Vincennes Township (part 7 of 14)

Joseph J. Risch

The name of Joseph J. Risch has come to stand in the business circles of Vincennes as a synonym for progressiveness and enterprise in connection with general merchandising. The attainment of success but indicates the possibilities for future advancement, and throughout his business career Mr. Risch has never regarded any position as final, but rather as the starting point for further accomplishment. He has always lived in the middle west and his life is typical of the spirit of advancement which characterizes this section of the country. He was born in Westport, Lawrence county, Indiana, in 1873, and is the son of Sebastian and Anne Helen Risch. The father was a native of Germany and acquired his education in the schools of that country, coming as a young man to the new world. He became a factor in the commercial circles of \'incennes, where for many years he was known and honored as a leading and prosperous merchant. He died in the year 1903, and his wife passed away in 1902.

Joseph J. Risch accompanied his parents on their removal to Vincennes when a small boy, and in the schools of this city pursued his education, while his business training was received under the direction of his father in the old Risch store at the corner of Tenth and Main streets. He is now located at No. 927 North Seventh street, where he has erected a three story brick building all of which is occupied by the stock which makes his one of the best stores in the city. Seeing the opportunity for the extension of trade into other sections, he established a store on Swartzel street to meet the north end trade, and another branch at the corner of McKinley and Fairground avenue. These stores are well stocked with a large line of general merchandise and groceries. In all of his business life Mr. Risch has maintained high standaids in the personnel of his stores, in the line of goods carried and in the methods of trade. He demands courtesy on the part of his employes toward the patrons, and above all absolute integrity in business methods. He recognizes that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement, and he holds his trade by carrying attractive and thoroughly modern lines of goods.

In 1900 Mr. Risch was married to Miss Lorina Deusterberg, and they have five children : Marie, Raymond and Sebastian who are in school ; and Cletus and Walter at home.

The name of Joseph J. Risch is on the membership rolls of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Knights of Columbus. He is also a member of Hammond Club and of the Chippecoke Boat Club - associations which indicate much of the nature of his relaxation. He is a man of genial disposition, whose social qualities render him popular, and he enjoys the companionship of his friends. However, he is preeminently a business man, and his commercial relations make heavy demand upon his time and attention because of the continued growth of his commercial

George R. Thurgood

George R. Thurgood carved his name deeply upon the business records of Vincennes, where for almost forty years he was prominently identified with milling interests as proprietor of the Vigo Mill. For four decades he bore an unsullied reputation for business integrity and a spirit of enterprise and progress characterized his work at all times. His is the record of a con- scientious man who by his upright life won the confidence and good-will of all, so that his memory is cherished and revered by many who knew him.

His life record spanned the period between the 2d of December, 1834, and the year 1902. On the former date he first opened his eyes to the light of day, his birth occurring in Ohio, where his parents, Isaac and Catharine (Norris) Thurgood, had settled on coming from England. They were natives of that country and while in England Isaac Thurgood learned and followed the miller's trade. From time to time reports reached him concerning the advantages to be enjoyed in the new world and, thinking to provide a better living for his family on this side the Atlantic, he severed home ties and started for the United States, making the journey across the briny deep in one of the old-time sailing vessels. He was accompanied by his wife and children and established a home for them in Ohio, whence he afterward made his way to Vincennes.

George R. Thurgood spent the entire period of his minority in Ohio, was indebted to the public school system of that state for the educational privileges he enjoyed and continued his residence there until he reached the age of twenty-three years, coming to Vincennes about 1857. He was employed by others for a time and then embarked in business on his own account, joining with his brother in the purchase of the old Cook mills, while later he became sole proprietor by purchasing his brother's interest. This was about 1863. His enterprise was known as the Vigo Mill and was devoted to the manufacture of flour and corn meal. The business is still carried on and is one of the oldest enterprises of the city. For about four decades George R. Thurgood remained at its head and during that period introduced many changes and improvements which were manifest in the quality of the output of the mills.

On the 14th of January, 1858, Mr. Thurgood was married at Mount Carmel, Illinois, to Miss Mary Roberts, a daughter of William F. and Rachel Ann (Copeland) Roberts and a representative of a very old family of Mount Carmel. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thurgood were born the following children : William, George V., Clyde and Salina, all of whom are deceased ; Mary, who is the wife of S. D. Knaub and has two children, Maurice and Mary Frances ; Catherine, who is the wife of Clifford Bartholomai and the mother of three children - Ruth, Carl and Edith ; Charles R., a mill proprietor, who is married and has five children ; Harry, at home ; Bentley, who wedded Miss Lulu Norman, by whom he has two children, Dorothy and Pauline ; Clarence, who married Miss Ollie Becker and has one child, Keturia ; and Grace, Elizabeth, Mabel and Irene, all at home.

The family has long been prominent in the Methodist Episcopal church of Vincennes, of which Mr. Thurgood was for many years a devoted and consistent member, exemplifying in his life its principles and teachings. He also belonged to Mount Carmel Lodge, I. O. O. F. He had been a resident of Vincennes for forty-five years when he was called to his final rest and throughout that period had been classed with the prominent and influential business men of the city. His many substantial qualities had gained him high esteem and warm friendship and his demise was widely and deeply mourned. His stern integrity and honesty of principle led him to despise all unworthy or questionable means to secure success in any undertaking or for any purpose or to promote his own advancement in any direction.

The medical fraternity of Vincennes and Knox county can truly claim many conscientious and able physicians well prepared for their responsible vocation and applying themselves with a zeal that is worthy of the greatest praise. They recognize their responsibilities and bring to bear every aid that modern science has made known for the alleviation of the ills of humanity. Among the number of efficient physicians now practicing in Vincennes is the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this review. Although he has been a resident of this city only a little more than a year he has made a highly favorable impression and is apparently well started upon a lucrative and growing practice.

Dr. McCormick is a native of Knox county. He was born on a farm in Johnson township February 23, 1883, and is a son of John McCormick, also a native of Knox county, born in 1844. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, serving for six months, and was honorably mustered out in 1864. The family is one of the pioneer families of this county and the name has been a familiar one throughout this region for nearly one hundred years. The mother of our subject, Sarah Smithmeyer, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1850. Nine children of John and Sarah McCormick are now living: John E., who married Minnie Rhodarmel and has six children; Annie E., at home ; Margaret, now Mrs. E. B. Price, and the mother of two children ; Pearl, the wife of J. L. Trueblood, and the mother of three children ; Hubert Donald, of this review ; Jasper and Shuler, twins, the former of whom married Mina Johnson and is the father of one child, while the latter married Edythe PinkstafT and is the father of one son, Charles Donald: Blanche, the wife of Maurice Stangle and the mother of one child ; and Phyllis, at home.

The subject of this review received his preliminary education in the public schools and, having decided upon a professional career, became a student at Vincennes University. After leaving this institution he entered the medical department of the Indiana University at Indianapolis and was graduated in 1908 with the degree of M. D. Having stood high in his class he was given the advantages of interneship in the state college hospital and dispensary, which is a highly important accessory in the education of the physician. He also filled the position of house surgeon in the Wabash Rail-

In 1909 he came to Vincennes and opened a suite of offices at No. 217, Busseron street, where he has since continued. He keeps thoroughly informed concerning the latest methods and discoveries in his profession, both in this country and in Europe, being a close reader of the best medical magazines and reviews. He is actively connected with various medical organizations, holding membership in the American Medical Association, the Indiana State Medical Society, the Knox County Medical Society, and the Sydenham Society, the latter being a local medical organization. Socially he is affiliated with the Phi Rho Sigma fraternity and the Modern Woodmen of America. From the beginning of his career Dr. McCormick has shown a judgment and discrimination that are highly creditable to the young practitioner, and as he possesses those qualities of character that attract friends. he is recognized as a prime favorite in both professional and social circles.

Among the practitioners of the schools of osteopathy who have gained an honorable reputation in Knox county, on account of their success in a noble calling, is Dr. H. T. Phillippe, of Vincennes. He is a native son of Indiana and was born in Knox county in 1879. The father, Martin J. Phillippe, was a farmer and came to Knox county in the early days and settled upon a farm in Washington township. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in Company H. Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was twice wounded but each time recovered and returned to his regiment, continuing until the end of the war, when he received his honorable discharge - now one of the cherished heirlooms of the family. Mrs. Phillippe was a native of Virginia and a member of one of the old families of that state, her maiden name being Catherine Hooper. She was the mother of eight children, seven of whom are living.

The subject of our review began his education in the common schools of Knox county, continuing until he had completed the regular course of the high school. In order to provide himself with resources for further study he taught school at various times, serving altogether for five years as a teacher in the common schools, during the course of which he continued his studies, delving considerably into general literature and the sciences. He entered a medical college at Louisville and continued there for two years, but, becoming convinced of the practical applicability of the principles of osteopathy in the relief and cure of diseases, he went to Kirksville, Missouri, where he entered the American School of Osteopathy and after a course of three years was graduated from that institution in 1905. After leaving the medical college he began practice at Washington, Indiana, but, desiring a wider field, he came to \'incennes in 1907 and here he has since continued. Having made thorough preparation for his profession, Dr. Phillippe has been remarkably successful in his practice and has become well established as a leading practitioner of the osteopathic school in western Indiana. He is remarkably well versed in anatomy and physiology and by skilful application of the system he has adopted has built up a well deserved reputation as an adept in the healing art.

