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GENEALOGY COLLECTION

iPlli

HISTORY

OF THE

CITY OF EVANSVILLE

AND

VANDERBURG COUNTY. INDIANA

By FRANK M. GILBERT

Volume II

ILLUSTRATED

CHICAGO

THE PIONEER PUBUSHING COMPANY 1910

1326967

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BIOGRAPHICAL

SAMUEL ORR.

While Samuel Orr was one of the most successful business men of Evansville, his attention being given to the management of projects ^vhich constitute important elements in the material c ro«rres.e v^f tbe citv Thct were other phases in his 1'' was well known for a bene. and niavv ai; indivifln;;] n-

i*.i.v Cdtiit^J to hJS

e did and for the : !. e city.

\vn, Ireland, in the year of that country. After

• iming man's estate, he wedded Miss Martna Lowry, also a native of i,:c Emerald isle, and in 1833, with his young wife, he came to America, ianding at Baltimore. From that city they proceeded to Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, where Mr. Orr obtained employment in a store. His financial re- sources were very limited but he possessed strong determination and his ability, integrity and industry soon attracted the attention of Messrs. James and Alexander Laughlin of Pittsburg, who in 1835 induced him to come to Evansville as their represerttative. Here he established a pork packing and general merchandise business, which from the beginning proved profitable. In 1836 he was admitted to a partnershinp and for many years was associated with the Messrs. Laughlin in the conduct of a wholesale grocery business and also in the iron trade. Tn 'f^- fh'^ two interests were separated and in the grocery departrrc. -on,

James L. Orr, and Matthew Dalzell were admitted to nder

the firm style of Orr, Dalzell & Company "1 ■ '> ■ ..mess

was transacted successfully until the outh; < :: war. The iron

business was carried on under the nsmc until 1866, when

t was joined by James Davidson and l;<i> :.,. '.»ri. iiiider the firm style

BIOGRAPHICAL

SAMUEL ORR.

While Samuel Orr was one of the most successful business men of Evansville, his attention being given to the management of projects which constitute important elements in the material progress of the city. There were other phases in his life as pronounced as his business ability. He was well known for a benevolent spirit that found joy in generous giving and many an individual and public project benefited by his liberality. While twenty-eight years have come and gone since he was called to his final rest, he is yet remembered for the good which he did and for the beneficial effect of his life upon the development of the city.

He was bom in Newtownards in County Down, Ireland, in the year i8lo, and acquired his education in the schools of that country. After attaining man's estate, he wedded Miss Martha Lowry, also a native of the Emerald isle, and in 1833, with his young wife, he came to America, landing at Baltimore. From that city they proceeded to Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, where Mr. Orr obtained employment in a store. His financial re- sources were very limited but he possessed strong determination and his ability, integrity and industry soon attracted the attention of Messrs. James and Alexander Laughlin of Pittsburg, who in 1835 induced him to come to Evansville as their representative. Here he established a pork packing and general merchandise business, which from the beginning proved profitable. In 1836 he was admitted to a partnershinp and for many years was associated with the Messrs. Laughlin in the conduct of a wholesale grocery business and also in the iron trade. In 1855 the two interests were separated and in the grocery department Mr. Orr's son, James L. Orr, and Matthew Dalzell were admitted to a partnership under the firm style of Orr, Dalzell & Company, under which name the business was transacted successfully until the outbreak of the Civil war. The iron business was carried on under the name of Samuel Orr until 1866, when he was joined by James Davidson and James L. Orr, under the firm style

6 HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY

of Samuel Orr & Company, which was continued until the death of the senior partner in 1882. The business was then continued by James L. Orr, Edward H. Mann and Ben H. Griffith, under the style of Orr, Griffith & Company. On the ist of January, 1900, Mr. Griffith retired from the firm and from that time until the present the business has been carried on under the style of the Orr Iron Company, consisting of James L. Orr, Edward H. Mann and Samuel L. Orr, the last named being son of the senior partner, Under capable management was developed one of the oldest and largest iron houses in the west. The business grew in volume and importance being based upon the most substantial commercial principles.

