USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 19
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On the 13th of January, 1891, Mr. Frisz was married to Miss Anna Leonard of Evansville, Indiana, a daughter of J. G., and Margaret Leon-
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ard. Their marriage has been blessed with four children: Valentine G., who is a graduate of Jasper college and is now with his father in business; Verena, who is attending St. Rose academy; Christopher H., who is a student in the Sacred Heart School; and Olivia, now five years of age.
Mr. Frisz is connected with many fraternal societies, social organiza- tions and societies for the promotion of trade interests. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Woodmen of the World, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Travelers Protective Association, the Harmony Club and the Fishing Club. He is likewise a member of the Board of Trade, and is president of the North Vincennes Commercial Club, an organization formed to promote the busi- ness activity and consequent growth of that section of the city. His life has been an active and useful one and his days have been well spent, gain- ing for him not only a good return for his labor but also the respect and esteem of his fellowmen.
JAMES MASON.
James Mason, who has reached the venerable age of eighty-eight years and has been a resident of Knox county for about three-quarters of a cen- tury, may justly be called one of its pioneers. He was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, January 5, 1823, at time when the vast region north of the Ohio river was largely a wilderness and subject to entry as government land. His parents were Bennett and Mary (Wesner) Mason. The father was a native of Kentucky and went to Illinois in early manhood with his parents, luis ancestors upon one side being German and upon the other Englishı. As a pioneer Bennett Mason performed his part, participating in wars with the Indians and assisting to the extent of his ability in clear- ing away the forest and making the country a fit abode for a civilized com- munity. The mother was also acquainted with the trials and dangers of pioneer life and at one time was obliged to take refuge from the Indians in old Fort Knox across the river from Vincennes. The family came to Knox county about 1835 and settled in the Chambers' neighborhood, living here for five years. At the end of this time the father bought land in Vigo township, where he passed the remainder of his life. The mother came from Pennsyl- vania and was married in Illinois. Nine children blessed their union, one of whom died in infancy. The other members were: Betsey, now deceased ; Alfred; James ; Eliza ; Edward; Harrison; Alexander ; and Lucinda.
The subject of this review, like many of the children of pioneer families, had very little opportunity to attend school. In fact, he attended but three months and the education which he has received is mainly the result of his own unaided observation and reading. He began farming on his own ac- count in Vigo township and has there continued with the exception of two
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JAMES MASON AND CHILDREN
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years, which he spent in Greene county, Indiana. That he is a man of in- dustry and practical judgment is evidenced by the fact that he now owns one hundred and sixty-five acres of fine Knox county land, forty acres of which is on the river and all of which is well improved. He cleared the land him- self except a small portion, which he has reserved for other than agricultural purposes. As a general farmer he has been in an important degree suc- cessful. He also owns bank stock and is financially independent. At the time of the Civil war he was drafted into the army but was soon discharged.
In 1848 Mr. Mason was united in marriage to Lucinda Mills, who de- parted this life twenty years ago. There were nine children born to them : Betsey Jane, Alex Harrison, Sam, Charles, Mary, John H., J. Edward, William G. and Rosa.
Mr. Mason was originally an adherent of the old whig party but when its successor, the republican party, was organized he became a supporter of its principles, to which he has ever since given his vote. He is a stanch and uncompromising advocate of centralized authority and tariff for the pro- tection of American industries. A number of years ago he was a member of the United Brethren church but more recently he transferred his mem- bership to the Methodist church and is a liberal supported of that denomina- tion. The memory of our subject carries him back to pioneer days, when the woods abounded in deer and wolves, many of which he killed in his hunting expeditions, and the country was largely unimproved, markets were far away and money was scarce; but the settlers bore the inconvenience pa- tiently, believing that all serious obstacles would be overcome. They were not disappointed and today the region, which was once the home of wild animals and wild men, is the abode of thousands of happy families. It is to men like James Mason that this wonderful transformation is mainly due and his friends, who are many, earnestly hope that he may still have before him many years of ease and comfort.
