Joseph H. Barr, one of the rising young farmers of Knox County, Ind., is son of Hugh and Martha (McClure) Barr, and was born in Washington Township in 1861. He had food educational advantages in his younger days, and completed his course at the Bruceville High School. At the age of twenty-one he began farming for himself on his father's place, and a year later was married to Susie B. Kelso, born in 1861 in Dubois County, Ind. She is a daughter of Lemuel S. and Sarah (Chappell) Kelso. Mr. and Mrs. Barr are the parents of these two children: Hugh and Sarah. Mrs. Barr is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Barr is a stanch Republican, casting his first vote for Blaine. After marriage they moved on a farm of 186 acres given them by Mr. Barr's father. In addition they have a charge of 189 acres, which makes them a good farm. Mr. Barr devotes much of his time to raising cattle, disposing of about 150 yearly. He has met with good success,
and promises to make a business man equal to his father.
Submitted by: Mary Thompson
History of Knox and Daviess Counties, Indiana; copyright 1886, The Goodspeed Publishing Co., Chicago
Robert P. Barr, one of the prominent farmers of Washington Township, and a son of Robert and Hannah (Johnson) Barr, was born in 1827 in Daviess County, Ind. In boyhood he had limited advantages for education, attending only the old subscription schools, and to them would go about two days and stay at home three. At the age of twenty, his parents being poor, young Robert paid his father for the remainder of the time his services were due, and began to battle his own way in the world, working by the month. For five years he thus worked, saving $90 in the meantime. On such capital he set up housekeeping. In 1851 he was married to Matilda Gude, born in Washington Township, 1829. She is a daughter of Jesse and Ann (Farris) Gude. To Mr. and Mrs. Barr five children were born: Martha J., William, Robert, Alfred and Mary. Robert is one of the rising young teachers of Washington Township, and also carries on farming. Martha is
the wife of George Elliott, a farmer of the township. Husband, wife and two of the children are members of the Christian Church. About 1854 Mr. Barr purchased 160 acres of land where he now lives, going in debt for the entire amount, his brother Hugh promising to aid him. He was then taken sick, and so remained for one whole year. So thoroughly discouraged was he that he went to Hugh and offered to give a mortgage on the farm, thinking he could never pay for it; but his brother said for him to try again, he was not afraid of his failure. Thus encouraged he began, and not only paid for that land but has increased his farm to 260 acres, of which some 200 acres are under cultivation. As to political views Mr. Barr is a stanch Republican and cast his first vote for Taylor. As a farmer he has been quite successful. He is an example of what a young man of determination can do.
Submitted by: Mary Thompson
History of Knox and Daviess Counties, Indiana; copyright 1886, The Goodspeed Publishing Co., Chicago
William V. Barr, one of the merchants of Bruceville, is a son of William Valentine and Sarah J. (Piety) Barr. The father was born in 1825, in Daviess County. The mother is a native of Washington Township, Knox County. When young he came to this county, and, having married, settled in Bruceville, where he spent the remainder of his days in tailoring, being quiet successful in business. In 1854 the father died. Some ten years later the mother married J. M. Woodruff. Since her marriage she has lived in Johnson County. Subject is the youngest of the two children of his father. Born in Bruceville, in 1854, he grew to manhood under his mother's care. His educational advantages were limited to the common schools and a term's work at Butler University. At the age of nineteen he began to battle his own way in the world by working on the farm for wages. After thus working for some four years he purchased a farm of 140 acres of
land and began farming for himself, continuing till 1883, when he sold his land and took a half interest in the store known as Willis & Barr. In 1877 he was married to Rebecca Willis, born in 1856 in Washington Township. She is a daughter of Clark and Nancy J. (Simpson) Willis. To Mr. and Mrs. Barr four children were born: Jennie, Walter C., Elsie M. and Myrtle. Both husband and wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Barr is a supporter of Republican principles, and cast his first vote for Garfield. As a business man he has met with fair success, having a good share of the respect and confidence of the community.
