USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 25
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noteworthy reputation as a pleader whose appearance before a jury meant a crowded court room and in many instances a decisive victory for the cause he espoused. In recent years, however, observing in himself and others the profound effect of the emotions necessarily aroused to an in- tense degree when a human life is at stake, he has turned to general prac- tice of law, and in a field that presents alluring opportunity for the ex- ercise of the milder and more enduring qualities, he is winning new laurels.
Mr. Wade was born on a farm near Cynthiana, Posey county, Indiana, August 22, 1862, a son of George W. and Zereldia (Williams) Wade. The father was a native of Ohio and removed early in life with his parents to Posey county. He has spent most of his life upon a farm, but is now living retired at Cynthiana. The mother was born in Posey county and is still living. They have enjoyed a long life of usefulness and are among the respected members of the community.
The subject of this review spent his boyhood upon the home farm, attended the public schools and later became a student at Brown's College. By inclination and talent attracted to the study of the legal profession, he matriculated in the law department of the University of Virginia and was graduated from that celebrated institution in 1883, with the degree of LL. B. He was then in his twenty-first year, and in order to secure funds he became a school teacher and was employed for two years in the public schools of Mount Vernon, the county seat of Posey county, and an important point on the Ohio river. At the end of this time he entered the office of Judge William P. Edson, one of the most prominent attor- neys of the county, and there was inducted into the practice of a profes- sion which soon occupied almost his entire thought, and in which he has since achieved an enviable distinction. At the close of a year with Judge Edson the young attorney had gained quite a reputation as a public speaker and he was appointed deputy prosecuting attorney of Posey and Vander- burg counties, a position which he found greatly to his liking. His duties frequently called him to Evansville, the seat of the courts of Vanderburg county. His acquaintance not only with the procedure and the actual workings of the courts, but with the lawyers and the intricacies of criminal law grew rapidly and he finally resigned his position and located in Mount Vernon as an attorney in active practice that gradually called him to many courts in a wide district embraced by Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As indicated above, he decided to enter general practice and Vincennes offer- ing a favorable field, he removed to this city June 1, 1909, where he is now permanently established. He has made many friends, and bringing to his new home a mind tested during many years of the closest applica- tion not only in the study of the principles of law, but in their application, he is qualified in a rare degree to give a good account of his stewardship in all cases submitted to his charge. As a genial gentleman of wide ac- quaintance with the world and one whose social and sympathetic natures
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have never been sullied by a view of the imperfections perhaps too often brought to light in the courts, he gives promise of many years of useful- ness whose term shall cease only with life. He has a good practice, and is much esteemed by other members of the bar.
Mr. Wade was happily married July 12, 1885, to Miss Emma Tente of Mount Vernon, a daughter of C. F. Tente. One son, Fred, aged twenty-one, has been born to them. A natural orator, Mr. Wade is never so happy as when in the presence of an audience, and few men have a more graceful or effective delivery. Animated by that "celestial fire," recognized in all ages and under all climes as one of the richest gifts to man, he stands forth as one of the most eloquent sons of the state that has produced some of the most effective speakers of America. For many years his services have been eagerly sought by campaign committees of the democratic party and his voice has never faltered in the utterance of principles which appealed to him at the beginning of his career, and to which he has given a lifelong devotion.
J. M. SAPPENFIELD.
J. M. Sappenfield, who is at the head of a monument and marble cutting enterprise in Bicknell, has built up a splendid business in this connection and is recognized as one of the prominent factors in the commercial life of the town. His birth occurred in Floyd county, Indiana, on the 18th of December, 1878, his parents being Emanuel and Anna (Murphy) Sappenfield. The father, a native of Harrison county, Indiana, is now living in Washington county, this state, where he is engaged in general merchandising. His wife, who was born in Floyd county, Indiana, also still survives. Unto them were born thirteen children, as follows: Elmer, who is chief dispatcher for the Southern Indiana Railroad; J. M., of this review; Cad, who is a trained nurse in the Richmond Hospital at Richmond, Indiana; Florence, the wife of H. W. Baker, a lumberman of Sikeston, Missouri; Goldie, who gave her hand in marriage to T. E. Teegarden and resides in Liberal, Kansas ; Claude C., who is an operator in the freight office of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad at Vincennes, Indiana ; Noble, a bookkeeper at Sikeston, Missouri ; Fern and Roscoe, both of whom are at home and are employed as clerks ; Otto, Vance and Dale, who are likewise still under the parental roof; and Myrtle, who is deceased.
