History of Tell City

The history of Tell City is so closely interwoven with that of the Swiss Colonization Society that the two will be written together. The society was organized at Cincinnati, November 16, 1856, for the purpose of furnishing mutual aid in founding homes and business in the West. Afterward, branches of the parent organization were planted at many places in the Mississippi Valley, and annual conventions were held in the interests of the society in turn at the various colonies. The constitution was adopted December 14, 1856, and Prof. Christen became first President; Charles Steinauer, Recording Secretary; Richard Luetley, Corresponding Secretary, and J. Goldenberg, Treasurer. The first general convention was held April 19, 20 and 21, 1857, at Cincinnati, fifteen branches being represented. Up to this time the total receipts amounted to $35,255, and the expenses to only $180. Early in 1857 a special committee was sent West to look up land suitable for a colony, but returned without finding any which the society would accept. In July, 1857, C. Tuffli, M. Oehlman and Charles Rebstock came down the Ohio River on the same errand, stopping at numerous places and inspecting the country. Efforts were made by them to engage large tracts of land at Rome, Cannelton, Hawesville and perhaps elsewhere, but either the prices were too high or the quantity of land required was too small, so that no purchases were made. Finally they selected a large tract where Tell City now stands, and bought extensively, July 29. This purchase was made by a branch of the parent society. The funds were raised by an assessment of $15 on each of 8,192 shareholders at first, and $5 a little later, and each shareholder was entitled to two lots of land in the new colony to be drawn by lot. This fund amounted to $163,840, of which about $20,000 was never realized.
pril 24, 1858, the population numbered over 300, and by May 29, was 616, as shown by a census taken at the time. There were eighty-six houses at this time. The rudest plank or log shanties were erected, from three-fourths of which was displayed the sign “beer." The town was like one of the recent mining towns of the West. It sprang up in the woods and bogs like a mushroom. William Scheitlin, was the first boy born in the town, and Miss J. Blum, the first girl. The society erected many houses, which were rented to residents. Frank Herm, built the first house after the town was laid out. It was a log structure, and yet stands at the corner of Tell and Eighth Streets. The first arrival of residents was March 13, Charles Steinauer, being one of three or four that came then. Probably the first industrial undertaking was a saw-mill, built by Herrmann & Bro., in April, 1858. There was an enormous demand for lumber at the start, to be used in houses, etc. Charles Steinauer, opened the first hotel in March, 1858; Paul Schuster was the first resident lawyer and land agent; Charles Reiff, started the first store of consequence as early as April, 1858. He kept a general assortment. The first whartboat was built at Cincinnati by the society, and sent down the river, in May, 1858, and rented to Fred Steiner. A large quantity of lumber was floated down from Cincinnati by Hausler & Co., in May, 1858, and from that forward, these men kept a big lumber yard in town. They sold doors, window casings, moldings, shutters, etc. The society loaned money at six per cent interest to manufacturing enterprises. Jacob Loew, who started the first shingle factory, was loaned $300. June 1, T858, there were 620 people in town, and eighty-six buildings. Louis Frey was the first agent of the society here. June 1, the society alone owned forty buildings. June 30, there were 120 houses, and 986 persons. C. Heim, started a brick-yard in May. July 5, the first picnic from Cincinnati w as held in the woods on the schoolhouse hill, over 600 persons coming down the river to see their friends and the new town. The majority of the Swiss came from Cincinnati. July 5, there were 154 houses and 1,230 people. Charles Robert started a grocery in June. Huthsteiner started a saw-mill about June. J. K. Frick was the resident architect. His labors, though numerous, were not profound. The first officers of the branch society at Tell City, were Charles Steinauer, President; F. W. Dietz,Vice President; John Silbert, Secretary; William Leopold, Assistant Secretary; Louis Frey, Correspondent Secretary; John Wegman, Treasurer. These men constituted the first Board of Directors. The first general convention of the various Swiss colonies was held at Tell City, September 19-21, 1858, and at this date, the board of the society was transferred here, and the act was passed to loan from $500 to $1,000 of the society's funds to worthy manufacturing or business enterprises. Peter Schreck who started the second brewery, was loaned $300. Reis & Endebrock, who started the first brewery, were loaned the same amount. They were established in the building now occupied by the Tell City Planning-Mill Company. John Herrmann, became the first postmaster, in October, 1858. The