Indiana Famous People Trivia

1. Many people consider him to be a myth, but which folk hero really lived, and is now buried in Fort Wayne?

From Quiz Notable Hoosiers: Part Two

Answer: Johnny Appleseed

There are several differences between John Chapman, the man and Johnny Appleseed, the folk hero. Chapman planted orchards in order to improve the land and sell it for a profit. At the time of his death, he owned 1200 acres of valuable land. The apples he cultivated weren't considered fit to eat. That fruit was for cider and applejack. The bare feet and funny clothes were true. He was an animal rights advocate and a vegetarian a century and a half before it became popular. He spread his religious beliefs as he traveled tending his nurseries. "Do not worry at being worried; but accept worry peacefully. Difficult but not impossible." - John Chapman

From Quiz Who's a Hoosier?

Answer: Florence Henderson

That's right, America's favorite mother is a Hoosier! Florence Henderson was born February 14, 1934 in Dale, Indiana. She first started out on Broadway but became famous when she won the role of Carol Brady in 1969. The role also won her a spot on TV Land and Entertainment Weekly's list of Greatest TV Icons. Since her iconic role, she has hosted cooking shows and talk shows and made appearances at a Hoosier landmark - the Indianapolis 500.

From Quiz Hoosiers

Answer: Clyde Lovellette

Lovellette was an All-State performer at Garfield High School, an All-American at the University of Kansas, and is in the National Basketball Association's Hall of Fame. After his playing days, he became Sheriff of Vigo County.

From Quiz Famous Boilermakers ...

Answer: Orville Redenbacher

Orville Redenbacher, who died in 1995, created his hybrid popcorn with his partner Charlie Bowman, which they named "RedBow". His trademark red bowtie was a tribute to that partnership.

From Quiz Notable Hoosiers: Part Two

Answer: Red Skelton

Richard Bernard "Red" Skelton was probably most famous for his various characters. These included: Sheriff Deadeye was a cross-eyed western lawman. Freddie the Freeloader was a kind hearted bum. Clem Kadiddlehopper was a dim-witted country bumpkin that still managed to get one over on sophisticated people. San Fernando Red was a crooked politician. And Gertrude and Heathcliff were two silly seagulls. "All men make mistakes, but married men find out about them sooner." - Red Skelton

From Quiz Notable Hoosiers: Part One

Answer: Michael Jackson

When Lisa Marie Presley married Michael, she became associated with both the "King of Pop" and the "King of Rock and Roll." Give her a Budweiser and she'll have the "King of Beers." Michael Jackson was a big fan of the TV show "The Simpsons" and he talked to the producers about appearing on the show. They wrote an episode specifically for Michael to star in. When he came to find out his contract with his agent wouldn't allow him to work for the small amount "Simpson" producers were willing to pay. He did the episode under a pseudonym and donated the money to charity. "If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with." Michael Jackson

From Quiz Who's a Hoosier?

Answer: Kurt Vonnegut

That's right, the counter-culture novelist is a Hoosier! Kurt Vonnegut was born November 11, 1922 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Vonnegut had a tumultuous life, including his mother's suicide, and he was an American prisoner of war during World War II. He survived the bombing of Dresden in a slaughter-house which the Germans called Schlachthof Fünf - this was the inspiration for his most famous novel "Slaughterhouse Five". He was an intellectual, a pacifist, and critical of US politics, and has been called a voice of the anti-establishment generation.

From Quiz Hoosier Daddy

Answer: Jim Gaffigan

Jim Gaffigan's humor focuses on things we can all relate to in some way, from the mundane to the irreverent. He does not revert to crudeness and has stated that if it requires obscenity to be funny it's just not funny. Gaffigan has done a lot of standup and often mentions food as a topic of concern to all. He has said, among other things, "I'm a guy who talks about bacon and escalators." His autobiography "Dad is Fat" was published in 2013. Gaffigan has also played some film roles and parts in several TV shows. He appeared in the film, "The Love Guru" with Mike Myers in 2008.

From Quiz Hoosiers

Answer: Eugene V. Debs

While serving time for "impeding the United States mail" for his role in the Pullman Strike, Debs read Karl Marx for the first time and became a leader of the Socialist movement in the United States. It is reported that Clarence Darrow resigned a rewarding financial job to defend Debs.

From Quiz Famous Boilermakers ...

Answer: Theodore Kermit Scott

Jim Henson, creator of the muppets, grew up in Leland, Mississippi with Theodore Kermit Scott. He was inspired to create his character "Kermit the Frog" by the bullfrogs near his childhood home, and dubbed him with the middle name of his close friend.

