Vigo County, Indiana - Chapter 19: Terre Haute As a Modern Business City, 1908 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 19: Terre Haute As a Modern Business City

During the last generation almost a complete transformation has been worked in the material appearance and the civic and business importance of Terre Haute. With the passing of the canal and National road days, the pork-packing and other industries that were here during the middle period of the last century, manv picturesque features of the old Terre Haute and also manv of the notable characters associated with them have gone. Succeeding them, especiall\' during the last decade, are institutions and activities of sufficient magnitude to place Terre Haute among the important centers of production in America.

Ask the average citizen about the principal points of material advantage possessed by the city, and he will probably refer first of all to the railroads that make Terre Elaute a distributing point to all sections of the country. Next would be mentioned the manufacturing, which is largely based on the enormous coal production of this vicinity. A long list of manufacturing concerns could be given, but of first importance in the summary are the distilleries and breweries, the iron and steel mills, the stamping works, and the clay products. It was about 1870 that manufacturing became a real factor in the city's prosperity. In those days the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad shops had the biggest payroll, and with the establishment of nail works that produced 85,000 kegs a year the people began to "point with pride" to their industries. In the item of distilleries, Terre Haute is now given second rank in the United States, the magnitude of the industry being measured in the amount of the internal revenue, which amounts to nearly twenty million dollars a year.

One fact about the industrial history of the past twenty-five years is of particular interest. The development of the coal area after the war gave a substantial start to manufacturing, but a rival fuel for a time delayed the advancement of Terre Haute in this respect. The natural gas fields of Indiana were opened in the latter eighties, and almost at once a great number of industries, representing vast capital, were established among the gas wells. Manufacturers disdained the use of coal while gas was plenty and cheap. The natural gas supply all but failed by the close of the century, and once more the coal mines became the chief source of manufacturing fuel. With the decline of fuel supply, necessitating the abandonment or removal of many factories, the situation was one that an enterprising city might take advantage of. It is said that Terre- Haute was the first town in Indiana to ofTer, in addition to its own advantages, a cash bonus to good industries seeking new locations. As a result, the last ten vears has seen more than a doubling of Terre Haute's industries, with a corresponding increase in the material wealth and facilities of the city. It is estimated that about twelve thousand persons are now employed in the nearly three hundred manufacturing establishments of the city.

During the financial stress that came upon the country in the late months of 190". Terre Haute was less affected by the panic than any city in Indiana, which is the highest tribute that can be paid to the substantial character of its banks and business. While many other cities possessed apparent stability in business. Terre Haute had both buoyancy and strength, and could not be depressed. The fact that the city banks have nearly fifteen million dollars in resources, is one important proof of the financial support that upholds the city's business and industry.

It will be interesting to note briefly the more important facilities of business and domestic life that have become so essentially a part of modern life that people seldom realize the conditions of a few years past. Without telephone service, Terre Haute would find it impossible to transact the present volume of work. Telephones are comparatively recent, however. They first came into general use in the early eighties. In 1883 the Central Union Telephone Company had about 350 telephones in the city, and had connections with Brazil, Greencastle, Indianapolis, Carbon. Sullivan. Shelburn, Farmersburg, Paris, I^Iarshall and Vermilion. The old company now has several tliousand connections in the city, and with all the cities in the country, and in addition the Citizens' Company, which was given a franchise about ten years ago, has a system almost as extensive.

Of later development than the telephones, but more miportant in their results, are interurban communication and rural free delivery. When, about thirty years ago, free delivery was first introduced in Terre Haute, considerable opposition to the innovation arose because, largely, of the fear expressed that it would decrease the value of property in the vicinity of the postoffice. Arguments somewhat similar were used against the establishment of rural free delivery, since it was alleged that, with their mail delivered at their homes, the farmers would not come into town to market. Happily, such reasoning did not prevail against the good sense of the community, and rural free delivery has been a large factor in knitting the people of \'igo county, whether rural or urban, into one great community. Then the opening of the new century saw the beginning of electric transportation between towns and rural communities. Terre Haute got its first street railway during the eighties, but the extension of the lines to suburban points and the maintenance of first-class service have come about during the last ten or fifteen years. The interurban system of communication is largely a develo]iment of the local city streetcar svstem. The extension of electric car lines into the country and the linking together of towns and cities began in Indiana, with Indianapolis as its focal point, less than ten vears ago. As a result, local and suburban transportation has alreadv to a large extent passed from the steam railroad to the trollev line, and in the results, as they can now be understood, the interurban traction line shares with the telephone and rural free deliverv the responsibility for the remarkable changes that have occurred in rural life during the last ten or fifteen years. Within the last year or so Terre Haute has become connected by interurban lines with Indianapolis on the east, with Paris on the west, with Sullivan on the south, and with Clinton on the north. The line to Paris, opened in the fall of 1907, is the most recent of these roads, and all have been put in operation within the past four or five years.

In the last annual report of Secretary W. H. Duncan to the board of directors of the Commercial Club (March. IQ08). it was shown that the membership had increased from 274 at its organization nine years ago to 404, that the club had received and disbursed in the interests of the city nearlv a quarter of a million dollars, that through the efforts of the club fiftv-five manufacturing concerns had been located in the city, that eight new railroad lines had entered the city within the past nine years, and that the population and general resources of the city had practically doubled during the history of the club.

Of this list of fifty-five establishments which have come to the city, more than thirty have been brought directly through the efforts of the Commercial Club, and the others came because of those which had come before. In addition, many of the older concerns have greatly improved and in manv instances doubled their capacity. The American Hominy mill, which burned some time ago, has rebuilt with a capacity of 15,000 bushels per day, making it the largest in the world. The Merchants' Distilling Company has doubled its capacity. The Vigo Elevator Companv has done the same, and all of the railroads have found it necessary to enlarge their terminal facilities. Six large coal companies have been organized,, and new construction companies have been formed.

To accomplish the above it has cost the people of Terre Haute some money, as will be shown in the following table of receipts and expenditures, from March i, 1899, to February 29, 1908:

Receipts

The completion of the Chicago Southern, and the building into Chicago of the Cairo division of the Big Four last year gives Terre Haute direct communication with that city by six lines, and a total of thirteen lines of railroad diverging in every direction from the city. The increase of business in railroad circles has been so great in the last few years that their facilities for handling it have been almost, if not quite, doubled. Incidentally, it might be mentioned that Terre Haute has a larger outboimd freight tonnage than any other city in Indiana, and is todav one of the best distributing points in the United States. For the handling of passenger traffic it is also well equipped, no less than ninety-four passenger trains coming and going every twenty-four hours. In addition to its steam railroad facilities, the city has also acquired two more interurban lines in the past year - one to Indianapolis and the other to Paris, making four in all in different directions, and each with hourly or half-hourly service, ^^irtually the city now has seventeen lines of railroad, eight of which have come to it in the past nine years. Xor are these all. The prospects are favorable for another steam line to the southwest, an electric line in the same direction, and another electric line to the southeast. Every line, completed or projected, goes through the coal country, thereby insuring an abundant supply and fair rates at all times to the industries of the city.

Speaking of the growth of the city, the report states that the population has grown from 37,000 to 70,000 during the last eight years. The building done in the city has kept pace with this growth, and the records show that 5,73- building permits liave been issued during the eight years at a total value of ^6,184,591. These figures do not include the stamping mill, the rolling mill, four glass works, the Commercial distillery, and other factories outside the city limits, as well as a large number of residences in the suburban sections.

In speaking of the public improvements, the report says : "In the last year three and one-half miles of paved streets have been added to that line of improvement, making a total of twenty-five and one-half miles now in the city. Four miles of sewers have been constructed, making a total of fortv-four miles. During the same time there have been put down thirtv-five miles of stone curbing, and thirt)-five miles of concrete sidewalks." The report closes by calling attention to the facilities of the city in everv wav. It has the cheap fuel, the railroads and the location to enable the producer to reach the consumer at the least possible cost.

.\11 of the former officers were re-elected, as follows : President, A. Herz ; first vice president, Spencer F. Ball ; second vice president, Buena ^^ ^larshall : treasurer. Demas Deming; secretary, W. H. Duncan. The business of the organization was shown to be in a flourishing condition. The total assets of the club over the liabilities were shown to be $26,304.30. During the last year the club has lost six members by death. They were Samuel R. Hamill, James Hunter, J. A. Marshall, P. H. Monninger, Morton C. Rankin and Peter J. Ryan.

Among the advance agents of prosperity in Terre Haute, one of the most energetic and commendable organizations of recent years is the Young Piusiness Men's Club. It was organized March 24. 1904; was incorporated October 2J. 1905, and now comprises a membership of several hundred vounger men of affairs, drawn not only from the regular commercial lines of the city, but alsii numbering ]ihysicians. lawyers and other professional men. The officers for 1903-04 were: Omar C. Me- Whinney, president : Otto C. Hornung, vice president ; Charles S. Davis, secretary; \\'arren Hussey, treasurer.

