USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 28
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Samuel T. De Moss received his education in the district schools and also at the schools of Edwardsport. On starting out in life for himself he commenced farming in Vigo township. He lived near Bruceville for a num-
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ber of years, his time being devoted to agricultural pursuits, but in 1894 came to Edwardsport, where he has since remained. Here he entered the grocery business and later became the head of a general store, which he con- ducted with a high degree of success, engaging also in other enterprises. He is now president of the Edwardsport Bank and owns practically the entire stock. He is also identified with the milling business and owns forty-one out of fifty shares in the elevator just completed. For five years he was actively engaged in the lumber business but has practically suspended opera- tions in that line. He is owner of a tract of four hundred acres of land in the White river bottom and is largely interested in real estate in Edwards- port, standing today among the important factors in the business life of Knox county.
On July 27, 1881, Mr. De Moss was united in marriage to Miss Sarah F. Winkler, a resident of Knox county. Five children have blessed this union : Flora, now Mrs. Robert Barr, of Edwardsport, and the mother of two chil- dren-Gilbert and Leone; Bessie, the wife of John Wolfe, of Freelandville, and the mother of two children-Pauline and Glen ; and Samnel I., Alice and George W., all at home.
Mr. De Moss has always been found trustworthy and faithful in his dealings so that his life record is one to be proud of. No man in Knox county stands higher in the esteem of friends and acquaintances. Politically he is a supporter of the republican party, whose principles he heartily es- pouses. While not affiliated with any religious denomination, he is in sympathy with all efforts to advance the permanent welfare of his fellow- men and every good work finds in him a stanch supporter.
ALBERT B. CHAMBERS.
Albert B. Chambers was a lifelong resident of Knox county and a man of much prominence in the community by reason of his sterling worth and public-spirited citizenship. He never sought to figure, however, in public life, content to concentrate his energies upon the business interests which claimed his attention. He was born in Widner township in the year 1827, at which time this section of the state was largely a frontier region, and therefore in his youthful days he met many of the hardships and experi- ences which are characteristic of pioneer life. He acquired his education in the early subscription schools of the county at a period before the public school system was well organized, and in early manhood he started out in life on his own account. He had many difficulties and obstacles to over- come but by perseverance and force of character he worked his way steadily upward. From his meager earnings in young manhood he saved up what he could and in time had accumulated a sufficient sum to enable him to pur- chase a tract of land. This he at once began to cultivate and improve and
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as his crops were harvested he added to his capital and later bought more land. Thus investing from time to time, he eventually became the owner of two hundred and thirty acres which he held to the time of his death.
In the year 1852 Mr. Chambers was united in marriage to Miss Mary B. Williams, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1832, and was, there- fore, about five years his junior. This marriage was blessed with two chil- dren but the elder daughter, Rosa Bell, is now deceased. The younger daughter, Emily Florence, became the wife of James Mumaw and they have three children, Alberta, Charles Ray and Goldie C.
Mr. Chambers was long a devoted and earnest Christian man. He joined the Maria Creek Baptist church of which he was a member for over half of a century, and all that time was an active worker, doing all in his power to promote the growth and extend the influence of the denomination. His many sterling traits of character gained him the unqualified confidence and regard of all who knew him. His life was characterized by a spirit of patri- otism that prompted his stalwart support of all measures and movements which he deemed would prove of benefit to his home locality, his state and the nation. The honors and emoluments of office had no attraction for him and he was ever content that others should hold the public positions. He preferred to give his energies to his farm work and by reason of the careful management of his business affairs he at length came to be ranked with the representative farmers of the county. In all of his dealings he was strictly fair and honorable and he left to his family not only a comfortable compe- tence but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. His widow still survives him and is now pleasantly located upon the home farm in Wid- ner township where she has so long resided.
ENOCH STEEN COX.