In 1902 Dr. Phillippe was united in marriage to Miss Ethelyn Freeman, who was born in Knox county, in 1885, and is a daughter of Evan and Anna Freeman. Mrs. Phillipe spent about twelve years of her earlier life in Florida. She is a highly intelligent and well educated woman and has proven to her husband a most valuable helpmeet and companion.

Politically Dr. Phillippe is identified with the republican party and accepts its teachings as superior to those of any other organization for the perpetuity of the Union. He holds membership in the Methodist church and is also identified with the F. & A. M. and the Modern Woodmen of America and by his genial address and pleasing manners has made many friends in Vincennes and the county of his birth.

Edward Weisert

Edward Weisert, justice of the peace of Vincennes and for many years one of its most respected citizens, is of German ancestry. He was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, July 21, 1839, and is a son of Karl Emanuel and Elizabeth (Stern) Weisert, the former of whom was born in 1 801 and the latter in 1804. The father was a prominent attorney of Wurtemberg and a lover of liberty. In 1848 he was one of the revolutionary leaders of his district in the attempt to establish a republic in Germany. In the presence of a great audience he delivered a speech in which he declared that the king of Wurtemberg, Frederick Wilhelm, was a schiirke (meaning a rascal). On account of this epithet he was disbarred by the king from pleading in the supreme court of Wurtemberg and proceedings were begim against him, which after seven years of legal contest led to his incarceration for ninety days in a political prison called Ashberg, on a high mountain near Ludwigsburg. It is interesting to note that many years afterward our subject, while in Germany upon private business, visited the prison where his father had been confined. Karl Emanuel Weisert departed this life in October, 1858, his faithful wife having been called away November 7, 1846. They were the parents of the following children: Charles Andrew, born December i, 1825, and now deceased; Eleanora, born in 1827 and now living in Wurtemberg; Amelia, born in 1831 and now deceased; Mary, who was born in 1833 and died in 1909; Carolina, bom in 1835 and still living; Edward, our subject; Catherine, born in 1840; Bayata; Pauline, born in 1841 and a nun in Wurtemberg; and Christina, bom in 1843 ^n<^ now deceased.

Edward Weisert was educated in the schools of his native land and acquired mastery of the German and French languages while a resident of Wurtemberg and a student at the celebrated college of Heilbronn, where he also pursued the studies of English, Latin and Greek. His knowledge of these branches has enabled him to frequently act as interpreter in many important cases in the courts, while it has won him a large. clientage among the foreign-born population of Knox County, especially the French and German portion thereof. As he grew up he decided to seek his fortune under the more favoring circumstances of the American republic. Accordingly, on May 15, 1857, when he was eighteen years of age he went aboard a steamer at Heilbronn, on the Neckar river, and traveled by water to Havre-de-Grace, where he became a passenger on the Helvetia, an English sailing vessel which was bound for the port of New York. He came to Vincennes about the middle of July, 1857, but shortly afterward went to Evansville, Indiana, where he studied the English language in a private school for a year. His first employment in America was as clerk in an importing mercantile house of New Orleans, which handled groceries, wines and liquors sent to this country from France, England, Spain, Switzerland and Germany. After some years of practical experience in New Orleans Mr. Weisert went to New York city, where he was for two years in the employ of Robert Hoe & Company, manufacturers of printing presses. He next went to Venango county, Pennsylvania, as superintendent of oil wells for Hovey & SafTer, of New York city. In 1866 he returned to Vincennes and in the following year entered the grocery business, later becoming a dealer in lumber and building materials. He retired from active business in 1882 and farmed for ten years and is yet farming. He was appointed justice of the peace in 1902, a position which he has ever since held. In his capacity as a judicial officer Mr. Weisert has performed his duties with strict fidelity and has gained the increasing confidence and respect of his fellow citizens as the years have passed.

On the I2th of March, 1867, Mr. Weisert was united in marriage at New Orleans to Miss Elizabeth Gerard, who was born in New Orleans August 15, 1848. She is a daughter of Charles and Margaret (Aneau) Gerard, both of whom were natives of France. Her father was an architect and built the church of St. Augustine in New Orleans. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Weisert, seven of whom are now living: Edward Emanuel, now head clerk of the Alabama Southern Railroad at Birmingham, Alabama ; Albert Joseph, of New York city, now foreman of the New York Press ; Clarissa, the wife of Warren Hill, of Vincennes ; Elizabeth, the wife of Ned Zinkan, of Vincennes ; Ethelinne, of St. Louis, Missouri, now a teacher of music ; Chlotilda, the wife of Herman Downing, claim agent of the Missouri Pacific Railroad at St. Louis ; and Raymond, in the plumbing business in Vincennes. The mother of these children was called away February 26, 1900.

Politically Mr. Weisert is in sympathy with the democratic party and assists to the extent of his ability in advancing its interest. He is a member of the Catholic church and of the German Harmonic Society, but has never been connected with any secret organization. In 1861 when New Orleans, was for a time blockaded by the Federal blockade, he joined the Legion Francais, a home guard of French citizens of New Orleans, which was organized for the purpose of protection against the negroes should they revolt if New Orleans be taken by Commodore Farragut and General Butler. By a life of integrity and helpfulness Mr. Weisert has won the respect of the entire community and no citizen stands higher in the confidence of the people of Vincennes. Coming to this country more than fifty-two years ago, he overcame numberless obstacles and won his way to a position of honor which he has filled with marked ability. The record of his life cannot fail to be an encouragement to younger men, for it teaches that patience and well applied industry when allied with high character are absolutely sure to receive just recognition.

Edwin J. Crankshaw

Edwin J. Crankshaw, who has gained recognition as one of the energetic and straightforward business men of Vincennes, although he has been a resident of the city only two years, is a native of Michigan and was born in Elba, June 5, 1884. He is the son of George Crankshaw, who was born in New York state about 1833 and became a farmer and carpenter, moving to Michigan, where he enlisted in Company F, Thirteenth Michigan Infantry, and served gallantly in the Civil war. The mother was before her marriage Clarrisa E. Cliff and was born at Waterloo. Canada. The American ancestor of her family was of English parentage and ran away from home, coming to this country with British soldiers at the time of the Revolutionary war. Later he took up land in Canada and finally settled near New York city. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crankshaw : Alfred M., who married Mary Colb and lives in Jackson, Michigan; William G., who married Latilda Duescuit and lives in Detroit; Geneva, now Mrs. A. L. Eddy, of Flint, Michigan ; Edwin J. ; and Milo F., also of Flint.

The subject of this review received his education in the public schools of Flint and early showed a decided talent for machinery, being able to run a stationary engine from the time he was fifteen years of age, so that it was very easy to see that his talents lay in the direction of mechanical pursuits. He began his active career in a machine-shop' and next engaged as fireman in an electric light plant, continuing until 1904, when he entered the employ of the Buick Automobile Company. In 1906 he went to Detroit with the Siedler & Miner Company, manufacturers of automobiles, having charge of the repair shop of that company. In 1907 Mr. Crankshaw, having gained an expert knowledge of automobile construction, was placed in charge of the repair department of the Wabash Automobile Electric Company, coming to

Vincennes August 21, 1908, as manager of the garage of F. P. Fox. On February i, 1910, Mr. Crankshaw associated with James W. Haughton and purchased the garage of which he is now sole owner, having acquired the interest of his partner. Here he maintains a first class repair shop equipped with a complete outfit of modern machinery for all kinds of work connected with the automobile business and a tire plant for vulcanizing and retreading tires. He also conducts an extensive automobile rental business and has acquired a good reputation as a salesman of automobiles.

On March 27, 1909, Mr. Crankshaw was happily united in marriage to Mrs. Lena M. (Cullison) Day, who is a native of Knox county and has proven to her husband a faithful and loving helpmate. Mr. Crankshaw is politically identified with the democratic party and socially affiliates with the Maccabees and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a firm believer in the authority of holy writ and holds membership in the Christian church which he accepts as a true exponent of the doctrines of the New Testament. In his various duties as a citizen and business man he has gained the confidence of those with whom he has come into contact and today he ranks as one of the representative and progressive citizens of the community.

W. H. Propes, president of the Vincennes branch of the Terre Haute Brewing Company and one of the active and wide-awake business men of the city, was born in Lawrence county, Illinois, March i, 1862. He is the son of B. H. and Sarah Ann (Hamer) Propes, the former born in Allen county, Kentucky, in 1830, and the latter in Casey county of the same state in 1834. The father was an undertaker by profession and continued in that vocation many years but was living retired at the time of his decease in 1907 at the age of seventy-seven years. In his family were seven children, four of whom are now living: G. J., of Herrin, Ilhnois; M. A., of Bridgeport, Illinois ; Drettie, now Mrs. W. J. Harris, living near Allendale, Illinois ; and W. H., whose name appears at the head of this sketch.

