Vincennes Township (part 10 of 14)

The house in which he now resides was the birthplace of Frank F. Plass, and there he spent his youthful days which were largely devoted to the acquirement of an education in the public schools. He became associated with his father in the conduct and development of an extensive and valuable farm of three hundred and thirty acres which is devoted to the raising of grain and melons, although they make a specialty of the latter. They were the first people to raise the Paradise Gem melon in this part of the countr}'. The soil of their place is especially adapted to the cultivation of melons and annually they send from their farm extensive shipments, which find a ready sale on the market because of the size, quality and flavor. The business has grown to large proportions, and the farm constitutes a profitable source of income. In addition to his other inter-

In 1906 was celebrated the marriage of Frank Plass and Miss Minnie Cook, and they now have two interesting children, Alice and Norman. He holds membership with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Decker. He is accorded wide and favorable recognition in business, and the record which he has made reflects credit upon an untarnished family name.

For twenty-five years past in active practice in Knox county. Dr. William E. Kessinger of Bicknell, has become widely known in the county, and has acquired an enviable reputation in his profession. His success has been due to conscientious endeavor and a thorough knowledge of the principles of medical practice as presented by the best authorities and observed in daily application.

He was born in Bruceville, November 20, 1855, and is a son of William M. and Margaret J. (Bruce) Kessinger. The original name of the family was Kissingen, the spelling having been changed in this country in the latter part of the sixteenth century by three brothers who were obliged to flee from Germany on account of their political opinions and take refuge in the American colonies. One of the brothers located in Virginia, another in Pennsylvania, and the third in Ohio, and members of the family are now found in the principal states of the Union.

The father of our subject was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and came to Knox county in 1850, locating at Bruceville as a wagon maker. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in an Illinois regiment and served for about one hundred days. After returning home he began farming near Russellville, Illinois, but about 1871 or 1872 returned to Bruceville, and is now spending his declining years at the Soldiers' Home among his old army comrades. The mother of our subject was born in 1829 at Bruceville, being a daughter of Major Bruce and a member of a prominent Knox county family, after which the town of Bruceville was named. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kessinger: L. A., now practicing osteopathy at Beloit, Kansas; William E., our subject; E. M., a physician of Sandborn, Indiana, now deceased; C. B., an attorney of Vincennes; Ozro, who died in infancy; Hettie, the wife of Darwin Anderson, a real estate dealer of Pasadena, California; Flora E., who died at the age of twentythree years; and Pearl, the wife of Dr. James McDowell of Bruceville.

William E. Kessinger received his preliminary education in the common schools, later attending the Central Normal School at Danville, after which he taught school for seven years in Knox county. In the meantime he had decided to adopt a professional career and he gave up school teaching, be- coming a student in the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1885. Immediately after receiving his diploma he located at Sandborn, Knox county, where he practiced until he took up his residence at Bicknell, June 21, 1909. He is known as a leading physician of the county, and is also prominently identified with the social and financial interests of his adopted town. He is an extensive holder of real estate in Sandborn and Bicknell and of farm properties in Greene and Martin counties.

In 1890 Dr. Kessinger was united in marriage to Miss May Anderson, of Greene county. Two children have been born to them, Donna M. and E. Virchow, both of whom are at home. Dr. Kessinger is a member of the state and county medical societies, and since 1888 has been a stanch adherent of the prohibition party but previously was an upholder of the principles and platforms of the democratic party. He and his estimable wife are members of the Christian church and are at all times ready to assist in forwarding any worthy cause that aims to promote the permanent welfare of the community. Being a gentleman of pleasing address, engaging personality and genial nature. Dr. Kessinger has a host of friends in Knox county and is recognized as one of its most worthy citizens.

John Wilhelm

A man of force and inflexibility of character seldom fails to make his mark. The truth of this statement is shown on many pages of history and is exemplified in many life sketches contained in this volume. The career of John Wilhelm is an illustration of the attainment of wide and beneficent influence through a life of ceaseless activity always spent in worthy aims. A farmer boy, he earned the money that enabled him to spend several years in preparation for the legal profession, in which by steady and conscientious application to his calling he has attained a place among the leading lawyers of Knox county. In important positions which he has been invited to fill he has shown a trained judgment and a native ability which have commanded the respect even of opponents and are most important attributes in any lawyer who aspires to high rank among his fellowmen. After twenty-five years at the bar Mr. Wilhelm's sphere of influence is by no means confined to Knox county and his clientage is not restricted to the state of Indiana. His high position is the direct result of devotion to his profession, which he has always regarded with highest honor and intimate knowledge of the natures and character of men.

John Wilhelm was born near Mount Carmel, Wabash county, Illinois, May 10, 1856, and is the son of Conrad and Gertrude (Smith) Wilhelm. The father came when a child to the United States from Germany with his parents, the family locating at Mount Carmel. Here he was married and resided until his death, which occurred when the subject of this review was a small child. The mother of our subject departed this life at an advanced age in 1893-

John Wilhelm was one of the younger members of the family. He was reared on the farm with his widowed mother and four sisters, assisting in summer to the best of his ability in the farm work and attending the public schools of the neighborhood in the winter. Here he acquired the best education the limited facilities could afford. Eager for wider knowledge, he became a student in the schools of South Bend, Indiana, at the age of seventeen and later pursued a course in a business college at Evansville, Indiana. Having become in a large degree self-supporting, he spent a year in the mercantile business at Mount Carmel, at other times earning money on the farm and also taking up the study of law, to which his mind had been attracted years before he reached manhood. This study continued over a period of six years, from 1874 to 1880. In the latter year he presented himself for examination and was admitted to the bar.

At the age of twenty-four years Mr. Wilhelm began practice, selecting Vincennes as his home. During the years that have since passed he has continued in Vincennes, where by his pleasing manners he early made many friends whose esteem he has always retained. He has been awarded a fair share of the best law practice in Knox and adjoining counties and also in the region across the river in Illinois. His first experience in office was as school director in his home district in Illinois. He was chosen for the position before he became of age and succeeded in introducing much needed improvements in the school. In May, 1885, Mr. Wilhelm was nominated as mayor of Vincennes and elected without opposition, receiving almost the entire vote of the city at the general election. Two years later he was reelected to the same office by a large majority, attesting the popularity of an administration that met the hearty approval of the people. On the 8th of June, 1896, Mr. Wilhelm was elected city attorney of Vincennes by the city council, serving for four years. In May, 1900, he was again elected and served until June, 1902. In March, 1905, he was elected city attorney for the third time and served until January, 1906, when pressure of a growing law business caused him to resign. This record of twice as mayor and three times as city attorney has never been duplicated in Vincennes. In all his acts while in public office Mr. Wilhelm was governed by a desire to be just and never made use of his position except in the interest of law and order and with a consistent policy of advancing the permanent welfare of the city. After resigning as city attorney he was appointed by Judge Orlando H. Cobb as a member of tht board of trustees of the Good Samaritan Hospital, serving in this capacity three years until the hospital was erected and fully equipped. He declined reappointment. Mr. Wilhelm is connected with a number of corporations in a legal capacity and also as stockholder, and is highly popular among the business men with many of whom he has been closely associated.

On the 20th of December, 1883, occurred the marriage of Mr. Wilhelm and Miss Minnie E. Browne, a daughter of WiUiam E. and Comeha Browne of Vincennes and granddaughter of Dr. Joseph Browne and Colonel John Clark, both well known pioneers of Knox county.

Mr. Wilhelm has not given much time to secret societies but is a member of Lodge No. 291, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Vincennes. He affiliates with the democratic party, whose principles early appealed to his judgment, as he believes in granting the widest liberty to the individual consistent with a fair recognition of the rights and privileges of others. Inheriting from worthy ancestry the qualities of character that make the energetic and useful citizen, Mr. Wilhelm has by his example and influence represented the best elements of society and is recognized as one of the stanch and true men of Knox county, whose voice is heard in behalf not of the majority but of all - meaning every man, woman and child in the community.

Joseph P. Putton

Joseph P. Dutton, a well known representative of farming interests in Palmyra township is today the owner of an extensive tract of land of three hundred and twenty acres, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, and which in its thrifty and well kept appearance indicates his untiring energy and capable management. He was born in Knox county on the 2d of April, 1837, at the old family home situated on donation 78. His father, Jacob Dutton, was a native of Virginia, who, leaving the south, made his way to Indiana, where he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Knox county. Here he aided in the development of the wild land, securing a tract which he converted into good fields, although many hardships and privations formed features in the household life in those early days.