Submitted by: Mary Thompson
History of Knox and Daviess Counties, Indiana; copyright 1886, The Goodspeed Publishing Co., Chicago
Charles A. Paul, a prominent music dealer of Vincennes, is not a man to yield to discouragement. Obstacles arouse the latent energies of some men and he belongs to that number and as a result has attained an enviable position in the business world. He is a native of the Keystone state-a state that has contributed many of her sons whose energy and ability have in an important degree assisted in the up building of the west. His eyes first opened to the light of day in Hydetown, Pennsylvania, November 1, 1875. He is the son of James Edward and Dorothy (Ingerson) Paul, both natives of New York state, the former of whom was born in Williamstown in 1845 and was a lumberman. The paternal grandfather, John Riley Paul, was born in New York State in 1823 and members of the family have attained deserved prominence in various parts of the country. Upon the maternal side the ancestry has been traced to General Israel Putnam, of Revolutionary war fame, the great-grandmother of
our subject having been a member of the Putnam family. It may also be stated that General Merritt, who gained a world-wide reputation fighting under the stars and stripes in the Civil war, was a first cousin of Dorothy (Ingerson) Paul. By virtue of her ancestry she is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and served as a delegate to the national convention of that organization in 1908. She is the mother of two sons: John R., now living at Mina, Nevada; and Charles Albert. The subject of this review received his preliminary education in the public schools and later entered a school of pharmacy at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1891. After leaving college he established himself in the drug business at Newburg, Indiana, and continued for two years, at the end of which time he moved his stock to Petersburg, Indiana, where he also opened a music store. In 1900 a destructive fire visited the town, totally destroying Mr. Paul's drug store,
and in 1901 he came to Vincennes and established himself in the music business on Second Street. Upon the completion of the new La Plante building he removed to commodious rooms in that structure which he now occupies and where he conducts the largest music store in this part of the country, carrying a carefully selected stock of musical merchandise and instruments, which meet the demands of many patrons. He is special representative in this part of the state for the Peerless and Sublima Regina Electric Pianos and also is interested in the music business at the town of Bridgeport. In 1899 Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Smith, a daughter of Dr. Elwood and Catherine (Barter) Smith, the former of whom is a native of Petersburg, Indiana, and the latter of Mount Vernon. Dr. Smith is one of the well-known dentists of the state and has served as president of the Tri-State Dental Association and also under Governor Hovey as president of the state board of
dental examiners. One son, Charles Riley, born in 1900, has come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul. Socially Mr. Paul is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, but his friends are not all limited to a membership of fraternal organizations. Accommodating in disposition and genial in manner, he makes friends wherever he is known, and as an upright and honorable businessman he has the confidence of his associates and of the public generally.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911
Martin Hogue, who is conducting a flour and feed business at No.1008 North Eighth street, was born in Palmyra, Knox County, on the 21St of February, 1872, a son of M. B. and - Margaret (Thompson) Hogue. The family has been represented in this part of the state from early pioneer times and its members have always borne a helpful part in sustaining the best interests of the community and promoting progressive citizenship. The father was born in what is still known as the old Hogue homestead in this county. For many years he engaged in business as a manufacturer of concrete blocks but is now living retired, his success in former years being sufficient to enable him to put aside the more active cares of business life and rest in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former labor. Martin Hogue pursued his education in the country schools and his training was thorough, qualifying him for the transaction of business in later life. In his youthful days he worked on the farm with his father but at length left the old home and spent three years in teaming in Vincennes. He then purchased the flour and feed business of which he is now proprietor, becoming the owner about two years ago. In the interval he has built up a good trade and is now well established in a successful and growing business.
