USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 32
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On the 10th of February, 1907, Mr. Risch was united in marriage to Mrs. Emma Doak, a daughter of Robert Henderson, of Indiana. He is a member of the board of directors of the Vincennes Board of Trade and in social circles is affiliated with the Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Harmonie Verein. Politically he is independent, preferring to vote for the men and issues that at the time appear to him most essential to the advancement of the interests of the city and state. He is popular with his friends and acquaint- ances broad in his views as to the duties of citizenship, and, being a life- long resident of this section and fully alive as to its resources and possibil- ities, he has in many ways been able to advance the permanent interests of Vincennes and Knox county.
SAMUEL J. MILLER.
A prosperous citizen of Knox county, Samuel J. Miller, the owner of a highly improved farm which he acquired through his own industry, was born in Widner township, Knox county, February 18, 1860. He is a son of August J. and Wilhelmina (Wallerman) Miller. The father was a native of Hammerstein, Germany, but he was not satisfied with the conditions pre- vailing in one of the long established countries of the old world, so he came to the United States in 1857, seeking more favorable surroundings for him- self and his family. It is this spirit of dissatisfaction that has led many to leave their homes and seek their fortunes in a strange land. The same spirit is responsible in a most important degree for the progress of civiliza-
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tion and its dissemination in the various countries of the world. August J. Miller located for one year at Louisville, Kentucky, then came to Knox county, making his home on a farm owned by Charles Harper, near Ed- wardsport. After cultivating this farm for a year he bought forty acres from Mr. Harper and after seven years pemanently located in section 4, Vigo township, where he continued until his death, which occurred in De- cember, 1891. In his native country Mr. Miller was a blacksmith, but in Knox county he became a successful farmer and was known as one of the reliable and progressive members of the community. The mother of our subject was born at Hammerstein and departed this life in 1872, in Knox county. There were six children in the family: Augusta, who died in 1903; Samuel J .; Joseph, deceased in 1908; John R., now living in Vigo township; Henry C., also of Vigo township; and Sarah J., who is married and lives in Washington township, Knox county.
The subject of this review was educated in the country schools of his native county and grew up on the home farm, becoming, under the direc- tion of his father, thoroughly acquainted with the various details of agricul- ture and stock-raising. He continued at home until thirty-two years of age when he began farming on his own account at his present location, in sec- tion 9. He is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, forty acres of which is in Washington township. He has made all the im- provements on his place and manages so well that he receives gratifying annual returns upon his investment. No more capable farmer is to be found in this part of the county.
In August, 1891, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Idelle Bicknell and three children have blessed this union, Robert A., Evangeline and Ernest. Politically Mr. Miller is identified with the republican party. He is an active member of the Baptist church and is now serving as deacon. He is greatly interested in the community in which he lives and has on many occasions demonstrated the interest he feels by generous contributions to worthy causes and by personal service in behalf of those less fortunate than himself. A native of Knox county, he has here spent his entire life, and it is no exaggeration to say that he possesses in a high degree the unqualified respect of those with whom he associates.
GEORGE W. PHILLIPPE, SR.
George W. Phillippe, Sr., one of the worthy native sons of Knox county, has been successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and is the owner of two hundred and fifty-four acres of rich and productive land in Vigo township. His birth occurred on the 26th of June, 1833, and he has therefore passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. The first representatives of the name in this
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country were three brothers who came from France in 1732, two settling in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and the other in Wythe county, Vir- ginia. Some of their descendents now reside in· Germantown, Pennsylvania. Peter Phillippe, the father of our subject, came to Indiana from Wythe county, Virginia, in 1832, locating in Palmyra township, Knox county. At the end of a year he took up his abode in Washington township, there con- tinuing to reside until called to his final rest in 1847. He was an agriculturist by occupation and won a gratifying measure of success as a tiller of the soil. His political allegiance was given to the democracy, while in religious faith he was a Presbyterian. The lady whom he wedded while still a resi- dent of Wythe county, Virginia, was there born and reared. Her demise occurred on the 13th of June, 1878. By her marriage she became the mother of nine children, as follows : Katie, the widow of James Neal, of Washing- ton township; Ephraim, also a resident of Washington township; Josiah, who is deceased; George W., of this review; John, of Washington town- ship; Mary, who is deceased; Eliza, who gave her hand in marriage to John Boyd and resides in Washington township; David, who likewise makes his home in Washington township; and Peter, who has passed away.