Enoch Steen Cox, of Bicknell, is of good pioneer stock, the early mem- bers of the family locating in Knox county, about ninety years ago, and con- tributing liberally of their strength and ability in the development of this part of the state. Our subject was born in Washington township, this county, April 28, 1856, and is a son of John T. and Naomi (Steen) Cox. The father was a native of Shelby county, Kentucky, where he was born in 1820. He came to this county with his parents in 1822, when the country was largely a wilderness, the family locating near Westphalia, but later moving to Washington township, where the father died. He was twice mar- ried, his first wife being Nancy Robinson, who became the mother of three children : John, ex-sheriff of Knox county, now living in Bicknell; Jonathan, of Vincennes; and Harmon. There were nine children born to the second marriage of John T. Cox, three of whom died in infancy. The other mem- bers of the family were: Enoch Steen, our subject; James, a farmer of
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Washington township, this county; Richard, now living on the old home place; Logan, deceased; Naomi, the wife of Sam Kitts, of Widner town- ship; and Caroline, at home.
Educated in the district schools, the subject of this review grew up upon the farm and early became acquainted with its various operations. He con- tinued at home until forty years of age, when he took unto himself a wife, since which time he has been identified with farming interests and also has built up an excellent reputation as a horse breeder. In order to facilitate his business in the latter line he now lives on a place just outside of Bicknell and has a well earned reputation as a safe and reliable breeder of good stock.
In 1896 our subject was happily united in marriage to Miss Ella May Keith. One child, Naomi Robertine, has blessed the union. She was born October 2, 1897, and is now attending school. Mr. Cox is a valued member of the local lodge of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has held several offices. He and his wife are identified with the Order of the Eastern Star.
WILLIAM C. BIERHAUS.
The business interests of Vincennes are ably represented by William C. Bierhaus, who for a score of years past has been actively identified with the wholesale grocery business, of this city. He was born in Knox county, December 30, 1863, a son of Edward Bierhaus, who was born in Eberfeld, Germany, and came to Knox county in 1848, being engaged for many years in the wholesale grocery business in Vincennes. The mother bore the maiden name of Louisa Schupman. There were eight children in the family: Charles, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Henry, who mar- ried Miss Lizzie Schroyer, of New Castle, Indiana ; Frederick, who married Annie Pasche, of Knox County ; Edward, Jr., who married Alice Danner, of Knox County ; William C., of this review; John, who married Hannah Gib- son, of Vincennes; Emma, now Mrs. Rudolph Giesler, of Chicago; and Anna, now Mrs. Edward Clark, of Vincennes.
William C. Bierhaus was educated in the public schools of this city and upon laying aside his books began assisting in his father's grocery establish- ment. After ten years' experience he became associated with his brother Edward in 1890 in the wholesale grocery business and eight years later sold a third interest in the concern to John W. Crook. The firm has continued ever since it was founded under the title of Bierhaus Brothers and makes a specialty of the Yale brand of goods, including canned goods, cigars, spices. coffees, etc., and is shipping extensively to points in Illinois and Indiana. The firm started upon a small scale at the corner of Second and Busseron streets with one traveling man. Later they removed to the location now occupied by John Bey and at the present time occupy their own building, which is built of brick and consists of five stories with basement, covering a quarter of a
W. C. BIERHAUS
BIERHAUS BROTHERS' WHOLESALE GROCERY
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block at Perry and Second streets. There is a constantly growing demand for goods handled by this firm and the territory covered by its seven travel- ing men is steadily enlarging, indicating sound business management and a correct knowledge of the demands of the trade.
On January 31, 1888, Mr. Bierhaus was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Watkin, a native of Mount Carmel, Illinois, and a daughter of Thomas Wat- kin, who is a general merchant and handles groceries, hardware and harness. Three children have been born to them : Bonnie Belle; Thomas William, de- ceased ; Karl Merlin.
Mr. Bierhaus is affiliated with the Methodist church and is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree being a Shriner. He also holds membership in the Order of Ben Hur, the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Royal Arca- num, the Travelers Protective Association, the United Commercial Travel- ers, the Indiana Commercial Travelers and the Pastime Club. By attention to his responsibilities and the exercise of sound judgment Mr. Bierhaus has attained deserved success in the business world. Living in a comfortable home, presided over by his excellent wife, who has been to him an invaluable companion for more than twenty years, Mr. Bierhaus has arrived at the age when he can in peace and prosperity enjoy the good things of life. Such are the results of well directed effort. His career has been an honorable one and he occupies a position among the useful and worthy citizens of Vincennes.
