Hugh Montgomery and wife are buried in the Watts graveyard on the Lanham farm. Before the war, he came to the colonies from Ireland with two brothers. His brothers fought with the British, but Hugh Montgomery cast his lot with the thirteen colonies. He served for three years in the company commanded by John Sullivan, of Colonel Russel's Ninth Virginia Regiment.

When the war was over, Hugh Montgomery moved to Ohio, and later to Decatur county, and, on October 7, 1822, applied for a pension, claiming that he was no longer able to support himself. In his application for a pension he listed his worldly possessions as follows: One mare, $25; one cow and calf, $12; four sheep, $4; two shoats, $3; two pots and bed, $17.50; total, $61.50. He then makes the following declaration: "In pursuance of the act of May, 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident of the United States on the 18th day of May, 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby to diminish it, so as to bring myself within the provisions of an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval forces of the United States in the Revolutionary War, passed on the 18th day of March, 1818."

Concerning the application of Montgomery for a pension, the following letter is still preserved:
"War Department, Pension Office, March 29th, 1824.
"Hon. James Noble, Senate, United States:
Sir - I have, on examining the papers in the case of Hugh Montgomery, every reason to believe that the one who now lives in Decatur county, Indiana, is the same person who resided in Ohio three years ago and whose application for a pension was then rejected on account of his property. You will perceive, by referring to your letter to him, which is herewith returned, that he was required to prove that he was not the same person who lived in Ohio; instead of which, all the evidence that has any bearing on the subject goes to show that he lived in the very same county and state (Butler, Ohio) from which the first application was made. The claim, of course, cannot be allowed. The papers which you sent to me will remain upon our files, agreeably to the regulations of the war department.
"I am respectfully,
"Your Obt. Servt.,
"J. L. EDWARDS.''

Three sons of Montgomery fought in the War of 1812. They were Thomas, William and Henry Montgomery. William was killed in battle and Thomas is buried in South Park cemetery. Henry Montgomery is buried beside his father in the Antrobus cemetery.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.


David Bailey, a pensioner of the War of 1812, was paid through the Indianapolis agency. He served in Captain Hawkins' and Captain Gray's companies, the Seventeenth and Third United States Infantry. His pension certificate, which bore the number 3255, came into the possession of his daughter, Mrs. Perry Tremain, residing near Greensburg. David Bailey died in the city of Greensburg on March 6, 1879, aged eighty-one years and ten months, and was buried in South Park cemetery. There is no headstone, but there is a staff and the grave has been decorated. Application was made to the war department for a gravestone. George Myers was a pensioner of the War of 1812 and on the list of pensioners in the Indianapolis agency. No service given. He was buried in a cemetery near Harris City and has a monument with inscription of himself and wife. He had a son living in the county named William Myers.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Soldiers of the War of 1812


The location of the new Y. M. C. A. building on the lot where "Aunt Jane" Warriner lived for so many years has recalled to many of the older residents of Greensburg that old pioneer lady and her famous well. This lot was sold at the first public sale of lots on the first Monday in September, 1822, to Ella Warriner (a man) for the sum of ten dollars. The directors of the Young Men's Christian Association paid seven thousand five hundred dollars for this same lot in 1914.

"Aunt Jane" Warriner was born at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1800 and was married to Edmund Heuston in 1819. In the winter of 1820-21 her husband came to Decatur county with Col. Thomas Hendricks and helped to survey the county in the spring and summer of 1821. During the following winter "Aunt Jane" came down the Ohio river in a barge as far as Cincinnati. From there she walked to Greensburg, alone through the forests, carrying her babe at her breast.

Her husband died a few years later and, on May 26, 1831, she married Franklin Warriner, a brother of Ella. It was soon thereafter that they located on the present Y. M. C. A. lot in a rude log cabin. They dug a well in front of the house, which, from about 1835 to 1875, a period of forty years, was a social center for the whole town. People came for squares around to get water from this well, school children flocked to it on their way to and from school, and all were welcomed by "Aunt Jane." About 1875 the well was filled up and the once famous gathering place is now only a pleasant memory.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Aunt Jane Warriner and her Well


JOHN E. ROBBINS.
Old Decatur has given to the United States many citizens of wide prominence in various lines of human endeavor, many men of state prominence and a few men who have attained even national distinction. As a farmer, stockman and business man, Decatur county has produced perhaps no more widely-known man than John E. Robbins, who has won pre-eminence in many phases of human endeavor. In the first place, he is the proprietor and general manager of the John E. Robbins Company, manufactures of "Saltone," a medicated salt, which has an enormous sale among stockmen throughout the entire country, an enterprise which has brought thousands of dollars to its owner and proprietor. In the second place, he is one of the most up-to-date and progressive farmers to be found in the Middle West, and a man who has succeeded in a large way, merely because he has applied to the farm the same principles which he might apply to the operation of a railroad, a factory or a large department store. As a breeder, however, it is possible that Mr. Robbins is most widely known. A man of wide vision, he recognized the larger opportunities and, in 1896, while at Jersey Island, purchased ten head of Jersey cows, which were considered by experienced breeders on the Island to be the best that could be procured there. As a breeder of Hampshire hogs, he is equally well known and has accomplished equally remarkable feats. No attempt to explain his large success would be complete, unless one were able to met and know the man himself. It is significant, however, that he is descended from the best stock that Decatur county has ever produced. His father, his grandfather and his remote ancestors were men of large vision and great accomplishments, and it is true, no doubt, that John E. Robbins has inherited from these worthy progenitors many of his most sterling traits of character and much of his capacity for large business enterprise.

