Person Page 1,670

Joshua S. Christy was born on 7 Feb 1840 in Westport, IndianaG.^4,5,6
     He moved to Dearborn Co.G with his parents by 1850.
     He appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Center Twp., Dearborn Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents, Churchill G. Christy and Maria Cobb.¹⁵
     He returned to Decatur Co.G with his parents by 1855.
     Joshua appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Clay Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of his brother William, and his wife, Sarah A. Smothers, where he was listed as a laborer.¹⁶ He also appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents.¹⁷
     He was working on a farm, probably his brother's or his father's, or likely both, as a young man.^18,19

Fighting in the Civil War --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

      Joshua enlisted in Co. I, 86 Indiana Infantry, 1 Sep 1862, at Lawrenceburg, IndianaG.^20,21,22
      The regiment was organized at LawrenceburgG and was mustered in 9 Sep 1862. The regiment moved to Memphis, where it was assigned to the army operating in western Tennessee, and participated in the march to the Tallahatchie and the December campaign against Vicksburg. It then joined the Arkansas expedition and then joined Gen. Grant's army and took part in the operations about Vicksburg, and was constantly on duty, often under fire, taking part in the assaults of May 1863. It was in the siege and capture of Jackson, and accompanied Gen. Sherman's army to Memphis. It passed the winter in camp near Cleveland, Tennennessee, then joined the forces entering upon the Atlanta campaign, then moved north in pursuit of Gen. Hood in Oct 1864. It was with Sherman on the march to Savannah, then it accompanied the army on its march through the Carolinas to Goldsboro. After Gen. Johnston's surrender, it marched to Washington by way of Raleigh, Petersburg and Richmond, and participated in the grand review in May 1865. Joshua was with the company the entire time except a short time during the siege of Vicksburg.^23,24
      He was mustered out as a sergeant, 1 Jun 1865, near Washington, District of ColumbiaG.^25,26,27

Returning to Civilian Life --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Joshua married first Martha A. Draper, daughter of Andrew Jackson Draper and Eve Montgomery, on 25 Mar 1869 in Decatur Co., IndianaG.^7,8
     Joshua and Martha lived in Jackson Co.G for a time after their marriage. They appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Jackson Twp., Jackson Co., IndianaG, enumerated 18 Jul 1870, reporting no real estate. They were apparently living near his sister Martha and her husband and baby daughter, as they were listed as the next household.²⁸
     Joshua and Martha returned to Decatur Co.G by 1871, apparently, as their first son was born there. In any case they were living there by 1880.²⁹ They appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., Indiana G, enumerated 12 Jun 1880. Their children Oscar, Cora, and Albert were listed as living with them, as were two laborers, Frank Meredith and John Brogan, and Maria Staut, a servant.³⁰
     He became a farmer in his own right in Jackson Co.G, and continued after he returned to Decatur Co. He was retired by 1910.^{31,32,33,34,35}
     Joshua applied for an invalid pension based on his Civil War service on 9 Aug 1886. A pension of $17 per month was approved 2 Feb 1889, effective from 27 Aug 1888, based on his being deaf in both ears and issues with his stomach and bowels. It was increased to $24 in 1912. On 26 Apr 1915, after his death, it was increased to $30 effective 7 Feb 1915, with the accrued amount paid to his widow.^36,37
     Joshua and Martha appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., Indiana G, enumerated 4 Jun 1900, reporting they owned their farm. Their son Albert was listed as living with them.³⁸ Joshua appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Greensbrug, Decatur Co., Indiana, G in the household of Churchill G. Christy.³⁹
     His wife died on 29 Jul 1903 in Greensbrug, Decatur Co., IndianaG.^40,41,42

Retiring and Moving to Town --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Joshua married second Elizabeth Ann Hazelrigg, daughter of Charles Hazelrigg and Caroline S. McCoy, on 30 Aug 1906 in Decatur Co., IndianaG, with D. R. Van Buskirk offciating.^9,10,11
     Joshua was serving as a city councilman at the time of his second marriage.⁴³
     Joshua and Elizabeth appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Greensburg, Decatur Co., Indiana, at 867 North Lincoln St. G, enumerated 16 Apr 1910, reporting they owned their home, free of mortgage.⁴⁴
     Joshua died on 24 Feb 1915 in Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG, at age 75.¹² He was buried on 27 Feb 1915 in South Park Cemetery, Greensbrug, Decatur Co., IndianaG.^13,14