From Quiz Notable Hoosiers: Part Two

Answer: Florence Henderson

Florence Henderson began her career on Broadway starring in shows such as "Oklahoma" and "The Girl Who Came To Supper." She is best known for her part as Carol Brady in somewhat corny, but much beloved TV show "The Brady Bunch." Later she had her own variety show and became a producer. "I had four children. And my youngest when we started was like, oh, gosh, 2 or a little less. And sometimes my kids would say to me, you know, how come you don't scream at those kids on television like you do us?" - Florence Henderson

From Quiz Notable Hoosiers: Part One

Answer: Bill Blass

During WWII, Biil Blass was part of the 603rd camouflage unit; the so-called "Ghost Army." Their job was to use visual, sound and radio effects to fool the enemy into thinking a major threat was in a place where few troops were actually deployed. These diversionary tactics were very effective in siphoning off enemy units from fighting battalions. The Ghost Army's mission was so secret that their contribution wasn't public knowledge until 40 years after the war was over. Some of the things they did are still classified today. "Fashion can be bought by anybody; style takes discernment. It has to do with individuality." Bill Blass

From Quiz Who's a Hoosier?

Answer: Axl Rose

That's right, the bad-boy rocker is a Hoosier! Axl Rose was born as William Bruce Rose, Jr. February 6, 1962 in Fayetville, Indiana. He moved to Los Angeles and formed Guns N' Roses in 1985 with fellow Hoosier Izzy Stradlin, and Duff McKagan, Steven Adler and Slash. Rose and the band experienced immense success from 1987 through 1993 with albums "Appetite for Destruction", "G N' R Lies", "Use Your Illusion 1" and "Use Your Illusion 2". Band life was tumultuous with many members quitting and/or being fired. Guns N' Roses lived on but never with any stability. Rose and the original band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, but Rose didn't attend the ceremony due to continuing hostility with band members. Oh, it's a hard life for a rock star.

From Quiz Hoosier Daddy

Answer: Kurt Vonnegut

Author of "Slaughterhouse-5", Vonnegut was in Dresden as a prisoner in a slaughterhouse during the bombing, so his view is that of a bystander. He also wrote "Cat's Cradle", "Breakfast of Champions" and many other noteworthy books. His style combined reality with fantasy such as time travel, real events and unreal races of aliens. Some of his characters wander throughout his books. He and Joseph Heller were friends. His use of sardonic humor may have saved him from the depressions he experienced off and on. Vonnegut had seven children. He died in 2007.

From Quiz Famous Boilermakers ...

Answer: Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong, a native of Auglaize County, Ohio, was only the 2nd member of his family to attend college. His famous quote upon his historic moon walk, "That's one small step for (a) man; one giant leap for mankind," is one of the most well-known in the world.

From Quiz Notable Hoosiers: Part Two

Answer: Jim Davis

The creator of "Garfield " was born in Marion, raised in Fairmount and lives in Albany. Growing up on a farm with a brother and 25 cats influenced Jim's work. Garfield is a cat and his owner Jon Arbuckle is a cartoonist who grew up on a farm and has one brother. "Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie." - Jim Davis

From Quiz Notable Hoosiers: Part One

Answer: Tecumseh

Tecumseh has the rare honor of being a hero in two countries. (U.S. and Canada) He sided with the British during The War of 1812, hoping that an American defeat would stop settlers from crossing the Appalachian Mountains. Although his plans ultimately failed, his compassion, oratory and military skills made him a great leader. "Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself." Tecumseh

From Quiz Who's a Hoosier?

Answer: Thomas R. Marshall

That's right, the popular Indiana Governor and VP was a Hoosier! Thomas Riley Marshall was born March 14, 1854 in North Manchester, Indiana. He served as Governor of Indiana from 1909 to 1913. Indiana was a critical state for Democrats to gain power and with Marshall's popularity, who was selected to run as Woodrow Wilson's VP, and the two took office in 1913. He and Wilson didn't get along but Marshall was a good public speaker and delivered stirring addresses to rally the country during World War I. Marshall was also famous for his sense of humour and quick retorts. I'll leave you with his most famous joke of the what the country needed: "What this country needs is a really good five-cent cigar."

From Quiz Hoosier Daddy

Answer: David Letterman

One of Dave's early ventures was in 1975, at L.A.'s 'Comedy Store'. 'The Dave Letterman Show' aired in 1981. He became a regular, favorite and frequent guest host on the 'Johnny Carson Show'. 'Worldwide Pants' is the production company founded by Letterman and it produces several shows. Letterman was preferred by Carson to take over the "Tonight Show" but the network chose Jay Leno. David has been a late night host since 1982 and has broken Johnny Carson's record as the longest running host. When David had to have emergency quintuple bypass heart surgery in 2000, scores of film legends and well known people took turns guest-hosting for him till his return, when he brought out his surgical team, and introduced them as 'the people who saved my life'. David's humor is irreverent and edgy at times, and he has made public apologies for some comments, but he seems to be a man who thoroughly enjoys the funny side of life. He has a child by his second wife.

From Quiz Hoosiers

Answer: Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown

In fact there were two hand accidents. In the first he lost a finger in a piece of farm machinery; in the second his third finger was permanently bent. After his baseball career, he ran a gas station until his diabetes became a problem for him.

From Quiz Famous Boilermakers ...