JAMES C. PHILLIPPE.
James C. Phillippe, living in a beautiful home in Bicknell and in charge of a flourishing business which he himself founded, may be truly designated as one of the substantial citizens of Knox county. He was born in Bicknell, May 10, 1875, and is a son of John and Catherine (Thompson) Phillippe. The father was also a native of this county and a son of Peter and Mary (Fox) Phillippe, the grandfather having been born in Wythe county, Vir- ginia. John Phillippe, settled upon a farm south of Bicknell many years ago and is still living there. The beloved mother departed this life in 1897. They were the parents of six children : Adam, a farmer, living near Vincennes ; Charles A., a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work ; Edgar, now in the furniture and undertaking business at Bicknell; Maude, the wife of Dal
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Vaught, living on the home place ; Robert, now on a farm south of Bicknell; and James C., our subject.
James C. Philippe received a good education at Bicknell, passing through the various graded and high schools. After leaving school he taught for three years and then devoted his attention to farming in Vigo township for five years, succeeding so well that in 1905 he had acquired a capital that en- abled him to embark in the piano business at Bicknell, also handling a com- plete line of other musical instruments. Since 1908 he has devoted his at- tention principally to the sale of pianos, being the only piano dealer in the place. He has built up a large and profitable trade, as he handles instruments and goods of the very best class. He makes a specialty of the Baldwin piano, of which he is a great admirer and which has an extensive sale in this locality. He is the owner of a fine residence on Main street and retains his interest in the home estate, the division having been made when the father retired.
In 1902 Mr. Phillippe was united in marriage, at Bicknell, to Miss Bessie Chambers, a daughter of Lee Chambers, of Steen township, this county. Three children have blessed this union, Lowren Kenneth, Byron Gilbert and Maurice, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Phillippe gives his adherence to the democratic party and is an earnest advocate of its principles and candidates. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Methodist Episcopal church of Bicknell. In his wife he has found a worthy companion, who has nobly performed her part not only in the discharge of her household duties but as a sympathetic adviser in all matters pertaining to the family interests. They are both greatly esteemed in the community, where they have many friends and well wishers.
JOHN S. WELLS.
For thirty-two years past a resident of Bicknell, John S. Wells is closely identified with the interests of the town, and is recognized as one of its most valued citizens. He was born in Barbour county, West Vir- ginia, near the town of Philippi, where the first skirmish of the Civil war was fought, October 20, 1858, and is a son of W. J. and Lucy (Jones) Wells. His father was also a native of Virginia and after his marriage he moved to a farm near Philippi, where he lived in the same house until his death, which occurred in September, 1884. He was a stone cutter by trade and built the bridge standing on the outskirts of Philippi, which was afterward the scene of a bitter fight between the Union and Confed- erate forces. The mother was born in Wood county, West Virginia, and is still living on the old family homestead, where the subject of this review visits her every five years. There were five children born to Mr. and Mrs.
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Wells: Lee Anne, the wife of Spencer Boylen, who lives on a farm ad- joining the old homestead; John S., our subject; Alcinda, deceased ; Lloyd J., a stone cutter of Parkersburg, West Virginia; and Edwin, residing on the old home place.
John S. Wells was educated in a log schoolhouse near his father's farm, where he sat on split wood benches which had no backs and where his studies were directed by a schoolmaster whose principal qualification seemed to be wielding of the birch rod rather than knowledge of books. Later our subject possessed the advantage of attendance at the high school of Philippi and began his active career as clerk in a local store. At twenty years of age, believing that more favorable conditions lay west- ward, he came to Bicknell, which was then a village of about one hundred and fifty persons. Here he engaged as clerk in the only drug store the town afforded, but at the end of two years purchased the stock, to which he has since added, also branching out into the sale of wall paper, paints and oils, books, etc., until he has one of the most completely appointed es- tablishments of the kind in the county. He also carries a large line of jewelry and is the leading dealer in that line in Bicknell. A few years ago he purchased an acre of land on South Main street, commanding a fine view of the business center of Bicknell, and there he erected a beauti- ful home, which he now occupies. He is at the present time erecting two residences in the town, having strong faith in the development of the place which he years ago adopted as his home. He is also extensively in- terested in real estate in Vincennes.
