USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 2
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At the usual age Dr. Jones became a pupil in the common schools of Bloomfield and prepared for college in the Indianapolis high school, in which he completed the course and was graduated. He afterward entered
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Purdue University and was graduated. His preparation for the profession which he now follows was made in the department of medicine of the Indiana University. He has also pursued post-graduate courses in the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois and the Chicago Post- graduate College. In early manhood he was at one time connected with newspaper work in Indianapolis and afterward was employed as a chemist in a gold camp in the west. His professional career covers a short period of service as assistant to the physicians in the State Hospital for the In- sane at Indianapolis and he was also city physician of Indianapolis for one year. Later he received appointment to the position of house physician at the German Deaconess Hospital at Indianapolis, where he continued for a year, and during his hospital term he was a member of the faculty of the Indiana University, where he lectured on anatomy. While resid- ing in the capital he was also instructor in bacteriology in the Deaconess Training School for Nurses, and at the present writing is a lecturer in the Good Samaritan Hospital of Vincennes. He came to this city in 1905 and has since followed his profession here, his pronounced ability winning him recognition in a large and growing practice.
Dr. Jones is a member of the First Presbyterian church, in which he is serving as an elder, and the principles which govern his conduct are further indicated by the fact that he is an exemplary member of the Ma- sonic fraternity. All interests which affect the welfare of mankind and have bearing upon the advancement and growth of the city are of interest to him, yet his time and attention are mainly occupied by his professional duties, and in this relation he holds membership in the Knox County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society, the American Med- ical Association and other scientific societies. His ability has carried him far beyond the point of mediocrity and the consensus of public opinion establishes his reputation as that of one of the foremost physicians of the city.
HON. JAMES D. McDOWELL, M. D.
Hon. James D. McDowell, to whom the citizens of Vincennes have accorded the highest political honor within their gift, electing him to the office of mayor in January, 1910, is, moreover, prominently known in this city as a capable physician of pronounced ability and wide experience. He is also a representative of one of the old and honored families of Vin- cennes, a son of Dr. M. M. McDowell, now senator from the district com- prised of Knox and Sullivan counties. The father was born in Jeffer- son county, Ohio, in 1845, and is a representative of the medical profession. For many years he has practiced in Vincennes where he is recognized as a close and discriminating student, correct in the application of his broad
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knowledge to the needs of his patients. At the time of the Civil war he served with the cavalry forces under General Phil Sheridan, being a mem- ber of the Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. He participated in many important engagements and was at Appomatox Courthouse when General Lee surrendered. In community affairs he has also taken a promi- nent and active part. He served as sheriff of Knox county from 1887 until 1892, having filled out an unexpired term while twice he was elected to the office. Higher honors, however, awaited him in his election to the state senate, where he is now proving himself an active working mem- ber of that body, connected with considerable constructive legislation. He married Miss Sarah B. McConnell and unto them have been born three sons and a daughter, all yet living, namely: James D .; William F., who married Bessie Fitzgerald; Bailey M .; and Mida, the wife of Oscar L. Homer.
Dr. James D. McDowell was born in Freelandville, Knox county, on the 25th of August, 1874, and the public schools of Vincennes provided him his educational privileges. He passed through the consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school with the class of 1891 and then began preparation for the practice of medicine, his preparatory reading being supplemented by a course in the Hospital College of Medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, from which he was graduated in June, 1894. He entered at once upon active practice in connection with his father in Vin- cennes, and for sixteen years gave his undivided attention to his professional duties. In January, 1910, however, he assumed the office of mayor to which he had been elected by his fellow townsmen. There is a growing demand at the present time for practical business men in the political offices, that the business interests entrusted to their care may be best conserved and that the affairs of the office shall be administered along the lines of economy and of progress. It was this demand that led to the selection of Dr. McDowell for the office which he is now creditably filling. Since the abolishment of the position of police judge the duties of that office have devolved upon the mayor, whose management of all municipal business affairs coming under his jurisdiction has won the approval of all. He had previously served as health officer and from 1901 until 1905 had been a member of the board of United States pension examiners. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party, for his study of the questions and issues of the day have led him to the belief that it contains the best elements of good government.
