Vanderburgh County, Indiana - Chapter 13, 1889 (part 3 of 3)

An honorable career as a retail merchant has been achieved by Anthony Verwayne, who is vet in the prime of life. He has ascended the ladder of prosperity, through no daring leap, but by steadily advancing from round to round. July 29, 1841, was the date, and the town of Wehl, Holland, kingdom of Netherlands, the place of his birth. His parents, John and Anna (Teunnessen) Verwaj'ne, natives of Holland, emigrated to the United States in 1845, and settled in Vanderburgh county, where, after j-ears of useful and respectable citizenship, they died, the former in 1865, when sixtytwo }-ears old, the latter in 1859, at the age of fifty-eight years. He made use of such educational advantages as were afforded by the common schools of the pioneer era in Indiana, and at the age of fourteen 3ears commenced the practical education of a business man in the trj'ing school of experience. For ten years he was employed in the dry goods houses of J. P. Byrne and John S. Hopkins, at the end of which time he began traveling as a representative of the house of H. Feldman & Co., of this city, and later represented on the road A. and J. Trouenstine & Co., of Cincinnati. His career as a commercial tourist continued for twenty years, and was marked with signal success. Ever^-where popular, steadfast always in his adherence to honorable methods and never unmindful of his employer's interests, he built up an enviable reputation. In 1880 the well-known dry-goods house of Evans & Verwayne was estabhshed. Its affairs have been safely and judiciously conducted, and the house is now among the leaders of its kind in this part of the state. Its prosperity and high standing in business circles are largely due to the personal effort of Mr. Verwayne. Politically, Mr. Verwayne is a democrat, though not acting a prominent part in his party's affairs. August 7, i860, he \vas married to Miss Dina A. Gerwe, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who was born in Germany May 5, 1836; and to these parents five children have been born: John H., Henry, George, Edward and Joseph. The family belongs to the Catholic church.

In 1835 Weden and Mary Wiltshire left the state of Virginia and moved to Chillicothe, Ohio. They came thence to Evansville in 185S. Their family consisted of fifteen children, eight of whom are still living. The mother was born in 1797, and died in 1874. The father, born in 1798, died in 1886. As industrious, honest and respectable citizens they were well-known. The seventh of their children, James W. Wiltshire, was born in Rockingham county, Va., November 28, 1829. He received some instruction in the rudimentary branches of learning in the schools of Chillicothe, but at the age of thirteen he was regularly empldved to learn the trade of a cooper. Succeeding in this he continued to work at his trade until 1847, when, hearing of the rapid strides then being made by the promising young city in southern Indiana, he set out for Evansville. Arriving here, he continued his work as a journeyman for four years, at the end of which time he formed a partnership with J. H. Kreipke, for the purpose of carr3ing on the coopering business. Success attended the efforts of these industrious and practical workmen. They continued the business for thirty-five years, until the death of Mr. Kreipke, in 1887. Upon the death of his associate, Mr. Wiltshire permanently retired from the business which he had pursued with success for so long a time. During the entire period of this concern's existence the proprietors were classed among the most active and enterprising men in the city. In politics Mr. Wiltshire is recognized as a staunch republican. His career as a man of business induced the voters of his ward to give him a seat in the city council. In this capacity he served the pubHc for three j-ears, during 1866 1867 and 1868. Mr. Wiltshire has been twice married. In 1847 Miss Sarah A. Knouse became his wife. She was an estimable lady, and her death which occurred in 1880, was lamented by many relatives and friends. In 1881 Mr. Wiltshire was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Detroy, who was born in Germany in 1861. Through a period of forty years Mr. Wiltshire has been a resident of the city. By dealing fairly with his fellow men and by steady industry he has won success.

Lant & Morris. - The manufacture of brick is one of the great and growing industries of Evansville, and prominent among the manufactories, indeed, the largest pressed brick manufactory in the United States, is that of Lant & Morris, who do business under the firm name of the Evansville Pressed Brick company, with their works on the Belt railroad at junction of State road. This establishment was founded in May, 1887, by Jesse W. Walker and George Lant, sr., with Cave J. Morris as manager. The latter, upon the death of Mr. Walker, in 1888, became an equal partner in the firm, with Mr. Lant. To give an idea of the magnitude of the operations of the firm, it should be stated that the factory has a daily capacity of 75,000 brick per day, all machine made. During the winter of 1887-8, contracts were made for 10,000,000 brick. From forty to fifty hands are employed, and a ready market is found for all products.

