Frank M. Douthitt Biography

FRANK M. DOUTHITT, who is engaged in the clothing business at Sullivan, was born April 14, 1871, in Jefferson township, Sullivan county, Indiana, a son of Thomas M. and Lydia M. (Wells) Douthitt. The father was a native of the same township and county, born on the old original Douthitt homestead, eight miles east of Carlisle, which place was settled by the grandfather. Thomas M., the father, was born April 23, 1845, and still lives on the old farm, with his wife, who was also born within the same township, in 1848. He has always followed farming, and was also quite a noted stock raiser. He is still able to attend to his finely improved hundred-acre farm. In his politics he is decidedly a Democrat. He has taken much interest in the welfare of his county, having served one term as county commissioner, and was a justice of the peace one term, etc. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church, known as Indian Prairie church. They are the parents of five children, born in the following order: William T., an attorney; George E., residing in Carlisle; Frank M., of this notice; Louretta, died February 22, 1905; John E., residing on a farm adjoining the old homestead. Being reared on his father's farm, Frank M. Douthitt had the advantages of the public schools of his native county. He taught school one term in Jefferson township. He then went to Sullivan and began clerking for McCammon & Wolfe, beginning April 27, 1892. This was in a clothing store, in which he remained until December 1, 1900, at which time he opened a store on Jackson street, and put in a good stock of clothing and gentlemen's furnishings, which line of business he still carries on in a successful manner. His store is the largest of its line within the town of Sullivan. In his political views Mr. Douthitt supports the Democratic party, believing, as he does, that this best represents the general interests of the country. He is one of the directors in the Sullivan Building and Loan Association, and has other business interests within the county. Mr. Douthitt was married, November 24, 1896, to Miss Anna Boatright, a native of Sullivan, born October 1, 1871, and educated in Sullivan, having graduated from the high school. She was engaged in the millinery business with a sister at the time of her marriage. She is the daughter of William and Ellen (Pearson) Boatright, both of whom are now residing in Sullivan. The children born to Mr. Douthitt and wife are as follows: Paul Schuyler, born August 23, 1897; Thomas Edward, born May 3, 1900; Joseph Boatright, born August 30, 1903.