heikes) Bergmann, both of whom were natives of Hanover,
where they were reared, educated and married. In the spring of 1847,
with their only child, Wilbo, they crossed the Atlantic to the new world,
making the voyage in a sailing vessel, which dropped anchor in the
harbor of New Orleans after sixteen weeks. From the Crescent city they
made their way northv-'ard by steamboat to Evansville, Indiana, and thence
by canal to Terre Haute, which was their destination when they left
the old country. The father had followed farming in Germany, but in
America turned his attention to industrial pursuits, securing employment
in a brick yard in Terre Haute. He was thus engaged through the sum-
mer months and in the winter season was employed in a pork packing
house, his attention being given to the dual pursuit for many years.
Gradually through his unwearied industry and careful expenditure he
secured funds sufficient to enable him in 1871, to purchase the old
brick plant at what is now No. 1625 South First street. There he began
the manufacture of brick on his own account and successfully and perse-
veringly conducted the business up to the time of his death, which was
occasioned by the big distillery explosion on October 20, 1880. His wife
had passecl away the previous year. In the family of this worthy couple
were seven children, namely: Wilbo, the subject of this review; John and
Jacob, who were drowned in the Wabash river at the age of sixteen and
fourteen years respectively ; Daniel, who has also passed away ; Enos, of
Terre Haute ; Minnie, the deceased wife of William Stout, a resident of
Crawfordsville, Indiana; and Chris, who is engaged in blacksmithing in
St. Louis, Missouri.
Wilbo Bergmann was only six months old when the family came
to Terre Haute, so that he has practically spent his entire life in this city
and has been closely associated with its interests. The public school system
here afforded him his educational privileges and when a boy he gained
a knowledge of brick manufacture through the assistance which he
rendered in his father's brickyard. Being the eldest child, he remained
with his parents until their deaths, and at his father's demise succeeded
to the brick manufacturing business. His previous training and expe-
rience well qualified him for its successful conduct and improvement and
as the years have passed he has enlarged the enterprise in its scope and in
its output. In 1890 he removed the yard to a point south of Wabash avenue
JAMES S. MILLER
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND \'IGO COUNTY.
499
but four years later, in 1894, he removed to his present location at No.
1 100 North First street, where he has one of the most extensive and
best equipped plants for the manufacture of brick in this city, with a
daily capacity of thirteen thousand. He owns altogether sixty-seven
acres of clay land, practically all in one body, and he is well equipped for
the continuance of his business, which is conducted along most pro-
gressive lines. He uses the latest improved machinery in manufacture and
everything about the place shows the owner to be an alert, energetic man,
persistent and capable in his business and in administrative direction.
In 1876 yir. Bergmann was married to Miss ]^Iary R. Fredericks,
who was born in Terre Haute, a daughter of Richard R. Fredericks, who
for more than thirty years was an expert blacksmith in the Vandalia Rail-
road shops of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Bergmann have become the parents of
four children : William R., who was born in Terre Haute and married
Elizabeth Woods, by whom he has four children, Willard, Lawrence, Clyde
and Russell ; Richard, who was also born in Terre Haute, married Mame
Johnson, by whom he has two daughters, Helen and Mary ; and Hilda
and Frederick, still under the parental roof.
In municipal affairs Mr. Bergmann is deeply interested and his aid
has been a valuable element in promoting many public movements which
have proven of marked benefit to the city. He has positive views on all
public matters and is not afraid to express his opinions. He is not aggres-
sive, however, in doing so, yet his position is never an equivocal one. The
honors and emoluments of ofifice have had no attraction for him nor does
he feel himself bound b\' party ties at local elections, being connected
rather with that movement which regards the fitness of the candidate
rather than his political allegiance. He is well known in the city, where
his entire life has been ])asscd and here has a circle of friends almost co-
extensive with his circle of acquaintance. His salient qualities of energy,
determination and commendable ambition might well serve to encourage
others who sometimes find the path to success a hard and difficult one to
travel.
J.xMK.s S. Mii.i.i:k, deceased, was for many years an active factor in
the substantial improvement of Terre Haute through ihe conduct of his
business interests as a contractor and Iniilder, and such was the regard en-
tertained for him ])ersonally that his death caused uniform sorrow
ihrougliont ilu' community. T\{: was born in Lehigh county, Pennsyl-
vania, near the city of Allentown, l-'cbruary 17, i83«), and passed away in
Terre Haute on the 3d of .April, 1903. at the age of sixty-four years. ]\c
continued a resident of the Keystone state to the age of sixteen years,
when he removed westward to Clinton county, Tiuliana, with his parents,
45G985
500 GREATER TERRE' HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
John and Hannah (Stahler) IMiller. who had a large family, numbering
five sons and two daughters. The father devoted his life to agricultural
. . . . *
pursuits and also to carpentering, and thus provided for his family.
Upon the home farm James S. ]\Iiller spent his youth and the common
schools afforded him his early educational privileges, which were supple-
mented by many lessons learned in the school of experience. After put-
ting aside his text-books he took up the carpenter's trade, and about 1858
or 1859 located in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he resided vmtil his death,
covering a period of about forty-five years. He was identified throughout
the entire time with building operations, and became a leading contractor
of Terre Haute, where many evidences of his handiwork and skill are
still seen in substantial modern buildings here. A liberal patronage was
accorded him and he therefore met with a goodly measure of success.
While living in this city Air. Miller was married on the 28th of No-
vember, 1865, to Aliss Alary Sydney Douglas, a daughter of John W. and
Isabella (Johnston) Douglas, who, coming to the middle west from Penn-
sylvania in the spring of 1850, settled in Terre Haute, where they spent
their remaining days. The father was a carriage builder by trade and fol-
lowed that pursuit in earl}- life, while in later years he engaged in mer-
chandising. His death occurred when he had reached the venerable age
of eighty-four years. His daughter. Mrs. Aliller, was born in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, January 25, 1847. ^'""^^ "^^'^s therefore a little maiden of only
three summers wdien brought to Terre Haute, where she has since lived.
By her marriage she became the mother of four children, but the eldest
and the youngest are now deceased. Her son, Willis Douglas Aliller,
is now engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Terre Haute,
while the daughter. Charlotte Aliller. is the wife of Clayborne O. Self,
of this city.
Air. Miller gave his political allegiance to the Republican party,
of which he was an inflexible supporter. He always kept well informed
on the questions of the day and studied the probable outcome of political
problems. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and was prominent in the local lodge. He was also an exem-
plary member of the Alasonic fraternity. A man of fine personal appear-
ance, he possessed, too, those sterling traits of character which in every
land and clime win honor and respect. He was thoroughly reliable in all
business transactions, being never known to take advantage of the neces-
sities of another, and his commercial integrity combined with his excellent
W'Orkmanship to make his labors as a contractor and builder constantly
soueht. He was a Universalist in religious faith and his dailv life was the
exemplification of many high ideals. Airs. Aliller still resides in Terre
Haute, is prominent in social circles and is most active and helpful in
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUXTY. 501
the work of associated charities, with which she has been identified for
more than twenty-five years.
Charles Pemberton \\' alker, widely known as one of the lead-
ing insurance men of the middle west is located at Terre Haute as
associate general agent of the Xortlnvestern Mutual Life Insvirance Com-
pany of Milwaukee. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance in this
part of the state and man}- readers of this volume will receive with interest
the record of his life, the salient features of which are as follow's : He was
born on a farm in Monroe- count}-, Indiana, February 12, 1867, and in the
paternal line is descended from an old southern family represented in the
Revolutionary war by Elmore \\'alker, who joined the Continental army
and fought for the independence of the nation, participating the in the
battle of Guilford Court House, his home being so near that the wife
and son heard the roar of the cannon. His son, Richard Walker, was
born in Buckingham county, Virginia, March 30, 1770, and on leaving
his native state removed to Stokes county. North Carolina, where he met
and married Martha Smith, who was born in the county October 19. 1766.
They lived for some years in Xorth Carolina and thence removed to
Bledsoe county, Tennessee, about the year 1803. They resided in that
county and in Rhea county and were identified with the pioneer develop-
ment of the localities in which they made their home. Mrs. Martha
(Smith) Walker departed this life August 13. 1823, after which Mr.
W^alker married a second time. The descendants by his first wife located
in Monroe county, Indiana, and those by the second located near South
English, Iowa. He lived in Tennessee until 1857. but in the meantime his
children had removed to Indiana and Iowa, and in the fall of that year he
started west to Iowa. On account of the severe weather, however, he re-
mained with the family then living in Monroe county, Indiana, and during
that winter met with an accident which on account of his advanced age
occasioned his death, so that he passed away in Monroe county. August
16. 1859, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years.
Joseph Walker, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Stokes
county, Xorth Carolina, April 14. 1795. and early in manhood he wedded
]\Iiss Alary Atkins, whose birth occurred in that county April 18, 1794.
The 22d of February, 1821. was their marriage day. Joseph Walker
was a blacksmith by trade and at the time of the war of 181 2 served his
country as a soldier of the .American army. He died May 21, 1881. when
he had reached the advanced age of eighty-six years, while his wife
passed away May 14, 1857.
Their son, Richard G. Walker, was born in Bledsoe county. Ten-
nessee, March 5, 1823, and was a }-oung bo}- when he acc(->mpanie(l his
502 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
parents on their removal to Monroe county, Indiana, where he was
reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life, spending
his remaining days in that county, save for a brief period passed at Urbana,
Illinois, where he removed about 1862. The latter part of his life he made
his home in Bloomfield, (ireene county, Indiana. He was a blacksmith by
trade, having learned the business with his father, and during his active
life he followed that pursuit in connection with farming. He served as a
soldier in the Alexican war under Colonel Bowles and like others of the
family was noted for his loyal and zealous patriotism. He was married
March 25, 1849, to Miss Martha S. Adams, and passed away May 10,
1886, while his Avife died in March, 1877. She was a descendant of
Robert Freeland, who emigrated from England in 1690, and married a
Miss Day, near Baltimore, Maryland. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Rich-
ard G. Walker were as follows: Milton A., who was born May 16, 1850,
and now follows farming in Nebraska ; Mary A., who was born November
12, 1852, and died August 9, 1875 ; Joseph B., who was born March 4, 1854,
and died April 14, 1904 ; George A., who was born September 11, 1857, and
is engaged in the grocery business in Bloomington, Indiana; William L.,
who was born September 17, i860, and died in infancy; Ira I., who was
born June 5, 1862, and is also engaged in the grocery business in Bloom-
ington, Indiana; Robert E., who was born January 17, 1864, and is en-
gaged in the live stock business in Indianapolis, and Charles P., whose
name introduces this sketch.
The last named was largely reared upon the home farm and earlv
became familiar with the duties as well as the privileges of rural life.
He pursued his education in the district and high schools, the latter at
Bloomfield, Indiana. His first business experience w^as that of a clerk in
a grocery store, where he remained for about two years, and on the 27th
of June, 1887, he accepted the position of chief clerk with the general
manager of the Indiana & Illinois Southern Railroad, now a part
of the Illinois Central System, at Sullivan, Indiana. In September,
1890, he resigned and became chief clerk to the superintendent of
the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad, with headquarters at Evans-
ville, this state, filling that position until September, 1892, when
he resigned and once more entered the services of the Indiana & Illinois
Southern road, at Sullivan. From that date until December 31, 1899,
he filled the position at different times of train master, car accountant,
purchasing agent and general freight agent, at Sullivan, Indiana. On
account of the purchase of this railroad by the Illinois Central, Mr.
Walker, on the ist of January, 1900, took the position of chief clerk to
the general manager of the Southern Indiana Railway, with headquarters
at Bedford, Indiana, where he remained for two vears and was then
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 503
transferred to Terre Haute. He had advanced by reason of his merit
and efficiency, to various positions in the railroad service, but on the
23d of August, 1905, he left the service of the Southern Indiana Rail-
road to accept the position of associate general agent of the Northwestern
Mutual Insurance Company of Milwaukee, and since that time has given
his undivided attention to the life insurance business, with offices in the
McKeen Bank Building, at Terre Haute.
Mr. Walker was married December 18, 1890, to Miss Hannah
Moore, of Sullivan, Indiana, who was born at Belleville. Illinois, ]\Iarch
II, 1866, a daughter of Hugh and Margaret Moore, both of whom were
natives of England. Her father was the pioneer coal operator in the coal
fields of Sullivan and \^igo counties and thus contributed much to general
prosperity through his development of the natural resources of this region.
Mr. and Mrs. Walker have become the parents of a daughter and son :
Lela Margaret, born March 31, 1893, and George Harold, born January
9, 1896.
Mr. Walker is a welcome member of the gatherings of Sullivan
Lodge, No. 263, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he served as
master in 1899. He belongs to the Terre Haute Chapter of the Royal
Arch Masons and to the council. He is likewise connected with the
Young Business Men's Club, and he and his family are members of the
First Methodist Episcopal church. He is an example of that class of
men to which the ever vigorous and advancing community chiefly owes
its prosperity. His parents did not have sufficient means to reduce his
early life to a condition of ease and in fact it was necessary in his youth
that he come to a realization of the value of industry and enterprise
in the acquirement of a living. He has steadily worked his way upward
to positions of responsibility and trust and deserves much credit for what
he has accomplished.
Robert R. Harrold, attorney at law, of Terre Haute, and United
States commissioner, was born in Bloomington, Indiana, December 19,
1878. He is a son of Alonzo M. and Elizabeth (Moore) Harrold, the
former a native of Mooresville, Indiana, born July 9. 1844, while the
latter was born in LJloomington on the loth of April, 1845. The paternal
grandfather, Thomas Harrold, was a native of Blount county, Tennessee,
and became a pioneer of Owen county, Indiana. Reared and educated in
this state, Alonzo M. Harrold was only about seventeen years of age when
in response to his country's call for troops he enlisted at Torre Haute,
in June, 1861, and became a member of Company H, Fourteenth Regiment
of Indiana Infantr\-. He was mustered out June 6, 1864. after serving for
three years in the eastern armv under General MoClellan. He had six
504 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD YIGO COUXTY.
brothers who were defenders of the Stars and Strips, three of them being
members of the Fourteenth Indiana Regiment. AA'ith his command Alonzo
AT Harrold participated in many hotly contested battles but was always
faithful to his duty whether on the firing line or the lonely picket line.
After the war he carried on contracting and was deputy sheriff at Bloom-
ington, Indiana, until 1880. In that year he removed to Terre Haute,
where he continued in the contracting business for some time. For
three years, from 1880 until 1883. he was a member of the Terre Haiite
fire department and in matters relative to the city's welfare and growth he
was always deeply and helpfully interested. In 1906 he and his wife re-
moved to Los Angeles. California, where they are now residing.
Robert R. Harrold was reared in Terre Haute and pursued his
education in the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until
he became a high school student. At the age of fourteen years, however,
he started out in life on his own account, securing employment in a
hardware store and while thus engaged, realizing the necessity and value
of further education, he took up the work in the Garvin Business College,,
from which he was graduated in due course of time, after paying his own
way through the school. He next became bookkeeper for a cigar firm and
in the spring of 1897 he began reading law in the office of Doyle &
Crangle, of Watseka, Illinois, with whom he continued for fifteen months.
On the expiration of that period he matriculated in the X'orthwestern
University, at Chicago, where he pursued a two year's course, meeting
the expense of his college course by work on newspapers. For want of
funds he did not graduate, leaving college two months before the com-
pletion of the term. He then successfully passed the required examination
for admission to the bar and was licensed to practice in the Illinois courts
in the spring of 1899. Soon after he returned to Terre Haute and con-
tinued his reading in the office of Wilson H. Soule. He began the prac-
tice of law here on the 4th of January, 1900, and in Xovember, 1901, be-
came associated with D. \'. ]\Iiller. the partnership continuing until Sep-
tember, 1904, at which time Mr. Harrold was appointed clerk of the board
of public safety, under ]\Iayor Bidaman. which position he held until
September i. 1906. He continued his practice during this time and in
May, 1907, became associated with A. M. Higgins in practice, and in
March, 1908, was appointed United States commissioner, succeeding Mr.
Higgins, who resigned to remove to X^ew York city. ]\[r. Harrold has be-
come recognized as one of the able young lawyers of the Terre Haute bar.
His business methods are frank and honest, characterized by that high
sense of honor which comes to him as a second nature from a long line
of high bred ancestry. In the trial of a case he sees quickly every advan-
tage and disadvantage, notes the affect of an argument with remarkable
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 505
precision and is recognized as possessing. to a large extent the qualities
which go to make up the successful advocate. He has gained place
among the prominent members of the Terre Haute bar as the result of his
knowledge of the law, his eloquent and forceful manner and his strong
personality and strength of character.
Mr. Harrold is a member of the Uniform Rank of the Knights
of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights and
Ladies of Honor, the Fraternal Aid Association and the Sons of Veterans.
He married Alta Alae Watkins, daughter of M. S. Watkins, of Terre
Haute, and to them has been born a daughter, Gwendolyn. Both Air. and
]Mrs. Harrold are favorably received in the leading social circles of the
city and as an energetic, upright and conscientious lawyer and gentleman
of attractive social qualities he stands high in the estimation of the
entire community.
George G. Morris, general agent of the Penn Mutual In-
surance Company, with headquarters at Terre Haute, began the journey
of life on the 5th of June. 1873, in Waveland, ]^Iontgomery county,
Indiana. He was the son of the Rev. Aaron H. and Anna A. (Harlan)
Morris. The father, a native of Butler county, Ohio, was born on a farm
near the college town of Oxford, in 1847, ^^'^^ the mother's birth occurred
on a farm near Liberty, in L'nion county, Indiana. The paternal grand-
parents both died when their son Aaron was a child and little is known
concerning the ancestral history of the family. The maternal grandfather
was George Harlan, an early settler of L^nion county, Indiana, who re-
moved from the east and cast in his lot with the pioneers of this state
at a very early period in its development.
The Rev. Aaron H. ]\Iorris was educated at Miami L^niversity, in
Oxford, Ohio, and left college to enter the army as a L^nion soldier, enlist-
ing as a member of the Eighty-sixth Regiment of the Ohio \^olunteer
Infantry. He served throughout the war with that command and when
hostilities had ceased joined the ministry of the Christian church, to which
he devoted his life. He occupied the pulpits of various churches of that
denomination in Indiana, being located at dififerent times in Noblesville,
Tipton, Knightstown and (jreencastle. He was an earnest, able and
forceful speaker and his influence in the church was of no restricted order
l)ut was the means of leading many to adopt higher ideals of dailv con-
duct. iM-om 1884 until 1890, a period of six years, he was the
efificient superintendent of the Soldiers aiid Sailors Orphans Home, at
Knightstown, thus devoting his life to a 'most beneficent work and
purpose. On leaving that position he resumed active work in the ministry,
being called to the Christian church at Greencastle. Indiana, where he
5o6 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND \'IGO- COUNTY.
remained in untiring devotion to the upbuilding of the cause until his
death in 1897. His widow, a lady of many friends, still resides in
Greencastle, and is now in her sixtieth year.
George G. Morris spent his boyhood days at Noblesville and Knights-
town and acquired his education in the public schools of those cities. He
entered DePauw University in 1890 and left the college in 1897 on account
of the death of his father. In 1899 he became general agent for the
Penn Mutual Insurance Company, at \ incennes, where he con-
tinued until April. 1900. when he was put in charge of the dis-
trict embracing both A^incennes and Terre Haute, with headquarters
in the Erwin block, in the latter city. He has built up a fine
business for the company and has established a reputation as one of the
leading insurance men in this part of the state. He is thoroughly versed
concerning the insurance business in all of its departments and has gained
a most creditable position in insurance circles.
On the 26th of September, 1901, Mr. Morris was married to Miss
Jesse Nefif, who was born in Greencastle, Indiana, a daughter of the
late Willis G. Neff, who was a leading member of the Putnam county
( Indiana) bar and prominent in Democratic circles in this state. Mr. and
Mrs. Morris have a daughter, Margaret. They are well known in social
circles in Terre Haute, having gained many warm friends here, while the
hospitality of the majority of the best homes is freely accorded them.
Philip F. Kadel, who is engaged in the coal trade in Terre Haute,
is one of the native sons of the city, with a wide acquaintance and warm
friendship resulting from the possession of sterling traits of character.
His birth occurred January 30, 1874, at Xo. 621 Tippecanoe street, and the
house in which he first opened his eyes to the light of day is still standing.
His parents were George John and Marie (Yanda) Kadel. The father was
a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born November 23, 1840, and the
mother was born at Prague, Bohemia, on the 2d of February, 1848. The
former was a son of Adam and Anna (Ohlenschlager) Kadel, both
natives of Hesse-Darmstadt. In 1852. when a boy of twelve years, George
John Kad'el came to the United States with his sister, who is now Mrs.
Sophia Hofifman, a resident of Lafayette. Indiana, and they landed at
Baltimore, Maryland, and came direct to Terre Haute, being influenced
in their choice of location by the fact that they had distant relatives in
this city. Necessity rendered it important that Mr. Kadel secure immediate
employment and he entered the service of T. C. Buntin, who was then
proprietor of the old Buntin Hotel. Mr. Kadel, then a lad, became very
much attached to his employer, a most kindly old gentleman, and his
son, who entertained for him an equally favorable regard. He was taken
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 507
into the home circle more as a companion and member of the household
than as an employe and lived with the family for a number of \-ears,
being thus very fortunate in his early surroundings. During that time he
taught the sons of the family the German language.
At a later date ]\Ir. Kadel entered the employ of the old Indiana & St.
Louis Railroad Company, now a part of the Big Four system, and
continued in that service for a number of years. On his retirement
from that line of work he engaged in the retail grocery business at the
corner of Sixth and Elm streets, but there suffered a heavy loss bv fire.
Not discouraged, however, he soon resumed business at the corner of
Second and Ohio streets and after many years in the grocerv trade,
during which time he met with gratifying success, he turned his attention
to the hotel business at the corner of Eighth and Main streets. In this
he was associated with his brother-in-law, Nicholas Kadel. in the conduct
of the old Washington House, of which he subsecjuently became sole
proprietor, conducting that hostelry with profit for several years. When
his health became impaired he withdrew from hotel life and again
entered the railroad service in the employ of the Indiana & St. Louis
Railroad Company. In 1880 he embarked in the retail coal business, open-
ing his yards at No. 921 Main street, in the building which is still standing.
He then continued in that field of activity up to the time of his death, which
occurred November 27,, 1891. He established a large business and became
a prosperous man. winning both success and an honorable name by
reason of the straightforward business policy which he followed. He was
a leading and devoted member of the German Lutheran church and
served for many years as secretary of the congregation. He was also an
elder of the church and was one of the leading promoters of the project
for building the new house of worship. His aid and influence were
an element in the growth of the church and the extension of its influence
in many ways, and his entire life was in hanuony with his professions,
making him a man whom to know was to esteem and honor. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Kadel were born fourteen children : Edward, who died at
the age of six years : William C. who is a traveling salesman for H.
Hulman & Company ; (ieorge J., who is engaged in tinsmithing and
guttering at the corner of Fourth and Ohio streets ; Catherine, the wife
of Warner F. Coordes. who is with John A. Jergins in a hardware
store; Marie, who died at the age of eight months; Philip F.. of this
review; Michael, who died at the age of one year and three months;
Anna Rose; Herman ].. who died at the age of nineteen years; Sophia
M. ; Margaret A. ;• Robert N. T.. a member of the firm of Kadel & Rich-
ardson. 125 South Seventh street ; l"'Iizal)eth ; .Vnton J. : and r,ydia M.
Philip F. Kadel was reared in Terrc Haute and secured his edu-
cation ill the German Lutheran parochial schools. .\t the age of twelve
5o8 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
years he joined his father in business and acted as his assistant until
admitted to the partnership in the coal trade, under the firm name of
George J. Kadel & Son, in 1890. This relation was maintained until
the death of the father, when the firm name of George J. Kadel's Son was
assumed. He had not yet attained his majority, but on the first of April,
1894, when he reached the adult age. the business was turned over to hini
entirely and he has since conducted it under his own name. At that time
he removed the place of business one door east of the old office and there
continued a little more than two years, when, on account of ill health,
he closed his office, abandoned business and for four years traveled for the
benefit of his health.' On the 15th of ]\Iarch, 1902, he became a manager
for the Lancaster Block Coal Company, with which he continued until
1904, when he again embarked upon an independent venture as a coal
merchant, establishing his office and yards at No. 1201 Crawford street.
He has a good business, which is steadily growing, and is regarded as
one of the leading retail coal dealers of the city, being popular with the
trade and with his man}- patrons. His business methods are such as
will bear the closest investigation . and scrutiny, for commercial probity
stands as an unquestioned factor in his career.
\lr. Kadel has always been a great reader and is today a man of
broad culture and learning. He has what is probably the largest pri-
vate library in Terre Haute, containing over four thousand finely bound
volumes, with the contents of which he is largely familiar. He numbers
as his friends the leading minds of all ages and greatly delights in
that companionship. He is an interested, active and helpful member
of the German Lutheran church, of which he has served as deacon for
four years. For nine years, continuing to the present time, he has been
president of the Young People's Society of that church, of which he is
one of the organizers. He is also a member of the choir, is interested
in all departments of the church work and has labored earnestly and
effectively to. promote its interests. He is also active in the Young Men's
Christian Association and his influence is'ever found on the side of right,
justice, reform and progress. He is an enthusiast on the subject of
automobiling and finds his chief recreation in his car. The name of
Kadel in Terre Haute has always been a synonym for business integrity,
and life record of him whose name introduces this review stands in contra-
distinction to the old adage that "A prophet is never without honor, save in
his own country," for Mr. Kadel enjoys the full respect of his fellow towns-
men, among whom his entire life has been passed.
Merrill N. Smith, in whose recent death the city of Terre Haute
lost one of its respected and worthy residents, was born November 8,
vhjyCM/ W. ^WaMv,
NEW YORK
'PUBLIC LIBfiARY]
^A*Ur, Leoo)i and Til^^
F(Hin4ltl»nt.
1909
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD \TGO COUXTY. 509.
1848. in Covington, Indiana. He was educated in the public schools
and was a man of naturally strong intellectual force, who added largely to
his knowledge by reading and observation. He possessed a retentive
mind and his respective powers enabled him to quickly grasp an idea.
During his business career he was identified with several interests and
in all maintained an unassailable reputation for his loyalty and enter-
prise. He was an accountant with the Hulman house for a number of
years, and in 1893 was connected with the Elliott hat business for a
short time, but afterward retired and during his last years engaged in no
active business enterprise. Twice he served as county clerk of Mgo
county and his ofificial record was characterized by accuracy and prompt-
ness in the discharge of his duties and b\" unfaltering fidelity to the trust
reposed in him.
Mr. .Smith was niarried twice. In 1875 he wedded Miss Matie
]\Iilliken, daughter of Hon. Thomas ]\Iilliken. of Hamilton, Ohio, who
died in 1884. ^or his second wife he wedded Mrs. Julia C. \\'illiams,
nee Gorham. this wedding being celebrated in 1888.
yir. Smith was a very popular man of generous, kindly disposition,
u'ho won friends wherever he went. His political allegiance was given
to the Republican party and he took an active and helpful interest in its
work and growth, doing all in his power to secure its success. It was
upon the party ticket that he was twice chosen to the office of county
clerk, and in the councils of his party his opinions carried weight and in-
fluence. He was prominent socially, belonging to the Fort Harrison Club,
and in the Masonic fraternity he attained the thirty-second degree of the
Scottish Rite. He had some military experience as captain of the Terre
Haute Light Guards. All who knew him respected him and he held
friendship inviolable. He had a faculty not only of winning friends but
also in retaining them and as they came into closer contact with him their
friendship increased, for they recognized in him those sterling traits of
manhood which ever win the highest esteem and affection. He passed
away January 12, 1902, but his memory is yet enshrined by many who
knew him. and whose lives were enriched by his congenial companionship.
yirs. Smith still survives her husband and is a memljcr of the board of
directors of the Union Hospital, and (^f the lioard of the Humane Society.
She is greatly interested in charitable and benevolent work and gives
earnest co-operation to many eflOrts of that character.
Mo.sKs W AKKKX Wii.iJA M s. — 'i'lic history of Moses Warren Williams
is that of a man who in the business world arose from a very humble posi-
tion to one of aflluencc and comfort. He was born in Ruckv Ilill. near
5IO GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD \ IGO COUNTY.
Hartford, Connecticut, ]May i8, 1828, a son of Horace Williams, who
lived and died in the Charter Oak state. Spending- the days of his
boyhood and youth in Connecticut, ]\Ir. Williams of this review, there
pursued a public school education, and when a young man, feeling that
the west offered better opportunities, he made his way to Indiana and
settled in Terre Haute. He here secured employment as a clerk in a mer-
cantile establishment and a result of his careful expenditure and unfalter-
ing integrity, at length secured the capital sufficient to enable him to en-
gage in business on his own account. He therefore opened a dry goods
store, which he conducted for a number of years. In this he received
a good trade and conducted the enterprise successfully for some time,
but eventually sold out and became identified with the Terre Haute
Gas Company as its secretary, a position which he filled up to the time of
his death, which occurred on the nth of February, 1884. In the posi-
tion of administrative ability and executive control he proved himself
equally competent as he had in mercantile fields, and the success of the
gas company was attributable in no small degree to his efforts.
In 1852 ]Mr. Williams was married to ]Miss Margaret ]\I. Wood,
who died in 1874, leaving one child, Charles Wood Williams, now de-
ceased. In 1877 Air. Williams was again married, his second union being
with Julia C. Gorham. who, after his death, became the wife of the
late Alerrill X. Smith.
Mr. Williams was a staunch Republican in politics, his study of the
issues of the day leading him to give unfaltering support to the party,
for he believed that its principles were most conducive to good govern-
ment. He never held office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon
his business affairs. He was prominent, however, in the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and his life was in harmony with its beneficent
spirit and its teachings concerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly kind-
ness. He was an honest man, his life characterized by honorable pur-
pose, and at his death he left behind many friends.
William Ward Adamson, senior member of the firm of Adamson
& Anderson, wholesale and retail dealers in paints, oils and ^\^ndow
glass, at 644 ^^'abash avenue, in Terre Haute, is a native of Indiana,
and displays in his life the spirit of enterprise and progress which has
been dominant in the upbuilding of the commonwealth and the promo-
tion of its financial interests. His birth occurred at Rockville, Parke
county, Alarch 28, 1847. He is the youngest of a family of nine chil-
dren of English-Irish parentage, born of the marriage of Nathan and
Phoebe (Ward) Adamson, the mother being a direct descendant of Capt.
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 511
James \¥ard, who served his country as a soldier of the Revolutionary
war. William Ward spent his youth with his parents in Rockville, and
while yet quite a young lad became connected with the firm of Stark
Brothers, druggists of that place. He continued with them as a clerk
until he attained his majority and then in recognition of his capability
and trustworthiness he was admitted to a partnership in the business, but
a few months later the store, together with the entire block, was de-
stroyed by fire. The other partners not desiring to continue the busi-
ness after the fire, Mr. Adamson went west to seek his fortune, and
located at St. Joseph, Missouri. Two years later, however, he returned
to Indiana and established his home in Terre Haute, where he accepted
a position with the firm of Gulick & Berr}-, with whom he remained for
eight years. His unfaltering industry and careful expenditure during
that period brought him capital sufificient to justify his embarkation in
business on his own account and he then again embarked in business.
In 1882 was celebrated the marriage of William Ward Adamson
and Miss Mary E. Harrison, a granddaughter of Britton M. Harrison,
a prominent citizen of Terre Haute of the early days. They now have
two daughters.
In community interests Mr. Adamson is very prominent and influ-
ential. At the present writing, in 1908, he is serving as president of
the Retail Merchants' Association of Terre H[aute. He is also a valued
member of the Commercial Club and belongs to the Indiana .Society of
the Sons of the American Revolution, to the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks and to the Masonic fraternity. In the last named he has
attained high rank, being now a thirty-second degree Mason and a
Shrincr, and also the present captain general of the Terre Haute com-
mandery Knights Templar. He is a man of social, genial nature, a
courteous gentleman and a pleasant, entertaining companion, who has
many stanch and admiring friends among all classes of men. As an
energetic, upright and conscientious merchant and a gentleman of at-
tractive social qualities, he stands high in the estimation of the entire
community.
Edwin A. Badgley. — 'Terre Haute's commercial interests find a
worth) and well known representative in Edwin .\. luidgley. dealer in
hardware and tinware, at the corner of Twenty-fifth street and Wash-
ington avenue. His life record l)egan in New Jersey on the .24th of
November, 1851, his birth])]ace being about two and a half miles south-
ea.st of riainfield, in .Middlesex county. He is a son of John .\. and
Marv Jane (Thor]j) i'.adgley. both of wln^m were natives of Middlesex
county, New Jersey, whence they removed westward to Terre Haute in
512 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD VIGO COUNTY.
1856. A few months later they took up their residence upon a farm west
of the river in Sugar Creek township, where they remained for a few
years, when the father purchased a tract of land near Seeleyville, where
the family resided until 1863. In that year they returned to the citv and
established their -home at the corner of Fourth and C)ak streets. The
father then engaged in the retail grocery business at Xo. 143 ^lain
street, now 507 \\'abash avenue, where Mr. Badgley carried on business
for about six years. On the expiration of that period he purchased five
acres on Twentv-fifth street, near Hulmann street, where he eng-aired
in gardening- and continued to make his home until his death in 1888.
He was then about seventy-six years of age, his birth having occurred
in 1812. His wife, who was born in 1815, died in 1898. Both parents
'were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were people of
the highest respectability, true to their faith and the teachings which
they followed. Their family numbered nine children: Thomas P.. now
deceased : Sarah, the wife of William Sims, a resident farmer of Sugar
Creek township, Mgo county ; Alary C, who married Charles Eppert, a
photographer of Terre Haute; John J., deceased; Samuel F., who is
now living in Toronto, Canada ; Adaline W., the wife of David AI.
Solomon, of this city; Edwin A., Richard L., who resides in Indianapolis,
and Thompson, who is engaged in the notion business near Twelve
Points, in this city.
Edwin A. Badgley was reared in Terre Haute and attended the
common schools. On the 15th of October, 1871. he went to N'ew Jersey
and began to learn the trade of a tinsmith, completing his trade, how-
ever, with C. C. Smith, of Terre Haute, returning to this city September
15, 1872. His term of apprenticeship was over December, 1874, and
January, 1875, he entered the employ of Patton Brothers on South
Fourth street, in the capacity of clerk and bookkeeper, and continued
with them for about eight years. He then spent a year and a half in the
same capacity with James W. Stout and on the 14th of August, 1882,
he entered the office of the A igo Iron Company, where he remained until
March i. 1896. or for a period of fourteen years. Desiring that his
labors should more directly benefit himself, and ambitious to engage in
business on his own account, he had, previous to this, embarked in the
grocery trade with his brother Thompson, with whom he continued for
a year and a half. They then sold out and Mr. Badgley. of this review,
accepted the position of shipping clerk with the Republic Iron & Steel
Company, remaining in that capacity until January i, 1905, when he
withdrew and engaged in his present business. He has since conducted
a hardware and tinware store at the corner of Twenty-fifth street and
Washington avenue, where he has built up a large and constantly grow-
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 513
ing trade. His business methods are thoroughly rehable and his earnest
desire to please his patrons, combined with his reasonable prices, have
secured to him a gratifying trade.
Mr. Badgley was married to Miss Helene Katzenbach, who was
born in Terre Haute, a daughter of Peter Katzenbach, a pioneer of this
city. They have two children, Irma E. and E. Luther.
Mr. Badgley has been a worker in the cause of the Republican party
but has never held office, x^t the present writing, however, he is a can-
didate for the ofifice of township trustee of Harrison township. He
belongs to Social Lodge, No. 86, Eree and Accepted Masons, and to
Oriental Lodge. No. 81, Knights of Pythias, and is also a member of
the Sheet Metal Workers' organization. His religious faith is indicated
by his membership in the Methodist church, and he is interested in all
that pertains to the welfare and upbuilding of the community, to its
moral, intellectual, social and material progress. His own business
career has been marked by orderly progression and each forward step
has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities until he is
today one of the successful merchants of the city and a self-made man,
whose record is most creditable,
William D. Chambers, secretary and treasurer of the Indiana
division of the Travelers' Protective Association and one of Terre Haute's
native sons, was born March 14, 1868. His parents were Dixon and
Mary J. (Ferguson) Chambers, both natives of Ireland, born in the
vicinity of Dublin. They were reared, educated and married in their
native land and on coming to America in the early fifties, settled first in
New York city, where they remained but a short time. They then came
to Terre Haute and the father was for many years engaged in the pork
packing business here, in association with John Duncan. Later his time
and energies were devoted to carpentering, in which he continued until
the end of his days, his death occurring in Terre Haute in 1871. His
widow still survives and yet remains a resident of this city.
At the usual age William D. Chambers became a pupil in the public
schools and passed through successive grades until at the age of twelve
years he left school and began earning his own living, being employed
as an errand boy by the Townley Stove Company, with which he con-
tinued for twenty-three years. The record of that long service is marked
by the utmost fidelity to duty and by successive pi:omotions. He ad-
vanced from one position to another as his knowledge and capabilities
increased, and for several years represented the house upon the road as
traveling salesman. His trustworthiness was above question and he
enjoyed to the fullest extent the confidence of those whom he reprc-
33
514 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
sented. In 1904 he entered the county auditor's office as first deputy to
Mr. Denehie and continued in that position until the expiration of Mr.
Denehie's term on the ist of January, 1908. In 1902 Mr. Chambers had
been elected to the positon of secretary and treasurer of the Indiana divi-
sion of the Travelers' Protective Association and served as such through
that and the succeeding year. In the fiscal year of 1904 he was again
elected and has continued to hold the office to the present time, in which
position he is giving eminent satisfaction to those interested.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Chambers was married to
Miss Sue M. Humphreys, who was born in Rockville, Indiana, a daugh-
ter of James H. and Margaret (Pinegar) Humphreys, of Parke county,
Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers have one son, Laurence, and the
family is well known in the community, where they have the friendship
of many and the respect of all who know them. ]Mr. Chambers is a
member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is a gentleman of
genial, social nature, who readily recognizes and appreciates the good in
others and whose life record proves the truth of the Emersonian phil-
osophy that "the way to win a friend is to be one."
James Madison Sankey. — In a history of Vigo county it is impera-
tive that mention be made of James Madison Sankey, whose record as -a
business man and citizen entitle him to a distinctive representation with the
prominent and leading residents of this part of the state. He was born
on a farm in Riley township, this county, July 26, 1836, his birthplace
being on a tract of land which his father had entered from the govern-
ment in early pioneer days. He was a son of John Sankey and a grand-
son of Thomas Sankey. The family name has figured in connection with
progress and improvement here for many years, especially in the line of
agricultural development.
James ^ladison Sankey was reared on the home farm where his birth
occurred, and the place is still owned by his widow. His early education,
acquired in the public schools, was supplemented by study in the State
University of Indiana, and he put his education to good use as a teacher
in this locality, and also in his later work as farmer and public official.
In carrying on general agricultural pursuits he displayed an aptitude
for successful management, accompanied by unfaltering diligence and
unwearied industry. Upon that basis he builded his success and was
recognized as one of the prominent representatives of farming in central
Indiana. At the time of his death he was a member of the State
Sanitarv Stock Commission and was the oldest member of the State
Agricultural Society.
«r
^i^Ittu^ ^^ /O-^nA^
T
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 515
His fellow-citizens, recognizing his worth, ability and loyal citizen-
ship, selected him for several positions of public honor and trust and his
duties were ever discharged with the utmost fidelity. In 1872 he became
treasurer of \ igo county and at the succeeding election was defeated, but
at the close of that term was again chosen to office, the vote beinsr an
endorsement of the excellent service which he had rendered during his
first term. In order to better discharge the duties of the office he removed
to Tcrre Haute in 1875 and there resided up to the time of his death. He
was a member of the first police board of commissioners for the city
and his opinions carried weight in public councils. He was ever a stal-
wart advocate of the Democracy and was widely recognized as one of
the prominent party leaders in \'igo county.
In 1872 ]\Ir. Sankey was united in marriage to Harriet A. Leak and
unto them were born two children, Anna Blanche and James Aladison,
the latter now looking after the farming interests of the estate.
Mr. Sankey in his business affairs attained a measure of success
which was most creditable and indicated his superior ability and executive
force. In addition to his home farm, comprising seven hundred acres
of rich and productive land, he owned other farm property and was more-
over a pioneer shorthorn breeder of the country, in which connection he
not only furthered his own interests but also promoted the welfare of
stock raisers in this locality by introducing high grade cattle and raising
the price paid for stock here.
Fraternally he was a Alason of high rank, attaining the thirt}'-second
degree of the Scottish Rite, and was the first Master ]\Iason of Riley
lodge, at Riley. Spending his entire life in \ igo county, his history was
an open book which all might read. His political opponents acknowledged
his personal worth and all who knew him entertained for him a warm
regard. His life was actuated by high principles and honorable pur-
poses and by a sense of justice which prompted the utmost consideration
for his fellow men and made his business affairs matters of the strictest
integrity and honor.
D.-wiD W. Watson, whose name is on the roll of Terre Hautc's
honored dead, figured among the prominent and infiucntial citizens and
leading business men of the city twenty-five years ago. He was. more-
over, one of the promoters of early industrial activity here — the pioneer
plumber and gasfitter of Terre Haute and the builder of the first stone
front business house here.
.Mr. Watson was born in County .Vrmagh. Ireland, in the \ear 1820,
and was educated for the ministry at the Presbyterian College of P.elfast.
IhU, determining to give his life to annther calling, he learned the trade
5i6 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
of plumbing and gasfitting, attaining a high degree of efificiency in those
Hnes. Study and comparison of the trade conditions of the old world
and the new led him to the determination that he would seek his fortune
in the United States, and accordingly he crossed the Atlantic to New
York, where he engaged in the plumbing and gasfitting business for
several years.
From the same county in Ireland, in 1846, had come the Scott fam-
ily, with the members of which Mr. Watson was well acquainted. James
Scott, the father, with his wife and children, emigrated to the new
world a few years prior to the arrival of Air. Watson and lived for a
time in New York city, but later made his way direct to Terre Haute
and became the pioneer carriage and wagon manufacturer here, estab-
lishing a shop at the corner of Second and Chestnut streets. He was
active in the early industrial development of Terre Haute, but died in
1858. While still living in New York city. Mr. Watson came to Terre
Haute on a visit to the Scott family in 1854 and during that visit
wedded Eliza, the daughter of James Scott, whom he had known in
Ireland. Just at that time the first steps were being taken in Terre
Haute toward the erection of a gas plant, and parties interested in the
project solicited ]\Ir. A\'atson to locate permanently in this city, and
exacted from him a promise to return as soon as the gas plant was
completed and open here a gasfitting and plumbing establishment. With
his bride Mr. Watson went to New York, but in accordance with his
promise again came to Terre Haute in January, 1856, bringing with
him a stock of goods for the equipment of his shop. He then opened
the first plumbing and gasfitting establishment of Terre Haute, com-
mencing business on Fourth street, between Main and Cherry streets.
Later he erected a frame business building at the corner of Third and
Mulberry streets, having his shop on the ground floor and his residence
on the second floor. The growth of his business justified his erection
of a new business house in 1862 at No. 634 \la\n street on the site
of the Star newspaper office. This was a brick structure with a stone
front and was the most pretentious business block of the city at that
time. In 1868 Mr. Watson further extended the scope of his activity
by engaging in the ice business, with which he was connected for a
number of years, but during that period he contracted rheumatism, from
which he was ever afterward a great sufferer. Disposing of his ice
business, he then concentrated his energies upon plumbing and gasfitting,
in which he continued until his death on the 25th of September, 1883.
His business was then carried on by his son, John C, who had been as-
sociated with the father from boyhood and who was even then a partner
under the firm name of Watson & Son. In 1885 the firm of D. W.
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO'COUXTY. 517
Watson's Sons Company was formed by John C., David L. and Lester
W. Watson and Macelroy B. Glenn, a son-in-law of the founder of the
business. Mr. Glenn died in 1905 and the partners are now the Watson
brothers. Theirs is one of the largest concerns in this line in the state,
the business having been developed substantially, a liberal patronage be-
ing accorded in recognition of honorable methods and the progressive
spirit of the house.