RICHARD HENRY FOX, M. D.
Dr. Richard H. Fox, a highly successful practitioner of the healing art, whose home is at Freelandville, Widner township, was born November 7, 1868, in Washington township, a son of Adam and Susan Ann (Cullop) Fox. Adam Fox was born in Wythe county, Virginia, January 24, 1824, and came to Knox county at five years of age with his parents, Henry and Katherine (Snider) Fox, who located on a farm three miles east of Bruce- ville. The father of our subject was a cabinet-maker by trade and was a well informed man, having obtained a good education in his native state. He worked at his trade and also upon a farm and for a number of years was teacher of a subscription school, where he inducted the boys of the neigh- borhood into the various branches of learning. He was a man of good busi- ness ability and for many years served as justice of the peace in his town- ship. He was called from earthly scenes May 12, 1903. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Cullop and a member of one of the oldest and most prominent families of Knox county. The marriage of Adam Fox and Susan Ann Cullop was consummated in 1857 and they were the parents of six children : Leila Ada; Joseph, who is married and is the father of two children ; Emma, deceased ; Richard Henry, of this review ; Nora, who died in infancy ; and William Washington.
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Dr. Fox was educated in the schools at Bruceville and for a number of years assisted his father upon the farm in summer and taught school in the winter. In the meantime, however, he decided to follow a professional career and in January, 1896, entered the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D., June 28, 1898. Returning to Knox county, he began practice at Freelandville, where he has since continued with marked success, and has acquired an extensive patronage throughout his part of the county.
On September 6, 1899, Dr. Fox was united in marriage to Miss Nellie B. Simpson, of Bruceville, and two children have blessed their union, Maurice S. and Katherine. Dr. Fox has not been a seeker for public office but on November 3, 1908, he was elected county trustee of Knox county and has since served in that position, displaying a judgment which has met the hearty approval of the citizens. Socially he is identified with Lodge No. 326, I. O. O. F .; Lodge No. 7761, M. W. A .; and the Royal Neighbors. He owns his home and office property in Freelandville and by a public-spirited and progressive course in life has easily become one of the leaders in an in- telligent community where true worth is recognized A man of fine educa- tional attainments, Dr. Fox has a well selected library of professional and literary works and his books are to him a constant source of inspiration and pleasure.
THEODORE WAMPLER.
Theodore Wampler, who is the owner of over three hundred acres of good Knox county land and is recognized as one of its substantial citizens, was born in Vigo township, this county, November 23, 1851. He is a son of Joseph and Amanda J. (Davison) Wampler. The father was born in Wythe county, Virginia, and came to Knox county at a very early day, locating at Fort Knox. Later he acquired land in Vigo township, where he continued until his death. He was one of the prominent men of the county and served for one term as county commissioner, being allied with the democratic party. The mother was also a native of Wythe county. She came to Knox county with her parents and here she was married. There were eight children in the family, two of whom died in infancy, the others being: Polly, the widow of I. F. Boyer; George R., a farmer of Vigo township; James Mitchel, of Vincennes; Theodore, our subject ; and David and Milton, both engaged in farming in Vigo township.
The subject of this review was educated in the common schools of Washington township and as he grew up he became thoroughly acquainted with the various details of general farming. He remained at home until twenty-six years of age and then began for himself by purchasing the farm on which he now lives. He owns altogether three hundred and seven
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acres, which he has acquired entirely through his own efforts. The land has been brought to a high state of cultivation and the family dwelling is one of the handsomest in this vicinity. On December 20, 1883, Mr. Wam- pler was united in marriage to Miss Martha Ellen Seirp, and four chil- dren have blessed the union : Charles E., W. Cyrus, Joel R. and Noble E., all of whom are at home. Politically Mr. Wampler is in hearty sympathy with the democratic party, believing that its principles are most conducive to the permanent welfare of the state and nation. Socially he is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity and he and his wife both hold member- ship in the Order of the Eastern Star. They are also identified with the Methodist Episcopal church and by consistent and upright lives they have attracted many friends and are recognized as worthy members of an intel- ligent and progressive community.