Joseph P. Dutton pursued his education in the district schools of Palmyra township. He was a little lad of seven years when he went to live with his uncle, Joseph Pickel, with whom he remained until the uncle's death. He became his associate in farming pursuits and was connected with him in the purchase of one hundred and seventy -five acres of land in donation 115, Steen township. This tract is now the property of Mr Dutton, who, from time to time, has added to his holdings, purchasing twenty-five acres in donation 78, Palmyra township, on which he now resides, and later ninety-five acres more in donation 78. His holdings aggregate three hundred and twenty acres, and the land is very rich and productive, responding readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, and in all of his work has been practical as well as progressive. His success has logically followed his unfaltering industry and perseverance.

On the 1st of January, 1868, Mr. Dutton was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Harbin, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allan Harbin, nritives of North Carolina and Ireland, respectively. Her parents were married in this county, where they continued to make their home until called to their final rest, their remains being interred in Wheatland cemetery. This union of Mr. and Mrs. Dutton has been blessed with five children: Barbara, who is now the wife of Herman W. Myer and has two children: Gertrude, at home; Doris, who is the wife of Arthur Smith and has four children; Grace, who married Frank Shaw and has three children; and Clement L., who aids his father in the cultivation and management of the home farm.

In his political views Mr. Dutton has long been an advocate of the democratic party and supports its candidates at the polls. He has never sought nor desired office for himself, however, for other interests make full claim upon his time. He belongs to Bicknell Lodge, No. 535, A. F. & A. M., of which he is regarded as an exemplary representative. He is today numbered among the extensive and prominent farmers of Knox county. In all of his business affairs he is thoroughly reliable and throughout his life has manifested a strong purpose that has enabled him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken. His genuine worth has made him highly esteemed by all and no history of Knox county would be complete without the record of his life, for during seventy-three years he has resided within its borders, being among the oldest of its native sons.

C. E. Freeman

C. E. Freeman, who for the past twelve years has acted as secretary of both the Bicknell Coal Company and the Freeman Coal Company, is widely recognized as one of the most prominent and successful young business men of Bicknell and Knox county. His birth occurred near Washington, Daviess county, Indiana, on the loth of October, 1872, his father being Richard Freeman, now a leading and respected resident of Bicknell. He attended the schools of that town until fourteen years of age and then began working in the mines, being thus employed for some years. Subsequently he was engaged in the drug business for a period of four years and after the death of his uncle assumed the duties of secretary of both the Bicknell Coal Company and the Freeman Coal Company, having acted in those capacities for the past twelve years. The Bicknell mine has now been in operation for twenty years, and during this entire period only one man has been killed, while the Freeman mine has also had only one fatality in its five years of development. Mr. Freeman is likewise a direc-

In 1900 Mr. Freeman was united in marriage to Miss Allie Bicknell, by whom he has three children, namely: June, Rush and Miles. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, for he believes that its principles are most conducive to good government. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to the lodge and chapter at Bicknell, while both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Freeman is likewise a devoted member of the Christian church. They have an extensive circle of friends throughout the community and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended to them.

Freeman Coal Company

The Freeman Coal Company was organized on the 13th of January, 1904, with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars, which has been raised twice. Richard Freeman has served as superintendent since the time of its organization, and is still its heaviest stockholder. The first president of the company was Adam Joseph, while the present chief executive officer is C. B. Kessinger of Vincennes. The mine has a capacity of fifteen hundred tons per day and two hundred and thirty men are employed in its operation.

Bicknell Coal Company

The Bicknell Coal Company was organized on the 15th of May, 1890, with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars, which was raised to twentyfive thousand dollars on the 20th of June, 1910. The first president of the concern was G. W. Filler of Indianapolis, the next J. E. Horn of Bicknell, and then Adam Joseph (now deceased) was made its head. C. B. Kessinger of Vincennes next acted as chief executive officer, while T. M. Byers of Bicknell, holds that position at the present time. The Bicknell mine is the oldest mine on the Vincennes & Indianapolis road and was for a number of years the only mine in Bicknell. The Indian Creek mine was the first one organized here, Richard Freeman acting as superintendent. When that gentleman first came to Bicknell, the mine was held up on account of debt and judiciously abandoned. Taking charge, he reinstated the mine, which had a capacity of three hundred tons per day. The Bicknell mine has a capacity of four hundred tons. About four o'clock each morning an inspector starts on his rounds, visiting every part of the mine.

and if he discovers an escapement or dangerous amount of gas, he makes a note of it and the employes are duly warned. All precautions are taken in order that no accident may occur. About seventy-five men are employed in the mine.

Judge Orlando H. Cobb

Orlando H. Cobb, for ten years judge for the twelfth judicial circuit, is an able lawyer of southwestern Indiana whose course on the bench has been distinguished by the highest legal ability. To wear the ermine worthily it is not enough that one possess legal acumen, is learned in the principles of jurisprudence, familiar with precedents and thoroughly honest. Many men, even when acting uprightly, are wholly unable to divest themselves of prejudice and are unconsciously warped in their judgments by their own mental characteristics or educational peculiarities. This unconscious and variable disturbing force enters more or less into the judgments of all men, but in the ideal jurist this factor becomes so small as not to be discernable in results and loses its potency as a disturbing force. Judge Cobb is exceptionally free from all judicial bias. His varied legal learning and wide experience in the courts, the patient care with which he ascertains all the facts bearing upon every case which comes before him, gives his decisions a solidity and an exhaustiveness from which no member of the bar can take exception.

One of Indiana's native sons, Mr. Cobb was born in Lawrence county on the i8th of November, 1850. His father, Thomas R. Cobb, was a native of the same county, while the grandfather, Dickson Cobb, was a young lad of eight years when he came with his parents from South Carolina to this state, the family home being established in Lawrence county, where the different generations of the family have been connected with farming interests. Thomas R. Cobb, the father of Orlando H. Cobb, followed farming in his younger days, then took up the study of law and began practicing in 1851 at Bedford, Indiana. His success was almost immediate and he was soon accorded an extensive clientage. From the first he was also prominent in politics and was honored with election to the office of state senator from the counties of Lawrence and Martin for two terms. In 1868 he came to Vincennes and took up the practice of law. Here, as in his former place of residence, he was soon accorded an eminent position as a member of the bar and as a political leader, and was elected to congress, serving for five consecutive terms from the second congressional district. He proved an active working member of the national law-making body and was closely connected with much important constructive legislalation. He believed that the party should stand for principle and not serve merely as a machine for the election of certain men, and he strictly advocated the measures which he deemed would prove of widespread value. Such was the confidence reposed in his political integrity and his ability to capably fill public office that he might have continued indefinitely in positions of public trust, but preferring to give his attention to private affairs, he retired and looked after his extensive farming and other interests, for he had made large investment in property and was closely connected with agricultural affairs in this part of the state. He died June 22, 1892, mourned by all who knew him, for he had been a faithful representative of the people, a brilliant lawyer, and moreover, a devoted and loyal friend. His congressional record was marked by his championship of the railroad land grant commission through which were recovered many thousands of acres for the people. This was but one of his legislative acts which were of marked value to the public. He was very active in the interests of his constituents and stood as a high type of American lawyer and statesman. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Caroline Anderson, was a native of Lawrence county, Indiana, and was one of the noted family which included Major Anderson, commander of Fort Sumter. The death of Senator Cobb occurred on the 22d of June, 1892, and his widow survived until the 7th of July, 1907.

Orlando was the eldest of five children, three sons and two daughters. While spending his youthful days in his parents' home, he was a pupil in the schools of Lawrence county and afterward was graduated from the Indiana University in 1872, with the degree of B. S. He took up the study of law under the direction of his father and was graduated in 1873 from the law department of the University of Indiana. He then located for practice in Vincennes, where he has since remained. From 1874 until 1878 he served as deputy prosecuting attorney, and in 1880 was chosen to the office of county attorney for a four years' term. In 1886 he was elected prosecuting attorney and filled that position for four years, at the end of which time, in 1900, he was chosen judge of the twelfth judicial circuit and has since remained upon the bench, covering a period of ten years. The judge has great respect for the dignity of judicial place and power, and as a result of that personal characteristic the proceedings of his court are always orderly upon the part of every one - audience, bar and the officers, from the highest to the lowest. His opinions are fine specimens of judicial thought, always clear, logical, and as brief as the character of the case will permit. He never enlarges beyond the necessities of the legal thought in order to indulge in the drapery of literature. His mind during the entire period of his course at the bar and on the bench has been directed in the line of his profession and his duty. Judge O. H. Cobb presided in the trial of the state versus Menlo Moore for the homicide of Charles E. Gibson, which attracted general attention throughout the United States. The instructions of Judge Cobb to the jury in that trial, though numerous and lengthy, were accepted by all of the attorneys in the case as a correct statement of the law without exception.

