George Wilber Aldridge was born in 1895 in Cannelton, IN to Joe and Eliza (Connor) Aldridge. George Wilber was named after his father's best friend, George J. Wilber and he was nicknamed Wib.
Wib's mother was in ill health and passed away in 1907 at the age of 34 from tuberculosis. Wib was 13 years old at the time of his mother's death. Wib's father was the owner of "My Old Kentucky Home" Saloon at the corner of Washington Street and Fourth Street, Cannelton, IN and he felt that he was incapable of raising four children without his wife. Wib's was sent to St. Meinrad Seminary to be raised and educated by the Monks of St. Benedict. It is believed that this is where he learned his beautiful, flowing penmanship.
In 1909 he graduated from the 8th grade at St. Meinrad and returned to Cannelton, living above the saloon with his father. In 1909 he started working for the Southern Railroad at the Cannelton Depot. His career with Southern would last 27 years (1909 - 1936). He worked in varying capacities and relocated to several different cities in order to maintain employment with Southern.
On Jan 20, 1914, his father passed away (40 years old) from a heart attack, leaving Wib 17 years old alone.
In 1917, Wib met Mabel Alice Adams at Casper's Dept Store (where she worked), located on Washington St, across the street from the Cannelton Cotton mill office. They spent many hours walking, talking and learning about each other, trying to determine if they were a match. Their favorite place to talk was at the Protestant Cemetery Gazebo, which overlooked the Ohio river.
Feb 12, 1918, Wib (age 22) married Mabel (age 24) at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Cannelton, IN.
1918 Joseph was born.
1922 William was born.
1924 Sara was born.
1927 Robert was born.
From 1929-1932 the Aldridges rented a house at 516 Adams (razed in the 1950's). Wib's daughter, Sarah stated that this house looked similar to the two story house at 515 Adams (historic residence, which was still standing as of 11/2014).
1933 they rented a house at 210 4th Street.
1934 they lived at the Knights of Columbus home on 3rd Street (still standing as of 11/2014).
1935 Wib's job with the Southern Railroad was relocated to Mt. Vernon, IL. To maintain employment, he would have to move his family and their possessions. The Aldridges rented a living space above Mr. Ripey's produce store, located at 509 Main St (still standing as of 11/2014).
In the Fall of 1936, Wib's job was moved from Mount Vernon, IL to Tell City, IN. The Aldridges were excited to be be moving closer to home, Cannelton. They relocated and rented a house at 407 12th Street in Tell City.
1937 January: The Great Ohio River Flood destroyed most of the towns from Pittsburgh, PA to Cairo, IL (This includes Tell City, Cannelton, Hawesville, Evansville, Cincinnati and Louisville). Over a million people were left homeless and jobless, with property losses reaching $500 million ($8 billion in 2012 dollars). Federal and state resources could not aid in recovery, as the disaster occurred during the depths of the Great Depression. (worldwide economic depression lasting from 1929 to 1939). Without government financial aid or flood insurance, the rebuilding of homes and business' was put on hold. The water level in Evansville was at 54 feet. Cincinnati's at 80 feet and Louisville, Ky at 57 feet. Water levels did not fall back into the normal range for three weeks. Fortunately, the Aldridge home was located on top of the 12th Street hill, in Tell City or the flood would have taken what few belongings that they had.
The Tell City and Cannelton Southern Railroad stations, which were built near the Ohio River were demolished by the fast moving flood water, leaving Wib without a job. The Aldridges had minimum income and maximum needs.
In the Summer of 1937, the Aldridge family moved back home to Cannelton. Wib was able to find part-time work at a local gas station. Rebuilding & economic recovery had not as yet started in Perry Co. Even part-time jobs were scarce.
In 1938 Wib ran for Cannelton City Recorder. The job of City Recorder had a four year term, four years of economic stability, exactly what the Aldridge family needed. In the evenings preceding the election, Wib and Mabel walked the streets of Cannelton, meeting and talking to everyone that they saw, politicking for votes.
Election Day came and when the results were tallied, Wib had lost by seven votes. His party leader said that if he had known that the vote was going to be that close, that he could have bought enough votes to secure the victory for Wib.
Sarah Idell Adams, Mabel's mother died in January 1940, in her home at 542 St. Louis Ave. The home was divided equally between her five children (Alfred, Louisa, Laura, Mabel and Edna). Four of the five children were not interested in the home, so Wib and Mabel bought the other siblings interests and made 542 St. Louis Ave their home. To help pay the bills, Mabel opened the Aldridge Grocery Store, located in the living room of their home at 542 St. Louis Ave. You can see a picture of the store on Mabel Aldridge's memorial page.