Mr. Orr possessed a genius for organization and his initiative spirit and untiring energy found scope in the establishment and conduct of busi- ness interests which have been of the utmost benefit to Evansville. As the years passed the trade relations of his two interests reached out over a broad field and brought back rich returns. Moreover, the imprint of Mr. Orr's individuality is found on nearly all of the great enterprises of the city. He was one of the incorporators of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad, early recognizing the necessity and value for rapid transporta- tion as a factor in business activity. Moreover, his name became a promi- nent and honored one in banking circles. He was one of the promoters of the Evansville branch of the Bank of the State of Indiana, was one of the original directors of the Evansville National Bank, presiding as its chief executive officer until his death.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Orr passed away in 1882, the former on the 8th of February and the latter on the 9th of October. In their family were three children but only one is now living : James L. Orr, who is his father's successor in business and one of the most prominent residents of Evans- ville.

The parents held membership in the Walnut Street Presbyterian church and following their death one of the appropriate memorials erected by their children to commemorate their hves and work was the beautiful parsonage of the church in which they worshipped. For a quarter of a cen- tury Mr. Orr served as one of the elders of the church and not only gave liberally to its support but also labored with hand and heart for its spiritual and temporal welfare. It was largely through his instrumentality that the church indebtedness was lifted about two weeks before his death. For many years he was a trustee of Wabash College, to which he left a bequest in aid of the library.

Mr. Orr was, moreover, a man of most philanthropic spirit and as he prospered gave generously of his means for the benefit of others. His life was never self-centered but reached out into the broader fields where the general interests of society were involved and where progress and ad- vancement are stimulated. He never regarded business as the sole aim of life but rather as but one phase of existence and as he prospered he made generous division of his success that others might enjoy with him the fruits

HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY 7

of his labor. His generosity was never prompted by a sense of duty but rather by a deep interest in his fellowmen and it was ever a pleasure to him to assist the unfortunate and the needy. His word was accepted with absolute confidence and reliance. Truth and honor were so clearly dis- closed in his daily transactions that no man doubted the one or assailed the other. One of his biographers has said of him: "In many humble homes widows and orphans who had for years enjoyed his benefactions mourned the loss of a loving friend when he was called to his final rest. Into his large heart he took the children and all suffering ones. Much they missed the sunny smile and welcome gift that always marked his coming. In spirit he stooped to the lowliest and bound to his loving nature all classes up to the highest."

FLETCHER M. DURBIN.

The spirit of progress has been dominant in no field to a greater extent than in the development of transportation facilities. In this era of rapid liv- ing time is considered money and there is on the part of the public a demand for rapid transit and well organized railway service. Into this field of busi- ness Fletcher M. Durbin has directed his efforts and since 1907 has been manager of the city and interurban railway lines of Evansville, giving careful supervision to each detail of the business and studying the possibilities for improving the service. His work in this connection has been of value not only to the company which he represents but to the general public as well.

A native of Anderson, Indiana, he was born April 25, 1879, and is the only child of Winfield T. and Bertha (McCullough) Durbin, residents of Indianapolis, where the father is conducting manufacturing interests.

Fletcher M. Durbin was educated in public and private schools. He supplemented his early opportunities by a course of study in Williams Col- lege from which he was graduated in 1902. Since that time he has been continuously connected with street and interurban railway interests. For five years he was connected with the railway lines of IndianapoHs, winning promotion as his experience and ability fittted him for advancement. When he severed his connection with the company he was assistant superintendent. In 1907 he came to Evansville as general manager for the city and inter- urban lines and has since occupied that position, in which connection he has done much for the improvement of the service, his efforts being followed by practical results. He is also secretary of the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Traction Company, nor is he unknown in financial circles, being a director of the Mercantile National Bank of Evansville and also of the Citizens State Bank of Anderson, Indiana.