On the nth of November, 1874, Mr. Cobb was married to Miss Elizabeth Beckes, a daughter of Thomas P. Beckes, an old and respected resident of Vincennes. His fraternal relations are with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a popular man who has the confidence of all. In manner modest and unassuming, his honorable course in every relation of life has made him known as the worthv son of a worthy sire.

Shuler McCormick, prosecuting attorney of Knox county, although one of the youngest practitioners at the bar in the county, has gained a fine reputation in his profession and in the opinion of his friends is destined for a brilliant career. He is a native of Knox county and was born in Johnson township, February 6, 1886, a son of John and Sarah (Smithmeyer) Mc- Cormick, the former of whom was born in Knox county in 1844 and the latter in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1850. The father was a soldier in the Civil war enlisting in 1863, and was with General Burnside in the siege of Knoxville. He served for six months and was honorably mustered out in 1864. The family is one of the pioneer families of Knox county and has been identified with the interests of this county for nearly one hundred years. Of the children born to John and Sarah McCormick nine are now living: John E.. who married Minnie Rhodarmel and is the father of six children : Annie E., living at home; Margaret, the wife of E. B. Price and the mother of three children ; Pearl, the wife of J. L. Trueblood and the mother of three children; H. D., a practicing physician of Vincennes; Jasper and Shuler, twins, the former of whom married Mina Johnson and has become the father of one child, and the latter the subject of this review ; Blanche, the wife of Maurice Stangle and the mother of two children ; and Phyllis, living at home.

Shuler McCormick received his preliminary education in the common schools and graduated from the University of Vincennes in the class of 1906. He next entered the Cincinnati Law School and graduated from that institution with the title of LL. B. in 1908. Mr. McCormick as a student concentrated his energies in a remarkable degree, as is evidenced from the fact that he completed a four years' course in the high school in two years, in the university in three and one-half years, also completing the three years' course at the law school in two years. During this time he was recognized as a leader among his fellow students and won several prizes in oratorical contests, showing a power of research and an ability as a public speaker which were highly prophetic of his success after entering upon the duties of his profession. He began practice at Vincennes in 1908, first occupying offices with J. M. Glenn, but since March, 1910, has established himself in the new La Plante building. At the present time he holds the office of prosecuting

In 1908 Mr. McCormick was united in marriage to Miss Edythe Pinkstaff, who was born at Pinkstaff, Illinois, in 1887. The town was named in honor of her grandfather. The father, Charles H. Pinkstaff, was also born in Pinkstaff', about 1852, and devoted his attention to farming. The mother, who was before her marriage Victoria Highsmith, was a native of Illinois and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McCormick are the parents of one son, Charles Donald, who was born August 29, 1909.

Mr. McCormick has been actively identified with the democratic party ever since he arrived at manhood's estate and is an avowed champion of its principles. He is a member of the Masonic order and also of the Modern Woodmen of America and is in strong sympathy with the teachings of brotherhood upon which those orders are founded. He is a believer in the authority of the Bible and holds membership in the Methodist church. From the beginning of his professional career Mr. McCormick has evinced an ability of a high order, showing a grasp of law and a capacity for generalization which are strong points in determining success in the arduous vocation of the law. He is an earnest and eloquent public speaker, a good pleader, and has the ambition and grit so necessary in overcoming the difficulties which lie in the way of every young attorney. That he will attain a high mark in his profession is the opinion of all who know him.

William H. Hill

Although engaged in the practice of law only since 1902, William H. Hill is one of the prominent members of the Knox county bar and gives promise of attaining a state- wide reputation as the years pass. This prophecy is based upon the reputation which he has established for possessing sound judgment, a clear head and well developed reasoning powers. He is a man of impeachable character and is steadfast in adhering to what he believes to be right. He is an earnest and consistent supporter of the temperance cause and is known as one of the most persistent and eloquent advocates of prohibition to be found in all this region. Having been convinced years ago of the evils of the saloon, he became one of its most determined opponents, and his influence and voice may always be depended upon to advance the cause of prohibition.

Mr. Hill is a native of Bruceville. this county, born March 24, 1876. His father, Charles M. Hill, was also born in Bruceville as was his mother, whose father emigrated from Virginia and settled near Bruceville in 1812. A number of the Hill family came about the same time and many of the descendants are living in Knox and adjoining counties. The pioneers brought with them two sturdy characteristics that are inseparable from the name wherever we find it - love of liberty and hospitality, which are prominent traits yf the family today. Charles M. Hill was one of a family of eight children, all born in Knox county. He was educated in the public schools of the early period and fought for the Union as a private in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Since 1876 he has been engaged in the mercantile business at Bruceville. The mother of our subject is Emma (Moore) Hill, a member of the well known Hollingsworth family on her mother's side. She was the mother of ten children, eight of whom are now living.

William H. Hill was the eldest of the ten children and at an early age came into close contact with responsibilities that assisted in the development of a spirit of helpfulness which has been one of the sources of his strength. He attended the public schools and later was a student at the State University, graduating from the law department of that institution with the degree of LL. B. in 1901. In January, 1902, he began practice at Vincennes, where he has since continued. A lifelong student of the temperance question, he was prominently identified with the work while at the university where he was regarded as the leader in temperance affairs and his interest has never abated. By close attention to his profession he has built up a practice which yields a substantial income, his clients being among the best people of the county. Never hasty in his judgment, he has gained a reputation as being practical in his advice and free from undue prejudice in weighing the possibilities in any case. In the courtroom he conveys the impression of alertness and his force of character assists in no small degree in holding the attention of the jury and influencing the decision. No man at the bar gains a more close hearing and it goes without saying that he is well informed in the law and an interesting and forcible speaker on every subject that claims his interest.

In March, 1900, Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Roberts, a daughter of Noah S. and Sarah Roberts and a native of Bruceville. Her father was a merchant and farmer and one of the most prominent men in the community. One son, Roberts, born June 6. 1903, brightens the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hill.

Aside from his active advocacy of prohibition, he has adhered with unabated persistence to the law which is indeed a "jealous mistress" and admits no rival. He has been retained as counselor by a number of business concerns and has in a high degree the respect of the business men of the community. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and for many years has been actively identified with the Christian church, being at the present time an elder. A fair-minded man who has earned the high place he occupies in the esteem of the people of Vincennes, he may be regarded as a steadily growing factor whose influence will ever be for good in Knox county and the surrounding region. As a prohibitionist he has taken an active part in politics, being a candidate for congress in 1906; candidate for secretary of state in 1908; candidate for appellate judge in 1910; and a member of the platform committee at the state convention in 1908 and 19 10, being chairman of the committee the latter year.

Richard M. Freeman

Richard M. Freeman, who is known as the father of the coal industry in Knox county, has long been numbered among Bicknell's foremost and leading citizens. His birth occurred in Burslem, England, on the 20th of April, 1842. His paternal grandfather, who worked as a miner in England, passed away in that country in 1850. In that year the father of our subject, who was also a miner, crossed the Atlantic to the United States and the following year his wife and four children joined him in this country. Mrs. Freeman, likewise a native of the Merrie Isle, was called to her final rest in 1889. Her children were seven in number, as follows : Edward, who died in Bicknell, Indiana, two years ago; one who died in infancy; Richard M., of this review; Job, now a great coal magnate of Linton, Indiana, who at one time served as auditor of Knox county ; Martha, who gave her hand in marriage to John Wilson, now a retired resident of Bicknell ; Jethro, living in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania, who is master mechanic of a chain of mines ; and Joseph, whose demise occurred in Bicknell. The last named was a druggist by profession and the originator of the Field trial dog sport, which gained for him a national reputation, but died after he passed away.

