USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 22
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until his death, which occurred when the subject of this review was a small child. The mother of our subject departed this life at an advanced age in 1893.
John Wilhelm was one of the younger members of the family. He was reared on the farm with his widowed mother and four sisters, assisting in summer to the best of his ability in the farm work and attending the public schools of the neighborhood in the winter. Here he acquired the best educa- tion the limited facilities could afford. Eager for wider knowledge, he be- came a student in the schools of South Bend, Indiana, at the age of seven- teen and later pursued a course in a business college at Evansville, Indiana. Having become in a large degree self-supporting, he spent a year in the mer- cantile business at Mount Carmel, at other times earning money on the farm and also taking up the study of law, to which his mind had been attracted years before he reached manhood. This study continued over a period of six years, from 1874 to 1880. In the latter year he presented himself for ex- amination and was admitted to the bar.
At the age of twenty-four years Mr. Wilhelm began practice, selecting Vincennes as his home. During the years that have since passed he has con- tinued in Vincennes, where by his pleasing manners he early made many friends whose esteem he has always retained. He has been awarded a fair share of the best law practice in Knox and adjoining counties and also in the region across the river in Illinois. His first experience in office was as school director in his home district in Illinois. He was chosen for the position be- fore he became of age and succeeded in introducing much needed improve- ments in the school. In May, 1885, Mr. Wilhelm was nominated as mayor of Vincennes and elected without opposition, receiving almost the entire vote of the city at the general election. Two years later he was reelected to the same office by a large majority, attesting the popularity of an administration that met the hearty approval of the people. On the 8th of June, 1896, Mr. Wilhelm was elected city attorney of Vincennes by the city council, serving for four years. In May, 1900, he was again elected and served until June, 1902. In March, 1905, he was elected city attorney for the third time and served until January, 1906, when pressure of a growing law business caused him to resign. This record of twice as mayor and three times as city attor- ney has never been duplicated in Vincennes. In all his acts while in public office Mr. Wilhelm was governed by a desire to be just and never made use of his position except in the interest of law and order and with a consistent policy of advancing the permanent welfare of the city. After resigning as city attorney he was appointed by Judge Orlando H. Cobb as a member of the board of trustees of the Good Samaritan Hospital, serving in this capacity three years until the hospital was erected and fully equipped. He declined reappointment. Mr. Wilhelm is connected with a number of corporations in a legal capacity and also as stockholder, and is highly popular among the busi- ness men with many of whom he has been closely associated.
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On the 20th of December, 1883, occurred the marriage of Mr. Wilhelm and Miss Minnie E. Browne, a daughter of William E. and Cornelia Browne of Vincennes and granddaughter of Dr. Joseph Browne and Colonel John Clark, both well known pioneers of Knox county.
Mr. Wilhelm has not given much time to secret societies but is a member of Lodge No. 291, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Vincennes. He affiliates with the democratic party, whose principles early appealed to his judgment, as he believes in granting the widest liberty to the individual con- sistent with a fair recognition of the rights and privileges of others. Inherit- ing from worthy ancestry the qualities of character that make the energetic and useful citizen, Mr. Wilhelm has by his example and influence represented the best elements of society and is recognized as one of the stanch and true men of Knox county, whose voice is heard in behalf not of the majority but of all-meaning every man, woman and child in the community.
JOSEPH P. DUTTON.
Joseph P. Dutton, a well known representative of farming interests in Palmyra township is today the owner of an extensive tract of land of three hundred and twenty acres, which he has brought under a high state of cul- tivation, and which in its thrifty and well kept appearance indicates his untiring energy and capable management. He was born in Knox county on the 2d of April, 1837, at the old family home situated on donation 78. His father, Jacob Dutton, was a native of Virginia, who, leaving the south, made his way to Indiana, where he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Knox county. Here he aided in the development of the wild land, se. curing a tract which he converted into good fields, although many hard- ships and privations formed features in the household life in those early days.
