My Genealogy Hound

VALENTINE WEHRHEIM. This name will be at once recognized as that of a leading business man of Evansville, who is probably better known than any other merchant within its bounds. The dry-goods establishment over which he presides is supplied with a complete line of carefully chosen goods, suited to the needs of the section over which his trade extends, and he does a business of $17,000 annually.

A native of Randolph County, our subject was born January 12, 1847, to John and Elizabeth (Radish) Wehrheim. The father was born January 6, 1814, in a small village in Germany, near Frankfort-on-the-Main. He emigrated to the United States with his parents in 1834, and located with them in St. Louis. Later they removed to Monroe County, this state, where the father followed the trade of a cooper. October 11, 1841, he married Elizabeth Radish, who was born in Germany, October 24, 1826. After their union they came to Randolph County, settling two miles west of Red Bud, where he was busily engaged at his trade.

In 1854 the father of our subject removed to Evansville, where in company with a Mr. Evans he erected and operated a large flour mill. This structure was destroyed by fire in 1864, but later he built another mill, which he sold in 1866. He employed as many as thirty men at various times, and owned two flatboats, which plied up and down the river loaded with wheat and flour. Though starting in business with small expectations or capital, at his death he had accumulated a handsome competence. He was very generous and kind, and more than one man in this county secured his start in life while in his employ. His decease occurred November 23, 1872, and was widely mourned.

Valentine Wehrheim, of this sketch, was the second of nine children, and continued to remain under the home roof until reaching his majority. His education was quite limited, the little knowledge which he gained during the winter season being supplemented by a six months’ course in a private school in Chester. After leaving home, he formed a partnership with his brother George in 1871, and opened a general store in this city, which he is still carrying on in the same building. A twelvemonth later the brother sold his interest to his father, and since the death of the latter our subject has continued to conduct affairs on his own account. He has been continuously engaged in the mercantile business since embarking therein, with the exception of a short time spent on a farm in this county.

The lady whom our subject married January 23, 1873, was Miss Wilhelmena H. Struckman. Mrs. Wehrheim was born in St. Louis, March 14, 1855, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of thirteen children, two of whom are deceased, Elizabeth and Joseph A. Those living are, William H., John M., Valentine G., Mary L., Louis E., Charles F., Minnie A. E., Roland O., Ralph L, Ernest A. and Oscar W. Mr. Wehrheim always takes a great interest in politics, and is at all times a supporter of the Republican party. He cast his first Presidential vote for General Grant and during the administrations of Garfield and Harrison served as Postmaster at Evansville. Socially he is a member of Red Bud Lodge No. 285, I. O. O. F. He is highly esteemed as a man of honorable business traits. With his wife and family he is an influential member of the Lutheran Church, and all have many sincere friends throughout this community.