Richard M. Freeman located at Youngstown, Ohio, with his father and when nineteen years of age enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of the Seventh Ohio Regiment. He remained with that command for three years and was often in the thickest of the fight, participating in the battles of Gettysburg, Cedar Mountain, where he was wounded, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and Resaca, Georgia. After the close of hostilities he returned to Ohio and was married. In the year 1870 he took up his abode in Washington, Indiana, working in the coal mines there until 1877, when he removed to Edwardsport, Knox county, where he also worked in the coal mines until 1882. In that year he came to Bicknell in Knox county, and acted as superintendent at the Indian Creek mine for many years. He also bears the distinction of having shoveled the first dirt in the Bicknell and Freeman mine. In 1910 he sold the Bicknell mines to his son, but still holds the Freeman mine, owning about a fifth interest in the same. He also has a mine at Jasonville, Indiana, and located the No. 5 vein of coal. He owns a number of residences in Bicknell and also a great deal of coal underlying the land around the town. In various ways he has promoted the growth and development of Bicknell and his exten-

In 1865 Mr. Freeman was united in marriage to Miss Angelina Wise, by whom he has six children: Frank J., a resident of Jasonville, Greene county, Indiana, operates their mine at that place. Charles E. is the manager of the Freeman & Bicknell Coal Company at Bicknell, Indiana. Susie B. is the wife of Edgar Phillipe, of the firm of Lemon & Company, at Bicknell. Pearl V. gave her hand in marriage to H. C. Chancelor of Minden, Missouri, who is now engaged in the real estate and fire insurance business. He was formerly editor of the Knox County Democrat, and also founded the Bicknell Beacon, the first paper in Bicknell. Two years ago he served in the legislature of Missouri. Roy H., who acts as bookkeeper for the California V^egetable Union, makes his home in Los Angeles, California. Lewis G. is studying dentistry in Chicago, Illinois.

Politically Mr. Freeman is a stalwart advocate of the republican party, supporting its men and measures by his ballot. He was initiated into the Masonic fraternity on the night that Garfield was elected president, and now belongs to the lodge and chapter at Bicknell, acting as trustee in both organizations. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church, of which he served as steward for thirty-three years. He early recognized the fact that the superstructure of success must be built upon the solid foundations of indefatigable energy and irreproachable probity, and as the architect of his own fortunes, he has builded wisely and well. Depending upon no outside aid or circumstance, he has exerted his powers to the utmost and seems to have accomplished at any one point of his career the possibilities for successful accomplishment at that stage.

William A. Hunt

William A. Hunt, editor of the Oaktown Record, was born in Martinsville, Indiana, August 5, 1853, the only child of Nathan A. and Mary A. (Coble) Hunt. The parents were natives of North Carolina and were of English and German extraction, respectively. In 1854 the family removed to Mooresville, Indiana, where, with the exception of two years spent in Danville, Indiana. William A. Hunt resided until 1888. At the age of fourteen years he was thrown upon his own resources and his schooling, limited to about eight months in the aggregate, was procured after that time. In 1865 he entered the confectionery store owned by his grandfather at Mooresville, there remaining until 1874. In the meantime his grandfather died and Mr. Hunt then embarked in business on his own account. For two years, although his capital was extremely limited, he managed not only to support himself, but also his mother and grandmother, both of whom were invalids. In 1877 he entered the office of the Moores- ville Herald as a printer's "devil" and continued there for three years, learning the printer's trade. In 1880 he secured the position of a compositor on the Mooresville Monitor, but in 1881, upon the retirement of A. W. Macy, Mr. Hunt was appointed editor by the directors, filling the position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the patrons of the paper. The Monitor was owned by a joint stock company and soon Mr. Hunt found himself holding a controlling interest, for whenever opportunity offered he invested in the stock. In three years from the time he took charge of the paper he was sole proprietor and had made substantial progress on the high road to fortune.

Moreover, Mr. Hunt was prominently connected with the interests of Mooresville in many other ways. He became a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church there, was chosen reporter of the local lodge of Knights of Honor, was elected president of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and for five years was secretary of the Old Settlers' Association of the district comprising the counties of Alorgan, Hendricks, Johnson and Monroe. The association held its fortieth annual meeting at Mooresville, August 9, 1910. Mr. Hunt as a stalwart republican in politics and a trusted and active worker of his party, wielded a great influence in its behalf through the columns of his paper. In 1884 he was elected city clerk of Mooresville, but after serving for one year declined a second term.

On the 9th of January, 1877, Mr. Hunt was married in Mooresville to Miss Mary E. Dickerson, and unto them were born three children : Margaret A., Dwite A. and William A. In November, 1887, his wife died, the children being at that time but nine, seven and two years of age, respectively. This bereavement made desolate that which had hitherto been a happy home. His impulse .was to fly from the scenes of former happiness, from the surroundings and familiar objects which, in reminding him of past joys, only intensified present pain; and with his motherless little ones, he fled to "the land of Egypt," otherwise known as southern Illinois. There he was welcomed by warm hearts and kind friends and succeeded - not, however, without labor and hardship - in rearing his children to manhood and womanhood. The elder son, Dwite A., is a firstclass and artistic job printer, now acting as foreman of the job department of the Lawrence county (Illinois) News. The younger son, William A., remained with his father and is now a thoroughly competent, allaround printer and newspaper man who, at this writing is associated with his father in publishing the Oaktown Record, which plant they own under the firm name of W. A. Hunt & Son. The daughter, Margaret A., is married to a prominent contractor and builder of El Paso, Texas.

For nearly fourteen years Mr. Hunt was editor and proprietor of the Local Reporter of Bridgeport, Illinois, and did some of his best editorial work in that field. In 1897, in company with W. A. Hunt, Jr., he took a trip to Texas and New Mexico, finally returning to Indiana, where they first leased and then purchased the Oaktown Record. The father is yet a vigorous writer, knows the country newspaper business from ink roller to cylinder press and, with the efficient aid of his son, is making the Record a power in journalism in this part of the state. -

William Alexander Polk

Among the men long established in business in Knox county the name of William A. Polk occupies a very high place. As a financier he has also been eminently successful and at the present time, although he is seventy-seven years of age, he is at the head of a bank and in active charge of its affairs. Mr. Polk was born in Widner township, Knox county, May i6, 1833, and is a son of James and Harriet (Shepard) Polk. He belongs to the same family as James Polk, the eleventh president of the United States, and William Polk, who was a delegate to the first constitutional convention of Indiana. A record of the family, in possession of a sister of our subject, extends back to the year iioo A. D. - soon after the landing of William the Conqueror in England. The American branch of the family centered in North Carolina before the Revolutionary war and later became pioneers of the south and west, the name now being known in all the states of the Union and its members occupying prominent places in business and professional circles.

Charles Polk, the great-grandfather of our subject, was with George Washington at the time of Braddock's defeat and later became a settler of Kentucky. He died in 1827 in Knox county and was buried near Oaktown. One of the thrilling stories of pioneer history is the story of the capture of Charles Polk's wife by the Indians. She was carried through the wilderness to Detroit and there gave birth to a son ; Charles Polk, Jr., the grandfather of our subject. The mother escaped with her son and returned to Kentucky and there he grew to manhood and was married to Margaret Mc- Quade. He was a teamster at the battle of Tippecanoe. He emigrated to Knox county very early in the nineteenth century and was one of the first settlers of this county. Here his son James married Harriet Shepard and there were seven children born to them, the subject of this review being second in order of birth. The other members of the family were: Louise, who married Captain Henry Gilham, a Mexican war veteran and also captain in the One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Volunteers at the time of the Civil war; Edmund, living at Bicknell; Charles, of Winterset, Iowa; Mary, deceased ; Horace ; and Helen, the widow of Edmund Clarke, of Vincennes.

Educated in the public schools of the pioneer period, William A. Polk began his battle with the world as a school teacher and agent for the McCor- mick Harvester Works. He taught school in the winter for seven years and in summer devoted his attention to the sale of harvesting machines, becoming highly expert as a salesman. He made his first extensive trip from home at eighteen years of age. Going aboard a flatboat at Edwardsport, he floated with his companions down the White river to the Wabash, thence to ,the Ohio, on the Ohio to the Mississippi and on the broad waters of this great liver to the point of destination, which was the city of New Orleans. He was absent from home about six weeks and the incidents and scenes of this journey made a lasting impression upon his mind and gave him many new ideas as to human nature and the magnitude of this great country. After having accumulated a small capital he went to Madison county, Iowa, and located one hundred and sixty acres of land, which cost him $1.25 per acre. He lived for three months in that county and then disposed of his property to a brother, who still lives there. Returning to Oaktown, Indiana, he entered the employ of G. & A. Bond, working for the firm in the winter and selling harvesting machines in the summer. In 1865, being then thirty-two years of age, Air. Polk became a partner in the general mercantile business as a member of the firm of Bond & Polk. In 1869 he entered the hardware business, having for his partner, R. S. Walker and the name of the firm being Polk & Walker, but in 1887 he purchased his partner's interest and the firm became W. A. Polk & Son, the junior member being Eugene E. Polk. In igo2 Mr, Polk entered the private banking business at Oaktown with a capital stock of twelve thousand dollars and conducted the bank with such success that in 1908 it became a state bank with a capital stock of forty thousand dollars and he has since been president of that institution. He is also extensively identified with other interests and is the owner of three hundred acres of land in Busseron township and a stockholder in the First National and German National Banks of Vincennes, the Citizens Trust Company of the same city and the Continental National Bank of Indianapolis. He is the owner of valuable property in Oaktown and, having been blessed with a good business judgment, has been almost uniformly successful in the large number of enterprises with which he has been connected. In 1858 Mr. Polk was united in marriage to Mary C. Harper, a daughter of Jesse Harper, a noted pioneer of Kentucky. Five children were born to the union, of whom two are now living: Eugene E., who is married and is the father of one child ; and Katie, at home. The wife and mother having departed this life in 1876, William A. Polk was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Martha Ann Parker. Three children blessed this union, one of whom is now living, Chauncey J.

