USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 5
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In August, 1864, Mr. Bishop was united in marriage to Miss Maria Stevenson and they became the parents of three children, Eddie, Rose and Jennie, all now deceased. In 1879 Mr. Bishop was again married, his second union being with Lillian Kingery. They have two children: Earl, who is engaged in the wholesale drug business at St. Louis; and Cleo, now the wife of W. A. Pringle, a newspaper man of Vincennes, Indiana.
The family attend the Christian church and Mr. Bishop is interested in the intellectual as well as the moral progress of the community, in which connection he did excellent service in behalf of the public schools while acting as a member of the board of education for six years. He keeps thoroughly posted on current topics and events and is a man of well known public spirit whose cooperation can be counted upon as a tangible factor in the support of any movement wherein the best interests of the community are involved. With the exception of the brief period spent across the border in Illinois, he has always lived in Indiana and its his- tory and upbuilding are to him matters of deep interest and concern.
GEORGE E. HENRY.
George E. Henry, superintendent of the Vincennes Traction Company, belongs to that class of men whose records are marked by orderly progres- sion. Success can never be attained by one who does not correctly judge his own capacities and powers as well as the restrictions which go to make up life's contacts and experiences. Never overestimating his own strength, but recognizing the fact that each forward step brings a wider outlook and broader opportunities, Mr. Henry in his business life has made
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continuous advancement and is now capably serving in a position of large responsibility.
He was born in Ironton, Ohio, June 17, 1859. His father, William D. Henry, was also a native of that state and the grandfather, James Henry, was a pioneer settler of Ironton. The family is of Irish lineage and was founded in America by John Henry, the great-grandfather of our subject, who came from the Emerald isle in colonial days and was a valiant soldier of the Revolutionary war, participating in the battle of Bunker Hill and other important engagements of that long and sanguinary struggle. It was James Henry who secured the farm upon which the town of Ironton now stands, and the old Henry burying ground is still to be seen there. Reared in that state, William D. Henry learned and fol- lowed the miller's trade, successfully operating the Magnolia Mill there un- til his retirement from active business. When his close application and earnest labors had brought him a comfortable competence to supply him with all of the necessities and many of the comforts and luxuries of life through his remaining days, he retired and devoted his life to such pur- suits as yielded him pleasure and enjoyment. He died in 1905 at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Sarah Vir- ginia Cloninger, was a native of Ohio and died in 1900 at the age of sixty- two years.
The schools of Ironton provided George E. Henry with his educational privileges until he was graduated from the high school. He then turned his attention to mechanical and engineering work and for a few years was a licensed marine engineer on the river. At the expiration of that period he took up the milling business and while thus engaged he went to Vin- cennes when the street railway was being established. In that connec- tion he installed the machinery under the direction of Mr. Hudnut, who was at that time president of the road. Later he returned to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he remained until 1904, when he was appointed vice presi- dent and general manager of the Vincennes City Street Railway Company, acting in that capacity for five years. In April, 1909, Mr. Hudnut dis- posed of his interest in the business and the company was reorganized under the name of the Vincennes Traction Company. Mr. Henry was then reappointed as superintendent. He had become well acquainted with the business, was familiar with every detail and now thoroughly under- stands the work of operating the line. He keeps the street car system abreast with the most modern advancement in interurban transportation and is both a popular and efficient official.
. In 1883 Mr. Henry was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Barrett, a native of Ottawa, Canada, and they have become the parents of three sons and one daughter, William D., Hope Virginia, Walker H. and George B. Mr. Henry belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holding membership with Vincennes Lodge, No. I, A. F. & A. M., also with the chapter, council and commandery. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective
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Order of Elks and to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and is a past chan- cellor of Occidental Lodge, No. 18, of Terre Haute. His gradual rise in the business world represents the fit utilization of his time and talents and stands in incontrovertible proof of the fact that the path of opportunity leading to success is open to all.
CHARLES G. McCORD.
