Vanderburgh County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 6 so headed), 1889 (part 2 of 2)

August Brentano, of the firm of Kiechle, Brentano & Oberdorfer, was born at Hohen- Ems, Austria, December 18, 1845, and is the son of Nestor Brentano, a native of Austria, born August 15, it?20, whose death occurred in his native country, November 10, 1859. He was educated at the famous schools of Heidelberg, graduating there in i860. In the same year he came to America, settling in New York city, and remaining there for one year in the employ of Brentano's Literary Emporium. In 1861 he went to Oregon, and, after a residence of three years there, remo\ed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and for some time was engaged as a book-keeper for E. Brentano & Co. Coming to Evansville in iS66, he then entered the wholesale house of L. Loewenthal & Co. as a book-keeper, and retained that position durincr the following ten years, at the end of which time he became a partner in the business, and remained in that relation ten years longer. When the Business Men's Association was formed in 1887, for the purpose of advancing the general welfare of the city, b}- bringing about harmonious action on the part of all interested in Evansville's progress, Mr. Brentano was selected as secretary of the association. His duties were particularl)- arduous and tr3ing, but they were discharged with rare skill and good judgment, and to the satisfaction of all. Unswerving devotion to correct principles, enterprising activity, guided by unusual public spiritedness and business sagacity, have combined to make his career successful. In 1888 the partnership with which he is now connected was formed. He is prominently connected with the lodges of the following orders: F. & A. M., K. of P., A. O. U. W., B'nai B'rith and Kesher Shel Barsel. In politics he is a democrat. In

1884, by his wise management he contributed largeh' to the success of the campaign. He was united in marriage in 1868 to Miss Mahla Kahn, of this city, daughter of Solomon Kahn. Seven children have been born of this union, five of whom survive.

Capt. Otto F. Jacobi, a native of Saxe- Meiningen, Germany, was born November 28, 1835. His parents, Gottlieb and i Frederika (Dietsch) Jacobi, were born in; Germany, in 1804 and 1814, respectively. I Their lives were spent in the fatherland, and there they died, the father in 1849, ^^^ mother eight years earlier. Capt. Jacobi was the eldest son in a family of four, three | of whom are now living. His education was obtained in his native country. Emigrating to the United States in 1852, he settled at Philadelphia, Pa. There in 1855, being then a j^oung man, though of strong and well developed character, he enlisted in Compan\' D, First United States Infantr}-. He soon attained the rank of first sergeant, which he held for several years, being brave and ever read}' for duty, and thus gaining the esteem of his superior officers. When the civil war broke out, he was with his regiment, then stationed at Fort Cobb, Indian Territory. He remained in the regular army until 1862, when he received a commission in the volunteer service, and was appointed commissary of musters by the secretarv of war, being attached to the first cavalry division in the Department of the Cumberland. January i, 1863, he was commissioned first lieutenant of Company G, Tenth Tennessee Infantr}', and because of faithful and efficient service, was promoted to the captaincy of the same company on the 23d of June following. He acted a conspicuous part in the engagements at Duck Springs, Wilson's Creek, and New Madrid, Mo., Island No. 10, in the siege of Corinth and the battle at that place, at Big Black River, Miss., and in the siege of Vicksburg, where he received a disabling wound. His honorable discharge from the service followed in July, 1865. He is now a prominent member of Farragut Post, G. A. R. His long military career was full of honorable service. It was in the year 1866 that he came to Evansville, since which time his prominence and usefulness as a citizen have increased from year to year. Soon after locating here he began the wholesale tobacco and cigar business. This he sold out in 1869, and in the next year entered the employ of H. F. Blount as book-keeper. His business affairs were prudently managed, and his earnings economically cared for. His services became so valuable to those interested in the works with which he was connected, that he was admitted to an interest in the profits in 1883. Honorable and upright in all of life's relations, he commands universal respect. His public spirit has not permitted his whole interest to be engrossed in the cares of his own business concerns. He early joined the Masonic order, and has attained the rank of Knight Templar. He and his wife are prominent members of the First Avenue Presbyterian church. By wise action as a trustee and devotion as a member, he has contributed largely to the prosperity of the church. His public trusts have been* numerous, and all failhfuU}' executed. As a trustee of Evans Hall, and as trustee and treasurer of Willard Library, he has rendered useful service to the public. His ability as a financier caused his selection as vice-president of the Fidelity Loan and Savings Association, the successful management of which has secured to many vvorkingmen the ownership of homes. His marriage occurred in 1862 to Mary E. Sawyer, of Corinth, Miss. Of this union five children have been born, of whom two, Otto L. and Sidne}' F., are living, and three are deceased: Alvin G., L-vin, and Harry B. ; the latter died July 17, 188S.

