Among the highly esteemed women of Knox County is Mrs. Virginia M. Dunn, a native of this county and a descendant of southern ancestry, her father, John W. Allen, having been a native of Abbeville County, South Carolina. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary E. Brewer, was a native of Berkeley County, West Virginia, born September 29, 1811. Mr. Allen was born January 8, 1804, and received his education in the public schools of his native state. Desiring to possess wider opportunities than were presented in South Carolina, he emigrated to Indiana at an early day and here he was married September 23, 1831. He became one of the successful farmers of Knox County, a man of unimpeachable character and one who inspired the highest respect in those with whom he was associated. Three children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Allen; Charles W., deceased; Virginia, of this review; and Francis. Mrs. Dunn grew up under the favoring influences of a kindly home and received a good education in the neighboring schools. On the 24th of December 1863, she was happily united in marriage to Samuel L. Dunn, who was a son of Joseph Dunn, a native of Ireland. The father came to America in his boyhood and located in Knox County, Indiana, but later removed to Daviess County, where he continued upon a farm until his death. Samuel L. Dunn received a common-school education and early became acquainted with agriculture and stock raising, to which he devoted his energies until his death, which occurred in 1875. He was a man of sound judgment, industrious and thorough in everything he undertook and the possessor of a generous and friendly nature, which gained for him many friends. Socially he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for many years up to the time of his death he was a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church and served as trustee and Sunday school superintendent, devoting to these duties the same interest that he displayed in his private affairs. He accumulated a handsome competence, the estate going to his wife at the time of his death. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dunn: Mary Frances, who became the wife of William Sanders and is the mother of three children; Ula, deceased; Richard C., who is married and is the father of six children; Emma, now living at home; Violet, the wife of William J. Commer; and Katy, deceased. Mrs. Dunn occupies the family homestead, which is endeared to her by many fond associations, and in the evening of life, brightened by many acts of kindness and unselfishness, she enjoys the confidence not only of her relatives but of all with whom she comes into contact. She is the owner of a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Steen Township and of three houses and lots in Wheatland and is a liberal contributor to all worthy charities and to all causes that have for their purpose the advancement of the community.

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

Thomas J. Reel, the owner of a well improved farm in a rich section of Knox county and a citizen who stands very high in the estimation of those who know him, was born in Harrison township, November 22, 1843, his parents being Aaron and Catherine (Jordon) Reel. The father was a native of the Keystone state and came from Pennsylvania to Knox County in his early manhood, seeking a permanent location where conditions would be more favorable than those of older settled communities. He found a desirable tract of land in the region south of Vincennes, and there he lived until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-one years. He was a man of good judgment and one who always attempted to perform his duty to those with whom he was associated. The mother was a native of Johnson Township, this county. The father was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Pancake, by whom he had five children, one of whom died in infancy.

Samuel, David and Aaron are now deceased; and Fred is a farmer living in Harrison. Township. Three children were born to the second marriage: Maggie, now deceased; Thomas J., our subject; and Mary, the wife of Samuel Candle, of Vincennes. The subject of this review was educated in the public schools of Vincennes and later attended school in the country. In February 1865, having then attained the age of twenty-one years, he enlisted in the army to fight for the cause of the Union, serving for nine months, but as the war was drawing to a close at the time of his enlistment he was never present at any engagement. Immediately after his return home he began his active career as a farmer and in 1873 purchased the land on which he has since lived. Here he has made all the improvements, including a comfortable residence and ample outbuildings and he has cleared the land, planted shade and ornamental trees, tiled the land and built fences, thus bringing the farm up to a high standard and making it capable of a good degree of cultivation. That he is a worker is indicated by the fact of his attending seventeen log-rollings in one season. His farm comprises sixty-seven and one-half acres, formerly occupied by a forest, which it required a large amount of work to remove. In 1871 Mr. Reel was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Hertle, who comes of stanch Teutonic ancestry and was born in Germany. Five children have blessed their union: Katie, the wife of Marshall Barrickton, of Monroe City; Louisa, now Mrs. John Hicks, of Olney, Illinois; Gertrude, a trained nurse of Olney; Lawrence, a farmer of Harrison township; and Theodore, deceased. As the head of a family Mr. Reel performed an honorable part in life by setting a creditable example for his children and those with whom he has associated. He is a firm believer in the Bible as the inspired revelation and indicates his faith by membership in the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee. Politically he is identified with the Democratic Party. That he is successful as a farmer is shown by the neat appearance of his home and the well tilled fields, which annually return rich harvests. He has earned the place he holds as a responsible and respected citizen of an intelligent community.

