USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 7
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Isaac N. Henderson spent his youthful days in the usual manner of farm lads who were reared amid the pioneer environment. Many hard- ships and trials had to be borne on account of the unsettled condition of the country. He attended the schools of Lawrence county, and when not busy with his text-books, his time was largely devoted to the work of the farm, his father giving him thorough training in the best methods of planting and cultivating the crops. He was about twenty-six years of age when the family came to this county, where he continued to do work for his father. At the age of thirty years he bought his first farm, a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, to which he added from time to time as his financial resources increased. His later purchases have made him the owner of about three hundred and eighty acres, all of which is valuable farm property, and returns to him a substantial annual income. He suc- cessfully tilled the fields for many years, bringing the place under a high state of cultivation and adding many improvements to the farm in the shape of well kept buildings.
On the 18th of February, 1875, Mr. Henderson was united in mar- riage to Miss Helen I. Hudson, a daughter of Absalom and Eliza (Robin- son) Hudson, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Virginia. Her parents spent the greater part of their lives however, in Knox county. They purchased a farm and there lived for a long period, but afterward established their home in Oaktown, and subsequently came to Vincennes. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have been born four children: Cora, who is the wife of James Wilson, a resident farmer of this county, and has three children : Helen, William and Raymond; Minnie, the wife of Wood Watgen; Maud, the wife of Bert Alexander, and the mother of one son Dudley; and Claude, who is employed in a wholesale drug house in Indianapolis.
Mr. Henderson belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is an advocate of the democratic party in politics. He takes an active interest in political questions and conditions, and has served as president
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of the Board of County Commissioners. In the upbuilding and progress of Knox county he has ever manifested a deep interest, and has given his support to those measures calculated to prove of public good. His strict integrity and honorable dealing in business have commended him to the confidence of all, his pleasant manner wins him friends, and he is one of the popular and respected citizens of Vincennes.
GUY L. SHEPARD.
On the roster of county officials in Knox county appears the name of Guy L. Shepard, who is filling the office of recorder. Accurate and systematic in the discharge of his duties, conscientious and efficient in the performance of public service, his record is winning for him high commendation. He was born in Oaktown, this county, September 21, 1875. His father, John N. Shepard, was also a native of that place to which the grandfather, Horace B. Shepard, removed on his arrival from Kentucky in the '20's. He settled upon a farm near Oaktown and there reared his family, making his home in that locality until after his children had reached mature years, when he came to Vincennes where for many years he filled the office of revenue collector. He was very prominent in political circles and in fact took an active and conspicuous part in shaping the early policy and molding the destiny of the county along various lines. His political endorsement was given to the republican party. He reached the very venerable age of ninety-eight years and passed away in Vincennes.
John N. Shepard, the father of Guy L. Shepard, was reared to the occupation of farming and for many years followed that pursuit. He, too, became prominent in the county, serving as postmaster of Oaktown for four years, and was trustee of Busseron township. He was the first county assessor appointed by the county commissioners, but after filling that office for a time resigned. He was born in 1834 and passed away in 1909. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret C. Sproat, was a native of Busseron township and a daughter of Benjamin B. and Mary (Pifer) Sproat, who were natives of Virginia and Knox county, Indiana, respectively. Her father is still living at Oaktown at the ad- vanced age of ninety-six years, but his wife passed away in 1908 when ninety-three years of age. Their daughter Margaret became the wife of John N. Shepard and by her marriage had five sons all of whom are yet living: George H., a resident of Vincennes; Ben H., Frank J. and Edgar V., who are following farming in Knox county; and Guy.
The last named was educated in the public schools of Oaktown, in a business college at Quincy, Illinois, and in the Danville College of In- diana. His course completed, he accepted the position of bookkeeper with the Sewer Pipe Company of Vincennes, there remaining for some time.
