Prominent Citizen Dead.

Michael Shirey
3/22/1832 – 3/3/1916

Michael Shirey was born in West Moreland county, Pennsylvania, March 22, 1832 and died at his home in this this city last Friday morning, March 3, at 2 o’clock.

When just a lad he with his parents moved to Ohio where he grew to manhood. On July 4, 1852, he was married to Arminta Davidson, and shortly after their marriage they came to Indiana, settling at Dover Hill, afterwards coming to Shoals where he engaged in the undertaking and furniture business, in which enterprise he continued until a few years ago. To this couple were born seven children, five of whom survive the deceased-Frank and Mrs. Claudia Sheperdson, of Los Angeles, California; Merlin D., of Ladoga, and Sigel and Charles, who lived with their father in this city. The wife died February 7, 1905. A brother, George W. Shirey, of Loogootee, and a number of grandchildren also survive him.

Mr. Shirey and his wife became members of the Methodist church shortly after coming to Shoals. He had since lived a conscientious christian life and was always a liberal contributor to the support of the church.

He enlisted in Company F, 65^th regiment of Indiana volunteers and served his country faithfully and well during the civil war. He was commander of the local G.A.R. Post and always enjoyed being with his comrades at reunions and like gatherings.

Mr. Shirey was made a member of the Masonic Fraternity April 18, 1909, and ever afterwards exemplified in his life the teachings of that order.

When the Martin County Bank, of this city, was organized, Mr. Shirey was chosen president of the institution, which office he continued to hold until about three years ago.

After the death of Mr. Shirey’s wife, a granddaughter, Miss Edna Yenne, came to take charge of his home, and by her untiring devotion and constantly having his comfort at heart she, with his two sons, made for him a home which was a haven of rest in his declining years.

Mr. Shirey was a jolly, wholesouled gentleman whom it was a pleasure to meet and call friend. Always cheerful, with a kind word and pleasant greeting for all, he had the rare faculty of meeting the requirements of life and the world in which he moved has been the better because he lived. He was ever willing to aid the sick and distressed, was a sympathizer in sorrow and rejoiced in the happiness and success of others. He was an upright and honest citizen whose word was as good as his bond, and numbered his friends by the score.

The funeral was conducted at the M. E. church Sunday morning, the discourse by the pastor, Rev. H. D. Sterrett, being a touching tribute to the life and memory of the departed. A quartette furnished beautiful music for the services. The final rites were in charge of the Masonic lodge.

The outpouring of friends who were present was unusually large and the floral tributes were numerous and beautiful, bearing evidence of the high esteem in which the deceased was held by his friends.

            Life’s race well run,
            Life’s work well done.
            Life’s crown well won,
            Now come rest. 

Buried: Spring Hill Cemetery, Shoals

  
John B. Corbin. Private, Company F, 65^th Indiana Infantry Volunteers.

John was born September 26, 1844 in Jackson township, Greene County to Jesse & Delilah (Jackson) Corbin and died December 15, 1925 at his home near Dresden, Greene county. He was the eldest of a family of 15 children. He enlisted in Co. F, 65^th Regiment at age 18. 

After his discharge he married Hannah Miranda Lamb November 2, 1871 and they became the parents of 11 children: Sadie Dobson, Louretta Inman, Della Hall, Iva Wollam, Charles, Frank, Herschel, Luther, Ira, Hovey and Raymond. Loretta and Ira were deceased before their father. 

Greatly enjoyed reading the newspaper. Was a Methodist and a member of Ashcraft Chapel. Survivors included his widow, 9 children, seven sisters and three brothers. He also had 50 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. 

Buried Ashcraft Chapel Cemetery, Bloomfield, Greene County, Indiana

Source: The Bloomfield News, Bloomfield, Greene County, Indiana, December 31, 1925 [Abstract]

 Hiram Sims
5/26/1844 - 12/26/1912

Hiram Sims, Civil War Veteran and Lifelong Resident of County, Died Yesterday Morning. Sentinel, 12/27/1912 

Another of the steadily diminishing number of Martin county’s Civil war veterans answered the final rollcall early yesterday morning when “Uncle” Hiram Sims, aged sixty-eight years, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E. M. Relly in the south part of the city. Death resulted from chronic bronchitis, from which disease Mr. Sims had suffered for several months. 

