USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 27
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MRS. VIRGINIA M. DUNN.
Among the highly esteemed women of Knox county is Mrs. Virginia M. Dunn, a native of this county and a descendant of southern ancestry, her father, John W. Allen, having been a native of Abbeville county, South Carolina. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary E. Brewer, was a native of Berkeley county, West Virginia, born September 29, 1811. Mr. Allen was born January 8, 1804, and received his education in the public schools of his native state. Desiring to possess wider opportunities than were presented in South Carolina, he emigrated to Indiana at an early day and here he was married September 23, 1831. He became one of the successful farmers of Knox county, a man of unimpeachable character and one who inspired the highest respect in those with whom he was associated. Three children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Allen; Charles W., deceased; Virginia, of this review; and Francis.
Mrs. Dunn grew up under the favoring influences of a kindly home and received a good education in the neighboring schools. On the 24th of Decem- ber, 1863, she was happily united in marriage to Samuel L. Dunn, who was a son of Joseph Dunn, a native of Ireland. The father came to America in his boyhood and located in Knox county, Indiana, but later removed to Daviess county, where he continued upon a farm until his death. Samuel L. Dunn received a common-school education and early became acquainted with agriculture and stock-raising, to which he devoted his energies until his death, which occured in 1875. He was a man of sound judgment, industrious and thorough in everything he undertook and the possessor of a generous and friendly nature which gained for him many friends. Socially he was identi-
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fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for many years up to the time of his death he was a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church and served as trustee and Sunday school superintendent, devoting to these duties the same interest that he displayed in his private affairs. He accumulated a handsome competence, the estate going to his wife at the time of his death.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dunn: Mary Frances, who became the wife of William Sanders and is the mother of three children; Ula, deceased ; Richard C., who is married and is the father of six children ; Emma, now living at home; Violet, the wife of William J. Commer ; and Katy, deceased. Mrs. Dunn occupies the family homestead, which is endeared to her by many fond associations, and in the evening of life, bright- ened by many acts of kindness and unselfishness, she enjoys the confidence not only of her relatives but of all with whom she comes into contact. She is the owner of a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Steen township and of three houses and lots in Wheatland and is a liberal contributor to all worthy charities and to all causes that have for their purpose the advance- ment of the community.
GEORGE TURBETT.
Among the native sons of Indiana who have attained success as farmers and have gained an honored place in the estimation of their fellows may be named George Turbett, of Johnson township, Knox county. He was born in the township where he now lives, January 6, 1850, and is a son of Henry and Nellie (Mays) Turbett, the former of whom was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1801, and the latter in Johnson township, this county, November 4, 1806. Mr. Turbett, Sr., was one of the pioneer settlers of the state and became the owner of three hundred acres of land. He was a brave and capable man and served in the Black Hawk war as captain, being greatly esteemed by all who knew him. He was called away February 25, 1859, at the age of fifty-eight years. The beloved mother died September 17, 1876. There were ten children in the family : Nancy, Mary, Lewis, Betsey, Jane, William, Martin, James, George and Prudence.
George Turbett was educated in the district schools and early became acquainted with all kinds of work pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. Even as a lad he showed a natural adaptability to farming pursuits and later he became known as one of the most enterprising and progressive farmers of the township. He is the owner of two hundred and sixteen acres of land, which he cleared and improved, building a commodious residence and barns and making it one of the most attractive landed possessions in the region. He raises wheat, corn and oats upon an extensive scale and also gives a great deal of attention to the breeding of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and Poland
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China hogs. He has sold from his place some of the finest specimens of the breeds named that have during recent years been sent out of the county.
On the 28th of January, 1877, Mr. Turbett was happily united in marriage to Adelia Turpin, of Johnson township, a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Leathers) Turpin. The father was born in Kentucky and the mother in Gibson county, Indiana. They were the parents of four children: Jane, Adelia, Catherine and Calvin. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Turbett has been brightened by the arrival of four children : Royse, Travis, Opal and Lelia. Mr. Turbett is a staunch supporter of the democratic party and fraternally is identified with the Tribe of Ben Hur at Decker. He is a valued member of the United Brethern church, to which he contributes liberally. He has from his boyhood been identified with farming interests and has shown an energy and ability that seldom fail to meet with just recognition.