The preceding pages of history are rich in personal reference, for it wouUl be ini])ossible to describe the civilization that has grown up within the limits of the county without having continually in mind and speakinjj of the men and women who bore the part of pioneers, or who did the work of the second generation, or who. during the last quarter of a century, have reaped the rewards of their predecessors and have themselves assumed responsibilities for succeeding generations. "Institutions are but the lengthened shadows of men" is a fine statement of the part individuals play in history, and there are a great many individuals in Terre Haute and \'igo county who have built enduring monuments in character or industrial enterprise, so that either their names or the institutions with which they completely identified themselves are known by all and have unforgetable places in the county's history. Most of the names wdiich follow have already been mentioned in the preceding pages, but here will be found a more complete account in biographical form of many of the men whose accomplishments have done so nnich for the development of city and county.

WiLLi.\,M RiLEv McKeen. - There are few men whose live^ are crowned with the honor and respect which are uniformly accorded William Riley McKeen. but through more than half a century's connection with Terre Haute's history, his has been an unblemished character. W'itli him success in life has been reached by his sterling qualities of mind and heart, true to every manly principle. He has never deviated from what his judgment would indicate to be right and honorable between his fellow man and himself ; he has never swerved from the path of duty, and now after a long and eventful career he can look back over the past with pride and enjoy the remaining years of his earthly pilgrimage with a consciousness of having gained for himself, by his honorable, straightforward career, the confidence and respect of the entire community in which he lives. His business career has been marked by consecutive advancement to his present prominent position as the president of the McKeen National Bank. There are few of the native sons of \"i.go county who can claim as long a residence here as ^Ir. McKeen. who was born on a farm in Prairie Creek township, October 12, 1829. His parents were Benjamin and Leathy (Paddock) McKeen, pioneers of \^igo county, who established their home here when the district was almost an unbroken wilderness. Amid the wild scenes and environments of the frontier, therefore. Mr. McKeen of this review was reared. He acquired his early education in the public schools and afterward had the advantage of training in Asburv University, in which he was a student in 1848. Ill health, however, compelled him to give up his studies which, up to his eighteenth year, had been alternated with farm work, as the spring and summer months were devoted to the labor of plowing, planting and cultivation.

Thinking to find other pursuits more congenial than the work of the farm, Mr. McKeen came to Terre Haute in the spring of 1846 and accepted the position of assistant in the office of the county clerk, under Charles T. Noble. In February, 1848, he became bookkeeper in the State Bank of Indiana, where he served for four years, and was then promoted to the position of cashier. In 1885, however, he engaged in the private banking business in company with Ralph Tousey, who retired in 1858, while Air. McKeen continued the banking business alone until 1863, in which year the firm of AIcKeen & Deming was formed. This had a continuous existence for a number of years, but at length Mr. Deming retired and the firm of McKeen & Minshall was organized. In 1876, Mr. Minshall sold his interest and from that time Mr. McKeen carried on the banking business under the firm name of McKeen & Company until 1905, when the McKeen National Bank, of which he is president, was formed. He has been associated with banking interests longer than any other representative of financial affairs of the city or county, and the safe, conservative policy which he inaugurated at the outset of his career has alwavs been maintained, and the institution has therefore enjoyed the fullest confidence of the public. A general banking business is conducted and a large patronage enjoyed, the growth of the institution being proportionate to the development of the city.

Mr. McKeen is a man of ready resource and marked enterprise, and while his success in banking circles would alone entitle him to mention as a representative business man of Vigo county, he has yet attended his efforts with other lines which have been of material benefit and assistance to the city. He has been actively and prominently associated with all the railroad enterprises of the county ; was interested in the promotion and building of the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad, and in June, 1867, was elected president of the company, retaining the position of chief executive officer until 1896. In July, 1870, the Terre Haute & Indianapolis road became the lessee of the Vandalia line, and the joint management of the two roads thus devolved upon Mr. McKeen, who brought to bear in the performance of his duties marked ability in administrative direction, combined with strong executive force. He was also president of the Belt Railroad of Indianapolis, a director of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad and of the Evansville, Terre Haute & Chicago Railroad.

At the organization of the Terre Haute Gas Light Company, Mr. McKeen was elected its treasurer. He also took an active interest in the completion of the city water works, a similar enterprise, and his labors have been an important element in the municipal business progress and development, as well as in the promotion of individual enterprises. He has served for a number of terms as a member of the citv council, and has ever exercised his official prerogatives in support of measures of the utmost benefit to the community at large. In 1 861 the state of Indiana lacked funds to pay the interest on her debt. an<l on an appeal from Governor Morton Mr. McKeen advanced a loan of ten thousand dollars to the state. In 1863 he was appointed by Governor Morton a member of the State Sinking Fund Commission, his splendid service in behalf of his state and the Union cause, throughout the entire period of the Civil war. has been signally and fittingly recognized by his appointment as an honorary member of the Loyal Legion - the only citizen of Indiana to be thus distinguished. In 1876 Governor Williams appointed him a member of the State House Commissioners, charged with the supervision of the new Indiana state house. A recognized leader of the Republican party, he has frequently been sent as a delegate to its national conventions, having attended its sessions at each recurring convention from 1880 to the present time, with the exception of the year 1900.

In 1852 occurred the marriage of Mr. AIcKeen and Miss Eliza Johnston, of Terre Haute, who died on December 25, 1855, leaving a son, Frank, who is now the vice president of the McKeen National Bank and one of Terre Haute's most prominent business men. On the 3d of Alarch, 1S57, Mr. AIcKeen was again married, his second union being with Miss Ann F. Crawford, daughter of the late Samuel Crawford, the second president of the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad Company. Mrs. Ann McKeen died in September, 1881, the mother of the following: Ann, wife of \'. L. Seller, of Indianapolis: Mary J., now Mrs. Horace Pugh. of Terre Haute : Edith, wife of Howard A. Cutler, a resident of Boston, Massachusetts; S. Crawford, cashier of the McKeen National Bank, who married Henrietta Strong, a daughter of Joseph Strong, of Terre Haute, and Benjamin, who wedded Anna, the second daughter of Joseph Strong, of Terre Haute, and who is general manager of the \'andalia Railroad Company, with headquarters at St. Louis, Missouri, and William Riley, Jr., now superintendent of motive power of the Union Pacific Railway, with headquarters at Omaha, Nebraska. Mr. McKeen's last marriage occured September 27, 1883, with Mrs. Sarah J. Dowling. a native of Vigo county, who died December 19, 1904.

Such, in brief, is the life history of one of Mgo county's most prominent citizens. Honored and respected by all. no man occupies a more enviable position in business and financial circles than does W. R. AIcKeen. who by unfaltering labor intelligently applied has gained a most gratifying measure of success. This, however, has not been alone the goal for which he has striven. To him citizenship has never been an idle word, nor has it presented to him a synonym for the acquiring of privileges and federal protection without an adequate return. He has regarded it as his duty to exercise his right of franchise for principles and candidates that he beheves will best conserve the public welfare. He has recognized, too, his individual obligation to his country and has labored afifectively for its welfare, withholding his support from no movement which his practical judgment and keen insight sanction as being of benefit to the people at large. He is yet to some extent an active factor in the business world, although he has almost attained the age of four score years. He has a bright, cheerful disposition, genial and courteous, and has the good will and esteem of the entire commimity.

Fr.\nk ^IcKee.n". - The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is the vice president of the AIcKeen National Bank, and one of the most prominent citizens of Terre Haute. Born in that city. May 24, 1853, he is the son of the old and well known banker. W. R. AIcKeen, being reared in Terre Haute and educated in her schools. After graduating from the high school Frank McKeen began his business career as an office boy in his father's bank, his industry and ability advancing him to the position of manager of ^IcKeen & Company's Bank, the partners in which were his father, his uncle, Samuel McKeen, and himself. Afterward when it was organized as the McKeen National Bank, in 1905, he was elected to the office of vice president and manager, which he still fills with his old-time ability and faithfulness.

Mr. McKeen was married November 11, 1880. to Mary, daughter of Alexander McGregor, who was a pioneer business man of Terre Haute and ranked among its most prominent.