Dr. McDowell belongs to the Knox County Medical Society, and is an ex-president of the society; the Lancet Club, a local organization of phy- sicians ; the Indiana State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He is a past exalted ruler of Vincennes Lodge, No. 291, B. P. O. E., and is past H. P. of Vincennes Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M. At the present writing he is T. I. M. of Vincennes Council, No. 9, R. & S. M., while his association with the initial body of Masons is with Vin-
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cennes Lodge, No. I, A. F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Pastime Club and is a charter member of the Old Post Country Club. His tastes and interests are largely indicated by his handsomely appointed office which is adorned with various works of art, while palms, ferns and flowers add to the attractiveness of the place. The rooms are finished in rough oak and the surroundings indicate that a love and appreciation for the beauti- ful in nature and art constitutes an even balance to business ability and professional skill in the life of Dr. McDowell.
CURTIS GROVER SHAKE.
Among the youngest of the practicing attorneys of Knox county Curtis Grover Shake is in the opinion of his friends one of the most highly prom- ising. Born in this county in 1887, Mr. Shake is now twenty-three years of age. It was in August, 1910, that he entered actively upon the pursuit that he has chosen as his life work. It is doubtful whether any young lawyer of western Indiana ever began practice under more favorable auspices or with a more creditable record as a student in school and col- lege, and therefore his course will be noted by many with an interest which is not ordinarily awakened.
Mr. Shake is a son of D. W. and Frances (Wyant) Shake. The father was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, in 1860, and engaged in farming. The mother is a native of Knox county and was born in 1869. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shake: Curtis G., our subject ; Lyman G .; Bert; and Arman, all at home. Mr. Shake seems to have been unusually fortunate in his ancestry. His great-grandfather, James Jarrell, was a native of Virginia and fought in the Revolutionary war. He was with George Rogers Clark at the capture of Vincennes and was given a land grant in Kentucky by the government in recognition of his services. He came to Indiana as one of the early settlers and also parti- cipated in the war of 1812. There were two grandfathers in the Civil war-John Shake and William Wyant. Grandfather Wyant was a mem- ber of the first military company that left Vincennes in the Civil war and was in the Twenty-fourth Indiana Regiment of Volunteers. He was wounded at the Siege of Vicksburg and a brother of Mr. Shake's great- grandmother, Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky, was the slayer of the Indian Chief Tecumseh in the battle of the Thames and was afterward elected vice president of the United States.
Having received his preliminary education in the common schools, Mr. Shake became a student at Vincennes University, from which he was graduated in 1906. After teaching school for two years he entered the law department of the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, and was graduated in 1910, since which time he has engaged in practice with offices
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
in the new La Plante Building. Before entering college Mr. Shake studied law under Cullup & Shaw, of Vincennes.
As a student he showed remarkable proficiency, completing his high school course in three years, and while at Vincennes University he won every oratorical prize that was offered in that institution, among others being the winner of the Gould gold medal in 1906. This medal has been awarded annually by Major William P. Gould since 1885. He was the winner of the third prize in the Indiana State Oratorical contest in 1908 and was a member of the college debating team for two years and orator of the graduating class of the Indiana University June 20, 1910. While at college he was president of the Oratorical Association and also of the Young Men's Christian Association, and was recognized as being a natural orator of unusual force and great fluency. During his college years he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, a legal fraternity known as the Phi Delta Phi, and an oratorical society, the Delta Sigma Rho. By virtue of his ancestry he holds membership in the Sons of the American Revolution and he is also identified with the F. & A. M. Politically Mr. Shake is affiliated with the democratic party and as a believer in the inspiration of the Bible, he accepts the teachings as expounded by the Christian church. In the various relations of life Mr. Shake has so far discharged his duties most creditably and, judging by the beginning he has made, there is little doubt that he will continue along the lines of the high ideals which have had a controlling influence in his career.