Mr. Sims was a native of the northern part of Martin county, where he was born on May 26, 1844, and had been a lifelong resident of this county. He had been a resident of this city for a number of years and was well known in the city and community. He was a son of the late James Sims. 

Mr. Sims was a veteran of the civil war, during which great conflict he served for three years in the Union army. He enlisted in company F, 65^th Indiana volunteers, and when that company was mustered out he was transferred to the 120^th, with which regiment he served during the remainder of his enlistment. He had been a member of the local Grand Amy post since its organization. 

When yet a young man Mr. Sims was united in marriage to Miss Sara Corbin, also of this county, and to their union were born three children, two of whom survive their father. They are John Sims of Mitchell, Indiana, and Mrs. Everett M. Relly of this city, with whom Mr. Sims was making his home at the time of his death. A daughter, Nancy, died several years ago. 

Since the death of Mrs. Sims, about two years ago, Mr. Sims had made his home with his son and daughter, spending a part of his time with each. 

Mr. Sims had been in poor health for nearly two years, and only last summer he suffered a serious illness, being confined to his bed for several weeks [            ]. He had never fully recovered from this illness, but had regained sufficient strength to permit him to be out and to make trips back and forth between the homes of his son and daughter. During his last illness he had been confined to his bed for about three weeks. 

Mr. Sims belonged to no fraternal order. He had long been a member of the M. E. church, leading a consistent Christian life and held in high esteem by all who knew him. 

The funeral will be held at the M. E. church this afternoon at 2 o’clock, with services conducted by the Rev. J. H. Furry, the pastor. 

Interment will take place in the Goodwill cemetery.

 
George Sanders
March 25, 1844 – June 22, 1931

 Veteran of Civil War Dead

Death came to George Sanders, veteran of the Civil war, and a well known and highly esteemed resident of the northern part of the county at five o’clock Monday morning. He had made his home for several year with his son Clyde Sanders, near Indian Springs, and death occurred in his home. His wife, who was before marriage Lula Gresham, has been dead for several years. Five sons and one daughter were born to the union. Two sons have preceded the father in death. The surviving are Clyde, of near Indian Springs, Felton Sanders and Marion Sanders of Terre Haute. The daughter is Emma Smith of Bedford. A brother, John Sanders, of Minnesota, also survives. 

The funeral service was held at the Christian church in Trinity Springs Tuesday afternoon, burial following in the adjoining cemetery. 

The deceased was eighty-six years of age and had spent the greater part of his long career in this county, where he followed farming until his retirement several years ago. With the passing of Mr. Sanders, another of the few remaining solders of this county who took part in the struggle between the states is removed.

 Aaron Love
June 17, 1839 – February 5, 1912
The Sentinel, Loogootee, Friday, February 9, 1912

Former Citizen Succumbs

 Aaron Love, aged about seventy-four years, a former citizen of Loo- and who has numerous relatives in this vicinity, died Tuesday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. I. D. Betts, at Decatur, Illinois, where he had made his home for some time. Deceased is survived by a son and three daughters. A brother, Sentney Love, of Chicago, and a sister, Mrs. Flora Bartlett of California, also survive him. Although he left here a number of years ago, Mr. Love is well remembered by many of our citizens. 

Buried Westside Cemetery, Moweaqua, Shelby County, IL

  
 Mrs. Sarah Crane, 92, Dies; Ill 8 Mos.

 Trinity Springs – Funeral services were held at the Christian church here Sunday for Mrs. Sarah (Taylor) Crane, 92, widow of the late John G. Crane, who died last Friday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Manda Perkins, with whom she made her home. The Rev. E. A. McBride officiated and burial was made in the Trinity cemetery. 

