Wren - James
Source: Portrait & Biographical record of Montgomery, Parke &
Fountain Counties, Indiana p 302
James F. Wren is a resident of Whitesville and a well-known
citizen of Montgomery County, who is identified with its
agricultural interests, owning and supervising a well-appointed
farm on Sec. 35, South Union Township. He is a native of
Cincinnati, born in that city Sept 13, 1853 and is a son of
Martin and Bridget Green Wren, who were natives of Ireland, and
were married before coming to this country. They came to these
shores in 1842, and first located in New York, where Mr. Wren
worked at his trade of making shoes. A year later they went to
Cincinnati, where he opened a shoe store and also continued to
make shoes. At the expiration of four years the Wrens removed to
Kalomowo, Wis where he bought land and turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits, residing at that point 9 years. He then
purchased a farm at CLifton, Ind on which he settled and lived 7
years. Form there he went to Connersville, and engaged in the
boot and shoe business until he resumed farming, locating at
Greencastle where he died in the spring of 1871. His widow
survived him 20 years, dying in Indianapolis March 17, 1891.
They had a family of six children, all of whom are living: Mary,
Indianapolis; Julia wife of Michael Maley, Indianapolis; Kate,
Indianapolis; Saide, widow of Thomas McGlan also a resident of
Indianapolis; Thomas, a resident of Indianapolis and James F
(sketch). The father was a devout member of the Catholic Church
and his family was reared in that faith, to which they remain
true. Our subject received an excellent education in the public
schools of Cincinnati. At the age of 16 he commenced to learn
the trade of blacksmith at Indianapolis and worked at it there a
year and a half. At the expiration of that time he went to
Lafayette where he engaged as a blacksmith one year. His next
move was to St. Paul, Minn where he remained 18 months.
Returning then to Indaianpolis, he stayed there two years spent
the following two years at Westfield and then we find him again
at the Hoosier Capital. In 1870, he again changed his residence
and for awhile lived at Waynetown, whence he went to
Crawfordsville. A year passed away ere he retraced his steps to
Indianapolis, where he dwelt until the spring of 1874, when he
came to Whitesville, which has been his home ever since. He is
interested in farming and has a farm of 90 acres outside of the
village which is under his supervision and its well-tilled fields
and substantial improvements make it a valuable property. Mr.
Wren was married in 1875 to Miss Emma Elizabeth Layman who is a
most estimable lady, presides graciously over their cheery,
hospitable home and is a true wife and devoted mother. Mrs. Wren
is the daughter of Samuel Layman, a merchant of Whitesville, and
also engaged in the poultry business. The marriage of Mr. and
Mrs. Wren has been blessed by the birth of 3 children: Edith; Edna Cecelia and James Edmund. Our subject is well endowed
mentally, possesses sound business qualitications, and has all
the elements of good citizenship. He is highly esteemed in his
community and has many friends throughout the county. He is a
firm supporter of the policy pursued by the Democratic party, and
has recently been honored by nomination for the office of County
recorder at the Democratic County Convention. In his religious
views he is a Catholic and a valued member of that church.
Socially, he is connected with the order of Knights of
Pythias. - transcribed by kz