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

Deeds are thoughts crystallized and according to their brilliancy do we judge of the worth of a man to the country, which produced him, and in his works do we expect to find a true index to his character. The study of the life of the representative Amencans never fails to offer much of pleasing interest and valuable instruction, developing a peculiar mastery of expedients, which sometimes entails wonderful results. The subject of this review is a worthy representative of that type of American character and of that progressive spirit which promote public' good in proportion as they advance individual prosperity. Mr. Saffell stands distinctively as one of the most alert and progressive business men of New Castle in that he is the leading spirit and general manager of the city's largest and most important industrial enterprises, an enterprise which has earned not only a state reputation, but is now known throughout the length and breadth of the land, especially in those great agricultural regions devoted largely to American's most important staple, Indian corn. Mr. Saffell is an Ohio man, born in the county of Columbiana on the 12th day of March 1849. When a child three months old he lost his father upon whose death the mother was left in rather limited circumstances with three helpless children dependent upon her. What small property was left to her she afterwards sold and with her small family came to Indiana, settling in the town of Greensboro where she spent the remainder of her life. Orlando C. was about eighteen years old when he came to this state and from that time until twenty-two years of age he remained with his mother and like a dutiful son looked carefully after her interests. Like the majority of boys reared in comparatively humble circumstances, he did not hare the educational advantages which others more fortunately situated are permitted to enjoy, his knowledge of books being derived from a few months' attendance each winter upon the common schools. At the age of twenty-two Mr. Saffell began working at the carpenter's trade at Knightstown and after following the same three years engaged with other parties in building mills, two of which, the Risk and the Hodson mills, are in Henry county. He worked in this way for about three years and then embarked in the mercantile business at Greensboro handling groceries and a line of drugs and druggists' sundries. After spending two years behind the counter with varied success he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, but gave up his first place at the end of one year for the purpose of taking a much more desirable farm in the vicinity of the county seat. In 1889 he changed his residence to New Castle and taking possession of the place, began clearing and otherwise improving it, making it in the course of a few years a fine farm. The place, consisting of one hundred and seventy-six acres, mostly rich bottomland skirting the river, was originally covered with a dense forest growth and thick under-brush, much of which Mr. Saffell removed with his own hands, and when reduced to a state of tillage the soil proved very productive and yielded much more than a mere livelihood. Mr. Saffell's predilection for mechanical pursuits finally led him to abandon farming and engage in the manufacture of buggies and wagons, in addition to which he also handled ready-made vehicles. The excellent quality of his workmanship soon created quite a large demand for the products of his shop, in consequence of which he was obliged to enlarge its capacity and increase his force of workmen. For quite a while he employed from eight to ten skilled mechanics and established local agencies for his buggies and for other vehicles in various towns of Henry and neighboring counties, the business continuing to grow in volume until he found himself on the high road to prosperity. He carried on the manufacture and sale of vehicles for about seven rears and then sold the business and with several other parties organized the Mercantile Canning Company of New Castle. This organization went into effect with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars, of which Mr. Saffell's owned a third interest and it was he who planned and superintended the erection of the building now used by the company. The enterprise proved successful and fully met the expectation of the projectors. It. has been operated upon quite an extensive scale to the present time, but Mr. Saffell is no longer actively connected with it, though owning one-third of the stock and as much as ever interested in. its success. He also owns his farm near the city, which has increased in value until it is now considered one of the best and most valuable pieces of land of its area in the county. Severing his active connection with agricultural pursuits and the canning company, Mr. Saffell in the year 1898, in partnership with T. B. Millikin, Dr. Thompson, George Murphy, George Pittman, G. W. Hillock, W. C. Bond, S. P. Jennings, F. L. Wayman and several others, organized the Safety Shredder Company of New Castle for the manufacture of The Safety Feed Corn Husker and Fodder Shredder From a comparatively small beginning this movement has developed into the leading industry of the city and so constantly has the product grown in popular favor throughout the great corn belts of the United States that the establishment now ranks with Indiana's most important manufacturing enterprises. As general superintendent Mr. Saffell has devoted his entire time and attention to building up the company and establishing it upon a solid basis and to him is largely due the almost phenomenal success, which the enterprise now enjoys. For a brief history of the shredder company and a description of its plant, output and present status, the reader's attention is respectfully called to the sketch immediately following this review. As the principal factor in the large and important industry he manages, the subject brought to bear that distinctive practical ability which has conserved his success in other business affairs-a. mature judgment, executive ability of a high order, clear foresight and an intuitive wisdom which could not but further the interests of the enterprise and in time win for it reputation such as few industrial movements have attained. In all matters -pertaining to the company he takes an influential part and his judgment has weight with his colleagues. Exceedingly careful and sometimes conservative in business affairs, he reaches conclusions only after the most mature deliberation and he is more of a practical than a showy man, a man of deeds rather than words. He has never stepped aside from his business enterprises to mingle in political circles, although adhering strictly to the principles of the Republican Party and at different times representing his precincts in various conventions. Aside from serving two terms in the city council, he has never held public office, nor has he ever entertained any ambition in that direction, preferring the more satisfactory sphere of private citizenship to any honors or emoluments such station can bring. In addition to his connection with the large enterprise of which he is the leading spirit, Mr. Saffell is also identified with several other industries and business concerns, among the latter being the Citizens Bank of New Castle, of which for a number of years he has been a large stock-holder and member of the directorate. He has always taken a lively interest in the prosperity and growth of New Castle, contributing much to its material advancement in the way of improvements, owning in addition to his own beautiful dwelling a number of other buildings which he erected, thus adding greatly to the cities attractiveness as a place of residence. In his fraternal relations he is a Mason of high degree, believing thoroughly in the moral precepts of the order and endeavoring at all times to exemplify the same in his daily walk and conversation. Mr. Saffell was married on the 3rd day of June 1870 to Miss Wright, of Greensboro, Indiana, daughter of Joel Wright, a well-known and influential citizen of that town. Mrs. Saffell is a lady of strong mentality and beautiful moral character, a graduate of Earlham College, and is popular in the best society circles of New Castle. She has borne her husband two daughters, the older of whom, May, is now the wife of F. L. Wagman, superintendent of the New Castle Canning Company; Lois, the second in order of birth, married Harry Balser, an employee of the company of which Mr. Saffell is superintendent. Mr. Saffell is emphatically a self-made man and as such ranks with the representative and progressive citizens of eastern Indiana. Beginning life with no capital but a clear brain and willing hands, he has built up, by industry and well-directed energy, a large and thriving business and by an upright and honorable course of conduct won the respect and esteem of the community in which he resides. His life forcibly illustrates what can be accomplished by concentration of purpose, together with an indomitable will which hesitates at no obstacles, however numerous or formidable. No one can peruse this brief review without gaining additional respect for the man and being stimulated to greater activity by his labors and example. His has indeed been a busy career, but amid the manifold duties of business and the claims of responsible station, he has not been unmindful of the social amenities of life and the obligations growing out of his relations with his fellow man. He possesses a pleasing personality, is easily approachable, and all who know him well respect him for his many sterling qualities of head and heart. Mr. Saffell has been fortunate in his financial affairs and is now the possessor of a liberal fortune, which, as already indicated, is the direct result of his own unaided but wisely directed industry and energy. Believing that life and usefulness may be greatly lengthened and conserved by appropriate rest and recreation. He and Wife frequently spend the summer months at northern health resorts, principally at Walloon Lake, near Petosky, Michigan, where with rod and gun he renews the energies which too close application to business sometimes jade and impair.