Mr. Durbin, still in his teens, at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war enlisted for service in the One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana In-

8 HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY

fantry and became second lieutenant of Company A with which he was engaged on active duty in Cuba. His political support has always been given to the republican party but without desire for office as a reward for party fealty.

On the 20th of November, 1907, Mr. Durbin was married to Miss Hazel West, a daughter of M. Thornton West, of IndianapoHs, and they now have one child, Elinor. The family residence is at No. 300, Chandler avenue, and there Mr. and Mrs. Durbin extend a hearty welcome to their many friends whom they have gained during the period of their residence in this city. Mr. Dubin in one of the most self-masterful because one of the best balanced of men, not given to extremes and yet not without that contagious enthusiasm which is a promotive element in many public interests.

MADISON J. BRAY, M. D.

Activity in the field of medical science was promoted most largely through the efforts of Dr. Madison J. Bray, a distinguished physician and surgeon and one of the founders of the Evansville Medical College. His creative spirit and his broad investigation were manifest in improved methods of practice, as well as in his contributions to medical literature. He was born in Androscoggin county, Maine, January i, 181 1, a son of Captain William and Ruth (Cushman) Bray. The father commanded a company of cavalry during the war of 1812 and in days of peace devoted his attention to merchandising. While the period of his boyhood may have been a happy one, it was nevertheless a busy one for Dr. Madison J. Bray. He attended the village schools in the winter seasons and in the summer months worked in a carding mill until sixteen years of age, when he began teaching, following the profession for eight years. He regarded this, however, merely as an initial step to other professional labor.

It was his desire to become a physician and while teaching he gave his evening and other leisure hours to the study of medicine. Subsequently he pursued three courses of medical lectures, one at Dartmouth College of New Hampshire and two at Bowdoin College, Maine. He was graduated from the latter institution in 1835 and in the fall of that year left home to establish himself in a field where he believed his professional labors might prove profitable. His objective point was Louisiana but upon ar- riving at Louisville, Kentucky, he found his funds exhausted and in order to obtain the money necessary to continue his travels he applied for a school. Before he was accepted, however, he overheard a conversation in which Evansville, then a little hamlet, was mentioned. This is but another evidence of the fact that it is ofttimes what seems a trivial inci- dent that changes the entire course of life for an individual.

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*ERBURG COUNTY

wf <3ompany A with which he was

Li.< poiihcal support has always been

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methods of practice, as well as in his contributions to inedical literature.

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wHoin Collejgfe, Mainf. Ke was oraduated

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c~

HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY 11

Abandoning his former plans Dr. Bray engaged passage on a boat bound for Evansville and on the 25th of November, 1835, arrived in the city. He was practically penniless but he had been well tutored in his chosen profession, possessed energy, determination and courage. Dr. William Trafton was at that time the only physician in all this region and, learning that a young man of the medical profession had arrived, sent for him. That he was impressed with the appearance and ability of the young man is indicated in the fact that he at once proposed a partnership, which was gladly accepted. Dr. Bray therefore entered upon the practice of his profession here and while in earlier years it involved the hardships that come to the pioneer physician, his business grew in volume and importance as time passed on and the country became more thickly settled. For many years he devoted his attention largely to surgery and was recognized as one of the most able and distinguished surgeons of Indiana. He became a prominent member of the State Medical Society and in 1856 was honored wnth election to the presidency. He was also a member of the Tri-State Medical Society and wrote for it a history of surgery in Vanderburg and adjoining counties. For years he served as a member of the board of health and at all times he urged the acceptance and utilization of pre- ventive methods. In 1847 he became associated with others in procuring a charter for the Evansville Medical College and in that institution filled the chair of surgery from the organization of the school until the opening of the Civil war.