C. H. Ellert is a prominent manufacturer and repairer of leather and rubber belting, boot, shoe and gaiter uppers, dealer in machine bolts, brass goods and general mill supplies, doing business at No. 13 Upper First street, between Vine and Division streets. He was born in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 1851, and is the son of B. J. and E. M. (Rogge) Ellert, both of whom are deceased. He was reared in Louisville, and secured his early education in that- city. At the age of about twelve 3^ears he entered a drug store and served an apprenticeship of three years, duringr which time he attended a medical school in order to fit himself for a pharmacist. He next went to Syracuse, N. Y., and attended college for two years, pursuing a course of study embracing general literature and pharmacy. After securing his diploma he returned to Louisville and for a time was employed as a traveling salesman for a house engaged in the same business. In 1880 he located in Evansville and opened his present establishment. He was married in this city in 1877, to Miss Minnie Speeman, who was born and reared in New York city, and is the daughter of Frank Speeman, of New York. To this union six children have been born, five of whom survive. Mr. Ellert has taken an active interest in the advancement of Evansville, and was one of the charter members of the Business Men's association, and is now chairman of the committee of commerce. He is doing a large business, which is daily increasing.

Frank Tardy, ship-chandler and dealer in flat-boats and barges, was born at Vevay, Switzerland count}-, Ind., June 24, 1846, and is the son of George F. and Matilda (Martin) Tardy. The father was born in France and the mother at Colfax Court House, Va. Both parents are still living, and reside in

Citizens Of Evan8Ville

Louisville, Ky. Frank Tardy was reared in Vevay until his twelfth year, and was educated at Hanover College, in this state. While quite young he ran awaj^ from school and home and took a place as cabin boy on a steamboat in the Ohio river trade. He continued steamboating from that time until 1880, occupying during that time all the different positions from cabin bo}' to captain, including pilot. In 18S0 he located in Evansville and opened a ship chandler's store, and has continued up to the present. Beginning on small capital, succeeding, and gradually increasing his business, he now has a large store. Mr. Tardy is a member of the Business Men's association, and of the Knights of Honor fraternity. He was married October 5, 1872, to Annie Yates, who was born in New Orleans in 1847. To this union three daughters have been born, all living.

Saunders B. Sansom, member of the firm of Schapker & Sansom, balers of hackled husks, and manufacturers of the electric steam renovator, of Evansville, Ind., is a native of Huntingdonshire, England, born, April 7, 1843, and is the son of William and Sarah (Bedford) Sansom, both natives of Huntingdonshire, England. The father died in 1882, and the mother died in 1847. Our subject was reared in his native country, and attended the neighborhood schools. In 1858 he emigrated to America with a party of about twenty, and came direct to Evansville. He set in to learn the carpenter's trade with his uncle, Saunders Sansom. On June 6, 1 861, he answered his country's call for troops to put down the rebellion, and enHsted in Company I, of the Fourteenth Indiana Volunteer infantry. Capt. Thompson's Compan}" E, raised in Evansville for the Fourteenth Regiment, being full, he with others, went to Terre Haute, and was there mustered into Company I, with five others, and was accredite to Vermillion county, though being an Evansville volunteer. At the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, he was wounded by a rifle ball in the knee, and remained on the field until the 13th of the same month, having been taken prisoner. He was then paroled and sent within the Union lines, and on the 15th his right leg was amputated in the field hospital. The amputation of the limb was the first surgical attention he received after being wounded, a period of twelve days. He remained in the field hospital until the 15th of June foUosving, and was then sent to the hospital at Washington city. On July i, following, a second operation was performed, the limb being amputated near the middle of the thigh. He remained in the hospital at Washington until his discharge in the spring of 1864. Returning to Evansville, he entered commercial college in order to prepare himself for indoor work, and for two years he engaged in the retail cigar business on Locust street, his health being too poor to admit of other employment. In 1868 he was elected by the republicans as city treasurer of Evansville, and in the following year was appointed deputy by Philip Helder, the republican city clerk, and remained there until January, 1S71. He was then appointed United States store keeper, assigned to duty at Paloka, Gibson county, Ind., and was in the revenue service until August, 1872, when he was nominated by the republicans for the office of recorder of Vanderburgh county, but retained his commission as store keeper until his election as recorder in October of the same year. He was re-elected to the recorder's office in 1876, and served ahogether eight vears, his term expiring in 1880. In April, 1 88 1, he was again elected city treasurer of Evansville and served until 1883. He entered upon his present business in June,

1883, in copartnership with Bernhard Schapker. Mr. Sansomisacharter member of Farragut Post, No. 27, and is also a member of the Evansville Business Men's association. Hewas married on February 2, 1872,10 Susan R. Dunk, who was born in Evansville. To this union three children have been born, two of whomsurvive. As a soldier, citizen, and public officer, Mr. Sansom has displaA'ed the highest qualities of manliness, and deserves the high place in the esteem of the people which it is his privilege to enjoy.