In 1943, Wib ran and was elected as the Cannelton City Treasurer, 1943 through 1944. He furthered his political career by being elected as the Perry County Treasurer, 1945 through 1946 and from 1947 through 1948. Retiring from public service on December 31, 1948. After retirement he filled his schedule by working at the Aldridge store.
Wib had been in declining health for many years but he became critically ill on the morning of June 21, 1949, when he had a heart attack. He died June 22, at 1:15 a.m., in an ambulance enroute to the hospital in Evansville, IN.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Mabel (Adams) Aldridge; a daughter, Mrs. Norbert (Sally) Schaefer of Lafayette, IN; two sons William and Robert Aldridge of Cannelton, IN; a sister, Mrs. Ralph (Agusta Aldridge) Hocking of Detroit, MI, and two brothers, Frank Aldridge of Akron, OH, and Joe Aldridge of Norwalk, CA; and a grandson, Joe Schaefer of Lafayette, IN.
Services were held at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Cannelton, IN with burial at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.
Wib's mother was in ill health and passed away in 1907 at the age of 34 from tuberculosis. Wib was 13 years old at the time of his mother's death. Wib's father was the owner of "My Old Kentucky Home" Saloon at the corner of Washington Street and Fourth Street, Cannelton, IN and he felt that he was incapable of raising four children without his wife. Wib's was sent to St. Meinrad Seminary to be raised and educated by the Monks of St. Benedict. It is believed that this is where he learned his beautiful, flowing penmanship.
In 1909 he graduated from the 8th grade at St. Meinrad and returned to Cannelton, living above the saloon with his father. In 1909 he started working for the Southern Railroad at the Cannelton Depot. His career with Southern would last 27 years (1909 - 1936). He worked in varying capacities and relocated to several different cities in order to maintain employment with Southern.
On Jan 20, 1914, his father passed away (40 years old) from a heart attack, leaving Wib 17 years old alone.
In 1917, Wib met Mabel Alice Adams at Casper's Dept Store (where she worked), located on Washington St, across the street from the Cannelton Cotton mill office. They spent many hours walking, talking and learning about each other, trying to determine if they were a match. Their favorite place to talk was at the Protestant Cemetery Gazebo, which overlooked the Ohio river.
Feb 12, 1918, Wib (age 22) married Mabel (age 24) at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Cannelton, IN.
1918 Joseph was born.
1922 William was born.
1924 Sara was born.
1927 Robert was born.
From 1929-1932 the Aldridges rented a house at 516 Adams (razed in the 1950's). Wib's daughter, Sarah stated that this house looked similar to the two story house at 515 Adams (historic residence, which was still standing as of 11/2014).
1933 they rented a house at 210 4th Street.
1934 they lived at the Knights of Columbus home on 3rd Street (still standing as of 11/2014).
1935 Wib's job with the Southern Railroad was relocated to Mt. Vernon, IL. To maintain employment, he would have to move his family and their possessions. The Aldridges rented a living space above Mr. Ripey's produce store, located at 509 Main St (still standing as of 11/2014).
In the Fall of 1936, Wib's job was moved from Mount Vernon, IL to Tell City, IN. The Aldridges were excited to be be moving closer to home, Cannelton. They relocated and rented a house at 407 12th Street in Tell City.
1937 January: The Great Ohio River Flood destroyed most of the towns from Pittsburgh, PA to Cairo, IL (This includes Tell City, Cannelton, Hawesville, Evansville, Cincinnati and Louisville). Over a million people were left homeless and jobless, with property losses reaching $500 million ($8 billion in 2012 dollars). Federal and state resources could not aid in recovery, as the disaster occurred during the depths of the Great Depression. (worldwide economic depression lasting from 1929 to 1939). Without government financial aid or flood insurance, the rebuilding of homes and business' was put on hold. The water level in Evansville was at 54 feet. Cincinnati's at 80 feet and Louisville, Ky at 57 feet. Water levels did not fall back into the normal range for three weeks. Fortunately, the Aldridge home was located on top of the 12th Street hill, in Tell City or the flood would have taken what few belongings that they had.
The Tell City and Cannelton Southern Railroad stations, which were built near the Ohio River were demolished by the fast moving flood water, leaving Wib without a job. The Aldridges had minimum income and maximum needs.