Mr. Propes received his early education in the public schools of Lawrenceville, Illinois, and after leaving school he engaged for some time in the undertaking business with his father. He early became interested in the political affairs of Lawrence county and was appointed deputy sheriflf, serving for two years in that office. His adaptability to political life is also indicated by the fact that he acted for two years as marshal of the town of Lawrenceville and for a similar length of time occupied a chair in the city council. However, he was destined for a business career and in 1890 he located in Vincennes, where for nineteen years he has been at the head of the Vincennes branch of the Terre Haute Brewing Company. Under his able management this company is doing a business of one hundred thousand dollars a year, its pay roll amounts to one thousand dollars a month and the company distributes in Vincennes and vicinity about thirty thousand dollars yearly. It will be seen that it is one of the important business enterprises and one whose prosperity is the evidence of the ability of its management.

Mr. Propes was united in marriage February 17, 1906, to Miss Anna Louise Shassere, who is a native of Knox county, born in 1873. She is a daughter of Jacob Shassere, who came from Germany to New Orleans and thence to Knox county, Indiana, and for many years was in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company.

Since ariving at years of maturity Mr. Propes has been in sympathy with the principles of the democratic party, although during recent years the demands of business have been such that he has been able to devote only a small portion of his time to politics. He was a charter member of the Vincennes Lodge of Elks and has continued as one of the active workers in that organization. He is also affiliated with the Eagles, the Travelers Protective Association, the Country Club, the Pastime Club and the Harmonie Verein. Mr. Propes has traveled extensively in various states in the course of his business operations and has many friends and acquaintances who have always found him genial and accommodating in a high degree, willing to assist those upon whom fortune may have temporarily frowned. Among his business associates he is recognized as an energetic and capable manager whose word is as good as his bond.

George Bruce Hazelton

Among the prominent young lawyers of Knox county, now living in Vincennes. may be named George Bruce Flazelton, who was born in Wabash county, Illinois, in 1875. He is a son of Joseph N. Hazelton, also a native of Wabash county, where he was bom in 1840, and identified himself with the farming interests. The mother, who before her marriage was Atlanta Thompson, was born in Wabash county in 1847. Ten children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hazelton, four of whom are now living: William A., who has two children living and is a widower; John, who married Ruth Milligan and has one child, a son ; George Bruce, our subject ; and Oliver, who married Pearl Hicks and has a daughter.

George B. Hazelton was born upon a farm and educated in the common schools, later becoming a student of the Normal School at Danville, Indiana, where he continued for three years, and afterward pursued the law course at the Central Normal School, Danville, receiving the degree of LL. B. in 1902. Upon being admitted to the bar Mr. Hazelton began practice in this state, but in 1905 went to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he practiced for three years. However, he was attracted again to Indiana and since 1908 has been actively identified with the bar in this city. Mr. Hazelton has made a highly favorable impression wherever he has appeared and is well established in his profession in Knox county. Active, energetic and ambitious to succeed in a calling that demands the best talent of the country, he has most creditably acquitted himself both as a counsellor and as an advocate before court and jury and the future gives bright promise of a constantly widening sphere of usefulness.

In 1897 Mr. Hazelton was happily united in marriage to Miss Margaret Baldwin, who is a native of Monroe City, Knox County, where she was bom in 1877. She is a daughter of William A. and Lydia (Ashcraft) Baldwin, her father having served as postmaster at Monroe City under President Cleveland's adminstration. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hazelton: Lydia, born January 3, 1902 ; and Howard, February 3, 1907.

Mr. Hazelton adheres to the democratic party as the political organization which in his opinion is best adapted for the perpetuity of the republic. He is affiliated with the Methodist church and is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Ben Hur. He has many friends and acquaintances outside of these organizations who are greatly interested in his success. He early acquired habits of application and thoroughness in his studies and these habits he has brought to his profession, so that he is always well informed as to the law and precedents in any case in which he is interested. By conscientious discharge of his duties he has steadily advanced until he commands the respect not only of his brethren at the bar but of the men of business affairs and the community generally.

William G. Duesterberg

William G. Duesterberg, a bright young pharmacist of Vincennes, was born in this city, February 10, 1885. He is a son of Gerhard H. and Elizabeth (Laugel) Duesterberg, both of whom were born in Vincennes, the former about 1850 and the latter about 1853. The father was for many years identified with the grocery business, but is now living retired. The mother comes of a stanch patriotic family, two of her brothers having served in the Civil war from Vincennes. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Duesterberg: Lorena, the wife of Joseph Risch and the mother of five children; Joseph, who married Agnes Recker and has two children ; Catherine, the wife of John Weiler and the mother of one child ; and William G.. Frances and Louis, all living at home.

William G. Duesterberg received his preliminary education in St. John's parochial schools, after which he entered the Winona College of Pharmacy at Indianapolis, a well known institution, which is connected with the Technical Institute of that city. After pursuing the regular course of study Mr. Duesterberg was graduated with the degree of Ph. G. in 1906. Upon leaving college Mr. Duesterberg returned home and associated with Otto F.

Kramer in the drug business, opening a store at Third and Main streets, which he has since conducted with high credit to himself and his asociates and worthily ranks among the capable and ambitious young business men who are rapidly coming to the front, ultimately to assume the places of their elders in the business world. From the beginning of his career Mr. Duester-. berg has shown a capability that gives promise of a life of usefulness in his chosen vocation. He has a pleasing address and, being thoroughly equipped by a good education, he may safely be depended upon as one of the substantial acquisitions to the progressive life of the city. He is politically in sympathy with the democratic party, whose principles he stanchly supports. He is a member of St. John's Catholic church and is a liberal contributor toward its many beneficences. He also holds membership in the Knights of Columbus and the Harmonic Verein and in those organizations has many friends, who are acquainted with his high character and have perfect confidence in his staying qualities and prophesy for him an active and successful career.

Possessing advantages of education and training at the best medical institutions of the country and having engaged successfully in practice for more than twenty-five years. Dr. Benjamin B. Griffith has gained a well earned reputation as a practitioner of clear judgment and high standing. Seeking to know the cause of his success, we find that it has been gained through concentration, energy, a persistent purpose and unquestioned integrity. The application of the principles here named have enabled him to attain a record in every way worthy of emulation.

Dr. Griffith was bom at Paducah, Kentucky, on the loth of October, 1861. He is a son of George and Mary F. (Young) Griffith, the former bom on a farm ten miles from Paducah, McCracken county, Kentucky, in 1825. Mrs. Griffith was born in North Carolina, in 1831. The father was a valiant soldier of the Civil war and served in the Second Kentucky Regiment of volunteers. He was wounded at the battle of Shiloh and died within twenty-four hours from the effect of his wounds. The grandfathers of Dr. Griffith on both sides of the house served in the patriot army in the Revolutionary war, one as an officer and the other as a private. Grandmother Young's brother. Dr. Benjamin Boland, was also made of good fighting material. A little girl named Jett was murdered by an Indian at an early day in the history of Kentucky near the present town of Bandana, Kentucky. Dr. Boland, alone and fully armed, took up the trail of the murderer and followed him into Missouri and into the cane-brakes of Arkansas and there captured the Indian, the circumstances of the pursuit and capture being one of the interesting stories in the annals of the border. The brave Dr. Boland brought his prisoner back to the scene of the murder in Kentucky, where the prisoner was tried by a jury of white men, confessed to his crime and was there executed. Thus is outHned in a few sentences one of the thriUing occurrences of early Hfe in Kentucky, which conveys an idea of the resoluticm and courage of the remarkable men of those times. Three children were born of the marriage of George and Mary Griffith: Benjamin B., the subject of this review; Reese, who died at the age of twelve years ; and William G., who married Alma Langston and is the father of two children - Urey and Isabella.

Dr. Griffith received his preliminary education in the public schools of Paducah, Kentucky, and in the high school at Lebanon, Ohio. Having a strong inclination for the pursuit of medicine, he entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1883. A similar title was granted by the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis in 1884, his regular medical studies being followed by post-graduate work extending over three years in New York, Philadelphia i.nd Chicago, serving in the Willard Hospital of New York city, the Chicago Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, and the St. Joseph Infirmary of Chicago. After having thoroughly prepared for his profession by contact with the greatest medical teachers in America, and also by practical application of the principles of medicine and surgery in the great hospitals. Dr. Griffith began practice at Paducah and. taking up special work, came to Vincennes, September 15, 1909, and opened a suite of offices in the La Plante building, where he has since continued.