In 1880 Mr. Wells was happily united in marriage to Miss Mary R. Byers, a member of one of the old-time families of Knox county, whose brother, David Byers, is court bailiff at Vincennes. Three children have blessed the union : Myrtle L., the wife of Bert Hollingsworth, a represen- tative of the Prudential Insurance Company at Vincennes; Dallas L., who married Ethel Gilmore and is now engaged in the carpenter trade at Bick- nell; and Gayle L., at home.
Mr. Wells is professionally a member of the National Association of Druggists. Politically he is in sympathy with the democratic party, and although he has never sought public office, his opinions and support are always in demand by democratic aspirants of the county. He has for many years been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Bicknell, and has passed through all the chairs of the lodge, having held a seat in the grand lodge as early as fifteen years ago. He was a charter member of the Tribe of Ben Hur of Bicknell, and is now treasurer of that organization. He is a firm believer in the authority of the Bible, and is at the present time serving as trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Wells began in Bicknell when it was a struggling village and has witnessed its development until it has become one of the flourishing cen- ters of the county. He has ably assisted in the good work and has fairly
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earned the fortune he now enjoys. Always just in his dealings, he has made many friends and acquaintances throughout the county and his name is inseparably associated with the prosperity of a town to whose upbuild- ing he has devoted the best energies of his life.
SIMON WINKLER.
Simon Winkler is well known as a representative of both commercial and agricultural interests, for he is a partner in the Winkler Mercantile Com- pany of Emison and is also the owner of a valuable farm property of two hundred and eighty-five acres in Busseron township. His birth occurred in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, November 24, 1844. His father, Joseph Winkler, was a native of Switzerland and remained in the land of the Alps until after he had attained his majority and was married. He wedded Katherine Kiger, and they had eight children, of whom Simon was the youngest. Some of the children were born in Switzerland. Accompanied by his family Joseph Winkler left the old world, attracted by the opportunities which he heard were to be found on this side the Atlantic, and coming to the United States, he settled in Tuscarawas county, Ohio.
It was in the schools of his native city that Simon Winkler acquired his education and when a young man he left Ohio for Indiana, settling in Daviess county, where he remained for several years. He then came to Knox county, where he arrived about 1866 and in the intervening period, covering forty- four years, he has continued to live within its borders, making for himself a creditable position in business circles and enjoying at all times the con- fidence and good will of his fellowmen. He first located in Johnson town- ship, where he remained for many years, during which period he became the owner of a nice farm ,which he brought under a high state of cultivation. In 1885, however, he removed to Busseron township, where he has since en- gaged in farming. He has not confined his efforts entirely, however, to the work of tilling the soil, for he is identified with merchandising, being still a member of the Winkler Mercantile Company, owning and controlling one of the leading commercial enterprises in the town of Emison. The trade of the house is extensive and returns a substantial annual income to the stock- holders. He is also the owner of a good home in Emison and is financially interested in the German National Bank. His farm property comprises two hundred and eighty-five acres in Busseron township and is supplied with all modern equipments and conveniences that facilitate farm work. There are good buildings upon the place and everything about the farm presents a neat and thrifty appearance, which indicates the careful and practical super- vision of an owner whose work is the embodiment of a progressive spirit.
On the 27th of August, 1865, occurred the marriage of Mr. Winkler and Miss Susan Cavness, of Daviess county, Indiana, and unto them have been
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born six children but only four of the number are now living: Claude C., who married Nellie Shugard and lives in Vincennes ; Bertha A. and John O., who are at home with their parents; and Roscoe D., a resident of Emison, who married Edna Prigg and has one son, Marvin R., now three years old. Hiram O., the eldest of the family, died in 1906, leaving a widow and five children, Elsie, Herbert, Allan, Marie and Ruth, all living near Emison.
