Vincennes Township (part 6 of 14)

In his fraternal relations Mr. Emison is a Mason and has attained the Knight Templar degree. He belongs also to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and is in hearty sympathy with the purpose of those organizations, which have as their basic principle a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind. A representative son of an old family of the county that from pioneer times has been represented by those bearing a name which throughout the entire period has been an influential one, his record is one which adds luster thereto, for in the practice of law he holds to high ideals and is steadily reaching upward to the exalted standard which he has set for himself.

Isaac N. Henderson

While Isaac N. Henderson is now living retired, his home being at No. 219 South Fifth street in Vincennes, he was for many years closely, actively and successfully connected with agricultural interests in Knox county, and his well directed labors brought to him the prosperity that now enables him to rest from further business activity. He was born upon a farm in Lawrence county, Indiana, July 8th, 1848, and is a representative of one of the old families of this state, his paternal grandparents having located in Lawrence county when Indiana was regarded as the western frontier. His father, Robert Henderson, was born on the nth of January,

1826, spent his youthful days upon the farm, and pursued his education in the pubHc schools. When he attained his majority he resolved to follow as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared, and became the owner of a good tract of land in Lawrence county, which he tilled successfully until after the Civil war, when he sold that property and went to Tunnelton, Indiana, where he conducted a hotel for some time and then came to Vincennes. Not long after he purchased land near the farm that is now the property of his son Isaac. In early manhood he wedded Emily Hoopingarner, and for many years they traveled life's journey happily together, sharing with each other the joys and sorrows with which adversity and prosperity checker the careers of all. They were married on the 4th of March, 1847, and the death of Robert H., occurred on the 26th of August, 1904, when he was seventy-eight years of age. His wife died in 1898.

Isaac N. Henderson spent his youthful days in the usual manner of farm lads who were reared amid the pioneer environment. Many hardships and trials had to be borne on account of the unsettled condition of the country. He attended the schools of Lawrence county, and when not busy with his text-books, his time was largely devoted to the work of the farm, his father giving him thorough training in the best methods of planting and cultivating the crops. He was about twenty-six years of age when the family came to this county, where he continued to do work for his father. At the age of thirty years he bought his first farm, a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, to which he added from time to time as his financial resources increased. His later purchases have made him the owner of about three hundred and eighty acres, all of which is valuable farm property, and returns to him a substantial annual income. He successfully tilled the fields for many years, bringing the place under a high state of cultivation and adding many improvements to the farm in the shape of well kept buildings.

On the i8th of February, 1875, Mr. Henderson was united in marriage to Miss Helen I. Hudson, a daughter of Absalom and Eliza (Robinson) Hudson, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Virginia. Her parents spent the greater part of their lives however, in Knox county. They purchased a farm and there lived for a long period, but afterward established their home in Oaktown, and subsequently came to Vincennes. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have been bom four children: Cora, who is the wife of James Wilson, a resident fanner of this county, and has three children : Helen, William and Raymond ; Minnie, the wife of Wood Watgen; Maud, the wife of Bert Alexander, and the mother of one son Dudley; and Claude, who is employed in a wholesale drug house in Indianapolis.

Mr. Henderson belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is an advocate of the democratic party in politics. He takes an active interest in political questions and conditions, and has served as president of the Board of County Commissioners. In the upbuilding and progress of Knox county he has ever manifested a deep interest, and has given his support to those measures calculated to prove of public good. His strict integrity and honorable dealing in business have commended him to the confidence of all, his pleasant manner wins him friends, and he is one of the popular and respected citizens of Vincennes.

Guy L. Shepard

On the roster of county officials in Knox county appears the name of Guy L. Shepard, who is filling the office of recorder. Accurate and systematic in the discharge of his duties, conscientious and efficient in the performance of public service, his record is winning for him high commendation. He was bom in Oaktown, this county, September 21, 1875. His father, John N. Shepard, was also a native of that place to which the grandfather, Horace B. Shepard, removed on his arrival from Kentucky in the '20's. He settled upon a farm near Oaktown and there reared his family, making his home in that locality until after his children had reached mature years, when he came to Vincennes where for many years he filled the office of revenue collector. He was very prominent in political circles and in fact took an active and conspicuous part in shaping the early policy and molding the destiny of the county along various lines. His political endorsement was given to the republican party. He reached the very venerable age of ninety-eight years and passed away in Vincennes.

John N. Shepard, the father of Guy L. Shepard, was reared to the occupation of farming and for many years followed that pursuit. He, too, became prominent in the county, serving as postmaster of Oaktown for four years, and was trustee of Busseron township. He was the first county assessor appointed by the county commissioners, but after filling that office for a time resigned. He was born in 1834 and passed away in 1909. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret C. Sproat, was a native of Busseron township and a daughter of Benjamin B. and Mary (Pifer) Sproat, who were natives of Virginia and Knox county, Indiana, respecitively. Her father is still living at Oaktown at the advanced age of ninety-six years, but his wife passed away in 1908 when ninety-three years of age. Their daughter Margaret became the wife of John N. Shepard and by her marriage had five sons all of whom are yet living: George H., a resident of Vincennes; Ben H., Frank J. and Edgar V., who are following farming in Knox county ; and Guy.

The last named was educated in the public schools of Oaktown, in a business college at Quincy, Illinois, 2nd in the Danville College of Indiana. His course completed, he accepted the position of bookkeeper with the Sewer Pipe Company of Vincennes, there remaining for some time.

He was afterward bookkeeper with the firm of I. Joseph & Sons, and later spent four years with the Vincennes Implement Company of this city, being recognized as an expert accountant. He put aside the duties of his position, however, to accept the office of county recorder, to which he was elected in 1906, and in March, 1910, he was renominated for the position which he is now filling for a second term.

In 1907 Mr. Shepard was united in marriage to Miss TiUie M. Bowen, a native of Oaktown and a daughter of William J. and Florence (Pugh) Bowen. The father was a farmer by occupation and is one of the old residents of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Shepard have one daughter, Helen, who was born February 18, 1910. They are members of the Christian church and are widely known socially, having an extensive circle of warm friends in Oaktown, Vincennes and other parts of the county. Mr. Shepard is proving himself a popular and efficient official, showing that the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen was not misplaced.

Dr. Clarke E. Stewart, successfully practicing medicine in Vincennes, was born in Marengo, Indiana, September 10, 1875. His father, David M. Stewart, was a native of Crawford county, this state and a farmer by occupation. In 1849 he went to California where he remained for three years. He met the usual experiences and hardships of those who crossed the plains in an early day. Following his return to the middle west David M. Stewart settled in Crawford county, Indiana, where he continued to make his home until his death which occurred in 1907 when he had reached the age of seventy-seven years. He was a stanch republican in politics, never faltering in his allegiance to the party from the time he cast his first presidential ballot for John C. Fremont. He was called to serve in a number of local offices the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He wedded Miss Mary Proctor, also a native of Crawford county.

Dr. Stewart was a pupil in the public schools of Marengo and also in the academy of that place. He afterward took up the study of medicine and was graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville with the class of 1897. For a year he engaged in practice in New Albany, Indiana, and in 1898 came to Vincennes where he has since engaged in general practice. He is conscientious in the performance of his professional duties, is careful in diagnosing a case and as the years have gone by has proven his worth through the excellent results which have attended his labors. He belongs to the county, state and national medical societies and he also fills the office of police commissioner to which he was called in January, 1910. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is most loyal to its teachings and principles.

In December, 1909, Dr. Stewart was married to Miss Antoinette Andrus, a native of Mount Carmel, Illinois, and a daughter of A. C. and Antoinette (Williams) Andrus. Dr. Stewart belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, to the Knights of Pythias and other fraternal organizations. While a young man, he is prompted in all that he does in a professional way by laudable ambition and an understanding of the obligations that devolve upon him. Study and research keep him abreast with the times and in all things his work is such as to win him the high regard of his professional brethren for he ever conforms closely to a high standard of professional ethics.

James J. Mayes

James J. Mayes, who during much of his active life was connected with the printing business but was also prominent in public affairs as an official, filling the position of county recorder for two terms, was born in Vincennes on the 22d of January, 1830. His father, James Mayes, was a very prominent and influential citizen of Knox county for a considerable period and his fellow townsmen, appreciating his worth and good works, called him to public office. He served as justice of the peace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He also acted as assistant recorder of Knox county and remained a resident of the county up to the time of his death, his home being at the corner of Fourth and Perry streets in Vincennes.