first planning-mill was started in November, 1858, by David Brotsi and Henry Major, who were loaned $1,000 by the society. The " Hotel Steinauer" was in Judge Huntington's old residence, at the south end of Eighth Street. John Ruehler had a small store in the summer of 1858. Kimble & Goettel, sold lumber and hardware. Mr. Dietz did the same. John Hartman, opened a general store, as did John Graff. Jacob Herrmann started a blacksmith shop in June, 1858. It is said that Fritz Rank, started a store about the time Reiff did. John Selbert and Mr. Luher had early stores. Extensive and active work was done on the streets. By June 1, 1858, five miles of streets had been cut through the woods. The Cannelton Reporter of October 2, 1858, said " Tell City is a marvel. There is nothing like its history and progress, and it has no precedent. It has now over eleven miles of streets, cut seventy feet wide through the forests; has 1,500 people, and 300 houses. All this has been done since the 15th of April last. The share-holders are coming in daily, and as the cost being $95. Tax was paid in November. In the fall of 1860, the wharf-boat owned by the society, was ordered leased for five years to the highest bidder. Fred Steiner took the contract and gave bond at $1,000. Ludwig and Selbert were appointed a committee to instruct Dr. Brucker, representative, to use his influence in securing the passage of an act exempting the school lots and lands of the town from taxation. In April, 1861, the town board ordered a quantity of powder and lead for a possible defense of the town, and organized a special police force. The work of grading Eighth Street was commenced in January, 1861, and assessments were made upon property owners. Peter Koch became one of the contractors. In June, 1862, the new and present cemetery was laid out and opened. The police system of the town was reorganized. For the fiscal year, ending June, 1863, the total receipts were $2,124.50; expenses, $1,290.42; balance on hand, $834.08. Up to this time the town board had managed to keep out of debt.
At the time of the founding of Tell City, and as long as numerous colonists arrived with gold, as they invariably did, having laid up goodly sums to be of use in the new home, every branch of business was extremely prosperous. The large sums of gold paid for land, labor, farm products, etc., really, for a time, as it is yet in California, slightly depreciated the purchasing power of gold, or, to present it differently, raised the price of commodities and labor. But when the last of the population arrived, and when their gold had been sent adrift on the currents of trade, then ‘hard times came a knocking at de door." Many failed and left for their former homes; others, by the most rigid economy, lived through until better times favored them; a few, by skill, energy and good judgment prospered even during the most stringent financial distresses of the war and subsequently. The tenacity of life shown by some of the leading manufacturing establishments is remarkable, and reflects great credit on the persistent thrift, industry and frugality of the Swiss and German people.
The Helvetia (the Latin name for Switzerland) was brought from Cincinnati by the Swiss in 1859. It was owned and edited by Walser & Schellenbaum; was independent in politics, but in 1860 became strongly Republican; was a six-column folio; subscription price, $2, and was printed in the German language. In the spring of 1860, the office was sold to J. N. Sorg, who conducted it until the early autumn of the same year, when it passed to a sort of stock company, Louis Frey becoming editor and John Weber publisher. In 1861 Albert Oestreicher became editor, and soon afterward Ferdinand Mengis. The paper ran until 1865, and was then abandoned, and from its ashes rose the Volksblatt (People's Paper). This was conducted for only a short time by Henry Meyer & Co. It was succeeded by the Beobaohter (Observer), which likewise ran only for a short time. The first number of the Tell City Anzeiger (Advertiser) made its appearance September 1, 1866, a six-column folio; subscription price, $2; Republican in politics, German in language, and was owned and published by M. Schmid and F. J. Widmer, and edited by a committee of twelve citizens, who had thus undertaken to render the enterprise successful. In a short time the committee was dissolved, and A. Oestreicher took the' editorial chair, but owned no share in the office. August 24, 1867, Schmid & Widmer dissolved, and the owners became M. Schmid & Son. August 26, 1868, George F. Bott purchased the elder Schmid's interest, and Oestreicher continued as editor until February 19, 1869, when Mr. Bott succeeded him in that capacity, and has so continued until the present. March 9,1871, Mr. Bott bought the remaining interest in the paper, and has been sole owner and publisher since. The job printing, in the main, has been added since 1871, also a Potter cylinder press, operated by horse power, and the advertising department has been enlarged. The Anzeiger is well conducted, and has a circulation of 800.
