USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 21
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CLARENCE B. KESSINGER.
It is a mistake to imagine that a man belongs to himself. A little con- sideration will show that he belongs in an important degree to the com- munity in which he lives, to his family and to those interests that are alive to the permanent welfare of others. Clarence B. Kessinger early learned that he owed a duty to others and his life has largely been influenced by an altruism that seeks to make easier the rugged paths that lie in the way of a majority of the human race. As president of a hospital, member of the Childrens Board of Guardians and trustee of the Orphans Home, he has exercised an influence in ameliorating the ills of both sexes and all ages, and the lives of the young, in a degree not known ordinarily to men of important business or professional affairs. This work has been to him a duty lightly to be borne and in no sense a burden, as it is the expression of a kindly nature with which he was endowed by worthy parents.
Mr. Kessinger is a native of Bruceville, Indiana, born April 28, 1859. He is the son of William M. Kessinger, who is still living at the age of eighty-three, and Margaret J. Kessinger, who was called away in 1905, at the age of seventy-one years. He received his preliminary education in the public schools and then attended the Vincennes high school, from which he was graduated in 1878. It is an old saying that where there is a will there is a way, and the young man just entering the doorway of an active career, decided to adopt the legal profession as his life work. After the usual course of study, in which he showed an aptitude which was prophetic of future success, he was admitted to the bar and began practice at Vin-
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cennes in 1884. During the time that has since elapsed, a period of twenty- six years, he has continued in practice in the community where he made his start, and in a high sense has attained an important place at the bar of Knox county. The happy possessor of business judgment which is not always an accompaniment of acknowledged professional ability, he is in- terested in a rolling mill, in farming and in coal mining and has attained a gratifying reputation in the business world. Habits of industry, capacity to grasp and hold the principles of his profession, and a facility in pre- senting the salient points in any case so as to interest and convince the court or jury, have been among the important elements in the success of Mr. Kessinger at the bar. In the course of many years of contact with others he has made a wide acquaintance not only in Knox county, but in many other parts of the state and his advice has been sought in many matters of importance. He is known as one of the safest counselors, and as an attorney who will not accept a case unless he feels that the cause is based upon law and reason.
On April 28, 1891, Mr. Kessinger was united in marriage to Miss Inez M. Harris, a daughter of Dr. F. M. and Catharine Harris, of Vincennes, but she died July 17, 1899. Two daughters survive, Katharine and Doro- thy
Mr. Kessinger is a consistent member of the Christian church and also holds membership in the Masonic order and the Pastime Club. In politics he is independent, but has never been a seeker for public office. In all affairs pertaining to the permanency and well being of the city he takes an active interest as is shown by his position in connection with the Art Association and the city cemetery. In those traits of character that shine out brighter under difficulty or adversity he is largely endowed and no hand is more ready than his to respond to worthy calls for assistance. As an unassuming influence for good, few could claim precedence in Vin- cennes over the generous-hearted and respected representative of the bar whose name stands at the head of this review.
SHERMAN G. DAVENPORT.
It has often been remarked that the man who never does anything he doesn't want to do, develops no character. There is no royal road to the attainment of an upright and noble character, unassailable to temptation. to indifference or slothfulness, even in its subtler forms, and persistent in its demands for opportunity and place for the exercise of trained judgment and tried ability. Sherman G. Davenport is a practical exemplification of self-conquest through self-help and the attainment of a laudable ambition to occupy a useful and honorable position among his fellowmen. This po- sition has been reached, as it almost invariably must be, through careful
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preparation, strong determination and faith in the ultimate recognition of one who is under the safe guidance of high aims.
