Malluch Court, No. 45, Tribe of Ben Hur, is a growing and prosperous organization, equipped with the most costly paraphernalia and the finest uniforms. It was organized on December 4, 1895, with eighty-one charter members; the following named gentlemen being inducted into office at that time: H. S. Latshaw, Chief; Alfred Laue, Judge; Rev. J. N. Jessup, Teacher; Will L. TeWalt, Scribe; John T. Boyd, Keeper of Tribute; Samuel Thompson, Captain; Ed. S. Sparrow, Guide. The first trustees were Wm. C. Bierhaus, Geo. W. Donaldson and Alfred S. Laue. The court has had a prosperous existence from the very day of its establishment, and its membership is composed largely of the better class of people. Since its organization it has paid death claims to beneficiaries amounting to over $25,000 the payment in each of the several cases being made promptly after proof was furnished, in some instances within a week from the date of death. The principal officers of Malluch Court at present are John W. Brown, Chief; Laura LeGard, Judge; Emily Keith, Scribe; John C. Wise, Past Chief.

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

In business circles of Vincennes the name of R. M. Robinson is well and favorably known. A native of Knox county, where he has lived for more than forty-five years, his career has been noted with pride by early friends and acquaintances and his advancement in public and private life has been a matter of general congratulation. His success has been the direct result of his own exertions-of faith in himself, which he inherits from brave parents, and the application of sound principles of life and action that are bound to accomplish gratifying results regardless of the business or occupation, the conditions, high or low, in which they are applied. The avenues to all of the worthy ambitions of life are opened and there is no prophesying where the adventure will end.

Mr. Robinson first saw the light of day in Steen Township, on a farm near Wheatland. Like most of the wide-awake and enterprising men of the county, he was reard to agricultural pursuits and never contracted habits of idleness or dissipation too often prevalent among the younger generation in the populous communities. His natal day was July 6, 1864. He is the son of Richard Robinson, a native of Ohio, whose parents removed to western Indiana when Richard was a child and settled on a fertile spot in Steen Township. Richard Robinson grew up with the country and was educated mainly at home, as the schools of those days in the rural districts of Indiana were few and teachers scarce. He died amid the scenes with which his life had been familiar and was buried in Wheatland cemetery. The mother of our subject was Frances (Stevenson) Robinson, who was born in Ireland and came with her parents to Indiana, the family also locating in Steen township. It was an old-fashioned family that gathered around the fireside of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson and of ten children born to them, nine are now living in Knox county and one only has sought fortune elsewhere. R. M. Robinson was educated in the "big university"-the university that has produced many of the noblest names of modern times-the common schools. Here children of both sexes and all classes meet and out of this "melting pot" have come many of the men and women who have proven of untold benefit to the race. For some years, until his father's death, Mr. Robinson farmed on the home place with his father and later with a brother. He became known as a good agriculturist whose crops compared favorably with those of any other in the region and for five years he served as trustee of the Steen Township. He removed to Vincennes in May 1901, and became associated with G. W. Donaldson, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume, purchasing the McJimsey Buggy Company. The name of the company was changed to the Robinson & Donaldson Buggy Company, doing a large business as wholesale and retail dealers in automobiles, carriages, buggies, farm wagons, harness, pianos and sewing machines. A large share of the credit for the success of the firm is due to the energy and ability of Mr. Robinson. However, in 1904 he was called away from the active management of the company by being chosen by the voters of this county as county treasurer. To this office he was reelected, serving for four years in a position whose capable discharge calls for good business experience and knowledge of finance not possessed by the ordinary man. At the expiration of his second term as a county official he resumed his business duties. He also owns a. beautiful farm of more than four hundred acres, including the old homestead, which he hopes to hand down as a valuable heritage of the family. He has not lost his interest in politics and is now chairman of the county democratic committee and a man whose advice is sought by many who are personally identified with political affairs. He is an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In February 1892, Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Donahue, also a native of Knox County, who was born in Vincennes of Irish parentage. She has proven a constant support and comfort to her husband, who is a busy man but one who fully appreciates the advantages and blessings of a peaceful home. Six children have been born of this union: Richard G., Anna C., Frances A., Margaret E., Katherine D. and Charles Donahue. It is doubtful whether there is to be found in Knox county a more worthy name in business and financial circles than that which stands at the head of this sketch. From a lad whose fortune from the start, owing to a large number of brothers and sisters, depended mainly upon his own exertions, he has become one of the respected citizens of one of the most prosperous and progressive counties of a great state. Surely this is success.