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He was afterward bookkeeper with the firm of I. Joseph & Sons, and later spent four years with the Vincennes Implement Company of this city, being recognized as an expert accountant. He put aside the duties of his position, however, to accept the office of county recorder, to which he was elected in 1906, and in March, 1910, he was renominated for the position which he is now filling for a second term.
In 1907 Mr. Shepard was united in marriage to Miss Tillie M. Bowen, a native of Oaktown and a daughter of William J. and Florence (Pugh) Bowen. The father was a farmer by occupation and is one of the old residents of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Shepard have one daughter, Helen, who was born February 18, 1910. They are members of the Christian church and are widely known socially, having an extensive circle of warm friends in Oaktown, Vincennes and other parts of the county. Mr. Shepard is proving himself a popular and efficient official, showing that the con- fidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen was not misplaced.
CLARKE E. STEWART, M. D.
Dr. Clarke E. Stewart, successfully practicing medicine in Vincennes, was born in Marengo, Indiana, September 10, 1875. His father, David M. Stewart, was a native of Crawford county, this state and a farmer by occupation. In 1849 he went to California where he remained for three years. He met the usual experiences and hardships of those who crossed the plains in an early day. Following his return to the middle west David M. Stewart settled in Crawford county, Indiana, where he continued to make his home until his death which occurred in 1907 when he had reached the age of seventy-seven years. He was a stanch republican in politics, never faltering in his allegiance to the party from the time he cast his first presidential ballot for John C. Fremont. He was called to serve in a number of local offices the duties of which he discharged with prompt- ness and fidelity. He wedded Miss Mary Proctor, also a native of Craw- ford county.
Dr. Stewart was a pupil in the public schools of Marengo and also in the academy of that place. He afterward took up the study of medi- cine and was graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louis- ville with the class of 1897. For a year he engaged in practice in New Albany, Indiana, and in 1898 came to Vincennes where he has since en- gaged in general practice. He is conscientious in the performance of his professional duties, is careful in diagnosing a case and as the years have gone by has proven his worth through the excellent results which have attended his labors. He belongs to the county, state and national medical societies and he also fills the office of police commissioner to which he
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was called in January, 1910. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is most loyal to its teachings and principles.
In December, 1909, Dr. Stewart was married to Miss Antoinette Andrus, a native of Mount Carmel, Illinois, and a daughter of A. C. and Antoinette (Williams) Andrus. Dr. Stewart belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, to the Knights of Pythias and other fraternal organizations. While a young man, he is prompted in all that he does in a professional way by laudable ambition and an understanding of the obligations that de- volve upon him. Study and research keep him abreast with the times and in all things his work is such as to win him the high regard of his pro- fessional brethren for he ever conforms closely to a high standard of professional ethics.
JAMES J. MAYES.
James J. Mayes, who during much of his active life was connected with the printing business but was also prominent in public affairs as an official, filling the position of county recorder for two terms, was born in Vincennes on the 22d of January, 1830. His father, James Mayes, was a very prominent and influential citizen of Knox county for a con- siderable period and his fellow townsmen, appreciating his worth and good works, called him to public office. He served as justice of the peace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He also acted as as- sistant recorder of Knox county and remained a resident of the county up to the time of his death, his home being at the corner of Fourth and Perry streets in Vincennes.
At the usual age James J. Mayes was sent as a pupil to the public schools and mastering the lessons assigned him was promoted through successive grades until the time when he started in the business world, his initial step being made as a typesetter. From that time forward his life was largely devoted to the printing business, with which he thoroughly acquainted himself, learning the trade in principle and detail. His ability won him promotion through intermediate positions until he gained a promi- nent place as a representative of the business in Vincennes and owned the Vincennes Times. Moreover, he was recognized as one of the local lead- ers of the democratic party and his opinions carried weight in its councils. He ever sought the success of its candidates because he was a firm be- liever in its principles, regarding the different elements of the party plat- form as essential factors in good government. At one time his party made him the candidate for county recorder, in which position he dis- charged his duties with such promptness and fidelity that at the close of the first term he was reelected and filled the office altogether for four years.
