Vanderburgh County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (1 of 6 so headed), 1889

Biographical sketches

Capt. James D. Parvin, auditor of Vanderburgh county, though in the prime of his career, has already achieved an honorable record as soldier and citizen. It is not sought to attribute to him the attainment of greatness, as measured by ordinary standards, but in the purity and excellence of his character he exhibits, in a marked degree, the qualities which adorn genuine manhood and insure the largest measure of usefulness to society. He descends from an honorable ancestry. His paternal grandfather, Mark Parvin, a sturdy pioneer, was a native of Pennsylvania, born at Reading,

October 20, 1770, who early settled in Gibson county, Ind. There, in 1810, at the homestead of Gen. Robert Evans, he was married to Miss Martha Evans, a sister of the distinguished general. His name was identified with the early annals of Gibson county, where his death occurred December 29, 1830. The father of Captain Parvin, James 'McMillan Parvin, was born at Winchester, Clark county, Ky., May 22, 1818. When twelve years of age he settled in Gibson county, Ind., and there learned the trade of a blacksmith, in the shop of Willis Howe. Coming to Evansville, in 1840, he was engaged as a merchant for about fifteen years, at the end of this time removing to Carlisle, lad., where he resided until his death. May 7, 1877. He was a man of prominence in social and business circles, and in politics was known as a staunch republican. September 17, 1839, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Birdsall, an estimable lady, native of New Jersey, born January 13, 181S, who, at the age of seventeen years, came to Indiana with her parents. Six children were born of this union, five of whom are living. The second of these, James D. Parvin, was born in this cit)-, April 8, 1844. He received a common school education in the public schools of this city and Carlisle, Ind. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in the Union Army to serve three years. September i, 1862, he was mustered as commissary sergeant in the Sixty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Infantry, and continued as such until September, 1863, when he was honorably discharged, because of physical disability. Returning home he recuperated his strength and. May 25, 1864, again enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Indiana Volunteers, in which he served faithfully until October, 1864. On the 2 2d of February- following, he was commissioned captain, Company G, One Hun- dred and Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and remained with his command until mustered out, at Nashville, Tenn., in October, 1865. Returning from the service he located in this city and immediately embarked in the pork and grain business, and later was engaged successfully as a dealer in coal and coke. Dealing fairly with all men, and pursuing his interests with energy, good sense and honor, financial success and personal popularity were both attained. Having been an active member of the republican party during his entire manhood, he was elected in 1886 as the nominee of that part\', to the important otfice which he now holds. His popularity was amply demonstrated by the fact that his majority of 957 votes was more than twice as great as that of any other candidate whose name was on the ticket. The duties of his office have been discharged with great fidelit}' and unsurpassed efficienc}-. He is a prominent member of the K. of P., I. O. O. F., K. of H., A. O. U. W. and G. A. R. fraternities. October 20, 186S, he was married to Miss Jeannette Ehrman, a native of York, Pa., and daughter of Dr. E. J. Ehrman, who was born at Jaxthausen, Wurtemburg, Germany, October 29, 1819, and died in this city in 1881. He was one of the tirst ph3-sicians to adopt and advocate the homoeopathic school of medical practice in Pennsylvania, where, in the county of York, he practiced his profession for many years. Coming to Evansville in early days, he introduced homoeopathy in this place, and after a severe struggle against ignorance and prejudice built up a large practice. He was known in his day as one of the leading physicians in the citv. In 1840, he was married to Elizabeth Churchill, an estimable lad}^, a native of Prussia, who still resides in this city.