Joseph P. Dutton pursued his education in the district schools of Pal- myra township. He was a little lad of seven years when he went to live with his uncle, Joseph Pickel, with whom he remained until the uncle's death. He became his associate in farming pursuits and was connected with him in the purchase of one hundred and seventy -five acres of land in donation 115, Steen township. This tract is now the property of Mr Dutton, who, from time to time, has added to his holdings, purchasing twenty-five acres in donation 78, Palmyra township, on which he now re- sides, and later ninety-five acres more in donation 78. His holdings ag- gregate three hundred and twenty acres, and the land is very rich and pro- ductive, responding readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, and in all of his work has been practical as well as progressive. His success has logically followed his unfaltering industry and perseverance.
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On the Ist of January, 1868, Mr. Dutton was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Harbin, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allan Harbin, na- tives of North Carolina and Ireland, respectively. Her parents were mar- ried in this county, where they continued to make their home until called to their final rest, their remains being interred in Wheatland cemetery. This union of Mr. and Mrs. Dutton has been blessed with five children : Barbara, who is now the wife of Herman W. Myer and has two children : Gertrude, at home; Doris, who is the wife of Arthur Smith and has four children; Grace, who married Frank Shaw and has three children; and Clement L., who aids his father in the cultivation and management of the home farm.
In his political views Mr. Dutton has long been an advocate of the democratic party and supports its candidates at the polls. He has never songht nor desired office for himself, however, for other interests make full claim upon his time. He belongs to Bicknell Lodge, No. 535, A. F. & A. M., of which he is regarded as an exemplary representative. He is today numbered among the extensive and prominent farmers of Knox county. In all of his business affairs he is thoroughly reliable and through- out his life has manifested a strong purpose that has enabled him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken. His gen- uine worth has made him highly esteemed by all and no history of Knox county would be complete without the record of his life, for during sev- enty-three years he has resided within its borders, being among the oldest of its native sons.
C. E. FREEMAN.
C. E. Freeman, who for the past twelve years has acted as secretary of both the Bicknell Coal Company and the Freeman Coal Company, is widely recognized as one of the most prominent and successful young business men of Bicknell and Knox county. His birth occurred near Washington, Daviess county, Indiana, on the 10th of October, 1872, his father being Richard Freeman, now a leading and respected resident of Bicknell. He attended the schools of that town until fourteen years of age and then began working in the mines, being thus employed for some years. Subsequently he was engaged in the drug business for a period of four years and after the death of his uncle assumed the duties of secretary of both the Bicknell Coal Company and the Freeman Coal Company, having acted in those capacities for the past twelve years. The Bicknell mine has now been in operation for twenty years, and during this entire period only one man has been killed, while the Freeman mine has also had only one fatality in its five years of development. Mr. Freeman is likewise a direc-
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tor in the Bicknell Land Company and the Jasonville Home Coal Com- pany, owning an interest in the latter concern.
In 1900 Mr. Freeman was united in marriage to Miss Allie Bicknell, by whom he has three children, namely: June, Rush and Miles. His po- litical allegiance is given to the republican party, for he believes that its principles are most conducive to good government. Fraternally he is iden- tified with the Masons, belonging to the lodge and chapter at Bicknell, while both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Free- man is likewise a devoted member of the Christian church. They have an extensive circle of friends throughout the community and the hospi- tality of the best homes is cordially extended to them.
FREEMAN COAL COMPANY.
The Freeman Coal Company was organized on the 13th of January, 1904, with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars, which has been raised twice. Richard Freeman has served as superintendent since the time of its organization, and is still its heaviest stockholder. The first president of the company was Adam Joseph, while the present chief execu- tive officer is C. B. Kessinger of Vincennes. The mine has a capacity of fifteen hundred tons per day and two hundred and thirty men are em- ployed in its operation.
BICKNELL COAL COMPANY.