It is generally conceded that the extent of Evansville's future greatness will be measured by the amount of attention paid to manufacturing industries. Of late years the city's advancement has been due largely to this agency. The Evansville Cotton Mills are the largest of their kind west of the Alleghanies, and the city is justly proud of them. At the time of the publication of this work the company is building a new mill adjoining the old, two stories, 168x313, and an L addition 50x80, which will accommodate a plant of 50,000 spindles. The successful management of these mills may be attributed largely to the efficiency of the superintendent John H. Osborn, whose fitness for his present responsible position is the result of long practical training. He is a native of Boone county. 111., where he was born July 20, 1849. His father, William Osborn, was born in Ireland about the year 1822, and now resides in this cit}'. His mother, Ann (Burrell) Osborn, was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and died at Cannelton, Ind., 1872. His parents came to the United States in earl}- childhood and settled in Rhode Island. In 1849, the}' came west, seeking a betterment of their condition, and temporarily settled in Boone county. 111. Three years later they moved to Cannelton, Ind. In the schools of that place, John Osborn, who was the second of six children, received his education, and there learned the trade of a machinist. For about fifteen }'ears he was employed in the Indiana Cotton Mills at Cannelton, and for some time at Louisville and Owensboro, in Kentucky, in various foundries and machine shops, working at his trade. Coming to Evansville in 1875, he was engaged as master mechanic at the cotton mills, and in 1884, was promoted to the superintendency of the mills. He is intrusted with the supervision of 400 workmen, and has the care of vast monetary interests. By natural acumen and thorough practical training, he is well qualified for the proper discharge of this important trust. His enterprising public spirit, and the general esteem in which he is held, are attested by his selection as a director in the Business Men's Association. He was married in June, 1878, to Mary A. White, who was born in Evansville in 1858. Two children, John W. and Charles A., have been born of this union.

in glass and queenswaie of Evansville, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born in the town of Ichenhausen (which place was named in honor of his grandparents), on September 30, 1832. He came to America twelve years later, located in Hardinsburg, K}'., and engaged in merchandise. He removed to Louisville, Ky., in 1864, and continued merchandising for one year. Coming to Evansville in 1866, he formed a copartnership with Charles Lichten, and engaged in the glass and queensware business under the tirm name of Lichten & Ichenhauser. This tirm was dissolved in 1880 by the retirement of Mr. Lichten. Mr. Ichenhauser continued the business, adding thereto the importation of china and queensware in 1883. The business has grown from year to year, until it is the leading house of the kind in the citv, and is second to none in the state. He occupies a large brick business house at No. 114 Upper First street, which is four stories and a basement in height and 150 feet deep; and also the four-story brick building at No. 23 Upper First, which is used as a warehouse. Mr. Ichenhauser is a member of the Evansville Business Men's Association, and of the following -secret societies: Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council of the Masonic fraternity: Thisbe Lodge No. 24, Independent Order B'nai B'rith, of which he was secretary for fourteen consecutive years, and is a member of the Grand Lodge; Centennial Lodge, No. 157, Kesher Shel Barsel, of which he was the founder in 1876, and in 1877 was elected recording and financial secretary, which position he holds at present, and is also member of the Grand Lodge ; Red Cloud Lodge No. 640, K. of H. and Leni Leoti Lodge, No. 43, A. O. U. W. He was for five years treasurer of the Germania Building and Loan Association, and is a member of the Sixth Street Jewish temple, in which he has held various official positions. Mr. Ichenhauser was married in Louisville, Ky., in 1859, ^^ Therese Oberdorfer, who was born in Germany in 1S42, and to this union eleven children have been born, nine of whom survive. Three sons, Silas, Nathan and Sidney L., are engaged with their father as clerks.

