Vincennes Township (part 8 of 14)

William C. Teschner

Vincennes is fortunate in possessing in its citizenship men not only of fine business talent, capable of directing large affairs successfully, even in the face of keen competition, but also men who are liberally endowed with public spirit and who are ever ready and willing to devote their ability and a goodly portion of their time to the public welfare. Such a man is William C. Teschner, who is a native of this city, born March 28, 1876. His father, Charles

Teschner. was born in Germany in 1849 and, coming to Indiana, has for many years lived in this city, being at the present time custodian of Harrison Park. The mother of our subject was Louise (Berger) Teschner, who was born in Germany in 1851 and is now deceased. Eight children were born unto Air. and Mrs. Teschner, six of whom are now living : Augusta, residing at home ; William C.. the subject of this record ; Martha, now Mrs. Leroy Davis, of Newport, Kentucky ; David, also of Newport : Lena, now in the Cincinnati City Hospital studving to become a nurse: and Bertha, a stenographer for the Vincennes Trust Company.

William C. Teschner received his education in the German school of Vincennes, also known as St. John's school. At the age of sixten he laid aside his school books and entered the service of the Hartman Manufacturing Company, in which he continued for three years, receiving a good introduction to business life. In 1893 he went with the Central Foundry Company and there learned the molder's trade, working for five or six years. After proving his ability in his trade he was advanced to the position of assistant superintendent of the company and was placed in charge of the fitting department. As time passed Mr. Teschner, like many capable young men in all lines of business, came to the conclusion that he could enjoy greater freedom if he were at the head of his own establishment. Accordingly, in 1904, he began independently in the furnace business and has since continued with increasing success in that line and other lines with which he is closely connected. During recent years he has conducted an extensive jobbing business in furnaces, registers and appliances for heating in southern Indiana and Illinois, delivering in carload lots. Two years ago he became interested in a compressed air and vacuum machine, which also does whitewashing and cold-vvater painting, and he has developed a prosperous business with this machine. He is interested in real estate in the north end and, although not yet thirty-five years of age, through the application of good judgment and industry, he has acquired the foundation of a comfortable fortune.

As indicated above, Mr. Teschner is the happy possessor of talents aside from business capacity. As a musician he has contributed in no small degree toward making lighter the cares of everyday life and is well known to a wide circle of lovers of the "art divine." He is now serving his fourth enlistment as a member of the First Regiment Band, Indiana National Guard, and as bass singer has occupied a place as member of the choir of St. John's church for more than ten years past. He holds three honorable discharges from the military band and is recognized as one of the most useful members of that patriotic organization. The duty of the band, in case of war, is to lead the regiment to battle and later assist in carrying off the wounded, thus being faithful auxiliaries of the Red Cross, whose beneficent work is the admiration of the world. Mr. Teschner is a member of the local Society, No. 366, of the American Federation of Musicians, and has served at various times as secretary and also as president of this organization.

In May, 1904, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Held, who was a native of Vincennes. The great sorrow of his Hfe was the loss of his beloved wife, who was called away in June, 1905. Mr. Teschner is identified with the Knights of Pythias, and the Order of Eagles, having entered the former as a charter member of Vincennes lodge and having served as its first keeper of records and seal. He is also a member of St. John's Benevolent Association, the Travelers Protective Association and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has for a number of years held membership in St. John's Evangelical church and in political matters he is an adherent of the principles of the democratic party. A man of energy and of unusual decision of character, Mr. Teschner has been trained in a school which retains on its rolls no laggards and which calls for the best ability and highest efforts of its disciples. It is in these ranks that are to be found the self-reliant, patriotic workers who have made America supreme in the world today.

Charles S. Miller

Charles S. Miller has been connected with the business interests of Vincennes for nearly thirty-five years and twenty-seven years ago entered business for himself, in which he still continues. He has been actively identified with the city since his boyhood and one of the interested observers of its progress, contributing his part toward that end. He is a native of Ohio and was born at Springfield in 1859. He is of English descent, his father, John G. Miller, having been born at Hull, England, in 1808. Possessing the laudable ambition to improve his circumstances in life, he emigrated to America where he became a successful contractor and builder. The mother, whose maiden name was Matilda Stout, was a native of Springfield and was born in 1820. Two children came to brighten the household of Mr. and Mrs. Miller: Eliza, now the widow of John Love and the mother of one daughter, Anna ; and Charles S. An uncle of our subject, Captain Charles Stout, of Springfield, was one of the brave soldiers who upheld the Union at the time of the Civil war. An uncle by marriage. General Joseph Warren Keifer, of Springfield, is now one of the noted survivors of the Civil war and at seventy-four years of age is a leading member of the house of representatives in Washington, of which he was speaker from 1881 to 1883. He was a man of wonderful bravery in the war and was wounded four times. He was brevetted brigadier general of volunteers for gallant and meritorious service and later as major general of volunteers, the highest position in the army. He is one of the greatest orators of America and also one of its most honored citizens.

Charles S. Miller came to Indiana in his boyhood and was educated in the public schools of Vincennes and in Vincennes University. After leaving the university he entered the employ of Moore & Harris, druggists of this city, and continued with the firm from 1876 until 1883 when he began in the drug business for himself. In 1902 he added a book store to his business and has since conducted both Hnes, and by his abihty in commercial affairs and gentlemanly address has achieved merited success.

In 1897 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dawes, who was born in Vincennes in 1862 and whose father, now deceased, was a contractor and builder. There were four children in the family: Richard L., who lives at Evansville and has two children ; William K., of Vincennes ; Frank R., also of Vincennes, who is a federal employe and has two children ; and Elizabeth, herein mentioned.

Mr. Miller as a result of his study and observation in affairs of the government many years ago accepted the principles of the republican party as those best adapted for a free government and he is a stanch supporter of the party. He accepts the Bible as the revealed word and his name is found upon the rolls of the Presbyterian church. He is a valued member of the A. F. & A. M. and has advanced through the various degrees, being now a Knight Templar. He is also connected with the Royal Arcanum, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Pastime Club of this city. As may be seen, although Mr. Miller is thoroughly interested in his business, to which he has devoted so many years of his life, he is also an active factor in social affairs and as a patriotic citizen has always used his influence in forwarding the permanent welfare of the city and state. In his estimable wife he has found an assistant who has never failed in her duty and who presides over one of the peaceful and happy households of the city. Mr. Miller is known as an honorable, straightforward man, belonging to that class of citizens that adds to the permanency and stability of the community and whose advice in times of emergency it is always safe to follow.

Among the prominent :itizens of Vincennes who have passed from mortal view but whose memory is kept green in the hearts of those who knew their estimable traits of character, was Hon. Richard J. McKenney. He was for thirty years a resident of this city, and both as a private citizen and public official bore himself in such a way as to reflect the highest credit upon himself and those with whom he was associated. As mayor he proved one of the most capable executives the city has known, exercising his prerogative in the interest of the community and making a record which has never been surpassed in Vincennes for honesty or efficiency. As a financier he was prudent, reliable and far-seeing. He gained a reputation as one of the sagacious men of his time in Knox county, a man whose opinion was often sought and whose advice if followed almost invariably proved the accuracy of his judgment.

Mr. McKenney was born in St. Louis, February 13, 1827, and was a son of Samuel and Jane (Hayes) McKenney. The father was of Scotch descent, but a native of Virginia, his ancestors having come to America in the eighteenth century. He was an Indian trader, and for many years was prominently engaged in that business with headquarters in St. Louis.

Richard J. McKenney received his preliminary training in the parochial schools of St. Louis and under the Jesuit Fathers was educated for the priesthood. However, he felt attracted to a business career and after leaving college he spent eight years in Mexico. Returning home, he removed to Vincennes and became identified with the railroad business, acting as paymaster for a construction company which built the first railroad in this city, and he had charge of the first railway train that entered Vincennes, in July, 1855. Later he was identified with the transfer business in St. Louis, continuing there for three j'ears, after which he went to Cincinnati but, returning to Vincennes in i860, made this city his permanent home. Here he was prominent in financial afifairs and became president of the Vincennes Deposit Bank: He occupied the office of mayor from 1861 to 1863 and also acted as trustee in settlement of the estates of his father-in-law and others. On November 13, 1890, Mr. McKenney was called away at the age of sixty-three years and nine months. The general expression of regret upon the announcement of his death indicated the profound respect in which he was held by the entire community.