At the usual age James J. Mayes was sent as a pupil to the public schools and mastering the lessons assigned him was promoted through successive grades until the time when he started in the business world, his initial step being made as a typesetter. From that time forward his life was largely devoted to the printing business, with which he thoroughly acquainted himself, learning the trade in principle and detail. His ability won him promotion through intermediate positions until he gained a prominent place as a representative of the business in Vincennes and owned the Vincennes Times. Moreover, he was recognized as one of the local leaders of the democratic party and his opinions carried weight in its councils. He ever sought the success of its candidates because he was a firm believer in its principles, regarding the different elements of the party platform as essential factors in good government. At one time his party made him the candidate for county recorder, in which position he discharged his duties with such promptness and fidelity that at the close of the first term he was reelected and filled the office altogether for four years.

When he wished to establish a home of his own Mr. Mayes chose a lady who, like himself, was a native of Vincennes. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dederich, who was born in this city on the 6th of July, 1840, a daughter of John and Mary Louise (Lattimore) Dederich. Her father was a native of France and at the age of twenty-one years crossed the Atlantic to America. He made his way first to Louisville, Kentucky, and later removed to \'incennes. He made farming his life work and became the owner of valuable land which, carefully cultivated, returned him a substantial income. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. ^Mayes was blessed with an interesting family of four children: John, now living at home with his mother; Sadie L., the deceased wife of Lou Schaeffer; Mary Elizabeth, at home; and Frances, the wife of John Selby.

Mr. Mayes held membership in the Catholic church and in his life exhibited sterling traits of character which won him the high regard and esteem of those who knew him. Energy and enterprise were characteristic of his business life and his activity never faltered even in the face of discouragements, so that in time his industry and perseverance brought him a substantial reward. He lived to see remarkable changes in Vincennes, for it was but a small town in which he started on life's journey eighty years ago. As time passed on the work of development and improvement was steadily carried forward and Mr. Mayes always bore his share in promoting public progress. He also rejoiced in what was accomplished here and continued an interested witness of the public life of the community up to the time of his demise, which occurred in January, 1904.

Colonel J. B. Duffey

Colonel J. B. Dufifey figures prominently in connection with the development of the oil fields of the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys, and the extent of his operations and his sound judgment in business affairs have brought him a measure of success that is most gratifying and substantial. He is a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, born in 1851, and as the family name indicates he comes of Irish lineage. His great-grandfather was a native of the Emerald isle and was the founder of the family in the new world, crossing the Atlantic to Virginia, where he became the owner of a plantation. James Duffey, the grandfather of our subject, removed from Lynchburg, Virginia, to Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, settling upon a farm which he cultivated and improved, and which became the birthplace of Peter Duffey, the father of the Colonel. In that locality Peter Duffey was reared and educated, and after arriving at years of maturity he wedded Isabella Beattie, a daughter of John Beattie, a native of Scotland, who, hearing of the opportunities and advantages offered in the new world, bade adieu to the land of hills and heather and made his way over the briny deep to the

American continent. He was a farmer by occupation and married a Miss Mountz. After reaching the new world he settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and thus Coloney Duffey is a representative of two of the old families of the Keystone state.

Reared in the county of his nativity, the early experiences of J. B. Duffey were those which usually fall to the lot of the farm boy. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, which he improved, gaining thereby a good fundamental knowledge. In the vacation periods he worked in the fields and early became familiar with the practical methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. Pennsylvania, however, became the center of the oil industry prior to the discovery of oil in other sections of the country, and Colonel Duffey's attention being attracted thereto, he entered the oil fields at the age of twenty-four years, operating first in Bullion, Venango county, Pennsylvania. He was very successful from the start and has continued in this line, occasionally meeting with losses, but on the whole enjoying almost continuous prosperity. His sound judgment has been manifest in his judicious investment. In 1888 he opened up the Claysville oil field in Washington county, Pennsylvania. This was a large field and proved very remunerative. He drilled the first well and obtained the first fifth sand oil ever discovered. Subsequently he operated in West Virginia and in Ohio, and also drilled a large number of wells in Tennessee, all dry. About four years ago he removed to Vincennes and the same success which previously attended him has remained with him during his operations in the oil fields of Illinois. Few men are more thoroughly in touch with what is beng done in the operation of oil fields throughout the country and his study of the question as to where oil is likely to be found - a study that indicates a comprehensive knowledge of geology - has enabled Colonel Duffey to make most judicious investments that have returned to him substantial profits.

On the 27th of June, 1876, Colonel Duftey was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Matilda Holland, of Butler county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Squire William Holland, one of the pioneers of that state. They have become the parents of five children : Claude C, who is a graduate of the Washington and Jefferson University and is now associated with his father in business ; Dr. Harry E., who was graduated from the same school as his brother, also from Lafayette College and from a medical college at Baltimore, Maryland, and is now associated with his father ; Gertrude C, who has studied singing in Paris for three years under Jean de Reszke ; John B., Jr., who is a graduate of the Washington and Jefferson College and is engaged in the oil business ; and Walter E., who was a student in the academy at Andover, Massachusetts, and is now in Portland, Oregon.

Colonel Duffey became a member of the Elks lodge at Sistersville, West Virginia, and is a member of the Catholic church. In business affairs he is most alert and at all times manifests an aptitude for successful accomplishment. His success is due to his close study of conditions and questions bearing upon the line of business in which he is engaged. His energy is un- faltering and he never allows obstacles and diffictilties to bar his path if they can be overcome by persistent and honorable effort. Thus gradually he has advanced in his business career until he is now well known as one of the successful operators in oil in the middle west.

Felix L. Cadou

There is no doubt that the application of electricity presents one of the most interesting and useful studies for any aspiring individual that can be named. In all civilized countries it is coming into use more generally every year and yet the greatest electrical geniuses of the world declare that only a fraction of its capabilities are as yet known, as it is possible that the foundation of the universe itself may yet be traced to this subtle and mysterious agent.

Among the men who have made a special study of electricity extending over a period of many years is Felix L. Cadou, manager of the City Electric Lighting Company's plant, and in his specialty he has covered the ground very thoroughly, after having previously secured the advantages of education at one of the greatest universities of the world. Mr. Cadou is a native of Australia and was born in Melbourne April 17, 1867. The father, Eugene Cadou, was a native of France and major general of the French army. The mother, Janie Sparks, before her marriage, was born in England and married in Australia. There were two children in the family, Felix L. and Edward, the latter is now serving as lieutenant commander in the English navy.

The subject of our review was educated in England and France and is a graduate of Oxford University. His education was pursued along scientific lines and he began his active career in London, England, with the Bell Telephone Company, continuing for five years and becoming thoroughly familiar with the principles applied in the telephone. He was then sent by the company to various countries of Europe as its representative for three years and in 1889 came to America where he entered a factory and studied electric lighting for a year. After this he traveled for two years in various states, establishing electric lighting plants, first coming to Vincennes in 1892. Later he established a plant at Washington, Indiana, and in 1903 took up his permanent residence in this city and has since been in charge of the City Electric Lighting Company's plant which under his managemnt has been brought to a high degree of perfection.

In 1895 M""- Cadou was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Jepson, of Washington, Indiana. Three sons were bom of this union : Eugene Jepson, born March 14, 1897; Edward Leonce, born August 17, 1898; and Felix L., born August 2, 1901. Mrs. Cadou was called away in 1906 and Mr. Cadou was married in 1909 to Miss Effie Talbot.

Mr. Cadou is a member of the Royal Arcanum and is socially identified with the Pastime Club and the Country Club and, being a man of fine address and extensive reading and observation, he is a most interesting conversationalist and has many friends in Vincennes. He is recognized as the possessor of excellent business capacity and in his dealings with the public has exercised a judgment and good sense that are valuable qualities in any man. That he has been eminently successful in his chosen vocation is demonstrated in the responsible position he now fills a position which he has occupied with increasing capability for seven years past.

Benjamin Niehaus

Benjamin Niehaus, secretary and treasurer of the Vincennes Sash & Door Company, and well known as a substantial business man of the city, was born in Posey county, Indiana, January ii, 1867. He is a son of Henry and Rosina (TenBarge) Niehaus, the former bom in Germany, about 1827, and the latter in Holland, in 1824. Mr. Niehaus, Sr., was a carpenter and bricklayer, and there were eight children in the family, seven of whom are now living, including : Roman, of Louisville, Kentucky ; Mary, now Mrs. A. J. Klein, of Evansville, Indiana ; Henry, of Evansville ; Lena, now Mrs. George Meney, of Haubstadt, Indiana ; and Benjamin, our subject.

Educated in the common schools, Benjamin Niehaus early began his active career in a carriage and wagon shop, continuing there for ten years and becoming thoroughly familiar with the various departments of the business. Desiring to see something of the world, he went west and worked at his trade for two years in the state of Colorado. However, he was attracted again to his native state and. returning from the Rocky mountams, he entered the planing mill business at Haubstadt, continuing for nine years. He then came to Vincennes and after being identified with a furniture factory for one year, he became associated with the Vincennes Sash & Door Company, and since 1906 has most creditably filled the position of secretary and treasurer in that organization.

