Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.
Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, p 469
John A. GRANT. 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.