John E. Robbins was born March 29, 1864, on the old Robbins home stead, three-quarters of a mile south of Greensburg. Here, in a beautiful country home, surrounded with all of the opportunities which the father of wonderful ability could give to his son, he grew to manhood. The house in which he was born and in which he lived during the early years of his life, was supplanted by a magnificent brick house, erected by the father in 1868. Since he was twenty years old, he has been well-known in this state as a breeder. His business, of this character, has grown from year to year until, in 1914, he raised five hundred head of Hampshire hogs, and it was only in 1911 that he began breeding Hampshires. He sells fancy sows and boars all over the country and has exhibited his choice animals at state fair in Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa and the international live stock expositions. He has carried away a majority of the prizes and ribbons at each exhibit. A list of prizes he has won on his most famous animals would far exceed the available limits of this biographical review. Nevertheless, at his auction sale held on January 8, 1914, the "Saltone Stock Farm" established a new record. Sixty-nine Hampshire hogs sold for eight thousand seven hundred dollars, a previously unheard of average price of one hundred and twenty-six dollars a head. "Lady Over" brought five hundred and twenty-five dollars; "Saltone II.," five hundred and ten dollars; "Vesta," four hundred and fifteen dollars, and "Bessie Burk," four hundred and five dollars. Ten hogs sold at an average of three hundred and thirty dollars, twenty hogs sold at an average of two hundred and forty-five dollars, and forty at an average of one hundred and seventy-one dollars. Mr. Robbins attributes a part of his success with Hampshire hogs to the liberal use of Saltone, a medicated salt, which he himself manufactures. At the international live stock exposition at Chicago in 1913, his herd of Hampshire hogs won two grand championships, and three championships, the prizes including, however, not only the prizes won at international live stock exposition, but also at the Iowa, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois state fairs of the same year. In 1915 he sold one hog for one thousand and twenty-five dollars. Formerly a noted importer of Jersey cattle, Mr. Robbins made many trips to Jersey Isle, and, during his career, imported many thoroughbred Jersey cattle. Beginning in 1896, for fourteen years he bred and sold Jerseys and was the only man in the United States who ever bred, raised and sold a Jersey bull which brought the enormous price of ten thousand dollars. This excellent animal, " Silverine Coomassie," was sold to Dr. C. E. Still in the spring of 1905.

Of the Saltone enterprise, it may be said that it is manufactured by the John E. Robbins Company, which was organized on December 1, 1911. It is especially designed to destroy worms in live stock and to tone up animals physically. The formula was discovered in an enterprise launched by Mr. Robbins under the trade-mark name, "Saltone." This enterprise has been very successful, and, in normal times, the company employs about forty people and the sales in 1914 amounted to more than eighty thousand dollars.

With all of these enterprises to look after, it is not hard to conclude that John E. Robbins is a very busy man. He owns two hundred and seventy-five acres of land, and it is upon this farm, situated near Greensburg, that his extensive business operations are carried on. Personally, he is an intelligent and progressive citizen and an independent thinker and voter, although nominally he is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge; the Murat Temple; nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Indianapolis; the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Mr. Robbins has been twice married, the first time, December 24, 1884, to Lou Elder, the daughter of James Elder. She died on February 2, 1885, only a short time after their marriage. Mr. Robbins was married again, December 11, 1912, to Elizabeth C. Ehrhard, the daughter of Adam Ehrhard, of Greensburg. To this second marriage has been born one son, John Everman, who was born February 4, 1915.

John E. Robbins is a son of John E., Sr., and Nancy (Hunter) Robbins. The genealogy of the Robbins family begins with Bethiah Vickery, who was born on December 1, 1760, and who married William Robbins. To them were born three children: Albe, Charity and Benjamin. William Robbins was killed in the Revolutionary War, soon after enlisting, and his widow married a second William Robbins in Guilford county, North Carolina. To this couple were born nine children: Marmaduke and Jacob, born on May 15, 1783; Elizabeth, born on February 5, 1788; Polly, born on April 9, 1791; Nathaniel, born on April 5, 1793; John, born on February 8, 1795; William, born on August 6, 1797; Dosha, born on May 20, 1804. William Robbins, the second husband of Mrs. Robbins, was born on October 21, 1761, in Randolph county, North Carolina. In October, 1777, when sixteen years of age, he enlisted in the Revolutionary army, serving until 1781 under Capt. Joseph Clark and Colonel Dugail and Col. Anthony Sharp. He left Virginia for Henry county, Kentucky, and, in 1821, came to Decatur county, settling nine and one-half miles south of Greensburg. Here he made a home among the timbered hills. Trees were cleared away and a new log house of one room was erected with a shed, in which was built a loom for carpet weaving and many kinds of cloth. In September 11, 1834, William Robbins passed away and was buried at Mt. Pleasant cemetery. The third William Robbins, heretofore referred to in the children born to the second William Robbins and Bethiah Vickery, was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. He was taken by his parents to Henry county, Kentucky, and accompanied them to Indiana, when the family came in 1821. At this time he was twenty-four years of age. He selected the site for a home for himself about one and one-half miles north of his father's home, but the next year returned to Kentucky and was married to Eleanor Anderson, of that state.

