THE REV. WALTER E. CURTIS
Was born near Hamilton, Ohio, Jane 7, 1831, and died in Fountain City, Ind., January 2, 1905 He was the oldest of six children of William and Narcissa Curtis. About the year 1839 the family moved into Preble county, Ohio, seven miles from Richmond, Ind., where our brother grew to manhood. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the pastoral charge, for many years called the Eaton Circuit, and theirs was a welcome and pleasant home for very many of God's noble ministers, such as William H. Raper, George W. Walker, William Herr, Michael Marlay, Werter R. Davis, W. L Hypes, Levi White, and Geo. W. Kelley, who married the third daughter.
Bro. Curtis united with the Church of his parents when he was comparatively young, and near the same time had serious convictions that he was called of God to the gospel ministry. Over the matter he had a great struggle, thinking at first that he might meet the Lord's claims by serving in the capacity of a local preacher.
That did not, however, satisfy his conscience, and after his family was visited with a fearfully heartrending affliction, which he thought sometimes might not have come to them if he had yielded more promptly, he was received on trial in the North Indiana Conference, where, for seventeen years, he held the relation of pastor in ten different charges. He was far from being a strong man, physically, while to some he might appear otherwise. Hence, in the spring of 1887, he asked for a supernumerary relation in the Conference that he held for two years, and from that time to the end his relation was that of a superannuate.
He had also been supernumerary from 1879 to 1883. The writer having grown up with that family of children in delightful and harmonious companionship, bears confident and cheerful testimony to the fact that during early life Brother Curtis was a worthy example in all his relationships. He was an obedient and dutiful son, a kind and affectionate brother, a safe and wholesome example among his playmates and school friends, and it is eminently safe to suggest that his parents never, likely, spent one sleepless night or hoar on account of any improper conduct on his part, which is saying a great thing.
It is, therefore, a great privilege to be permitted to bear testimony to the helpfulness of his discreet and virtuous young life. Fifty-two years ago last autumn he was married to Miss Ellen McWhinney, of Richmond, Ind., who is now the bereaved widow. Brother William Curtis, of Whitewater, and Sister Lida Williams, of Fountain City, both of Indiana, are the only ones left to comfort the good mother from a family of four daughters and two sons.
During his young manhood Brother Curtis evinced, in debating clubs with his young associates, more than ordinary talent as a public speaker, and yet his unusual modesty kept him from making a just estimate of his own ability, and perhaps in some measure hindered a larger development of the talent which was so marked in the Rev. Arthur W. Elliott, of the Cincinnati Conference, and United States Senator Daniel W. Voorhees, who were his relatives. Nevertheless, he was considered an excellent preacher by those who were accustomed to hear him.
The Rev. M. R. Peirce, his last pastor, feels that he has himself sustained a great loss in the death of Brother Curtis, who often visited the parsonage home, bnt was never burdensome, and while he seldom tried to preach, yet faithfully attended the prayer meetings and served often as class leader and steward, and had to the last a large class of adults in the Sabbath school How helpful many of our retired ministers and widows of deceased ministers are to the pastor and Church, and on the other hand, how sad to find one now and then who hinders rather than otherwise!
He was not confined to his bed very long during his last sickness, and was greatly comforted in the coming of Fletcher, his only brother, from Arcola, Ill., who had not visited him for many years, but chanced to come at that time, and remained with and nursed him until the Lord called him home. He greatly desired again to see their daughter Lida, who had gone to Florida because of ill health, bnt she only arrived in time to meet the procession at the beautiful Earlham Cemetery, near Richmond, and " there take the last look " just before the casket was gently lowered.
It was regarded as a great favor and blessing to the family present with him that the husband, father and grandfather could at the last give to them affectionate and tender words of comfort and counsel, and especially to hear him say, as one of his last utterances, "All is bright." Following the example of his Lord and Master, he called to his bedside their son William, and with words of thoughtfuluess and love, commended to His affectionate and faithful watchcare the dear mother, his beloved wife, who had for more than half a century been all to him that her marriage vows had ever pledged.