In concluding this brief personal sketch it may be appropriate to quote a few words as showing the spirit by which our subject is actuated, from the address of Mr. Shake to his classmates, in 1910. In that address he said: "Choose a work worth while-one which offers an opportunity for personal success and which will at the same time make the world better; then bring to that work all the inspiration and earnestness of one who believe he has a holy mission to perform."
REV. A. OSTER.
The disputed province of Alsace, belonging at times to Germany and again to France, over which various wars have been waged-the district being the coveted prize of each country-was the birthplace of A. Oster, his natal day being February 23, 1852. His parents, James and Sophia (Claus) Oster, were also natives of that country. The son was educated in the city of Strassburg as a student in Le Petit Seminaire and studied theology there for one year. In 1873 he came to the United States and com- pleted his studies in the theological seminary at Indianapolis, after which he was ordained for the priesthood in that city by Bishop De Saint Palais on the 25th of May, 1875.
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Entering upon his chosen life work he became assistant at Holy Trin- ity church in Evansville, where he remained for two years, at the ex- piration of which period he came to Vincennes as assistant to Father John Gueguen, whom he aided in his pastoral labors for four years. Father Oster then visited Europe, after which he remained for four years as priest of the church at Cambridge City. He next went to Columbus, In- diana, where he had charge of the church of St. Bartholomew for twenty- two years, a period in which he did splendid work in the upbuilding of the congregation and the extension of the church influence in that district. In 1907 he returned to Vincennes to take charge of the church of St. Francis Xavier and has since labored in this parish. Many improvements have been made including the purchase and installation of a new organ, a steam plant and new windows. A gallery has also been put in and many improvements have been made in other points, particularly in the work of the schools which are maintained in the parish.
Father Oster is a man of broad, scholarly attainment and is popular with Protestants and Catholics alike, having the social qualities and the religious tolerance which win kindly regard and appreciation on the part of all who know him.
EDWARD WATSON.
Among the veteran business men of Vincennes Edward Watson is easily accorded a place of honor and nothing that could be written, either compli- mentary or otherwise, would in any degree affect the opinion of lifelong friends and associates who have had many opportunities of knowing his worth. The son of a pioneer, Mr. Watson is himself a pioneer who not only assisted in the construction of the great overland railway to the Pacific coast but has been a witness of the changes that have revolutionized thought and industry in a vast region and founded an empire where previ- ously were the wilderness and the roving Indian. Today in peace and prosperity he looks back on a life of activity and usefulness and as the head of a happy family, recalls incidents and reminiscences of men and events that would make a volume of surpassing interest.
Mr. Watson was born at Vincennes, September 21, 1846, a son of Louis Latour and Lydia (Fellows) Watson. His grandfather was Robert Goa Watson, a southern man, who was the owner of a large plantation and was also a judge. He was identified with the fur trade in the early days along the Ohio, Mississippi and other rivers and, while on a business trip to Vin- cennes with his wife, Louis Latour was born April 10, 1809. The father of our subject died in Vincennes at the advanced age of ninety-three, on the 2d of May, 1902. The mother was a native of New York state.
" Eduardo Halmo. 1170.