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When he wished to establish a home of his own Mr. Mayes chose a lady who, like himself, was a native of Vincennes. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dederich, who was born in this city on the 6th of July, 1840, a daughter of John and Mary Louise (Lattimore) Deder- ich. Her father was a native of France and at the age of twenty-one years crossed the Atlantic to America. He made his way first to Louis- ville, Kentucky, and later removed to Vincennes. He made farming his life work and became the owner of valuable land which, carefully culti- vated, returned him a substantial income. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mayes was blessed with an interesting family of four children: John, now living at home with his mother; Sadie L., the deceased wife of Lou Schaeffer ; Mary Elizabeth, at home; and Frances, the wife of John Selby.
Mr. Mayes held membership in the Catholic church and in his life exhibited sterling traits of character which won him the high regard and esteem of those who knew him. Energy and enterprise were characteristic of his business life and his activity never faltered even in the face of dis- couragements, so that in time his industry and perseverance brought him a substantial reward. He lived to see remarkable changes in Vincennes, for it was but a small town in which he started on life's journey eighty years ago. As time passed on the work of development and improve- ment was steadily carried forward and Mr. Mayes always bore his share in promoting public progress. He also rejoiced in what was accomplished here and continued an interested witness of the public life of the com- munity up to the time of his demise, which occurred in January, 1904.
COLONEL J. B. DUFFEY.
Colonel J. B. Duffey figures prominently in connection with the develop- ment of the oil fields of the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys, and the ex- tent of his operations and his sound judgment in business affairs have brought him a measure of success that is most gratifying and substantial. He is a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, born in 1851, and as the family name indicates he comes of Irish lineage. His great-grandfather was a native of the Emerald isle and was the founder of the family in the new world, crossing the Atlantic to Virginia, where he became the owner of a plantation. James Duffey, the grandfather of our subject, removed from Lynchburg, Virginia, to Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, settling upon a farm which he cultivated and improved, and which became the birthplace of Peter Duffey, the father of the Colonel. In that locality Peter Duffey was reared and educated, and after arriving at years of maturity he wedded Isabella Beattie, a daughter of John Beattie, a native of Scotland, who, hear- ing of the opportunities and advantages offered in the new world, bade adieu to the land of hills and heather and made his way over the briny deep to the
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American continent. He was a farmer by occupation and married a Miss Mountz. After reaching the new world he settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and thus Coloney Duffey is a representative of two of the old families of the Keystone state.
Reared in the county of his nativity, the early experiences of J. B. Duffey were those which usually fall to the lot of the farm boy. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, which he improved, gaining thereby a good fundamental knowledge. In the vacation periods he worked in the fields and early became familiar with the practical methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. Pennsylvania, however, became the center of the oil industry prior to the discovery of oil in other sections of the country, and Colonel Duffey's attention being attracted thereto, he entered the oil fields at the age of twenty-four years, operating first in Bullion, Ve- nango county, Pennsylvania. He was very successful from the start and has continued in this line, occasionally meeting with losses, but on the whole en- joying almost continuous prosperity. His sound judgment has been mani- fest in his judicious investment. In 1888 he opened up the Claysville oil field in Washington county, Pennsylvania. This was a large field and proved very remunerative. He drilled the first well and obtained the first fifth sand oil ever discovered. Subsequently he operated in West Virginia and in Ohio, and also drilled a large number of wells in Tennessee, all dry. About four years ago he removed to Vincennes and the same success which previously attended him has remained with him during his operations in the oil fields of Illinois. Few men are more thoroughly in touch with what is beng done in the operation of oil fields throughout the country and his study of the question as to where oil is likely to be found-a study that indicates a comprehensive knowledge of geology-has enabled Colonel Duffey to make most judicious investments that have returned to him substantial profits.