In 1862 Dr. Bray resigned a large and lucrative practice to aid in the organization of the Sixtieth Regiment of Indiana Infantry, of which he was commissioned surgeon. He went to the front with that command, doing arduous duty upon the fields and in the hospitals in connection with the regiment, but at the end of two years he was obliged to resign because his own health had become undermined. At the close of the war he was appointed surgeon of St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville and following his military experience he was again called to the chair of surgery in the Evansville Medical College and occupied it until his health forced his re- tirement. He was also surgeon for the Marine Hospital at Evansville under appointment of President Van Buren, from 1847 until the Civil war. Aside from his practice he was known as one of the incorporators of the Canal Bank, now the First National Bank, and his name was ever an hon- ored one upon commercial paper.

In 1838 Dr. Bray was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Johnson, a daughter of Charles and Ann (Tate) Johnson. They became parents of a son and daughter, Madison J. and Elizabeth, but the latter is now de- ceased.

Such in brief is the life history of one of the most honored among the pioneer settlers of Evansville, who passed away August 25, 1900, in the ninetieth year of his age. The work that he did was not only beneficial to his patients but also for many years constituted a standard for professional

12 HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY

service in Vanderburg county. His ability was pronounced and advancing years chronicled his increasing skill and ability, the result of thorough re- search, close investigation and broad experience. He was most conscien- tious in the performance of his professional duties and in fact throughout his entire life carefully fulfilled every obligation that devolved upon him.

JOHN A. REITZ.

The important part which the German element has played in the up- building of Evansville is perhaps not thoroughly understood or appreciated, but careful consideration of the history of the city shows that the sons of the fatherland have contributed in large measure to the growth and advance- ment that has here been achieved. In this connection due recognition should be paid John A. Reitz. What Evansville would have been without his coop- eration it is hardly possible to determine. Mastering the lessons of life day by day, his post-graduate work in the school of experience at length placed placed him with the men of eminent ability and he long figured prominently in connection with Evansville and southwestern Indiana, imbuing with his own progressive spirit all of the business interests with which he became associated.

In the town of Dorlar, Prussia, Mr. Reitz was bom December 17, 181 5, his father, Francis Joseph Reitz, there owning large estates. His ancestors were noted for longevity. His grandmother reached the remarkable old age of one hundred and sixteen years and following her husband's death, when she was eighty-one years of age, she took up the management of the salt manufacturing business which he had established and successfully con- ducted it for thirty years.

Careful home training imbued John A. Reitz with principles which were manifest throughout his entire life. At the age of twelve years he was sent to Esloh, one of the important educational centers of Prussia, where he pursued his studies for four years under a capable tutor. The next five years were devoted to active work at home, bringing him to the period of his majority. His interest in America was awakened by reports which he had heard and, hoping to enjoy life under republican government and to find opportunities for business advancement on this side the Atlantic, he sailed for the United States. Up to that time no resident of his native village had come to the new world but difficulties vanished before determina- tion and courage and although breaking home ties was unpleasant, he reso- lutely turned his face toward the land of promise nearly four thousand miles away. All ocean-going vessels were then propelled by sails and on one of these slow-going ships he made his way to Baltimore. However, he still felt that the land of promise was beyond and crossed the Alleghenies with Louisville, Kentucky, as his destination. He was induced to establish

HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY 13

a pottery at Evansville, where clay adapted to the purpose had been dis- covered. At that early period, in a sparsely settled country, there was little demand for this ware and he had burned only one kiln when he realized that the venture could not be made a paying one. A year was then spent in Louisville, after which he made permanent location in Evansville in 1838, securing a situation in a saw and planing mill owned by Judge Stephens. The plant, however, was soon afterward destroyed by fire and he obtained a position in another sawmill. When a few years had gone by he utilized the capital saved from his earnings in building a sawmill in connection with his half brother. They conducted the business successfully for about a decade, when the brother retired. Soon afterward the mill burned but almost immediately a new mill rose phoenixlike from the ashes. His busi- ness grew so that in 1873 the mill was rebuilt and enlarged and in time be- came one of the most expensive, substantial and profitable manufactories of this city. His sons were admitted to a partnership under the firm style of John A. Reitz & Sons and in the manufacture of hardwood lumber their firm probably exceeded any other in volume of business in the country.