Mr. Watson was a member of the Masonic fraternity of the First
Congregational church — associations which indicate much of the char-
acter of his interests and his ideals. His life was ever actuated by high
and honorable purposes and principles which found expression in his
business career and daily associations. His life work was closely in-
terwoven with the development of Terre Haute, and thus the history
of the city would be incomplete without mention of him. Mrs. Watson
survived until 1898 and passed away at the age of seventy-three.
The sons and daughters of Mr. and Mrs. David Watson were as
follows : Sarah, born in New York city, married Macelroy B. Glenn,
and is now a widow, residing in Terre Haute.
John C, born February 4, 1857, attended the public schools and
as a boy worked with his father, becoming his partner in business and
succeeding to the business upon his father's death. He then conducted
the enterprise alone until the firm of D. W. W^atson's Sons Company
was formed and he is now senior partner. He is recognized as one of
the leading citizens and business men of Terre Haute and has a wide
acquaintance both socially and in the trade. Fraterally he is connected
with the Masons.
David L. Watson was born March 11, 1859, pursued a public school
education and afterward learned the trade of plumbing and gasfitting
with his father, in whose employ he remained for a number of years.
In 1878 he went to Texas and for four or five years was engaged in
the stock business in that state. He afterward spent several years at
dififerent points in New Mexico and returned to Terre Haute to locate
permanently in 1886. He became office man for the D. W. Watson's
Sons Company and had charge of that department until i8(/), when he
assumed the duties of the office of county clerk of \'igo county, to which
he had been chosen at the previous regular election in T894. He filled
the office for one term and then was re-elected in 1808. serving out the
last term, after which he retired from the office in 1904, as he had en-
tered it — with the confidence and good will of all concerned, for he had
proven himself a tru.stworthy and capable official. In i()<)4 he became
largely interested in land in Nnrth Dakota, purchasing an entire town-
ship ill that state. He disposed of this, however, in i«)0(). after, which
5i8 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND MGO COUNTY.
he engaged in the oil and gas business, organizing the Watford Oil &
Gas Company, of which he is secretary, treasurer and general manager.
This company drilled the second hole in the Illinois oil field. To this
business he now gives his entire attention, being only a silent partner in
the D. \\'. Watson's Sons Company. He is one of the most prominent
members of the Elks fraternity in Indiana. He organized the local lodge,
served as secretary of the lodge for a number of years, was twice exalted
ruler and was also deputy grand exalted ruler, of the state of Indiana,
for two years. He is now chairman of the finance committee of the local
lodge and a member of the committee having in charge the erection of
the new Elks club room. yir. Watson was a candidate for grand secre-
tary of the grand lodge of Elks at the national convention held in Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, in 1904, and after a canvass of only a week's time was
defeated for that position by only two votes, his large following indicat-
ing his personal popularity in the order.
Lester W. Watson, the next member of the family, was born at the
southwest corner of Third and ^Mulberry streets, in Terre Haute, July
10, 1864. He attended the public schools, then entered his father's shop,
where he mastered the trade, and in 1886 located in Vincennes, Indiana,
where he engaged in the plumbing and heating business for two years.
Returning to Terre Haute, he became a member of the D. W. Watson's
Sons Company and has so continued to the present time. In 1906 the
company opened an elaborate showroom on South Seventh street, of
which he has charge. He married Miss Mame Whomhart, a daughter
of J. ]M. Whomhart, of Terre Haute, and they have one daughter,
Josephine. The name of Watson has been closely associated with the
history of Terre Haute for more than a half century and has ever been
a synonym for business enterprise and integrity, for public-spirited citi-
zenship and for social worth.
William H. Jackson is the vice president, treasurer and manager
of the Valentine Company, wholesale meat dealers. From an early,
period in his life he has been prominently identified with the live stock
business, buying, feeding and growing, and wdiile thus engaged he prob-
ably shipped more stock to the large markets than any other man in
Vigo county. Since 1901 he has maintained his home in Terre Haute,
and was engaged in the retail meat business until, with Harvey Valen-
tine, he organized, in 1904, the Valentine Company, wholesale meat
dealers, and he then retired from the retail business. At the formation
of the Valentine Company he was made its vice president, treasurer and
manager, and his wise management and business ability have contrib-
uted not a little to the success of the undertaking. He has likewise been
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 519
prominently interested in the public affairs of his communitx', and in 1904
was elected a member of the West Terre Haute council, but resigned his
position after a year and eight months in order to devote more time to
his business affairs.
Mr. Jackson is a native son of Vigo county, born in the township
of Riley. August 3, 1867, a son of Charles D. and Lavina (Hickson)
Jackson, who were early pioneers in the township. Charles D. Jackson,
born in Dearborn county, Indiana, August 18, 1836, was a son of Enoch
and Betsey Jackson, who came to Indiana from Ohio in an early day.
Enoch Jackson died here in 1837 almost immediately after locating in
Riley township, and his widow then moved to Clay county, Indiana, where
her death occurred in 1879. Charles D. Jackson followed farming and
stock raising throughout his entire business life. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Jackson resided in the village of Riley. She was a member of a family
who came from Ohio to Indiana during an early period of its develop-
ment, and was born in this state on the 9th of November, 1844. The
name of her father, John Hickson, is enrolled among the early pioneers
of Riley township. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson became the parents of the
following children : Glenora, deceased ; Anna, the wife of A. Free-
lander, of Terre Haute ; William H. ; Mary, the wife of J. S. Whittacre,
of Riley ; Minnie Gertrude, the wife of C. S. Murray ; Lizzie, the wife
of Dr. C. M. DuPuy, and Bertha, all of the village of Riley.
W illiam H. Jackson remained on the farm in Vigo countv until
his removal to Terre Haute in 1901, and in the meantime he had become
extensively interested in the stock business. It was in 1886 that he first
began dealing in live stock, and from a grower and shipper he has
gradually worked his way into the wholesale meat business, and is now
at the head of one of the leading establishments in his line in the city.
He is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias
fraternities, and votes with the Republican party.
Mr. Jackson has been twice married, first wedding Mary Edna
Foulk. a daughter of David and Isabella C. (Fagan) Foulk, and a
native of Clay county, Indiana. She died on the 4th of October, 1896.
leaving two sons: Guy G., born March 22, 1890, and Crawford, born
November 8, 1892. On the loth of November, 1897, ^^^- Jackson mar-
ried Olivine Florence Ray, who was born in Vigo county and is a
daughter of John and Martha Meighan. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jackson
are members of the Methodist church.
Samuel T. Greenberg. — In this age of colossal enterprise and
marked intellectual energy, the prominent and successful men are those
whose abilities, persistencx' and ccxirage lead them into large undertak-
520 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
ings and to assume the responsibilities and labors of leaders in their re-
spective vocations. During the past few years Terre Haute has grad-
ually but surely forged to the front as one of the most prominent manu-
facturing centers of Indiana, and among the men who have given the
city prestige in this direction must be placed the Greenbergs. father and
son, the one the vice president of the A. L. Greenberg Iron Company,
and the other its secretary and treasurer.
The latter, Samuel T. Greenberg, is one of the representative young
business men of the city, but was born in Bufifalo, New York, in August,
1875. He received his educational training in the public schools of Indian-
apolis and Terre Haute, and at the early age of fifteen he entered the
clothing store of Thorman & Schloss, of Terre Haute, as a salesman,
and remained with that house for fourteen years. In 1901 he entered
upon his present business career as a partner of his brother-in-law, Jacob
R. Finkelstein. In 1907 the two incorporated their large business as
the A. L. Greenberg Iron Company, with Samuel T. Greenberg as its
secretary and treasurer. His success in the business world stands forth
in its own exemplification, and he wields a potent influence in further-
ing the interests of many of the city's leading industrial institutions and,
enjoys a wide acquaintance and marked popularity here. He is a stock-
holder of the Linton Ice and Cold Storage Company, of the Linton
Opera House Company, of the Southern Indiana Railroad, of the Phcenix
Building and Realty Company, of the Kettle Creek Coal Company and
the Riley Oil Company. He is a member of the Phcenix Club.
A. L. Greenberg, the vice president of the A. L. Greenberg Iron
Company, and a well known business man of Terre Haute, is a native son
of Poland, where he was born February 11, 1846. He left his native
land in 1867 for England, and from there, in 1869, came to the L'nited
States, making his way from the harbor of New York to the city of
Syracuse, where he spent about nine months. During the next two
years he was located in Detroit, Michigan, from whence he returned
to the state of New York, but after a residence of about fifteen months
in Bufifalo he came to Indianapolis, Indiana, and from that city to Terre
Haute in 1886. His next removal was to Brazil, Indiana, but after five
years there he returned to Terre Haute, and in 1896 he went to Quincy,
Illinois, and was engaged in business there for a year and a half. Fol-
lowing this he was for three vears at Sullivan. Indiana, and it was at
the close of this period that he returned to Terre Haute to reside perma-
nentlv. During all of his various residences, with the exception of the
time spent at Syracuse, New York, he was a jewelry salesman, but since
locating permanently in this city he has been engaged along the clothing
and iron lines.
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 521
Mr. Greenberg married in Detroit, in 1872, Rachael Tilser, who was
also born in Poland, and there have been born to them four children : Louis
L., engaged in the millinery business at 515 Wabash avenue, Terre
Haute; Samuel T., secretary and treasurer of the Greenberg Iron Com-
pany ; Bertha, the wife of J. R. Finkelstein, the president of the Green-
berg Iron Company ; and Tillie. at home.
Jacob R. Finkelstein has gained distinctive recognition as one of
the leading financiers of Terre Haute, but perhaps his name is best known
through its connection with the presidency of the A. L. Greenberg Iron
Company. This is one of the largest corporations of its kind in the west,
and its business ramifies into all parts of the country. Although young
in years he has shown a marked capacity for the successful conduct of
large affairs, and he is not only ranked among the most prominent men
of his own city but his reputation extends throughout many portions of
Indiana.
]\Ir. Finkelstein was born in Creston. Iowa. December 25, 1877, a son
of Christopher and Sarah Finkelstein. In the year following his birth
the family moved to Indianapolis, and it was there that the son was
reared and educated and where for many years his father was an exten-
sive dealer in old iron. At the age of thirteen years young Finkelstein began
his commercial career by going on the road for his father, traveling for a
number of years over the United States and buying iron from all the large
concerns in that business. It was while thus employed that he laid the
foundation for his successful career of the present time. In 1901 he
located in Terre Haute to engage in the iron and machinery business with
Sam T. Greenberg, beginning on a very small scale, their volume of busi-
ness at first not exceeding five hundred dollars a month. But by leaps
and bounds it has grown and expanded until at the present time their
sales average three hundred and fifty to four hundred thousand dollars
annually. In May, 1907, the business was incorporated under the name
of the .\. L. Greenberg Iron Company, with ]\Ir. Finkelstein as president,
A. L. Greenberg as vice president, and Sam T. Greenberg as secretary
and treasurer. The company handles new and second hand machinery of
all kinds, buying, selling and exchanging, also steel culverts, rails, engines,
pumps, tanks, boilers, beams, pipe, etc., and handles scrap iron extensively.
Their offices and yards are located at the corner of Tenth and Crawford
streets, with their uptown office in the Grand Opera House block.
Besides his ])residency of this, the largest manufactory of its kind in
the west. Mr. I'inkelstein was for a time secretary and general manager of
the Linton (Indiana) Rolling Mill Company, the vice i)resident of the
Linton Ice and Cold Storage Company, a stock holder in the Linton Opera
522 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD \'IGO COUXTY.
House Company, a stockholder in the Southern Indiana Raih^oad Com-
pany, a director of the Phoenix Building and Realty Company, of Terra
Haute, a stockholder in the Kettle Creek Coal Company, of Terre Haute,
the president of the Fairbanks (Indiana) Oil and Gas Company, and owns
stock in a number of gold and silver mining properties. He is president of
the Phoenix Club, of Terre Haute, and a member of the Commercial and
Young Business Men's clubs, of this city, and of the Columbia Club,
of Indianapolis. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Mr. Finkelstein married, ]\Iarch 5, 1901, Miss Bertha, a daughter of
A. L. Greenberg. of the Greenberg Iron Company.
Walter Rhodes, D. O., has won prominence in Terre Haute and
\'igo county as an osteopathic physician, and has practiced here since
January, 1904. He was born on the same farm near Lovington, Illinois,
which was the birthplace of his father, Hillary Rhodes. The grandfather,
John Rhodes, had moved to Illinois from Xorth Carolina with his father
when but five years of age, and had later entered this farm from the
government. He was of English origin. Hillary Rhodes married Angle
Kepler, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, and a daughter of James Kep-
ler, who was born in Germany, but coming to America became one of the
early pioners of Ohio.' Mrs. Rhodes came with her widowed mother and
her family to Illinois, and both she and her husband are living on a
farm in that state.
Dr. Walter Rhodes, the eldest of their six children, born Septem-
ber 2, 1868, was born and reared on the old Rhodes farm near Lov-
ington. He received an excellent educational training in the district
schools, the Lovington high school, the Christian (Denominational) Col-
lege, of Eureka, Illinois, and the Illinois State Normal School. Having
decided to adopt the practice of osteopathy, he became a student in the
Still College of Osteopathy, in Des Moines, Iowa. During his term
as student at Still College he was assistant professor in pathology and
bacteriology, under Dr. Carl Heinrich Hoffman, of Heidelberg, Ger-
many, and was in charge from time to time of the classes in physiology,
anatomy and nervous diseases, and was offered the chair in college on
nervous diseases. He graduated therein in 1904. Previous to this time
as a stepping stone for his high professional training he had traveled in
the interests of the Standard Oil Company, also spent three years as a
singing evangelist for the Christian church, and taught at intervals.
He began the practice of osteopathy in Terre Haute in January, of 1904,
and has built up a large practice in this city and surrounding country.
He is a member of the Indiana State Osteopathic Society and of the Amer-
ican Osteopathic Association, and also has membership relations with the
^^iTcrdUl^^'^
TH€
NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY'
^ After, Itnor and IWim^
1909
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 523
Young" Business Men's Club and the Central Christian church, being a
deacon.
John O'Neil belongs to the group of intiuential manufacturers who
have made Terre Haute one of the principal manufacturing centers of the
state. His name is associated with the O'Neil Machine Works, located
at the norteast corner of Eleventh and Sycamore streets, and for many
years he has been an active factor in the industrial interests of the city.
His father, Terrence O'Neil. was for many years connected with rail-
road advertising here. Both he and his wife, Ann (Denning) O'Neil,
were natives of Ireland. Terrence O'Neil came from county Longford
to the United States in 1836, and in 1851 brought his family to reside in
Terre Haute, but, after a residence here of seven years, he, in 1858, started
overland for the Golden state. He never reached his destination, however,
and when his family last heard from him he was leaving Kansas city, so
that his death must have occurred somewhere between that point and Cali-
fornia. His widow survived until 1886, and died in this city.
John O'Neil was born in the city of New York, February 28, 1845,
but his educational training was received in Terre Haute, in its public
schools. Before he had a chance to establish himself in life the Civil war
was inaugurated, and in June of 1862, when he had just passed his seven-
teenth birthday, he enlisted in Company H. Fourth Regiment of Indiana
Cavalry, and saw service with the army of the Southwest. He participated
in many of the hard-fought battles of the conflict, and among them may
be mentioned those of Stone River, Chickamauga, Dalton. Resaca, Kenne-
saw Mountain, the siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin and Nashville.
After the battle of Nashville he went with his command on the Wilson
raid into Alabama and Georgia to liberate the prisoners confined in Ander-
sonville prison, and it was his brigade that captured Jefiferson Davis.
During his three years of army life Mr. O'Neil was neither captured nor
wounded, although he was often in the thickest of the fight, and after being
mustered out near Nashville, Tennessee, in June, 1865, he returned at once
to Terre I'faute and entered upon his career as a machinist and manu-
facturer. His first employment was in the machine shops of Holmes &
Laws, and from there w^ent to the Old Phoenix Foundry Company, where
he worked iov twenty-five years and in that time was advanced to the
superintendency of the machine department. The year of 1893 witnessed
the establishment of his own works, first on a small scale. l)ut gradually
he has broadened and enlarged his interests until his manufactory is
numbered among the largest and most important of the city's industries.
Business is now conducted under the name of O'Neil & Son.
He married Kate Leonard, who was born in Marshall. Illinois, a
524 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
daugfhter of Elias Leonard, and to them have been born four children :
Edward, with the Chicago & Eastern Ilhnois Railroad Company, at Terre
Haute; John L., in business with his father; Grace H., and Robert H.
Mr. O'Neil is a member of the Union \"eteran Legion, the Ancient Order
of Hibernians, and of the Commercial and ^Manufacturers" clubs.
GusTAV C. LiNDEMAXx, the cashier of the Terre Haute Brewing
Company, is a native son of the Bucke^'e state of Ohio, born on a farm near
Cincinnati, July 4, 1850, a son of Julius G. and Fredericka (Kahle)
(Vordemann) Lindemann. Julius G. Lindemann, the father, was born in
Gottingen, province of Hanover, Germany, in 1821, and came to the United
States in 1846, his first location having been in Cincinnati, Ohio. In his
native land he had learned and followed veterinary surgery, bu: after
coming to Cincinnati he with a friend who had accompanied him on the
voyage to America, engaged in the manufacture of cigars. But after
a number of years he transferred his activities from a commercial to an
agricultural life and farmed twelve miles out from Cincinnati until 1856.
During the following year he farmed near Indianapolis. Indiana, spent an-
other year in Greencastle, and in 1858 came to Terre Haute and formed a
partnership with Dr. Lambey in the drug business in the Terre Haute
House. In 1866, however, ]\Ir. Lindemann retired from the business and
purchased the E. A. Chess music store on Wabash avenue, where he re-
mained until one month before his death, which occurred in December,
1869. He was a member of the Lutheran church, of which denomination
his father. Gustav Lindemann, was a minister in the fatherland.
Air. Lindemann was married in Cincinnati to Fredericka (Kahle)
Vordemann, who was born in Brunswick, Germany, in 1825. She came
to the L^nited States in 1846, and married first. Mr. A'ordemann, the friend
and business associate of Mr. Lindemann. Her death occurred in Terre
Haute. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lindemann:
Gustav C. : Oscar, deceased ; Julia, the widow of Ernest Kloer and a resi-
dent of Chicago ; and Julius G., the teller of the First National Bank of
Terre Haute.
Gustav C. Lindemann, after attending the public schools of Terre
Haute, entered upon a course in the old Garvin Commercial College, of
this city, and with his education completed entered his father's music
store. After the death of his father he clerked for one year in the retail
grocery store of James Davis, and then for twenty-three years was with
the H. Hulman Company, finally leaving that firm to become chief deputy
revenue collector at the Terre Haute office, under Collector Jump, remain-
ing in that position for years. In 1898 he assumed the important
and responsible position of cashier of the Terre Haute Brewing Company,
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. ■ 525
his present office. During" three years, from 1894 to 1897, he was a mem-
ber of the Terre Haute school board, and at one time made the race for
councihnan against Dr. J. S. Young. His opponent was a popular man,
and the ward is nominally Republican by over one hundred, but in the
face of all this Mr. Lindemann was defeated by only twenty votes. He is
a member and past chancellor of the Oriental Lodge, No. 21, Knights
of Pythias.
Mr. Lindemann married Edith F., the daughter of John and Louise
Fisbeck. of Terre Haute, and their three children are: Clara. Paul
and Lucy. The eldest, Clara, is the wife of M. P. Smith, a resident of
this city.
Fred Wild.v has attained distinction in the business circles of Terre
Haute as the proprietor of the Wildy Distilling Company, wholesale
liquor dealers. He was born in this city on the i2tli of February, 1871,
a son of the late Joseph M. Wildy. the former mayor and a prominent
citizen of Terre Haute, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania,
and in his early life learned the carriage making trade. In 1861 he came
to Terre Haute and became a member of the firm of Harper, AVildy &
Compan}-. carriage manufacturers, and that business he later carried on
alone, and still later as a member of the firm of Wildy & Poths. In 1864
he enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of Company D, One
Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment of Indiana \ olunteer Infantry, and
when his term expired he veteranized in Company E, One Hundred and
Fifty-sixth Regiment of Indiana \'olunteer Infantry. Colonel Charles
Smith commanding. He was made the second lieutenant of his company,
and continued as a soldier until the close of the conflict.
Returning to his home after the close of the war Mr. Wildy con-
tinued in the carriage manufacturing business until 1882, and then became
the collector for the Terre Haute Brewing Company, continuing in that ca-
pacity for fourteen years. But he not only attained prestige in the business
life of Terre Haute, becoming conspicuously identified with its political his-
tory as well, and served as a member of the city council for two terms, as a
justice of tile i)eace, as police judge and in 1878 was made its mayor, the
onl\- re])resentative of the Greenback party ever elected to that office. !\Ir.
Wildy married Sarah A. Watson, who with the following children survive:
William R., born May i. 1859. is a sign writer and decorator in Terre
Haute; George Mc, born October 10. 1861 ; Marv. born Februar\- i ?,
1864, married W. T. Brown, of Terre Haute: Joseph, ])orn Xovcmber 9,
1866. and ]'"re(k'rick.
Fred Wildy left the public schools of Terre Haute to become a clerk
in the shoe store of N. Stein & Company, and continuetl with that firm
526 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD A'IGO COUNTY.
and its successors, Hornuno- & Bernheim, until he went to Chicago in
1896 to take a position as clerk in the Hub clothing store. At the close of
his two years connection in that city he became a traveling salesman for
the Steuben County (New York) Wine Company, and remained with
them for five years, traveling west of the Mississippi river. He then be-
gan work for the old Kentucky Distilling Company, of Louisville, but after
a year returned to the Steuben County Wine Company and continued with
them until he went into business for himself, in 1906, establishing the
Wildy Distilling Company, wholesale liquor dealers, in Terre Haute.
Mr. Wildy married, July 11, 1902. at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Retta,
the daughter of Benjamin E. Strickler. Mr. Wildy is a member of the
Commercial Club, of Terre Haute.
Rudolph Gagg. — In reviewing the lives of others of the important
citizens of Terre Haute much has been said concerning the city's varied
industries, but in touching upon the life and achievements of Rudolph
Gagg, its art industry, but little referred to previously, is brought into
prominence. During many years he was one of its best known art
dealers, loving his work for its own true worth, and he continued in the
business here from the close of the Civil war until his death, in 1896.
IMr. Gagg was a native of Constance, Baden, Germany, born in 1832,
and in his early life he received a liberal educational training in both the
German and French languages. In 1857 he came to the United States and
located in Indianapolis, Indiana, entering the business life of that city
as an architect, and he remained there until his enlistment, in 1861, in the
Thirty-third Regiment of Indiana A^olunteer Infantry for the Civil war.
At the expiration of his first term of enlistment he veteranized in the
Ninth Pennsylvania Battery of Light Artillery, and served with his com-
mand until the close of the conflict. It was then that he came to Terre
Haute and gratified his love for art by opening a store, and as above stated
he remained in the business until his life's labors were ended by death.
On the 17th of September. 1863, Mr. Gagg married Georgiana
Holtzerman, who was born in Piqua, Ohio, and yet survives her hus-
band, residing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They became the parents of
seven children: Major George A., Oscar L., Ernest G., August, Minna,
Louis R. and Elise, the three eldest born in Indianapolis and the re-
mainder in Terre Haute. jMajor George A. Gagg was engaged in the
banking business in Terre Haute until 1902, when he went to New York
citv to become the manager of the Eastern Trust Company's branch, but
after two years returned to this city and took charge of the Wabash
Realtv and Loan Company. Oscar L., the second son. is now in business in
New York, where he resides, and his brother Ernest, is in the art business
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 527
in Knoxville Tennessee. August, the first of the children born in Terre
Haute, is assistant cashier of a banking house in Denver, Colorado. Louis
R. is a United States representative for foreign artists, with headquarters
at Milwaukee and New York city. The two daughters, Minna and Elise,
are with their mother in ^Milwaukee.
Homer L. Stees has been engaged in the undertaking business in
Terre Haute since 1891, but his industrial interests are many and varied,
and he has achieved success in his business career. He was born in
Auburn, Shawnee county, Kansas, June 10, 1861, a son of Reuben and
Nancy (Hood) Stees. Reuben Stees was a native of Union county, Penn-
sylvania, and became one of the pioneer school teachers of Huntington,
Indiana, from whence, in 1850, he removed to Kansas and became a
merchant and farmer at Auburn. There his son Homer was born and
lived on the farm until he reached his fourteenth year. His mother died
and from that time he has been obliged to hew his own pathway. His
first employment was as a clerk in a clothing store, and he was but
fifteen when he became a cowboy, riding the plains at that time.
For four years he was on a cattle ranch, and then drifting into
the mountains as a miner, he remained there for three summers, spend-
ing the winter months in Denver, which was his headquarters.
It was in that city that he obtained his first experience as an under-
taker in the employ of J. J. Walley, with whom he remained until 1886.
and he spent the following five rears in Lafavette. Indiana, where he was
engaged in the same business. In July, of 1891, he came to Terre Haute
and remained in the employ of Isaac P.all for three years and a half,
and on the first of ]March, 1895, entered into business as an undertaker for
himself. He bought his present building in 19CX), remodeled it and is i)re-
pared to conduct obsequies in the simplest or most elaborate manner.
Mr. Stees is also quite extensively engaged in the raising and selling of
horses, owning a stock farm in Clark county, Illinois, near I'armington.
and he is a director of the American-German Trust Company.
Mr. Stees married Nellie Niemantsverdriet. who died June 11. 1896.
and for his second wife he wedded in Lafayette. January i. 1899, Hattie
E. Dodson, of Terre Haute, daughter of Nicholas and Mary Dodson. Mr.
Stees is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the Odd l<"ell(nvs and
the Knights of Pythias orders, also the Ived .Men, Tribe of lien ITur,
Knights and Ladies of Honor, the Modern .\merican h'ratcrnal .Vid.
.Ancient Order of United Workmen and Knights and Ladies of Security.
Mr. Stees belongs to all the branches in Masonry, also in the Independent
( )r(ler of Odd hallows. Knights of Pythias ami Kt-d .Men. lie is also a
member of ihe Travelers' Protective Association.
528 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD A7GO COUNTY.
Harvey A'alentine. — ]\Iany years have passed since the A'alentine
family became residents of Vigo county, and one of its representatives,
Harvey \'alentine. has won for the name an enviable distinction in the
business life of Terre Haute, being now president of the Valentine Com-
pany, and also a member of the city council. He was born at Greencastle,
Franklin county, Pennsylvania, May i. 1871, a son of Isaac F. Valen-
tine, a native of Washington county, Maryland, born June 20. 1841, and he
in turn is a son of David and Alargaret (Crum) Valentine, both natives of
Maryland. Both the Valentine and Crum families came originallv from
Germany.
Isaac A^alentine attained to manhood's estate in the countv of his
nativity, and in September of 1864 he enlisted in Company M, Seventeenth
Regiment of Pennsylvania Cavalry, for service in the Civil war. He enlisted
at Chambersburg and served until the close of the conflict, having been
mustered out at Cloud's Mill, A'irginia, in 1865. After the war had closed
he and his brother, John T.. engaged in the milling business near
^lercersburg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and about eight years after-
ward left that city to engage in the same occupation in ]\Iartinsburg, West
\'irginia, where they remained for one year. Returning thence to Franklin
county, Pennsylvania, they located at Greencastle, and there the brothers
severed their business connection, Isaac engaging in the meat business,
but it was not long before he left there and came to Middletown, Indiana,
to engage in the same line of trade. It was in 1873 ^^^.t he came west, and
after four years in Middletown he purchased a farm in Delaware county,
Indiana, and put in eight years as an agriculturist. Trading this land
for a larger farm in Fairfield, Illinois, he removed to his new possessions,
farming there for two years, and following this he bought and conducted a
meat market in the town of Fairfield for a time. It was in 1887 that he
located permanently in Terre Haute, and carried on the meat business
until 1897, when ill health compelled him to retire.
r^Ir. A'alentine married in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, Amanda
Miller, born in that county February 3, 1847, to Daniel and Jane (]\Iowery)
Aliller, both of whom w^ere natives of Pennsylvania. Her paternal
grandfather, Daniel Miller, as well as her maternal grandfather, Daniel
]\Iowery. was from the Old Dominion state of Virginia. The following
children were born to ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. A'alentine: Edna, Harvey, Clara,
Daisy. Ocie, Earl, LeRoy and Merl, but Earl and Merl are deceased.
Harvey Valentine received the principal part of his education in
the public schools of Fairfield, Illinois, and he came with his parents to ■
Terre Haute. He remained at home for some time after leaving school,
helping his father in the store, and finally succeeded to the business in
1898. His is now one of the largest grocery and meat establishments on
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 529
the east side, located at 1133 Poplar street, and his large double
brick store room was erected in 1901. In April, 1906, the Valentine Com-
pany was incorporated with Mr. Valentine as president. The company's
slaughterhouse is located just across the river from Terre Haute, and
does the largest business of any house of its kind in the city. Mr.
Valentine was elected a member of the city council from the second ward
in 1906. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and of the
Sons of Veterans.
Mrs. Valentine bore the maiden name of Ida Dickey, and was born
in Fairfield, Illinois, a daughter of Newton Dickey. Their three children
are Lena, Mildred and Carl.
John G. Heinl. — To John G. Heinl belongs the honor of being the
pioneer florist of Terre Haute, but after many years of active participation
with that business he is now living retired. He was born in Austria, in
1844, a son of Anton and Marie Annie (Gradl) Heinl. The family came
to America in 1854, and two years afterward, in 1856, young Heinl en-
tered the employ of a florist at Toledo, Ohio, with whom he continued for
seven years, and in that time proved himself thoroughly competent to carry
on the business on his own account. Accordingly, in 1863, he located in
Terre Haute and established one of the first green houses of the city.
From the beginning to the close of his career as a florist in Terre Haute
he was successful and became recognized as one of the leaders in his line
in this part of the state. In 1895 the firm of J. G. Heinl & Son was formed,
and in 1901 the senior member retired, leaving his son Frederick to carry
on the business which he had established and brought to such a high
state of perfection, but business is still conducted under the old firm name.
Although the name of John G. Heinl is so prominently associated
with the business interests of Terre Haute it is perhaps as well known
for his benevolent and philanthropic work. He is a member of the
board of managers of the Rose Orphans' Home, and also of the board
of managers of the Rose Dispensary. He was one of the organizers of the
Fort Harrison Savings Bank, having been elected the vice president of
the institution at the time of the organization and he has so continued
to the present time. He is a Mason of both the York and Scottish Rite
branches.
In 1870 Mr. Heinl was married to Marie Debbs, a daughter of
Daniel Debbs, and two sons have been born to them ; Frederick and Robert.
The younger son is a journalist on the editorial staff of the New York
Sun.
34
530 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD MGO COUXTY.
William Briggs Hice is one of the prominent young members of the
bar of Terre Haute, and was born on a farm in Harrison county, Indiana,
May 30, 1874, a son of G. S. and Sarah J. (Brig-gs) Hice. G. S. Hice,
the father, was born in central Pennsylvania in 1839, and came with his
parents to Indiana at the close of the Civil war, living first at Greencastle,
and from that citv G. S. Hice went to New Albanv, Indiana, where he has
ever since resided, although he is now living a retired life. ^^Irs. Hice was
born in Orange county, Indiana.
It was in New Albany, Indiana, that William B. Hice grew to years
of maturity, receiving his literary training in its public schools and in a
private preparatory school at Louisville, Kentucky. After he had thus laid
a good foundation on which to erect his future life work he entered as a
student, the law department of the University of Michigan, and graduated
with the class of 1898. A short time was then spent in the prosecuting
attorney's office at New Albany, and from there Mr. Hice came to Terre
Haute and entered upon what time has proved a successful legal career.
He is prominent as well in the political circles of the city and county, and
has served as secretary of the Republican county and city committees. He
is a member of the Young Business Alen's Club, the Commercial Club,
and of the Masonic, Knights of Pythias, Elks and ^Maccabees fraternities.
Charles W. Hoff has attained prestige in Terre Haute as a business
man and public official, and although a native son of Germany, he has spent
the most of his life in the United States, coming to America in 1857,
with his parents at the age of seven years, and throughout his later
years has been conspicuously identified with many interests which have
subserved the material prosperity of Terre Haute. He entered upon
his business career when a lad of twenty-one as a retail grocery merchant
at the corner of First and Osborn streets, in this city, but after a year
and a half he transferred his activities to the manufacture of brick, first '
on a small scale, but gradually his interests have broadened and expanded
until he has now one of the largest and most complete plants in the state.
His brick plant is strictly modern, being equipped with all the latest ma-
chinery, and is located on Prairieton avenue, consisting of forty-five acres.
Mr. Hofif was born in Germany, March 7, 1849, a son of the late
John H. and Marie Wilhelmina (Trottier) Hofif, both of whom were also
born in Germany. The mother was of French Huguenot descent, born in
1824, and she died in Terre Haute in 1861. John H. Hoff was born in
1812, and died in this city in 1898. They came to America in 1857
and Mr. Hofif was one of the early brick-makers of Terre Haute. With
perhaps half a dozen others he was a charter member of the German Re-
formed church and served as an official of tl:e congregation. Their son
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 531
Charles continued the echication begun in his native land in the Ger-
man Reformed schools of this city, and, as above stated, when twenty-one
entered upon his business career. In 1889 he was made a member of the city
school board, and at the close of his three years' term was elected on the
Democratic ticket to the office of county assessor for a term of four years.
In 1888 he was elected a trustee of the German Reformed church, and has
held that office continuously to the present time, and was also president of
the board when the present church edifice was erected. He is a member of
Humboldt Lodge. No. 42, Free and Accepted Masons, of Terre Haute
Chapter, No. 11, Royal Arch Masons, Terre Haute Commandery, No. 16,
Knights Templars, Indianapolis Consistory, Scottish Rite, and of the
Murat Temple of the Mystic Shrine, Indianapolis. In Odd Fellow-
ship he is a member of the Goethe Lodge, No. 382, Vigo Encampment,
No. 17, and of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. He is also a member of
Paul Revere Lodge, No. 374, Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Hoff married, in 1872, Minnie S., a daughter of Louis and
Mary Wilhelmina Koch, both born in Germany, the father in 1813, and
the mother in 1818. They came to the United States May, 185 1, and
both died in Terre Haute, Mr. Koch in 1851, and his wife many years after-
ward, in 1897. Two daughters, Minnie S. and Flora L., have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoff.
Odell Weaver, M. D., a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and
throat, was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, August i, 1870, a son of
John Perry and Sarah Belle (Bolles) Weaver. The father was a Baptist
clergyman, and for forty-two years was stationed at Murfreesboro and
Nashville. The Doctor was reared in both cities, and at the age of twenty,
in 1890, he graduated from the Vanderbilt University, where for two
years he served as a demonstrator of anatomy. In 1891 he graduated from
the New York Polyclinic, while later he pursued post-graduate work in
both the Chicago antl New York I'olyclinics, and for seventeen years
he has been a member of the medical profession. During fifteen years
of that time he has practiced in Terre Haute, where native talent and
ac(|uired al)ilit\' have won him high standing, and as an eye, ear. nose and
throat s])ecialist he has few e(|uals.
I'j.i.swoRTir L.vwKiCNCE. — In examining" into the causes of success and
failure two things are particularly noticeable: One is that the great
niaj(irit\- du not heed the opportunities which are open to all; and the
other is that the great numl)er fail f<M- lack of that persistency of purpose
which is the basis of all success, in an analyzation of the life and work of
I-'llsworth Lawrence it will be noticed thai he is lacking in neither essential.
532 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
and thus he has worked his way steadily upward in the business world
until he is now meeting with gratifying prosperity as secretary and man-
ager of the Terre Haute Casket Company. He was born upon a farm in
Clay county, Indiana, October 8, 1862. his parents being Etna and Eliza
(Wickiser) Lawrence, both of whom were natives of Ohio, but for the
past fifteen years have resided in Terre Haute. For a long period they
were residents of Clay county, where the father was interested in gen-
eral agricultural pursuits and in the manufacture of half-bushel measures.
He is now traveling salesman for the Terre Haute Casket Company.
In the county of his nativity Ellsworth Lawrence was reared to the
age of fifteen years, wdien he came to Terre Haute to attend the high
school, therein pursuing his studies until he was graduated with the
class of 1882. He afterward engaged in teaching in the country schools
for a brief period, and then accepted a position with the Central Manu-
facturing Company, of Terre Haute, which in addition to other products
were manufacturing caskets. While in the employ of that company
Mr. Lawrence gained his first practical experience in the manufacture of
caskets, and thus laid the foundation for the success which he is now
enjoying. He remained with the Central Manufacturing Company until
1898, in which year the Terre Haute Casket Company was organized.
It was incorporated as a stock company on the 14th of February, with F.
W. Hertwig as president ; L. D. Bledsoe as vice president ; and Ellsworth
Lawrence as secretary and manager, and these officers have continued
without change. Mr. Lawrence was active in the organization of the
company, and from the beginning has capably managed the business
so as to increase its output and bring constantly growing success to the
enterprise. The company manufactures burial caskets and undertakers'
supplies, and is the only concern of the kind in Terre Haute.
In 1886 occurred the marriage of Mr. Lawrence and Miss Catherine
Holmes, a daughter of B. Holmes, a prominent real estate dealer of this
citv. Thev occupy an enviable position in social circles, and the hospitality
of their home is one of its most attractive features. Mr. Lawrence is a
member of the Order of Knights of Pythias, belonging to both the sub-
ordinate lodge and the Coniform Rank, in the latter serving as first
lieutenant. He is an active official member of the Liberty Avenue Metho-
dist Episcopal church, generous in its support and a liberal contributor
toward the building of the church edifice. His religion is not a matter of
Sunday observance but a factor in his every day life, and his allegiance to
high principles is a fact uniformly recognized by all who know him.
Harry H. Ht'tton, junior partner of the firm of Ford & Hutton,
clothiers, has resided in Terre Haute since 1886, coming to this city as a
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 533
young man of eighteen years. He was born in Grandview, Illinois, May
5, 1868, and while spending his boyhood and youth there pursued a
public school education. When he arrived in Terre Haute he accepted
a position as bundle boy in the clothing house of A. C. Bryce & Company,
and his fidelity and industry won him promotion, so that in the course of
time he became a salesman. He continued with that house for twelve
years or more as one of its most faithful and reliable representatives.
He was afterward with Tune Brothers for five years and represented
that house as head salesman, having also attained that responsible posi-
tion with his first employers. Ambitious to engage in business on his own
account he purchased the interest of the junior partner in the firm of Ford
& Overstreete, and the present firm of Ford & Hutton was then formed.
They have a large and well appointed store, in which they carry a carefully
selected line of clothing, hats and men's furnishing goods, and also con-
duct a merchant tailoring establishment. They are now well established in
trade with a constantly growing and profitable patronage, and both part-
ners are recognized as- alert, enterprising and progressive men of the city.
In 1892 Mr. Hutton was married to Miss Sarah C. Black, of Terre
Haute. In church matters they are deeply interested, and are prominent
in the social circles of the city, having many warm friends here. Mr. Hut-
ton exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures
of the Republican party, but is not an aspirant for office. Fraternally he
is connected with the Elks, while in more specifically commercial lines he
is connected with the Retail Men's Association and the Young Business
Men's Club, being vice president of the latter. What his hands find to do
he does with all his might and with a sense of conscientious obligation
whether it is some service in connection with the public welfare, with his
fraternal interests, with his business affairs or his social relations.
He is past esquire of the Elks, Terre Haute Lodge, No. 86, and
now chairman of the membership committee and also holds the office of
esteemed lecturing knight. He is also one of the building committee of
the Elks' new one hundred and twentv thousand dollar home.
William E. McKeever has throughout the entire period of his
business career been connected with the railroad service, and at the
present time is filling the position of ticket agent at Terre Haute, where he
is known as an obliging, courteous and capable representative of railroad
interests. One of Terre Haute's native sons, he was born June 27, 1858.
His father, John McKeever, a retired engineer of tlie X'andalia line, was
born August 8, 1829, in New Hampshire, and was a son of John and
Nancy (Collins) McKeever. John McKt^ever was a native of Ireland
534 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND \^IGO COUNTY.
and after coming to America followed boating on the Merrimac river, con-
tinuing a resident of New Hampshire until his demise. His wife was
born in the old Granite state but spent her last days in Terre Haute.
John AIcKeever was the second of a family of nine children and
was reared in the state of his nativity, where he acquired a common
school education. He worked as a section man on the railroad and then
going to New York, continued to work in the railroad employ. After
two years spent in the Empire state, he removed westward to Ohio, where
he engaged in railroad construction work and later took up his abode in
Crestline, Ohio, about which time he was made a fireman on the Ohio &
Indiana Railroad. When a year had passed he removed to Chicago, where
he operated a stationary engine for a short time and then went to Iowa,
where he was again engaged at railroad construction. The year 1856
witnessed his arrival in Terre Haute and he accepted the position of
engineer on the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad, continuing in that ca-
pacity for seven years, when he became engineer on the Vandalia Railroad.
His association with the latter was of long duration and was discontinued
only a few years ago, when he retired to private life. He was one of
the most careful, trustworthy and reliable engineers of the line and had
the entire confidence of the company which he represented.
Mr. McKeever was married in Evansville. Indiana, September 21,
1857, to Miss Themis A. Chambers, a daughter of Clarence and Malinda
(Revis) Chambers, the former a native of New York and the latter of In-
diana. The father was a farmer by occupation in early life but after-
ward became a prominent railroad man and a leading citizen of Princeton,
Indiana. Mrs. McKeever was born in Gibson county, Indiana, February
3, 1838. At a recent date Mr. and Mrs. John McKeever celebrated their
golden wedding, an occasion long to be remembered by all who partici-
pated therein and who wish for this couple many more happy anniversaries.
They are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist church and
Mr. McKeever is a Royal Arch Mason, loyal to the teachings of the
craft. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party. Unto
him and his wife have been born the following named ; William E.,
Clarence O., George E., Fred, Jessie, Mattie, Grace and Frank.
William E. McKeever was reared in Terre Haute and pursued his
early education in the public schools, while later he attended Garvin's
Commercial College. Since the ist of September, 1873, oi" ^^^ ^ period of
thirty-five years, he has been with the Vandalia Railroad Company. He
entered their service as a messenger boy in the auditing department, at
dififerent times was connected with the assistant's office and for twenty years
was local freight agent. During the last six years, however, he has been
ticket agent at Terre Haute for the Vandalia, his promotions coming in
recognition of merit and ability.
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 535
In 1885 Mr. McKeever was married to Miss Fannie Kelly, who died
in 1 89 1. In 1894 he was again married, his second union being with Miss
Emma Miller. He is well known in Terre Haute, where his entire life
has been passed and has made a creditable business record for fidelity and
industry. No higher testimonial of his capable service could be given than
the fact that he has been in the employ of one company for thirtv-five
years.
Jesse H. Srofe^ president and manager of the Up-to-Date Manu-
facturing Company, of Terre Haute, is a native of Brown county, Ohio,
born December 15, 1857, his parents being Thomas L. and Rachel M.
(Holten) Srofe, both of whom are natives of Ohio and representatives of
old pioneer families of the state, while the more remote ancestry settled in
America at an early period in the colonization of the new world. The
father was a carpenter and farmer and Jesse H. Srofe was reared upon the
home farm to the age of fifteen years, when he started out in life on his
own account and has since been dependent upon his own resources.
He had been left fatherless in the meantime and it was necessary that
he put aside his text-books and leave school in order to assist in the
support of his widowed mother, who was dependent upon him for many
years, receiving from him every fihal care and attention. She long
survived her husband, passing away about 1904.
Jesse H. Srofe and a brother are now the only survivors in a
family of five children. On starting out in life on his own account he
eagerly availed himself of every opportunity, whereby he could make an
honest dollar. He was therefore variously employed for several years and
for sometime worked in the timber purchasing department of the Penn-
sylvania Railroad. In 1889 he became a traveling salesman for Kitssel-
man Brothers, of Muncie, Indiana, who were manufacturers in a business
line similar to that in which Mr. Srofe is now engaged. He represented
that house upon the road as a traveling salesman for twelve years and
became thoroughly conversant with the business. Laudable ambition
prompting him to engage in business on his own account, he then
organized the Kokomo Fence Company, of Kokomo, Indiana, where he
continued until 1899, when he sold his interests there and came to Terre
Haute. Here he built his present plant and organized the Up-to-Date
Manufacturing Company. This is a stock company which was incor-
porated in 1899 and was the first factory established in Terre Haute
through the influence of any commercial club. He is now president and
manager of the business with Harry E. Bindley as secretary. The company
manufactures all kinds of iron and wire fencing, fire escapes, wire works
for offices and all kinds of iron stable fixtures and light structural iron
536 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
work. Their output also includes window guards, wire cloth and similar
materials. The products are sold and shipped to every state and territory of
the Union and a large export trade is now enjoyed, for they have many
patrons in foreign countries. The factory has never been closed a day
during the nine years of its existence and the business has steadily in-
creased. Mr. Srofe had become thoroughly familiar with the trade during
the previous years of experience and established his enterprise upon
a safe basis, while as the years passed he has gradually extended the
scope of his business and has kept upon the market high grade materials
in his line of manufacture.
