Transcript:Indiana, United States. Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties/B/Brockman, John W.

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John W. Brockman (p 590)

On the roster of Franklin County officials appears the name of this gentleman, who is now capably serving as county treasurer and who is connected with the business interests of Brookville as proprietor of one of its leading livery stables. He was born in Oldenburg, Indiana, July 28, 1861, and is a son of Frederick Brockman, a native of Germany, who came to this country when eighteen years of age and for twenty years made his home in Cincinnati. He then removed to Franklin County, locating at Oldenburg, where he passed the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1883, when he had attained the age of sixty-four years. By occupation he was a farmer. He married Catherine Kunnen, who also was born in the Fatherland and died in Oldenburg, when about sixty years of age. By their union were born seven children, of whom three are living.

In the usual manner of farmer lads of the period Mr. Brockman, of this review, spent the days of his boyhood and youth, pursuing his education in the common schools, aiding in the labors of the fields and indulging in the sports in which boys of the period delighted. Having acquired his preliminary education in the schools of Oldenburg, he spent two years as a student in St. Mary's College, in Dayton, Ohio, after which he returned to Franklin County. He began farming on his own account in Ray Township, and still owns one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land there, the place being well improved with all the conveniences and accessories of the model farm.

In politics Mr. Brockman has always been an ardent supporter of Democratic principles, and has taken an active interest in promoting the growth and insuring the success of the party. He was called to public office in 1890, when he was elected a trustee of Ray Township, in which office he acceptably served for five years, and during which time he built seven miles of free gravel road, the same being the first pike road constructed in the western part of Franklin County. In 1896, he was elected treasurer of Franklin County, and after two years was re-elected, in 1898, his present term continuing until January 1, 1901. He is a man of marked integrity, and is therefore well qualified to discharge the responsible duties of his position. In August 1899, he purchased what is known as the Tucker livery stable, and in addition to the duties of his office, he superintends the barn. He has put in a new stock of carriages, and now has a first-class stable, which receives and merits the public patronage.

In 1884, Mr. Brockman was united in marriage to Miss Annie Tebbe, of Franklin County, and to them have been born four children: Edward, Richard, Elsina and Harry. The parents are leading members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Brockman belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men. He is one of the most capable and faithful treasurers Franklin County ever had, and is a leading representative of the Democracy of the community, which he frequently represents in the conventions of the party. He has always been a resident of this community and some of his staunchest friends are those who have known him from boyhood --- a fact that indicates his life has been an upright and honorable one.