Preston Hcssey, president of the Terre Haute National Bank and dean of the financiers of the city, was born on the farm near Terre Haute, on September 12, 1826, the son of George and Mary Hussey. He was reared on the farm and received his education in the common schools. He remained on the farm until 1850, when he became assistant postmaster of Terre Haute under James T. Moffatt, Postmaster, and filled that position until 1852. He then took the position of bookkeeper in the Terre Haute branch of the State Bank of Indiana, and on November 24, 1854, was promoted to cashier of the same institution. In 1857 the State Bank of Indiana went out of existence by reason of the expiration of its charter, and was succeeded by the Bank of the State of Indiana, and of this bank Mr. Hussey was appointed cashier, of the Terre Haute branch, on November 18, 1856, which position he retained during the business existence of the institution. In 1865 the National Bank of Terre Haute was established and he was appointed cashier of it on ]\Iarch 28th of that year. On the 6th of September following he was elected president and has since occupied that position. A thorough and systematic business man in the strictest sense of the word, his careful nianafjement, and the methodical attention to detail characteristic of the institution at whose head he stands, have won for him the reputation of heinsj one of the soundest financiers in this city and part of the state. He possesses an industry seemingly tireless, a trait that even at his advanced age prevents his absence from his post of duty. His character for personal honor, scrupulous business integrity is of the most exalted kind, and as a result the bank wliich he has so long controlled stands in the front rank of similar institutions of the state. Both Air. Hussey and his bank are considered landmarks of Terre Haute, they have grown up together, have weathered all financial storms, and the two w"ill go down in history as man and institution than whom no better ever existed in Terre Haute. Both man and institution have kept fully abreast of the times, and the wonderful advancement in Terre Haute within the last twenty years finds Preston Hussey and his bank still in the front rank - they having met all recpiirements and responded to every condition.

Mr. Hussey was married September 21. 1865, to Kate B. Moffatt. of Terre Haute, who died June 13, 1876, leaving two children, viz.: Florence, who married S. S. Early, of Terre Haute, but they now reside in Massachusetts : and Warren, of this city. Mr. Hussey was an old line Whig and since a Republican. He is a member of the Fort Harrison Club.

Levi G. Hughes, president of the Indiana State Bank, and one of the leading financiers of Terre Haute, is connected with various corporate interests which have been factors in the city's substantial development and improvement. He belongs to that class of representative American men who in promoting individual prosperity also advance the general welfare, nor in the press of personal business affairs is he ever unmindful of the interests of the community. A native son of Vigo county, he was born on a farm in Lost Creek township, his parents being Peter and Ellen (Dickerson) Hughes. The father was a native of Ireland, born in County Tyrone, on the 28th of December, 1815. His parents were George and Mary ( Dennis ) Hughes. The former was a miller and millwright and also a farmer, and died in his native country. He had a familv of five children by his first wife, Peter being the fourth in the order of birth. His second wife bore the maiden name of Mary McDonald, and unto them were born four children.

Peter Hughes, father of Levi G. Hughes, acquired his education in the schools of New York and Indiana, coming to Vigo county in 1833, when a young man of eighteen years. His environment was that of the frontier, for every evidence of pioneer life was still to be seen here. Only the previous year had the Black Hawk war occurred, which taught the

Indians that the white race were masters of the situation. There were still, however. nian_\- Indian occupants of the state and the homes of the settlers were widely scattered through the forests and over the prairies. During the early period of his residence here. Peter Hughes worked at liis trade of stone cutting and as a stone mason, being employed for some time on government work. Later in life he purchased a fine farm of one hundred and thirty acres in Lost Creek township and carried on general agricultural pursuits. He was married on the 24th of Alarch, 1839, to Miss Ellen Dickerson, a daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Boyer) Dickerson, who were natives of Ohio, the former of Irish lineage and the latter of German descent. L^nto Mr. and Mrs. Hughes were born the following named: Samuel D., Sarah E., Rachel E., George W., James J., Hannah L., Mary, Levi G., John H., Emmet P., Rella, Stephen C. and Martha. Of this number Samuel D. died while serving in the Civil war, while James J., Hannah L. and ]Mary have also passed away. The parents resided upon the farm and there reared their family, Peter Hughes being closely associated with the agricultural development of the county until 1880, v\hen he left the farm and removed to Terre Haute, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He passed away in 1893. after a residence of six decades in the county, while his wife died in 1906. They were among the prominent pioneer people of this section of the state and were helcf in highest regard by all who knew them.

Levi G. Hughes, reared upon the home farm in Lost Creek township, acquired his education in the common schools and in a commercial college. In early manhood he engaged in teaching school in this county for about twelve years and the remainder of the time was devoted to general agricultural pursuits. In 1890 he was elected recorder of Vigo county on the Democratic ticket, filling the office for a term of four years. While upon the farm he traded in stock to a considerable extent and found it a profitable source of income. As the years passed his well directed labors in the care and management of his farm and its further improvement brought him a goodly measure of success, enabling him to become financially interested in various business enterprises. He left the farm permanently in 1905, since which time he has resided in Terre Haute, although he still retains his agricultural interests. In 1906 he was one of the organizers of the Indiana State Bank and has been its qnly president. The safe, conservative policy established at the outset has always been maintained and has been one of the strongest elements in the success of the institution, which is accorded a liberal patronage and is regarded as one of the most reliable moneyed concerns of this part of the state. A man of resourceful business ability, Mr. Hughes, however, has extended his efforts to various lines and is now a director and secretary of the \'alentine Packing Company, of Terre Haute, president of the Temple Laundry Company and a director and treasurer of the East Side Building and Loan Association. His judgment is sound, his opinions upon business principles correct and his enterprises unfaltering, and thus he has contributed in substantial measure to commercial activity as well as to individual success.

^Ir. Hughes was married in 18S0 to Miss Ida AI. Lockridge, a daughter of George and Jane Lockridge, who are now deceased. Airs. Hughes was born in Harrison township, this county, and died in Terre Haute on the loth of March, 1907, her death being deeply regretted by many friends. There were two sons of that marriage but both have passed away. Roy, who was born in 1881, died in 1900, while Ross, born in 1887, died in 1898. Mr. Hughes belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Elks lodges and is also an exemplary member of Social Lodge, No. 86, A. F. & A. M. He is a man of broad capabilities as his varied and extensive business indicate. He cares not for notoriety, nor is there about him the least shadow of mock modesty. He is a gentleman of pleasant address and innate culture, who commands respect by reason of his genuine personal worth and he is quick to recognize good qualities in another.

George E. F.vrrington, a veteran in the railroad service, is now occupying the position of general agent with the Vandalia Company. Through successive promotions he worked his way steadily upward to his present place of responsibility and prominence and his long connection with the company stands as incontrovertible proof of his capability and fidelity. He is one of Terre Haute's native sons, born September 24, 1840. His parents were James and Harriet (Ewing) Farrington, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father was descended from New England ancestry, while the mother was of Scotch-Irish lineage. They were married in Knox county, Indiana, James Farrington having removed westward in early manhood, coming to this state from Boston, while the mother's parents were also early settlers of Knox county. Mr. Farrington was a graduate of the law school of Harvard University and for several years engaged in the active practice of his profession in Terre Haute, after which he became the first cashier of the old State Bank of Indiana in this city. When he withdrew from active connection with financial circles he turned his attention to the pork and beef packing business, in which he continued until his retirement from active life. He died in Terre Haute in 1869, at the age of seventy-four years, while his wife passed away in 1877, at the age of seventv-one. Their familv numbered two children who reached the adult age. The father was a Whig in his early political views and upon the organization of the new Republican party, joined its ranks and became recognized as one of its leaders in this part of the state. He was called to represent his district in the house of representatives and was also collector of internal revenue. His business life was characterized by that orderlv progression which arises from well balanced capacities and powers and the mature judgment that enables one to correctly value the people and circumstances that make up life's contacts and experiences. Starting out in life without any vaulting ambition to accomplish something especially great or famous, he followed the lead of his opportunities, doing the best he could anything that came to hand and seizing legitimate advantages as thev arose. Fortunate in possessing ability and character that inspired confidence in others, the simple weight of his character and ability carried him into important relations with large interests both in business and political lines.

George E. Farrington, reared in Terre Haute, pursued his preliminary education in its public schools and afterward attended Kenyon College, at Gambler, Ohio. His life history includes a creditable military chapter, for on the nth of July, 1862, he responded to his country's call and joined Company C, of the Eighty-fifth Indiana Infantry as a private. For almost three years he remained at the front and was then honorably discharged by reason of the close of the war June 22, 1865. He participated in a number of important engagements, took part in many of the long, hard marches and bore uncomplainingly the rigors and hardships of war, his meritorious service winning him ^promotion to the rank of first lieutenant. He is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Loyal Legion, has been active in these organizations and has alwavs felt the keenest interest in the military history of the country and in the welfare of his own comrades in arms.

When the war was over Mr. Farrington became connected with railroad interests as clerk to the secretary of the Vandalia Railroad. Successive promotions followed in recognition of his capabilities and fidelity and in 1875 he was made general agent, in which capacity he has since served, being today one of the veterans in railroad service in Indiana.

Mr. Farrington has been a stalwart supporter of the Republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, standing loyally by the organization which was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war and which has always been the party of initiative reform and progress. He has served as councilman but has not been a poHtician in the sense of office seeking. He is today one of the prominent ^Masons of the country, the thirty-third degree being conferred upon him. He belongs to Indiana Consistory, Scottish Rite, and also to the Knights Templar. Holding membership in the Episcopal church, there are few good works done in the name of charity or religion in Tcrre Haute that do not receive his endorsement and many times his substantial co-operation. He has been a member of the board of managers of the Rose C)phan Home, of Terre Haute, since its organization in 1874, and the spirit of humanitarism has long been one of the salient traits of his character.