Mr. Winkler holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and his political faith is that of the republican party. He ranks with the prom- inent men of Busseron township is active and energetic and ever alert to business opportunities. He has made good use of the advantages that have come to him and as the years have passed his progress has proven his worth, his perseverance and his sound business judgment.
FRANK E. ADAMS.
Frank E. Adams, owner of a highly improved farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Knox county and one of its progressive young men, was born in Harrison township, this county, October 22, 1884. He is a son of John A. and Emma D. (Guernsey) Adams. His father was also a native of Knox county and here spent his entire life, being one of the successful members of the farming community and owning at the time of his death, in 1908, one hundred acres of excellent land. He was a man of social characteristics and a member of the Knights of Honor, with whose principles of fellowship he was in hearty accord. The family originally came from Pennsylvania and some of its early members were among the pioneers of this state. There were four children in the family of which John A. Adams was a member, the other children being: James, who is now a farmer of Harrison township; Sarah, the wife of Hugh Welton, a farmer of Palmyra township, this county; and Anthony, a well known real-estate dealer of Vincennes. The mother of our subject was a native of Knox county and a daughter of Charles and Hannah (Smith) Guern- sey. Besides herself there was one son in the family, William J., now acting as rural route carrier in the region of Vincennes. To the marriage of John A. and Emma D. Adams two children were born: F. E., our sub- ject; and Charles, who married Othie Daffrom, and is a farmer of Harri- son township.
The subject of this review grew up under the friendly protection of a parental home and gained his early education in the schools of Harrison township, showing an inclination for further advancement and a decided taste for literary acquisitions. He enrolled in the Vincennes high school and was graduated from that institution with the class of 1905, thus ac- quiring an excellent basis not only for business, but for any study that he might later desire to pursue. After leaving the high school, he be-
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came an employe of the American Express Company and began at the bottom of the ladder as messenger. In 1906 he was called to Chicago and there continued with the company, showing an efficiency that gave promise of rapid advancement. However, two years ago the death of his father required his presence upon the home farm and he returned to Knox county, where he has since remained.
As a farmer he has shown an ability which enabled him to increase the original holding of one hundred acres by fifty acres, and he has instituted a number of improvements by means of which the annual income will be largely increased. Although just fairly launched in his active career, Mr. Adams has demonstrated the possession of talent which promises success in any worthy undertaking. He is happy in his work and as a public- spirited and capable citizen has gained the respect of all with whom he has come in contact, either in business or social circles.
On the 7th of September, 1910, Mr. Adams was united in marriage to Miss Glenn Setzer, a daughter of Clark E. and Rhoda (Ridgeway) Setzer, of Merom, Indiana. She was educated in the public schools of that city and the Union Christian College, also at Merom.
DAVID ASHLEY.
At twenty-six years of age David Ashley began farming for himself in Knox county. Today, after the passage of thirteen years, he is the owner of a highly improved farm in Widner township and is recognized as one of the flourishing business men of this county, who has forged his way to the front by an indomitable will and energy that no difficulty could suppress He was born in Widner township, November 25, 1871, and is a son of John Ashley, who was born in Washington township, this county, June 28, 1828. The grandfather, whose name was also John Ashley, came to Knox county at a very early day and engaged in farming, carrying his produce by water to New Orleans. It was while on one of these trips that he died, leaving a wife and three children. The father of our subject sought a new home after the death of his father with his grandfather, John Widner, one of the first settlers of Widner township and the honored citizen after whom the township was named. He grew up on a farm and in 1854 was married to Mary Colton, a daughter of Alonzo Colton, who came to Indiana from New England. One child, A. C., was the result of this union. The wife departed this life in 1861 and John Ashley on January 1, 1862, enlisted in Company D, Twenty-first Indiana Heavy Artillery, to fight under the stars and stripes. He proved to be a true soldier, serving with honor to himself and his noble cause until January 10, 1866, when he was honorably discharged and mustered out of service, returning home with the insignia of first lieutenant upon his shoul- ders. In 1867, in Knox county, he was married to Trafina Osborn and four
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children were born to them : Nellie, who became the wife of G. A. Pielemier ; David, of this review ; Elizabeth, the wife of Walter Polk; and Imo, now at- tending school. Mr. Ashley was a highly successful farmer and left his family abundantly provided for at the time of his death, which occurred Janu- ary 20, 1899. He was a man of excellent character and was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a willing worker in every cause that aimed to advance the permanent welfare of the community.