On October 17, 1854, Mr. McKenney was united in marriage to Miss Arabella D. Wise, a daughter of John and Hannah (McCall) Wise, the family being among the oldest settlers in this part of the state. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McKenney: Cora, deceased; John, who was an unusually bright boy and died at fourteen years of age; and Marian S., who married J. Napier Dyer. Mrs. McKenney is now living in Vincennes where she has many friends who have been attracted by her kind and loving disposition. Although she has been called upon to pass through the valley of affliction, she has been sustained by a trust founded on Divine promise which to her has been a constant source of support. The snows of many winters have whitened her hair, but they have not affected her heart, and no one appeals to her in vain wlio needs her assistance or sympathy.

John Wise, the father of Mrs. McKenney, was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, on the 17th of October, 1796. of German ancestry, his grandparents having come to this country from Germany at an early day and settled in Pennsylvania. Representatives of the family participated in the Revolutionary war. His parents both died on the same day, leaving a family of eleven children, whom Mr. Wise assisted in caring for until they were able to provide for their own support. After coming to Vincennes he sent for the others as he became able, bringing all of them to this city with the exception of two sisters.

Although his educational advantages were somewhat meager, he became a well informed man and developed a splendid talent for business. It was in 1816 that he arrived in Vincennes, at which time the country was wild and undeveloped and the Indians were very much in evidence. He first opened a saddlery shop and later in connection with his two brothers Samuel and William embarked in the pork packing business, in which he met with most excellent success. The products of his packing house were shipped on flatboats down the river to New Orleans. He also established a stage line between Vincennes, Evansville, Terre Haute, St. Louis and Louisville, carrying both passengers and mail. As time passed he became one of the wealthiest and most influential men of the community, and at his death had amassed a large fortune.

On the I2th of February, 1824, Mr. Wise was united in marriage to Miss Hannah McCall, of Lexington, Kentucky, by whom he had six children, namely: Anna, deceased; Mary, the deceased wife of Jedediah Hebard; William, James and Arabella, all deceased; and Arabella, now Mrs. McKenney. The mother of these children passed away on the 5th of April, 1840, during the infancy of Mrs. McKenney. She was an earnest and faithful member of the Presbyterian church, to which Mr. Wise also belonged, and for some time he served as trustee. In politics he was a lifelong democrat, and was a man who took an active and commendable interest in public affairs. Of fine physique, he was over six feet in height and was a man of exemplary habits, never using intoxicating liquors or tobacco in any form. After a useful and well spent life he passed away on the 13th of August, 1884.

Otto F. Kramer

Many competent business men have been attracted to \'incennes from other states or cities by the advantages here olifered in commercial affairs. It is also true that many native sons of Vincennes are in evidence and by their high standing in a field where there is much active competition, have demonstrated their ability and business worth. Otto F. Kramer, who occupies an honorable position in the drug business of Vincennes, is a native of this city and has here passed his life. He was born July 24, 1880. His father, Frank Kramer, was born in this city in 1854, and engaged in the carpenter trade and the mother, Mary E. Ueding before her marriage, also a native of this state, was born in 1856. There were five children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Kramer: Vernie, deceased; Otto F., our subject; Edward J. and Cletus, both at home; and Mary Louise, deceased.

The subject of our review received his preliminary education in the public schools and then attended the high school of the city. After laying his books aside, he became identified with the drug business under Herman

J. Watjen, continuing for twelve and one-half years, during which time he acquired a thorough knowledge of the vocation to which he had determined to devote his life. In 1909 Mr. Kramer began in business on his own account as junior member of the firm of Duesterberg & Kramer, opening up a store at Third and Main streets, and here maintains one of the most complete establishments of the kind in the city. Mr. Kramer thoroughly understands every detail of the business, and has talents of salesmanship which are very desirable qualities for any man who comes daily into contact with the public.

In 1904 our subject was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Rinebold, who was born at St. Francisville, Illinois, in 1883. She is a daughter of John and Julia (De Burssert) Rinebold. Her father was a merchant and is now deceased. Two sons have brightened the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kramer: Joseph Cletus, born March 19. 1907; and Robert George, born April 23, 1909.

Mr. Kramer is in sympathy with the democratic party and usually votes for its candidates, although in local affairs he sometimes casts his ballot independent of party ties. He is a valued member of the Catholic church and of affiliated organizations; the Knights of Columbus, and the St.. John's Benevolent Society. Socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Foresters and the Harmonic Verein, and has many friends in those organizations. Always energetic and capable, perfectly reliable in his business dealings, Mr. Kramer belongs to that class of self-reliant men who are bound to succeed in whatsoever calling they may engage.

For nineteen years Dr. W. F. Smith has engaged in the practice of medicine in Vincennes and the fact that he has remained here for so long a period is at once proof that a liberal practice has been accorded him. He is numbered among Kentucky's native sons, his birth having occurred in the city of Uniontown on the 9th of July, 1853. His parents were Isaac and Matilda (Harris) Smith, the former a farmer who removed from Kentucky to Indiana and spent his remaining days in agricultural pursuits in this state. His widow still survives him and is now living in Owensville, Indiana.

At the age when most boys begin their education. Dr. Smith became a pupil in the country schools and prepared for college at Valparaiso, Indiana. He afterward engaged in teaching for a short period and later turned his attention to the drug business in Cynthiana, following that pursuit for about three years. His interest was thus awakened in the study of medicine and, resolving to make its practice his life work, he began reading and later entered the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he pursued the regular course and was graduated with the class of 1886. He then began practice in Cynthiana and subsequently came to Vincennes, where he has made his home continuously since 1891. He is deeply interested in everything that pertains to his profession and its progress and by reading keeps in touch with the thought of its most advanced and progressive representatives.

Dr. Smith has been married twice. In 1873 he was joined in wedlock to Miss Rose Williams and unto them were born a son and daughter. Raymond, who is a graduate of Butler University of Indianapolis; of the Vincennes University ; and of Yale University, and is now a minister of the gospel, married Miss Grace Clifford and has one son, Raymond C, now two years of age. The daughter, Minnie, is the wife of Henry Merchant. For his second wife Dr. Smith chose Sarepta Wise, and they have three children : Frank, a baker, who married Effie Williams and lives at Lawrenceville, Illinois; Estella, the wife of O. P. Church; and Lawrence, a baker, at Cairo, Illinois.

Dr. Smith and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and his life has ever conformed to its teachings. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and is in sympathy with all of the principles which tend to uplift man and promote forbearance, kindliness and helpfulness. These qualities are often manifest in his professional service, and it is well known that Dr. Smith will give generously of his time and professional aid where no remuneration is to be expected.

L. Park Colenbaugh

Among the prosperous business men of Vincennes who have attained a responsible and honorable position by their own efforts and may therefore be called self-made men is L. Park Colenbaugh, a well known wholesale confectioner and cigar dealer. He comes of good fighting stock, his grandfather Colenbaugh having taken an active part in both the Mexican and Civil wars. His father, Jeremiah Colenbaugh, was a native of Indiana, born on a farm in 1853 and was associated in recent years with his son in business. The mother, who was before her marriage Melissa Hubbell, was also born in Indiana in 1853 and was educated in the common schools and in a high school of Greene county. In the family were two children: L. Park, our subject; and Zona Pearl, who became the wife of R. C. Hannum, and died in 1908.

Educated in the public schools, L. Park Colenbaugh was early attracted to a business career and became identified with a wholesale grocery firm for which he traveled for fourteen years, visiting various parts of the country and acquiring a knowledge of human nature and of business affairs which cannot be learned from books. In the meantime, however, he determined when opportunity presented to establish himself independently and in 1906 he re- tired from the road and opened a wholesale confectionery and cigar business at No. 321 North Second street, in which he has continued with steadily increasing success.

In 1896 Mr. Colenbaugh was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Lulu M. Balue, who was born in Illinois in 1875. Her father died during her childhood, but the beloved mother, Mrs. Mary Balue, is still living and makes her home with our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Colenbaugh are the parents of one son, Max, born December 27, i8g8, and now preparing to enter the high school.

Mr. Colenbaugh has had unusually favorable opportunities for studying the political conditions in various states and as a result of his observation has become a stanch republican and is an earnest advocate of the principles of his party. He holds membership in the Methodist church and socially is identified with the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias, the United Commercial Travelers Association and the Royal Arcanum. He has found in his wife a worthy helpmate who by sympathy and cooperation has greatly lightened the burdens of business life which the head of the family each day is obliged to assume. Mr. Colenbaugh by his energy, good judgment and pleasing address has built up a flourishing trade and he is justly esteemed by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances on account of his sterling qualities. He is recognized as an active and progressive citizen whose aim it is not only to advance his own interests but to assist to the extent of his ability in advancing the permanent welfare of the city and state.

Anton Simon

Anton Simon, who is widely known as a brewer and business man of Vincennes, belongs among the citizens of foreign birth who have adopted America as their home. He first opened his eyes to the Hght of day in 1848. in the Province of Alsace, France, and is a son of Peter and Barbara (Rish) Simon, who were both natives of France, the father being a hotel keeper. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Simon; Anton, our subject; Leo of Vincennes, who is married and is the father of five children ; and Laura, who lives in Roumania.

