The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-11
ISAAC THHLMAN IS DEAD
ONCE A PROMINENT FIGURE IN MI
NICIPAL AFFAIRS.
His Valuable Services to the City
Quarter of "a Century in Local
Legislative Bodies.

Isaac Thalman. for many years promi-
nently identified with local municipal af-
fairs, died last evening at 6 o'clock at Dr.
w. B. Fletcher's sanatorium, where he had
been for treatment about six weeks Since
year and half ago Mr.. Thalman had
suffered several attacks of paralysis. which
supernduced cerebral trouble. Until six
weeks ago he lived at the home of ]. L.
Larger. 1903 East Washington street. Mr..
Thalman was Mrs. Largers uncle. The
body was removed to Mr.. I4arger's house,
where the funeral will occur, probably Sun
day. with the rites of the orders with which
Mr.. Thalman was associated, the Knights
Templars, Scottish Rite Masons and
Knights of Pythias.
No nsan has been more closely identified
with the official life of Indianapolis than
Mr.. Thalman in the last quarter of
century, during which time he was a men,
Der or the Council and Board of Aldermen.
His services were regarded as invaluable
Much of his best work was done in connec-
ton with the city's financial management,
his position as chairman Of the finance COM
mittee placing large responsibilities on his
shoulders. AT various times he also did
effective work other important commit
tees. In 1872 he was chairman of the Police
Board Earlier in life he was clerk in the
indianapolis postoffice. While deeply inter-
ested in and associated with public affairs
his main energies were devoted to his pri-
vate business, and he was looked on as sue
cessful in this respect. From a minor posi-
ton he arose by degrees to an interest in
the wooden mills of c. E. Geisendorff & Co.
His father-in-law was c.. E. Geisendorff,
vino died Wednesday of last week.
Mr. f,a1Y Of III. oIn4I
Isaac Thalmen, of Zuric, Switzerland, who
Settled in Jackson county. near Seymour.
in the early years of the century. Here he
was born in 1894 and lived with his parents
on the farm until 1916. when he came to In
grocery store of julius Nicolai, where he re-
manned several years, afterward taking
position in the variety store of Thalman &
Evans. The Thalman of this firm was his
brother, John Thalman. who still lives here.
In 1852 the young man was asked to take
a position as general delivery clerk in the
postoffice under Postmaster w. w. Wick.
Abner Newland, now custodian of the City
Hall, was feslohg-clerk with Mr.. Thalman,
and says that he was regarded as a most
reliable and trustworthy employee. 1t was
not until long after he accepted this APP.
polntment that Mr.. Thalman learned that
Albert G. Porter, afterward Governor of
Indiana, had used his influence to secure
him the place. Governor Porter was known
to take q friendly interest to advance the
prospects of young men whom he regarded
as worthy without their knowledge. After
serving in the postoffice several years Mr..
Thaiman resigned to become the bookkeeper
of the indianapolis wooden mills. In 1865 he
became partner in the firm of c. E. Gels
endorH q Co., retaining an interest and re-
manning connected with that firm until he
was forced to retire from business on ac-
n a
ago.
WAS ONCE A DEMOCRAT.
In his early manhood Mr.. Thalman was
a Democrat, but his last vote for a candi-
date of that party was cast for Stephen A.
Douglas. Since the war he was a pro-
nounced Republican, although he was sup
ported for Office by those who knew him
without regard to party affiliations. For
many years he resided at the English and
at the Circle Park hotels. He and his wife
boarded at the latter hotel four or five
years, afterward removing to a house they
purchased on North Meridian street. In
1869 he was elected to the Council by the
Republicans of the old Fourth ward. He
was reelected in 1871 and 1873, and on re-
firing from the Council was sent to the
Board of Aldermen, continuing to serve in
one legislative body of the city or the other
for twenty-three years, up to the adoption
of the charter. This abolished the Board
say that he was glad to be relieved of fur
Their public service. He was president of
that body. 1t is related that he once
moved out of his ward to avoid an election,
but was elected in spite of himself, so salts
factory were his public services. He was a
ready speaker, always forceful and ag-
gressive when questions of public good
were involved. He was a guest of honor
at a banquet given after his retirement
from office, at which two or three eX-may-
ors who had known and associated with
him in public service were present.
While not churchman he led an upright
life With a high moral character. sober
habits and love of domesticity, he despised
anything that Savored of dishonesty. He
was charitable. His tastes were extremely
democratic, his habits methodcal. AT one
time he had amassed considerable money,
but his fortune was crippled by unfortunate
ventures.
Mr.. Thalman had no children. His wife
died about four years ago. A year later he
took up his residence with Mr.. and Mrs.
Larger, with whom he continued to make
his home. He leaves a brother, John Thai
man, and two sisters. Mrs. G. S. Pittman,
of this city, and Mrs Mary Robinson, of
Texas widow Of the late Colonel William
Robinson, once sheriff of Marion county.
He also has nieces and nephews residing in
Kansas City, children of a brother who is
dead. His father and mother resided I'm
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