J. M. Sappenfield obtained his education in the graded and high schools of Washington county and also pursued a course of study in the Forrest Business College at Indianapolis, Indiana. Taking up the profession of teach- ing in Washington county, he followed that vocation successfully for ten years spending three years of that time as an instructor in the public schools of Bicknell. On abandoning educational interests he established a monument
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and marble cutting concern in Bicknell and has since built up a business that would be a credit to a place many times the size of this town. His success is attributable directly to his untiring industry, indefatigable energy and capable management. His efforts are recognized as a potent force in the commercial growth and development of Bicknell and he has long been num- bered among its most enterprising and public-spirited citizens, doing every- thing in his power to promote the general welfare.
In 1900 Mr. Sappenfield was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Pollard, by whom he has four children, namely: Roy, Walter, and Max and Rex, twins. In politics Mr. Sappenfield is independent, supporting men and meas- ures rather than party. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge, chapter and commandery and also to the Eastern Star. He is likewise identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Bicknell. Admirable social qualities and unfeigned cordiality have ren- dered him very popular and he is at all times approachable, displaying in business and social circles qualities which win esteem, consideration and kindly regard.
MRS. LOUISA J. CLEMONS.
One of the valuable farming properties of Palmyra township is owned and occupied by Mrs. Louisa J. (Horn) Clemons, whose place is situated on donation 69. She has always lived in Knox county, where her parents settled at an early day. Her father, John Horn, was of German extraction and became a wealthy and prominent business man of Vincennes, Indiana. He was interested in various commercial and financial enterprises and was a stockholder in both the First and Second national banks of Vincennes. His business judgment was sound, his discrimination keen and thus his investments were wisely placed and brought to him a substantial return. He married Christina Vaught and unto them were born three children, of whom two are now living.
The daughter, Louisa J. Horn, was the eldest of the family. Her girl- hood days were spent in her parents' home and when she had reached woman- hood she became the wife of Isaiah Martin Ruble, a native of Palmyra town- ship, born in 1839. He acquired his early education in the district schools of that township and remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when in response to the country's call for military aid he joined the Union army in October, 1861, becoming a member of Company H, Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, at Bruceville. He served with that command until December, 1865, or for four years, during which period he was often in the thickest of the fight on many of the hotly contested battlefields of the south. He never wavered in his duty and returned to his home with a creditable military record. When the war was over he again became a
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resident of Knox county, Indiana, where he engaged in farming continuing in that business up to the time of his death, which occurred October 21, 1879. He was very successful in his work as an agriculturist, his business ability, sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise being manifest in the prosperity which rewarded his labors. At his death he left three hundred acres of land, which was the visible evidence of his life of thrift and enterprise. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ruble there were born two children, both of whom are still living. The elder, Emma, is now the wife of John Mack, a resident of Palmyra township, and they have six children. The younger, John M. Ruble, is married and lives in Bicknell, Indiana, with his wife and two children. After losing her first husband Mrs. Ruble became the wife of Joseph J. Clemons who lived but a short time after their marriage. They had one child, James M. Clemons, a resident of Palmyra township, who is married and has two children, Charles H. and Louisa M.