James Wallace Christy was born in Aug 1837 in IndianaG.^6,7,8
     He was probably one of the three males under age 5 listed in the household of his father, Churchill G. Christy, in the 1840 Federal Census of Decatur Co., IndianaG.¹²
     He moved to Dearborn Co.G with his parents by 1850. He appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Center Twp., Dearborn Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents, Churchill G. Christy and Maria Cobb.¹³
     He returned to Decatur Co.G with his parents by 1855. He appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents.¹⁴
     James married Mary Langtree, daughter of James H. Langtree and Mary Jane White, on 4 Sep 1860 in Dearborn Co., IndianaG, with Richard C. Bond, Baptist Minister, offciating.^9,10
     He was working on the river in 1860, but in what role is unclear.¹⁵
     By 1862 James was representing the firm of Cobb, Williams & Co., commission merchants, a partnership of his uncle, Oliver Perry Cobb and P. W. Williams, both of Aurora, at its offices at 35 Water St., in Cincinnati. G By 1864 his brother Henry had joined the firm as a clerk.¹⁶
     James registered for the draft for the Civil War, appearing on the register dated in Jun 1863, while living at 401 W. 8th St, Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OhioG, reporting he was employed as merchant. His brother Henry as listed at the same address, shown as a clerk.¹⁷
     About 1865 Williams left the firm, and it was briefly known as O. P. Cobb, Christy & Co. By the next year their uncle was no longer involved. James and his brother John became principals and the firm became Christy Bros. & Co. G.¹⁸ James apparently separated from the firm about 1868 for a time, but continued to work as a commissioner merchant, or grain dealer.^19,20
     James and Mary appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OhioG, enumerated 20 Jul 1870, reporting no real estate but personal estate of $300. Their daughter Jessie was listed as living with them.²¹
     James rejoined his brothers' firm, now called Christy, Cobb, and Co., about 1873, as clerk at the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Elevator which they were then operating. By 1875 he was superintendent there, apparently leaving the firm after that.²² He does not appear in the Cincinnati city directory after that, but did report his occupation as grain dealer in the 1880 census.²³
     James and Mary appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Home City, Hamilton Co., Ohio G, enumerated 30 Jun 1880. Their daughter Jessie was listed as living with them.²⁴
     James and Mary moved to PennsylvaniaG before 1900. They appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Scranton, Lackawanna Co., Pennsylvania, G in the household of his daughter Jessie and her husband, Manley Donaldson.²⁵
     James and Mary moved to New York with their daughter after the death of her husband in 1907.²⁶ They appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Queens, Queens Co., New York, G in the household of his daughter Jessie.²⁶
     His wife died on 27 Feb 1914 in New York City, Queens Co., New YorkG.²⁷
     James moved to New JerseyG before 1915. He appeared on the 1915 State Census of 702 Broad St., Westfield, Union Co., New JerseyG, enumerated 17 Jun 1915, with his daughter Jessie, in the household of her son Andrew W. Donaldson and his wife, Edith Wetherill, and their 3-year-old son.²⁸
     James apparently died between 1915 and 1920, as he does not appear with his daughter and her son in the 1920 census, nor has he been found elsewhere. But no record of his death or burial has been found.¹¹