Anton Simon was educated in his native country but after arriving at manhood he became convinced, from reading and by meeting countrymen who had visited America, that the land of the stars and stripes offered inducements to ambitious young men not found elsewhere in the world. His own province is one of the densely populated regions of Europe and there the son is expected to follow in the steps of the father and lines of distinction between classes in society are sharply drawn. Anton Simon longed for independence and the opportunity of working out his own salvation through his innate ability. So in 1862, at the age of thirteen years, he bade farewell to friends and family scenes, and crossed the ocean, landing at New York, and preceding westward to Vincennes where he has since lived. At the time of his arrival the country was in the second year of the great Civil war and all lines of mercantile business had received an upward impulse which has continued with temporary fluctuations ever since. Mr. Simon was employed in a dry-goods store for one year and then was identified with a confectionery establishment for a number of years, but entering the brewery business in partnership with Eugene Hack in 1874, he has ever since been closely identified with this branch of industry, to which he has devoted the principal energies of his life. He is also connected with a number of other lines of activity and is at present vice president of the Vincennes Trust Company and a director of the Knox Building Association and the Hartman Plow Works. Mr. Simon is regarded by his business associates as a man of unusually safe judgment in financial matters and his advice is often sought by citizens and friends desiring to proceed along the most approved lines of investment.

In 1876 Mr. Simon was united in marriage to Miss Anna Weissenberger, who was born in 1856, a daughter of George W. and Anna (Fox) Weissenberger, of this city. Four children brightened the household of Mr. and Mrs. Simon: Anna Clara, at home; Eugene A., a Catholic priest at Snake Run near Fort Branch, this state ; Louis J. and Marie Cecile, both at home.

Mr. Simon adheres to the democratic party, believing that its principles are best adapted for the perpetuity of a free government. He is a lifelong member of the Catholic church and also holds membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. As a business man and citizen he has made many friends during his experience of forty-eight years in this city. He has witnessed many important changes in Knox county and throughout this region and is now enjoying the advantages which have resulted from the great increase in population and wealth of the last half-century. Looking back over the past, Mr. Simon sees no reason to regret that he decided to make his home in America, oflfering as it does an asylum to millions who have here realized their dreams of financial independence.

Eugene Hack

While preeminently a business man, his time being largely devoted to the successful conduct of a brewery, Mr. Hack is nevertheless an active factor in public affairs of the community and has cooperated in many movements which have been directly beneficial to Vincennes. He has therefore come to be known as a citizen of worth and through the long j^ears of his residence here he has gained many friends.

Buildings Of Hack & Simon Brewing Company

forded him his educational privileges and after putting aside his text-books he turned his attention to merchandising. In 1867 he came to the United States and entered the employ of Edward Weisert, who had previously been a resident of Wurteniburg, Germany, and was well acquainted with the Hack family. It was through his influence that Eugene Hack came to the United States, Mr. Weisert reporting favorably concerning the opportunities and advantages offered in this land. After seven years spent in the service of Mr. Weisert, Mr. Hack joined Anton Simon in organizing the Hack & Simon Brewing Company which was established on the ist of January, 1875. They began business in a small way and the trade of the house has increased until the firm name of Hack & Simon is now widely known because of the superior order of their product. They have a well equipped plant, supplied with the latest improved machinery, while every attention is paid to cleanliness as well as to composition.

While a very busy man in connection with the conduct of the brewery, Mr. Hack finds time to interest himself in public affairs relating to the welfare of the city. He served for twelve years as a member of the city council and exercised his official prerogative in support of many measures introduced for the benefit of Vincennes. For fifteen years he has been a member of the school board and the cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion. While serving as alderman he was made a member of the building committee, and to Mr. Hack more than to any other man Vincennes is indebted for the erection of the fine city hall which is certainly a most creditable public building. Moreover, it was erected at a reasonable cost, Mr. Hack financing the proposition. He gave to it the same earnest attention and watchful care that he has manifested in the control of his private business interests and as a result there was no useless expenditure of time, labor or material.

In 1873 Mr. Hack was united in marriage to Miss Dorothy Hackman, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and unto them have been born the following children : Claire, who died at the age of two years ; Clarissa, now the wife of C. E. Johnson, of this city ; Julius M., who is engaged in business with his father ; Otto A., who is a graduate of Princeton College and of the New York Law School, and is now a prosperous lawyer of this city ; Cecelia ; Bertha ; and Mary. The children have all been liberally educated, Mr. Hack realizing the advantage and value of broad mental training as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties.

Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a fine type of the German-American citizen, is genial and kindly in manner, charitable and generous in disposition. Those who have had business dealings with him find him reliable while those who meet him socially entertain for him the utmost regard. Vincennes owes much to her citizens of German birth, many of whom in the various walks of civil, business and private life have conspicuously illustrated the peculiar characteristics of their native land and have won recognition in the home of their adoption as broad-minded and able men. Among this number Mr. Hack occupies a praiseworthy position as a type of the foreign born citizen, fully imbued with the spirit of American institutions and thoroughly devoted to the best interests of the community with which he has long been identified.

Frederick Samonial

Frederick Samonial remained throughout the period of his residence in Vincennes a representative and valued citizen, his life characterized by those faculties which bring success and many friendships. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in the year 1840, a son of Frederick and Margaret Samonial. The father was a tanner and leather manufacturer of Louisville, who ranked with the prominent and progressive business men of that city. The family moved to Mount Carmel, Illinois, and Mr. Samonial established a tannery in that city, which he conducted up to the time of his death.

Frederick Samonial, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the public schools of Louisville and after putting aside his textbooks worked with his father in the leather manufactory for a time, thus receiving his initial business experience. He afterward went to Mount Carmel, Illinois, where he assisted his father in the conduct of the tanyard, later moving to Vincennes, where he accepted a position with Frank Fay, who was engaged in the transfer business, as superintendent. Subsequently he purchased the business, which he conducted successfully on his own account. He afterward engaged in the coal business, which he conducted at the corner of First and Busseron streets in Vincennes, to which city he had removed about 1864. He was located there for some time and subsequently secured the location where the business is now conducted, where Main street is intersected by the Vandalia Railroad. He was very successful in the coal business, building up a splendid trade, his promptness, enterprise and thoroughly trustworthy methods constituting the secret of his prosperity.

In community affairs Mr. Samonial was always deeply interested and wherever possible gave his aid and cooperation to movements which he deemed essential to the public good. For two terms he was township trustee of Vincennes township and later was elected to the position of county commissioner of Knox county, in which office he was continued by reelection for eight years, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity and with unquestioned loyalty to the best interests of the community.

In 1872 Mr. Samonial was married to Miss Delia Quinn, a daughter of Patrick and Mary Quinn, both of whom were natives of Ireland but never left that land. Mrs. Samonial was born on the Emerald isle and came to America in 1865. By her marriage she became the mother of four children. Charles E.. the only son, is now his father's successor in business. He was educated in Vincennes and after graduating from the high school became his father's assistant in managing and conducting the coal yard and upon him devolved the control of the business upon the father's death. He has proved himself an enterprising business man, his capability being manifest in the large trade which is accorded him. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Pastime and Harmony Clubs. Mayme, a graduate of St. Rose Academy, is at home. Margaret, who was also educated at St. Rose Academy, is the wife of Theodore Frank, a merchant tailor of Vincennes, and they have one child, Mary C. Helen, the youngest of the family, is the wife of Elmore Blann, a farmer of Oaktown.

While the children are all living, the family circle was broken by the hand of death on the 6th of February, 1909, when the husband and father passed away at the age of about sixty-nine. His personal qualities endeared him to those with whom he came in contact and those whom he met gave to him their friendship and warm regard.

Dr. C. L. Boyd, recognizing fully the obligations and responsibilities which devolve upon him in his professional capacity, discharges all duties with a sense of conscientious obligation that has made his professional work a matter of entire satisfaction to his many patrons. He is well known in Vincennes and throughout Knox county, where his ancestors have lived from pioneer times. He was born in Palmyra township, this county, on the 22d of October, 1877, and is of Scotch lineage. His grandfather, John T. Boyd, became one of the earliest settlers of this part of the state, removing with his family from Virginia and taking up his abode in Knox county when much of the land in this district was still in possession of the government and when the work of improvement and delevopment seemed scarcely begun. Among his children was Leroy Boyd, who became a farmer and stockman, owning and cultivating a good tract of land that constituted the farm upon which Dr. Boyd was born and reared. He married Volender Hornback and in order to provide for his family engaged in tilling the soil, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation.