Charles G. McCord, an eminent member of the Knox county bar, specializing in the field of real-estate law, was born March 21, 1851, on Sixth and Broadway, in Vincennes. His paternal grandfather, David McCord, settled here about 1821 and he was at that time a man of forty years, his birth having occurred January 25, 1781. His wife, Dorcas Rose- brough, was born April 24, 1788, and was eighty-three years of age at the time of her death.
William R. McCord, the father of Charles G., was born in Kentucky, May 2, 1809, and in early life became circuit court clerk, the fidelity and capability which he displayed in office being manifested in the fact that he was retained therein from 1835 until 1851. On his retirement from office, he turned his attention to merchandising, to which pursuit much of his later life was devoted. On the 22d of April, 1841, he married Miss Eliza Jane Gibson, who was born in Christianburg, Virginia, April 16, 1816. Her death occurred August 8, 1867, while William R. McCord passed away January 27, 1881. Their family numbered four children : William, Jr., now deceased; Isadora, the widow of S. N. Chambers, who is living in Indianapolis, Indiana; Mary C., the wife of Joseph F. Harris, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri; and Charles G.
The last named was educated in Vincennes University which he en- tered at the age of six years, continuing his studies therein until April, 1865. He started in business life as assistant in his father's grocery store and there remained until September, 1870, when, desirous of obtaining further educational privileges, he entered Brown University of Provi- dence, Rhode Island, and was graduated in June, 1873. Thus upon a broad classical knowledge he builded the superstructure of his professional learning. He began reading law with Judge N. W. Viehe, remaining a student in his office from June, 1873, until October, 1875. Admitted to the bar, he formed a partnership with Colonel Cyrus M. Allen with whom he was associated in practice until October, 1877, when he opened a law office over the First National bank and specialized in the field of real- estate law, including the preparation of abstracts to title. He has devoted his entire time to this branch of the profession and is accorded an exten- sive and gratifying clientage. Mr. McCord has made many abstracts of note, one being of the William Henry Harrison residence for the use of
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the Indiana Title Association, showing an unbroken chain of title to the property from 1792 to the present time.
On the 22d of December, 1881, in Mattoon, Illinois, Mr. McCord was married to Miss Leonora M. Drish, who was born at Carlinville, Macoupin county, Illinois, March 12, 1857. Her father, James F. Drish, a native of Leesburg, Virginia, went to the gold fields of California in 1849 and following his return carried on merchandising. But when the Civil war broke out he put aside all business and personal considerations and joined the army, serving throughout the period of hostilities and returning with the rank of colonel. He married Rosella C. Keller, a native of Carlin- ville, Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McCord have been born two sons: J. Drish, who was born in Vincennes, November 5, 1887, and now resides in Portland, Oregon, and Frank C., who was born in Vincennes, August 2, 1890, and is now a member of the class of 1911 in the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
In his fraternal relations Mr. McCord is a Mason, in religious faith a Presbyterian and in his political views a republican. These associa- tion indicate much of the nature and characted of his interests and the principles which govern his conduct. A lifelong resident of Vincennes, his record has been written in terms of honor and his many good quali- ties have gained for him a circle of friends coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
CHARLES P. SLOCOMB.
More than a third of a century has passed since Charles P. Slocomb passed from this life yet he is well remembered by many of the older settlers who regarded him as a man of worth and honor. He lived in this city for about twenty years prior to his demise. His parents were Rufus T. and Mehitable (Merrill) Slocomb. The father was a merchant of Cincinnati and never lived in Indiana. He removed from the east to Ohio and there carried on business through much of his life.
Charles P. Slocomb spent his youthful days in his parents' home and liberal educational privileges were afforded him, for after attending the public schools of Cincinnati, he continued his studies in the east. During the period of his residence in Vincennes he ranked as a prominent and in- fluential citizen. In public affairs of the community he took an active and helpful interest and his influence was always on the side of right and progress.