Henry Newton Christy was born in Sep 1841 in IndianaG.^4,5,6,7
     He appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Center Twp., Dearborn Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents, Churchill G. Christy and Maria Cobb.¹² He appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents.¹³
     About 1864 Henry became a clerk at the firm of Cobb, Williams, & Co. at 35 Water St., Cincinnati, OhioG. His uncle, Oliver Perry Cobb, and P. W. Williams of Aurora were the principals, and his older brother James headed the Cincinnati office.¹⁴
     Henry registered for the draft for the Civil War, appearing on the register dated in Jun 1863, while living at 401 W. 8th St, Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OhioG, reporting he was employed as a clerk. His brother James was listed at the same address.¹⁵
     Henry married Mary Elizabeth Hillis, daughter of John Hillis and Anna Hazelrigg, and sister of the woman his second cousin, Woodson D. Cobb, would marry three years later, on 12 May 1864 in Decatur Co., IndianaG, with D. R. VanBuskirk officiating.^8,9
     He was commonly known by his middle name, Newton, or the diminutive Newt, while in most format documents use Henry N. or H. N. But his name was listed on this death record as H. Newton Christy.^16,3,17

A Growing Role in the Family Business --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     He continued to work as a clerk when the firm became Christy Bros. & Co., with his bothers James and John as principals, about 1866.¹⁸ The Cobb-Christy business was re-formed again about 1868, still operating at 35 Water St., CincinnatiG. It was then known as Christy, Cobb & Co., with Henry and his brother John in Cincinnati, and their cousin William Henry Cobb in Indiana as principals. This structure remained until about 1880.^{19,20,21,22,23,24,25}
     Henry and Mary appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OhioG, enumerated 13 Jun 1870, reporting real estate valued at $4,500 and personal estate of $400. Their children Evelina and John were listed as living with them, as were his brother Oscar and Mary Haunt, age 20, relationship unknown.²⁶
     Henry and John's younger brother Oscar joined their firm as a clerk about 1871, and was a bookkeeper there by the following year.^27,28 About 1873 the firm became proprietors of the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Elevator, at the Pearl and Smith Sts.G. Their brother James rejoined the firm as a clerk at the elevator, becoming superintendent there by 1875, but apparently leaving the firm after that.²⁹
     Henry and Mary appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Delhi Twp., Hamilton Co., Ohio G, enumerated 25 Jun 1880. Their children Evelina, John, Henry, and Jane were listed as living with them, as were two domestic servants, Squire Dudley John Metz.³⁰

Troubles at Christy, Cobb & Co. --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Rumors circulating in the Cincinnati business community about financial difficulties at Christy, Cobb & Co. culminated in newspaper reports 30 Jun 1880 of conversations with members of the firm. They acknowledged owing money to a few local banks that they could not pay on time, and said they were asking for an extension. They said they owned no one other than these banks, and would speedily resolve the issue. They noted they had been in business nearly 20 years and the past year had done a business of over $1,500,000, handling more grain than any three houses in the city. They said they were making arrangements to bring in "fresh blood" and issued a statement that the firm "sold out their business and good will to Wm. H. Conklin" who would continue the business at the elevator under the name of Christy, Conklin & Co.³¹
     The following day a newspaper reported a conversation with William Cobb in which he said he had been the outside man for years, doing most of the traveling, and had no intimation of any issue until the previous week. He said the firm had done some speculation several years before and had been "urgently advised" to stop by his father, one of their heavy creditors, and he had thought they had stopped as they promised. But now he found the firm had speculated in Chicago by borrowing money secured by elevator receipts. He said his father held a note from the firm for $30,000 and was owed another $25,000 on account, but he did not know about other creditors. The paper reported that the firm owed four local banks and two out-of-state banks a total of $55,000.³²
     Negotiations with creditors did not go well. On 12 Jul 1880 the three principals and the bookkeeper were arrested on multiple charges, including issuing false warehouse receipts and embezzlement, from each of three banks. The banks had demanded the grain that was represented by the warehouse receipts used as security for the loans, and were told it was not there. Bonds were posted for each: $15,000 for Henry, $25,000 for John and Oscar, and $9,000 for William.³³
     Preliminary hearings were held on all six cases, one brought by each of the three banks against the firm and the same against the bookkeeper. The hearings took several days, concluding 29 Jul 1880, and were reported in great detail by the local newspaper. There was testimony by officials of the banks and employees of the firm. After charges against William Cobb were dismissed in one of the cases, he was called as a witness by the prosecution. He testified that he had initially provided all the firm's capital, but later that was returned and the firm operated on borrowed money. He said that on 26 Jan 1880 John had told him they had been speculating and had lost $35,000. He knew the firm had been in debt for several years, and realized it would be unable to recover, with debts now totaling over $100,000. At the conclusion of the hearings all the defendants were bound over to the grand jury, and bail amounts were adjusted.^34,35
     Apparently nothing more ever came of the case. On 31 Jan 1881 a reporter asked one of the attorneys who had prosecuted at the hearings why no indictments had been made. He would only cite rumors, including that money was used in the grand jury room and that the Prosecuting Attorney's office was at fault. No further report of the case has been found.³⁶

