Possessing advantages of education and training at the best medical institutions of the country and having engaged successfully in practice for more than twenty-five years, Dr. Benjamin B. Griffith has gained a well earned reputation as a practitioner of clear judgment and high standing. Seeking to know the cause of his success, we find that it has been gained through concentration, energy, a persistent purpose and unquestioned integrity. The application of the principles here named have enabled him to attain a record in every way worthy of emulation. Dr. Griffith was born at Paducah, Kentucky, on the 10th of October 1861. He is a son of George and Mary F. (Young) Griffith, the former born on a farm ten miles from Paducah, McCracken county, Kentucky, in 1825. Mrs. Griffith was born in North Carolina, in 1831. The father was a valiant soldier of the Civil war and served in the Second Kentucky Regiment of volunteers. He was wounded at the battle of
Shiloh and died within twenty-four hours from the effect of his wounds. The grandfathers of Dr. Griffith on both sides of the house served in the patriot army in the Revolutionary war, one as an officer and the other as a private. Grandmother Young's brother, Dr. Benjamin Boland, was also made of good fighting material. A little girl named Jett was murdered by an Indian at an early day in the history of Kentucky near the present town of Bandana, Kentucky. Dr. Boland, alone and fully armed, took up the trail of the murderer and followed him into Missouri and into the cane-brakes of Arkansas and there captured the Indian, the circumstances of the pursuit and capture being one of the interesting stories in the annals of the border. The brave Dr. Boland brought his prisoner back to the scene of the murder in Kentucky, where the prisoner was tried by a jury of white men, confessed to his crime and was there executed. Thus is outlined in a few sentences
one of the thrilling occurrences of early life in Kentucky, which conveys an idea of the resolution and courage of the remarkable men of those times. Three children were born of the marriage of George and Mary Griffith: Benjamin B., the subject of this review; Reese, who died at the age of twelve years; and William G., who married Alma Langston and is the father of two children-Urey and Isabella. Dr. Griffith received his preliminary education in the public schools of Paducah, Kentucky, and in the high school at Lebanon, Ohio. Having a strong inclination for the pursuit of medicine, he entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1883. A similar title was granted by the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis in 1884, his regular medical studies being followed by post-graduate work extending over three years in New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, serving in the Willard Hospital of New
York city, the Chicago Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, and the St. Joseph Infirmary of Chicago. After having thoroughly prepared for his profession by contact with the greatest medical teachers in America, and also by practical application of the principles of medicine and surgery in the great hospitals, Dr. Griffith began practice at Paducah and, taking up special work, came to Vincennes, September 15, 1909, and opened a suite of offices in the La Plante building, where he has since continued. In 1885 Dr. Griffith was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Dishman, who was born in Marshall County, Kentucky, and was a daughter of B. and Rachel (Lackey) Dishman. Mr. Dishman is a well-known farmer, and is now living retired. He is president of the State Road Company, and also of the Ballard Gravel Road Company. Four children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Griffith: Carrie Soule, who is the wife of H. A. Martin, of Paducah; Benjamin B., now in the employ
of Albert Pick & Company, of Chicago; and Mary Bell and Rachel Grace, both at home, the former twelve and the latter nine years of age. Mrs. Griffith departed this life in 1907, and our subject, was again married in February, 1909, the lady of his choice being Miss Cora Maude Medlin, of Harrisburg, Illinois. Dr. Griffith was one of the early members of the Southwestern Kentucky Medical Society, and he was also a charter member of the McCracken County Medical Society and of the Old Paducah Medical and Surgical Society. He is now a member of the American Medical Association, the Kentucky State Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the Knox County Medical Society. He is held in high respect by his brother practitioners and has gained an enviable reputation by conscientious application to his calling. Believing in the authority of the Bible, he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and socially he is affiliated with the
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Being a gentleman of fine social qualities, he meets with a cordial greeting, not only among his brethren of the fraternal orders, but in the best homes of the city. Dr. Griffith began in his career with high ideals. He has closely adhered to the standard he then set and he has found no cause to regret the selection of Vincennes as his permanent home. He cheerfully gives his aid to philanthropic work and as a patriotic citizen assists to the extent of his ability in the permanent up building of the community.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911
It is a mistake to imagine that a man belongs to himself. A little consideration will show that he belongs in an important degree to the community in which he lives, to his family and to those interests that are alive to the permanent welfare of others. Clarence B. Kessinger early learned that he owed a duty to -others and his life has largely been influenced by an altruism that seeks to make easier the rugged paths that lie in the way of a majority of the human race. As president of a hospital, member of the Children's Board of Guardians and trustee of the Orphans Home, he has exercised an influence in ameliorating the ills of both sexes and all ages, and the lives of the young in a degree mat known ordinarily to men of important business or professional affairs. This work has been to him a duty lightly to be borne and in no sense a burden, as it is the expression of a kindly nature with which he was endowed by worthy parents. Mr. Kessinger is a native