Throughout a long life of business activity Mr. Polk has uniformly been governed by principles of the strictest integrity and his success in an important degree has been due to the character he early acquired as a man of unimpeachable honesty. Beginning on a small scale, he gradually amassed a fortune and he never sought to advance his own interests through the infliction of injury upon others. It may truly be said that he has been faithful to every trust reposed in him and his sincere and unfeigned cordiality has won the friendship of all with whom he has been brought into contact.

Charles W. Smith

Charles W. Smith, pleasantly located upon a good farm in donation 22. Palmyra township, is one of the native sons of Knox county, his birth having occurred December 19, 1842, in the township which is still his home. His father, Charles Smith, who was born in England in July, 1805, spent his youthful days in that country and when a young man came to the United States, settling in Knox county, Indiana, where he took up the occupation of farming. He had previously learned and followed the blacksmith's trade and also worked at it for a short time in this county but devoted the greater part of his life to agricultural pursuits. In that work he was successful and, adding to his land as opportunity offered, became in time the owner of four hundred acres which he continued to till until his life's labors were ended in death. He brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and the farm became one of the valuable properties of the community. He married Susanna Mize, who was born in Indiana and was of Scotch-Irish extraction. They held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and in that faith reared their family, which numbered thirteen children, although only two are now living.

Charles W. Smith, who was the fifth in order of birth, was sent as a pupil to the district schools near his father's home when but six years of age, and therein continued his studies until he had largely mastered the branches of learning that constitute the country school curriculum. At the age of twenty-two years he enlisted in the Federal army, for the country was then engaged in civil war. At Vincennes he was enrolled as a member of Company I, Forty-fourth Regiment of Indiana Infantry, and went to the front where he was on active duty until honorably discharged at Chattanooga, Tennessee, after which he was mustered out at Nashville in August, 1865. He had participated in a number of hotly contested engagements and never faltered in the performance of any military duty, whether called to the firing line or stationed upon the lonely picket line.

When the war was over and the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Smith returned to his home in Knox county and there engaged in farming with his father until 1868, when he started out in the business world on his own account. His father compensated his services in former years by a gift of one hundred and forty acres of good land situated in donations 91 and 92. Upon that farm he has since resided, and it bears evidence of the care and labor which he has bestowed upon it. He has worked industriously and energetically, and the place reflects his careful management and practical methods. In 1905, however, he retired from active business life, although he still maintains his residence upon the farm and his ownership therein. To the original gift from his father he added as his financial resources increased until his place today comprises two hundred and ninety-two acres of rich and valuable land.

On February 13, 1868, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Boyd, a native of Knox county. They became the parents of eight children of whom five are still living, namely: Mary, who married J. B. Johnson and has two children ; Martha A., the wife of J. D. Myer, by whom she has three children: Arthur, who is also married and has four children; Jennie, the wife of George King and the mother of one child; and Nellie, who married Rollie Roberson.

Mr. Smith is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has guided his life by its teachings. He has held many township offices and in the discharge of his duties has proven his loyalty to the general welfare. Interested in everything that pertains to the progress of the community, he gives loyal support to all those projects which are working for the public good and is classed with the valued and publicspirited citizens of Palmyra township. His friends are many, and the fact that his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time is an indication that his life has ever been honorable and upright.

Mrs. Catherine Bell Root

Mrs. Catherine Bell Root owns and occupies a good farm in donation 79, Palmyra township. She has always lived in Knox county, her birth having occurred in Steen township on the 17th of September, 1859. She is a daughter of Richard and Frances (Stevenson) Robinson and a sister of Dr. J. L. Robinson, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. In the days when Knox county was considered upon the western frontier, when the work of progress and development had scarcely been begim here, her grandparents came to this part of the state. Her father, Richard Robinson, was born in Knox county on the 15th of October, 1824, and he was a lifelong resident of the county, his death occurring within its borders on the 13th of February, 1888. He was reared to the occupation of farming and made it his life work. His education was acquired in the subscription schools and with only that early training for business he entered upon the arduous task of developing the fields and making his farm productive and valuable. He married Frances Stevenson, a daughter of John and Sarah Stevenson, who were natives of county Tyrone, Ireland. Having come to America when a young man, Mr. Stevenson here followed

Catherine Bell Robinson spent her girlhood in her parents' home, where she was trained to the duties of the household, while in the public schools she acquired her education. On the 8th of September, 1886, she gave her hand in marriage to Lester S. Root, a native of Palmyra township, born on the 13th of March, i860. He acquired his early education in the district schools of Knox county and later spent two years at \'incennes University in Vinceniics, Indiana. He remained with his parents until 1886 and then began farming on his own account on a tract of seventy acres given him by his father. His labors were attended with substantial success, and as good crops brought him a substantial financial return, he made further purchase of property until he became the owner of two hundred and forty-nine acres, of which he retained possession to the time of his death, in 1904. He also owned and operated a grain elevator at Wheatland for several years, but abandoned this in order to return to farming, to which he devoted his attention exclusively during his later years.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Root were born six children : Hazel, Richard. Waldo, Ruth, Francis and Lester S., all residing at home. The children are all yet living, but the family circle was broken by the hand of death when, on the 3d of March, 1904, the husband and father passed away. He was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church and was identified with the Tribe of Ben Hur and the Court of Honor. He affiliated with the republican party, believing its principles were most conducive to good government. All who knew him recognized him as a man of high integrity whose word was as good as his bond. He represented a prominent pioneer family of the county and his record never cast a shadow upon the untarnished name. His genuine worth was widely recognized by all who knew him, and when he passed away many friends as well as his immediate family mourned his death.

William Henry Hall

Although scarcely past middle life William H. Hall, of Busseron township, Knox county, has gained a competence in agricultural pursuits and is now living retired in the enjoyment of comfort and ease, having early in life laid the foundations of his fortune. He is the owner of a well improved farm of three hundred and seventy acres, which under his management has been brought to a high degree of cultivation and yields an income that makes him practically independent for the remainder of his life. Born in the township where he now lives, February 8, 1855. he is the son of Lance Woodward Hall, who was one of the earlv settlers of Knox county. He be-

The subject of this review was educated in the public schools of Vincennes and at eighteen years of age was married to Mary Jane Lunday, a native of Kentucky. By thrift and perseverance he accumulated sufficient capital to purchase a farm of fifty acres and he has managed so well that he is now the owner of the beautiful place comprising three hundred and seventy acres. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall, all of whom are deceased, and the mother passed from mortal view in 1879. ^r. Hall chose as a second wife Martha Lunday, who died in 1881, and on August 5, 1 881, he was married to Josephine Spencer and ten children were born of this union: Columbus E., deceased; Matilda, now Mrs. Arthur Gardner; James Alfred ; Nettie Ann, deceased ; William, who married Bertha B. Hall; and Clinton P., Lilly, NeUie, Robert and Paul, all of whom are at home.

Mr. Hall gives his adherence to the democratic party and is an active member of the Christian church. In his early manhood he lost no time in making a start toward business success and after he was once on the road he worked hard and made use of a discrimination which assisted him very materially in his operations. He has contributed his part toward the development of the farming interests of Knox county. No citizen of the county takes greater pride in the progress that has been witnessed during the last three or four decades and no man is more willing to assist a deserving individual or a worthy cause than the gentleman whose name introduces this review.

Harry Jones Valentine

Harry Jones Valentine, though still young in years, has already won an enviable reputation in the legal profession and now enjoys a lucrative practice at Bicknell. His birth occurred in Rosedale, Indiana, on the 20th of March, 1888, his parents being Isaac H. and Mary A. (Jones) Valentine. He is of Welsh extraction in both the paternal and maternal lines. Isaac H. Valentine was born in Pennsylvania and removed to Ohio about 1880, spending seven years in the Buckeye state. On the expiration of that period he came west to Indiana and at the present time resides in Bicknell. He has been a bank boss since twenty-two years of age and during the past three years has acted as mine foreman for the Tecumseh Mine Company. It was while a resident of Ohio that he wedded Miss Mary A. Jones, a native of that state. Their union was blessed with nine children, namely: Ella, who is deceased ; Anna, at home ; Queen, the wife of Clifford Connerly, of Clinton. Indiana; Harry Jones, of this review; Joseph; Lettie; Ronald ; Hershall ; and John, who died in infancy.