Yours
Louis L. Watson
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Edward Watson was educated at Vincennes and Greencastle, Indiana. In 1869, when scarcely more than a boy, he was seized with the western fever, which had attracted thousands of promising young men to the Pa- cific coast. In the early part of the '7os he crossed on the overland trail .to California and for seven years was in business there. He then became iden- tified with the building of the Central Pacific Railway, afterward spending some time as an employe in the pay department of the United States navy yard at Vallejo, California. Few men now living have witnessed the stir- ring scenes in which this young adventurer from Indiana took an active part. He saw the Indian and the buffalo rapidly disappearing before the onward march of civilization and today where the caravan camped on the streams, plains and mountains are to be seen cultivated farms or flourishing towns. Many of the mining camps which he visited, then teeming with thousands of excited gold hunters, are now deserted for new fields and the spot is marked only by crumbling logs and great chasms extending hundreds of feet into the earth where the abandoned mines have caved in. In 1871, Mr. Wat- son, at twenty-five years of age, decided to revisit the scenes of his boyhood and returned to Vincennes. For a year he was connected with the Depot Ho- tel, which was opened about the time of his return. He then once more made the trip to California, this time in a transcontinental train which accom- plished the journey in five days, it having required six months by wagon dur- ing the period of the gold hunters. In San Francisco he engaged in the house furnishing business but in 1876, the centennial year, he came once more to Vincennes by way of Panama and was placed in charge of the Union Depot Hotel. Here he has remained, buying other interests from time to time, and he is now the owner and manager of this valuable property. He has been very active in business affairs and is president of the Hartman Manufacturing Company; vice president of the Farmers National Bank of Wheatland, Indiana ; a director of the First National Bank of Vincennes ; and an officer or stockholder in many other companies. For twenty-six years he acted as president of the Board of Trade and in that capacity was the means of securing for Vincennes the location of many of the largest manufacturing enterprises now in successful operation in the city. At all times he has put forth every effort to build up the community and his serv- ices are universally recognized by citzens of all classes.
Mr. Watson was united in marriage July 2, 1902, to Miss Anna Staley, and they have three children: Edward Dean, aged seven years ; Louis La- tour Ferdinand, aged five ; and Helen Frances, aged three.
Mr. Watson is an intelligent man of wide observation and large experi- ence with the world. In the course of a varied career, he has tried his hand at nearly all honorable occupations. He has never been afraid to work and whatever he has attempted to do he has undertaken with an energy that has generally produced tangible results. He is essentially what is known as a self-made man, and such men are fearless in following any path that their judgment indicates will lead to victory. For years he has been recognized
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as one of the foremost citizens of Vincennes. He is a democrat but has never had ambition to fill a political office, although he has many times as- sisted friends in political campaigns. For four years, ending in 1910, he was a member of the board of public works and much of permanent good to the city was accomplished during this period. In social circles he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and he is also a member of the Pastime Club. Mr. Watson is widely known to the traveling public. He is known as a successful business man and a patriotic citizen and one whose sympathies readily respond to all worthy calls. It is doubtful if there is any honor he might ask for within the gift of the community in which he was born that would not be granted. This is a distinction available to few, but in all cases to those only who by a useful life have proven their worthiness.
J. H. JONES.
The proof of the business ability of J. H. Jones is seen in the Na- tional Rolling Mill, which since 1905 has been one of the important in- dustrial concerns of Vincennes. As its secretary and treasurer Mr. Jones has contributed in large measure to its growth and his sound judgment and enterprise are proving potent factors in the continued extension of its trade interests. He therefore stands as an excellent representative of the progressive class of Vincennes' business men. He was born in Steele- ville, Chester county, Pennsylvania, September 30, 1863, a son of Emmor and Mary (Rakestraw) Jones, both of whom were natives of the Key- stone state, where the father is still living at the age of seventy-eight years.
In the public schools of his native county J. H. Jones pursued his edu- cation, but from the age of sixteen years has been dependent upon his own resources, his record being marked by a steady progression that in- dicates the wise and ready use of the advantages and opportunities that have come to him. He started out as a telegraph operator and continued at that business for twenty years on the Lake Shore Railroad, being ad- vanced through successive promotions involving large responsibilities until he became chief train dispatcher at Lima, Ohio, and Muncie, Indiana. He terminated his active connection with the railroad system to become a factor in the conduct of the National Rolling Mill at Hartford, Indiana. He was one of the organizers of the company in 1902 and was chosen its secretary and treasurer. After operations were continued for three years at Hartford the plant was removed to Vincennes, where the busi- ness has grown rapidly until it has reached extensive proportions. It has increased threefold since the removal and is today one of the important industries of the city, employing four hundred men. The plant covers
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five acres of ground and is thoroughly equipped with the most modern machinery necessary for the successful conduct of the business. The prosperity of the enterprise is largely due to Mr. Jones and S. N. Bradshaw, who is general manager.