On April 21, 1891, Mr. Niehaus was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hillenbrand, who was born in Vanderburg county, Indiana, in 1868. She is a daughter of William and Katherine (Kissell) Hillenbrand, and was reared upon a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Niehaus are the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters: Rosa, born February 29, 1892; Alfred, bom in 1894; Walter, 1897; Clara, 1899; Frederick, 1903; Estella, 1906. and Francis, 1908.

Politically Mr. Niehaus is identified with the democratic party. He is a consistent member of the Catholic church, with which he has been connected from his early boyhood. Active and energetic in whatever he un- dertakes, Mr. Niehaus never shirks responsibility and always conscientiously attempts to perform his duty. As a result he is in comfortable circumstances, the head of an interesting and intelligent family, and in the enjoyment of all that makes life most desirable. Of all these blessings, he is deserving, having led an upright life, and as opportunity presented, having assisted those with whom he was associated. He has never sought to advance himself in such a way as to injure others, and therefore he has gained and retained the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen.

Charles O'Donnell

Sixteen years ago the subject of this review was called from earthly scenes but his memory is still cherished by those who were associated with him in life and the monument thus erected in loving hearts is of more value than many monuments of bronze or marble. It was his kindly acts and generous nature that endeared Charles 0"Donnell to his family and friends. At the same time he was brave, strong and self-reliant and in his battle with the difficulties of the world exhibited those traits most prized, leading to success in anything he undertook.

Mr. 0"Donnell was born at Donegal, Ireland, in 1837, and was a son of Patrick and Alice (Donlavy) O'Donnell, also natives of the Emerald isle. Being an ambitious man and, therefore, desiring to improve his condition, Patrick O'Donnell came to America about 1853 and under the protection of the republic he found the opportunity he had longed for. He located on a a farm near Bridgeport, Illinois, and there he continued until his death, gaining a reputation as an honest and industrious man.

Charles O'Donnell was reared a farmer boy and was educated in the district schools. After laying aside his books he assisted his father on the farm, where he continued until 1864, when he began upon his own account. He was a farmer and live-stock buyer and for many years engaged very successfully in the retail meat business in Bridgeport, Illinois. By his industry and good management he attained marked success financially and, being a man of genial manners, he made many friends, who sincerely mourned his departure September 24, 1894. Thirty years in business, he always conducted his affairs in the most honorable manner. His promise once given was to him sacred and it was never retracted. He is remembered as an upright citizen, a kind husband and father and a man whose generous instincts prompted him to many acts of benevolence.

On October 17, 1864, Mr. O'Donnell was united in marriage to Miss Mary Monaghan, a daughter of Patrick and Bridget Monaghan, of Brown county, Ohio. Her father was a road contractor and constructed the Miami turnpike from Hamilton to Cincinnati. Fourteen children came to bless the household of Mr. and Mrs. O'Donnell. Charles, of Vincennes, married Catherine

Osterage, of this city, and is the father of four children - Norbert, Arthur, Charles and Esther. James married Sadie Donnelly and became the father of four children : Cleo, who became the wife of Aaron Harlow and has one child, James F. ; James ; Lawrence ; and Maurice. Thomas, who married Carrie Dillon, has four children - Blanch, Joseph, Philip and Mary. Alice became the wife of Lawrence Mooney and has one child, Mary Elizabeth. Kate became the wife of Harry Milburn. Margaret, now Mrs. Eugene Quinn, is the mother of three children - Pauline, Harry and James A. Mary became the wife of Dr. Downey, of Vincennes. Hugh is a contractor of gravel roads. Bernadette became the wife of William Bets, of Indianapolis. The other members of the family, Patrick, William, Mollie, John P. and Ellen are all deceased.

Mr. O'Donnell was a consistent member of the Catholic church and died in the faith of his fathers. He was never affiliated with secret societies and never aspired to public office, as his attention was devoted to his family and his private business affairs. He was esteemed not only by his associates but by many acquaintances, attracted by his excellent qualities, and of him it may truly be said he was a man of few enemies and many friends.

Thomas Henry Adams

Thomas Henry Adams, holding a position of marked precedence among the business men and leading citizens of Mncennes, has left and is leaving his impress upon the journalistic, commercial, political, social and moral interests of the city. A native of Ohio, Mr. Adams was born on the 19th of July, i860, in the little town of Grand Rapids in Paulding county, a son of Josiah and Elizabeth (Wykes) Adams. His paternal grandfather was an English farmer who, however, had been taught the saddler's trade. Josiah Adams early became a member of the Methodist church and entered its ministry. In 1844 he left his native land and sailed from Northamptonshire, England, to the United States to preach the doctrines of Methodism in this country and later joined the central Ohio Methodist conference. Before sailing for the new world he married Elizabeth, a daughter of James Wykes, a squire of Northamptonshire The death of the Rev. Adams occurred in 1865 at Edgerton, Ohio.

The salary of the Methodist minister at that day was not adequate to provide a competence for the widow, but ambitious for the future of her son she denied herself many comforts that he might have the benefit of instruction in the schools of Elmore. Ohio, and in Wesleyan University. At length, however, the funds provided for his education became exhausted and he was obliged to put aside his text-books and provide for his own support. He secured a position in a factory and afterward learned the printer's trade. He was but sixteen years of age when he began the publication of a small weekly at Edwardsport, Indiana, known as the Edwardsport Journal. Later he published the Edwardsport Record and then, removing to Lancaster, Ohio, became the editor and publisher of the Lancaster Free Press and Republican Although very young when he entered upon his journalistic career he met with success from the beginning and. seeking a still broader field, in 1881 he purchased the Vincennes Commercial and has since been closely identified with the newspaper interests of this city. He soon changed the Commercial from a weekly to a daily paper with weekly and Sunday editions. A contemporary biographer has said of him : "His energy, aggressiveness and able management in a short time made the Commercial a strong and influential paper, and for years it has stood as one of the model newspaper properties of the state. With good judgment and rare discernment he has invested advantageously in several mercantile, manufacturing and mining enterprises, and today may count success as fairly won." He is the owner of the business conducted under the name of the Cushman Drug Company of \'incennes; is president of the City Electric Light Company of \'incennes ; is president of the Loogootee Light & Fuel Company, of Loogootee, Indiana; is president of the Afterthought Copper Company of St. Louis. Missouri, and Reading, California; and president of the American Maize Oil Reiining Company of Indiana.

His activities have never been confined entirely to newspaper publication, for in other fields he has labored in support of principles and measures in which he believes, and personally and also through the columns of his paper he has done much to support progressive public measures and to promote republican interests in Knox county. He is an inflexible champion of the principles of the republican party and for a considerable period has served on the Knox county committees. He was also a member of the state central committee from 1888 until 1890 and in 1896 entered upon a two years' service as a member of the state advisory committee. He has usually led the Knox county delegations in the state conventions of the second district. While he is not without that ambition which is an incentive for faithful service in public office, he has regarded the pursuits of private life as in themselves abundantly worthy of his best efiforts and never once has he swerved from his resolution not to accept political preferment. In 1897 he was appointed postmaster of Vincennes by President McKinley and continued to fill the office through reappointment by President Roosevelt for eight years, or until 1905. In 1900 he was alternate delegate at large from the state of Indiana to the Philadelphia national convention. He is a man of marked influence in republican circles in Indiana, his opinions ever carrying weight in its local councils.

On the 23d of October, 1879, Mr. Adams was married in Bruceville, Indiana, to Miss Irene Willis, a daughter of John T. and Mary Willis, the former a merchant and at one time postmaster of Bruceville. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have a son and daughter: Chester W., who married Helen Hill,

Mr. Adams holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee, and he also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Masonic lodge and other fraternities, and to the Pastime Club. In matters of state and national as well as local importance, he keeps abreast with the thinking men of the age and the desire for continuous advancement and improvement causes him to be found with the progressive element in any movement with which he is allied or which he deems of vital significance to the community or the country at large.

Herman F. Piel

Herman F. Pie! has long been connected with the police service of Vincennes, and at the present time is serving as police commissioner and as president of the police board. He is also conducting profitable business interests, being half owner of the Union elevator and also a dealer in coal, feed and kindling at the corner of Eleventh and DuBois streets. Vincennes numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred on the 6th of January, 1874. His parents were John H. and Anna (Fraumann) Piel. The father was long a carpenter and contractor of this city. He was a native of Osnabruck, Germany, and was only seven years of age when he accompanied his parents to the United States. The family home was established in Wayne county, Indiana, where he acquired his education in the public schools. He later learned the carpenter's trade in Richmond, and in 1865 removed to Vincennes. Here he took up the work of contracting and for a long period ranked with the prominent representatives of that business in this city, erecting a large number of the important buildings here. He was the master builder of the Vincennes University, and also erected the opera house, the county building on the poorfarm and schoolhouse No. 2. He was also a sub-contractor on the courthouse. He ranked with the most capable, progressive and prominent builders of Vincennes and in business circles bore an unassailable reputation for reliability and trustworthiness. He passed away on the 9th of August, 1887, but is still survived by his widow, who yet lives at the old home at No. 119 North Tenth street, and is yet enjoying good health.

