Major John O. Cravens was born at Versailles, May 25, 1834. He was third son of Hon. James H. and Sophia Cravens. He first attended the Ripley County Seminary, but in 1852 entered Asbury University and graduated in the scientific department in 1852. He graduated in the Cincinnati Law School in 1848, and then practiced In Martinsville until 1852. After going to Asbury he practiced with his father until 1861. He enlisted as a private in Co. G. 6th Volunteer Infantry, being one of 123 who went to Indianapolis and tendered their services to Gov. Henry S.Lane two days before President Lincoln issued his call for volunteers. This was the first body of men in the state, outside of Indianapolis, who volunteered their services. In the winter of 1861, having been previousley promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, he was detailed as aid-de-camp to Major General R.H. Milroy, and was subequently commissioned Major and Assistant Adjutant General of his staff by President Lincoln and retained the positiion until the close of the war. Although detailed fron the company to which he belonged, and not serving with it after 1861, his men elected him their Captian in 1863, and he was commissioned accordingly by Gov. Morton; but, having in the meantime received higher ranks from the President he could not accept the captaincy. This fact illustrates the esteem by which he held by his comredes in arms. He served in twenty seven engagements among the most important which Winchester, Second Bull Run, Cross Keys, Strasburg, Slaughter Mountain and Murfresborough. On retiring from the army he resumed the practice of his profession.
In 1872 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the 6th Judicial Circuit. In 1870-74 he was re-elected. In politics he is Republican. He married Maggod Hite. an adopted daughter of Col. Tom Smith, of Versailles. He is still practising law at Versailles.
FOOTNOTES: The source of this Biography: THE DIRECTORY AND HISTORY OF RIPLEY COUNTY. Graduated from Cincinatti Law School at the age of 14. Graduated from Asbury University at the age of 18.