In the Summer of 1937, the Aldridge family moved back home to Cannelton. Wib was able to find part-time work at a local gas station. Rebuilding & economic recovery had not as yet started in Perry Co. Even part-time jobs were scarce.
In 1938 Wib ran for Cannelton City Recorder. The job of City Recorder had a four year term, four years of economic stability, exactly what the Aldridge family needed. In the evenings preceding the election, Wib and Mabel walked the streets of Cannelton, meeting and talking to everyone that they saw, politicking for votes.
Election Day came and when the results were tallied, Wib had lost by seven votes. His party leader said that if he had known that the vote was going to be that close, that he could have bought enough votes to secure the victory for Wib.
Sarah Idell Adams, Mabel's mother died in January 1940, in her home at 542 St. Louis Ave. The home was divided equally between her five children (Alfred, Louisa, Laura, Mabel and Edna). Four of the five children were not interested in the home, so Wib and Mabel bought the other siblings interests and made 542 St. Louis Ave their home. To help pay the bills, Mabel opened the Aldridge Grocery Store, located in the living room of their home at 542 St. Louis Ave. You can see a picture of the store on Mabel Aldridge's memorial page.
In 1943, Wib ran and was elected as the Cannelton City Treasurer, 1943 through 1944. He furthered his political career by being elected as the Perry County Treasurer, 1945 through 1946 and from 1947 through 1948. Retiring from public service on December 31, 1948. After retirement he filled his schedule by working at the Aldridge store.
Wib had been in declining health for many years but he became critically ill on the morning of June 21, 1949, when he had a heart attack. He died June 22, at 1:15 a.m., in an ambulance enroute to the hospital in Evansville, IN.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Mabel (Adams) Aldridge; a daughter, Mrs. Norbert (Sally) Schaefer of Lafayette, IN; two sons William and Robert Aldridge of Cannelton, IN; a sister, Mrs. Ralph (Agusta Aldridge) Hocking of Detroit, MI, and two brothers, Frank Aldridge of Akron, OH, and Joe Aldridge of Norwalk, CA; and a grandson, Joe Schaefer of Lafayette, IN.
Services were held at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Cannelton, IN with burial at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.
George Wilber Aldridge was born in 1895 in Cannelton, IN to Joe and Eliza (Connor) Aldridge. George Wilber was named after his father's best friend, George J. Wilber and he was nicknamed Wib.
Wib's mother was in ill health and passed away in 1907 at the age of 34 from tuberculosis. Wib was 13 years old at the time of his mother's death. Wib's father was the owner of "My Old Kentucky Home" Saloon at the corner of Washington Street and Fourth Street, Cannelton, IN and he felt that he was incapable of raising four children without his wife. Wib's was sent to St. Meinrad Seminary to be raised and educated by the Monks of St. Benedict. It is believed that this is where he learned his beautiful, flowing penmanship.
In 1909 he graduated from the 8th grade at St. Meinrad and returned to Cannelton, living above the saloon with his father. In 1909 he started working for the Southern Railroad at the Cannelton Depot. His career with Southern would last 27 years (1909 - 1936). He worked in varying capacities and relocated to several different cities in order to maintain employment with Southern.
On Jan 20, 1914, his father passed away (40 years old) from a heart attack, leaving Wib 17 years old alone.
In 1917, Wib met Mabel Alice Adams at Casper's Dept Store (where she worked), located on Washington St, across the street from the Cannelton Cotton mill office. They spent many hours walking, talking and learning about each other, trying to determine if they were a match. Their favorite place to talk was at the Protestant Cemetery Gazebo, which overlooked the Ohio river.
Feb 12, 1918, Wib (age 22) married Mabel (age 24) at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Cannelton, IN.
1918 Joseph was born.
1922 William was born.
1924 Sara was born.
1927 Robert was born.
From 1929-1932 the Aldridges rented a house at 516 Adams (razed in the 1950's). Wib's daughter, Sarah stated that this house looked similar to the two story house at 515 Adams (historic residence, which was still standing as of 11/2014).
1933 they rented a house at 210 4th Street.
1934 they lived at the Knights of Columbus home on 3rd Street (still standing as of 11/2014).
1935 Wib's job with the Southern Railroad was relocated to Mt. Vernon, IL. To maintain employment, he would have to move his family and their possessions. The Aldridges rented a living space above Mr. Ripey's produce store, located at 509 Main St (still standing as of 11/2014).