In 1885 Dr. Griffith was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Dishman, who was born in Marshall county, Kentucky, and was a daughter of B. and Rachel (Lackey) Dishman. Mr. Dishman is a well known farmer, and is now living retired. He is president of the State Road Company, and also of the Ballard Gravel Road Company. Four children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Griffith : Carrie Soule, who is the wife of H. A. Martin, of Paducah ; Benjamin B., now in the employ of Albert Pick & Company, of Chicago; and Mary Bell and Rachel Grace, both at home, the former twelve and the latter nine years of age. Mrs. Griffith departed this life in 1907, and our subject was again married in February, 1909, the lady of his choice being Miss Cora Maude MedHn, of Harrisburg, Illinois.

Dr. Griffith was one of the early members of the Southwestern Kentucky Medical Society, and he was also a charter member of the Mc- Cracken County Medical Society and of the Old Paducah Medical and Surgical Society. He is now a member of the American Medical Association, the Kentucky State Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the Knox County Medical Society. He is held in high respect by his brother practitioners and has gained an enviable reputation by conscientious application to his calling. Believing in the authority of the Bible, he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and socially he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of

Elks. Being a gentleman of fine social qualities, he meets with a cordial greeting, not only among his brethren of the fraternal orders, but in the best homes of the city.

Dr. Griffith began in his career with high ideals. He has closely adhered to the standard he then set and he has found no cause to regret the selection of Vincennes as his permanent home. He cheerfully gives his aid to philanthropic work and as a patriotic citizen assists to the extent of his ability in the permanent upbuilding of the community.

Louis W. Jackman

Among the citizens of Vincennes well known in both professional and business circles is Louis W. Jackman, who was born in Lawrence county, Illinois, February 3, 1862, a son of Aaron R. and Mary E. (Courter) Jackman. His father was also born in Lawrence county, Illinois, June 18, 1839, and was a mechanic by trade, but spent the most of his life upon a farm. He served in Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regiment Illinois Infantry, in the Civil war, enlisting at Olney, Illinois, and becoming chief musician of the regiment, which was stationed at different times at Nashville, Murfreesboro and Tullahoma, Tennessee. The mother of our subject was born in Wabash county, Illinois, in 1841, and was a daughter of Elder William Courter, a leading evangelist in southern Illinois in his day. He was a pioneer preacher of the Christian church and the family have been actively identified with that church ever since its organization in this country. John Wood, an early ancestor on the maternal side, came to America from England about 1770. He enlisted in the Revolutionary war from New Jersey and the records show that he was an ensign and served for a time on General Washington's staff. After the close of the war he was given a land grant in what is now known as Barren county, Kentucky, and descendants of his oldest daughter are now living there. In 1807 he disposed of his holdings in that state and settled in Wabash county, Illinois, being identified with the organization of that county and serving for several tenns as county judge. His son, Alexander, was the father of Melinda (Wood) Courter, the mother of Mary E. Courter, who became the mother of Louis W. Jackman. The descent is thus traced from the time of the Revolution. Mr. Jackman's great-greatgrandfather on the paternal side came to Knox county, Indiana, early in 1800 and another ancestor, Allen Ramsey, located in this county as far back as 1787. The grandfather, Basil Jackman, and his brother, William R Jackman, served side by side in the Black Hawk war, the latter being a sergeant in Spy's battalion of mounted infantry. William R. Jackman and his father, Richard Jackman, were in the war with Tecumseh participating in the battle of Tippecanoe.

Six children were born to Aaron R. and Mary E. (Courter) Jackman, five of whom are Hving: Louis W., the subject of this review; William C, a conductor on the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad with headquarters at Enid, Oklahoma; Emma H., the wife of Oscar E. Hollowell, of St. Louis; Clara F., the wife of John W. Williamson, of St. Louis; and Delia, the wife of Marion Pickering, of Vincennes.

Louis W. Jackman received his early education in the common schoolsof Lawrence and Wabash counties, Illinois. He later attended the National Normal University of Lebanon, Ohio, and also the Southern Indiana Normal College of Mitchell, Indiana. In the meantime he taught school to secure the necessary funds for further education. He began the study of law under the preceptorship of Hon. S. Z. Landes, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, and continued it under the guidance of W. C. Johnson, of Vincennes, Indiana, and W. F. Schoch, of Mound Valley, Kansas. He was admitted to the bar in Kansas in June, 1887, in Illinois in 1889, and at Vincennes in January, 1890, since which time he has devoted his attention principally to the law, but on November i, 1909, he acquired possession of the Vincennes Agency Company, of which he is manager. He was prime mover and organizer of the Denison Building &- Loan Association at St. Francisville, Illinois, the St. Francisville Canning Company, and also one of the organizers of the First National Bank of St. Francisville, being attorney and director of each of these organizations. He served as mayor one term and city attorney of St. Francisville five terms, and as city attorney of Cedarvale, Kansas, one term. He has been a Mason since 1883, and was initiated, passed and raised in Allendale Lodge, No. 752, of Allendale, Illinois, serving as secretary of the lodge for two terms and master for the same length of time. After moving to St. Francisville, desiring a lodge at that place, he petitioned the grand lodge of the state of Illinois for a dispensation, but found the petition barred on account of the grand lodge by-laws. Being a delegate to the grand lodge, he introduced and secured the passage of two amendments to the by-laws, whereby the territory became available for a new Masonic lodge. Application for a dispensation, however, v/as again refused by the grand master, necessitating a personal interview with that officer, which resulted in the issuance of the desired dispensation. Mr. Jackman is also a member of the Modern Americans and of the Tribe of Ben Hur.

In 1889, at Vincennes, Mr. Jackman was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Collison, a native of Lawrence county, Illinois. Her father, James M. Collison, was born in the same county and served for four and a half years in the Civil war under General Grant in the Vicksburg campaign, and under W. T. Sherman at Chattanooga, and at the battle of Missionary Ridge, and was in the division that marched to the relief of Knoxville. He then marched with Sherman to the sea and back to Washington, D. C, and participated in twenty-seven hard-fought battles and eighteen skirmishes on land and water. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs.

Jackman, three of whom are now Hving: James Bruce, born August 22, 1890; Ruth E., born January 13, 1892; and S. Roy, born September 26, 1894. The oldest son served in the band of the Eighth United States Infantry at San Francisco and Monterey, Cahfomia, for one and one-half years. He then bought his release in order to return home and assist his father in the insurance business, which he is now doing.

Mr. Jackman is a member of the Christian church and was an elder of that church and chairman of the board of trustees for fifteen years at St. Francisville. He has always been an active worker in the church and Sunday school, and was president of the Lawrence County Sunday School Association two terms. In the various responsibilities of citizenship he has always attempted to perform his part with fidelity and has always been actively identified with the democratic party. As is to be seen by the above record, Mr. Jackman is a man of unusual energy and perseverance, and when he undertakes anything he generally carries it through to a successful issue. These traits have been handed down from worthy ancestors, and wherever we find them we may expect a sturdy character and a reputation for solid and enduring worth.

Charles Lewis Haughton

A well known business man of Vincennes, Charles Lewis Haughton, has an established reputation as an upright citizen and a public officer, who regards a public position as a position of honor to be administered with the same interest and effectiveness that is shown in one's private affairs. For ten years past Mr. Haughton has been actively identified with the interests of the city, and he is today one of its best known and most honored citizens, the passage of years having increased the confidence in which he is held by the entire community.

He is a native of Niagara county, New York, and was born within sound of Niagara Falls, November 14, 1848. He is a son of Hiram and Elizabeth (Potter) Haughton, the former born in Cortland county, New York, about 1804, and the latter in the same county in 1808. The father devoted his attention to farming and departed this life at Wilson, New York, in 1862. Upon the maternal side Mr. Haughton is of English descent. His grandfather, Stephen Potter, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and was a son of Nathaniel Potter, also of Providence, who was a son of Nathaniel Potter, the emigrant ancestor. Six children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Haughton : Andrew, now deceased, who was a physician and practiced in New York, Ohio and Knox county, this state; Edward P., who became a member of Company C, Twenty-eighth New York \'olunteer Riflemen, in the Civil war and was killed in the battle of Cedar Mountain,

Virginia, in August, 1862; Harriet, who became the wife of John Crofts and died at Oaktown, this county; Mary, of Vincennes ; Hannah, now the widow of Alpheus Hill and living at Oaktown; and Charles, our subject.

The subject of this review was educated in the common schools of New York state and at the Collegiate Institute at Wilson, New York. Having at the age of fourteen years lost his father, he early began his active career i.nd, coming west, was engaged with an engineering corps in Iowa and Arkansas. However, he was attracted to mercantile lines and in 1872 entered the general mercantile business at Oaktown, this county, where he continued with increasing success for twenty-eight years and gained a well established reputation as one of the highly competent business men of the county. In 1900, seeking a wider field, he removed to Vincennes and became identified with the business interests of this city as member of the firm of Gimbel. Haughton & Bond, at 202 to 206 Main street. The r;rm is one of the important mercantile houses of Vincennes, carrying a large and well selected line of dry goods, cloaks, carpets and fhoes, and is one of the substantial business concerns, which attracts patrons from a wide region outside of the city.