Robert Day, street commissioner of the city of Evansville, is a native of Lincolnshire, England, and was born December 30, 1843. He is the son of Samuel and Ann (Ringham) Day. When he was a mere boy his father died in England, and in 1853 with his mother and a brother, Samuel, he came to America, landing in Buffalo, N. Y. The family remained there one year, and thfen removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where they resided until 1857. They then located in Pnnceton, Ind., and in the fall of 1859, came to Evansville, where they have all since resided. In December, 1859, Robert went to work for William Caldwell, with whom he remained until July, 1861, and then enlisted in the United States army, joining Company F, of the Twenty-fourth Regiment Indiana infantry. He served faithfully until September, 1864, with the armies of Missouri, Cumberland and Mississippi. In the rear of Vicksburg, Miss., he was wounded on May 16, 1863, by being shot through both thighs. He was then confined in the hospital until December 23, of the same year, when he joined his command at Baton Rouge, La. He was there mustered out, September 23, 1864. Returning home he again entered the employ of William Caldwell, and continued with that gentleman for twenty years, and then engaged for himself for one year in the grocery business on the corner of Sixth and Green streets. On April 16, 1887, he was appointed by the council as city street commissioner of Evansville, and in April, 1888, was reappointed. Mr. Day was married October 22, 1S63, to Miss Elizabeth Davis, a native of England. To this union five children have been born, two of whom survive. Mr. Dav is a member of the G. A. R., and a popular citizen.

Henry Haynie, proprietor of Haynie's hotel, was born in Newburgh, Warrick county, Ind., March 25, 1851, and is the son of J. C. and Emily (Hastings) Haynie, both natives of Indiana, who died in 1883, the father at the age of fifty-one years, and the mother at the age of fifty years. Mr. Haynie was reared in Newburgh until 1862, when he came to Evansville and went to work for S. H. S. Cook. One year later he moved to Ingle's Station and worked on a farm during that season. Coming back to Evansville, he was engaged at the Washington house and the American house for some time, and then clerked for Coolidge Bros., in the " original New York store." For seven years thereafter he was engaged in railroading. Returning to the hotel business, he was emploj-ed for a time as steward of the Sherwood house, but subsequentlj- returned to the employ of the railroad company. While serving as a train-boy, he controlled and operated a hotel in Rockville, Ind. He was engaged as a grocer in this city in 1885 and 1886, and on November 15 of the last named year opened the Haynie hotel on Locust street, where he has since continued. By wise management, a careful regard for the wants of the public, and close attention to business, he has won a good patronage for his house, and firmh' established himself in popular favor. He was married, March 25, 1S74, to Miss Rachel Hunnell, who was born in Evansville, and is the daughter of

William Hunndl. One child has been born: Emma, October 25, 1875. Mr. Haynie was elected to the city council from the Sixth ward, and was re-elected the next year, defeatinjr, b}- a majority of 71 votes, a man whose boots he blacked when a boy. He is a member of the K. of P., K. of H., A. O. U. W., Fraternal Legion, Select Knights, K. and L. of H., and United Order of Honor.

LoRENZ Fritsch, a very successful business man of Evansville, is a native of Germany, where he began to learn the business of a tailor. He removed to Paris, and there perfected himself in the art of cutting garments, and was in that city during the Franco-Prussian war. hi 1 87 1 he came to America, and at first found emplo3-ment in some of the leading establishments of Boston. His first year in Evansville, was 1873, and for five years thereafter he was engaged as a cutter in the best shops in the city. In 1878 he began business for himself, opening his establishment in a modest way in October of that year. He met with success from the first, and now has an establishment that is a credit to his own business abilities as well as to the taste and appreciation of elegant apparel by the people of the city. He carries a large stock of fine cloths suitable to his trade, employs a considerable number of hands in his manufacturing department, and his product has that indescribable and generally imattainable " style " that marks the work of a master in this important branch of industry.

James F. and Hiram M. Lindley. - Among the leading business men of Evansville, none, probabl}-, are more conspicuous in the retail trade than the Lindley Bros. Their father was Francis S. Lindley, who was a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, where he lived until he was twenty-one years of age, and then removed to Switzerland county, Ind., and was one of the first settlers of Vevay, the county seat of that county. He opened a tan-yard in that place, and remained there for over fifty years. He then removed to Greensburgh, Ind., where he resided until his death, in 1875, '"^^ the age of 84 years. His wife was Rebecca McKittrick, who was born near Lexington, Ky., in 1800, and died in 1839. Both parents were members of the Methodist church, and the father was one of six who organized the first Methodist church in Vevay, Ind. To the parents nine children were born, of whom five were sons and four daughters. Of the children four survive: J. F. Lindley, senior member of the firm of Lindley Bros, was born in Vevay, Ind., July 27, 1837. H. M. Lindley, junior member, was also born in Vevay, February 23, 1839. Upon the death of the mother both boys were taken by an uncle, James McKittrick, who lived near Versailles, Riplej* county, Ind. The brothers were educated in the common schools, attending the schools of Aurora, Ind., in winter and working on the farm in summer, their uncle having his winter residence in Aurora, and summer residence near Versailles. The senior brother attended Wilmington Seminarv, in Dearborn county, two years, and the junior brother attended Moore's Hill college, the same county, for one year. James F. clerked for seven months with Chambers, Stevens & Co., of Aurora, and at the age of nineteen years, went to New Albanv, Ind., and began clerking for Kent & Co., where he continued until March 1859, when he opened a dry goods store for himself in New Albany. Hiram M. joined his brother at New Albany, after leaving school, and five years later, was admitted as a partner in the business, the firm being J. F. Lindley & Bro. In September, 1870, the brothers located in this city, and opened a dry goods house equal to any in size in the city at that time. In 1880, they added carpets to their line of goods, and now carry an average stock of $120,000, and do an average annual business of about $250,000, employing an-average of twenty-five salesmen.