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

A prosperous citizen of Knox County, Samuel J. Miller, the owner of a highly improved farm, which he acquired through his own industry, was born in Widner Township, Knox County, February 18, 1860. He is a son of August J. and Wilhelmina (Wallerman) Miller. The father was a native of Hammerstein, Germany, but he was not satisfied with the conditions prevailing in one of the long established countries of the old world, so he came to the United States in 1857, seeking more favorable surroundings for him-self and his family. It is this spirit of dissatisfaction that has led many to leave their homes and seek their fortunes in a strange land. The same spirit is responsible in a most important degree for the progress of civilization and its dissemination in the various countries of the world. August J. Miller located for one year at Louisville, Kentucky, then came to Knox County, making his home on a farm owned by Charles Harper, near Edwardsport. After cultivating this farm for a year he bought forty acres from Mr. Harper and after seven years permanently located in section 4, Vigo Township, where he continued until his death, which occurred in December 1891. In his native country Mr. Miller was a blacksmith, but in Knox County be became a successful farmer and was known as one of the reliable and progressive members of the community. The mother of our subject was born at Hammerstein and departed this life in 1872, in Knox County. There were six children in the family: Augusta, who died in 1903; Samuel J.; Joseph, deceased in 1908; John R., now living in Vigo township; Henry C., also of Vigo township; and Sarah J., who is married and lives in Washington township, Knox county. The subject of this review was educated in the country schools of his native county and grew up on the home farm, becoming, under the direction of his father, thoroughly acquainted with the various details of agriculture and stock raising. He continued at home until thirty-two years of age when he began farming on his own account at his present location, in section 9. He is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, forty acres of which is in Washington Township. He has made all the improvements on his place and manages so well that he receives gratifying annual returns upon his investment. No more capable farmer is to be found in this part of the county. In August 1891, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Idelle Bicknell and three children have blessed this union, Robert A., Evangeline and Ernest. Politically Mr. Miller is identified with the Republican Party. He is an active member of the Baptist church and is now serving as deacon. He is greatly interested in the community in which he lives and has on many occasions demonstrated the interest he feels by generous contributions to worthy causes and by personal service in behalf of those less fortunate than himself. A native of Knox County, he has here spent his entire life, and it is no exaggeration to say that he possesses in a high degree the unqualified respect of those with whom he associates.

