USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 35
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MERLE C. LOUCKS.
Merle C. Loucks, a rising young attorney of Bicknell, has already won a measure of success as a legal practitioner that augurs well for the future. His birth occurred in Potter county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of June, 1885, his parents being William and Carrie (Plagman) Loucks. The father, a native of New York, was successfully engaged in business as an architect of Brooklyn throughout his active career but during the past ten years has lived retired at Ulysses, Pennsylvania. He is descended from a prominent English family, his father having been a native of the Merrie isle and a mill- wright by trade. Although of English descent, William Loucks speaks Ger- man, French and Spanish, having familiarized himself with these different tongues in order that he might the more ably discharge his business transac- tions. The representatives of our subject's family are, as a class, masters of trades and professional men. The mother of M. C. Loucks is of German extraction. Her children were five in number, as follows: Merle C., of this review; Lulu, who is deceased; Harry, an architect by profession, who is now a United States government photographer; Nellie, who is fifteen years of age; and Lucille, a little maiden of five summers.
Merle C. Loucks attended the graded schools until fourteen years of age and then entered the high school, being graduated therefrom when a youth of seventeen. During the following two years he pursued his studies at the State Normal School of Pennsylvania and then, coming west, entered the State University of Indiana, from which institution he was graduated on the 3d of June, 1908, having devoted four years and nine months to the study of law. For two successive years of that time he won first honors at the oratorical contests. After completing his law studies he returned east and successfully passed an examination in New York city, being licensed to practice in the state and federal courts. He followed his profession at Galeton, Pennsylvania, for two months and then came to Bicknell, Indiana, locating here not alone in order to build up a clientage but also in pursuance
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of private interests. His success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is felicitous and clear in argu- ment, thoroughly in earnest, full of vigor of conviction, never abusive of his adversaries, imbued with highest courtesy, and yet a foe worthy of the steel of the most able opponent.
On the 25th of December, 1909, Mr. Loucks was united in marriage to Miss Mae Fox, a daughter of Milton Fox, one of Vigo township's most influential agriculturists. Fraternally Mr. Loucks is identified with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows at Ulysses, Pennsylvania, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Brooklyn, New York. He is popular in professional and social circles alike, winning the regard and friendship of all with whom he comes in contact.
JOSEPH B. KELSO.
Joseph B. Kelso has reached the venerable age of eighty years. He was formerly closely and actively identified with farming and gardening but is now practically living retired and has disposed of much of his property, although he still retains some of his land. His parents were William and Julia (Hogue) Kelso, who have long since passed away. The former was a native of County Cork, Ireland. Joseph B. Kelso pursued his education in one of the old-time schoolhouses of this locality and even in his school days became an active factor in the work of the home farm, aiding in the labors of the fields during the summer months and also in the morning and evening when school was not in session. In early manhood he worked for his father by the month and afterward when the railroad was built through this section of the country he secured employment in connection with its construction. Subsequently, however, he returned to farming and at first rented land, living in a two-room house. In time this prosperity enabled him to purchase property and afterward he bought and sold land as he had oppor- tunity but has now disposed of all of his holdings save the place upon which he resides. He followed farming and gardening, giving his attention to the production of cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also to the raising of vegetables for the market. This work, in addition to his speculation in property, brought him a substantial income.
In March, 1861, Mr. Kelso was united in marriage to Miss Martha Jane Hollingsworth, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Palmer) Hollingsworth. Her death occurred in 1888 and two of their five children are now deceased, the youngest having died in infancy, while W. H. Kelso, who was the third of the family, has also passed away. Of those living, Charles Samuel mar- ried Lizzie Scott, who died leaving four children, Stella, Martha, Edith and Katie. Emma is the wife of Charles Bridgeman and has one daughter,
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Martha Jane. Ellis T. is married and has seven children: Emma, Anna L., Fred, Lloyd, Bess, Joseph V. and Charles I.