George W. Phillippe, Sr., acquired his education in the common schools of Washington township and remained under the parental roof until twenty- eight years of age, assisting in the operation of the home farm. In 1861 he took up his abode on the farm which has remained in his possession to the present time, first clearing the land and preparing it for cultivation. The many substantial improvements which now adorn the property stand as monuments to his enterprise, thrift and industry. The work of the fields has claimed his attention throughout his entire business career and he is now the owner of two hundred and fifty-four acres of valuable land in Vigo township, which returns to him a gratifying annual income. He was form- erly a member of the Building & Loan Association and was likewise inter- ested in the banking business but has recently withdrawn from those branches of activity. His home is a commodious and substantial structure, attractive by reason of its tasteful furnishings as well as because of the spirit of hospitality which there reigns supreme.
On the 26th of October, 1860, Mr. Phillippe was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Smith, of Freelandville, Knox county, Indiana, by whom he had eight children, namely : Frank, who has passed away; Peter, a resident of Vincennes, Indiana, and ex-county superintendent of schools; Lewis, an agriculturist of Vigo township, who was formerly a trustee of that town- ship; David, who is deceased ; Marion G., at home; Delia, living in Waynes- ville, Illinois; Ethel, the wife of Charles Houk, of Bicknell, Indiana; and Catherine, at home.
At the polls Mr. Phillippe supports the men and measures of the democracy, being a firm believer in its principles. He belongs to the Meth- odist Episcopal church and acts as a steward and trustee. Having resided in
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Knox county from his birth to the present time or for more than three- fourths of a century, he is widely and favorably known within its borders, the circle of his friends being almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
ELLIOTT T. COX.
Elliott T. Cox, owner of a valuable farm in Widner township, is a highly respected citizen who has made his own way through life and years ago at- tained a position of comparative independence. He was born in Widner township, November 23, 1854, and is a son of Alexander Campbell and Angeline (Sartor) Cox. The birth of the father occurred near Freeland- ville, Knox county, but at twenty-six years of age he went to Labette county, Kansas, where he lived for eight years. He then removed to Welch, Indian Territory, where he continued until his death, which occurred in 1907. He was through life identified with the farming interests and was an earnest member of the Christian church, having assisted in securing religious services in Widner township. Jonathan P. Cox, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was one of the early arrivals in Knox county, coming from Kentucky in company with two brothers, while two other brothers remained at the old home. He became one of the leaders in the early times in this county and served as county assessor and also as county surveyor. The mother of our subject was a native of Washington township, this county, and daughter of John T. Sartor, a well known farmer. There were eight children in the family, the subject of this sketch being the eldest. The others were: Alice, now the wife of William Bunting, a farmer of Vigo township; Rachel, the widow of Frank Raferty, of Indianapolis, Indiana; John O., of Stockton, California ; Flora, the wife of Stowey Hollingsworth, of Washington town- ship, this county ; Oswald, a carpenter of Bicknell; Lewis W., a farmer of Oaktown, Indiana ; and one who died in infancy.
Educated in the common schools of Widner township, Elliott P. Cox grew up upon the home farm and continued there until twenty-eight years of age, when he began farming for himself in that township. He first bought fifty acres of land, which he carefully cultivated, and in 1888 purchased the home place. Here he lived until 1905, when he acquired possession of the Lee Hill farm adjoining, to which place he removed, but after two years located in Bicknell where he owns a beautiful home. He is also the owner of three hundred and forty acres of fine farming land in this county and has for years been known as one of its most successful and progressive men. In addition to raising cereals he has made a specialty of fine cattle, and the shorthorns, from his farm have commanded high prices in the market.
