Oliver H. Draper, a prosperous and successful farmer of Clark Township, was born March 15, 1828, in Decatur County, Ind., a son of Thomas and Catharine (Herbert) Draper; the father was of English descent, was a native of Virginia, was born May 4, 1788, and died in 1872. The latter was of English descent, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born about 1790. Our subject’s early life was spent in Decatur County, Ind., on a farm, and on January 15, 1848, he came to Johnson County, and bought the farm on which he now lives. He received a common school education at the district school, and through the advantages of books and newspapers, he has acquired a good, practical knowledge on general subjects. At the age of twenty-one, he began life for himself, his vocation being that of a farmer. March 23, 1848, he was united in marriage to Phebe Harbert, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Cora) Harbert; the former was of Dutch descent, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1798, died in 1878; the latter was of English descent, born in 1800, died in 1834. To this union the following children were born: Sarah J. (deceased), born February 18, 1849; Mary E., born March 19, 1851; Winfield S., born March 19, 1853; Thomas J., born March 24, 1855; Elizabeth (deceased), born February 5, 1857; Catharine, born November 26, 1858; John H., born June 29, 1861; Nancy A., born May 7, 1863; Joseph M., born August 21, 1865; Effa O. and Elzora, twins, born October 20, 1869; Oscar G., born May 14, 1872. The mother of these children was born September 26, 1830. She is a member of the Christian Church. He was a Granger during the life of that lodge. In politics, he is a republican. He now owns 472 acres of well-improved lands, seventy-two of which are in White River Township.