Modest and unassuming in his manner, he has made many friends, who often seek his advice in matters pertaining to stock breeding, as it is generally acknowledged by his acquaintances that he is an expert in this line, having made the subject one of the principal studies of his life. He has attained his responsible position through his own efforts and deserves the honor that he now enjoys.
CHARLES M. WRIGHT.
Charles M. Wright, well known in Knox county as a business man and banker and one who has reflected credit upon all with whom he has been associated, was born at Edwardsport, Knox county, April 16, 1868. He is a son of Amos M. and Anne Elizabeth Wright, both of whom are now living at Edwardsport. The father was born in Washington county, Indiana, August 7, 1841. He was a son of Amos and Jane (Gross) Wright, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky and came to Indiana before the state was admitted to the Union. He was born in 1805 and died at the age of seventy-five years, in 1880, being well known as a minister of the Chris- tian church. Jane (Gross) Wright was a native of Virginia and came with her parents to Indiana in the early days, departing this life in June, 1870. Seven children were born to Amos and Jane (Gross) Wright, two of whom died in infancy. Isaac died at Danville, Kentucky, in a hospital while serv- ing in the United States army at the time of the Cvil war. Nathan B. and Levi P. grew to maturity and are deceased. Lavina, the widow of John Huston, is now living at Edwardsport. Amos M. was educated in the country schools of Washington county and moved with the family to Mid- dletown, Indiana, at eleven years of age, locating at Edwardsport in 1860. Just as he was beginning his active career the Civil war aroused the patri- otism of young men throughout the north and he enlisted in Company C, Eightieth Indiana Infantry, in which he served for three years, becoming a
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sergeant of his company. He was present at several of the great battles in which the Army of the West participated, among which were Perryville and Resaca, receiving a severe wound in the latter battle. After spending ten months in the hospital he rejoined his regiment and continued in active service until the expiration of three years. Upon receiving his honorable discharge he came home and for a year and a half was engaged in the wagon- makng business. He then devoted his attention to farming, later removing to town, where he lived until 1880, since which time he has resided in a com- fortable home in the suburbs of Edwardsport. He is the fortunate owner of a farm of one hundred and eighty-two acres in Knox county. Here he has made many improvements and some years ago rebuilt the commodious dwelling which stands upon the place. He is also the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and twenty-three acres on the river bottom and his wife owns one hundred and four acres in Daviess county just across the river. For the past four years he has lived retired. In 1867 Mr. Wright married Miss Anne Elizabeth Hulen, and ten children came to bless the union; Charles M., the subject of this review; Fanny B., the wife of Mitchell P. Barr, of Edwardsport; John N., a farmer living near Edwardsport; Mary M., at home; Cora F., who is in the bank with her brother; Elsie E., the wife of Christan French, of Vigo township; Bessie B., at home; Bernard, a farmer of Daviess county ; and Emma J. and Rebecca A., both deceased. Politically Mr. Wright is in sympathy with the principles of the republican party and is a stanch believer in its platforms. He accepts the Bible as con- taining the revealed word and is a member of the Chrstian church, being a man of unimpeachable character, who is known as one of the progressive and successful citizens of Knox county.
Charles M. Wright was educated in the common schools and followed the occupation of farming continuously for many years with the exception of a period of four years, during which he was manager of a store. In 1905 he took charge of the bank at Edwardsport as cashier, S. T. De Moss, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, being president, and R. O. Beebe, vice president. In the banking business he has shown an aptitude which has produced very gratifying results and has won for him a creditable place in the financial circles of this part of the state. The bank with which he is identified is an important factor in the community and its success is in a very large degree due to the enterprise and ability of its manager, although the other gentlemen connected with the bank are also entitled to great credit for the ability they have displayed in the conduct of its affairs. In addition to his banking interest Mr. Wrght is the owner of property in Edwards- port and of real-estate holdings elsewhere.