Upon returning to his new home with his bride, and during the same year, three sisters and two brothers, John and Nathaniel, settled in the same vicinity. A short time later other relatives of the Robbins family came to the same township. The Robbins family became prominent both as to number and influence in the early affairs of this section. Nathaniel Robbins was the first justice of the peace in Sand Creek township. William and Eleanor Robbins lived on the farm originally selected as their home, during the remainder of their lives. They had four children: Sarilda, born in October, 1823, who married William Styers; John E., born on February 20, 1825, who married Nancy O. Hunter; James G., born on June 10, 1827, who married Elmira Stout, and Merrit H., born in 1829, who married Jeannette Gilchrist. William Robbins died on February 3, 1868, and his wife died four years later.

John E. Robbins, Sr., was born on his father's farm near Greensburg, February 20, 1825, and was married on November 7, 1844, to Nancy Hunter, the daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Hunter. After their marriage, the young couple went to housekeeping on a farm of forty acres given them by Mr. Robbins' father. After living on this farm until February 15, 1848, they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land one mile south of Greensburg, where they made their home until their death. To this purchase, however, they added large tracts of land until they owned three thousand acres in Decatur county and twenty-four hundred acres in Bartholomew county, besides personal property of great value.

In 1882, John E. Robbins helped to organize the Third National Bank of Greensburg, and became a director and its president, in which capacity he served until his death. Under his direction and management, the Third National Bank grew to be one of the most substantial and successful institutions in the country. Mr. Rohbins passed away on July 22, 1896. His wife, who had shared all of his interests and labors, a most willing and efficient helpmate, continued to live on the farm until her long and useful life closed, May 2, 1905. John E. and Nancy Robbins had fourteen children, of whom the names of twelve are herewith given: Elizabeth Ellen, deceased; Charlotte Adeline, deceased; Sarilda Ruth, who married H. F. Smiley; Minerva Jane, who became the wife of Archie Gilchrist; Nancy Elmira, who married J. B. Kitchen; Sarah Jeanette, deceased; William Hunter, who married Cora Sefton; Clara Alinda, who is the wife of Frank B. Kitchin; Olive Ida, who married Robert McCoy; John Everman, mho married Louisa Elder; Frank Roscoe, who married Katie Sefton, and Eliza Angeline, who became the wife of Will Q. Elder.

John Everman, given in the above list of children as having married Louisa Elder, is the John E. Robbins of this sketch. Mr. Robbins is at the present time at the very zenith of his usefulness, but it must not be assumed that he is at the zenith of his power and prosperity. As a matter of fact, he is hardly fifty-one years old today, and it is well known among men who have studied personal careers that great fortunes are generally acquired after the age of fifty. The people of Decatur county have every reason in the world to be proud of the career of John E. Robbins, and there is every reason to believe that they are proud of what he has accomplished; proud of the fame and name he has given to this section; gratified that the exceptional opportunities of which he has taken advantage, lie here at their threshold.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.


GEORGE S. LITTELL.
When a neighbor, himself a successful business man, says of another, "He is the greatest worker I ever saw," it is safe to assume that the latter is a success financially, and a citizen looked up to as a leader, whether the locality in which he lives is a town or city. There is a sort of energy that is invincible, an ambition that knows no defeat, and when these characteristics, are combined with a genial nature, we usually find a man well known and well liked, a power among his fellow men and a citizen worthy of honor and, esteem. When such a man comes of a line of ancestry living in the same, neighborhood for many years, he has an added prestige, for he and his family become a vital part of the community whose well-being is a matter of their personal concern. Such has been the relationship of George S. Littell and his ancestors to Decatur county, that its history could not be written without prominent mention of them. And today, Mr. Littell and his father in their beautiful home are important factors in the commercial and social life of their community.