Herman F. Piel, who was one of a family of eleven children, pursued his education in the public schools of Vincennes, and in Evansville took a business course. He was fifteen years of age when he entered the wholesale grocery house of E. Bierhaus & Sons, and that he was faithful and diligent is indicated in the fact that he remained there for seven years. At the end of that time he was appointed deputy sheriff. After the inauguration of the Spanish-American war he put aside all business and personal considerations and offered his aid to the government, becoming a member of Company L, One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantrj', of which he was a non-commissioned officer. After the war he returned to Vincennes and was made a member of the poHce force, on which he served for two years. He was then appointed deputy sheriff again and afterward became a bookkeeper for J. & S. Emison. About five years ago he joined with Mr. Summers in purchasing the Union elevator and the coal and feed business in which he is now engaged. In the conduct of this enterprise he has been very successful, and large sales have rewarded his close application, industry and careful management.

On the 7th of July, 1904, Mr. Piel was married to Miss Mary Louise Hinds and their children are Mary Louise and Martha Piel. In his fraternal relations ]Mr. Piel is a Mason, is also connected with the Royal Arcanum, and is a member of the Spanish War Veterans. His appreciation of the social amenities of life makes him a popular member of these organizations, while his alert, enterprising spirit has constituted him a forceful factor in the business circles of Knox county.

John Hoffman

Twenty-nine years ago John Hoffman, whose name appears at the head of this review, began in the grocery business in Vincennes. He started on a small scale but he attended diligently to his business, making friends and building up a reputation for integrity and square dealing, and today he owns one of the finest grocery establishments in the city and is recognized as one of its responsible and progressive business men. This he has accomplished mainly through a laudable ambition, backed by good judgment and a fair share of persistence, which yielded not to temporary discouragements.

Mr. Hoffman was born in Lake county, Indiana, September 25, 1859, and is a son of Jacob and ^lagdalena (Osweiler) Hoffman, both natives of Germany, the former born October 25, 1816, and the latter August 18, 1818. Mr. Hoffman, Sr., desirous of improving his condition, emigrated to this country and settled in Lake county, this state, in 1844. He departed this life April 19, 1893, and his beloved companion was called away August 20, 1905. They were the parents of thirteen children, ten sons and three daughters, seven of whom are now living.

John Hoffman was educated in the common schools of Lake county and was reared upon a farm, continuing there and assisting in the support of the family until 1881. Coming to Vincennes, he became identified with the grocery business and in 1882 began on his own account in his present location at Second and Perry streets. He started on a small scale, but he is now known as one of the most successful men in his line of business in the city.

On August 22, 1882, Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Marchino, who was born in Knox county, April 30, 1862. 'She is a daughter of Peter and Mary (Meyer) Marchino. The father, a native of Algiers, was born February 28, 1833, and the mother was born December 26, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman are the parents of seven children, of whom William P., who was born June 16, 1883, is the eldest. In 1906 he was married to Mae Dorn, of Knox county, and they had two children: Georgia Mae, born December 19, 1906; and Helen Frances, June 9, 1909. The other children of the family are: Frank M., born April 4, 1886; Maurice A., January 14, 1889; Elmer ]., July 24, 1891 ; Herman Louis, January 28, 1896; Clarence V., September 28, 1909; and John H., October 3, 1903.

Mr. Hoffman accepts the principles of the democratic party as those best adapted for a free government. He is a zealous member of the Catholic church and its affiliated organizations and is president of the local lodge of the Catholic Knights of America. Socially he holds membership in the Knights of Columbus, the Royal Arcanum, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Pastime Club. As the head of a large family he has set an example creditable to himself and those with whom he is associated and its need hardly be added that he enjoys in a very high degree the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

Herman Brokhage

In a history of business progress in Vincennes mention must necessarily be made of Herman Brokhage else the record would be incomplete, for through forty-four years he has been connected with mercantile and other business interests here. What he has accomplished represents the fitting utilization of his innate powers and talents, yet many a man with equal opportunities at the outset of his career has failed. Mr. Brokhage is possessed of that determination whereby he has kept resolutely at the task to which he has assigned himself. Never employing methods that would not bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, he has, nevertheless, worked his way upward, his name long since becoming an honored one in commercial and financial circles.

A native of the grand duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, Mr. Brokhage was bom August 2d, 1845, a son of Henry and Bernardina (Huslage) Brokhage, both of whom spent their entire lives in the fatherland. Herman Brokhage pursued his education in the schools of his native country and there learned the baker's trade. He had just attained his majority when he came to Vincennes, arriving in this city on the ist of September, 1866. He made his way to the home of his uncle, Theodore Huslage, who was then conducting a dry-goods business in one room upon the present site of the extensive mercantile enterprise now owned and conducted by Mr. Brokhage. The latter remained in his uncle's employ for nine months, after which he secured employment at the baker's trade, spending nine months in the service of the firm of Bobbinette & Chappard. He next entered the employ of J. B. La Plante & Brother, who were the proprietors of the largest general mercantile store in Vincennes. After some time spent in that establishment as a clerk Mr. Brokhage again began working at the baker's trade and purchased the interest of his former employer, Mr. Bobbinette, becoming the partner of Mr. Chappard under the firm style of Brokhage & Chappard. During his entire residence in \^incennes, covering a period of forty-four years, he has been in only three places as an employe or as a member of the firm. After a short partnership connection with Mr. Chappard he sold out and returned to La Plante & Brother, remaining with that firm for thirteen years. He again entered the employ of his uncle, Mr. Huslage, for whom he clerked until his uncle's death in 1889, after which Mr. Brokhage bought the stock and continued the business.

The enterprising methods which he employed soon wrought a change in the appearance of the place and in the volume of trade. The one room became too small and in 1899 he purchased the adjoining property. He has enlarged and modernized his store until he now has a splendid up-todate mercantile establishment, handling dry goods, clothing, etc. His patronage is constantly increasing in extent and importance and in 1900 he admitted his two sons, John T. and Louis A., to a partnership under the firm style of H. Brokhage & Sons ; John T. taking charge of the clothing department and Louis A. of the dry-goods department, while the father gives active supervision to the whole. The methods which he instituted were resultant and productive. He studied the demands of the public in the line of his trade and sought by honorable dealing and reasonable prices to secure a good patronage. In this he was successful and is today at the head of one of the largest establishments of this character in Vincennes. He has always been an active man of resourceful business ability nor has he confined his efforts to one line alone; on the contrary he has become connected with many enterprises which have constituted factors in the material development and substantial progress of the city. He is president of the Peoples Building & Loan Association, is president of the Merchants and Manufacturers Association, vice president of the Board of Trade, a director and vice president of the National Rolling Mills Company, a director of the Citizens Trust Company and a director of the Murphy Distilling Company. He is also largely interested in real estate and owns considerable property. He has built a number of houses in the city and has done much to improve and develop the southern portion of Vincennes. He also owns some farm property and is one of the largest tax payers in this city.

cennes. Their two sons, John T. and Louis A., are their father's partners in business. The former was married October 29, 1902, to LiUian May O'Connor and has one son, Paul H., born on the 3d of March, 1907. Louis A. was married to Jessie Sertel, November 24, 1910, which was Thanksgiving day, and his parents were also married on Thanksgiving day thirty-five years before.

Mr. Brokhage is an influential member of St. John's Roman Catholic church and his fraternal relations are with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a self-made man, honest, reliable, industrious and far-sighted. While he has achieved success, at the same time he has contributed to the city's development and progress and no man is more loyal to the interests of Vincennes. His efforts in its behalf have been far-reaching and effective and, moreover, his record proves that prosperity and an honored name may be won simultaneously.

George Borrowman

Of the many nationalities that have contributed to the permanency and prosperity of American life, none has been more marked than the Scottish. The honesty, sturdiness and tenacity of the Scotch character are proverbial, and the examples which have been presented in this country in numerous instances by Scottish emigrants or their descendants have had an important effect in shaping the American character. This good work is still in progress and it is to be observed in every community where the sons of Scotland or their worthy children are to be found.