Continuing with a New Partner --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     The firm of Christy, Conklin & Co. continued to operate the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Elevator for about two years, with John, W. H. Conklin, Henry, and Oscar as principals. On 1 Aug 1882 the business was transferred to John Henry, who announced they would continue to operate the elevator under the firm name of Christy & Co.^37,38
     The firm of Christy & Co. listed as principals, in addition to John and Henry, an M. E. Christy. It seems likely he was a cousin, but efforts to identify him have been unsuccessful. The firm seems to have cut its ties with the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Elevator by 1883, and expanded its operations outside the city proper to ElizabethtownG, continuing until about 1889.³⁹
     The firm of was incorporated in 1890, with John as president George M. Keeefer as vice president, Henry as treasurer, and Eckhard Amendt as secretary. By the following year only the Christys were listed, with John as president and Henry as secretary and treasurer. The firm seems to have been dissolved by 1893.⁴⁰
     Henry continued to work as a grain broker, at times on his own and at times working for other firms. In 1893 he operated under the name of Christy & Co. In 1895 he was listed as with A. E. Smith & Co., and the next year as a grain broker for Joseph Good & Son. In 1900 he was manager of National Hay & Grain Co.^41,42
     Henry and Mary appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Delhi, Hamilton Co., Ohio G, enumerated 13 Jun 1900, reporting they owned their home. Their children John and Henry were listed as living with them.⁴³
     About 1901 Henry formed the firm of H. N. Christy & Co., which it listed as dealing in hay and grain, and representing the American Cereal Co. of Chicago. By 1907 the American Cereal Co. adopted the brand name of its principal product, and was known as the Quaker Oats Co. Henry continued to operate his firm until his death.⁴⁴
     Henry died on 13 Dec 1907 in Delhi, Hamilton Co., OhioG, at age 66.^10,11

Oliver Perry Christy was born on 26 Jun 1843 in IndianaG.^4,5,6
     He appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Center Twp., Dearborn Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents, Churchill G. Christy and Maria Cobb.⁹
     He moved to Decatur Co.G with his parents by 1855. He appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents.¹⁰
     He had white swelling on one thigh when he was about 16 or 17, which caused one leg to be shorter than the other, and caused him to limp.¹¹

Civil War Service --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

      Oliver enlisted in Co. I, 86 Indiana Infantry, 1 Sep 1862, at Lawrenceburg, IndianaG.^13,14,15 The regiment was organized at LawrenceburgG and was mustered in 9 Sep 1862. The regiment moved to Memphis, where it was assigned to the army operating in western Tennessee, and participated in the march to the Tallahatchie and the December campaign against Vicksburg. It then joined the Arkansas expedition and then joined Gen. Grant's army and took part in the operations about Vicksburg, and was constantly on duty, often under fire, taking part in the assaults of May 1863. It was in the siege and capture of Jackson, and accompanied Gen. Sherman's army to Memphis.¹⁶
      In late 1862, at Yazoo Swamps near Vicksburg, MississippiG, Oliver was sick with measles and complained of lung trouble.¹⁷ He was treated for fever 13 to 18 Aug 1863, and on various dates from 16 Sep to 20 Oct for debiltias (weakness or feebleness), supposedly from measles that had settled in his lungs and malaria.¹⁸
      He was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, unassigned, 9 Sep 1863 because of necrosis of his thigh bone that originated before his enlistment. On 9 Feb 1864 he was transferred to 138th Co., 2nd Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps, where he was later promoted to corporal.^19,20
      The Veteran Reserve Corps was created to allow partially disabled or otherwise infirm soldiers to perform light duty, freeing able-bodied soldiers to serve on the front lines. The First Battalion including those whose disabilities were comparatively slight and who were still able to handle a musket and do some marching, also to perform guard or provost duty. The Second Battalion was made up of men whose disabilities were more serious, who had perhaps lost limbs or suffered some other grave injury.²¹ The 138th Co., 2nd Battalion, was organized 16 Jan 1864, in New York CityG.^22,23
      He was mustered out 9 Aug 1865, near Albany, New YorkG.²⁴