In the year 1880 Mr. Srofe was married to Miss Catherine Kress, of
Fayette county, Ohio, and they have three children, Fred L., Clififord C.
and Jesse H.. Jr. Mr. Srofe is a Master Mason and is a member and
director of the Terre Haute Commercial Club. His business career has
been one of steady progression. In early positions which he occupied his
salary was small, but like many other brainy, energetic young men who
have left their impress upon the business development of the west, he did
not wait for a specially brilliant opening. Indeed he could not wait and his
natural industry would not have permitted him to do so even if his
financial circumstances had been such as to make it possible. In early life
he showed conspicuously the traits of character that have made him a
substantial, enterprising and successful business man. He has perhaps
in his business career not found all days equally bright but his rich in-
heritance of energy and pluck has enabled him to press forward, even
in the face of discouragements and to eventually win the success for which
he was striving. .
Da\"id R. Ulmer, M. D. — Since January, 1906, Dr. Ulmer has
practiced medicine in Terre Haute, but before entering actively upon the
work of the profession he thoroughly equipped himself in every possible
manner, both in theory and practice, and studied under the best tutors.
He is a graduate of the Barnes Aledical College, of St. Louis, with the
class of 1901, and during his last year in that institution he held an appoint-
ment in the City Provident Association. In 1901-2 he was house surgeon
in the Alexander ( Indiana ) Hospital, and following this, in 1902, he
pursued a course in the Xew York Post-Graduate ]\Iedical College. The
year of 1905 was spent in Europe, where he studied under the best masters
of the old country, pursuing post-graduate work in the West London
Hospital and clinical courses in A'ienna. Berlin and Paris. It was after
his return from abroad that Dr. Llmer began the practice of medicine in
Terre Haute, and in the following year he entered upon a course of opera-
tive surgery in the Chicago Post-Graduate College. He is a member of
the Vigo County, State and American Medical societies.
TH€
NEW vORK
(public LIBRARY'
fouiKJatlon*.
1909
^y
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 537
Dr. Ulmer was born in Gerard, Kansas, March 29, 1871, a son of
John and Sarah ( Lokey ) Uhiier; The father served three years as a
soldier in the Union army in the Civil war, and he now resides with his
son David. He was a farmer, and the first thirteen years of the Doctor's
life was spent on the farm. The family then moving to St. Louis, Mis-
souri, he attended school there, and later was a student in the Christian
University, at Canton, Missouri. He graduated from that institution
with the class of 1897 ^"^^ with the degree of Master of Ancient Litera-
ture. With this excellent literary training he was well prepared to enter
upon the study of medicine, and the success he has already won in the
profession is the merited reward of thorough study and research. Dr.
Ulmer is specializing along the line of surgery and diseases of women.
Dr. LHmer married in 1904, Miss Blanche Trimble, of St. Louis,
Missouri. He is a member of the Methodist church, and Mrs. L^lmer. of
the Christian church. He has fraternal membership with the Knights of
Pythias.
Frank L. Gilbert, engaged in the wholesale and retail cigar trade
in Terre Haute, his native city, was born on the 7th of April, 1876. His
parents were William Henry and Kate J. (Lockwood) Gilbert. His
father, a native of England, was born May 16, 1846, and died in Terre
Haute, January 5, 1888. During his childhood days he was taken from
his native land to Toronto, Canada, and thence to Paris, Illinois, from
which place he came to Terre Haute soon after the close of the Civil war.
He had been a loyal defender of the L'nion cause durin'g the period of
hostilities between the north and the south, serving for a time as a member
of Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment, Illinois Infantry.
Following his arrival in this city, Mr. Gilbert accepted a position in a
shoe store as a salesman and such was his enterprise, diligence and econ-
omy that after a few years he became a shoe merchant, conducting business
on his own account. Later he became a successful confectioner and
continued in that line of business up to the time of his demise. He be-
longed to that class of representative American men who contribute to the
general welfare while promoting individual prosperity. In 1873 he wedded
Miss Kate J. Lockwood, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a daughter of
William B. and Delia M. (Sherman) Lockwood, both of whom were
natives of New York. They became residents of Terre Haute in 1853
and her father was for many years engaged in the stove and tinware
business here, but in later life established and conducted a confectionery
store. He died in 1874. when about sixty years of age. His widow
is now one of the oldest ladies residing in \'igo countw having passed the
eighty-seventh miU'stonc on life's journey. She now makes her homo
538 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD \TGO COUNTY.
with her daughter, Mrs. Gilbert. Her children were as follows :
James F., who is deceased ; George E., Kate J., now Mrs. Gilbert ; Emma
H., and Charles and Frank L., both of whom have passed away. Mr.
Lockwood was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Christian church.
His widow has been a life long member of that church and a most
earnest Christian woman. William Henry Gilbert likewise affiliated with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and although a member of the
Methodist church in early life in his later days he attended the Christian
church with his wife. Unto them were born two children, Frank L.
and Harry W.
In taking up the personal history of Frank L. Gilbert we present
to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known
in this city. Here his entire life has been passed. He was reared under
the parental roof and at the usual age began his education as a public
school student, passing through consecutive grades and thus becoming
well equipped for life's practical and responsible duties. He also pre-
pared for a business career by a course of study in Terre Haute Commer-
cial College, where he mastered the art of bookkeeping. He not only
gained a knowledge of that branch but he also displayed the elemental
strength of his character by working in order to pay his way through the
school. Entering upon his business career, he was for about one year in the
employ of a real estate concern and then became bookkeeper for a bicycle
company, with which he continued for about the same length of time.
For a number of years he has been a bookkeeper in the employ of E. H.
Bindly & Company, wholesale druggists, and in 1898 he established
an independent business venture, opening a cigar store, which he has con-
ducted along both wholesale and retail lines, having the largest and finest
cigar store in Terre Haute. He began this business with a small capital
but by reason of excellent management he has witnessed the steady
growth and development of his trade which has now assumed extensive
proportions and brings him a gratifying capital.
^Ir. Gilbert is a member of the Young Business Men's Club and
also of the Travelers' Protective Association and is interested in all that
pertains to the commercial development and progress of the city. Fra-
ternally he is connected wath the Masons and has taken the degrees of the
council. He is also a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks.
In 1889 Mr. Gilbert was married to Miss Edith L. Hazelett, of Clin-
ton, Indiana, and they are well known in social circles in the city, the
hospitality of many of the best homes being freely accorded them.
Harry W. Gilbert, brother of Frank L. Gilbert, is serving as a sales-
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 539
man for the latter and has charge of the wholesale department. He was
born in Terre Haute on the 8th of February. 1882, and was also educated
in the public schools, while later he pursued a course in stenography and
bookkeeping in the Terre Haute Commercial College. After being in the
employ of the Central Coal Company for about one year he became city
salesman in the cigar trade and has since remained in the house, being now
in charge of the wholesale department and manifesting in its control a
spirit of intense activity and energy. He, too, is a member of the Travelers'
Protective Association, and also a Mason. In 1904 he married Miss lone,
a daughter of R. H. Catlin. a prominent lawyer of Terre Haute.
Charles E. Davis, who is devoting his time and energies to the real
estate business in Terre Haute, first opened his eyes to the light of day
on a farm in Linton township, Vigo county, July 29, 1855. His parents
were David W. and Mary F. Turner Davis, both of whom were
natives of Kentucky. The father, who was born in 1834, departed this
life in April, 1907, while the mother, whose birth occurred in 1835,
is still living. The paternal grandfather, William Davis, and the ma-
ternal grandfather, John W. Turner, came from Kentucky at about the
same time and both located in Linton township, Vigo county, where
their remaining days were passed. They aided in the pioneer development
of the locality and their efforts in behalf of the community were of a
most beneficial and far-reaching character.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm
life for Charles E. Davis in his boyhood. He aided in the work of plow-
ing, planting and in the cultivation of the crops until they reached fruition
in golden harvests. When not busy in the fields he attended the public
schools and eventually became a student of Terre Haute Commercial Col-
lege, from which he was graduated. He then took up educational work in
1872 and for twenty-two years continued teaching in the country schools,
devoting the winter seasons to that profession, while in the summer months
he carried on the work of the fields. A coincident of his experience is
that he taught his first and last school at the Oregon schoolhouse and
it was the first school which he attended as a boy. He was known through-
out the community as a capable educator, imparting clearly and readily to
others the knowledge that he had acquired, maintaining discipline and
encouraging and inspiring his pupils with his own zeal and interest in
the work.
His official service began in 1895. when he was appointed deputy
auditor by James Soules, in which position he continued until 1903, when
he became deputy under Auditor Frank E. Benjamin. This position he
resigned, however, in a short time to become deputy treasurer under
540 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD VIGO COUNTY.
County Treasurer Clark. His public service was characterized by the
utmost faithfulness in which he gained the full esteem of those under
whom he served. In June, 1906, he opened a real estate and insurance
office and at the same time became secretary of the Merchants" Savings
and Loan Association. To these business interests he is now giving his
time and attention with good success.
Mr. Davis married Clara Whetsel, who was born in Vermilion county,
Indiana, a daughter of Andrew Whetsel, a native of Ohio. Their children
are Raymond W. and Ward G., both of whom are now in Xorth Dakota ;
Grace, who married Oscar A. Spear, and resides in Wagner, Oklahoma ;
Clyde \., a bookkeeper in the employ of the A'andalia Coal Company,
of Terre Haute; Clara, Charles E., Jr., and Mary.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Davis is a Mason and is also identified
with the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He has ever dis-
charged his duties with marked ability and fairness, for he is a most
loyal, public-spirited citizen. As a business man he has been conspicuous
among his associates not only for his success, but for his probity, fairness
and honorable methods. In everything he has been eminently practical
and this has been manifest not only in his business undertakings but also
in social and private life.
Silas C. Beach. — For many years Silas C. Beach was prominently
connected with the building interests of Terre Haute, many of its most sub-
stantial residences and business houses standing as monuments to his skill
and ability, but he is now living retired from active business life. He
was born in Newton, Sussex comity. New Jersey, September 8, 1833, a son
of Silas C. and Susan (Ludlow) Beach, born respectively in the states
of New Jersey and New York. Silas C. Beach, Sr., died when his son
and namesake was but three months old, and when he was about eight
years old his mother married again and moved to Honesdale, Penn-
sylvania, where they resided for four years, during a similar period were
residents of Brooklyn, New York, and in the spring of 1850 the family
came west from New York to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, by railroad,
thence by canal to Pittsburg, their boats having been drawn over the
mountains in sections, from Pittsburg down the Ohio and up the Wabash
to Terre Haute, three weeks having been spent en route.
Young Beach received his educational training in the east under
the able instructions of his mother, who taught while a widow, and he
worked on a farm previous to the removal of the family to the west.
After coming to Terre Haute he began learning bricklaying and plaster-
ing with his stepfather, Charles C. Knapp, and worked at the trade until
during the latter part of the war, or until he entered the field as a con-
Pd flj^CQ^
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND ATGO COUXTY. 541
tractor and builder. He thus became one of the pioneer contractors of Terre
Haute, and continued in the business until his retirement, in 1*899. Dur-
ing that time he erected all of the McKeen blocks, did the brick work on
the postofifice. built the Minshall home, the Joseph Strong buildings. Ray's
wholesale houses, and many others, and for over five years was a mem-
ber of the board of public works, while from 1882 to 1883 he was a mem-
ber of the city council. He is a charter member of the Wabash Building
and Loan Association, and the only one of the original charter members
now living, and a member of the first Harrison Club, and is a member and
trustee of the First Congregational church, of which he has been a member
for the past forty-five years. He is a member of the Fort Harrison Club
and of the board of trustees of the Rose Orphans' Home.
Mr. Beach married Adaline Conn, a sister of Nelson W. Conn,
and she died in April, 1879, leaving one son, William C. Beach, of Terre
Haute. Air. Beach afterward married Amelia C. Baur, a daughter of John
J. Baur, of Terre Haute.
Ray Greene Jenckes. — By intense and well directed activity. Ray
Greene Jenckes is contributing to the sum total business enterprise which
constitutes the measure of Terre Haute's growth and prosperity. He is
now manager of the American Hominy Company, a leading productive in-
dustry of the city, and aside from commercial interests he labors for
public welfare through his co-operation with many movements for the
municipal good. A igo county numbers him among her native sons, his
birth having occurred at the old Jenckes homestead east of the city, the
farm being now comprised within the boundaries which is Highland Lawn
cemetery and the old home in which his l;)irth occurred is still standing
there. His natal day was July 11. 1847. His parents, Joseph S. and
Isabella Alary (Greene) Jenckes, were both natives of Rhode Island and
representatives of old families of that state. The old Jenckes home is still
standing in Providence and is more than two hundred years old. Both
families came originally from Wales to the new world. The paternal
grandfather was Joseph Jenckes, who on leaving the east removed to In-
diana in 1823, making the tri]) in a closed carriage to \'igo county. He
died in Terru llautc a short time after his removal to the west.
Joseph jenckes, the father of our subject, arrived in A'igo county in
1827. lie located in Terre Haute and purchased many acres of choice land
in the vicinitv of the city. For sometime he made his home on the tract
now occupied 1)\' Highland Lawn cemetery, which was afterward sold to
the citv 1)\ iiur subject. Later in life he became cashier of the old State
r.ank 1)1' Terri' Haute, his period of banking activity extending from
1849 until 1852. He then retired to his country place and his remaining
542 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
days were largely devoted to agricultural pursuits and the supervision of
his invested interests. During the latter years of his life he made his
home in Terre Haute where he passed away in 1888, at the age of eighty-
five years. He had long survived his wife, who died August i, 1863, in
her fifty-ninth year. In their family were six children, one of whom died
in infancy.
Ray G. Jenckes, whose name forms the caption of this review,
was reared upon the home farm to his fifteenth year and early became
familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.
His preliminary education was acquired in the district schools, while later
he studied in Gambler (Ohio) College and in the college at Poughkeepsie,
Xew York. He has had a varied business career and has contributed in
substantial measure to the welfare and upbuilding of the city. He served
as cashier of a bank for eight years, at one time was engaged in
the manufacture of staves and barrels and also for a period carried on gen-
eral merchandising. A wholesale lumber business has likewise claimed
his time and energies and in 1873 he purchased an interest in the
Hudnut Hominy ]\Iills, with which he has since been connected, covering a
period of thirty-five years. His business has constantly increased, be-
coming an important productive industry of the city and Mr. Jenckes has
become well known in .this line of manufacture, serving at the present time
as a member of the executive board of the American Hominy Company.
He is also largely interested in agricultural pursuits and owns four
large farms in this vicinity, from which he derives a good rental. One of
these properties is located in Otter Creek township, Vigo county, another
at Xuma. Parke county, Indiana, a third about ten miles west in Clark
county, Illinois, and the fourth in the Covmtry Club. He also owns the
Terre Haute Country Club grounds, the land which is thus utilized having
been in possession of the Jenckes family since 1836. ]\Ir. Jenckes is
also interested in two grain elevators and the foregoing will indicate him
to be a man of ready resource and unflagging enterprise, who by carefully
directed labor has met with gratifying success. In his business affairs
he seems to look beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities
of the future and to rate correctly the chances for successes and the
possibilities of failure. He therefore never makes a mistake in looking for
prosperity under conditions that prevent its attainment and at the same
time he possesses a spirit of strong purpose and energy that enables him
to conquor many obstacles and difficulties and work his way steadily
upward to the goal of prosperity.
Mr. Jenckes was married, in 1877, to Miss Grace Floyd, of Keokuk,
a native of Terre Haute and a daughter of John G. Floyd, an engineer of
the United States armv, who came to Terre Haute on ofiicial business.
■x.^-
<^^^
-p^
/e^ <^ ^s^
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 543
They had but one child, Grace Louise. Mr. Jenckes is a member of
the Fort Harrison Chib, with which he has been identified from its
organization, and he is also connected with the Country Club. He is a
representative of one of the prominent old families of the county, identi-
fied with the interests of this section of the state from the period of its
earliest development, while his personal attributes of character well
entitle him to mention among the valued and representative citizens
of this locality.
Allen Pence, M. D. — The sudden death of Dr. Allen Pence, on
January 22, 1908, removed from the medical profession of Terre Haute
its oldest practicing member, and from the community at large one of its
most honorable representatives and its best citizens. Fine physician
though he was, he was far more than that ; he was a man of broad useful-
ness, helpful sympathy and openhanded generosity. Locating in Terre
Haute on the 4th of July, 1844, Dr. Pence has been not only actively
identified with the noble work of his profession for nearly sixty-four
years, but with municipal afifairs of the community and with the higher
activities of benevolence and charity. He was a fine type of the old-time
doctor, whose ripening years witnessed an increasing experience in benefi-
cent work and a progressive strength and richness of character.
Dr. Pence was born near Urbana, Ohio, on the 8th of September.
1819. His father, Joseph Pence, was a native of Virginia, coming from
German stock, and his mother, Sarah (Rector) Pence, was born in
Kentucky, of English parentage. The son spent his boyhood years upon
a farm, studied in the country schools, and at the age of sixteen began
teaching in Logan county, Illinois. Two influences determined him to
study medicine : The inborn love of ministering to the sick, which he
inherited from his mother, and an accident which, at the age of six weeks.
pcrmancntl)- dislocated his hip, and incapacited him for manual labor for
life. This burden of physical disability turned his attention to all bodily
suffering and determined hiin to devote his life to the alleviation of
suffering in others. Pie therefore began the stu(l\- of medicine at the age
of eighteen, completing the course three years later at Si)ringfield, Illinois,
where he made the acf[uaintance of Abraham I-incoln, whose stories had
for him a perpetual charm and for whom, in i8()0, he cast his first
Republican ballot.
Dr. Pence first located at Danville, Illinois, and llienoe remcn-ed to
Terre Haute, in 1844. About a month after his arrival he rented an office
at the corner of Second and ( )hio streets, and it was in that locality
ilial he passed more than sixty years of Iiis professional life. In 1852 he
estal)lislK(l a drug store wliich was conducted in the same building with
544 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
his home, and in 1864 he erected what was generally known as Pence Hall,
at his old location on Second and Ohio streets. There, for manv vears in
connection with his profession, he carried on a successful drug business.
As a medical practitioner, his advancement was rapid and enduring, and
hundreds are still living who eagerly subscribe to his skill, human svm-
pathy and splendid qualities of heart and brain. At his death such
testimonials came from all parts of the country. One lady from Chicago
wrote: "The debt of gratitude I owe Dr. Pence can never be repaid. When
I think what an invalid I was when the Doctor commenced treating me
and how splendidly well I am now. I can never be thankful enough to
him." A leading physician of Arizona wrote: "It was certainly for-
tunate for me upon my first entrance to the professional and business
world that I was thrown into such environment as your family gave me."
The Doctor's wide and enduring influence as a member of his profession,
made it all the more remarkable that he should have attained such standing
in the civic affairs of Terre Haute. He was elected alderman by the Dem-
ocrats in 1868. and by the Republicans in 1862, serving as city com-
missioner in 1872, and in all his public service he displayed the same
traits of conscientious earnestness and practical ability which marked the
conduct of his private affairs.
Dr. Pence was first married in 1846. to Miss Elizabeth Sparks, who
died several years later. She had been the mother of two children who
died in infancV. On December 26. 1850. he wedded as his second wife,
]\Iiss Louise Weinhardt, by whom he had one son, who died at the age
of eighteen months. A few weeks before his death Dr. Pence celebrated
the fifty-seventh anniversary of his second wedded life, which had been
filled with so much honor and happiness.
The deceased was a man of great singleness of purpose, never
losing sight of his early ambition to become a good and conscientious phy-
sician. His family life was kind and gentle, and he was tolerant of the
faults of others, while maintaining a strict standard for his own life. He
had an unusually keen sense of humor, with the tenderness, generosity
and hospitality which usually accompany it. As a friend and a host
he was therefore charming. In his professional capacity he never spared
himself, and the night was never too black or cold, or the distance too
great, to deter him from cheerfully responding to a sufferer's call. In
quite an unobtrusive way. he was a strong force in the upbuilding of the
city, and without display or flourish accomplished many acts of charity.
Neither can his sympathetic co-operation in the extensive charities of
his wife be passed over without high commendation. The deceased was
a devout believer in Spiritualism, and for many years Pence's Hall was
the center of interest for its supporters. Airs. Pence and their daugh-
ter, Mrs. \'. N. Griffith, survive the Doctor.
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 545
Walter C. Ely, the treasurer and ijeneral manager of the Highland
Iron and Steel Company, of Terre Haute, is a native of Ohio, born at
Sylvania, September 2^^, 1861. a son of Henry C. and Delia Edith (Kent)
Ely. Henry C. Ely was born in the state of New York and was descended
from ancestors who settled in Massachusetts in colonial days. Mrs. Ely
was born in Ohio, near Hiram, and was a classmate at Hiram Collesre,
of James A. Garfield, afterward President of the United States. The
Kents were among the earliest settlers of the Western Reserve of
Ohio.
Walter C. Ely spent the first twenty-one years of his life on a farm,
receiving his early educational training in the district schools, after
which he became a student in the Raisin Valley Seminary, a Quaker
college at Adrian, Michigan, and he completed his education by a course
in civil engineering at the Nortwestern Ohio Normal University, at
Ada, that state. He taught during the year following the completion of
his education, dtiring the following five years served as the deputy auditor
of Lucas county, Ohio, at Toledo, and in 1889 entered upon a three
years' connection with the United States internal revenue service, at
Toledo. In 1892 Mr. Ely left the government service to become one of
the organizers of the Marion Steel and Iron Company, and erected a roll-
ing mill at Marion, Indiana, of which he took charge and operated as the
secretary and treasurer. In 1901 he became treasurer and general manager
of the Highland Iron and Steel Company, of Terre Haute.
Mr. Ely married Miss Charlotte, the daughter of Louis W^alker, of
Waukesha, Wisconsin, and their three children are Walter C, Jr., Delia
Katherine and John Huntington. Mr. Ely is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, belonging to the Toledo (Ohio) Consistory of the Scottish
Rite, and Murat Temple of the Mystic Shrine, at Indianapolis. He also
belongs to the Commercial and Young Business Men's clubs.
James C. Sawyer, one of the leading lawyers of Terre Haute, is
a member of the substantial firm of Lamb, Beasley & Sawyer. His
parents were natives of North Carolina, he himself being a son of the
Hoosier state. Mr. Sawyer received his education in Sullivan county,
Indiana, attending, among other institutions, the "Old Seminary," at
Earmersburg. Well prepared, both b}' natural aptitude and thorough
training, he commenced soon after his graduation to teach school in
Sullivan county and the adjoining territory. He was thus occupied for
about eight years, and, although he had already become interested in the
law, lie did not begin his systematic readings until lie was a resident of
Newport, Vermilion county.
Mr. Sawyer made such good progress in his legal studies that he
35
546 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
was admitted to the bar in January, 1876, at once entering practice at New-
port. Within the succeeding twenty years he established a leading
practice in that part of the state, and in 1896 he entered a larger profes-
sional field by coming to Terre Haute with Judge Rheuby and estab-
lishing the firm of Sawyer & Rheuby.. A few years later Judge Rheubv
returned to Newport, but ^Ir. Sawyer continued his professional prog-
ress until January i, 1904. and at the date named became a member of the
firm of Lamb. Beasley & Sawyer.
^Ir. Sawyer has attained a firm standing as a thorough, conservative
and successful lawyer, and is also recognized as one of Terre Haute's
most reliable and progressive citizens. He is an active member of the
Commercial Club, and stands high among the fraternal orders of Alasons
and Elks. His wife was formerly Miss ]\Iintie Harvey, of Newport.
James Wesley Landrum, a prominent educator and business man,
has for many years been closely identified with the coal operating interests
of this part of Indiana and is now the secretary, treasurer and general
manager of the Terre Haute Coal and Lime Company. The president of
this company is J. Smith Talley, and the vice president William E. Eppert,
two of the prominent business men of Terre Haute. From 1893 to 1907
Mr. Landrum was also secretary of the Coal Blufif Mining Company,
another of the important industries of Terre Haute.
He was born in Eminence, Morgan county, Indiana, ]May 6, 1855,
to William R. and Margaret (Rhea) Landrum, who came from their
native state of Tennessee to Indiana, in 1854. After graduating in the
Terre Haute high school with the class of 1874 James W^. Landrum taught
for eight years, one year in the country and seven years in the citv schools,
and during this time he served two years as principal of the Fourth District
school of this city, from which he was transferred to the principalship of
the Seventh District school. After another three years he gave up a
professional for a business life, and during the following five years held a
responsible position in the office of the \"andalia Railroad Company. In
1887 the Terre Haute Coal and Lime Company was organized with
Mr. Landrum as its manager, but in later years his duties with this com-
panv have so far increased until he is now its secretary and treasurer as
well, and from 1892 until 1907 he was also secretary of the Coal Bluff
Alining Company. During the years of 1882-3-4 Air. Landrum was -
a member of the Terre Haute city school board, serving during the first
year as secretary of the board, during the second as treasurer, and dur-
ing the third year was the president. When the Columbia Club of Terre
Haute was organized he was elected its vice president, and in 1889 was
chosen the president. He is a member of the Alasonic fraternity. Young
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 547
Business Men's Club and Commercial Club. He holds membership in
Centenary Methodist Episcopal church and is superintendent of Liberty
Avenue Methodist Episcopal Sunday school. He is a charter member of
Young Men's Christian Association and a member of its board of directors
since its organization, and also a director of the state Young ]\Ien's Chris-
tian Association board.
On the 17th of February, 1878, ^Ir. Landrum was married to Kate,
a daughter of James ^l. and ^lary (Scantline) Tolbert. Mrs. Landrum
graduated from the high school in the same class with her husband.
Their eldest son and child, Robert Dallis, born in 1882, graduated from
the high school and the Rose Polytechnic Institute, and from 1904 to
1907 was chemist for the Columbian Enameling and Stamping Works,
Terre Haute. He was then made the assistant professor in chemistry
of the Kansas University at Lawrence, that state. Margaret, the eldest
daughter, born February 12, 1885. i^ ^ graduate of the Terre Haute high
school, the DePauw University and the Indiana State Normal. She
taught in the Booneville high school during the school year of 1905-6,
and in September, 1.907, was elected an assistant teacher in Latin in the
Terre Haute city schools, Ruth, born December 16, 1891, is a member
of the senior class of the high school.
James N. Hickmax, who is meeting with success in the undertaking
business in Terre Haute, has been thus engaged since 1891, and in 1895
erected his present building at Nos. 12 10 and 12 12 Wabash avenue. His
life record began in Floyd county, Indiana, October 6. 1849, ^""is parents
being Preston and Sarah (Ross) Hickman, who were also natives of
Floyd county, this state. The paternal grandfather, James Hickman,
was born in \'irginia. and after residing for some time in Kentucky, came
to Indiana, where he lived until after his children had attained adult age.
when he returned to the Old Dominion and there passed the evening of
his life. Preston Hickman became a farmer b\- occupation and upon the
home farm James N. Hickman was reared, early becoming familiar with
all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He con-
tinued to assist his father until twenty-one years of age, but, thinking
to find other ])ursuits more congenial, he then left home. He gained a fair
'education in the schools of New Albany, Indiana, and received a teacher's
certificate in his native county, after whicii lie engaged in teaching in the
district schools for several terms. Lie also followed the profession in the
town of Palmvra, Indiana, and later took up merchandising, which he
followed in Palmyra until 1877.
That vear witnessed the removal of Mr. Hickman to Terre Haute,
where he engaged in the sewing machine business and was general agent
548 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
for the White sewing machine in ten counties. He was thus associated
with commercial activity until 1895, but in 1891 had entered the under-
taking business and since 1895 has given his undivided attention to this
line. It was in that year that he erected a fine business block at Nos.
1 2 10 and 1212 Wabash avenue, here carrying on business verv success-
fully.
In 1880 Mr. Hickman was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Han-
cock, a native of Harrison county, Indiana, and unto them have been born
two children: Harley E., who is associated with his father in business,
married Hallie Sherwood and has one child. Charles Sherwood Hick-
man ; and Ravmond N. Both father and son graduated from Barnes'
College of Embalming of Chicago, and from the Massachusetts College
of Embalming of Boston, and are licensed embalmers of the state of
Indiana. Mr. Hickman belongs to the subordinate lodge and the en-
campment of the Odd Fellows' Society, and has attained the Royal Arch
degree in Masonry. A pleasing personality has gained him many friends
and he is much esteemed in Terre Haute, where he has now resided for
more than three decades.
Joseph G. Elder. — The life record of Joseph G. Elder is another il-
lustration of the fact that in America opportunity is unhampered by caste
or class.. The great majority of the business men who are today enjoying
success and prominence in their respective communities are those, who
without special advantages at the outset of their career, have worked their
way upward through the force of their character and utilization of
advantages which surround the great majority of mankind. Mr. Elder,
conducting a prosperous business as a real estate and insurance agent in
Terre Haute, is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in
Bedford county, February 22, 1852. He is a son of John and Louisa
(Vickroy) Elder. His ancestors settled in Pennsylvania during the
colonial period in American history, several generations having lived
in Bedford county.
The great-grandfather of Joseph G. Elder came originally from
Scotland and established his home upon a farm of one hundred and
ninety acres, which he entered in Bedford county and which is still in
possession of his descendants, it having passed from family to family.
Joseph G. Elder lost his father when only eighteen months of age.
He was about twenty years of age when he accompanied his mother to
Terre Haute, Mrs. Elder remaining a resident of this city until her death
in 1904, at the age of seventy-eight. In this city the son first secured
employment in the planing mill of which James Hook was proprietor. He
remained there eight years ; the mill was destroyed by fire in 1880. Sub-
Xr &//2Ct..^
THE
NEW VQRK
'public LIBRARY!
foungationf.
i9oy
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 549
sequently Mr. Elder became manager of a large farm in Kansas owned by
^^^ R. McKeen, of Terre Haute. He resided there for two years, after
which he returned to Terre Haute and became superintendent of the
Terre Haute Street Railway Company, in which position he served for
three years, or until the motive power of the system was changed to
electricity. He then accepted a position in the real estate and insurance
office of I. H. Royse. where he continued for six years and then became
engaged in business as a partner of John Foulkes. In 1894 he became
secretary of the Wabash Savings, Loan and Building Association and
has since been a leader in its development, which has grown under his
management to the largest in western Indiana and fourth in size in
the state, its deposits being $574,000.00 in 1907, the stock in force being
$3,000,000.00. He has at the same time maintained a real estate and
insurance business. The transactions of the former have grown to over
$200,000.00 per year. He is now operating along these lines aAd is well
known in connection with property interests of the city.
Mr. Elder was married to Margaret M. Miller, a daughter of
Daniel Miller, one of the old-time and respected business men of Terre
Haute. They have one daughter, ^lallie B.
Mr. Elder belongs to the Commercial Club, to the Young Busi-
ness Men's Club and to both the subordinate and uniform rank of the
Knights of Pythias. He and his wife have many friends in the city and
hospitality of many of the best homes is freely accorded them. He has
gradually advanced in the business world, owing to the fact that he has
made himself a useful factor in business circles, manifesting at all times
a capability that has been supplemented by the most thorough trust-
worthiness.
L. J. \\^iF.LiEN. M. D.. holds high rank among the physicians and
surgeons of Indiana. He has practiced his profession in Terre Haute
since 1872, and his strict conformity to a high standard of professional
ethics, combined with his recognized skill and ability has won him the
approval and respect of his j)rofessional brethren as well as of the gen-
eral public, which accords him a liberal patronage. A native of Alsace,
France, he acquired a liberal literary education, and then took up the
stud\- of medicine, the degree of Doctor of ^Medicine being conferred
upon him in 18^)3 by the Strasburg Medical Faculty.
Upon coming to the United States Dr. Willien first practiced medicine
in Jas])er county, Illinois, in 18O4, and received his degree of Doctor of
Medicine from St. Louis Medical College in 1867, and two years later re-
moved to Effingham. Illinois, where he resided until coming to Terre Haute
in 1872. During his thirty-six years in which he has been connected
550 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND MGO COUXTY.
with the medical profession of this city he has been one of its most
active practitioners, from the beginning enjoying a liberal patronage,
which has extended beyond Terre Haute and the vicinity to other cities.
He established St. Anthony's Hospital at Terre Haute, being the one
who leased the first building at the northeast corner of Second and Mul-
berry streets, and brought the sisters here, and has been longer and
more closely associated with the hospital than any other physician in the
city. For many years he was pension examiner, and for thirty-five
years physician to St. ^Iary-of-the-\\'oods. While many years have
passed since he became an active practitioner be has at all time- kept
abreast with the progress that has been made by the medical fraternity.
He has also advanced in the profession in touch with various societies for
the dissemination of scientific knowledge. He belongs to the A'igo County
Medical Society, the Indiana Aledical Society, the Aesculapian Medical
Society oJ Wabash Valley and the American Medical Association.
In religious faith Dr. Willien adheres with fidelity to the teachings
of the Catholic church. In political matters he has never been active,
devoting his time and attention to his profession, yet he is not remiss
in the duties of citizenship, and at all times favors progress and improve-
ment. In manner he is kind and courteous, firm in his convictions and
true and faithful in his friendships.
Joseph H. Hauck, M. D. — One of the able and well known phy-
sicians of Terre Haute is Dr. J. H. Hauck, who was born at Harmony,
Qay county, Indiana, March 15, 1874. When he was but two years
of age his father, G. C. Hauck, established the family home in Terre
Haute, and here the little son was reared and received a high school
training as well as instruction in a business college for a short time.
His first employment was as a clerk in a wholesale notion house, but
after four years of business life he left the store to begin the prepara-
tion for his future life work as a practitioner of medicine, studying under
Dr. J. H. Baldridge as his preceptor for two years, and he then entered
the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati and graduated in 1899. He
at once began practice in his home city, Terre Haute. Dr. Hauck is a
member of the Eclectic Medical societies of A igo and Sullivan counties,
and of the State and National Eclectic ^Medical societies. His fraternal
relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Mac-
cabees, and he is a member of the Methodist church. Dr. Hauck has
hewed his own pathway to prominence in the professional life of Terre
Haute.
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND \lGO COUNTY. 551
W'lLLARD E. ]\IcJoHXSTON, ]\I. D.. one of the old-school phssicians
of Terre Haute, has now practically retired from the profession and is
devoting his entire time to his large drug trade. He was born on a farm
in A'anderburg county, Indiana, September 24, 1852, a son of Edwin and
Ann (Hilliard) Mcjohnston. Edwin Mcjohnston was born in A'an-
derburg county, this state, and became a local Methodist minister in
Evansville, as well as a successful merchant and farmer. He was born
September 3, 1823. and died Xovember 27. 1894, his life's span covering
seventy-one years.
Dr. Willard E. ]\IcJohnston was a boy of thirteen when his father
moved to Evansville, and there he completed his literary education and
worked in his father's grocery and meat market. liut after the business
was sold the son worked at the carpenter's trade for some six or seven
years, and from that occupation entered upon the study of medicine
under the preceptorship of Dr. C. P. Bacon, with whom he studied for
about two yekrs. In 1874-5-6 he attended the Evansville Medical Col-
lege, and from the spring of 1876 until the fall of 1878 practiced his
profession at Youngstown, having practiced there two and a half years
before his graduation. 1879. In the fall of 1882 Dr. Mcjohnston en-
tered the Chicago College of Pharmacy, and after a one year's course
there he secured the position of pharmacist in North, Illinois. Two years
later he resigned that position to become a druggist in Evansville, where
he was engaged in business from March, 1885. until September, 1893.
It was at the close of that period that he came to Terre Haute and re-
sumed his drug business. After one year he bought where his present
store now is, at 1401 South Third street, but in August, 1896, sold his
stock and leased the building, and during the following three years Dr.
Mcjohnston engaged actively in the practice of medicine in Terre Haute.
In June, 1899, the store and its contents were burned, but in the fall of
1899 1^6 rebuilt his store and again became a druggist. He has now
practically retired from the medical profession and gives his time ex-
clusively to his large drug trade. He is a member of the Vigo County
Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the Pharmaceu-
tical Society. Dr. Mcjohnston married, October 7. 1880, Rena St. Clair,
of Youngstown, Indiana.
Samuel Yalkntine Ra.msev, D. \\ S.. the leading veterinary sur-
geon of Terre Haute, is at the head of one of the largest and best
e(|uipped veterinary hospitals in Indiana, located at. northeast corner of
Third and Poplar streets. He was born in New York city, February
8, i86o, and was reared in tliat city to the age of twelve years. When
l)nt a boy of eight he was left fatherless. When he had reached his
552 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
twelfth year he was sent by the Children's Aid Society of New York
to Champaign county, Illinois, where he worked for wages on a farm
during the following six years. He was then eighteen, and having de-
veloped a fitness and fondness for veterinary surgery he turned his
attention to that line of work in Champaign county, and about nine
years afterward he became a student in the Chicago Veterinary College
and graduated in March, 1889. From that time until 1897, Dr. Ramsey
practiced his profession in Tuscola, Illinois, and from there came to
Terre Haute and entered upon a career which has been extremely satis-
factory and has placed him in the lead in his special line of work. After
seven vears of practice his hospital was enlarged and better equipped,
and in 1904 his present hospital building, the largest and best equipped
in Indiana, was built and furnished with all modern improvements. In
connection he has a canine and feline department, a building fifteen by
sixty feet, with operating rooms and kennels, all of which are well ven-
tilated. Dr. Ramsey has hewed his own pathway to success, and is a
man of liberal views and public spirit.
He married, in 1881, Mary Muns, of Parkville, Champaign county,
Illinois, and they have four children : Samuel Vern, Lola, Nettie and
Sylvia, and an adopted daughter, Edna. The Doctor is a Republican
politically, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Order
of Red Men.
James E. Elliott, M. D., holds and merits a place among Terre
Haute's well known physicians. He is also the son of an eminent med-
ical practitioner of Indiana, Dr. Thomas A. Elliott, who was a native
of Clay county, Indiana, and a graduate of the University of Tennessee.
He practiced for about twenty-seven years at Poland, Indiana, and rose
to high rank in his profession. He died on the i6th of June, 1907, his
life's span having covered fifty-six years. He had married Annie B.
Collier, who survives him, and unto the union were born five children.
The first born, Harry, is a member of the profession at Poland, the
successor of his father's large practice, and a graduate of the Indiana
Medical College in 1904, graduating in the same class with his brother,
Dr. James E. Elliott.
It was in his native, city of Poland, where he was born July 20,
1882, that Dr. James E. Elliott attained to manhood's estate and received
* in the main his literary education. He attended the Indiana Medical
College at Indianapolis four years and received his degree in 1904. In
Mav of that year he came from there to Terre Haute, and for one year
was an interne at St. Anthony's Hospital. Since then he has been
engaged in the active general practice of his profession. He is a member
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 553
of the Vigo County Medical Society and of the Esculapian Medical So-
ciety of the Wabash Valley, and has fraternal relations with the Knights
of Pythias.
In 1906 Dr. Elliott married Miss Kathryne Dietz, of Terre Haute.
He is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church.
Edward E. Lawrence. — A leading citizen of Terre Haute for over
a quarter of a century, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch is the
present assessor of Vigo county, as well as president and general manager
of the Terre Haute Lavmdry Company. He is a native of Clark county,
Illinois, where he was born in 1844. and is a son of James and Sarah A.
(Handy) Lawrence. The father was a native of Massachusetts, a
graduate of Andover College and a civil engineer by profession, while
his mother, who was an Illinois woman, taught school for many years
in her native state. In 1840, wdiile a young man and early in his profes-
sional career, James Lawrence came to the state of Illinois, and soon after-
ward was employed on the survey of what was then known as the
"Brough" line, now the Vandalia Railroad. As one of the party who
made the preliminary survey, he walked from Terre Haute to the Mis-
sissippi river, bearing a compass and level, and later assisted in securing
the right-of-way for the road.
Notwithstanding his youth, during a portion of the Civil war Edward
E. Lawrence served in the provost marshal's office, being stationed at
Marshall, Illinois. Later he entered the ranks and served for about seven
months, re-enlisting in 1865 and continuing in the faithful discharge of his
duties as a private until the close of the Rebellion. After the war he
returned to Marshall, where he filled various clerical positions until he
became a resident of Terre Haute in 1868. His first employment in this
city was as manager of a boarding house and wagon yard, and after
being thus engaged for two years he learned the baker's trade, subse-
quently engaging successfully in the business. He conducted a bakery
and confectionery, on an expanding and profitable basis, from 1870 to
iX(;4, wlien he sold the combined business and established the Terre
Haute Laundry Company, later incorporated under the name of the
Terre Haute Laimdry and Dyeing Company. This is now one of the most
substantial institutions in the city. Mr. Lawrence effciently served as
assessor of A'igo count v from 1900 to 1906, and in the latter year was
re-elected for a term of four years. These facts speak without comment.
In 1868 Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage with Elizabeth
White, iif Terre I laute. and they have l:)ee()me the parents of two sons —
\'yv(\ j., who is vice president and fdreniaii of the companx' named, and
M. I\()\, who is its secretary and treasurer. The mother died in 1888,
554 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
and in 1892 Air. Lawrence married Miss Mary H. Hedges, also of Terre
Haute. Mr. Lawrence is an active member of the State Laundry Asso-
ciation, and, as a fraternalist, is identified with the Masonic order and the
(^rand Army of the RcpnbHc. As a business man, a social factor in
the community and a citizen and public servant, he is in every way an
honor to himself, his family and his city.
Charles H. Goldsmith is today the oldest commission merchant in
years of continuous connection with this line of business in Terre Haute,
having", since 1877, been a representative of this department of com-
mercial activity, while for fifteen years he has been at his present loca-
tion. No. 934 Wabash avenue. A native of Rochester, New York, he
was born January 30, 1847, ^^'^^^ resided in the Empire State until seven-
teen years of age. when he began railroading. For thirteen years he
was connected with the railroad service and on the 4th of September,
1867. arrived in Indianapolis. For a number of years thereafter he was
brakeman on the Terre Haute & Indianapolis, now the Vandalia line,
so continuing until 1869, when he became connected with the San Fran-
cisco line as conductor of a freight train on the eastern division. Later
he was with the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad and resigned on the
1 6th of October, 1877, to engage in his present business. For almost
thirty-one years he has been numbered among the commission merchants
of Terre Haute and is today the oldest representative of this department
of trade. For sixteen years he was located at No. 29 North Fourth
street, after- which he leased his present property at No. 934 Wabash
avenue, being now the owner of the building. He started in a small way
as a retail dealer in feed and country produce and later extended the
scope of his business by adding fruits. He has resided in Terre Haute
continuously since 1875 and has been successfully carrying on business
as a commission merchant since 1877.
On the 4th of March, 1869, Mr. Goldsmith was married to Miss
Lizzie A. Young and unto them were born three sons : Charles H.,
Fred C. and Arthur F. The wife and mother died in 1879 '^"'^ ^^^•
Goldsmith afterward wedded Miss Mattie E. Sparks, by whom he has
one daughter. Eleanor, now the wife of Dr. J. C. Bohn, of Terre Haute.
Fraternally he is prominent as a Mason, having attained the thirty-second
degree of the Scottish Rite, and he is also connected with the Elks. His
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the First Methodist
Episcopal church. He is a man generous in spirit, kindly in disposition,
progressive in business and in citizenship. During the long years of his
residence in Terre Haute he has never selfishly concentrated his energies
upon his private interests, but has found time and opportunity for co-
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUXTY. 555
operation in public affairs which have been directly beneficial to the
city. The high position which he occupies in the regard of his fellow
men is the merited tribute to his personal worth and the honorable prin-
ciples which have actuated him in every relation^ of life.