of Bruceville, Indiana, barn April 28, 1859. He is the son of William M. Kessinger, who is still living at the age of eighty-three and Margaret J Kessinger, who was called away in 1905, at the age of seventy-one year. He received his preliminary education in the public schools and then attended the Vincennes high school, from which he was graduated in 1878. It is an old saying that where there is a will there is a way, and the young man just entering the doorway of an active career, decided to adopt the legal profession as his life work. After the usual course of study in which he showed an aptitude, which was prophetic of future success, lie was admitted to the bar and began practice at Vincennes in 1884. During the time that has since elapsed, a period of twenty-six years, he has continued in practice in the community where he made his start, and in a high sense has attained an important place at the bar of Knox county. The happy possessor of business
judgment which is not always an accompaniment of acknowledged professional ability, he is interested in a rolling mill, in farming and in coal mining and has attained a gratifying reputation in the business world. Habits of industry, capacity to grasp and hold the principles of his profession, and a facility in presenting the salient points in any case so as to interest and convince the court or jury, have been among the important elements in the success of Mr. Kessinger at the bar. In the course of many years of contact with others he has made a wide acquaintance not only in Knox County, but in many other parts of the state and his advice has been sought in many matters of importance. He is known as one of the safest counselors, and as an attorney who will not accept a case unless he feels that the cause is based upon law and reason. On April 28, 1891, Mr. Kessinger was united in marriage to Miss Inez M. Harris, a daughter of Dr. F. M. and Catharine Harris,
of Vincennes, but she died July 17, 1899. Two daughters survive, Katharine and Dorothy. Mr. Kessinger is a consistent member of the Christian church and also holds membership in the Masonic order and the Pastime Club. In politics he is independent, but has never been a seeker for public office. In all affairs pertaining to the permanency and well being of the city he takes an active interest as is shown by his position in connection with the Art Association and the city cemetery. In those traits of character that shine out brighter under difficulty or adversity he is largely endowed and no hand is more ready than his to respond to worthy calls for assistance. As an unassuming influence for good, few could claim precedence in Vincennes over the generous-hearted and respected representative of the bar whose name stands at the head of this review.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911
Nearly twenty years' connection with railway service as a representative of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company stands in unmistakable proof of loyalty, capability and fidelity on the part of Charles Henry Nabb, who was born near Lawrenceville, Illinois, June 24, i8i6. In 1827 he accompanied his parents, Charles Wesley and Eliza Nabb, on their removal to Mattoon, Illinois. The father was a merchant in that city where he became a prominent and well-known citizen and attained a gratifying measure of success through the conduct of his business interests. Charles Henry Nabb was educated in Lebanon College, and on putting aside his textbooks he entered his father's store, being interested in the business until coming to Vincennes. Here he accepted a position as bookkeeper and served in that capacity until he turned his attention to railroad interests. He entered the employ of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, now the Baltimore & Ohio, when the road was
opened through Vincennes in 1854, and throughout the remainder of his life was connected with that road. He was first employed as fuel agent, buying wood for the engines, then as passenger and ticket agent and later as passenger conductor. His record for honesty and kindness to those under his charge could not be excelled and he was one of the most trusted and reliable employees of the company. Mr. Nabb was three times married and had several children but only two are now living: Charles, who wedded Mary Moore, of Louisville, Kentucky, and has four children, Ferry, Amelia. Estelle and Susan: and Mary Frances, who is a graduate of the University of Vincennes and now lives at home. The latter's mother was Mary Jane Welton Purley, who gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Nabb in 1853. She is a daughter of Ebenezer and Permelia (Parsons) Welton, who came to Indiana from Hardy County, Virginia. Her father belonged to one of the old and prominent families of that state
and was a planter and a large slaveholder in the Old Dominion. Unto Charles H. and Mary J. Nabb were born six children, of whom four died in infancy, the others being: Harry, who was in the express business and died in 1901; and Mary Frances. The daughter belongs to the Eastern Stare being entitled to member-ship through the fact that her father is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His life largely embodied the beneficent spirit of the order and he strongly endorsed its principles. His death occurred in 1873 when he was fifty-seven years of age and although many years have since come and gone he is still well remembered by older citizens. He was a prominent and active member of the First Methodist church for many years.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911