A Difficult Return to Civilian Life --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Oliver returned to his parents' home after his discharge, staying there for a time, and with various relatives. He worked some on the family farm, but was unable to work much because of coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty sleeping, which continued until he left the state.²⁵ He worked briefly in Cincinnati as a clerk, while boarding with his brother James at 168 Barr St. G.²⁶
     Oliver moved out of Indiana in the spring of 1870, going initially to Tennessee and Missouri, then to other southern states. The examiner for his mother's pension application, after interviewing relatives, said it was hinted he was sort of a "black sheep" of the family, and it was "not unlikely that he followed the life of a river gambler and sharper, living by 'divers and crooked ways'." His brother said he worked as a bar tender and on steamboats.²⁷
     He moved to St. Louis, Missouri, about 1875, where he lived at a hotel or rooming house at 519 St. Charles St. G He was a night clerk there.²⁸
     He was admitted to a hospital in St. Louis 5 Aug 1878, where he was treated for typhoic malarial fever and phitusis pulmonalis (tuberculosis). He remained in the hospital 119 days.²⁹
     Oliver died on 2 Dec 1878 in St. Louis, MissouriG, at age 35.^7,8
     His mother applied for a pension based on his Civil War service 15 Jun 1891.^30,31 The claim was delayed by questions about whether the person who had died in St. Louis was actually Oliver, because hospital records showed his name as William alias Albert Christy, and whether his death resulted from injury or sickness while in the service.³²
     After the death of his mother, his father applied for a pension based on Oliver's Civil War service 20 Mar 1897.^33,31 Both claims were rejected 18 Oct 1897 on the grounds that there was no evidence that the lung disease he suffered in the service was the cause of death.³⁴

Martha E. Christy was born about 13 Apr 1845 in IndianaG.^4,5,6
     She appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Center Twp., Dearborn Co., IndianaG, in the household of her parents, Churchill G. Christy and Maria Cobb.¹
     She moved to Decatur Co.G with her parents by 1855. She appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of her parents.²
     Martha married Warren Corbitt on 30 Jan 1868 in Decatur Co., IndianaG, with Rev. L. D. Robinson officiating.^7,8
     Martha and Warren settled Indiana after they married. They appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Jackson Twp., Jackson Co., IndianaG, enumerated 18 Jul 1870, reporting no real or personal estate. Their daughter Nora was listed as living with them. They were apparently living near her brother Joshua and his wife, as they were listed as the preceding household.¹¹
     Martha and Warren appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Jackson Twp., Jackson Co., Indiana G, enumerated 10 Jun 1880, as were Rebecca Beeman, an 18-year-old domestic servant, and David Ross, a 15-year-old hired hand. Their children Nora, Bertha, Christy, and Robert were listed as living with them. Her uncle, Elkanah Cobb, and his family were apparently living nearby, as they were listed as the next household.¹²
     Martha died on 5 Oct 1882 at age ~37.⁹ She was buried in City Cemetery, Seymour, Jackson Co., IndianaG.¹⁰