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

William Owen Roach, who carries on general farming in Busseron Township, is one of the extensive landowners of this part of the county, his holdings aggregating five hundred and sixty acres. This property is the visible evidence of his life of well-directed energy and thrift, for at the outset of his career his capital was very limited. He was born in Washington Township, this county, on the 23d of June 1849. His father, Nathan 0. Roach, was also a native of this county, where the family has been represented from early pioneer times. Nathan 0. Roach on attaining his majority took up the occupation of farming as a life work and always gave his time and energies to the task of tilling the fields and caring, for the crops. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Hudson, was a native of Illinois. William 0. Roach was left an orphan at the age of about eight years. His education was acquired in the district schools but his opportunities in that direction were very meager, for at the time of his parents' death be was thrown upon his own resources and has since earned his living. When still butt a boy he began work as a farm hand in the neighborhood and was employed in that way until he felt that he could assume the responsibility of operating a farm by himself. He then rented land, which he cultivated until 1888 and in the meantime carefully saved his earnings until his capital was sufficient to enable him to purchase one hundred and fifty-seven acres of land, which was the nucleus of his present extensive possessions. Year by year he worked diligently and persistently in the cultivation of the fields and whenever possible added to his holdings until he is now the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of valuable farm land in Busseron township. Many excellent improvements have been put upon his place, including good buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. Mr. Roach has also become a stockholder in the Oaktown Bank. In 1872 occurred the marriage of William 0. Roach and Miss Lizzie Cook, a daughter of David Cook, one of the pioneer residents of Knox county. They have four children: Flora, now the wife of Edward Unger; Minnie, the wife of Fred Townsley; Annie, the wife of R. Clark; and Ethel, the wife of Sumner Cox. Mr. Roach and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are well known in this community, where they have an extensive circle of friends. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished and has justly won the proud American title of a self-made man. Few boys thrown upon their own resources at the age of eight years would have made more rapid or creditable progress. He early realized the fact that his diligence and determination must bring to him whatever success he should enjoy and as the years have passed he has labored untiringly and persistently to win the success which has crowned his efforts, making him one of the prosperous and substantial farmers of the county.