In the Fall of 1936, Wib's job was moved from Mount Vernon, IL to Tell City, IN. The Aldridges were excited to be be moving closer to home, Cannelton. They relocated and rented a house at 407 12th Street in Tell City.
1937 January: The Great Ohio River Flood destroyed most of the towns from Pittsburgh, PA to Cairo, IL (This includes Tell City, Cannelton, Hawesville, Evansville, Cincinnati and Louisville). Over a million people were left homeless and jobless, with property losses reaching $500 million ($8 billion in 2012 dollars). Federal and state resources could not aid in recovery, as the disaster occurred during the depths of the Great Depression. (worldwide economic depression lasting from 1929 to 1939). Without government financial aid or flood insurance, the rebuilding of homes and business' was put on hold. The water level in Evansville was at 54 feet. Cincinnati's at 80 feet and Louisville, Ky at 57 feet. Water levels did not fall back into the normal range for three weeks. Fortunately, the Aldridge home was located on top of the 12th Street hill, in Tell City or the flood would have taken what few belongings that they had.
The Tell City and Cannelton Southern Railroad stations, which were built near the Ohio River were demolished by the fast moving flood water, leaving Wib without a job. The Aldridges had minimum income and maximum needs.
In the Summer of 1937, the Aldridge family moved back home to Cannelton. Wib was able to find part-time work at a local gas station. Rebuilding & economic recovery had not as yet started in Perry Co. Even part-time jobs were scarce.
In 1938 Wib ran for Cannelton City Recorder. The job of City Recorder had a four year term, four years of economic stability, exactly what the Aldridge family needed. In the evenings preceding the election, Wib and Mabel walked the streets of Cannelton, meeting and talking to everyone that they saw, politicking for votes.
Election Day came and when the results were tallied, Wib had lost by seven votes. His party leader said that if he had known that the vote was going to be that close, that he could have bought enough votes to secure the victory for Wib.
Sarah Idell Adams, Mabel's mother died in January 1940, in her home at 542 St. Louis Ave. The home was divided equally between her five children (Alfred, Louisa, Laura, Mabel and Edna). Four of the five children were not interested in the home, so Wib and Mabel bought the other siblings interests and made 542 St. Louis Ave their home. To help pay the bills, Mabel opened the Aldridge Grocery Store, located in the living room of their home at 542 St. Louis Ave. You can see a picture of the store on Mabel Aldridge's memorial page.
In 1943, Wib ran and was elected as the Cannelton City Treasurer, 1943 through 1944. He furthered his political career by being elected as the Perry County Treasurer, 1945 through 1946 and from 1947 through 1948. Retiring from public service on December 31, 1948. After retirement he filled his schedule by working at the Aldridge store.
Wib had been in declining health for many years but he became critically ill on the morning of June 21, 1949, when he had a heart attack. He died June 22, at 1:15 a.m., in an ambulance enroute to the hospital in Evansville, IN.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Mabel (Adams) Aldridge; a daughter, Mrs. Norbert (Sally) Schaefer of Lafayette, IN; two sons William and Robert Aldridge of Cannelton, IN; a sister, Mrs. Ralph (Agusta Aldridge) Hocking of Detroit, MI, and two brothers, Frank Aldridge of Akron, OH, and Joe Aldridge of Norwalk, CA; and a grandson, Joe Schaefer of Lafayette, IN.
Services were held at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Cannelton, IN with burial at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.
Wib's mother was in ill health and passed away in 1907 at the age of 34 from tuberculosis. Wib was 13 years old at the time of his mother's death. Wib's father was the owner of "My Old Kentucky Home" Saloon at the corner of Washington Street and Fourth Street, Cannelton, IN and he felt that he was incapable of raising four children without his wife. Wib's was sent to St. Meinrad Seminary to be raised and educated by the Monks of St. Benedict. It is believed that this is where he learned his beautiful, flowing penmanship.
In 1909 he graduated from the 8th grade at St. Meinrad and returned to Cannelton, living above the saloon with his father. In 1909 he started working for the Southern Railroad at the Cannelton Depot. His career with Southern would last 27 years (1909 - 1936). He worked in varying capacities and relocated to several different cities in order to maintain employment with Southern.
On Jan 20, 1914, his father passed away (40 years old) from a heart attack, leaving Wib 17 years old alone.