Mr. Reitz's business ability and resources were by no means limited to one field, however, many enterprises being stimulated by his judgment and promoted by his cooperation. In 1857 he formed a partnership with John A. Haney for the purpose of carrying on a foundry business and after twenty- four years' successful operation of that industry the enterprise was profit- ably sold. Mr. Reitz was also well known in financial circles as one of the organizers of the Crescent City Bank in 1856. His service as director was followed by election to the vice presidency, while afterward he became president and contributed largely toward making this one of the most sub- stantial banking institutions of the state, carrying on business until the pas- sage of the national bank law. It was then succeeded by the Merchants National Bank, of which Mr. Reitz became director. He afterward trans- ferred his interest to the German National Bank and after serving as one of its directors for several years was elected vice president and afterward president, continuing at the head of the institution until his death on the I2th of May, 1891. His activity and success as a manufacturer and banker would alone entitle him to rank with the leading business men of this part of the state, and yet in other fields he attained equal prominence. Trans- portation facilities were greatly promoted through his cooperation. He became one of the incorporators of the Evansville, Carmi & Paducah road and was president of the company. This is now the St. Louis division of the Louisville & Nashville system. He was for years a director of the Nash- ville division of the same system from Evansville to Nashville, Tennessee. When the town of Lamasco was incorporated in 1846 he became its chief executive officer and managed its aflfairs with ability until it was consoli- dated with Evansville. While president of its board of trustees he was largely instrumental in advancing the interests of the Evansville & Craw- fordsville (now the Evansville & Terra Haute) and the Straight Line Rail-

14 . HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY

roads. He was associated with Willard Carpenter in the conduct of exten- sive real-estate enterprises which netted handsome profits.

While preeminently a capable and successful business man, his splendid capacities and powers in this direction were permeated with the leaven of charity, prompting him to the generous division of his wealth with the un- fortunate. He indeed deserves to be classed with the philanthropists of Evansville, for he constantly befriended the poor and needy and gave liberally wherever material assistance was needed. As a memorial to his daughter Louise, who died in California a number of years ago, he built a large home for the aged on a site selected for its beauty and pleasant sur- roundings and presented this to the Little Sisters of the Poor in order to insure the proper care of the inmates. The home provides for about one hundred, nor is admission limited to those of Roman Catholic faith. There is no sectarianism in the home, for the deserving poor who are incapacitated for earning a livelihood are here welcomed and cared for without regard to creed or nationality. While a devout Roman Catholic, his membership being in the church of the Holy Trinity, he also gave freely to Protestant churches. He built at his own expense the church of the Sacred Heart and presented it to the bishop as a place of worship for the Irish Catholics. He was a liberal contributor to the building and maintenance of Evans Hall, dedicated solely to the cause of temperance. The public projects of Evans- ville instituted for the benefit and upbuilding of the city counted upon and received his endorsement and cooperation. His humanitarianism was broad, his spirit democratic, and the humblest as well as the highest could depend upon his sympathy and his friendship. It is true that he was remarkably successful in business and gained a generous share of the world's goods, yet his prosperity was not due to any fortunate combination of circumstances. Sound judgment — the result of experience and careful consideration — guided him in his business undertakings and he never stopped to grieve over a loss but bent his whole energies to the further accomplishment of his purpose. At times the unscrupulous took advantage of his bounty but he always preferred that several unworthy individuals should receive from him rather than that one should be turned away empty handed who needed aid. In 1839 Mr. Reitz was married to Miss Gertrude Frisse, whose birth- place was not far from her husband's childhood home. Of their ten children, two have passed away — the daughter Louise, who died in California in 1886, and a son who was drowned in Colorado in 1892. To Mr. Reitz home was the center of his universe, yet he never allowed parental indulgence to interfere with the careful training of his children, knowing that certain lessons of life must eventually be learned. That he instilled into their minds certain principles is evidenced in the fact that the policy which he inaugurated in connection with the manufacturing business has been main- tained by those who succeeded him. The relation between himself and his employes was always cordial and sympathetic and though he employed many men, the business was never interrupted by a strike. Mutual confidence was

HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY 15

firmly established there and this condition has always existed, being manifest today under the present management as well as when John A. Reitz was at the head of the enterprise. Moreover, the men who have grown old in the service are not discharged by reason of their advancing years ; their names are continued on the pay rolls at the same wages they received in the prime of Hfe.