Answer: Gene Cernan

Only one of 12 men to walk on the moon, he took the last steps there during Apollo 17 in 1972. Gene Cernan was also one of only 3 men to make a voyage to the moon on two different occasions.

From Quiz Notable Hoosiers: Part Two

Answer: Eli Lilly

Aside from his pharmaceutical and business interests, Lilly Was fascinated with archeology. He worked especially with Indiana prehistory. He both financially supported professional archeologists and worked the discipline himself. He had several papers published over the years even though he never had formal training in subject. "If Eli Lilly had any interesting quotes, I can't find them." - Your Lordship

From Quiz Notable Hoosiers: Part One

Answer: Carole Lombard

Known as The Hoosier Tornado, Carole Lombard was a major Hollywood player who preferred the company of grips and techies to other players. She died in a plane crash returning from a war bond selling tour. She was awarded a posthumous Medal of Freedom by FDR, who called her the first woman killed in the line of duty during World War II. "I live by a man's code, designed to fit a man's world, yet at the same time I never forget that a woman's first job is to choose the right shade of lipstick." Carole Lombard

From Quiz Who's a Hoosier?

Answer: Cole Porter

That's right, the popular songbird was a Hoosier! Cole Porter was born June 9, 1891 in Peru, Indiana. He was a violinist by age six, pianist by age eight and an opera writer by age ten, but he didn't see much Broadway success before World War I when he moved to Paris and lived in luxury. He was famous for his parties with liberal drug use and gay and bisexual activities. He also married despite being homosexual. In 1928, he returned to Broadway where his musical success introduced him to Hollywood. Cole Porter has achieved continuing popularity with stars like Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Rosemary Clooney, Dionne Warwick and Frank Sinatra releasing albums of Cole Porter songs, as well as the 2004 film "De-Lovely" which chronicled his life.

From Quiz Hoosier Daddy

Answer: Steve McQueen

In "The Great Escape" he was called "the Cooler King", having spent much of his time in solitary confinement. Steve was born in 1930 and died of a double heart attack after surgery in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in 1980. He was being treated for mesothelioma. Steve had a reputation as a bad boy, having spent some years in reform school, but he was well liked in films. His roles were all tough, cool and sexy guys; he claimed to not have a great range in acting, but was mostly himself. In his early film "The Blob" (1958) he was paid $3,000. Two years later, in "The Magnificent Seven" he earned $100,000. By 1963's "The Great Escape" his salary was $400,000. In 1968 he earned $1 million for "Bullitt" driving a Ford Mustang vs the killer in a Dodge Charger. He loved auto racing and living on the edge, and is quoted as saying, "Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting." Steve had two children.

From Quiz Hoosiers

Answer: Hulman

The Hulman family built its fortune on a food processing factory and increased its wealth by investments in communications and real estate. In 1946 Tony Hulman bought the Indianapolis Speedway which was becoming a rapidly deteriorating structure. Hulman took over leadership from Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, a World War I flying hero, and Wilber Shaw, a distinguished racer. Tony Hulman or a member of his family, by tradition, give the "Gentlemen, start your engines!" directive.

From Quiz Famous Boilermakers ...

Answer: Drew Brees

Drew Brees was named Academic All-American Player of the Year in 2001. He was picked up by the San Diego Chargers later that year and played for them until 2005. He is currently a member of the New Orleans Saints.

From Quiz Notable Hoosiers: Part Two

Answer: Anne Baxter

Anne has the somewhat dubious distinction of being the only actress to play two different arch-villains on the 1960s TV series "Batman." She played Zelda the Great in the first season. In the third season she learned to swear in Russian so she could play Olga, Queen of the Bessarovan Cossacks. She claimed that doing that show was a "thoroughly enjoyable" experience. "I'm an actress, not a personality. It's more successful to be a personality. But can you use it in every role? I don't spill over into everything I do. I do what I do from inside someone else's skin." - Anne Baxter

From Quiz Notable Hoosiers: Part One

Answer: Orville Redenbacher

For his whole life, Orville Redenbacher's singular obsession was a better popcorn. He turned that little kernel into a multi-million dollar industry. He was his own TV pitchman. He also did the talk show circuit to prove he was the real Orville not an actor portraying him as many people suspected. He died in Coronado, Ca September 19, 1995 and his ashes were scattered at sea. "Every once in a while, someone will mail me a single popcorn kernel that didn't pop. I'll get out a fresh kernel, tape it to a piece of paper and mail it back to them. '" Orville Redenbacher

From Quiz Who's a Hoosier?

Answer: Colonel Harland Sanders

That's right, America's favorite chicken chef was a Hoosier! Harland David Sanders was born September 9, 1890 in Henryville, Indiana. He spent the first 16 years of his life in Indiana but he dropped out of school in the seventh grade and moved from job to job. He worked in restaurants and motels throughout the 1930s and 40s including finalizing his fried chicken recipe in 1940. Kentucky Fried Chicken was first franchised in 1952 and it was long, hard work until it took off in the 1960s. Colonel Sanders was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel - which is a title of honour offered by the Governor of Kentucky.

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