JAMES H. PADGETT.-Prosperously engaged in the calling upon which our nation's wealth and strength so largely depends, James H. Padgett, of Haddon township, holds an assured position among the systematic and skilful agriculturists of Sullivan county. The descendant of a pioneer family of prominence, he was born, January 3, 1848, in this township, a son of the late Theophilus Padgett. His grandfather Padgett was one of the earliest settlers of Haddon township, coming here in the very early period of its settlement, at the time of his arrival there being but two houses between Carlisle and Pleasantville.
Born in Kentucky, Theophilus Padgett was but six years old when he came with his parents to Sullivan county. Brought up on a farm, he continued in the occupation to which he was reared, and on reaching man's estate entered government land in Haddon township, and at once began the pioneer work of clearing and improving a homestead. During the fall and winter seasons, he kept four horses busily employed by doing nearly all of the teaming for the Carlisle merchants, taking produce for them to Evansville, and bringing back large loads of general merchandise. As a farmer, he was very successful, at one time being owner of about three hundred and seventy acres of rich and valuable land. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member, with his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Susie Hinkle, died in early womanhood, leaving two children, namely: William, of Pleasantville, and Sareldia, deceased. He married for his second wife Permelia Bodwell, who was born in Jefferson township, Indiana, and died in Haddon township. She bore him four children, as follows: Martha Elizabeth, wife of William Lisman, of Haddon township; Sarah Jane, wife of James Spencer, of Jefferson township; James H.; and Cassius G., of Haddon township.
A farmer by birth, breeding and inheritance, James H. Padgett is now living on a part of the land which his father took up from the government, and in the raising of grain and stock has been exceptionally fortunate, his labors as an agriculturist meeting with substantial rewards.
Mr. Padgett married, in 1861, Martha Yates, who was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, December 25, 1848, a daughter of William and ____ (Shake) Yates, who were lifelong residents of Kentucky. After the death of her parents, she came with her uncle, James Shake, to Haddon township, being then sixteen years of age. Five children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Padgett, namely: Mary and William died in infancy; Theodosia; Everett E.; and Della Grace. Theodosia, born in December, 1878, has been twice married. She married, first, Don Pane, who died a short time later, leaving one child, Floy, who lives with her mother and grandparents; and, second, Rev. A. L. Tidric, a Baptist minister, now located at Oolitic, Indiana, and they have one son, Lawrence. Everett E., born in November, 1880, was graduated from the State Normal school at Terre Haute, after which he took a course of study at the Northwestern University, in Chicago, later being graduated with the degree of M. D., from the Rush Medical College, in Chicago. Since 1905, Dr. E. E. Padgett has been located in Indianapolis, where he has built up a fine practice as a physician and surgeon. He married Theresa Bow, of Pleasantville. Della Grace, born in 1882, married Lee Douthitt, of Wagner township, Knox county, and has one child, Catherine, living, and has lost one child. Mrs. Tidric, Mr. Padgett's oldest daughter, began teaching school when but sixteen years old, and for seven years was a most successful and popular teacher in the common schools of Sullivan county. Politically, Mr. Padgett is a strong Prohibitionist; fraternally, he belongs to Ben Hur Lodge, of Carlisle, and religiously, both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church.