B. T. Whitehouse, general manager of the Wabash Automobile Company, was the pioneer in this field in Vincennes, establishing the first garage in the city. He is a native of the neighboring state of Illinois, his birth having occurred in the city of Pana, on the 9th of September, 879. At the usual age he began his education in the public schools, promotion advancing him through successive grades, while later he added to his preliminary training by pursuing a two years' business course in a night school.

He has made his home in Vincennes since 1885 and for a time was engaged in the bicycle business but as the use for the wheel declined and the automobile grew into general favor he turned his attention to the motor car and opened the first garage in Vincennes. From that time he has been continuously connected with the automobile business, which he is now carrying on under the name of the Wabash Automobile Company, of which he is the general manager. The building, which he occupies at the present time, was built for him by Joseph J. Risch and is especially adapted to the purpose for which it is used. Mr. Whitehouse conducts a repair department, engages in the sale of auto supplies and also handles a number of the best-known makes of machines. In 1903, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Whitehouse and Miss Wheeler, and unto them has been born an interesting little son, who is the light and life of the household. The parents hold membership in the Christian church and are loyal to its teachings. Mr. Whitehouse has become a popular businessman of the city and his close application, his honesty and his unremitting labor are bringing him the substantial success, which is the goal of all legitimate endeavor and ambition.

Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911

Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911

Knox County has been signally favored In the class of men who have filled her offices, for on the whole they have been actuated by a spirit of devotion to the public good and in the discharge of their duties have manifested both ability and fidelity. To this class belongs Edward W. Dreiman, who is now county treasurer and a highly respected resident of Vincennes. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Freelandville, December 4, 1868. As the name indicates, he came of German ancestry. His father, Adolph Dreiman, was born in Germany and in the early '40s crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling in Widner Township, Knox County, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits. He was married there to Miss Droste and continued to abide upon his farm in that locality until 1884, when he removed to Palmyra township and made his home with his son William until his death, which occurred in 1902, when he had passed the ninety-second milestone on life's journey. His wife died during the early boyhood of her son Edward. The family numbered fifteen children, seven sons and eight daughters.

Edward W. Dreiman was educated in the country schools and in the public schools of Vincennes. He entered business circles as an employee of the firm of Bierhaus & Sons, wholesale grocers, in 1887. For twelve years he remained with that firm, his merit and ability winning him promotion from time to time, until he reached a position of large responsibility. At length lie started in business on his own account, establishing a grocery store in Vincennes, which he conducted for four years. In 1901 he was appointed Deputy county treasurer and thus served until 1908, when he was elected to the office of treasurer on the democratic ticket. He has long been active in political circles and his efforts in behalf of the democracy have been far-reaching and beneficial. In September 1896 Mr. Dreiman was united in marriage to Miss Emma Frigge, a native of Vincennes and a daughter of Fred Frigge. Mr. Dreinian is a member of the Benevolent and protective Order of Elks, the Royal Arcanum, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World, while his religious faith is indicated in his membership in St. John's Evangelical church, of which he is a trustee. He has never been neglectful of any duty of citizenship and since called to public office is proving his worth in the prompt and efficient performance of the duties, which devolve upon him. He has always been a resident of Knox County to which he is deeply attached, and his interest in her welfare is manifest in his active cooperation in all the movements and measures for the public good.

Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911

In the year 1891 W. M. Willmore entered the employ of the Hartman Manufacturing Company as office boy; today he is general manager and the business, conducted along progressive lines, owes its success in recent years largely to the ability, energy and close application of him whose name introduces this review. A native of Illinois, Mr. Willmore was, born in Dubois on the 12th of November 1871, and comes of English and Holland Dutch ancestry. His people in the paternal line were from Kentucky while his maternal ancestors were from North Carolina. His father, W. C. Willmore, a native of Indiana, was a blacksmith by trade and prior to the Civil war removed to Dubois, where he continued in business until the outbreak of hostilities, when he enlisted in defense of the Union, serving for four years with the Eighty-ninth Illinois Regiment. He took part in eighteen important battles and was mustered out with the rank of sergeant. His loyalty was unquestioned for he never faltered in the, performance of any duty assigned him, and with courageous spirit he faced the enemy's fire or bravely bore the hardships of the long marches and the arduous campaigns. After the war he established his home in Knox County, opening a blacksmith shop at Monroe City, whence in 1882 he removed to Vincennes and here engaged in the implement business, in which he continued until his death. He was a republican in his political views and while an active, earnest worker in behalf of the party, never sought nor desired office for himself. He held membership in Vincennes Lodge, No. I, A. F. & A. M., and also in the chapter and the commandery of this city, and his life was the exemplification of the basic principles of the Masonic order which teaches mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. He married Amanda Sams, a native of southern Illinois, and they became the parents of three Sons and three daughters, of whom three were born in Knox County. All of the children are yet living but the family circle was broken by the death of the father in 1898, when he was fifty-seven years of age. Mrs. Willmore's death occurred in 1887. When quite young W. M. Willmore was brought by his parents to Knox County and at the age of eleven years became a resident of Vincennes, where he continued his education in the public schools. No better testimonial of his trustworthiness and capability in business can be given than the statement of the fact since he entered business circles he has been continuously connected with the Hartman Manufacturing Company, which was organized in 1889 by C. R. Hartman, Edward Watson, Fred Harsh and J. H. Rabb. Of these Mr. Watson is now president of the company. The business is devoted to the manufacture of small agricultural implements or what is known to the trade as small tools. They began business in a limited way in a blacksmith shop at Third and Broadway and subsequently removed to Fifth and Hickman streets, where they rented' the old Sechler foundry. In 1899 the present factory was built and occupied. It is a modern structure, supplied with the latest improved machinery, and the plant covers three acres. The business has grown enormously, the trade having increased very rapidly in the Middle West and southern states. Mr. Willmore entered the employ of the company in i8gr as office boy, shipping clerk and bookkeeper, one person being able to do the work of all those positions at that time. In 1895 he went upon the road, representing the company as traveling salesman until 1902. In the fall of that year he took charge of the business and has since been general manager. His thorough understanding of the trade in every department well qualified him for the responsibilities which he assumed and for the duties which he has now discharged most acceptably for eight years. His efforts have been a valuable element in the conduct of the business and his long connection with the house speaks in unmistakable terms of the confidence reposed in him. In 1899 in Indianapolis Mr. Willmore was united in marriage to Miss Florence Wilson, a native of Scottsburg, Indiana, and they have one son, William Hugh, born April 8, 1900. Mr. Willmore is a member of Vincennes Lodge, No.1, A. F. & A. M., of which he served as master for three years, filling that position during the centennial year of the lodge, 1909, which was made the occasion of most interesting celebrations. He likewise belongs to Vincennes Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M.; Vincennes Council, No. 9, R. & S. M.; and Vincennes Commandery, No.20, K. T. He is regarded as one of the leading and valued representatives of Masonry in this city and he also belongs to the Travelers Protective Association and an organization known as the United Commercial Travelers. In politics he is an earnest and active republican, now serving as chairman of the county central committee and also as a member of the city council from the fifth ward. He exercises his official prerogatives in support of every measure that he deems of public benefit and is ever most loyal to the principles which he espouses. Indeed his position is never an equivocal one upon any vital question. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and with an abiding interest, deep and sincere, in the welfare of his fellowmen, he has labored industriously for the promotion of those movements calculated to advance the material, social, political and moral welfare of the city.

Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911

One of the surprises of modern times, unknown before the advent of the telegraph and the railroad but standing out more clearly in very recent years is the rapid growth of important business enterprises. Not like Jonah's gourd, which we are told sprang up in a night and disappeared the next day, are many of these magnificent creations of the marvelous brain of man. Some of them assumed tangible shape quickly, but fostered and encouraged by genius, they have grown from a slender sapling to a great tree, which, like the banyan, gives shelter to thousands.

In the list of great modern enterprises should be named the Vincennes Bridge Company. Conceived only ten years ago and starting only as a little factory with a small financial foundation but great expectations, the Vincennes Bridge Company has gained a name which is known all over the world and is today one of the largest manufactories of highway bridges in existence. Its output of twelve hundred bridges yearly fails to meet the constantly increasing demand and extensive plans are made for large additions. The plant is thoroughly modern and is supplied with all the machinery and devices for fabricating the iron and steel into shape and reducing material to sizes convenient for transportation and handling, at the place of consignment This plant is one of the most important works at Vincennes and as its output has already reached a million dollars a year, of largely increased capacity is regarded with unmixed gratification by everybody interested in the welfare and growth of the city.

