Roy W. Adney

The men most influential in promoting the advancement of society and in giving character to the times in which they live are two classes--the men of study and the men of action. Whether we are more indebted for the improvement of the age to the one class or the other is a question of honest difference of opinion; neither can be spared and both should be encouraged to occupy their several spheres of labor and influence zealously and without mutual distrust. In the following paragraphs are briefly outlined the leading facts and characteristics in the career of a gentleman who combines in his makeup the elements of the scholar and the energy of the public-spirited man of affairs. Devoting his energies to the law, Roy W. Adney, the efficient and popular county attorney of Boone county, has made his influence felt in a most potent manner in the locality of which this history treats, occupying as he does a prominent place in his profession and standing high in the esteem of all classes. All who come within range of his influence are profuse in their praise of his admirable qualities, and the high regard in which he is held, not only professionally but socially, indicates the possession of attributes and characteristics that fully entitle him to the respect and consideration of his fellowmen.

Mr. Adney was born October 29, 1879, in Lebanon, Indiana, and he is a son of Isaac S. and Eva L. (Brown) Adney. The father was a native of Lebanon, and the mother came from near Knoxville, Tennessee. The Adney's came from Maryland to Indiana, first settling near Liberty, later removing to Boone county. Isaac S. Adney was in his earlier life a farmer, but for many years he has been engaged successfully in the milling business, maintaining both a sawmill and a grain mill, and although he is now past seventy years of age is still active, hale and hearty. Politically, he is a Democrat and he served one term as county commissioner. The mother of our subject also survives.

Roy W. Adney's parents removed with him when he was a year old to a farm near Lebanon and there he lived until he was thirteen years old, in the meantime attending the district schools, and after moving back to Lebanon he studied in the city schools and was graduated from the high school in 1899. He then took a course in Butler College, Irvington, a suburb of Indianapolis, remaining there three years, then entered the Indiana Law School, where he made an excellent record and from which he was graduated in 1904. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Society, and while in Butler College was business manager of The Butler Collegian, the college paper. He was valedictorian of his class in the law school. Soon after his graduation he formed a partnership for the practice of his profession with ex-Judge T. J. Terhune, of Lebanon, which continued with ever-increasing success until January, 1911, when Mr. Adney formed a partnership with John W. Hornaday. This firm was dissolved January 1, 1914. Mr. Adney practices in all the state and federal courts and has long enjoyed a large and lucrative business. He believes in going into court thoroughly prepared, in devoting his attention to the interests of his clients in an earnest and conscientious manner and in keeping well abreast of the times in all that pertains to his profession. As a speaker he is logical, convincing and often truly eloquent.

Mr. Adney is a member of the State Bar Association. Politically, he is a Democrat and has been active in political and public matters for a number of years. In 1909 Governor Thomas R. Marshall appointed him prosecuting attorney of Boone county to fill a vacancy, resulting from the death of Fred Groves and he served two years in a highly acceptable manner. In January, 1909, he was appointed county attorney, which office he still holds, discharging its duties in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. Fraternally, he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Mr. Adney was married June 19, 1907, to Verna Richey, a daughter of S.H. and Louise (Meade) Richey, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. To our subject and wife three children have been born, Louise, whose birth occurred April 2, 1909; Richard, born March 29, 1911; and Virginia, born July 20, 1912.

Mr. Adney is a member of the Christian church and his wife holds membership with the Episcopalians. They are both prominent in the best social circles of Lebanon and are admired by their many friends for their culture, obliging and unselfish natures. Their cozy home is at 825 North West street, and Mr. Adney's office is in the Farmers Bank building.

Submitted by: Amy K. Davis
Source: "History of Boone County, Indiana", by Hon. L. M. Crist, 1914.