Clarence R. LaBier, M. D., a practicing physician of Terre Haute,
was born in \^ernon county, Missouri, February 6, 1873. He was reared
in X^evada, of that county, and graduated from its high school, complet-
ing his literary training in Battle Creek College, of Battle Creek, Alich-
igan, where he graduated with the class of 1895. He was then well
prepared to enter upon the study of medicine, having determined to make
its practice his life work, and accordingly matriculated in the medical
department of the Alichigan University at Ann Arbor. After spending
two years in that well known institution he entered the Barnes Aledical
College of St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated in 1898. For two years
thereafter Dr. LaBier was numbered among the medical practitioners
of that city, and from there came to Terre Haute in September of 1899,
and has since been actively engaged in practice here. In 1905 he pur-
sued a course and graduated in the Post-Graduate College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons, Chicago. He is a member of the \'igo County, the
Indiana State and the American Medical Associations, and is a member
of the staff of physicians and surgeons of Union Hospital. Fraternally
he is a member of the Uniform Rank Knights of Pythias, Xo. 3, Occidental
Lodge Xo. 18, Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees. Red Men, Ancient
Order of United Workmen, Fraternal Aid Association and the Security
Casualty Company. He gives his political support to the Republican
party.
Dr. LaBier married, in 1898, Lilly M. Tressel. and they have one
son, Clarence Russell. Dr. LaBier is a member of the Young Business
Men's Club of Terre Haute. He is a Presbyterian in his religious faith.
l^ETER M. Foley, a well known member of the \^igo county bar
and a leading citizen of Terre Haute, was born at North Vernon, Jen-
nings county, Indiana, in 1863. He pursued his education in the com-
mon and high schools, passing through consecutive grades, and after
completing his studies he entered upon man's work in a clerical position
in Washington City, to wliich he was appointed in 1884. While in the
service of the federal government he took up the study of law. which
he ])ursue(l in Columbian College of Law, Washington. D. C, and when
he became thoroughly equipped for the profession he began practice in
Terre Llaute, jcjining his brother, Thomas A., in a partnership in 1886.
Two \ears later his brother died and Peter M. l-\>lev was afterward.
556 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
for a number of years, associated with his brother, Joseph C., in the
practice of law. In 1903 he formed a partnership with Samuel D. Royse,
under the firm name of Foley & Royse. He has enjoyed a good clientage
since becoming connected with the legal profession here and is recog-
nized as an able lawyer, who neglects not that laborious work of the
office which must always precede the forceful presentation of a cause
before the courts. His devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial,
and his understanding of legal principles is comprehensive and exact.
His ability is such as to win for him a distinctively representative clientage
and he is justly accounted one of the strong members of the legal profes-
sion in Terre Haute.
Mr. Foley is also well known in political circles in this part of the
state. In May, 1892, he was appointed city attorney, which office he
filled acceptably until October, 1894, and was again selected city .attorney
in May, 1898, to September, 1904, and during that time the city forced
the opening of Ohio street across the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad.
This, among many other important matters, was taken up during his
service. In fact during his incumbency he conducted some very im-
portant and complicated litigation, in which the city was involved. A
stalwart advocate of the Democracy, he has served as county chairman
of the Democratic party, and in the campaign of 1908 is serving as
county chairman of the fifth congressional district. He is a man of
many excellent qualities, of strong force of character, who has won warm
friendships and kindly regard among those with whom he has been as-
sociated in his profession, in his political work and in social relations.
He is now the Democratic district chairman of the fifth congressional
district.
Judge S.\muel C. Stimson, who for ten years sat upon the superior
bench of Indiana and is regarded as one of the most distinguished repre-
sentatives of the legal fraternity in Terre Haute, was born in Nobles-
ville, Indiana, Alay 9, 1846. He is a son of the Rev. William X. Stimson,
whose birth occurred in Worcester. New York, and who, devoting his
' life to Christian work, became a home missionary of the Presbyterian
church, in which capacity he removed to Indiana in 1835, during its
pioneer epoch, establishing a mission at Noblesville. He continued in
active connection with the church in this state for many years, having
charges at Franklin, Thorntown, Lebanon and other Indiana towns. In
1888 he removed to Portland, Oregon, where he died in 1903, at the
very venerable age of ninety-six years. Thus closed a life of great
activity and usefulness, in which his influence was of an extended order,
while his memory remained as a blessed benediction to all who knew
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD MGO COUNTY. 557
him. He was married in early manhood to Miss Mary Wilson Johnson,
who was born in Cincinnati. Ohio, and died in 1848.
Judge Stimson pursued his more advanced education in Wabash
College, of which institution he is now a trustee and holds an honorary
degree from the college. He prepared for, the profession of law as a
student in the law^ department of the University of Michigan, from
which he was graduated in 1872. He read law while teaching in a semi-
nary in Crawfordsville and also in the offices of Richard Dunnegan and
Samuel Royse in Terre Haute. Since his admission to the bar in 1872 he
has been continuously and actively connected with the profession and in
a calling where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit, has
gained more than local distinction. During the first ten years of his
practice he was in partnership with his former preceptor. Mr. Dunnegan.
and afterward was a member of different leading law firms until 1907,
when the firm of Stimson and Tilley was formed, Judge Stimson being
joined by Louis F. Tilley, one of Terre Haute's leading young attorneys.
On the 1st of November, 1897, Judge Stimson was appointed to the
bench of the superior court to fill a vacancy and was elected to that
office in 1898 and again in 1902. His decisions indicate strong men-
tality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an un-
biased judgment. The successful lawyer and the competent jurist must
be a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law
and ])ractice, of comprehensive general mind, clear in reasoning and
possessing a self-control that will enable hiiu to lose his individuality,
his personal feelings, his prejudices and his peculiarities of disposition
in the dignity, impartiality and equity of the office to which life, property,
right and liberty must look for protection. Possessing these qualities.
Judge Stimson justly merits the high honor which was conferred upon
him by his elevation to the court. He is a member of the State Bar
Association and was a delegate to the National Bar Association at the
convention held in Indianapolis. '
Judge Stimson was married in 1873 to Miss Maggie C. Allen, a
daughter of the Rev. A. C. Allen, of Indianapolis, who served as chap-
lain of Cicn. P)enjamin Harrison's regiment during the Civil war. The
Rev. Allen was the first graduate of Wabash College and became well
known in church circles. In 1893 Judge Stimson was called upon to
mtnirn the loss of his wife, who died, leaving one son, lames Cameron
Stimson, now one of Terre Haute's most successful real estate men.
The Judge's second marriage was to Aliss Stella C. Courtright. a daugh-
ter of the- I\tv. ("alvin Courtright. a minister of the Presbyterian church,
now residing in ( )aklan(l, California. There are two children of this
marriage: Margaret Elizabeth and Stuart Courtright. Judge Stimson
558 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD MGO COUNTY.
having spent his entire Hfe in Indiana is well known throughout the
state, and wherever known is honored and respected by reason of his
personal attributes as well as his professional attainments. His iife has
been varied in service, constant in honor, fearless in conduct and stain-
less in reputation.
Frantz Brogniez, superintendent, brewmaster, and a director of
the People's Brewing Company, of Terre Haute, is a member of a
family who have been brewers of beer for generations, his father, grand-
father and great-grandfather having been expert brewers, and it was
under his father's able instructions that he learned the business. He was
born at Baume, Belgium, October 26, i860, and his educational training
embraced a course in the arts and sciences at the University of Louvain.
In 1884 he established a brewery at Lichterville, Belgium, and in con-
nection with this brewery was a school or scientific institute for teaching
the art of brewing, and this institution has since become quite famous.
In August, of 1896. yiv. Brogniez left his native land for the United
States and located in Detroit, Michigan, where he at once began the
erection of the brewery now owned by the Tivoli Brewing Company.
The buildings were completed and put in operation in the spring of 1897,
and the brewery was afterward enlarged and is now one of the largest
establishments of its kind in Detroit. But after severing his connection
with the Tivoli Brewitig Company in April, 1904, ^Ir. Brogniez came
in the following December to Terre Haute to take charge of the erection
of the People's Brewing Company's plant, which was completed under his
supervision and along his ideas. The first brew was made on the i8th
of May, 1905, and the first beer delivered to customers on the 31st of
July following. The capacity of the plant at first was twenty-five thou-
sand barrels annually, but it was not long before the company began to
increase the capacity and it now has an output of thirty-six thousand
barrels annuallv. It is one of the largest plants of its kind in this part of
the state.
Mr. Brogniez was married at Detroit, ^Michigan, to Alida Grymon-
prez, who died in 1903, after becoming the mother of a son and daughter,
Frank and Alida. He afterward married in that city, her sister, Alice,
and they have one son, Fernand, who was born in Terre Haute. INIr.
Brogniez is a member of the Masons, Elks, Eagles, the German Club and
the Young Business Men's Club.
Charles Gerstmeyer, M. D., whose life work is of large benefit to
his fellow men has, in the practice of medicine and surgery, given proof
of his marked abilitv and his thorough understanding of the principles
NEV\ YORK
'PUBLIC LIBRARYI
. A»Ur, Lenox and Tlldcn
FounijstlO'ns,
1909
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 559
of the medical science. He is well known as a successful practitioner
of Terre Haute and one who in his chosen profession displays close ad-
herence to a high standard of professional ethics. A native of Ger-
many, he was born in ^Mayence', on the 30th of January, 1844, his par-
ents beinof August and Elizabeth Braum Gerstmeyer. The father was
a well known and leading physician of Terre Haute for many years.
He had qualified for the profession and had practiced in his native land
before emigrating to the new world. Upon coming to the United States
in 1852 he located at Richmond, Indiana, where he engaged in practice
until 1 86 1, wdien he removed to Terre Haute, spending his remaining
days in this city, his death occurring in 1882, when he was seventy-one
vears of age. His wife passed away in 1876, at the age of sixty-six years.
Dr. Charles Gerstmeyer largely spent his youth in Richmond, In-
diana, where he pursued his education in private schools. He also took
up the study of medicine there and after reading under the direction of
his father for a time, entered the Ohio Medical College, from which he
was graduated in 1867. Since that time he has continuously practiced
his profession with success and has gained recognition of his ability in
a wide patronage. He was one of the organizers of the Vigo ^Medical
Societv and has always believed in maintaining a high standard of effi-
ciency among the representatives of the medical fraternity.
Frank Prox. — One of the largest and best known enterprises of
Terre Haute is the Frank Prox Company, and its president and executive
head is a native son of Germany, born in Papenburg, Province of Han-
over, May 18, 1840, a son of Carl Prox. He received a military train-
ing in his native land and served in the Hanover army. At an early age
he also learned the coppersmith's trade, and continued its work in Ger-
manv until his emigration to the United States in 1866. For a time
after his arrival in this country he worked at his trade in Cincinnati,
Ohio, and from there, in 1869, came to Terre Haule and accepted the
position of foreman at tlie McGregor distillery, then the property of
Herman Hulman, and thus he continued for six years. In 1875 Mr. Prox
formed a partnership with D. \\\ Watson in the gas fitting, coppersmith-
ing and plumbing business, the firm name becoming Watson & Prcx, but
two years later the junior member withdrew to engage in the same line
of business for himself at 677 Main street. His business soon grew to
such dimensions as to require larger quarters, and he erected buildings
at Xos. 17, 19. 21, 23 and 2^ Xorth Xinth street, where Hulman &
CompauN' later erected their large wholesale establishmer.t. The busi-
ness conliniud to grnw so ra])idly tliat still hrger (juarters were required,
and forming a jiartnL'rsliip with W. K. AlcKeen and ]ohu F. r.rinkman.
56o GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUXTY.
under the firm name of Tlie Prox & Brinkman Manufacturing Company,
they purchased the Phcenix Foundry and Machine Company in 1890,
erecting an additional number of large buildings, which occupy a solid
block on Xortli Ninth street, from numbers 201 to 234, inclusive. Alay
16. 1905. John F. Brinkman retired from the business, and on March i,
1902, Mr. Frank Prox purchased the stock of W. R. McKeen, thereby
becoming sole owner of the entire plant.
June 20, 1905, the Frank Prox Company was organized, with Mr.
Frank Prox as president ; Herman C. Prox, vice president and general
manager, and J. Edward Schoemehl, secretary. The company manufac-
ture steam and hot water heating boilers and mining machinery, are also
jobbers in mill, mine, plumbing, steam and gas fitters' supplies, and do
a large volume of business and employ many workmen, the majority of
whom are skilled mechanics. Mr. IVox is himself an inventor of some
note, and among other things he has invented steam and hot water
heating appliances of great value.
He married, October 6, 1868, at Cincinnati, Ohio, Agnes Middendorf,
who came from her native land of Germany to the United States when
a child with her parents, and they established their home in that city.
The children of ^Mr. and Mrs. Prox are Herman, the vice president and
general manager of the Frank Prox Company ; Anton, a member of the
firm of Prox & Burget Company, plumbers, etc., of Terre Haute ; Theo-
dore, who died at the age of thirty-one years, and Frank, who died in
his infancy, eighteen months old. The family are members of the Catholic
church, and Mr. Prox is a member of St. Francis' Society, Knights of
Columbus, Commercial and Manufacturers" clubs,
Edward P. Fairbanks, a widely known and prominent citizen of
Terre Haute, is a native of the city, born January 3, 1850, son of the
late Hon. Henry Fairbanks, an early business man of Terre Haute and
mayor of the place. He was educated in its public schools and began
his business career in railroad business. x\fter having held a number of
important positions in this line, he resigned as general freight agent of
the Illinois Midland Railroad and retired from that field of activity.
Later he became associated with his brother, Crawford Fairbanks, in
dififerent business enterprises, and is so engaged at the present time.
He married Miss Helen Gray, daughter of Albert Gray, of Terre Haute,
and they have one daughter, Helen Pauline Fairbanks.
Henry C. Steeg. — Among those who have won distinctive prestige
in Terre Haute and have contributed to the success of private life and
to public sta1)ility is Henry C. Steeg, former mayor, president of the
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 561
People's Brewing Company and vice president of the Reiman & Steeg
Company. He is also one of Indiana's native sons, born on a farm at
Greencastle Junction (now Limedale), Putnam county, May i, 1857, and
a representative of a family long and prominently identified with the
business affairs of that community. They came from Germany in 1829,
the family consisting of the father and children, for the mother had died
in her native land, and their first home here was at Frederick City,
Maryland, from whence they later removed to Indianapolis, Indiana,
where the father followed rope making and finally died there.
William Steeg, his son and the father of Henry C., was born in
Baden-Baden, Germany, February 26, 1820, and from Indianapolis he
went to North Vernon, Indiana, and worked in the stone quarries in that
vicinity. In 1853 ^^^ located at Greencastle Junction, Putnam county,
Indiana, and engaged in the manufacture of lime as a partner in the
firm of Dixon, Butch & Steeg. After a time the interests of Dixon &
Butch were purchased by J. W. Fellinger, of Terre Haute, and the firm
name then became Steeg & Fellinger, so continuing until Mr. Steeg, in
1874, purchased his partner's interest and continued the business until
his death, August 30, 1876. On their farm near Indianapolis he married
Emily Langenberger, who was born in Germany in 1832, and she died
September 21, 1904, at Greencastle Junction.
Among the other children of the family is Charles E. Steeg, who,
born in Putnam county, reared on farm, and educated in the public
schools, entered the railroad service, and is a conductor on the Cincinnati,
Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, with residence at Indianapolis. David B.,
another son, is also in the railroad service, being traveling passenger
agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He began at Limedale as joint
agent for the Monon and Vandalia railroads, and his ability and atten-
tion to business gained him promotion to his present position. Frank
Steeg. another of this family, after leaving the Greencastle high school
and a commercial college in Terre Haute, entered the employment of the
Vandalia as bill clerk, was later transferred to the St. Louis city office,
and is now traveling salesman for a plaster company. Julia C. and
Addie C. are residents of Franklin, Indiana, and Martha is the wife of
Charles E. Bell, manager of a lumber company at Linton, Indiana.
After attending the common schools and the Roanoke College of
Salem, Virginia, where he was a student from 1872 to 1873, Henry C.
Steeg secured a position in his father's business at Greencastle Junction,
and after his father's death he took charge of the business and continued
at the same location until 1885. In the meantime, in 1882. he constructed
the first stone pike roads in I'utnam county. In 1885 he located in
Terre Haute and engaged in general contracting along the line of bridge
36
562 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
building, etc., finally, on the ist of October, 1887, forming the firm of Rei-
man & Steeg, his partner being Ernest L. Reiman, and upon their incorpo-
ration, in 1891. E. E. Reiman was taken into the firm. This firm deals
in all kinds of lime, cement, sewer pipes and building material, and in
1 89 1 the company was incorporated, with E. E. Reiman as president and
general manager and ]Mr. Steeg is the vice president. He was also one
of the organizers of the People's Brewing Company in 1904, and in
1906 was made the president of the company. In 1888 he was elected
to represent his district in the city council, his term of office continuing
until 1890, and in 1898 he was made the mayor of Terre Haute, the
highest ofiice within the gift of his fellow citizens, and again elected
in 1902 and served until the close of his term, September, 1904. He
has attained to the thirty-second degree in Masonry and is a member of
the Elks, the Eagles, the Commercial Club, the Young Business Men's
Club, the German Club and Red \len.
Air. Steeg married Anna E. Marsh, who was born in St. Louis,
Missouri, October 26, 1859, a daughter of Henry Marsh, for years con-
nected with the Vandalia Railroad. Their children are William H.,
Mabelle L.. now the wife of Edward Lammers, of Terre Haute; Paul E.
and Ernest R. Paul E. is deceased and William H. is cashier of the
People's Brewing Company. Terre Haute.
Edw\\rd B. Cowan, a leading florist, member-at-large of the citv
council of Terre Haute, and a representative citizen generally, is a native
of the Empire state, born in Orange county on the 23d of June, i86q. His
parents, Charles B. and Jane (McCormack) Cowan, were born in
Wightonshire, Scotland, where they were married and where one son and
two daughters were born. The family came to the United States in
■March, 1869, and first located in Orange county, where they resided until
1875, when they removed to Terre Haute. Here the father engaged in
fruit growing and the dairy business, dying in April, 1892, at the age of
fifty-four years. The widow is still living.
Edward B. Cowan was reared and educated in Terre Haute, and in
1882 commenced his career as a florist. He was with John G. Heinl for
two years and with the M. A. Hunt Floral Company for a period of
nine years. In 1894, as a member of the firm of Cowan Brothers &r
Company, he engaged in an independent business, with green houses at
the corner of Spruce and Twenty-first streets. In 1904 Mr. Cowan was
elected as councilman-at-large. and has taken a prominent part in the
proceedings of that body. In that capacity he has supported all reforma-
tory and progressive movements, has earnestly sustained necessary munic-
ipal improvements, and waged a vigorous fight along these lines, caring
Sdt-,^x. B Q^
tr~a^-7a^
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 563
nothing for criticism so long- as the best interests of the city were con-
served.
Mr. Cowan's wife was formerly Miss Ella M. Daily, born in Parke
county, Indiana, and daughter of James Daily. To their union have been
born Alinnie, Frederick, Katherine and Gladys.
Mr. Cowan is a member of the Commercial and Young Business
Men's clubs, and is identified with theTndependent Order of Odd Fellows,
Knights of Fythias, Ben Hur and Maccabees.
William H. Berry. — The activities of William H. Berry touch
many lines, and various interests have profited by his co-operation, his
wise counsel and his sound judgment. He is now serving as clerk of
Vigo county and is widely known as a leader in Republican circles. He
is also prominent in the business life of the city as vice president of the
Indiana State Bank, and also as presidefit of the East Side Building and
Loan Association, which he assisted in organizing in 1876. His birth
occurred in Braxton countw A'irginia, now^ West Virgina, on the 28th
of February, 1848. His parents, Washington and Agnes (Cunningham)
Berry, were also natives of the Old Dominion and the father devoted
his entire life to the occupation of farming.
William H. Berry was -born and reared upon the home farm and
pursued his education in private schools, for his school days covered a
period prior to that in which the free school system had been established
in his home locality. In fact he was one of the first to teach free schools,
which was organized in his native count}'. He had not yet attained his
majorit}- at that time. In 1870 he left West \^irginia and removed to
Ohio, where he was in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
Company for four years. In 1874 he arrived in Terre Haute, where he
entered the service of the \'andalia Railroad Company and for a period
of thirty years and forty-five days he was in the employ of the corpora-
tion, entering the service as a day laborer and rising by successive stages
to the position of general foreman of the car department, his promo-
tions coming to him in recognition of his merit and worth.
In 1902, while still with the Vandalia Company, Mr. Berry was
noniinaled by the Republican part\- and elected to the office of county
clerk. ! fe took charge of the office in 1905 and his administration is
giving uniform satisfaction. 1 \c has thoroughly systematized the work
of the department and demands of all absolute accuracy in executing the
duties of the position. Since 1876 he has been associated with the busi-
ness affairs of Terre Haute, in which year he was one of the organizers
of the East Side lUiilding and Loan Association, of which he is now the
president, lie was also one of the organizers of the Luliana State Bank
564 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND \TGO COUNTY.
of Terre Haute and is now vice president of this institution, which is
regarded as one of the strongest moneyed concerns of western Indiana.
]\Ir. Berry was married in Ohio to Miss TilHe Definbaugh, who was
born in WheeHng, West A'irginia. They are now the, parents of three
sons : George L., a druggist of West Terre Haute ; Charles H.. a ma-
chinist in the employ of the Vandalia Railroad Company, and Alvin D.,
a clerk in the Vandalia car accountant's office. In 1888 Mr. Berry was
elected to the Indiana legislature, being nominated without his consent,
and in 1896 was again elected to the same position.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Berry is connected with Social Lodge,
No. 86, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is now the
treasurer. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, to Ben Hur lodge and to the Commercial Club. His actions dur-
ing his life have been such as to distinctly entitle him to a place in this
publication, and although his career has not been filled with thrilling in-
cidents, probably no biography published in this volume can serve as
a better illustration to young men of the power of honesty, integrity, de-
termination and unwearied industry in insuring success.
Allen H. Doxham. — The financial interests of Terre Haute find
a worthy representative in Allen H. Donham, treasurer of the Terre
Haute Savings Bank, and a man whose enterprise, laudable ambition and
stalwart determination stand as salient elements in his life record, while
his history illustrates what may be accomplished through the possession
of those qualities. He is a son of the late Darius and Mary (Allen)
Donham, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. The father was
born near New Richmond, in Clermont county, Ohio, in 18 19, while the
mother's birth occurred in Vermilion county, Indiana, in 1833. The
paternal grandfather was William Donham, also a native of Clermont
county, whence he removed to \ igo county in 1833. He located in
Honey Creek township, where he entered government land and there,
in the midst of the wilderness, developed a new farm. Throughout his
remaining days he devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits
and was closely associated with the early improvement and progress of
this part of the state. His wife in her maidenhood was ]\Iiss Brown.
The maternal grandfather of our subject was Joseph Allen, a native
of Ireland, and a pioneer of A^ermilion county, Indiana.
Darius Donham, coming to this state in his youth, assisted in the
arduous task of developing a new farm, experiencing all the hardships
and privations which fall to the lot of the pioneer. On attaining man-
hood he chose as a life work the occupation to which he was reared,
and continuously followed farming until 1882, when he removed to Terre
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 565
Haute, spending his remaining days — a period of twenty years — in this
city. He passed away in 1902, while his wife died in 1897.
Allen H. Donham was reared on the home farm and pursued his
education in the district schools and the high school of Terre Haute.
He took up his abode in this city in 1878 to read law in the office and
under the direction of the firm of Davis & Davis. He afterward con-
tinued his studies with Allen & Alack, and was admitted to the bar in
1879. He then opened an ofifice and continued in the practice of his
profession until 1893, when he was appointed postmaster of Terre Haute
under President Cleveland and served for one term of four years. On
his retirement from the office he resumed the practice of law, but in
1902 became treasurer of the Terre Haute Savings Bank, which is the
leading savings institution of the city and one of the important banking
concerns of the county. This claims his entire attention, leaving him no
time for active participation in legal interests as a practitioner.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Donham was married to
Miss Julia Ball, a daughter of the late William J. Ball, of Terre Haute,
and a sister of William C. and Spencer F. Ball of this city. They are
well known socially and the hospitality of their pleasant home is greatly
enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Donham is a member of the Com-
mercial Club and in 1892 was chairman of the Democratic central com-
mittee. His life has been one of industry and perseverance and his
systematic and honorable methods which he has followed have won for
him the support and confidence of the citizens of Vigo county. Without
the aid of influence or wealth he has risen to a position among the promi-
nent citizens of Terre Haute and his native genius and acquired ability
are stepping stones on which he has mounted.
Jamks a. Pinson, M. D.. one of the oldest active members of the
medical profession of Terre Haute, was born in the village of Tecumseh,
\'igo county, Indiana, on the 8th of February, 1837. being the son of
Thomas and Mary (Polly) (Ward) Pinson. Aaron Pinson, the pa-
ternal grandfather, was a native of North Carolina, whence he migrated
to Pike county, Kentucky, and thence to Edgar county. Illinois, locat-
ing, in 1829, on a tract of two hundred and forty acres near the present
cit\- of Paris. He was the son of Thomas Pinson, a native of England,
who came to the United States before the Revolutionary war and set-
tled in North Carolina, where he served the cause of the patriots for
four years.
The Doctor's maternal great-grandfather, Jonathan Ward, was also
a native of England, who likewise settled in North Carolina at an early
date in American history. His son, Elijah M. Ward, the maternal
5-56 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUXTY.
grandfather, was a native of that state, married Polly Cullins, and aft-
erward removed to White county, Tennessee, where, on August 4. 181 o,
was born the mother of our subject.
In 1829 the Ward family came to A'igo county, Indiana, the Doctor's
.mother fording the Wabash river on Horseback at the point known as
Indian Riffle, two and a half miles from Terre Haute. Her father, the
Elijah Ward already mentioned, was the first man to preach what later
became known as the Christian faith ; but these times were long before
the days of Alexander Campbell, the recognized founder of the sect called
Christians, or Campbellites. The old gentleman w-as a preacher of that
faith all his life, dying in Fayette township, Vigo county, in 1857.
The father of the Doctor was born in Pike county, Kentucky, on
April 22, 1 8 10, and was nineteen years of age when he came to Edgar
county, Illinois, with his parents. Thomas Pinson wedded Mary (Polly)
\\'ard on the 24th of March, 1836, the couple at once settling on a farm
in \ igo county. The children of this union were as follows : James A.,
our subject; Elizabeth A., who married Garrett Amis, and now lives in
New Goshen, Indiana ; Lurany, Mrs. James Lamb, who resides at New
Goshen, Indiana : Sarah M., the wife of Fielding C. Nolan, and living in
Edgar county, Illinois ; Lora A., who died in 1897, at the age of fifty-
two years ; and Mary A. and Luna D., who died in infancy.
The Doctor obtained a common school education, and in August,
1858, commenced reading medicine in the office of Dr. B. F. Swaflford, in
Fayette township, this county, where he continued until 1863. O^"^
September 5th of that year he was mustered into the Union service as a
corporal of Company G, Seventh Regiment, Indiana Cavalry. At one
time he was detailed to duty in the medical department,' continuing thus
until his discharge, on account of ill health, in the latter part of 1864.
In 1866 he attended regular lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago,
and then engaged in practice at St. Bernice, Vermilion county, Indiana.
In 1872 he graduated from the Indiana Medical College, and the follow-
ing year located in Edgar county, Illinois. Two years later he settled
at New Goshen, Indiana, where he practiced, until March, 1878, when
he located in Putnam county, Missouri, and was there engaged m pro-
fessional work for eleven years. In 1889 he returned to Indiana, locat-
ing at Clinton. Since 1895 ^^ ^^^ been a progressive practitioner of Terre
Haute. Dr. Pinson has since established a substantial practice, based
upon his ability in his profession and his high honor as a man. In 1902
he was appointed a member of the board of United States pension ex-
aminers for y^go county, and has since served as treasurer of that body.
He has also been honored by his old comrades of the Grand Army of
the Republic, who thrice elected him their post commander, while in
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD \"IGO COUNTY. 567
Missouri, and one term in Terre Haute. His identification with }kla-
sonry dates from 1866. On Alarch 7, 1861, Dr. Pinson married Miss
Diana M. McAdams, a native of Fayette township, Vigo county, born
September 26, 1844, and a daughter of Harry G. and Harriet (Mathany)
McAdams, old settlers of the county, who came from Kentucky in 1829,
The children born to the Doctor and his wife are as follows : Franklin
S., born January 18, 1863, who died October 20, 1864; John L., born
November 7, 1865, and who died November 27, 1866; Thomas A.,
born in September, 1868, who is now junior editor of Atlanta (Ga.)
Constitution; Harriet R., born September 29, 1870, who died May 29,
1885; Alary J., born May 9, 1873, who died October 21, 1874. and
Harry M., who was born September 2, 1875, and resides at ]^lammoth
Cave, Kentucky.
HoiL\CE C. PuGH. — Statistics indicate that the great majority of the
successful professional and business men of the city are those who have
spent their early lives amid rural surroundings. To this class belongs
Horace C. Pugh, who today practicing at the Terre Haute bar is ac-
corded a large and distinctively representative clientage that has con-
nected him with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of
the district. He was born on a farm in Honey Creek township, this
county, September 12. 1854. and is a son of David and Catherine W.
(Durham) Pugh, of whom mention is made on another page of this
work in connection with the sketch of George Edward Pugh. He is
the second of three sons, and in the district schools he began his edu-
cation, which was further continued as a high school student in Terre
Haute. Later he entered DePauw University, from which he was grad-
uated with the class of 1875, and during his college days he became a
member of the Greek letter fraternity, the Delta . Kappa Epsilon. In
1878 he received an appointment to the pay department of the United
States navy, with which he continued until the summer of 1880. when
he resigned at Buenos Ayres, South America. While in service he was
with the South Atlantic Station and he visited the entire South .\mcrican
coast and not a few towns of interest in the interior. ( M\ his wav home
after leaving the service he traveled northward through Africa, thence
to Lisbon, Portugal. Bordeaux. Paris and London. He toured both
France and England and saw much of interest in his travels, in tact
irainine therebv that culture and general knowledge which only ir.tvel
can bring.
Having read law while in college, upon his return tn»m his service
with the navy Mr. Pugh resumed his law reading, and after passing the
required examination was admitted to the bar in 18S1. lie then began
568 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
the practice of law in partnership with his brother, George Edward, and
continued an active member of the legal fraternity here until 1889, when
he was appointed, under the Harrison administration, United States
consul to Newcastle, England. He remained there in that capacity for
a year and a half and remembers it as a most delightful period in his
life, having been fortunate in being received socially by the best families
of the locality. While at Newcastle he was promoted in the consular
service by being appointed consul to Palermo, Sicily. He was sent there
by the United States government to break up the customs frauds that
had been allowed to develop under his predecessor, whereby the govern-
ment was being swindled out of large sums of money annually. Though
it was a difficult and arduous task that confronted him, Mr. Pugh suc-
ceeded in accomplishing his mission there, and in fact performed his
duties so well and ably that he received high commendation from the de-
partment of state, and when he shortly afterward tendered his resigna-
tion he was offered the important post of consul general of Rome, but
declined the honor, owing to his desire to return to his home city and
resume the practice of his profession. He devoted altogether four years
to the consul service and while stationed at Sicily he utilized the oppor-
tunity for extensive travel through Egypt, to the Black sea and on the
continent.
On again becoming a resident of Terre Haute, Mr. Pugh resumed
the practice of law, in which he has since continued and has attained a
high position in professional ranks in Terre Haute. For six years he
was referee in bankruptcy. He is also president of the Terre Haute,
Robinson, Oliney & Southwestern Railroad : a director of the William-
ville, Greenville & St. Louis Railroad, and a director of the Terre
Haute & Danville Traction Company. He is a member of both the Com-
mercial and Young Business Men's clubs and is thus associated with the
organized movements for the upbuilding of the city.
Mr. Pugh was married to Miss Mary J., second daughter of W. R.
McKeen, of Terre Haute. He is well known in the city both socially
and professionally and his personal qualities render him popular, while
his close application and ability have gained him distinction in profes-
sonal and business circles. Courteous, genial, well informed, alert and
enterprising, he stands today as one of the leading representative men
of his city — a man who is a power in his community.
Charles L. Hartenfels is an example of that class of men who
win advancement by reason of inherent force of character, strong deter-
mination and laudable ambition. His course has ever been marked by
progression and he is today secretary of the Acme Coal & Lime Com-
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 569
pany, of Terre Haute. He is a native of the Buckeye state, his birth hav-
ing occurred in Mansfield, Ohio. His parents were George J. and Maria
(Strater) Hartenfels, natives of Nassau, Germany. The father was
born in August, 1826, and is still living, making his home among his
children, but the mother, who was born in 1832, passed away in January,
1901. They came to America prior to their marriage but both crossed the
Atlantic in the year 1848. The father was a cabinet maker by trade and
after his arrival in the United States followed that business in New York
city, in Brooklyn and Bufifalo, New York, and in other cities. Eventually
he located in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1849, ^^^'^ it was there that he wedded
Miss Strater. After locating in Mansfield he entered a sash and door
factory owned by the late Hon. John Sherman, but sometime afterward
withdrew from industrial interests and engaged in farming in Richland
county, Ohio, near Mansfield. He was also interested in a large stone
quarry and engaged in the sale of its output until he reached his eightieth
year. He is yet a most hale and hearty man but has retired from active
business to enjoy the evening of his life in well earned rest. He found
his success not in any advantageous circumstance, but as the result of
industrv carefullv directed bv sound judgment.
While spending his boyhood days under the parental roof Charles
L. Hartenfels acquired a public school education and later continued his
studies in Ada College, at Ada, Ohio. After leaving college he taught
school for one year. From early boyhood he depended largely upon his
own resources for a living, being employed at a tender age as messenger
boy in the Erie Railroad station in his home city. After completing
his year at teaching he removed westward to Iowa and joined a railroad
surveying party that worked on the Chicago. Rock Island & Pacific line.
Subsequently he took a position in the freight and passenger department of
the Erie Railroad at Mansfield, Ohio, and in 1889 accepted a position
with the Ohio Valley Railroad, at Evansville, Indiana, and for three
years was chief clerk in the freight department of that company. In 1892
he was offered the position of bill clerk at Terre Haute with the Evans-
ville & 1\Tre Haute Railroad, but later resigned in order to return to
the Ohio Valley Railroad as agent at Evansville. When he left that
service he returned to the Evansville «& Terre Haute and also represented
the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad at Terre Haute, continuing as
cashier and chief clerk of the two roads until September i, upi, when he
became general agent, at Terre Haute, of the Southern Indiana Railroad.
Through the succeeding five years he represented that corporation, at the
end of which time, in 1906, he organized the .\cme Coal iS; Lime
Coni])any. of which he became secretary and manager. This is his
present l)usiness connection and his carefully directeil labors have con-
:i/
o GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD MGO COUXTY.
stituted the strong element in the success of the company. He also
assisted in the organization of the Indiana State Bank and is a member of
its board of directors. A man of resourceful business ability, readily
recognizing opportunities, he also assisted in organizing the East Side
Building & Loan Association and the Central Building & Loan Asso-
ciation, being now vice president of the former and treasurer of the latter.
Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion, for
his strong purpose overcomes all obstacles and difficulties in his path and
at the same time conforms strictly to a high standard of business
ethics.
Pleasantly situated in his home life. ]\Ir. Hartenfels was married to
Miss Susie Louise Fox, who was born in Mansfield, Ohio, a daughter of
John and Katherine Marie (Kochheiser ) Fox. early residents of Mansfield
and natives of Germany. Unto Air. and Mrs. Hartenfels have been born
two children, Carl and Katherine, aged respectively nine and six years.
The family are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Hartenfels
belongs to Euclid Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and to the Royal
Arch Chapter in Terre Haute. He is likewise connected w'ith Paul
Revere Lodge of the Knights of Pythias and with the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and his brethren of these fraternities entertain
for him warm regard in recognition of his fidelity to the principles of the
order and of the admirable qualities which he displays in every relation of
life. While he started out as a messenger boy. he has today attained a
creditable position in business circles, with opportunities for further busi-
ness expansion and conseqtient success.
JoHx O. Piety. — The consecutive progress which can be interpreted
in no other way than the expression of ability and merit on the part
of the individual has characterized the professional career of John O.
Piety, a most successful and prominent attorney of Terre Haute, who
stands today as the exponent of high ideals in the practice of law. He
was born on a farm in Prairie Creek township, Vigo county, Indiana,
September 15, 1864, and is a son of J. D. E. and Eliza (Perry) Piety,
who were of Scotch-English descent. The paternal grandfather was
James Piety, a native of Kentucky, wdio became one of the earliest resi-
dents of Vigo county, settling within its borders in 181 8, only two years
after the admission of the state into the Union. The city of Terre Haute
was in an embryonic condition and the entire countryside was an almost
imbroken wilderness, with only here and there a few settlements to show
that the work of improvement had been begun. The maternal grand-
father, William Perry, was a native of Pennsylvania and became one of
the first tanners of Vigo county. The father. J. D. E. Piety, was born
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 571
in this county in 1833, and his life record covered the span of years
to July, 1906. He long survived his wife, who, like him, was a native of
Vigo county and who died in 1887.
During the early boyhood of John O. Piety his parents removed
to Clark county, Illinois, where he attended the common schools. Later
he continued his studies in the Indiana State Normal at Terre Haute,
in 1884, but prior to that year he had engaged in teaching school for a
number of years and had devoted his evenings and leisure hours during
that period to the study of law. The summer seasons were devoted to
reading law in the office of Col. Thomas J. Golden, of Marshall, Illinois,
and he was admitted to the bar on examination before the Illinois su-
preme coiyt in 1889.
Mr. Piety at once located for practice in Terre Haute, where he has
since remained, and gradually he has won a place in the foremost rank
of the representatives of the legal fraternity of this city. For a time he
was in partnership with his brother, James Edward, which ^connection
was continued until the latter was elected judge of the circuit court of
Vigo county in 1896. Since that time John O. Piety has practiced alone.
He served as city attorney from 1894 until 1896 and has been attorney
for the city school board since 1905. He does a general practice in
civil law in the courts of Vigo county and surrounding counties in the
federal courts, giving but little attention to criminal cases. His devotion
to his clients' interests is proverbial, yet he never forgets that he owes
a still higher allegiance to the majesty of the law, and in his practice he
maintains a high standard of professional ethics, which has won him
the thorough respect of his fellow practitioners, who also acknowledge
his ability in the presentation of his cause and in the application of legal
principles thereto.
Mr. Piety was married to Miss Josephine, the daughter of Joseph
Kent, formerly of Terre Haute, but now deceased. They have become
parents of a son and daughter, John K. and Jane E. Mr. Piety belongs
to the Young Business Men's Club of Terre Haute, while in profes-
sional lines he is connected with the State Bar Association. He is de-
votedly attached to his profession, is systematic and methodical in habit,
sober and discreet in judgment, diligent in research and conscientious. in
the discharge of every duty.
J.\coi5 C. KoLSEM. — One of the most successful business men of
Terre Haute is Jacob C. Kolsem. Few men have been more prominentlv
or widely known in this city, and his popularity is well deserved, for he
is public spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote
moral, intellectual and material advancement, and for many years he has
been numbered amonL;- the citv's most valued and honored citizen.-..
5/2 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUXTY.
Mr. Kolsem claims Prussia as the land of his nativity, born on the
24th of July, 1849, l^^^t since his earliest boyhood days he has been an
American citizen, true to its interests and institutions. With their fam-
ily his parents, Jacob and Catherine ( Schnitzler) Kolsem, came to the
United States in 1853 and located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where
the husband and father, an excellent mechanic, spent the remainder of
his life and died in 1887. During his youth the son, Jacob, attended the
public schools of Pittsburg, and after the completition of his education
learned the nail-cutting trade and worked in the factories of Pittsburg
until 1868. It was in that year that he came to Terre Haute, first work-
ing at his trade for a time, and then learning the cooper's trade followed
that for a short time, leaving it to accept a position as salesman in a
hat store. In 1884 he became local manager for the clothing firm of
H. D. Pixley & Company, and continued in that capacity until in 1894.
Throughout the period of his residence in Terre Haute Mr. Kolsem
has been prominently identified with its commercial interests, and being
X a man of excellent business and executive ability has not limited his
efforts to one line, but has encouraged many enterprises and promoted
the industrial activity of the city by his financial assistance and his ad-
vice. He has served as president of the Terre Haute Water Works
Company, as vice president and general manager of the Terre Haute
District Telegraph Company, as a member of the board of directors of
the Building and Loan Savings Association and as treasurer of the Vigo
Loan and Savings Association. But perhaps the name of Jacob C. Kolsem
is best known throughout Vigo county as the mayor of Terre Haute,
for he served two terms in the highest of the offices within the gift of
the citizens, and in his administration he was loyal to his duties. For
two terms he was also a member of the city council. In the fraternal
circles of the city he has reached a high degree in Masonry, being a
past eminent commander of Commandery No. 16, Knights Templar, has
received the thirty-second degree and is a member of the Mystic Shrine.
He is also a past chancellor in the Knights of Pythias Order, Occidental
Lodge, No. 18. In politics he is a Democrat.
Mr. Kolsem married, in May, 1874, Mary F. Stakeman. who was
born in Terre Haute, of German parentage, and they have six children;
Charles J., John H., Anna, Eva, Francis and Agnes.
Wilson Naylor. — Although many of Terre Haute's residents ante-
date the arrival of Wilson Naylor, there are few if any of the citizens
who have taken a more active and interested part in its development or
had more at heart its welfare and progress. He was for more than a
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 573
quarter of a century identified with the progressive steps which kept it
apace with the trend of universal growth and improvement, and his
pubHc service, though done as a private citizen and not as an office-
holder, made heavy demands upon his time and attention. None ques-
tioned the sincerity of his purposes as a citizen or as a business man,
while in the private walks of life he enjoyed in full measure the confi-
dence and friendship of the great majority with whom he was brought in
contact. He was born in Adams county, Ohio, December 5, 1828, his
parents being James P. and Sarah (Moore) Naylor, who were of English
descent. In the year 183 1 the family came to Indiana, settling first at
Eugene, Vermilion county. The education of Wilson Naylor was limited
to the opportunities offered by the schools of his day and thus his advan-
tages were quite meager, but in the school of experience in later years
he learned many valuable lessons. As a boy just enteruig his teens he
found employment on a fiat boat and made altogether fifteen different trips
down the Wabash and Ohio and the Mississippi rivers to the New
Orleans market. Later when the methods of navigation were somewhat
changed he made several trips on steamboats. Following this experience
he was for twenty-two years a dry goods merchant in Eugene and con-
ducted a successful business there, which was beneficial to the city as
well as a source of profit to himself. The year 1864 witnessed his arrival
in Terre Haute, where he opened a grocery store on the corner of Fourth
and Ohio streets. In 1882 the financial affairs of the old Terre Haute
Opera House became involved. The public, including Mr. Naylor, had
subscribed one hundred thousand dollars in stock to the company. The
fine four-story stone structure erected at a cost of two hundred and
eighty-three thousand dollars, and being heavily mortgaged to an east-
ern firm, its affairs were brought into court. At this juncture Mr. Xaylor
purchased the property for one hundred thousand dollars and changed
the name to the Naylor Opera House. This he conducted until his
death, and following his demise his estate managed the opera house until it
was destroyed by fin- in 1896. On the site of the old building the estate of
the late ISenjamin (i. Cox erected the handsome Naylor-Cox business block,
which is one of the most conspicuous buildings in the city. In his business
affairs Mr. Naylor displayed keen discernment and unfaltering enterprise
and his efforts were crowned with a measure of success which can only be
accomplished by unfaltering purpose and well directed activity.
in 1848 occurred the marriage of Wilson Naylor and ]\Iiss Florilla
Shaw, a daughter of Benjamin Shaw. She was born near Eugene. \'er-
milion county, Indiana, and lived in Terre I laute for forty years, her
death occurring in this city. March 4, i<)04. She was a leading member
of the I'irst Congregational church and for many years was one of the
574 ' GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD \"IGO COUXTY.
best known ladies of the city, occupying a prominent position in social
circles, while her many good acts in connection with the church and charit-
able work won her the esteem and love of all.
i\Ir. Naylor in his fraternal relations was identified with the lodge,
the chapter, the council and the commandery of Masons and also with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in his life exemplified the
beneficent spirit of the order, which has as its basic element mutual
helpfulness and brotherly kindness. His early political allegiance w^as
given to the Whig party and he afterward became a stalwart Republican.