In 1890 our subject was united in marriage to Miss Kittie Perkins, of Edwardsport, and four children have been born to the union : Leone, Rus- sell, Mildred and Milton. Mr. Wright, like his father, is an upholder of the republican party. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, in which he now fills the offices of scribe and trustee, and also holds
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membership in the encampment and the Modern Woodmen of America, being a leading officer of the local lodge of Woodmen. His religious views are indicated by connection with the Christan church, to which his wife also belongs. He is an earnest worker of the church and as deacon has assisted in establishing it as one of the prominent instrumentalities in the upbuilding of the community. Through industry and application he advanced until he reached a position where he has opportunity to assist greatly in the perma- nent development of the region with whose resources he is thoroughly ac- quainted. It is hardly necessary to say that he is doing everything in his power for its development.
GEORGE W. PHILLIPPE, JR.
A prosperous farmer and highly respected citizen, who has gained a large degree of success through well directed ambition, is George W. Phil- lippe, Jr., of Bicknell. He was born in Vigo township, this county, January 17, 1855, and is a son of Josiah and Maria (Streepy) Phillippe. The father was born in Wythe county, Virginia, but after growing up he decided that more favorable opportunities lay westward and he came to Knox county, where he made his home during the remainder of his life, being called away at the age of sixty-nine years, in 1900. His remains were deposited at Asberry Chapel. He was a man of very high character and unimpeachable standing in the community and was more than ordinarily successful in his business affairs. Politically he supported the democratic party and always showed great interest in advancing the cause both locally and nationally. He was a stanch member of the Methodist church and one of five leading citizens who contributed most liberally to its support in the region where he lived. The mother was born in Vigo township and lived there during her entire life. There were five children in the family, of which our subject was the eldest, the others being: Mary J., now the wife of Wesley Cleve- land, of Bicknell, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Eliza- beth, the wife of Frank P. Wampler, of Bicknell; Rebecca, now Mrs. Jo- seph Bickman, of Bicknell; and E. J., of Fort Cobb, Oklahoma,
The subject of this review was educated in the subscription school, where he received a good foundation in mental training, upon which he has built with a high degree of success. He early evinced an inclination for farming pursuits and has never regretted that he turned his energies in that direc- tion. Until reaching the age of twenty-nine years he remained upon the home farm and then he began upon his own account, first buying eighty acres from his uncle, H. H. Streepy. As his means increased he added forty acres to his farm and now owns a beautiful place of one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he has expended more than five thousand dollars in im- provements, making it one of the most valuable landed possessions in this
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part of the country. He has followed general farming but specializes in fine chickens, of the buff Plymouth Rock variety; and has gained a wide reputation on account of the excellence of his stock. The business is carried forward under the title of Phillippe & Son and each year grows in volume and importance under the able management of men thoroughly qualified to carry it forward.
On November 9, 1883, Mr. Phillippe was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Enochs, a resident of Sullivan county, this state, and two children blessed the union: Margaret M., the wife of Province A. Abraham, of Sandborn ; and James Elbert, who was born January 8, 1889, and is a gradu- ate of the common schools. He is now assisting his father upon the farm and shows a proficiency which is highly pleasing to his parents.
Politically Mr. Phillippe is inclined to be independent, often voting for a candidate irrespective of the party he represents. At the same time our subject is inclined to favor the democracy, as he admires its advocacy of in- dividual liberty. For twenty-two years past he has been a working member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, as is shown by the fact that he has passed through all the chairs of the lodge and encampment. He also holds membership in the Royal Neighbors and Modern Woodmen of America, having filled all the chairs in the latter organization. He and his wife and daughter are members of the Rebekahs, the ladies' auxiliary of the Odd Fellows lodge.