A native of Monroe county, she was born May 5, 1847, to Charles and Caroline (Bound) Taylor. In 1872, she married Mr. Crane, a Civil War soldier. She and her husband spent their married life on a farm three miles east of here. After Mr. Crane’s death in 1922, she made her home with her youngest daughter. 

She had been active for the greater part of her life; however, for the past eight months she had been confined to her bed. Early in life she united with the Methodist church in Monroe county, later becoming a member of the Christian church here. 

Survivors include seven children, Mrs. Ellen Stroud of Mt. Olive; Mrs. Anne Doane, of Indianapolis; Mrs. Margaret Stroud and Charles Crane, of Williams; Mrs. Jane Jewell, of Bedford, and Daniel Crane and Mrs. Manda Perkins, of Trinity Springs; a sister, Mrs. Ellen Waggoner, of Brazil; a brother, Ed Taylor, of Mountain Springs; 45 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and a number of great-great-grandchildren.  

June 2, 1939

Veteran Dead

 Robert Wallace died at his home in Indian Springs Tuesday morning at the age of 86 years. With the passing of Mr. Wallace another soldier of the Civil war is removed from the fast depleting ranks of those who answered Lincoln’s call, and shouldered arms in the defense of their country in that historic conflict. 

Mr. Wallace was a native of Lawrence county and was born February 22, 1846. He had resided at Indian Spring for the last twenty-five or thirty years where he was a widely known and highly respected citizen. The widow and four children survive. The funeral service was held from the Indian Springs Methodist church at ten o’clock this (Thursday) morning with burial in the Indian Springs cemetery.

 
Mrs. Robert Wallace Buried at Trinity Springs

 Mrs. Rachael Wallace, age 79 years, widow of the late Robert Wallace, for many years prominent residents of the Indian Springs neighborhood, died at the home of a son near Elnora, on Tuesday of last week. The funeral service was held from the Indian Springs Methodist church where she had been a life long member, on Thursday, with Rev. E. A. McBride officiating. The remains were buried in the old cemetery at Trinity Springs. 

Rachel died Feb. 28, 1933, Daviess County, IN

  
 Prominent Citizen Dead

John W. Crooke, Retired Merchant and Civil War Veteran Died Tuesday at Home Here. 

The spirit of another of this city’s most widely known and highly respected citizens took its flight on last Tuesday afternoon, May 30, at 5:30 o’clock when John Wesley Crooke, retired merchant, civil war veteran and prominent church worker passed away at his home in the Breen hill section of the city. The deceased suffered from an illness of bladder trouble, which with other infirmities was the cause of his death. Though Mr. Crooke had been failing in health for two years or more this last illness had kept him confined to his bed only about a week. 

John Wesley Crooke was born at Dover Hill seventy-two years ago, on January 15, 1844. He was a son of Ozias and Charlotte Sims-Crooke, early residents of Martin county, and was the last of a family of eleven children born of their union. His entire life of more than seventy-two years had been lived in Martin county, he being a resident of Dover Hill for a number of years and later moving to this city where he had since resided. 

On April 29, 1864, Mr. Crooke was united in marriage at Dover Hill to Miss Jane Roth. To their union six children were born, three of whom survive. They are Mrs. Clara Dawson, of Owasso, Michigan; Herbert Crooke, of Indianapolis; and Charles Crooke of this city. Of the others of his children, Mollie died in infancy, and Mrs. Lotta E. Bell and Mrs. Opha Baker passed away some years ago. The mother died on April 27, 1911. He also leaves five grandchildren, one of whom, Joseph Dawson, gained world-wide recognition through winning the International automobile race at Indianapolis in 1912. All of the children and grandchildren excepting one granddaughter, were here to attend the funeral. 

Mr. Crooke served during the civil war in company F of the 65^th regiment of Indiana volunteers, which was organized under the old elm tree at Trinity Springs on August 5, 1862. He was with General Sherman in the famous Atlanta campaign and fought in the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, and at Nashville, where Hood’s army was destroyed. He was a member of the Thomas J. Brooks Post, G.A.R., of this city. 

After coming to Loogootee Mr. Crooke followed the trade of a gunsmith and conducted a grocery business on Mill street until about two years ago when advanced age and the condition of his health caused him to retire. 

