CHARLES J. BOONE.

The biographies of the representative men of a county bring to light hidden treasures of mind, character and courage, well calculated to arouse the pride of their family and of the community, and it is a source of regret that the people are not more familiar with the personal history of such men, in the ranks of whom may be found tillers of the soil, mechanics, teachers, as well as lawyers, physicians, bankers and members of other vocations and professions. The subject of this sketch is distinctively one of the leading citizens of the township in which he lives, and as such has made his influence felt among his fellow men and earned a name for enterprise, integrity and honor that entitles him to worthy notice in a work of the nature of this volume.

Charles J. Boone, who for many years has been one of the foremost citizens of his township, is a native of Johnson county, and was born in Pleasant township on a farm now forming a part of the Whiteland town site, the date of his birth being July 23, 1866. His parents were Amazon and Emmeline Freeman, natives respectively, of Ohio and Johnson county. Amazon Boone, who was born in August 1831 and died on July 11, 1910, was reared in his native state, coming to Franklin, Johnson county, this state, when a young man. He completed his education in Franklin Academy and afterwards engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which he was very successful and acquired the ownership of one hundred and sixty acres of good land. For many years he rendered efficient service as justice of the peace, being familiarly known as “Squire Boone,” and during the Civil war he gave ardent service to the Union, but his active service was limited to membership in the Home Guards and service in the field during Morgan’s raid. Religiously, he was a Presbyterian and his political faith was that of the Republican party. To him and his wife were born five children, of whom four were reared to maturity, namely: Elmer of Jackson county; Mrs. Eva Tracy, of Whiteland; Charles J., the subject of this sketch, and Clara, who is a bookkeeper of the Whiteland Telephone Company. The four children are members of the Presbyterian church.

Charles J. Boone received his education in the Whiteland schools and was reared to the life of a farmer. At the age of twenty-two years he married and they located on the farm, where he has lived continuously since and to the operation of which he has devoted himself assiduously. By dint of the most persistent effort, sturdy industry and the exercise of sound judgement, he has achieved splendid success in his vocation and is today numbered among the leading farmer of his locality. He and his wife are the owners of one hundred and thirty acres of splendid land, forty acres of which lie in Pleasant township, and here he raises all the crops common to this section of the country, and also feed and sells a number of live stock, his annual output being about one hundred and fifty hogs and a carload of cattle.

In 1888, the subject of this sketch married Laura M. Ballard, a daughter of John Ballard, whose death occurred in 1911. To them have been born three children: William , a student in Franklin College; Hazel, who is studying to be a teacher in the Terre Haute Normal School, and Monys, a senior in the Clark Township high school.

Politically, Mr. Boone has been a life-long Republican, and in 1904 was elected trustee of Clark township, serving four years in this position and giving a very satisfactory administration of the office. His church membership is with the Whiteland Presbyterian society, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Greenwood. Mr. Boone is a man of splendid personal qualities and has for many years been numbered among the leading men of his community. He is possessed of strong musical talent and for a number of years was a member of the famous Whiteland Military Band, playing solo alto. This band was one of the most efficient in the state, winning first prize at every military band tournament which they attended. Another evidence of Mr. Boone’s efficiency and progressive spirit was shown during his service as trustee when he introduced the teaching of music in the schools of the township, being the first official in this county to inaugurate this innovation. He takes a just pride in his community and can always be depended upon to lend his influence and support to all worthy movements for the moral, educational or social advancement of the community. Because of his fine personal qualities and the eminent success he has won and is deserving of the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.