Mr. Phillippe belongs to the class of men who generally accomplish what they set out to do. He has energy, perseverance and an abundance of ability -three traits that assure success to any person so fortunate as to possess them. Our object has many friends in Knox county and elsewhere, who recognize his good qualities and who will read with pleasure this record of a worthy citizen of one of the most progressive and thriving communities in the state.
IRA V CORBIN.
Ira V. Corbin, cashier of the Sandborn Banking Company and for a number of years past recognized as an active factor in the business and financial interests of Knox county, was born in Jefferson township, Sulli- van county, Indiana, December 25, 1862, a son of Moses and Emeline (Dout- hitt) Corbin. The father, who was also a native of Sullivan county and one of its successful farmers, departed this life in January, 1905, after a long and useful career, in the course of which he displayed many of those estima- ble characteristics that contribute to high character. He was a patriotic citizen, presenting himself for enlistment at the time of the Civil war in the cause of the Union but was rejected as he failed to qualify physically. Two of his brothers, however, donned the blue and served faithfully during the
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Rebellion. The grandfather of our subject, Vincent W. Corbin, was a na- tive of Kentucky and an early settler of Indiana. The mother was born in Sullivan county and was called to her final rest in 1888. There were five children in the family : William F., of Oklahoma ; Ira V., our subject; Sarah the wife of John E. Keith, of Bicknell; Edward M., now a practicing physi- cian of Sullivan, Indiana; and Charles M., deceased.
The subject of this review received his early education in the common schools and later pursued a commercial course in the Danville Business Col- lege. In 1887, being then twenty-five years of age and having gained some knowledge of commercial affairs, he, in connection with others, opened a general store at Sandborn in a room adjoining the building where the bank with which he is connected is located. For ten years he conducted the busi- ness successfully, at the end of which time he closed out his stock and be- gan farming just across the county line in Greene county. He continued upon the farm for five years and then in 1903 organized the bank of which he is now cashier, a position which he has held ever since the institution was opened. In 1905 the bank was changed from a private to a state bank and the capital stock has been increased from ten thousand to twenty-five thou- sand dollars. George J. Singer is president and George R. Alsop, vice presi- dent, both well known men of this county. In 1906 the safe of the bank was blown open and four thousand dollars in money and seventy-five thou- sand dollars in notes were stolen. However, nothing was lost to the stock- holders, as the depositors were fully protected by insurance and the bank was reimbursed for every dollar taken from the safe. The robbers were never apprehended. The prudence and foresight of the management of the bank in protecting its patrons was recognized by depositors and citizens and as a result the bank has become one of the prosperous and flourishing insti- tutions of Knox county, now holding deposits of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. While engaged in farming Mr. Corbin also dealt in live stock quite extensively and became one of the well known shippers from this region. For some years he has devoted his entire attention to financial matters and has acquired a deserved reputation as thoroughly conservative and capable in anything he undertakes. He is the owner of a well improved farm near Sandborn and of a beautiful town residence and five other houses and lots.
In 1891 Mr. Corbin was united in marriage to Miss Mollie Neggel and three children have been born of the union: Ira M., now bookkeeper in the bank ; Evelyn E .; and John M. Politically Mr. Corbin's views are in accord with the platform of the republican party, he believing from his observation and experience in business affairs, that this party is best adapted to direct the affairs of the country. While he has not sought public office, he served with general acceptance as trustee of the township for two years and was a member of the first township board. Socially he is identified with the Masonic order and with the Tribe of Ben Hur, serving at the present time as treasurer of the latter organization. By years of steadfast integrity he has
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gained recognition as a man whose character will stand the closest scrutiny. In business he is alert, energetic and clear-sighted and as a citizen he has made it the practice of his life to do everything in his power for the ad- vancement of the permanent interests of the community. By his friends he is known as a true type of American citizenship.
JOHN R. MILLER.