The deceased was a lifelong member of the Methodist church and gave many years of his life to its service and for the moral uplift of the community in his untiring efforts toward furthering the cause of christianity. For forty-three consecutive years he had been elected as superintendent of the Methodist Sunday school organization in this city, in which capacity he served faithfully unto the end. He was a regular attendant at all of the church services, and his presence and christian influence will be greatly missed in the church as well as in the community. 

The funeral was held at 2:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon and was attended by a large gathering of friends and relative of the deceased, indicating the high esteem in which he was held in the city and community. The funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. J. H. Furry, of Riley, Indiana, formerly pastor of the M. E. church here. 

The collection of floral tributes sent for the funeral was among the largest and most beautiful ever seen at a funeral in this city. 

Members of the Grand Army post attended the funeral in a body and were conveyed in automobiles to Goodwill cemetery where the remains of their departed comrade were laid to rest in the family burial plot.

   
James Byard Love Dead After Long Illness
Prominent Soldier Citizen Passed Away Wednesday Morning at Age of Nearly Sixty-Nine

 James Byard Love, one of the best known of the soldier citizens and business men of Martin county died at his home on south Mill street early Wednesday morning. He had been in poor health for several months and his death was not unexpected. A complication of diseases of bowel and bladder trouble has been affecting him for some three years and the death came only after a long struggle against many odds. He had been confined to his room and bed for almost a year. 

The funeral services will be held this morning at the Methodist church of this city and interment will be in Good Will cemetery. The funeral will be in charge of his pastor, the Rev. J. H. Furry.  Mr. Love has been a life long member of the M. E. church and for many years has been one of the board of trustees of the local church. 

He was born north-east of this city near Boggs creek, October 5, 1844 and was at death nearly sixty-nine years of age. His parents were Harvey and Ann Love. Both of them died in 1888. He was married to Frances Killion April 28, 1870. To them were born four children; Fred, Hattie, Etta and Ethel. All of this number have passed away except Hattie, who is the wife of Charles J. Lein. Two sisters; Mrs. Rebecca Killion, of Killion, and Mrs. Maggie Ellis, of Windsor, Illinois, are living. Two sisters; Phoebe and Dora are dead. 

Mr. Love was a farmer in early life but when the Civil War broke out he enlisted in company F of the 65^th Indiana volunteers and served for three years taking part in many of the leading battles and marches of those trying days. After the war he came back to Loogootee and learned the trade of cabinet maker under Senteny Wood. A short time later he and Jule Berry engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, in which he continued with marked success until six years ago when he sold out his interests and retired. His later partners were T. K. Shireliff and Henry Norris, who now conduct the business.

In politics Mr. Love was a life long Republican and at one time made the race for treasurer of Martin county on that ticket. For many years he was treasurer of the Loogootee Building & Loan Association. 

He was a member in good standing of the Masonic, Knights of Pythias, G. A. R. and Odd Fellows lodges and served them all in official capacity during his active life. 

Mr. Love had the highest respect and good will of all who knew him. He was a substantial and progressive citizen and was ever ready to lend a hand to all who came to him for advice and assistance. He was the sort of citizen that make for the good of any community and his passing will be keenly felt.

  
Aged Farmer Succumbs

 Marcus McBride, aged eighty-eight years, widely known and respected Mitcheltree township farmer, died Monday at his home near Trinity Springs. Deceased was the son of Moses and Elizabeth McBride, early residents of this county. He was born on the Mitcheltree township farm where his death occurred and where he spent his entire life with the exception of three years during which time he served as a soldier with the Union army in the Civil war. Mr. McBride was never married and he and his brother George, also a bachellor [sic], made their home together. Another brother, Gus McBride, lives at Indian Springs. Funeral services conducted by Rev. E. A. McBride, were held in the Church of Christ at Trinity Springs on Tuesday afternoon and interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.

 Death Calls War Veteran

 Marcus McBride, a well-known and highly-respected farmer of Trinity Springs, died at his home Monday. Funeral services were held from the Church of Christ at Trinity with the Rev. E. A. McBride officiating. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. 

