Paul Vories McNutt came to Morgan County as a child, graduated from Martinsville High School in 1909, from Indiana University in 1913, and earned an L.L.B. from Harvard University. He practiced law in Martinsville with his father as McNutt and McNutt. He served in World War I as a Colonel and in 1925 became Dean of the Indiana University Law School. He was State and National Commander of the American Legion, was elected Governor of Indiana in 1932, and was appointed High Commissioner and later Ambassador to the Philippines. He also served as Federal Security Administrator, Director of Defense, Health and Welfare Services, and War Manpower Commissioner.