WiLLi.\M C. Ball, a well known retired journalist and prominent citizen of Terre Haute. Indiana, is a native of the city, born in 1846. the son of William J. and Julia (Creighton) Ball. His father was born in Virginia and his mother in Ohio, both being of English descent. When William J. Ball came to Vigo county from the Old Dominion, he had received a higher education in his native place and a thorough professional training as a civil engineer, so that he was fully competent to enter into the all-important work of building the canal and early railroads, in many of which enterprises he was the chief engineer. In those days he was indeed a valuable acquisition to the developing forces of Mgo county. He became a resident of Terre Haute in 1840, and died in the city during 1874.

William C. Ball, the son, attended the Terre Haute public schools, after which he entered the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, but graduated from Amherst College in 1868. For three years thereafter he taught in the St. Louis high school, and during this period he entered into the study of law. In 1871 he returned to Terre Haute to practice his profession, but in the following year, through the purchase of the Gazette, he entered the field of journalism. Of this publication he became editor and proprietor, first, in association with John S. Dickerson, and later with his brother. Spencer F. Ball. Together, they published the daily and tri-weekly Terre Haute Gazette until 1904. when Mr. Ball retired from active work. He does considerable magazine work, however, contributing to a few of the leading periodicals.

Mr. Ball is president of the board of trustees of Rose Polytechnic Institute, a member of the board of trustees of the Indiana Reform School for Boys, at Plainfield. and of a numlier of clubs and different organizations.

Haute high school. As a youngster he carried papers for the old Mail newspaper, then became' a bookkeeper in the counting-room of the Gazette ofifice. and in 1874 became owner of the Gazette with his brother, William C. Ball. After a period of thirty years with the Gazette he retired from newspaper work in 1904. since when he has been engaged in the real estate business. Air. Ball is a trustee and member of the finance committee of the Terre Haute Savings Bank. He has been actively identified with the Commercial Club : is the vice president and chairman of the manufacturers' committee. He is vice president of the Civic League and director of the Young Business Men's Club.

Herman Hulman. - Few men are more prominent or more widely known in Terre Haute and Vigo county than Herman Hulman, who has spent many years of his useful life here and has done much for the city and its institutions. He is the founder and the senior member of the large wholesale grocery house of Hulman Company, and for over half a century has been active in the business aiTairs of Terre Haute, establishing in the meantime, a reputation for industry, sound business principles, enterprise and public spirit second to no man in Indiana.

Mr. Hulman is a native son of Germany, born in the city of Lingen, kingdom of Hanover, April 30, 1831, and his younger years were spent in his native city preparing for a business life. His early advantages in that direction were excellent, and at the age of eighteen he entered the world of trade in the grocery business at Osnabuck, Hanover, thus continuing for four years. His elder brother, F. T. Hulman, had come to America in 1848 and established himself in the grocery business in Terre Haute, in 1850, and it was through his inducements that the younger brother decided to close out his business in the fatherland and join him here, the brothers carrying on the business with success until 1858. Air. F. T. Hulman. with his entire family, was lost at sea on the ill-fated "Astria," while returning from the old country, and this deplorable accident left the younger partner the task of conducting the business alone. But after a year, in 1869, he formed a partnership with R. S. Cox, his strongest competitor in the grocery trade in the city, and soon afterward Mr. Hulman purchased the McGregor & Company distillery, at that time a small afifair, but he soon enlarged and increased its capacity until it was one of the largest concerns of the kind in western Indiana. Air. Hulman continued its operation alone until in 1875, when ill health and a desire to visit his old home in Germany caused him to dispose of it to Air. Crawford Fairbanks. But upon his return to this country he purchased an interest in the same distillery, and the firm of Hulman & Fairbanks continued its operation until 1879, when the former retired, disposing of his interest to R. S. Cox and took in return Mr. Cox's interest in the grocery business which the two had been jointly con- (kicting. Mr. Huhnan then continued alone in the grocery busines.-; until 1886, when B. G. Cox and .\nton Hulman, his son. were admitted to a partnership, the firm name then becoming Hulman & Companw and continued so until Mr. Cox's death and Mr. Hulman's son Herman entered the firm, and so it remains to the present time. The business of Hulman & Company has grown to mammoth proportions and is today considered one of the largest in the west, outside the city of Chicago. But while his activity in industrial life has brought him wealth and reputation, Herman Hulman is perhaps best known and will be longest remembered and esteemed as philanthropist and public benefactor. It was chiefly due to his efforts and bounty that St. .Anthony's Hospital was established, which has proved of the greatest good to the entire community. This was formerly the old St. Agnes Episcopal school, and the grounds and buildings were purchased by Mr. Hulman and donated to the Poor Sisters of St. Francis, and he also enlarged and remodeled it to its present form. He was not only one of the main supporters of the St. Benedict's church, but did more than ay one man in building this magnificent edifice. He has been one of the main promoters of all the railroads coming into Terre Haute, and also in securing for the city many of the large 'industries which have done so much towards building up the town. His business interests are now extensive, and despite his age he retains their management and direction, leaving the details to the younger members of the firm.

Adolph Herz, one of the most prominent citizens of Terre Haute, and the leading merchant of the city, was born in Schwabish Hall. Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1843, ^""^ came to the United States in 1866. After spending one year in the East he came to Terre Haute, where he entered the establishment of Joseph Erlanger, merchant tailor. In 1869 he began business on his own account by establishing a store on South Fourth street, between Main and Ohio, which he named "Herz Bazaar." The business was moved from location to location, from year to year, always for the purpose of securing, additional room to accommodate the growing trade, until in the fall of 1907 he entered his new building in Wabash avenue, erected expressly for him, which is by far the finest building block in the city and unsurpassed by any in the Middle West outside of Chicago. Cincinnati and St. Lonis. Here Mr. Herz has the store of this section, employing two hundred and fifty people, and carry- ing- a large stock of ladies' furnishing goods, ready made wear, notions, rugs, curtains, house furnishing goods, books, leather goods, etc., etc. The building is 80x142 feet and contains five floors, a basement and a mezzanine floor, and the floor area of something over 70,000 square feet. With the exception of one or two department stores in Indianapolis, no other building in the state is as large, and the best thing about the new store possibly is that the business fits the store, which has been built up by hard, honest work during the past thirty-eight years. The new fixtures are all of mahogany, plain in appearance, but constructed as durably and as modern as fixtures can be. The counter tops are of solid mahogany. There are more than six hundred feet of glass floor cases in the first and second floor departments. Particular attention has been given to safety features in the construction of the building. The walls are heavy enough to carry three additional stories easily. The fire escape is a thoroughly fireproof tower occupying the northeast corner of the building, and thick fire walls separate the fire escape from the interior of the store. On each floor of the building a door leads out into an iron platform, and from this iron platform entrance to the fire escape is obtained. In the tower easy stone steps lead down to the alley-level. There are three lines of fire hose on each floor of the building. All stairways in the building are enclosed and each floor is separated from the floor above by a self-closing door. The entire store is piped for vacuum cleaning. The pneumatic cash system is used, a ten horse power motor in the basement operating a blower which sucks the air through the tubes, furnishing the motive power for the cartridges which contain the money and the sales slips. The building is equipped with large passenger elevators, one large freight elevator, and a dumb waiter, all operated by electricity. In addition to splendid natural ventilation, two huge fans operated by electricity bring fresh air down two air shafts from the roof, and distribute it throughout the main floor and the basement. During the winter the air is forced through the immense steam coils.

Mr. Herz has been in business in Terre Haute for forty years, and each one of those years has seen a substantial growth in the volume of business done by his house - the last the largest. .A.side from the commercial life, Mr. Herz has been and is very active and prominent in the affairs generally of Terre Haute, and has impressed his individuality and personality upon the history of the city and her institutions. His well known public-spiritedness, progressive views and broad and humanitarian ideas, together with his zeal and liberality in aiding any worthy project, whether commercial or charitable, stamp him as an ideal citizen, and as such he is universally recognized bv his fellow citizens. He is now serving his third term as president of the Commercial Club - the organization which has done and is doing more than any other organization or individual or set of men towards the upbuilding of Greater Terra Haute - an honor befitting any citizen of the community, and the bestowing of which is a tribute to any man. He is a member of the board of directors of the McKeen National Bank, the Gibraltar of Terre H'aule financial institutions. He is trustee of Rose Orphans' Home, the model institution of its kind in the state, and in many and divers ways is he giving of his time and means for the good of his adopted city.

Mr. Herz was married in the year 1872, in New York city, to Pauline Einstein, who was born in the same location as was her husband, in Germany. Children: I. Bertha H., married Adolph Joseph, of this city ; 2. Milton E.. in business with his father, married Mae Herman, of Cincinnati, Ohio ; 3. Rose, married Max Hammel, who is connected with the Herz store ; 4. Henrietta Pauline, married Harry Cohen, in the same store.