Evansville, March 12th, 1845. His paternal grandfather, Richard Jenkins, was a native of Kentucky, born in 1793, and possessed the sterling qualities of manliness peculiar to the better classes of the pioneer era in the west. His father, Samuel T. Jenkins, was born in Hamilton, Ohio, in 1822, and died in this city in 1852, much respected. His name was closely associated with the earl}- history of this county. In early daj's the Jenkins family came to Vanderburgh count}- and settled in the village of Evansville. When but a boy Samuel was appointed deputy clerk of the new count}', and so apparent were his abilities and so acceptable his service that even before he attained his majority he was elected to the office when he was serving as deputy. He was three limes chosen to discharge the duties of that important position, and died while in office. He was a man of correct business habits, well qualified, efficient, trustworthy and popular with the masses. The mother of Charles Jenkins was Elizabeth Chute, a native of Vermont, born in 1S24, now residing at Washington, D. C, who belonged to a prominent pioneer family, natives of Vermont, distinguished for many polite and cultivated adornments of character, and for many years favorably known in Evansville. The immediate subject of this mention was reared and educated in this city, his studies being afterward continued for a time at Oxford, Ohio. His capacity for mental work was early manifest. When fifteen years of age he accepted a position as accountant for Morgan, Reed & Co., and excepting the period covered by his military service, remained with that firm six years, when he embarked in the boot and shoe trade with H. T. Chute. At the end of four years he removed to the country and engaged in farming for eight years. Being popular and competent he was elected, in 1880, as the nominee of the republican party, to the office of count}' recorder, and four years later to his present office. A re-election in 1888 by a largely increased majority- was a high testimonial to his popularity and worth. His official life has been one of the most satisfactory the county has ever known, and his widespread popularity is exceeded by that of but few men in this part of the state. His military career was brief but honorable. During the greater part of the civil war period, he was a youth, too young for service. In April, 1S64, he enlisted in the Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantr\- for four months, and after a faithful service, at the expiration of the term of his enlistment was honorably discharged. In 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Diana M. Hall, of Carlisle, Ind., born April 18, 1S45, daughter of John M. and Margaret Hall, natives of England. These parents have one son, Samuel M., born December 4, 1S66. Mr. Jenkins is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P., and G. A. R. fraternities, and actively interested in the progress of the cit}'.

Capt. August Leich, county treasurer of Vanderburgh county, was born in Prussia in the year 1842, and, at the age of six years, removed to America with his parents. He is what may be termed a self-made man. He received a common school education, and was then thrown on his own resources. At an early age he sold books and newspapers about the wharves and steamboats, and was known among the newsboys of that day as particularly enterprising. For a time he was employed as cabin boy and cook on Ohio and Mississippi river steamers, and later as a clci'k in the post-offices at Evansville and Terre Haute, and in the drug store of his brother, Charles Leich. The work of a house and sign painter then engaged his attention for a time, and during the winter of of 1860-1 he taught a night school, his pupils being j'oung mechanics and laborers, nearly all of whom enlisted in the cause of the Union when the war broke out. In Jul}-, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Twentyfourth Indiana Infantry, was appointed fifer of his company, and, in the following February, was promoted to principal musician of his regiment. He served until the close of the war, and, on returning home, was employed as book-keeper by Leich & Carlsstedt. With this firm he went to Cincinnati, and was there engaged for several years in the county auditor's office, and as a bookkeeper in various business houses. He returned to Evansville in 1S72, and for fourteen years was in the employ of Leich & Lemcke, of this city. In i8S6he was elected county treasurer, and re-elected in 1S88. He is an efficient, accommodating and popular officer. He has been prominently connected with the military companies organized here since the war, and is now a leading member of Farragut Post, G. A. R., of which he has been adjutant since its organization in 1 88 1. He is also a member of Knights of Pythias, Orion Lodge, No. 35, also Uniform Rank, Evansville Division, No. 4. Captain Leich was married January 12, 1889, to Miss Mathilde Klenk, daughter of Louis Klenk, an old citizen of Evansville.

Louis Sihler, county recorder of Vanderburg county, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 25, 1833, being the son of Louis and Agathe (Schleicher) Sihler, natives of Germany, born in iSoo and 1S05, respectively. His parents died in their native country, the father December 19, 1S32, the mother in 1867. Of three children, Louis Sihler is the only survivor. He grew to manhood and received a good education in the land of his birth. Early thrown upon his own resources, he developed the sterling traits of character which have marked his conduct in the maturcr years of his life. He served an apprenticeship of three years witli a inercliant iti liis native town, wliere his mother continued to reside after tlie deatii of her hushand, and at the age of twenty years emigrated to tlie United States. Evansvilie was his objecti\'e point, and reachintr here he was at once engaged as a clerk. From that time until 1866 he continued in the mercantile business, chiefly as a clerk. In 1872, having developed considerable tactiti political work, and possessing the elements of popularity, he was appointed deput}- recorder of Vanderburgh county. In this capacity he served faithfulh' for twelve years, at the end of which time he was elected by a majorit}- of 206 to the office where he had so long served as a deputy, being the candidate of the republican party. His efficiency and fidelity were rewarded in iSSS, by an election to a second term. True to every trust, and in a manly wa}' performing every duty as citizen and officer, he has attained a high place in popular esteem. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. His marriage occurred in i860 to Charlotta Lixt, who was born in German V in 1841. He is the father of five children, Henrietta, Charles, Lona, Margaret and Clara.