The Tell City Commercial was founded by A. P. Mastin, May 3, 1873; was an independent sheet; subscription price, $2 per year; was an eight-column folio, and was conducted with success until December 1, 1873, when Heber J. May purchased the office, and issued the paper until January 1, 1876, and then sold to W. P. Knight, who continued it as a Democratic organ until later in 1876, when it was removed to Union City, Ind. It was printed on a Washington hand press, and during its career reached a circulation of about 400.
In 1872 John S. Whitten, of Leavenworth, and Fred Steiner founded the Tell City Bank, and began doing a private banking business with a capital of $30,000. Whitten was cashier and manager. Steiner did not remain at the bank. At the end of a year, they turned over the concern to a partnership of twelve stockholders, as follows: Charles Steinauer, president; Gabriel Schmuck, of Cannelton, cashier; F. Becker, P. Meyer, (Cannelton), C. Rauscher (Cannelton), A. Menninger, M. Bettinger, Gustave Huthsteiner, Amand Eble (Troy), John Richardt (Tmy), J. Wielman (Troy), and Louis Martin (Fulda). A private banking business was done with a capital of $12,000, all that could be handled with profit at that time. In November, 1874, the concern became the Tell City National Bank, with a capital of $50,000, Charles Steinauer being president, and Gustave Huthsteiner cashier. In February, 1878, it was changed back to a private bank, and has so remained until the present. F.Becker was president for a short time in 1875, and M. Bettinger in 1876. The capital under the last reorganization has been $20,000. The present stockholders are as follows: M. Bettinger, president; Gustave Huthsteiner, cashier; G. Fahrni, C. T. Schlotfeld, Charles Becker, John Herrmann and Peter Herrmann. A good business, which is increasing, is done. The bank has the highest confidenco of the people.
Perry Lodge, No. 418, I. O. O. F., was chartered May 22, 1873, the first members being J. S. Whitten, A. J. Smith, A. D. Patrick, Sylvester Rainey, August Menninger, C. R. Mastin, G. W. Lyon, John Herrmann, Peter Herrmann, A. P. Mastin and John Buehler. The present officers are J. V. Ress, N. G.; G. Makepeace, V. G.; John Herrmann, treasurer; R. Windpfening, secretary.
Tell City Lodge, No. 507, F. & A. M., has a present membership of thirteen. The first officers were Simeon Jaseph, M; James Clark, S. W.; August Schreiber, J. W.; August Menninger, secretary; Fred. Voelke, treasurer. The present officers are August Schrieber, M.; Louis Koch, S. W.; G. Huthsteiner, J. W.; G. F. Bott, secretary; J. C. Harrer, treasurer.
Capt. Louis Frey Post, No. 287, G. A. R. was chartered March 12. 1884. The first members were P. C. Rothlerf, Joseph Molinan, G. F. Bott, H. A. Grabhorn, Jacob Boyer, G. Zscherpe, Joseph Hauser, John Haerle, Peter Rossman, Edward Schultz, Alexander Gasser and Albert Jehle. The post is in a thriving condition.
The Germans and Swiss have a lodge of Grutli Unterstuetung Verein in town, which was organized soon after Tell City was founded and has been kept in a thriving condition since.
Tell City Lodge, No. 206, I. O. O. F. was chartered May 17, 1859, to A. Pfaefflin, E. T. Mever, Phillip Reis, Gottleib Mann, John H. Noel, John C. Schuing, Michael Hafling and Daniel Miller. The lodge is yet in existence and in a prosperous condition. The Allemaina Encampment, No. 156, was chartered May 18, 1881, to August Schreiber, Louis Koch, Anton Moraneck, Albert Ehrensberger, Henry Grabhorn, Jacob Epple and Henry Freuwald. This is yet prosperous.