At his special request the writer, an intimate friend from their early years, officiated on the funeral occasion, and was assisted by the pastor and Brothers I. R. Godwin, O. S. Harrison and W. H. Peirce. The text used was 2 Sam. 1, 26: "I am distressed for thee, my brother; . . . very pleasant hast thou been to me: thy love to me was wonderful." The abovenamed brother of Illinois and three sisters—Mrs. A. J. Coffmari, Mrs. D. W.O. McWhinney, and Mrs. George W. Kelley, all of the city of Richmond— still remain of that Cincinnati Conference Methodist family, although Sister McWhinney has seemed for months to have been brushing the "dews on Jordan's banks," and she, with all of us, thought that for her " the crossing must be near."
However, she seems now to have climbed where Moses stood, and "views the landscape o'er," and with Moses and Gilbert Haven, will doubtless soon find that "there is no river" for her to cross.
E. F. Hasty
Source: Source: the Sixty-first Session of the North Indiana Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church Held at Muncie, Indiana from April 6 to 11, 1904; Published by the Secretary, by Order of Conference, as the Official Journal; Nicholson Printing & Mfg. Co. Richmond, Ind.
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Thursday, April 15, 2010
Hannah Lamb of Richmond, Indiana
MRS. HANNAH LAMB— Hannah Lithwait was born in England, June 29, 1823, and died in Richmond, Ind., May 11, 1907, at the age of 84 years.
She was married in her young womanhood to Mr. John Liggett, a machinist, In Manchester, England. Soon afterwards they came to America and lived In various cities from Canada to New Orleans, and finally in Richmond, Ind. After seventeen years of a most happy married life Mr. Liggett died of consumption in 1863. The tenderness of her affection went out in kindliest ministries during his long illness and all their savings were used in caring for him. After his death she opened a small store, and while in business formed wide acquaintances and friendships, especially among families of influence.
August 18, 1869, she was married to Rev. Samuel Lamb, an honored member of this Conference, a man of fine character and fine religious experience. He served four years in the pastorate after their marriage and retiring they made their home in Richmond, where he owned considerable property. Three years later the Master came for him. It was now in this widowhood of thirty years, with the rich, strong character, kindly heart and restless energy she was to do her best work for the church.
She was a charter member of the Third M. E. Church, and upon her work as steward and treasurer depended largely the pastor's salary. It was chiefly through her help that the present beautiful church was built in 1892 and the indebtedness met in the hard years that followed. She gave the first one hundred dollars, presented the bell, electric lights and later a comfortable cottage for a parsonage. Day after day she solicited money from her many friends. Part of her property has been deeded to DePauw University with a life lease, and she willed the church her remaining property.
Source: the Sixty-first Session of the North Indiana Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church Held at Muncie, Indiana from April 6 to 11, 1904; Published by the Secretary, by Order of Conference, as the Official Journal; Nicholson Printing & Mfg. Co. Richmond, Ind.
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She was married in her young womanhood to Mr. John Liggett, a machinist, In Manchester, England. Soon afterwards they came to America and lived In various cities from Canada to New Orleans, and finally in Richmond, Ind. After seventeen years of a most happy married life Mr. Liggett died of consumption in 1863. The tenderness of her affection went out in kindliest ministries during his long illness and all their savings were used in caring for him. After his death she opened a small store, and while in business formed wide acquaintances and friendships, especially among families of influence.
August 18, 1869, she was married to Rev. Samuel Lamb, an honored member of this Conference, a man of fine character and fine religious experience. He served four years in the pastorate after their marriage and retiring they made their home in Richmond, where he owned considerable property. Three years later the Master came for him. It was now in this widowhood of thirty years, with the rich, strong character, kindly heart and restless energy she was to do her best work for the church.
She was a charter member of the Third M. E. Church, and upon her work as steward and treasurer depended largely the pastor's salary. It was chiefly through her help that the present beautiful church was built in 1892 and the indebtedness met in the hard years that followed. She gave the first one hundred dollars, presented the bell, electric lights and later a comfortable cottage for a parsonage. Day after day she solicited money from her many friends. Part of her property has been deeded to DePauw University with a life lease, and she willed the church her remaining property.
Source: the Sixty-first Session of the North Indiana Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church Held at Muncie, Indiana from April 6 to 11, 1904; Published by the Secretary, by Order of Conference, as the Official Journal; Nicholson Printing & Mfg. Co. Richmond, Ind.
