Major John O. Cravens was was born at Versailles, May 25th, 1834. He was the third son of Hon. James H. and Sophia Cravens. He first attended the Ripley County Seminary, but in 1852 entered Asbury University and graduated in the scientific department in 1852. He graduated in the Cincinnati Law School in 1848 and then practiced in Martinsville until 1861. He enlisted as a private in Co. G, 6th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, being one of the 123 who went to Indianapolis and tendered their services to Gov. Henry S. Lane two days before President Lincoln issued his call for volunteers. This was the first body of men in the State, outside of Indianapolis, who volunteered their services. In the winter of 1861, having been previously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, he was detailed as aid-de-camp to Maj. Gen. R. H. Milroy, and was subsequently commissioned Major and Assistant Adjutant General of his staff by President Lincoln, and retained the position until the close of the war. Although detailed from the company to which he belonged, and not serving with it after 1861, his men elected him their Captain in 1863, and he was commissioned accordingly by Gov. Morton; but, having in the meantime received higher ranks from the President he could not accept the candidacy captaincy. This fact illustrates the esteem by which he was held by his comrades in arms. He served in twenty-seven engagements, among the most important which were Winchester, Second Bull Run, Cross Keys, Strasburg, Slaughter Mountain and Murfresborough. On retiring from the army he resumed the practice of his profession. In 1872 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the 6th Judicial Circuit. In 1874-76 he was re-elected. In politics he was a Republican. He married Maggie Hite, an adopted daughter of Col. Tom Smith, of Versailles.