He was postmaster at Eugene, Indiana, for sixteen years, holding com-
missions bearing the signatures of Presidents Taylor, Fillmore, Lincoln,
Johnson and Grant. In Terre Haute he never sought nor de-
sired public office, but was recognized as one of the strongest men of
the community in his influence for the city's upbuilding and in his effort
for its substantial improvement. He was connected with every move-
ment instituted for its benefit through a long period and his co-operation
could always be counted upon. Moreover he possessed many of the quali-
ties of the able leader and the fact that he supported a measure usually
gained to it additional support. ]Many Avho knew him cherish his mem-
ory, while his life record finds appropriate place upon the pages of the
city's history because of what he did for its substantial improvement.
Wilson Naylor Cox. — Among the younger members of the Terre
Haute bar who have forged to the front and displayed ability enabling
them to cope with older and more experienced lawyers and win notable
victories, is numbered Wilson Xaylor Cox, who, since 1900, has been an
active practitioner of law. Terre Haute numbers him among her native
sons, whose record is creditable to the city. He was born X'ovember 11,
1876, and is a son of Benjamin G. and Elizabeth (X'^aylor) Cox, and
a grandson of Robert and Laura Elizabeth (]More) Cox. Robert Cox
was a prominent early merchant of Terre Haute and contributed in sub-
stantial measure to the commercial development of the city during its
formative period.
Benjamin Guille Cox, father of our subject, and now deceased, was
one of Terre Haute's most prominent, influential and successful business
men and citizens. For many years he was closely identified with com-
mercial interests here and did much toward advancing the city's welfare
and substantial improvement. His birth occurred in Cincinnati, Ohio,
Alay 7, 1847. When a young man he entered the grocery house of E. P.
Trenchard, of Cincinnati, securing a subordinate position, but gradually
working his way upward by reason of his unwearied industry, capability
and trustworthiness to a position of responsibility. While thus engaged
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 575
he underwent a thorough schooHng in business methods which made
his subsequent career such an unqualified success. In 1867 he arrived
in Terre Haute, where he entered the grocery house of Cox & Sons, which
had been estabUshed some years before by his father (then deceased)
and at that time was being conducted by Robert Cox, Jr., and Mrs.
Robert Cox, Sr. In 1869 Benjamin G. Cox purchased the old Bartlett
book store, wdiich was so prominent a feature in the early history of the
town. Later the grocery houses of Hulman and Cox were consolidated
and the wholesale grocery establishment was opened at the corner of
Fifth and jMain streets, under the firm style of Hulman & Cox. This
house Benjamin G. Cox afterward entered as a clerk, later was made a
traveling salesman and subsequently when Robert Cox, Jr., retired from
the firm, became general manager. In 1885 the business was reorganized
and B. G. Cox became one of the firm. He displayed exceedingly rare
and substantial qualities in business. He was a thorough and systematic
worker and such was the regard felt for his judgment and opinion that
his decisions were always final even in the most trivial matters. The
care and management of the large store devolved upon him and in this
he exhibited the master hand with which he touched every subject. From
a fertile brain he also evolved the system of bookkeeping which has been
pronounced wonderful by experts from all sections of the country, and
which was exclusively kept by the largest stores of the land. Mr. Cox
had a combination of talent seldom found in one man. He was .i thor-
ough lawyer as well as an efficient business man and had all the qualifi-
cations of a successful cattle raiser as well. More Park, the beautiful
country place of Mr. Cox, was one of his chief delights. He purchased
the farm in 1887 and at once began the process of beautifying and im-
proving it until More Park soon became one of the show places of Vigo
county. It was also a profitable investment when viewed from a pecu-
niary standpoint and was always a source of pleasure to ^Ir. Cox. who
took keen delight in the growth of the crn])s and any other work con-
nected with agricultural development. He was a meml)er of the jersey
Cattle Club and along more strictly social lines was connected with the
Terre Haute Club, now the Columbia Club, of Indianapolis. He was
likewise an honorary member of several New York social organizations.
On the 26th of .\ugust, 1870, Benjamin G. Cox was married to Miss
Elizabeth Naylor, a daughter of the late Wilson Naylor, and unto them
were born four children, Wilson Xaylor, Eleanor. Laura and Newton,
all yet living. The death of :\lr. Cox occurred in Terre Haute. August 31.
1898. For two vears prior to his demise he liad been in ill health and in
June of thai vear. accnni])anicd by his friind. iM'ank I'rox. sailed for
l':ur()])e in llie hope of receiving benefit from the journey and from medical
5/6 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD \TGO COUNTY.
treatment he expected to take while abroad. After a short stay in Eng-
land he went to Germany, where he was treated by the best physicians
in the city of Bremen. His condition did not improve, however, and
finding the countrx less congenial than he had anticipated and pining
for his own home, he soon decided to return. He did not long survive his
arrival in America. The voyage home was a severe test on his strength
and vitality and on several occasions it was feared that he could not live
until the vessel reached Xew York. He survived, however, and his last
hours were spent in Terre Haute. His death w^as the occasion of deep
regret to many friends who had long knowai. esteemed and honored him.
Wilson Xaylor Cox, son of Benjamin G. Cox, and immediate subject
of this sketch, began his education as a public school student and passed
through consecutive grades until he was graduated from the city high
school in 1895. He afterward spent two years at Exeter College, in New
Hampshire, and subsecjuently was graduated from the law department of
Columbia University, in New York city, as a member of the class of 1900.
The same year he was admitted to the New York bar and later in that
year was admitted to practice in the courts of Indiana. Locating in Terre
Haute, he immediately opened an office here and entered upon his profes-
sional career. He has met with success as one whose knowledge of the
law is comprehensive and whose application thereof is broad and correct.
He is accorded a liberal clientage and has also gained success in other
lines. Aside from his profession he has many important interests, includ-
ing the New York Mail Company, of which he is manager and part owner.
This company has a contract with the federal government to handle the
mail in New York city.
(Jn the loth of October, 1907, Mr. Cox was married to Miss Lassie
Gardenhire, a daughter of Colonel Francis ^1. Gardenhire, of Chattanooga,
Tennessee. The young couple are well known socially in this city and the
hospitality of its best homes is freely accorded them. ]\Ir. Cox is a member
of the Terre Haute Lodge of Elks, the Young Business Men's Club, Coun-
try Club. Terre Haute Gun Club, and the Columbia Club, of Indianapolis.
He is a prominent and popular representative of old and leading families
of this part of the county and by reason of his personal worth deserves
representation in this volume.
Patrick Bernard Walsh. — When the historian of the future comes
to tell the story of the growth and development of the city of Terre Haute
and of the evolution of its municipal government, a large portion of that
story between the years 1892 and 1910 will deal with that which pertains
to the personal biography of Patrick B. Walsh, president of the board of
public works.
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 577
Born in Terre Haute December 25, 1863, he has resided here through-
out his hfe, receiving- his education in the parochial and public schools
of the city, and making one of that numerous company of lively lads whose
pranks are related yet today. After leaving school he engaged as clerk in
the shoe store of John R. Miller, where he remained for three years. Later
he worked for two years in the famous old Wabash Rolling Mills, and
then he set up in the grocery business for himself. For many years he was
engaged in mercantile pursuits, making a success of his business by the
conservatism and painstaking care with which he conducted his affairs.
That portion of -his life, however, from 1892 until the present time
is part of the history of the political life of the community. In that year,
considerably against his will, he was nominated by the Democrats for
councilman of the sixth ward and served for four years. In 1896 he
determined to leave politics and notified his friends of his unwillingness
to seek re-election, carding the papers to that efifect, but in the face of this
positive announcement the convention again named him by acclamation
and a committee was appointed to notify him of the action of the conven-
tion. Again he reluctantly accepted and again he was elected, serving
until his resignation in 1899.
During these seven years the city council was composed of many of
the strongest characters in the city, numbering among its most active mem-
bers such men as A. J. Crawford, Dr. Stephen Young, Bert Rockwood,
Lee Goodman and Henry LTrban ; and during this period some important
legislation was enacted and several important innovations were made. In
all of this Mr. Walsh took an important part. As a member of the streets
and alleys committee, the finance committee, the judiciary committee and
the fire committee he did great service to his constituents and the citizens
of the city generally.
One of the important things accomplished by the council, through a
committee of which he was a prominent member, was the banishment of
the slaughter . houses from the city limits and the establishment of the
Terre Haute abattoir. The presence of these slaughter houses had had
an ill effect upon the health of the community and the city had been
threatened with an epidemic. In conjunction with Dr. Young he worked
out the solution of the difficulty and aided in the work which finally
resulted in the establishment of a common slaughter house outside of
the limits of the municipality. The growth of the city, likewise, con-
fronted the community with the problem of proper collection and disposal
of garbage, and again Mr. Walsh acted on the special committee which
determined upon the erection of a crematory. These gentlemen traveled
over the country studying the methods of garbage collection and disposal
and as a result of their investigation a crematory was built which has
served the city for many years.
Z7
578 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
Perhaps the most momentous work with which Air. Walsh's council-
manic experience deals is the formation of the present city charter which
has been vindicated by experience. He was one of the committee from the
council which acted in conjunction with a committee of citizens in this
constructive work. This committee made a thorough investigation of the
best forms of municipal government and the present city charter was the
result.
When the charter went into effect, in 1899, thereby giving ])irtli to
the board of public works, he was invited by Mayor Steeg to accept the
important position of president of the board, and resigning his seat in
the council, he rxcepted this post and remained in this position con-
tinuously until the expiration of Mayor Steeg's last term, in September,
1904.
When Alayor Bidaman came into power ]\Ir. Walsh retired to private
life, acting, however, for a brief time, as clerk of the school board.
When Mayor Lyons came into office, in September, 1906, Mr. W^alsh was
again asked to take the presidency of the board of public works, and it is
presumable that he will remain in this position until January, 19 10,
making sixteen years of service in the employ of the city.
President Walsh is recognized as one of the most thorough students
of municipal problems in the city or state. In the discharge of his duties
on the board he has always been actuated by the idea of servnig the
public, has always been noted for his fairness, impartiality, unimpeachable
integrity, courtesy and consciei>tiousness. The desire of Mayor Lyons to
make his administration stand for progress and public improvement
probably had something to do with ]\Ir. \\^alsh"s re-appointment, and the
present board will likely go down in municipal history as the one that
has done more for the material advancement of the city than any other in
the history of the community. And in view of the unprecedented amount
of street and sewer building that is being done by the board and adminis-
tration it is scarcely probable that the record will be equaled for many
years. At any rate a high standing is being set and one that will be
hard to surpass. During the first year under the Lyons administration,
the board of works, under the presidency of Mr. Walsh bui]t more
paved streets than have ever been built in any four years combined, more
sewers than in any three or four years combined, and more cement side-
walks than in any six years combined in the history of Terre Haute.
And this too, at a less cost to property owners.
Lender the presidency of Mr. Walsh all the public business of the
board of public works is done in the open, no star chamber or secret
sessions being held. The records are kept in such a way that any tax
payer can learn, now or in the future, every step taken in a public im-
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 579
provement. Every bid submitted, and every penny paid into this depart-
ment is accounted for on the records and published in annual reports.
Mr. Walsh is a prominent figure in the Democratic politics of the city
and county. He is also prominent in lodge circles, having acted in
every official capacity in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, in the county,
and during the last eight years as state treasurer of the order. This latter
honor indicates his standing for probity, carefulness and integrity. He
was one of the founders of the Phcenix Building and Loan Association
sixteen years ago and is still one of the board of directors and one of
the board of appraisers. He is also a member of the Order of Red Men,
and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was united in marriage to Miss Winifred Connolly, then a
teacher in the public schools, on July 6, 1891.
Personally "Pat" Walsh is genial, companionable, loyal to his friends.
He is an ardent sportsman and for years he made one of a party which
included Eugene V. Debs, which spent a portion of the hunting season on
the prairies of Illinois.
William C. Dorsey, a general contractor on public works, with an
office in Terre Haute, occupies a leading and influential position in in-
dustrial circles. In the paternal line he represents an old southern family,
his grandfather being Samuel Dorsey, a native of Baltimore, Maryland.
His father, A. ]. Dorsey, was a native of Ohio, where his parents located.
After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Sarah C. Butler, a native
of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and a daughter of Capt. William
Butler, an officer in the English navy, who was stationed at Prince
Edward Island for a number of years. In the support of his family
A. J. Dorsey engaged in the foundry business for a number of years
and his last days were passed in Terre Haute, where he died in 1885, ^^^
widow still surviving, yet makes her home in this city.
William C. Dorsey was reared in Terre Haute and attended the
public schools in the acquirement of an education and even at that early
dav provided to some extent for his own support by selling newspapers.
His initial step in the business world, however, was really made as an office
boy for the old lixprcss, one of the early newspapers of the city. He con-
tinued there until his capability and trustworthiness secured him promo-
tion ti) the position of press feeder and ultimately he became a compositor.
Xot desiring to engage in the printing trade as a life work, however, he
entered u])(>n an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade in the old Phoenix
foundry, after which he turned his attention to railroading for a number
of years. While thus busily occupied during the day he studied civil
engineering at night, and in 1886 took up that work, lieing employed as a
58o GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
civil engineer by the city of Terre Haute as first assistant engineer, in
which capacity he remained until 1891. In that year he took up general
contracting on public works and is thus busily engaged at the present
time. The firm with which he is associated has done contract work
from the upper peninsula of Michigan on the north, to Mexico on the
south, and their operations have involved the expenditure of millions of
dollars.
As time has passed Mr. Dorsey has developed his latent powers and
energies and has become recognized as a man of resourceful business abil-
ity, now controlling large aflr'airs and varied interests. Aside from being
president and general manager of the Dorsey Construction Company, he
he is also a member of the Dorsey & Harris Contracting Company, presi-
dent of the Dorsey Sand & Gravel Company, president of the Terre
Haute Parcel Delivery Company and a member of the Averett-Dorsey
Drug Company. He is likewise interested in farming. In business affairs
he is energetic, prompt and notably reliable and has in a large measure
that quality of everyday common sense which is an indispensable element
in all success. He possesses, too, keen perception and honesty of pur-
pose, guided by resistless will power. At the same time he has always
been fair in his treatment of employes and by reason of personal merit and
ability has gained a position of distinction in the business world.
In 1899 Mr. Dorsey was married to Miss Lilly A. Carpenter,
who was born in Cloverland, Clay county, Indiana, a daughter of
William H. H. Carpenter, a farmer, now deceased. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Dorsey
are now parents of a son and daughter: Arthur E., born June 17, 1890,
and Eugenia Blanche, born November 23, 1897. ^Nlr. Dorsey is connected
fraternally with several societies, including the ^lasons, the Knights of
Pythias, the Elks, and the Alaccabees. He has likewise taken an active
interest in politics, and although he has never sought nor desired office,
he filled for two terms, the position of deputy oil inspector of the state.
A man of great natural ability, his success in business from the beginning
has been uniform and rapid. As has been truly remarked, after all that
may be done for a man in the way of giving him early opportunities for
obtaining the requirements which are sought in schools and in books, he
must essentially formulate, determine and give shape to his own character
and this is what ]\Ir. Dorsey has done. Persevering in the pursuit of a
persistent purpose and prompted at all times by laudable ambition he has
gained a most satisfactory reward.
Joseph Strong, founder of the wholesale house of Joseph Strong
& Company, is a native of Chillicothe, Ohio. He was born June 25,
1839, of the marriage of William Y. and Anna (Massie) Strong,
r^
REATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 581
natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky respectively. The father was
for years engaged in merchandising in Chillicothe, Ohio, to which city
he removed from Philadelphia — his birth place — in early manhood. His
wife died while they were residents of Ohio. His father came to Terre
Haute, passing away while temporarily residing with his son in this city.
Reared in the place of his nativity, Joseph Strong acquired his edu-
cation through the medium of the public schools and began his business
career in 1861, in the old Commercial Bank, of Cincinnati. Four years
later he removed from that city to Terre Haute and soon afterward estab-
lished a wholesale grocery house in the old Dowling Hall, on North
Sixth street, between Wabash and Cherry streets, now occupied by the
Miller-Parrott bakery. He began operations on a comparatively small
scale but soon was accorded a liberal patronage, and increased his facilities
to meet the growth of his trade from year to year until he was at the
head of one of the leading wholesale enterprises of the city. In the early
seventies he began making a specialty of coffee and spices and soon after-
ward concentrated his attention entirely upon this line, establishing him-
self in his present three-story brick block at the corner of Sixth and Ohio
streets, the building being erected especially for his business. He was the
pioneer coffee and spice merchant of Terre Haute and in 1889 the firm
of Joseph Strong & Company was formed by the admission of Anthony
G. Blake to a partnership in the business. There is no esoteric phase in
his entire commercial career. On the contrary his business record is as
an open book which all may read and on its pages are set down many
lessons that might be profitably followed, showing the methods he has
followed whereby he has won simultaneously success and an honored
name. Pie is also a director of the Terre Haute National Bank and of the
Citizens' Mutual Heating Company, and his opinions on business matters
are always received with respect and largely regarded as authoritative, for
his fellow townsmen have recognized the soundness of his views and his
keen perception.
Mr. Strong was married in 1866, to Miss Mary B. Blake, a daugh-
ter of Dr. Richard Blake, now deceased, one of the old time and success-
ful practicing physicians of Terre Haute. As the years have passed
six children have been added to the Strong household, namely : Anna M.,
the wife of Benjamin McKeen, general manager of the X'andalia Railroad
Company, with headquarters at St. Louis, Missouri ; Richard B., who
wedded Catherine Carlton and resides in Terre Haute ; Plenrietta D., the
wife of S. Crawford McKeen, who is cashier of llu' McKeen National
Bank, of this city ; I'ranceska G., the wife of Grant Fairbanks, a resident
of Haverhill, Massachusetts; Susan M., the wife of James Cooper. Jr.. an
attorney of Terre Haute, and Elizabeth .\. B., the wife of John L.,
Crawford, also a resident of this cit\-.
582 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD VIGO COUXTY.
Of the Commercial club, the leading commercial club of the city, Mr.
Strong is a valued and representative member and he is also identified with
the Fort Harrison Club and with the St. Stephen's Episcopal church — asso-
ciations which indicate much of the character of his interests and the
rules which have governed his conduct throughout a useful, active and
honorable career. The energ}-, ability and talent which he possesses have
been manifest in his establishment and control of an important commer-
cial enterprise. His record is an illustration of what can be done if a
man with a clear brain and willing hands but sets himself seriously to the
real labors and responsibilities of life. He has never feared that labo-
rious attention to the details of business so necessary to achieve success
and this essential quality has ever been guided by a sense of right which
will tolerate only the employment of those means that will bear most
rigid examination, by a fairness of intention that neither seeks nor
requires disguise. It is but just and merited praise to say of him that as
a business man he ranks with the ablest, as a citizen he is honorable,
prompt and true to every engagement and as a man he holds the honor
and esteem of all classes of people.
AxTHOXY Groverman Blake. — In the varied business interests
which go to make up the aggregate of Terre Haute's commercial prom-
inence and importance the wholesale house of Joseph Strong & Com-
panv is well known. A\"ith this enterprise Anthony G. Blake is con-
nected as junior partner and is well known in business circles as a man
of enterprise, who. as the architect of his own fortunes has builded
wisely and well. A native son of Terre Haute, he was born June 22,
1851. His father, the late Richard Blake, came from Crawford county,
Marvland, to this city at an early period in its development and became
one of its leading physicians, practicing for many years. For a long
period he was associated with Dr. Ball, whose prominence as an early
member of the medical fraternity here left its impress upon the history of
the citv. Dr. Blake, too. is well remembered by those who knew and
esteemed him for his professional and personal worth. He passed away,
however, during: the earlv bovhood of his son Anthonv. The mother bore
the maiden name of Franceska J. Groverman.
Reared in the city of his nativity, Anthony G. Blake pursued his
education in the public schools and on the 15th of September, 1868, made
his way from the old Blake homestead east of the city to the establishment
of Joseph Strong, and securing a position, he entered upon active con-
nection with the house, remaining as an employe until 1888. when he was
admitted to the firm as the junior partner. This house was established
as a wholesale grocery enterprise but in the course of years began mak-
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 583
ing a specialty of coffees and spices, and so gratifying was the reputa-
tion which it secured in this connection and so large the trade that
other lines were closed out and the business of the house was concentrated
upon the sale of those articles. Mr. Blake gradually gained knowledge of
the business in every department and passing on to a position of execu-
tive control and administrative direction, he has now stood for twenty
years as one of the owners and principal factors in the successful control
of this important business.
In 1875 Mr. Blake was united in marriage to Miss Catherine J.
Morgan, whose father, Jasper A. Morgan, came from Youngstown,
Ohio, to Terre Haute and was a partner in the old Terre Haute nail
works. Mrs. Blake died in 1899, leaving four children, namely: Edward
M., who resides in Denver, Colorado ; Fannie A., who is still under
the parental roof but at the present writing is traveling through Europe ;
Mary J., the wife of Robert Herkimer, a resident of Terre Haute ; and
Charles W., who is city salesman, representing the firm of Joseph Strong
& Company.
Having lost his first wife, Mr. Blake wedded Mrs. Eva W. Floyd
I nee Walswbrth), of Mendota, Illinois. Socially he is connected with
the Commercial Club and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. He is a man of even temperament, calm and self-poised, of a refined
character, in whom nature and culture have vied in making an honored and
interesting gentleman, while the inherent force of his own character has
gained him a place with the representative merchants of his native city.
Wilson H. Scale. — One of the able jurists practicing at the bar of
Terre Haute is Wilson H. Soale, a native son of Ohio. His parents, Peter
and Sarah (Parkes) Soale, were of German and Irish descent. On his
father's farm in Highland county, Ohio. Wilson H. Soale attamed to
years of maturity, receiving his primary education in the district schools
and his higher educational training in the college at Hillsboro, where
he pursued a regular classical course and graduated with the class of
1874. He was well fitted to begin his preparation for the practice of law,
and after studying at Hillsboro and being admitted to the bar he practiced
in Highland and Ross counties until 1883. at that time accepting a
position in the United States pension office, and in 1884 he was appointed
supervisor of pensions of the state of Indiana, with headciuarters at
Terre Haute, but after a time resigned that position to resume his law
practice, still maintaining his residence in Terre Haute, and his career has
been a successful one. In 1890 he was appointed supervisor of the census
for the fourth district of Indiana.
584 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
Judge Josiah T. Walker. — In the history of the courts and those
who are prominent as representatives of the bar mention should be made
of Judge Josiah T. Walker, who formerly sat upon the bench of the
city court and is now practicing law in Terre Haute with a large and
distinctively representative clientage. He was born upon a farm near
Worthington, Greene county, Indiana, on the 26th of March, 1865. In
pioneer days his grandfather, Jesse Josiah Walker, located in that county
and took up the arduous work of developing and improving the district.
He was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Coshocton
county, Ohio, and later came to Indiana.
His son, James Josiah Walker, was born in Coshocton countv. Ohio,
in 1835, and came with his family to Greene county, Indiana, in his
boyhood days. His life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and
constituted a busy, active and useful career. He bought and cleared three
different farms in Greene county, thus contributing materially to its sub-
stantial development. When the Civil war came on his patriotism led him
to volunteer as a soldier but on account of a severe attack of typhoid fever
earlier in life which left him in poor physical condition, he was rejected.
Later he was drafted but was again rejected and on still another occasion
he volunteered but did not pass physical muster. When General Alorgan
was on his raid in Indiana, Mr. Walker rode all night, expecting to be
able to join the Union forces at Bloomington. Even though he did not
get to render active service at the front as a soldier, he was unfaltering
in his loyalty to the advocacy of the Union cause, and the Walker family
was well represented in the army, as five of the brothers enlisted from
Greene county and did valiant service in the south, William Walker giv-
ing his life upon the altar of his country, his death occurring while he was
a member of the Union army. Leander, Thomas, George W. and Ransom
Walker, were also numbered among the boys in blue, the last named
entering the service when but a youth of fifteen years.
The mother of Judge Walker is Mrs. Eliza E. (Taylor) Walker,
who was born near Maysville, Kentucky, in 1840, and was a daughter of
Richard Taylor, of Virginia birth, who became an early settler and miller
of Kentucky. Later he removed to Greene county, Indiana, and cast in
his lot with its pioneer settlers. There amid the conditions and environ-
ments of frontier life Mrs. Walker was reared and is still residing upon
the old home farm near Midland, where she and her 'husband spent so
many happy years. In 1876, however, she was called upon to mourn the
loss of her husband.
Judge Walker was reared upon the home farm, early becoming
familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.
The death of his father, which occurred when the Judge was but a boy
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 585
of 'eleven years, left him, in a measure, the support of his widowed mother
and the other children of the family. In early manhood he taught school
for four years during the winter seasons, while in the summer months he
worked upon the home farm in planting, plowing and harvesting of the
crops. Every leisure moment during this period was devoted to reading
law, for he had become imbued with a desire to join the legal fraternity
and to this end he took a course in DePauw University. He then read law
for three years in the office of Wilson & Todd, at Blufifton, Indiana,
and in 1892 located in Terre Haute for the practice of his profession.
On coming to this city Judge Walker formed a partnership with
Judge Eggleston, with whom he continued for about a year. Since that
time he has been alone in practice and has risen through his own merits,
unaided by the influencee or assistance of friends. For two years he
served as deputy prosecuting attorney of Vigo county, and for sixteen
months was judge of the city court, during which time he gained an
enviable reputation for fairness, justice and equity. His decisions were
based upon the law and its application to the points in issue and the
correctness of his opinions was uniformly acknowledged.
• In 1906 Judge Walker was a leading candidate before the Republican
primaries for the office of judge of the superior court and received the
^ nomination, but went down with his party in a Democratic landslide.
He has served as a member of the board of police commissioners of Terre
Haute, under the old metropolitan police system, having been appointed
by Governor Durbin. For the last twenty years Mr. Walker has taken
an active part in local and state politics.
Judge Walker is well known socially, is a valued member of the
Commercial Club, is a past master of Social Lodge, No. 86, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, and likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias
fraternity. He is greatly esteemed in the community and enjoys the un-
qualified regard of his professional associates as well as of the general
public.
William x\lbert Hamilton. — Among his business associates Wil-
liam A. Hamilton is known as an able and enterprising insurance man and
a strong factor in large enterprises which tend to materially develop the
~ city of Terre Haute, and among citizens generally he stands as one of their
best representatives, an earnest and generous promoter of the higher
movements along the line of charity and religion. Specifically, his posi-
tion in the insurance community is as manager of the Mutual Life In-
surance Company, of New York, and as vice president of the Doak-
Riddle-Hamilton Company, insurance and real estate agents. He came
to Indiana from the east, his ])irth bavins?" occurred in Washington
586 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of May, 1857. His parents, Joseph
Wright and Ehzabeth (Pahner) Hamilton, were also natives of the
Keystone state and were of Scotch-Irish descent, while both families were
established in the new world during the colonial period of American
history. The Hamilton family was well represented in the Patriot army
during the Revolutionary war. Joseph W. Hamilton became a contractor
on public works and for many years resided near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
William A. Hamilton acquired a good English education, and began
his business career as cashier in a wholesale store in Pittsburg. In 1876
he became a resident of Terre Haute, and two years later became a mem-
ber of the real estate and insurance firm known as Riddle, Hamilton &
Company. This business was founded in 1863 by W. B. Wharton and
J. Irving Riddle, and has had a continuous existence to the present
time. Since 1892 Mr. Hamilton has held his present position with the
]^Iutual Life Insurance Company, of New York city, and under his
management the business of the company in its allotted territory has out-
ranked that of any other similar corporation. Together with his asso-
ciates, \lv. Hamilton is largely interested in all lines of insurance, as well
as in the real estate and rental business, and the Doak-Riddle-Hamilton
Company is the leader of its class in Terre Haute. Personally ]\Ir.
Hamilton is also a stockholder in a number of outside business enterprises
of an important character, and his influence is both broad and high
among his business and commercial associates. He is a charter member of
the Commercial Club and is also a member of the Young Business Men's
Club, and is a representative of the best progress in these fields of
life.
In 1 88 1 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hamilton and ^liss Clara
Bitner. the wedding being celebrated in New Castle, Pennsylvania. The
three children of their union are Lloyd Park, Paul Bitner and William
A. Hamilton, Jr., and the entire family is widely known in Terre Haute,
its members being welcome guests at many of the most important social
functions. Mr. Hamilton's patriotic ancestry gives him firm standing
among the Sons of the American Revolution, and he has already served
one term as president of the Indiana society. He is also a thirty-second
degree Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, and is even more
widely known for his activity in charitable and religious work, to the
support of which he has donated not only abundantly of his means, but
of his time and abilities. He is an elder in the Central Presbyterian
church, and for years has been an earnest and successful teacher of young
men in the Sunday school. He is also a member of the board of the
Light House Mission, which is a non-sectarian organization doing a
noble work among the deserving poor of the city, and for several years
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 587
has served as director in the Young Men's Christian Association and the
Union Hospital. In the midst of such varied and broad activities as has
been described above, it may be unnecessary to add that although he is
a Republican voter, he has never attempted to become a leader.
In whatever field of endeavor Mr. Hamilton has entered he has
evinced characteristic qualities of quick apprehension, prompt decision,
sound judgment, ready sympathy and broad charity. His life record
is therefore fertile in valuable object lessons. The spirit of self-help has
also been his, in whatever position he has been placed, so that his suc-
cess in business and the great good he has been able to accomplish with his
abundant means come to him as a logical and just reward for his strong
traits and his staunch virtues.
Fred Wesley Beal. — An able and popular attorney and one of the
most efficient prosecuting attorneys ever connected with the public ser-
vice of Vigo county, Fred W. Beal, of Terre Haute, has also the distinction
of descent froiu one of the most honorable pioneer families of that sec-
tion of the state. He was born near Rockville, Parke county. Indiana, on
the 20th of October, 1870, son of Mark and Margaret A. ( Bailor "i Beal,
both of the parents .being now residents of Terre Haute. Fred W. came
to this city when but a year old, and it has been his home ever since, the
family homestead being in Otter Creek township, just north of the city. He
spent his earlier years on the farm, and after draining the educational
resources of the district school in his neighborhood assumed his more
advanced studies at the Terre Haute high school. In 1889 he graduated
with unusual honors from that institution, having made the best percentage
(among the boys) for the four years' course and won a scholarship in
Wabash University. The svicceeding four terms w^ere spent in attendance
at the Indiana State Normal School, after which he taught school for
a year in Otter Creek township. As is the case with many anibitious
young men, Mr. Beal's teaching proved but a stepping stone to the door of
his legal career, which opened into the law department of the University
of Michigan. After his graduation therefrom, in 1893 he entered the
law office of Davis, Robinson & Reynolds, of Terre Haute, as a practi-
tioner, having been admitted to the bar the preceding year, while still a
student at the university. In 1897 he formed a partnership with Sanford
C. Davis, which was dissolved by the death of the latter in the following
year. This (1898) was also the year of his election to the office of
prosecuting attorney of Vigo county, his majority of 532 votes making
him one of onlv three successful candidates on the Democratic ticket.
His service was so marked for its energy and ability, as well as his
conservatism in the brinirincr of doubtful suits, that he was re-elected bv a
588 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
majority of 672. While prosecuting attorney he tried the only woman
ever sentenced to prison for life in Vigo county, and while prosecutor and
deputy convicted three of the seven murderers who have been convicted
during the history of Vigo county. Futhermore, every indictment which
he prepared withstood the test of the court. After retiring from office
he practiced alone until November, 1907, when he became associated with
Samuel K. Duvall, under the firm name of Duvall & Beal, and has
continued since in a substantial and growing practice. Mr. Deal's
activities extend far beyond the court and the law office, important as
these are ; he is a citizen of broad intelligence and practical helpfulness,
being an earnest member of the Commercial Club and other organizations
which participate in the advancement of the city. He is also an influential
figure in the fraternities, his connections being with the following organiza-
tions : Social Lodge, No. 86, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; Knights
of Pythias, Uniform Rank; Fort Harrison Lodge, No. 157, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, Encampment and Canton McKeen ; the Improved
Order of Red Men, and other fraternities. On Jwly 30, 1901, Mr. Beal
was united in marriage with Miss Cora E. Case, daughter of Marvin H.
Case, one of the leading farmers of Parke county, Indiana, and vice
president of the Rockville (Indiana) National Bank. The child of this
union, Cora Roselyn Beal, was born on the 30th of October, 1903.
The paternal grandfather. Jeremiah Beal, was for many years an
extensive real estate dealer and trader of Terre Haute. He was born in
Loudoun county, Virginia, on March 5. 1807. son of Samuel and Nancy
(Garner) Beal, both of whom were natives of that state, the former
born in 1770. In 181 2 Jeremiah Beal. then five years of age, was taken
by his parents from Virginia to Blount county, Tennessee, and later five of
the sons removed thence to White county, that state, and thence to
Jackson county. The grandfather lived in the county last named until
1827. then marrying Rebecca Fuqua. daughter W^illiam Fuqua, of Ten-
nessee, and settling in Yigo county. Later he moved across the line
into Parke county, walking to Crawfordsville, a distance of forty miles,
to make his entry of the forty acres which he there took up. Eventually
he collected several hundred acres of fine land in that county, which
he sold in 1859. after which he located in Terre Haute and engaged in
business as a real estate dealer and general trader. Later he bought a
mill at Kankakee, Illinois, but sold the property after a year, and has
since confined himself to investments in Terre Haute. Jeremiah Beal
volunteered for service in the Mexican war, but was rejected on account
of a disabled wrist. His father (the great-grandfather of Fred W.)
was a soldier in the war of 181 2, one of his sons, served in the Civil war,
and one of them served as commissioner of Vigo county for one term,
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 589
so that the Eieal family through a variety of long-standing associations
is intimately identified with the history of Vigo county.
Mark Beal, the father, for years a leading farmer and stock grower
of the countv, was born in Parke county, Indiana, on the 5th of October,
1844, and in that section he was reared and educated. He was also mar-
ried in Parke county, on November 25, 1865, to ^Margaret A. Bailor, born
in 1846, and a daughter of George and Lydia (Overpeck) Bailor, both
of German descent. They became the parents of Nettie F., Fred W.,
and Elizabeth M., their residence in Vigo dating from 1870, when they
founded the family homestead in Otter Creek township. They now live
in Terre Haute, where the father devotes his time to the handling of real
estate and his farming interests. Nettie F. is the wife of Oscar Creal,
a leading farmer of Otter Creek township. Elizabeth M. is a graduate of
the State Normal and was a supervisor of the city schools for four years,
and is now connected with the public schools of Pasadena, California.
Robert H. Catlix. — A leading member of the Terre Haute bar,
Robert H. Catlin is a native of Parke county, Indiana, born on the 12th
of October, 1856, son of Hiram and Hanna (Elson) Catlin, natives respec-
tively of Indiana and Ohio. The father is of English origin, and the
mother of Swedish.
Our subject was born and reared on the home farm in Parke county,
his educational advantages consisting of attendance at the common
schools, the Bloomingdale Academy and the DePauw University. He
studied law with Judge A. F. \Miite, of Rockville, was admitted to the
bar in 1879, and, after teaching for two years, began the practice of
his profession in Parke county. In 1880 he located in Terre Haute,
where he has since resided, a recognized leader of the local bar. He has
been active and prominent in politics, and has gained a national reputa-
tion as an orator, having been an influential figure in several presiden-
tial campaigns.
In 1879 ]\Ir. Catlin was married in Sullivan county. Indiana, to Miss
Letitia R., daughter of Mesha H. and Delphia (Davis) Eaton, and is of
English and (merman descent. Two children have been born to them,
lone and Madge.
James H. Caldw^ell is actively connected with the profession which
has important bearing upon the welfare and stable prosperity of any
section or community and has long been considered as conserving the
public interests by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining indi-
vidual rights. In no profession does advancement depend more entirely
upon individual merit and unfaltering -eflfort, and ihai Mr. Caldwell is
590 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
now recognized as an able lawyer is clue to his possession of those quali-
ties. He was born in Charleston, Clark county, Indiana, December 28,
1863, his parents being William and Sarah (Richardson) Caldwell,
both of whom were natives of Clark county. The father's birth occurred
in Charleston in 1831, while the mother w^as born at Henry ville, in 1837.
In the year 1888 the family removed to Vigo county, settling on a farm
near Pimento, where William Caldwell carried on general agricultural
pursuits until his death. He passed away in 1903, since which time his
widow has made her home with her son James.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of
farm life for James H. Caldwell in his boyhood and youth. He at-
tended the common schools and worked in the fields, but thinking to find
other pursuits more congenial than those of the farm he removed to
Terre Haute in 1882 and accepted a position in the grocery store of W,
W. Oliver. He there remained for a year, when, realizing the import-
ance and value of further educational training, he entered the Indiana
State Normal School, from which he was graduated with the class of
1888. He afterward spent two years as a student in the Indiana Uni-
versity at Bloomington, subsecjuent to which time he resumed farming
and devoted a few years to that occupation. It was his ambition, how-
ever, to become a representative of the learned professions and to this
end he read law prior to his admission to the bar on the ist of January,
1892. Opening an ofiice in Terre Haute he at once began practice and
for two years was junior member of the firm of Price & Caldwell. Since
that time he has been alone and his success in a professional way aft'ords
the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong advocate
with the jury and concise in his appeals before the court, and he seems
almost to place a correct valuation upon the importance of every point
bearing upon his case.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Caldwell was married to
Miss Cora Alice Alexander, who was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, a
daughter of William B. and Louisa Alexander. Their marriage has been
blessed with a daughter and two sons, Leona A., Richard A. and James
D. Fraternally Mr. Caldwell is connected with both the subordinate
lodge and Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias and also holds
membership with the United American Mechanics, the Loyal Legion of
America and the Knights and Ladies of Honor. His entire life has been
passed in this state, and for twenty years he has been a resident of Vigo
county, where he is well known, and the fact that many of his stanchest
friends are those who have known him from the early period of his
residence here is an indication that his has been an honorable and well
spent life.
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 591
Daniel Nicholds Davis is one of the well known and popular resi-
dents of Terre Haute. Entirely approachable and in manner genial and
afifable. he has an extensive circle of friends, and not to know "Dan"
Davis in Terre Haute is to argue one's self unknown. From a humble
position he has gradually worked his way upward in the business world
until he is now at the head of an extensive and profitable enterprise as
president of the Dan Davis Coal Company. He is a native of Wales,
his birth having occurred September 7, 1851. at Victoria, ^lonmouthshire.
The original spelling of the family name was Davies, but on account of
mispronunciation the present orthography was adopted by William G.
Davis, the father of Daniel X., in December, 1868, while the familv was
residing in Youngstown, Ohio. William Gabriel Davis and his wife,
Mrs. Jane (Thomas) DaVis, were both natives of Monmovithshire, Wales,
the former born at Tredgar on the 7th of June. 1827. the latter at Beau-
fort, August 6, 1829. The paternal grandparents were Daniel Gomer
and Mary (Lloyd) Davies, who spent, their entire lives in their native
city, Victoria. Wales. The maternal grandparents were John Henry and
Jane Thomas, both natives of Beaufort, Monmouthshire, where the
former died, while the latter, coming to America, spent her last days in
Youngstown, Ohio. The marriage of William Gabriel Davis and Jane
Thomas was solemnized on the 30th of September, 1850. in the parish
church at Bedwelty. in County Monmouthshire, and of this marriage
there have been thirteen children, as follows: Daniel Xicholds, the
subject of this review; Joseph Henry, who was born at Mctoria. May 13.
1853, and died in infancy; Mary, who was born February 26. 1855,
at Blyna, Monmouthshire. Wales ; Joseph Henry, the second of the
name, who was born at Blyna. May 6, 1856, and passed away in Terre
Haute on the loth of January, 1907; Charlotte, who was born at Blyna,
NoveAiber 14, 1857 ; Thomas Winfield, who was born August 26, 1859,
at South Bank Terrace, Yorkshire, England ; Gabriel Evan, who was
also born at South Bank Terrace, January 5, i86t ; A\'illiam Gomer, also
a native of that place, his natal day being December 13, 1862: Eliza-
beth, who was born at Newport-on-Tees, Yorkshire, February 25. 1865;
Evan, who was born at Middlesborough, Yorkshire, ]\Iarch 10, 1866,
and who died in infancy; Hester, who was born August 15. 1867, at
Younsrstown. Ohio, and died in infancv ; Gwilvm Gwent, who was born
in Terre Haute. August 11. 1S71. and also died in infancy, and John
LUnd. who was born in Terre Haute, February 24. 1873.
William G. Davis, the father, was by trade a roller and refiner of
iron and became an expert in that line. lie learned the trade in Wales
and followed it in that country and at ditterent points in luigland until
1866, when, attracted by the l)roader 'business opportunities and the
592 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND \ IGO COUNTY.
higher wages paid in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the
United States, locating at Youngstown, Ohio, where he was employed in
the iron mills. In 1868 he came to Terre Haute, and it was Air. Davis
who rolled the first bar of iron produced in this city, at what is now
remembered as the first rolling mills — an enterprise which has passed
out of existence. His life was one of untiring activity and diligence and
his example in this respect may well be followed by those who wish to
attain success. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Odd
Fellows Society and the Alethodist Episcopal church, and was true to
the beneficent, fraternal and moral teachings of all. He died in Terre
Haute, December 13. 1898. while his widow passed away in this city,
March 22. 1907. Both were highly esteemed by all who knew them for
their many sterling traits of character, which won for them a large a-c-
quaintance and the unqualified friendship of the majority of those with
whom they came in contact. Both were very active and helpful in the
work of the church and both possessed natural musical talents, being
gifted as singers, in which connection they will long be remembered for
the generous use to which they put their powers in that direction. The
Terre Haute Gazette of December 15. 1898. commenting upon the de-
mise of William Gabriel Davis, said : "All that was mortal of the late
William G. Davis was laid to rest in beautiful Highland Lawn this aft-
ernoon. His cheery presence will be sadly missed in business, social,-
church and musical circles — wherever men and women meet in the daily
duties and higher pleasures of active life. The debt of gratitude that
all the best there is in Terre Haute owe to this kindly gentleman, now
gone from among us, and to his good wife, not only directly and per-
sonally, but to them for their sons and daughters, who have inherited
their genial personalities, and his personal gifts cannot well be over-
estimated. It was a fortunate day for Terre Haute when he. who went
to his long home today, came here to make this town his home. It is a
better town for his coming and has been a happier one. His life was
attuned to the harmonies that daily sang in his soul. Honor, love,
obedience, troops of friends, all things that become old age. were his.
His grandchildren in these later years were to his old age as the hopes
and ambitions of his youth. His end, as was fitting, was as calm and
peaceful as his life had been. A smile was on his dead lips as if he
knew at last the universal hope had been realized and that the Master
would lead him gently home." Following the demise of Mrs. Davis, the
Terre Haute Spectator of April 6, 1907, said: "Amateur musicians have
suffered irreparable loss in the death of Airs. W. G. Davis, that rare
spirit of enthusiasm and good wall so familiar to every singer or player
m the citv. Her presence in the audience was an inspiration to the per-
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 593
former, whether of little or much experience, and her hearty praise or
hand-grasp, combined with her glowing face, has sent many an amateur
home to renewed effort and higher aspirations. Of an intensely musical
temperament and possessing a great love for humanity, no one was out-
side of her interest. She was the first to encourage new enthusiasts in
music, and she never deserted the old. The fine points in every perform-
ance were quickly discovered by her and she doubled her pleasures by
sharing them. She adored her children, but she had room in her heart
for others who sang, and made them feel that they belonged to her.
Choir singers will miss her expressive face in the congregation and the
word of praise that was never forgotten at the close of the service. She
was young, happy, hopeful and helpful to the end of her more than
three score years and ten, her life one grand Te Deum, shedding its
influence throughout the entire circle of her acquaintance. Great-hearted,
generous, glorious in faith, she will long remain an inspiration in the
hearts of those who knew her."
Daniel N. Davis, who is known as "Dan" to his many friends in
Terre Haute, spent his boyhood days in this city, for in early childhood
he was brought by his parents from the little rock-ribbed country of
Wales to the new world, and after a brief period spent at Youngstown,
Ohio, came to Indiana. The public schools afforded him his educational
privileges in a general way, while his business training was obtained in
Garvin's Commercial College and he entered business life as an employe
in the old nail works, where he continued for a vear. He then engaged
in the retail grocery business at the corner of Seventh and Main streets,
after which he accepted the position of bookkeeper with the old Wabash
Iron Company. He remained with that concern for twentv-six years,
and no higher testimonial of his efficiency and faithfulness could be given.
