People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 27-25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1896 — Page 19

Frank B. Meyer.

Ia the above named individual the present generation of boys has an illustration of what can be accomplished by the determined effort of one whose only capital was a pair of willing hands guided by a forceful amount of native ability. The Old Reliable drug store, of which Mr. Meyer is now the proprietor, is the direct result of the apprenticeship that he began when 16 years old at'the lucrative wage of <£6 per month, without board. Frank B. Meyer was born in Lafayette Feb. 7, 1856; received

his first instruction in the German Catholic school at that place, where he acquired a comprehensive understanding of the German language that has been invaluable in his subsequent studies and in the conduct of his business. Later he attended the Lafayette public schools and those of Rensselaer, to which place he came in 1869. It was in 1872 that he entered the drug store of Emmet Kannal, who was, at that time, considered one of the best pharmacists in the state, a graduate of the Philadelphia college of Pharmacy. The second year of his apprenticeship he was paid sߣ per month. At the end of his second year with Mr. Kannal he accepted a position in a Lafayette drug store, more to have the advantages of a wider scope of prescription work, than for the advance of wages obtained, the opportunity here then for pre scription work being limited. After working in the Lafayette drug store for eighteen months he returned to Rensselaer and concluded a graduation in the private school of James H. Burnham, in the summer of 1874. Then he was in the service of Dr. Wm. Spencer at Monticello for awhile, after which he began a clerkship for Harding & Willey in the building now occupied by his own store. It was then considered a very fine building, being the second brick business block erected in Rensse laer. The firm moved the stock and fixtures from another room and Mr. Meyer prepared the new store for business in a most creditable manner, making it the leading place of its kind in town In about nine months he went to a more lucrative position at Dixon, 111., for a year. Returning then to Rensselaer he was made manager of the drug store by Mr. Willey, who had purchased his partner’s interest. In a short time Willis J. Imes bought the store, still retaining Mr. Meyer In 1879 he entered upon a course of study at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, reputed the best of its character in the world. He graduated in March, 1881. and accepted a partnership with his old preceptor, under the firm name of Imes & Meyer. It is fair to remark here that though he came out of college with a flat wallet, he earned every dollar that was used in his college career, and when he returned a number of good opportunities to engage in business were offered him. As soon as the balance sheet showed a credit of a couple of dollars to his account, he slipped over to the clerk’s office and purchased a license to wed Miss Alice C. Hopkins, who had been patiently waiting for him. They now have three children, two boys and a daughter, all bright and promising. Mr. Meyer’s knowledge of German is of great assistance to him and he is probably better versed in the German man pharmacopoeia than the average German druggist. He is a member of the K. P.’s and I. O. O. F. and is a Knights Templar Mason, being in good standing in all these orders. Mr. Meyer is a member of the town board, and is one of the most active workers of that body, always carefully conserving the interests intrusted to him. In saying that he is a representative citizen the fact is not statedrfor he is representative only of the thoroughly progressive spirit of the times, and his great popularity makes him a' powerful factor in city’s development.

Electric Light Plant.

The electric light plant, shown in the accompanying cut was installed in 1881 by B. F. Ferguson and a corporation formed under the name of The Rensselaer, Water, Light & Power Company. When first installed the motive power was supplied by a sixty-five horse power engine attached to a five hundred light dynamo. In 1891 the plant w-as sold to Thomson-Huston Electric Company of Chicago, which afterward consolidating with the Edison Electric Company, under the name of the General Electric Company, have operated the plant ever since. The machinery first installed soon proved inadequate to the demands upon it, and in 1891 another engine of ninetyfive horse power, together with a thou-sand-light dynamo were put in, and are now in operation. There is also an arc dynamo which supplies light to the streets only as the sixteen candle power incandescent lights are the favorites for lighting both residences and business houses. Ellis & Murray’s store has the largest number of lights in any one business house, while The Model store is but little behind them.

The arc lamps are of twelve hundred candle power, the incandescent street lights of twenty candle power, and the business and residence lights of sixteen candle power, except one incandescent lamp in Masonic Hall, of one hundred and fifty candle power. The lights are burned on the contract system, but there has been serious thought of installing meters and operating the plant on a strictly meter basis, believing it to be more nearly just to subscribers and owners. Alfred W. Hopkins is the local general manager of the plant, and attends to all work of contracting for lights, running new lines buying supplies, collecting bills due, and paying demands against it, and such other business as is incident to success of such a business. Mr. Hopkins was born and raised in this place, and has always lived with

ALFRED W. HOPKINS.

his mother, Mrs. Mary E. Hopkins, a cut of whose home we give in another place in this issue. Electrical engineering is not his occupation, ahtl he has never taken any part in the operation of the mechanical part. He graduated from our high school in 1892 and took a position in F. B. Meyer’s drug store, but accepted a similar position in Chicago in the fall of the same year. Here he remained until August, 1893, when he re. turned to this place to a position with the law firm of Austin & Co., of which his brother, A. H. Hopkins, was a member. As soon as he became acquainted with the legal profession he formed a taste for it, and has since entered upon a course of training in that line, with all the zeal peculiar to his nature. At present he is perfecting his legal education at the North Western University in Chicago, while the active management of the electric plant is temporarily intrusted to other parties under his bond.