Spending his youthful days in his parents' home. Dr. Boyd began his education in the district schools near the old farmstead and later continued his studies in the preparatory department of De Pauw University at Greencastle. He then took the regular college course and was graduated in 1899. ^'^ professional education was acquired in the New York University and Bellevue Hospital, New York city, and broad practical experience came to him through two years' service as interne in the City Hospital of New York. He was afterward interne in the New York Lying-in Hospital for a short period, after which he returned to his native county and settled in Vincennes, where he entered upon the active practice of his profession. He has made steady progress as his fellow townsmen have come to recognize his ability to cope with the involved and intricate problems that continually confront the physician. He is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and the excellent results which follow his professional labors show that his judgment is sound and that his methods are practical and resultant. He belongs to the local, county and state medical societies and also to the Lancet Club.

In more strictly fraternal relations Dr. Boyd is connected with the Sigma Chi and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Royal Arch degree. He has a wide acquaintance in this the county of his nativity and his stanchest friends are among those who have known him from his boyhood to the present.

Five years ago Dr. Ellis H. Tade began the practice of his profession in Knox county. He soon gained the confidence of the people and today he enjoys a lucrative practice which is constantly growing, and is in a high degree creditable to one so recently established. He is a native of this county and comes of a family of pioneers whose name has been well known in Knox and adjoining counties from the early days of the state. He was born here, October 27, 1879, ^ son of Samuel T. and Louisa C. (Williams) Tade, the former of whom was born at Bruceville, Indiana, January 22, 1854, and departed this life December i, 1896. He received his education in the public schools and continued upon the home farm until he was twenty-three years of age and then began farming for himself. Later he learned the carpenter's trade and assisted very materially in the constraction of houses in the community, being a man erf energetic temperament and good judgment in anything he undertook. Politically, he affiliated with the democratic party, and socially he held membership in the Knights of Honor and was a thorough believer in the beautiful teachings of that order. He accepted the Bible as the inspired word, and for many years up to the time of his death was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. The grandfather of our subject was John Tade, also a native of Knox county. He married Mary A. Small and they wereamong the first settlers in the vicinity of Bruceville. Mary Small as a girl came to Knox county with her parents at a time when the country, now occupied by beautiful farms, was covered with a dense forest, and there was little evidence that it would ever become one of the most flourishing districts in the state. The Tade family has performed an important part in subduing the wilderness and reducing nature to the uses of man. In Indiana the name will ever be held in the highest esteem, recalling as it does the trials and privations of the pioneers through whose efforts we are ahle to possess the comforts and conveniences of today. There were nine children in the family of which Samuel T. Tade was a member and he was the third in order of birth. He was married in 1877, the parents of his wife being John and Mary (Dellinger) Williams, who were identified for many years with the farming interests of the county and whose home was brightened by the arrival of seven children, five of whom are now living.

Dr. Tade received his early education in the district schools of Knox county and after attending the high school of Wheatland he entered the Medico-Chirurgical College of Kansas City, Missouri, where he remained for one year. Returning to his native state, he became a student in the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis, and after a course of three years in the various branches of medicine and surgery, he was graduated in 1905, with the degree of M. D. Upon leaving college he began practice in Knox county, and by the successful application of the principles of his profession he has gained a large patronage in Steen, Harrison and Palmyra townships, as well as in portions of the adjoining county of Daviess. He owns his home in Wheatland and possesses an interest in forty-six acres of farming land in this county.

On August 17, 1904, Dr. Tade was united in marriage to Miss Ethel P. Black, a daughter of H. C. and Mandy (Donaldson) Black, of Knox county. Two children have blessed the union, LiUian Eltruda and H-elen Marguerite.

The doctor is affiliated with the democratic party, and although he has not been an anxious seeker for official honors, he is now serving as trustee of the township, having entered upon a term of four years, beginning in 1909. Socially he is connected with Wheatland Lodge, No. 292, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Wheatland Lodge, No. 4930, Modern Woodmen of America. He is recognized as a man of high character, thoroughly qualified for the difficult profession in which he is engaged, and he has fairly earned the honorable position which he occupies in the estimation of his fellow citizens.

Peter R. McCarthy, universally recognized in Vincennes as one of its most popular citizens, is a native of the Emerald isle. He was born in the parish of Fackle, County Clare, on the loth day of March, 1849, and is a son of Michael and Bridget (O'Connors) McCarthy. The mother died when our subject was in his early boyhood, and the father came to America with his children in i860, seeking here opportunities for himself and family which were not available in the old country. He was an honest, industrious man, and became section foreman of the Missouri Pa-

The subject of this review was educated in the public schools and early came into contact with the stern realities of the world. He entered the railway service and for some years acted as engineer on the old Ohio & Mississippi Railway, now the Baltimore & Ohio road. After ten years of experience with the railway, he became assistant chief of the fire department of Vincennes and in this position he continued with great acceptance to the city government and the people for nine years. He had become interested in politics, and in 1879 was elected city treasurer, being reelected two years later without opposition. He served for four years in this position, proving one of the most efficient officials at the head of the financial department that the city has known. In 1875 Mr. McCarthy became owner of the Vincennes Galvanized Iron Works, manufacturers of roofing and all kinds of cornice, galvanized iron and copper work, etc., and he has ever since continued at the head of this establishment, which many years ago became one of the substantial business enterprises of Vincennes and under his management has gained a reputation which extends outside the limits of Knox county.

On April 4, 1871, Mr. McCarthy was united in marriage to Miss Mary O. Dubois, who was born in Vincennes in 1850 and is a daughter of Henry H. and Lydia (Watson) Dubois, both natives of this city. The family bears an honored name in Indiana and Illinois. The great-grandfather, Major Tousant Dubois, guided George Rogers Clark up the Wabash river to Fort Sacksville previous to the time of the Revolutionary war and served with distinction in that noted expedition. An uncle of Mrs. Mc- Carthy, Jesse K. Dubois, was auditor of the state of Illinois for eight years and a cousin, F. T. Dubois, served as United States senator from the state of Idaho. To Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy nine children have been born: Ella, the wife of John J. Murphy, president of the Murphy Distilling Company, of Vincennes ; Mary Agnes, the wife of Peter Gilchrist, chief engineer of the Murphy Distilling Company and mother of two children, a son and a daughter ; John H., foreman in his father's shop, who married Ella King and is the father of one daughter; Babe, who became the wife of Charles Edmonds, and is now deceased ; George and Michael, both deceased Al'Vp. of South Dakota, who is the wife of Charles B. Cunningham and has two children ; Peter Gaddis, at home ; and Francis Patrick, also at home. The daughter, Mrs. Edmonds, left two daughters, who are making their home with Mr. and Mrs. Murphy.

Mr. McCarthy ever since arriving at years of maturity has been actively identified with the democratic party, and has been a leading factor in its councils in Knox county for many years. For four years, from 1882 to 1886, he served as chairman of the county central committee, and from 1905 to 1909 acted as township trustee. He is affiliated with the Catholic church, of which he has been trustee for twenty-seven years, and he is also connected with a number of fraternal organizations, serving as first grand knight of the Knights of Columbus and one of the fathers of the council of Vincennes Council, No. 712. He was first president of the Eagles lodge, serving for two terms in that capacity, and at the present time is filling the office of grand district deputy president. He is past sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men and district deputy great sachem. He is a member of Lodge No. 291, B. P. O. E., in which he holds the title of past exalted ruler and district deputy grand exalted ruler of southern Indiana. He has also been prominently connected for many years with the Catholic Knights of America, serving for eight years as state president, and he is now president of local branch No. 256. Mr. McCarthy has especially been fortunate in a life companion, and he has found in his wife a true and loving associate, who has made their home, over which she has presided for nearly forty years, the abode of peace and true hospitality. By a consistent career, crowned with useful and helpful acts, Mr. McCarthy has constantly added to his own happiness and increased the happiness of others, and difficult indeed would it be to find anywhere a man more generally respected and beloved in the community where he lives than the honored gentleman whose name stands at the head of this review.

John H. Bruce

One of the most interesting pioneers of Knox county, if not of the state of Indiana, is John H. Bruce, of Bruceville, now eighty-four years of age, and living on his farm which he manages as easily as a man twenty-five years younger than himself. He was born in Washington township, Knox county, August 17, 1826, and is a son of William and Hetty R. Bruce, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Kentucky. The father came to the region now known as Knox county in 1800 and rented five acres of land near Vincennes at five dollars an acre. After a short stay he returned to Kentucky, but in 1805, again being attracted northward, he came to Knox county and entered two hundred acres of land in Washington township. Here he erected a rude log cabin in which he lived until 181 1. when he built a brick house which is still standing and is now one hundred years old. He cultivated his farm until his death which occurred when he was seventy-seven years of age, in 1854. The mother was called away fourteen years later, in 1868.