Mr. Slocomb was married in Cincinnati to Miss Hannah A. Hebbard, a daughter of Hezekiah Hebbard. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Slocomb were born four children, two daughters and two sons, Mary Bell, Zelie, Hebbard and Rufus. Mr. Slocomb was a member of the Masonic fraternity which
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numbered him among its exemplary representatives, for he was in full sympathy with the basic principles of the craft, which has as its founda- tion belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. He was considered a man of well balanced judgment, never given to extremes and yet actuated by a progressive spirit that made him a valued and in- fluential citizen of Vincennes during the twenty years of his residence here.
W. H. DAVENPORT, M. D.
Vincennes has been the scene of the professional activities of Dr. W. H. Davenport almost continuously since he entered upon practice follow- ing his graduation from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and the consensus of public opinion attests his ability and his fidelity to the strictest ethics of the profession. He was born in Indianapolis, July 20, 1850. His father, Henry Davenport, was a native of Miami county, Ohio, born March 26, 1822. The grandfather, Martin Davenport, removed from the Buckeye state to Indianapolis at an early period in the development of that city, when his son Henry was a young lad. The latter pursued his education in Indianapolis and became an architect and contractor. He built the first theater there and was closely and prominently associated with building operations until 1852, when he passed away, the victim of the cholera epidemic of that year. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza A. Townsend, was born in Maryland on the 20th of November, 1824, her father having been a planter and slave-holder of that state. She survived her husband for only a brief period, passing away March 28, 1861. The only daughter of the family has also passed away.
Educated in his native city Dr. Davenport was a high school student there and also attended Notre Dame College. The financial difficulties of the family forced him to put aside his text-books and take up the arduous task of providing for his own support. When twenty-four years of age he began studying medicine, following the advice of his mother who, be- fore her death, counseled him to become a doctor. He received thorough preliminary training for professional work in the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and then went to Philadelphia, being graduated from the Jefferson Medical College with the class of 1881. Thus thor- oughly equipped in two of the best medical colleges of the country, he re- turned to Indianapolis for practice but in the same year came to Vin- cennes, arriving in July, 1881. For twenty-nine years he has been in con- tinuous practice here and throughout the entire period has kept abreast of the advanced thought of the medical fraternity through his member- ship in the county, state and national medical associations. Private reading and research, too, have also broadened his knowledge and pro- moted his efficiency and in all of his work he has manifested a spirit of
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conscientious obligation that has been a resultant force in his success. He has been connected as surgeon with the Vandalia, Big Four and Evans- ville & Terre Haute Railroad Companies for about a quarter of a century and at the present writing is surgeon for the New York Central lines and the Evansville & Terre Haute.
On the 12th of January, 1884, Dr. Davenport was married to Miss Ruth Watson, a daughter of L. L. Watson, an old settler of Vincennes. They are members of the Presbyterian church, in which Dr. Davenport is serving as a trustee and Mrs. Davenport as a deaconess. She takes a very active part in all branches of church work and is a generous contributor where charity is needed. They occupy a beautiful home which is the abode of warm-hearted hospitality.
Dr. Davenport is a genial, pleasant gentleman, with a smile and good word for every one, and is deservedly popular. His ability has placed him in the front rank of the medical fraternity in Vincennes, while the sterling traits of his character have gained him firm hold upon the affec- tion of friends and neighbors. Free from ostentation or display, he never- theless demands the warm regard of all with whom he comes in contact and is held in high esteem alike by young and old, rich and poor.
C. L. V. TUCKER.
The statement of Grover Cleveland that "A public office is a public trust," has become current and there is a growing demand that the trust that is given through popular suffrage shall be sacredly cherished. There has never been, perhaps, a more thorough awakening of the public con- science than at the present time, when on every hand active condemnation is meeting the man who is not loyal to the duties entrusted to his care. Reelection, therefore, is usually proof of both fidelity and capability on the part of the office-holder, and such is the case with Mr. Tucker, who in 1909 was reelected for a second term's service as city clerk of Vin- cennes. He was born in the neighboring state of Illinois, his birth hav- ing occurred in Noble on the 30th of April, 1863. His father, Joseph Tucker, and his grandfather, Abraham Tucker, were both natives of Pennsylvania. When a young man Joseph Tucker removed westward to Illinois, settling at Noble, and Abraham Tucker afterward joined him and there spent his last days. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Nancy Bedwell, and was a native of Grayson county, Kentucky. With her parents she removed to Illinois and in Noble formed the acquaintance of Joseph Tucker, who sought her hand in marriage. To provide for his family Mr. Tucker followed the occupation of farming, giving to that pur- suit his undivided attention until his life's labors were ended in death in 1866. His widow survived him for almost a quarter of a century and passed away in 1889.