The Druids William Tell Grove No. 7, was chartered July 4, 1864, to Chr. Nebelmesser, J. J. Walters, John Ehret, John Hobi and Fred Ras? This grove is yet in prosperous condition with a good membership. The present officers are S. Althof, E. E.; Fred Lehman, U. E.; Henry Rank, P. & R. S.; John Harli, treasurer; Charles Hugger, Chris. Kaolin and Henry Ludwig, trustees.
Franklin Lodge, No. 94, A. O. U. W. was instituted December 9, 1882, the first officers being August Schreiber, P. M. W.; H. Nimsgern, M. W.; L. Greiner, G. F.; J. Herrmann, O.; L. Yarito, recorder; C. M. Brucker, financier; R. Windpfening, receiver; J. Kimbel, G. ; A. Gasser, I. W. The present membership is twenty-one and the present officers are J. Kimbel, M. W.; A. Gasser, G. F.; J. Obrecht, recorder; H. Nimsgern, financier; R. Windpfening, receiver; Fred Fenn, S.; Rudolph Schaum, I. W.; Louis Ziegelgruber, O. W.
Tell City first began to hold agricultural and miscellaneous exhibits October 13, 14, and 15, 1867. This was the first successful effort of the kind in the county. On the days mentioned a fair exhibit of farm products, manufactured and mechanical products, flowers, fruit, needlework, and miscellaneous articles was made. Since the first the organization has been revised under the name "Perry County Exposition." Successful fairs have been held. The one of 1875 paid the usual premiums on all the usual articles: Saddle horses, $10; sweepstakes, $10; jacks and mules, $10; draft horses, $10; cattle and swine, $4 to $8; harness horses, $10; thorough-bred horses, $10; gentleman or lady equestrianism, $5; trotting home horses, $5; canned fruit, $5; grain, $5; vegetables, $5; oats, $3; wheat, $5; potatoes, $3; onions, $3; tobacco, $5; fall apples, $5; winter apples, $5; etc. The other fairs have been of a similar character, and reflect much credit on the enterprise of Tell City and vicinity.
In 1861 Fred Voelke invested about $3,000 in a frame building fitted with the necessary machinery and commenced brewing about 400 barrels of common beer annually. This building has been added to until the property has cost over $5,000. In 1865 the manufacture of lager beer was commenced. Now from 1,500 to 2,000 barrels of the best lager beer are brewed annually, all or nearly all of which finds a ready local sale. Ten or fifteen years ago, the brick grist-mill was built by John Bollinger at a cost of about $4,000. It is now owned by Charles Afreich and is conducted on a small scale.
In 1860 Charles Steinauer and Adolph Wejman, at a cost of about $12,000, erected the brick grist-mill now owned by the former. Three run of buhrs, one for corn, were used. In 1865 Wejman sold out to G. Kumaling and at the same time Augustus Steinauer secured an interest. The latter finally sold out to his brother. It is now owned by Charles Steinauer & Co. The mill did a good business from the start. In the summer of 1884 the mill was fully refitted with the latest patent machinery at a cost of $8,000. Its capacity now is eighty barrels in twenty four hours.
In 1872 a large brick furniture factory was built by G. W. Lyon and F. Sedletzky at a cost of about $16,000 including machinery. Employment was given to about thirty-five hands, and the annual sale of all kinds of furniture amounted to $30,000. The partners became so involved in 1876, that a reorganization was effected, whereby the old members and khe creditors to the number of about thirty, assumed ownership under the name, "Southwestern Furniture Association." Since then a large business has been done. The annual sales run from $40,000 to $50,000. About sixty men are employed. Gradually the owners parted with their stock until now five men own the whole: F. Sedletzky, J. J. Meyer, William Schergens, George Kuhn and Joseph Cook. In 1884 two additional brick buildings, one two-storied and the other three-storied, were erected at a cost of $9,500. At present the association has on hand a large quantity of stock upon which with the buildings is $20,000 insurance.
In 1877, the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Tell City was organ-, ized, and the following year the charter was obtained. P. Wiedner was first president and Fred Kaelin, secretary. The membership has now run up to about 800. At present the company has outstanding risks amounting to $112,120, and has paid in losses to the present, $2,982.90.