JOHN P. GREGORY.
John P. Gregory, a popular and successful business man of Sanborn, was born near Hartford City, Blackford county, Indiana, March 1, 1872, his parents being Simon Peter and Martha (Bailey) Gregory. The father, a native presumably of Illinois, died when our subject was five years of age and little is known concerning his history. The grandfather on the maternal side was a native of New England. There were nine children in the family: William, deceased; Clarence and Clara, twins, the former now living in Kingman City, Kansas, and the latter deceased; Enola, the wife of Luther Joy, of Wichita, Kansas; Mollie, now Mrs. Charles F. Smith, of Little River, Kansas; Cassie M., the wife of Grant T. Orr, of Chicago; John P., our subject ; Arabella, the wife of Alfred A. Lindsey, of Charleston, West Virginia ; and Charles, deceased.
John P. Gregory was educated in the public schools of Sandborn and at the age of four years, in 1876, his mother having been called away, he went to live with his uncle, L. W. Bailey, now of Oklahoma City, Okla- homa, continuing with him until 1895. He was reared to labor and had no time in which to sow wild oats. Therefore, when the period arrived for him to begin business on his own account, he bought a farm, which he cul- tivated energetically for a few years, engaging, however, in 1896, in the poultry business. After an experience of six months in the handling of poultry his attention was turned to mercantile lines and here he found an occupation in which he has since engaged with marked success. Beginning as clerk in a store, after an experience of five years he embarked in busi- ness for himself, associating with Ira V. Corbin and later with J. B. Burton. Since 1907 the title of the firm has been Gregory, Wood & Hund- gate. They handle a large and well selected general stock of merchandise and this is regarded as one of the most progressive business concerns in
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Sandborn. In addition to his mercantile interests Mr. Gregory is the owner of three hundred and thirteen acres of land in western Kansas and also of a beautiful residence and grounds in Sandborn. He is known as one of the wide-awake men of Knox county, possessed of clear judgment, strik- ing personality and ability which would win in any business to which he should turn his attention.
In 1895 Mr. Gregory was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Cain, and four children have blessed this union : Clarence, now fourteen years of age; Mary Martha; John L .; and Dalpha Cain.
Mr. Gregory politically is allied with the democratic party, believing that its liberal principles are more conducive to the welfare of the nation than those of any other party. Socially he is connected with the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the encampment, and the Knights of Pythias, being a trustee in the latter organization. He is ardently in sympathy with the fraternal teachings of these orders and has made them active principles of his life. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian church, our subject being a firm believer in the authority of Holy Writ, and an elder of the church. By a life of good-will to others he has merited and receives the esteem of his fellowmen, and no citizen of Knox county is more highly respected than the gentleman whose name introduces this review.
ALFRED NEAL.
Alfred Neal, who owns a well improved farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Vigo township, comes of a family which has been identified with Knox county for many years. He was born in that township, April 3, 1848, and is a son of Emory and Elizabeth (Weaver) Neal. The father was born near Vincennes and spent his entire life in Knox county, where he gained an enviable reputation as a patriotic and public-spirited citizen. He was for many years actively interested in the church and educational work of his region and was called to his reward in 1876. The beloved mother was also a native of this county and departed this life in 1878. There were eight children in the family: Austin, Anna and John, deceased ; Albert, now living at McLeansboro, Illinois; Carrie, the wife of Henry Haper, of Bicknell; Alfred, herein mentioned; Alexander, a farmer of Washington township, this county; and Noah, a resident of Bicknell.
The subject of this review was educated in the common schools and early became well acquainted with the various duties pertaining to the farm. He contnued at home, assisting his parents until twenty-one years of age, and then began to make a place for himself in the world by buying a farm of one hundred acres in Vigo township. Later, after he had ac- cumulated sufficient funds, he increased his landed holdings by fifty acres
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and he now owns one of the valuable properties in this part of the county. He has made many improvements and cleared all the land except about twenty-five acres and has gained a fine reputation not only as a general farmer but as a handler of high grade stock, for which he receives the best prices that the market affords.