John H. Bruce had little opportunity for school training as he grew up in the early pioneer period. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age when, having a laudable curiosity to see other parts of the world, he went down the Mississippi river to New Orleans and after staying there awhile came up the Mississippi and Missouri rivers to Kansas City, then a thriving village on the borders of civilization. While at Kansas Cty he assisted in clearing the land on the spot now occupied by the metropolis of the Missouri Valley. In November, 1897, having seen enough of the south and west, he returned home and applied himself with such diligence to study that he was granted a teacher's certificate and taught in the district schools for four years. Having taken unto himself a life companion, he rented a farm for five years and then bought twenty-five acres which he cultivated for eleven years. His next venture was in the mercantile business at Bruceville, but after an experience of eight years he sold out and bought the old home farm of eighty acres where he has since lived. Thirty-five acres of the place he has laid out in town lots, the land having become too valuable for farming purposes. He has made many improvements upon his farm and is greatly attached to it on account of associations extending back for many years. In 1850 Mr. Bruce was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Threlkeld. a daughter of James and Sally Threlkeld, natives of Pennsylvania. Four children came to bless their union : E. Bruce, who became a physician and , departed this life in 1895 ; Mrs. Sally H. McClure, who is married and lives in Bruceville; Hetty B., deceased in 1890; and Cora May. who died in 1862 at the age of four years.

Mr. Bruce, notwithstanding his advanced age, still enjoys 1 fair degree of health, but his wife, who has reached the age of eighty-five years, was stricken with blindness about a year ago. She bears up bravely under this affliction, being sustained by an unalterable trust in a Providence that directs all things aright. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce are members of the Church of Christ at Bruceville, the town being named in honor of the father of our subject. Politically Mr. Bruce is in sympathy with the republican party and has held several public offices of responsibility, serving for five years, from 1855, as clerk of Washington township, six years as assessor and four years as trustee. He has acted as administrator of fourteen estates and settled same on a basis highly satisfactory to those concerned. His life has been synonymous with honorable dealing and strict adherence to duty and as a result he has always possessed the respect of the people of the entire community.

George W. Mayfield. M. D.

Dr. George W. Mayfield, for eighteen years past a successful practitioner of Knox county, was born at Bruceville. Indiana, December 12. 1856. He is a son of Dr. John and Elizabeth Mayfield, both of whom were natives of Indiana. The father came to Bruceville in 1852, immediately after graduating from Rush Medical College of Chicago. Here he practiced until the beginning of the Civil war, when he moved to a farm two miles west of town and devoted his attention to agricultural and stock- raising interests for ten years. At the end of this period he returned to Bruceville and reentered the practice of his profession, which he continued until his death, which occurred January 23, 1905. He was a man of good education and he attained a reputation as a public-spirited citizen and an able physician. The beloved mother is still living, at the age of eightythree years, and visits around among her eight children, whose nanjes are : Mrs. Helen Hill, Mrs. M. Stiflfy, Mrs. Stella Ward, Joseph B. Mayfield, John T. Mayfield, Mrs. Kate Holmes, Elizabeth Mayfield and George W., subject of this sketch.

George W. Mayfield received his preliminary education in the public schools of Bruceville and remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of seventeen years, when he began his active career as a schoolteacher. After ten years' experience in the schoolroom, during which he gained many valuable lessons that have assisted him materially in his later life, he engaged in the brick and tile business, in which he continued for four years. Purchasing the stock of the Bruceville Drug Company, he was identified with the drug business for six years, in the course of which he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father and to devote his life to the healing art. Accordingly he disposed of the drug store and entered the Louisville Medical College of Louisville, Kentucky, where he was a student for one year, then transferring his allegiance to the Kentucky School of Medicine, in which institution he pursued the regular course for two years, graduating in 1892 with the degree of M. D. He also took a course in chemistry, for which he received a diploma in 1891. Since 1892 he has been in active practice at Bruceville, in the same community with which his father was identified for many years.

On the 4th of October, 1880, Dr. ]\Iayfield was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Gude, a daughter of Captain Alfred and Mary Jane Gude, both of whom were natives of Indiana. Five children have blessed the union: Hattie G., now twenty-eight years of age and successfully engaged in the teaching of music; Mrs. Susie S. Beckes, of Jackson, Mississippi; Georgie, deceased March 27, 1891 ; Joseph B., aged sixteen ; and Bonnie J., aged fourteen.

Dr. Mayfield is a member of the United States pension examining board of Knox county and also of the Knox County Medical Society and the Bicknell Medical Society. Fraternally he is connected with Bruceville Lodge, No. 547, I. O. O. F., of Bruceville, the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 517 of the same place and Bruceville Lodge, No. 5007, M. W. A. Politically he is in hearty sympathy with the principles of the republican party. He is a member of the Methodist church and by virtue of education, experience and natural qualifications he has attained recognition as one of the prominent men of Knox county.

In the course of an active life he has discharged his various responsibilities in such a way as to gain and retain the confidence of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Although thirty-six years of age before he began to practice, he soon won an enviable place in the estimation of the community and time has shown that the confidence then reposed in him was not misplaced. No man in Knox county is more highly respected by those with whom he associates than Dr. George W. Mayfield.

Thomas Eastham

Nature seems to have intended that a period of rest shall follow a life of busy activity. In early manhood one is filled with the vigor, hope and ambition of youth, and in later manhood energy and enterprise are widened by a sound judgment that is the result of experience. Labor, therefore, becomes more effective and results more sure, and if the individual is diligent and determined he may gain a competence that will enable him in his later years to live retired. Such is the record of Thomas Eastham, who at one time was a prosperous lumberman of Vincennes and has long been a well known citizen here. He now resides at 320 North Fourth street, where he is pleasantly located, the fruits of his former toil supplying him with all the necessities and some of the luxuries of life.

Mr. Eastham was born in Nelson county, Kentucky, February 25, 1835, and is the son of Isaac Newton and Eliza (Sweets) Eastham. The father was a mail contractor, who for a considerable period had the contract with the United States government for carrying the mail. He was born in Illinois, but when a young man went to Kentucky, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of that section of the state in which he made his home. He came to Knox county, Indiana, in 1851, and had a contract for the mail between Louisville and St. Louis for twenty years. He remained a resident of Vincennes, passing away here in 1871. His wife's death had occurred at a previous date.

Thomas Eastham acquired his early education in Kentucky and was sixteen years of age when his parents removed to Indiana. He worked with his father for about six years, after which he took contracts on his own account, continuing in the business for six years. He then turned his attention to farming and to the livery business, carefully, systematically and successfully cultivating his fields and managing his barn. Later however, he sold his farm and engaged in the lumber business, in which he was very successful, building up an extensive and profitable trade, his annual sales reaching a large figure, and at length bringing to him the success which has enabled him to put aside further business cares and live retired.

On the 4th of January, 1861, Mr. Eastham was married to Miss Lydia N. Burnett, a representative of a very prominent family of Knox county, who came to Indiana from Cleveland, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eastham have been born three children who are yet living: Stephen S., who is engaged in the laundry business in Vincennes : Kate, the wife of John T. Boyd ; and

Alice E., the wife of William Hengen. They reside in Iowa, and have three children: Jennie, Catharine and Rosma. Mr. and Mrs. Eastham lost one child Jessie, who married and died leaving a daughter, Lydia Jane.

Not only did Mr. Eastham become widely and favorably known as a successful lumber dealer, but was also active in public affairs, and for three terms was elected to and capably filled the office of city treasurer, proving a worthy custodian of municipal funds. Integrity has ever been one of the crowning features of his career, and was as strongly manifest in his official service as in business relations and private life. He has ever favored progress along any line that tends to uplift man, and has labored earnestly and continuously for the general welfare. His fellow townsmen respect and admire him for what he has accomplished, and he well deserves representation among the leading citizens of Knox county.

George H. Hoke

George H. Hoke, who is now living retired on a beautiful farm in Widner township, Knox county, is truly regarded as one of the prosperous and successful men of the county, with which he has been identified for fiftyone years. He was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, December 14, 1833, and is a son of Jacob and Rose Ann (Brentlinger) Hoke, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, the father having been born in Jefiferson county in 1807. The parents came to Indiana shortly after their marriage and settled in Sullivan county, where he prospered highly as a farmer and became owner of one thousand acres of land.