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C. L. V. Tucker was educated in the country schools and in the graded schools of Noble, while later he attended the high school in Mexico, Mis- souri, where an uncle lived. He afterward returned to the home farm in Illinois, there remaining until his mother's death. Subsequent to that time he spent two years in a store at Noble and on the expiration of that period turned his attention to the newspaper work in Mexico, Missouri, being connected with the Daily Ledger for two and a half years. On the ex- piration of that period he went to Indian Territory, where he remained for six months, and on leaving the southwest returned to his native state, settling in Olney, where he founded the Olney Democrat which he pub- lished for one year. After a short time spent in Chicago he came to Vin- cennes in April 1893, and for twelve years was connected with the Sun as city editor. He afterward spent one year with the Commercial, and then, putting aside individual interests, took upon himself the duties of public service through his election to the office of city clerk in 1905. In 1909 he was reelected for a second term, this coming to him as the en- dorsement of his previous four years' service. He has always been active in politics as an advocate of democratic principles, and is recognized as one of the local leaders of his party.
Mr. Tucker was married in Noble, Illinois, to Miss Stella Pea, a daughter of T. S. Pea, now a resident of Vincennes. They are the parents of five children, Percy, Frank, C. L. V., Jr., Marlin and Mildred.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Tucker is connected with the Odd Fel- lows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Tribe of Ben Hur. He became well known in newspaper circles, his ability winning him recogni- tion, and he is equally popular in public office, the high regard which is tendered him in this connection being based upon his loyalty to duty and the efficiency which he displays in conducting the public interests intrusted to his keeping.
E. L. GLASS.
E. L. Glass, city comptroller, serving for the second term in that office by reappointment by Mayor McDowell, was born in Vincennes, October 28, 1872. His father, John R. Glass, was a native of Bonn, Ger- many, and in 1833, when he was three years of age, was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled in Vincennes. His grandfather, Peter W. A. Glass, was a forester in the employ of the German govern- ment before he sought the opportunities of the new world. His trade was that of a tailor and after reaching America he gave his attention to that pursuit, but died of cholera shortly after arriving in the new world. His son, John R. Glass, became a carpenter and contractor and engaged ex- tensively in the building of bridges and railroads. He was also active in
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politics as a supporter of democratic principles but the honors and emolu- ments of office had no attraction for him. He married Isabel Edeline, a native of Knox county, Indiana, whose father William Edeline, was of French Canadian birth. The death of John R. Glass occurred in 1908 when he was seventy-nine years of age. Of their family of twelve chil- dren seven are yet living.
In the public schools of Vincennes E. L. Glass pursued his education and after putting aside his text-books became associated with his father in carpentering and contracting. He was connected with the business until 1894, when he entered the post-office as chief clerk, there remain- ing until 1897. In that year he became bookkeeper for a mercantile firm with which he remained for five years, when he began contracting on his own account, continuing the business until 1906, when he accepted the office of city comptroller. In 1910 he was reappointed by Mayor McDow- ell, so that he is serving for the second term of four years.
In 1898 Mr. Glass was united in marriage to Miss Louise Thuis, a na- tive of Vincennes and a daughter of Henry Thuis. They have become the parents of six children, Mary S., John, Elizabeth, Edwin, Clara and Mar- tha. Mr. and Mrs. Glass are well known in this city where they have an extensive and growing circle of warm friends. Mr. Glass's record in pub- lic office is a creditable one, commending him to the confidence and warm regard of not only the advocates of democratic principles but also of ad- herents of the opposition party. Wherever he is known he is held in high esteem and most of all where he is best known.
WILLIAM BOUSHIE.