In 1864, P. Ludwig, J. M. Combs and John Hartmann, invested $3,300 in building and machinery, and began manufacturing split-bottomed chairs, soon giving employment to about thirty-five men. The firm at first was P. Ludwig & Co., but after 1868 became Combs, Hartmann & Co. At that date Ludwig sold out to his partners, and John H. Schergens secured an interest. During the panic of 187.5 the firm became involved, and secured an extension of time from creditors. At the time of the fire in 1877 there were on the pay-roll 91 men and boys, In 1868, in addition to chairs, the company began to manufacture furniture—bureaus, tables, stands, wardrobes, etc. The annual sales soon ran up to $50,000. William Schergens owned an interest late in the seventies, and J. H. Schergens sold out. Samuel Weatherholt became partner in 1880, and in 1883 sold to Fred Denner. Joseph Fischer secured an interest in 1881, and has since been manager. Denner sold out to Combs in January 1885. March 27, 1877, the entire structure with contents was burned, entailing a loss of $32,000, upon which was only $2,000 insurance. On new buildings and machinery $9,000 was spent, and January 1, 1878, work was again commenced. The firm was really in debt at this time. They started up with 18 men and made 60 dozen chairs per week. The business now reaches about $30,000 per annum. Twentysix men now make from 125 to 150 dozen per week. The manufacture of other furniture stopped with the fire. The market is South. A branch distributing point has just been established at Dallas, Texas. In 1884 a saw-mill was added to the business.
The Tell City Furniture Company was founded in April, 1859, by an incorporated company of twenty-five men as follows: J. C. Harrer, P. Pfaff, L. Hoch, M. Lindauer, B. Gleich, W. M. Hannaford, Karl Kranz, F. Ganter, Ernst Nees, Ernst Kipp, Lewis Basler, C. T. Schlotfeld, Karl Meimberg. Jacob Lipp, J. G. Butsh, H. Stuhrk, T. Grimeisson, Carl Reiche, G. Schroeder, C. Fricke, H. Ahlf, E. Fehler, G. Zscherpe, Henry Lumbeck and Frank Sedletzky, the first five being directors. Harrer was first president, and Hannaford agent. The capital was $10000, and the period of existence twenty-five years. The first building was a three-storied brick, 40x80 feet, costing $6,500. About thirty-five men did the work at the start, but the business fell away early during the war, though it greatly revived after 1862. In 1864 the saw-mill was started. Furniture of all descriptions except chairs was manufactured. •From 1862 to the present the annual sales amounted to an average of about $50,000. Native lumber is used, and the market is in the South and Southwest. In 1865 a frame warehouse was built, and in 1868 another, both costing $4,500. In 1870 a four-storied brick addition was built, cost $7,000. The hired and membership help increased to sixty men. June 13, 1884, fire destroyed the main buildings and contents, the loss reaching $32,000, with $13,000 insurance. Two new brick buildings 32x130 feet and 50x140 feet were immediately built, the cost being $24,000. Sixty-five workmen are given employment at present.
In 1858 Charles Becker and Alois Beuter began the brewing business, but at the end of a year the latter left, since which time the former has conducted the business. About $1,500 was invested at first. In 1870 the three-storied brick was built at a cost of $3,000. Common beer was brewed at first—in quantity about 400 barrels per year. Now about 900 barrels of lager beer of the best quality are turned out annually. Lager beer has been brewed since 1870. The property is now worth about $5,000.
The Tell City Hub Factory was started in February, 1882, by Joseph Adam, the cost being about $5,000. Six or eight hands were hired. About 150 hub sets, of four each, are manufactured, and each set retails for about 65 cents. At times the business is brisk; at others, slack. W. Kampschafer, A. Dickman and Henry Haake, each, have brick kilns started from ten to fifteen years ago. They do about the same business —probably 250,000 bricks per year, which sell at $5 per M.