The deceased was the son of Moses and Elizabeth McBride, and was born July 7, 1941 [sic] [1841]. He spent his entire life on the farm where he died. In passing of Mr. McBride another has been removed from the fast thinning ranks of the soldiers of the Civil War. He enlisted for the defense of his country in 1862 and served with honor until the close of the war in 1865. 

The immediate family have preceded him in death, with the exception of two brothers, George McBride at home and Gus McBride of Indian Springs.

  
Dies of Stomach Trouble
George H. Crane Passes Away at His Home on North Line Street Sunday Afternoon

 George H. Crane, an aged soldier citizen of this city, died at his home on North Line street Sunday afternoon after a very short illness. He had been afflicted with stomach trouble for some time but was able to be out until Saturday evening, when he became worse, hemorrhage set in and he died Sunday afternoon at one o’clock.

Deceased was born in Monroe county near Stanford on May 10, 1840 and came to Martin county with his father at the age of ten years. He was married to Ethea Bussinger in 1867 and to them were born four children two of whom, Richard A. Crane, of Mitchell, and Viola E. McGuire, of this county, survive. He also leaves besides his wife, two brothers, James and Joseph; and two sisters, Mrs. Eliza Love and Mrs. Lucinda Jones to mourn their loss. 

Mr. Crane served in Company F. Sixty-fifth regiment of Indiana Volunteers. He was a member of the Methodist church and had always lived a christian life. He had reached the age of sixty-seven years and was highly respected by all who knew him, being famillary [sic] known as “Uncle Harrison.”

The remains were buried in the Good Will cemetery Tuesday morning after services by the G.A.R. post at the cemetery. Major William Houghton gave the address in the presence of about fifty old soldiers. 

Martin Co. Trib., June 14, 1907

Dies on 78^th Birthday

Mrs. Esther Crane Succumbed to Illness at Home Near Bramble Early Sunday Evening 

Mrs. Esther Crane, aged seventy-eight years, died at 7 o’clock Sunday evening at her home near Bramble. Deceased was the widow of the late Harrison Crane and was a well known and highly respected woman. Her death is said to have resulted from cancer. 

Mrs. Crane was born in Ohio. She had been married twice. Her first husband, Henry Bussinger, having died more than forty years ago. Of their union one son and one daughter survive. They are Henry Bussinger of this township, and Mrs. Anna Hartman of Hutcheson, Kansas. After the death of Mr. Bussinger, she married Harrison Crane who also has preceded her to the grave, his death having occurred about two years ago. Two children by her second husband survive her. They are Allen Crane of Mitchell, and Mrs. Viola E. McGuire who, with her husband, reside with Mrs. Crane on her farm south of Bramble. 

Deceased was a member of the M.E. church, and was held in high esteem by those who knew her. Death came to her on her seventy-eighth birthday. 

The funeral service will be conducted at the Crane home at 10 o’clock this morning. Burial will be at the Goodwill cemetery, north of town. 

The Sentinel, Jan. 24, 1911

HIGHLY ESTEEMED WOMAN CALLED TO HER MAKER

 Mrs. Josephine Gootee Passed Away At Home Of Son After Long Suffering From Paralysis

 Mrs. Josephine Bertrand-Gootee one of the long time citizens of this town, died at the home of her son, Walter Gootee, on the south side last Saturday morning after suffering a second stroke of paralysis.

 Mrs. Gootee was seventy-five years old. She was born in Martin County at Natchez, south east of Shoals March 4, 1845, and has made her home in Loogootee ever since she was six years old, except for a short time spent with her daughter, Mrs. Will Gibbs at Indianapolis.

 She was married February 8^th 1863, to Frederick Gootee, one of best known of the early Loogootee residents, and to them were born eleven children, six of whom are living. The husband and father died in June 1910, and since that, time, Mrs. Gootee has made her home with her children. The six surviving children are; Mrs. Will Gibbs of Indianapolis; Alphonsus, of Los Angeles, California; Henry, of Elwood, Indiana; William, of Evansville, Indiana, and Walter and John of this city. She also leaves one brother, Charles Bertrand.