Mr. Kelso has served as a trustee of Vincennes township, but has not sought office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs up to his retirement a few years ago. He has long been a devoted and faithful member of the Presbyterian church and his life, honorable and upright, has gained for him the warm regard, confidence and good will of his fellowmen and made him in the evening of his days one of the most respected as well as one of the most venerable citizens of Vincennes.
JOSEPH R. ENLEY.
For nearly thirty-five years a resident of Knox county, Joseph R. Enley has attained a position as one of its respected and responsible citizens. This position he has gained by a life of industry and by the application of com- mon sense and sound management in business affairs that has made him one of the prosperous farmers of his locality. He was born in Pike county, Indiana, October 19, 1853. His father, Joseph R. Enley, was born in Eng- land and came to the United States with his parents in his boyhood, the family locating in Pike county, Indiana. He was a miller by trade, but engaged principally in farming and became a highly successful farmer. He was married to Elizabeth Chappel and eight children were born to them, the subject of this review being the youngest of the family.
Joseph R. Enley removed with his parents to Daviess county and later went to Warrick county, this state, coming to Knox county in 1876, when he was twenty-three years of age. He was well versed in agriculture and stock- raising and, believing that this county offered superior inducements, he purchased forty acres of land in Harrison township, which he farmed for three years, and then acquired one hundred and forty acres on section 16, Steen township, where he lived for twelve years. At the end of this time he purchased one hundred and three acres in donation 85 and still lives on that place. He is now owner of one hundred and eighty-eight acres of land in Knox county and three hundred and twenty acres in Randolph county, Arkansas. He is a man of industrious habits and good judgment and has prospered greatly in his operations. He owns one of the highly improved farms of the township, which is provided with every facility for carrying on an up-to-date farm.
In March, 1878, Mr. Enley was united in marriage to Miss Mary Adams, and five children were born to them, four of whom are now living: Luella, now Mrs. Arthur Small and the mother of six children; William F .; Syl- vester; and Sarah F. The wife and mother having departed this life in 1888, Mr. Enley in 1889 was married to Samantha Small, of Knox county. One child, who died in infancy, was born to them and Mrs. Enley was called
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away in 1891. Mr. Enley was a third time married in 1892, the lady of his choice being Miss Vina E. McClure and they are the parents of seven chil- dren, Dewey T., Lela, Lucinda, Edith, Irma, Joseph R., Jr., and Miriam.
Mr. Enley casts his ballot with the republican party and socially is con- nected with the Tribe of Ben Hur. He is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church, in which for many years he has been an active worker and an officer, now serving as trustee. His best friends are those with whom he has been most closely related and that is a good recommendation for any man. He has accepted as principles of his life to make his word as good as his bond and to deal justly, let the consequences be what they may. The re- sult proves that his principles are correct and it would be difficult, indeed, to imagine a higher ideal.
LOUIS A. FREDERICK.
Louis A. Frederick, a dealer in coal has won for himself a creditable measure of success through close application to business and strict confor- mity to a high standard of commercial ethics. He is also well known in fra- ternal and political circles, in both of which his influence has been felt. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and his education was acquired in the schools of his native city, and there he learned the trade of car repairing. Subsequently he went to Jeffersonville, Indiana, where he was employed at his trade for some time, and afterward removed to Indianapolis. From the capital city he came to Vincennes as car inspector for the Vandalia Railroad in 1885. He filled the position for five years, and then with the capital which he had acquired through his industry and economical expenditures, he em- barked in business of his own account in 1890 as a dealer in coal. In the twenty years which have elapsed he has built up a business of gratifying proportions, having many patrons who have given him their business support through much of this period-a fact which indicates his thorough reliability in all trade transactions.
