Paul F. Binford, of Greenfield, one of the best-known and most energetic young lawyers in central Indiana, who is also identified with numerous extensive financial interests hereabout, was born in Greenfield on December 31, 1880, son of John H. and Lucy (Coggeshall) Binford, prominent and influential residents of that city. The late John H. Binford for many years was one of the most useful citizens of Hancock County. Educator, lawyer and banker, he did well his part in the common life of this community and his memory is cherished hereabout. In a memorial sketch relating to the late John H. Binford, presented elsewhere in this volume, further details regarding this interesting family in Hancock County are set out and to those pages the reader is respectfully referred for additional information in this connection.

Paul F. Binford was graduated from the Greenfield high school in 1898, after which he spent a year in the state of Champeche, Mexico, where he was engaged in the lumber industry. Upon his return home to took a course in Earlham College and was then engaged as city editor of the old Greenfield Republican, now the Daily Reporter. After two years of excellent service in the local newspaper field he entered the office of the National Biscuit Company at Chicago beginning his service in that office as "bell boy." Efficiency of service quickly met its reward and it was not long until he was advanced to the position of assistant secretary to the president of the company and later was made assistant manager of the real-estate department of that corporation. In 1907 Mr. Binford was transferred to the offices of the National Biscuit Company in New York City, acting there in the same capacity as had marked his service for the company in Chicago, and he remained in that city until the death of his father in 1912 required his return home to look after the affairs of his father's estate. During his residence in New York Mr. Binford enter the International Young Men's Christian Association Schools, attending nights, and was there graduated in commercial law. He later entered the New York Law School and was graduated from that institution in June, 1909, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, the degree of Master of Laws being conferred upon him by the same school in June, 1910. In January, 1912, Mr. Binford was admitted to practice by the supreme court of New York and was thus amply qualified to enter upon the practice of his chosen profession upon his return to Greenfield. He at once occupied the office so long occupied by his father and has since remained there, successfully continuing the business that his father had established. In addition to his general law practice, Mr. Binford is interested in four banks as attorney, stockholder or director, and is otherwise actively identified with the commercial and financial interest of this section of the state.

On January 15, 1916, Paul F. Binford was united in marriage to Mary E. Henley, who was born in Carthage, in Rush County, this state, December 19, 1894, daughter of Walter C. and Carrie B. Henley, now residents of Greenfield, where Mr. Henley is engaged in the manufacture of furniture. Mr. Binford is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being a member of the board of stewards of the same. He is a Knight Templar, a member of the commandery at Greenfield, and is a member of Murat Temple, Ancient Arabic order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Indianapolis.

Transcribed from History of Hancock County, Indiana, Its People, Industries and Institutions by George J. Richman, B. L., Federal Publishing Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, 1916. Pages 862-863.

Submitted by Sylvia (Rose) Duda, Laingsburg, MI September 12, 2001.

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