Their business building is at Nos. 305 and 307 Main street, is of brick, three stories high, 3.5^x150 feet. The basement and third story are devoted to the wholesale dry goods trade, the first floor to the retail trade in the same line, and the second floor to the wholesale and retail trade in carpets, shawls and cloaks. Both brothers are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the senior having joined the church at New Albany, in 1863, and the junior at Washington, Ind., in 1861, he being at that time engaged in merchandising at that place. H. M. Lindley is steward of Trinity church, Evansville, and both have been active members of the Trinity congregation since their residence in this city. In January, 1887, James F. Lindley, jr., was admitted to the firm, the name remaining as before. James F. jr., was born in New Albany, Ind., October 7, 1862, and was educated in the public schools and at De Pauw University.

Edward Boetticher, senior member of the firm of Boetticher, Kellogg & Co., leading wholesale dealers in hardware, cutlery, guns, etc., at No. 122 Upper First street Evansville, Ind., was born in Monroe county, Ohio, January 7, 1837, and is the son of Frederick W. and Elizabeth (Weppler) Boetticher, both natives of Germany. The father was born in 1798, and the mother in 1814. The father came to the United States in 1832, and the mother in 1834, and they were married near Wheeling, W. Va. The father was a minister of the German Protestant church and died in 1849. The mother is still living making her home in this city with her son Edward. Mr. Boetticher spent most of his early life near Cincinnati, Ohio, and secured his education in private schools of that city. When thirteen years of age he took a position as clerk in a retail cigar store in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained two years. He then entered the hardware store of Tyler, Davidson & Co., remaining five years. In 1857 he located in Evansville, and took a position with Charles S. Wells, hardware merchant, remaining with him until his death in 1863, and then continued with the new firm of Wells, Kellogg & Co., until 1864, at which time he became a partner in the firm. Three years later he and Mr. Kellogg took the business under the firm name of Boetticher, Kellogg & Co., which has continued to the present. Mr. Boetticher was married November 29, 1859, to Amelia S. Beste, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, February 27, 1839, ^^^ '^ ^he daughter of Henry A. Beste. To this union eight children have been born, three of whom survive, William H., Oscar and Frederick C. Mr. Boetticher is a member of the I. O. O. F., and F. & A. M. fraternities. He and his wife are membeTs of St. John's German Protestant church. Charles H. Kellogg, a prominent citizen and member of the firm of Boetticher, Kellogg &: Co., wholesale dealers in hardware, cutlery, guns, etc., was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 25, 1835. His father was Henry S. Kellogg, who was born in the state of New York, near Troy, in 1800, and was of English descent. His mother was Margaret E. Cochran, who was born in Ireland about 1807, and came to the United States when quite young. From New York state the father removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1832, and engaged in the hardware business in that city. Later he located in Cambridge Cit}% where he engaged in the same business for two years, and in 1847 removed to Indianap- olis. Establishing a store there, he was one of the leading pioneer hardware men of that city. At 'that early time there were no railroads in Indianapolis, and Mr. Kellogg introduced the first dray in the city, taking the vehicle from Cambridge City. He died in 1S62 and his wife in 1876. To these parents eight children were born, five of whom survive. Charles was reared in the various cities where his parents resided, and attended their public schools. He was a student of the old Marion county seminary at a time when a large number of the men who later attained prominence in the state attended there. In 1855 he was taken into his father's business as a partner, the firm being Henry S. Kellogg & Son. Three 3^ears later he came to Evansville, having sold out the business in Indianapolis, and engaged in the capacity of book-keeper with Charles S. Wells, and continued until 1863, when Mr. Wells died. A brother of the old proprietor, H. K. Wells, of Cleveland, Ohio, Edward Boetticher and Mr. Kellogg, then bought out the business, and formed the firm of Wells, Kellogg & Co. That firm continued until 1866, when it was dissolved by the withdrawal of H. K. Wells. The two remaining partners from that time to the present have continued business under the firm name of Boetticher, Kellogg & Co. The firm is recognized as one of the most progressive, substantial and successful in the city of Evansville. In working out its success the business qualifications, untiring zeal and integrity of Mr. Kellogg have played an important part. Mr. Kellogg was married, in 1862, to Susan H. Oakley, who was born in Paris, Tenn , and is the daughter of James Oakle}', a Tennesseean by birth, who early removed to Evansville, and was one of the old merchants of the city. To this union one son has been born - - Oakley H., now twenty-five years of age, and a salesman in the hardware house. Mr. Kellogg is a member of the Walnut Street Presbyterian church. His wife and son are members of Trinity Methodist Episcopal church.

