Earp, John - Putnam

Article by Bill Brooks

Mrs. Kenneth Knauer, the former Helen Wettschurack of Montmorenci and wife of Putnam County Sheriff, writes concerning my item on an ancient tree just north of Greencastle supposedly marked by Indiana Chief Tecumseh.

"There is a sign on this tree saying it is an Indian trail marker.  I was interested in your item on Wyatt Earp's "brother" so I called the caretaker of Brick Chapel cemetery, Ralph Sonkwiler.  He has on his records a John W. Earp who died at 77 on Oct 17, 1908.

John Earp lived in Greencastle and his wife, Margaret died July 22, 1910.  They are buried side by side in the northwest corner on the inner drive.  Whether he is Wyatt's brother I haven't been able to find out."

My husband's mother told us they had bought their house from John W. and Margaret Earp, but she didn't know if it was Wyatt's brother.

Source: Greencastle Star-Democrat 29 Jan 1909 p 6

The will of Isabel Ragan has been filed for probate in the Circuit Court. Miss Ragan bequests her property to her brother, Robert M. Ragan and to her sister, Amy Nicholson

The will of JOHN EAR: has been filed for probate.  Mr. Earp leave his property to his widow, Mrs. Margaret E. Earp, as long as she shall ive. At her death it shall go to his nephew, James Milton Hillis.