On the 27th of October 1896, Mr. Hogue was united in marriage to Miss Finley Mae Cross, a daughter of Thomas and Charlotte (Carnes) Cross. This marriage has been blessed with two interesting daughters, Meredith M. and Charlotte M., both attending school. The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian Church and are deeply interested in its welfare and progress. Mr. Hogue has always lived in this county and the fact that his life has ever been an upright one is proven in that his staunchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911
Elliott T. Cox, owner of a valuable farm in Widner Township, is a highly respected citizen who has made his own way through life and years ago attained a position of comparative independence. He was born in Widner Township, November 23, 1854, and is a son of Alexander Campbell and Angeline (Sartor) Cox. The birth of the father occurred near Freelandville, Knox County, but at twenty-six years of age he went to Labette County, Kansas, where he lived for eight years. He then removed to Welch, Indian Territory, where he continued until his death, which occurred in 1907. He was through life identified with the farming interests and was an earnest member of the Christian church, having assisted in securing religious services in Widner township. Jonathan P. Cox, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the early arrivals in Knox County, coming from Kentucky in company with two brothers, while two other brothers remained at the old home. He became one of the
leaders in the early times in this county and served as county assessor and also as county surveyor. The mother of our subject was a native of Washington Township, this county, and daughter of John T. Sartor, a well-known farmer. There were eight children in the family, the subject of this sketch being the eldest. The others were: Alice, now the wife of William Bunting, a farmer of Vigo township; Rachel, the widow of Frank Raferty, of Indianapolis, Indiana; John 0., of Stockton, California: Flora, the wife of Stowey Hollingsworth, of Washington township, this county; Oswald, a carpenter of Bicknell; Lewis W., a farmer of Oaktown, Indiana; and one who died in infancy. Educated in the common schools of Widner Township, Elliott P. Cox grew up upon the home farm and continued there until twenty-eight years of age, when he began farming for himself in that township. He first bought fifty acres of land, which he carefully cultivated, and in 1888 purchased the
home place. Here he lived until 1905, when he acquired possession of the Lee Hill farm adjoining, to which place he removed, but after two years located in Bicknell where he owns a beautiful home. He is also the owner of three hundred and forty acres of fine farming land in this County and has for years been known as one of its most successful and progressive men. In addition to raising cereals he has made a specialty of fine cattle, and the shorthorns, from his farm have commanded high prices in the market. In 1882 Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Robinson, and seven children were born to them: Nellie, the wife of Charles Philippe, not living on the home place of our subject; A. C., who lives on the Lee Hill place; Richard R., a carpenter of Bicknell; Agnes F., at home; Jessie, the wife of Roy Horn, of Bicknell; and Lena and Donley E., both at home. Mr. Cox takes pride in the fact that he never worked for wages. He has been his own master
ever since he began his battle with the world and right nobly has he carried the day. His spirit of independence is shown in his political views. He was reared a republican but after reflection and observation became a populist and is a stanch believer in the platform of that party. He was formerly a member of the Church of Christ and has always made it a principle to deal justly-a principle that should be applied in all business transactions between men. Mr. Cox is highly esteemed by his neighbors and friends for his many worthy traits and the interest he has shown in everything pertaining to the permanent welfare of those with whom he is associated.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911
Among the youngest of the practicing attorneys of Knox County Curtis Grover Shake is in the opinion of his friends one of the most highly promising. Born in this county in 1887, Mr. Shake is now twenty-three years of age. It was in August 1910, that he entered actively upon the pursuit that he has chosen as his life work. It is doubtful whether any young lawyer of western Indiana ever began practice under more favorable auspices or with a more creditable record as a student in school and college, and therefore his course will be noted by many with an interest, which is not ordinarily awakened. Mr. Shake is a son of D. W. and Frances (Wyant) Shake. The father was born in Sullivan County, Indiana, in 1860, and engaged in farming. The mother is a native of Knox County and was born in 1860. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shake: Curtis G., our subject; Lyman G.; Bert; and Arman, all at home. Mr. Shake seems to have been unusually fortunate in his
ancestry. His great-grandfather, James Jarrell, was a native of Virginia and fought in the Revolutionary war. He was with George Rogers Clark at the capture of Vincennes and was given a land grant in Kentucky by the government in recognition of his services. He came to Indiana as one of the early settlers and also participated in the war of 1812. There were two grandfathers in the Civil War-John Shake and William Wyant. Grandfather Wyant was a member of the first military company that left Vincennes in the Civil war and was in the Twenty-fourth Indiana Regiment of Volunteers. He was wounded at the Siege of Vicksburg and a brother of Mr. Shake's great-grandmother, Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky, was the slayer of the Indian Chief Tecumseh in the battle of the Thames and was afterward elected vice president of the United States. Having received his preliminary education in the common schools, Mr. Shake became a student at Vincennes University, from which