In June, 1875, Mr. Haughton was united in marriage to Miss Emma C. Pugh, of Oaktown, a daughter of Dr. J. W. and Margaret (McCormick) Pugh. Mr. and Mrs. Haughton have been the parents of five children: Daisy, the wife of J. Rupert Gregory, county surveyor of Warren county, Indiana; Mary, the wife of L. T. Dorste, member of the firm of Powell & Dorste, of Anderson, Indiana ; Charles A., who married Eloise Kruse and is connected with the firm of which his father is a member; Margaret E., at home; and a son who died in infancy.

Mr. Haughton has been for many years affiliated with the democratic party and is an earnest advocate of its principles. He has served in a number of responsible official positions, occupying for two years the office nf county commissioner, and at the present time he is serving as councilman-at-large for the city and is chairman of the sewer committee and member of the ways and means committee of the council. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is identified with the church officially as member of the board of trustees and also of the official board. Socially he is connected with a number of fraternal organizations, his name being upon the rolls of the Masonic order, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree, and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Pastime Club and the Country Club, and has many warm friends in those organizations as well as throughout Knox county.

The success of Mr. Haughton, in the various responsibilities with which he has been identified, has been due to a native ability for the discharge of important affairs and many years of practical experience under the guidance of worthy ideals. Prompt, conscientious and efficient in a high degree in anything he undertakes, his career has demonstrated the success that may be accomplished by energy, foresight and good management and is a striking illustration of the possibilities which are available in America for any ambitious young man who is actuated by noble principles.

D. Frank Culbertson

The records contained in this volume are of inestimable worth when studied with the object of learning the secret that led to that condition expressed by the magic word "success." In the life of every successful man there is the keynote which can be discerned by the listening ear. That note, as can be discovered in the career of D. F. Culbertson, a promising young attorney of Vincennes and at the present time serving a second term as prosecuting attorney of the county, is in the cultivation of an upright character and the development of constructive powers, inherent in all but brought into active use only by those who are willing to pay the price. The price in the case of Mr. Culbertson was years of conscientious preparation and the ability to make practical application of correct principles when the happy moment arrived.

Air. Culbertson was born at Edwardsport, Knox county, August 6. 1879. At the age of thirty-one he has accomplished more than ordinarily falls to the lot of the young practitioner at the bar, but his advancement has been by no means due to luck or chance. Such words have little meaning to the ambitious and deserving young man. He was fortunate, however, in being born of parents who recognized the advantage of a fair start in a race which is each year becoming more vehement and calls for all the knowledge and ^ki'l that the modern world can bestow. His parents were James Lowry and Anna (Sylvester) Culbertson. The son was given the advantages of a public school education and attendance at De Pauw University. He was graduated from the law department of that university in the class of 1904 with the coveted degree of LL. B. He was then twentyfive years of age, and by mental training and experience was well qualified to make a good showing in anything he should undertake. He began practice at Vincennes in 1905 and has been alone up to the present time. He was successful from the beginning and gained such popularity that in the fall of 1906 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Knox county, being reelected in 1908 to an office in which he has shown abilities of a high order and scored a pronounced success. Although one of the young members of the bar, he is a favorite public speaker and the circle of his acquaintance and influence is constantly widening. He has from the time of reaching voting age been identified with the democratic party and an ardent supporter of its principles. All his addresses are characterized by an enthusiasm and energy that in many instances has carried conviction where before was opposition or doubt. He is alert and able in tlie discharge of his official responsibilities, and is generally regarded as one of the forces in Knox county that as time passes is to be carefully considered in forecasting the political possibilities. He was made a Mason before removing to Vincennes and is a member of Edwardsport Lodge, No. 428. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Pastime and Country Clubs of Vincennes.

In March, 1909, occurred the marriage of Mr. Culbertson and Miss Riba Eleanor Curry of Vincennes. In this as in other important matters, Mr. Culbertson made a wise choice and lias as a life companion one of the most charming ladies of the city. The ability which Mr. Culbertson has displayed in discharging thus far the duties and responsibilities of an active life, lead to the opinion that there is nothing to fear on account of larger duties and responsibilities in the years to come. Bringing to his profession a handsome appearance, graceful manners, a mind well stored with a knowledge of the principles and practice of law, and what is of equal importance - a fixed determination to win, tempered by a laudable ambition to win by fair means - taking these qualities into consideration, it is practically a foregone conclusion that he will gain and hold the confidence and respect of people over a wide region and attain what every aspiring mind should desire - an honorable and enduring place in the estimation of all to whom his name is known.

In business circles of Vincennes the name of R. M. Robinson is well and favorably known. A native of Knox county, where he has lived for more than forty-five years, his career has been noted with pride by early friends and acquaintances and his advancement in public and private life has been a matter of general congratulation. His success has been the direct result of his own exertions - of faith in himself, which he inherits from brave parents, and the application of sound principles of life and action that are bound to accomplish gratifying results regardless of the business or occupation, the conditions, high or low, in which they are applied. The avenues to all of the worthy ambitions of life are opened and there is no prophesying where the adventure will end.

Mr. Robinson first saw the light of day in Steen township, on a farm near Wheatland. Like most of the wide-awake and enterprising men of the county, he was reard to agricultural pursuits and never contracted habits of idleness or dissipation too often prevalent among the younger generation in the populous communities. His natal day was July 6, 1864. He is the son of Richard Robinson, a native of Ohio, whose parents removed to western Indiana when Richard was a child and settled on a fertile spot in Steen township. Richard Robinson grew up with the country and was educated mainly at home, as the schools of those days in the rural districts of Indiana were few and teachers scarce. He died amid the scenes with which his life had been familiar and was buried in Wheatland cemetery. The mother of our subject was Frances (Stevenson) Robinson, who was born in Ireland and came with her parents to Indiana, the family also locating in Steen township. It was an old-fashioned family that gathered around the fireside of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson and of ten children born to them, nine are now living in Knox county and one only has sought fortune elsewhere.

R. M. Robinson was educated in the "big university" - the university that has produced many of the noblest names of modern times - the common schools. Here children of both sexes and all classes meet and out of this "melting pot" have come many of the men and women who have proven of untold benefit to the race. For some years, until his father's death, Mr. Robinson farmed on the home place with his father and later with a brother. He became known as a good agriculturist whose crops compared - favorably with those of any other in the region and for five years he served as trustee of the Steen township. He removed to Vincennes in May, 1901, and became associated with G. W. Donaldson, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume, purchasing the Mcjimsey Buggy Company. The name of the company was changed to the Robinson & Donaldson Buggy Company, doing a large business as wholesale and retail dealers in automobiles, carriages, buggies, farm wagons, harness, pianos and sewing machines. A large share of the credit for the success of the firm is due to the energy and ability of Mr. Robinson. However, in 1904 he was called away from the active management of the company by being chosen by the voters of this county as county treasurer. To this office he was reelected, serving for four years in a position whose capable discharge calls for good business experience and knowledge of finance not possessed by the ordinary man. At the expiration of his second term as a county official he resumed his business duties. He also owns a beautiful farm of more than four hundred acres, including the old homestead, which he hopes to hand down as a valuable heritage of the family. He has not lost his interest in politics and is now chairman of the county democratic committee and a man whose advice is sought by many who are personally identified with political affairs. He is an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

In February, 1892, Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Donahue, also a native of Knox county, who was born in Vincennes of Irish parentage. She has proven a constant support and comfort to her husband, who is a busy man but one who fully appreciates the advantages and blessings of a peaceful home. Six children have been born of this union : Richard G., Anna C, Frances A.. Margaret E., Katherine D. and Charles Donahue.

It is doubtful whether there is to be found in Knox county a more worthy name in business and financial circles than that which stands at the head of this sketch. From a lad whose fortune from the start, owing to a large number of brothers and sisters, depended mainly upon his own exertions, he has become one of the respected citizens of one of the most prosperous and progressive counties of a great state. Surely this is success.

John B. La Plants

A history of the La Plante family in Vincennes takes us back to that early and romantic period in fhe annals of this city when the French settled here as a convenient point for trading with the Indians. In all the intervening years representatives of the name have remained in this district, carrying forward the work of development and progress, and the same spirit of enterprise found expression in the life of John Baptist La Plante, who for many years was a well known manufacturer of this city, while his later days were devoted to the supervision of the investments which he had made.

He was born February 3, 1833, and was the third child of Pierre and Elizabeth (Gamelin) La Plante, the latter a native of Vincennes. Pierre La Plante was a son of John Baptist and Dorcas (O'Connell) La Plante. The former was a native of France, and in 1798 came with his wife, who was a native of Ireland, and family to Vincennes, then a small French town. He established a distillery on the Illinois side of the Wabash river and continued in business until after the outbreak of the war of 1812, when he enlisted as a soldier in defense of American interests, acting as guide and scout for General Harrison in the battle of Tippecanoe and in his military operations in this section of the country. He reared a family of four sons and three daughters, all of whom spent their lives in Knox county. The sons were Pierre, John B., Hyacinthe and Joseph.