The disputed province of Alsace, belonging at times to Germany and again to France, over which various wars have been waged-the district being the coveted prize of each country-was the birthplace of A. Oster, his natal day being February 23, 1852. His parents, James and Sophia (Claus) Oster, were also natives of that country. The son was educated the city of Strassburg as a student in Le Petit Seminaire and studied theology there for one year. In 1873 he came to the United States and completed his studies in the theological seminary at Indianapolis, after which was ordained for the priesthood in that city by Bishop De Saint Palais the 25th of May, 1875. Entering upon his chosen life work he became assistant at Holy Trinity church in Evansville, where he remained for two years, at the expiration of which period he came to Vincennes as assistant to Father John Gueguen, whom he aided in his pastoral labors for four years. Father Oster then visited Europe, after
which he remained for four years as priest of the church at Cambridge City. He next went to Columbus, Indiana, where he had charge of the church of St. Bartholomew for twenty-two years, a period in which he did splendid work in the upbuilding of the congregation and the extension of the church influence in that district. In 1907 he returned to Vincennes to take charge of the church of St. Francis Xavier and has since labored in this parish. Many improvements have been made including the purchase and installation of a new organ, a steam plant and new windows. A gallery has also been put in and many improvements have been made in other points, particularly in the work of the schools, which are maintained in the parish. Father Oster is a man of broad, scholarly attainment and is popular with Protestants and Catholics alike, having the social qualities and the religious tolerance which win kindly regard and appreciation on the part of all who know him.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911
Many of the leading citizens of Knox County can claim descent from pioneers coming from the south and not a few of the men and women of this county and the state of Indiana are the direct descendants of settlers who came to this region from North Carolina when Indiana was a wilderness. The forests have been cleared away, the swamps drained and the prairies plowed and today almost the entire state is under a high degree of cultivation. It is largely by the early settlers and their children and grandchildren that this great work has been accomplished. Hamilton Like, whose name introduces this review, is of worthy North Carolina and Teutonic ancestry and represents the third generation of his family in Indiana. He was born on the farm where he now resides June 16, 1862, and is a son of Elias and Sarah (Shouse) Like. The father was also a native of Knox County and the grandfather of North Carolina, the latter coming to this region with a colony, which settled
in Harrison Township. Elias Like entered the land upon which he located and which has ever since remained in possession of the family. Money was scarce in those early days and he hunted raccoons and quails, which were quite numerous at the time, in order to secure the necessary funds to pay for the land. That he was a man of ability is evident from the fact that he acquired about four hundred acres of land, but he sold a portion of it and at the time of his death, June 11, 1893, was the owner of two hundred acres, which passed into the possession of his heirs. The mother of our subject was a native of Knox County, her parents coming from Kentucky. Here she was married and in this county she died, February 16, 1898. Three of the children of the family died in infancy; Elizabeth is the widow of James King, living near Monroe City; Lige and Adam are deceased; Richard is represented elsewhere in this work; Eliza Jane and Clark are deceased; Nancy A.
is the wife of William Scott, a farmer of Harrison Township; the next died in infancy; Hamilton is our subject; Sarah is the wife of William Beaman, a farmer of Harrison Township; and Jasper and Curtis are deceased. The subject of this review received his education in the common schools, where he showed a proficiency in mathematics much beyond the ordinary and had he desired to continue his studies in that direction, it is probable that he could have acquired quite a reputation as a mathematician. In many ways, however, he has found this faculty to be of great service to him in his business affairs. He remained at home with his parents after leaving school and upon the death of his father took charge of the farm, which he purchased when he was twenty-five years of age. He has been highly successful as a farmer and from time to time, as his resources increased, he purchased more land until he is now the owner of two farms in Harrison
Township, aggregating six hundred and sixty-five acres. He is an extensive cattle and hog feeder and usually succeeds in getting high prices for stock. His attention has not been devoted entirely to farming, as he was one of the organizers of the Monroe City Bank and is one of its stockholders and a member of its board of directors. The father and mother of Mr. Like were members of the Missionary Baptist church, but he has never identified himself with any religious organization, although he is a friend to all of them. Politically he is in sympathy with the Democratic Party and accepts its principles as those best adapted to conserve the permanent interests of the people. As a business man Mr. Like stands very high and is regarded by those who know him best as a man of rare judgment and good executive ability; He is wide-awake, progressive and broad-minded and may justly be named as a representative of the best class of citizens whose influence is always for prosperity.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911