R. H. Kellogg, one of the leading hardware merchants of Evansville, Ind., doing business at No. 215 Main street, was born in Madison, Ind., September 21, 1837, and is the son of Henr}' S. and Margaret (Cochran) Kellogg. The father was a native of Washington county, N. Y., and died in 1S60. The mother was born in Ireland, and died in 1873; she came with her parents to the United States when a child. The father came west to Indiana at a very early date, and about 1840 removed to Indianapolis, where he engaged in the hardware business until his death. On July 4, 1864, the subject of this mention came to Evansville and entered the store of his brother (now of the firm of Boetticher, Kellogg & Co., where he remained about sixteen years, during which time he was emploj'ed as a traveling salesman and in various other capacities. In 1S70 he began the hardware business for himself, and has continued it to the present. He carries a general line of hardware and novelties, his stock amounting to about $10,000, and does an average annual business of about $25,000. He was married in November, 1870, to Mar}-, daughter of Stephen Knight, of Mt. Carmel, III, who was born in 1855. To this union three sons have been born: Hugh, born in 1879; Henry, born 1883, and Robert, born 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg are members of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal church.

Jacob Arnold, a leading German citizen of Evansville, Ind., and one of the principal contractors of city street paving, was born in Evansville, Ind., January 16, 1853, and is the son of Bernhard and Sarah (Baumgartner) Arnold. His parents were both natives of Germany, and came to the United States in 1853. Landing at New Orleans, they came direct to Evansville, where the_v located. The father was a stone contractor and for many years was engaged in bridge building and street contracting, having paved most of the streets of this city. His death occurred on December 25, 1885, at the age of sixty-five years. The mother is still living at the age of sixty-four years. To these parents ten children were born, all of whom survive and now reside in this city. Jacob Arnold was reared in Evansville and attended the city schools, receiving a good education. After leaving school he learned the stone-cutter's trade, and then joined his father in his contracting. In 18S0 he began contracting for himself, since when he has been actively at work, and has had some large contracts, among which were the Stringtown and Fulton avenue bridges, the paving of many of the principal streets in this citv, the macadamizing of the public square at Boonville, Ind., and numerous other large contracts. In politics Mr. Arnold has alwavs been a republican. He is a member of the K. of P. and Iron Hall fraternities.

George A. Bittrolff, for many j^ears conspicuously identified with the business interests of Evansville, is best known as one of the most prominent jewelers in the city. He is a native of Mosbach, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, born July 27, 1S31, and is the son of John L. and Johanna (Bestel) Bittrolff, both natives of the Grand Duchj' of Baden. The parents emigrated to America in 1S32, and located at Youngstown, Penn., where they resided for two years, at the end of which time they removed to this city. A few weeks later the}' removed to Princeton, Ind., where the\' remained three years. Returning to Evansville the father engaged in the watchmaking and jewelry business, being one of the first in that line of business in the city. In 1839 the family removed to Hermann, Mo., where they remained until the spring of 1846, when they again returned to Evansville and remained permanentl}-. The mother died in 1870, and the father a few years later. The family consisted of eight children, two of whom survive. George A. Bittrolff was reared in Princeton, and Evansville, and secured a fair education in the public schools. He learned the trade of jeweler and watchmaker with his father, and in 1S53 was given an interest in the business with his father and brother, J. L., jr. In 1859, he withdrew from the partnership thus formed, and for a time he engaged in business by himself. Later he was again associated with his father and brother, but in a short time went into business alone. The business increasing he took as a partner C. De Long, and two and a half years later sold out to De Long & Geisler. In i860 he again entered business, and later took in with him C. F. Artes. This partnership lasted for about seven years. From that time until 18S0, he was in business by himself, and then turned over the business to his brother, John L. and his son John F. He then joined the Old Brewing company, and engaged in that business for about four years. In June, 1886, he again returned to the jewelry business, at which he has since continued. He was married in 1853, to Frederika Kroener, a native of Port Deposit, Md. To this union five children have been born, four of whom survive. Mr. Bittrolff is a member of Crescent lodge, No. 122, I. O. O. F., and Daughters of Rebekah, and he and his wife are members of St. John's Evangelical church. His long and honorable career has lifted him to an enviable prominence among the best citizens,