Pierre La Plante also served in the second war with England in connection with his father, John Baptist La Plante, and at an early age learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed during the greater part of his life. He was also the owner of a trading post at Fort Harrison and was moderately successful in the accumulation of property, being a poor man. However, he figured prominently in connection with many events which have left their impress upon the history of this part of the state. He acted as a guide for General Tipton at the time of the removal of the Pottawatomie Indians from the neighborhood of Logansport to a reservation in Missouri in 1837. His political allegiance was given to the whig party, and at one time he filled the office of commissioner of Knox county. He married Elizabeth Gamelin, of Vincennes, a representative of a very prominent family here, and unto them were born eight children, seven sons and one daughter.

Vinccnnes was still but a small town of little commercial or industrial importance during the boyhood of John B. La Plante, whose name introduces this review. He learned the saddler's trade in early life and followed it until twenty-one years of age, when he joined his brother in the establishment and conduct of a grocery store. By hard work, earnest effort and unfaltering perseverance they succeeded in developing the store from a small beginning into one of the largest general mercantile establishments of this city. To the stock of groceries they added other lines from time to time and became leading representatives of commercial interests in Vincennes. John B. La Plante continued actively in the business until 1878, when he retired to devote his attention to the management of his different property holdings and investments in this city, for in the meantime he had become a man of considerable wealth and his personal interests were very extensive.

On the 7th of December, 1855, Mr. La Plante was married to Miss Malinda Scott, who died several years later. On the 28th of May, 1874, he married Catherine E. All, whose ancestors were among the pioneer settlers of Maryland. There were two children of this marriage: Margaret Mary, now deceased ; and John Baptist Edmund, who is a law student of Columbia College.

The La Plante family have long been connected with St. Xavier Catholic church, cif which Mr. La Plante was a devoted member. He died May 27, 1898, but many years will come and go ere he will cease to be remembered in Vincennes. His was a business record such as any man might be proud to possess. Although he started out in life with little, he gradually worked his way upward and achieved not only prosperity, but also an honored name, enjoying at all times the full confidence and high regard of colleagues and contemporaries. His life exemplified what may be accomplished through the wise use of time, talents and opportunities. His success proved the force of his character and the high regard in which he was uniformly held indicated the straightforward course which he ever followed.

Dr. Schuyler Colfax Beard has continuously engaged in practice in Vincennes since his graduation from the Bellevue Medical College, of New York city, with the class of 1885. He was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, June 20. 1864. His father. Dr. Ferdinand W. Beard, was a native of Harrison county, this state, but in 1874 removed to Vincennes. He received the ground work of his professional training in the Rush Medical College of Chicago and afterward entered Bellevue Medical College of New York, from which he was in due course of time graduated. He practiced a number of years in

Springfield and Harrodsburg, Indiana, and gained eminence in his profession but was not more highly honored and popular in professional circles than in private life. He made a specialty of surgery and gained much more than local fame in that connection. With comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and the component parts of the human body, with steady hand and clear brain, he performed the work that devolved upon him in that connection and through operative surgery worked many notable cures. He died February II, 1 89 1, at the age of fifty-six years, his birth having occurred February 12, 1835. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Gainey, was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, and died in 1880. They had but two children, the daughter, Jessie Beard, becoming the wife of Norbert Landgraf, of Indianapolis.

Dr. Beard, whose name introduces this review, pursued his studies through successive grades in the public schools of Vincennes until graduated from the high school with the class of 1880, after which he spent two years as a student in the State University. He then took up the study of medicine and, like his father, became a student in the Bellevue Medical College of New York, wherein he completed his course with the class of 1885. He then began practicing with his father and so continued until the latter's death, since which time he has practiced alone. He is a member of various medical societies and also of the Lancet Club, of which he was the founder. When but twenty-two years of age he was chosen coroner and during President Harrison's administration he was a member of the board of pension examiners. He also filled the same position during President McKinley's administration. In igoi when the metropolitan police law went into effect in Vincennes he was appointed police commissioner and in this capacity assisted in inaugurating the new system in the city. Dr. Beard is a charter member of the Vincennes Lodge of Elks and is a past exalted ruler of same. He is a man of considerable literary ability, recognized as a clear and forceful writer on many subjects. The salient qualities of Dr. Schuyler Colfax Beard have ever been such as to commend him to the confidence and high regard of the general public, and the ethical standard to which he has adhered in his practice has gained him the unfaltering regard and approval of his professional brethren.

Charles W. Benham. M. D.

Dr. Charles W. Benham, who for twenty years has been successfully engaged in practice in Kno.x county, fifteen years of which time have been spent in Vincennes, was born in this county, August 9, 1861, a son of James W. and Catherine (Weaver) Benham. His father, who died in 1868, was a farmer of Knox county and was a veteran of the Civil war. He enlisted in the Eightieth Indiana Regiment and participated in the battle of

Antietam and many other engagements, continuing in the service to the close of the war. One of the great sorrows which Dr. Benham has known was the accidental death of his mother, at the early age of thirty-one years, by drowning. In the family were five children, three of whom are now living: Charles W., the subject of this sketch; Ella, now Mrs. E. B. Anderson, of Wheatland, Knox county; and Dr. James W., who married Grace Niblack and is now practicing at Columbus, Indiana.

Dr. Benham gained his early education in the common schools, and then attended the Vincennes high school. Having determined upon the medical profession, he entered the Louisville (Ky.) Medical College and at twenty-eight years of age was graduated with the class of 1889. As he had attained a high standing in his studies he was granted privileges of further study and also of practical application of principles of the art in the Louisville City Hospital. This work is a most important preparation for the physician and when Dr. Benham's term as interne had expired, he at once began active practice at Wheatland, where he continued for six years with a growing clientage. He permanently located in Vincennes in 1895 2nd here he has realized many of the aspirations of his earlier life and ranks as one of the most successful physicians in the county.

On the 27th of December, 1893, Dr. Benham was united in marriage to Miss Maud Dukate, a native of Wheatland. Her father. Dr. John D. Dukate, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, is a practitioner of wide reputation and many years' standing. Her mother was a native of Ohio and previous to her marriage was Mary M. Wallace. Two children have been born unto Dr. and Mrs. Benham, a son and daughter: Gladys, born at Wheatland, October i, 1894; and Charles Dukate, who was born in Vincennes, June 28, 1900.

Dr. Benham has been identified for a number of years with medical organizations, being a member of the American Medical Association, the Indiana State Medical Society, the District Medical Society, the Knox County Medical Society and the Lancet Club of Vincennes, of which he was one of the organizers. He has always been a close student of his profession, and is the owner of a choice library of the best medical works and a reader of the latest discoveries in a science which occupies the time and talents of many of the greatest minds in the world. He brought to his profession a power of discrimination and a clear judgment as to cause and efifect, which have assisted him in a large degree on many occasions of emergency. Among his fellow practitioners his opinions are greatly respected, and his best friends are to be found among those whom he has assisted on the way to health. As secretary of the board of health of Vincennes he performed admirable service and made a record which his successors refer to with approbation. Politically he is allied with the republican party. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and in discharging the various responsibilities that devolve upon him as a citizen of established standing in the community, he has always attempted to perform his duty. Born upon a farm and depending mainly upon his own exertions from an early age, he has clearly merited the honorable place which he holds in Knox county.

Edward Bierhaus

Edward Bierhaus, for many years one of the prominent business men of Vincennes, was born in Elberfeld, Prussia, August 4, 1832, and came to this country in 1848 with his parents, Karl and Fredericka Bierhaus, the family locating in Vincennes. In this city he was first employed in the American Hotel, which stood on the site of the department store formerly the La Plante House, at the corner of First and Main streets. In 1853 he embarked in the general merchandise business at Freelandsville, this county, but in 1865 sold his interests there and returned to Vincennes, where he was engaged in a pork packing business and also conducted a retail grocery store, his slaughter house being located at the corner of First and Nicholas streets. In 1878 Mr. Bierhaus bought out Gimbel Brothers' wholesale grocery on Main street, between First and Second, and conducted the same under the firm style of E. Bierhaus & Sons. Their business grew to such proportions that they soon erected the large and handsome three story wholesale house at the corner of Main and Fourth streets, in addition to which large warehouses were constructed on First and Church streets. Mr. Bierhaus was the senior member of the firm until his retirement from active business some ten years before his death. Since that time the business has been conducted by his sons Charles and John.