George S. Littell was born at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, on June 1, 1854. His father, Benjamin Littell, who still lives with his son, George, is hale and hearty at ninety-five, and retains much of his former vigor and interest in life. His mother, who was before her marriage, Jane Van Sant, was the daughter of Reuben Van Sant, former county treasurer of Hamilton county, Ohio. The grandfather of George Littell was also named Benjamin, who passed away during the cholera epidemic, leaving a widow and four children, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Sarah Ann and Clara. Of Benjamin, the father of Mr. Littell, we shall have more to say later on in the present article, for he, too, has an interesting life history. His wife, who was born in 1822, lived until 1907, and died at the age of seventy-eight. Their children were, Alanson, a merchant of Greensburg; William T., a bricklayer and mason living in Indianapolis; Frank, deceased; Mrs. Adelia McCoy, a widow who is now caring for the home of our subject and his aged father, George S., in whom our present interest centers; Eliza, wife of Phil Weymar, of Greensburg; Samuel V. and James S., merchants of the same city; Mrs. C. D. Tillson, also a resident of Greensburg, and Curtis R., who lives in Washington state. The husband of Mrs. McCoy, mentioned above, was city councilman eight years, and has one son, Frank, who is deputy postmaster of Greensburg.

Benjamin Littell, the father of George, first came to Greensburg in 1863 to manufacture brick for Augusta Lathrop, so it was on easy matter for the son not only to be interested in that line of work but to pick up a practical education in brickmaking. George was two years old when his father moved from Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, to Ripley county, Indiana, and eight years afterward they came to Greensburg. When George began working in the brick plant of his father, it was on the land which became the first fairground of the county as well as the location of the first gas well ever drilled in the county. Here father and son continued working together until 1882, when the latter went in business for himself, making and selling brick until 1905. At that time his place of business was on East North street. While located here, he made brick for the Union Traction station, the Big Four livery stable, the home of Robert Watson, the Worthan Block, the east half of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Home (first building), the residence of Charles Zoller and Arthur Hutchinson, the engine house and roundhouse and the DeArmond hotel. For the construction of the latter building, he not only made and molded every brick, but also delivered them himself. It was at the time that he was engaged in this strenuous work that the remark was made by Mr. DeArmond that George was the greatest worker he ever saw.

Besides being an expert in the manufacture of brick, Mr. Littell has been and is now a successful real estate dealer and live stock merchant. It has been said of him that "there is nothing in that line that he will not trade for." It seems that he is too ambitious to be contented with raising and selling live stock. He must own and place on the race-track famous horses, such, for instance, as "Exchange Boy," the renowned horse which he bred and raised. It is said of this wonderful creature that "considering the number of races in which he started, he holds the best record of any horse in the world today." He started in seventy-two races, and was behind the money but six times, making a record of 2:17 1/4 on a half-mile track. Mr. Littell was also the owner of "Bunyp," the horse with no hair, which was exhibited with great success in all the large cities in the country and was considered the greatest freak horse in the world.

Having an active temperament, there seems to be a strain of adventure in Mr. Littell which gives him many and various interests. For example, he at one time was owner and manager of a "carnival" which consisted of several amusement features, including a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, miniature railroads, etc. At the first street fair ever held in Greensburg, he won the first ribbon for saddle-horse and rider over the competition of the best riders of Kentucky.

Mr. Littell is still engaged in the real estate business, and beside handling property for others, has a great deal of his own to look after. He owns ninety acres on the outskirts of Greensburg, near his own magnificent residence, and valuable land on Main street, including the site and building of a three-story brick block. Moreover, he is the owner of fifty houses in Greensburg, some large, some small, and of four hundred and fifty acres of land in Decatur county, and eight hundred acres in Nebraska.

Mr. Littell is a Republican, and was at one time chairman of the county central committee. His interest in politics has been genuine, and his influence among politicians is that of a leader. He is a member in good standing of the Odd Fellows lodge.

Being a business associate of his father, the lives of these two men have been very closely bound together, and it is almost impossible to write of one without frequent reference to the other. In all of the activities of the younger Littell, he has had the interest and co-operation of his father, who was an active business man for many years in Greensburg, and is now the oldest citizen of Decatur county. He was born on December 24, 1820, in Cincinnati, where he lived until early manhood. The Littell home was on Fifth street. His father, a brick-maker, was a native of Vermont, so it seems that the brick making industry in this family extended through three generations. After moving to Mt. Pleasant, nine miles from Cincinnati, they made this home until 1856, when they again changed their place of abode, this time going to Ripley county, Indiana, where the elder Littell engaged in farming until 1863, and then returned to brickmaking, his first contract being to supply brick for the building at the southwest corner of public square, known as "crook's corner." He also manufactured the brick for the Moss House, now the DeArmond, and Annex hotel, of which Mr. Minear is the proprietor. Remaining in the brick business until 1890, he then retired, and has made his home with his son. He is now in his ninety-fifth year, but is physically sound and mentally alert although he has been totally blind for the past six years.

Much of the success of this family has been clue to the fact that they were hard-working and had good business ability. Benjamin Littell used to work early and late, and taught his children the value of a good day's work. He has always been a genial, lovable man, and in spite of his strenuous life, has taken the time to be kind. It was said of him that he could do more work than two or three men, and had the happy faculty of being able to teach others how to work. As an employer, he was wise and kind, knew how to handle men, and while peaceable in his nature, when occasion demanded it, he could defend his rights with physical emphasis if necessary. In other words, he was a fighter who never gave up when once he had been aroused. He may be regarded as a typical pioneer, for he came to Indiana in the state's infancy.