Born on a farm in Pike county, Indiana, December 25, 1866, Mr. Davenport possessed the inestimable advantage of being reared in close contact with nature, thus building a good foundation physically for hard work as a student and at the bar. He is the son of George W. and Eliza- beth (De Bruler) Davenport, his father being of English Puritan and his mother of French Huguenot descent. This combination has been re- garded by genealogists and historians as one of the best in the world. George W. Davenport was the son of William C. Davenport whose father, Chappell Davenport of Virginia, was a brother of Colonel William Daven- port, who served in the United States army in the war of 1812, and died in Philadelphia. The mother of our subject was the daughter of William G. De Bruler, whose father, Charles De Bruler, emigrated from North Carolina at an early day. The paternal great-grandfather of Mr. Daven- port was the owner of a large plantation in Virginia and also an exten- sive slave owner, but his property was lost to the family by the Civil war. The younger generation of Davenports in Indiana sympathized fully with the cause of the Union and George W. Davenport and three of his brothers served in the Federal army.
Mr. Davenport, of this review, attended the common schools until he was about seventeen years of age, when he had advanced sufficiently in the various branches to be able to pass examination as a teacher. For four years he taught school, at the same time being a diligent student of history and literature and acquiring a fund of knowledge both from books and human nature that has assisted in no small degree in his further ad- vancement. Having a logical mind and not being attracted to teaching as a life work, he turned his attention to the legal profession as a promising field for the full exercise of his powers. He entered the law office of A. A. Ely of Petersburg, Pike county, and there pursued the study of law during the years 1888 and 1889. Upon being admitted to the bar, he formed a partnership with Mr. Ely, which continued until the senior mem- ber of the firm went to the bench as judge of the circuit court in 1895. Mr. Davenport then practiced alone in Petersburg for ten years, during which time he built up a large clientage and became known throughout the county as one of its most promising attorneys.
In March, 1905, seeking a wider field, he formed a partnership with Hon. John Wilhelm and removed to Vincennes, where he soon gained recognition as one of its most energetic and capable practitioners. Each step in his career has given him a wider outlook, has been accompanied by a deeper appreciation of responsibilities and has found him capable in a larger degree for the duties of his profession. From his entrance into public life an adherent of the democratic party, he has contributed to the extent of his ability upon the platform and in the support of men and meas- ures at all times that commanded his confidence and respect. As a stump
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speaker he is forceful and effective, possessing as he does a clear under- standing of the issues and the happy knack of catching and holding the attention of his auditors even under trying circumstances. Not an office- seeker, he has always responded with alacrity to the call of friends and has made many lasting friendships by his disinterested endeavors in their behalf. In questions pertaining to national affairs, many of which are now of world-wide significance, Mr. Davenport is thoroughly at home, and while he is conservative in his interpretations, he is not one who will shield the wrong-doer even though he be of his own family. He has been a lifelong student of the principles of Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln, and holds those public men in highest reverence who have sacrificed most for the public good. In social affiliations he is actively identified with Te- cumseh Camp, No. 3945, of the Modern Woodmen of America, which is located at Vincennes. He fills the position of venerable consul of the camp, the highest local office in the order. He is also a member of the First Presbyterian church of Vincennes, and is known as a consistent fol- lower of an organization whose teachings are heard in all civilized coun- tries and in many distant regions still under the thrall of barbarism.
On September 10, 1903, at Louisville, Kentucky, Mr. Davenport was united in marriage with Miss Eva W. Bruner, a daughter of Henry C. and Jane E. (Whitcomb) Bruner. Her father, now deceased, was a na- tive of Pennsylvania, but removed to Louisville, Kentucky, where he for many years was a wholesale and retail produce merchant. Mrs. Bruner was a member of the same family as was Governor Whitcomb of Indiana. Two children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Davenport: Lyndon Lee, born October 23. 1906; and Edwin Alan, born May 5, 1910. The family circle is one where peace and happiness have their abode and the children are being reared under conditions most favorable for the develop- ment of upright character and sturdy purpose, which have been the salient characteristics of their father. While Mr. Davenport ranks with the lead- ing attorneys of Vincennes, he shirks no responsibility appealing to the spirit of generosity or philanthropy inherent in the breast of every true citizen, and in all problems arising in a busy life attempts to perform his duty.
JOHN G. HART.