Citizens Of Evaxsville

JuDsoN T. BuRTis, president of tlie Evansville Coffin company, was born in Center township, Vanderburgh county, Ind., October iS, 1842, and is the son of Edward and Delia (Hopkins) Burtis. Edward Burtis was born on Long Island, N. Y., in 1807, and with his father, Jesse Burtis, came west to Cincinnati, thence down the Ohio river to Evansville, and settled in Vanderburgh county, in 1820. He was a farmer, wellknown throughout th<i county, and died in 1873. DeHa Burtis was a native of the state of New York, where she was born in 1808. She was the daughter of Stephen Hopkins, who was a brother to Edward, a distinguished pioneer and father of, the late John S. Hopkins, one of the leading citizens of Evansville in his daj-. She died in 1876. Edward and Delia Burtis were the parents of eleven children, live of whomsurvixe. Judson was reared on the farm until his seventeenth . year, and attended the imperfect schools of the pioneer era, securing, however, a fair education. He engaged as a clerk in a grocery store at Mt. Vernon, in 1858, remained there until 1861, and then took a position as book-keeper for Ulhorn & Brinkman, in Evansville. While James H. McNeeley was postmaster of E\-ans\-ille, Mr. Burtis entered the postoffice as an assistant, but was later made deputy postmaster. Leaving the postoffice he became bookkeeper for Iglehart Bros.' mill, where he remained eight vears. While so engaged he purchased his father's interest in the cooperage business of Burtis & Cod}-; the firm name W'as changed to Cod}-, Burtis & Co., and he has since been connected with the same. He became stockholder in the Evansville Coffin Co., in i88i,and four years later was chosen president of the company, which position he still holds. In the management of the company's affairs he has exercised commendable ability. During the war of the rebellion Mr. Burtis was a member of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty -sixth Regiment of Indiana volunteers, under Capt. Hollingsworth, and rendered effective service. Mr. Burtis was married in Januarv, 1 868, to Frances McGrew, who was born in Gibson county, Ind., in iS36,and is the daughter of Wilson and Martha McGrew. To this union five children ha\-e been born, four of whom survive. They are: Minnie, deceased, Edward, Effie, May and Delia. Mr. and Mrs. Burtis are members of Trinity Methodist Episcopal church.

William Capelle, a prominent and wealthy citizen of Evansville, is a native of j the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, and was born near the city of Gottingen, December, 1825. He came to America in 1845, leaving his native land in September, and arriving in New Orleans in November following. He remained in New Orleans until July 6, 1846, and then located in Cincinnati, where he remained until 185 1. In this year he took up his residence in Evansville and established himself as a merchant tailor and dealer in clothing and furnishing goods, at the corner of Second and Main streets where Schlaepfer's drug store now stands. He succeeded in business, and in 1859 ^'^ erected the building on Main street now occupied by Goldsmith's clothing store, where he remained until 1863, when he retired from active trade on account of ill health. In 1S65, he returned to Europe, and \-isited his old home in H;ino\-er, remaining there three months, traveling during the time through Germany, France and Switzerland. From 1863, for fifteen years, he was interested in the Evansville gas works, and during the time was one of the board of directors of the company. He sold his gas stock in 1877. He i.s now largely interested as a stockholder in the old National bank. He is no longer in active business. In retirement he enjoys the fruits of his past efforts, having accumulated a competence in his younger daj's. He was married in 1S52, to Eliza Krom, who was born in Germany, and came to America with her parents in 1837.

J. S. MiN'Ms, the leading shirt manufacturer and dealer in mens' furnishing goods, whose place of business is at No. 225 Main street, was born in Gibson count}', Ind., February 14, 1834, '^"^ '^ ^^^ ^°" o^ James and Elizabeth (Sterns) Minnis, both parents being natives of Charleston, S. C, of Irish descent. At a very early date the parents came to Indiana and located in Gibson county. The mother died in 1837, and the father, in 1865. To these parents nine children were born, of whom only two survive, they being Mrs. Elizabeth Pritchard, the oldest, and Mr. Minnis, the youngest, of the children. After the death of his mother, Mr. Minnis and his father made their home with the youngest daughter - Mrs. Samuel W. Woods - for fifteen years. Mrs. Woods died January i, 1885. J. S. Minnis was reared on the farm, and secured a ver)' good education in the public schools. His father was a brick mason, and with him he learned that trade, which he followed for some time. He came to Evansville in 1867, and four years later entered the business in which he is now engaged. With fair dealing and by keeping abreast of the times he has succeeded in building up a large and profitable trade. He is also interested in farming, owning and conducting a fine farm of eighty acres in Gibson county. During the war of the rebellion, Mr. Minnis served in Company A, of the Forty-second Regiment of Indiana volunteers. His record as a soldier was honorable throughout. He is a member of the U. P. church, which he joined when about twenty-two years of age, and was baptised by Rev. John McMasters,

