H. P. WILLOUGHBY, D. V. S. A leading citizen
and prominent public official of Spencer is found in the person
of Dr. H. P. Willoughby. A native son of Owen county, he has
spent his entire career here with the exception of a short period
during the time of his educational training, and has followed the
profession of veterinary surgery with much success. An energetic
and active Republican, he was formerly secretary of the Owen
County Republican central committee, and at present is postmaster
of Spencer, a position he has held since his appointment during
the administration of President Coolidge. Doctor Willoughby was
born on a farm near Spencer, Owen County, September 22, 1890, and
is a son of Robert and Sarah (Cantwell) Willoughby. This is one
of the old and honored families of the state, having been founded
here at an early date by the great-grandfather of Doctor
Willoughby, who was a pioneer of Montgomery Township and passed
his life as an agriculturist. Robert Willoughby, the elder,
grandfather of Doctor Willoughby, was born on his fathers
farm in Montgomery Township, Owen County where he received his
education in the rural schools. Reared in an agricultural
atmosphere, he passed his life as a tiller of the soil and died
on the same farm on which he was born. His wife bore the maiden
name of Rebecca Headley. Robert Willoughby, father of Doctor
Willoughby, was born in Owen County, where he was educated, and
has spent his entire life as a farmer and raiser of livestock. He
is still active in this management and operation of a valuable
farm located near Lebanon, where he is one of the substantial and
highly respected men of his community. Mr. Willoughby married
Miss Sarah Cantwell, and to this union there have been born four
children: Ross, who married Grace May, and has one son, John;
Hoyt who is married and has one son, Robert; Dr. H. P., of this
review; and Esther, who married Estel Troth and has one son,
Floyd. H. P. Willoughby attended the public schools of Spencer,
and after graduating from high school spent two years at Indiana
University. Following this he went to Indianapolis, where he
pursued a course at the Indiana Veterinary College, and then
returned to Spencer, where he has since been engaged in the
practice of his profession, having built up a large business
through his skill and thorough knowledge. From the time of the
attainment of his majority Doctor Willoughby has been interested
in politics, and from 1920 until 1924 was secretary of the Owen
County Republican central committee. He was appointed postmaster
of Spencer by President Coolidge, and since taking charge of this
office has done much to improve and elevate the service here,
being an energetic and conscientious official. He is active in
all, civic movements and for a time served as a member of the
school board. Doctor Willoughby is a Blue Lodge Mason and a
member of the Lions Club. On September 15, 1915, Doctor
Willoughby was united in manage with Miss Edna Yockey, a daughter
of Edwin C. and Laura (Jury) Yockey.