William Rahm, jr., whose commercial success has won for him the title of the " Corn King of the Lower Ohio," was born in the city of Heukeswagen, Prussia, October 27, 1837. In the public schools of that state, well-known for their excellence, voung Rahm made considerable progress before cominir with his father's familv to New Orleans, in 1849. The parents and the eight children who came over at that time are still living and prospering. They came to Evansville, and the young man was placed in the public schools, where he remained until his German-English education was completed. Afterward his business education was begun in a mercantile establishment, from which he was called, later, to assist his father in a dry goods and grocery store. In this he speedily advanced to a partnership, and finally purchased his father's interest. He has ever since continued in business, though he has disposed of the dry goods and grocery departments, and devoted himself to the corn tradt. His business has prospered beyond expectation, apparently more than keeping pace with the rapid progress of the countr\'. His transactions in the cereal which is produced in such profusion in the rich bottom farms of the Ohio valley, are unrivalled in magnitude, and the regal title he has won in trade he well merits. Such is the scope of his business that he has become the acquaintance and friend of the army of producers, as well as all the river men, and not a small element in the causes of his success is his power of making and holding friends.

In addition to his commercial occupations, he has acquired and successfully managed extensive farms, and since 1S79 '^'^^ been one of the directors of the German National Bank. For six vears he has served as a member of the city council, elected as a democrat from a ward with a republican preponderance, his majorities varying from 93 at first to 363 at last. In 1880, without premeditation on his part, he was nominated for state senator. It was urged that he alone could carry the election against an adverse republican majority. His friends were right in their prediction, and again in 1S84 he was honored by re-election to the senate, and was elected in 1889 a trustee for the Southern Indiana Hospital for the Insane, near Evansville, by the state legislature. In 1862 Mr. Rahm was married to Miss Rose Hart, who was reared and educated in New York. To this union four children were born, of whom but two are living. The elder, a son, graduated from Mt. St. Mary's College, Maryland, and is now deputy township trustee. One of Mr. Rahm's brothers, Emil, has held the office of treasurer of Vanderburgh county. A sister, Miss Hulda Rahm, has attained distinction in the Evansville schools, and holding the highest certiticate, is no longer subject to examination. The venerable parents are still hale and hearty, and devote their attention to the manaijement of a fine fruit and veiretable farm close to the cit\'.

Jacob Miller, one of the leading merchants of Evansville, and a member of the Gilbert- Miller Dry Goods Company, the largest retail drv goods house in the state of Indiana, was born in E\ai)sville, April 3, 1845. His parents were Jacob and Mary (Klein) Miller, both natives of Germany, The parents were married in their native country, and emigrated to the United States in 1836, coming direct to the west, locating in Evansville, and being among the early settlers of Vanderburgh count}-. The father died in 1885, at the age of sevent3'-three years, and the mother in 1879, at the age of sixtj'-three years. To these parents live children were born, three of whom survive. Jacob Miller was educated in the public schools of this city, and began life for himself at the age of seventeen years, in the employ of the E. & T. H. Railroad Compan}-. A year later he began clerking in a diy goods store, and continued at that until 1866, when he embarked in business for himself in the partnership of Miller & Brinkmeyer. In 1871 the firm of Miller Bros. was organized, being composed of Jacob and Conrad, brothers, which later became one of the best-known dry Sfoods firms in the state. This firm was continued until March, 1886, when Conrad withdrew, going to New York city, and there engaging as a merchant in the same branch of trade. In 1885, the present business house on Main street was erected, which is the largest and most complete dry goods house in the state. The building is brick, six stories above the basement in height, 57x140 feet. The first and second floors are used for dry goods, cloaks, and notions, the third and fourth floors for carpets and mattings, the fifth floor for manufacturing purposes, and the sixth floor for storatre. The first and second stories are of solid iron, the rest of the building being terra cotta and pressed brick. The cost of the building approached $75,000.00. One of the largest retail stocks in the state, and the largest in the city, is carried by the firm, and its annual business amounts to between $375,000 and $400,000. In May, 1S86, the Gilbert-Miller Dry Goods Co. was formed by the entrance into the business of W. S. Gilbert, son of Capt. John Gilbert. In 1864 Mr. Miller entered the service of the United