Nancy Mary Christy was born in Apr 1848 in IndianaG.^4,5,6,7
     She appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Center Twp., Dearborn Co., IndianaG, in the household of her parents, Churchill G. Christy and Maria Cobb.¹⁵
     She moved to Decatur Co.G with her parents by 1855. She appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of her parents.¹⁶
     She moved to Seymour, Jackson Co.G, with her parents by 1870. She appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Seymour, Jackson Co., IndianaG, in the household of her parents.¹⁷
     As an adult she generally used the name May, even for legal documents, but was occasionally recorded as Mary.^18,19,20
     May married first William Henry F. Jonas, son of John Jonas and Mary Pielan, on 25 May 1876 in Jackson Co., IndianaG, with Rev. Albert Ogle offciating.^8,9
     May and William appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Seymour, Jackson Co., Indiana G, enumerated 11 Jun 1880. His 13-year-old brother Frank was listed as living with them.²¹
     Her husband died on 8 Jun 1881 in Seymour, IndianaG.²²
     By 1882 May was operating a boarding house on Walnut St.G.²³ She moved to GreensbrugG in the spring of 1883.²⁴ She sold her frame home on Indianapolis Ave.G on 4 Dec 1883, for $700, cash.²⁵
     May returned to SeymourG by 1886 and was again operating her boarding house there.²⁶
     May married second Lew E. Wood, son of Edward W. Wood and Mary Evalyn C. Brooks, on 18 Jun 1890 in Hamilton Co., OhioG, with Rev. Charles H. Haines officiating.^10,11,12
     Nancy and Lew moved to IllinoisG but when they did that is unknown. They appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Flora, Clay Co., Illinois G, enumerated 4 Jun 1900.²⁷
     May was named executrix and an heir in the will of her husband dated 26 Jul 1909 in Flora, Clay Co., IllinoisG, to receive his entire estate after payment of his debts and funeral expenses.²⁸
     Nancy and Lew appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Flora, Clay Co., Illinois, at Second St. G, enumerated 16 Apr 1910, reporting they rented their home.²⁹
     Her second husband died on 18 Jul 1910 in Flora, IllinoisG.^30,31 His will was probated 15 Aug 1910, and she was issued letters testamentary to execute the estate, serving without bond.²⁸
     She moved to CincinnatiG where she lived with her niece, Bertha M. Corbitt, her last several years.³²
     May died on 14 Mar 1920 in Cincinnati, OhioG, at age 71.¹³ She was buried on 18 Mar 1920 in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OhioG.¹⁴

Rev. Milton Dyer Christy was born in 1849 in Greensburg, IndianaG.^4,5,6 The earliest records show his name as Milton Dyer but all later records show it reversed.¹
     He appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Center Twp., Dearborn Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents, Churchill G. Christy and Maria Cobb.¹²
     He moved to Decatur Co.G with his parents by 1855. He appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents.¹³
     Milton attended Denison University, Granville, OhioG, a Baptist liberal arts college. He started as a second-year student in the Preparatory Department in the 1868-69 academic year, and continued, becoming a senior in the 1873-74 academic year.¹⁴ He appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Granville, Licking Co., OhioG, enumerated 28 Jun 1870, listed as a college student, living with four other students in one unit of a four-unit building.²
     In the spring of 1877 Milton was asked to become the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Bryan, OhioG, which he accepted. He continued there until 1881.^16,17
     Milton married Sarah A. Ehle, daughter of Abraham Ehle and Elizabeth Godard, on 5 Jun 1878 in Williams Co., OhioG, with Rev. Charles D. Morris officating.^7,8
     Milton and Sarah appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Bryan, Williams Co., Ohio G, enumerated 12 Jun 1880. Their son Frederick was listed as living with them, as was her sister Mary.¹⁸
     Milton and Sarah moved to Ithaca, Gratiot Co., MichiganG, in 1882, when he became pastor of the First Baptist Church there, serving until 1889.¹⁹ On 13 Mar 1884 the church building was totally distroyed by fire. Services were held "in such places as opportunity and convenience permitted" while a new building was constructed. Milton supported the effort with "zeal and earnestness ... [that] knew no bounds." The new building was dedicated 2 Jan 1887.¹⁹
     Milton and Sarah moved to La Porte, IndianaG, about 1890, when he became pastor of the Baptist Church there.^20,21
     Milton and Sarah moved to Mitchell, Lawrence Co., IndianaG, in Jul 1891, when he became pastor of the First Baptist Church there.^22,23
     Milton died on 16 Apr 1892 in Mitchell, Lawrence Co., IndianaG, at age ~43.^9,10 He was buried in South Park Cemetery, Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG.¹¹