On the 30th of June, 1853, Mr. Bierhaus was united in marriage to Miss Louise Schuckman and on the 30th of June, 1903, they celebrated their golden wedding. Unto them were born eight children, six sons and two daughters, namely: Charles, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume ; Henry, who married Lizzie Schroyer, of Newcastle, Indiana, and resides in Indianapolis ; Frederick, who married Annie Rasche and lives in Vincennes ; Edward, who married Alice Banner and makes his home in Knightstown, Indiana ; William C, who married Lottie Watkins, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, and lives in Vincennes ; John, who married Hannah Gibson and also resides in this city; Emma, the wife of Rudolph G. Geisler, of Chicago; and Anna, the wife of Edward Oark, of Vincennes.

Mr. Bierhaus died on the 21st of February, 1906, and his death was widely and deeply mourned. He was strictly a business man in every sense of the word and through his untiring energy and close application built up an immense business and accumulated a snug fortune. He had but a few hundred dollars when he embarked in business at Freelandsville, then known as Cross Roads, being the junction of two country roads, one running from

Linton to Vincennes and the other from Carlisle to Edwardsport, but he built a log store and dwelling and soon built up a good trade among the farmers of the neighborhood. There was no other house at Cross Roads but the residence of Dr. Freeland, after whom the town was subsequently named. Mr. Bierhaus conducted a successful business there for thirteen years, during which time the village sprang up around his store. It was at this place he was thrown from a horse and received an injury which developed seriously a few years later and which was in a manner responsible for his death. The rapid growth of his business interests in Vincennes, consisting of pork packing, wholesale grocery, wholesale poultry and egg business, is well known to the citizens of this locality and his trade extended for a great distance throughout the surrounding country.

Mr. Bierhaus was ever upright and honorable in all his dealings and was a consistent and faithful member of St. John's German Evangelical church. He never aspired to public office but attended strictly to his business interests and was successful to a degree beyond the attainments of most men.

James Wade Emison

It is gratifying to meet a man prominent in life whose public and private acts have always contributed to the welfare of the community. Such a man is James Wade Emison, one of the leaders at the bar in Vincennes and a public-spirited citizen of the type that attempts to discharge its responsibilities in such a manner as to receive the approval of an educated conscience.

Mr. Emison is a native of Indiana, born in Bruceville, Knox county, February 7, 1859, and is a son of John W. and Sarah (Dunning) Emison, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He received his preliminary education in the public schools of Bruceville and became a student of Asbury (now De Pauw) University, graduating from that institution at the age of twenty-one, in 1882, and receiving the degree of A. B. In 1885, upon invitation of the college faculty, he delivered the master's oration at the annual commencement exercises and was then awarded the higher degree of A. M. After graduating from the university Mr. Emison returned home and assumed partial charge of his father's business, which included farming, milling and merchandising, in which he continued for seven years. In the meantime, however, he had entered upon the study of law, was admitted to the bar in 1889 and began practice in the office of Captain George G. Reily at Vincennes. A year later a partnership was formed with Captain Reily, the firm being known as Reily & Emison. This association continued until it was terminated by the death of the senior partner in 1899. Mr. Emison practiced alone for a short time but in 190 1 became connected with Judge William W. Moffett, as Emison & Moffett. The death of Judge MofTett in February, 1907. brought the partnership to a close and Mr. Emison has since practiced alone. He was exceedingly fortunate in his law partnerships, his associates in each instance being men of scholarly attainments, large acquaintance with the practice and principles of law and of unimpeachable character. Many important cases were entrusted to these firms and the surviving member gained a well established reputation by his untiring interest and efforts in behalf of clients. He is at present attorney for the First National Bank of Vincennes, a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Trust Company and is actively connected with many other business interests. Having been reared upon a farm, Mr. Emison has through life retained a lively appreciation of its advantages and he has continuously been identified with farming and live-stock affairs. For many years he acted as secretary of the Knox County Agricultural and Mechanical Society and few men in the county are better acquainted with its agricultural resources and possibilities.

Mr. Emison is a supporter of the principles of the republican party and has always taken a great interest in its success, both locally and nationally, being a delegate to thc-republican national convention in 1908. He believes it is the duty of every citizen to adhere to some party and use his influence personally in its support. Although not a seeker for office he served for several years as city attorney of Vincennes, and as county attorney of Knox county he accomplished a good work in inspiring a wholesome respect for the law. In all his relations as public officer, counsellor or advocate at the bar he has proven his skill in arriving at right conclusions and his ability in solving intricate legal problems. No man stands higher at the bar of Knox county and few have greater influence before judge or jury. This ability is the result of more than twenty years of close application and also of a solid foundation which was acquired in the university and in actual affairs of business life.

Not only in professional but in social circles is Mr. Emison well known He has for many years been a member of the Masonic order and belongs to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery. He is also a member of the Elk.* and his name is upon the rolls of the Pastime Club, of Vincennes. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian and he is a member of the board of trustees of the First Presbyterian church.

On the 27th of November, 1890, Mr. Emison was united in marriage to Sada Ross Rabb, a daughter of Dr. John H. and Susan E. Rabb, of Vincennes. Dr. Rabb, who was for many years president of the First National Bank of this city, was a man of high character and standing in Vincennes and Knox county and one who had the confidence and respect of all who knew him. He and his wife came here from Kentucky in the early 50's. Four children have been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Emison : Ewing, James Wade, Jr., Susan Rabb and John Rabb.

Their home is one of the happiest in the city and the head of the family is never in a more grateful frame of mind than when in the quiet of the domestic circle, surrounded by his family or dispensing a hospitality that has made the household known as a center for the highest type of American citizenship. Born under favoring auspices, reared under every advantage that the best type of modern hfe can desire, educated in a great university and by contact with the brightest minds, Mr. Emison has now reached the prime of a useful career. In the opinion of his friends he has fairly earned the honorable position he now occupies and may be confidently expected in the years to come to win new victories in the extension of a beneficent influence which has always been exerted in the best interests of his fellowmen.

Mathias Zaepfel

Mathias Zaepfel, formerly engaged in the wine and cigar business but now living retired, makes his home at No. 614 Barnet street in Vincennes. The surname indicates his German nativity, his birth having occurred in the fatherland on the 24th of April, 1852. His parents were Frank and Anna (Mueller) Zaepfel. The father was a farmer and barber, devoting his life to those two pursuits.

Mathias Zaepfel spent his youthful days in his native country and is indebted to its public school system for the educational advantages which he enjoyed and which fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. He remained a resident of Germany until twenty years of age and then started for the new world, hoping to benefit by the business conditions which he heard existed here. He did not tarry long on the Atlantic coast but made his way direct to Vincennes, his choice of a location being influenced by the fact that he had an uncle living in this city. He had no capital and his financial condition rendered it imperative that he secure and obtain immediate employment. He was willing to accept any position that would gain him an honorable living. For nine years he was employed at the hardware trade, during which period he carefully saved his earnings until his capital was sufficient to enable him to engage in the retail wine and cigar business. He started on a small scale, however, but built up a large trade until his was one of the most extensive and leading enterprises of this character in the city. At one time he purchased farm land, which he owned until about five years ago, when he sold out. His close application, unabating energy and unfaltering perseverance were the strong elements in his success and when he had acquired a substantial competence he retired from business life. He has never selfishly wished to have more than would enable him to live comfortably and he has also been generous in sharing with others the prosperity that he has attained.

On the 5th of September, 1882, Mr. Zaepfel was married to Miss Mary Reinbold, a daughter of Andrew and Rosa Reinbold. They have become parents of a daughter and son : Anna, who is the wife of John Ueding and

Mr. Zaepfel is very prominent among people of his own nationality and belongs to all of the leading German societies of the city. He holds membership with St. John's church, also in St. John's Harmony Club and is a member of the Travelers Protective Association. He possesses many of the sterling characteristics of the German race and is numbered among the worthy representatives of the fatherland in Vincennes.

Charles Bierhaus

Charles (originally Karl) Bierhaus, one of the well known citizens of Vincennes and for more than thirty-five years actively identified with its business interests, was born in Knox county in 1855 and is a son of Edward and Louisa (Schuckman) Bierhaus, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.

After receiving a common-school education in Vincennes, Charles Bierhaus immediately became identified with his father in the pork packing and poultry and egg business, which had previously been established by the head of the family. In 1878 he also became interested in a large wholesale grocery house and he and his brother John still retain the business which their father founded many years ago. In his business career Mr. Bierhaus has shown an interest and an ability which always makes for success and in the course of many years, living as he has in a community where he has been kiiown all his life, he has built up a reputation for sound judgment and integrity that is worth more in the final summing up than all the rewards of wealth. His industry has met with favorable returns and he has acquired a competence represented by good paying investments in Vincennes.

In 1877 Mr. Bierhaus was united in marriage to Miss Helen Busse, also a native of Knox county, born September 19, 1854, and a daughter of William and Sophia (Helle) Busse. Her father was a native of Germany and was a baker and confectioner by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Bierhaus are the parents of two daughters ; Ida, who is the widow of Clarence M. Zener and the mother of three children, Karl, Katharine and Clarence ; and Helen, who is living at home with her parents.