Curtis Gilbert was one of the founders of Vigo county in numerous ways, as he was a man of many-sided character and his versatility was applied to practical things and did not seem to dissipate his energies or powers of concentration. Before the county was organized he was postmaster at old Fort Harrison, and the postoffice was removed thither to his residence in Terre Haute, which was the first frame house in the new town. He had already been elected the first county clerk ; was a member of the first town council, and in the early forties, when he removed from Terre Haute to his farm east of the city, commenced to assume the same leadership in agricultural matters as he had previously enjoyed in county and urban matters. It was during this period that he was placed at the head of the Terre Haute branch of the State Bank, and in 1856 wound up its afl:airs with remarkable financial skill and in a manner which greatly added to his high reputation for unadulterated integrity. He was a strong Whig during the heyday of that party, but with its disintegration joined the Democracy. Mr. Gilbert died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. S. Warner, at Palma Sola, on the Manatee river, Florida, on Sunday, October 28, 1877. This had been his winter home during the last seven years of his life. At the time of his death he was in his eighty-third year.

Curtis Gilbert was born in Middletown, Connecticut, June 8, 1795- At the age of seventeen his advancement in educational matters had been so pronounced that he was granted a certificate to teach in the village schools, but in October, 1813, after a year of pedagogical work, started for the west. He traveled in a boat to Amboy, New Jersey, then by land to Bordentown. and from Philadelphia to Pittsburg his journey was not only bv land, but afoot. He thereby saved the stage fare of thirty dollars, making arrangements to have his trunk forwarded. At Pittsburg he waited ten days for the arrival of his baggage, but the delay was not entirely on that account, for the river was so low that the keel boats could not navigate. Finally he reached Marietta ; thence passed on afoot to Zanesville, and then to Springfield, Ohio, where he met Colonel William Wells, to whom he had a most flattering letter from John Pratt, of Middletown. Although it secured the young man a good friend, business was so dull at Springfield that Colonel Wells suggested that he should go to Newark, but as conditions were the same there Mr. Gilbert returned to Springfield, taught school there for a time and then obtained a place in Mr. Walpole's store at Zanesville. He afterward went to Marietta and thence to Cincinnati, which was then a village of about 2,500 people. While at the latter place he took advantage of an opportunity to go to New Orleans, and he was a month on the Mississippi before he reached his destination. One of his uncles resided in New Orleans at the time, with whom he remained for two months, but on account of the depression of business caused by the fear of British invasion, the young man retraced his way up the river to Louisville, and thence on foot to Cicinnati, where he arrived December 4, 1814. For a short time he was clerk in the store of Bailey, Green & Bailey, and was afterward placed in charge of the Vincennes branch. In the fall of 181 5 the Vincennes house determined to send a stock of goods to Fort Harrison, and a keel boat filled with general merchandise landed at that place December 20, 1815. Mr. Gilbert, who had it in charge, beached the boat opposite the fort, taking part of the goods into that structure. Soon afterward was formed the partnership of Bailey & Gilbert, under the terms of which Mr. Gilbert was to sell the goods to the Indians which Mr. Bailey purchased and transported, the profits to be shared equally. In the summer of 1816, Mr. Gilbert established a trading post at the mouth of the Vermilion, building three log cabins, one of which was a store, one for Indian quarters and the third a smoke house for venison hams. He also had an interpreter dispatched from Vincennes. With the expiration of the partnership the new firm of Gilbert & Brooks (Andrew) was formed, and continued to transact a large business with the Indians until Mr. Gilbert was elected clerk and recorder of Vigo county in March, i8i8. On December 4, 1817, he was commissioned postmaster at Fort Harrison, and acted as such until the office was abolished and moved to Terre Haute, October 26, 1818. Mr. Gilbert had become a resident of the town with his election to the ofifice of clerk and recorder, erecting a two-story frame house, the first of the place, on the northeast corner of Ohio and Water streets, where the jail is now being re-built. Tbe upper i)art of this liistoric building was used as a court room before the official building was completed, and in October, as stated, the postoffice was established in it. Also the government land office was located in this .building. The building was erected on lots 225 and 226, which he had secured by a private arrangement before the regular sale by the town company had commenced. Besides this quite pretentious structure there were in Terre Haute, at the time, four or five log cabins, among others the once famous Eagle and Lion tavern, on the corner of Wabash avenue and Second street. The year following his appointment as postmaster and his election as comity clerk, Mr. Gilbert was appointed judge advocate of the old battalion of the First Brigade Indiana Militia. He served as county clerk for three seven year terms as a representative of the Whig party. In 1824 he was elected to the board of trustees of the public library, of Vigo county, and in 1834 actively participated in the organization of the Terre Haute branch of the State Bank. In November, 1845, he was elected president, succeeded in carrying it through the succeeding depression of business, and upon the expiration of its charter in 1856, closed its affairs without the loss of a dollar to its creditors - a record wdiich has few parallels in the history of banking at that period. This really ended his official and public life, and thereafter he gave his time to his large private affairs. At the expiration of his third term as county clerk, in 1839, Mr. Gilbert had given up his town residence and removed to his farm of one hundred and twenty acres, then east of Terre Haute, afterward the site of the present city park on Fourteenth street. Mr. Gilbert's front yard would now be embraced in this beautiful public ground. He also owned two hundred and eighty acres just outside of the city limits in Harrison township, and about three hundred acres in Sugar Creek township, retaining until his death, the original lot on Ohio and ^^'ater streets, in which had been established the first postoffice and court house. During the early days of Masonry in this country he was an earnest member of the ^lasonic fraternity, being a charter member of Lodge No. 19. organized at an early day, and was the survivor of all his associates in the local establishment of the order. Curtis Gilbert was twice married. His first wife was Catherine, daughter of Gen. Peter B. Allen, whom he married in Terre Haute, on the 15th of September, 1819. She died February 6. 1821, and he wedded Miss Mary C. King, November 26, 1834. His second wife was born in the state of New York, November 7, 181 2, but was reared in West Suffield, Connecticut, who came to Terre Haute in 1831. and died in this city on the 20th of October, 1858. By the first marriage there was one child, who died in the same year as the mother. Ten children resulted from the second union, one of whom is Joseph Gilbert, who has so finely con- tinned the life record of his father in all that relates to broad activity and able citizenship, worthy motives and high character. .A miniature sketch of the elder man and representative pioneer of \'igo countv is thus presented by a friend : "Curtis Gilbert was a pioneer here. He was the first clerk of this county. His fine, correct, neat, well-kept records will never cease to attract attention. He was essentially accurate in all he did. He was of medium size, thoughtful and serious looking, and exceedingly regardful of the sensibilities of his fellow citizens. No man perhaps ever lived in Vigo county more universally respected than this firm, earnest and honest man."

.\mong the children of Curtis Gilbert may be mentioned : Harriet, who married John S. Beach, of Terre Haute, and they died in March, 1905, within a day of each other, and were buried together; Mary C, who married Joseph H. Blake, he died : Helen C, wife of Warburton S. Warner, who reside in Florida ; Martha, the youngest of the family, who lives at Tyrone, North Carolina ; also Edward, of Terre Haute, and Henry C, of Terre Haute.

J.\MES H. Turner, deceased, was for many years a prominent resident of Terre Haute, to which city he came in 1836, when it was a small town, giving little promise of industrial or commercial development. He was then a young man of eighteen years, his birth having occurred in Fleming county, Kentucky, January 2, 1818. His parents, Joel and Anna (De Bell) Turner, were also natives of the Blue Grass state and were of English descent. The father, who was a respected farmer, died in Kentucky. The family numbered eight children, of whom James H. Turner was the second in order of birth. He acquired, a fair education in his native state, but at a comparatively early age left the school room to become factor in the business world, securing a clerkship in a store near his boyhood's home. Thinking to find better business opportunities than seemed to offer there, he came to Terre Haute in 1836 and accepted a position as salesman in the employ of Jacob Early, one of the first merchants of the city and a former resident of Fleming county. Kentuck}-. For several years Mr. Turner acted as clerk in Terre Haute, during which time he thoroughly acciuainted himself with commercial methods and from his earnings saved the capital that enabled him to engage in business on his own account. Purchasing a stock of dry goods, he opened a store which he conducted with success for about ten years and then sold out. A little later he became a grocer and was thus associated with commercial circles in Terre Haute until 1880, when he disposed of the business. For several years thereafter he was in the

James H . Turner

Mr. Turner married ^Miranda I\IcDonald, a daughter of John -Mc- Donald, an early settler of \'igo county. This marriage was blessed with eight children : .Annie .\., who became the wife of W. B. .Shelatoe ; Florence, the wife of John G. Williams ; James, now deceased ; Mary E., the wife of George E. Farrington, of Terre Haute : Mattie, who became the wife of David P. Cox ; Scott C, deceased ; Samuel AI. and George J. .\fter the death of the mother Mr. Turner was married, in 1874, to Aliss Jennie Collett, a daughter of Stephen S. Collett, who was one of Terre Haute's prcMiiinent citizens and later a resident of \'ermilion countv, Indiana. He was born in Pennsylvania and was of English descent. In early manhood he married Sarah Groenendyke, a native of Xew York, and of Holland Dutch lineage. Their marriage was celebrated in \'igo county in 1821, and they resided in Terre Haute until 1826, when they removed to \'ermilion county, Indiana, where Mr. Collett followed farming. He served for several terms as representative from his district in the state legislature and was also state senator from \'ermilion county, being elected to the latter office in 1843. He died while a member of the upper house at Indianapolis and thus passed away one who did much toward molding the public policy of the state in its formative period, leaving his impress for good upon its legislation and consequent development.