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Clayton Hunt Sr. of Richmond, Indiana
HUNT.—Clayton Hunt, Senior, son of John and Ann Brown Hunt, and grandson of John Hunt, minister, of Chester Monthly Meeting, N. J., was born in Burlington county, N. J., Sixth month 26, 1815; died First month 20, 1901, in his 86th year.
He was of a family of six children, all of whom preceded him; his father dying in 1824, the family removed to near Camden, Ohio, in 1828, and thence to Richmond, Ind., in 1832, where Clayton was long engaged in carriage manufacturing, and subsequently in the grocery business. He was a life-long member of the Society of Friends and for many years treasurer of Indiana Yearly Meeting, (Orthodox).
He was twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Starr. To them were born eight children, five of whom are still living, viz: John S., of Portland, Ore.; Esther W., wife of Ellwood Morris; Clayton I., Benjamin and Joshua, all of Richmond, Ind. His second wife was Ruth Anna Hunt, of Springboro, Ohio, who survives him.
Of a vigorous constitution, he enjoyed excellent health, and his frequently expressed desire to be permitted to pass away before losing the power to do for himself and others has been gratified, for he arose the morning of his decease in his usual health, and a little while later the family heard him fall in the sitting-room, and ere they reached him life was extinct.
He was not actively engaged in business for many years, and spent his time mainly in church activities, ministering to the sick, comforting the aged, all the while testifying, almost aggressively, to the Indwelling of the Spirit and the solace and assurances of a Christian belief and life. The funeral was largely attended, especially by the aged, many of whom were past 80, and one 92 years old, Interred in Earlham Cemetery, Richmond. Source: Friends' Intelligencer; 1901.
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He was of a family of six children, all of whom preceded him; his father dying in 1824, the family removed to near Camden, Ohio, in 1828, and thence to Richmond, Ind., in 1832, where Clayton was long engaged in carriage manufacturing, and subsequently in the grocery business. He was a life-long member of the Society of Friends and for many years treasurer of Indiana Yearly Meeting, (Orthodox).
He was twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Starr. To them were born eight children, five of whom are still living, viz: John S., of Portland, Ore.; Esther W., wife of Ellwood Morris; Clayton I., Benjamin and Joshua, all of Richmond, Ind. His second wife was Ruth Anna Hunt, of Springboro, Ohio, who survives him.
Of a vigorous constitution, he enjoyed excellent health, and his frequently expressed desire to be permitted to pass away before losing the power to do for himself and others has been gratified, for he arose the morning of his decease in his usual health, and a little while later the family heard him fall in the sitting-room, and ere they reached him life was extinct.
He was not actively engaged in business for many years, and spent his time mainly in church activities, ministering to the sick, comforting the aged, all the while testifying, almost aggressively, to the Indwelling of the Spirit and the solace and assurances of a Christian belief and life. The funeral was largely attended, especially by the aged, many of whom were past 80, and one 92 years old, Interred in Earlham Cemetery, Richmond. Source: Friends' Intelligencer; 1901.
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Friday, April 9, 2010
Adam H. Bartel of Richmond, Indiana
ADAM H. BARTEL: One of the largest and oldest firms in the wholesale district of Eastern Indiana is the Adam H. Bartel Company, jobbers of dry goods and notions and manufacturers of workmen’s clothing. The president of this company is a veteran merchant and business man, and has been steadily associated with commercial affairs in Richmond since as a boy of fifteen he was in the employ of a local wholesale house of fifty-five years ago.
Adam H. Bartel (1850 ~ 1942) was born near Osnabruch, Hanover, Germany, in 1850. When he was four years old his parents came to America, settling in Richmond, where his father for a time was an employe of Company, but later bought a farm north of Richmond and for a number of years steadily pursued his interests as an agriculturist. He died in Richmond at the advanced age of almost ninety years. Mr. Bartel’s mother died in 1891, at the age of sixty-seven years.
He had to be content with a common school education and at the age of fifteen was employed as an errand boy and stock boy with the wholesale and retail notions and fancy goods firm of Emsweiler & Crocker. He was with that firm seven years, three years of the time as traveling salesman. He next accepted a position with George H. Knollenberg, retail dry goods dealer, and served there as salesman four years.
