John Augustus Reitz

John A. Reitz (1815–1891), known as the "Lumber Baron," was an American entrepreneur, industrialist, banker, civic leader, and philanthropist in Evansville, Indiana.

At one point he served as president and contributed largely toward making Crescent City one of the most substantial banking institutions in Indiana at the time.

His activity and success as a manufacturer and banker would alone rank him as one of the leading businessmen of the area, yet in other fields he attained equal prominence.

When the town of Lamasco was incorporated in 1846 he became its chief executive officer and managed its affairs until it was annexed into Evansville.

He built at his own expense the Church of the Sacred Heart and presented it to the bishop as a place of worship for Irish Catholics.

Reitz was a liberal contributor to the building and maintenance of Evans Hall, dedicated solely to the cause of temperance.