 The funeral services were held on Monday morning from St. John’s Catholic church and the remains were taken to St. John’s cemetery for burial. Mrs. Gootee was a devout member of the Catholic church and lived a life of Christian devotion to family and friends that won for her many lifelong friends, who regret with the family the passing of this kind and gentle woman.

MCT, Thurs. Mar. 25, 1920

MRS. SUSAN B. MASTEN, PIONEER OF LOOGOOTEE

Died Monday Morning at Advanced Age of Seventy-five after a Long Illness of Paralysis

 Mrs. Susan B. Masten, widow of the late James B. Masten, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Bugher, early on Monday morning. The direct cause of her death was paralysis, although she had been in failing health for several years. 

Mrs. Masten was one of the very first settlers of Loogootee, and in fact of this part of Martin county. She was born In Kentucky, November 27, 1838. In her girlhood she lived at Mt. Pleasant, coming to Loogootee when the railroad was built through here in 1855. Her husband moved the first houses from Mt. Pleasant to Loogootee and they settled here where he conducted a saddler and harness shop.

 Mrs. Masten's maiden name was Susan Bertrand and she was the daughter of Joseph Bertrand.

She was married to James B. Masten on December 30, 1856 and to them were born ten children,

five of them dead and five living. They are; Horace, Cora, Lula, William and Charles, all of whom have passed to the future home. The living are; John, of New York City, Fred, of Cincinnati; Philip, of Louisville; James and Mrs. Anna Bugher, of Loogootee. The husband and father died in 1889 at the age of sixty-six. 

A brother, Charles A. Bertrand, of this city, and a sister, Mrs. Josephine Gootee, of Indianapolis, survive her, as does a half-sister, Mrs. Sabina O'Connell, of Carlo, Illinois. 

Mrs. Masten was an interesting pioneer and always had something of worth to tell her friends of the days when Martin county was in its primeval state and Indiana trappers and wild animals were the common thing. She remembered of many times when the Red Men came to her home for something to eat on their travels over the state road trail. 

The remains were interred in Good Will cemetery Tuesday morning after funeral services at the
Methodist church by the Rev. J. H. Furry. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist church and was one of the best supporters of the faith in the local congregation.

 The death of Mrs. Masten recalls the early history of the settlement of Indiana. The country was almost a wilderness at the time her father came to this state and cast his lot with the hardy pioneers on a farm about seven miles south of Shoals, which was a well-known rendezvous for the settlers, the trappers and even the civilized Indians. His work as a scholar and school teacher to a new community was early recognized. His proficiency in Masonry made him a leader of
the craft in this part of the state and the history of Masonry is replete with instances of the part
taken by him in the councils and in giving instructions. Although a devout Catholic the work of Masonry was an absorbing topic with him and he instructed many into its mysteries.

 Joseph Hyacinth Bertrand, the father of Mrs. Masten, was born in France and came to this country with his father when only seven years of age. The father, Stephen Bertrand, died and was buried near Lexington, Kentucky. He was of an illustrious family in France, one brother being an ambassador of the French kingdom to Madrid, and another, General Bertrand, was the marshal of France, and was with Napoleon on the island of St. Helena upon his banishment from his kingdom.

 The deceased woman was of a kindly disposition, cheerful and neighborly. None came to her home but who received friendly welcome. Her children got from her strength of character and gentle training and in going from her home into the world never lost the influence of the religious instructions received at her knee. In her early life she was raised a Catholic but embraced the Protestant religion at her marriage and was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

 
MCT Nov. 21, 1913
Sentinel 11-18-1913

Nellie Mae Clifton Allbright was born May 31, 1902, on a farm a few miles from Shoals, along the east fork of White River. The farm had been homesteaded by her maternal grandparents, John and Mary Ann (Bennefield) Asbell. John and Mary were married on February 28, 1850, in Clay Co. Illinois. Three children were born to them before the start of the Civil War. John served in the Union Army four years before returning home and having three more children added to their family. Their youngest child, Katie, Nellie’s mother, was born July 16, 1871. The Asbells farmed the same land their entire life.