Frank Pritchett, sheriff of Vanderburgh county, is a native of Evansvilie, born April 14, 1853. I lis father, Scth Pritchett, was born in 1819, in the then pelt}' ^-illage of Evansvilie, the Pritchett family being one of the earliest to settle in Vanderburgh county. He was one of the early blacksmiths of the town, and at one time was engaged in the carriage business. His wife, whose maiden name was Emma Grant, was born in England in 1829. These aged people are still respected residents of the city. They are the parents of three living children. The oldest of these, Frank, was reared in this cit\' and was educated in the public schools. In early manhood he learned the blacksmith trade, at which he worked until 1875, and for three years he was engaged in teaming. In 187S he was appointed patrolman on the Evansvilie police force, and serving one year was appointed deputy city marshal. In April, 1881, he was appointed deputy sheriff of Vanderburgh county under sheriff Thomas Kerth, and while so serving was made chief of thecit}' police force. This position he filled so acceptabh' that when the bill providing for the '- metropolitan system " became a law he was appointed superintendent of the newly organized force, which position he held until 1S86. He was door-keeper of the state senate during the session of 1887, having made a successful candidacy against twenty-eight opposing applicants for the position. In September, 1 888, he was nominated bj- the democratic party for sheriff, receiving the unanimous support of the convention. His election by a majority of 634 votes was a personal triumph and a high testimonial of his popularity. . October 14, 1878, he was married to Miss Louisa Kerth, who was born in this city in 185S. They have three children: Percy, Frank and Florence. Mr. Pritchett is a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of H. fraternities. His courage and fearless discharge of everv official dutv have won him the reputation of being efficient and reliable. August. Pfafflin. - The ex(pisite beauty of mathematics reaches a high stage in its development in the science of civil engineering. The mind that masters its niceties must be above the ordinary. The importance of the office of county surveyor has always been recognized. Gen. Robert M. Evans was the first to perform its duties in this county. Its present occupant is August Pfafflin, a young man whose success in life has been largely of his own making. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio

County Organization

December i6, 1857, his parents being August and Emily (Schneider) Pfafflin, natives of Germany, who, emigrating to the United States in 1847, settled at Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved thence in 1869 to Evansville. August Pfafflin, the elder, was educated as a civil engineer and served b}' appointment and election as county surveyor for Vanderburgh county from 1871 to 1874. He was a well-known citizen, and died at his home in the city in 1882. The subject of this mention was educated in the public schools of the city and at the Evansville Commercial College. In 1877 he entered the Southern Machine Works and began to learn the trade of a machinist. After five years' service in these works, four years were spent in the shops of the Louisville, Evansville & St. Louis Railroad and the Evansville tS: Terre Haute Railroad. The practical instruction received in this admirable school made of Mr. Pfafflin a thoroughly skilled workman. In the spring of 1887 he was appointed deputy city surveyor, in which capacity he served the public until June, 1888, when he was appointed county surveyor, to which office he was elected by the people November 6, 1888. He was married November 17, 1885, to Miss Anna Steineker, who was born in Henderson, Ky., June 9, 1S59. A daughter, Edna, was born of this union, September 17, 18S7. He is a member of the K. of H., and in politics he is a republican.