George Borrowman, a well known business man of Vincennes and also prominently identified with the city administration, was born in Richland county, Illinois, November 29, i860. His parents, Thomas and Isabel (Wilson) Borrowman, were botli natives of Scotland, the former having been born at Edinburgh in 1824 and the latter at Muttonhole in 1827. The father came to America in 1833, at "'"e years of age. He located in Knox county, Indiana, April 24. 1867, and was for many years engaged in the grain business. He served for twelve years as trustee of the public schools of Vincennes. He was a republican but was elected to this position by a democratic city council. He departed this life at the age of four score and four years, in November, 1908. In his family were ten children, eight of whom are still living: Agnes, now Mrs. R. A. Hunt, of Richland county, IlHnois; Jean, the wife of George W. Fyfield, of Seattle, Washington; John, a resident of Nome, Alaska; Archibald, of San Francisco; Belle, living at the old home place in Vincennes; George, the subject of this review; Katherine, now Mrs. Arthur Battson, of Mobile, Alabama; and Laura Viola, now Mrs. Joseph Grandjean, of Vincennes.

George Borrowman attended the common schools of Knox county and later entered the \'incennes high school, graduating with the class of 1880. Having decided to adopt a business and not a professional career, he became associated with his father in the grain trade and so continued for a period of twelve years, until 1892. He then entered the employ of the McCormick Harvester Company, with which he was identified for several years, showing an energy and ability that led to his being asked to assume a position of larger responsibility as manager of the Champion Machine Company in a territory embracing southern Indiana. After several years he reentered the grain business and was associated with his father until the retirement of the latter in 1906 on account of advancing years. Since 1906 Mr. Borrowman has filled the position of manager of the Citizens Ice & Cold Storage Company. In his various business connections he has shown an aptitude and a zeal which have been attended by a goodly measure of success and has made many friends who recognize in him the characteristics that go to make up the wide-awake and successful business man. An inborn spirit of fairness is one of the qualities which he received from his ancestors - a spirit that is closely allied to honesty and all the practical virtues of public or private life.

For many years Mr. Borrowman has been an adherent of the republican party and four years ago he was elected as a member of the board of public works of Vincennes. In this position he has had an opportunity of applying many of the principles which he found to be most effective in business affairs, and results of permanent benefit to the city have been obtained. Among the reforms which he has been largely instrumental in accomplishing may be named the natural gas franchise, an entire change in the methods of handling and disposing of garbage, the reduction of electric light bills to the city government by ten dollars per light yearly, and other changes, all of which aim to reduce the tax-payers' burdens and add efficiency to the cit)' service. As a public officer Mr. Borrowman has scored a distinct success, his actions in all cases being influenced in no degree by political considerations, as he places honesty and efficiency in municipal aiifairs much higher than party obligations. This sentiment has during recent years been made a prominent issue by Theodore Roosevelt and it receives the hearty approval of all right-minded citizens.

On September 10, 1884, Mr. Borrowman was united in marriage to Miss May McGinnis, of Washington, Indiana. She is the daughter of Peter and Helen (Hagerty) McGinnis and was born in 1864. They have become the parents of four children: Frank, who is engaged in shell and pearl buying and is living at home ; George, Jr., a clerk in the Vincennes postoffice; Robert, who was married to Blanche Galway ; and Helen, now a student in the Vincennes high school.

Mr. Borrowman takes an active interest in social and fraternal organizations as is evidenced by his membership in the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Royal Arcanum and the Travelers

Protective Association. As indicated above, he is a man of unusual enterprise and energy, undaunted in the discharge of any duty which he has voluntarily assumed and in all the relations of life attempts to discharge his obligations to the best of his ability according to principles of justice and truth.

William J. Nicholson

Among the public-spirited and successful business men of Vincennes, who by energy, integrity and good judgment have gained the confidence of the community, may be named William J. Nicholson, junior member of the firm of Emison & Nicholson, dealers in hardware and implements. ]Mr. Nicholson is a native of Indiana and was born in Knox county on the 14th of October, 1851. He is a son of Simon A. and Jane (Buck) Nicholson, the former born in Knox county in 1826 and the letter in Wythe county, Virginia, in 1832. The father followed farming during his entire life and was a man of high character and good business ability. At the time of the Civil war he was a member of the National Home Guards, but the company was never called into active service, although subject to call of the governor at any time. Mr. Nicholson departed this life in 1892, he and his estimable wife being the parents of a family of six children : William J., the subject of this review ; Melinda, who became the wife of Lewis Overbey and the mother of five children; Hamilton T., of Wheatland, Knox county, Indiana, who married Ellen Renner and is the father of two children ; A. C, a merchant of Wheatland, who married Jessie Lytton and is the father of six children ; Oliver, a commercial traveler, who married Alice Woods and is the father of five children; and Edwin S., who married Effie Hedrick and is the father of three children.

William J. Nicholson received his education in the public and high schools of Vincennes. After leaving the high school he passed examination as a teacher and taught in the district schools for three years. At the end of this time he began to prepare for the practice of medicine by the study of anatomy and physiology, devoting one year to this task, but in the course of his studies he became interested in the drug business and gave up the idea of pursuing a professional career and for six years was identified with a drug store in Wheatland. We next find him in \'incennes in the same line for three years. Having closed out his drug business, he became city editor of the Vincennes Commercial, and was a member of the stafif of this paper when its first daily edition was launched. However, he was again attracted to the business world and he purchased a shoe store m Vincennes and at the end of two years acquired another store, consolidating the two into one large establishment and continuing with marked success in the shoe business for a period of sixteen years. He then embarked in the wholesale business in Indianapolis, but at the end of two years sold out his interest and in January, 1901, again located in Vincennes and within ten days entered the hardware and implement trade under the firm name of Emison & Nicholson, which is one of the leading firms of the kind in this city and has acquired a wide reputation on account of its practical and progressive methods and the high class of goods carried upon its shelves.

In 1886 Mr. Nicholson was united in marriage to Miss Martha Beckes, a daughter of Thomas P. and Margaret Beckes. Two children were born to this union : Raymond B., a graduate of De Pauw University in 191 1 ; and Marguerite, who will graduate from the same university in 1912. Mrs. Nicholson was called from earthly scenes in 1889 and in 1895 Mr. Nicholson was married to Miss Margaret Pearl Henderson, a daughter of John A. and Hannah Henderson. Four children have come to brighten the home : Waldorf Reed, now in attendance at the high school; William J.; Narcissus; and Mrginia Elizabeth.

]\Ir. Nicholson has been for many years an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has assisted very materially in its growth in this city. Politically he is in sympathy with the republican party, believing that its principles of protection and centralization of authority are best adapted for the preservation of the republic. Although he has not sought public office he served with general acceptance as postmaster at Wheatland from 1876 to 1881. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum. He also holds membership in the Pastime Club and the Country Club. He is a man of wide sympathies and benevolent characteristics and at the present time is treasurer of the board of trustees of the Good Samaritan Hospital, president and treasurer of the board of trustees of the Orphans Home, president of the Board of Charities and Corrections and also of the Board of Children's Guardians. In all the positions he has occupied, extending over a wide range and embracing many interests, Mr. Nicholson has displayed a discernment and a capability that has won for him the respect of those with whom he has been associated and today no man stands higher in the esteem of the citizens of Vincennes than the one whose name stands at the head of this review.

John B. Zuber

John B. Zuber, well known in the business circles of Vincennes, is a native of this city and was born in 1858 and has here passed his entire life. He is of Teutonic ancestry and is a son of John Zuber, who was born on the Rhine, June 27, 1821, and came to America in 1836, locating in Vincennes. He attended the public schools in his native land and also after arriving in this country, beginning his active career as an employe in Pol- lock's mill and engaging in the transfer business until the beginning of the great Rebellion. Mr. Zuber was of good fighting material and he enlisted in the Fourteenth Indiana Volunteers and went to the front with his regiment, where he participated in many engagements among which was the great battle of Antietam. He was severely wounded and taken to a hospital at Philadelphia, but upon partially recovering returned to his regiment where it was soon found that he could not endure the hardships of the camp and field and he was accordingly honorably discharged from the army. On account of injuries which he received in the service he was granted a pension by the government which he continued to draw until his death, in 1872, and it has since been regularly paid to his widow who before her marriage was Minda Minderman. She was born in Germany in 1833 and came to Vincennes fourteen years later, becoming the wife of Mr. Zuber in 1853. Eight children brightened their home, six of whom are now living: Lizzie, the wife of Samuel Buhner, an engineer; John B., our subject; Theodore; Mary, now Mrs. George Judan, and the mother of one child; Joseph, of East St. Louis, who is married and has five children ; and William, also married. Politically Mr. Zuber was allied with the democratic party. He was born in the Catholic church and was a stanch adherent of that faith during his entire life. He was an honest, hard-working man who loved his adopted country and as a soldier was brave and true. He died at the age of fifty-two years, but his esteemed partner is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-seven, and is tenderly cared for by her children.