Mrs. Clemons is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, devoted to its welfare and faithful to its teachings. She is the owner of a valuable farm property of two hundred acres in donations 69 and 75, Palmyra township, and in addition she owns a dwelling and fourteen lots in the town of Bicknell. She is thus comfortably situated in life, being able to provide her home not only with the necessities but also with many luxuries such as go to make life worth living. She has always resided in Knox county, where she has a wide acquaintance, and her many good qualities have won her the friendly regard of those with whom she has been brought in contact.
JOSEPH BOND.
One of the well known citizens of Knox county, is Joseph Bond. For seventy-four years he has been a resident of this county and many years ago became a leading farmer of Busseron township. Although he has given a farm to each of his children, he is still the owner of one of the most valuable farming properties in the township. A native of Virginia, he was born in Shenandoah county, March 30, 1829, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth E. (Orndorff) Bond. The father, who was also a native of Shenandoah county, came with his family to Knox county in 1836. He was not very liberally supplied with this world's goods and so he began on a small scale by renting land. Later he purchased a tract of eighty acres and as his means increased he acquired more land until he became the owner of a well improved farm of four hundred acres. He was a man of great industry and good business judgment and acquired a position as one of the most highly respected members of the community. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bond, five of whom are now living.
Joseph Bond received his early education in the district schools of Knox county and as he grew up assisted on the farm and became thoroughly
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acquainted with the details of agriculture and stock-raising. After reach- ing manhood he began for himself by renting land and at the end of five years acquired a small capital, with which he purchased a farm, finally ac- cumulating seven hundred acres of land in this county. He is recognized as a man of clear judgment in business affairs and his advice is often sought by those who seek to proceed along most approved lines. When his advice is followed it is very seldom the individual goes astray. He believes in as- sisting young persons who are starting out in life to obtain such advantages as are possible under the conditions in which we now live and accordingly he has deeded to each of his five children eighty acres of land, retaining three hundred acres for himself.
In 1854 Mr. Bond was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Latshaw and seven children were born to this union, five of whom are now living: Robert F., who is married and has three children; William, who is married and has six children; Francis T., who is married and has three children ; Lou, now Mrs. James Curry and the mother of one child; and Dora, at home. The mother having departed this life, Mr. Bond was married in 1892 to Mrs. Mary E. (Kennedy) Shepherd, a daughter of Rev. Stephen Kennedy of Illinois, who was a minister of the gospel.
Although Mr. Bond has reached an age when most men are retired from active business, his natural force is largely unabated and he is still as. capable of transacting important business affairs as a man thirty years his junior. He is a stanch advocate of the republican party and, although he has never sought public office, he has served for a number of years in minor township offices, discharging his duties with a fidelity that met the hearty approval of the people. For sixty-two years he has been a member of the Christian church and during the entire period has acted as elder in the church. In his relations with others he has made it his aim to deal justly, speak gently and ever to keep in mind that all men are of one blood and of one brotherhood.
CHARLES NICHOLSON.
Charles Nicholson, postmaster of Wheatland and one of the prosperous agriculturists of Knox county, is a native of this county, born in Steen township, January 9, 1864, and is a son of Andrew and Caroline (Boyd) Nicholson. After attending the district schools, he became a student in the public schools of Vincennes. Laying his books aside at seventeen years of age, he began in the mercantile business and later became junior mem- ber of the firm of Dukote & Nicholson, dealers in hardware and drugs, at Wheatland. Subsequently he closed out his business and engaged in farm- ing but later became connected with general merchandising, in which he continued until 1908, when he again became actively interested in farming
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and is now the owner of two hundred and ten acres of land in donation 108 and two hundred and thirty acres in Daviess county, Indiana. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Wheatland. His wife owns one hundred acres in donation 108 and a house and four lots in the village. In 1906 Mr. Nicholson was appointed postmaster of Wheat- land and this position he still retains, having discharged his duties in such a way as to meet with the commendation not only of the people of Wheat- land and vicinity but of the officers of the government at Washington.