The subject of this review was educated in the subscription schools of Sullivan county and continued at home until twenty-six years of age, when he was married and removed to Knox county. Here he began farming on his own account upon one hundred and fifty acres of land, which was later given him by his father. With this land as a nucleus he labored diligently, increasing his possessions as opportunity oflfered, and at the present time he owns four hundred and eighty-five acres of land in Knox and Sullivan counties and occupies an enviable position in the farming community. The residence in which he lives is a commodious, neat and substantial building and the barns and outbuildings on the farm are equal to the best in the township. He has also improved his place by planting shade and ornamental trees. The fences are in repair, the land is well tiled and no pains or expense have been spared to make the farm thoroughly productive and one that yields a good income on the investment.

In 1859 Mr. Hoke was united in marriage to Miss Mary Pierce. Three children were born to the union, one of whom, William, is now living. Mrs. Hoke having departed this life in 1867. Mr. Hoke was again married October 20, 1870, his second union being with Mary M. Polk, by whom he had three children : Anna, deceased ; Rosa ; and Charlie. The mother of these children died in August, 1882, and on the 23d of December, 1884, Mr. Hoke married Miss Alice Scanling, who was born July 18, 1853, and is a daughter of John and Emma fRoe) Scanling. This union has been blessed by one child, Glendora.

Mr. Hoke has always taken a vital interest in the welfare of the region in which he lives and for several years served as township supervisor. He is a stanch believer in the Bible and holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he is a liberal contributor. Although he has passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. Mr. Hoke is still blessed with good health for one of his age and his business qualifications are as bright as those of a man of fifty. He has led a life of great application and industry and now in peace and abundance enjoys the fruits of many years of toil. Having dealt fairly with others in his business career, he has made many friends in Knox county and everybody has a good word to say of George H. Hoke.

Anthony Hess

The owner of a well cultivated farm in Knox county and one of the stanch members of the community, Anthony Hess has clearly attained a commendable degree of success in life. He was born in Knox county in 1864 and is a son of Joseph and Thersia (Hudock) Hess. The father was a native of Alsace-Lorraine, Germany. After arriving at the estate of manhood, feeling that more favorable opportunities were presented in the United States than he could expect under the conditions of a long settled country, he came to America, locating in Knox county. He was an industrious and energetic man and in the course of years, through his perseverance and good management, he acquired a fine farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres. He was a devout member of the German Catholic church and was called to his reward October 3, 1907, his beloved wife having been called from earthly scenes ten years previously.

Anthony Hess was the eldest of a family of six children. He was educated in St. John's parochial school of Vincennes and after laying aside his books worked for various farmers by the day until 1892 when he purchased eighty acres of land in section 16, Johnson township. He has made all of the improvements, erecting a substantial house and barn, clearing sixty acres and bringing the farm to a high state of cultivation so that now he may depend upon a handsome annual income as the result of his labors. He carries on general farming and is usually able to receive a good price for the products of his place.

a cooper by trade and made his home in Vincennes. Nine children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hess: Emma, Frank, Elsie, Corinne, Sophia, Lawrence, Mary M., Anthony and Raymond.

Mr. Hess holds membership in St. Thomas Catholic church and is an active worker in behalf of its various interests, having served as trustee of the organization. As head of a large and promising family, Mr. Hess has devoted his attention closely to his children and his farm and has had little time to give to politics. However, he is in sympathy with the democratic party and always exercises his right as an American citizen at the polls. He belongs to that class of industrious, energetic and honest men who give dignity to their vocation and are respected by all with whom they come in contact.

Watts Bond

Watts Bond, a well known representative of mercantile interests in the enterprising little city of Oaktown. is a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, born on the 4th of May, 1831. Few men of his years remain actively in business and his record should put to shame many a man of less resolute spirit who, grown weary of the responsibilities of business life, attempts to relegate to others the burdens that he should bear.

Mr. Bond has lived in Indiana since 1837, coming to this state with his parents, his father engaging in farming on Shaker Prairie in Busseron township. A year later, however, the father died, at which time Adam Bond, the only brother of our subject, took charge of the farm. It was upon the old homestead that Watts Bond was reared and his education was such as the country school afforded. At the age of twenty he left school and concentrated all of his time and energies upon assisting his brother in the farm work. When twenty-one years of age he rented a tract of land on Shaker Prairie and continued its cultivation for eight years. During that period he won substantial success, so that at the end of the time he had a sum of money sufficient to enable him to purchase one hundred and seventy-five acres of land, investing his capital in the locality in which he was already living. He then carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1861, when he sold the farm and removed to Oaktown. Four years later he embarked in merchandising and has since been connected with the commercial interests of the city, conducting a well appointed store in which he carries a large line of goods of modern manufacture, for which he finds a ready sale.

In 1867 Mr. Bond was united in marriage to Miss Sallie Bratton, a native of Xenia, Ohio. Theirs is a beautiful residence of Oaktown and in addition to this property Mr. Bond owns four hundred acres of rich, productive and valuable land in Busseron township. He has been very successful and his prosperity indicates what may be accomplished when firm purpose and un- faltering determination supplement industry and diligence. He has been a resident of the county for seventy-three years and few among its citizens have been familiar with its history and upbuilding for so long a period. He has ever been deeply interested in those things which pertain to the public welfare and has given active and helpful support and cooperation to many measures for the general good.

William N. Robeson

While making his home in \'incennes, William N. Robeson is very extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, being associated with his brother in the ownership, cultivation and conduct of farms comprising about thirteen hundred and twenty-five acres just across the river in Illinois. He is classed with the progressive and representative business men of this section of the state, his sound judgment being manifest in the success which has rewarded his labors. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 23d of June, i860, and is a son of W. R. and Margaret (Caldwell) Robeson. Both the Robesons and Caldwells came to Indiana from Butler county. Ohio, where the families had settled in pioneer times. The father was a prosperous and prominent citizen there and in 1876 removed with his family to the Wabash valley, where he secured large tracts of land and carried on farming on an extensive scale.

In his youthful days William N. Robeson became a pupil in the public schools of Ohio near Overpeck and was a youth of sixteen at the time of the removal to Indiana. He then completed his education in Vincennes. He has since been identified with agricultural pursuits and is associated with his brother Robert L. in a partnership. They own about thirteen hundred and twenty-five acres of land just across the river in Illinois. The greater part of this is under cultivation, although there is some pasture and some timber land. The fields are rich and productive and return splendid crops, for the brothers are progressive in their methods of farming and do everything possible to keep the land in good condition through the rotation of crops and the judicious use of fertilizers. They are also engaged extensively in stockraising, making a specialty of sheep and of Angora goats, although they also have high grades of hogs, cattle and horses upon their farm.

On October 15, 1895, Mr. Robeson was united in marriage to Miss Louise Munson, whose people were former residents of Mitchell. Indiana. Mr. Robeson belongs to the Presbyterian church of which his family have for many years been prominent representatives. He has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry and is a member of the Mystic Shrine, while both he and his brother are members of the Elks lodge. As business men they display an initiative spirit and practical methods, which are leading to excellent results. They never consider any position final but rather as the starting point for further accomplishment. Theirs is an ideal farming property, extensive in scope but fully equipped with the latest improved machinery and conveniences for carrying on the farm work. In all business transactions they are known for their thorough reliability as well as for their progressive methods and the name of Robeson is an honored one in connection with the agricultural interests of this section of the country.

William Owen Roach

William Owen Roach, who carries on general farming in Busseron township, is one of the extensive landowners of this part of the county, his holdings aggregating five hundred and sixty acres. This property is the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift, for at the outset of his career his capital was very limited. He was born in Washington township, this county, on the 23d of June, 1849. His father, Nathan O. Roach, was also a native of this county, where the family has been represented from early pioneer times. Nathan O. Roach on attaining his majority took up the occupation of farming as a life work and always gave his time and energies to the task of tilling the fields and caring for the crops. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Hudson, was a native of Illinois.

William O. Roach was left an orphan at the age of about eight years. His education was acquired in the district schools but his opportunities in that direction were very meager, for at the time of his parents' death he was thrown upon his own resources and has since earned his living. When still but a boy he began work as a farm hand in the neighborhood and was employed in that way until he felt that he could assume the responsibility of operating a farm by himself. He then rented land which he cultivated until 1888 and in the meantime carefully saved his earnings until his capital was sufficient to enable him to purchase one hundred and fifty-seven acres of land, which was the nucleus of his present extensive possessions. Year by year he worked diligently and persistently in the cultivation of the fields and whenever possible added to his holdings until he is now the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of valuable farm land in Busseron township. Many excellent improvements have been put upon his place, including good buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. Mr. Roach has also become a stockholder in the Oaktown Bank.

