Dykes - James E.
J.E. DYKES
Source: History of Montgomery County, Indiana. Indianapolis: AW Bowen, 1913 (1913) p 971
The life of the 20th century farmer is quite different from that of the tiller of the soil during the century that has only recently passed. Improved farming machiner is very largely responsible for this change, this improvement of condition, and yet if the present day agricultural implements had been known to our grandfathers theyw ould not have had the money to purchase them, for everybody was poor in those days. Another thing, the soil was at that time being redeemed from the wild state and was unsuited to the use of modern machinery. One of the successful young farmers of SUgar Creek Twp who is keeping abreast of the times is JE Dykes, who was born Dec 9, 1878 in the township and county where he still resides. He is a son of James and Louisa SMITH Dykes. The father was born April 11, 1841 five miles from Atalanta, GA and there he grew to manhood and received his education, removing from there in 1865 to Boone Co, IN and subsequently coming to MOntgomery and here establishing the permanent home of the family. His death occurred on Dec 29, 1910. He had been very successful as a general farmer. For a fuller mention of him the reader is directed to the sketch of Arthur PADDACK, appearing elsewhere in this work. 9 children were born to James Dykes and wife, namesly: Samuel A born Oct 23, 1869; Mrs. Joanna BOOTS July 4, 1871; Robert Martin Dec 6, 1873; Abner July 23, 1875 d. Aug 9, 1900; Olive May who married Mr. Paddack was born April 6, 1877; James E, subject of this sketch; Donnie Belle, born Oct 9, 1880 died Aug 21, 1882; Mary catherine born May 21, 1882; Stella Flossie born Feb 17, 1885 died Sept 23, 1910. JE Dykes received a common school education. He has been twice married first on March 23, 1899 to Stella OLLLINGER who was born in Browns Valley, this county on Nov 4, 1873 and died July 10, 1902. Subsequently, Mr. Dykes married Carrie JOHNSON on March 5, 1903. She was born April 11, 1876. She is a daughter of Thomas H. and Alabama GRAY Johnson. Two children were born of the subject's first union, namely: Gladys M. born Dec 27, 1899 and Clarence M, born Nov 13, 1900 are both in school. There has been no issue fo the second union. Mr. Dykes has always farmed in Sugar Creek Township, carrying on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of good breeds of live stock which finds a very ready market owing to their superior qulaity. He moved to his present farm in the fall of 1879 It is the old home place and consists of 118 acres all but 6 under cultivation and it can all be tilled. It is well tiled, well fence and otherwise well improved. Politically, Mr. Dykes is a Republican and he belongs to the Christian Church, and is superintendent of the Sunday School. - kbz