Page:The Tales of a Traveller.djvu/112

100 Edward George, the Son

Ed George, like his notable father, is a tireless and intelligent worker, being much devoted to the interests of the Storrs & Harrison Company, and assuming a great deal of the responsibility of the greenhouse end of the concern. In addition to his qualifications in this respect, Ed George possesses other good qualities, well worthy of emulation. He is an optimist in the first place, believing that no good can come from looking at business life through smoked glasses. In the busiest season of the year, at the time when railroad cars have to be loaded and shipped, when work of all sorts must be attended to without delay, and the inevitable confusion that arises is enough to rattle any man, Ed George always maintains his even temper and accomplishes excellent results.

Adolph Baur, Secretary of A. C. S.

Adolph Baur is still a young man; but in the line of floriculture he has accomplished more than many another man twice his age. I have known him for a number of years, since the time he worked for Henry Niemeyer at Erie, Pa. Although but a youth then, he had already the ambition to do things. He had initiative. He hybridized a number of Carnation seedlings while on Niemeyer's place in capacity of grower. The results of those early trials were a number of seedlings, some of which I recall at this moment. There were American Flag, a variegated variety, Pluto, Goliath, Rob Roy and others, none of which, however, were long lived, although Mr. Niemeyer himself entertained the fondest of hopes about them.

Prior to his connection with Mr. Niemeyer, Adolph Baur worked for the E. G. Hill Company, at Richmond, Ind., receiving there his first lessons and training in floriculture. After severing his connections with Henry Niemeyer, he went to Pittsburgh, where he worked for awhile with Charles Siebert, long since dead. Later, he drifted to Indianapolis, and there he established himself, at first in partnership with Smith and later with Steinkamp. The latter partnership is in existence today.

Mr. Baur has introduced a number of meritorious seedlings, some of which, such as Shasta and Pocahontas, are still grown successfully in many quarters. A number of other seedlings are in sight, and it may be expected that some of them will make their mark.

As secretary of the American Carnation Society, Adolph Baur is regarded as one of the most efficient that the society has ever had.

The Veseys of Fort Wayne, Ind.

Young Vesey, who is still in his twenties, is not only a horticulturist who has already achieved excellent results, but he is a public-spirited young man as well. As a member of the Indiana State Florists' Association, he always takes a keen interest and an active part in its affairs. His father, the Honorable Judge Vesey, although much interested in horticulture, does not give much of his time to it. His legal profession requires most of his time and attention. The late Mrs. Vesey, his mother, was known everywhere as one of the most active, energetic, and successful women florists. There was no exhibition complete unless Mrs. Vesey contributed toward its success by displaying her Roses, Chrysanthemums, and Carnations; and many a blue ribbon she took away as a trophy. Her untimely death a few years ago was a great loss to her many friends.

Upon her son devolved the duty of taking hold of the establishment, and carrying it on along the lines laid down by his able mother. Young Vesey was equal to the task. He continued to grow stock of a high grade, and to dispose of it successfully in the wholesale markets.