On May 18, 1892, Mr. Nicholson was united in marriage to Miss May Steen, a daughter of Enoch and Sadie Steen. Steen township received its name from this family, the older members of which were among the prom- inent pioneers of Knox county. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson: Lois, Eleanor Ruth and Charles Byron.
Mr. Nicholson has been from the time of reaching manhood an ardent supporter of the republican party and has assisted to the extent of his ability in advancing the interests of the party in Knox county. His religious belief is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church and socially he is connected with the Order of Ben Hur, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Court of Honor, the Knights of Honor, the Mutual Protective Asso- ciation and several other organizations. He has an abiding interest in the county where he has lived all his life and is always a willing contributor to any cause, either public or private, that aims to advance the interest of the region in which he makes his home. He is a public-spirited, patriotic citizen and is known as one whose desire it is to promote the moral as well as the material welfare of those with whom he is associated. In all the relations of life he has been constant and true and therefore well merits the esteem in which he is held by all who know him.
THOMAS J. REEL.
Thomas J. Reel, the owner of a well improved farm in a rich section of Knox county and a citizen who stands very high in the estimation of those who know him, was born in Harrison township, November 22, 1843, his parents being Aaron and Catherine (Jordon) Reel. The father was a na- tive of the Keystone state and came from Pennsylvania to Knox county in his early manhood, seeking a permanent location where conditions would be more favorable than those of older settled communities. He found a desir- able tract of land in the region south of Vincennes, and there he lived until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-one years. He was a man of good judgment and one who always attempted to perform his duty to those with whom he was associated. The mother was a native of Johnson township, this county. The father was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Pancake, by whom he had five children, one of whom died in infancy.
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Samuel, David and Aaron are now deceased ; and Fred is a farmer living in Harrison township. Three children were born to the second marriage: Maggie, now deceased; Thomas J., our subject ; and Mary, the wife of Sam- uel Candle, of Vincennes.
The subject of this review was educated in the public schools of Vincennes and later attended school in the country. In February, 1865, having then attained the age of twenty-one years, he enlisted in the army to fight for the cause of the Union, serving for nine months, but as the war was drawing to a close at the time of his enlistment he was never present at any engage- ment. Immediately after his return home he began his active career as a farmer and in 1873 purchased the land on which he has since lived. Here he has made all the improvements, including a comfortable residence and ample outbuildings and he has cleared the land, planted shade and orna- mental trees, tiled the land and built fences, thus bringing the farm up to a high standard and making it capable of a good degree of cultivation. That he is a worker is indicated by the fact of his attending seventeen log- rollings in one season. His farm comprises sixty-seven and one-half acres, formerly occupied by a forest which it required a large amount of work to remove.
In 1871 Mr. Reel was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Hertle, who comes of stanch Teutonic ancestry and was born in Germany. Five chil- dren have blessed their union: Katie, the wife of Marshall Barrickton, of Monroe City ; Louisa, now Mrs. John Hicks, of Olney, Illinois ; Gertrude, a trained nurse of Olney; Lawrence, a farmer of Harrison township; and Theodore, deceased.
As the head of a family Mr. Reel performed an honorable part in life by setting a creditable example for his children and those with whom he has associated. He is a firm believer in the Bible as the inspired revelation and indicates his faith by membership in the Presbyterian church, of which he is a trustee. Politically he is identified with the democratic party. That he is successful as a farmer is shown by the neat appearance of his home and the well tilled fields which annually return rich harvests. He has earned the place he holds as a responsible and respected citizen of an intelligent community.
MRS. VOLENDER BOYD.