States, joining Company F of the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Col. John W. Foster, and seryed until the close of the war. He is a member of Farragut Post, G. A. R., St. George Lodge, K. of P., and of Excelsior Lodge, A. O. U. W. He is also a member of the Business Men's Association and of the Merchants' Exchange. He has taken an active interest in everj- effort to give the city of Evansville that prominence among the cities of the' country to which it is entitled by reason of its merit. Energetic, public-spirited, and sagacious, he has done much to advance the public good, and deservedl}' takes a high' rank among the prominent men of the day.i A. P. Lahr, a prominent merchant, and' proprietor of one of the leading dry goods, carpet and window shade houses of the city," was born at Wendelheim, Rheinhessen, Germany, June 17, 1849, and is the son of Peter and Mary (Schlossstein)Lahr. His parents, natives of Germany, emigrated to the United States in 1868, came direct to Evansville, and for a number of years the father was engaged in manufacturing and milling, and also carried on farming. His death occurred February 29, 1888; that of the mother seven days previously. To these parents five children were born, two of whom survive. A. P. Lahr was reared in his native land, and attended the schools there. In 1S67, he came to America, coming one year before his parents. Soon after arriving in this country he came to Evansville. Having learned the dry goods business in German}? with an uncle, through the assistance of Hon. William Heilman, he secured a position in the dry goods house of Frank Hopkins &. Co., with which house he remained six years. He then located in Rockford, Iowa, opened a grocery store, and remained about two years. At the end of this time he returned to Evansville, and engaged with the firm of Hopkins & Co. again. Remaining with that house for two years more he then took a course in the commercial college and next entered the store of Miller Bros., where he clerked for a short time. That firm then opened a branch store, known as the " Centennial Store," and Mr. Lahr was placed in charge of the same as manager, and continued in that capacity for about two years. He next entered the store of A. G. Evans & Co., clerked for a year, and was then relieved of his position in that store by the entrance into the firm as a partner, of John Hubbs. Through the assistance of Jacob Haas, he was enabled to purchase a stock of goods, and, going to Carmi, 111., opened a store, where he remained three and a half years. Returning to Evansville, he erected a handsome store building on Fulton avenue, and embarked in the dry goods business for himself, where he met with great success. On January 5, 18S8, he purchased the large stock of John S. Hopkins at public sale, and began business at the old stand of that firm on Main street, still continuing his Fulton avenue store. He carries a stock in the Main street establishment of between $40,000 and $50,000, and does an annual business of between $115,- 000 and $125,000. In the Fulton avenue store a stock of between $15,000 and $18,- 000 is carried, and an average business of about $45,000 is done. Mr. Lahr was married on September 10, 1876, to Miss Amelia J. Hodson, a native of this city, daughter of John and Jane Hodson. To this union two children have been born: Mabel B. and Herbert H. Mr. Lahr is a progressive citizen, and one whose success has been rapidly achieved.