John B. Zuber, the subject of our review, was a member of a large family and, being obliged to assist in its support, did not possess many advantages of education, although he attended in early life the German Catholic school. He began his active career as a teamster, continuing for five years and then became weighmaster in the Baltic & Broadway Mills. He next entered the pork packing establishment of the Bierhaus Company and being ambitious to advance, he entered the meat business on his account. By industry and good management he has developed the business until at the present time he is the owner of two well established meat markets and a slaughter-house and gives employment to ten men.

In 1878 Mr. Zuber was united in marriage to Miss Elvira Lovell, who was born in Kentucky in 1859. She is the daughter of Thomas Lovell who lost his life on account of the explosion of a steamer in the Mississippi river. Mr. and Mrs. Zuber have no children of their own. but they have reared three children at their home and two children whom they were caring for died while under their kind protection.

Mr. Zuber is to be always found on the firing line in every battle democracy fights against the common enemy. He is an uncompromising political antagonist, yet it has never been charged by his strongest foes that he would be swerved in the least by politics in the performance of an official act. As a public servant he never hesitated to advocate any measure he believed to be to the best interest of the people, though in so doing he knew he would incur the displeasure of influential men and injure himself in private business affairs. Mr. Zuber was always officially alive to the city's welfare and guarded her business with the same jealous care he would his own, in the purchase of supplies, granting franchises, etc. He is responsible for the splendid and economical system Vincennes has for the collection of garbage, and was largely instrumental in securing natural gas for the city at such low rates and in reducing the cost of public lighting to a minimum figure.

Socially Mr. Zuber is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Modern Woodmen of America and has many warm friends in those organizations. He is not a member of any religious organization, but is a liberal contributor to all churches and to every worthy cause that aims to assist those less fortunate than himself. Having climbed from the bottom of the financial ladder, he sympathizes with those who are striving upward and no citizen of Vincennes is more ready to extend a hand of encouragement. He and his beloved wife have many admirers who esteem them for their generous and humane acts - virtues which grow brighter with the passage of years and are to their fortunate possessors a blessing beyond price.

John F. Mail

John F. Mail, a leading liveryman of \'incennes and also identified with the farming interests of Knox county, was born in this county in i860. He is a son of John and Margaret (Holmes) Mail, both of whom were born in Knox county in 1827 and are now deceased. The father was a farmer by occupation. There were six children in the family : Louise, now deceased, who was the wife of B. F. Crews and the mother of two children; Isaac, who married Martha Reel and has one son; William, who married Hattie Brown and has three daughters; John F., our subject; Julia, deceased; and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Horace Beckes and the mother of three children.

John F. Mail was educated in the public schools of Johnson township and under his father became thoroughly familiar with the operations of the farm, continuing actively engaged in agriculture and stock-raising until after he had passed his fortieth year. In 1901 he leased his farm and came to Vincennes. where he entered the livery business, in which, by close attention to all details and by careful study of the wants of the public, he has built up an extensive patronage and is at the head of one of the largest and best appointed etsablishments of the kind in the city. He also maintains a boarding stable, which is liberally patronized. The success of Mr. Mail in a field where there is much competition is due to his careful supervision of every feature pertaining to his business. He spares no time nor expense in

In 1885 Mr. Mail was united in marriage to Miss Anna Johnston, who was born in Knox county in 1862, and is a daughter of W. G. and Nancy (Reel) Johnston. Mr. and Mrs. Mail are the parents of an interesting family of four children : Ethel ; Mabel ; Frank, who received the appointment from the second congressional district to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis on June, 1910; and Marian. Mabel received a fine education and is a popular teacher in the city schools.

Mr. Mail is allied with the democratic party and is in hearty sympathy with its principles. He finds his religious home in the Presbyterian church, of which he has for many years been a useful member. Socially he is connected with the Royal Arcanum, the Order of Ben Hur and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and has many friends in these fraternal organizations. He has in years past been a hard working man, but he now lives in ease and comfort, which no one begrudges him and his estimable wife. A man of intelligence and strong native ability, Mr. Mail recognizes the benefits of education and has given to his children opportunities of mental training which were not available for the father in his younger years. He is respected by all who know him because of his upright and honorable career.

Thomas B. Coulter

Thomas B. Coulter, a highly respected member of the legal fraternity of Vincennes, was born in this city, September 10, 1874, a son of Thomas F. and Ella (Harrison) Coulter, the former of whom was born in Daviess county, Indiana, in 1841, and the latter in Vincennes in the same year. The father was for a number of years connected with the wholesale boot and shoe business in St. Louis, but for the last twenty-five years he has engaged in farming in Johnson township, Knox county, this state. The great-grandfather, Nathaniel Coulter, came to America from Dublin, Ireland, some time in the eighteenth century and assisted the patriots in the war with England. He was wounded in the hand by a bayonet and drew a pension of ninety-six dollars a year from the government. John Coulter, the grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania and came to Knox county in 1853. The great-grandfather on the maternal side was Thomas Harrison, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. His son, John H. Harrison, was one of the early Christian preachers of Knox county and a man of great fervor and marked ability. He was drowned near Bloomfield, Indiana, while crossing the White river on his way to fill an appointment. His father was also drowned, meeting his death while on a pleasure trip on board a yacht in the harbor of Baltimore. Three children were born to Thomas F. Coulter and his wife: Grace, now Mrs. John D. Setzer and the mother of four children ; John M. ; and Thomas B., our subject.

Thomas B. Coulter received his prehminary education in the pubHc schools of Vincennes, continuing through the high school, and having shown a strong inclination for a professional career, he next entered the Indianapolis Law School at Indianapolis, Indiana, graduating from this institution in 1898. At the time of the building of the federal postoffice in Vincennes, Mr. Coulter acted as dispersing agent for the appropriation. He also filled the office of city judge under appointment of the governor, when the office was first created, serving with great acceptance in that capacity until the regular election of an officer to that position. At the time of the Spanish-American war Mr. Coulter entered the service of the government and was with his regiment at Camp Alger and Thoroughfare Gap, Virginia, and Camp Meade, Pennsylvania. An uncle of Mr. Coulter was a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting at Washington, Indiana, in the Fifty-sixth Indiana Volunteers. While in the service he was taken with a severe illness which later resulted in his death.

In 1905 Mr. Coulter was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Campbell, who was born in Vincennes in 1878 and is a daughter of Thomas and Lucinda (Matters) Campbell. One child, Ruth, who was born March 3, 1906, has come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Coulter. Mr. Coulter is affiliated with the republican party and is a strong advocate of its principles. His wife is an active member of the Methodist church and has at all times been to her husband a loving wife and helpful companion, making their home the abiding place of peace and comfort.

Edward C. Theobald

Edward C. Theobald, of Vincennes, a contractor in sand and gravel, has gained an honorable place in the estimation of his fellowmen by his efficiency in business and fidelity to every trust. He is a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, and was born in 1867. His father, Charles Theobald, born in Germany in 1838, emigrated to this country in 1847 ^n<^ became a valiant defender of the stars and stripes, serving in Company B, Seventeenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war. He was in many of the great battles, among which may be mentioned the engagement at Pea Ridge, Stone River, Chickamauga, Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg and many minor engagements. The mother of our subject, Bernardina Lang, was born in Ohio in 1847 ^""^ was the daughter of a contractor. There were five sons in the family : Edward C. ; Charles, of Kentucky ; Harry, who died leaving a widow and one son, Harry ; William and Robert, at home in Ohio.

Edward C. Theobald was educated in the public schools of Ohio and began his business career in Tennessee as assistant in the survey for the Tennessee

& Midland Railroad crossing the Cumberland mountains. After this he engaged in the construction of railways and bridges, operating in the states of Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, northern New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Indiana and continuing for quite a number of years. In 1903 he came to Knox county and built twenty-five miles of gravel road in Palmyra township. He is now extensively engaged as a contrator with Aras Anderson in the sand and gravel business and operates a gravel pit five miles west of Vincennes, at Allison Lake.

In 1900 Mr. Theobald was united in marriage in Montgomery county, Iowa, to Miss Mary Carlson, who was born in that state in 1871, a daughter of Jacob and Louisa Carlson. They have one son, Edward C, who was born March 24, 1904.

Mr. Theobald is affiliated with the Lutheran church, of which he is a consistent member, and has been for a number of years identified with the Masonic order, whose principles of brotherhood find in his heart and mind a ready response. Intelligent, active, enterprising and conscientious in all he does, he well deserves the success that has crowned his efforts in the business world.

Aras Anderson

Among the self-made men of Vincennes may be named Aras Anderson. He began in a humble capacity in an honorable occupation and has discharged his duties and responsibilities in the various positions that he has since filled in such a way as to become an employer and he is now in a large degree practically independent. He attended the common schools in Virginia and going west with his parents, completed his school training in the state of Kansas. After four years' experience in agricultural pursuits he came to the conclusion that the railroad business would be more in accord with his inclination and he began his railroad career at the bottom of the ladder by driving a team. Later he was placed in charge of a freight wagon and by application and diligence, having shown his capability, he was made foreman of a railroad construction gang and for seventeen years was identified with the building of railroads in various states of the south and west. About twenty years ago he became associated with Edward C. Theobald, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and has ever since been connected with that gentleman and was his partner for a number of years in railroad building and also in the construction of gravel roads in Palmyra township, this county.

