John R. East

John R. East (May 11, 1845 - ? was a Monroe County native, Civil War veteran, and judge in the late 19th Century.

Born in Indian Creek Township, East was the child of William East, who had come to the county in 1828

In February, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, 59th Indiana Volunteers, and took part in the battles at Altoona and Sheppard's Landing and marched with Sherman to the sea. In 1865 he was discharged and returned to his home. Four years later he moved to Bloomington and began work at the law office of Judge S. H. Buskirk, earning a law degree in 1870.

Over the next few years he served as County Clerk as well as Prosecutor, and formed law partnerships with others including James H. Rogers, C.W. Henderson, and W.C.L. Taylor of Lafayette, his brother William H. East, and Robert G. Miller.

On March 22, 1866, East married the former Matilda J. Binkley, and they had six children.

East was the author of a novel entitled "Theophilus Wallop," and also published a Democratic campaign song book.