Who are the Hulmans? Part Two

Herman, now 27, the same age as Francis when he started his partnership was managing a very profitable business. Herman's experience from his apprenticeship proved to be very beneficial and he led the business with a confidence that calmed his brother Theodore. As the Civil War loomed, Herman feared for his personal and professional life. Personally, Herman feared that the war would keep him apart from his girlfriend, Antonia Riefenstahl. After several unsuccessful attempts to persuade her to travel to U.S., Antonia finally arrived from Germany in 1862, and they were married the same year. The stress of war made acquiring goods to keep their store stocked even more time consuming. In 1863, while Herman was working more than ever, Theodore left to be married. Soon there after Herman celebrated the birth of his first child Maria. Theodore briefly left the business to serve in the Indiana Home Guard. As the war ended, Theodore returned and Herman celebrated the birth of his first son Anton. By the time their third child was born, Herman Jr., Antonia and Herman had already mourned the loss of Maria.

The war which had created times of uncertainty for the business, ultimately resulted in greater success and expansion. In 1869, Herman's desire to diversify led to a merger with R.S. Cox Jr., his biggest competitor. That same year he purchased the Alexander McGregor distillery. Six year later Herman was exhausted from all of his ventures and sold the distillery prior to an extended European vacation. After returning Herman purchased half-interest in the distillery, which he would keep until 1878. That year he traded his distillery interests to regain full interest on his wholesale business, ending the Hulman and Cox merger. Herman diverse investments would continue with stakes in railroads, the telegraph, water and sewage systems, and gas and electric companies. 

Although not all Herman's ventures succeeded, nothing could slow his desire for success. The strain of such success forced Theodore to retire to outdoor work in 1879. He focused on raising vegetables on a 756 acre farm that he sold to the government for used a federal prison. As Herman's responsibilities continued to grow, his time with family was further reduced. Antonia focused on their sons, while Herman focused on business. While focusing on raising her sons Antonia couldn't help but be frustrated with the city's lack of health care infrastructure. The city had very few trained nurses and the sick would often be treated at home or the jail. Following Antonia's lead, Herman bought a vacant building at 2nd and Mulberry, and in 1882, St.Anthony Hospital was opened. By this period Antonia was already very ill and passed away in April. The loss of his wife led Herman to continue his wife's work.