In 1871 Mr. Neal was united in marriage to Miss Mary Wampler, and two children have blessed the union, Flora May and Elizabeth Susanna, the wife of Hugh Mckinley, who lives near Wheatland, Indiana. Mr. Neal is a firm believer in the authority of the Bible. Politically he gives his sup- port to the democratic party and he has served with high credit in various public positions, filling the office of councilman for four years and also act- ing as road superintendent and school director. As a public officer he dis- charged his duties in such a way as to give great satisfaction to taxpayers of all parties. It has been a principle of his life to perform everything he undertakes to the best of his ability and thus he has gained the respect of all who know him and at the same time has attained a character for in- tegrity and efficiency which is one of the most valuable acquisitions any human being can possess.
SUSAN (BROOKS) NIBLACK.
Among the honored residents of Wheatland, Knox county, is Susan (Brooks) Niblack, who for more than half a century has made her home in Wheatland. She is a daughter of Thomas Jefferson Brooks, who was born in Lexington, Massachusetts, December 29, 1805. He was educated in his native state and at the age of nineteen started out on his own account, coming to Orange county, Indiana, where he entered the distilling busi- ness and also operated a whetstone factory. After eight years in these lines he went to Martin county, Indiana, and became a general merchant, later coming to Knox county, and at Wheatland erected the first store of the town, in 1857. Mr. Brooks was a man of courage and good business attainments and inherited many worthy characteristics from an ancestry that extended far back in the history of America. His father and also an uncle fought in the Revolutionary war and served during the seven years of the conflict. Attorney General Hoar, of Massachusetts, was a cousin of Mr. Brooks, the father, Daniel Brooks, having married Bathsheba Hoar. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Susan Poore, was. born December 15, 1811, and married August 5, 1830. She was a daugh- ter of John and Hannah (Chute) Poore, pioneers of Indiana, who came. from Massachusetts. Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, three of whom are still living, the subject of this review being sixth in order of birth.
Susan Brooks grew to womanhood under the kindly influence of loving parents and on September 15, 1859, was united in marriage to Sandford
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Lee Niblack, who was a native of Dubois county, Indiana, born March 21, 1836, a son of John and Martha (Hargrave) Niblack. His father was a native of Kentucky, born July 9, 1790, and his mother, who was born February 7, 1799, was a daughter of William and Sarah (Ellis) Hargrave, pioneers of Indiana, who removed from Virginia to North Carolina and later to Indiana. The father was for many years prominently identified with the farming interests of Dubois county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Niblack were the parents of eight children, Sanford Lee Niblack being seventh in order of birth. He received his education in the schools of Du- bois county and later attended the schools of Martin county and the Uni- versity of Vincennes, Indiana. He came to Knox county February 17, 1859, and engaged in the general merchandise business, continuing with unusual success until the time of his death, which occurred in 1908. He was for nearly fifty years actively connected with the development of Wheatland and Knox county and served for three terms as postmaster of Wheatland. He was township trustee for a number of years and was a stanch advocate of the republican party. Socially he was connected with the Masonic order and he had many warm friends in that organization as well as in Knox county.
Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Niblack: Emma, now Mrs. Hugh S. McMahon, of St. Louis; John H., of Wheatland; William E., also of Wheatland; Grace, who married Dr. J. W. Benham, and is now living at Columbus, Indiana; Earl Stimson, a physician of Terre Haute; Edith, deceased; Herman G., a resident of Vincennes; Susan, deceased; Helen, the wife of Curtis T. McClure, a farmer, of Knox county; and Persis, at home. Mrs. Niblack as the head of the household and as a friend and neighbor has gained an enduring place in the community where she has so long been known. Uniformly kind and considerate, and unswerving in her sense of duty, she years ago won the confidence of all with whom she came into contact and is recognized as a true type of American woman- hood. While she has suffered in the death of those near and dear, it has not been without hope, for she is sustained by a trust founded on Divine promise, which we are told, "cannot fail."
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