Thomas J. Draper was born in Clark Township, Johnson Co., Ind., March 24, 1855, and is the son of Oliver H. and Phœbe[sic] (Herbert) Draper. The father and mother are residents of Clark Township, and their biographies appear in the Clark Township sketches. Thomas J. Draper was reared on a farm in Clark Township, and attended the district schools, receiving a fair common school education. He is the fourth child of twelve, that were born unto the marriage of Oliver and Phœbe Draper. These parents came to Johnson County at an early date, and began the battle of life poor, and having a large family to support and foster, they were to the necessity of putting forth much energy and perseverance. They, like their father, were endowed with energy and enterprise, and all gained fair educations, some attending common school, and others colleges. Mr. Draper gained a fair education in the common schools. He began the battle of life for himself at an early date. He was united in marriage to Luella Finney, December 31, 1874. Mrs. Draper is the daughter of John and Mary (Waller) Finney, whose history is found in the Franklin sketches. She was born in Jennings County, Ind., July 25, 1859. Her marriage has been blessed by the following children: Pearl and Ines. After Mr. Draper’s marriage he settled in life as a farmer on rented land. By energy and perseverance, he has won success in life, and now owns a farm of over seventy acres, of which nearly sixty acres are under cultivation. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.