In 1885 Mr. Frederick was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Lewe of Indianapolis, and they became the parents of twelve children, but James, the second, and Esther and Henry, who were the seventh and eighth in order of birth are all now deceased. Of the nine still living, Charles, the eldest, has had charge of his father's business for the past eight years. He was born on the 9th of January, 1886, in Vincennes, and early received business train- ing in connection with the coal trade. He has always worked with his father and is still active in the management and control of the sales of the coal yard. The other members of the family are Damon, Pythias, Helen, Orville, Theodore, Morris, George, and Mary.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in that faith have reared their family. Mr. Frederick is also very prominent in fra-
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ternal circles, holding membership in several different organizations, includ- ing the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a past chancellor; the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows; the Tribe of Ben Hur; the Modern Woodmen of America; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. At one time he was con- nected with the Maccabees and with the Travelers Protective Association, but is not affiliated with the last two at the present time. He has never been a politician in the usual sense of office seeking ; he has served as county com- missioner for three years. He is never remiss in the duties of citizenship and when his aid is needed in behalf of any public measure, it is freely given. His record is that of the self-made man, for from the outset of his business career he has depended upon his own exertions for his advancement, and his energy and laudable ambition have constituted the salient forces which have brought him to the position of affluence which he now occupies.
JOHN J. MURPHY.
John J. Murphy, one of the well known business men of Vincennes, was born in Wisconsin, July 8, 1861, and is a son of William and Julia (Gleeson) Murphy, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father was born about 1836 and, like many sons of Erin who have sought fortune in a distant clime, he came to America. He was married in New York city and seven children were born to him and his wife, three of whom are now living: Anna, who is the widow of Harry Wilson and lives in Chicago; Ellen, now Mrs. S. H. Kaufmann, of Chicago; and John J., the subject of this review.
Educated in the common schools of Wisconsin, John J. Murphy later learned the distilling business, to which his father devoted his attention for many years and in which he was very successful. In attaining a thorough knowledge of a difficult occupation to which he had determined to devote his life, John J. Murphy was identified with plants in Peoria, Illinois; Balti- more, Maryland; St. Louis, Missouri; and Chicago. In 1898 he came to Vincennes and was with the Interstate Distilling Company until three years ago, at which time the Murphy Distilling Company was founded, of which he is president and which is now recognized as one of the flourishing enter- prises of western Indiana. The plant over which Mr. Murphy presides has a capacity of two thousand bushels of grain per day and gives employment to about thirty-five men. The product is shipped to leading distributing points of the middle west, among them St. Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Louis- ville and Pittsburg.
In 1904 Mr. Murphy was married to Miss Ellen McCarthy, who is a native of Knox county and was born in 1871. She is a daughter of Peter McCarthy, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Roman Catholic church and, having no children of their own, are rearing two children who were left orphans by the death
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of a sister of Mrs. Murphy. Through this kind act these children possess the advantages of a pleasant home and opportunities of training and educa- tion that are so important in shaping a happy and successful life.
Mr. Murphy has been for many years identified with the democratic party and takes the interest of an upright citizen in the success of candidates that he considers most worthy of the support of a thoughtful voter. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Country and Pastime Clubs. His faith in the growth of Vincennes is indicated by liberal investment in real estate and, as is shown above, he is a man of genial social instincts, of marked business ability and one who would have scored a success in any industry to which he might have devoted his attention.
GEORGE W. MACKEY.
George W. Mackey, who lives in Bicknell and is one of the flourishing business men of Knox county, was born in Daviess county, Indiana, July 31, 1868. He is a son of John and Mary B. (Watson) Mackey, the former of whom was born in Kentucky and the latter in Daviess county. The father came to Daviess county when quite a young man and lived there until 1875, when he located on a farm near Edwardsport, Indiana, where he died in 1878. The mother departed this life at Bicknell in 1907. Nine children were born to Mr .and Mrs. Mackey: John Emery, deceased ; James Henry, now a coal miner at Bicknell; Catherine, the wife of John Ashby, a farmer of Vigo township, Knox county; Andrew Jackson, deceased; Lizzie, who become the wife of Thomas Donaldson and is now deceased ; George W., our subject; Edward, of Sullivan county, this state; Charles, now engaged in coal mining at Bicknell; and Jessie, deceased.