In 1900 he engaged in the coal business, and meeting with success in
this independent venture, in 1905 he incorporated the business under the
name of the Dan Davis Coal Company, and has built up an extensive and
profitable trade. His business career has been characterized by consec-
utive advancement, resulting from close application, unwearied industry
and commendable ambition.
Mr. Davis has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Emma
Dodson, who was born September 23. 1855. at the corner of Fifth ami
Eagle streets, in this city. She died September 23, 1881, and on the 4th
of March. 1883. Mr. Davis was married to Mrs. Maggie D. Strout, a
native of Fairmount, West Virginia, born September 6. 1856. Their
children are Anna C, the wife of R. P. Johnson, of Muncie. Indiana \
Paul Hyde and Charles S., who is secretary, and treasurer of the Dan
Davis Coal Company, and is now residing in Muncie, Indiana.
38
594 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD VIGO COUNTY.
Mr. Davis is a valued and exemplary member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He is also a vestryman of the Episcopal church.
Inheriting^ the superior musical talent of his parents, he is himself a
fine vocalist and has charge of the famous quartette of the Centenary
]\Iethodist Episcopal church. A lover of music, he has done much to
promote musical culture in the city and occupies a most prominent place
in both business and musical circles.
\\^illi.\:m J. A\'hite enjoys peculiar distinction as a prime factor in
building operations in Terre Haute in the past few years. He entered
upon his varied duties with admirable equipment and is a practical builder,
carrying out his projects with such industry that he is credited with the
erection of various substantial structures here, which are pleasing to the
eye and have been erected with conscientious regard for real utility as
well as attractiveness and architectural design. The high reputation
which he has won in business circles assures him a liberal patronage and
manv fine edifices of Terre Haute stand as monuments to his skill and
enterprise.
]\Ir. White was born on a farm three miles from ^Marshall, in Clark
county. Illinois, on the 17th of ]\Iarch. i860. His father. William J.
White, St., was a native of Ross covmty, Ohio, born in 1826. The
paternal grandfather, John White, was a native of Mrginia. whence he
removed to the Buckeye state, while in 1858 he became a resident of
Clark county, Illinois, where the residue of his days was passed. The
mother of our subject bore the maiden name of ]\Iar}- Knisely, and was
born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1833, a daughter of John Knisely, who
was of German descent and lived to be ninety years of age, his death
occurring in Ohio. It was in the year 1858 that ]\Ir. and ^Irs. William
J. Wliite, Sr., became residents of Clark county, Illinois, where the
mother of our subject passed away in 1862. The father continued to
follow farming in that countv until 1888, when he removed to Terre
Haute, where he spent the succeeding decade in honorable retirement
from labor, being called to his final rest on the 22d of April, 1898.
William J. White, whose name introduces this review, was born on
the farm and early became acquainted with the task of following the plow
and the harrow, of planting ,the seed and of cultivating the crops until
thev were ripe for the harvest. He mastered the common branches of
English learning as a district school student and on Thanksgiving day of
1885 he left the home farm and came to Terre Haute, where he has since
resided. During his first winter here he was employed in the Terre Haute
Car W^orks and in the succeeding spring he entered the employ of Danie!
Herzel. one of the leading contractors of that dav. with whom he con-
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 595
tinned until the following July. He then began working with James
Hook, who at that time was engaged on the constrnction of the wholesale
coffee house on Sixth and Ohio streets for Joseph Strong. For two years
he was connected with Mr. Hook, being employed during that period on
the inside work of the Vigo county court house. In connection with Mr.
Huber he did all of the work in the basement of the court house, includ-
ing the placing of the machinery there. Mr. White next entered the
shops of the Clift & Williams Company, with whom he continued for nine
years, or until the firm passed out of existence. He then began contract-
ing on his own account and has been very busy since that time. Some of
his leading buildings in Terre Haute are the Herz dry goods store on
Wabash, Phoenix Club House, the residence of E. P. Fairbanks, the resi-
dence of Burtis McCormack and also the homes of Richard Strong, Daniel
Fasig and many other structures in the north part of the city. Since
completing the Herz building he has put in twelve new fronts on Wa-
bash avenue, this being done in the winter of 1907-08. He also removed
the vault and remodeled the McKeen National Bank in 1908, and also
remodeled the Deming block on Wabash for the Siegel Dry Goods Com-
pany. He now has the contract for the erection of the Odd Fellows tem-
ple, which is in course of construction. All this indicates his superior
skill and ability. He is himself an expert workman, and is therefore
capable of directing the labors of others. He believes in using only the
best materials, in employing good workmen and in always working to-
ward an ideal standard in the personnel of his business, in the methods
pursued and in the character of the service.
The lady who is now Mrs. White was formerly Mrs. Ella Abbott,
nee Colter. She was born in Grayville, Illinois, and is a daughter of J. H.
and IMargaret Colter, the former still living. Mrs. White is a member
of the Presbyterian church and presides with gracious hospitality over
her pleasant home. ^Ir. White is identified with the various branches
of the Odd Fellows society, including the subordinate lodge, the encamp-
ment. Canton ^IcKeen and the Rebekah lodge. He is also a past chan-
cellor of Oriental Lodge, No. 81, Knights of Pythias, and of the Court
of Honor. In social circles, as in business life, he enjoys an enviable
reputation and has gained an eminent position, which is the public recog-
nition of his genuine worth and admn-able qualities.
James B. Mtli-ikin is a lawyer who in his ])rofessional career has
made that steady advancement which results from hard work and an
unfaltering devotion to the interests of clients. He began his life record
in lohnson county, Indiana, on the ist day of December, 1868. His
parents, lames ^I. and Nancy A. (Kindle) MnlHkin, were also natives of
596 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
Johnson county, the former born in the year 1839 and the latter in 1841.
The paternal grandfather, Harvey Mullikin. a native of Kentucky, made
his way to Indiana, during the pioneer epoch in the history of the state.
It was also during the early days that the maternal grandfather, Joseph
Kindle, a native of Ohio, arrived in Johnson county. Both were agri-
culturists. James M. Alullikin was also a farmer and removed with his
family in 1878, to Rinard, Illinois, where both he and his wife still reside.
The environment and influences which surrounded James B. I\Iul-
likin in his boyhood days were those of the home farm, and in the acquire-
ment of an education he passed through the common and high schools
and afterwards attended Franklin College, at Franklin, Indiana. After
two years spent at the State Normal School, at Terre Haute, he began
preparation for a life work in taking up the study of law in the office and
under the direction of the firm of McNutt & McNutt. attorneys of this
city. He was admitted to the bar April 21, 1891, and at once located for
practice here. Advancement in law is proverbially slow, but gradually
Mr. ]\Iullikin demonstrated the possession of abilities entitling him to a
liberal share of the public patronage and he now has a distinctively rep-
resentative clientele, which he represents in the courts and in the manage-
ment of their affairs.
■Mr. Mullikin was married to ]\Iiss Elizabeth Higgins, who was
born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, a daughter of Michael Higgins, and
they now have one son, Paul, thirteen years of age. The parents are
prominent socially and ]\Ir. ^Mullikin is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and
the Improved Order of Red Men.
Samuel K. Duvall, senior partner of the firm of Duvall & Beal,
has been an active member of the profession since 1891, when, follow-
ing his graduation from the University of Michigan, he located for prac-
tice in Terre Haute, where he has since remained. He was born on the
home farm in Pearson township, Vigo county, July 26, 1861. his parents
being Thomas and Lydia M. (Lloyd) Duvall, both of whom were natives
of Nelson county, Kentucky. The paternal grandfather was William
Duvall, a native of South Carolina and of French Huguenot lineage.
Removing westward in pioneer times, he became one of the first settlers
of Nelson county. Kentucky, and assisted materially in its development
and improvement through its formative period. The maternal grand-
father was William Lloyd, who came from Kentucky to Sullivan county,
Indiana, at a very early day and was here married to Louisiana Grable,
a native of the Blue Grass state. After the death of her husband ]\Irs.
Lloyd married Joseph Liston, who was a soldier of the War of 181 2
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 597
and for years acted as a scout all along the Wabash river valley in the
employ of the United States government. Following his death, which
occurred when he had reached the venerable age of ninety-three years,
his widow, Mrs. Louisiana Liston, received a pension from the national
government in recognition of the military aid he had rendered in the
second war with England. She survived him for some time and was
buried from the home of Samuel K. Duvall in Terre Haute in 1902, at
the very advanced age of ninety-six years, being probably the oldest
lad}' in the county at that time.
The marriage of Thomas Duvall and Lydia M. Lloyd was cele-
brated in Kentucky, but they cast in their lot with the early settlers of
Vigo county in 1837. Both had previously been to the county and
Thomas Duvall entered land from the government in both Linton and
Pearson townships, his home being situated on the boundary line be-
tween the two. The first year his house stood in Linton township, but
afterward the residence was in Pearson township. It still stands as
one of the landmarks of pioneer times, having been a mute witness
through many years of the events which have shaped the history of the
county and molded its destiny. Year after year Thomas Duvall carried
on the work of the farm, bringing his fields under a high state of culti-
vation and gaining a goodly measure of success as a reward for his
industry and perseverance. He died in 1898, at the age of seventy-four
years, having long survived his wife, who passed away in 1868.
Samuel K. Duvall was reared as a farm boy, working in the fields
through the summer months and attending the public schools in the
winter seasons. He enjoyed, too, the pleasures and sports common at
that day. Further educational advantages were afforded him. and in
1886 he was graduated from the Indiana Normal School. Becoming im-
bued with a desire to enter professional circles, he resolved to make the
practice of law his life work and to this end matriculated in the law
department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he
completed the full course by graduation in 1891. The same year he
was admitted to the bar and has since been an active follower of his
profession. He first formed a partnership with W. J. Whittaker, under
tlie firm name of T^uvall & Whittaker, a connection that was continued
until the junior ])artner was elected probate judge. Air. Duvall then
practiced alone until November, 1907, when he was joined by Fred W.
Beal. in forming the ])resent law firm of Duvall & Beal. He has con-
ducted im])()rtanl litigation in the federal and state courts with gratify-
ing success. He has much natural ability, but is withal a hard student
and is never contented until he has mastered every detail of his cases.
He believes in the maxim "there is no excellence without labor," and
598 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD \IGO COUNTY.
follows it closely. He is never surprised by some unexpected discovery
by an opposing lawyer, for in his mind he weighs every point and forti-
fies himself as well for defense as for attack. He convinces by his con-
cise statements of law and facts rather than by word painting, and so
high is the respect for his legal ability and integrity that his assertions
are seldom cj[uestioned seriously in court.
In 1892 Mr. Duvall was married to Miss Lucretia E. ]\Ioore. a
daughter of William Aloore, of Linton township, this county. She died
in October, 1905, leaving a daughter, Lois M. Fraternally Mr. Duvall
is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Uniform Rank and
is thoroughly in sympathy with the principles of the order. He has
not sought to figure prominently in public life aside from his profession,
but gives undivided attention to his law practice and the interests of his
clients, with the result that he has made for himself a creditable place
at the Terre Haute bar.
Harvey \\ Joxes. superintendent of police of Terre Haute, was
born in Owen county, Indiana, June 17, 1861, a son of Hazle K. and
Rebecca (Close) Jones, both of whom were born in Ohio, the father
in Tuscarawas county, and the mother in Carroll county. They were
both young when they came with their respective parents to Indiana,
and they were married in Patricksburg, Ow^en county. Hazle K. Jones
was fatalh- injured I\Iay 27, 1868, while coupling cars at the old Planet
furnace, six miles northeast of Brazil, and died on the day following the
accident. Although he was reared on a farm, the most of his life after
attaining mature years was spent in public works, in mill machinery,
etc., and he was but thirty years of age at the time of his death. Mrs.
Jones is now living in Terre Haute, having reached the Psalmist's span
of three score years and ten, for she was born on the 17th of September,
1838. Of their family of three children only two, a son and a daughter,
are now living.
The boyhood days of Harvey V. Jones were spent on a farm in Mgo
county, for his mother had come to this county with her father in 1871,
but when he was twenty-three young Jones left the farm and worked
at different places at the carpenter's trade for a number of years. In
1890 he came to reside permanently in Terre Haute, and eight years aft-
erward, on the 22d of January, 1898, was made a member of the Terre
Haute police department as a patrolman. For four years he was also
the desk sergeant, but retiring from that position again became a patrol-
man for ten months, and was then promoted to patrol sergeant. On
the 3d of September, 1906, he became the superintendent of police of
Terre Haute, his present office. '
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 599
Mr. Jones married Sophrona Z. Fox, who was born and reared in
Riley township, Vigo connty, and is a daughter of Michael and Mary
E. Fox. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Marrilla, died in less
than a month after her birth. Mr. Jones is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, Amico Lodge, No. 707, and Terre Haute En-
campment, No. 307; the Knights of Pythias, Oriental Lodge, No. 81;
Social Lodge, No. 86, Free and Accepted Masons ; the Modern Wood-
men, Terre Haute Camp, No. 8800, and the Rebekahs, Alma Lodge,
No. 568.
James D. Bigelow, the prominent real estate man of Terre Haute,
and the pioneer of "Insurance and Real Estate Row," as South Seventh
street has become known, is a representative of that famous old Con-
necticut family which numbers in its ranks that New England darling
of the Revolution, brave Israel Putnam. The General was the maternal
great-grandfather of our subject, and his grandfather on the paternal
side was Col. Guy Bigelow, also of Revolutionary fame. Mr. Bigelow
himself was born in Colchester, Connecticut, on the 9th of September,
1856, son of Asa R. and Ann P. (Brown) Bigelow. The old-world
origin of the family is England, the American ancestors coming to New
England in early colonial times. Asa R. Bigelow, the father, followed
the traditional occupation of farming in Connecticut, and died within
the limits of that state in 1904, at the age of seventy-six. His wife had
preceded him to her rest in 1898, aged sixty-seven years.
James D. Bigelow was reared and educated in his native town of
Colchester, and in 1874, at the age of eighteen, located at Terre Haute,
entering the law and insurance office of Boudinot & Brown. He was
admitted to the bar in 1879. In 1881, following the death of Mr. Brown,
he became associated with the surviving partner, and two years later,
when Mr. Boudinot retired to become insurance inspector, he succeeded
to the business. For ten years he maintained the office in the old Opera
House block, corner of Fourth and Main streets, and in 1890 removed
to No. 22 South Seventh street, at which time his was the only office of
its kind on the thoroughfare which has since received the distinctive name
of ''Insurance and Real Estate Row." In 1903 he transferred his busi-
ness home to the present location, corner of Seventh and Ohio streets.
Mr. Bigelow's business is firmly established and expanding in a substan-
tial manner. He also takes a keen interest in progressive organizations
of a semi-public character, such as the Commercial Club of Terre Haute,
and is closely identified with tlic Masons, Odd Fellows, Elks and Na-
tional Union fraternities.
Mr. r.igelow's wife was formerly Miss Kate Krout, daughter of
6oo GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. •
Robert K. Krout. an old and leading citizen of Crawfordsville, and sister
to Kate K. and Caroline Krout. well known writers of Indiana. Two
daughters have been born to ]\Ir. and Mrs. James D. Bigelow: Ann,
who graduated from an eastern institute aild for two years has been a
student of music in Germany, and Jane, a graduate of Butler College,
and now a student at the Chicago University.
Edwix R. Bryant, freight agent of the Pennsylvania Lines at Terre
Haute, and one of the oldest and best known railroad men of the city,
is of New England birth and a representative of an old family of that
section of the country. He was born in Enfield, Massachusetts, on the
5th of June. 1839. his parents being Oliver and Susan P. (Richards) Bry-
ant, natives of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, respectively, the father
being a cousin of William Cullen Bryant, the poet. Oliver Bryant was
engaged in mercantile pursuits at Enfield, [Massachusetts, for a long pe-
riod, and in 1851 removed to Lawrence, that state, where for a long period
he manufactured machine cards for cotton and woolen manufacturers.
His wife died in Lawrence in 1858. Later in life, after he had retired
from active business pursuits, he removed to Ohio, making his home in
Cincinnati until his demise in 1865.
Edwin R. Bryant was reared in Enfield and in Lawrence, mastering
the branches of learning which usually constitute the public school cur-
riculum. In the latter city he also took up the study of telegraphy, which
he followed as a profession for a number of years, becoming quite expert
in that field of endeavor. When the Civil war was inaugurated he was
an operator for George B. McClellan, and when that distinguished officer
later became commander of the Army of the Potomac Mr. Bryant
was attached to his staff as telegrapher, in which connection he did ex-
pert service in sending and receiving the dispatches indicating the move-
ments of the army and other important war business. He remained on
General ^IcClellan's stafit until 1862, when he was disabled and retired
from the service.
On returning to the north ]\Ir. Bryant entered the service of the
Vandalia Railroad Company at Indianapolis as train dispatcher, and from
that time to the present, covering a period of more than forty-five years,
has been continuously in the employ of the Pennsylvania company as one
of its most trusted, capable and efficient representatives. He came to
Terre Haute in 1865 and has since been freight agent at this point.
yir. Bryant was married in Terre Haute, in 1864, to Miss Rose Ross,
a daughter of the late Harry Ross, one of Terre Haute's old-time leading
business men and prominent citizens. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bryant was
born one son, Harry, whose birth occurred in 1870. but who died in 1903.
(AJA/l/^iAy
Oj (2^.
OL
TH€
NEW YORK
(PUBLIC LIBRARYl
I Astar, Lenox una Tilden
Founds>tinn$.
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 6oi
Mr. Bryant is a member of the Commercial Club and is connected with
the board of trustees of the Rose Dispensary. He is also an Elk and has
attained the Knight Templar degree in Masonry. The craft finds him an
exemplary representative, who follows its teachings concerning brotherly
kindness and mutual helpfulness. No higher testimonial of fidelity to
duty could be given than the fact that for almost a half century he has
been in the employ of one company, doing faithfully and well the duties
that devolve upon him in this connection.
Charles E. Temtle is one of Terre Haute's w^ell known citizens
and the superintendent of the Central Manufacturing Company. He
was born in Washington county. New York, April 30, 1846, a son^of
Joseph and Emeline (Norton) Temple. Joseph Temple moved from
his native state of Vermont to New York wdien a young man, while in
1857 he left there for Beaver Dam, Pennsylvania, in i860 became a
resident of Canton, Ohio, in 1863 removed to Oregon and Wisconsin,
and in 1864 came to Terre Haute. His residence in this city covered a
number of years, and he passed away in death in 1880. aged fifty-four
years. His first wife, the mother of Charles E. Temple, died in young
womanhood, and he married for his second wife Josephine Frazier.
The school days of Charles E. Temple were spent in his native state
of New York, and when he had attained the age of sixteen he began
learning- the pattern maker's trade under his father's directions, and with
him he came to Terre Haute in 1864 and began as an engineer in the
round house. After a year there he accepted a position with the Eagle
Iron Works, and after three years had passed he became the fireman of
an engine in the city fire department. Next he became the general super-
intendent of the Spoke and Wheel factory. In 1883 he formed a part-
nership wdth Sidney and Walter Temple and organized the Central Manu-
facturing Company, of wdiich he was made the superintendent.
Mr. Temple married, January 13, 1869, Mary, a daughter of Elisha
Baker, and she was born in Mgo county, Indiana, October 11. 1850.
Their three children are Frank E., Floyd L. and Nellie.
Floyd L. Temple, the secretary and manager of the Temple Laundry
Company of Terre Haute, w^as born in this city July 10, 1878, and re-
ceived his education in its high schools and the old Isabell College.
During several years after the completion of his education he was with
the Central Manufacturing Company, while for a year he served as the
manager of Himter's Laundry in Chicago, and then for six years he was
with .M. I\. W'eems & Company as the manager of their laundry at
Springfield, Illinois. Returning to Terre Haute in July. 1907. he turned
his attention to the installing of the Temple plant, of which he is the
632 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUXTY.
promoter and for whom it is named. Air. Temple is a member of the
Elks fraternity.
The Temple Laundry Company of Terre Haute was organized in
April, 1907. with the following gentlemen as its officers: Levi G.
Hughes, president : Frank E. Temple, vice president ; Frank P. Brink-
man, secretary, and Floyd L. Temple, secretary and general manager.
The company began the erection of their building on the 1st of April,
1907, and on the ist of October of the same year the building was com-
pleted and the machinery installed ready for operation. The factory is
located at 703 Lafayette avenue, and is a two-story concrete block in the
form of an L, one hundred and sixty-six feet long, fifty-eight feet wide
in the rear and thirtv-eight feet front. The lower floor is devoted to
flat or family work and the second to finished articles, and constant em-
ployment is furnished to between forty-five and fifty employes. The
plant is equipped with the very latest and most approved laundry ma-
chinery, and at the present time the company confine themselves to
laundry work only. They have their own water works, their own elec-
tric light plant, and their hand ironing is done by electric irons. All
work is delivered by wagons, and they have no city agencies, the com-
pany thus dealing directly with the people. This is one of the leading
industries of Terre Haute, and its promoter, Floyd L. Temple, is rapidly
winning for himself a name and place high on the roll of its prominent
business men.
Henry Clay Hanna. — The business record as well as the official
record of Henry C. Hanna are alike commendable, for in both relations
he has been true to his trusts, and has had the honor of serving as the
president of the board of commissioners of Vigo county, and is still a
member of that board. He is a native son of Indiana, born near Wave-
land, in Montgomery county, March 23, 1844, a son of William and
Mary D. (Watson) Hanna, both of whom w^ere born in Kentucky, the
father in Shelby and the mother in Crab Orchard. William Hanna be-
came a citizen of Indiana during his early manhood and entered land
about Waveland, where he afterward made his home. Both he and
his wife are now^ deceased.
It was on his father's farm there that Henry Clay Hanna was born
and attained manhood's estate, receiving his education in the Waveland
Academy. In August, 1862, soon after the tocsin of war had sounded
over the land, he enUsted in Company B, Seventy-eighth Indiana Regi-
ment of \^olunteer Infantry, but shortly after he had been mustered in
he was discharged on account of illness, and for ten years following the
close of the war he was an invalid. During that time he opened a mer-
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 603
cantile business in Waveland. but was forced to abandon it on account of
continued ill health, and from that city he went to Parke county and
opened a livery and feed barn at Rockville. During a period of seven
or eight years he was in business there, but at the expiration of that
time he went to Sullivan, Indiana, but later returned to Rockville, and
after four years went to Danville, Illinois. From there, in 1888, he
came to Terre Haute and purchased and operated for fourteen years a
transfer business, but during this time he was also engaged in the horse
and mule trade, and is now the second oldest dealer in that line in the
state of Indiana. He sold his transfer business at the close of the four-
teen years. Rut while participating actively in the business life of Terre
Haute and Vigo county he has at the same time been conspicuous in
its political councils. In 1904 he was elected one of the county's com-
missioners for a three years' term. As above stated he was made the
president of the board.
Mr. Hanna married Sophrona E. Russell, a daughter of J. W. and
Lucinda Russell, who were born in Kentucky, but are now deceased.
The two sons of Air. and Mrs. Hanna are Scott Clay and Hubert Russell.
They have lost three children : Mamie Clay, dying at the age of nine
years; Clare, a son. when two years old. and Mabel E.. at the age of
two and one-half years. Mr. Hanna is a member of the Grand Army of
the Republic and of the Masonic fraternity. '
Professor John Sherman Hubbard, superintendent of the schools
of \^igo county, is prominently before the people as an instructor, and
his ability has rapidly forced him to the front as an educator. He was
well fitted for the position he now holds by an excellent training in his
earlier life, passing from the district schools to the graded schools of
Odon. Indiana, where his parents had established their home, and after
graduating from the high school he spent two years at DePauw Uni-
versity, of Greencastle. From there he entered the Indiana State Nor-
mal at Terre Haute and graduated, and in 1885 began teaching in Madi-
son township. Daviess county, Indiana. Thus his first educational labors
were in the county of his nativity, for he was born on a farm in that
county, July 31, 1864. a son of William and Harriet AI. (Laughlin)
Hubbard, natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Indiana, and both are
now deceased.
After teaching in Daviess county and other locations Mr. Hubbard
came to Terre Haute in 1901 to take charge of the lUirnctt school, and
from there, after two years, he went to the Highland school in Harrison
township, where he remained for two and a half years, and in the mean-
time this school had become a part of Terre Haute. In 1907 he was
6o4 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
promoted to the Hulman school in the city, but after two months there
he was elected the superintendent of schools for Vigo county to fill out the
unexpired term of C. F. Grosjean. At the following election in June,
1907, he was re-elected for a full term of four years.
Professor Hubbard married Miss Emma J. McCoy, who was born
in ^^'ashington. Daviess county. Indiana, a daughter of Hugh and Eliza
J. ^IcCoy, and their children are Donald ]M., Walter R., Hattie H. and
Edith E. The second born, Walter R., died in infancy.
Felix F. Blankenbaker, attorney-at-law with offices in the Naylor-
Cox block, Terre Haute, is one of the city's promising young lawyers,
who in a few years only has established a reputation which promises well
for the future. He is a representative of a prominent old family of the
Old Dominion state of Virginia, from whence came Felix Blankenbaker,
the great-grandfather of Felix F.. to Indiana in an early day. He estab-
lished his home in Harrison county and reared a large family of children,
among whom was Felix Blakenbaker, Jr.. who moved from his native
county of Harrison to Clark county, Illinois, in 1851, entering land there
and there also spending the remainder of his life. His son and the father
of Felix F. was Samuel C. Blakenbaker. who was also born in Harrison
county, Indiana, and was reared on his father's farm. He served three
years in the Civil war as a member of Company G, One Hundred and
Twenty-third Regiment, Wilder's celebrated brigade, and yet he main-
tains his home in Clark county. Illinois. He married Samantha J. Athey,
born in Licking county. Ohio, in 1844.
Among their children was Felix F. Blankenbaker, who was born in
Clark county, Illinois, March 2, 1868, and was reared on his father's farm
there. In 1888 he graduated from the Martinsville (Illinois) high school,
and soon afterward was elected a justice of the peace in that city. It
was during his tenure of that office that he first began reading law, and his
legal studies were further pursued in the Northern Illinois College of
Law, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and following
this took a post-gradtiate course in the same institution and was given the
degree of Master of Laws. In igoi Mr. Blankenbaker came to Terre
Haute to engage in the practice of law, and during the time which has
since intervened he has served as counsel in many important cases and in
the majority of them was victorious. He has never lost a suit for personal
injury damages. He won an important damage suit against the American
Car and Foundry Company, of this city, also one of the same nature
against the city of Terre Haute, but his most recent and probably his most
important triumph in this line was the case against the Big Four Rail-
NEW YORK
(PUBLIC library!
^A»<«r, Lenox and rildin
fofnijlsfioni,
1909 ,
/yL^^-^c^^^-^^^
^./4yZK,
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 605
road Company in the noted Sanford explosion of powder on their lines,
in which he was pitted against leading Indianapolis counsel. Mr. Blank-
enbaker has exceptional talents as an orator, and is a convincing and
effective speaker before the jury. He is a member of the Sons of Veterans,
the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias fraternities, and of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
He has been twice married, wedding first, Alice Laft'erty, who
was born in Martinsville. Illinois, a daughter of J. F. Lafferty, and their
only child is a son Ralph. The wife and mother died on the 22d of
May, 1902, when only twenty-six years of age, and Mr. Blankenbaker
subsequently married Reba. a daughter of William Secrist, of Terre
Haute.
J. Irving Riddle is conducting a prosperous business in fire insur-
ance and real estate at Terre Haute, and is widely known in these fields,
even outside the state of Indiana. His birth occurred upon a farm near
the little city of Wauseon, Fulton county, Ohio, on the 7th of September,
1847, ^""^s parents being James S. and Matilda (Siddons) Riddle. The
family ancestry is traced to Scotch and English stock, the paternal fore-
fathers living at Riddell Castle, on their estate near Edinburgh, Scotland.
Mr. Riddle was reared upon the home farm and received his edu-
cation in the Wauseon public schools and at Williams Center Academy.
In his boyhood days he worked upon the home farm, and later taught
school, as well as entered the fiield of fire insurance. Finally he became
agent at Wauseon for the Phenix Fire Insurance Company of Brooklyn
Xew York, and gradually advanced to the supervisorship over ten coun-
ties. In 1873 he removed to Terre Haute, became associated with W. B.
Wharton in the insurance and real estate business, and following the
death of his partner became sole proprietor. In 1878 the firm of Riddle,
Hamilton & Company was formed, and in 1893 the Riddle-Hamilton Com-
pany was incorporated, with I\Ir. Riddle as president. In January, 1908,
the Doak-Riddle-Hamilton Company was organized to succeed Riddle,
Hamilton 8c Company, with a capital of $25,000 and 'Sir. Riddle president
of the new corporation.
In 1874 Mr. Riddle was appointed Indiana agent for the Phenix Fire
Insurance Company of Brookl}n, and has held that position ever since,
its responsibilities and importance having vastly increased during the in-
tervening thirty-four years. He has charge of more than 500 agents, and
his supervisory duties now kec]) him on the road the greater portion of
tile time. In his capacity of state manager he has manifested marked
ability in controlling, assimilating and shaping into unity the elements
which constitute a compact and at the same time an elastic business of
6o6 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
this character, and has made the Indiana territory of the company one of
the most productive in the United States. He is regarded as an authority
on all matters connected with fire insurance, makes frequent contributions
to insurance periodicals, and is one of the best known men in the field
of the middle west. An illustration of his wide acquaintance with those
in the same line of business is his collection of photographs representing
fire insurance men throughout the country. It really approaches the dig-
nity of a gallery, and is undoubtedly the finest collection of the kind in
the world.
On the /th of September, 1873, at Detroit, ^Michigan, occurred the
marriage of Mr. Riddle and ]\Iiss Fannie 'M. Joy, a native of St. Law-
rence county, Xew York. They have three living children — Herbert W.,
Vinita B. and Don C. The parents hold membership in the Christian
church, in which ]\Ir. Riddle has served as an ofiicial for many years
and been a constant and helpful worker. He is also an earnest and worthy
]\Iason. In manner he is a congenial, cordial, social gentleman, who wins
friends by his attractive qualities and firmly retains them by his sterling
traits of substantial ability, honesty and practical helpfulness.
\\'iLLiAM F. Carmack, attomey-at-law and a prominent leader o^^ the
Republican party in Terre Haute, was born in Douglas count}', Illinois,
January 18, 1862. He is a son of Isaac A. and ^Minerva (Howell)
Carmack. The father, a native of East Tennessee, was a son of Isaac
Carmack, and in the year 1856 became a resident of Douglas county,
Illinois, where his remaining days were passed. His wife was a native of
Eugene, Vermilion county, Indiana. Their son, W. F. Carmack, was
born and reared upon the home farm and acquired his early education
in the common schools. Later he continued his studies in the public
schools of Danville, Illinois, and in the Terre Haute Commercial Col-
lege. He came to this city in 1882 and accepted a position in the
office of the county assessor under Frank Armstrong. Later he be-
came deputy county treasurer under C. A. Ray, and afterwards was
first deputy recorder under Levi Hammerly. In the meantime he had
become imbued with a desire to practice law and to this end became a
student in the office and under the direction of Hugh Roquett. an attorney
of Terre Haute. After thorough preliminary reading he successfully
passed the examination which -secured his admission to the bar in 1898.
He has since engaged in the practice of his profession in Terre Haute and
although- advancement in law is proverbially slow, he has yet made a good
record in building up a clientage and now conducts a law business of
considerable importance. He is likewise prominent in political circles.
His earlv official service and connection with those who were political
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 607
leaders of the county led to his deep interest in politics and he has always
kept well informed on the Cjuestions and issues of the day. He is
today well known as a Republican leader and has served for several terms
as secretary of the Republican central committee. He has, however, never
sought office for himself, his endorsement to party principles being the
result of his firm belief in their efficiency in promoting the best interests
of the country.
]\Ir. Carmack was married to Miss Sadie Hughes, a daughter of
Daniel Hughes, now deceased, of Tcrre Haute. This marriage has been
blessed with one child, Lucile. The parents are members of the First
Methodist church, of which Air. Carmack is serving as a trustee and he
also belongs to the Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias.
Albert J. Kelley is a prominent lawyer of Terre Haute, and has
been cjuite influential in the Democratic politics of the state. He is a
native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born on the 21st of March, 1849, ^^""^^ son of
Andrew J. and Bridget (Johnson) Kelley, the father having been a native
of Ireland and the mother of Cincinnati. The elder Mr. Kelly, who was
an engineer, died aboard the United States transport, "Dakota." an
April 20, 1863, the steamer being engaged in carrying soldiers of the
Union army.
In 1856 the family had located at Terre Haute, the home being on a
farm a mile east of St. Alary-of-the-Woods. Here Albert J. Kelley
lived until he was nineteen years of age, received a common school
education, and at this period in his life came to Terre Haute to commence
the reading of law in the office of William E. McLean. In 1869 he was
admitted to the bar, and as a practitioner entered the office of Richard
Dunigan, with whom he was associated for about a year. He then
formed a partnership with Emory P. Beauchamp, afterward Ignited .States
consul to Aix-la-Chapelle, Prussia, and St. Gaul, Switzerland, the con-
nection continuing until Mr. Beauchamp was elected city attorney. In
1874 Mr. Kelley was elected prosecuting attorney of \"igo county, being
re-elected in 1876, 1878 and ixSPo. Pie then retired to the private practice
of his profession and has continued alone, with the exception of the
four years which he spent in W'ashington under Cleveland's first adminis-
tration. He served as secretary of the Indiana state senate in 1883-5. t'le
period from 1874 to 1885 being that of his greatest activity in politics and
public affairs. Mr. Kelley married Aliss Alargarcl I. IX Deverraux. a
native of Lafayette. Indiana, who died February 21,, i8()8. leaving
a daughter and a son — Mary Louise and Daniel A'orhees Kelley.
6o8 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUXTY.
NiCKOLAS Steix, president of the Fort Harrison Savings Bank and
one of Terre Haute's best known citizens, is a native of Germany, born
October 3, 1843, ^'"^ Hesse-Darmstadt, son of Nicholas and EHzabeth
(Huebner) Stein. His parents were also natives of Hesse-Darmstadt and
came to America in 1858, settling first in ^lissouri. In the spring of
i860 they came to Terre Haute, where for years they have been among
the city's honored citizens.
The son received a public school education and served an apprentice-
ship at the shoemaker's trade until 1864. in May, of that year, enlisting in
Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
and serving as a four months' soldier. He was assigned to guard duty
at Bridgeport, Alabama, and was mustered out at Indianapolis, in Sep-
tember. 1864.
Returnins: to his home in Terre Haute, the voung soldier resumed
civil employment by engaging in the boot and shoe business, in partner-
ship with Mr. Heckelsburg. under the firm name of Stein & Heckelsburg.
This establishment was for years one of the city's leading commercial
houses. INIr. Stein finally retired from active business.
On Mav II, 1867, ]\Ir. Stein was married to Catherine, daughter
of Charles F. and Hannah (Seeberger) -May. both natives of Baden,
Germany, who died in the United States. ]\Irs. Stein, who was the
voungest of seven children, was born September 21, 1843. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Xickolas Stein are Charles F., Edward E., Gertrude
"SI. and Katy May. Mr. Stein is identified with the Grand Army of the
Republic, a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, in which
he has passed all the chairs, and also a member of the Commercial Club.
He is a Democrat and has served as school trustee and alderman.
Willis A. Ethingtox. — Terre Haute numbers among her native
sons \\'illis A. Ethington, the present secretary of its board of education
and well known in its real estate and fire insurance circles, with offices at
4211/4 Wabash avenue. The family trace their ancestry to the Blue Grass
state of Kentucky, the birthplace of James Ethington, who moved from
there to Indiana and resided in Fayette township of Vigo county until
he removed to a farm near Paris, Illinois, dying there in 1871, at the age
of ninety-six years. His son. James E. Ethington, was born in the old
home in Kentucky, and coming to Vigo county, became one of the earliest
residents of Terre Haute, where as a brick mason he worked on many of
the earlv buildings of this city. He died here in 1861. His wife bore
the maiden name of Xancy ;M. Leek, and also claimed Kentucky as
the state of her nativity. It was in that state also that she became the
wife of Tames E. Ethington, coming with him to Terre Haute, and she
died in 1873.
9iu^.^ ^
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 609
In their home in this city, in what is now the First Ward, WilHs
A. Ethington was born April 24, 1859, and after completing his edu-
cation in the public schools he secured employment in the wheel works.
In 1879 he enlisted in the Regular army, in which he served for five years
and was discharged in Texas. He then returned to his home here and
accepted the position of foreman with the wheel works, but resigned that
office after fifteen years to become a bailifif under Judge Henry, of the
superior court, and was reappointed by Judge Stimson, of the same court.
He served as a bailifif until the ist of January, 1906, and then entered the
field of business as a real estate and fire insurance dealer, representing
the North British and Mercantile Insurance companies, of London and
Edinburgh. He was elected to the city school board at the regular session
of June 4, 1907, taking the oath of office on the 2d of August following,
and he was made the secretary of the board. Mr. Ethington is a mem-
ber of the fraternal order of Maccabees, the National Aid Society, the
Knights and Ladies of Honor and the Home Defenders, No. 2, and has
held offices in all of the societies.
On the 6th of September, 1884, he married Miss Julia Sidenstick,
born at Xenia, Ohio, and a daughter of David Sidenstick, residing in
Terre Haute. Their children are: Ernest L., born June 24, 1885; Ethel,
born August i, 1887; Inez, born March 30, 1897, and Clyde, born
September 14, 1894.
James M. Bolton. — In a county which formerly had a strong Re-
publican majority, James M. Bolton was elected to the office of treasurer
upon the Democratic ticket, and members of the opposition as well as of
his own party endorse his service as that of one who is most loyal and
faithful to the trust reposed in him. He was born on the 25th of October,
1845, o" ^ farm in Rockingham county, Virginia, his parents being James
and Sarah (Horn) Bolton, both of whom were natives of the Old Do-
minion, the former born in Rockingham county and the latter in Rock-
bridge county. It was in the year 1855 that the removal was made from
Virginia to Vigo county, Indiana, at which time the family home was es-
tablished in Fayette township, where the father purchased a half of sec-
tion 18, near the village of New Goshen, and there up'on the fanu which
he developed and improved he passed away in 1877. His wife continued
to make her home there until her demise in 1889, and they were num-
bered among the most respected and worthy residents of the community,
having a circle of warm friends, who held them in highest regard. The
father was a member of the Masonic fraternity.
James M. Bolton was a lad of ten years when brought by his parents
to Indiana, and upon the home farm he was reared, early learning lessons
39
6io GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND MGO COUNTY.
of industry, enterprise and integrity as he was trained in the work of the
fields and instructed concerning those things which are of true worth in
hfe. He attended the pubhc schools and continued to assist in the work
of the home farm until his parents were called to their final rest. His
life has been one of industry and perseverance, and capable direction and
sound judgment characterized his agricultural interests.
Mr. Bolton has figured quite prominently in political circles through
the past decade. In 1898 he became the Democratic candidate for county
clerk, but the entire ticket was in that year defeated. In 1900 he was
again a candidate of his party, this time for the office of county treasurer,
but the election resulted in a tie vote and the matter was finally settled
by the supreme court, the decision awarding the office to the Republican
contestant. In 1906 he was again his party's candidate for county treas-
in-er and received public endorsement at the polls, so that on the ist of
January, 1908, he entered upon the duties of the position, which he is
now capably and creditably -filling. He has carefully systematized the
work of the office, and his well known reliability insures a faithful ac-
counting for all public funds.
Mr. Bolton has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Sarah
Whitesell, who was born at New Goshen. \ igo county, a daughter of
Jacob and Susan Whitesell. wdio came to this county from Augusta
county. Virginia. She died in 1870, at the age of twenty-five years, leav-
ing two sons — James ]\Ionroe. a farmer living in New Goshen, and Jacob
Harvey, who is a ganger in the revenue service at Terre Haute. For his
second wife ]\Ir. Bolton chose Miss ]\Iary E. Strole, who was born in
Page county, Mrginia, a daughter of Simeon S. and Agnes Strole, who
settled near New Goshen, in Vigo county, in 1857. In his fraternal rela-
tions Mr. Bolton is connected w^ith the Odd Fellows, the Red !\Ien and the
Masons. He and his father were initiated into the ]\Iasonic lodge on the
same night in 1869 and he has since been one of its exemplary representa-
tives, true to the beneficent spirit and helpful teachings of the craft. His
residence in the county covers more than a half century and he has there-
fore witnessed much of its growth and development as it has taken on all
the evidences of a modern, cultured civilization. While there have been
no exciting or unusual chapters in his life history, it has been character-
ized bv a faithful performance of daily duties, by activity and trustworthi-
ness in business relations and now by an unfaltering fidelity in official
service. He has a large circle of friends, many of whom have known him
from his youth to the present time.
Daniel Fasig, an ex-chief of police of Terre Haute, an ex-sherift
of Vigfo couiitv, and now a well know^n citizen and real estate dealer in
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUXTY. 6ii
Terre Haute, was born in Clark county, Illinois, January 29, 1850, a son
of Henry and Eliza (Taggart) Fasig, both of whom " were born in
Pennsylvania. During an early period in its history Henry Fasig became
a resident of Clark county, Illinois, where for several years he was engaged
in business, and his death occurred there in 1852, when but twenty-six
years of age. His widow survived him for many years and died in
1879, aged forty-three.
When a bo\' of ten years, Daniel Fasig" became a resident of Terre
Haute, and after completing his education in its public schools he entered
upon an apprenticeship at the harness-maker's trade with the firm of
Miller & Schmebel, remaining with them from 1873 to 1874. During
the following six years he was in the employ of Farley & Roach, harness
makers, and at the close of that period formed a partnership with Oscar
Froeb, under the firm name of Froeb & Fasig, and bought the harness
and saddlery business of P. J. Ryan, the firm of Froeb & Fasig continuing
in the business from 1873 to 1877. In 1880 ^Nlr. Fasig formed a
partnership with John F. Reagan and established the "Health Office,"
making of it a popular and successful business place and conducted it foi
twelve years, in the meantime, in 1885, purchasing his partne;r's interest.
]\Ir. Fasig sold the Health Office to Mr. Myers and forming a partnership
with William Starr and Fred Appman bought out the Joseph H. Biggs
wholesale commission house, but on January i, 1900, sold his interest
therein to the Vigo County Commission- Company. But in the political as
well as the business circles of Vigo county, Mr. Fasig has won prominence
and a high position, and has held several responsible positions in the city
and county government. In 1877 he made the race for the office of
city marshal, but was defeated at the polls, and he then accepted a position
on the city police force as a lieutenant, serving in that position for over
three years, and in 1883 was made the chief of the police department for
two vears. In 1896 he was an unsuccessful candidate for the state senate,
and in 1898 was defeated for county auditor, l)ut in Xovember. 1900, was
successful in the race for the office of sherifif of Vigo county, and was
re-elected in 1902, his tenure of office covering four years and forty-one
days by reason of the legislature extending the time law. In 1905 Mr.
Fasig engaged in the real estate business, and is now the owner of con-
siderable valuable improved property in this city, including the Colonial
flat building on Xorth Seventh street, and twelve residences in the block
bounded by Fourth and Sixth streets and Second and Third avenues, all
up-to-date and modern homes.
He has been twice married, first wedding S. A. Seaschultz, who was
also born in Clay comUy, Indiana, a daughter of Samuel and .Mary
(Love) Seaschultz, and df their four children two are living. .\. A. and
6i2 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD MGO COUNTY.
Curtis O. The elder is now a resident of Anna. Illinois, where he is
engaged in the ice business on a large scale and is also prominently
identified with its street car interests. Curtis C). Fasig, is residing in
Kansas City, Missouri, where he is a hard-wood finisher. For his
second wife ^Ir. Fasig married Emily Kisner, the daughter of Alpheus
and Harriet (Downey) Kisner. Alpheus Kisner was for some time
proprietor of the old Boston House, one of the earliest and most noted
of Terre Haute's hotels. Mr. Fasig is a member of the Masonic. Odd
Fellows, Red ^^len. Woodmen, Knights of Pythias, Junior Order of
American Mechanics and the Elks fraternities.