Mr. Reitz's recognition of the obligations of citizenship was never over- shadowed by his other activities and interests and his cooperation was again and again given to further public projects which were instituted for the welfare of the city. He was elected and served as a member of the city council and in 1862 was sent to the state legislature as a joint representative from the counties of Vanderburg and Posey, serving during the memorable session of the following year. He was a stalwart democrat yet did not place partisanship before the general good nor personal aggrandizement before the welfare of the commonwealth. In this respect he was not a partisan. He was, however, firm in support of his honest convictions and from the course which he believed to be right nothing could swerve him. He never reached his opinions hastily, his ideas upon many questions being the result of careful deliberation and mature judgment. When his advice was sought concerning business affairs, as was frequently done, he gave a conservative and honest opinion and his advice, if followed, usually led to desired results. He had a horror of debt and never incurred financial obligations. He was never afraid to face a fellowman, for he owed no man anything. He never took the cares of business into his own household but sought to give expres- sion there to the best traits of his character and his relation in his family was largely that of the ideal husband and father. His wife possessed a most charitable disposition and he gladly gave her the means to support liberally churches and worthy benevolent objects. They were always one in interests and in purpose, their mutual love and confidence growing as the years passed. The name of John Reitz is indeed a synonyn in Evansville for that which is honorable and progressive in business, yet he never allowed per- sonal interest or ambition to dwarf his public spirit. His breadth of view not only saw possibilities for his own advancement but for the city's develop- ment, "and his lofty patriotism prompted him to utilize the latter as quickly and as effectively as the former.

JOSEPH ROLLET.

Joseph Rollet, a representative of the farming interests of Vanderburg county, was born in Strasburg, Germany, August 15, 1840, a son of Joseph and Catherine Rollet. While spending his youthful days in his parents' home in the fatherland he began his education, which was largely acquired in that country. At length he came with his parents to America and for

16 HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY

two months was a pupil in the schools of Evansville. The greater part of his life has been devoted to general farming and since the 5th of May, 1854, he has lived upon the place in Perry township which is now his home. Here he has improved eighty acres of land, transforming it into a valuable tract by bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation and adding substantial buildings and modem equipments. His life has been character- ized by unfaltering diligence and industry, which in time has been crowned with success.

On the 3d of May, 1865, Mr. Rollet was married in German township, St. Joseph, Indiana, to Miss Sophia Spitzer, a daughter of Lawrence Spitzer, who fought in the French wars under Napoleon. Coming to America, he was for many years a resident of this part of the state, his death occurring in November, 1909, when he had reached the very venerable age of ninety- seven years and eight months. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rollet have been bom five children. Thomas and John, twins, married Kate and Mary Speaker, sisters. Unto Thomas and Kate have been born two children, Maggie and William, while John and Mary Rollet have three children : Julia, Rosie and Andrew. Henry Rollet wedded Elizabeth Matz and their children are Francis, Sophia, Celia and Henry B. Lena Rollet became the wife of August Hartman and has two children, Joseph and Julia. Elizabeth Rollet is the wife of John Matz and their children are Annie, Delia and Josie.

For fifty-six years Joseph Rollet has lived in this county and upon the farm which is now his home and is therefore largely acquainted with the history of this region, its progress and upbuilding. He has been deeply interested in all that has been accomplished and has borne his full share in the work of development, especially along general agricultural lines.

GEORGE W. BEMENT.