In March, 1858, a saw-mill was started by John Herrmann and others under the name Herrmann & Co. This was propably the first business enterprise in the town. It is yet prosperous, and is the oldest in town. About the close of the war August Menninger, John Ress, Sr., and John Newhardt were the owners. Since then Mr. Menninger, at different times, has secured the interest of his partners. The firm is now A. Menninger & Son. The mill runs only part of the time. Its capacity is 10,000 feet. They make, also, 20.0,000 lath annually.
The Registered Distillery, now owned by M. Derrendinger, was started by John Blum six or eight years ago. The business was limited at first. After a time the property passed to M. Derrendinger, who now manufactures about 100 barrels of excellent peach and apple brandy per annum.
The Wagon and Plow Factory of Herrmann & Bro. was really founded on the smallest scale in 1858, two or three men doing the work. The business was slowly increased until, in 1866, the sales amounted to about $7,000 annually, and employment was given to six or eight men. In 1866 there was spent on new buildings, machinery, etc., about $6,000, and at the end of the year about ten men were employed. The annual sales soon ran from $10,000 to $15,000. Since then, from time to time, additional shops or departments have been added. Employment is now given to about twenty men. The firm has a warehouse at Evansville, from which the goods are distributed. They now make from 400 to 600 wagons annually; 75,000 to 150,000 plow-handles; 300 to 500 wheelbarrows, and a few spring wagons. The firm consists of John and Peter Herman, or Herrmann, as it is sometimes spelled.
The Tell City Planning-Mill was started in 1865, and connected with it was a toy manufacturing department. Schoellin & Zuenkler were the proprietors, and invested about $3,000, and found work for six men. In 1867 these owners sold out to a partnership of six men—Jacob Wagner, John Spilman, Jacob Leithold, C. Eichler, C. Ott and V. Zuenkler. In
1868 Magnus Kreisle bought out Leithold, and after that, from time to time, secured the interest of his partners, except that of one which was obtained by John, son of M. Kreisle, about three years ago, at which date he became his father's partner, under the name M. Kreisle & Son. The father lately died, and the property will be controlled and conducted by his sons. They manufacture sash, blinds, doors, etc., and do a general planing business. The products now amount to about $10,000 per year. From six to ten hands are employed. The building was erected early in the history of the town for a brewery by Rice & Endebruck, so it is said. They did business for about two years, then failed. The upper story was used as the Odd Fellows' Hall.
In 1865-66 an Agricultural Factory was built by a stock company of many members. About $5,000 was expended on buildings and machinery, and for a short time cotton, hay, and other presses were manufactured, and then the company failed, and the property passed to the Cabinet-Makers' Union, composed of about twenty-eight men, partners, who began business in 1869. Phillip Magel was first president. About forty hands were given work, and the annual sales of stock amounted to from $20,000 to $30,000. The business has slowly increased until now sixty hands are employed, and products worth from $40,000 to $50,000 are annually produced. September 18, 1880, the entire property, upon which there was an insurance of only $6,000, was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of about $30,000. In 1880-81 a brick building of two and a half stories was erected and fitted with machinery for $8,000. The office and warehouse cost $4,000, and the two-storied brick built in 1884 cost $4,000. Ch. Zoecher is the president at this writing; Albert Fenn, secretary; Robert Huelsmann, treasurer; John Forster and Henry Starkley, directors; Anton Paalz, manager. The stock company was formed in 1876, of twenty-five or thirty men.
The saw-mill of Weedman & Miller was started in September, 1884, having cost about $4,000. The mill runs about half of the time, and gives employment to about twelve men. The logs of native lumber are floated down the river, and the sales are almost wholly to the town factories. The mill has a double circular saw, a twenty-five horse-power engine. In the mill is made annually, also, 500,000 staves.
Kiefer & Seibert started their stave and shingle factory about 1872, and remained partners until about two years ago, when the latter retired. Six to eight hands were employed at first, and from 100,000 to 160,000 shingles, and about 15,000 staves were made each week. In 1874 the manufacture of barrels was begun. About 10,000 flour and "produce barrels were made annually. The business has fallen away of late years.
In 1863 the Registered Distillery now owned by August Krogmann was erected and put in operation by Phillippe & Krogmann, and cost about $5,000. One still of three barrels' capacity was used, and from 300 to 400 barrels of Bourbon whisky were sent out annually. Phillippe retired in 1873. The manufacture of apple brandy was begun in 1869. From 150 to 200 barrels of each of the two liquors, brandy and whisky, are now manufactured annually.