The subject of this review was educated in the county schools of Daviess county and later spent two terms in the Edwardsport schools, finishing in the public schools of Bicknell. After laying his books aside he entered the mines and continued working there for five or six years, then engaging in the transfer business. However, he was again attracted to mining and for two years served as boss driver for the Knox mine. The transfer business held out a beckoning hand and he has since followed his present vocation. The business is conducted under the firm name of Mackey & Sons and has been very successful, the firm now owning sixteen head of horses, six transfer wagons, five farm wagons and four hacks, and its name is a synonym in the community for promptness and efficency. Our subject also owns a con- crete block factory and a commodious home and two town lots in Bicknell. The concrete block factory has proven a valuable accession to the business interests of the town, as is evidenced by the amount of cement work which is being done on the streets and in connection with private residences.
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In 1890 Mr. Mackey was united in marriage to Miss Rana Hollingsworth, of Linton, Indiana, and eight children have blessed their home, Lewis, Edgar, Guy, Lelan, Mark, George, Vernice and Margaret. The oldest son is now engaged in the mines.
Mr. Mackey is not identified with any religious denomination, but his wife is a worthy member of the Christian church. He is affiliated with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Modern Woodmen of America, all of Bicknell. Politically he is allied with the republican party and is a stanch advocate of its principles. He has made a practical demonstration in his career of what may be accomplished by one who is willing to devote the time and energy necessary in establishing a sub- stantial business in an intelligent community. In building up his business he has also acquired a high character for efficiency and progressiveness, which are important aids in any man's career.
MAURICE G. MOORE, M. D.
The medical profession at Vincennes claims many able and conscientious followers, among whom Dr. Maurice G. Moore occupies an honorable posi- tion. The son of a physician, he very early become acquainted with a calling to which he has devoted the best energies of his life. He is a graduate of three institutions of learning and, as he has from his boyhood been a close observer and a constant student, he has acquired a large amount of informa- tion which he has been able practically to apply in a profession that calls for the highest ability in its advocates and constantly urges them forward to new conquests.
Dr. Moore was born in Vincennes, December 18, 1871. His father, Dr. R. G. Moore, was born in Boone county, this state, in 1837, and as a medical practitioner gained an enviable reputation. The mother, Sarah Celine (Burns) Moore, was born in Ripley county, Indiana, in 1844. There were five children in the family, three of whom are deceased and two are now living: Charles Anna, now Mrs. W. E. Jenkins, of Bloomington, Indiana ; and the subject of this review.
Dr. Maurice G. Moore gained his early education in the public schools of Knox county, later attending Vincennes University, from which he was graduated in the class of 1888. He then entered the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, graduating with the degree of A. B. in 1890. His medical studies were pursued at Jefferson Medical College, a noted institu- tion of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1894. He took a post-graduate course at the New York Post Graduate College of New York city and ever since entering upon his pro- fession has kept in close touch with the latest developments in medicine and surgery. He has practiced in this city since 1894, making a specialty of
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surgery, although he also has a general practice which occupies a goodly portion of his time. He is a constant reader of the best medical journals and is often called in consultation by brother members of the profession. The large patronage which for years has been attracted to him is a just tribute to earnest and conscientious attention to a profession in which success is purchased only by daily self-sacrifice and at the cost of complete devotion to its service.
In 1894 Dr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Flora B. Krueger, of Bloomington, Indiana. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Kruger. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Moore, one of whom is now deceased. Robert G., the surviving child, is attending the public schools. He was born March 1, 1898.