Frank L. Oliphant was one of the original promoters and is general manager and treasurer of the great enterprise briefly outlined above. He is a native of Monroe County, Indiana, having been born at Buena Vista on the 29th March 1865. His father, William L. Oliphant, was born in the same village when it was just emerging from the pioneer state of its existence and his mother was Susan Bowen, also a native of Monroe County. Six children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Oliphant, of whom the subject of this sketch is the oldest. Other members of the family are: John T., now president of the Vincennes Bridge Company; H. A., superintendent of the company: Ada, now Mrs. Robert Cameron, of Vincennes; Ida, now the wife of Dr. Eugene Bowers, also of Vincennes; and Mrs. Eva Smith, of Illinois. The father, who was a farmer all his life, removed to Vincennes in 1904 and lives upon his farm, which is about a quarter of a mile from the city. He is still active although well advanced in years and is one who has always borne his full part in the duties and responsibilities of a large family and in the up building of the community.

Frank L. Oliphant received his preliminary education in the public schools, later attending the State University and the Central Normal College, a noted school, at Danville, Indiana, from which he was graduated as a teacher in 1893. He taught school for seven years prior to graduation and continued in the same calling for seven years after receiving his diploma. The latter part of his experience as a teacher was spent as principal of schools in Nebraska and Colorado, four years being passed in the Centennial state whose grand mountains and marvelous attractions of scenery and climate made a lasting impression upon his mind. In 1898, however, the spell, which held him in the mountains, was broken by a call to his old home. Here he became associated with his brother, John T. Oliphant, and J. L. Riddle in founding the Vincennes Bridge Company, to which he has since given his almost undivided attention. Mr. Oliphant is the happy possessor of two accomplishments seldom met with in the same person-high education and unusual business ability. The educated man has in the past usually been found on the salaried list while the man with the business brains has occupied a position at the helm. Perhaps the world is changing and the time has arrived when book training does not incapacitate its possessor from large responsibilities at the head of a great business concern. In the case of Mr. Oliphant this seems to be true and no one who has visited the plant and noted the perfection of its workings will draw a line and say, thus far and no farther. Its possibilities in an age when means of transportation over roadways are growing by leaps and bounds, no mind can foretell. Mr. Oliphant was united in marriage in March 1884, to Miss M. Elma Martindale, of Cincinnati, Indiana, who died leaving one child, Earl, who is now married and in charge of a farm near Oaktown. In 1899 Mr. Oliphant married Hattie Martindale, a sister of his first wife, and to them has been born a daughter, Leona. Although Mr. Oliphant is a busy man he has not shirked the obligations which men of large interests are expected to discharge in their community. He is a director of the German National Bank, a member of the Board of Trade, and his name is on the rolls of the Masonic order, the Elks and other fraternal and benevolent societies. While as a teacher he attained an enviable rank in the educational world, as manager of a large business corporation, with interests reaching out to the four quarters of the earth, he has attained honorable distinction and has materially assisted in establishing a great company whose name is a monument to foresight, energy, ability and fidelity to an important trust.

Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911

J. L. Klemeyer, general manager of the Klemeyer Lumber Company, which was organized in May 1908, and is now operating extensively in southeastern Illinois and southwestern Indiana, with headquarters at Vincennes, is a native of Bremen, Germany, born on the 30th of June 1880. His life record is another proof of the fact that the young men are constantly forging to the front and, embodying the alert progressive spirit of the times, are active in the control of extensive and important business interests. His father, J. L. Klemeyer, also a native of Bremen, died in 1890. His mother, who in her maidenhood was Johannah Arndt, is still living in Germany. In the schools of the fatherland J. L. Klemeyer acquired a thorough education, becoming well grounded in the fundamental and basic principles of learning. The opportunities of the new world attracted him, and when fifteen years of age he came to the United States to make his fortune. For a short time he remained in New York but the opportunities, which he there found were not to his liking, and he proceeded westward to southeastern Missouri, where he secured a situation in a logging camp. He resolved that in his position at Greenview, Missouri, he would so prove his worth that more advantageous positions would open to him. He remained at Greenview for five years gradually working his way upward and thoroughly learning the lumber business, with which he became familiar in every phase. A young man of good presence, of laudable ambition and unfaltering energy, however, could not be kept in a logging camp, and there came to him an advanced opportunity, when he was sent upon the road for the Frost-Trigg Lumber Company of St. Louis. He represented that firm in the middle west for eight years, during which period his sales largely augmented the trade of the house, and at the same time brought him a wide acquaintance among lumber men of that section of the country. His widening experience also qualified him for larger responsibilities and, in May 1908, he joined with some prominent capitalists in organizing the Klemeyer Lumber Company, which was incorporated on the 18th of that month and began business in Vincennes. The officers of the company are: C. D. Johnson of St. Louis, president; H. W. Wagon of St. Louis, vice president and treasurer; and A. J. Mott, secretary; with Mr. Klemeyer as general manager. The notably brilliant success of the company during the brief period of its existence is to be attributable to the able management of Mr. Klemeyer. At the outset the company owned but one yard; today eight are being operated-two in Vincennes, together with the yards at Bridgeport, Marshall and Newton, Illinois; at Oaktown, Washington, and Wheatland, Indiana. The business was capitalized at the beginning for fifty thousand dollars, but on the 18th of May 1910, the capital stock was increased to one hundred thousand dollars. The general offices are located at Vincennes and all business is managed from this point. In 1902 Mr. Klemeyer was married to Miss Nellie Johnson, a native of Effingham, Illinois, and unto them have been born four children: John L., Harold, Robert and Dorothy. Mr. Klemeyer holds membership with the Masons, the Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Hoo Hoos, the last an organization of lumbermen. The life history of Mr. Klemeyer is indeed a notable and commendable one. Coming to this country a youth of fifteen years, unacquainted with the language and the customs of the people, roughing it in a lumber camp, later traveling upon the road, and now director of an extensive and growing business-such a history is unusual and one of which he has every reason to be proud. His ability as a manager is pronounced and he possesses excellent judgment while his integrity is above question. His actions are sincere, his manner unaffected, and his example is indeed worthy of emulation.

Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911

Charles S. Miller has been connected with the business interests of Vincennes for nearly thirty-five years and twenty-seven years ago entered business for himself, in which he still continues. He has been actively identified with the city since his boyhood and one of the interested observers of its progress, contributing his part toward that end. He is a native of Ohio and was born at Springfield in 1859. He is of English descent, his father, John G. Miller, having been born at Hull, England, in 1808. Possessing the laudable ambition to improve his circumstances in life, he emigrated to America where he became a successful contractor and builder. The mother, whose maiden name was Matilda Stout, was a native of Springfield and was born in 1820. Two children came to brighten the household of Mr. and Mrs. Miller: Eliza, now the widow of John Love and the mother of one daughter, Anna; and Charles S. An uncle of our subject, Captain Charles Stout, of Springfield, was one of the brave soldiers who upheld the Union at the time of the Civil war. An uncle by marriage, General Joseph Warren Keifer, of Springfield, is now one of the noted survivors of the Civil war and at seventy-four years of age is a leading member of the House of Representatives in Washington, of which he was speaker from 1881 to 1883. He was a man of wonderful bravery in the war and was wounded four times. He was brevetted brigadier general of volunteers for gallant and meritorious service and later as major general of volunteers, the highest position in the army. He is one of the greatest orators of America and also one of its most honored citizens. Charles S. Miller came to Indiana in his boyhood and was educated in the public schools of Vincennes and in Vincennes University. After leaving the university he entered the employ of Moore & Harris, druggists of this city, and continued with the firm from 1876 until 1883 when he began in the drug business for himself. In 1902 he added a bookstore to his business and has since conducted both lines, and by his ability in commercial affairs and gentlemanly address has achieved merited success. In 5897 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dawes, who was born in Vincennes in 1862 and whose father, now deceased, was a contractor and builder. There were four children in the family: Richard L., who lives at Evansville and has two children; William K., of Vincennes; Frank R., also of Vincennes, who is a federal employee and has two children; and Elizabeth, herein mentioned. Mr. Miller as a result of his study and observation in affairs of the government many years ago accepted the principles of the republican party as those best adapted f or a free government and he is a stanch supporter of the party. He accepts the Bible as the revealed word and his name is found upon the rolls of the Presbyterian Church. He is a valued member of the A. F. & A. M. and has advanced through the various degrees, being now a Knight Templar. He is also connected with the Royal Arcanum, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Pastime Club of this city. As may be seen, although Mr. Miller is thoroughly interested in his business, to which he has devoted so many years of his life, he is also an active factor in social affairs and as a patriotic citizen has always used his influence in forwarding the permanent welfare of the city and state in his estimable wife he has found an assistant who has never failed in her duty and who presides over one of the peaceful and happy households of the city. Mr. Miller is known as an honorable, straightforward man, belonging to that class of citizens that adds to the permanency and stability of the community and whose advice in times of emergency it is always safe to follow.

Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911