USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 6
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Dr. Fairhurst located for practice in Bruceville where he continued in partnership with his father until 1875. Removing to Vincennes, he practiced in partnership with Dr. J. R. Mantle for five years and later was alone until 1885 when he formed a partnership with H. M. Smith and F. M. Harris. In this relation he continued until September 1I, 1886, after which he remained alone until July, 1894, when he removed to Bos- ton, Massachusetts, and joined Dr. R. C. Flower in practice, remaining in that city for four years. Upon his return to Vincennes at the expira- tion of that period he formed a partnership with W. B. Anderson and they were thus associated until 1899, after which Dr. Fairhurst practiced inde- pendently until the time of his death which occurred January 25, 1910. He was pension examiner for years under presidents Garfield and Arthur and all through his life concentrated his energies upon his professional duties and kindred interests. He devoted much time to a study of a cure for the liquor, tobacco and drug habits and perfected his cure in 1892, after which it was published in pamphlet form for distribution to mem- bers of the medical fraternity. It is a valuable work and one which will cause his name to be honored and revered for years to come.
On the 26th of April, 1870, Dr. Fairhurst was united in marriage to Miss Sallie R. Harrison of Vincennes, whose parents were early residents of Knox county. Four children were born of this marriage: Sadie, now the wife of Dr. McCarty of Indianapolis; Omar, a practicing physician; and Emma and Ella, twins. The former is the wife of O. C. Phillips, a prac- ticing lawyer of Memphis, Tennessee.
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In his political views Dr. Fairhurst was always a republican and gave loyal support to the party and its principles. He was a highly respected citizen whose interest in public affairs was manifested in his cooperation in many movements for the general good. His professional duties were al- ways his first interest and yet he did not allow these to so absorb his time and energies as to exclude his active participation in events which were of vital significance to the community. In all social and pro- fessional relations he commanded the unqualified confidence and trust of his fellowmen and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
OMAR FAIRHURST, M. D.
A member of the Fairhurst family needs no introduction in Knox county for through more than one hundred years representatives of the name have here resided and have been connected with all that has marked the progress and improvement of this section of the state. Dr. Omar Fairhurst, like others of the family, has selected the practice of medicine as his life work and like his father and grandfather before him, is meet- ing with success in this field. He was born in Vincennes August 8, 1876, and after pursuing his early education in the schools of that city attended the Kentucky University. Taking up the study of medicine, he spent two years as a student in the Boston College of Physicians and Surgeons in Massachusetts and for one year was a student in the University of Louisville. He then entered Barnes Medical College of St. Louis, Mis- souri, from which he was graduated in 1899. He entered upon his pro- fessional career in connection with his father in Vincennes and the busi- ness association between them was maintained until his father's death, since which time Dr. Omar Fairhurst has remained alone in general prac- tice in this city. The habits of thoroughness, perseverance and careful analysis which he formed at the outset of his practice are proving strong and potent elements in his professional advancement. Each forward step brings him a broader outlook and wider opportunities and his work has already reflected credit upon an untarnished family name.
HON. W. A. CULLOP.
Two qualities not commonly met with in the same individual are prom- inent characteristics of W. A. Cullop of Vincennes, congressman, represent- ing the second Indiana district. For years he has been one of the most distinguished members of the bar of southwestern Indiana and he is also a business man whose ability in large manufacturing and industrial concerns is shown by the position he occupies in such enterprises in Vincennes and
W. A. CULLOP
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the surrounding country. He is known as a scholar, a public speaker, a lawyer whose ability has been tested in many cases of great importance and a politician whose counsels have in more than one instance led to the suc- cess of his party at the polls. He has acted as delegate to state, county and nationl conventions and few men of his age in Indiana have had a wider experience or stand higher in the estimation of the community where they are best known.