Charles S. Chamberlin, is the electrician and general manager of the mechanical part of the plant. Mr. Chamberlin was born in Kansas and moved to Rensselaer when about 4 years old; (lived here two years, then moved to Star City;) returned when nine years old and has lived here ever since. He attended the public schools until he began work for the Thomson-Huston Electric Company when sixteen years old. He started as fireman, then as lineman, then as dynamo and engine man. His ability in mechanics being soon recognized h$ was advanced until he became general electrician in 1891. This position he has filled with great credit to himself, as well as satisfaction to the patrons of the plant, as it is conceded by all that the strength of the lights, and the few accidents to interfere with their regularity, is a sufficient recommendation as to his ability. He is faithful in the discharge of his duty, and courteous and accommodating to patrons, and accidents to lights are promptly and efficiently repaired. The subject of municipal ownership of the electric plant is now being discussed by the town trustees, and backed by a strong popular sentiment, they are likely to devise some means in the near future of establishing a system for the city. If the present plant is found suitable, and can be purchased at a fair valuation, it is quite probable that it will be purchased, as it still has many years to run under its franchise, and would seriously impair the financial success of another plant if both should attempt to operate. It is believed that the city fathers will thoroughly consider the matter before venturing either to purchase this property or build another. In either event steps will at once be taken to incorporate with the electric light plant a water works system, and there are advocates of also including steam heating and power for manufacturing as soon as prudent to do so: ~

THE PEOPLE’S PILOT, RENSSELAER, IND., THURSDAY, JAN. 2, 1896.

A MEMORABLE HOME.

The accompanying cut represents the residence of Mrs. Mary E. Hopkins, situated at the corner of Front and Susan streqtsxm one of the main thoroughfaresrof our little city and within a block of our public schools. For years the merry sounds of children at their play at the old school house made music always pleasant to hear, and when the new buildings were erected, the occupants of this residence again listened with increasing interest to the now plainer utterings of the young students, until they closed their books and departed from their Alma Mater, only to be again opened in the different roles, chosen by them on the stage of life. This house was built in 1866 and took the place of a diminutive mansion situated on the same lots. On this spot stood a grove of large oak and -hickory trees, and most of these had to give way before the ax of marching civilization to make room for the new building. Six large trees stood in the yard for many years but one after another were taken down until but two remain. These two large specimens of the forest, stretch their gigantic arms over the yard, and beneath their branches four generations have sat and watched the progress of our town. The house is a large, two-story frame, built after the old durable and permanent style of workmanship, which will withstand storms and hurricanes without a tremor.

RENSSELAER ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT.

RESIDENCE OF MRS. MARY E. HOPKINS.

RESIDENCE OF GEORGE K. HOLLINGSWORTH.

It is built upon a foundation of the fruit of the prairies, the once much used ‘-nigger head”, capable of enduring for centuries to come. The lumber and timbers were hauled by wagon across the country from Francesville and Monon, a distance of sixteen or eighteen miles, there being no railroad running into Rensselaer at that time. That was , the period of boggy and swampy lands, and the four horse teams were often stalled on their way with what would now be considered a light load. The house is finished entirely inside with walnut from the abundant forests which then flourished in Indiana, but which now are entirely extinct. A porch and portico adjoin the residence in front and full length French windows on either side. This house has probably more windows and more advantages of light than any other of its size in the town. It was completed in 1868, and about that time there arrived in town one of the many cross country circuses, and there being very poor hotel facilities, the performers were accommodated with bed and board during their stay in our little burg. This was then used for a hotel for about two years, until the town could afford a permanent place to accommodate wayfarers. The house is situated on three lots with a fhontage of two hundred feet, and the yard is surrounded by a row of large maple trees whose shade is a boon to the many pedestrians who pass

that way on hot summer days. On the north may be obtained a good view of the depot and railroad; on the east the several churches and that part of town; on the south the Iroquois river and the beautiful gravel walked cemetery, and on the west the many different roads leading to large and well cultivated farms, land that cannot be surpassed in this section of the country. This dwelling was built by Newman W. and Mary E. Hopkins and has always been their home since the time it was built, and in this home five children have grown to maturity. Newman W. Hopkins passed from this earth in 1875, but the wife and mother still survives him, and her present age rests but lightly on her shoulders. She was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1834, and removed to this county at the age of fifteen. Her maiden name was Sayler. In 1856 she was wedded to Newman W. Hopkins and has raised two girls and three boys. By long association this home has become to her and her children, a dearer place than any oiher home could ever be.