All experience demonstrates that the surgeon is an indispensable member of modern society and in perhaps even a greater degree does the value of the services of the skilled optician appeal. Tens of thousands of men and women would be almost helpless in caring for themselves or other were it not for the beautiful art, illuminated by the light of science, by which a feeble or uncertain vision is made reliable and strong, and the beneficiary is not only enabled to be self-reliant and self-supporting but is able to meet fully all the exigencies and requirements of a busy life. To men like Dr. J. H. Hammon is the world indebted for the priceless blessings, which are available through the use of the eye glass. After the principles of the art had been thoroughly worked out by some of the greatest scientists of the world, the practical application to everybody uses was made by men who possessed both the scientific and business instinct and in almost every civilized
community these men may now be found. Dr. Hammon began in the optical business in a modest way, in Vincennes, in 1898, and a few years later, seeing the opportunity that was presented and having faith in substantial recognition of a home institution, he installed a manufacturing plant, which has become the largest producer of optical goods in the state of Indiana. The manufactory is in charge of C. F. Kramer, a graduate of the Northern Illinois Optical College. It is fitted out with the most modern machinery and manufactures all optical goods called by the retail trade. Dr. Hammon occupies a suite of three offices at 1422 Main Street, the manufacturing establishment being immediately in the rear. The territory covered by the house includes Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Illinois. Dr. Hammon is a man of large executive ability and is one of the valuable citizens of a growing center, which numbers among its business and professional men many of
the brightest minds in Indiana. The leaders in the manufacturing world are recognized everywhere as highly important factors in modern civilization and it is to these wide-awake and progressive citizens that in a large measure the prosperity and happiness of our country are due. Viewed in this light every reasonable encouragement should be extended to worthy enterprises. Citizens of Vincennes recognize this fact and by their progressive spirit have attracted such enterprises as the one herein described.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911
The life span of Frederick Myers covered eighty-seven years. It began November 11, 1822, and was brought to a termination in August 1909. By the fit utilization of his innate talents and powers during that period he steadily worked his way upward and in his later years lived retired, enjoying a substantial income derived from a farm of two hundred and fifty acres. His parents were Jacob and Margaret (McCracken) Myers, and the former was of German descent and the latter of Irish. Frederick Myers attended the schools of Knox County but was largely a self-educated man. He became well informed through private reading, studying and investigation and throughout his life had the keenest appreciation of the value of broad general knowledge. He was early trained to habits of industry and economy and those traits in later years were strongly marked characteristics in his life. His economy and careful management in his manhood enabled him at length to purchase
land and devoting his attention to farming, he prospered in his undertakings and added to his holdings until he became the owner of a very excellent and valuable farm of two hundred and fifty acres situated on the lower Petersburg road about eight miles from Vincennes. Besides this he had given his five children fifty acres each. Year by year he carefully tilled the soil and cultivated his crops and his labors were rewarded in the late autumn by abundant harvests. He also added to his farm many modern improvements in the way of good buildings and in time he became the possessor of a valuable competence, which enabled him to live retired. Mr. Myers was married twice, his first wife being Miss Matilda Reel, by whom he had five children, namely: John R., Mary, Margaret, Alfred and William. On the 3oth of March 1882, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah (Case) Traylor, the widow of Sanford Traylor, who was born May 19, 1828, and died May 1,
1879. By her first marriage she had seven children, four of whom are living. Martha is the wife of Louis Summitt and has two children: Andrew, who is married and has one child, Glendola; and Ruby. John is the next of the family. Ella is the widow of Homer Beckes, at one time a prominent lawyer of Vincennes, by whom she had one child, Ralph, now attending school. Minnie F. first married Linden Tasswell, by whom she had two sons, Hall and John F., deceased. She is now the wife of Robert Epps, of Denver, Colorado. Mr. Myers gave his political allegiance to the Democratic Party and upon that ticket was elected to the office of county commissioner for three terms. His reelection is an indication of his loyalty to duty and his promptness in discharging the tasks that devolved upon him in that connection. He manifested at all times a spirit of progressive citizenship and took an active interest in everything that pertained to the welfare and up building of the county
in material, intellectual, social and moral lines. He was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and for over fifty years was one of its elders. Of such a record he had every reason to be proud. It indicated, as nothing else could do not only his standing in the church but in the community. His life measured up to the highest standards of Christian manhood and citizenship and constituted an example that may well serve as an inspiration to others.
Submitted by: Lora
History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911