On the 23d of October, 1896, at Lima, Ohio, Mr. Jones was married to Eugenia Ralston, a native of Harrison county, that state. They have gained many friends during their residence in Vincennes and are well known as worthy members of the Presbyterian church. Individual activ- ity and determination have been the salient factors in the life record of Mr. Jones. His life has been devoted to his business, his home and his church, and he stands as a high type of American manhood and citizen- ship. He never hesitates in the performance of a duty and his absolute fidelity and trustworthiness have been important factors in winning him the high degree of success he has attained in the business world.
WILLIAM F. RECKER.
William F. Recker was numbered among those merchants whose line of business is regarded as an essential element in every community, be- ing for a considerable period connected with the grocery trade. The salient features of his business life were such as commended him to the con- fidence and good will of all and insured him a liberal patronage. Vincennes had reason to be proud of him as one of her native sons. His birth oc- curred in this city September 16, 1862, his parents being August and Cath- arine Recker. The father was a carpenter who after mastering the trade took up contracting and became one of the most prominent contractors and builders of Vincennes, closely associated for a long period with its build- ing operations, many evidences of his handiwork being found in the busi- ness blocks and residences of the city.
William F. Recker was provided with good educational privileges, com- pleting his course by graduation from one of the Catholic schools of this city. He entered business life as clerk in a grocery store, becoming an employe of William Vollmer, with whom he remained up to the time Mr. Vollmer was elected county treasurer. Mr. Recker then purchased the store of which he remained sole proprietor up to the time of his death. He had long been connected with the establishment and built up an ex- tensive trade, handling a full line of staple and fancy groceries, his reason- able prices, fair dealing and prompt delivery of goods securing for him a large and gratifying trade.
On the 24th of November, 1891, Mr. Recker was united in marriage to Mrs. Emma Heckman, nee Terhar, a daughter of Herman and Jane (Folo) Terhar. Both of her parents were of German birth and on com- ing to the United States made their way direct to Vincennes. The father
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was a contractor and soon became closely associated with the building in- dustry of the city. Unto Mrs. Recker by her former marriage had been born a son Charles. By the second marriage there was one daughter, Corinne, who has now finished her education and is engaged in teaching music.
Mr. Recker was a member of the Catholic Knights and of a benevolent society. He was also connected with some fraternal insurance organizations. He passed away December 27, 1906, at the age of forty-four years, which period had been entirely spent in Vincennes. That many of his stanchest friends were those who had known him from his boyhood until his death is indication that his life was ever an upright and honorable one.
S. N. BRADSHAW.
S. N. Bradshaw, general manager of the National Rolling Mill, one of the important enterprises which has made Vincennes a manufacturing center of the Ohio Valley, was born in Marion county, Ohio, on the 12th of January, 1860. His father, Richard R. Bradshaw, a native of Virginia, made farming his life work. He married Catherine Bruce, a native of Ohio, who died in 1899, while his death occurred in 1909.
Spending his youthful days in his parent's home, S. N. Bradshaw pur- sued his education in the public schools of Marion county, while the work which he did upon the home farm impressed upon his mind the value of industry and perseverance. He left home in 1878 to become a factor in other business undertakings, turning his attention to the study of telegraphy. For some time he served as an operator in Ohio, after which he went to New York, where he attended a business college, pursuing a commercial and stenographic course. He was afterward with the general manager of the Erie Railroad and subsequently with the Santa Fe Railroad Company as stenographer and typewriter to the general superintendent of motive power of the road. Mr. Bradshaw left the Santa Fe in 1888 and went to Findlay, Ohio, becoming secretary to the general manager of the Find- lay Rolling Mill Company of that place. For five years he continued there and at the end of that time became representative for the company at Muncie, Indiana, being made general manager in 1894. His promo- tions have followed as the logical sequence of constantly developing busi- ness ability and power. From the outset of his business career he made it his purpose to thoroughly master every duty entrusted to him. The successful accomplishment of any object but proves one's ability for the accomplishment of larger things, and in his active career Mr. Bradshaw has gone on and on, each forward step bringing him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. After three years' connection with the Findlay Rolling Mill Company as secretary to the general manager he removed
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