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

John P. Gregory, a popular and successful business man of Sanborn, was born near Hartford City, Blackford county, Indiana, March 1, 1872, his parents being Simon Peter and Martha (Bailey) Gregory. The father, a native presumably of Illinois, died when our subject was five years of age and little is known concerning his history. The grandfather on the maternal side was a native of New England. There were nine children in the family: William, deceased; Clarence and Clara, twins, the former now living in Kingman City, Kansas, and the latter deceased; Enola, the wife of Luther Joy, of Wichita, Kansas; Mollie, now Mrs. Charles F. Smith, of Little River, Kansas; Cassie M., the wife of Grant T. Orr, of Chicago; John P., our subject; Arabella, the wife of Alfred A. Lindsey, of Charleston, West Virginia; and Charles, deceased. John P. Gregory was educated in the public schools of Sandborn and at the age of four years, in 1876, his mother having been called away, he went to live with his uncle, L. W. Bailey, now of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, continuing with him until 1895. He was reared to labor and had no time in which to sow wild oats. Therefore, when the period arrived for him to begin business on his own account, he bought a farm, which he cultivated energetically for a few years, engaging, however, in 1896, in the poultry business. After an experience of six months in the handling of poultry his attention was turned to mercantile lines and here he found an occupation in which he has since engaged with marked success. Beginning as clerk in a store, after an experience of five years he embarked in business for himself, associating with Ira V. Corbin and later with J. B. Burton. Since 1907 the title of the firm has been Gregory, Wood & Hundgate. They handle a large and well-selected general stock of merchandise and this is regarded as one of the most progressive business concerns in Sandborn. In addition to his mercantile interests Mr. Gregory is the owner of three hundred and thirteen acres of land in western Kansas and also of a beautiful residence and grounds in Sandborn. He is known as one of the wide-awake men of Knox county, possessed of clear judgment, striking personality and ability which would win in any business to which he should turn his attention. In 1895 Mr. Gregory was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Cain, and four children have blessed this union: Clarence, now fourteen years of age; Mary Martha; John L.; and Dalpha Cain. Mr. Gregory politically is allied with the Democratic Party, believing that its liberal principles are more conducive to the welfare of the nation than those of any other party. Socially he is connected with the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the encampment, and the Knights of Pythias, being a trustee in the latter organization. He is ardently in sympathy with the fraternal teachings of these orders and has made them active principles of his life. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian church, our subject being a firm believer in the authority of Holy Writ, and an elder of the church. By a life of good will to others he has merited and receives the esteem of his fellowmen, and no citizen of Knox County is more highly respected than the gentleman whose name introduces this review.

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

W. H. Propes, president of the Vincennes branch of the Terre Haute Brewing Company and one of the active and wide-awake businessmen of the city, was born in Lawrence County, Illinois, March 1, 1862. He is the son of B. H. and Sarah Ann (Hamer) Propes, the former born in Allen County, Kentucky, in 1830, and the latter in Casey County of the same state in 1834. The father was an undertaker by profession and continued in that vocation many years but .was living retired at the time of his decease in 1907 at the age of seventy-seven years. In his family were seven children, four of whom are now living: G. J., of Herrin, Illinois; M. A., of Bridgeport, Illinois; Drettie, now Mrs. W. J. Harris, living near Allendale, Illinois; and W. H., whose name appears at the head of this sketch. Mr. Propes received his early education in the public schools of Lawrenceville, Illinois, and after leaving school he engaged for some time in the undertaking business with his father. He early became interested in the political affairs of Lawrence County and was appointed deputy sheriff, serving for two years in that office. His adaptability to political life is also indicated by the fact that he acted for two years as marshal of the town of Lawrenceville and for a similar length of time occupied a chair in the city council. However, he was destined for a business career and in 1890 he located in Vincennes, where for nineteen years he has been at the head of the Vincennes branch of the Terre Haute Brewing Company. Under his able management this company is doing a business of one hundred thousand dollars a year, its pay roll amounts to one thousand dollars a month and the company distributes in Vincennes and vicinity about thirty thousand dollars yearly. It will be seen that it is one of the important business enterprises and one whose prosperity is the evidence of the ability of its management. Mr. Propes was united in marriage February 17, 1906, to Miss Anna Louise Shassere, who is a native of Knox County, born in 1873. She is a daughter of Jacob Shassere, who came from Germany to New Orleans and thence to Knox County, Indiana, and for many years was in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. Since arriving at years of maturity Mr. Propes has been in sympathy with the principles of the Democratic Party, although during recent years the demands of business have been such that he has been able to devote only a small portion of his time to politics. He was a charter member of the Vincennes Lodge of Elks and has continued as one of the active workers in that organization. He is also affiliated with the Eagles, the Travelers Protective Association, the Country Club, the Pastime Club and the Harmonie Verein. Mr. Propes has traveled extensively in various states in the course of his business operations and has many friends and acquaintances who have always found him genial and accommodating in a high degree, willing to assist those upon whom fortune may have temporarily frowned. Among his business associates he is recognized as an energetic and capable manager whose word is as good as his bond.

