USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 34
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'So live, that when the summons come to join The innumerable caravan which moves To that mysterious realm, where each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death, Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night, Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave Like one that wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.' "
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Dr. Rabb's business associates bore testimony to his high character as well as to his ability. In its memorial the Citizens Gas Light Company said : "His intelligent and upright discharge of the duties of his office were in- valuable and yet performed without compensation. We feel the loss keenly in a business sense and yet count that small as compared to the loss borne by the community in the many relations he sustained. As president of the First National Bank, as a member of the board of trustees of the Vincennes University, as vice president of the Board of Trade and as a counsellor and friend to many business institutions and individuals his loss will be felt everywhere. . . He gave to the public and private alike his unselfish and able efforts to accomplish the best purpose attainable."
At a meeting held to take action concerning the death of Dr. Rabb the directors of the First National Bank prepared a memorial in which it was said: "He became president of this bank September 15, 1871, and con- tinued until his death. His administration of this great trust was marked by signal ability and integrity throughout. He was a business manager of care, skill and broad judgment. His policy was conservative, keeping on safe ground and avoiding hazardous risks. His ambition was to have the bank conducted on lines which would meet the views of prudent men, rather than to dazzle by large profits, and so it has proved that in all the varying fortune of the banking business for more than twenty-six years there has been no 'run' on the bank, no danger at any time of its entire soundness and solvency. His character for probity, truth and honorable dealing brought lasting business friends and patrons and won and retained the respect of all engaged in like business. No one ever heard him say a disrespectful word of any other bank nor attempt to interfere with their business.
"His example as a business man, friend, neighbor and gentleman won the respect and confidence of all who knew him. We have just returned from the grave where we helped to lay him at rest and in sadness at the parting we still record our pleasant recollection of the banker, gentleman friend of so many years of association and feel stronger and better because of our knowledge of him. In the strongest possible terms we hereby record our testimony of his worth in the largest and broadest manly qualities possi- ble for any one to possess. To his family we tender our deep sympathy in their sorrow and venture to remind them that notwithstanding their irrep- arable loss they will always have a treasure of priceless value in the char- acter of him who has gone from them for a brief season only."
When death came to him impressive funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church, conducted by his pastor, Rev. George Knox, the Uni- versity cadets acting as a guard of honor, while the University trustees at- tended the services in a body. In their memorial record they testified "to his amiable and manly qualities and virtues, as he was a true friend, public- spirited citizen and model husband and father. . He was a wise counsellor and had a sympathetic heart for the bereaved, and an open purse for the needy." The Vincennes Commercial said: "In his life we see the
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brilliant lesson of the value of character. He was a man in whom every one could trust. His integrity and his sturdy honesty were his most promi- nent characteristics. He was progressive, active and enterprising. He was ever ready to encourage the worthy and his life work had always been con- ducted on such lines as drew around him the people who depended upon him for advice, encouragement and sympathy. In all his life the grand and lofty character of the man was revealed. In this community he stood unquestioned, perfect as men go and unswerving in his loyalty to principle. Honor was accorded him among all classes. His fidelity to his trust, his loyalty to his friends, his love for the good, his respect for the community and his sympathy for the distressed-all these broadened his nature to the extent that those who knew him learned to love him with a devotion that never faltered."
Dr. Rabb was a man extremely comely in appearance and of winning and courtly manners. He belonged to that type of men whose personal ap- pearance, moral courage and manly conduct always gain for them the confi- dence, respect and love of those who knew them. He was a leader of public sentiment in Vincennes and Knox county and the champion of every right- eous cause. In politics a republican, he was active in the councils of the party but never sought or wished for office. At the time of the Civil war he was a stalwart champion of the Union cause and a warm admirer of Lin- coln, but physically was incapacitated for service at the front. It has been said that no man ever lived in Knox county who had more friends and fewer enemies. He had the gentleness of a woman, the courage of a soldier and all the qualities which humankind adore.
HON. WILLIAM H. VOLLMER.
In an enumeration of those men who have conferred honor and dignity upon the state which has honored them mention should be made of William H. Vollmer, who in November, 1910, was elected to the office of state treas- urer. His worth as a man and citizen had already been proven in many connections. That he has mastered many of the problems of finance is indi- cated in the fact that he is successfully managing the Citizens Trust Com- pany as its president and is showing equally capable control of other impor- tant business concerns. The expression of public approval as given him in his election to his present office is therefore fully justified in his past record.
