JAMES ATWELL MOUNT, Indiana’s twenty-fourth governor, was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, on March 24, 1843. His early education was limited and attained in the common schools. In 1862, he enlisted in the 72nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving for three years, and earning the distinction of bravery in the Battle of Chickamauga. After his military service, Mount resumed his educational pursuits. He attended the Presbyterian Academy in Lebanon, Indiana, finishing a two-year course in one year. Mount became a successful farmer in Montgomery County, and became recognized for his farmer institute lectures, where he also built a strong political base. He entered politics in 1888, serving as a member to the Indiana State Senate, a position he held four years. In 1890, Mount ran unsuccessfully for Congress, however, six years later he won the Republican gubernatorial nomination and was sworn into the governor’s office on January 11, 1897. During his tenure, a medical examining board was initiated, the prison system was renovated, and a labor commissioner’s office was created. A few days after leaving office, Governor James A. Mount passed away. He died on January 16, 1901, and was buried at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Crawfordsville, Indiana.