In 1882 Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Robinson and seven children were born to them : Nellie, the wife of Charles Phillippe, now
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living on the home place of our subject; A. C., who lives on the Lee Hill place; Richard R., a carpenter of Bicknell; Agnes F., at home; Jessie, the wife of Roy Horn, of Bicknell; and Lena and Donley E., both at home.
Mr. Cox takes pride in the fact that he never worked for wages. He has been his own master ever since he began his battle with the world and right nobly has he carried the day. His spirit of independence is shown in his political views. He was reared a republican but after reflection and observation became a populist and is a stanch believer in the platform of that party. He was formerly a member of the Church of Christ and has always made it a principle to deal justly-a principle that should be applied in all business transactions between men. Mr. Cox is highly esteemed by his neighbors and friends for his many worthy traits and the interest he has shown in everything pertaining to the permanent welfare of those with whom he is associated.
PETER C. FROST.
The pioneers are passing away and not many years hence the last of these brave men and women will have gone to their reward. Their children, who in many instances suffered the privations of the early days, are with us and are among the most respected members of the community. Among the num- ber of whom record should be made in this work is Peter C. Frost, who, seventy-five years ago was born in Knox county and who has witnessed not a few of the ups and downs of life in the course of an eventful experience. His eyes first opened to the light of day in a pioneer home in Vigo town- ship, about three miles north of where he now resides, February 27, 1835. He is a son of Joshua and Sarah (Carl) Frost. The father was a native of North Carolina and came to Knox county in his early manhood soon after taking unto himself a life companion. He died at the age of forty-five years. The mother was also from North Carolina and departed this life at the age of fifty-three years. There were eight children in the family and the subject of this review is the only survivor.
Peter C. Frost received his education in the early subscription schools, the public-school system not then having been organized in this state. He grew up upon the home farm and assisted in clearing the land which was originally thickly overgrown with timber and quite swampy. In his boyhood days game was plentiful in this region and he has seen as many as thirty-five deer in one herd. The market for farm produce was at Vincennes and the roads were rough and hard to travel. Dressed pork brought from one dollar and a half to two dollars and a half per hundred and other farm pro- duce in proportion. Our subject was quite a hunter and has killed two deer in one day, being a good shot and having clear eyesight that could detect these animals far away. He engaged in farming until 1860, when he decided upon
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a change of location and went to Mount Pleasant, Titus county, Texas, where he was located for three years. The war was then in progress and he was drafted into the rebel army, where he was obliged to serve until the surrender of General Lee. He spent two years more in Texas and then yielded to an irresistible desire to take up his residence once more amidst familiar scenes. He accordingly returned to Vigo township, where he has since continued as a farmer and where he is now the owner of a fine tillable landed property and seventy acres and also a valuable town lot in Vincennes.
In 1866 Mr. Frost was happily united in marriage to Miss Emma Robins, a native of this country. Four children have blessed the union : Elizabeth, May and Elizabeth, all deceased; and William Thomas, now living at home. Mrs. Frost having been called away, our subject was again married, in 1879, to Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Ireland Nagle, and to this union five children have been born: Lucretia, the wife of Minor McLenithan, of Illinois; Peter Joshua ; John, a farmer of Vigo township; Ross, of Kansas ; and Catherine, the wife of Richard Anthony, of Sandborn.
Politically in sympathy with the republican party, Mr. Frost has assisted to the extent of his ability toward its success in this county. He was a charter member of Sandborn lodge, K. P., and served for a number of years as trustee, and was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows at Sandborn until the lodge disbanded. He is a man of strong social qualities and has many warm personal friends in Sandborn and Knox county, who admire him as a good citizen and a worthy representative of the stanch American type of character. Coming of a pioneer family, he in- herited many of the traits that enabled the early settlers to meet and over- come obstacles, and by an honorable life he has maintained the good name of a family that nobly performed its part in the upbuilding of Knox county.