he was graduated in 1906. After teaching school for two years he entered the law department of the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, and was graduated in 1910, since which time he has engaged in practice with offices in the new La Plante Building. Before entering college Mr. Shake studied law under Cullup & Shaw, of Vincennes. As a student he showed remarkable proficiency, completing his high school course in three years, and while at Vincennes University he won every oratorical prize that was offered in that institution, among others being the winner of the Gould gold medal in igo6. This medal has been awarded annually by Major William P. Gould since 1885. He was the winner of the third prize in the Indiana State Oratorical contest in 1908 and was a member of the college debating team for two years and orator of the graduating class of the Indiana University June 20, 1910. While at college he was president of the Oratorical Association and also of
the Young Men's Christian Association, and was recognized as being a natural orator of unusual force and great fluency. During his college years he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, a legal fraternity known as the Phi Delta Phi, and an oratorical society, the Delta Sigma Rho. By virtue of his ancestry he holds membership in the Sons of the American Revolutionist and he is also identified with the F. & A. M. Politically Mr. Shake is affiliated with the democratic party and as a believer in the inspiration of the Bible, he accepts the teachings as expounded by the Christian church. In the various relations of life Mr. Shake has so far discharged his duties most creditably and, judging by the beginning he has made, there is little doubt that he will continue along the lines of the high ideals, which have had a controlling influence in his career. In concluding this brief personal sketch it may be appropriate to quote a few words as showing the spirit
by which our subject is actuated, from the address of Mr. Shake to his classmates, in 1910. In that address he said: Choose a work worth while-one which offers an opportunity for personal success and which will at the same time make the world better; then bring to that work all the inspiration and earnestness of one who believe he has a holy mission to perform.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911
Hon. James D. McDowell, to whom the citizens of Vincennes have accorded the highest political honor within their gift, electing him to the office of mayor in January 1910, is, moreover, prominently known in this city as a capable physician of pronounced ability and wide experience. He is also a representative of one of the old and honored families of Vincennes, a son of Dr. M. M. McDowell, now senator from the district comprised of Knox and Sullivan counties. The father was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1845, and is a representative of the medical profession. For many years he has practiced in Vincennes where he is recognized as a close and discriminating student, correct in the application of his broad knowledge to the needs of his patients. At the time of the Civil war he served with the cavalry forces under General Phil Sheridan, being a member of the Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. He participated in many important engagements and was at
Appomattox Courthouse when General Lee surrendered. In community affairs he has also taken a prominent and active part. He served as sheriff of Knox County from 1887 until 1892, having filled out an unexpired term while twice- he was elected to the office. Higher honors, however, awaited him in his election to the state senate, where he is now proving himself an active working member of that body, connected with considerable constructive legislation. He married Miss Sarah B. McConnell and unto them have been born three sons and a daughter, all yet living, namely: James D.; William F., who married Bessie Fitzgerald; Bailey M.; and Mida, the wife of Oscar L. Homer. Dr. James D. McDowell was born in Freelandville, Knox County, on the 25th of August 1874, and the public schools of Vincennes provided him his educational privileges. He passed through the consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school with the class of 1891 and then began preparation
for the practice of medicine, his preparatory reading being supplemented by a course in the Hospital College of Medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, from which he was graduated in June1894. He entered at once upon active practice in connection with his father in Vincennes, and for sixteen years gave his undivided attention to his professional duties. In January 1910, however, he assumed the office of mayor to which he had been elected by his fellow townsmen. There is a growing demand at the present time for practical business men in the political offices, that the business interests entrusted to their care may be best conserved and that the affairs of the office shall be administered along the lines of economy and of progress. It was this demand that led to the selection of Dr. McDowell for the office, which he is now creditably filling. Since the abolishment of the position of police judge the duties of that office have devolved upon the mayor, whose