The men who fought for the Union when its life was assailed will always be greatfully remembered by friends of liberty. John G. Hart, who has en- gaged for more than twenty years in the drug business at Bicknell, wore the blue, and is recognized by his friends and acquaintances as a man who always stands fearlessly for his convictions and is as patriotic today as he was forty- five years ago when patriotism meant service in line of battle. He was born
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in Spencer county, Indiana, November 26, 1845, and is a son of Henry and Maria (Bryant) Hart. The father was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, and came to Indiana in the pioneer days about 1825. He located near Rockport, Spencer county, but moved to Livingston county, Illinois, in 1856, where he lived for four years. In 1860 he returned to Indiana, locating in Fountain county, and in 1870 became a citizen of Knox county. He lived on a farm six miles southwest of Vincennes until his death, which occurred in 1876. He was a very prosperous farmer and was always highly respected by those with whom he came in contact. Politically he adhered to the republican party. He was a man of strong religious convictions and a consistent member of the Methodist church. The mother was a native of Fountain county. She was married in 1844 and was called from earthly scenes in 1894. There were six children in the family : J. G., our subject ; James, of Arkansas ; D. M., of Wis- consin ; Josephine, of Champaign, Illinois ; B. J., of St. Louis ; and W. H., also of St. Louis.
John G. Hart was educated in the district schools and grew up under the kindly influences of a happy home. In May, 1861, although he was not yet seventeen years of age, he enlisted in Company I, Twentieth Illinois Volun- teer Infantry, for a period of three years. The regiment was sent to the front and participated in the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh and in a number of less important engagements. During the siege of Vicksburg, while mak- ing a charge on the enemy, Private Hart received a wound in the forearm which rendered him unfit for further military service and from which he never fully recovered. He was honorably discharged November 1, 1863, and after returning home resumed his school studies and for one year was a stu- dent in the seminary at Perrysville, Indiana. After leaving the seminary he devoted his attentions to farming in Knox county until 1881, when he moved to Bicknell and established a meat market, which he conducted for eight years. Since 1889 he has been identified with the drug business, having been in this line more successive years than any other druggist in Bicknell. He carries a well selected stock of drugs, paints, oils, wall paper, stationery, etc., and is now at the head of one of the most completely equipped establishments of the kind in the county. He owns the commodious home in which he lives on North Main street.
In 1868 Mr. Hart was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Keith, of Per- rysville, Indiana. Three children were born to the union, Maude, May and Myrtle, all of whom are deceased. Mr. Hart is a member of the Indiana Re- tail Druggists Association and of the Grand Army of the Republic, having filled all of the offices of the local post. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the encampment and the Rebekahs and has passed through all of the chairs in the subordinate lodge and encampment. Politically he is a stanch adherent of the republican party and, although he has not been an office seeker, he served with general acceptance as township assessor for four years. He is a firm believer in the fundamental principles upon which the American republic is founded and a consistent advocate of
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honesty and square dealing in public as well as private affairs. He has the happy faculty of making and retaining friends and no man in Knox county is more highly respected by those who know him than the gentleman whose life record is herewith presented.
W. V. BARR, SR.
W. V. Barr, Sr., a well known hotel and livery man of Bicknell, is a native of Knox county, having been born at Bruceville, April 25, 1854. He is a man of large experience, honorable and straightforward in business, who by his affable and courteous manner has made many friends not only in the com- munity where he lives but among the traveling public generally. He is a son of William V. and Sarah J. (Piety) Barr. The father was born in Daviess county, Indiana, and came to Knox county in his boyhood, where he lived until his death, which occurred when our subject was two weeks old. He was a tailor by trade. Grandfather Robert Barr was a pioneer of Daviess and Knox counties. The mother was born in Knox county and is a daugh- ter of William Piety who took up his home in Indiana when the Indians were roaming at large over the country. Mrs. Barr was married in Knox county and is now living at an advanced age in Salem, Oregon. There were two children in the family, the elder of whom was called away early in life and the younger is the subject of this review. Mrs. Barr was married a second time, her husband being J. M. Woodruff, of Johnson county, Indiana. By her second marriage she was the mother of five children: Alice May ; James M., now living at Los Angeles, California, and identified with wireless telegraphy; Rose L., with her mother in Oregon; Benjamin, of Johnson county, Indiana ; and Piety, deceased.