Nellie's paternal grandparents, William B. and Mary J. (Earl) Clifton, were married July 29, 1869 at Jackson County, Indiana. They moved to a farm near Shoals in 1876 and raised their sons John A., James T., Charles W., George A., and Ealum. William also served in the Civil War enlisting in Co. K 39th IN Vol. He served two years and nine months having been wounded and captured on the Kilpatrick Raid near Atlanta, Georgia. He was imprisoned at Andersonville. He lost an arm as the result of the wound he suffered in the raid at Atlanta.

 Katie Asbell married Charles William Clifton in February 1895. Katie and Charles eventually acquired Katie's parent's old home place and started raising their family. Their children were Roscoe, Mary Lou, Alice Amanda, Nellie Mae, Roy, and Lawrence Frank. This is the home where Nellie Mae was born.

 Nellie Clifton began her education at the Asbell School about one-half mile from her home. It was a one-room school house, heated with wood and coal. Her first teacher was Miss Eunice Gerkin. She also remembers a Mr. Ham, Mr. Steele, Elizabeth Qualkenbush, Frank Nichols, and Tony Asbell, who was her mother's cousin.

 Nellie was about was about ten years old when she began contemplating her education past the eighth grade. The Superintendent, Charles O. Williams, visited the school one day and while there, told the students that anybody who wanted to, could get an education. Nellie thought "that anybody" meant her! From that moment on she devoted all of her attention toward school studies.

 Nellie attended the Shoals High School and graduated in the spring of 1921 at 19 years old. She attended summer school for 18 weeks at Central Normal College at Danville. When she returned home in the fall, the Trustee gave her a teaching position at Johnson School.

 Nellie decided if she was to be a teacher, she was going to be a good one. When she first started teaching, the children only had one small book from which to learn. Without workbooks, the only source was her creativity and the blackboard. She remembered writing the lessons on the blackboard and the students would start antics behind her. Nellie came up with an idea to position a wide mirror on the board above her. That way she could watch the youngsters and see who was pulling the pranks.

 She worked on the school house to make it bright and cheerful for the pupils. She recalled having a man install an old fashioned lavatory so they could have warm water to wash their hands. To have this luxury really brightened the children's day!

 The community would raise money from socials and pie suppers to help the school and the students. Nellie remembered the first purchase was a large dictionary, and another time they purchased gravel to spread around the schoolhouse.

 There was a lot of entertainment at school during Christmas time. They would collect sheets and make a stage for the students to put on their programs. People came from all around for the occasion and enjoyed it tremendously. She recalled one Christmas when she bought a bushel basket of peanuts, a bushel or two of apples, and a lot of candy which were really treats back then. She stated," if you didn't treat the children, you might as well lock the doors and quit."

 Nellie retired in 1962 and was looking forward to receiving her pension. Then a teacher in the Shoals school system quit right before the start of the new school year. When Mr. Glen Keefe, the superintendent, asked Nellie to stay on, she put her pension aside temporarily and returned to her chosen profession another eight years, finally retiring in 1973, at age 71. That made a combined total of 40 years.

 She had a rural license, agriculture license, home economics license, and the rural license which covered all eight grades. She also had primary, intermediate, and junior high licenses. The schools she taught in Martin County were; Asbell, Johnson, Weisbach, Sugar Grove, McBride, Red School, and the consolidated Shoals Community School Corporation. She also taught four years at Paoli, Indiana.

 Nellie M. Clifton married Virgil Allbright on November 28, 1928. Virgil was the son of John F. and Ada F. (Waggoner) Allbright. Virgil Allbright, worked as a trackman on the railroad. He passed away in 1977 after an illness of thirteen years. Nellie and Virgil were the parents of one child, a daughter, Ruth "Alyne" Sorrells. Alyne taught school for a while and was an attendance officer for seven years. Alyne is married to Harold Sorrells, son of Lee J. and Marguerite (Bledsoe) Sorrells. Harold and Alyne have four daughters; Lani, Charlotte, Katie, Sue Ellen, and a son, David. Lani (Sorrells) Kelsey carried on in her grandmother's footsteps as a teacher in the Shoals Community School system for many years. Lani has since retired.