The Bicknell Coal Company was organized on the 15th of May, 1890, with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars, which was raised to twenty- five thousand dollars on the 20th of June, 1910. The first president of the concern was G. W. Filler of Indianapolis, the next J. E. Horn of Bicknell, and then Adam Joseph (now deceased) was made its head. C. B. Kessinger of Vincennes next acted as chief executive officer, while T. M. Byers of Bicknell, holds that position at the present time. The Bicknell mine is the oldest mine on the Vincennes & Indianapolis road and was for a number of years the only mine in Bicknell. The Indian Creek mine was the first one organized here, Richard Freeman acting as superintendent. When that gentleman first came to Bicknell, the mine was held up on ac- count of debt and judiciously abandoned. Taking charge, he reinstated the mine, which had a capacity of three hundred tons per day. The Bick- nell mine has a capacity of four hundred tons. About four o'clock each morning an inspector starts on his rounds, visiting every part of the mine,
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and if he discovers an escapement or dangerous amount of gas, he makes a note of it and the employes are duly warned. All precautions are taken in order that no accident may occur. About seventy-five men are em- ployed in the mine.
JUDGE ORLANDO H. COBB.
Orlando H. Cobb, for ten years judge for the twelfth judicial circuit, is an able lawyer of southwestern Indiana whose course on the bench has been distinguished by the highest legal ability. To wear the ermine worth- ily it is not enough that one possess legal acumen, is learned in the prin- ciples of jurisprudence, familiar with precedents and thoroughly honest. Many men, even when acting uprightly, are wholly unable to divest them- selves of prejudice and are unconsciously warped in their judgments by their own mental characteristics or educational peculiarities. This uncon- scious and variable disturbing force enters more or less into the judg- ments of all men, but in the ideal jurist this factor becomes so small as not to be discernable in results and loses its potency as a disturbing force. Judge Cobb is exceptionally free from all judicial bias. His varied legal learning and wide experience in the courts, the patient care with which he ascertains all the facts bearing upon every case which comes before him, gives his decisions a solidity and an exhaustiveness from which no member of the bar can take exception.
One of Indiana's native sons, Mr. Cobb was born in Lawrence county on the 18th of November, 1850. His father, Thomas R. Cobb, was a na- tive of the same county, while the grandfather, Dickson Cobb, was a young lad of eight years when he came with his parents from South Carolina to this state, the family home being established in Lawrence county, where the different generations of the family have been connected with farming interests. Thomas R. Cobb, the father of Orlando H. Cobb, followed farming in his younger days, then took up the study of law and began practicing in 1851 at Bedford, Indiana. His success was almost immediate and he was soon accorded an extensive clientage. From the first he was also prominent in politics and was honored with election to the office of state senator from the counties of Lawrence and Martin for two terms. In 1868 he came to Vincennes and took up the practice of law. Here, as in his former place of residence, he was soon accorded an eminent position as a member of the bar and as a political leader, and was elected to con- gress, serving for five consecutive terms from the second congressional district. He proved an active working member of the national law-making body and was closely connected with much important constructive legisla- lation. He believed that the party should stand for principle and not serve merely as a machine for the election of certain men, and he strictly
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advocated the measures which he deemed would prove of widespread value. Such was the confidence reposed in his political integrity and his ability to capably fill public office that he might have continued indefinitely in posi- tions of public trust, but preferring to give his attention to private affairs, he retired and looked after his extensive farming and other interests, for he had made large investment in property and was closely connected with agricultural affairs in this part of the state. He died June 22, 1892, mourned by all who knew him, for he had been a faithful representative of the people, a brilliant lawyer, and moreover, a devoted and loyal friend. His congressional record was marked by his championship of the railroad land grant commission through which were recovered many thousands of acres for the people. This was but one of his legislative acts which were of marked value to the public. He was very active in the interests of his constituents and stood as a high type of American lawyer and statesman. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Caroline Anderson, was a native of Lawrence county, Indiana, and was one of the noted family which in- cluded Major Anderson, commander of Fort Sumter. The death of Sen- ator Cobb occurred on the 22d of June, 1892, and his widow survived until the 7th of July, 1907.