W. A. Cullop is a native of Knox county, born March 28, 1853, upon a farm, where he made his home until twenty-one years of age. He is the son of William W. and Maria J. (Patterson) Cullop. His early education was acquired in the district and graded schools. Entering the freshmen class of Hanover College in 1874, he was graduated with the degree of A. B. four years later, receiving the honorary degree of A. M. from his alma mater in 1883. He taught school for two years and for two years was a teacher in the Vincennes University. Having decided upon the law as his profession, he studied under the Hon. T. R. Cobb of Vincennes and was admitted to the Knox county bar January 1, 1881. Since that time he has been in active practice at Vincennes and is now senior member of the firm of Cullop & Shaw.
From the beginning of his professional career Mr. Cullop made a fa- vorable impression and he soon gained recognition as an attorney who could be depended upon at all times to represent his clients' interests to the utmost of his ability. His initial appearance in public office was as prosecuting at- torney of the twelfth judicial district, in which position he continued from 1882 to 1886, advancing rapidly and destined in the opinion of his friends to a position in the front rank. In 1890 he was elected on the democratic ticket to the legislature and re-elected in 1892. During the second session he was given the important position of chairman of the committee on ways and means and was also leader of the majority on the floor of the house. He became recognized as one of the leaders of his party in the state and has ever since been prominent in Indiana politics. In 1892 he was a delegate to the democratic national convention at Chicago and again in 1896. He was a member of the committee to notify Cleveland and Stevenson of their nomination in 1892. In 1900 he was democratic candidate for elector of the second district. As chairman of the committee on resolutions of the demo- cratic state convention in 1904 he displayed great tact and a knowledge of men and affairs that greatly increased the respect in which he had previ- ously been held by delegates from all parts of Indiana. His name was prominently mentioned in connection with the gubernatorial nomination but he declined to run and receiving the nomination for congress from the sec- ond district, he entered the race and was elected for the term of 1909-1911. So acceptably did he fill the office that he was re-elected in the fall of 1910.
As indicated above, Mr. Cullop does not confine his attention entirely to the law or politics. He has for many years been identified as officer and director with various business enterprises. He is vice president of the
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Knox Coal Company, of Bicknell, Indiana, organized in 1900, and was a member of the board of directors of the Hartman Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of agricultural implements, at Vincennes; director of the Star Range & Shovel Company, of Vincennes; and stockholder in the Vincennes Paper Company. He is the owner of a highly improved farm of six hundred acres in Knox county and in business as in political affairs has fulfilled the prophecies of his friends of early days.
Mr. Cullop has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Kate S. Cobb, a daughter of Honorable R. T. Cobb, of Vincennes, and his present wife was Mrs. Artie Goodwin of Chicago, a lady of high accomplishments and great charm of appearance and manner. He has one daughter, Carolyn, who is now the wife of Victor Keller, a prominent attorney of San Antonio, Texas.
Mr. Cullop has been a hard worker all his life and yet has found time to cultivate the social amenities and has many friends in all political parties. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and of the Pastime Club. No- where is he so favorably spoken of as in the county where he was born and where he has spent fifty-seven years of an active and useful life and it is the unanimous verdict of the people of Knox county that the congressional record of their representative during the years 1909-1913 will redound to the credit of the district and the state.
JOHN A. OSTENDORF.
John A. Ostendorf is numbered among the men of foreign birth who found in Vincennes the chance of working upward through the utiliza- tion of their own ability and talents. Emerson declared that "America is another name for opportunity." Given time and opportunity, what results may be achieved by ambition and industry the lives of our successful men illustrate. Little wonder that, as President Harrison once observed: "The gates of Castle Garden never swing outward." Millions have severed home ties in distant lands to seek in the United States the opportunity for advancement denied them abroad. To this class belonged John A. Osten- dorf, who became one of the early jewelry merchants of Vincennes. He was a man of well developed activities and powers and long occupied a prominent position on the stage of business action in this city. He was born in the town of Dinklage, Germany, on the 14th of December, 1834, and a lifetime of seventy years was allotted him-years which were well spent and brought him not only substantial success but also the good will and esteem of his fellowmen. He pursued his education in the schools of his native country while spending his youthful days in the home of his parents, John H. and Helena (Boeckman) Ostendorf. The father crossed the Atlantic to America, accompanied by his children, all except
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his son John and a daughter, who had previously migrated. The mother had died prior to this time in Germany, passing away in 1846.