PETER PHILLIPPE.
Peter Phillippe, deceased, who was a valiant soldier in behalf of a united republic and a successful farmer, generally accomplishing what he under- took, was born in Washington township, Knox county, June 31, 1838. He was a son of Peter and Rebecca (Wampler) Phillippe, who were identified with the agricultural interests of this county. Our subject received his early education in the common schools and grew up on the home farm, showing as a boy many worthy characteristics which he more fully developed as the years passed. He engaged in farming until the breaking out of the Civil war, when, like thousands of other patriotic young men of the country, he offered his services in behalf of the Union, becoming a member of Company E, Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was sent to the front and participated in many of the great battles of the war. Private Phillippe was never absent from the place of duty and nobly sustained his reputation
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as a brave and reliable soldier. He remained in the army for three years but was then honorably discharged, having contracted colic in the service and also having suffered greatly from loss of hearing, the latter being caused by heavy cannonading, which usually preceded the great battles. He was affected by both of these ailments during all the remaining years of his life, but uncomplainingly he bore his affliction like the brave man that he was. After returning from the army he resumed farming and continued at this occupation with a laudable degree of success until he was called away in 1898.
On the 13th of June, 1867, Mr. Phillippe was united in marriage to Miss Mollie Bicknell, who was born in Bicknell, this county, a daughter of Samuel and Martha (Hooper) Bicknell. Her father was also a native of Knox county but her mother was born in Wythe county, Virginia. There were twelve children in the family, two of whom died in infancy : Julia, deceased ; William, of Vincennes; Thomas, of Bicknell; Charles, of Strawtown, Indi- ana; John, of Bicknell; Robert, of Widner township, this county; Lucy A., Nancy and Florence, all deceased; and Alice, of Zena, Illinois. Six children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Phillippe: John; Luther, of Bicknell; Flora; Lillie; Minnie; and Ona, the wife of Curtis Keith, of Indianapolis. . Mrs. Phillippe two years ago erected a beautiful residence in Bicknell, where she now lives. She is the owner of twenty-five acres of land in the suburbs of the town, some of which has been platted as the Phillippe addition. She also owns stock in the Building & Loan Association and need have no fears as to finances, having been well provided for in her husband's estate.
Politically Mr. Phillippe casts his vote in support of the democratic party. 'Although he did not aspire to political office, he served with general accept- ance as postmaster of Bicknell for two years. He was a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking a very active part in its work, and was recognized as a man of unimpeachable character and sterling worth, who was always willing to make any sacrifice for the sake of those with whom he was associated.
JOSEPH L. REEVE, M. D.
For nearly thirty years in active practice at Edwardsport, Dr. J. L. Reeve has gained a high standing in a profession that calls for the best abili- ties of a most carefully trained mind. He was born at Edwardsport, August 27, 1857, and received his preliminary education in the common schools. Later he became a student at the normal school of Indianapolis and then taught for one term near Sandborn. Having decided upon a professional career, he entered the University of Louisville, at Louisville, Kentucky, where he pursued the regular course, graduating February 25, 1881, with the title of M. D. He immediately began practice at Edwardsport where he has since continued. He is a constant student of the best medical publications and an
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observer who has learned a great deal in his practice that is not found in books. By conscientious attention to his duties he has build up a large pat- ronage among the best class of citizens of Knox county. Financially he has been quite successful, as is evinced from the fact that he owns three hundred acres of fine Knox county land and a beautiful home in Edwardsport.
On the 9th day of May, 1882, Dr. Reeve was united in marriage to Miss Ella Graham, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, who was called away August 23, 1883. On May 29, 1889, he was married to Miss Carrie Keith and five chil- dren have resulted from this union : Elsie L .; Bonnie, deceased; Robert R .; Keith G .; and Ernest B.
Dr. Reeve served two terms as examining surgeon for the United States government under Presidents Cleveland and Mckinley and as examining surgeon in this region for the leading life insurance companies. He is a member of a number of the leading medical organizations, among which may be named the Indiana State Medical Society, the Mississippi Valley Medical Society, the Wabash Valley Medical Society and the Knox County Medical Society.