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

A well known business man of Vincennes, Charles Lewis Haughton, has an established reputation as an upright citizen and a public officer, who regards a public position as a position of honor to be administered with the same interest and effectiveness that is shown in one's private affairs. For ten years past Mr. Haughton has been actively identified with the interests of the city, and he is today one of its best known and most honored citizens, the passage of years having increased the confidence in which he is held by the entire community. He is a native of Niagara County, New York, and was born within sound of Niagara Falls, November 14, 1848. He is a son of Hiram and Elizabeth (Potter) Haughton, the former born in Cortland County, New York, about 1804, and the latter in the same county in 1808. The father devoted his attention to farming and departed this life at Wilson, New York, in 1862. Upon the maternal side Mr. Haughton is of English descent. His grandfather, Stephen Potter, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and was a son of Nathaniel Potter, also of Providence, who was a son of Nathaniel Potter, the emigrant ancestor. Six children were born to Mr. And Mrs. Haughton: Andrew, now deceased, who was a physician and practiced in New York, Ohio and Knox county, this state; Edward P., who became a member of Company C, Twenty-eighth New York Volunteer Riflemen, in the Civil war and was killed in the battle of Cedar Mountain, Virginia, in August, 1862; Harriet, who became the wife of John Crofts and died at Oaktown, this county; Mary, of Vincennes; Hannah, now the widow of Alpheus Hill and living at Oaktown; and Charles, our subject. The subject of this review was educated in the common schools of New York State and at the Collegiate Institute at Wilson, New York. Having at the age of fourteen years lost his father, he early began his active career and, coming west, was engaged with an engineering corps in Iowa and Arkansas. However, he was attracted to mercantile lines and in 1872 entered the general mercantile business at Oaktown, this county, where he continued with increasing success for twenty-eight years and gained a well established reputation as one of the highly competent business men of the county. In 1900, seeking a wider field, he removed to Vincennes and became identified with the business interests of this city as member of the firm of Gimbel, Haughton & Bond, at 202 to 206 Main street. The firm is one of the important mercantile houses of Vincennes, carrying a large and well selected line of dry goods, cloaks, carpets and shoes, and is one of the substantial business concerns, which attracts patrons from a wide region outside of the city. In June 1875, Mr. Haughton was united in marriage to Miss Emma C. Pugh, of Oaktown, a daughter of Dr. J. W. and Margaret (McCormick) Pugh. Mr. and Mrs. Haughton have been the parents of five children: Daisy, the wife of J. Rupert Gregory, county surveyor of Warren County, Indiana; Mary, the wife of L. T. Dorste, member of the firm of Powell & Dorste, of Anderson, Indiana; Charles A., who married Eloise Kruse and is connected with the firm of which his father is a member; Margaret E., at home; and a son who died in infancy. Mr. Haughton has been for many years affiliated with the Democratic Party and is an earnest advocate of its principles. He has served in a number of responsible official positions, occupying for two years the office of county commissioners and at the present time he is serving as council man-at-large for the city and is chairman of the sewer committee and member of the ways and means committee of the council. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is identified with the church officially as member of the board of trustees and also of the official board. Socially he is connected with a number of fraternal organizations, his name being upon the rolls of the Masonic order, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree, and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Pastime Club and the Country Club, and has many warm friends in those organizations as well as throughout Knox county. The success of Mr. Haughton, in the various responsibilities with which he has been identified, his been due to a native ability for the discharge of important affairs and many years of practical experience under the guidance of worthy ideals. Prompt, conscientious and efficient in a high degree in anything he undertakes, his career has demonstrated the success that may be accomplished by energy, foresight and good management and is a striking illustration of the possibilities, which are available in America for any ambitious young man who is actuated by noble principles.