John A. Ostendorf learned the jeweler's trade in Germany under the direction of his father and remained in that country until nineteen years of age, when he determined to test the truth of the reports which he had heard concerning America and its business chances. Accordingly he bade adieu to friends and family and sailed for the United States, landing at New Orleans. From that point he made his way northward, the latter part of his journey being made in a stage coach. He had borrowed money with which to come to America and his first thought was to discharge this indebtedness, which he soon accomplished by reason of his close applica- tion and unfaltering industry. He became one of the pioneer jewelry merchants of Vincennes, establishing business on a small scale, but gradually developed a good trade until his enterprise had grown to exten- sive and profitable proportions. He carried a large and attractive line of jewelry of domestic and foreign manufacture, and the tasteful arrange- ment of his store and his reliable business methods were also elements in his success.
On the 13th of May, 1862, Mr. Ostendorf was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Duesterberg, a daughter of G. H. and Caroline (Bockman) Duesterberg. Six children were born of this marriage. Catherine, who was educated in the schools of Vincennes, resides at home with her mother. Henry B., who married Hortense Debuiseret, has three children, Mary C., John H. and Ruth. John H., John M., Frank N. and Edward are all de- ceased. Mr. Ostendorf was a member of St. John's German Catholic church and died in that faith on the 23d of December, 1904.
His life record has covered three score years and ten and it contains many lessons which might be profitably considered and pondered. His business career indicates what may be accomplished through determined and honorable effort and, moreover, his success never represented an- other's loss but was the result of effort intelligently applied. The genuine use which he made of his means in assisting others marked him, more- over, as a man of kindly spirit. His life in all of its varied phases was characterized by principles of truth and honor.
CHARLES G. MATHESIE.
Charles G. Mathesie has now reached the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey but is still active in the public service, filling the office of deputy city treasurer. He has at different times been closely associated with this and other public offices and his record in these connections has ever been one which at all times has commended him to the confidence and high regard of his fellowmen. A native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Mr.
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Mathesie was born on the IIth of December, 1833, of the marriage of Christian M. and Mary Ditman, both natives of Germany, in which coun- try they were reared, educated and married. The father was a gunsmith by trade and served under Napoleon in charge of the gunsmith's depart- ment. Two children were born unto him and his wife ere they bade adieu to the fatherland and sailed for the United States. Settling in Lancaster, Christian Mathesie entered the employ of the government as a gunsmith and there remained until 1846 when he came to Indiana, settling first at Evansville. He afterward lived at New Harmony for ten years and then returned to Evansville where his death occurred in 1858. His wife passed away a year later.
Accompanying his parents on their westward removal in his early boy- hood days, Charles G. Mathesie pursued his studies in the public schools of Evansville and entered business circles as a clerk in a mercantile es- tablishment, being thus employed for a number of years. In 1854 he came to Vincennes and accepted a clerical position in the postoffice under J. A. Dick, the position being secured for him by the postmaster in Evans- ville. He served in that capacity for two years and then turned his at- tention to merchandising, but afterward returned to the postoffice under Judge Moore, there remaining until the first election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency. In 1861 Mr. Mathesie was elected city clerk and by reelection was continued in the position for eight years. He was then elected county treasurer in 1870 and filled the office for two terms. While city clerk he also acted as deputy county treasurer and in both positions made an unassailable record, his course being characterized by fidelity as well as ability in the discharge of his duties. He next turned his attention to the grocery business, becoming senior partner of the firm of Mathesie & Horsting, in which connection he remained for two years, when he sold his interest to his partner and returned to the court house as deputy treasurer which office he occupied for four years. In 1885 he was appointed to fill out an unexpired term of the defaulting county treasurer and at the end of that time was nominated for the position of treasurer but was defeated. Later he was appointed to fill out an un- expired term in the office of the city treasurer and afterward was elected to the office but resigned his position before the expiration of the term in order that he might accept the position of secretary and treasurer of the Citizens' Gas Company. He acted in that capacity for eleven years and much of the success of the enterprise was due to his capable man- agement and close application. In 1879 he organized the first building and loan association of Vincennes, known as the Vincennes Building & Loan Association, No. I. He also aided in organizing the Knox Building & Loan Association in 1883 and has continuously served as its secretary to the present time. In 1908 he entered the city treasurer's office of which he had charge during the illness of the regularly elected incumbent. On the Ist of January, 1910, the offices of city treasurer and county treasurer
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both came under the same management and Mr. Mathesie was made deputy city treasurer, which position he now holds. In 1860 he was ap- pointed census taker for his township and thus through much of his life he has continued in the public service, his faithfulness and capability be- ing the cause of his selection for office again and again.