Politically he is identified with the democratic party and, although he has not urgently pushed himself forward for public office, he served as trustee of Vigo township for two terms and as a member of the state legislature in the session of 1901-1903, discharging his duties with a fidelity that met the cordial approval of the voters. Fraternally he holds membership in the blue lodge and chapter of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the encampment, the Knights of Pythias and the Tribe of Ben Hur. He and his wife are members of the Rebekahs and Mrs. Reeve and the younger members of the family are identified with the Baptist Mission- ary church and are earnest workers in the cause of religion. Dr. Reeve has found in his wife a most worthy helpmate whose presence and sympathetic counsel have been to him an unfailing source of strength. In a long and active career he has displayed a judgment and discrimination which are of the highest importance in solving the problems that daily face the physician. As a result no professional man in Knox county possesses in a higher degree the confidence and respect of its citizens than the honorable gentleman whose name introduces this review.
SAMUEL A. BUNTING.
The nation will always honor the men who saved the Union, for to them is due the liberty we now enjoy. Among the brave soldiers whose name it is a pleasure to record in this work is that of Samuel A. Bunting, now a prosperous citizen of Bicknell. He was born in Vigo township, Knox county, November 28, 1845, and is a son of S. A. and Elizabeth (Scott) Bunting. The father was a native of Trenton, New Jersey, and came with
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his father in 1837 to Indiana, being among the early settlers of this state. He was a successful farmer and departed this life in 1888. The mother was a native of Knox county. She was called away in 1889. There were twelve children as the result of this union, the oldest of whom was Samuel A. Bunt- ing, our subject. The other members of the family were: Sarah, the wife of W. T. McClure, of Palmyra township, this county; Thomas, who died in 1909; John of Wheatland, Indiana; Dan, now an engineer at the power house of Vincennes; Mary, the wife of Lewis Nolan, a railway conductor with headquarters at McCook, Nebraska; William, a farmer of Vigo town- ship; Halleck, now living on the home place; Fanny, at home; Rebecca, the wife of John Jones, who lives on the home place, Eliza, the wife of Charles Steward, a traveling salesman of Helena, Montana; and one who died in infancy.
Educated in the common schools, the subject of this review grew up as a farmer boy and was almost ready to enter upon an active career for himself when the land was overshadowed by the great rebellion. As soon as he ar- rived at an eligible age he offered himself for service and became a member of Company G, One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Volunteers. In his regiment he served with highest credit to himself and the cause which he zealously espoused for a period of three years, from 1863 to 1866. He was present at many of the great battles and participated in a number of the most important movements of the war, receiving an education by contact with men which could never be given other circumstances. He was present at the battle of Resaca, in the Atlanta campaign, at Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee, and Raleigh, North Carolina, going from the latter place to Macon, Georgia, and thence toward Washington to meet General Bragg. Although quite a young man, the scenes and events of those three years made a tremendous impression upon his mind and have had an important in- fluence in shaping his life. After returning from the army he began farming in Vigo township, where he continued for ten years, and then moved to Bicknell, still being identified with farming interests and also selling fruit trees. He owns a large share in two hundred acres of land and also a fine residence in town, located upon two lots, and holds title to three lots in another part of the town.
In 1871 Mr. Bunting was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Wilson. Six children have blessed the union : Ella G., who became the wife of Charles Hord and is now deceased ; Percy, who married Minnie Frederick and lives in California ; Arleigh, a teacher in the Bicknell high school; Ray W., now engaged as telegraph operator at Bicknell; Pearl, the wife of W. A. Davis, superintendent of schools in Bicknell; and Ralph, employed on concrete work.
Mr. Bunting is a supporter of the republican party, believing that its prin- ciples are most conducive to the prosperity of the country. He is a valued member of the Baptist church of Bicknell and is closely identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, where he and his comrades renew the associa-
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