His parents, William and Mary (Breading) French, natives of La Fayette county, Pa., shortly after their marriage in 1S22, moved by flat-boat down the Monongahela and Ohio rivers to Evansville, then a small village, and thence to a farm near Patoka, where they settled. Here their lives were spent as useful citizens. God-fearing and upright. The father was accidentally killed in 1844 by the falling of a tree, in the fiftieth year of his age; the mother died in 1S76 at the age ot eighty-three vears. Their family consisted of four sons: David, William E., Nathaniel B., and Lucius S. The oldest of these, David, was accidentally killed when sixteen years of age. Nathaniel B. was for many years a merchant in Princeton, where he now resides, and during the war served as major of the Forty-second Indiana Infantry. Lucius S. resided until his death in 1 886, on the old family farm. At his father's death, the cares of the family devolved on William. He had attended the common schools of the countr}', had spent one year in an academy at Princeton and another in Hanover College, at Hanover, Ind. He was anxious to continue his studies, and a 3'ear later entered the State University at Bloomington, where he graduated in 1846. He returned home and for several years was engaged in farming and trading in produce, which he transported to New Orleans in flat-boats. In August, 1850, he moved to Evansville and with Fielding Johnson entered the wholesale and retail dry goods business under the style of Johnson & French. Six vears later Mr. Johnson retired, disposing of his interest to Mr. French, who admitted Sylvester T. Jerauld to a partnership, the firm style being changed to French & Jerauld. Soon thereafter, the business was changed to that of wholesale clothing, and the style to William E. French &, Co. An extensive business was transacted, but heavy losses were incurred, and Mr. French was forced to retire for a year, in order to settle up the affairs of the house. Upon the passage of the new internal revenue bill, he was appointed deputy collector for this division of the first district of Indiana, and served three years in that capacity. By this time many of the maimed soldiers of the war had returned home, and believing that the civil offices under the patronage of the government should be held by the returned veterans who had risked their lives for its support on the field of battle, he resigned his office in favor of William Warren, Jr., an honorably discharged private of the Twenty-fifth Indiana Infantry, who had returned home to Evansville, with the loss of his right arm. He recpmmended the appointmentment of Mr. Warren, was on his bond, and assisted him in gaining a knowledge of the various duties of the office. In 1863, Mr. French again entered the wholesale dry goods business with J. S. Jaquess, under the style of Jaquess, French & Co. The business was profitably conducted for five years, during which time carpets were added to the stock. By mutual agreement the business was then divided: the dry goods portion being sold to Hudspeth, Smith & Co., and Mr. French, with Charles Klinglehoeffer, going into the general carpet and house-furnishing business e.xclusively. The spacious and elegant store of William E. French & Co., at No. 205 Main street, contains one of the largest and most varied stocks of carpets to be found anywhere in the west. By a strict adherence to honorable methods throughout his entire business career, and b}- keeping pace with the advancement of public tastes, Mr. French has succeeded in firmly fixing his house in public favor. On Ma}- 10, 1849, Mr. French was married to Miss Mary H. Stockwell, daughter of Dr. W. H. Stockwell, of Patoka, Ind.

The City Of Evans Ville

The following children have been the issue of this marriage : Harry B., who was associated in business with his father until his death in 1876; William S., who entered business with his father in 1881, is now a prominent Aoung business man and secretary of the Business Men's Association; Carrie L., now wife of Charles E. Chase, of Louisville, Ky. ; Nannie S., now wife of W. D. Crothers, of Brownwood, Tex.; and Minnie B., unmarried and residing with her parents. William B. Sherwood was born in Evansville, March 24, 1S36. llis grandfather, David Sherwood, born June 13, 1777, was a stone mason by trade, and at one time was a member of the Connecticut legislature. His father, Marcus Sherwood, a native qf Fairfield county. Conn., born May 28, 1803, was a prominent pioneer citizen of this place. In his early bovhood Marcus determined to leave his native place in New England and seek his fortune in the west. Setting out with an uncle, he drove an ox team for hftv-eight davs, and at the end of this time reached Pittsburgh, Pa. Here his uncle and friends bought a flatboat, loaded it with their effects, and after a tedious voyage arrived in Evansvillejune 6, 1819. He was now thrown upon his own resources, and went bravely to work as a day laborer at f\ity cents a day. He saved his earnings and commenced flat-boating when that mode of transportation came into use, spending twelve years so occupied and making twenty-eight trips to New Orleans. The business was profitable and the capital thus earned was invested in real estate which, through the later growth of Evansville, increased rapidly in value. He, speculated extensively in pork and produce, and was during his life a very prominent man in business circles. He aided, as a contractor, in the construction of the Wabash & Erie canal, and was prominentl)- connected with other public works of early days. He was progressive and public-spirited. When others doubted the success of the undertaking he built the Sherwood House - a wellknown hotel now nearly fifty vears old. Il was built in 1839 and the original building was 40x100 feet. Throughout his entire career he was verv active and energetic, and always liad the confidence and respect of the entire communitv. He amassed a large fortune and became one of the wealthiest citizens of his day. Generous and benevolent, he gave liberallv to charitable purposes. He was a member of the First Cumberland Presbyterian church, and to this organization he made many inu- I nificent gifts. His life was well spent, and he was considered in his day one of Evansville's most prominent and useful citizens. He was married in 1834 to Miss Prudence Johnson, a native of Kentuck}', born in 1808, and daughter of Alexander and Mary Johnson, pioneers of this city. To this union but one son, William B., was born. The death of Marcus Sherwood occurred in 18S0 ; that of his wife ten ^ears earlier, in 1870. William B. Sherwood grew to manhood in this cit}- and attended its public schools. He is the owner of the Sherwood House, and has concerned himself principally with the management of the estate inherited from his father. Not taking an active part in pubHc affairs his life has been uneventful. He is a good citizen and is respected by all. November 24, 1879, ^"^ ^^''** married to Miss Johanna A. Marlett, who was born in this city July 23d, 1838. Of this union two children have been born : Burton W. and Marcus M.