In his political views James H. Turner was an earnest Republican, who served as county assessor and was also a member of the city council of Terre Haute. Interested in everything pertaining to municipal progress and advancement, he gave his co-operation to many movements that were directly beneficial here. His death occurred October 5, 1891, and thus he lived to see Terre Haute emerge from villagehood and become a city of much commercial importance. All who knew him trusted him, for his integrity was above question. He was kindly and considerate of others and guided his life with principles that neither sought nor required disguise. After a residence of fifty-five years here he was called to his final rest and Terre Haute mourned the loss of one of its early and valued residents.

Jo-SEPH Gilbert. - 'Few instances can be presented by the county historian of a family record which embraces a longer and more eminent arrav of useful achievements than that of the Gilberts of Terre Haute. The founder of the family in this section, Curtis Gilbert, was an Indian trader and a settler near Fort Harrison before the county was organized, and during hig residence of nearly sixty years in Terre Haute was a leader in everything which tends to the development of an American community, in proof of which the reader is referred to his hfe review, published elsewhere in these pages. His son, Joseph Gilbert, was born in Terre Haute, Jantiar_v 2, 1839, and by his acts Vigo county is largely indebted to him for its agricultural and horticultural development, for the progress of its higher education find many of its public measures contributing to its best growth.

Until he was three years of age Joseph Gilbert remained on the homestead farm between ]\Iain and Ohio streets, on Sixth street, the familv then moving to the site of the present city park. That farm continued his home until he reached the age of twenty-three, since which he has resided on his present homestead on section 25, known as Fruit Ridge avenue. There he owns forty acres of fine fruit land, and he is also the proprietor of 300 acres in the Wabash river bottom. Sugar Creek township. His entire business career has been devoted to fruit growing and farming, and he is especially honored as a pioneer horticulturist of Vigo county. At one time he owned the Moore Park farm, just across the road from his present homestead. In the larger development of agriculture and horticulture, through organization and education, he has been even more prominent than in the conduct of his private affairs, successful though they have been. In 1865 he became one of the organizers of the Terre Haute Horticultural Society, serving as secretary and president of that society for several years. In the following year he assisted in the founding of the Vigo County Agricultural Society, was its president for two years and its secretary for nearly a decade. He has also been a member of the American Pomological Society for many years, and has been honored with the vice presidency of the national organization. In 1869 Mr. Gilbert assisted to organize the first grange in Indiana, and for ten years was active in the movement which spread with such enthusiasm over the west. It may be added, along these lines, that he was corresponding secretary of the Indiana Horticultural Society for several years, and served as president for two years ; that he has been a delegate to the State Agricultural Society repeatedly, and for two years was a member of the State Agricultural Board. Outside of his political offices Mr. Gilbert has served as a member of the Indiana committee to the Centennial Exposition of 1876, under appointment from Governor Hendricks, and from 1879 to 1889 as a trustee of the State Normal. As representative of the Democracy, Mr. Gilbert has taken an active part in the public life of the community, and from 1874 to 1876 served his 'district in the state legislature. He was twice chairman of the Democratic central committee, and for twenty-two years was a member of the election board of Vigo county.

she was reared in Crawfordsville. Indiana, a daughter of Dr. S. B. "Morgan, of that city. She was a graduate of the Glendale Female College of Cincinnati, and her death occurred March 4. 1892, the mother of five children, one of whom died in infancy. Sadie M.. the eldest, became the wife of James T. Cooler, president of \\'ashington College, in eastern Tennessee, and they have become the parents of three children. Helen Louise, the second born, is the wife of Professor R. G. Gillum, of the Indiana State Normal, and they have five children. Curtis Gilbert, named after his grandfather, resides on a farm near Sullivan. Madge M., the fourth in order of birth, married C. H. Elliott, of Terre Haute, and they removed to Goldfield, Nevada, where he engaged in the mining business at a time when that thriving town consisted only of tents. He died there in February, 1905, leaving five children, and his widow married Frank W. Champion, a broker and banker of the place. The fifth chiUl of the family did not survive infancy. Air. Gilbert has served as a trustee of the Congregational church for twenty-six years. Mrs. Gilbert was a member of that denomination.

The late Albert Z. Foster was for a long period a leader in the commercial activities of Terre Haute. He was far more, for from the alnuidance of his means, which came to him through wise and honorable efforts, he gave generously to the benevolent and religious institutions of his home city. The duties of citizenship were estimated at a high value, and he courageously fought for honesty in public affairs as in private deeds. Although his creed and his charity were broad, he was especially concerned in the good work of the Congregational church, and from his early manhood proclaimed his devotion to it, as the inspiring and sustaining force of his personality. His attitude toward his beloved church and toward religion in general is thus described by his pastor: "Because he was deeply religious he was found in his place at the public worship of the church. He came because he felt that he should give to others the influence of his example. Often has he deplored to me the fact that so many men of wealth and influence in this community neglect the church altogether, and by their indiflference give countenance to the forces of unrighteousness. To use his own words. 'Such indifference is not respectable ; it is not decent.' But this was not the chief motive which brought him to the house of worship. He loved to be here ; he came, as he often said to me, because he felt the need of coming into touch with spiritual realities and having his own spiritual life fed and quickened. He did not see how a man, especially a man of affairs, could do 'without such aid. When asked by an acquaintance why he came to prayer meeting, he said, T go because I feel the need of it ; it helps me to be the man I ought to be.' "

Early sustained by an unfaltering trust in a supreme power and guidance and starting in life without any vaulting ambition. Mr. Foster persistently followed the lead of his position and took wise advantage of the near and legitimate opportunities. As the way opened he never hesitated to take a forward step, like a master of military tactics always keeping in touch with the forces behind. Added to this conservative enterprise were strict integrity and keen business judgment, so that as the years passed he reaped not only success but public and private confidence.

Born at Coldenham, Orange county, New York, on the 15th of April, 1848, Albert Z. Fd'stei-'%as the fifth son of Dr. John L. Foster, a native of Stanford, Connecticut, and of fine Quaker stock. His grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, who established the family homestead near Newburg, New York, where the father died at the age of eighty-nine years. Mr. Foster's mother, formerly Harriet Scott, was a native of Long Island, and also lived to be nearly ninety years of age. The son spent his early life on a farm and received a district school education until he was fifteen years of age, when he left the homestead and went to New York city to work for his elder brothers, who were there engaged in the dry goods business. His aptitude and perseverance soon made him a good salesman, his economical habits enabled him to gather a small capital, and his ambition led him to embark in a venture of his own, when he had reached the age of eighteen. Reinforced by some borrowed funds, he struck out cautiously but confidently, and at the age of twenty-one had an established dry goods business at Troy, New York, having in the meantime received Samuel M. Foster, a younger brother, into partnership. The senior partner made Troy his home until 1875. when he located at Brazil, Indiana, where several vears before he had purchased a large tract of land and platted it into city lots. In order to be near his developing real estate interest he moved his business to Brazil, but two years afterward entered the drv goods firm of Foster Brothers, of Terre Haute. In 1882 he bought the interest of his elder brother in the business, and in 1886 extended its scope by establishing furniture and house furnishing departments. In time his establishment was changed into an exclusive furniture and carpet house, and its development in volume of business, completeness and artistic attractions was due entirely to his sound judgment and refined tastes. A short time before his death an incorporation was effected as the A. Z. Foster Company, with John Luken, who had long been associated with him in a business way, and his son-in-law, D. Russ Wood, as partners. Mr. Foster had also been associated in many outside interests, tending to develop the city in various lines. He had long been a director of the First National Bank of Brazil, a stockholder in the Terre Haute National Bank and in the Terre Haute \'itrified Brick Com- pany. During the later years he had been vice president of the Citizens' Independent Telephone Company, and was an active member of the Commercial Club and the Retail Merchants' Association. He was a director of the Union Hospital and a lifelong member and active worker in the Congregational church, being chairman of the building committee which erected the new edifice, whose corner stone he laid in 1902. He died after a brief illness, at his beautiful home in Terre Haute, on the 3d of July, 1906. and certainly none of the members of his church could have been taken from its life whose departure would have more deeply affected it as a body. As a city, also, Terre Haute was in mourning. The press voiced the deep public grief, while his associates in the work of the church, the hospital, fraternities, business and finances, all added their iVnpressive testimonials. But in the home, which his life had cheered and inspired, the grief was to deep for formal expression.