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

William G. Duesterberg, a bright young pharmacist of Vincennes, was born in this city, February 10, 1885. He is a son of Gerhard H. and Elizabeth (Laugel) Duesterberg, both of whom were born in Vincennes, the former about 1850 and the latter about 1853. The father was for many years identified with the grocery business, but is flaw living retired. The mother comes of a stanch patriotic family, two of her brothers having served in the Civil war from Vincennes. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Duesterberg: Lorena, the wife of Joseph Risch and the mother of five children; Joseph, who married Agnes Recker and has two children; Catherine, the wife of John Weiler and the mother of one child; and William G., Frances and Louis, all living at home. William G. Duesterberg received his preliminary education in St. John's parochial schools, after which he entered the Winona College of Pharmacy at Indianapolis, a well-known institution, which is connected with the Technical Institute of that city. After pursuing the regular course of study Mr. Duesterberg was graduated with the degree of Ph. G. in 1906. Upon leaving college Mr. Duesterberg returned home and associated with Otto F. Kramer in the drug business, opening a store at Third and Main streets, which he has since conducted with high credit to himself and his associates and worthily ranks among the capable and ambitious young business men who are rapidly coming to the front, ultimately to assume the places of their elders in the business world. From the beginning of his career Mr. Duesterberg has shown a capability that gives promise of a life of usefulness in his chosen vocation. He has a pleasing address and, being thoroughly equipped by a good education, he may safely be depended upon as one of the substantial acquisitions to the progressive life of the city. He is politically in sympathy with the Democratic Party, whose principles he stanchly supports. He is a member of St. John's Catholic Church and is a liberal contributor toward its many beneficences. He also holds membership in the Knights of Columbus and the Harmonie Verein and in those organizations has many friends, who are acquainted with his high character and have perfect confidence in his staying qualities and prophesy for him an active and successful career.

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

Among the prominent young lawyers of Knox County, now living in Vincennes may be named George Bruce Hazelton, who was born in Wabash County, Illinois, in 1875. He is a son of Joseph N. Hazelton, also a native of Wabash County, where he was born in 1840, and identified himself with the farming interests. The mother, who before her marriage was Atlanta Thompson, was born in Wabash County in 1847. Ten children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hazelton, four of whom are now living: William A., who has two children living and is a widower; John, who married Ruth Milligan and has one child, a son; George Bruce, our subject; and Oliver, who married Pearl Hicks and has a daughter.

George B. Hazelton was born upon a farm and educated in the common schools, later becoming a student of the Normal School at Danville, Indiana, where he continued for three years, and afterward pursued the law course at the Central Normal School, Danville, receiving the degree of LL. B. in 1902. Upon being admitted to the bar Mr. Hazelton began practice in this state, but in 1905 went to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he practiced for three years. However, he was attracted again to Indiana and since 1908 has been actively identified with the bar in this city. Mr. Hazelton has made a highly favorable impression wherever he has appeared and is well established in his profession in Knox county. Active, energetic and ambitious to succeed in a calling that demands the best talent of the country, he has most creditably acquitted himself both as a counselor and as an advocate before court and jury and the future gives bright promise of a constantly widening sphere of usefulness.

In 1897 Mr. Hazelton was happily united in marriage to Miss Margaret Baldwin, who is a native of Monroe City, Knox County, where she was born in 1877. She is a daughter of William A. and Lydia (Ashcraft) Baldwin, her father having served as postmaster at Monroe City under President Cleveland's administration. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hazelton: Lydia, born January 3, 1902; and Howard, February 3, 1907. Mr. Hazelton adheres to the Democratic Party as the political organization, which in his opinion is best, adapted for the perpetuity of the republic. He is affiliated with the Methodist church and is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Ben Hur. He has many friends and acquaintances outside of these organizations who are greatly interested in his success. He early acquired habits of application and thoroughness in his studies and these habits he has brought to his profession, so that he is always well informed as to the law and precedents in any case in which he is interested. By conscientious discharge of his duties he has steadily advanced until he commands the respect not only of his brethren at the bar but of the men of business affairs and the community generally.

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