In 1872 occurred the marriage of William O. Roach and Miss Lizzie Cook, a daughter of David Cook, one of the pioneer residents of Knox county. They have four children : Flora, now the wife of Edward Unger ; Minnie, the wife of Fred Townsley ; Annie, the wife of R. Qark; and Ethel, the wife of Sumner Cox. Mr. Roach and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are well known in this community, where they have an extensive circle of friends. He deserves much credit for what he has accompHshed and has justly won the proud American title of a selfmade man. Few boys thrown upon their own resources at the age of eight years would have made more rapid or creditable progress. He early realized the fact that his diligence and determination must bring to him whatever success he should enjoy and as the years have passed he has labored untiringly and persistently to win tlie success which has crowned his efforts, making him one of the prosperous and substantial farmers of the county.

John W. Emison, Sr

In the pioneer history of Knox County, the name of John W. Emison stands prominently forth, and with the substantial development of this section he was closely connected by reason of his varied and important business interests. For more than a century the name of Emison has been connected with the history of Vincennes and western Indiana. The family name was originally spelled Emerson. The first Emisons of whom we have record were two brothers who settled at Georgetown, Kentucky, in the eighteenth century, and among their descendants are those who are residents of Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri and Texas. The family was founded in Knox county, Indiana, by Thomas Emison, the father of John W. Emison, who left his Kentucky home in 1804 and settled on Mariah creek in what is now Knox county. He bore active part in the early development and progress of this region when it was still a part of the Northwest Territory, the family being here represented for a number of years before Indiana's admission into the Union in 1817.

Wiliam W. C. Emison, the eldest son of Thomas Emison, was here reared amid the wild scenes and environment of pioneer life at a period when the Indians were still numerous in the state, when many wild animals roamed over the praires and when much wild game was easily secured. Having arrived at years of maturity, William W. C. Emison married Elizabeth Posey, a daughter of Richard Posey, of South Carolina, who came to Indiana in 1800 and cast in his lot with the early settlers who had ventured into the western wilderness to reclaim the district for the purposes of civilization. Richard Posey was a prominent pioneer farmer here and the old Posey homestead, which he secured has been in possession of the Posey and Emison family since 1800 and is one of the interesting historical spots of the county.

John W. Emison, born and reared in Knox county and educated in its public schools, was a son of William W. C. and Elizabeth (Posey) Emison. The experiences that usually fall to the farm boy in a frontier region were his and he early learned the value of industry and unflagging enterprise. He married Sarah Dunning, a daughter of Spear S. and Emily (Bishop) Dunning, of Knox county, who likewise became early residents of old Vincennes.

There were five children in the family of John W. and Sarah Emison, namely : James Wade, now a practicing attorney of Vincennes ; John W., postmaster of this city ; Hugh A., now assistant postmaster of Vincennes ; Mrs. Mattie Barr and Mrs. Elizabeth Harris, both of Princeton, Indiana. Two members of the Emison family participated in the Civil war, serving in the Fifty-first Indiana Volunteers.

John W. Emison, the father, was one of the pioneers of Knox county in all that stood for its general improvement and the welfare and happiness of its people. He carried on fanning on an extensive scale and also engaged in mercantile and milling pursuits at the same time. His business integrity was unassailable and his enterprise carried him into important commercial, industrial and agricultural relations. The Methodist Episcopal church found him an earnest and devoted member and the republican party a stalwart advocate of its principles. He was a scholarly man, liberal in his views and kind hearted in the extreme. At all times he stood ready to divide his means with the needy and distressed and held out a helping hand to every worthy public movement.

James Reynalds, Sr

In every relation of life James Reynalds, Sr., stood as a high type of American manhood and citizenship. His record as a public officer of Knox county was unsullied, his business integrity was above question and those whom he met in social relations found him the possessor of qualities that aroused their high regard and won their warm friendship.

Mr. Reynalds was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1826, and the mingled strains of Scotch and German blood flowed in his veins. His parents were William and Mary (Jones) Reynalds, the former a native of the Keystone state and the latter of Maryland. The youthful days of James Reynalds were passed in Somerset county, his time being largely devoted to the acquirement of an education in the public schools. He was twenty-six years of age when he left Pennsylvania and went to Louisville, Kentucky, whence he went a year later to Evansville, Indiana.

In 1855 he arrived in Vincennes and not long afterward accepted the position of the first agent of the Adams Express Company at this place, serving faithfully in that capacity until i860. In the meantime his ability and his public-spirited citizenship had become recognized by his fellow townsmen who in the year mentioned elected him to the office of sheriff of Knox county. Two years later a reelection gave evidence of his fidelity in office, and when he had thus faithfully guarded the rights and liberties of the people of the county for four years, he retired to a farm and diligently devoted himself to the cultivation of the fields. He became the owner of two valuable farm properties in Knox county, comprising about four hundred acres of land, which he brought under a high state of cuhivation and which returned to him generous harvests. However, he was again called from private life to public office, being reelected sheriff in 1868. Again in 1870 he was the people's choice for that office and for two terms he also served as deputy, so that his connection with the sheriff's ofifice covered altogether a period of ten years. In 1874 he was made the nominee of the democratic party for the office of county treasurer and remained the faithful custodian of the public funds for two terms. Over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and his public service may well constitute an example in this day when so much is heard concerning graft and misrule in public aiifairs.

In 1852 Mr. Reynalds was united in marriage to Miss Mary Sterret, a native of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of three children, Elizabeth, Josephine and James. Seven years after their marriage Mrs. Reynalds died and in the same year Mr. Reynalds wedded Mary U. Markley, who passed away in 1866. In 1868 Mrs. Jane Bloom, the daughter of L. L. Watson, of \'incennes, became his wife. By a former marriage she had two children and by her marriage with Mr. Reynalds she became the mother of five children : Samuel D. ; William H., a resident of ]\Iobile, Tennessee, who is married and has two children, Minnie and Catharine ; Jessie, living at home; Edith J., who is the wife of Charles Judah and has three children, Emily, Reynalds and Charles ; and Jennie, at home.

A most honorable and upright life was terminated when, in 1890, Air. Reynalds was called to the home beyond. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge and in politics was a stalwart democrat, giving unfaltering support to the principles of the party and taking an active interest in shaping its policy and promoting its success in this county. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church to which he was ever loyal. The many notable qualities of his life had their root in his Christian belief. In business he possessed excellent executive ability, was systematic and diligent and his labors were rewarded with substantial success, but while he made for himself a splendid name in business, in office and in other relations of public life, his best traits of character were reserved for his own fireside and in his home he was a most loving and generous husband and father.

John L. Baker

Success has been defined as fifty per cent enthusiasm and most of the other fifty per cent stick-to-itiveness. Many young men have started in their active career with plenty of enthusiasm, but they lacked patience and the staying qualities that are dominant characteristics of the winners in all protracted contests. John L. Baker, secretary and treasurer of the Murphy Distilling Company, of Vincennes, has given evidence of being endowed with the vim and determination that generally indicate the successful contestant. His enthusiasm is contagious and no matter how grave the difficulty he feels that with discrimination and perserverance it ultimately can be surmounted.

Mr. Baker is a native son of Indiana. He was born in Knox county in 1882 and is the son of William Baker, who came from Germany, locating in Vincennes, where he gained an enviable reputation in financial circles and for twenty years has been president of the German National Bank. The father was born in 1834 and has been a resident of Knox county since early in the '50s.

John L. Baker was educated in the public schools of Vincennes and has been actively identified with business interests ever since he laid aside his school books. As secretary and treasurer of the Murphy Distilling Company he has put into practical use many lessons which he learned from his father and from actual contact with business men. He has found that there is no school that so deeply impresses its lessons as the school of life and that every day presents opportunity for new lessons. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a favorite not only among his business associates but in social circles.

Daniel N. Lane

Daniel N. Lane, president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Decker, is a native of Knox county and has here passed his entire life, gaining a reputation as one of the thoroughly competent and successful men of western Indiana. He is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, possessing foresight and executive ability which are so necessary in business affairs of the twentieth century, insuring their permanency and growth. He was born in Johnson township, January 25, 1861, and is a son of William P. and Catherine E. (Kimmons) Lane. The parents were also born in that township, the father February 8, 1836, and the mother April 10 of the same year. The couple began their married life in a little log cabin in the midst of the woods. They were ambitious, industrious and economical and Mr. Lane became the owner of three hundred acres of land, which he cleared and improved, making his farm one of the highly desirable places of Johnson township. At the time of the Civil war he served under the stars and stripes and his honorable discharge at the close of his enlistment is one of the precious heirlooms of the family. He departed this life at fifty-eight years of age.