Tho.mas Scantlin, one of the most active business men this city has ever known, was born in Lexington, Ky., August 9th, 1814, being the son of the pioneers, James and Elizabeth (Young) Scantlin, natives of

Kentucky, who came to Indiana in the }'ear 1S14, settlinjj first in Pike county, and removing to Evansville in 1833. Upon his an-i\-al here Mr. ScantHn opened a tin shop, the first of its kind in the village. He had previously combined to some extent, the occupation of farmer and tinner. In this citv his career was long and successful. His family consisted of seventeen children, six of whom are now living. These have maintained the high degree of respectability bj^ which their parents were distinguished. During his boyhood whene\'er opportunity afforded, Thomas Scantlin attended school, by w hich means he succeeded in obtaining a good practical education. By working in his father's shop he learned the tinner's trade. When twenty-one years of age he was ready to embark in business for himself. He had been faithful in his father's service, and when his intention of establishing himself in business was announced his father gave him credit for $50.00 worth of stock. With this amount of capital he opened a little shop at Princeton, and during his first seven months there earned $150. His father, now anxious for his return, offered him an interest in his business here. This was accepted, and the partnership thus formed continued until 1838, when his father withdrew. At first the business grew slowly. Money was hard to obtain, and settlers purchased only what was necessary to prevent suffering. Stoves were then considered a great luxury. Cooking . on the hearth by the fire place was the order of the day, using " Dutch ovens," skillets, frying pans, etc. His tirst stock of stoves, costing $1,600, introduced about 1838 and bought on credit, met with a slow sale. Over three years were necessary for their disposal. Then profits amounting to $500 per annum were thought by merchants to be a fair compensation. In 1841 his father returned and the\- were associated in business till 1844, when Thomas again assumed sole control. The growth of the business was commensurate with that of the town, and about this time it will be remembered that Evansville, because of her important commercial I relations, was making rapid strides ' forw ard. In 1846, Mr. Scantlin put on the second tin roof in the town, and two years later put up the first iron front seen in Evansville. Just prior to this his entire stock was destroyed by fire. The insurance did not co\er one-half the loss, but with characteristic zeal he rented a room temporarily and erecting a new^ store house, continued the business on an enlarged scale. About 1850, he established a foundr\-, and in 1873 opened the now well-known extensi\e works on Upper Water street and the store-rooms on Upper First street, his son, Thomas E., an efiicient manager, being at this time admitted to the firm and placed in charge of the sales department. By honest and industrious effort, b}- wise and skillful management, these gentlemen have achie\ed I a large measure of success. They enjoy the confidence of the business community and a high social position. Thomas Scantlin was married in 1840, to Miss Eleanor Jane Parvin, a nati\e of Gibson county, born in 1820. His family consists of seven children, Lavinia E., James M., Julia, Thomas E., Ethel, Cary and Ira C. P'olitisally, Mr. Scantlin was formerly a whig, and is now an earnest republican. He has served as a member of the city council for two terms. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. As a resident of the city for more than half a centur\- he has taken an active interest in all public enterprises and lends his influence to all proper efforts to uplift and educate mankind.