In 187 1 Mr. Foster wedded Miss Sarah Manville, of Troy, New York, who became the mother of his three daughters - Fannv Scott, Mrs. Arba Perry, of Evanston. Illinois: Mary DeFreest, now ]\Irs. D. Russ Wood, of Terre Haute : and Harriet Seott, who married Herbert W. Morse, of New Rochelle, New York. The wife and .mother died March 5, 1886, to the deep regret of the many who hatl learned to esteem and love her. On January 3. 1898, Mr. Foster married Miss Fannie R. O'Boyle. daughter of John H. and Sarah E. ( DeLashmutt ) O'Boyle, a native of Terre Haute. The widow survives, as well as the three married daughters mentioned, three grandchildren and four brothers of the deceased.

Emil E. Ehrm.\nn, widely known in business circles as one of the prominent manufacturers of Terre Haute, has advanced to his present enviable place through no esoteric means, but through the employment of business methods and agencies which neither seek nor require disguise. A native of Terre Haute, he was born June 5, i8fi8. His parents were Max and Margaret Ehrmann, and the father, a native of Germany, arrived in this city in 1856. For twenty-five years he was in the employ of the \'andalia Railroad as a master mechanic, and on retiring from that service engaged in the coal business, becoming one of the successful and prominent merchants in his line in the city. Politically he was a Democrat prior to the outbreak of the Civil war, but recognizing the fact that secession was largely supported by adherents of the Democracy and that the Republican party stood in defense of the Union, he joined the ranks of the latter and continued one of its faithful adherents until his demise. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church, and he remained a faithful follower of its teachings until his death in i8t;3, when he was sixty-three years of age. He had acquired a good education in his native land and was a man of sterling qualities of heart and mind. His family numbered four sons, Charles, Emil E., Albert D. and Alax, and one daughter, now Mrs. Frederick Recert.

Emil E. Ehrmann, reared under the parental roof, acquired a fair English education in the public schools of Terre Haute and afterward pursued a course in bookkeeping. When in his teens he filled the position of cashier in the old Buckeye Cash Store, which occupied the building that is now occupied by the Klemans and which is the property of Mr. Ehrmann and his brother Albert. He hardl)' dreamed at the time that he would one day be in possession of the building, for he started out in business in a comparatively humble capacity, having no capital to assist him. When seventeen years of age he became salesman and bookkeeper for Charles Zimmerman, a pioneer manufacturer of overalls in Terre Haute. He continued in that capacity for several years and gained valuable experience concerning the methods pursued in commercial circles. In 1886 he formed a partnership with his brother Albert and established the Ehrmann Manufacturing Company, of which he became manager. The firm erected their present fine building on Wabash avenue and here they have built up an extensive manufacturing concern, their product being a general line of working men's garments. They give employment to a large number of operatives, have a well equipped factory and do a business which is constantly increasing in volume and importance. The sagacity, enterprise and keen discernment of Emil E. Ehrmann have been valuable assets in the success of the business and his prosperity is indeed gratifying. As the years have passed his interests have broadened in scope and he is now the owner of the site of old Fort Harrison, which he is improving and developing at heavy expense and in creditable manner, his purpose likely being here to open a park which the public may enjoy later.

Fond of travel, Mr. Ehrmann has made extensive trips in this country and abroad and in 1900 he circled the globe, visiting many points of modern and historic interest in foreign lands. There is nothing which is so excellent an educator as travel, and he returned with a mind enriched with many reminiscences and interesting incidents of the days spent abroad. Fraternally he is a Master Mason and is also associated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Travelers' Protective Association and the Young Business Men's Club. What he has accomplished since starting out on his own account and in his youth indicates clearlv his force of character, his firm determination and his laudable ambition. Such a record should prove as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others, proving as it does that diligence constitutes the key which unlocks the portals of success.

I\Iax Ehrmann. - Literary circles of Terre Haute have a distinguished representative in Max Ehrmann, an author of no restricted reputation. His entire life has been passed in this city, his natal day being September 16, 1872, a son_ of Max Ehrmann, Sr. He mastered the branches of learning taught in the graded schools and then entered his father's coal office, but while thus engaged in business he also continued his studies under a private instructor, preparing to enter college. When he had attained the degree of proficiency necessary he became a student in DePauw University, at Greencastle, Indiana, and was graduated therefrom in 1894, with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He began his literary career in the university as editor of the college paper, to which position he was called by election. While a university student he also made various speeches in political campaigns, gaining the reputation of being a forcible and eloquent orator. Ambitious, however, to advance in educational lines, he matriculated in Harvard College, where he pursued a post-graduate course in philosophy during the years 1894-95 and 1897- 98, making a thorough research in the field of mental philosophy and ethical science. His first literary production that attracted favorable attention was entitled "Farrago," a collection of stories, the principal one being '"The Blood of the Holy Cross," published in 1898. This has also been "brought forth as a separate publication and has been extensively sold and read. In 1900 his volume entitled "The Mystery of Madeline Le Blanc" came from the press and was immediately followed by "A Fearsome Riddle" in 1901. His first effort in poetry was a story in blank verse of five hundred lines called "Breaking the Home Ties" in 1904; then came "A Prayer" in 1906, followed by his book of poems, in which his poem, "Who Entereth Here," together with the one previously mentioned, "A Prayer," deserve more than passing notice. In fact, his productions have found a secure place in the literature of the day, and no one can pursue his writings without being uplifted into a lofty realm of thought and sentiment. He might be termed an optimist in that he always looks upon the bright side, believing that somehow the blighting influences in the affairs of men will be obliterated and in the good time coming each will strive for all and all for each. The following quotation from one of his writings is but a reflection of his convictions : "Love some one - in God's name love some one - for this is the bread of the inner life, without which a part of you will starve and die ; and though you feel you must be stern, even hard, in your life of aft'airs, make for yourself at least a little corner, somewhere in the great world, where yovi may unbosom and be kind."

Markham, speaking of one of his shorter productions, said : "It deserves to be engraved on granite."' As a poet and novelist Mr. Ehrmann has attained a position of distinction in literary circles of the country and his record is one which reflects honor upon his native city. In 1899 he was admitted to the bar and practiced for two years in Terre Haute, being for .1 time deputy prosecuting attorney. His attention, however, is now largely given to literary interests. He is also secretary of the Ehrmann Manufacturing Company. His political views are in accord with the principles of Democracy. In literary, social and fraternal circles of Terre Haute he holds prominent place and is one of the most widely known and highly respected residents of the city.

Samuel R. Hamill. - The numerous friends and devoted relatives of the late Samuel R. Hamill, while realizing with keen regret that the distinguished lawyer of Terre Haute stood on the very threshhold of a national professional achievement, at the same time know, with a sense of deep comfort and profound feeling of recompense, that his character for liigh honor, sincere afifection, filial and domestic love, and all those sterling qualities of mortality and fine traits of spirituality, were in the very, flower of excellence at the time of his sudden departure from life. His name was associated with the highest standard of ability and citizenship in' the historic annals of thS city, county and state, and the tributes of the professional associates came from old and young, being mingled recollections of the lovable and admirable traits of the man. To Samuel R. Hamill were freely accorded the best traits of the modern lawyer - profound knowledge of the principles upon which are based all legal procedures, whether of bench or bar; unsparing application in the mastery, of details and a logical genius in ascertaining their proportionate bearing on the case as a whole ; and a clearness and strength of diction which assured the presentation of any matter at issue in a light which would appeal most effectively to both judgment and sympathy of court and jury. To. Mr. Hamill as a man, a father, a husband, were given unaffected words and unchecked tears. His married life may be called ideal, as he was a fond and thoughtful husband and father and had established a beautiful and harmonious home on South Si.xth street.

Unfailing faithfulness was the watchword of Mr. Hamill's life, and he held to it both in his professional and private relations. It was his supreme faithfulness to the cause of his friend and client, John R. Walsh, the Chicago banker, which was the immediate cause of his death. His speech in the Chicago court, in defense of his client, in whom he had implicit faith, was the climax of several years of concentrated thought and labor, and was the greatest of his career, thrilling the spectators with its sympathetic earnestness. Mr. Haniill had appeared before the superior court, in Chicago, and in March, 11)03, had won a notable victory in the case of the Indiana coal barons on trial for their alleged violation of the anti-trust act of 1891. .Vs the leading lawyer in the case he was heartily congratulated on his legal triumiih, the defendants being discharged on the ground that as their acts came under the provisions of the interstate commerce law they were amenable only to the jurisdiction of the federal court. That was a complete legal victory. In the Walsh case, although the outcome was different, his reputation was nevertheless expanded into national breadth. With the hand-clasp, even of his opponents, still warm and grateful, he went out into the chill air, and the door of the future life slowly swung open. A few days of anxious, hard work and intense application, in preparing to continue the fight against the court's stern decree, he developed pneumonia and the door into the other world stood wide open. Mr. Hamill died of pneumonia, at the Auditorium Annex, Chicago, where he and his family had been residing for the preceding year, on the 24th of January, 1908, leaving as his deepest mourners a devoted wife and young daughter, who were at his bedside as his life flickered out.