Daniel N. Lane was educated in the common schools and after arriving at manhood devoted his attention to farming for ten years. He then became interested in the milling business, with which he was identified for ten years, and devoted three years to the sale of agricultural implements. In the meantime, however, he had never relinquished his farming interests and he is now the owner of a farm of two hundred and fifteen acres in Knox county which pays him a handsome income. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers & Alerchants Bank of Decker, which began operations on the i8th of August, 1909, and occupies a large modern brick building. It is capitalized at twentyfive thousand dollars and, although it has been in existence only a short time, it is recognized as one of the substantial institutions of the county and is growing rapidly. The officers of the bank are Daniel N. Lane, president; Frank Plass, vice president ; J. M. Bailey, cashier ; and the following gentlemen comprise the board of directors : Daniel N. Lane, Frank Plass, Martin Catt, Michael Catt, John D. Biddle, Herman Jording, J. D. Sisson, John J. Siebel and Harry Davis.

On the 29th of October, 1889, at Washington, Indiana, Mr. Lane was united in marriage to Miss Stella Smead, a daughter of Franklin and Sarah Smead, the former a native of Cincinnati and the latter of New Jersey. Her grandfather, Franklin Smead. was one of the pioneer bankers of Cincinnati, and the Widows Home in that city was built by him. Her parents are now making their home in California, where Mrs. Lane is now visiting them. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being : Ethel, now nineteen years of age ; Ralph, fifteen; Roy, thirteen; and Gladys, seven.

Mr. Lane is an upholder of the republican party and an earnest member of the Presbyterian church, to which he is a liberal contributor. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Tribe of Ben Hur, and is in hearty sympathy with the beneficent principles of these orders. From youth upward he has been a worker and the success which he has attained is attributable to his own efforts. By the concentration of his energies he early developed a strength of will which is so important in the battle with the world and which, when wisely directed, leads to the attainment of every laudable ambition. No man stands higher in the confidence of the people of Decker and vicinity than Daniel N. Lane and this enviable position he has earned by years of conscientious application and unswerving fidelity to every trust.

John Benjamin Fraumann

Among the descendants of German ancestry, in Knox county, who should be named in a work relating to the best citizens of the county, is John Benjamin Fraumann, a respected and successful farmer of Johnson township. He was born at Richmond, Indiana, July 15, 1856. and is a son of Charles D. and Elizabeth (Harting) Fraumann, both of whom were born in Germany, the former in 1817 and the latter in 1826. The father came to America when a young man and followed the trade of stone mason, later becoming identified with farming interests in which he was quite successful, as he acquired a place of one hundred and nine acres. He served in the German army before leaving his native land and there gained ideas of liberty which he lived to see exemplified under the flag of the American republic. He was a patriotic and honored citizen and lived to see many of his dreams realized, departing this life October 2, 1889, at the age of seventy-two years. The beloved mother was called away April 8, 1882. There were five children in the family : Mary, John, Edward, Annie and John Benjamin.

The subject of this review was educated in the public scliools of Indiana and under his father became familiar with the various details of agriculture and stock-raising. He applied himself with such diligence that at the present time he is the owner of a beautiful farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres in Johnson township, the most of which he cleared. He improved the family residence, erected barns and other buildings and has brought the land to a high state of cultivation. He is a general farmer. raising wheat and corn on quite an extensive scale and also devoting a great deal of attention to Durham cattle and other stock of excellent grades. He easily ranks as one of the most progressive farmers of the community.

On the 28th day of February, 1878, Mr. Fraumann was united in marriage at \''incennes. Indiana, to Miss Rachel Ellermann, a daughter of Conrad and Rachel Ellerman, both of whom were born in Germany, the father in 1796 and the mother in 1795. The head of the household departed this life August 25, 1878, his beloved wife having been called away November 29, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Fraumann are the parents of four children: Clara, who married Henry Broderhosen and is the mother of three children - Irene, Otto and Henry ; Benjamin C. ; Edward ; and Mary.

Mr. Fraumann is an earnest believer in the authority of the Bible and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a stanch supporter of the democratic party and although he has devoted his attention mainly to his private afifairs, his neighbors elected him township assessor and he served with a fidelity that gave complete satisfaction to the taxpayers of the township. He is conscientious and capable in everything he undertakes and has many friends who have been attracted by his manly qualities.

H. B. Fox, a leading citizen of Bicknell and proprietor of a thoroughly equipped drug store, was born in Bicknell, November 19, 1879. He is a son of William H. and Rebecca (Hooper) Fox, the former of whom is now living in Washington township, Knox county. There were seven children in their family : Willard, a dry-goods merchant of Bicknell ; Dora, the wife of David Wampler, a farmer near Bicknell ; Stephen, a farmer also near Bicknell ; Susie T., of Indianapolis ; Franklin P., a farmer living near Bicknell ; H. B., our subject ; and an infant deceased.

H. B. Fox received his preliminary education in the public schools of Bicknell, later attending the Vincennes University for one year. After returning home he taught school for five years and then entered Purdue University, taking the pharmaceutical course, and was graduated with the degree of Ph. D. in 1905. The next two years he spent as clerk in a drug store and in 1907, having become thoroughly prepared for the business in all of its details, he opened up a store of his own in Bicknell, where he carries a complete drug stock and also a fine line of paints, oils and school supplies. In addition to his mercantile business he deals in real estate and in his various operations has shown a capacity that has produced handsome returns upon his investments.

In 1904 Mr. Fox was happily united in marriage to Miss Nellie May Antibus, a resident of Bruceville, and one child, William H., has blessed the union. Mr. Fox is a member of the National Druggists Association of America. Politically he is identified with the democratic party and fraternally he is connected with the blue lodge and chapter of the Masonic order at Bicknell, serving as senior deacon in the latter. His wife is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Fox also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, being clerk in the Bicknell lodge of the last named organization. He and his wife are identified with the Methodist church and are valued members of a community where he was born and where he has spent all the years of his life except when securing his education.

William F. Cunningham

William F. Cunningham, deceased, was a representative of one of the prominent old pioneer families of Knox county. His birth occurred November II. 1844, in one of the old log cabins so common in early days, his parents being William and Jane (Bryan) Cunningham. When a young man the father removed westward to the Mississippi valley from Athens, Georgia, and settled upon the prairie, securing a tract of land, which, however, was cultivated and improved by his son William. There were Indians in this section of the state at the time but gradually they were driven out before the advancing white race, and the other evidences of frontier life were replaced by the indications of a modern civilization. The prairies which in an early day were covered with tall grasses and many wild flowers were converted into cultivable fields and brought forth good crops of grain. Instead of the wild fowls of the forest the domesticated fowls of the farmyard were seen and in all lines the work of progress and improvement was carried on, converting the once wild region into a productive district.

William F. Cunningham, who was the eldest child of the family, pursued his education in the early schools and by reading and observation added largely to his knowledge, becoming in time a man of broad mind and liberal thought. All of the members of his father's family are now deceased. He became one of the inheritors of the father's farm and after a time bought out the interest of the other heirs, becoming sole proprietor of a valuable tract of land comprising three hundred acres situated about five miles north of the city of Vincennes in Allison township. To his farm work he gave personal supervision, so that he knew just what was being accomplished and that the fields were being cultivated to the utmost.

On the 1st of December, 1870, Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage to Miss Hessie Sherwood, a daughter of Thomas and Jane (Thomerson) Sherwood. Three children hlc'-^p^ the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham: William R., who married Clotilda Kackley and is now engaged in clerking in a clothing store in Terre Haute, Indiana; JuHa M., the wife of Frank E. Lindsay, a railroad man living in Indianapolis ; and Kathryn C, who was educated in St. Rose Academy and in the University of Vincennes and is now living at home with her mother at No. 223 South Eighth street.

Mr. Cunningham attended the Christian church of which his wife has been a member since the age of sixteen years. He died on the 22d of March, 1904. on the old family homestead where his birth occurred, and the property is still in possession of the family. He was then about sixty years of age and had spent his entire life upon the old home farm, which for many years had been the property of the Cunninghams. He was one of the three commissioners at the time of the building of the levee along the Wabash and faithfully performed the duties of that position. He was true to every trust given to his care, was straightforward in his business dealings and thus won uniform regard, so that his memory is still enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him.

James B. Adams

James B. Adams, who is known as one of the successful men of Knox county and belongs to that class recognized as self-made, who by their own energy and ability have carved for themselves a place in the world, was born at Salyersville, Kentucky, February 2, 1858, his parents being Gilbert and Mary (Cooper) Adams. The father, who was also a native of Kentucky, came to Harrison township, Knox county, where he lived as a farmer until his death in 1873. The mother was born in Kentucky and was married in her native state. She died in Knox county in 1864. There were eight children in the family: Celia, deceased; Preston, now a farmer of Harrison township; Taylor and Eliza Jane, both deceased; Emma, the wife of Wesley Hilderman, a farmer of Harrison township; James B., our subject; and two children who died in infancy.