Scantlin, was born near the village of Union in this state, July 29, 1823. Hither his parents had come, in 181 4, from Louisville, where the father was born and raised. His vouth was spent upon his father's farm, and in this cit)'. The schools of that period were very imperfect, and the mental training obtainable was necessarily meagre. In his father's shop he learned the trade of a tjnner, and for many years he has been eniXaged here as a dealer in stoves and tinware. Adopting honorable methods at the outset and pursuing them steadfasth", he has won the respect of the people, and a comfortable degree of financial success. In 1846, he was married to Miss Jane E. Stephens, a native of this county, born in 1830, daughter of the eminent pioneer. Judge Silas Stephens, one of Vanderburgh county's most illustrious old-time citizens. The mother of Mrs. Scantlin was Julienne Evans, daughter of Gen. Evans, and a most estimable ladv. Eight children have been born to James and Jane Scantlin : Julian, Silas, James, Marj^Mattie, Alberta, Eliza S., and Robert E. In politics Mr. Scantlin affiliates with the democratic party, and has represented his ward in the city council for three and one-half years. He takes a livel}' interest in the advancement of the city, but not unmindful of the past, he delights to recall the frood old davs and to honor the heroic pioneers of an age that is gone forever.

Nicholas Ellis. - Much of the prosperity of this county may be attributed to the high class of German immigrants in early times. They brought with them the frugal and industrious habits of their native land, and exercising these upon the great natural advantages of this rich terrilor\', a large measure of individual and general prosperity was the inevitable result. August Ellis was among these pioneers. Born in Wachtjnheim, Germany, in 1814, he emigrated to the United States in 1840, and settled in Armstrong township, this count}'. In his native country he had learned the trade of a butcher, but coming toEvansvillein 1B45, two years later he embarked in the retail grocery business, at which he continued until 1S62. In that year he began to operate a milh which he continued successfullv until his death, in 187 1. The Ellis Mills, ordinarily called the Canal Pvlills, soon became a wellknown industry, and their proprietor, because of his probity and uprightnt5ss, is remembered as a useful citizen. His wife, Margaret (Schmitt) Ellis, was born in Germany in 1S20, and now resides in this city. Her character is made up of the commendable traits characteristic of the old-time German matron. The third child born to these pioneers was the wellknown miller Nicholis Ellis, who was born on his father's farm in Armstrong township, March 28, 1844. His parents moved to Evansville during his infancy, and here he has resided ever since. As soon as he had passed through the schools of the city he entered the grocery store of his father, and from that time on the work of the father and the son lay in the same direction, each profiting by the other's assistance, the old man drawing upon the youth for energetic and enterprising activity, the \'oung man drawing upon the elder for stability, conservatism, and experience in business affairs. In the years that have elapsed since 1862 Nicholis Ellis has become one of the leading millers in the state of Indiana. The fairness of his dealings and his high sense of honor in business transactions have made him strong in the hearts of the people. His progressive ideas have kept him abreast of the times in a business where improvement has made rapid strides in late years. He has been for some time a prominent and useful member of the Indiana Millers' Association, having been elected, in iS8i, to the presidency of the organization. His abilit}- beintr recoirnized, the state association named liini as a delegate to the National Millers' Association held at Buffalo, N. Y., during the past jear. Being progressive in his own business, he has acted a prominent part in all measures adopted for the enhancement of the general welfare of the city- Iti the work of the Business Men's Association he has taken a deep interest. In 1S67 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Krau, who was born in Evansville in 1848. The family consists of three children : Louis F., Adelia V., and William M. Mr. Ellis became a Mason in 1865, and a Knight Templar in 1886. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and in their lives

George B. Viele, junior member of the firm of Viele, Stockwell & Co., wholesale grocers of Evansville, was born in Evansville, Ind., and is the son of Charles Viele, president of the First National Bank, and one of the prominent citizens of the cit}'. Mr. Viele was reared in Evansville, and attended the pubhc schools, finishing his education at Burlington, N. J. On his twenty-first birthday he entered the wholesale house of Charles Viele & Co., as a member of the firm, which was styled subsequently Viele, Stockwell &. Co. Mr. Viele married Miss Annie, daughter of J. H. Mortran, and to this union one son has been born.