Harry Jones Valentine obtained his early education in the schools of Rosedale and Jasonville, Indiana, and then devoted a year to the study of law in the law school at Danville, this state. In 1909 he was admitted to practice in Hendricks county and the following year applied for admission to the bar in Knox county. Being successful, he immediately began the practice of his profession in Bicknell and has already won an enviable clientage here. In no profession is there a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life, or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application, intuitive wisdom and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stem conservator of justice ; and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won, for success does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the diametrical result of capacity and unmistakable ability. Possessing all the requisite qualities of the able lawyer, Mr. Valentine has already won a creditable place in the ranks of the profession. He is now serving as city attorney.

Frederick E. Vollmer

Johnson township, Knox county, contains many well cultivated farms, among which is that of Frederick E. Vollmer, who was born in this county, August 24, 1859, and now owns three hundred and twenty-four acres of as good land as is probably to be found in the state of Indiana. He is a son of Fred and Johanna (Baker) Vollmer, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father emigrated to America and located in Knox county, where he became the owner of a farm of two hundred and sixteen acres. At the time of the Civil war he was drafted into the army, but was discharged on account of being physically unable to perform the duties of a soldier. He died at the age of seventy-two years. Seven children grew to maturity in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Vollmer : William, Frederick E., Louis H., Henry, Ernest, Edward and Anna.

Frederick E. Vollmer received his education in the district schools of Knox county and from his earliest recollection has been closely connected with its agricultural and stock-raising interests. He has for a number of years engaged also in stock buying and has attained an enviable degree of success, now owning a beautiful place of three hundred and twenty-four acres, which he has greatly improved and which is supplied with all modern conveniences. Here he has built three houses and two large barns. He is an extensive raiser of corn, wheat and oats.

On the 26th of November, 1886, Mr. Vollmer was united in marriage, in Johnson township, to Miss Elizabeth Meyer, who has proven to him a lov- ing and helpful companion. Eight children have blessed their union : Frank, Clarence, Nora, Emma, Julia, Gilbert, Lawrence and Elmer. Frank was called away when he was four days old.

Mr. VoUmer is an earnest adherent of the democratic party and has served as township trustee. He is a member of the German Evangelical church. He is a man of strong force of character and also possesses good business discernment and the ability to take advantage of opportunities that many fail to perceive. He has achieved success as a farmer and is a valued citizen of a county which is noted for the intelligence and progressiveness of its people.

Charles A. Weisert

In the field of finance are to be found many of the most promising minds of America. While it is one of the most attractive avocations for an ambitious man, it entails heavy responsibilities which only men of a high order of intellect, of keen discernment and sound judgment, can hope successfully to assume. Here, in the eager pursuit of wealth one meets with a competition so sharp that only comparatively a few survive the ordeal and attain a secure position where the occupant is regarded with respect and confidence by an entire community. Charles A. Weisert, secretary and manager of the Citizens Trust Company of Vincennes, is one of the fortunate men of the financial world who has demonstrated his fitness for the responsibility he fills. For twenty years he has been actively connected with public or private financial aflfairs, and in every position he has occupied he proved his ability and faithfulness in an eminent degree. Having been endowed with special qualifications which have been developed in the school of experience, he has in many instances easily accomplished what to others may have been impossible.

Mr. Weisert first saw the light of day at Vincennes, January 7, i860. His father, Charles A. Weisert, was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. Seeking to improve his fortune he emigrated to Philadelphia and later came to Vincennes. The California gold excitement of 1849 caused a great awakening in Indiana and states along the Ohio valley, and Mr. Weisert made the long and painful journey to the pacific coast in search of the yellow metal. He was one of the "Argonauts" but, like many of his companions, arrived at the conclusion that everyday business presented more attractions than seeking the elusive metal in the placers of the Sierras. He then returned to Vincennes, where he engaged with success in the wholesale grocery and packing business. He departed this life in 1880. The mother of our subject was Eleanor Bayard, a sister of J. L. Bayard, presiden of the First National Bank of Vincennes. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Weisert, seven of whom are now living.

Charles A. Weisert possessed the inestimable advantages of a happy home and parents who were devoted to the welfare of their children. He attended the parochial school and Vincennes University and later was a student for two years at the St. Louis University from which he was graduated in 1878. Returning to Vincennes he assisted his father in the packing business for two years. Being an expert accountant and bookkeeper, he became ambitious of a more congenial field and for nine months filled the position of rodman for the United States geological survey. In November, 1891, he was appointed deputy county auditor of Knox county and acceptably occupied the office for five years. The county democratic central committee desiring his ser^^ices during the campaign of 1896. he assisted at the headquarters and in December of the same year was appointed deputy county treasurer under W. H. VoUmer, continuing in that position for four years, at the end of which time he became county treasurer and held the office two terms, from 1900 to 1904. Having by years of experience become thoroughly acquainted with all the details of the position, he proved one of the most popular and efficient county treasurers that Knox county has known. The Citizens Trust Company was organized in 1902 and upon retiring from public office Mr. Weisert accepted the position of manager and secretary of the company, which he has since filled. Under his charge the deposits of the company have been steadily increasing and the institution has become recognized as a substantial and permanent instrumentality in the prosperity of Vincennes and the surrounding country.

Mr. Weisert was married October 17, 1893, to Miss Julia I. O'Daniel of Kentucky, and to them has been born one son, Maurice E. Mr. Weisert has always taken an active interest in the success of the democratic party and is a leader in its counsels in Knox county. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a trustee of the Vincennes Lodge of Elks. Popular with friends, associates and the public generally and having good business discrimination and a rare judgment as to the possibilities of investments, he is regarded as one of the best informed men in his specialty to be found in southwestern Indiana. He has in an important sense been successful and is a living example of the result of a life of integrity and consistent adherence, in public and private affairs, to principles of the highest good.

G. B. Fleming

G. B. Fleming, an energetic, enterprising and prosperous young resident of Bicknell, has for the past four years been prominently identified with the business interests of the town as manager of the Greer-Wilkinson Lumber Company. His birth occurred near Bruceville, Knox county, Indiana, on the 27th of March, 1878, his parents being G. W. and Susan E. (Brenlinger) Fleming. The father, a native of Wythe county, Virginia, removed to Mississippi in early life and when a youth of seventeen came to Knox county, Indiana. Becoming identified with general agricultural pursuits, he was actively engaged in the work of the fields for a number of years but is now living retired. He enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance throughout the community, having won the warm regard and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. His wife, a native of this county, spent her entire life within its borders. Her demise, which occurred on the 26th of March, 1907, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. By her marriage she had become the mother of four children, namely : H. E., a banker of Nickerson, Kansas ; D. R., a resident of Fillmore, California, who is foreman of a railroad construction gang; Jennie, the wife, of C. O. Cox, who is engaged in farming near Bicknell ; and G. B., of this review.

The last named obtained his education in the common schools in and near Bruceville and after putting aside his text-books followed the profession of teaching for three years. On the 21st of April, 1898, he enlisted for two years' service in the Spanish-American war but was discharged on the 27th of November of the same year because of the cessation of hostilities. He saw active service at Alger and Camp Mead. After returning home he spent two years in travel, journeying from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast and also -visiting Canada and Mexico. On once more coming back to Knox county he became identified with industrial interests as a carpenter, working at that trade for six years. During the last three years of that time he was also engaged in business as a contractor, erecting the first three-story building in Bicknell - the Masonic block. For the past four years he has been manager of the Greer-Wilkinson Lumber Company of Bicknell and his excellent executive ability has been a potent factor in the continued growth and success of the enterprise. He owns five houses and lots in Bicknell and also has considerable stock in the Building and Loan Association of that town. His property holdings indicate the financial success which has rewarded his efforts and he now enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the substantial and representative citizens and business men of his native county.

On the 9th of March, 1904, Mr. Fleming was united in marriage to Miss Elva Z. Craig, a daughter of A. D. Craig, then a resident of Bicknell and editor of the News-Herald. Unto our subject and his wife was born one child, Mary Elizabeth, whose natal day was August 13, 1909. The mother was called to her final rest on the 21st of October, 1909, passing away in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Politically Mr. Fleming is a stalwart advocate of the democracy and quite an active worker in the local ranks of the party. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity at Elnora, Indiana, at which place he became a Master Mason. On coming to Bicknell he planned to transfer his membership to the lodge here, but his wife died in the meantime and, as she had been identified with the Eastern Star at Elnora, he decided to al- ways remain connected with the fraternity there in loving remembrance of her. He served as senior deacon for a number of years and has held almost every office in the blue lodge except that of master. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Vincennes, Indiana, and to the United Spanish War Veterans. He has gained many friends throughout the community and has won for himself favorable regard in business circles in recognition of his enterprise, his alert and energetic spirit and his successful accomplishment.