In 1917, Wib met Mabel Alice Adams at Casper's Dept Store (where she worked), located on Washington St, across the street from the Cannelton Cotton mill office. They spent many hours walking, talking and learning about each other, trying to determine if they were a match. Their favorite place to talk was at the Protestant Cemetery Gazebo, which overlooked the Ohio river.
Feb 12, 1918, Wib (age 22) married Mabel (age 24) at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Cannelton, IN.
1918 Joseph was born.
1922 William was born.
1924 Sara was born.
1927 Robert was born.
From 1929-1932 the Aldridges rented a house at 516 Adams (razed in the 1950's). Wib's daughter, Sarah stated that this house looked similar to the two story house at 515 Adams (historic residence, which was still standing as of 11/2014).
1933 they rented a house at 210 4th Street.
1934 they lived at the Knights of Columbus home on 3rd Street (still standing as of 11/2014).
1935 Wib's job with the Southern Railroad was relocated to Mt. Vernon, IL. To maintain employment, he would have to move his family and their possessions. The Aldridges rented a living space above Mr. Ripey's produce store, located at 509 Main St (still standing as of 11/2014).
In the Fall of 1936, Wib's job was moved from Mount Vernon, IL to Tell City, IN. The Aldridges were excited to be be moving closer to home, Cannelton. They relocated and rented a house at 407 12th Street in Tell City.
1937 January: The Great Ohio River Flood destroyed most of the towns from Pittsburgh, PA to Cairo, IL (This includes Tell City, Cannelton, Hawesville, Evansville, Cincinnati and Louisville). Over a million people were left homeless and jobless, with property losses reaching $500 million ($8 billion in 2012 dollars). Federal and state resources could not aid in recovery, as the disaster occurred during the depths of the Great Depression. (worldwide economic depression lasting from 1929 to 1939). Without government financial aid or flood insurance, the rebuilding of homes and business' was put on hold. The water level in Evansville was at 54 feet. Cincinnati's at 80 feet and Louisville, Ky at 57 feet. Water levels did not fall back into the normal range for three weeks. Fortunately, the Aldridge home was located on top of the 12th Street hill, in Tell City or the flood would have taken what few belongings that they had.
The Tell City and Cannelton Southern Railroad stations, which were built near the Ohio River were demolished by the fast moving flood water, leaving Wib without a job. The Aldridges had minimum income and maximum needs.
In the Summer of 1937, the Aldridge family moved back home to Cannelton. Wib was able to find part-time work at a local gas station. Rebuilding & economic recovery had not as yet started in Perry Co. Even part-time jobs were scarce.
In 1938 Wib ran for Cannelton City Recorder. The job of City Recorder had a four year term, four years of economic stability, exactly what the Aldridge family needed. In the evenings preceding the election, Wib and Mabel walked the streets of Cannelton, meeting and talking to everyone that they saw, politicking for votes.
Election Day came and when the results were tallied, Wib had lost by seven votes. His party leader said that if he had known that the vote was going to be that close, that he could have bought enough votes to secure the victory for Wib.
Sarah Idell Adams, Mabel's mother died in January 1940, in her home at 542 St. Louis Ave. The home was divided equally between her five children (Alfred, Louisa, Laura, Mabel and Edna). Four of the five children were not interested in the home, so Wib and Mabel bought the other siblings interests and made 542 St. Louis Ave their home. To help pay the bills, Mabel opened the Aldridge Grocery Store, located in the living room of their home at 542 St. Louis Ave. You can see a picture of the store on Mabel Aldridge's memorial page.
In 1943, Wib ran and was elected as the Cannelton City Treasurer, 1943 through 1944. He furthered his political career by being elected as the Perry County Treasurer, 1945 through 1946 and from 1947 through 1948. Retiring from public service on December 31, 1948. After retirement he filled his schedule by working at the Aldridge store.
Wib had been in declining health for many years but he became critically ill on the morning of June 21, 1949, when he had a heart attack. He died June 22, at 1:15 a.m., in an ambulance enroute to the hospital in Evansville, IN.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Mabel (Adams) Aldridge; a daughter, Mrs. Norbert (Sally) Schaefer of Lafayette, IN; two sons William and Robert Aldridge of Cannelton, IN; a sister, Mrs. Ralph (Agusta Aldridge) Hocking of Detroit, MI, and two brothers, Frank Aldridge of Akron, OH, and Joe Aldridge of Norwalk, CA; and a grandson, Joe Schaefer of Lafayette, IN.
Services were held at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Cannelton, IN with burial at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.
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