George W. Bement was born in Evansville in March, 1859. His parents, Charles Russell and Mary C. Bement, had but recently removed to this city from Terre Haute Indiana, and the father became an active and influential factor in business life here, his labors constituting a forceful and resultant element in business activity and progress. He was well known in connection with mercantile and banking interests, having been the organizer and almost continuously the president of the Merchants National Bank up to the time of its liquidation in 1885. He belonged to that class whose well balanced capacities and powers of keen judgment constitute them the stable element in the community, their labors actuated by a spirit of progress that, however, tempers enterprise with a spirit of safe conservatism.

Reared in his native city, George W. Bement supplemented his public school training by a preparatory course at an academy in Norwalk, Con- necticut, before entering Yale. His college course was pursued within the

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HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY 19

classic walls of the New Haven university and to his college training he added the broader knowledge that comes through extensive travel. At differ- ent times, both in his young manhood and in his later years, he went abroad, visiting the many points of historic, scenic and modern interest in different countries of Europe. While family connection secured him his first position in the business world, it was individual merit that led him onward and his initiative spirit make him a factor in the organization and development of business enterprises of large value to the city. He was first connected with the Merchants National Bank but later became interested in the firm of Behme & Seitz, wholesale grocers. Opportunity for the enlargement of his activity and the scope of his business led him to organize the Bement-Seitz Company, with which he was connected until the time of his death. It became one of the most important wholesale interests of the city and for the accommodation of the business he erected on Water street the fine building which stands as a monument to his enterprise. In its erection he manifested his faith in the city and his cooperation with various projects he contributed in substantial measure to the general work of upbuilding.

Mr. Bement was also widely known because of his deep interest and support of our national game of baseball. For two years he was the presi- dent of the Central League Baseball Qub. He owned tlie Evansville Club for a year and a half of the existence of the old Three I League, and after the withdrawal of the Evansville and Terre Haute clubs from that league he was instrumental in organizing the Central League.

On the 24th of March, 1896, Mr. Bement was married to Mrs. Myrtle Walker Hathaway, of this city, and occupied a beautiful suburban home on St. Joseph avenue, where man has vied with nature in producing all that is beautiful in flowers and shrubbery as an adornment to a well kept lawn. There Mrs. Bement has continued to make her home since the death of her husband on the 29th of January, 1908. He was then in his forty-ninth year — a man in the prime of life, too young, it seemed, to answer the final summons, for his activities and interests made him a valued and representa- tive resident of his native city. An engaging personality and social qualites rendered him a favorite with all and those with whom he came in contact cherished his friendship.

ANDREW MOLL.

There is no rule for achieving success and yet there are certain elements which are indispensable in the attainment of prosperity. These are close application, industry and reliable business methods, all of which find expres- sion in the life work of Andrew Moll, who is now engaged in merchandising in Stringtown. Vanderburg county numbers him among her native sons. He was born in October, 1874, of the marriage of John B. and Katherine Moll, who were natives of Germany and of Indiana respectively. They

20 HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY

became residents of this county in 1872, settling in Scott township, whence they afterward removed to Center township. In early life the father learned the woodworker's trade and followed that business continuously until his death, which occurred in March, 1898. His widow still survives him and now makes her home with her son Andrew, who remained with his parents through the period of his boyhood and youth, acquiring his education in the public schools and in the Catholic schools of this city. For a time he attended St. Mary's Catholic school of Evansville and was graduated from St. Anthony's Academy in June, 1888. At the age of twenty-two he left home to undertake the solution of life's problems independently. To provide for his support he secured employment by the month, being thus employed for about a year. He then returned home and worked for his father for some time, gaining expert skill in that line. Following his father's death he operated the shop for the mother for five years, when he bought out the business, added other stock and started independently. A year later he opened a mercantile store at Stringtown, where he has since carried on business. He has a well selected line of goods to meet the demands of general trade and has succeeded in securing a liberal and growing patronage. In 1902 Mr. Moll was united in marriage to Miss Frances Wemhener, a daughter of William and Frances Wemhener, who were natives of Ger- many. Mr. and Mrs. Moll attend the Catholic church and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but does not seek or desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he is meeting with substantial success. He has two large fish ponds upon his property, furnishing a fine place for game fishing. His enterprising spirit has brought him into important business relations and the passing years chronicle his success, for he is making steady progress toward the goal of prosperity.