On the 27th of June, 1876, Colonel Duffey was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Matilda Holland, of Butler county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Squire William Holland, one of the pioneers of that state. They have be- come the parents of five children : Claude C., who is a graduate of the Wash- ington and Jefferson University and is now associated with his father in business ; Dr. Harry E., who was graduated from the same school as his brother, also from Lafayette College and from a medical college at Balti- more, Maryland, and is now associated with his father ; Gertrude C., who has studied singing in Paris for three years under Jean de Reszke; John B., Jr., who is a graduate of the Washington and Jefferson College and is engaged in the oil business ; and Walter E., who was a student in the academy at An- dover, Massachusetts, and is now in Portland, Oregon.
Colonel Duffey became a member of the Elks lodge at Sistersville, West Virginia, and is a member of the Catholic church. In business affairs he is most alert and at all times manifests an aptitude for successful accomplish- ment. His success is due to his close study of conditions and questions bearing upon the line of business in which he is engaged. His energy is un-
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faltering and he never allows obstacles and difficulties to bar his path if they can be overcome by persistent and honorable effort. Thus gradually he has advanced in his business career until he is now well known as one of the suc- cessful operators in oil in the middle west.
FELIX L. CADOU.
There is no doubt that the application of electricity presents one of the most interesting and useful studies for any aspiring individual that can be named. In all civilized countries it is coming into use more generally every year and yet the greatest electrical geniuses of the world declare that only a fraction of its capabilities are as yet known, as it is possible that the founda- tion of the universe itself may yet be traced to this subtle and mysterious agent.
Among the men who have made a special study of electricity extending over a period of many years is Felix L. Cadou, manager of the City Electric Lighting Company's plant, and in his specialty he has covered the ground very thoroughly, after having previously secured the advantages of education at one of the greatest universities of the world. Mr. Cadou is a native of Australia and was born in Melbourne April 17, 1867. The father, Eugene Cadou, was a native of France and major general of the French army. The mother, Janie Sparks, before her marriage, was born in England and mar- ried in Australia. There were two children in the family, Felix L. and Edward, the latter is now serving as lieutenant commander in the English navy.
The subject of our review was educated in England and France and is a graduate of Oxford University. His education was pursued along scientific lines and he began his active career in London, England, with the Bell Tele- phone Company, continuing for five years and becoming thoroughly familiar with the principles applied in the telephone. He was then sent by the com- pany to various countries of Europe as its representative for three years and in 1889 came to America where he entered a factory and studied electric lighting for a year. After this he traveled for two years in various states, es- tablishing electric lighting plants, first coming to Vincennes in 1892. Later he established a plant at Washington, Indiana, and in 1903 took up his perma- nent residence in this city and has since been in charge of the City Electric Lighting Company's plant which under his managemnt has been brought to a high degree of perfection.
In 1895 Mr. Cadou was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Jepson, of Washington, Indiana. Three sons were born of this union : Eugene Jepson, born March 14, 1897; Edward Leonce, born August 17, 1898; and Felix L., born August 2, 1901. Mrs. Cadou was called away in 1906 and Mr. Cadou was married in 1909 to Miss Effie Talbot.
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Mr. Cadou is a member of the Royal Arcanum and is socially identified with the Pastime Club and the Country Club and, being a man of fine address and extensive reading and observation, he is a most interesting conversation- alist and has many friends in Vincennes. He is recognized as the possessor of excellent business capacity and in his dealings with the public has exer- cised a judgment and good sense that are valuable qualities in any man. That he has been eminently successful in his chosen vocation is demonstrated in the responsible position he now fills a position which he has occupied with in- creasing capability for seven years past.
BENJAMIN NIEHAUS.
Benjamin Niehaus, secretary and treasurer of the Vincennes Sash & Door Company, and well known as a substantial business man of the city, was born in Posey county, Indiana, January II, 1867. He is a son of Henry and Rosina (TenBarge) Niehaus, the former born in Germany, about 1827, and the latter in Holland, in 1824. Mr. Niehans, Sr., was a carpenter and bricklayer, and there were eight children in the family, seven of whom are now living, including: Roman, of Louisville, Kentucky; Mary, now Mrs. A. J. Klein, of Evansville, Indiana; Henry, of Evansville ; Lena, now Mrs. George Meney, of Haubstadt, Indiana; and Benjamin, our sub- ject.