Oscar A. Christy was born in Dec 1851 in Greensburg, IndianaG.^4,5,6
     He appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents, Churchill G. Christy and Maria Cobb.¹²
     Oscar appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OhioG, in the household of his brother Henry and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Hillis.¹³

Joining His Brothers In Business --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Oscar joined the firm of Christy, Cobb & Co. as a clerk about 1871, and was a bookkeeper there by the following year. The principals in the firm were his older brothers John and Henry, and his cousin William Henry Cobb.^14,15 About 1873 the firm became proprietors of the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Elevator, at the Pearl and Smith Sts.G. Their brother James rejoined the firm as a clerk at the elevator, becoming superintendent there by 1875, but apparently leaving the firm after that.¹⁶
     Oscar married Ida M. Conklin, daughter of William H. Conklin and Elizabeth Windling, on 5 May 1875 in Cincinnati, OhioG, at her father's home.^7,8,9
     Oscar and Ida appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Delhi Twp., Hamilton Co., Ohio G, enumerated 25 Jun 1880. Their daughter Elizabeth was listed as living with them, as was Dudley Deries, age 13, a domestic servant.¹⁷

Troubles at Christy, Cobb & Co. --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Rumors circulating in the Cincinnati business community about financial difficulties at Christy, Cobb & Co. culminated in newspaper reports 30 Jun 1880 of conversations with members of the firm. They acknowledged owing money to a few local banks that they could not pay on time, and said they were asking for an extension. They said they owned no one other than these banks, and would speedily resolve the issue. They noted they had been in business nearly 20 years and the past year had done a business of over $1,500,000, handling more grain than any three houses in the city. They said they were making arrangements to bring in "fresh blood" and issued a statement that the firm "sold out their business and good will to Wm. H. Conklin" who would continue the business at the elevator under the name of Christy, Conklin & Co.¹⁸
     The following day a newspaper reported a conversation with William Cobb in which he said he had been the outside man for years, doing most of the traveling, and had no intimation of any issue until the previous week. He said the firm had done some speculation several years before and had been "urgently advised" to stop by his father, one of their heavy creditors, and he had thought they had stopped as they promised. But now he found the firm had speculated in Chicago by borrowing money secured by elevator receipts. He said his father held a note from the firm for $30,000 and was owed another $25,000 on account, but he did not know about other creditors. The paper reported that the firm owed four local banks and two out-of-state banks a total of $55,000.¹⁹
     Negotiations with creditors did not go well. On 12 Jul 1880 the three principals and the bookkeeper were arrested on multiple charges, including issuing false warehouse receipts and embezzlement, from each of three banks. The banks had demanded the grain that was represented by the warehouse receipts used as security for the loans, and were told it was not there. Bonds were posted for each: $15,000 for Henry, $25,000 for John and Oscar, and $9,000 for William.²⁰
     Preliminary hearings were held on all six cases, one brought by each of the three banks against the firm and the same against the bookkeeper. The hearings took several days, concluding 29 Jul 1880, and were reported in great detail by the local newspaper. There was testimony by officials of the banks and employees of the firm. After charges against William Cobb were dismissed in one of the cases, he was called as a witness by the prosecution. He testified that he had initially provided all the firm's capital, but later that was returned and the firm operated on borrowed money. He said that on 26 Jan 1880 John had told him they had been speculating and had lost $35,000. He knew the firm had been in debt for several years, and realized it would be unable to recover, with debts now totaling over $100,000. At the conclusion of the hearings all the defendants were bound over to the grand jury, and bail amounts were adjusted.^21,22
     Apparently nothing more ever came of the case. On 31 Jan 1881 a reporter asked one of the attorneys who had prosecuted at the hearings why no indictments had been made. He would only cite rumors, including that money was used in the grand jury room and that the Prosecuting Attorney's office was at fault. No further report of the case has been found.²³
     The firm of Christy, Conklin & Co. continued to operate the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Elevator for about two years, with John, W. H. Conklin, Henry, and Oscar as principals. On 1 Aug 1882 the business was transferred to John Henry, who announced they would continue to operate the elevator under the firm name of Christy & Co.^24,25