In 1904 Mr. Anderson with his family located in Vincennes and he and his partner have ever since been operating a sand and gravel bed on Allison Lake, five miles west of Vincennes, where they handle a large number of carloads of gravel and sand each year and give employment to fifteen men.

One son, Hugh, has blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. He was graduated from the Vincennes high school in the class of 1910 and, having shown promising ability for scientific training, he entered Purdue University and is specializing as a civil engineer.

Mr. Anderson has seen a great deal of life and is a man of many experiences, in the course of which he gained valuable lessons that he has practically applied. He has always been active, industrious and efficient in whatever he attempted and he has demonstrated in his own successful career what can be accomplished provided the individual possesses true courage and continues to persevere in any worthy undertaking regardless of obstacles that lie in the way.

Joseph L. Bayard

No man in Vincennes occupies a more honorable position in the estimation of his fellow citizens than Joseph L. Bayard. Born in this city, where his entire career has been an open book, known and read of all men, his spotless character and habits of industry and self-reliance have endeared him to many friends not only in Vincennes but throughout southwestern Indiana, where the name of Bayard is the open sesame to all doors. The family gained an enviable reputation before the subject of this review was born and the principles of truth and justice inculcated by his father have been the important elements in shaping a long life in a community fully alive to the worth of an honorable career. In financial circles Mr. Bayard has long been an acknowledged leader and his advice and assistance have smoothed the path where many obstacles seemed insurmountable. He is one of the most modest and unassuming of men but the weight of established character has made itself felt in many directions where he has never attempted personally to exert any influence. Such is the eiifect of a simple, unaffected honesty, which has been declared by sound thinkers to be the greatest power for good that is to be found in all the world.

At Vincennes, on the 21st of January, 1840, Mr. Bayard first saw the light of day. His father was John F. Bayard, a native of sunny France and a worthy representative of a people whose many admirable characteristics have made them the admiration of the world. His mother was also of French lineage. She bore the maiden name of Mary A. Boneau, her parents being among the old pioneer families of Knox county. John F. Bayard was a soldier of the French army under the great Napoleon and saw service as an officer in the peninsular campaign when Napoleon was pitted against Wellington and later participated in the fight on the memorable field of Waterloo, when the banner of the great commander went down never again by him to be raised. After this disastrous engagement many of the surviving officers relinquished military service and turned their attention to the cultivation of the arts of peace. John F. Bayard had seen enough of the devastation of war and in America he sought to find fortune and establish a home, far beyond the march of armies and the disturbances of military maneuvers. After a short stay in various cities he arrived at Vincennes, then a village near the border line of civilization. This town had been founded by settlers coming by boat up the Wabash river and from the start was a favorite center for the gathering of sons and daughters of France, whose descendants have been among the most patriotic and public-spirited citizens of their adopted republic. Mr. Bayard engaged in the mercantile business and became recognized as a successful and highly respected citizen. He died in 1853 when his son Joseph L. was thirteen years of age. His wife survived her husband for thirty-five years, departing this life in 1888, sincerely mourned by many friends on account of her sterling qualities. The remains of the brave Napoleonic officer and his faithful wife lie side by side in the cemetery at Vincennes.

Joseph L. Bayard received his preliminary education in the parochial and public schools of Vincennes and later attended Bardstown College, Kentucky, a well known institution in earlier days. In 1858, when eighteen years of age, he entered the Vincennes branch of the Bank of the State of Indiana as a clerk and with the exception of a few years has ever since been actively connected with the banking business. Few men of affairs in the state have witnessed greater changes and few have been more devoted to their business. After five years in the bank, Mr. Bayard turned his attention to merchandising. In 1869 he became one of the organizers of a private bank conducted under the name of the German Banking Company, of which he was cashier. The business developing, in 1871 the German Banking Company took out a charter from the government and became the First National Bank. Mr. Bayard has been continuously identified with the institution from its incipiency, as cashier until 1889, since which time he has been its president. The first president of the bank was the late J. H. Rabb, a man of high standing and one who gained and held the confidence of the people. The bank represents in an important degree the life work of Mr. Bayard and is a monument to his business sagacity and his rare ability in the circles of finance. He has always devoted his best thought to its advancement and no labors have appeared too heavy when the interests of the institution or its depositors were at stake. His example has been by many younger men regarded as a standard to which they should aspire. His interest in the growth of the city and country has been unabated and he has shown it in a practical way. He was one of the originators of the Citizens Gas Company and for some years its president. He has been treasurer of the Board of Trade since its organization and trustee of many concerns aiming to develop the commercial welfare of the city. While he has always

Mr. Bayard was married on the 21st of August, 1871, to Miss Nellie Burke, a native of Marietta, Ohio. Six children blessed this union, five of whom are now living. Margaret is at home. All of the sons are in the banking business. Joseph L., Jr., and John are connected with the First National Bank of which their father is president. Maurice F. is assistant cashier of the Commonwealth Trust Company of St. Louis. Paul W. is cashier of the First National Bank of Lawrenceburg, Illinois. Samuel M., who died in 1901, at the age of twenty -two years, was teller in the Bankers National Bank of Chicago. This record is not equalled by any other family in the state and is additional evidence of the beneficent effect of a worthy example in the head of the family, for nothing in all the world so appeals to the hearts and minds of old or young as an upright life.

If those who claim that fortune has favored certain individuals above others will but investigate the cause of success and failure, it will be found that the former is largely due to the improvement of opportunity, the latter to the neglect of it. Fortunate environments encompass nearly every man at some step of his career, but the strong man and the successful man is he who realizes that the proper moment has come, that the present and not the future holds his opportunity. The man who makes use of the advantages that arise may perhaps pass others who started out ahead of him. It is this quality in Mr. Quantz that has gained him an enviable position in tlie business world and brought him to his present prominent place in the business circles of Vincennes, where he is now general manager of the Empire Paper Company.

A native of Winchester, Virginia, Mr. Quantz was born on the nth of September, 1855, of the marriage of Henry and Leonora L. (Specht) Quantz, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father's death was the result of a railroad accident when he was sixty-six years of age. The mother survived him until 1908, and reached the advanced age of ninetytwo years.

In the private schools of his native city F. W. Quantz acquired his education, and then turned his attention to the business of manufacturing paper in the mill of Winchester. He afterward went to New York city, and that he had developed his powers and ability in this direction was indicated in the fact that he was given charge of a plant in the eastern metropolis. He afterward occupied a position of responsibility in a paper manufactory at Tiffin, Ohio, and for thirteen years he had charge of the manufacturing plant of the American Straw Board Company on the eastern shore of Maryland. In 1904 the Empire Paper Company was organized ; a plant was built at Vincennes and operations were begun. In 1906 Mr. Quantz came to this city as general manager and has since remained in charge. The plant is a very extensive one, equipped with the latest improved machinery for paper manufacture and many improvements have been introduced under the regime of Mr. Quantz, whose experience well qualifies him for the onerous duties that devolved upon him in this connection. He is now managing the business, which under his control has grown in volume and importance, and constitutes one of the leading manufacturing interests of Vincennes, Indiana:

In 1888 Mr. Quantz was married to Miss Rosabel Schryock, a native of Virginia, and to them have been born two children : Fred P., and Carrie L. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested. While preeminently a successful business man, Mr. Quantz is well read on various subjects, having long been a close and discriminating student of history and current events. He is thoroughly independent in thought and not afraid to express his honest opinions. He is never bitterly aggressive however, but, because of his clearly defined ideas, is able to support his position by intelligent and often convincing argument. High purpose has stimulated him in all of his business career, and his record is another proof of the fact that success is ambition's answer.

William H. Dyer

William H. Dyer, a well known and successful business man of Vincennes, who is recognized as one of its most capable and energetic captains of industry, is a native of Ohio, born in the town of of Hamilton, north of Cincinnati, in 1853. He comes of good fighting stock, Grandfather Dyer having valiantly defended the cause of the colonists at the time of the Revolution, also wearing a uniform as a soldier of his country in the war of 1812. The father, Elbridge Gerry Dyer, was born in Saco county, Maine, in 1815, and had passed the age for active service at the time of the Civil war, but he was a patriotic citizen and provided for numerous families whose heads he had influenced to enlist under the stars and stripes. He engaged in the manufacture of machinery and his plant at Hamilton was one of the largest and best equipped of the kind in the country during the time he was in charge. The mother of our subject was before her marriage Margaret Terrer and was born in Wales in 1824. There were eight children in the family, five of whom are now surviving: William H. ; Abbie, the wife of Dr. E. T. Allen, of Chicago, and the mother of three children ; Albion M., curator of the Cleveland public library, who married Ella Dimham and is the father of four children ; Mabel, the wife of George A. Stickney, of Boston, and the mother of two children ; and Margaret, the wife of D. R. Byard, of Hamilton, Ohio, and the mother of one daughter.