Educated in the common schools, Benjamin Niehaus early began his active career in a carriage and wagon shop, continuing there for ten years and becoming thoroughly familiar with the various departments of the busi- ness. Desiring to see something of the world, he went west and worked at his trade for two years in the state of Colorado. However, he was at- tracted again to his native state and, returning from the Rocky mountains, he entered the planing mill business at Haubstadt, continuing for nine years. He then came to Vincennes and after being identified with a furni- ture factory for one year, he became associated with the Vincennes Sash & Door Company, and since 1906 has most creditably filled the position of secretary and treasurer in that organization.
On April 21, 1891, Mr. Niehaus was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hillenbrand, who was born in Vanderburg county, Indiana, in 1868. She is a daughter of William and Katherine (Kissell) Hillenbrand, and was reared upon a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Niehaus are the parents of seven chil- dren, four sons and three daughters : Rosa, born February 29, 1892; Alfred, born in 1894; Walter, 1897; Clara, 1899; Frederick, 1903; Estella, 1906, and Francis, 1908.
Politically Mr. Niehaus is identified with the democratic party. He is a consistent member of the Catholic church, with which he has been con- nected from his early boyhood. Active and energetic in whatever he un-
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dertakes, Mr. Niehaus never shirks responsibility and always conscientiously attempts to perform his duty. As a result he is in comfortable circum- stances, the head of an interesting and intelligent family, and in the enjoy- ment of all that makes life most desirable. Of all these blessings, he is deserving, having led an upright life, and as opportunity presented, having assisted those with whom he was associated. He has never sought to ad- vance himself in such a way as to injure others, and therefore he has gained and retained the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen.
CHARLES O'DONNELL.
Sixteen years ago the subject of this review was called from earthly scenes but his memory is still cherished by those who were associated with him in life and the monument thus erected in loving hearts is of more value than many monuments of bronze or marble. It was his kindly acts and gen- erous nature that endeared Charles O'Donnell to his family and friends. At the same time he was brave, strong and self-reliant and in his battle with the difficulties of the world exhibited those traits most prized, leading to suc- cess in anything he undertook.
Mr. O'Donnell was born at Donegal, Ireland, in 1837, and was a son of Patrick and Alice (Donlavy) O'Donnell, also natives of the Emerald isle. Being an ambitious man and, therefore, desiring to improve his condition, Patrick O'Donnell came to America about 1853 and under the protection of the republic he found the opportunity he had longed for. He located on a a farm near Bridgeport, Illinois, and there he continued until his death, gaining a reputation as an honest and industrious man.
Charles O'Donnell was reared a farmer boy and was educated in the dis- trict schools. After laying aside his books he assisted his father on the farm, where he continued until 1864, when he began upon his own account. He was a farmer and live-stock buyer and for many years engaged very suc- cessfully in the retail meat business in Bridgeport, Illinois. By his industry and good management he attained marked success financially and, being a man of genial manners, he made many friends, who sincerely mourned his departure September 24, 1894. Thirty years in business, he always con- ducted his affairs in the most honorable manner. His promise once given was to him sacred and it was never retracted. He is remembered as an up- right citizen, a kind husband and father and a man whose generous instincts prompted him to many acts of benevolence.
On October 17, 1864, Mr. O'Donnell was united in marriage to Miss Mary Monaghan, a daughter of Patrick and Bridget Monaghan, of Brown county, Ohio. Her father was a road contractor and constructed the Miami turnpike from Hamilton to Cincinnati. Fourteen children came to bless the house- hold of Mr. and Mrs. O'Donnell. Charles, of Vincennes, married Catherine
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