Randolph  County,  Indiana

Harvey  E. McNees


            The prosperity and substantial welfare of a town or community are in a large measure due to the enterprise and wise foresight of its business men and public officials. It is progressive, wide-awake men of affairs that make the real history of a community, and their influence in shaping and directing its varied interests is difficult to estimate. Harvey E. McNees, for a number of years one of the leading real estate dealers of Randolph county, and for some time an official in the city of Winchester, is one of the enterprising spirits to whom is due the recent substantial development of our thriving county-seat, whose interests he seems to have ever had at heart. With a mind capable of planning he combines a will strong enough to execute his well- formulated purposes, and his great energy, keen discrimination and perseverance have resulted in material success.
            Mr. McNees was born on December 10, 1862, on a farm in Stoney Creek township, Randolph county. He is a son of  John B. and Sarah (Hiatt) McNees. The father was born near Knoxville, Tennessee, and the mother was born near Lynn, Randolph county. Grandfather John M. McNees came with his family to Randolph county in 1830, thus being among the pioneer settlers. He entered land in the woods in Stoney Creek township, there built his cabin home and cleared and developed a good farm. Like other first settlers, the journey from Tennessee was made by wagon over rough roads or trails and unbridged streams. Here John B. McNees and Sarah Hiatt grew to maturity and were married and here they devoted their active lives to agricultural pursuits. To them eight children were born, an equal number of sons and daughters, namely: Ellis L., who was a soldier during the Civil War, lives at Farmland, this county; Mary, who was the wife of David Stanton, is deceased; as is also Mr. Stanton, but her second husband, Jacob Kraft, is living; Calvin W. lives on the old home place in Stoney Creek township; Mahala A. is deceased; she was the wife of Julian Symons; Sabina J. is the wife of Morris L. Ross, of Muncie, Indiana; Martha E., now deceased, was the wife of David L. Clevenger; Harvey E., subject of this sketch; Jesse E., of Stoney Creek township, is a blacksmith by trade.
            The death of the father of the above named children occurred in 1906, the mother surviving until February 1, 1911. They were both members of the Christian church, and politically Mr. McNees was a Republican, but never sought to be a public man.
            Harvey E. McNees was reared on the home farm and received his education at Farmland, assisting with the farm work during the crop seasons, He began life for himself by teaching which he followed six years, including one year in the graded schools of Farmland. On August 20, 1889, he moved to Winchester and became deputy county treasurer under Isaac V. D. R. Johnson, for two years, also served one term of two years under George W. Veal, giving eminent satisfaction to all concerned. He then engaged in the real estate business in Winchester, building up a very satisfactory business which he followed until the fall of 1896, when he was elected county treasurer. He did not assume office until January 1, 1898, serving one term of two years with his usual fidelity. He also served one term of three years as a member of the city council during which time he did much toward the upbuilding of the city. He was also a member of the school board for one term. In November, 1913, Mr. McNees was elected to the office of mayor of Winchester for a term of four years. For some time he has devoted his attention exclusively to his large and rapidly growing real estate business, dealing largely in farm lands.
            Mr. McNees was married on January 1, 1888, to Martha A. Johnson, daughter of Joshua M. and Amanda C. (Pegg) Johnson, a prominent family of this county, where Mrs. McNees grew to womanhood and was educated. To our subject and wife two daughters and one son have been born, namely: France U., Nina E. and Joshua M. are all at home. They were all graduated from the Winchester high school, and are all accomplished and popular with the young people of the city.
            Mr. McNees has always been active in Republican politics. He has been a member of the County Central Committee and is now its treasurer. He has been a frequent delegate to county, district and state conventions. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Encampment and the Knights of Pythias. He and his family are members of the Christian church and are active in church and Sunday school work.
            Mr. McNee's office is in the city building on West Franklin street, and the pleasant family residence is 333 South Main street, which is a frequent gathering place for the many friends of the family.
Past and Present of Randolph County, Indiana, 1914.
Contributed by Gina Richardson

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