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

Merle C. Loucks, a rising young attorney of Bicknell, has already won a measure of success as a legal practitioner that augurs well for the future. His birth occurred in Potter County, Pennsylvania, on the13th of June 1885, his parents being William and Carrie (Plagman) Loucks. The father, a native of New York, was successfully engaged in business as an architect of Brooklyn throughout his active career but during the past ten years has lived retired at Ulysses, Pennsylvania. He is descended from a prominent English family, his father having been a native of the Merrie isle and a millwright by trade. Although of English descent, William Loucks speaks German, French and Spanish, having familiarized himself with these different tongues in order that he might the more ably discharge his business transactions. The representatives of our subject's family are, as a class, masters of trades and professional men. The mother of M. C. Loucks is of German extraction. Her children were five in number, as follows: Merle C., of this review; Lulu, who is deceased; Harry, an architect by profession, who is now a United States government photographer; Nellie, who is fifteen years of age; and Lucille, a little maiden of five summers. Merle C. Loucks attended the graded schools until fourteen years of age and then entered the high school, being graduated there from when a youth of seventeen. During the following two years he pursued his studies at the State Normal School of Pennsylvania and then, coming west, entered the State University of Indiana, from which institution he was graduated on the 3d of June, 1908, having devoted four years and nine months to the study of law. For two successive years of that time he won first honors at the oratorical contests. After completing his law studies he returned east and successfully passed an examination in New York City, being licensed to practice in the state and federal courts. He followed his profession at Galeton, Pennsylvania, for two months and then came to Bicknell, Indiana, locating here not alone in order to build up a clientage but also in pursuance of private interests. His success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is felicitous and clear in argument, thoroughly in earnest, full of vigor of conviction, never abusive of his adversaries, imbued with highest courtesy, and yet a foe worthy of the steel of the most able opponent. On the 25th of December 1909 Mr. Loucks was united in marriage to Miss Mae Fox, a daughter of Milton Fox, one of Vigo Township's most influential agriculturists. Fraternally Mr. Loucks is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Ulysses, Pennsylvania, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Brooklyn, New York. He is popular in professional and social circles alike, winning the regard and friendship of all with whom he comes in contact.

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

Louis A. Frederick, a dealer in coal has won for himself a creditable measure of success through close application to business and strict conformity to a high standard of commercial ethics. He is also well known in fraternal and political circles, in both of which hi~ influence has been felt. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and his education was acquired in the schools of his native city, and there he learned the trade of car repairing. Subsequently he went to Jeffersonville, Indiana, where he was employed at his trade for some time, and afterward removed to Indianapolis. From the capital city he came to Vincennes as car inspector for the Vandalia Railroad in 1885. He filled the position for five years, and then with the capital, which he had acquired through his industry and economical expenditures, he embarked in business of his own account in 1890 as a dealer in coal. In the twenty years which have elapsed he has built up a business of gratifying proportions, having many patrons who have given him their business support through much of this period-a fact which indicates his thorough reliability in all trade transactions. In 1885 Mr. Frederick was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Lewe of Indianapolis, and they became the parents of twelve children, but James, the second, and Esther and Henry, who were the seventh and eighth in order of birth are all now deceased. Of the nine still living, Charles, the eldest, has had charge of his father's business for the past eight years. He was born on the 9th of January 1886, in Vincennes, and early received business training in connection with the coal trade. He has always worked with his father and is still active in the management and control of the sales of the coal yard. The other members of the family are Damon, Pythias, Helen, Orville, Theodore, Morris, George, and Mary. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in that faith have reared their family. Mr. Frederick is also very prominent in fraternal circles, holding membership in several different organizations, including the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a past chancellor; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Tribe of Ben Hur; the Modern Woodmen of America; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. At one time he was connected with the Maccabees and with the Travelers Protective Association, but is not affiliated with the last two at the present time. He has never been a politician in the usual sense of office seeking; he has served as county commissioner for three years. He is never remiss in the duties of citizenship and when his aid is needed in behalf of any public measure, it is freely given. His record is that of the self-made man, for from the outset of his business career he has depended upon his own exertions for his advancement, and his energy and laudable ambition have constituted the salient forces which have brought him to the position of affluence which he now occupies.

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