William Boushie is numbered among Vincennes' citizens who were at one time connected with agricultural interests but are now living retired. He is still, however, the owner of an excellent farm comprising two hun- dred and forty acres of rich and productive land situated about ten and a half miles south of the city. Knox county numbers him among her na- tive sons, for his birth occurred in Vincennes township, on the 17th of February. 1848, his parents being John L. and Rosann (Deloria) Boushie. The father was born and reared in this county upon the farm of his father, who was one of the old settlers here. The grandparents of our subject were Lawrence and Jeannette (Godair) Boushie but even they were not the first representatives of the name in this part of the state, for Lawrence Boushie was born in the city of Vincennes and was a son of Vetal and Susanna (Cardinal) Boushie. The latter was born and reared on the present site of the Huffman store. Vincennes is one of the oldest cities in all the Mississippi valley, having been founded as a French trading post long before it was dreamed that the invasion of settlers from the east would
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make this as much an American province as were the seaboard states. Vetal Boushie was born in Canada and was of French descent. The Car- dinal family was established here among the first settlers penetrating into this district, when it was a wild western region, the Indians being far more numerous than the white inhabitants. The parents of Mrs. Vetal Boushie were from Canada and are mentioned in national history.
William Boushie has every reason to be proud of his ancestral his- tory because of the close and honorable connection of earlier generations of the family with the development and upbuilding of this portion of the state. At the usual age he was sent as a pupil to the country school and therein mastered the branches of learning that usually constitute the dis- trict-school curriculum. The periods of vacation and the morning and evening hours were devoted to work upon the home farm and he early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He started in business on his own account on attaining his majority, first renting land until he had saved a sufficient sum to enable him to buy a farm. His first investment made him the owner of twenty acres and by hard work he brought this under a high state of cultivation and as his crops returned him a good income he added to his holdings until his farm now embraces two hundred and forty acres within its boundaries. He was engaged in raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and seldom did he fail to raise a good crop, for the land was productive and his methods of cultivation practical. He also engaged in raising some stock and in course of years met with such prosperity that he is now enabled to live retired, possessing a competence that supplies him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
On the 21st of November, 1882, Mr. Boushie was married to Miss Eulalie La Plant, whose ancestors in the paternal line were among the first settlers of Knox county, which means that the family for more than a century has been represented here. Thus both Mr. and Mrs. Boushie are connected with the oldest families of this portion of the state. He belongs to St. Xavier's church of which he is a prominent member, taking active part in its work and contributing generously to its support.
O'CONNELL FAIRHURST, M. D.
The name of Fairhurst has stood for three generations as a synonym for efficiency in the medical profession. Aside from the excellent work which he did as a general practitioner, Dr. Fairhurst was perhaps best known for his work in connection with the cure of the liquor, tobacco and drug habits-a work of inestimable benefit to those who have unfortu- nately passed beyond the point of self-control in such matters. All through his professional career he thought broadly, studied deeply and acted wisely and his labors were crowned with success that was not meas-
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ured by material gain alone but also by gratitude and appreciation of his services.
Dr. Fairhurst was born in Bruceville, this county, on the 15th of March, 1846. His father, Dr. William Fairhurst, was a native of Virginia, born in 1811. When a boy he accompanied his parents to Knox county, In- diana, his father, Samuel Fairhurst, removing with his family to a farm in the vicinity of Bruceville. Thus the name has figured in connection with the history of this country for more than a century. Amid pioneer surroundings Dr. O'Connell Fairhurst spent the days of his boyhood and youth and supplemented his public school education by study in Butler University at Indianapolis. He afterward attended Rush Medical Col- lege of Chicago in 1868-1869 and then entered Bellevue Medical College of New York City, from which he was graduated with the class of 1870. He afterward pursued a special course of study in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat and in 1877 pursued a special course in surgery and anat- omy in St. Louis. At intervals all through his life he repaired to some center of learning for further instruction in some branch of the profession which he had chosen as his life work and in this way kept continuously in touch with modern advancement. In 1877 he attended the St. Louis Medical College where he pursued a special course on the diseases and re- fraction of the eye.
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