Orlando was the eldest of five children, three sons and two daughters. While spending his youthful days in his parents' home, he was a pupil in the schools of Lawrence county and afterward was graduated from the Indiana University in 1872, with the degree of B. S. He took up the study of law under the direction of his father and was graduated in 1873 from the law department of the University of Indiana. He then located for practice in Vincennes, where he has since remained. From 1874 until 1878 he served as deputy prosecuting attorney, and in 1880 was chosen to the office of county attorney for a four years' term. In 1886 he was elected prosecuting attorney and filled that position for four years, at the end of which time, in 1900, he was chosen judge of the twelfth judicial circuit and has since remained upon the bench, covering a period of ten years. The judge has great respect for the dignity of judicial place and power, and as a result of that personal characteristic the proceedings of his court are always orderly upon the part of every one-audience, bar and the offi- cers, from the highest to the lowest. His opinions are fine specimens of judicial thought, always clear, logical, and as brief as the character of the case will permit. He never enlarges beyond the necessities of the legal thought in order to indulge in the drapery of literature. His mind during the entire period of his course at the bar and on the bench has been di- rected in the line of his profession and his duty. Judge O. H. Cobb pre- sided in the trial of the state versus Menlo Moore for the homicide of Charles E. Gibson, which attracted general attention throughout the United States. The instructions of Judge Cobb to the jury in that trial, though numerous and lengthy, were accepted by all of the attorneys in the case as a correct statement of the law without exception.
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On the IIth of November, 1874, Mr. Cobb was married to Miss Eliza- beth Beckes, a daughter of Thomas P. Beckes, an old and respected resi- dent of Vincennes. His fraternal relations are with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a popular man who has the confidence of all. In manner modest and unassuming, his honorable course in every relation of life has made him known as the worthy son of a worthy sire.
SHULER McCORMICK.
Shuler McCormick, prosecuting attorney of Knox county, although one of the youngest practitioners at the bar in the county, has gained a fine repu- tation in his profession and in the opinion of his friends is destined for a brilliant career. He is a native of Knox county and was born in Johnson township, February 6, 1886, a son of John and Sarah (Smithmeyer) Mc- Cormick, the former of whom was born in Knox county in 1844 and the latter in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1850. The father was a soldier in the Civil war enlisting in 1863, and was with General Burnside in the siege of Knox- ville. He served for six months and was honorably mustered out in 1864. The family is one of the pioneer families of Knox county and has been identi- fied with the interests of this county for nearly one hundred years. Of the children born to John and Sarah McCormick nine are now living: John E., who married Minnie Rhodarmel and is the father of six children ; Annie E., living at home; Margaret, the wife of E. B. Price and the mother of three children; Pearl, the wife of J. L. Trueblood and the mother of three chil- dren ; H. D., a practicing physician of Vincennes ; Jasper and Shuler, twins, the former of whom married Mina Johnson and has become the father of one child, and the latter the subject of this review ; Blanche, the wife of Maurice Stangle and the mother of two children; and Phyllis, living at home.
Shuler McCormick received his preliminary education in the common schools and graduated from the University of Vincennes in the class of 1906. He next entered the Cincinnati Law School and graduated from that insti- tution with the title of LL. B. in 1908. Mr. McCormick as a student concen- trated his energies in a remarkable degree, as is evidenced from the fact that he completed a four years' course in the high school in two years, in the university in three and one-half years, also completing the three years' course at the law school in two years. During this time he was recognized as a leader among his fellow students and won several prizes in oratorical con- tests, showing a power of research and an ability as a public speaker which were highly prophetic of his success after entering upon the duties of his profession. He began practice at Vincennes in 1908, first occupying offices with J. M. Glenn, but since March, 1910, has established himself in the new La Plante building. At the present time he holds the office of prosecuting
SHULER McCORMICK
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attorney of Knox county, discharging his duties with a fidelity that has met the commendation of the courts and the people.