John Kennedy, the superintendent of the Terre Haute Fire Depart-
ment, first became connected with the public life of this city in 1869, when
he was made the night fireman of the Terre Haute Fire Department, at a
salary of ten dollars a month. He served under John D. Bell, the first paid
chief of the department. In 1882 he became the chief of the department,
but after ten months he resigned the office to engage in business. On the
8th of May, 1888, Mr. Kennedy returned to the position, succeeding
Martin Hunter, his term expiring on the i6tli of May, 1890, when he was
succeeded by J. D. Jones. In 1892 he was appointed Mr. Jones successor
and served until the 8th of May, 1894, when he in turn was again suc-
ceeded by Air. Jones. On the 3d of September, 1906, for the fourth
time J\Ir. Kennedy was made the chief of the fire department in Terre
Haute, succeeding Elias Leonard. Under its different administrations
the department has been permitted to retrograde, but under the present
regime it has taken on new life, having been greatly improved in all its
appointments and it is now in an excellent condition, worthy in every way
to form an important part in the city government.
Mr. Kennedy is of Irish descent, for his parents, James and Ann
(Calahan) Kennedy, were both born in that country, the father in
County Tipperary and the mother in County Limerick. In his early
manhood James Kennedy left his native land and came to Canada, where
for a number of years he was engaged in lumbering. ]\Irs. Kennedy came
to the United States in her girlhood days, and they were married in Ohio,
from whence they journe}'ed on the Wabash and Erie canal to Indiana
and located in Parke county. After farming there for a time they moved
to near Iowa City, Iowa, but eventually returned to Parke county. After
her husband's death Mrs. Kennedy came to Vigo county and died on her
son's farm north of Terre Haute. It was during their residence in Parke
county that their son John was born, his natal day being the loth of
January, 1853, and he was practically reared on a farm. In 1867 he came
to Terre Haute, and for a time worked for his brother Michael, after which
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 613
he worked for different employers in this city until he joined the fire
department.
Mr. Kennedy married Mary Ralston, a native daughter of Parke
county, Indiana.
W. Homer Floyd. — In architectural circles the name of W. Homer
Floyd has passed beyond the confines of Terre Haute and Vigo county
and has permeated many parts of the United States. It was here, how-
ever, that he entered upon his career as an architect in 1880, and here he
has mounted the ladder of success until he now stands among the
successful few in the profession. In 1887 he moved to Chattanooga,
Tennessee, but returned to Terre Haute in the spring of 1892, after a
seven years' residence in the south. During that time, however, he planned
and superintended the erection of some of the commonwealth's principal
buildings, including the Read Hotel, the First and Third National banks
of Chattanooga, and the Park Hotel, of Chickamauga, Tennessee. He
was also the architect of the Dennison Hotel, of Indianapolis, Indiana, the
IMcDermot and New Florence hotels, of Butte, Montana, the French Lick
Springs Hotel, of French Lick, Indiana, and the Terre Haute House, the
Indiana State Normal School, the Filbeck Hotel, Wheeler building, Erwin
block. Grand Opera House, Emeline Fairbanks Memorial Library, and the
Root and Herz store buildings, the latter having been completed in 1907
and is the finest and most complete store building in the west, all of
Terre Haute. Mr. Floyd has also furnised plans for many of Terre
Haute's finest residences, including those of Crawford Fairbanks, H. J.
Miller. George Foulkes and J. H. McCoy, also the Bement flats.
The birthplace of Mr. Floyd was Evansville, where his family on
both sides were prominent for many years, and his birthday is the ist
of August, 1852. He is a son of L. L. and Alice C (Stinson) Floyd.
The Stinsons came to Indiana from the state of New York, and estab-
lishing their home in the southern part of the state became leading resi-
dents of the community. Mrs. Evans, the widow of the late General
Evans, one of Evansville's most prominent citizens and in honor of whose
family the city was named, was a member of the Stinson family. That
city was also the birthplace of Mrs. Floyd. L. L. Floyd was born in
Mill Springs, Kentucky, and was a member of the family who moved from
the Old Dominion state of X'irginia to that commonwealth many years
ago. For years he was engaged in the lumber and saw milling
business in Evansville, but his interests took him away from home
during a considerable portion of his time, spen<ling several years each at
Rock])ort, Indiana, and Mt. Carmel, Illinois, but although he took his
famih- with liim to these places he always maintained his home in Evans-
ville. His death occurred at Ml. Carmel, and his wife died in Evansville.
6i4 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND A IGO COUNTY.
It was in that city that W. Homer Floyd attained to man's estate,
in the meantime attending;- its public schools and the Collegiate Institute,
of Rockport. Indiana, where he was a student for two years. He learned
the trade of stair builder at Evansville, and during his several years'
connection with that work he also studied mechanical engineering and
architecture. As above stated he located in Terre Haute in 1880, and
with the passing years he has enrolled his name high among its architects
and builders. He is a member of the Masonic and Elks fraternities.
Mr. Floyd married Fidelia, a daughter of Judge Bozman, of New
Harmony, of this state. She w^as born and reared in that little city on
the Wabash, and at her death, in 1901, she left to survive her one daugh-
ter, lone, who became the wife of Clarence Kirk, a merchant of Terre
Haute. For his second wife Mr. Floyd married Mrs. Ada Belle Sears,
of this city.
J. Merrill Sherman. — The architectural circles of Terre Haute
numbers among its members J. Merrill Sherman, who was born in Boston.
Massachusetts, November 5, 1861, a son of James Henry and Amanda
M. (Taft) Sherman, natives respectively of Newton, Massachusetts, and
Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
James H. Sherman is a son of James Madison Sherman and a nephew
of Seth Boynton, the inventor, with whom he lived for a time in Newark.
He learned the wood-working business in the Pettie Machine Works, of
Newton, Upper Falls, and remained with the works for five or six years,
and it was at the close of this period that he went to New Jersey and to
the home of his uncle in Newark. After three years in Newark he
accepted a position with the W^heeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Com-
pany, at Boston, Massachusetts, continuing in their factory for seven-
teen years, and during the following six years he worked for the Hancock
Inspirator Company. In 1882 he came to Terre Haute to accept a
position with the Rose Polytechnic College as an instructor in their wood
department, and for ten years he was numbered among the faculty of that
prominent institution. After spending some time in the Vandalia Rail-
road shops in. this city he retired and is now making his home with his
son, J. Merrill Sherman. His wife died in 1886.
After completing his educational training in the Boston public schools
J. Merrill Sherman began work as an architect in a small way, but when a
mere boy, before he had attained his sixteenth year, he had made plans
to some extent for Boston contractors. In 1882 he came to Terre Haute
and began to work in the shops of the Rose Polytechnic College, but after
about a year there he entered the employ of the Clifton Williams Company,
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 615
and in 1894 began as an architect on an independent scale, with offices on
South Sixth street until 1904. Since then he has maintained his offices
at his residence, 1504 Second avenue. During- his connection with the
business interests of this city Mr. Sherman has executed the plans for
the Bement-Rae wholesale grocery house, on Wabash and Eighth streets,
the McKeen block, on the corner of Seventh and Wabash, the Maple
Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, the remodeling of the First Baptist
church, the Tabernacle Baptist church, the pavilion in Collett park,
and a number of residences in different parts of the city. His latest
works, completed in 1907, were the Cook building, at the corner of
Eighth and Cherry streets, for a wholesale drug company, the Montrose
Methodist Episcopal church, on College and Seventeenth streets, and the
plans for the addition to the Union Hospital.
Mr. Sherman married Bellretta Rankin, who was born in Terre
Haute and a daughter of William Rankin. They have one son, Clarence
E. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Charles Padget. — Terre Haute's well known and popular archi-
tect and superintendent, Charles Padget, has the distinction of being the
youngest member of the profession in the city, but although young in years
he has established a record which promises well for the future. He is at the
present time engaged on the plans and specifications for the Odd Fellows
Temple, which is to be one of the finest buildings in the city, and Mr.
Padget secured it in competition with five other architects. He has fur-
nished the plans and superintended the erection of many other of the
finest buildings of Terre Haute, including four school buildings in Harri-
son township, a number of fine residences and a large warehouse for the
Commercial Distillery Company.
Mr. Padget is of English parentage and was born in Indianapolis,
Indiana. March 4, 1874, a son of Harry and Mary Padget. Harry
Padget came to the United States from the mother country in 1869 and
located first in Indianapolis, from whence, in 1880. he came to Terre
Haute and resumed his trade of stair building for a number of years.
Later he drifted into contracting, and is yet one of the prominent con-
tractors and builders of Terre Haute. His son Charles also began
learning stair building after leaving school, serving an apprenticeship at
the Clifton-Williams Planing Mill Company. .\fter continuing as a
stair builder for eleven years he took up the study of architecture in the
International Correspondence School and received his di])lom;i on the
15th of July, i(p4. But long before he became a member of the school
Mr. Padget had studied architecture, and immediately after his graduation
he was competent to enter into business life and has since been con-
6i6 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
spicuously connected with the building interests of the city. He is a
member of the encampment of Odd Fellows, the Maccabees and the
]\Iasons.
Ira D. Andrews, the secretary and treasurer of the Indiana-Texas
Land Company, with offices in the Naylor-Cox block, Terre Haute, and
active in the business, educational and social circles of Vigo county, was
born in \'ermilion county, Indiana, April 15, 1861, a son of John and
Margaret (Rhoads) Andrews, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively.
John Andrews moved to Vermilion county from Ohio when a boy with his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Andrews, led an agricultural life and
Mr. Andrews died there in September of 1885, aged eighty-seven years.
His wife died in 1883, when sixty-five years of age.
(In his father's farm in Vermilion county, Ira D. Andrews grew to
years of maturity and received his educational training in the district
schools. He also attended the state normal in Grant county, Missouri, and
for one year he taught in that state. Returning thence to Dana, Indiana,
he spent one year in the hardware business, and then for two years
farmed on rented land in Fayette township, \'igo countw Following this
he purchased the old Squire Shirley farm and for a number of years
devoted his activities to its cultivation and improvement. In 1900 he
was elected the trustee of Fayette township, and during his four years'
term in that office he attended and presided over each township institute—
an act unparalleled by any other trustee of the township. To his credit it
may also be stated that he was elected as a Republican with a majority
of sixty-four votes in a township with a nominal Democratic majority
of fifteen, and had the whiskey element on both sides against him. ]\Ir.
Andrews engaged in his present business in 1904, but it was not until
two years later that he moved from his farm to the city, and he still owns
his estate of one hundred and ten acres in Fayette township, also four
hundred and eighty acres in Swisher county, Northern Texas, and ten
hundred and sixty-nine acres in the coast country of Texas. He is
largely interested financially in the Indiana-Texas Land Company and is
its secretary and treasurer.
He is now president of the \'igo County Sunday School Association,
and served as its president eight years ago and has been very active in
church and Sunday school circles for many years. He is a member
of the Second United Brethren church and superintendent of its Sunday
school. He was sought very much by the temperance people to make the
race on the Republican ticket for county commissioner for the second
district. This he refused largely on account of his many business interests
which required all his time.
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 617
Mr. Andrews married Mary E. Koonce, a daughter of John S.
Koonce and a native of Fayette township. They have had three children,
Lela M., Lena and May, but the first born died at the age of eight years.
Mr. Andrews is a member of the Ivy Lodge. No. 564, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, at New Goshen.
Abraham L. ]\Iiller is junior member of what is regarded as one
of the strongest legal firms of Terre Haute — that of Crane & Miller.
Born in Parke county, Indiana, upon the home farm, June 17, 1879, his
parents were John and Martha (Steel) Miller, natives of Parke and
Putnam counties respectively, while the natal year of both was 1826. The
paternal grandfather of our subject was John Miller, a native of Virginia,
who emigrating westward in pioneer days became one of the early
settlers of Parke county. There he reared his family, and John Aliller,
Jr.. after devoting his entire life to general agricultural pursuits, passed
away in February, 1898, being survived for a brief period by his wife,
who died in 1899.
Abraham L. Miller was reared upon the home farm. No event
of special importance occurred to vary the routine of agricultural life for
him through the period of his boyhood, which was devoted to the duties
of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the
fields. After mastering the branches of learning taught in the common
schools, however, he became a student in Danville (Indiana) College,
where he remained during the school years of 1887. 1888 and 1889. He
then devoted four years of his life to teaching, after which he returned
to the Danville College and pursued the law course, while at the same
time he read law in the office and under the direction of Hogate & Qark.
well known attorneys of Danville. He was graduated in 1896 and was
admitted to the bar in Danville in June, 1896, and at Terre Haute on the
1st of August, 1896. He then engaged in the practice of his profession
in the office of I. H. C. Royse, while in 1899 he became a member of the
law finu of Crane, Miller & Miller. This connection was discontinued in
December, 1901, and the firm of Henry. Crane & Miller was formed,
although it was more of an association than a partnership. In 1903 the
present firm of Crane & ^Miller was organized and has taken rank with
the leading law firms of the city, having an extensive patronage. Mr.
Miller's mind is largely judicial in its cast, capable of an impartial view
of both sides of a question and of arriving at a just conclusion. This
gives his peculiar strength in the preparation of his cases. In his ])rac-
tice he is absolutel}' fair, never indulging in artifice or concealment, never
dealing in indirect luethods. but winning his victories, which are many,
and suffering his defeats, which are few, in the open field face to face
6i8 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AXD VIGO COUNTY.
with his foe. He has achieved distinction at the Terre Haute bar and
deserves it.
In Alay, 1902, Mr. Aliller was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte
WilHams. a daughter of Wilham WilHams, now deceased, of Terre
Haute. They have no children of their own but are rearing an adopted
daughter, Susan.
Mr. Miller is very prominent in the Odd Fellows circles of Indiana,
widely known in the fraternity throughout the state. He has filled all of
the chairs in Amico Lodge, Xo. 707, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and Vigo Encampment, No. 17. He is likewise a member of Canton
McKeen, No. 28, of Patriarchs ^Militant and of Rockville Lodge of
Rebekahs, No. 321. In 1907 he was elected grand warden of the Grand
Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Indiana. He is also connected
with the Masonic fraternity and the Improved Order of Red Men. The
position to which he has attained in fraternal and legal circles has made
him widely known, while his personal traits of character have gained him
popularity and high regard.
Jacob Anslem Parker, deceased, was for many years one of Terre
Haute's most prominent citizens and successful business men, closely
identified with, if not at the head of the iron manufacturing industry of
the city. He was a native of Maine, born in Kennebec county, March 20,
1830, a son of Jacob R. and Louise (Robinson) Parker, both also
natives of the Pine Tree state and of Scotch-Irish and English descent.
Having attained his majority and in the meantime completing his educa-
tion in the schools of his native commonwealth J. A. Parker went to
Boston to enter upon an apprenticeship in the locomotive works in that
city, and following this he became an engineer on a Maine railroad. In
185 1 he came west, and with Terre Haute as his headquarters continued
railroading in this section until in the following year he was made master
mechanic of the old Greenville & Miami Railroad at Greenville. Ohio.
After three years as a master mechanic Mr. Parker gave up all railroad
work and going to York, Illinois, spent three years as a lumber merchant
there, from whence he went to Hudsonville, that state, and resumed his
lumber interests, at the same time adding a planing mill to his other
interests. Near that city he purchased a farm of six hundred acres, which
he improved and engaged quite extensively in the raising of blooded
stock, in which he had always taken a great interest.
It was in 1871 that Mr. Parker made his way back to Terre Haute
and it was at this time that he entered upon his brilliant and successful
career as an iron manufacturer, first purchasing the old Eagle Iron Works
and for over thirty years was at the head of this large and well known
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 619
industrial institution. In i<jo2 lie organized the Eagle Iron Works
Company, of which he was the principal stockholder and was also made its
president. Liut at this time, when he had reached the zenith of success,
he decided to give up in a large measure the care of so vast and such a
growing industry and retired to his farm at Hudsonville. There he
passed away in death in October, 1905. In his relations to the community
in which he so long labored and to so goodly ends he enjoyed the con-
fidence which is always awarded to sterling integrity and achieved the
honor of a spotless name.
Mr. Parker was married in Maine to Elizabeth Wentworth, a grand-
daughter of Governor Wentworth, of that state, and she with the follow-
ing children survive him : Gertrude, who married R. Geddes and resides
in Indianapolis ; Mary J., the wife of John C. Warren, of Terre Haute ;
George W., also of this city ; Thatcher A., a prominent manufacturer of
Terre Haute, and Elizabeth, the wife of N. S. Kidder, of Chicago.
George W., the third child and eldest son, was born at Hudsonville,
Illinois, January 2, 1864. He came with his parents to Terre Haute
in 1 87 1 and attended the public and high school and the Rose Institute.
In 1885 '1^ became identified with his father in the Eagle Iron Works, and
in 1902 succeeded him as its president. He married Alice Plimpton, of
Vermont, and their children are George A., Jr., and Harrold P.
Thatcher A. Parker, the youngest son of the late J. A. Parker, is one
of the most prominent contractors and manufacturers in Terre Haute. He
was born in Hudsonville, Illinois, September 28, 1868, passed through the
graded and high schools of Terre Haute, and entered the State University,
Lansing, Michigan. After leaving college he secured a position in the
laboratory of the Homestead plant of the Carnegie & Phipps Steel Com-
pany, at Pittsburg, but after fifteen months there returned to Terre Haute
and accepted a position with the Eagle Iron Works. In 1892, however,
he left his father's works to go to Burlington, Iowa, where for three
years he served as the superintendent of the Murry Iron Works, returning
at the close of the jieriod, in 1895, to Terre Haute and again entered
the Eagle Iron Works. Hut on the first of the following year, 1896. Mr.
Parker began contracting in steel structural work on his own account,
and as his business grew in volume and importance from year to year,
and in 1900 completed his own plant for the manufacture of structural iron
and steel bridge material. Among the buildings of note which he has
erected may be mentioned the following: The Cohunbia Enameling and
Stamping Works, Terre Haute; the Highland Iron and Steel Plant,
and all of the gas house plants of this city; the Commercial and
Merchants' Distillery plants, the Grand Opera House block, all of this
citv ; the Iowa L'niversitv building, at Ames, Iowa; the Illinois Universitv
620 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
auditorium, the library builcliug at the Indiana University, the Herze
building, of Terre Haute, and the Terre Haute Trust Company's building.
Mr. Parker married Miss Electa, the daughter of B. F. McKeen, of
Terre Haute, and they have one daughter, Julia. Mr. Parker is president
of the Young Business Men's Club, of Terre Haute, and has, during the
past eight years, served as president of the Independent Field Trial
,Club, the leading organization of its kind in the United States. He
is a member of the Country Club, the Masons, Elks, Knights of Pythias,
the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and also of Indiana Division,
Sons of the American Revolution. He also has membership relations
with the National Association of Stationary Engineers and of the
Mechanical Engineers' Association of the United States. He is a Repub-
lican and has been very active, though he has never sought office. He is
ex-city chairman, and now county chairman, also ex-president of the
board of public safety.
Jerome W. Perry, the present city clerk of Terre Haute, has resided
in that city nearly his entire life, and his long career as a conservator
both of private and public trusts has made a continuous record of faith-
fulness and ability. He received his educational training in the city
schools and the Commercial College of Terre Haute, and commenced his
business career as cashier in a large barber shop. Following this, he was
identified with several firms in various clerical capacities, and in 1888
became clerk' and time keeper for the Terre Haute Car and Manufactur-
ing Company. In 1893 the concern named went into the hands of the
receiver and later in the same year the plant was destroyed by fire.
Mr. Perry then secured the position of bookkeeper for a contracting firm,
and in 1896 returned to the car works, remaining with the re-organized
business until his appointment to the United States revenue service in
1898. During his connection of three years and four months with
the revenue department he made his headquarters at Terre Haute, and
after leaving the service was engaged for some time in auditing the books
of the city treasurer, clerk and board of public works. He was again
called to a position of responsibility with the car works, remaining in that
capacity until June i, 1906, when he resigned to assume the duties of city
clerk of Terre Haute, to which office he had been elected.
Although Mr. Perry has passed his life in Terre Haute since he was
about five vears of age, he was born in Chariton, Iowa, on the 9th of
Alay, 1867. being the son of Thomas L. and Elizabeth (Cochran) Perry.
His parents were both natives of Delaware county, Ohio. Early in the
history of the Buckeye state, the Cochran family was established in
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Perry
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 621
migrating from that locality to Chillicothe. Ross county, Ohio, and after-
ward to Columbus and Delaware county, that state. He served in the war
of 181 2, and when he established his homestead on the west bank of the
Scioto river, nine miles northwest of Delaware, the Indians swarmed
around as thick as bees. His wife, formerly Elizabeth Wilson, was also
a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and this sturdv and
honored pioneer couple are both buried in the Boles Creek cemeterv,
near Warrensburg. Their son, James W. Cochran. Jr., was born in
Chillicothe. Ohio, on the 9th of October, 181 1, and soon after the Civil
war removed from his Ohio farm to a tract of land near Decatur, Iowa.
He had married ^Margaret Swartz, daughter of Sebastian and Elizabeth
(Aloberly) Swartz, Ohio pioneers, and both the maternal grandparents
died on their Iowa homestead. Thus both the Cochran and Perrv
families are leaders in the early agricultural development of Ohio and
Iowa. The great-grandfather of our subject. Robert Perry, emigrated
from Wales to America in 1802. and as a }'outh of seventeen located in
Delaware county. Ohio. He was born December 16. 1785. and his wife,
Sarah (nee Hoskins ) on the 14th of November, 1788. The paternal grand-
parents were William and Rebecca E. ( Lavcnser) Perry, whose son
Thomas L. Perry (the father of our subject) was born on the i8th of
August, 1838. The latter enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifteenth
Regiment. ( )hio \'olunteer Infantry, for service in the war of the Rebellion,
and at the close of the conflict settled in Iowa, where the wife and mother
died June 20, 1869, two years after the birth of Jerome \\'. The deceased
was born November 11, 1891, daughter ol James W., Jr., and Margaret
(Swartz) Cochran. In 1871 the husband came to Terre Haute and
became identified with the old nail works of that city. In 1887 he
returned to the old Perry homestead in ( )hio and there engaged in farming
until his death, February 3, 1892. His second wife. ]\[ary (nee Atkinson),
survived him and is still living. He was buried in the Thompson cemetery
near Radnor. Delaware county. This fine old farm has remained in the
possession of some member of the Perry family ever since it was granted
bv the government. Jerome W. l*erry married Elizabeth .Asperger, born
in Riley. \ igo county. January 28. 1868, to Godfrey and Katherine
Asperger, both natives of Germany. The two children of this union are
Myrtle C. born October 16, 1901. and b'rederick ]., born on the loth of
November, 1903. ]\lr. Ferry is a charter member of the I51inn Camp,
Sons of Wterans, and in view of his father's commendable service in the
Civil war has always taken an active part in the support and development
of the fraternitv.
622 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUXTY.
Charles E. McKeen^ energetic and determined, has as salient qual-
ities in his makeup those characteristics which enable him to overcome dif-
ficulties and obstacles in a business career, and as president of the Co-
lumbia Laundry Company he is now at the head of one of Terre Haute's
paving enterprises. Born in Illinois, his natal place was [Martinsville, and
the date of his birth September 20, i860. His father. Dr. Benjamin
Franklin AIcKeen, was a native of Indiana, born, on Shaker's Prairie,
near Oaktown, in Knox county, October 4, 1827. He was the son of
William and Xancy (Latshaw) AIcKeen, the former born in Lewis
county, Kentucky. June 5, 1798, and the latter in Cumberland county,
Pennsylvania, on the 5th of X'^ovember, 1805. They were both of Scotch-
Irish descent, the ancestors coming to America in early colonial days.
Charles E. ]\IcKeen traces his descent in direct line from Thomas ]Mc-
Kean, of Revolutionary fame, although the spelling of the name has
unders^one a change since that time. William [NIcKeen and two brothers
were early settlers of Shaker Prairie, in Knox county, Indiana. The
McKe'en brothers were farming people, but were also skilled in handling
tools and machinery. They bore their full share in the work of early
development there at a time when Indians still lived in the state and
utilized their old hunting grounds in search of game. Most of the homes
were log cabins heated by fireplaces and lighted by tallow candles. After
devoting the early portion of his residence here to general agricultural
pursuits \Mlliam !McKeen, the grandfather, moved from Shaker Prairie
with his family to Walnut Prairie, Illinois, and subsequently took up his
abode in the town of Marshajl, that state, where both he and his wife
spent their remaining days.
Benjamin F. McKeen. the father of our subject, was young when
his parents moved to Illinois, and he was educated in the village of Mar-
shall, where he attended the common schools and the academy. Deter-
mining upon a professional career, he began reading medicine, while
later, to further equip himself for his chosen calling, he attended Rush
Medical College, at Chicago. When he was qualified for practice he
opened an office at Martinsville and remained a member of the profes-
sion for two years. He then withdrew from that field of activity, how-
ever, and turned his attention to the milling business in [Martinsville, where
he remained until the fall of 1864, when he removed to Terre Haute. The
following year he became a resident of Chicago and operated on the Board
of Trade for two years. He then again came to Terre Haute and took a
position as general purchasing agent with the A^andalia Railroad Com-
pany, continuing in that capacity for many years. He wedded Miss ]^Iary
Cowles, who was born at Elyria, Ohio, December 19, 1840. a daughter of
Erwin A. and Electa (Clark) Cowles, who were natives of Durham, Xew
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 623
York, and Westfield, Massachusetts, respective!}'. Dr. McKeen died at
his summer home at Burt Lake, Michigan, on the 13th of August, 1903,
while his widow now resides at Terre Haute.
Charles E. McKeen came to this city with his parents in 1864 and
largely acquired his education in the pu])Iic schools here. His first work
was in the train service for the Vandalia Railroad Company, which he en-
tered at the age of nineteen years, continuing- in business connections with
that company for fifteen years, except for about two years (beginning- in
1881), when he entered the gents' furnishing goods business in Terre
Haute. He sold this and returned to the railway business. He entered
the laundry business at Logansport. Indiana, in 1894, and fifteen months
later returned to Terre Haute, where he purchased a controlling interest
in the Columbian Laundry. In October, 1895, the business was incorpo-
rated under the name of the Columbian Laundry Company, with ]\Ir. Mc-
Keen as president and general manager. On the 2^\ of December, 1904,
the present quarters of the Columbian Laundry on East Wabash avenue
were completed and the building was put to its present use. It is one
of the largest and finest laundry buildings in the state and the plant is
one of the best equipped in this part of the middle west, not excepting any
to be found in the largest cities. Mr. McKeen, as executive manager
of the business, has made it a profitable enterprise, with an extensive pat-
ronage, and in his undertakings is meeting with the success which he
deserves.
In 1881 Mr. McKeen was united in marriage to Miss ]\Iargaret H.
Wilson, a daughter of John D. Wilson, of Terre Haute, now deceased.
Unto them was born one son, Erank W., whose birth occurred August
30, 1886, and who is now secretary of the Columbian Laundry Company.
^Ir. McKeen is recognized as a prominent representative of his line of
business throughout the United States, and was three times elected pres-
ident of the Indiana Laundryman's Association, serving in 1899, 1900 and
1901, w'hile in 1904 he was chosen president of the National Laundry-
men's Association. He is a member of the Comniercial Club, and for the
last three years has been chairman of its membership committee. He is
also an active member of the Young l^.usiness Men's Chil), and is deeply
interested in all that pertains to the welfare and substantial u]:)building- of
the citv. He is likewise connected with the various branches of ?iIasonry.
being a Knight Templar and a Shriner, and belongs to the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. He is pre-eminently an enterprising business
nian. alert and energetic, carrying forward to successful completion what-
ever lie undertakes. Personally his salient characteristics have made him
popular, and his circle of friends is constantly increasing as the circle of
his ac(juaintancc widens.
624 GREATER TERRE ?L\UTE AXD MGO COUXTY.
WiLLARc Kidder. — The name of Willard Kidder is closelv identified
witli the early and subsequent history of Terre Haute, and he is one of the
city's pioneer millers and business men. He is a native of Windham
county, \>rmont. born May 7. 1833. to Ashbell and Mary (Sprague)
Kidder, both natives of \'ermont. the former born on December 28. 1795,
and the later on the 29th of July. 1806. Ashbell Kidder was a prosperous
farmer for years in his native state and also in Illinois, to which state
he had moved with his family in 1854, settling at Granville, Putnam
county. He died August 2"], 1866, and his widow survived him many
years, dyiiig on the 23d of July, 1894.
Willard Kidder spent the first fifteen years of his life on a farm
in \'ermont, attending the common schools, the high school of Jamaica
and the old Leland Seminary at Townsend, that state. \\'ith his education
completed he went to work in a store at X^ewfane, the countv seat of
\\'indham county, and from there came west to Illinois with his parents
in 1854. After their location in Putnam county the father purchased a
farm and of which the son Willard had charge of its cultivation. Two
years later this farm was sold and another of raw prairie pur-
chased near Geneseo. Illinois, and this in turn was sold and land pur-
chased at ]\Iount Palestine, that state. In all the work of improving these
dififerent farms \\'illard Kidder had charge, acquiring at the same time an
interest in the lands. Eventually leaving the farm he bought an interest
in a flour mill and grain business at Geneseo, continuing the business
there until his removal to Quincy, ^Michigan, in 1867, to become a mem-
ber of the company of Alden, Sutton & Company, proprietors of a general
store and a large plant for the manufacture of staves, bolts and coopers'
stock. The mercantile branch was an exceptionally fine one for those
days, and in connection with the store the company also conducted a bank-
ing business, I\Ir. Kidder and Mr. Sutton attending to the store while the
two other partners looked after the manufacturing part. The company
also had stave works in dififerent parts of ^^lichigan, and that part of the
business was very extensive and successful, but in 1875, ]Mr. Kidder
disposed of his ^Michigan interests and came to Terre Haute and formed
the firm of Kidder & Donmeyer. They purchased the flour milling
property near the bridge on Wabash avenue and engaged in the manu-
facture of flour, etc. This old mill was built originally for a brewery, but
previous to 1875 had been remodeled into a flour mill, but the enterprise
had not proved a . success and at the time Mr. Kidder took hold of the
propertv the grinding was done by stones and the capacity was less than
one hundred barrels a day. In 1879 IMr. Kidder's brother, W. L., pur-
chased Mr. Donmeyer's interest in the mill and the firm name became
Kidder & Brothers, so continuing until in August, 1884, when Willard
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 625
Kidder purchased his brother's interest and has since owned and operated
the mill alone. The "Wabash Mills" are at the present time the largest
and best plants of their kind in Vigo county. The old stone method of
grinding has long since given way to the improved roller system, and
the daily capacity has from time to time been increased until it is now
over nine hundred barrels.
It is not alone, however, in this one line of industry that Mr. Kidder
has won prominence in the industrial life of Terre Haute and Vigo
county, for he is one of the three men who purchased the old Terre Haute
street car line, improved it and changed the horse and mule power to
electricity. He was also one of the organizers and a director of the
Terre Haute Tool Works, one of the city's early industries, and was
active in the organization and at one time a director in the Citizens
Gas Company, which was instrumental in lowering the price of gas from
two dollars to thirty-five cents a thousand feet.
In Illinois, on the 9th of December, i860, Mr. Kidder married Louise
Kendall, who was born in Vermont, February 13, 1836, a daughter of
Capt. Isaac Kendall, who served as captain of a company of Vermont
militia in the early days. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Kidder. The eldest, Cora Louise, born February 2^, 1862, married,
on the 2 1st of November, 1888, O. R. Wood, a railroad passenger
agent at Wheeling, W^est Virginia. Marcus Willard, born May 4, 1866,
received his education in the city schools and the Rose Polytechnic
Institute, and is now in the office of the Wabash mills. He married
October 30, 1895, Lila Goodman. Clinton Baxter, born November 28,
1867, also received his education in the city schools and the Rose Poly-
technic Institute, and he then took charge of the Overman Wheel Company,
manufacturers of bicycles, at Springfield, Massachusetts, where he had
over one thousand men under his supervision. Following this he was
electrician for a Cincinnati street railway company. He was serving as
manager of the Terre Haute Street Railway Company at the time the
motive power was changed from mule to electricity, for several years was
in charge of the street railway and lighting plant at Savannah, Georgia, and
is now managing a large farm of twenty-five hundred acres for his father.
The property is located near Wahpeton, North Dakota, and is principally
under cultivation. He married, June 24, 1896, Helen Randell. Idelle,
born September 5, 1871, married June 2, 1904, Dr. Fred J. Walter,
managing physician of a noted health resort at ^ludlavia, Indiana. Ned
Solon, born April 10, 1874, attended the ])ublic schools and after grad-
uating from Rose Polytechnic Institute served as city engineer of Terre
Haute, and now has charge of the American Asphalt and Rubber Com-
pany, at Chicago, Illinois. On December 20, 1900, he married Elizabeth
40
626 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
Parker. Arthur Dale, born March 26, 1876, graduated from the Rose
Polytechnic. Institute and took a post-graduate course at the Colum-
bian University, of Washington, D. C, after which he accepted a posi-
tion with the United States government in that city, while at the
present time he is holding the miportant office of examiner of geodetic
surveys at the capital. He married Fidelia Royce March 31, 1904. Sidney
Jesse, born June 3. 1878, attended the public schools, and after graduating
from the Rose Polytechnic Institute took a post-graduate course in
mining engineering at the Columbia University, of New York city, and he
now has charge of a large stamp mill at Millers, Nevada, for the
Tonopah Mining Company. In politics Mr. Kidder is a life-long Re-
publican.
Charles N. [NIuri'IIy, the treasurer of the People's Brewing Com-
pany and one of the well known citizens and business men of Terre Haute,
is a native of Crawford county, Illinois, born on the 14th of October, 1861,
to Alorris H. and Elizabeth (Jones) Murphy, both now deceased. Al-
though born on a farm Charles N. Murphy was reared in Russellville
and Palestine, Illinois, and in Sullivan, Indiana, securing his education
principally in the public schools of the latter city, where his parents had
moved in 1870. It was there also that he began his business life, entering
upon an apprenticeship at the baker's trade, but in April, 1876, left there
for Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he completed his trade and then came
on to Terre Haute in 1878 and took charge of the "Oyster Room" for
Leo Werner. In the following summer he opened a peanut stand on the
corner of Wabash avenue and Sixth street, but in the fall sold the stand
and returned to the employ of Mr. Werner.
In the spring of 1880, in company with Oscar Rankin, Mr. ]\Iurphy
journeyed as far west as Colorado and prospected for silver until in the
fall, when he returned to Terre Haute and to his old employer. In the
spring of 1881 he again made the trip to Colorado, and this time engaged
in the bakery, restaurant and confectionery business at Pueblo until
his return to his former location at Gunnison City, from whence, in 1883,
he ca!ne again to his old home in Terre Haute. On the 17th of December,
1884, he married Miss Tillie Werner, a daughter of his former employer,
and upon the death of ^Ir. Werner in July, 1890, he took charge of
his business and continued it at the old stand until he leased his present
quarters at 412 Wabash avenue in March. 1892, and fitted up the finest
retail liquor store in Indiana. In 1899 he purchased the property, one of
the valuable sites on Wabash avenue. Mr. Murphy was one of the organ-
izers of the People's Brewing Company, of Terre Haute, and was made
the first treasurer of the company, and he has ever since held this office.
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 627
He was also one of the promoters of the Lake View Park Company, Terre
Haute's leading amusement park, and is a director of the company at the
present time. He is also interested in the Merchants' Ice and Cold Storage
Company, of Terre Haute, and yet retains an interest in gold and silver
properties in the west.
Mr. and Mrs. Murphy have two daughters, Zelda and Mildred. Mr.
Murphy is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Red
men and the Eagles fraternities.
Thomas Jeffer.son Scott is the proprietor of the leading, if not
the only, department store in Terre Haute, located at 1125 Wabash
avenue, and he is one of the foremost business men of the citv. He is also
numbered among Vigo county's native sons, for he was born on a farm
in Prairie Creek township March 4, 1864, a son of Alexander and Julia
(Walker) Scott, who were born in the states of New York and Indiana
respectively. During the early fifties Alexander Scott also became a
resident of this commonwealth, and in \"igo county was married and
followed farming. He died in 1870, in his sixty-first year, and the death
of his wife occurred about two years later, in her fifty-fifth year.
Thomas J. Scott was but six years of age at the time of his father's
death, and at the death of his mother so soon afterward was left practically
homeless, his father's small estate proving of little or no benefit to him at
all, and his boyhood days were filled with hardships. He made his home
wherever he could find any one who would take him in for the work he
could perform, and the longest period spent with any one person during
this part of his life was with a widow near Prairieton. After attaining
the age of fourteen he began for the first time to "work for wages," and
from that time on until he was twenty-five he worked on farms. During
that period he saved a few hundred dollars and finding that farm work
was not to his liking he sold his team and farming outfit and with A. B.
Ferguson, an old friend with whose family he had spent considerable
time at dift'erent periods, he opened a small grocery store on the Prairie-
ton road, on the south edge of Terre Haute, but after a year and a half
the young grocery merchant found the business too slow and turning
over his interests to Air. Ferguson, to be paid for at his conven-ence, if
ever, went to work in the brick yard of C. W. Hofif, spending two seasons
there. Following this he opened a general mercantile store in Ellsworth,
Otter Creek townshij). in ])arlnership with .\dolph r>eggins, and after two
years bought his partner's interest and conducted the business alone for
a number of years. While in business in Ellsworth Mr. Scott was
elected the trustee to Otter Creek township and served in that office for
five vears and three months, his term having been extended over the
628 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
four years' time by reason of the change of law in holding township
elections.
Desiring a wider field for his activities Mr. Scott sold his business
in Ellsworth and opened a large general store at Burnett, in Fayette town-
ship, where he has ever since conducted a large and growing business, but
still on the watch for greater possibilities, in November, 1907, he pur-
chased the large and modern brick business block at 1125 Wabash avenue,
Terre Haute, and opened what is perhaps the only department store in the
city, still continuing, however, his business at Burnett. His Terre Haute
store occupies two floors and a basement, and he carries a large and
complete stock, new and up-to-date, and although but a short time has
elapsed since he enrolled his name among Terre Haute's merchants and
business men, and in that time too he passed through a long and serious
illness, the Terre Haute venture has proved a success and promises well
for the future. Mr. Scott is prominent in Odd Fellowship and is a charter
member of the Otter Creek lodge, and also of the Burnett lodge of
Knights of Pythias.
He has been twice married, wedding first Kate Beard, who was born
in Terre Haute and died in 1896, after becoming the mother of a son and
daughter, Edith and Thomas B., but the son died in infancy. Mr. Scott's
second marriage was to Miss Anna Mason, a teacher of Otter Creek
township. To this union have been born two daughters who died in
infancy.
John M. Pollitt has been a gardener throughout his entire busi-
ness career, and now owns and operates sixty-one acres of garden land
in Honey Creek township, Vigo county. He was born in Hanover town-
ship, Shelby county, Indiana, March 4, 1857, a son of John M., Sr., and
Susan (Merdith) Pollitt, both of whom were born in the Blue Grass state
of Kentucky. Their marriage was celebrated in the year of 1844. Their
son John remained at home with them until he had reached his twenty-
fourth year, working with his father on the farm, and after his mar-
riage he began gardening for himself on rented land. After the first year
he rented twenty acres of David Pugh, later becoming the owner of the
property, but he sold it in 1904 and bought his present homestead of sixty-
one acres. He ships about half of his produce to Chicago, and the re-
mainder is consumed by the Terre Haute market.
On the 31st of August, 1881, Mr. PolHtt married Mahala Evans, a
daughter of Silas and Eliza (Willfon) Evans, both natives of Illinois.
They became residents of Prairie Creek township, Vigo county, Indiana,
where they owned and operated ninety acres of land, but both are now
deceased, the mother dying on the 14th of February, 1868, and the father
TH€
NEW YORK
'PUBLIC LIBfiARY
^^A«<or, Lanox and Tilicn,
founs^gfiofli,
1909
rnfmimminmimimrmmmi!
mmmjiimmnfi^
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 629
December 25, 1877. In their family were seven children — Harvev, John,
Ellen, William, Jane, Mary and Mahala, but only four of the number are
now living. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pollitt, but the
first born, Edith, died at the age of nine years ; the second, a little son,
John Roy, died aged seven, and the only one living is Doris, five years of
age. Mr. Pollitt is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and
his political views are in harmony with the principles of the Democratic
party.
Karl L. Freeman, D. D. S., of West Terre Haute, was born at
Liberty. Indiana, October 28, 1886, and is perhaps the youngest dental
pracdtioner in Vigo county. His father is James Monroe Freeman, also
bon at Liberty, and his mother was Eunice Stanton, of a substantial
Fau lish family. Its members emigrated from the mother country, and
after stopping for a time at Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, migrated
to the middle west and located at Liberty. Besides the Doctor, the mem-
bers of the Freeman family are as follows : Dr. F. E. Freeman, residing
in Laporte, Indiana; Nellie E., wife of Professor J. E. Stevens, of Lib-
erty ; Carrie \^. and Martha I.
Dr. Karl L. Freeman was reared in Liberty, Indiana, until he was
eleven years of age, when the family removed to Cleveland, Tennessee,
where he received a high school education. In 1904 he entered the Indiana
Dental College, and after taking a three years' course received his degree
of Doctor of Dental Surgery. In June, 1907. he located in West Terre
Haute and has since established a substantial practice. He is a member
of the Indiana Dental Association, and is a thoroughly progressive mem-
ber of his profession.
Judge Charles Monroe Fortune. — The man wdio wins prominence
at the bar of America's thriving cities must have a thorough understand-
ing of the law, and all must begin on a common plane and rise to eminence
by perseverance, industry and ability, or fall back into the ranks of medi-
ocrity. In like manner with all others, Charles Monroe Fortune started
out to win a name and place for himself, and his success has made him
one of the leaders of the Terre Haute bar and the present city judge.
He was born on a farm in Prairie Creek township, Vigo county, No-
vember 25, 1870, a son of Henry Cole and Frances C. (Howell) Fortune,
the former a native of Meigs county, Ohio, born in 1831, and the latter
was born in Mason county. West Virginia, in 1838. The paternal grand-
father, Zachariah Fortune, was one of the pioneers of Meigs county, and
Nelson Howell, the maternal grandfather, served as a soldier in the Civil
630 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
war and was killed in battle. Henry C. Fortune and Frances Howell
were married in Mason county, West Virginia, and immediately after-
ward came west to Clark county, Illinois. During the period of the Civil
war Mr. Fortune contracted and operated the ferry on the Wabash river
at Darwin, Illinois, his business proving very successful. In 1869 he pur-
chased one of the best farms, comprising one hundred and seventy acres,
in Prairie Creek lownship, Vigo county, where he lived and farmed for
many years, and later in life bought a valuable farm of one hundred and
eighty acres in Clark county, Illinois, operating the two places jointly.
He died at his Clark county home in July, 1883, but his widow survived
him for many years and died on the farm in Prairie Creek township, Vigo
county, February 28, 1907. In their family were the following children:
John W., deceased ; DeKalb, a well known farmer of Prairie Creek town-
ship ; George W., deceased; Paul, deceased; William J., a railroad man
in Seattle, Washington; Hattie, deceased ; Charles M., the subject of this
review ; Effie M., the wife of Henry Busch, a farmer of Prairie Creek
township ; and Frances, deceased. Mr. Fortune, the father, was a member
of the Masonic fraternity. He was a prominent man and a leader in the
communities in which he lived, and was often solicited to make the race
for public office, but as often steadfastly refused. Mrs. Fortune was a
■member of the United Brethren church.
The early years of the life of Judge Fortune were spent on his fa-,
ther's farm, receiving his primary education in school No. 3, or what was
commonly known as the Fortune school, as it was located on a portion of
the Fortune farm in Prairie Creek township. His higher educational
training was received in the schools of Darwin, Illinois. When he had
attained the age of nineteen he left the farm and came to Terre Haute,
where for a year and a half he worked in the shops of the Sanford Fork
and Tool Company, after which he accepted a clerkship and learned the
watch maker's trade, at the same time reading law at night from books
which he had purchased. In 1898 he continued his reading in the office
of Cox & Davis, and while there was also permitted to practice, so when
he finally took the examination before the Vigo county bar he made a
very creditable showing and was admitted. He at once engaged in prac-
tice in Terre Haute, soon winning a clientage tha't connected him with
much of the important litigation heard in the courts of the district, and
at the primary election in June, 1905, he received the Democratic nomina-
tion for the office of city judge without opposition. The Republican ma-
jority in the city at that time was over two thousand, and the Democratic
nomination was considered a forlorn hope, but after a vigorous campaign
against a popular opponent Mr. Fortune was elected by a majority of
seventy votes. He assumed the duties of the judgeship on the 6th of
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 631
January, 1906, and his administration thus far has proved a great sviccess
and his popularity has increased threefold, not only among the best ele-
ment, but among those to whom he has also been obliged to administer
justice. His popularity, both personally and politically, has led to his
candidacy for the office of circuit judge at the hands of the Democratic
party. In his race for the judgeship of Vigo circuit court, he had very
strong opposition, but received a Democratic majority of 1,150. The
judge is thoroughly acquainted over \'igo county, having warm friends
and supporters even in its remotest parts. He is a member of the Knights
of Pythias, the Elks and the Red Men fraternities, and of the Commer-
cial and the Young Business Men's Clubs. His offices are in the Erwin
Building, corner of Fifth and Wabash streets.