The Tell City Woolen Mills were started in 1858 by Hauser & Hartley, the property costing about $6,000. Three or four looms were kept running, also a twister of twenty-five spindles. Jeans, flannels, yarns, etc., were made. In I860 Hartley sold out to Ferd. Baker and John Sperry. In 1868 Michael Bettinger bought out Baker & Sperry, and two years later Hauser also, and has since owned the factory. June 14, 1881, the entire property was destroyed by fire, the loss being $20,000; no insurance. The proprietor had left in store $12,000 worth of jeans, and a book account worth $2,000. In thirteen weeks after the fire the new buildings and machinery worth $16,000 were open for work. There are now fourteen jeans looms, one broad loom for blankets, one twister of fifty spindles, etc., and twenty-three hands. There are also one set of fortyeight-inch cards and one set of thirty-inch cards. The main article manufactured is jeans, though blankets, flannels, yarns, etc., are produced. The sates of 1884 amounted to $32,229.51.
The Chair Makers' Union was founded in 1865, with the following ten stockholders: J. J. Walter, J. Hoby, F. Raesz, L. Greiner, F. Rust, B. Wichser, J. Begert, I. Scheuing, L. Schmitt and Henry Ehreneperger. About $7,000 was expended on the frame building and machinery. Tho stockholders did their own work. The sales per annum amounted to from $3,000 to $4,000. July 27, 1881, the property was burned down; no insurance. The only resource was an outstanding book account of $3,000. The present brick building was soon built at a cost of $5,000. Since the fire an average of about twenty men have been employed, and the sales amount to from $12,000 to $15,000 per annum. Since the fire there has been connected with the establishment a double circular-saw mill.
The present business may be summed up as follows: Dry goods—H. Stalder, J. Stocker, Miss M. J. Frey, Zuckriegel & Co., Miss F. Bauer, John Suthoff, Bernhard Tewes, Mrs. Dreyling, R. Kaercher, George Kroesman. Groceries—all having dry goods except Miss Frey, also Fred Kramer, J. Kunz, H. Basedow, H. Bielefeld, Mrs. Rumpel and G. F. Bott. Hardware—Bernhard Tewes, J. J. Meyer, Ferdinand Becker, J. M. Launer, Charles Reif. Drugs and books — August Schreiber. Boots and shoes—Ferdinand Becker, H. Stalder, Zuckriegel & Co., J. Stocker, B. Davis, J. Kunz, R. Kaercher, H. Bodes, Mr. Kuser. Farm implements—Herrmann & Brother, H. Nimsgern, Ferdinand Becker, Charles Reif, Bernhard Tewes, J. Launer. Barbers—A. Bender, H. Schuler. Butchers—L. Bader, G. Steinauer, Charles Reinlender, Stalder & Miller, W. Enderlin, F. Leimgruber. Marble-shop— H. Ludwig. Saddles and harness—H. Ludwig, Charles Knoop. Millinery—Mrs. K. Schergens, Mrs. A. Hartman, Mrs. C. Stuehrk. Undertaking—J. H. Schergens. Saloons—about twenty. Clothing—J. Althof, Zuchriegel k Co., H. Stalder. Photographer—Emil Hanser. Physicians—William Schillhase, William Cluthe, J. W. Dowsing, Charles Brucker. Lawyers—Jacob Bolinger, W. S. Lamb. Churches—Catholic and Lutheran. Pop factory—M. Dusch. Bellows factory—H. Keller. Hickory splits—Charles Mathis. Grain and produce buyers—Jacob Kunz, H. Nimsgern. Wharf-boat—C. Switzer. Mattress factory—Albert Ehrensperger. Union Hall—J. Hauser. Turner Hall—W. Hofman. Hotels—Washington House, A. Ludwig; Fischer House, J. Fischer; Union Hall, J. Hauser; Farmer's Home, J. J. Hubert; Steiner House, A. Moraweck.

History, Genealogy, Early Settlers and Historical Points of Interest in Perry County, Indiana