Mr. Vollmer was born in Knox county, Indiana, October 24, 1856, a son of Frederick J. and Hannah Vollmer. He spent his youthful days upon his father's farm and pursued his education in the country schools until 1872, when he put aside his text-books to enter business life, becoming a clerk in a retail grocery store. Carefully saving his earnings until the sum was suffi- cient to enable him to embark in business on his own account, he established
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a grocery in 1888 in partnership with William F. Recker, under the firm name of Vollmer & Recker. The new enterprise proved successful from the beginning. The partners were capable business men, energetic and deter- mined, and their close application also constituted an element in the growth of their trade.
Mr. Vollmer continued actively in business until 1896, when he was elected county treasurer, to which position he was reelected in 1898, filling the office for four years and thus completing a most satisfactory record as the custodian of the public funds of Knox county. On his retirement from office he formed a partnership with C. C. Winkler for the conduct of a com- mission business, under the firm name of Vollmer & Winkler. This firm is still in existence and the partners are numbered among the prominent and prosperous commission merchants of Vincennes. Extending his efforts into other fields. Mr. Vollmer became president of the Citizens Trust Company and likewise has voice in the management of the Home Telephone Company, having been elected to its presidency. Although a multiplicity of affairs claims his time and energies he has so carefully systematized his interests and surrounded himself with such an able corps of assistants that all of his business interests are capably managed and conducted. The ability which he has displayed in various connections both in the management of individ- ual financial affairs and of public finances and the active part which he has taken in political circles naturally led to his selection for the state democratic candidacy for treasurer and at the election in November, 1910, he received the endorsement of the public in a good majority.
In Vincennes, on the 3d of May, 1881, Mr. Vollmer was married to Miss Julia L. Ritterskamp. Their only child, Oscar, who was born December 25, 1895, departed this life July 23, 1901. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vollmer hold membership in the German Evangelical church and he belongs also to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to the Pastime Club. He has a wide acquaintance among leading men of the state and by all is held in high regard but in Vincennes, the city of his residence, he comes in closer contact with his fellowmen through warm and enduring friendships.
LOUIS KUTTER.
Louis Kutter is a self-made man whose advancement is attributable entirely to his close application and earnest purpose. He is now taking con- tracts for house-moving and is also at the head of the Louis Kutter Cement Block Company, conducting business at the corner of Seventh and Hickman streets. A native of Indiana, he was born in Daviess county, on the 19th of March, 1874, and is a son of Andrew and Martha Kutter. The family name indicates the German ancestry and it was in the land of the kaiser that Andrew Kutter was born and reared, pursuing his education there and com-
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ing as a young man to the new world. He made his way at once into the inte- rior of the country, settling in Martin county, Indiana, where he turned his attention to farming and also engaged in teaming. He made investment in land and as the result of his hard work, his unfaltering perseverance and his determination he met with a substantial measure of success. He conformed his life to the teachings of the Catholic church, of which he was long a faith- ful member.
Louis Kutter spent his youthful days in his native county and was sent as a pupil to the public schools, while later he continued his studies in the schools of Olney, Illinois. He started out in business on his own account when a youth of sixteen years, beginning work as a common laborer. He was employed at house-moving and after a time he began that business on his own account in Vincennes. He has carried on the business for four years and is the leading contractor in that line in the state. He has extended the scope of his activities by purchasing a plant for the manufacture of cement blocks at the corner of Seventh and Hickman streets. This is also the largest undertaking of the kind in the city and the business is carefully managed by Mr. Kutter, whose energy and close application are making of it a profitable undertaking. The plant is well equipped and both lines of his business are growing.
On the 20th of May, 1896, occurred the marriage of Mr. Kutter and Miss Margaret Bowling, a native of Olney, Illinois, and a daughter of Wiley and Martha (Clark) Bowling. This marriage has been blessed with five children : Carrie, Lena and Charles, all of whom are attending school; Andrew, who is now deceased; and Edward, who completes the family.
Mr. Kutter holds membership with the Tribe of Ben Hur and is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His has been an active and useful life and whatever success he has achieved is attributable to his own labors and perseverance. He early realized the fact that industry is an indis- pensable element of success and he has worked earnestly and with deter- mination to win his advancement. Today he is at the head of business inter- ests that are bringing him good return and his genuine worth and thorough reliability are also gaining for him the confidence, good-will and esteem of his fellow townsmen.
MARTIN HOGUE.
Martin Hogue, who is conducting a flour and feed business at No. 1008 North Eighth street, was born in Palmyra, Knox county, on the 21st of February, 1872, a son of M. B. and Margaret (Thompson) Hogue. The family has been represented in this part of the state from early pioneer times and its members have always borne a helpful part in sustaining the best interests of the community and promoting progressive citizenship. The
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father was born in what is still known as the old Hogue homestead in this county. For many years he engaged in business as a manufacturer of con- crete blocks but is now living retired, his success in former years being sufficient to enable him to put aside the more active cares of business life and rest in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former labor.