W. V. Barr was educated in the public schools and later took a course of six months in bookkeeping at Butler University. He began his active career upon the farm in Knox county, continuing for four years, at the end of which time he removed to Bruceville where he conducted a store for five years. However, he was again attracted to farming pursuits and spent thirteen years cultivating the soil and raising stock for the market. In 1899 he came to Bicknell and took charge of a hotel and livery establishment, being now at the head of the oldest business of the kind in Bicknell. By good manage- ment and careful attention to the wants of the public, he has built up a pat- ronage which is a credit to himself and has proven of marked benefit to the community.
In 1877 Mr. Barr was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Willis and unto them nine children were born : Jennie, deceased ; Walter C., now a book- keeper and secretary of a coal company at Jasonville, Greene county, Indi- ana; Elsie M., the wife of Loren Roysdale, of Bicknell ; Myrtle R., the wife of Milton Dugger, a farmer, living near Bicknell; William V., Jr. deceased ;
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Susie also deceased; Reba, at home; Frank W., deceased; and Maurice at home.
Mr. Barr is what is known as a "straight" republican and has a firm con- viction that the prosperity of the country depends very greatly upon the suc- cess of the republican party. He and his family are members of the Chris- tion church, of which he is a deacon and trustee, and in which they are all active workers. Mr. and Mrs. Barr have experienced many joys and sor- rows, their deepest sorrows being caused by the visitations of death whose unwelcome messenger called four beloved members of the home circle from earthly scenes. Sustained by an unfaltering trust in Divine Providence, the father and mother await a happy reunion with those from whom they are now separated. Mr. Barr has found in his wife a loving companion whose sympathy and advice have been to him of incalculable value.
FRANK F. PLASS.
Although a young man, Frank F. Plass is widely and favorably known as a representative of the agricultural and financial interests of Knox county, his time and attention being occupied with the cultivation of an extensive farm and with solving the intricate problems of finance in con- nection with the Farmers & Merchants' Bank of Vincennes.
He was born on the old family homestead on which he resides on the 26th of February, 1882. The property is located on the Evansville road on a switch of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad, two miles north of Decker. His parents were Henry and Mary (Bocks) Plass. The father, a native of Germany, came to the new world when thirteen years of age, the voyage across the Atlantic being terminated at New Orleans, whence the family at once traveled northward until they came to Knox county, Indiana, where a settlement was made. It was in this county that Henry Plass was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bocks, and unto them have been born two sons, of whom Frank F. Plass of this review is the elder.
The house in which he now resides was the birthplace of Frank F. Plass, and there he spent his youthful days which were largely devoted to the acquirement of an education in the public schools. He became as- sociated with his father in the conduct and development of an extensive and valuable farm of three hundred and thirty acres which is devoted to the raising of grain and melons, although they make a specialty of the lat- ter. They were the first people to raise the Paradise Gem melon in this part of the country. The soil of their place is especially adapted to the cultivation of melons and annually they send from their farm extensive shipments, which find a ready sale on the market because of the size, qual- ity and flavor. The business has grown to large proportions, and the farm constitutes a profitable source of income. In addition to his other inter-
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ests, Mr. Plass is also identified with the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank as its vice president.
In 1906 was celebrated the marriage of Frank Plass and Miss Minnie Cook, and they now have two interesting children, Alice and Norman. He holds membership with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Decker. He is accorded wide and favorable recognition in business, and the record which he has made reflects credit upon an untarnished family name.
WILLIAM E. KESSINGER, M. D.