William B. Purcell

Knox county has produced many sons who have attained honorable positions not only in the state of Indiana but in far distant portions of the country among strangers and in competition with the keenest minds. Many of them have exhibited the same spirit of independence and self-reliance that characterized their fathers - a spirit which carries with it an earnestness and force which seldom fail their possessor in times of emergency. Among the sons of Knox county who have fairly won not only an honorable reputation but success in the course of a long and active business career is William B. Purcell.

He was born October 27, 1846, a son of William and Sophia (Beckes) Purcell. His father was also a native of Knox county and a member of a family of pioneers. He was born in 181 1 and died in 1850, having spent his life upon a farm. The mother was born in Knox county in 1817 and survived her husband fifty-two years. She was a typical daughter of a pioneer, a woman of good judgment and unusual strength of character and a mother who thought no sacrifice too great if it enhanced the happiness or permanent prosperity of the other members of her family. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Purcell: John, who died in i860; Hannah, now Mrs. John Beckes ; William B., the subject of this review ; and Royal E., of Vincennes. The mother was married a second time and by that union had one daughter, Anna, who is now the wife of Robert McCord, of Indianapolis.

William B. Purcell was educated in the common schools of Knox county and grew up upon the home farm, assisting in its work and later teaching school. He was successful as a farmer and also as a teacher. In 1886 he accepted the position of business manager of the Vincennes Sun and soon demonstrated his ability in a field where mediocrity can have little hope for success. For twenty years he was in charge of the business department of the paper, daily and weekly, and infused into it a life and energy, which made the Sun a leading newspaper whose merits received recognition over a wide region in the states of Indiana and Illinois. In 1907 he retired from the newspaper field and has since engaged in the general real-estate business, having offices in the Hellert building. He has always been interested in farming and as an agriculturist has been highly successful. Theoretically and practically he is known as one of the best farmers in Knox county.

In 1874 Mr. Purcell was united in marriage to Miss Mary D. McCord, who was born in Knox County, September 23, 1852, and was called to rest in 1894 after an estimable and useful life. She was a daughter of Robert and Martha (McClure) McCord, the former of whom came from North Carolina to Knox county about 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Purcell became the parents of six children, four of whom are living: Mabel, now Mrs. A. Brandon Clarke of Vincennes ; Martha Robertine, now Mrs. William H. De Bolt, also of Vincennes ; Delia Eloise, now Mrs. Richard T. F. Harding, of Cleveland, Ohio ; and Mary Ellis, who is living at home and is a teacher of English in Vincennes University.

Politically Mr. Purcell is a democrat and religiously is a member of the Presbyterian church. As he approaches the evening of an active career he possesses the confidence and respect of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances and has been a witness of many great changes of which he himself has been an important factor. Starting in life largely upon his own resources and early learning the value of self-reliance, he is essentially the type of a self-made man. By patient industry, straightforward dealing, careful investment and constant persistence even in the face of discouragement, he has built up a comfortable estate and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of Knox county, the main object of whose life has not been personal aggrandizement but rather that advancement which carries with it the happiness and prosperity of the entire community.

Among the prominent business men of Vincennes none stands higher than the one whose name is at the head of this review. Nor have his abilities been restricted, as is often the case with men of large affairs, to any one field. As a banker and a farmer he has in each instance attained a distinct success and in the field of theoretical finance he has for years ranked in the estimation of his friends as the equal of many who have a reputation almost as wide as the nation. He has given a great deal of attention to the study and his views always command attention, compelling respect even from those who may not agree with his solution of one of the fundamental problems of government. In this as in all other vital questions in which he is interested Mr. Donaldson goes to no extremes, as his long business experience has taught the value of conservatism and of broad comprehension on all intricate subjects.

Mr. Donaldson is a native of the county where he now resides, born at Wheatland, February 11, 1856, and is the son of F. W. and Jinsey Ann (Goodman) Donaldson. The father was born at Bedford. Indiana, and on coming to Knox county in 1840 settled near Wheatland. He lived upon the farm until 1876, when he was called away at the age of forty-nine years. Many of his sturdy characteristics have been inherited by his son. The mother of our subject was a native of this county. In the family were four children : William, Mary, Amanda and G. W.

Reared on his father's farm and educated in the district school, G. W. Donaldson grew up a bright country boy with a laudable ambition to make the best of life and attain an honorable name in the world. .\t the age of sixteen he began teaching school and for twelve years he taught during the winter months and worked on the farm or attended school during the remainder of the year. In the meantime he was on the lookout for a wider field for his energies and the latent unrest began to be manifest. At the age of twenty-eight years he took charge of a store at Bicknell, which he conducted successfully for four years until the fall of 1888. Having become acquainted with the leading politicians in various parts of the county, his name was presented as county treasurer and he was elected to that office upon the democratic ticket. His administration gave general satisfaction and he was reelected in 1890, serving four years with great acceptance to his party and large credit to himself. He now found himself in a field which was to his liking and which gave opportunity for his talents. In 1893 he organized the Second National Bank of Vincennes, of which he served first as cashier and later as president. The bank became one of the leading financial institutions of the county but on acount of ill health, brought on by over-application, Mr. Donaldson in 1906 retired from active work in connection with the bank, since serving as a member of the board of directors and a stockholder. He also organized the Citizens Bank of Bicknell, associating in this venture with his brother and R. M. Robinson, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. This bank soon built up a good patronage and is now one of the flourishing banks of the county.

Other fields invited and in May, 1901, Mr. Donaldson in connection with R. M. Robinson bought out the Mcjimsey Buggy Company, the agency for automobiles having also since been added. The name of the company was changed to the Robinson & Donaldson Buggy Company and under able management has grown to be a very extensive enterprise and one of the largest vehicle concerns of Vincennes. Mr. Donaldson is the owner of a highly improved farm of five hundred acres three miles from Bicknell, where modem methods and the most improved appliances have effected most gratifying results. His attention has for some time been divided between the farm and the vehicle concern, both of which are very creditable monuments to his business sagacity, sound judgment and energetic administration.

Although he still takes an active interest in political affairs, it has principally in recent years been in behalf of his friends and not through any desire for personal advancement. As his friends say, he is one of the men of

Mr. Donaldson was united in marriage in October, 1878, to Miss Sarah A. Gihnore of Knox county. Four children have been born to them: Myrtle H., now Mrs. R. N. Foulk ; Bess, now Mrs. Dr. Blair of Lynn, Indiana ; Madie and George, living at home.

Mr. Donaldson's social proclivities have found an agreeable field in the Masonic order, being a member of the Bicknell blue lodge ; Vincennes Chapter No. 7, R. A. M. ; Council No. 9, R. & S. M., and Commandery No. 20, K. T.. of Vincennes ; and of the Scottish Rite Consistory at Indianapolis. He has taken great interest in an order which embraces in its membership the leading men of America and Europe and for three years served as eminent commander of the Vincennes commandery, the highest office in the gift of that body. The benevolent principles of Masonry have always made a strong appeal to a man of humane tendencies and all his work has felt the kindly influence of its teachings. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of other organizations seeking to ameliorate the ills of mankind. For many years his name has been upon the membership roll of the Christian church, a church in which he was reared and whose principles embrace all of the human race, wherever found.

In his numerous business dealings Mr. Donaldson has been broad enough to view the situation from the other man's standpoint and he is known as one who under all circumstances aims to be fair and just. He is the happy owner of a large and carefully selected library, from which he draws much inspiration that has softened the hard places in life and from the great writers, living and dead, he has caught glimpses of a wisdom not born of books but inherent in the human heart. His study of finances has been one of his favorite diversions and perhaps some day he will express his ideas, many of them entirely original, in book form.

Le Roy M. 'Wade

Carlisle says of the orator, "He is God's own annointed king whose single word melts all wills into one." Persons who have been so fortunate as to listen to great speakers, inspired by a lofty theme and in the height of their powers, will agree to the truth of this remark. This beautiful quotation from one of the greatest of English writers is suggested by the career of Le Roy M. Wade, a lawyer of Vincennes, whose reputation is not confined within the borders of his native state, and whose commanding ability in swaying the minds and emotions of men in the court room, amid the exciting scenes of the political campaign or in the more thoughtful and scholarly realm of the platform, is by no one questioned. For many years prominent as an attorney in criminal cases, he gained a noteworthy reputation as a pleader whose appearance before a jury meant a crowded court room and in many instances a decisive victory for the cause he espoused. In recent years, however, observing in himself and others the profound effect of the emotions necessarily aroused to an intense degree when a human life is at stake, he has turned to general practice of law, and in a field that presents alluring opportunity for the exercise of the milder and more enduring qualities, he is winning new laurels.