A lasting testimony to the thoroughness and honesty with which the Littells did their work, is found in the fact that many of the handsome and substantial structures standing in Greensburg today are made of the material manufactured by them, the bricks made by them being molded by hand.

Even at his advanced age, Mr. Littell retains much of his vigorous personality, and is a constant source of happiness to his son and daughter, who are tenderly caring for him during his declining years. During his many years of residence in this county, it is not surprising that he has made hosts of warm friends, having both the faculty of making new friends while retaining the old. While his educational advantages were not what they are today, he has a brilliant mind and a retentive memory. He is an interesting conversationalist, and is versatile both in mind and in achievement. As a business man, his remarkable memory was an important asset. The home of the Littells is one of the landmarks of Greensburg, for no expense has been spared to make it both comfortable and beautiful.

With such an energetic father and grandfather, we do not wonder that the mental inheritance of George Littell has been along business lines as well as in matters of politics and social affiliations as exemplified in lodge and fraternal organizations. To say that such a career has been useful is not sufficient, for the history of counties and states are proof of the fact that their growth and settlement would have been retarded, if not absolutely impossible, but for the zeal, the perseverance and the energy of such men as we have here described. Their lives have gone into the making of Decatur county, and it may be said of the younger man, especially, that he knew how to take advantage of every opportunity, and to mold it into reality, thus not only to increase his own fortune, but that of the community as well.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.


HARRY BOYD.
Harry Boyd, secretary of the Union Trust Company, of Greensburg, Indiana, who has risen in life to his present position of prominence in the financial circles of Decatur county, was born on October 18, 1861, in Jennings county, Indiana, the son of William and Jane (Dickerson) Boyd, the former of whom was of Irish parentage, and who was born in Dearborn county, Indiana. His wife, a native of Jennings county, was of German descent. They settled in Jennings county, Indiana, after their marriage, and in 1865 Mrs. Boyd died. After her death, William Boyd was married, secondly, to Mary Marryman. By his first marriage, William Boyd had seven children, only one of whom, Harry, is now living. He was a Democrat in politics and for some time filled the office of assessor.

Self-made and self-educated, Harry Boyd, the subject of this sketch, was finally able to prepare himself for the schoolroom and taught for four years, becoming finally the bookkeeper for Mr. Mitchell at Letts Corner. After holding this position for six months, he taught school at Letts Corner for a part of one term and then returned to Mr. Mitchell's employ. Subsequently, he became a partner with W. T. and J. G. Adams, merchants at Letts Corner, and then, in partnership with Mr. Mitchell, opened the first hardware store at Letts. After a time, he traded his interest for a farm and was engaged in farming for four years. Not finding the farm everything that he had hoped it to be. Mr. Boyd and Mr. Adams purchased the Moore store and continued in partnership for some time, when Mr. Boyd came to Greensburg, as secretary of the Union Trust Company.

In 1888 Harry Boyd was married to Carrie I. Mitchell, the daughter of Oliver S. and Mary E. Mitchell, the former of whom, a farmer and merchant, was a native of Decatur county. He died in 1897 and his wife died in 1894. To Mr. and Mrs. Harry Boyd has been born one child, Jessie Gail, who was born on January 31, 1895.

Fraternally, Mr. Boyd is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Free and Accepted Masons. As secretary of the Union Trust Company, he has had a considerable part in the growth and prosperity during recent years of this institution. Mr. Boyd is popular with the officers and directors of the company and also with the patrons, the officers of which at the present time are: President, J. H. Christian; vice-president, Lewis Zoller, and secretary and treasurer, Harry Boyd.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.


JOHN LOCKE BRACKEN.
In the golden sayings of Epictetus there is no nobler utterance than this: "What wouldst thou be found doing when overtaken by Death? If I might choose, I would be found doing some deed of true humanity, of wide import, beneficent and noble. But if I may not be found engaged in aught so lofty, let me hope at least for this-what none may hinder, what is surely in my power-that I may be found raising up in myself that which had fallen; learning to deal more wisely with the things of sense; working out my own tranquility, and thus rendering that which is due to every relation of life. . . .

"If Death surprise me thus employed, it is enough if I can stretch forth my hands to God and say, 'The faculties which I received at Thy hands for apprehending this Thine administration, I have not neglected. As far as in me lay, I have done Thee no dishonor. Behold how I have used the senses, the primary conceptions which Thou gavest me. Have I ever laid anything to Thy charge? Have I ever murmured at aught that came to pass, or wished it otherwise? Have I in anything transgressed the relations of life? For that Thou didst beget me, I thank Thee for that Thou hast given: for the time during which I have used the things that were Thine, it suffices me. Take them back and place them wherever Thou wilt. They were all Thine and Thou gavest them me. If a man depart thus minded, is it not enough? What life is fairer or more noble, what end happier than his?"

The above beautiful thought is suggested to the biographer by a review of the life of the late John Locke Bracken, noted attorney and one time leader of the bar of the Decatur Circuit Court, of Greensburg, Indiana. It is but fitting that in a work of this character, carrying a historical and biographical review of the times in this county, the following brief memorial should be preserved.