Christian Wunderlich, county commissioner of Vanderburgh county, was born in Prussia, January 24, 1S43. His parents. Christian and Maria (Domheifer) Wunderlich, natives of Prussia, born in 1814 and 1820, respectively, for many years were residents of Perry township, this county, where the father still lives, the mother having died November 19, 1888. His paternal grandfather was Christian F. Wunderlich, born in Germany about 1756, and died in his native country about 1849. The father of the subject of this mention was a farmer b}' occupation, and coming to the United States in 1854 settled in Vanderburgh county, and two years later brought his familv from the fatherland to this new countiy. Commissioner Wunderlich is the eldest in a family of seven children, five of whom are now living. He attended the schools of his native land, and since coming to this country his education has been obtained in the practical school of experience. When the life of the nation was threatened by armed rebellion he responded promptly to the call to arms. Juh' 26, 1861, he enlisted in the First Indiana Battery, and participated in the battles at Pea Ridge, Magnolia Hill, Champion Hill, and Big Biack River, the siege of Vicksburg and in the Red River campaign. He performed every duty with that patriotic zeal which characterizes the heroic soldier. He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, September 13, 1864. Coming home he worked on the farm until 1865, when he came to Evansville and learned the carpenter's trade. In December, 1866, he accepted a position on the police force of this city, and served until April, 1868, when he again employed himself at his trade. One year later, however, he was elected city marshal and held this office five years. In 1874 ^^^ ^^''^^ elected sheriff of the county by a majority of 777 votes, and two years later was re-elected, his majority being 659. He was appointed deputy United States marshal for Indiana in 1879, and served two j-ears in that capacity. His first election as county commissioner of this county occurred in 1884, and his re-election in 1S86. During his occupancy of this office important public improvements have been inaugurated, and some completed. As a guardian of the people's interests, and yet as a progressive man of affairs, he has discharged his many official duties with great credit to himself and with advantage to the public. In the building of the magnificent new court-house he has exercised rare good judgment, and his work in this connection will be to him a perpetual memorial. He was married in 1865 to Miss Elizabeth Grunner, born in Germany, Februar}' 17, 1844. Of this union eight children have been born: Emma, William C, Isabelle, Christian J., Frederick, John C, Elizabeth and Meta. Mr. Wunderlich is an earnest republican, and has taken an active part in the affairs of his party. He is a member of the F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., and A. O. U. W. fraternities. Active and progressive, he has made his own wav in life and is now one of the prominent men of the countv.

John J. Hays, treasurer of Vanderburgh county from 1883 to 1887, was born in London, England, in 1834, of Irish parentage, and was the second son of Thomas and Ann (Hurlev) Hays. His parents emigrated to America before he was a year old, and settled for a few years in New York City, removing afterward to Indiana. Fort Wayne became the permanent residence of the family, and there his parents died, his father in 1863, and his mother the year after. The boys of the family, four in number, were early apprenticed to trades, John as a carpenter. Leaving home at the age of eighteen he set out for New Orleans, expecting to go thence to California, but meeting disappointments in the south he retraced his steps and arrived in Evansville in March, 1853. He at once went to work in the car shops of the E. & C. R'y Co., and remained so employed until August 15, 1861, when he gave up his position to enlist in the war for the preservation of the Union. He had previously been a lieutenant of the Union Artillery Company. He started to St. Louis to join the First Indiana Cavalry, the lieutenant-colonel of which, John Smith Gavitt, afterward killed in the war, was a warm personal friend, but the regiment had its full quota and he was compelled to look elsewhere for service. On September i, 1861, he enlisted as an ordinary seaman on the gun-boat "Conestoga," was advanced to carpenter's mate in a short time; and in a few months was promoted to the position of acting carpenter, his commission emanating from the navy department and bearing the signature of Gideon Welles, secretary of the navy. On the "Conestoga," and later on the "Fort Hindman," he rendered daring and effective service. After the war he returned to peaceful pursuits, and was for a time in the employ of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railway. May 29, 1873, he was married to Miss Lucilla A. Mills, born in Evansville, October 2, 1852, daughter of Isaac R. and Susan R. Mills. Their union gave them two children, John, Jr., born March 21, 1877, and Perry M., born February 4, 1880. Mr. Hays was an active member of the G. A. R., and of the Masonic order. In 1882 he was the democratic candidate for treasurer of Vanderburgh county, and was elected by a majority of 328. Two years later he was re-elected, on the independent ticket, by a majoritv of 202. In the year following the expiration of his term of office he died, June 13, 1888.

Anthony C. Hawkins, deputy clerk of the circuit court of Vanderburgh county, was born in Union county, Ky., August 31, 1851, and is the son of Anthony S. and Elizabeth J-. (Hopgood) Hawkins, natives of Kentucky, born in 1814 and 1S16, respectively. He was the fourth of seven children, six of whom survive. His boyhood was spent on the farm and in the country schools. At the age of eighteen years he entered Princeton

Academy, and after three years' study, was engaged as a teacher for a short time. While at Princeton, Ky., he read law in the office of Judge William Bradley. Coming to Evansville in 1873 he entered the law office of Luke Wood, a prominent attorney at that time, and there continued his studies until admitted to the bar in 1874. ^ partnership was then formed with his recent preceptor, under the firm name of Wood & Hawkins, which was pleasantly and profitably continued for some time. For five years from 1876 Mr. Hawkins pursued the practice alone, and at the end of that period formed a partnership with S. R. Hornbrook, which continued until November, 1884, since which time he has served as deput}' clerk. In politics he has always been a staunch republican, and a potent factor in the achievement of that parly's successes. In May, 1876, he became a Knight of P3'thias and has taken an active part in the work of the order. For five years he has been district deputy. He was married June 26, 1879, to Mollie E. Brown, born in Hamilton, Ohio, April 19, 1S54, daughter of Lyman B. and Mary (Doellinger) Brown. Of this union two children have been born: Electa D., and Allen C.

