GRANT-John A. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Among the prominent business men of Fountain county, Ind who have attained to the highest round in the ladder of success, and who are counted among its most worthy and honored citizens, may be mentioned Mr. John A. Grant. No name stands more properly placed in the history of the county than his, for he is not only one of the successful and popular business men but is of such a social, genial nature that he has made many friends. he is now engaged in the harness and saddlery business inA ttica. Man owes so much, both in the way of business and pleasure, to that noble animal, the horse, that any industry which has for its object the supplying of the horse with harness, saddles or trappings for his better utilization, should surely be regarded in the light of a public benefactor. Mr. Grant's parents, Martin and Mary Elizabeth Clawson Grant were native sof the Buckeye State. The father came to Indiana in 1824 and being a tanner by trade, endeavored to start a tannery. Not receiving any support he returned to Ohio the following year, and there remained until 1826, when he came back tot he Hoosier State and started his tanner, continuing this until his death in Dec 1846, when a comparatively young man. He at first did his tanning in a hollow log, but later built up quite a business and accumulated considerable wealth. He was married at Alliance, Stark County, Ohio to Miss Clawson who lived to be over 90 years of age, dying in 1845 (sic - must be 1895?). Mr. Grant was also a manufacturer of boots and shoes and harness. Of the 9 children born to this estimable couple only 3 are now living, two besides our subject: Samuel who left Attica at age 28, now resides in West Haley, KS and Josiah, now in Fountain County. John A. Grant was born in Attica on November 28, 1834, and after the death of his father he lived about 4 years with an uncle's family and then went to live with his guardian, harley Greenwood. When 18, Grnat began learning his trade, and served a 3-years' apprenticeship with DS & DW Jordon, becoming thoroughly familiar with his business before he was 21. His guardian secured a shop for him and started him in business, our subject's father having left considerable property. Mr. Grant started out for himself in 1853, and continued this until 1859 when he disposed of his busines sona ccount of failing health and wen ton a farm near Attica. FOr 20 years he was engaged in tilling the soil and met with substantial results, becoming the owner of a farm of 54 acres (which he still owns) and being prominently identified with the stock raising interests of the community. In the year 1879 Mr. Grant embarked in the harness business in this town and has carried this on successfully up to the present time. When he first started out in the business here he had a force of from 6 to 15 men and carried on a big enterprise. He is still doing a successful busines and is one of the substantial men of the county. In his political views Mr. Grant was in sympathy with the Republican party and has been connected with his party in all campaigns. He has been township Constable, Assessor, Trustee and has held other positions, discharging the duies of all in an able manner. He served his town for 17 years with honor and credit. During the late unplesantness between the North and South or on the 13th of August 1862, Mr. Grant enlisted in Co. C 86th Reg and served 9 months, operating principally in Tenn and Ky. At Perryville he was under Gen. Rosecrans. He was discharged on account of ill health but in 1863 returned to his regiment as sutler, and served in that capacity until after the battle of Chickamauga, when he found it necessary to return home. Mr. Grant's nuptial with Miss Mary E. ROWLEY were celebrated on Nov 24, 1858 and 3 children were the fruits of this union: Olive, Mrs. JOhn L. Webber; Anna, wife of Charles E. Bruce, a railroad man who now resides in Los Angeles, Cal and Frank, who died in infancy. Mrs. Grant is a member of the presbyterian church and is interested in all good work. She was born near Terre Haute, Ind July 20, 1840, and is related to Mrs. JW Jordan, Mrs. David Smith and Mrs. John R. Campbell. Mr. Grant joined the INdependent Order of Odd Fellows at Attica about 1857 and has taken an active interest in that organization. After quite a severe illness Mr. Grant was called from his earthly labors May 28, 1893 at the age of 58 and 6 months. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Charter member of Burnside Post No. 54.