Biographical

"WJB" Luther's father was a native of Rhode Island and his mother of Pa. When "WJB" was about 3 years old, his parents moved their family to Shelbyville Indiana. His father, who had been in poor health for a number of years, passed away when he was 18 years old, leaving "WJB" as the sole support for his family which included 4 younger siblings.

In 1867, after his mother had re-married and the younger children were able to take care of themselves, "WJB" left to pursue his own interests and took a job in Indianapolis driving a wagon for Mr. Eli Johnson. He worked there for two years and managed to save $800 which he planned to use to start his own business.

After marrying Melvina Murray in 1869, he and his wife's brother bought out the drugstore of "House and Williams" in Blountsville. The two young men continued in partnership for about a year and then "WJB" bought out his brother-in-law's interest.

He was eminently successful running the drug store and also purchased a dry goods store in Blountsville. He and Melvina had 3 children: Eugene Murray, Annie, and Beatrix.