Judge Fortune married, March 18, 1897, Myrtle L. Sparks, but she
died in July of the same year. Mrs. Fortune was well known as an
author in Terre Haute. When a mere child she wrote for the old Terre
Haute Express, verses that had a distinct charm, and her poems, since
published in book form, have delighted many readers. One phase of
Judge Fortune's career should not be overlooked, and that is his prac-
tical philanthropy. He gives freely and yet without display to many
charitable causes, and this trait has characterized him particularly dur-
ing his practice at the Vigo county bar.
Noah D. Brill, president of the Modern Construction Company of
Terre Haute and well known for many years here as a building contractor,
was born on a farm in Muskingum county, Ohio, June 20, 1853, a son
of John and Sarah (Vnisel) Brill, both of whom were natives of Loudoun
county, Virginia, and were pioneer settlers of Ohio. The father became
a prominent farmer of the Buckeye state, where both he and his wife
remained until called to the home beyond.
Noah D. Brill, the youngest in a family of thirteen children, was
reared on the home farm and assisted in its development and improve-
ment until after he had attained his majority. He was indebted to the
public school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed and he
afterward learned the carpenter's trade and became identified with gen-
eral building interests. For the prosecution of his business affairs he
located at Riley in 187Q and has since been a resident of Vigo county. He
there engaged as a building contractor and contributed in large measure
to the substantial improvement of the vicinity until i8(p. when, seeking
a broader field of labor, he came to Terre Haute, where he has now
made his home for eighteen years. For eleven years he occupied the
position of general superintendent with A. Fromme, a general contractor,
after whicli he resigned, and in March, 1904. aided in organizing the
632 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
Modern Construction Company, of which he was chosen president and
manager the following year. This is an incorporated company for gen-
eral construction and has erected the People's brewery plant, the Walden
flats, the Fairbanks library, the Cook building, Home Packing Company's
plant, Simons Packing Company's plant, of Youngstown, Ohio, and is
now building the new Elk lodge building, the county jail and the Union
Hospital. As the years have passed ]Mr. Brill has met success in his
undertakings and his labors, too, have been of a character that have
contributed to public progress as well as to individual prosperity.
In 18S0 occurred the marriage of Mr. Brill and Miss Lizzie Achauer,
by whom he has three children. [Nlr. Brill is a member of the first Meth-
odist Episcopal churcli, affiliates with the Knights of Pythias and is a
Republican in politics — associations which indicate mucli concerning the
character of his interests. In business circles he is regarded as one whose
trustworthiness is above question, while in his activity and unwearied
industry are found the secret of his success.
Louis Di/exweg. — Higiily influential and honored for his broad
participation in the financial, industrial and commercial progress of Terra
Haute, Louis Duenweg has for almost half a century .been a notable
figure in the substantial development of his city and state. He is a strong
and able representative of Germany, his fatherland, and America, his
adopted country, and the land to which he has donated his best energies
of body and mind since the earlier years of his mature life. He is a
native of that country, born near the city of Cologne, on the 9th of
October, 1837, his education in the fatherland including not only a
scholastic but a commercial training. In 1856 he became a bookkeeper
in the great iron works of Ruhrort, known as Phoenix II, but three years
later came to the L^nited States with the determination to become an
independent factor in Terre Haute, the city of his location.
Mr. Duenweg is, therefore, within a year of having attained the
golden anniversar}- of his settlement in this city. The first few months
therein were spent in search of employment, and in i860 he commenced
to learn the printer's trade with the German newspaper then in existence.
Finally, he reached the position of foreman, but six months in this capac-
ity determined him to enter the field of business. He was a fine account-
ant, and within the succeeding three years was bookkeeper for the pack-
ing company of Farrington & Williams, H. D. . Williams (wholesale
grocer) and the distillery of Alexander McGregor & Company. He
served the last named from 1864 to 1869, when H. Hulman purchased
the distillery, and Mr. Duenweg not only continued in his old position
but later on bousrht a small interest in the business. He thus continued
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 633
with Hulman & Fairbanks and Cox & Fairbanks, successive proprietors
of the business, and when Mr. Cox retired from the firm he became joint
owner of the same, his partner being Crawford Fairbanks. These two
gentlemen finally organized the Terre Haute Distillery Company, and in
1887 Mr. Duenweg retired from the business, leaving Mr. Fairbanks as
sole proprietor.
Since the time of his retirement from the Terre Haute Distilling
Company, twenty years ago, Mr. Duenweg has been identified with many
important enterprises, all highly successful. For a number of years he
was extensively interested in lead and zinc mines of the Joplin district,
Missouri, and has developed several very productive properties. During
this period he was president of the Center Valley Lead and Zinc Com-
pany, and secretary of the Duenweg Mining Company. The little city
of Duenweg, Missouri, a place of 2,500 population, founded largely upon
the industries of this and other mines, was named in honor of this sturdy
Terre Haute citizen. For a number of years Mr. Duenweg was also
president of the Vigo Clay Company, and has long been connected with
the Central Manufacturing Company of this city, successively as secre-
tary, president and director. i\t the present time he is president of the
Union Savings Association, president of the Star Exploring and INIining
Company, vice president of the Terre Haute Abattoir and Stock Yards
Company and vice president of the People's Brewing Company.
On May 7, 1864, Mr. Duenweg was married to Miss Catherine van
Schellenbeck, who was born in Cologne, Germany, and they have the
following children : Mathilde, Otto E., interested in mining properties
at Webb City, Missouri ; Louis, secretary and treasurer of the Central
Manufacturing Company of Terre Haute ; Annie R., who married Frank
Temple, manager of the Central Manufacturing Company, and Bertha,
who became the wife of L. W. Ott, of Indianapolis, now a resident of
California.
Eugene V. Ders. — At the national convention of the Socialists party
in Chicago, in May, 1908, Eugene Victor Debs was nominated for
President. Mr. Debs has been the leader of the Socialists in national
elections since 1900, and it is significant of the increasing" strength of
the party as also of his personal influence that the presidential vote in
1904 was nearly three times as large as that cast in 1900. For the
past fifteen years E. V. Debs has been a national figure, and probably
only a small proportion of those who know him by reputation associate
his name with Terre Haute, where he began his career and attained the
influential position in labor circles that, during a crisis, brought him
into national prominence.
634 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
Many recall the grocer and provision merchant, Daniel Debs, who
had a store in Terre Haute from 1851 to 1887. He and his wife were
natives of Alsace, while that was a French possession, and were married
after coming to New York, and moved to Terre Haute in 1851. A
sister of Eugene is the wife of John G. Heinl.
Eugene V. Debs was born in Terre Haute, November 5, 1855, grew
up in the city and attend the common schools with a number of the men
who are now active in business affairs here. When he was sixteen years
old he became a fireman on the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad,
and his four years" experience was the basis of his career. From 1875
to 1879 he was with the wholesale firm of Hulman & Company, and in
the latter year became city clerk. He was elected grand secretary and
treasurer of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen in 1880, and at
once became one of the active organizers of this powerful branch of
organized labor. Though he continued as city clerk until 1883 and was
a member of the Indiana legislature in 1885, he was principally active
in the work of the order, and for some time was editor of the Locomotive
Fireman. From grand secretary and treasurer he was elevated to the
presidency of the American Railway Union, in 1893, and at once took
the leadership in directing the greatest railway strikes in the history of
American industrialism. He won a strike on the Great Northern Rail-
way, and in 1894 while directing the strike on western railways that
practically tied up every system between the Alleghanies and the Rocky
mountains he was arrested on a charge of conspiracy, but after one of
the trials famous in labor history was acquitted. This was followed by
a charge against him of violation of an injunction, and he was sent to
jail for six months for contempt of court. Since those memorable days
of 1894 Air. Debs has been constantly active as an organizer, and as a
writer and lecturer has advocated his doctrines in every part of the
nation. His residence remains in Terre Haute, and he increases the
fame of this city as the home of many men of national reputation. ]\Ir.
Debs married Katherine Metzel, June 9, 1885.
John James Shea, Jr. — The attractiveness of Terre Haute as a
place of residence is indicated by the fact that many of her native sons
have remained within her borders, finding here good business opportuni-
ties, with equally excellent educational facilities and other opportunities
contributing toward individual advancement. Among the native resi-
dents of the city is numbered John James Shea, Jr., now president of
the Terre Haute Oil and Coal Company. His birth occurred at the corner
of Sixth and One-Half and Tippecanoe streets on the 25th of November,
1873. His father, John J. Shea, Sr., was a native of Ireland, born in
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 635
1847. ^"<^1 when twenty years of age he bade adieu to friends and native
countr}- and sailed for the United States. He first located in Fort Wayne,
Indiana, where he began work in connection with railroad construction,
and on leaving that place removed to Sullivan, Illinois, where he was
again busy on railroad construction work. In 1872 he came to Terre
Haute, remaining, however, in railroad employ until his retirement from
active business life a few years ago. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Bridget Griffin, was also a native of Ireland and came to the
United States in the late sixties, spending about a year and a half in
Boston, Massachusetts, after which she came to Terre Haute. It was in
this city that Mr. and Mrs. Shea were married and here they have spent
the residue of their days to the present. Both are communicants of St.-
Joseph's Catholic church.
John J. Shea, Jr., was reared in Terre Haute and acquired his edu-
cation in the public and parochial schools, supplemented by a night
course in the Garvin Commercial College. In 1892, when a young man
of but eighteen years, he started out upon an independent business career
in connection with the oil trade. By the aid of friends he obtained a
wagon and horse and then invested five dollars in oil, which he began
to sell from house to house. For eight and a half years he retailed oil
from the wagon, and on the expiration of that period, in 1896, he formed
a partnership with Daniel O'Connell under the firm name of the Terre
Haute Oil and Coal Company. They began to handle both oil and coal,
selling to the wholesale and to the retail trade, and in 1904 they incor-
porated the business with Mr. O'Connell as president and Mr. Shea as
secretary and treasurer. The company was capitalized for forty thousand
dollars. In 1907 Mr. O'Connell retired from the business on account of
poor health and the company was then reorganized, with Mr. Shea as
president and general manager, Maures Walsh as vice president and
Harry Ward as secretary and treasurer, and with Joseph Crockett and
William Drought on the board of directors. The company now utilizes
fifteen wagons in the sale of the products which it handles and does an
annual business of from one hundred and twenty thousand to one hun-
dred and forty thousand dollars. From the beginning the business has
steadily developed along substantial lines and the success is attributable
in large measure to the efforts and intelligent direction of Mr. Shea.
Air. Shea was married in 1901 to Miss Mary A. Kennedy, a daughter
of Michael Kennedy and also a native of Terre Haute, her birth having
occurred at the corner of North Fifth and Eagle streets. She has become
the mother of three children, Mary, Anna and John, all of whoiu are
yet under the parental roof. Mr. Shea is a member of the Ancient Order
of Hibernians, the Young Men's Institute, the Modern Woodmen camp
636 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND 'VIGO COUNTY.
and the Knights of Columhus. He has a wide acquaintance in his native
city, and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have
known him from boyhood indicates that his has been an honorable Hfe
and that his acquaintances find him a congenial companion. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Shea are members of St. Joseph's Cathohc church.
John F. Brinkman. — The late John F. Brinkman, who died in
Terre Haute on the i8th of January, 1904, was one of its foremost
citizens, from whatever point of view he is considered ; for he was a
leader in the business and industrial development of the community, of
energetic temperament and broad mind, and his heart was not only
tender for those nearest to him, but his affections went out to those of
other families who were physical or spiritual sufferers. Like many
of large practical affairs, this breadth and depth of sympathy were largely
veiled during his busy life, but at his death the community came to
fully realize its pervading force. A local publication thus touches
upon this character trait in the strong and beloved personality of the
deceased : "The will of John F. Brinkman was one that fell upon this
community like a benediction. It exhaled a kind, thoughtful spirit that
revives one's flagging faith in mankind. He had a large family who
might have claimed all his consideration when making his last will and
testament, and if it had, it would not have excited comment, but the fact
that, as he stood on the brink of eternity before he went into the operat-
ing room, he thought of so many to whom to leave a bequest, bespeaks
a tender heart that appeals to all and sweetens his memory. Little
orphan children were remembered ; a hospital where sufferers find relief
was not forgotten ; brothers, sisters, a cousin and a friend have reason to
know he thought of them just before being called hence. Not only did
he remember the church in which he worshiped, but all the others in
the city of his faith. It was a beautiful will, full of kindly thought,
which serves to endear the maker's memory in this community to all
who admire generosity and thoughtful kindness. And who does not?"
The able, strong man, to whom these words so justly apply, is a
native of Indiana, born in Oldenburg, Franklin county, on the 30th of
October, 1841. He was of substantial German parentage, and was left
an orphan at thirteen years of age. Thus thrown upon his own untried
strength and resourcefulness, he enjoyed no exhuberance of youth, but
passed directly from boyhood to manhood. He had attended a German
school at Oldenburg for a short time, and that was the extent of his
education drawn from text books. Leaving his native town soon after
the death of his parents, he went to Indianapolis and afterward to
Batesville, Indiana, where he was occupied at such various vocations
HEW YORK
tl ?>UaL\C LIBRARY 1
vA«Kor, Lanox.and Tlldon ^
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 637
as timber buyer and traveling salesman. Both at Batesville and James-
town he operated a stave factory, and in 1878 located at Terre Haute.
In partnership with Frank Russell he first ran a stave and heading fac-
tory for about three years, and thereafter continued the industry alone
until 1894. He then sold his establishment and purchased a stave factory
in Paragould, Arkansas, which he conducted until 1901, and after dis-
posing of this plant to advantage he bought a large interest (in March,
1903) in the W. W. Wilson Stave Company, a corporation of Little
Rock, Arkansas, organized with a capital stock of $50,000. For about
four years he was also a member of the Terre Haute firm of Prox &
Brinkman, manufacturers of machinery, and also engaged in the livery
business for several years. At the same time he was a stockholder in
the United States Trust Company, a director in the Fort Harrison
Savings Bank, and otherwise interested in financial and industrial enter-
prises.
Although he was never active in politics, Mr. Brinkman had firm
faith in Democratic principles, and consistently supported the party.
When W. A. Armstrong was mayor in 1885 the board of police com-
missioners came into existence, and Mr. Brinkman was appointed a
member of that body. Otherwise he never even held office of any
political character. The later years of his life were mainly devoted to
his farming interests, his property being located about five miles south-
east of the city.
The deceased was twice married — first, in 1863, to Miss Catherine
Kipper, who died at Terre Haute in 1889, leaving the following children:
Charles J., George, Otto, Frank, John, Carrie and Antoinette. In 1890
he wedded for his second wife Mrs. Agnes Rudy, and one child, Richard
J. Brinkman, has been born to their union. The maiden name of Mrs.
Agnes Brinkman, the honored widow, was Agnes Weidel. She is a
native of Terre Haute, and had a daughter by her first marriage, Bregetta.
The deceased was a devout member of the Catholic church, as are all
the family, and was long a leading member of the St. Benedict's church.
He was also prominent in the fraternal affairs of the Knights of Colum-
bus, and served as treasurer of the St. Francis German Catholic Central
Society for a period of seventeen years.
Ednvakd T. Hazledine, pro])rietor of tlie E. T. Hazledine machine
shops, the largest concern of its kind in Terre Haute, is a native son of
the mother country of England, born at Coalbrookdale, Shropshire, on
December 3, 1859, ""■ the same house in which his father, William Hazle-
dine, was also born. William ITazledine was a machinist by trade, and
he and his good wife, Margaret Webb, died in their native town, the
638 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
mother in 1876, aged forty-eight, and the father in 1907, after he had
traveled the journey of life for eighty years.
In his native town of Coalbrookdale their son Edward grew to years
of maturity and received his education in its common or denominational
schools. But at the early age of twelve he put aside his text books and
three years later entered upon an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade,
although during the three years intervening between his school days and
the beginning of his business life he had spent much time in and around
the shops. He practically grew up in a machine shop, and is therefore
naturally adapted to the trade and is thoroughly familiar with the busi-
ness in all its departments. After completing his apprenticeship Mr.
Hazledine worked in dififerent cities in England until he sailed for the
United States in 1881 to try his fortune in this free land. He came
direct to Terre Haute, where he had relatives living, but soon afterward
began work in the railroad shops at Paris, Illinois, and from there en-
tered the Pullman car works at Chicago. After working at various
other points he came again to Terre Haute and became identified with
the Eagle Iron Works, but leaving their employ, worked in Chicago,
Illinois; Louisville, Kentucky; P^vansville, Indiana, and other cities,
in all this time grounding himself deeper and deeper in the intricacies of
the trade until at length returning once more to Terre Haute he filled
important positions in the Vandalia Railroad shops and the Eagle Iron
Works. In 1887 he began business for himself by opening a machine
shop at 231-233 South First street, his present location, beginning in a
very small way, at first doing all his own work. But soon the business
began to grow and expand and today it is the largest of its kind in Terre
Haute and furnishes on. an average to twenty skilled mechanics. Mr.
Hazledine has the active management of the establishment in all its
various departments and does a general machine business, manufacturing
many special kinds of machinery for dififerent and often distant parts of
the world. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen and takes an
mterest in all matters of public importance, but has never entered poli-
tics. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Independent Order
of Foresters and the Elks.
In 1887 Mr. Hazledine married Gertrude Darnell, born at Worth-
ington. Indiana, a daughter of Isaac M. and Emma (Rowland) Darnell,
both originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Margaret Jean, the
eldest child of Mr. and "Sirs. Hazledine, was born in Terre Haute and
received her education in its graded and high schools and is now com-'
pleting her nnisical education in Chicago. She is already an accom-
plished musician, and is a performer of more than ordinary ability and of
great promise on the cello. Emma Rowland, the second daughter, was
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 639
born in Terre Haute, and having passed through the city schools she is
now a student at the training school of the Indiana Normal at Terre
Haute, as is also her sister, lone Cosette, who is also a musician.
George T. Stevens has been closely identified with the interests
of Terre Haute for many years, and today stands at the head of one of
its leading concerns, the Terre Haute Stone Works Company. He be-
came identified with the stone-cutting business in his early manhood in
England, and since that time his master mind has planned and executed
until he now stands in the front rank of the industry and among his
adopted city's most prominent business men.
The birth of Mt. Stevens occurred in Faversham, Kent, England,
March 19, 1846, and his parents, John and Alary (Wiles) Stevens, were
also born in that city and there spent their entire lives. They gave to
their son a common school education, and after its completion he went to
London to serve his apprenticeship at the stone-cutter's trade. He re-
mained in that city until in March, 1873. when he sailed for the United
States, and spent some time at his trade in New York city. From there
he went to Chicago and later to Indianapolis, where he worked on the
Marion county court house, and from Indianapolis he came to Terre
Haute in 1878 to become the foreman for a Mr. Eppenhousen, a cut-
stone contractor, who sent Mr. Stevens to Paris, Illinois, to superintend
the building of a city school house. His next employers were Chadwick
& Henry, cut-stone contractors, and after leaving their employ became
the superintendent for the old Terre Haute Stone Company, composed
of Chadwick. Lyons and Gulick, with whom he continued for about ten
years. In company with Mr. E. D. Chadwick he then purchased Mr.
Gulick's interest in the business and since that time the business has been
conducted under the firm name of the Terre Haute Stone Works Com-
pany, with mill, yard and office at the corner of Sycamore and Water
streets. The plant covers an entire square, three hundred by three hun-
dred feet, and employment is furnished to from twenty to twenty-five
people.
Mr. Stevens married in London, England. Miss Elizabeth .\bbinett.
She was born in Hampshire, England, a daughter of John and Elizabeth
(Kennedy) .\bbinetl, the father a native also of that place, and the mother
of Belfast, Ireland. The children of Air. and Mrs. Stevens are Ger-
trude, l):)rn in London. I^ngland, is the widow of Harry Abbinett and
she makes her home with her parents; George A., born in Chicago and
also a stone-cutter, married Amelia Ains, of Terre Haute ; Mary, born at
Greencastle, Indiana, is the wife of William Surber, of Indianapolis;
John Thomas, the youngest, was also born in Greencastle, and he died in
640 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
that city. Mr. Stevens and his family are members of the Episcopal
church.
Edward Driver Chadwick. secretary and treasurer of the Terre
Haute Stone Works Company, and thus a leading representative of in-
dustrial interests in Vigo county, possesses the alert, enterprising spirit
of the business man of the twentieth century, who recognizes and utilizes
his opportunities and has the power of co-ordinating forces to bring
about practical and desired results. Such men are the real upbuilders and
promoters of a town or city, for municipal progress does not depend
upon the wheels of government, but on the class of men who 'constitute
a citizenship and are the promoters of its commercial life.
Mr. Chadwick is a native of England, his birth having occurred in
the town of Burnley. Lancashire, August 8, 1846. His parents, Hitchon
and Mary (Diver) Chadwick, were also natives of Burnley, the former
born in 1825, while his death occurred in 1903. The mother, however,
passed away when her son Edward was but two years of age. Hitchon
Chadwick was a general contractor and his father and grandfather had
also been connected with that line of business. Edward C. Chadwick
has continued in the same line of activity. After acquiring his prelimi-
nary education in the graded schools, he pursued a course in a literary
institute and then learned the business of general contracting with his
father, with whom he continued until he came to the United States in
March, 1869. He felt that America was the land of opportunity and
ambitious to advance his financial interests, he crossed the Atlantic and
spent but one season in New York and Philadelphia. In the fall of that
same year he made his way westward to Terre Haute, where he ar-
rived on the 4th of October, 1869. He left Philadelphia, however, with-
out a definite destination in view, thinking that he would probably go on
through the country to the coast and then to Australia, but at Chicago
the information reached him that stone men were wanted in Terre Haute
by the \^andalia Railroad Company and thus he was influenced to become
a resident of this city. After having spent some time at work on the
railroad he was induced by Jabez Castro to locate permanently in Terre
Haute. Following i\Ir. Castro's advice he has since been a resident of
the city and for two years he devoted his time and energies to bridge
building in the employ of 'the county.
It was during that period that Mr. Chadwick was married on the
26th of January, 1871. to Miss Catherine Hoopes, whose birth occurred
at Sandford, Vigo county, her father being Lewis Hoopes of that place.
The young couple journeyed westward on their wedding trip, and at
Wamego, Kansas, made a location, Mr. Chadwick there engaging in
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 641
contracting during the season. The town was at that time on a boom,
but the abnormal growth waned, and thinking that he would prefer the
substantial development of Terre Haute, he returned to this city. Here
he at once began business as a general contractor, in which line he has
since continued. He was thus a member of the firm of Chadwick Broth-
ers, his partner being James T. Chadwick, while the association continued
for two years. They did stone work during that period on the McKeen
Bank building, at the corner of Wabash and Sixth streets, at the old
market house, and on the residences of William Warren and Theodore
Hudnut. At the end of two years, however, James T. Chadwick decided
to locate elsewhere, removing to Wamego, Kansas, while Edward D.
Chadwick continued in business alone in Terre Haute. He was thus
identified with building operations here until the 25th of February, 1881,
when a stock company was organized, composed of P. C. Henry, Frank
McKeen and Edward D. Chadwick, under the firm name of the Terre
Haute Stone Works Company, with quarters at the corner of Tenth and
One-half and Mulberry streets. Mr. McKeen was chosen president, with
Mr. Henry as secretary and treasurer and Mr. Chadwick as superintend-
ent. In 1883 the official board changed, when J. B. Lyne became presi-
dent and John F. Gulick secretary and treasurer, while Mr. Chadwick
remained as superintendent. In 1893 a further change occurred, the com-
pany being reorganized with Mr. Chadwick as president, Mr. Gulick as
secretary and treasurer and George F. Stevens as superintendent. Such
was the personnel of the company until 1898, when George F. Stevens
became president and Mr. Chadwick secretary and treasurer, with Wil-
liam Cleland as vice president. From the organization of the company
the business has constantly grown in volume and importance and has
largely approached the ideal business standard. The company has ever
met competition in a rivalry of merit rather than in a war of prices, put-
ting a premium on high grade work by employing efficient workers and
paying them their legitimate share of the profits which their talents bring
to the business. The character of their patronage is indicated by the fact
that they were awarded the contract for the building of the present
county court house and also the Soldiers' and Sailors' monument at In-
dianapolis, which is one of the finest pieces of architecture of the kind
in the country. They have furnished the stone work for almost every
prominent building in Terre Haute and still the business has opportunities
for expansion. It is managed by men who understand the business them-
selves and who know how to develop the latent capacity of tlieir em-
ployes, and it is permeated by a spirit of courtesy, thoroughness, enthu-
siasm, energy and perseverance.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Chadwick has been born a daughter, Margaret
41
642 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
A., a native of Terre Haute and now the wife of Frank B. Cook, of the
Cook & Black Wholesale Drug Company of this city. Mr. Chadwick is
a member of Social Lodge, No. 86, Free and Accepted Masons, belongs
to the Commercial Club and to the Young Men's Christian Association —
connections which indicate much of the character of his interests, showino;
him to be a man of public spirit and beneficent principles. His political
allegiance is given to the Republican party. His life has been character-
ized by indomitable perseverance and strong individuality and a freedom
from every esoteric phase. While he has gained prominence in his chosen
field of labor his life accomplishment but represents the result of the fit
utilization of the innate talent which is his and the directing of his efforts
in these lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination lead the
way.
Chx\rles W. Bauermeister, the president of the C. W. Bauermeister
Grocery Company, is a native of Prussia, Germany, and received his edu-
cation in the excellent schools of his native land. In i860 he sailed from
the land of his birth to the United States and came direct to Terre Haute,
where eight years later he entered upon the business career in which he
has achieved such splendid success. It was in 1868 that he embarked
in the grocery business as the senior member of the firm of Bauermeister
& Busch, but subsequently Mr. Bauermeister purchased the entire busi-
ness and conducted it under his own name until in June, 1905. At that
time the C. W. Bauermeister Company was incorporated and he was
made its president, with his son, Carl E., as the secretary and treasurer.
Mr. Bauermeister is married and has the following children : Sidonia,
the wife of W. G. Valentine, of Chicago; Cora M., who died in 1897;
Norma, the wife of R. V. Jenkins, paymaster of the Vandalia Railroad
Company, and a resident of Terre Haute ; and Carl E., who is the younge-st
son and the secretary and treasurer of the C. W. Bauermeister Com-
pany ; ar.d Anita R.
Carl E. attended the city schools and the Chicago University Pre-
paratory School, and after leaving the school room entered his father's
business. He is a member of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias,
the Elks and the Travelers' Protective Association. He also has mem-
bership relations with the Young Business Men's Club.
L. F. Perdue was born in Jeflrersonville, Indiana, March 12, 1841.
His parents were Jesse and Elizabeth (Ford) Perdue. His grandfather,
Jesse Perdue, was the descendant of a French Huguenot family that
came to the American colonies early in the eighteenth century, settling in
South Carolina and later near Winchester, Virginia. He came to In-
cvdLcv
TH€
NEW YORK
'PUBLIC LIBRARY I
yAjttr, Lenox and Tlldea^
1909 .
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 643
diana territory in February, 1798, and settled upon a claim he purchased
from a soldier of George Rogers Clark's command, located twelve
miles above the Falls of the Ohio. At the time his was one of only
twelve white families living above the falls. He had built a log cabin
and moved his little family across the river on the ice, and hurried back
to get his stock over before the breaking up of the river, but, as fortune
had it, he was cut off by rains and moving ice, and the wife, with two
little children, two dogs and a gun, was left alone for more than a
week at the mercy of the wild animals and wilder Indians. Sitting up
nights, wath fire brands, she helped the dogs drive off the wolves and
protect her children. »
Elizabeth Ford was the daughter of Col. Lemuel Ford, of Virginia,
who was first sergeant in Capt. Joel Henry's company of infantry of
Colonel Dudley's Thirteenth Kentucky Militia in the War of 181 2.
He was taken prisoner at the battle of the Thames, May 5th of that
year; was afterward paroled, but made to run the gauntlet, escaping
with his life, badly beaten and bruised. He walked with two other soldiers
over two hundred miles, barefooted, almost naked and half-starved,
before finding friends and food. He moved to Clark's grant, Indiana
territory, in 181 5, settling near what afterward became Charlestown,
the county seat of Clark county. Here he learned the carpenter's and
cabinet maker's trade — built houses, made furniture for them and made
the coffins in which to bury the dead, as was the custom of the times.
He was commissioned captain of mounted United States Rangers, June
16, 1832; became captain of First United States Dragoons, August 15,
1833, serving as such until July 31, 1837; was again commissioned cap-
tain of infantry in March, 1847, and assigned to the Third United
States Dragoons, April 9, 1847, serving until July 31, i'848, and was
promoted to brevet major, October 19, 1847, ^ov gallantry in the battle
of Atlixco, Mexico. He went into the city of Mexico with Gen. Winfield
Scott. Because of wounds received he resigned soon thereafter. He
was the first warden of the Southern Indiana Prison, now called the
Reformatory — that institution was built under his supervision — in which
position he died of cholera. August 28, 1850. he and his wife dying the
same day.
He married Hannah AIcDowell in Woodford county. Kentucky,
February 4, 1809. Hannah McDowell was a daughter of Joseph AIc-
Dowell, wdio. as major, commanded a body of North Carolina militia at
the battle of King's Mountain and the Cowpens, winning an enviable
place in the history of the War of the Revolution by his gallantry.
After the war he served twelve consecutive terms in the North Carolina
House of Commons and two terms as member of Congress. 1793 to
644 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND A'IGO COUNTY.
1798, and he also was member of the North CaroHna convention for
ratification of federal constitution. He died in 1801. Major McDowell's
mother was Margaret O'Neil. a descendant of the O'Neils of Down and
Antrim — a plucky Irish girl, closely allied to royalty, but preferring her
Scotch lover and America to royalty and wealth. Her husband, Joseph
McDowell, was a Scotch weaver. Mrs. Ellet's "Women of America"
tells of her heroism in making powder to help her three sons fight the
battles that freed the States from English rule, and chasing Tories to
recover hei^ stock stolen by them, as well as nursing the wounded and
feeding the hungry soldiers and Tory prisoners. Major McDowell's
wife was Margaret Moffett, daughter of Col. George Mofifett, one of the
earliest settlers of Augusta county, Virginia ; a soldier in the early In-
dian wars and an officer in the War of the Revolution ; a man of great
enterprise and public spirit, and active in all good works ; a prominent
churchman and promoter of education, and for many years a trustee of
Lexington College. Colonel Mofifett's wife was a daughter of Cap^. John
McDowell — a sister of Gen. Samuel McDowell, an officer of the Revolu-
tion and the first United States judge of Kentucky, which position he
held from March, 1783, to the time of his death, September, 1817.
Samuel McDowell had seven sons, all officers and soldiers in the War of
the Revolution. John McDowell's wife was Magdalena Wood, a direct
descendant of the Argyle Campbell family. One of Maj. Joseph Mc-
Dowell's sons was congressman from the Hillsboro (Ohio) district.
Margaret McDowell, his second daughter, was the wife of Allen Trimble,
governor of Ohio, and mother of Joseph McDowell Trimble, an eminent
Methodist Episcopal preacher of Columbus, Ohio, and of Col. William
Trimble, of the Sixtieth Ohio, during the W^ar of the Rebellion. Maj.
Joseph McDowell's descendants are scattered over the west and south,
taking active part in the conduct of affairs and filling prominent and
honorable positions in the affairs of life and that of the nation.
Mr. Perdue learned telegraphy at Madison, Indiana, in 1857. He
went to the Army of the Cumberland at the commencement of the war
as a member of the United States military telegraph corps. He came
to Terre Haute, September 8, 1867, as special operator at the fair grounds
during the Indiana state fair, and has remained here since that time.
He worked in the city office two years. He married Miss Julia A. Ross,
eldest daughter of Mr. Harry Ross, one of Terre Haute's old-time sub-
stantial citizens. For two years following this he was superintendent of
telegraph of the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad, and lived at Mattoon,
Illinois. With that exception he has been a continuous resident of the
Prairie City. He was in the ice and coal business for fifteen years, and
for the last ten years has been in the concrete and street contracting
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 645
business. He has three daughters : Mrs. W. L. Halstead, of Bristol,
Virginia ; Mrs. William H. Weller, of Bellingham, Washington, and Mrs.
Alexander L. Crawford, of Terre Haute, Indiana.
Claude G. Bowers, a member of the Terre Haute board of public
works, has been prominently identified with the public service in lines
in which the city, county and state have greatly benefited. He was born
in Hamilton county, Indiana, November 20, 1879. His paternal grand-
father, Christopher Bowers, belonged to one of the oldest families of
western Tennessee and was an early pioneer settler of Indiana. The
maternal grandfather, James L. Tipton, a native of Indiana, became one
of the founders of the Republican party in the state, took a most active
interest in politics and just prior to the Civil war engaged in a series of
joint debates with Senator Marvin, who was prominent in the legislature
during the war. He declined a nomination to congress during the period
of hostilities between the north and the south that he might give per-
sonal aid to the Union upon the field of battle, and was killed in the en-
gagement at Missionary Ridge.
Lewis Bowers, the father, was a merchant, who died when his son
Claude was but ten years of age. He had lost a comfortable fortune by
paying security debts made in the interests of friends and thereby the
support of the family devolved upon his widow and her son Claude. The
latter was but a young lad at the removal of the family to Indianapolis,
where he lived until coming to Terre Haute. He acquired his education
in the graded schools of the capital city and after four years spent in the
Shortridge high school was graduated in 1897. While a student there
he took a prominent part in oratorical and debating work, winning every
contest and capturing the state honor for the school at Richmond. xA.fter
leaving school he pursued a course in economics and sociology under
Dr. Dewhurst, formerly the head of that department in one of the eastern
colleges. Determining upon the practice of law as a life work Mr.
Bowsers devoted three years to study in the office of the late Frank B.
Burk, the prominent orator, politician and United States district attorney,
and under Henry Warren, late city attorney of Indianapolis. During
this period Mr. Bowers wrote some magazine articles on political and
economical questions. This led him into the field of journalism. At
different times he assisted Jacob Piatt Dunn and Samuel E. Morss,
editors of the Indianapolis Sentinel, and when Mr. Duim accepted the city
comjitrollership under Mr. Taggart, Mr. Bowers, then in his twenty-first
year, became an editorial writer on the Sentinel.
Even before attaining his majority he was most deeply interested in
political questions, situation, and issues of the day. Citizenship has never
646 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
meant with him the acquirement of every possible privil,ege and protec-
tion under federal government without return of what has stood for
faithful service according to the position and ability of the individual,
and as the years have passed Mr. Bowers has done effective work in
support of principles that he has believed to be of benefit to the county,
state and country at large. In 1900 he was sent out by the state central
committee and again in 1902 to address the citizens of northern and cen-
tral Indiana upon the dominant questions of those years. His removal
to Terre Haute in January, 1903, 'was occasioned by the offer of a posi-
tion on the Gazette, and when that paper ceased to have an existence
he became connected with the Star, acting as editorial writer and dramatic
critic for that journal until December, 1906. In the position of editorial
writer he intimately identified the paper with the movement for a more
progressive, a more prosperous and a cleaner and more beautiful city;
and he made a persistent and strong editorial fight against public gam-
bling, resulting at length in its being prohibited in the city. He kept in
touch with all the organizations that had in view the welfare of the city
and did much to advance the cause.
In Terre Haute, as in Indianapolis, he has been equally prominent
in the ranks of the Democratic party. He was here nominated by ac-
clamation for congress, made a thorough canvass for the first time in
many years, speaking every day, without a single exception, for eight
weeks, and although defeated he ran several thousand votes ahead of
the presidential candidate. In 1906 he was again nominated by acclama-
tion and again his campaign was a thorough one, resulting in the reduc-
tion of the normal Republican majority of forty-five hundred to eight
hundred and running farther ahead of the gubernatorial nominee than
any congressional nominee in the state except Benjamin F. Shiveley.
In December, 1906, he was appointed a member of the board of public
works and is still serving in that capacity. The policy of public im-
provement which he had advocated so zealously as editorial writer on
the Star he now helped put into eft'ect, and the board of works at this
time has vastly surpassed in achievement all previous efforts. In the
work on the board he always stands for the improvement by paving of
streets, for the completion of a great sewer system, for the purchase of
more parks and play grounds and for the general beautification of the
city.
In 1908 he was elected by acclamation to represent the district in
the Democratic national convention at Denver and in the same year de-
c-lined a renomination for congress. He has wielded a wide influence
in public affairs and is recognized as a leader among the people of this
district. Even his political opponents entertain for him warm regard
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 647
and respect him for his fidehty to his principles. He is unswerving in
his loyalty to a course which he believes to be right, and energy and
patriotism might well be termed the keynote of his character.
Louis F. Tilley, a well known member of the Vigo county bar
and the junior member of the law firm of Stimson & Tillev. has in
his professional career been actuated by a laudable ambition that has
prompted the most careful preparation of his cases and has led to that
clear and forceful presentation before the courts. A native of Indiana,
he was born in Cass township, Clay county, on the 9th of March, 1875,
and is a son of Milton and Mary A. (Mace) Tilley, the former a native
of North Carolina and the latter of Tennessee. The father devoted his
entire life to the occupation of farming and spent his last days in Clay
county, Indiana, where he passed away in January, 1904. The only
interruption to his agricultural interests came during the period of the
Civil war, when he ofifered his services to the government in defense of the
Union and went to the south as a follower of the stars and stripes.
Although he lived a quiet, uneventful life, he commanded the respect
and merited the good will of those among whom his lot was cast. His
widow still survives and is yet living upon the old homestead in Clay
county in her seventy-first year. In both the paternal and maternal
lines Louis F. Tilley is a representative of old families of Indiana. His
grandfather, James Tilley, v^s a pioneer of Clay cot^nty, settling in that
locality when the country was an almost unbroken wilderness. The forest
trees stood in their primeval strength and only here and there had a little
clearing been made to show that the white race had penetrated into the
western wilderness to reclaim this region for the uses of civilization. He
bore his part in the early development of the county at a time when
there were still many evidences of Indian occupancy in this part of the
state. The maternal grandfather, David Mace, a native of Tennessee,
also settled in Clay county in pioneer times. He was a millwright by
trade and by reason of his skill in mechanical lines was called upon in
early days to make all of the cofifins used in the Eel river countr\- of Clay
and adjoining counties.
Louis F. Tilley was reared upon the old homestead farm in Clay
county, where his mother is still living, remaining there until ho reached
his sixteenth year. In 1892, at the age of seventeen years, he began
teaching school in his native county, following that profession through
the winter nKinths. while he s])ent the summer seasons as a student in
the State Normal School. He afterward attended the University of
Indianapolis, where he pursued his law course, being graduated from
that institution in 1901. Ten days later he began the practice of his pro-
648 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
fession in Brazil in partnership with Curtis G. Scofield, and continued
a member of tlie bar of that city for a period of four and a half years,
during which time he served as deputy prosecuting attorney of Clay
county. Seeking a broader field of labor through the further advantages
for professional success offered in city life, he came to Terre Haute in
the fall of 1905 and entered upon active practice as a partner of Judge
S. C. Stimson, under the firm style of Stimson & Tilley, this partnership
being formed on the ist of January, 1907. They have an extensive and
distinctively representative clientage and Mr. Tilley. although a young
man, is giving evidence of the opportunities of acquired and natural tal-
ents which well qualify him for further important successes at the bar.
Mr. Tilley has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Jessie
A. .Smith, a daughter of E. W. Smith, a contractor and builder of Brazil,
who was an ofiicer in the Confederate army during the Civil war. Mrs.
Tilley passed away in February, 1904, leaving a daughter, Jessie Lucile,
who is now four years of age. For his second wife, Mr. Tilley chose
Miss Cora Biddle, a daughter of George Biddle, deceased, who was a
railroad man of Brazil. They occupy a prominent position in social cir-
cles of Terre Haute and have many warm friends here. Mr. Tilley is
a member of the Masonic fraternity and is also connected through mem-
bership relations with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the
Sons of Veterans and the Young Business Men's Club. He is a Re-
publican and has taken an active part in politics since becoming a voter.
He possesses the alert, enterprising spirit which has been a dominant
factor in the upbuilding of the middle west and with high ideals in his
profession and in citizenship he is rapidly forging to the front in both
lines and enjoys in full measure the confidence and good will of his
fellow citizens.
Lex'i (i. Hammerly, at one time recorder of Vigo county, claims
Ohio as the state of his nativitv, his birth having occurred on the 2d of
June, 1846, in Ross county. His parents were Joseph and Rosanna
(Cramer) Hammerly, both of whom were natives of Germany. The
father came from that country wdien a young man and settled first in Ross
county, Ohio, whence he afterward removed to Clark county, Illinois,
in 1848. He was one of its early residents and became a farmer there,
continuing in the active work of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops
for fifteen years, or until his death, which occurred in 1863. His widow
survived him for about nine years and passed away in 1872.
Levi G. Hammerly was reared upon the hoiue farm in Clark county,
working in the fields through the summer months, as he assisted in the
task of plowing, planting and harvesting. He acquired his education
GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY. 649
in the district schools and was still upon the farm when the great Civil
war broke out. While too young at the beginning of hostilities to enlist
in the service of his country, he was fired by patriotic zeal and desired
to aid in the preservation of the Union, and in February, 1864, although
not yet eighteen years of age, he volunteered and. was accepted as a sol-
dier of Company A, Forty-first Regiment (Second Cavalry) of Indiana
Volunteers. He enlisted at Terre Haute and was with General Sherman
on the memorable march t the sea, which proved that the boast of the
Confederacy as to its strength had no base, for it was soon shown that
the troops had been drawn from the interior to defend the border. Mr.
Hammerly participated in the battle of Atlanta and was but two miles
away at the time of the capture of Jefferson Davis, the president of the
Confederates. He remained at the front until after the surrender of
General Lee at Appomattox, and when peace once more prevailed over
the broad land he returned to Terre Haute to again take up the pursuits
of business life.
Mr. Hammerly did not return to the farm, but gave his attention to
the boot and shoe business, in which he continued for ten years with
success. However, agricultural pursuits attracted him and he purchased
X farm in Linton township, near Young's Station, to which he removed,
there carrying on general farming until 1882. In that year he was ap-
pointed deputy county treasurer of Vigo county by C. A. Ray, lately de-
ceased, and was also appointed by Mr. Ray's successor, James Cox, to
the same office. Mis acceptable service led to further political honors
and in 1886 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for the office of
county recorder, to which he was elected by a good majority. His ad-
ministration of the affairs of the office was so generally satisfactory that
at the expiration of his term he was again nominated by his party, but
with the balance of the ticket was defeated that year.
On leaving the county recorder's office Mr. Hammerly returned to
the farm, living this time in Linton township, where he resided for about
seventeen years. He then became a resident of Terre Haute, where he
engaged in the conduct of a livery and boarding stable, establishing the
Majestic stable on South Fourth street. This he conducted until 1907,
when he sold out and erected his present large brick barn at No. 118
South Second street. Here he conducts a large business under the name
of the Vigo Feed and Tie Barn and has a liberal patronage, keeping a
large number of horses for rent.
On the 2 1 St of June, 1868, Mr. Hammerly was married in Vigo
county to Miss Effie Reese, a daughter of John Reese, an early settler
and prominent farmer of Riley township. Unto this marriage there
were born two children : Minnie, now the wife of Charles Adkins, of
650 GREATER TERRE HAUTE AND VIGO COUNTY.
Riley township, and John W., deceased. The mother of these children
died in 1888, and in 1889 Mr. Hammerly wedded Miss Dora Hixon, who
passed away in 1890. In 1891 Mr. Hammerly wedded Mrs. Elizabeth
N. Timmons, nee George, and they have had three sons: Lee R. and 