Martin Hogue pursued his education in the country schools and his training was thorough, qualifying him for the transaction of business in later life. In his youthful days he worked on the farm with his father but at length left the old home and spent three years in teaming in Vincennes. He then purchased the flour and feed business of which he is now proprietor, becoming the owner about two years ago. In the interval he has built up a good trade and is now well established in a successful and growing busi- ness.
On the 27th of October, 1896, Mr. Hogue was united in marriage to Miss Finley Mae Cross, a daughter of Thomas and Charlotte (Carnes) Cross. This marriage has been blessed with two interesting daughters, Meredith M. and Charlotte M., both attending school. The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church and are deeply interested in its welfare and prog- ress. Mr. Hogue has always lived in this county and the fact that his life has ever been an upright one is proven in that his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
CHARLES ALBERT PAUL.
Charles A. Paul, a prominent music dealer of Vincennes, is not a man to yield to discouragement. Obstacles arouse the latent energies of some men and he belongs to that number and as a result has attained an enviable position in the business world. He is a native of the Keystone state-a state that has contributed many of her sons whose energy and ability have in an important degree assisted in the upbuilding of the west. His eyes first opened to the light of day in Hydetown, Pennsylvania, November 1, 1875. He is the son of James Edward and Dorothy (Ingerson) Paul, both natives of New York state, the former of whom was born in Williamstown in 1845 and was a lumberman. The paternal grandfather, John Riley Paul, was born in New York state in 1823 and members of the family have attained deserved prominence in various parts of the country. Upon the maternal side the ancestry has been traced to General Israel Putnam, of Revolution- ary war fame, the great-grandmother of our subject having been a member of the Putnam family. It may also be stated that General Merritt, who gained a world-wide reputation fighting under the stars and stripes in the Civil war, was a first cousin of Dorothy (Ingerson) Paul. By virtue of her ancestry she is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and served as a delegate to the national convention of that organization in 1908.
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She is the mother of two sons: John R., now living at Mina, Nevada ; and Charles Albert.
The subject of this review received his preliminary education in the public schools and later entered a school of pharmacy at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1891. After leaving college he established him- self in the drug business at Newburg, Indiana, and continued for two years, at the end of which time he moved his stock to Petersburg, Indiana, where he also opened a music store. In 1900 a destructive fire visited the town, totally destroying Mr. Paul's drug store, and in 1901 he came to Vincennes and established himself in the music business on Second street. Upon the completion of the new La Plante building he removed to commodious rooms in that structure which he now occupies and where he conducts the largest music store in this part of the country, carrying a carefully selected stock of musical merchandise and instruments which meet the demands of many patrons. He is special representative in this part of the state for the Peer- less and Sublima Regina Electric Pianos and also is interested in the music business at the town of Bridgeport.
In 1899 Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Smith, a daughter of Dr. Elwood and Catherine (Barter) Smith, the former of whom is a native of Petersburg, Indiana, and the latter of Mount Vernon. Dr. Smith is one of the well known dentists of the state and has served as presi- dent of the Tri-State Dental Association and also under Governor Hovey as president of the state board of dental examiners. One son, Charles Riley, born in 1900, has come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul.
Socially Mr. Paul is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, but his friends are not all limited to a membership of fraternal organizations. Accommodating in disposition and genial in manner, he makes friends wherever he is known, and as an upright and honorable business man he has the confidence of his associates and of the public generally.
JOHN W. EMISON, SR.
Perhaps no life record in this volume stands in stronger refutation to commonly accepted belief that success and an honored name may not be won simultaneously, for throughout his life John W. Emison, Sr., sustained an unassailable character and at the same time won large success through his extensive operations in farming and milling. His holdings of farm lands at the time of his demise exceeded those of any other man in Knox county. He was a lifelong resident of this county and, while carefully conducting his private business affairs, he was always quick to lend his aid and influence to any project or movement for the general good. His birth occurred on the 12th of January, 1829, on a farm nine miles northeast of Vincennes,
JOHN W. EMISON. SR.
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in Knox county, which in the year 1790 became the property of his maternal grandfather, the Rev. Richard Posey, who in that year left the state of South Carolina and removed to Indiana for the purpose of freeing his slaves. Journeying westward to Knox county, he became one of the pioneers of this region and the farm which he developed is still in possession of his descendants. It was the birthplace of his daughter, Elizabeth Posey, who on reaching womanhood gave her hand in marriage to William W. C. Emison. For more than a century the name of Emison has been connected with the history of Vincennes and western Indiana. The family name was originally spelled Emerson. The first Emisons of whom we have record were two brothers who settled at Georgetown, Kentucky, in the eighteenth century, and among their descendants are those who are residents of Ken- tucky, Indiana, Missouri and Texas. The family was founded in Knox county, Indiana, by Thomas Emison, the grandfather of John W. Emison, who left his Kentucky home in 1804 and settled on Mariah creek in what is now Knox county. He bore active part in the early development and progress of this region when it was still a part of the Northwest Territory, the family being here represented for a number of years before Indiana's admission into the Union in 1816.