August Schmitt, a leading wholesale and retail dealer in stoves, tinware, pumps, house-furnishing goods, etc., etc., at Nos. 605 and 607 Main street, Evansville, Ind., is a native of Bavaria, Germany, where he was born February 2, 1842, and is the son of Simon and Catharina (Bastian) Schmitt, both of whom were natives of Bavaria, and came to the United States in 1852. Coming west to Indiana they located in Scott township, Vanderburgh county, where a farm was purchased, and the father followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1876, at the age of 71 years. The mother is now a resident of Santa Claus, Spencer count}', Ind., and is eighty-two years old. To the parents eleven children were born, four of whom survive. August attended school for four years in his native land, and came with his parents to America. He remained on the farm until 1S59, and then went to Russelhille, Logan county, Ky., where he learned the tinner's trade, at which he served until the breaking out of the \\ar. In the fall of 1 86 1 he enlisted in Company D of the Nineteenth U. S. infantry, and served three 3'ears. At the battle of Stone River, at Murfreesboro, Tenn., he was wounded in the left hip b}' a two-ounce ball from an Enfield rifle, the ball passing entirely through the hip, fracturing the bone. He now possesses the ball, which was cut out. He lay on the field of battle from 12 o'clock until night, with the fire of both armies passing over him. He was placed in a tent with ten other wounded soldiers the night he was wounded, onh" four of whom were alive the next morning. He then passed ten months in hospitals at Nashville, Tenn., and at New Albany

Iiid. Joining his regiment at Chattanooga just after the battle of Chickamauga, he did duty for a wiiile, and soon after the battle of Mission Ridge, was again sent to the hospital at New Albany, whence he was sent to his regimental headquarters at Fort Wayne, Detroit, Mich. He was mustered out at Detroit in October, 1864. He then located and worked at his trade for six months, at Vincennes, Ind. Coming to Evansville at the end of this time he worked at his trade until 1S65, and then engaged in business for himself. The following year he remo\ed to Leavenworth, Kansas, and remained there until the fall of the same year, going thence to Ma3-field, Kv., where he remained until 1872. Again returning to Evansville, he entered business, and has been here ever since. Mr. Schmitt is a member of Farragut Post, No. 27, G. A. R., at present quartermaster, and is also a member of the Catholic Knights of America. November 21, 1865, he was married to Magdalena Mesel, who was born in Posey county, Ind., in 1845. To this union four children have been born, as follows: Katie, Rosa, August P., and Simon A. Mr. Schmitt and his family are members of St. Mary's Catholic church. In politics he is a republican.

William McLe.vn, one of the leading retail dry goods men of Evansville, doing business at the corner of Main and Fourth streets, was born on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, March 14, 1848. His boyhood was spent in his native country, where he received a common school education. He came to America in 1870, and located in New York city, where he remained for one year. In 1871 he located in this citv, and for eight years was connected with the dry goods house of Miller Bros. He next became a full partner in the dry goods firm of Keck, Miller & Co., where he remained until January, 18S5, and then began business at his present stand for himself. He carries an average stock of about $35,000, and does an annual business of over $100,000. He employs an average force of twenty clerks, and by industry, fair dealing, and close attention to business, has established himself in the favor of the people. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, K. of P., and K. and L. of H. Mr. McLean was married in 1869 to Maggie E. Allen, daughter of the Rev. W. J. Allen, of Rockville, Ind. To this union one son. Hector Allen, was born June 9, 1883. Mrs. McLean is a member of the Walnut Street Presb\ terian church.

John Lawton, a leading citizen, and one of the pioneer hardware merchants of this city, doing business at the corner of Main and Fifth streets, is a native of England, born at Sheffield, February 3, 1820, and is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Gales) Lawton, both natives of England, who lived and died in Sheffield. Mr. Lawton was reared in his native place, and secured a fair common school education. In^ 1841, he came to America, and located in New Orleans, where for several 3'ears he was engaged in the hardware business for other parties. He next locited in Cincinnati, Ohio, and opened a hardware store for himself. In 1869 he located in Evansville, and continued the same business, remaining so engaged to the present. His long experience and perfect familiarity with the details of the hardware business has enabled him to succeed abundandy. Throughout his long career he has done a large business, and to-day has one of the most complete stocks in the citN'. In i8^6 he was married in Cincinnati to Eunice C. Piatt, an English lady, who died March 5, 1887, at the age of tiftyeight years. Her father was Thomas Piatt, an Enirlishrnan, who came to the United

Pfrsonal Mention

States in 1840. She was a member of the Episcopal church. To this union five children were born, only two of whom survive : Frank P., born in Cincinnati in 1854, educated in the public schools of his native place, who in 1869. entered the hardware business with his father, and has so continued to the present; Ahce S., born in Cincinnati in 1856, was married in 187S to Silas S. Scantlin, a member of the firm of Marsh & Scantlin, proprietors of the Evansville cracker works. Mr. Lawton and his son are members of St. Paul's Episcopal church, and the son is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge.