In 1877 he associated himself with Christopher F. Schaefer to buy out the interests of his old employer, Mr. Crocker, who had succeeded to the firm of Emsweiler & Crocker, and established the firm of Bartel & Schaefer. For three years they conducted the business at old 49 Main Street, and when the partnership was dissolved Mr. Bartel moved to 210 Fort Wayne Avenue and for five years the business was conducted under his individual name at this location. He then took in John M. Coate as partner, using the firm name of Adam H. Bartel & Company, and in 1885, to accommodate the growing business, the firm put up a three-story brick building, at the corner of Washington and Fort Wayne avenues.
In 1892 the firm of Adam H. Bartel & Company was incorporated, and at that time the business was removed to 911-921 North E Street, where it is established today in a building 118 by 115 feet, four floors and basement. Adam H. Bartel is president, John M. Coate, vice president, Fred J. Bartel, treasurer, Ida E. Bartel, secretary, and Ben C. Bartel, assistant secretary. One hundred and seventy-five people are employed in the office, warehouse and factory, and they do a jobbing business in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois. While the jobbing business has always been the chief feature of the company, they have also made overalls, shirts and other workmen’s clothing since 1885.
Mr. Bartel is a director and stockholder in the Dickinson Trust Company and has other local interests, including some real estate. He is president of the board of trustees of the Y. M. C. A., a member of the First English Lutheran Church, the Commercial Club, Country Club, and in politics is a republican. While a busy man, he has neglected no legitimate claim upon his time and energies in behalf of local affairs. His company is a member of the National Association of Garment Manufacturers and the National Wholesale Dry Goods Association.
In 1875 Mr. Bartel married Miss Matilda E. Knollenberg, daughter of Bernhard Knollenberg. To their marriage were born seven children, four of whom are living. Bernhard C. and Frederick J. are both married; Gertrude is a graduate of Earlham College and Florence is now finishing her education at Ward-Belmont School for Girls at Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Bartel has two grandchildren. Source: Indiana and Indianans; Vol. 4; 1919.
Bartel’s South 8th Street factory has been converted to multifamily housing.
The Bartel family plot is located at the Lutherania Cemetery, Liberty Pike, Richmond, Indiana. A. H. Bartel died in 1942. His wife, Matilda E. (Knollenberg) Bartel died in 1926. DT
Adam H. Bartel (1850 ~ 1942) was born near Osnabruch, Hanover, Germany, in 1850. When he was four years old his parents came to America, settling in Richmond, where his father for a time was an employe of Company, but later bought a farm north of Richmond and for a number of years steadily pursued his interests as an agriculturist. He died in Richmond at the advanced age of almost ninety years. Mr. Bartel’s mother died in 1891, at the age of sixty-seven years.
He had to be content with a common school education and at the age of fifteen was employed as an errand boy and stock boy with the wholesale and retail notions and fancy goods firm of Emsweiler & Crocker. He was with that firm seven years, three years of the time as traveling salesman. He next accepted a position with George H. Knollenberg, retail dry goods dealer, and served there as salesman four years.
In 1877 he associated himself with Christopher F. Schaefer to buy out the interests of his old employer, Mr. Crocker, who had succeeded to the firm of Emsweiler & Crocker, and established the firm of Bartel & Schaefer. For three years they conducted the business at old 49 Main Street, and when the partnership was dissolved Mr. Bartel moved to 210 Fort Wayne Avenue and for five years the business was conducted under his individual name at this location. He then took in John M. Coate as partner, using the firm name of Adam H. Bartel & Company, and in 1885, to accommodate the growing business, the firm put up a three-story brick building, at the corner of Washington and Fort Wayne avenues.
Mr. Bartel is a director and stockholder in the Dickinson Trust Company and has other local interests, including some real estate. He is president of the board of trustees of the Y. M. C. A., a member of the First English Lutheran Church, the Commercial Club, Country Club, and in politics is a republican. While a busy man, he has neglected no legitimate claim upon his time and energies in behalf of local affairs. His company is a member of the National Association of Garment Manufacturers and the National Wholesale Dry Goods Association.
In 1875 Mr. Bartel married Miss Matilda E. Knollenberg, daughter of Bernhard Knollenberg. To their marriage were born seven children, four of whom are living. Bernhard C. and Frederick J. are both married; Gertrude is a graduate of Earlham College and Florence is now finishing her education at Ward-Belmont School for Girls at Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Bartel has two grandchildren. Source: Indiana and Indianans; Vol. 4; 1919.
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