Harry O. Lanning
A successful educator who puts much practical idealism into his work is the way the people of Sweetser regard Professor Lanning, superintendent of schools there since 1910. Mr. Lanning has been closely identified with school work in both country and town for ten years, and has an exceptional equipment both in training and talent for his chosen work.
Harry O. Lanning was born in Blackford County, Indiana, in the village of Mill Grove, October 21, 1882, a son of William J. and Mary F. (Thorp) Lanning. Both parents now reside in Sweetser, the father being in the general merchandise business, and one of the substantial citizens of the town. Professor Lanning was reared in the village of Mill Grove, where he received his early education in the grammar and high schools, and in 1909 graduated from the state Normal School. He also has some post-graduate credits. His first work as a teacher began in September, 1902, in a district school, and he continued to teach in the country for four years. For one year, he was principal of the Mill Grove School, taught science in the Rensselaer Public Schools, and in 1910 was chosen superintendent of the Sweetser City Schools.
Professor Lanning is unmarried, and is active and popular in social and civic affairs. He belongs to the Methodist Church, is a teacher in the Sunday School, and fraternally is affiliated with the Improved Order of Red Men and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is past sachem of the Sweetser Tribe of Red Med, and belongs to the Odd Fellows at Sweetser and the Encampment at Marion. In politics his support has recently been given to the Progressive party, and he served as a state delegate in the campaign of 1912.
Submitted by: Gina Reasoner