JAMES M. SINCLAIR, one of the proprietors of the popular "Index Store" of Sullivan, is a native of Sullivan county, Indiana, born December 31, 1871, in Hamilton township. He is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Willis) Sinclair, the former born in Indiana, and the latter in Kentucky, February 29, 1832. The mother is still living with her son, James M. The father died about 1881. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Eight children blessed their marriage union, as follows: William M., residing at Coffeeville, Kansas; Mary A., wife of Andy Mason, of Sullivan; Thomas H., of Sullivan; Elizabeth, wife of Malon Gustin, of Sullivan; Edward, residing in Hamilton township; Eliza, wife of Reason Lovelace, residing at Duggar; Flora; James M., of this notice.
Reared midst the scenes and labors coincident to the farmer's life, James M. Sinclair remained at home until about twenty years, when he went to Sullivan and commenced clerking for a Mr. Boyd, who conducted the first Racket store established in the place. After working there two years, he was employed at other places up to 1898, at which date he established a business for himself. At first, he began with a stock of goods in what was known as the Racket store, having an endless variety of small, cheap articles. In the course of time, as his trade demanded it, he added more goods, until he now heads the firm of Sinclair & Co., which firm deals in a wholesale and retail way in furniture, stoves, tinware, queensware, glassware and five and ten cent counter articles-the latter being their specialty. This store is situated in the Odd Fellows building at Sullivan. By strict attention to duty, a large and prosperous business has grown up and the trade which at first was on a small scale has become one of goodly proportions. In his political views, Mr. Sinclair is a Democrat. In 1898 he served as clerk and treasurer of the town of Sullivan. He is identified with the Odd Fellows order, including the Encampment degree. Himself and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which body he is one of the trustees.
January 8, 1896, Mr. Sinclair was married to Fannie E. Orndorff, born in Knox county, Indiana, April 10, 1879, daughter of Wallace and Laura (Knotts) Orndorff. The father died in Knox county when Mrs. Sinclair was in her infancy. Her mother later married her first husband's brother, Andrew J. Sinclair, and they now reside south of Sullivan, in Hamilton township. Mrs. Sinclair received her education in Sullivan county. The children born of her marriage to Mr. Sinclair are: Frances L., born August 10, 1897, and Zola I., born April 14, 1900.