WILLIAM A. FORDYCE, the present postmaster of Shelburn, has been identified with the interests of Sullivan county throughout his entire life, for he was born within its borders, in Fairbanks township, and here he has since lived and labored. After completing his education in the district schools and in those of Shelburn, he began the study of telegraphy in this city and continued in that occupation until 1892. During the following four years he was at home on account of ill health, and at the close of that period he was appointed the postmaster of Shelburn, and has ever since continued in that official capacity. He is a stanch Republican politically.
Mr. Fordyce is a representative of a family who have long resided in Sullivan county, and it was founded here by his paternal grandparents, Lewis and Elizabeth (Case) Fordyce. Lewis Fordyce was a farmer, and after coming to Sullivan county he was elected a justice of the peace and became prominent in the public life of his community. His political affiliations were with the Democracy. Lewis Fordyce was born in Washington county, Indiana, May 17, 1816, was married in that county, to Elizabeth Case, May 20, 1838, and after living for some years in Orange county, where he held minor offices, he moved to Fairbanks, this county, and in 1869 took up his residence at the county seat. He died February 28, 1874, after a long illness.
Among the children of Lewis and Elizabeth Fordyce was William A., Sr., who was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, but came to Fairbanks township in Sullivan county about 1860 and spent the remainder of his life here, dying in 1865, when his son and namesake was but a year old. He was a farmer and cabinetmaker, and was working at his trade at the time of his death. In his early manhood he had married Francis J. Griffin, who was born about 1844, in Honey Creek township, Vigo county, Indiana, a daughter of William and Amelia (Hanna) Griffin. William H. Griffin owned and operated a tanyard near the old Budd place in Honey Creek township for many years, but later on moved to Fairbanks township in Sullivan county, and opened and conducted a harness shop. In 1866 he was elected the treasurer of Sullivan county and moved to the city of Sullivan, continuing in that office for two terms, but he maintained his residence in Sullivan until his life's labors were ended in death. During a number of years previous to his death he was engaged in the poultry and produce business in Princeton, Indiana.
After the death of Mr. Fordyce his widow married Dr. James A. Harper, and her death occurred on the 1st of September, 1900. Dr. Harper is now living in Shelburn, and his home is also the home of William A. Fordyce, who is the younger of his mother's two children by her first marriage, but his brother Elmer died when seven years of age. Three children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Harper, namely: Gertrude Froment and Georgia Bardsley, both living in Shelburn, and Grace, who is at home with her father.
Mr. Fordyce has membership relations with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, Council No. 69, in the lodge at Shelburn, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 911, of Sullivan, Indiana; with Eutaw Tribe, I. O. R. M., No. 213, at Shelburn, and also the Junior Order at Sullivan. He holds to the belief of the Church of Christ. He holds high rank in the political and business circles of Sullivan county, and is one of the property owners of Shelburn, where he owns about six and a half acres in lots.