 Nellie joined the Shoals Senior Citizens soon after it was formed in 1974. She became a board member and a volunteer. She attended all of the area meetings and taught health classes, home economics, crocheting, and just about anything else that would turn up.

 In 1983, Nellie was crowned the Martin County Senior Citizens Queen Area 13-A. She also represented the area at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, along with ten other contestants. It was an unforgettable summer.

 Yes, Martin County, has produced many wonderful teachers through the years, with Nellie being at the top of the list. Many of Nellie's students, who are now well into their years, still have many fond memories of her. Most rate her as their number one all time favorite. She was a wonderful person and a delight to know.

 This meaningful life all began in the person of a little girl, Nellie Mae Clifton, born on a farm five miles from Shoals, along White River.

 Nellie passed away at age 90 on October 17, 1992, at Lawrence County, Indiana.

 Editor's note: Some of this article was taken from an interview of Nellie Allbright with reporter, Patricia O'Connor, at the Tri-County News at Washington, Indiana, dated April 25, 1985.

Thomas Nesbe Gootee was born February 14, 1797, in Maryland, to Joseph Whelan Gootee Jr. and Sarah A. Bramble. The Gootees' moved to Ohio and then on to Kentucky. Thomas married Nancy Silvers b. ~ 1798 on September 24, 1816 at Washington Co. KY. She was the daughter of John and Nancy (Springer) Silvers.

 Thomas and Nancy Gootee were among the earliest pioneers at present site of Loogootee. They homesteaded there and purchased land on February 3, 1818. He added to his original purchase and acquired total of 600 acres. He donated the right-of- way for the coming railroad. The railroad contract was not awarded until January of 1851, but Thomas platted the village on April 4, 1853, one year before the actual railroad work began. A post office was established July 6, 1857, with Thomas M. Gibson as postmaster. The Ohio and Mississippi Railroad was completed in 1857. Leaders at Mount Pleasant recognized the railroad would offer shipping and commercial

advantages. Residences which had been moved from Hindostan after the plague, to Mt. Pleasant were once again relocated to Loogootee. Over the next several years there were five extensions added to the original plat. In 1857 Thomas sold lots # 64 and # 65 to the Reverend St. Palais of Vincennes for $1.00. These lots are where St. John's Center is located today.

 Thomas Gootee held many offices of trust and responsibility, such as: road supervisor, 1820; justice of peace, 1833; county clerk, 1840; associate judge, 1842; delegate to the convention which formed the present state constitution, 1850; and State Representative, 1855. Thomas Gootee died October 4, 1870 and is buried in the St. John's Cemetery in Loogootee.

 Thomas and Nancy had eleven children born to their union. They are as follows: Mary "Polly" b. 1819, Samuel W., b. 1821, John M., b. 1823, Sarah Ann, b.1825, Joseph D., b.1827, Elizabeth "Betz", b. 1833, Wineford , b. 1834, twins Nancy Jane and Thomas Jr., b. 1835, Charles M., b. 1836 and Margaret, b. ? Margaret died of severe burns at age four. Nancy Gootee died in 1850.

 Thomas married a widow, Lucinda Carrico Bertrand, in Martin County, Indiana on June 1, 1856. Lucinda, born ~1814 -1816, in KY, was the daughter of Vincent and Mary (Elder) Carrico. She brought five children into the marriage. There were two daughters; Josephine and Eliza E. and three sons; John J., Silas, and Charles A. The children's father, Joseph H. Bertrand, died in 1851 and is buried in the St. Rose Cemetery in Martin Co. IN. Thomas and Lucinda had a daughter of their own, Sabina A., b.1862 in Martin Co.

 This article was written from excerpts taken from Harry Q. Holt’s book: History of Martin County, Indiana, vol. II. Other information was taken from Martin County newspaper articles.