Dr. Joseph O. Airhart

In examining the records of self-made men, it will inevitably be found that indefatigable industry has constituted the basis of their success. True, there are other elements which enter into and conserve the advancement of personal interests,-- perseverance, determination and expediency,-- but the foundation of all achievement is earnest, persistent labor. At the outset of his career, Dr. Joseph O. Airhart, well known and successful veterinary physician and surgeon of Lebanon, Boone county, recognized this fact and did not seek any royal road to the goal of his prosperity and independence, but began to work earnestly and persistently in order to advance himself, and the result is that he is now numbered among the progressive, successful and influential citizens of his community.
 
Doctor Airhart was born on a farm in White county, Indiana, October 25, 1879. He is a son of Joseph and Nancy (North) Airhart. The grandfather was also Joseph Airhart, and he was born in Butler county, Ohio, where he spent his boyhood days, later coming to Clinton county, Indiana, among the pioneers, entering one hundred and sixty acres of wild land from the government, which he cleared and developed into a good farm. He was also a stone-mason by trade, which he followed in connection with his farming. He remained on his farm until his death, in 1898, when about eighty-seven years old. He was well known over Clinton and White counties and was active in the affairs of the community where he resided. His wife, Margaret, preceded him to the grave in 1862, when in the prime of life.
 
Joseph Airhart, Jr., father of our subject, was born on the old homestead in Clinton county, August 5, 1857, and he was reared on the farm and there worked when a boy. During the winter months he attended the district schools. He took up farming and devoted his life to that with a fair measure of success. In 1910 he removed from his native county to Boone county, locating three miles north of Lebanon on a farm of forty-five and one-half acres, and he now owns about one hundred and fifty-two acres all in one tract. He is now living practically retired from active work. Politically, he is a Democrat, and in religious matters is a Methodist. He and Nancy J. North were married in 1875. She was born in White county, Indiana. To this union two children were born, Dr. Joseph O., of this sketch, and Sarah C., who was the wife of William Cornell, who was taken by her Savior September 23, 1913.
 
Doctor Airhart was reared on the home farm and received his early education in the common schools. He remained with his parents on the home place until 1908, when he entered the Indiana Veterinary College at Indianapolis. In the summer of 1909 he studied medicine under Doctor Bonebrake, of Rossville, Indiana, then entered the Terre Haute Veterinary College; then, in the summer of 1910, he read veterinary medicine under Doctor Nelson, of Lebanon. Soon after his graduation, in 1911, he formed a partnership with Dr. A. F. Nelson, of Lebanon, which continued successfully until in the spring of 1913, when Doctor Nelson moved to Indianapolis, when Doctor Airhart moved his office from the Farmers State Bank building to the Davis Brothers' livery barn and has taken Doctor Morrow, of this city, as a partner, and they are enjoying a very satisfactory and rapidly growing practice.
 
Doctor Airhart is a Democrat, and fraternally, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On September 26, 1907, he was married to Bessie Balser, who was born in Carroll county, Indiana, July 13, 1886, and to this union two children have been born, namely: Levona G., born November 4, 1909, and Lonetta Katheryne, born October 30, 1913.
 

Submitted by: Amy K. Davis
Source: "History of Boone County, Indiana," by Hon. L. M. Crist, 1914