John R. Miller, whose home is in Widner township, Knox county, is of stalwart Teutonic ancestry. He was born on a farm in Widner township, one and one-half miles north of his present location, April 13, 1864, and is a son of August J. and Wilhelmina (Wallerman) Miller, both of whom were natives of Hammerstein, Germany. August J. Miller came to America with his family in 1857, and after spending a year at Louisville, Kentucky, settled on a farm owned by Charles Harper, near Edwardsport, this county. Here he continued for one year, when he purchased forty acres from Mr. Charles Harper, which he carefully cultivated for seven years. Having accumu- lated sufficient means, he moved to a farm on section 4, Vigo township, and there he lived until his death, in December, 1891. He became one of the flourishing farmers of Knox county and was a man of excellent character and high reputation. The beloved mother was called to her reward in 1872. Six children brightened the home of Mr. and Mrs. Miller: Augusta, de- ceased in 1903 ; Samuel J., a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work ; Joseph, who died in 1908; John R., a farmer of Vigo township; Henry C., also of Vigo township; and Sarah J., who is married and lives in Washing- ton township, Knox county.
John R. Miller was educated in the district schools of Vigo township and after laying aside his books devoted his attention to the home farm, assist- ing his father and also performing his part in administering to the comfort of the other members of the family. At twenty-seven years of age he began upon his own account, going upon the land which he now occupies. He is the owner of an attractive place of one hundred and twelve acres, which he has improved by his industry and good judgment and it is now one of the valuable farms of the township. Here he tills the soil according to approved modern methods and also raises live stock which he sends to the market in first class condition.
In 1894 Mr. Miller took unto himself a life companion, selecting as the lady of his choice Miss Minnie Holman, of Vincennes. They are the par- ents of an interesting family of six children: Ruth, Augusta, Christabel, Bertha, Wilma and Miriam.
Mr. Miller since arriving at manhood has been an adherent of the re- publican party. He is a sincere believer in the inspiration of the Bible and is a member of the Baptist church, assisting to the extent of his ability in
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any cause in which the church is interested. In his estimable wife he has been greatly blessed, as she is not only a loving helpmate and useful com- panion, but a safe adviser. No couple stands higher in the estimation of the people of the neighborhood than the worthy subject of his review and his deserving wife.
SAMUEL T. DE MOSS.
Samuel T. De Moss, of Edwardsport, is one of the enterprising men of Knox county and his ability is not limited to one department of activity, for he appears to be equally successful in farming, merchandising or in the handling of finances. A native of Knox county, he has been for many years a witness of its wonderful development and has materially assisted as a pub- lic-spirited and progressive citizen in the growth of one of the most attrac- tive and promising regions of the state. He comes of sturdy pioneer an- cestry and was born in Vigo township, October 5, 1856. His parents were Isaac and Louisa (Reeves) De Moss, the former having been born in Flem- ing county, Kentucky, in 1833. His grandfather, William De Moss, came to Cicero, Hamilton county, Indiana, about 1830, but he only remained there for two years, as he apparently met with grave obstacles, for food and money were so scarce that he was obliged to pawn his Bible for corn meal. He returned to Kentucky but later with his family came to Indiana and located near High Rock, Daviess county, where he engaged in farming.
Isaac De Moss located at Edwardsport, Knox county, when he was about eighteen years of age and continued there during the remainder of his life except while in the Union army. He enlisted in Company C, Eightieth Indi- ana Regiment, and took part in some of the principal battles of the war, among which were Perryville, Franklin and Nashville. He was also with General Thomas in his southern campaign and at the close of his period of enlistment, which was for three years and during which he served as corporal of his company, he was honorably discharged. Previous to the war he was an adherent of the democratic party but after his return home he was a stanch republican. The mother of our subject was born in Reeve township, Daviess county, and was a member of one of the old families of that county, her father being Joseph Reeves, a well known pioneer. Her marriage oc- curred in Vigo township, in 1855, and she departed this life April 18, 1864, leaving two children : Samuel T .; and Marion, who died in 1866. The father was again married in 1867 to Miss Laura J. Johnson and two children were born to this union : William, who died in infancy; and J. F., a farmer now living at Edwardsport. The father was called away October 19, 1900.
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