CAPTAIN OTTO F. JACOBI.

Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in commercial and financial circles in Evansville than Cap- tain Otto F. Jacobi, the president of the Central Trust & Savings Bank. This is due not alone to the success which he has achieved but to the honor- able and straightforward methods which he has always followed. He early recognized the fact that promotion is won through a service, not of time, but of talent — the utilization of one's powers for the benefit and interests of those whom they represent, and because of this his loyalty and energy were ever manifest in the service of those whom he represented until he passed from the ranks of the employed to that of the employer, his progres- sion at length bringing him to the prominent place which he now fills in the banking circles of Evansville. He was born in Meiningen, Saxony, Ger-

HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY 21

many, November 28, 1835. His father Gottlieb Jacobi, was a graduate of the University of Breslau and for many years held an official position under the Duke of Saxe- Weimar. His wife, Mrs. Fredericka Jacobi, was a des- cendant of the Von Oswalds, a prominent family in military and literary circles in Germany. The death of Gottlieb Jacobi occurred in 1849, while his wife passed away in 1841.

Captain Otto F. Jacobi, the eldest son in a family of four children, was about thirteen years of age when left an orphan. He was educated in the schools of his native country, and in 1852, when a youth of seventeen, came to America, settling first in Philadelphia. In 1855 he enlisted in the regular army, becoming a member of Company D, First United States Infantry, in which he attained the rank of first sergeant, acting in that capacity for many years. When the Civil war broke out he was with his regiment at Fort Cobb, in the Indian territory. He remained with the regular army until 1863, when he received a commission as first lieutenant in the Tenth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. Faithful service won him promotion to the captaincy of Company G on the Twenty-third of July, 1864, and in the fol- lowing year he was appointed assistant commissary of musters by the sec- retary of war and assigned to duty with the First Cavalry division of the department of the Cumberland. He continued to act in that capacity until after the close of hostilities, when in July, 1865, he was honorably discharged.

Following the close of the war Captain Jacobi took up his abode in Evansville, where he established a wholesale tobacco and cigar business. In 1869, however, he sold out and in 1870 accepted the position of bookkeeper in the H. F. Blount Plow Works. The value of his services won him ap- pointment to the position of financial manager and he was admitted to a share of the profits in 1883. He has long been numbered among the repre- sentative business men in this city, and extending his efforts into banking circles has ever maintained a most honored name and prominent connection therein. For years he was vice president of the Central Trust & Savings Bank, and on Jan. i, 1901, was chosen to the presidency. He is also direc- tor of the First National Bank. To the solution of involved financial prob- lems he brings sound judgment, keen sagacity and long experience. By his work he has reared for himself a magnificent testimonial and an indestruc- tible compliment to his management and financial genius. He is one of that class of representative and successful men who seem to find the happiness of life in the success of their work, yet his activities have been by no means confined to interests which bear alone upon individual prosperity. His public trusts have been many and all have been faithfully executed. On various occasions he has been a moving factor in projects which have been of distinct value to the city and he is now one of the trustees and treasurer of Oak Hill cemetery and a trustee and treasurer of the Willard Library.

Captain Jacobi was married in 1862 to Miss Mary E. Sawyer, of Corinth, Mississippi, and unto them have been bom five children, but only two are now living, Otto F. and Sidney F. The spirit of enterprise which caused

22 HISTORY OF VANDERBURG COUNTY

Captain Jacobi to leave his native land at the age of seventeen and seek the opportunities of the new world has ever been with him a dominant charac- teristic. He has never regarded any position in business as final, but rather as the starting point for further effort towards successful accomplishment. At the age of seventy-five years he is still an active factor in financial circles in Evansville, honored and respected by all who