Mr. Bierhaus has witnessed many changes in Vincennes and Knox county and many of his former friends and business associates have been called to their reward. He has always been a man of good habits and conservative judgment and has never been in sympathy with men who lose all they have by speculations in the stock market or in a wild venture to get rich quick. He has found that steady hard work, persistence and a good strong faith in one's self are the milestones that mark the road to success and in the course of his advancement in the business world he has always kept those milestones in sight. He has many hfelong associates who look to him for advice in times of emergency and those less fortunate than himself have never sought his aid in vain. It is the solid and substantial men of this character that constitute the backbone of every community.

Hugh A. Emison

As assistant postmaster of \'incennes for the past thirteen years, the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this review is well known here and is recognized as one of its valuable citizens. He has gained the position he occupies in the estimation of the business men and patrons of the office by conscientious attention to the duties of his position, thorough knowledge of the intricacies of the service and an adaptability as a public official which has assisted him very materially in his work.

Mr. Emison comes of a Kentucky family, which originally spelled its name Emerson and whose descendants are now living in Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri and Texas. The first member of the family to locate in Knox county was Thomas Emison, who settled on Mariah Creek, in 1804, on coming from Kentucky. William W. C. Emison, the eldest son of Thomas Emison, married Elizabeth Posey and their son John W. Emison was the father of our subject. The old Posey homestead in this county has been in possession of the Posey and Emison families for more than one hundred years and is greatly valued on account of its associations. The mother of our subject was Sarah (Dunning) Emison, a daughter of Spear S. and Emily (Bishop) Dunning, both early residents of Vincennes. There are five living children in the family, Hugh A. being the fourth in order of birth. The other members of the family are: James Wade, now a well known lawyer of Vincennes ; John W., now postmaster of Vincennes ; and Mrs. Mattie Barr and Mrs. Elizabeth Harris, both residents of Princeton, Indiana.

Hugh A. Emison, who was born at Wheatland, Knox county. March 7, 1866, received his education in the graded schools of Bruceville, and after laying aside his books engaged in the grain business, in which he continued successful for a number of years. On July i, 1897, he was appointed assistant postmaster of Vincennes and this position he has ever since filled with a fidelity that has met the hearty approval of the officials of the postoffice department.

On October 3, 1901, Mr. Emison was united in marriage to Miss Lovisa H. Hartwell, a daughter of John T. and Maria S. Hartwell of Vincennes, and in his wife he has found a faithful and loving companion, who presides with dignity and grace over the household and heartily cooperates with him in every good work.

Mr. Emison since arriving at years of maturity has been identified with the republican party and accepts its platforms as being more nearly in accord with the ideas of a progressive people than the platforms of any other party. Socially he is connected with Lodge No. 291, B. P. O. E., of Vincennes, and he is also a member of the Pastime Qub and the Old Post Country Club of Vincennes In the various relations of life Mr. Emison has so conducted himself as to make many friends and he has gained the respect of all with whom he has come in contact. In his capacity as a public officer he has been especially fortunate and he is, therefore, known as one of the well established and substantial citizens of Vincennes.

Anthony M. Yelton

Anthony M. Yelton, for many years a resident of Vincennes, and one of its respected citizens, having gained high standing both as a business man and as a capable public officer, is a native of Kentucky, born at Butler, March 5, 1850. His father, Elijah Yelton, was also a native of Kentucky and was born in 1820. He was a farmer and lived on the old homestead until his death, which occurred November 21, 1910, in the ninety-second year of his age. The grandfather on the paternal side was William Yelton, of Virginia. The mother, Luthania Leland Barton before her marriage, was born in Kentucky, in 1825, and through the maternal line the subject of this review is of Revolutionary ancestry, his great-grandfather having served as a general in the Revolutionary war. The Barton family was originally from Providence, Rhode Island, where William Barton, the father of Mrs. Yelton, was born. Ten children came to brighten the household of Mr. and Mrs. Yelton, four of whom are now living: Anthony M., our subject ; Thomas S., who married Naomi Tarvin and has served for two terms as sheriff of Pendleton county. Kentucky ; James C, now a postal clerk running between Cincinnati and Knoxville, who is married and has four daughters ; and Belle, the wife of F. M. McClure, a tobacco merchant of Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Anthony M. Yelton was educated in the common schools of Kentucky and began his business career by learning telegraphy in the railway service, in which he continued in various capacities for twenty-five years. He was for three years in charge as chief dispatcher and trainmaster of the Mississippi division of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad and for seventeen years was joint terminal agent for the Pennsylvania and Big Four Railroads in Vincennes. At the end of this time, having become interested in political afifairs, he was elected clerk of the Knox county circuit court and served in that position for eight years, discharging his duties in such a way as to receive the merited commendation of the courts and the people of the county.

In 1875 Mr. Yelton was united in marriage to Miss Carrie J. Shaw, of Alexandria, Kentucky, a cousin of Judge George W. Shaw, of that state, now of Vincennes. She is a daughter of James and Sarah (Acklin) Shaw, the former of whom was engaged in farming and is now deceased. Mr. and

Mrs. Yelton are the parents of three children: Grace Lee, now the wife of Dr. J. M. Burns, of Mansfield, Ohio, and the mother of one daughter, Marian Ivan; Francis Marion, who married Miss Marie Inglehart, of Vincennes, and is now living at Fort Worth, Texas ; and Roscoe A., who married Miss Adelia Tindolph and lives at San Antonio, Texas, and has one son, Richard. Since reaching manhood Mr. Yelton has been identified with the democratic party, accepting the principles of that party as those most friendly toward the permanence of the institutions of a free government. He and his family hold membership in the Baptist church. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Royal Arcanum and the National Union and is now acting as president of the council of the latter organization in Vincennes. Mr. Yelton is a man of unblemished character and has displayed ability and sound judgment in the discharge of his obligations, both public and private. Improving his opportunities as the years passed and utilizing the advantages that appeared from time to time until he has attained a prominent place in the esteem of the best people of the community. He is known as a patriotic and useful citizen, who never advances himself at the expense of others, his success being the result of the application of the simple principles of honesty and of concentration upon whatever he has been called upon to do. He has exemplified those traits of character that inspire confidence and has assisted to the extent of his ability in advancing the public interests, belonging to that class which leaves a permanent impress in behalf of all that is most desirable in American life.

Stephen A. Ryder

Among the active and capable business men of Vincennes, Stephen A. Ryder is accorded an honorable place, not only on account of his acknowledged ability in the conduct of business affairs, but also because he has forged his way to a responsible position through his own exertions, having started in a humble capacity and overcome many difficulties on the way. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1852, and to him belongs the distinction of having been the first white child born in that city. He is a son of John and Mary (Myers) Ryder, the former of whom was born in Connecticut in 1810, and became a brick manufacturer and contractor, operating upon a quite large scale. He built the De Soto Hotel at Galena, this state, which was for some years one of the largest hotels in the west. The father departed this life in 1856. The mother, who was born in the Blue mountains near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 181 5, was twice married, her first husband being Lewis Haehnlen. There were two children by that union: Lewis, who married Mary Boutwell and is the father of one son; and Mary, the widow of James Chalmers, by whom she has two children. By her second marriage Mrs. Ryder became the mother of two children: Wilhelmina, who married A. V. Knickerbocker, a member of

The subject of this review was educated in the public schools of Chicago and early began his battle with life as a messenger for the Western Union Telegraph Company. Even as a boy he was ambitious of advancement and he studied telegraphy while acting as messenger and became a full-fledged operator, continuing in the Western Union office in Chicago for about three years. He then entered the wholesale and retail confectionery business with his half-brother, but later sold the retail business and devoted his entire attention to the manufacture of confectionery for fifteen years. Seeking a change of climate and surroundings, he went west and was for two years upon a cattle range. He then returned to Chicago, where he applied his early training and was for three years with the West Chicago Park Commission, acting as assistant secretary. On May i, 1908, Mr. Ryder came to Vincennes, having acquired an interest in the Dyer Packing Company and has since acted as secretary of the company. This is one of the important concerns of the kind in the country. It employs seventy persons and the output of the plant is twenty-five thousand cans of pork, beans and ketchup per day, the product going to the principal countries of the world.

In 1887 Mr. Ryder was united in marriage to Miss Christina Bannerman, a daughter of John and Christina (McKay) Bannerman, sketches of whom appear elsewhere in this work. Her maternal grandfather, James McKay, was one of the Selkirk settlers, who went to Canada with Lord Selkirk and located at what is now Winnipeg. Mr. and Mrs. Ryder have an adopted son, Stephen A. Ryder, Jr., who is now six years of age and is a highly promising boy.

Politically Mr. Ryder is identified with the republican party and religiously he endorses the teachings of the Baptist church as those which most nearly follow the commands of the Great Master. He has through life been guided by principles of truth and honor, and from his boyhood has been industrious and persevering in everything he has undertaken. The success which he has achieved has been worthily earned, and he has the satisfaction of possessing' the confidence and respect of his fellowmen.