For twenty-five years past in active practice in Knox county, Dr. Wil- liam E. Kessinger of Bicknell, has become widely known in the county, and has acquired an enviable reputation in his profession. His success has been due to conscientious endeavor and a thorough knowledge of the prin- ciples of medical practice as presented by the best authorities and observed in daily application.
He was born in Bruceville, November 20, 1855, and is a son of William M. and Margaret J. (Bruce) Kessinger. The original name of the family was Kissingen, the spelling having been changed in this country in the latter part of the sixteenth century by three brothers who were obliged to flee from Germany on account of their political opinions and take refuge in the American colonies. One of the brothers located in Virginia, an- other in Pennsylvania, and the third in Ohio, and members of the family are now found in the principal states of the Union.
The father of our subject was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and came to Knox county in 1850, locating at Bruceville as a wagon maker. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in an Illinois regiment and served for about one hundred days. After returning home he began farming near Russellville, Illinois, but about 1871 or 1872 returned to Bruceville, and is now spending his declining years at the Soldiers' Home among his old army comrades. The mother of our subject was born in 1829 at Bruce- ville, being a daughter of Major Bruce and a member of a prominent Knox county family, after which the town of Bruceville was named. Eight chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kessinger: L. A., now practicing oste- opathy at Beloit, Kansas; William E., our subject; E. M., a physician of Sandborn, Indiana, now deceased; C. B., an attorney of Vincennes; Ozro, who died in infancy; Hettie, the wife of Darwin Anderson, a real estate dealer of Pasadena, California; Flora E., who died at the age of twenty- three years ; and Pearl, the wife of Dr. James McDowell of Bruceville.
William E. Kessinger received his preliminary education in the common schools, later attending the Central Normal School at Danville, after which he taught school for seven years in Knox county. In the meantime he had decided to adopt a professional career and he gave up school teaching, be-
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coming a student in the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, Ken- tucky, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1885. Immediately after receiving his diploma he located at Sandborn, Knox county, where he practiced until he took up his residence at Bicknell, June 21, 1909. He is known as a leading physician of the county, and is also prominently identified with the social and financial interests of his adopted town. He is an extensive holder of real estate in Sandborn and Bicknell and of farm properties in Greene and Martin counties.
In 1890 Dr. Kessinger was united in marriage to Miss May Anderson, of Greene county. Two children have been born to them, Donna M. and E. Virchow, both of whom are at home. Dr. Kessinger is a member of the state and county medical societies, and since 1888 has been a stanch adherent of the prohibition party but previously was an upholder of the principles and platforms of the democratic party. He and his estimable wife are members of the Christian church and are at all times ready to assist in forwarding any worthy cause that aims to promote the permanent welfare of the community. Being a gentleman of pleasing address, en- gaging personality and genial nature, Dr. Kessinger has a host of friends in Knox county and is recognized as one of its most worthy citizens.
JOHN WILHELM.
A man of force and inflexibility of character seldom fails to make his mark. The truth of this statement is shown on many pages of history and is exemplified in many life sketches contained in this volume. The career of John Wilhelm is an illustration of the attainment of wide and beneficent in- fluence through a life of ceaseless activity always spent in worthy aims. A farmer boy, he earned the money that enabled him to spend several years in preparation for the legal profession, in which by steady and conscientious application to his calling he has attained a place among the leading lawyers of Knox county. In important positions which he has been invited to fill he has shown a trained judgment and a native ability which have commanded the respect even of opponents and are most important attributes in any lawyer who aspires to high rank among his fellowmen. After twenty-five years at the bar Mr. Wilhelm's sphere of influence is by no means confined to Knox county and his clientage is not restricted to the state of Indiana. His high position is the direct result of devotion to his profession, which he has always regarded with highest honor and intimate knowledge of the natures and char- acter of men.
John Wilhelm was born near Mount Carmel, Wabash county, Illinois, May 10, 1856, and is the son of Conrad and Gertrude (Smith) Wilhelm. The father came when a child to the United States from Germany with his par- ents, the family locating at Mount Carmel. Here he was married and resided
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