Louis H. Legler, deputy county auditor, of Vanderburgh county, was born at Berlin, Canada, December 21, 1855. His parents were Dr. Henry T. and Augusta (Pfeiffer) Legler, natives of Saxony and Maj'ence, Germany, respectivel)'. Dr. Legler practiced his profession in Canada for some years, and coming to the United States about the commencement of the civil war offered his services to the government. He was attached to the medical staff of a New York reciment, and rendered a valuable service extending throughout the war, being mustered out at its close as a surgeon. At the end of his service he emigrated west and located in Evansville, where he was known as a successful practioner from 1S66 to 1876. He is now at Oakland, California. Louis Legler was educated in the public schools of this cit}' and at Wells & Rank's Commercial College. At fifteen years of age he entered the employ of F. Hopkins & Co., and remained with that well known house as a salesman for twelve jears. At the end of this time he was offered, and accepted, the position of deputy city treasurer, which he held under Treasurers Marlett and Sansom. Thereafter for two and a half 3'ears he served as bookkeeper for the Novelty Machine Works, and left that position to accept his present place, upon the election of Auditor Parvin in 1SS6. In every relation his abilitj- and integrity have been manifest, while his affable manners and uniform courtesy have made him popular. Mr. Legler is a young man with the greater part of his career before him, but the honorable record already achieved justifies the most favorable predictions for the future. He has 'been twice married. July 13, 1876, Miss Eva Phar, daughter of Jonathan Phar, a prominent private citizen of Knight township, became his wife. To this union four children were born, two of whom are now living. The death of Mrs. Legler occurred May 18, 1887. Mr. Legler's second marriage occurred October 10, 1888, when he was married to Miss Marion Bonnel, daughter of Warren Bonnel.

William A. Page, deputy sheriff of Vanderburgh county, was born at Mt. Carmel, 111., April 2, 1 841. His father, W. T. Page, was a native of Rutland, Vt., and died several years ago at Philadelphia, Pa. His mother, Anna E. Page, was born in Margarafeth, Ireland, came to America about 1830, and is now living at Chicago, 111. To these parents five children were born, as follows; Emma P. (afterward Mrs. Borden, now deceased), Fanny V. (now Mrs. Colburn, of Portland, Ore.), Mary E. (now Mrs. Hodge, of Philadelphia, Pa.), Charlotte P. (now Mrs. Borden, of Chicago, 111.), and William A. The only son, William A., lived in his native place until ten years of age, and has since resided in Evans\ille. Being thrown upon his own resources early in life his education was only such as could be obtained in the public schools. At the age of twelve vears he began the battle ot life for liimself, and since that time has made his own way. At the age of thirteen, he entered the employ of the Canal Bank, and was subsequently promoted teller, being the youngest man to fill that position in Evansville. In July, 1S62, he enlisted in the Federal Arm}', and in August following, was promoted to be adjutant of the Sixty-fifth Indiana Infantry. He served faithfulh- until the spring of 1865, when he was honorably discharged because of physical disability. After the close of the war he resided in St. St. Louis one year, having charge of the Inland Insurance Department of the Home Insurance Company of New York. Afterward, representing the same company and others, he made his home for two years at Vicksburg, Miss. From November, 1882, he has been deputy sheriff of the county and has fearlessl}- discharged the duties of his position. He is a member of the following fraternities: W. H. Stearn Lodge No. I, F. & A. M., of Vicksburg, Miss., Ben Hur Lodge No 197, K. of P., of this city, Excelsior Lodge No. 38, A. O. U. W., and Farragut Post, G. A. R. He was married December 15, 1869, at Madison, Ind., to Miss Annie Davidson. Of this union five children have been born : Alexander G. (now of San Diego, Cal.), ^'^ictoria, Marion, Emma and Annie.