William W. C. Emison, also a native of Knox county, was born in 1804, a short distance from the Posey homestead. He became a farmer and tanner by trade and for many years resided upon the farm where his wife's birth occurred. It was there they reared their family, including John W. Emison, who in the days of his boyhood and youth devoted his attention largely to the work of the fields and to other tasks incident to farm life, having little opportunity for the acquirement of an education, for the public school system had not been developed then and subscription schools held their sessions only at irregular intervals. He was, however, a self-educated man, remaining throughout life a student of men and events and gaining from his daily experiences the lessons which made him a practical and force- ful man of affairs.
On attaining his majority John W. Emison turned his attention to farm- ing and milling and followed those pursuits throughout his entire life yet also extended his efforts to stock-raising and merchandising. In the latter connection he handled dry goods, groceries and clothing, lumber and timber. His first milling experience was at Bruceville and later he secured a mill at Wheatland, where he also turned his attention to merchandising, becoming a partner of Hugh Barr in the ownership and conduct of a store. For about twenty years he and Mr. Barr were in partnership and throughout the entire period the most harmonious relations existed between them. In connection with the conduct of the gristmill Mr. Emison had sawmills in operation and dealt in black walnut lumber. He was a man of notably sound business judgment and discrimination and his investments were most judici- ously made. As the years passed by he kept adding to his landed posses- sions until his farm property aggregated nearly four thousand acres. In
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his later years he devoted much of his time to the study and application of scientific farming and his leadership in this regard constituted an element in the improvement of farm methods practiced in Knox county.
In 1857 Mr. Emison was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Amelia Dun- ning and they be came the parents of eight children: James Wade, now a prominent lawyer of Vincennes; John W., merchant and postmaster of Vin- cennes ; Hugh Ash, who is filling the position of assistant postmaster; Mattie E., the wife of Henry C. Barr, of Princeton, Indiana; Lizzie, the wife of Frank M. Harris of Princeton; William C., Frank D. and Sarah A., all of whom died in infancy. The wife and mother died in 1874 and in 1876 Mr. Emison married Miss Anna M. Shugart, of Knox county, who survived him and who still lives in the city of Vincennes.
In the meantime, when the Civil war was in progress, Mr. Emison with patriotic spirit offered his services to the Union but was rejected on account of the condition of his health. Not allowed to go to the front, he bent every effort toward aiding the Union at home by constantly looking after the wives and children and others dependent upon those who were bearing arms at the front. Mr. Emison was at all times a public-spirited citizen and cooperated in many movements and projects for the benefit of his home community and the county at large. He was one of but two men in his township who in 1856 voted for John C. Fremont and he remained a stal- wart supporter of the republican party from its organization until his death, which occurred on the 16th of March, 1888. In early manhood he became a member of the Methodist church and was ever an active worker in its behalf and a generous contributor to its support, doing all in his power to further its interests and extend its upbuilding. He never sought nor desired office, although his fellow citizens would undoubtedly have elected him to any position which he might have cared to fill in the county and community in which he lived. Against his will he was chosen president of the fair association and was filling that position at the time of his demise.
Mr. Barr, for many years his partner and business associate, said of Mr. Emison: "In all my dealings with him there never was a bad feeling between us, never one word that was harsh or short, and I was with him for thirty-five years. He was always a sober, moral and agreeable man. To know him was to love him. A truer man never lived. I cannot say enough about him to do him justice. Everything can be said in his favor, and I know nothing against him." A local paper characterized Mr, Emison as "one of our purest and most highly respected and influential citizens. He was known and loved by everybody and his sterling worth and stanch integrity were recognized everywhere. Quiet and unostentatious, he won the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. He was con- scientious almost to a fault and strict and straightforward in all of his dealings. In his death Knox county loses a most noble, generous, pro- gressive citizen." Mr. Emison was about fifty-nine years of age when he was called from this life. It seemed that many more years of usefulness might
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have been spared him, yet in the years allotted him he accomplished much more than does many a man who passes the Psalmist's span of three score and ten. His splendid business success was the result of his own well directed effort and determination. He started out in life empty handed but possessed laudable ambition and resolute will and by the improvement of the opportunities which came to him-opportunities that others might have utilized had they so desired-he reached a conspicuous position among the successful business men of Knox county and at no time was his business honor assailable. Patriotic and loyal in citizenship and faithful in friend- ships, devoted at all times to the best interests of his family, he stood as a high type of noble Christian manhood.
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