A New Firm, More Troubles --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Oscar and W. H. Conklin formed the firm of O. A. Christy & Co. by 1883, still dealing in grain.²⁶
     Oscar and his partner were tried by the Chamber of Commerce 13 Aug 1883 on charges of unmercantile conduct. Five of six officers found them guilty, but in a controversial interpretation of the rules, that was considered a finding of not guilty. The case was based on a complaint by W. J. Head, who had loaned Oscar $1,500 for 30 days in December. The note was not paid when due, and Head learned that Oscar had purchased a piece of property and transferred it to his wife. Head filed suit to stop the transfer, which was approved. Oscar filed a $10,000 suit for defamation of character, but offered to withdraw his suit if Head would call the note paid. Final outcome of the court suits has not been found.²⁷

Moving Out of State --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

      Oscar, and O. A. Christy & Co., last appear in the Cincinnati city directory in 1884. He and Ida were established in Marion, IndianaG, by 1887.^28,29
     Oscar was a real estate agent in Marion. On 10 Jul 1890 George L. Mason, another agent, was conducting an auction of real estate for buyers from New York, and berated Oscar for trying to sell property to his buyers. Oscar called him a liar and a thief, unloading property at $700 to $800 per acre that had cost $100. Mason struck him in the face, and was later arrested for assault and battery.³⁰
     Oscar and Ida returned to Cincinnati by 1897.³¹ They appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., Ohio, at 425 Riddle Road G, enumerated 5 Jun 1900. Their daughter Elizabeth was listed as living with them, as were Alice Penitt, a servant, and E. Walter Brown, a coachman.³²
     He reported his occupation in the 1900 census as a grain & stock broker, and was listed as a grain broker in the city directory. He apparently operated independently until about 1900, when he was listed as with Charles J. Christie & Co.^33,34
     Oscar died on 14 Jul 1901 in Winton Place, Hamilton Co., OhioG, at age 49.¹⁰ He was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OhioG.¹¹

William F. Christy was born on 31 Mar 1836 in Decatur Co., IndianaG.^4,5,6,7
     He was probably one of the three males under age 5 listed in the household of his father, Churchill G. Christy, in the 1840 Federal Census of Decatur Co., IndianaG.¹³
     He moved to Dearborn Co.G with his parents by 1850. He appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Center Twp., Dearborn Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents, Churchill G. Christy and Maria Cobb.¹⁴
     William married Sarah A. Smothers on 26 Jan 1858 in Jasper Co., IndianaG.^8,9,10
     William and Sarah appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Clay Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, enumerated 7 Jul 1860, reporting no real estate but personal estate of $150. Their daughter Mary was listed as living with them, as was his brother Joshua, who was listed as a laborer.²
     He was a farmer.^15,16 He registered for the draft for the Civil War, appearing on the register dated in Jun 1863, while living in Marion Twp., IndianaG, reporting he was a farmer. He also reported that his left leg had been broken, and left crooked.¹⁷
     William and Sarah appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, enumerated 23 Jun 1870, reporting real estate valued at $350 and personal estate of $200. Their children Mary, Mattie, Luetta, Ida, and Wilber were listed as living with them.¹⁸
     His wife died on 13 Feb 1877.^19,20
     William appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Washington Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of Dyar Cobb and Almyra Tremain, his mother's sister and her husband.^21,21
     He was reported with no occupation when he was living with his wife's aunt and uncle after her death. He later reported his occupation as a farm laborer.^22,23,24
     William appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Washington Twp., Decatur Co., Indiana, G in the household of Oliver Clay Elder and Sophronia Cobb, his cousin and her husband.²⁵
     William has not been found in the 1910 census. His eldest daughter and her husband have not been found either, so it is possible he was living with them, but he could have been somewhere else as well.
     William died on 15 Apr 1918 in Washington Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, at age 82.¹¹ He was buried on 17 Apr 1918 in South Park Cemetery, Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG.¹²