Samuel R. Hamill was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, on the 13th of December, 1857, being of a family of ten children born to Samuel R. and Martha (Wood) Hamill. His father was a Pennsylvanian and his mother, a native of Maryland. The former was a distinguished lawyer of Sullivan county, and the year before his death, in 1875, was elected prosecuting attorney of the circuit comprising Sullivan and Vigo counties. Samuel R. Hamill, Jr., spent the years of his childhood and early youth in the pursuit of an education, and at the age of eighteen was appointed a cadet to West Point, but as his father died a short time afterward he completed but two years"of his military course, and then, as the oldest son, returned home to look after the welfare of his mother and family.

In the meantiiue the family had removed to the city of Terre Haute, where voung Hamill commenced the preparation for the professional work of his life. Entering upon the study of law in the office of the late Judge Cyrus McNutt. after a thorough course of preparatory reading he was permitted to practice in 1872, forming his first partnership with John G. McNutt, a son of his preceptor. This association continued until 1882, when he became a partner of Hon. George W. Faris, and for fifteen years the firm of Faris & Hamill held a prominent place at the bar of Terre Haute and \'igo count\-. "In the twelve years in which I practiced with S. R. Hamill," says Mr. Faris, "never an unkind word passed between us. If any difference of opinion, or judgment arose it was argued out, and there was never a ripple on the current of our beautiful relationship. I saw his veneration for a venerable mother ; witnessed his solicitude, as an eldest son. for brothers and sisters. I stood with him when he took his beloved in marriage, who ever afterward adorned and embellished his life. I saw him struggle, climbing round by round of the professional ladder, until in the very tenseness of his almost superhuman effort, I saw him fall."

On the dissolution of the firm of Faris & Hamill, Mr. Hamill continued alone in the practice, and from the beginning of his career his advancement was steady and substantial. His pleas were characterized by a decisive logic and terse diction, which made him an especially strong advocate before a jury. He prepared his cases with the utmost thoroughness, presented them lucidly without attempting to enshroud them with oratorical effects, and therefore always retained the close and respectful attention of the court. As stated by Mr. Lamb, his associate of a quarter of a century : "He saw the danger points as well as any man I ever practiced with, and he usually found a way to meet them. He was one of the most comfortable men - if I may use the term - with whom I was ever associated in a case, and he was, on the other hand, one of the most dangerous antagonists I have ever encountered." With Mr. Hamill the law was ever a serious business of his life, and although his views as a Democrat were pronounced and advanced with characteristic sincerity and force, he never made a pronoimced departure from the professional field except upon the occasion of his candidacy for Congress in opposite his old partner and friend, George W. Faris. Under the circumstances, it was a remarkable and somewhat of an ideal political campaign, but Mr. Hamill was defeated with the Democratic ticket generally.

In June 29, 1892, Mr, Hamill married Miss Jessie B. Sawyer, of Piqua, Ohio, who with one daughter, Josephine, survives him. At the time of his death he not only enjoyed a large private practice, but was chief counsel of the Southern Indiana Railroad, and was generally conceded to have earned a place in the foremost ranks of the state bar. His professional talents brought him respect and admiration, and his high personal qualities endeared him to his fellow citizens of Terre Haute, and his associates everywhere. These traits combined made him a

F. C. Crawford, cashier of the \'andalia Railroad Company, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of central Indiana. His father was secretary and afterward president of the Terre Haute & Richmond Railroad, and for many years the family name has figured honorably and conspicuously in railroad circles. .\ most creditable record also entitles F. C. Crawford to representation in this volume among the men who have been active in public and business life of the comnumity, and whose records reflect credit upon the communitv at large. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth (Cunningham') Crawford. The father, a native of county Antrim, Ireland, born November 27, 1802, came to America about 1822 or 1823, and after residing for a time in Louisville, Kentucky, removed to Terre Haute. He was married in this city to Miss Cunningham, a native of Terre Haute and a daughter of Francis Cunningham, who became a pioneer settler here and was the first postmaster of the city. He arrived about 1818, removing westward from Ohio, and was closely associated with the development of the town during its early formative period. liecoming a factor in commercial circles. Samuel Crawford figured prominently as a member of the mercantile firm of J. & S. Crawford, the senior partner being his older brother, John Crawford. They conducted a store with growing success for many years, but went out of business when the Terre Haute & Richmond Railroad was built in 1852, Samuel Crawford becoming secretary of the company. Eventually he was chosen to the presidency of the road, continuing in the ofifice until his demise on the 19th of March, 1857. His wife passed away in 1841, after a happy married life of ten years. Their family numbered three children, but F. C. Crawford is now the only survivor. From the pioneer epoch in the history of Terre Haute the name of Crawford has figured prominently in its annals, Samuel Crawford being one of the most prominent and most successful among the early business men.

The birth of F. C. Crawford occurred in Terre Haute, October 19, 1838, and at the usual age he entered the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until he entered upon a college course as a student in Kenyon College,, of Ohio, In i860, he went to Europe, where he spent two years in travel and study, gaining also that general culture which only travel can bring. Upon his return to his native land in 1862, he became a member of the local military company known as the Union Guards, and went to Henderson. In September, of the same year, he assisted in raising and organizing Company C, of the Seventy-first Indiana \'ohmteer Infantry, and received a commission as adjutant of the Eighty-fifth

Indiana Infantry, while subsequently he was appointed adjutant of the Eightv-fifth. Going to the South for active field duty he was captured at Thompson Station, Tennessee, and was incarcerated in Libby Prison for some time, but eventually was exchanged. Later he was made adjutant of the Second Brigade of the Third Division, Twentieth Army Corps, under General John Coburn, and participated in the March to the sea under General Sherman, and the Carolina campaign, proceeding northward to Washington. After the capitulation of .\tlanta he was made aid-de-camp to General W. T. Ward, of the Third Divison, Twentieth Army Corps, and became acting assistant adjutant of that division with the rank of major, continuing in that position until the close of the war. His duties were varied and often of a most responsible as well as an onerous character. Maintaining deep interest in the military history of the country, and especiallv in his old army comrades in arms, he is today an active and valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic and also the Loyal Legion, Indiana Comiliandery.

Following his return home after the cessation of hostilities. Air. Crawford became associated with Thomas Murray in the shoe business as a retail merchant, while eventually he became connected with the wholesale shoe trade as senior partner of the firm of Crawford, O'Boyle & Company. This connection was continued for three years, when he withdrew from commercial interests to enter the railroad business in 1878, in the paymaster's office of the \'andalia Railroad Company. He continued as paymaster until 1907, when he became cashier, and today is thus associated with railroad interests.

In September, 1862, Mr. Crawford was married to Miss Jessie R. Burr, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Alay, who is now the wife of Henry A. Fletcher, of Chicago. Mr. Crawford is an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity, and has attained the Knight Templar degree in the commandery. His career is closely identified with the history of Terre Haute, where he ranks as a valued and respected citizen and business man of ability, and as a patriot he is loyal and sincere in his love of the stars and stripes.

Hon. John E. L.\mb, of Terre Haute, has been a leader of the Indiana bar for more than thirty years, and during nearly the entire period has been before the county, the state and the country as a public official or a sturdy representative of the Democratic party. He made his entrance into public life in 1871, when he was appointed deputy county treasurer of Vigo conntv, a position which he filled for two years. During that time he commenced the study of law, which he completed in the office of Voorhees & Carlton, being admitted to the Indiana bar in 1874.

In the year following his admission to practice, Mr. Lamb was appointed prosecuting attorney of the fourteenth judicial circuit, comprising the counties of Vigo and Sullivan, and in 1876 he was elected to that office, serving a full term. In 1880 he served as a district elector on the presidential ticket headed by Hancock and English, and in 1882, overcame a large Republican majority in his election to the Forty-eighth Congress. Subsequently, he twice received the congressional nomination, but the opposition had developed such strength that is could not be overcome. In 1885 President Cleveland appointed him United States district attorney for Indiana, but Mr. Lamb resigned the office- in the following year in order to make the race for Congress. His party placed his name at the head of the Indiana electoral ticket for Cleveland and Thurman, in 1888, and in 1892 he served as delegate to the national convention which nominated the second successful Cleveland ticket. In that enthusiastic gathering of representative Democrats he was honored with the chairmanship of the committee on credentials. In 1896 he was again sent to the national convention which met at Chicago and nominated William J. Bryan for the presidency, serving as an alternate delegate-atlarge in place of Senator Aoorhees, who was ill at the time. He was a district delegate to the St. Louis convention in 1904, being chosen chairman of the Indiana delegation, and at the state Democratic convention of March 25, 1908, was chosen one of the four delegates-at-large to represent his party at the Denver convention. During all these years of public and political honors, Mr. Lamb maintained his eminent rank at the Indiana bar, and at the present time is the senior member of the Lamb, ISeasley & Sawyer, one of the strongest law firms in the state. He is not only an active member of the state bar has conducted much important litigation in the United States courts.