Louis Guerich, a leading German citizen of Evansville, Ind., and engaged in the general fire and life insurance business, was bern in Madison, Jefferson count}', Ind., on February 22, 1847, and is the son of L. and Elizabeth (Aur) Guerich, both of whom were natives of Germany, and emigrated to the United States in 1844, locating at Madison, Ind., the same year. The father was born in 1807, and is still a resident of Madison. The mother was born in 1S18 and died in 1S54. Mr. Guerich was reared in Madison, Ind., and Louisville, Ky., and educated in the public schools of the latter city.- He enlisted in 1864 in the federal army in Company K, of the One Hundred Sixth Ohio infantry, being the youngest man in the regiment. He served until the close of the war and was honorably discharged at Cincinnati in 1S65. He came to Evansville in March, 1868, and engaged in the manufacture of saddle trees. Since 1873 he has been following his present business. He is a member of the Orion Lodge, No. 35, K. of P., being a charter member. He was married in 1S75 to the daughter of Charles Hinks, of Evansville, and to this union two children have been born. In politics he is a gt^unch republican.

Hermann Fendricii, a prominent German citizen of Evansville, and proprietor of the leading cigar manufactory of the city, was born in Baden, Germany, April 14, 1830, and is the son of Joseph and Walburga (Schieble) Fendrich, both natives of Baden. The father was born in 1804, and died in 1850. The mother was born in 1799, and died in 1849. They were married in Baden, Germany, on May 30, 1824, and emigrated to America in February, 1833, bringing with them four sons. Landing in New York city, the parents next removed to Philadelphia, and then to Baltimore, where the mother died. The father was a cooper and brewer by trade, and also a mason, carpenter and contractor; indeed, he was a mechanical genius. His death occurred in Quincy, 111., while on a visit to his sister, a resident of that city. The family comprised six children, five born in Germany and one in Baltimore. The children were as follows: Joseph, born March 27, 1825, and died in 1876; Charles, born April 4, 1826, and died in 1878; Francis, born March 22, 1829, now of Dallas, Texas; Herman, born April 14, 1830; Amelia, born February 15, 1828, and died the same year; and John, born in Baltimore on July 24, 1824, now of Columbia, Penn. The subject of this mention began working in tobacco when quite young. In 185° he engaged with his four brothers in the manufacture of cigars in Baltimore, Md. The brothers opened a branch house in Evansville, Ind., in December, 1855, with Charles Fendrich in charge. Later Francis Fendrich took charge of the branch house, Charles returning to Baltimore. In 1857, May 30th, Hermann Fendrich came to Evansville, and with his brother Francis conducted the business until 1865, when Francis withdrew from the firm and was succeeded b}' Joseph Fendrich. Joseph remained until his death in 1876, when Hermann purchased the interest of the heirs and has since conducted the business as sole proprietor and owner, manufacturing about 100,000 cigars monthly. Mr. Fendrich was married January 19, 1864, to Mary R., daughter of John A. Reitz, one of the leading citizens of Evansville. To this union two children have been born - John II. and Laura G.

Prominent among tlie maiuifacturers of pottery and stoneware, which is one of the flourishing industries of Evansville, stands the firm of Bennighof, Uhl & Co. This partnership was formed in 18S3, succeeding the Evansville Potter\' company, which was established in 1S79, ''^^'ly the date of the becinnino- of this manufacturing establishment. The firm manufactures stoneware exclusively, shipping the product west, and in 1887 the product reached the grand total of $100,000, and eighty-six men were employed. August Uhi., a member of this firm, and a valuable citizen of Evansville, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, November 15, 1824. In his native land he received a good education, and learned the pottery business. After woiking there three years he came to the United States, July 18, 1846, and after brief periods spent at New York, Pittsburgh, and Louisville, came to Evansville in the spring of 1848, and here he has since resided. In 1849, he started in business for himself, with Henry Henn. This partnership lasted two years, and then Henn sold to Louis Daum. Three years later Mr. Uhl also sold out to Daum, and then he and his brother Louis were associated from 1854 to 1 887, in the manufacture of stoneware. Mr. Uhl has been city councilman for four years, and in politics is a republican. He is a member of the Masonic order. He was married in Evansville, to Miss Caroline Bunte, a native of this city, and they had eighteen children in all, of whom but six are now living: Louisa, wife of Fred Hoffman, Emma, Bertha, Adolph B., Minnie and Matilda. Louis Uiii, was born July 4, 1831, and is a brother of August, being the youngest of the six children of George Uhl, who was a tile manufacturer in Germany. But three of these children survive, August, Louis and Mrs. Eliza Jeckil. Louis arrived here in 1849, and began work at his trade, ultimately forming a partnership with his brother which lasted thirtj'-three years. He is now of the firm of Benninghof, Uhl & Co. Mr. Uhl was married April, 185S, to Miss Elizabeth Mann, born in Darmstadt, daughter of Martin Mann, and they have had six children, of whom three sons are living, Charles, general claim agent of the E. tSr T. II. railroad; George M., a jjartner in the pottery business, and Edgar M. Mr. Uhl and family are members of St. John's German Evangelical church.