Mr. Mathesie was married in 1858 to Miss Amanda B. Coleman, a native of Vincennes and a daughter of Jeremiah Coleman, a pioneer millwright of this vicinity. They have two daughters who are yet living: Cora L., now the wife of Earl H. Buck; and Nellie, who is engaged in teaching music. They also lost two sons: William S., who died at the age of fourteen years; and Charles, who died at the age of eleven months.
Mr. Mathesie belongs to Vincennes Lodge No. I, A. F. & A. M., and is now its oldest representative. He is likewise connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and with the Presbyterian church. His activities have never been bounded by narrowing individual interests. Lo- cal advancement and national progress are causes both dear to his heart. He is a well informed man upon the great questions of the day, which are regarded as of vital significance.
HENRY H. SCHWARTZ.
Henry H. Schwartz, manager of the Vincennes water-works since 1889, and otherwise prominently connected with business interests in this city, wherein he has manifested the most salient elements of his charac- ter-earnest purpose and unfaltering determination-is a native of Ger- many, born October 29, 1857. His father, Christian Schwartz, and his mother, Fredericka (Jahn) Schwartz, were also natives of that country in which they spent their entire lives.
At the usual age Henry H. Schwartz entered the schools of Germany wherein he pursued his studies until a youth of eleven years, when he came alone to America at the request of an uncle in Massillon, Ohio. The voy- age was made upon a sailing vessel, and he started to work in a coal mine in Massillon before he was twelve years of age. Few have so worthily won the proud American title of "a self-made man." His record is an- other proof of the fact that the dynamics of the human will can overcome any human difficulty and that a fixed and unalterable purpose, pursued under all circumstances, in season and out of season, with no shadow of turning, is the best motive power a man can have. Mr. Schwartz con- tinued a resident of Ohio until 1888 but only worked for six months in the mines, as he constantly sought broader and better opportunities lead- ing toward success. He was employed for a time in a paper mill and then learned the machinist's trade, becoming a stationary engineer. He began running an engine when only seventeen years of age and has continued in the same field of activity to the present.
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He came to Vincennes in 1889 to take charge of the water-works plant, which at that time was operated for only twelve hours daily but is now in operation for twenty hours each day. During this period many improvements have been made and others are contemplated. The water- works system of the city has been brought to a high state of efficiency, giving adequate service to the public, and is run on as economical a basis as can be done without sacrifice to good service. That Vincennes feels that she made a wise choice in her selection of Mr. Schwartz as manager of the water-works of this city is evident from the fact of his twenty-one years' service in the position. Extending his efforts into other fields which, however, have never interfered with the faithful performance of his duty in this connection, he is now president of the North Side Build- ing & Loan Association and for a number of years was president of the Vincennes Ice & Cold Storage Company but eventually resigned as its chief executive officer.