Mrs. Volender Boyd, a worthy member of one of the honored families and for many years a resident of Knox county, was born at Clinton, Illinois, November 18, 1841. She is a daughter of Adam and Anna (Smith) Horn- hack, the former of whom was born November 16, 1800, in Palmyra town- ship, this county, and the latter February 25, 1803. Adam Hornback re- ceived his preliminary education in the public schools of his native county and later attended college in Virginia, now West Virginia, where he became
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qualified as a physician. After practicing his profession for a time in Vir- ginia he returned to Knox county and later took up his residence in Clin- ton county, Illinois, where he acquired a fine reputation as a medical prac- titioner and also engaged on an extensive scale in agricultural pursuits. He was a man of good judgment in business affairs and accumulated eight hun- dred acres of land in Illinois, enjoying in an eminent degree the confidence of the people. He was called from earthly scenes December 12, 1858, his wife having died December 12, 1845.
Volender Hornback grew to womanhood and was married November II, 1870, to Leroy Boyd, who was born in Knox county, February 4, 1837. He received his early education in the district schools and later attended col- lege at New Lebanon, Indiana. He became a prominent farmer in this county and one of the largest live-stock feeders and shippers of the county. He was also associated with other interests, being a stockholder in the First and Second National Banks of Vincennes. He was one of the leaders in the organization of the Knox County Fair Association and a member of the first advisory board of the association, also being a member of the board in later years. Mr. Boyd was a strong believer in the Bible and an active worker in the Bruceville Methodist Episcopal church. From the time of reaching manhood he adhered to the principles of the republican party. On March 1I, 1908, this worthy citizen passed away.
There were four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Boyd : Stella, the wife of Lincoln Horbinson and the mother of six children: Alice, who married Edward Bierhaus and is the mother of four children; and J. T. and Dr. C. L., both of whom are appropriately mentioned in this work. Mrs. Boyd resides at the family homestead, which embraces four hundred acres and is one of the finest farms in this county. Throughout a wide region she has many friends, to whom she has endeared herself by countless acts of courtesy and kindness. She has lived to see great transformations in a country now dotted with comfortable farm houses and known as one of the garden spots of the middle west, and she herself has assisted as opportunity presented in strengthening those ties which made society possible and enhance the beauty . and pleasures of life. As one of the intelligent and respected members of the community, who has long been connected with its best interests, no record of Knox county would be complete without adequate mention of the subject of this review.
MRS. CAROLINE NICHOLSON.
Mrs. Caroline (Boyd) Nicholson has traveled life's journey for eighty- five years, being today one of the oldest residents of Knox county, making her home upon a farm of seventy-three acres which is situated on donation 87, Steen township. She was born in Wythe county, Virginia, December 29, 1825, a daughter of John T. and Christina Boyd. Her father was born in
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South Carolina on the 28th of April, 1805, and on the IIth of September, 1823, was married. There were seventeen children born of that union, of whom Mrs. Nicholson was the second in order of birth. Her girlhood days were spent in the south and in early womanhood she became the wife of Andrew Nicholson, who sought her hand in marriage and with whom she long traveled life's journey. Their wedding was celebrated in 1854. Mr. Nicholson was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1812. He made farming his life work and was a very successful man. He recognized the fact that industry and unfaltering perseverance constitute the basis of business advancement and he worked hard year after year until he was enabled to add to his property and became the owner of considerable land. He was a man held in the highest regard by all because of his well known business integrity and enterprise. His word was as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson was blessed with seven children and five of the number are still living, as follows: Mary, who is the wife of Henry Watjen, by whom she has six children; Martha Ann, who gave her hand in marriage to James D. Williams, a grandson of Ex Governor Williams, and is now the mother of six children: John; Charles, who is married and has three children ; and Andrew E., who is the father of two children.
Mr. Nicholson was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, took active part in its work, contributed generously to its support and also gave freely where charity was needed. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he held many township offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He was called to his final rest in 1886 and thus passed away one who was ever regarded as a valued and worthy citizen of Knox county, where he had lived since 1815. Mrs. Nicholson still makes her home on donation 87, Steen township, where she owns seventy-three acres of rich and valuable land but has converted most of her property into money. Her holdings are sufficient to supply her in the evening of her days with all of the comforts of life and she is among the most highly esteemed of Knox county's pioneer women.
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