John Locke Bracken was born at Milroy, Rush county, Indiana, February 21, 1849, the son of Dr. William and Patience (Bracken) Bracken. Dr. William Bracken was a well-known medical practitioner at Milroy, who moved to Greensburg in 1863, practicing there for many years, during which time he became one of the most noted physicians in this part of the state, being held in the highest esteem throughout this whole region. He was spared to the community in which, for so many years, his skill was so beneficially exerted, until he had reached the great age of ninety-one years, having maintained his practice with full vigor of his superb powers unimpaired until he was eighty years of age, at which time he retired from the active practice of his profession, his influence in the community, thereafter, being confined to the no less useful position of counsellor and friend, many still living in and about Greensburg having cause for grateful remembrance that Doctor Bracken lived and labored hereabout.

John L. Bracken received his elementary education in the Greensburg schools. After finishing the high-school course in the schools of his home town, he entered upon a supplementary course at DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana, and was later graduated from Kenyon College. Thus equipped he entered upon the practice of law at Greensburg, where from that time to the day of his death he occupied a most prominent and honored place in the affairs of the city and county. After practicing for a period of sixteen years, Mr. Bracken's health became impaired and he retired from practice for a time, removing to a farm of forty acres which he had bought, one and one-half miles northeast of Greensburg, on which he remained until his close communion with nature had restored him to his wonted vigor, after which he resumed his residence and practice in Greensburg, the rest of his life being spent there. As a practitioner at the bar of the Decatur Circuit Court, Mr. Bracken was successful beyond the most of his fellow attorneys, and for years was regarded as the leader of the bar in this county. He had an unusual grasp upon the intricacies of his exacting profession, and the value of his services as a counsellor in this community, never can be properly estimated. In the early period of his practice, he served as prosecuting attorney for Decatur county, his services to the public in that responsible capacity, receiving the recognition of all. During President Cleveland's administration, Mr. Bracken served as deputy revenue collector for this revenue district, under his brother William Holsworth Bracken, who was the district collector under that administration.

Mr. Bracken long was recognized as one of the leaders in the Democratic party in this section of Indiana, and his personal services ever were at the command of the managers of the party in the state. He had served his party as a delegate to state and national conventions and his sagacious counsels often proved of value in the deliberations of the party leaders. His death was, therefore, regarded as a distinct loss in political circles throughout the state, his absence creating a real vacancy in the councils of his party, while his engaging personality had so endeared him to all classes in this county, that his passing was regarded as a distinct loss to the entire community.

On December 18, 1877, John Locke Bracken was united in marriage to Mary F. Christy, who was born at Greensburg, Indiana, December 10, 1852, the daughter of William T. and Susan (Israel) Christy, natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

William T. Christy was born on September 6, 1829, and died on January 25, 1905. He came to this county from Kentucky as a young man and located at Greensburg, opening there a merchant-tailoring establishment, and for many years was recognized as one of the leading merchants in the city. For years he had practically all the trade of the growing city and became very successful in business. He was not only a man of fine business qualifications, but was a public-spirited citizen of the highest grade, his influence in the community ever being exerted for the best. His widow, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1834, of Dutch extraction, still is living, pleasantly and comfortably situated in the delightful home on West Washington street, in the city of Greensburg, where she enjoys the most respectful regard of her large circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Christy were the parents of two children, daughters, Mary C., widow of Mr. Bracken, and Elizabeth Anna, who married the Rev. F. S. Tincher, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church at Battle Creek, Michigan, to which union were born two children, Mary I. and Coyle C., the latter of whom lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mary I. Christy married Roscoe Martin, of Moores Hill, Indiana, a son of the Rev. Dr. John H. Martin, president emeritus of Moores Hill College, and Josephine (Hansell) Martin, to which union there was born one child, a daughter, Dorothy Irene, on February 11, 1905.

To John Locke and Mary C. (Christy) Bracken were born two children, William Christy, who died at the age of six years, and Locke, born on August 18, 1858, who married Clara McNaught and was manager of the Ward manufacturing establishment, at Decatur, Indiana, after which, in July, 1915, he accepted a position as teller in the Greensburg National Bank. Mr. Bracken was an earnest member of the Methodist church, as is his widow, and was an active worker in the affairs of the congregation to which he was attached and the son was brought up in the same faith.

Mrs. Bracken takes an active interest in the social and club life of Greensburg, and her activities therein have been largely influential for good. She holds membership in the leading musical and literary clubs of the city, and is a member of the influential Department Club. She is devoted to the memory of her late husband, and the whole community shares with her the sense of loss at his passing. Such lives as his enrich the world with their presence. Gracefully and graciously they mingle with their fellows, leaving examples well worthy of imitation by the generations following. The real life of John Locke Bracken abides with us as a perfume of undying fragrance.

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"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.


WILL J. CRISLER.
Among the well-known citizens of a past generation of Decatur county, Indiana, Will J. Crisler, for many years a teacher in the schools of Decatur county and later a stone dealer, occupied a prominent niche in the educational and business life of this county. Mr. Crisler belonged to a very old family in America, and he was a man who worthily upheld the tradition of a noble family name.