A. H. HOPKINS.

Arthur H. Hopkins was born and raised in this place, and like most other Rensselaer boys, is a hard worker in his chosen vocation. He attended the public schools, and graduated from the high school in IBBG with great credit. He was a strong student and in his class work stood among the highost and on graduating was made salutatorian of his class. In 1887 he entered, as a student, the law office of Hon. Edwin P. Hammond and William B. Austin, who in that year formed a partner-

ARTHUR H, HOPKINS.

ship after the expiration of Judge Hammond’s term of office on the supreme bench of Indiana. Here the study of law was pursued with the zeal and thoroughness characteristic of his nature, undor the direction of Judge Hammond, who took great interest in his pupil. When Judge Hammond was re-elected to the circuit bench in 1890, and retired from the firm, Mr. Hopkins formed a partnership with William B. Austin under the firm name of Austin & Hopkins. About this time he wasappointed deputy prosecutor for Jasper county, which position he filled two*years, with woe to violation of the law and with profit to the state, as evidenced by the clerk of the courtsand justicesof the peace of Marion township, who say that they never before nor since turned over so much money to the school fund as during his term of office. In March, 1893, George K. Hollingsworth was admitted to the firm, and its name was changed to Austin & Co., and the already extensive business was enlarged, and loaningjand brokerage was made a special feature. An office was opened in the Chamber of Commerce in Chicago, and Mr. Hopkins moved there and took charge of that branch of the business in April, 1893, just as that city was beginning to experience the first realities of that never-to-be-forgotten, White City—the Columbian Exposition. Here he had unequalled opportunities for studying the results of human industry, as they were gathered in that Dream City from every part of the earth, and was also present when the phantom city went up in smoke in the great fire of 1894. At this time the great railroad strikes of which Chicago was the centre, were going on, when every railroad was under government control and every train was loaded with United States soldiers.

In April 1895 the Chicago branch of the business was sold and Mr. Hopkins returned to Rensselaer to pursue his work as before. In December, 1895, Mr. Austin retired from the firm and it is now being continued under the firm name of Hollingsworth & Hopkins. < Mr. Hopkins takes great interest in polities, and served one term as secretary of the county republican central committee and as a member of the executive committee. Like mtfny other people of this place, Mr. Hopkins is quite a traveler and has considerable personal knowledge of, at least, three-fourths of all the states in the union as well as some parts of Can] ada. - , '

GEORGE K. HOLLINGSWORTH.

George K. Hollingsworth was born September 26, 1868, in Rensselaer, Indiana. His father, Thomas Hollingsworth, was a merchant in Rensselaer for a number of years, in which business he accumulated a competency. After the death of his parents, which occurred when George was quite young, he lived with his grandI»arents, George and Mary Kannal, until he was twenty-one years of age. On September 26. 1889, his twenty-first birthday anniversary, he was married to Nora A. Hopkins, also of Rensselaer. He has twojsons, David H. and Thomas, aged respectively four and two years. Mr. Hollingsworth was educated in the

GEORGE K. HOLLINGSWORTH.

Rensselaer public schools, and in a commercial college in Chicugo, after which he made an extensive tour of the western states. In a business way Mr. Hollingsworth has been identified with some of the most substantial concerns in Renseslaer. Ho is now first vice-president, and a large stockholder in the Commercial State Bank, and senior member of the firm of Hollingsworth & Hopkins. He has a pleasant homo at the corner of Washington and Weston streets. Is a momber and a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian church.

HOLLINGSWORTH & HOPKINS

The firm of Hollingsworth & Hopkins may be called the latest edition, or succession, of a firm organized April 1, 1887, under the firm name of Hammond & Austin, consisting of Hon. Edwin P. Hammond and William 13. Austin. Judge Hammond served thirteen years as judge of the thirtieth judicial circuit of Indiana. He was appointed to succeed Judge Woods on the supreme bench of the state, his term of office expiring in 1886. William B. Austin one of the best known business men in this part of the state,' is a graduate of Wabash college and also of the Union College of Law. For several years he was a member of the firm of Thompson & Bro. In 1887 the firm of Hammond & Austin was formed and they enjoyed one of the largest law practices in northern Indiana In 1890 Judges Hammond was re elected Judge of the thirtieth judicial circuit and retired from the firm. The business was continued by Wm. B. Austin and Arthur H. Hopkins under the firm name of Austin & Hopkins. In March 1898 George K. Hollingsworth entered the firm and the name was changed to Austin & Co. In April, 1895, the firm name was changed to Austin, Hollingsworth & Co., more as a matter of convenience than for any other cause, as Mr. Hopkins was a resident of Chicago, where he had moved in April, 1893, to take charge of the branch of the business which had been opened there. » In December last Mr. Austin retired, and the firm name was changed to Hollingsworth & Hopkins, and the business is conducted as before at the old stand in the corner rooms in the Leopold block. Mr. Hollingsworth has never taken any training in the legal profession, but looks after the brokerage and general financial part of the business. Mr. Hopkins took a course of instruction under J udge Hammond and served two years as deputy prosecuting attorney for Jasper county. The present firm are young men of ability, industry and foresight, and the extensive business to which they have succeeded, will be pushed forward as vigorously as ever. They are both members of the/ Masonic fraternity, and take great interest in its work and general welfare. They have an extensive acquaintance in this part of the state, both of a social and business nature, which draws their business from adjoining towns and counties. While their business career has been comparatively short, they have shown a marked ability in every thing they have undertaken, and we prophesy that their future will be no less promising than their past has been successful.

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