The subject of this review grew up in the Buckeye state and received his education in the public schools of Hamilton, Ohio, and at Denison University of Granville, Ohio. After leaving the university, Mr. Dyer entered the shop of his father and there became thoroughly acquainted with the machinist's trade, continuing for about fifteen years and passing through various departments during that time. He then became identified with a canning factory at Hamilton, with which he was also connected for fifteen years. Having gained a practical knowledge of the details of the canning industry and also of the markets and demands in various parts of the country and of the world, he decided to embark in business for himself. In 1907, having selected Vincennes as his headquarters, he leased a canning plant in this city, which he later purchased, and the business is now conducted under the title of the Dyer Packing Company and has attained a wide reputation. Seventy persons are employed at the plant and its capacity is twenty-five thousand cans daily all the year round, the operations being confined exclusively to pork and beans and catsup. The products of this factory find a ready market in the United States and foreign countries and the plant over which Mr. Dyer presides is one of the most completely appointed institutions of the kind to be seen anywhere. The visitor may here note the operation of many features which are the direct result of Mr. Dyer's intimate knowledge of mechanics and his experience in the packing business. By his energy and progressiveness he has added to the material wealth of the city and made it indeed a more pleasing place of abode.

In 1900 Mr. Dyer was united in marriage to Mrs. Isabella Parish, nee Bannerman, a native of Bradford, Canada, born in 1863. An adopted daughter, Ruth, now nine years of age, is one of the pleasing members of the household.

Mr. Dyer is essentially a man of business, but he has devoted some attention to politics and as a result is an insurgent, believing that the independent voter is the hope of the country. He is a valued member of the Presbyterian church and in his various duties and responsibilities has shown a fidelity and clear judgment which have been distinguishing characteristics of his entire life. He is a man whose cooperation may always be depended upon in any undertaking that aims to promote the general welfare and he is esteemed as a progressive and substantial force in the upbuilding of ^'^incennes.

John H. Piel

The name of Piel has long been a familiar one in Vincennes and this part of the state and John H. Piel, whose name introduces this review, was long classed with the representatives and worthy citizens. He was born in Osnabruck, Germany, in 1837 and was only seven years of age when he left that country and came to America with his parents, John Frederick and Mary

(Kemper) Piel. Another branch of the family was estaWished in Baltimore, Maryland, by a brother of John Frederick Piel and his descendants are still living in or near that city and are very prominent in the public life of the community. The family of John Frederick Piel settled in Wayne county, Indiana.

John H. Piel was reared in Wayne county and the public schools of that locality provided him his educational privileges. After he had put aside his text-books he went to Richmond, where he learned the carpenter's trade, becoming an expert workman in that line. The year 1865 witnessed his removal to Vincennes and not long afterward he began contracting, winning for himself a prominent position among the builders and contractors of this city. His ability and trustworthiness were such that his patronage made continuous demand upon his time and energies. He was one of the subcontractors on the courthouse and under personal contract erected many of the large buildings in Vincennes, including the Vincennes University, the opera house, the county building on the poor farm and schoolhouse No. 2. As he started out in life a poor man he was likewise the architect and builder of his own fortunes and in time came to be ranked with the well-todo residents of this city.

John H. Piel was united in marriage to Miss Anna Fraumann and they became the parents of eleven children : Arma, deceased ; Ellen ; John, who has also passed away ; Henry, who married Nora Wahl and has two children, Dorothy and Elizabeth ; Herman ; George, of whom mention is made below ; and Louise, Edward. Dorothy, Mary and Caroline, all of whom are now deceased.

The family have long been prominent in the German Evangelical church and have taken an active and helpful part in all church affairs. The father held membership in that denomination and did everything in his power to promote its success, contributing generously of his means to its support and doing all in his power to further the various branches of church work. He likewise had thorough sympathy with the purposes and principles of the Royal Arcanum and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to both of which societies he belonged. He was a man of upright purpose and sterling worth who commanded the good will and confidence of all who knew him, and when he passed away on the 9th of August, 1887, his death was deeply regretted not only by his immediate family but also by many friends. His widow yet lives at the old home at No. 119 North Tenth street and is still enjoying good health.

George B. Piel, the sixth member in the family of John H. Piel, was born in Vincennes on the 31st of December, 1875, on the location of his present home, and at the usual age was sent to the public schools, wherein he continued his studies through successive grades until he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1894. After entering business life he was connected with the Daily Sun for a time and later was engaged in the insurance business. Subsequently he became chief clerk for a coal company and this gave him his understanding of the trade and brought to him knowledge and experience well qualifying him for the successful conduct of the business which he now follows. In 1905 the firm by which he was employed sold out and Mr. Piel at that time purchased the business of the Harrisburg Coal Company. While he still retains the use of the old firm name, he is sole proprietor of the business, which is conducted on both wholesale and retail lines, with a large yard at the corner of Locust and Sixth streets. In the management of this enterprise he displays excellent business ability, unfaltering purpose and laudable ambition and has built up a trade of large proportions. Fraternally he is well known and popular as a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the Foresters and his religious faith finds expression in his membership in the Presbyterian church.

Jacob S. Spiker

Jacob S. Spiker, a leading civil engineer of western Indiana and for twenty-seven years actively identified with Vincennes and Knox county, is a native of Illinois, born in Clay county, June 5, 1861, and is a son of John and Jane (Colclasure) Spiker. The father, who was born in Ohio in 1832, was a farmer and stockman and departed this life in 1890. The mother is a native of Clay county and has four children: Adda, who became the wife of A. D. Lancaster, now deceased, and is living at Painesville, Ohio; Jacob S., our subject ; a daughter who died in infancy ; and John G., of Oklahoma.

The subject of this review received his preliminary education in the common schools of Clay county, Illinois, after which he taught school for two years and then came to Vincennes, entering Vincennes University, from which he was graduated in 1887. After leaving the university he resumed teaching but at the end of one year was elected county surveyor of Knox county and filled the office for three years, resigning in order to have an opportunity for further study of the profession to which he had decided to devote his life. He accordingly entered Purdue University at La Fayette, Indiana, as a student, taking a special course in civil engineering. Since leaving the university he has made his home in Vincennes and gives his attention with increasing effectiveness to his profession. He was a pioneer in ditch work for drainage in Knox county and has been connected with ditch and levee work in Sullivan, Lawrence, Gibson and Posey counties, serving for three years as civil engineer of Mount Carmel, during which time he inaugurated brick street paving and designed a storm and sanitary system of sewerage for the town. He was also for one year city engineer of Flora, Illinois, which is his native town, designing a system of waterworks and street paving and a storm and sanitary sewerage system. He is at present city engineer of Bridgeport, Illinois, and has prepared plans and specifica- tions for brick pavements, storm and sanitary sewers now under process of construction. He is city engineer of Oaktown, Knox county, where he has established street and sidewalk grades. During the last twelve years he has been bridge engineer for Knox county and in this capacity designed a bridge across the White river near Edwardsport. He is consulting engineer for the Gills Praire levee district of Sullivan county, Indiana, and has charge of plans and specifications of the William H. Brevoort levee in Knox county and all other levees along the Wabash and White rivers, making a total of about forty miles of levee construction in Knox county and about eighty miles in other counties of the state. In addition to these responsibilities, he has in charge many drainage propositions in Illinois and Missouri and has acquired an enviable reputation on account of his capability and good judgment.

In 1891 Mr. Spiker was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hollingsworth, of Bruceville, Knox county, who was born September 12, 1867. Her father, Thomas Hollingsworth. was a stationary engineer of this county. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Spiker; Noble, born December 24, 1892, a graduate of Vincennes University and now a student of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy, New York ; and a daughter who died in infancy.

Mr. Spiker since attaining his majority has been identified with the democratic party and served as councilman from 1898 to 1902. His wife and son are affiliated with the Methodist church. His success in his profession has been due to a thorough study of each problem as it has arisen, the application of correct principles and the conscientious discharge of his responsibilities. He has been a hard worker and is recognized by members of his profession as one of the best informed engineers in the middle west, his operations having taken a wide range, but as he acquired a good foundation for his profession under competent instruction, he has possessed very excellent advantages. The work he has already accomplished is an enduring monument to his ability as an engineer. As a result of his highly successful record and his interest in the public welfare it may be stated without exaggeration that he possesses in an unusual degree the confidence, good-will and esteem of all classes of people in Vincennes and Knox county.