The subject of this review was educated in the district schools of Knox county and pursued his studies further in the high school at Oaktown. He early showed a decided talent for agricultural pursuits and at twenty-six years of age, having already gained a thorough knowledge of the details of agriculture and live-stock raising, he began farming and applied himself with such ability and diligence that he now owns a well improved farm of one hundred and fifteen acres, which under his management pays handsome divi- dends upon the investment. He is also a stockholder in the bank of Oaktown.
On December 1, 1897, Mr. Ashley was united in marriage to Miss Mary Walters and they have five children : John, Helen, Wilbur Wilson, Frances and Trafina. Mr. Ashley votes with the republican party, believing that its principles are best adapted to the perpetuity of a free government. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and socially is identified with the Court of Honor. He has found in his wife a loving assistant in all worthy undertakings and as head of an interesting family he is a warm friend of edu- cation and sees that his children are provided with the best advantages the public schools afford. He is an active and inquiring man and, therefore pro- gressive in whatever he undertakes. His farm is well supplied with improved machinery and everything is kept in order. Hence he is moving forward and there is no question that he will be found near the head of the line among the agriculturists of Knox county in the years to come.
HORACE ELLIS, A. M., Ph. D.
The human mind unfolding in the light of truth has been called the most beautiful flower that blooms in the garden of creation. The study of the mind, its powers and possibilities, is one of the most interesting and at- tractive studies in the world and the discoveries in this important department during recent years mark a new era in human progress. We are reminded of the words of the great American philosopher, Emerson, written more than fifty years ago: "My hope for the human race is as bright as the morning star, for a glory is coming to man such as the most inspired tongue of prophets or poets has never been able to describe."
Dr. Horace Ellis, for the past seven years president of Vincennes Uni- versity and a teacher whose name is known throughout the land, has devoted his life to the subject of education and is recognized as one of the leading
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thinkers among the educational forces of the country. His father was for years engaged in the same vocation and the son has possessed every advantage of parents inspired by high ideals, association with the best minds, and school and college training which effectually developed native powers of no ordinary capacity. Many years of practical experience in the schoolroom and at the head of large educational institutions have assisted in molding and correcting earlier impressions and no man in educational circles of the state is regarded with higher respect by his contemporaries than the one whose naine stands at the head of this review.
Horace Ellis was born in Christian county, Illinois, July 9, 1861, although reared in Morgan county, Indiana, where he first attended school. He is the son of Ira and Mary Frances (Ferguson) Ellis. William Ellis, his great- grandfather and the founder of the family in America, came from Wales pre- vious to the Revolution and served in the patriotic army under Washington. He settled in North Carolina and there was born Evan Ellis, the grandfather of Horace, who emigrated from North Carolina to Indiana in 1833. It is said that he started on the long journey with his family on the morning of the great meteoric shower which startled the people of America and caused many to believe that the world was coming to an end. Mr. Ellis settled first in Rush county, later removing to Greene county. The father of our subject when he grew up located in Morgan county. He was a native of North Carolina but his wife was born in Greene county near where they were married. He was a school teacher and farmer, devoting the latter years of his life to the farm. Both he and his wife were widely recognized for their fidelity and high morals-sentiments which characterized so many of the pioneers of In- diana.
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