Albert Frank Seiberling
Probably one of the leading enterprises in its line in the world, the Indiana Rubber and Insulated Wire Company has been developed to its present large proportions by a group of progressive, energetic and enterprising business men, whose fortunes are connected with this industry, and who have prospered with its remarkable prosperity. Ever since its organization, during a period of more than twenty years, Albert Frank Seiberling has held a responsible position with this concern, and has contributed much to its growth and steady advancement. A man of foresight, judgment and modern ideas, in the capacities of assistant treasurer, member of the board of directors and general superintendent, he is assisting his associates to still further forward the company's interests, but at the same time has found leisure in which to help other public-spirited men in their activities for the public welfare, and in social life has become widely known in Jonesboro.
Mr. Seiberling was born at Doylestown, Ohio, May 16, 1866, the third of the six children born to James H. Seiberling, president of the company, a sketch of the family being found in the father's sketch on another page of this work. Mr. Seiberling was given good educational advantages, first attending the public and high schools of Doylestown and later attending Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York, where he received his diploma with the Class of 1886. He received his introduction to business life with the Diamond Plate Glass Company, of Kokomo, Indiana, of which his father was a director, and with which the son continued to be associated during a period of two years, between the time of leaving Eastman and going to Kokomo. Later he joined his father in the manufacture of farming machinery at Doylestown, and continued there until 1891, when he helped to organize the Indiana Rubber and Insulated Wire Company. At that time he was made secretary of the concern, but in 1892 became superintendent, and in that same year joined the board of directors. The superintendency of this large business carries with it a great load of responsibilities. There are 400 people employed in the plant, manufacturing approximately $1,250,000 worth of goods annually, the product being automobile tires and inner tubes, a full line of rubber goods of all kinds, bicycle tires (about 1,000 per day fall and winter and 1,800 per day spring and summer) and insulated wire. The business was organized for the manufacture of the last named product, but after three years began making rubber goods, and this has since become one of the most important features of the trade. The company has the reputation of making goods that are unexcelled in quality, a reputation that is being steadfastly maintained. Every market of any size the world over carries a line of these Indiana goods, and the company has done much to spread the name and fame of Jonesboro as a manufacturing center. Mr. Seiberling is a man of energy and one able to achieve results. His associates rely upon him absolutely and he has never given them reason to regret their confidence.
In 1892, not long after coming to Jonesboro, Mr. Seiberling was married to Miss Angie B. Cline, who was born at Elwood, Indiana, July 30, 1870, but who was reared and educated in Jonesboro. She is a daughter of Adam H. Cline, a business man of Jonesboro, and a stalwart citizen and supporter of the Republican party. Mrs. Cline, whose maiden name was Mary Thamburg, died in middle life, Mrs. Seiberling at that time being twelve years of age. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a capable, Christian woman. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Seiberling, namely:
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Paul A., a graduate of the Class of 1913, Marion High School, and now a student in Purdue University, where he is taking a course in chemical engineering.
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Mary Katherine, aged twelve years, who is attending the Jonesboro graded schools.
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The oldest and youngest died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Seiberling are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have been active in its various movements and charities. Mr. Seiberling is a Republican in his political views, and, while he has not been an office seeker, has fulfilled the duties of citizenship as a member of the town board for thirteen years, and has been able to do much for his adopted locality. Fraternally he is popular as a member of the Masons, in which he belongs to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Jonesboro and the Commandery at Marion, and also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias.
Source: Centennial History of Grant County, Indiana 1812 to 1912. By the Lewis Publishing Company, 1914. Page 1083, 1084.