A veteran of the Civil War, the late Will J. Crisler was born on October 7, 1840, and died on January 22, 1905. He was the son of James S. and Margaret (Arnold) Crisler, natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Shelby county, Indiana. James S. Crisler was born on February 18, 1817, and died on January 12, 1900. His wife, who, before her marriage, was Margaret Arnold, was born on April 11, 1826, and died on February 24, 1881. James S. Crisler was the son of Lewis, who was a son of Leonard, who was the son of Fawatt Crisler. The latter married Rosina Gaar, the daughter of Andseas Gaar, born in 1685. Andreas Gaar was the son of John Gaar, who was born in 1657, and who died in 1738. Andreas Gaar and his family of five, with three hundred others, came from Bavaria to America in 1732 in a sailing vessel.

Reared in Shelby county, Indiana, and educated in the schools of St. Paul, Will J. Crisler began teaching after the close of the Civil War and, for twenty years, was a teacher in this section of the state.

On October 20, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Thirty-seventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out of service, October 27, 1864, after serving in many battles and minor engagements. After the war, he taught school in Shelby and Decatur counties and in 1887 engaged in the stone business at Greensburg. He located in Greensburg in 1887. Later he operated a quarry at Westport, Indiana, and retired in 1898.

On May 15, 1873, Will J. Crisler was married to Eliza J. Stagg, who was born on January 26, 1852, in Switzerland county, Indiana, and who is the daughter of Philip D. and Sarah A. (Anderson) Stagg, natives of Indiana, he of Ripley county and she of Switzerland county, both of whom came to Decatur county in 1859. After two years in Greensburg, they moved to a farm, and in 1906, leased the farm and spent the remainder of their lives in Mrs. Crisler's home.

Philip Doddridge Stagg was one of eight children. His ancestors came to America during Queen Anne's reign, settling near Hackensack and Trenton, New Jersey. The name Stagg is of Norman-French origin and was originally spelled LeStagg. In the rolls of Parliament appear the names of John LeStagg and Dorthea LeStagg. It is derived from animal traits or characteristics, such as pride, swiftness, speed and shyness of the stag. The motto on the Stagg coat-of-arms is "En Dieu est ma fianzce." In God is my trust." The royal mantle of crimson velvet and the Crusader's cross between the stag's horns on the coat-of-arms plainly show the royal lineage. After settling in England, branches of the family went to Holland, from which place they came to America. Philip D. Stagg was an artist of rare genius and skill and many paintings testify his artistic ability. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Methodist Episcopal church. Philip D. Stagg was the son of James Dunn Stagg, who was the son of Daniel Stagg, who was the son of Capt. James Stagg, who was the son of Cornelius, who was the son of John Stagg and the latter was a son of Thomas. The first mention of Thomas Stagg's name was in 1632, when he immigrated from England to Holland. He was one of the Dissenters of those times and, after living in Holland for some time, came to America. Thirteen descendants of Thomas Stagg are shown to have fought in the Revolutionary War. James Dunn Stagg, the father of Philip D., was born on January 27, 1796 Capt. James Stagg, the father of Daniel and the grandfather of James Dunn, was born on September 18, 1737, and died on May 4, 1825. Major John Stagg, a cousin of Capt. James Stagg, was private secretary to General Washington at Valley Forge. Capt. James Stagg owned a large plantation in Mercer county, Kentucky. He commanded a company in a New Jersey regiment during the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Crisler's father, Philip D. Stagg, who was born on September 1, 1827, died on December I 5, 1908, and her mother, Sarah A. (Anderson) Stagg, was born on March 2, 1833, and died on December 6, 1913. She was the daughter of John G. and Matilda Berkeley (Adams) Anderson, the latter of whom was a lineal descendant of John Quincy Adams, on her paternal side and of Lord Berkeley on her maternal side.

Philip D. and Sarah A. Stagg had eight children, five of whom are living, James A., of Greensburg, married Mary A. Fisher on June 29, 1875; Harvey D., of Indianapolis, married Gertrude M. Greer on September 7, 1905; Mrs. (Ida) J. N. Hodgin, of Richmond, Indiana; Mrs. Anna, wife of J. H McGill, of Joplin, Missouri; Mrs. Crisler; Edith, who died on November 4, 1867, at the age of four; George, who died on March 24, 1904, and Albert, who died on November 12, 1905.

To Mr. and Mrs. Will J. Crisler have been born two children, Winona and Walter W. Winona, born on February 27, 1873, married, June 11, 1902, George Deiwert, of Greensburg, who was born in Shelby county, Indiana, in 1870, and has three children living, Philip Sebra, Eliza Adeline, Albert Emerson, and one, William Walter, died at the age of two and one-half years, on September 30, 1905. Walter W., born on June 3, 1882, conducts a cigar store in Greensburg. He served four years in the United States navy, three years of which were spent in the Philippines, and, by special act of Congress, received an active-service medal. He married Minnie L. Crews, of North Carolina, on July 12, 1909.

