Sidener - James B.
Source: 1881 H. W. Beckwith History of Montgomery County Indiana
Chicago: HH Hill. p 244
James B. Sidener, merchant, Crawfordsville, is a member of the
enterprising firm of Evans & Sidener, in the boot and shoe
trade. Beginning business April 1, 1879, the firm is yet
young.
Located at No. 25 East Main street, they occupy a pleasant and
commodious store-room, 23 x 110.
They carry a first-class stock of about $12,000, and do a
business of from $20,000 to $30,000. They are decidedly men
of the people, and will eventually take the lead in their
department of trade. Mr. Sidener is the son of James B. and
Elizabeth (Smith) Sidener, both old settlers of Montgomery
County. They were born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, and came to
this County and settled south of Crawfordsville, in Union
township, in 1837. Here they spent the rest of their days, Mrs.
Sidener dying in September 1874, and Mr. Sidener following her
July 31, 1875. He was a life-long democrat, a good citizen, and a
conscientious man. At the time of his death he was one of the
oldest and most respected members of the Masonic fraternity.
James B. was born January 14, 1848, on the home farm in
Montgomery County.
Besides the common schools, he attended Wabash College three
years.
For some time he taught.
In 1869 he became deputy sheriff under his brother, H. E.
Sidener, serving for a year and a half.
He then clerked in the store of Robb & Mahorney almost six
years.
He next spent a year with Charles Goltra, "The Hatter," after
which he purchased a small farm, on which he lived for two years.
Selling this, he engaged in his present business. Mr. Sidener was
married October 26, 1871, to Mary A. Graham, daughter of Noble
and Carrie (Welch) Graham. Her father was a predominent citizen
of Crawfordsville. They have one child, Lee M. Both are members
of the Christian Church. Mr. Sidener is an Odd-Fellow. (Thanks to
Tom Campbell)