Dr. Moore is a member of the American Medical Association, the Indiana State Medical Society, the Knox County Medical Society and the Lancet Club, of Vincennes, the latter being a social and scientific organization. He has acted as secretary and also as president of the Knox County Medical Society and served as vice president of the State Medical Society. He is in sympathy with the principles of the republican party, although not an active worker in politics, as the demands of his profession do not admit of outside interests. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and is a willing con- tributor in behalf of all causes that represent true benevolence and helpful- ness. The possessor of many good qualities, he stands high in the regard of friends and acquaintances, not only as a practitioner of medicine but as a private citizen.
JAMES N. McCOY, M. D.
Conscientious in the performance of all professional duties, his ability resting upon comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the basic prin- ciples of the science of medicine and surgery, Dr. James N. McCoy is num- bered among the native sons of Knox county, his birth having occurred in Harrison township, December 17, 1873. He is a son of John R. McCoy; a grandson of Robert McCoy, and a great-grandson of John McCoy, 2nd, who was a son of John McCoy, Ist, of Virginia. This was one of the pioneer families of Virginia. John McCoy, Ist, of Scotch parentage, was a man of parts and thrift and set the example of patriotism for his numerous descend- ants by serving in the war of the Revolution, holding the rank of cap- tain. At least three of his sons also served in that war, they being William McCoy, Ist, who rose to the rank of general, Robert McCoy and John McCoy, 2nd, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Captain John McCoy had a family of seven sons and four daughters. Some of these sons felt the "call of the wild" and emigrated to the wilderness of Ohio and Indiana. Two sons, John and Robert, settled in Harrison township, Knox
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county, Indiana. John McCoy was the first of the brothers to reach Indiana and made a wedding tour through the savage infested wilderness, bringing his bride, Catherine Williams, with him and settled donation II, Harrison township, Knox county, Indiana. Robert, also a veteran of the Revolution, soon followed with his bride and settled donation 12, adjoining his brother. These lands are still held in the family. They participated in the hostilities occasioned by frequent attacks of Indians, which culminated in the Tippe- canoe campaign, when General William Henry Harrison gathered forces and marched against the Indians under Tecumseh and his brother the Prophet. After a daybreak attack by the Prophet in violation of a truce, the Indians were defeated November 7, 1811, and their strength crushed, their villages burned and their corn destroyed. The whites were attacked in their camp. John McCoy was mortally wounded in the latter part of the engagement, walked to his tent, read a chapter in his Bible and died and was buried there with the others who fell. His widow lived to old age and reared the family consisting of four sons and two daughters. The sons even in early boyhood participated in the common defense of the community, in the block-house near their home. Robert settled on the old homestead. He was of stalwart physique and drew the sobriquet "Handsome Bob" to distinguish him from some of his cousins of the same name. He married Louisa Steen, a daughter of prominent family, who died at the age of thirty- three, leaving two sons, John and James. John R. McCoy was a man of sterling worth and integrity, and, though brought up in the privations of pioneer life, made the most of his limited opportunities and secured some education in the schools to which he added during his whole life. Though a busy farmer, he took time to read and was a student of men and affairs. He married Sarah Adams, a daughter of a prominent family of Virginia ancestry, carved out a home and reared four children, Ulysses G., a farmer ; B. F., a grain-dealer ; Dr. James N. McCoy ; and Libbie, who married J. D. Burnett. John R. McCoy, like his forebears was a God-fearing and righteous man. He with his wife early became members of the Methodist Episcopal church and was an adherent of that faith to his death. He was a life-long republican and was twice honored by his party by nominations for county office, though he was not a politician or place-seeker. He died in 1896, aged sixty-two years, mourned by all who knew him. His widow still survives, meriting and holding the affection and esteem of a large circle of friends.
Dr. McCoy was educated in the public schools and at Vincennes University. Later he entered the Medical College of Indiana, from which he graduated in 1896. Immediately afterward he opened an office in Vincennes and has in the intervening years become both a popular and successful practitioner. He devotes much time to study and practice of electro therapeutics and has an office splendidly equipped with all the electrical appliances which are regarded by the most advanced members of the profession as indis- pensable elements to successful practice. He is a member of the Knox County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American
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