The late Will J. Crisler was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is also his widow. He was a member of Pap Thomas Post No. 5, Grand Army of the Republic, the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he served as noble grand. He was past commander of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic and regimental secretary of the Union Veteran Legion. Mrs. Crisler is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star No. 147, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is a prominent worker in the Woman's Relief Corps and has held many offices in this organization, among which are junior vice-president, senior vice-president, president of the department of Indiana, department press correspondent for seven years and also department patriotic instructor for eight years and national patriotic instructor for two years, which is one of the most important offices in this organization. She is secretary and past matron of Lois Chapter No. 147, Order of the Eastern Star; treasurer and past president of Pap Thomas Woman's Relief Corps No. 113; secretary of the Thirty-seventh Indiana Regimental Association, and a member of the county board of charities and correction.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.


LEN J. EMMERT.
Four miles southeast of Greensburg, Indiana, on the old state road, is the old Cobb farm, entered from the government by the grandfather of Jasper Cobb, one of the farms settled in Decatur county and one which remained in the Cobb family until 1906, when it passed into the hands of E. G. Schultz, of whom Len J. Emmert purchased it in March, 1913. In pioneer times, a mill, a tavern and a still house were operated on this farm and, because there was always plenty of water to be found on the farm, it was a camping place for the Indians. Its many springs furnished abundant water for the whole countryside. During the last two years, the old Cobb farm has been owned and operated by Len J. Emmert, one of the foremost farmers and stockmen of the county, an extensive breeder of Duroc-Jersey hogs, cattle, horses and calves. Its present owner, who has had a varied experience in business, since he engaged in farming, has applied the same business methods to the farm which he employed in the shop and the store.

Len J. Emmert was born on May 11, 1871, in Greensburg, the son of native-born German parents, John B. and Catherine (Seitz) Emmert, the former of whom was born in Mannheim, Germany, and who came to America with nothing in his possession except good health, a strong heart and a willing hand. After coming to Greensburg, in 1866, John B. Emmert built and operated the Garland mills until his death. Previously he had lived in Lawrenceburg for thirteen years. Not only was he a successful business man, but he was an influential and prominent citizen, public spirited, progressive and industrious. Catherine Seitz was born in Alsace-Lorraine and came to America with her parents in 1838. After living for some time in Hamilton, Ohio, the family moved to Dearborn county and later he became a well-known farmer in this county. John B. Emmert died in 1882 and his wife in 1909.

Educated in the public schools of Greensburg, in 1888, Len J. Emmert went to Cincinnati, where he was employed for nine years in the home steam laundry. Upon returning home, he engaged in business for a short time in the employ of Minear & Company. For a short time, he was also engaged in the dry goods business at Anderson and for six years dealt in horses and stock. Eventually, he was able to buy his present farm, which is located on the old state road, four miles southeast of Decatur county's county seat. He has been very successful in raising hogs for the market and ordinarily has from twenty to twenty-five brood sows and from sixty to one hundred stockers and feeders. The old Cobb farm is well adapted to the raising of hogs, because of the great quantity of flowing water. They are believed to be immune from cholera. In I914 Mr. Emmert raised one hundred and thirty head of hogs. He generally fattens them until they weigh two hundred pounds and then sells them. Lately he has been keeping eighteen or twenty head of cattle, the same number of calves and from sixteen to twenty head of horses. Mr. Emmert is very fond of horses and has been able to make substantial profits buying and selling them. Today he is recognized as one of the most prosperous farmers of the county and one who, perhaps more than any other, has the operations of the farm reduced to a business basis.

On February 6, 1897, Len J. Emmert was married to Lou Goddard, who was born on October 18, 1874, and who is the daughter of William and Mary (McKinney) Goddard, the former of whom was born in 1820 in Kentucky, was married to Mary McKinney on December 6, 1866, and died in 1897. Mary McKinney was born in 1832 in Washington county, the daughter of John and Margaret (Van Cleave) McKinney, natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Washington county. They moved, in 1837, to Decatur county from Washington county, settling in Washington township. The late William Goddard was the son of Thomas Goddard, a native of Kentucky, whose parents came originally from Virginia. Mrs. Emmert is one of five children born to her parents, the others being Samuel, an auto salesman of Boston, Massachusetts; William R., who lives on the home farm; Margaret, who is at home, and Bertha.

To Mr. and Mrs. Len J. Emmert have been born three children, Louis, April 13, 1898, and is a student in the third year of the Greensburg high school; Mildred, December 26, 1901, and Mary Catherine, October 16, 1904.

In politics, Len J. Emmert is active and influential in the councils of the Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Emmert and family are members of the Presbyterian church of Greensburg and are regular attendants of the services. They are liberal contributors to the support of this church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Greensburg.

As a farmer and stockman, it is doubtful if Mr. Emmert has any superior in Decatur county. He is interested in worthy public movements, which has made him a valuable citizen in the community where he lives, while his genial and cordial relations with the public have made him decidedly popular. The Emmert family are popular socially in Greensburg and vicinity.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.


Deb Murray