History of Old Vincennes And Knox County, Indiana Greene Volume l & 2 1911 Surnames in this biography are: Kessinger, Harris, CLARENCE B. KESSINGER 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.