Bratton - Orpheus - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

In a county like Montgomery, where there are so many men of excellent moral character, pronounced business ability and social nature, it would be hard indeed to determine who would be more worthy. Ther eare some, however, who are generally conceded by their neighbors to take a plce in the front ranks of usefulness and influence. SUch is the gentleman above named, who manifests an abiding interest in the intellectual development and spiritual upbuilding of the community in which he lives as well as in its material prosperity and who, while managing his own affairs in so prudent a manner as to take his place among the solid men of Walnut Township, yet finds time to serve his fellow men in various ways. Orpheus W. BRATTON was born on June 18, 1862 NW of Mace, in Union Township, this county. He is a son of Charles L. and Catherine DICE Bratton. Charles L. Bratton, one of the pioneer settlers of Montgomery County, was born in Augusta County, June 19, 1819 and there he spent his early boyhood years, being 14 when, in 1832, he accompanied his parents in a four horse wagon from the Old Dominion to Montgomery County Indiana leaving Virginia on Sept 12 and reaching here Oct 12, 1832. They traveled through the week and rested on Sunday and greatly enjoyed their rough overland journey through the woods and wilderness. His parents were William and Mary g. Bratton. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and both his grandfathers were in the Revolutionary War. His father was a Jackson Democrat, a Whig, then a Republican. His mother was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Charles L. Bratton went to school in a log cabin and sat on puncheon benches and had greased paper for windows. He lived with his father until he was 25 having always been a farmer. He became owner of a productive and well kept farm of 160 acres, on which stood a substantial two-story brick house, about 5 miles from Crawfordsville. On Jan 11, 1844, he married Catherine DICE. She was born on Nov 9, 1824. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her death occurred in 1883. Charles L. Bratton continued to reside on his farm in Union Twp until late in life, and in the early 90s he sold his place and lived with his children, spending some time with first one, then another, until his death, on Dec 21, 1902 at an advanced age. He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church from his 23rd year unti his death and toward the later part of his life was a deacon in the church. He was a Good Templar, a member of the Horse Thief Detective Association, and was a loyal Republican. He cast his first vote for General William Henry harrison in 1840. He was a well read man and was an intelligent, prosperous and honored citizen. He retained the patent to the land where he lived so long, which patent was issued to Charles Johnston and signed by President Andrew Jackson. 10 children were born to Charles I. Bratton and wife, namely: Mary, who married Andrew SMILEY, lived all her life near Mace; David was married and had two children, one of whom is still living; David was a farmer and lived in Mace; William is engaged in merchandising and the fish commission business at Cortez, Florida; Ella was the wife of Joseph W. WARD and lived south of Crawfordsville until her death in August 1912; Johnnie died when two years old; Charles M. lives in Crawfordsville; James B. Charles M lives in Crawfordsville; James B., deceased lived in Lebanon, where he died in December 1909; Harvey B. lives near Linnsburg; orpheus W, subject of this sketch; Rachel Jennie married Joseph A. Ward and lives in Cass County, Indiana. Orpheus W. Bratton grew to manhood on the home farm and there assisted with the general work, and he received a good education in the common schools. In January 1887 Mr. Bratton married Ida M. SCHENCK, daughter of Jacob and Frances TILLY Schenck. She was born in Boone County, Indiana. Her mother died when Mrs. bratton was a little child and this event broke up the home. There were at that time also two little brother, who grew to manhood and are still living - Milton and john, the former residing near Colfax and the latter in Wyoming. After the death of the mother of these children, the father moved about a great deal, living for awhile in Putnam county but most of the time in Montgomery county, not far from Linnsburg. The father Jacob Schenck spent his old age with his daughter, Mrs. Bratton and died at her home Feb 3, 1899. After his marriage, Orephus W. Bratton began farming for himself a mile and a half SE of Linnsburg, beginning on rented land and there he continued for about 15 years during which he got a good start. This was the Ward farm. For 8 years before her marriage, Mrs. Bratton had lived with the Ward family. About 9 years after marriage Mr. Bratton bought 80 acres where he now lives in Sec. 29, Walnut Twp. Remaining on the Ward farm about six years longer, he moved to the place where he has since resided, buying 40 acres about 1900 in addition to his former purchase, making his holdings now aggregate 120 acres of good land, well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Politically, Mr. Bratton is a Republican, and he takes an active interest in party affairs. He was trustee of Walnut Township from 1905 to 1909, and has been twice ont he township advisory board. In 1912 he was nominated for county commissioner, but it was a bad year for his party, the whole ticket being defeated. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Mace, in which lodge he was Master of Exchequer for 20 years.He also belongs to the Tribe of Ben Hur; Modern Woodmean and religiously, the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Bratton is also a member of the presbyterian Church and Tribe of Ben Hur. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bratton, namely; Ralph born November 14, 1887 married Bessie LINN and lives near Mr. Bratton's place in Walnut Twp on a farm; Sherman is a veterinary surgeon and is practicing his profession at Walton, Cass County; Raymond is at home with his parents; Ruliff, now 9 is attending the district school. The other children all attended business college; Sherman was graduated in April 1912 from McKillip Vet. College and has been very successful in the practice, getting a good start. - typed by kbz