The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-05-08
MIR. MOUNTS RECORD.
As Soldier He Followed GEN. Wilde
Through the War. e

Something about James A. Mount, the
farmer candidate" as he has been known
in the convention. will not be uninteresting
at this time. Mr.. Mount is distinctly a
farmer. but he has done more to dignity the
term in Indiana than perhaps any other
man. His landed possessions in Montgomery
county are extensive. He owns and occupies
five hundred acres of land near Shannondale,
picturesque village situated about ten miles
northeast of Charlottesville. His farm is a
model Of neatness, and he calls 1t Willow
Dale Mr.. Mount lives there in hand
some residence and personally directs the
management Of his farm. He is fifty-three
years of age. His family consists of a
wife and three children, two daughters and
a son.
Mr.. Mount was born on farm in Mont
gomery county, March %, 1913. His boyhood
was spent at hard work on the farm He
has soldier record which is an honorable
one. In 1862 he enlisted and during the re-
bellion was on every march and participant
ed in every skirmish and battle of the Wilder
Brigade. That bis record as a soldier is yet
remembered by General Wilder is apparent
from the tone of the appended letter received
by Mr.. Mount from Johnson City, Tenn.
March 20, 1896: fs
you are aspiring to the position of Governor
OF the great State of Indiana. | hope you
may succeed. My heart is always with my
cd soldier boys. IL your people knew of
your gallant record as a non-commissicned
officer of the splendid Seventy-second In
diana, they would at least have confluence
in your unselfish courage ana patriotism
You twice volunteered 10 take charge. of
our skirnish line on the bloody battlefield
of Chickamauga, when to do so seemed
like tempting fate. You led the crossing of
the army at Roswell Factory through the
dangerous stream of Chattahoochee river in
the face of numerous foe. You were ever
ready and did your whole duty through the
three years of bitter war. and am sure You
would lead TO success the host of Repu')-
licans OF the State; and | am sure that the
men of the old Wilder Brigade" with their
sons Of gallant slres, would rally around
your banner and help you bear it success
fully through the coming campaign to that
victory which means proserity TO all. They
know ii was such gallant men as you who
made their reputation, and 1 believe they
will not be found wanting i'm loyal support
TO one of their bravest comrades. 1 am
Your friend and comrade.
j. L. WILDER"
Mr.. Mount came out of the war a poor
man and went TO work. After attending
school a year he leased a stocked farm aud
devoted his energies to filling the soil, His
success as an agriculturist has been phenom-
email and his reputation as farmer has
given him prominence beyond the limits OF
the State. In Indiana he is authority on all
subjects that relate to farming. He mas
written many valuable articles on agricul-
tural topics which have been of vast benefit
TO his agricultural brethren over the State,
For several years past Mr.. Mount has been
engaged during the winter season in lectur-
ing before farmers institutes. In 1859 and
1891 he a member of the State Senate
He went into the joint senatorial race reuet-
antiy, as the district was regarded as Demo-
cratic. but his canvass was vigorous and he
was elected by a majority of over 600 In
1892 Mr. Mount went into the congressional
race against Brookshire in the old Eighth
district This contest was regarded as hone
less. and although Mr. Mount made a strong
tight. he went down in the Republican
Waterloo.
While Mr.. Mount is farmer. lives on a
farm and works and manages IL, he has
not desired TO be "classed" as FARMER
candidate" not that such appellation is I'M
desirable or obnoxious but because he has
believed that man competent to fiji the
high office OF Governor should be broad
minded enough to comprehend the mutual
interdependence of all the industries, cali
ings pursuits and professions, and that all
these should be fairly represented. While
in the Senate ne showed his State pride
by urgi1x the wisdom of libevality that
would Enable the State to so present its