Mr. Schwartz has been married twice. In 1877, in Masillon, Ohio, he wedded Miss Louise Locker, who died in 1896. In 1898 he married Miss Marie Hamke. He has eleven children, six of whom are now living. He is prominent in the German societies of the city, is president of the Harmonie Verein and is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His high rank as a citizen, who is devoted to the public welfare, is never questioned, while the qualities which he manifests in in- dividual and private relations have won for him the respect and good will of the people of his adopted city.
S. M. EMISON.
Among the younger members of the Knox county bar, whose ability has been attested in forensic contest with many an older and more ex- perienced attorney, his ability proving his power as an advocate, is num- bered S. M. Emison, a native son of Knox county, born August 8, 1879. His father, James Emison, also a native of this county, was born October 22, 1846, and one of the most successful and representative business men of Vincennes. He is now senior member of the firm of J. & S. Emison, millers, actively engaged in the promotion of one of the leading productive industries of the city. He married Hulda M. McClelland, a native of Knox county, born October 22, 1846. Her life covered the intervening years to 1881, when she was called to her final rest. The family num- bered two sons and three daughters, but the brother of our subject, Hugh Harper, died at the age of sixteen years.
In the pursuit of his education S. M. Emison attended the Vincennes University and also the University of Indiana, from which he was grad- uated with the class of 1899, thereby completing his more specifically liter-
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ary course. His law studies were pursued in the office of J. W. Emison, and following his admission to the bar in 1900 he formed a partnership with J. P. Haughton, with whom he was connected in the practice of law until Mr. Haughton's death in 1909. Since that time Mr. Emison has been alone. His progress has been continuous and gratifying. In no profession does advancement depend more entirely upon individual merit and ability than in the law. Mr. Emison, however, brought to the start- ing point of his career certain excellent qualities-a good presence, a dig- nified manner, when appearing before the court, and a keen power of analysis. In his presentation of a case he seems to lose sight of no es- sential point and gives to each element of law and fact its due relative prominence. In 1902 he was elected prosecuting attorney, serving for two terms. His standing among his professional brethren is indicated by the fact that in 1907 he served as president of the Knox County Bar Asso- ciation-an honor seldom conferred upon so young a man.
In 1907 Mr. Emison was married to Miss Emily Adams, a native of Knox county and a daughter of John C. Adams, a lawyer of considerable local prominence who has served as county attorney and has been con- nected with much important litigation tried in the courts of the district. Mrs. Emison is a granddaughter of General Culberson, and thus represents two of the old families of this part of the state.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Emison is a Mason and has attained the Knight Templar degree. He belongs also to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and is in hearty sympathy with the purpose of those organizations, which have as their basic principle a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind. A repre- sentative son of an old family of the county that from pioneer times has been represented by those bearing a name which throughout the entire period has been an influential one, his record is one which adds luster thereto, for in the practice of law he holds to high ideals and is steadily reaching upward to the exalted standard which he has set for himself.
ISAAC N. HENDERSON.
While Isaac N. Henderson is now living retired, his home being at No. 219 South Fifth street in Vincennes, he was for many years closely, actively and successfully connected with agricultural interests in Knox county, and his well directed labors brought to him the prosperity that now enables him to rest from further business activity. He was born upon a farm in Lawrence county, Indiana, July 8th, 1848, and is a representative of one of the old families of this state, his paternal grandparents having located in Lawrence county when Indiana was regarded as the western frontier. His father, Robert Henderson, was born on the IIth of January,
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1826, spent his youthful days upon the farm, and pursued his education in the public schools. When he attained his majority he resolved to follow as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared, and became the owner of a good tract of land in Lawrence county, which he tilled successfully until after the Civil war, when he sold that property and went to Tunnelton, Indiana, where he conducted a hotel for some time and then came to Vincennes. Not long after he purchased land near the farm that is now the property of his son Isaac. In early manhood he wedded Emily Hoopingarner, and for many years they traveled life's journey happily together, sharing with each other the joys and sorrows with which adversity and prosperity checker the careers of all. They were married on the 4th of March, 1847, and the death of Robert H., occurred on the 26th of August, 1904, when he was seventy-eight years of age. His wife died in 1898.
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