Mr. Wade was born on a farm near Cynthiana, Posey county, Indiana, August 22, 1862, a son of George W. and Zereldia (Williams) Wade. The father was a native of Ohio and removed early in life with his parents to Posey county. He has spent most of his life upon a farm, but is now living retired at C}Tithiana. The mother was born in Posey county and is still living. They have enjoyed a long life of usefulness and are among the respected members of the community.

The subject of this review spent his boyhood upon the home farm, attended the public schools and later became a student at Brown's College. By inclination and talent attracted to the study of the legal profession, he matriculated in the law department of the University of Mrginia and was graduated from that celebrated institution in 1883, with the degree of LL. B. He was then in his twenty-first year, and in order to secure funds he became a school teacher and was employed for two years in the public schools of Mount Vernon, the county seat of Posey county, and an important point on the Ohio river. At the end of this time he entered the office of Judge William P. Edson, one of the most prominent attorneys of the county, and there was inducted into the practice of a profession which soon occupied almost his entire thought, and in which he has since achieved an enviable distinction. At the close of a year with Judge Edson the young attorney had gained quite a reputation as a public speaker and he was appointed deputy prosecuting attorney of Posey and Y'anderburg counties, a position which he found greatly to his liking. His duties frequently called him to Evansville, the seat of the courts of Vanderburg county. His acquaintance not only with the procedure and the actual workings of the courts, but with the lawyers and the intricacies of criminal law grew rapidly and he finally resigned his position and located in Mount Vernon as an attorney in active practice that gradually called him to many courts in a wide district embraced by Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As indicated above, he decided to enter general practice and Vincennes offering a favorable field, he removed to this city June i, 1909, where he is now permanently established. He has made many friends, and bringing to his new home a mind tested during many years of the closest application not only in the study of the principles of law, but in their application, he is qualified in a rare degree to give a good account of his stewardship in all cases submitted to his charge. As a genial gentleman of wide acquaintance with the world and one whose social and sympathetic natures have never been sullied by a view of the imperfections perhaps too often brought to light in the courts, he gives promise of many years of usefulness whose term shall cease only with life. He has a good practice, and is much esteemed by other members of the bar.

Mr. Wade was happily married July 12, 1885, to Miss Emma Tente of Mount Vernon, a daughter of C. F. Tente. One son, Fred, aged twenty-one, has been born to them. A natural orator, Mr. Wade is never so happy as when in the presence of an audience, and few men have a more graceful or effective delivery. Animated by that "celestial tire," recognized in all ages and under all climes as one of the richest gifts to man, he stands forth as one of the most eloquent sons of the state that has produced some of the most effective speakers of America. For many years his services have been eagerly sought by campaign committees of the democratic party and his voice has never faltered in the utterance of principles which appealed to him at the beginning of his career, and to which he has given a lifelong devotion.

J. M. Sappenfield, who is at the head of a monument and marble cutting enterprise in Bicknell, has built up a splendid business in this connection and is recognized as one of the prominent factors in the commercial life of the town. His birth occurred in Floyd county, Indiana, on the 18th of December, 1878, his parents being Emanuel and Anna (Murphy) Sappenfield. The father, a native of Harrison county, Indiana, is now living in Washington county, this state, where he is engaged in general merchandising. His wife, who was born in Floyd county, Indiana, also still survives. Unto them were born thirteen children, as follows : Elmer, who is chief dispatcher for the Southern Indiana Railroad ; J. M., of this review ; Cad, who is a trained nurse in the Richmond Hospital at Richmond, Indiana ; Florence, the wife of H. W. Baker, a lumberman of Sikeston, Missouri ; Goldie, who gave her hand in marriage to T. E. Teegarden and resides in Liberal, Kansas ; Claude C, who is an operator in the freight offilce of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad at Vincennes, Indiana ; Noble, a bookkeeper at Sikeston, Missouri ; Fern and Roscoe, both of whom are at home and are employed as clerks; Otto, Vance and Dale, who are likewise still under the parental roof ; and Myrtle, who is deceased.

J. M. Sappenfield obtained his education in the graded and high schools of Washington county and also pursued a course of study in the Forrest Business College at Indianapolis, Indiana. Taking up the profession of teaching in Washington county, he followed that vocation successfully for ten years spending three years of that time as an instructor in the public schools of Bicknell. On abandoning educational interests he established a monument and marble cutting concern in Bicknell and has since built up a business that would be a credit to a place many times the size of this town. His success is attributable directly to his untiring industry, indefatigable energy and capable management. His efforts are recognized as a potent force in the commercial growth and development of Bicknell and he has long been numbered among its most enterprising and public-spirited citizens, doing everything in his power to promote the general welfare.

In igcK) Mr. Sappenfield was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Pollard, by whom he has four children, namely: Roy, Walter, and Max and Rex, twins. In politics Mr. Sappenfield is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge, chapter and commandery and also to the Eastern Star. He is likewise identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Bicknell. Admirable social qualities and unfeigned cordiality have rendered him very popular and he is at all times approachable, displaying in business and social circles qualities which win esteem, consideration and kindly regard.

Mrs. Louisa J. Clemons

One of the valuable farming properties of Palmyra township is owned and occupied by Mrs. Louisa J. (Horn) Clemons, whose place is situated on donation 69. She has always lived in Knox county, where her parents settled at an early day. Her father, John Horn, was of German extraction and became a wealthy and prominent business man of Vincennes, Indiana. He was interested in various commercial and financial enterprises and was a stockholder in both the First and Second national banks of Vincennes. His business judgment was sound, his discrimination keen and thus his investments were wisely placed and brought to him a substantial return. He married Christina Vaught and unto them were born three children, of whom two are now living.

The daughter, Louisa J. Horn, was the eldest of the family. Her girlhood days were spent in her parents' home and when she had reached womanhood she became the wife of Isaiah Martin Ruble, a native of Palmyra township, born in 1839. He acquired his early education in the district schools of that township and remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when in response to the country's call for military aid he joined the Union army in October, 1861, becoming a member of Company H, Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, at Bruceville. He served with that command until December, 1865, or for four years, during which period he was often in the thickest of the fight on many of the hotly contested battlefields of the south. He never wavered in his duty and returned to his home with a creditable military record. When the war was over he again became a resident of Knox county, Indiana, where he engaged in farming continuing in that business up to the time of his death, which occurred October 21, 1879. He was very successful in his work as an agriculturist, his business ability, sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise being manifest in the prosperity which rewarded his labors. At his death he left three hundred acres of land, which was the visible evidence of his life of thrift and enterprise. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ruble there were born two children, both of whom are still living. The elder, Emma, is now the wife of John Mack, a resident of Palmyra township, and they have six children. The younger, John M. Ruble, is married and lives in Bicknell, Indiana, with his wife and two children. After losing her first husband Mrs. Ruble became the wife of Joseph J. demons who lived but a short time after their marriage. They had one child, James M. demons, a resident of Palmyra township, who is married and has two children, Charles H. and Louisa M.

Mrs. demons is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, devoted to its welfare and faithful to its teachings. She is the owner of a valuable farm property of two hundred acres in donations 69 and 75, Palmyra township, and in addition she owns a dwelling and fourteen lots in the town of Bicknell. She is thus comfortably situated in life, being able to provide her home not only with the necessities but also with many luxuries such as go to make life worth living. She has always resided in Knox county, where she has a wide acquaintance, and her many good qualities have won her the friendly regard of those with whom she has been brought in contact.

Joseph Bond

One of the well known citizens of Knox county, is Joseph Bond. For seventy-four years he has been a resident of this county and many years ago became a leading farmer of Busseron township. Although he has given a farm to each of his children, he is still the owner of one of the most valuable farming properties in the township. A native of Virginia, he was born in Shenandoah county, March 30, 1829, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth E. (Orndorfif) Bond. The father, who was also a native of Shenandoah county, came with his family to Knox county in 1836. He was not very liberally supplied with this world's goods and so he began on a small scale by renting land. Later he purchased a tract of eighty acres and as his means increased he acquired more land until he became the owner of a well improved farm of four hundred acres. He was a man of great industry and good business judgment and acquired a position as one of the most highly respected members of the community. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bond, five cf whom are now living.