management of all municipal business affairs coming under his jurisdiction has won the approval of all. He had previously served as health officer and from 1901 until 1905 had been a member of the board of United States pension examiners. His political allegiance has always been given to the Democratic Party, for his study of the questions and issues of the day have led him to the belief that it contains the best elements of good government. Dr. McDowell belongs to the Knox County Medical Society, and is an ex-president of the society; the Lancet Club, a local organization of physicians; the Indiana State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He is a past-exalted ruler of Vincennes Lodge, No. 291, B. P. 0. E., and is past H. P. of Vincennes Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M. At the present writing he is T. I. M. of Vincennes Council, No. 9, R. & S. M., while his association with the initial body of Masons is with Vincennes Lodge,
No. 1, A. F. & A. M. He is a1so a member of the Pastime Club and is a charter member of the Old Post Country Club. His tastes and interests are largely indicated by his handsomely appointed office which is adorned with various works of art, while palms, ferns and flowers add to the attractiveness of the place. The rooms are finished in rough oak and the surroundings indicate that a love and appreciation for the beautiful in nature and art constitutes an even balance to business ability and professional skill in the life of Dr. McDowell.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911
J. G. Jones, whose ability in his profession is manifest in the success, which is attending him, his practice being now extensive and gratifying is numbered among Indiana's native sons, his birth having occurred in Bloomfield. He traces his ancestry back to England. His great-great-grandfather, John Jones, served as an English soldier in the Revolutionary War being with the troops under the command of Lord Cornwallis, holding official rank. He was the first of this family to come to America. He had previously seen service in France together with his brothers, for they were soldiers of fortune. John Jones became a resident and an extensive slave owner of South Carolina and it was there that his grandson John was born and reared, but when a young man the grandson left the family home in the south and made his way northward, settling in Bloomfield, Indiana, where he made extensive investment in property, becoming the owner of large tracts of land. He was also a man of prominence in public affairs, was influential in political circles and for two terms was chosen to represent his district in the House of Representatives, being elected on the ticket of the Democratic Party. After leaving the south he married Margaret Glover, who came of a family that was represented in the American Army during the war for independence.
William G. Jones, the father of Dr. Jones, was born in Bloomfield, Indiana, and acquired his education in Asbury College. He became a farmer and landowner, and was a prominent representative of the agricultural interests of the state. He married Eliza Sargent, who belonged to an old Virginia family whose members set their slaves free and came to the north, some of the family joining the Union army and fighting for the preservation of the Federal government in their native state. When war was ended they returned to the north, remaining residents of Indiana. Dr. Jones is also connected with the Bruce Carr family and is thus descended from several of the oldest and most prominent families of the state.
At the usual age Dr. Jones became a pupil in the common schools of Bloomfield and prepared for college in the Indianapolis high school, in which he completed the course and was graduated. He afterward entered Purdue University and was graduated. His preparation for the profession, which he now follows, was made in the department of medicine of the Indiana University. He has also pursued post-graduate courses in the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois and the Chicago Post graduate College. In early manhood he was at one time connected with newspaper work in Indianapolis and afterward was employed as a chemist in a gold camp in the west. His professional career covers a short period of service as assistant to the physicians in the State Hospital for the in sane at Indianapolis and he was also city physician of Indianapolis
for one year. Later he received appointment to the position of house physician at the German Deaconess Hospital at Indianapolis, where he continued for a year, and during his hospital term he was a member of the faculty of the Indiana University, where he lectured on anatomy. While residing in the capital he was also instructor in bacteriology in the Deaconess Training School for Nurses, and at the present writing is a lecturer in the Good Samaritan Hospital of Vincennes. He came to this city in 1905 and has since followed his profession here, his pronounced ability winning him recognition in a large and growing practice. Dr. Jones is a member of the First Presbyterian church, in which he is serving as an elder, and the principles which govern his conduct are further indicated by the fact that he is an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity. All interests which affect the welfare of mankind and have bearing upon the advancement and growth of the
city are of interest to him, yet his time and attention are mainly occupied by his professional duties, and in this relation he holds membership in the Knox County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and other scientific societies. His ability has carried him far beyond the point of mediocrity and the consensus of public opinion establishes his reputation as that of one of the foremost physicians of the city.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911