from Marion County, Kentucky – Biographies

John B. Wathen, Jr., was born on March 24, 1856, and is a son of William W. Wathen, present postmaster of Lebanon, Kentucky.  He is a representative of one of the oldest and most highly respected families of Marion County; was educated in the schools of his native town of Lebanon, St. Mary’s College of Marion County and the Cecilian College of Hardin County.  Since his school days he has devoted himself chiefly to mercantile pursuits, and after serving several years as a salesman in Lebanon, he became a traveling salesman for Louisville, Cincinnati and New York merchants, resigning the latter position in 1885 to accept an appointment under President Cleveland as Indian agent for the Territory of Dakota, the duties of which he performed until compelled to resign in November, 1885, in consequence of failing health, due to climatic causes.  He returned to Lebanon and formed a business partnership with his father under the firm name of W. W. Wathen & Son.  Mr. Wathen is an affable enterprising young man, and was a member of Governor Blackburn’s staff, from which he derives the title of colonel.  He was married October 24, 1883, to Miss Fannie, daughter of Judge William E. Russell.