In 1908 Mr. McCormick was united in marriage to Miss Edythe Pink- staff, who was born at Pinkstaff, Illinois, in 1887. The town was named in honor of her grandfather. The father, Charles H. Pinkstaff, was also born in Pinkstaff, about 1852, and devoted his attention to farming. The mother, who was before her marriage Victoria Highsmith, was a native of Illinois and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McCormick are the parents of one son, Charles. Donald, who was born August 29, 1909.
Mr. McCormick has been actively identified with the democratic party ever since he arrived at manhood's estate and is an avowed champion of its principles. He is a member of the Masonic order and also of the Modern Woodmen of America and is in strong sympathy with the teachings of brotherhood upon which those orders are founded. He is a believer in the authority of the Bible and holds membership in the Methodist church. From the beginning of his professional career Mr. McCormick has evinced an ability of a high order, showing a grasp of law and a capacity for generaliza- tion which are strong points in determining success in the arduous vocation of the law. He is an earnest and eloquent public speaker, a good pleader, and has the ambition and grit so necessary in overcoming the difficulties which lie in the way of every young attorney. That he will attain a high mark in his profession is the opinion of all who know him.
WILLIAM H. HILL.
Although engaged in the practice of law only since 1902, William H. Hill is one of the prominent members of the Knox county bar and gives promise of attaining a state-wide reputation as the years pass. This proph- ecy is based upon the reputation which he has established for possessing sound judgment, a clear head and well developed reasoning powers. He is a man of impeachable character and is steadfast in adhering to what he be- lieves to be right. He is an earnest and consistent supporter of the temper- ance cause and is known as one of the most persistent and eloquent advo- cates of prohibition to be found in all this region. Having been convinced years ago of the evils of the saloon, he became one of its most determined opponents, and his influence and voice may always be depended upon to ad- vance the cause of prohibition.
Mr. Hill is a native of Bruceville, this county, born March 24, 1876. His father, Charles M. Hill, was also born in Bruceville as was his mother, whose father emigrated from Virginia and settled near Bruceville in 1812. A num- ber of the Hill family came about the same time and many of the descend- ants are living in Knox and adjoining counties. The pioneers brought with
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them two sturdy characteristics that are inseparable from the name wher- ever we find it-love of liberty and hospitality, which are prominent traits of the family today. Charles M. Hill was one of a family of eight children, all born in Knox county. He was educated in the public schools of the early period and fought for the Union as a private in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Since 1876 he has been engaged in the mercantile business at Bruceville. The mother of our sub- ject is Emma (Moore) Hill, a member of the well known Hollingsworth family on her mother's side. She was the mother of ten children, eight of whom are now living.
William H. Hill was the eldest of the ten children and at an early age came into close contact with responsibilities that assisted in the development of a spirit of helpfulness which has been one of the sources of his strength. He attended the public schools and later was a student at the State Uni- versity, graduating from the law department of that institution with the degree of LL. B. in 1901. In January, 1902, he began practice at Vin- cennes, where he has since continued. A lifelong student of the temper- ance question, he was prominently identified with the work while at the uni- versity where he was regarded as the leader in temperance affairs and his interest has never abated. By close attention to his profession he has built up a practice which yields a substantial income, his clients being among the best people of the county. Never hasty in his judgment, he has gained a reputation as being practical in his advice and free from undue prejudice in weighing the possibilities in any case. In the courtroom he conveys the impression of alertness and his force of character assists in no small de- gree in holding the attention of the jury and influencing the decision. No man at the bar gains a more close hearing and it goes without saying that he is well informed in the law and an interesting and forcible speaker on every subject that claims his interest.
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