Biography of David P. Greer

David P. Greer, born April 6, 1856, in Morgan County, Indiana, relocated to Montgomery County, Kansas, in 1880 after living on his family farm. He acquired a 160-acre farm in 1889, established a successful agricultural career, and became known for breeding Poland China hogs. He was actively involved in local governance, serving on the school board and as justice of the peace while supporting the Republican Party. Married to Alice Jolly, he had several children and garnered respect and friendship within the community before his passing.

DAVID P. GREER—One of the solid men of Sycamore township, and a farmer who has made agriculture pay, is David P. Greer, who resides on section 36-32-15.

He dates his birth in Morgan county, Indiana, April 6th, 1856, where he continued to reside on the old home farm until he came to Montgomery county, Kansas, in 1880. His first location was seven miles west of Independence, in Rutland township, where he lived until 1889, when he bought his present farm of 160 acres.

Mr. Greer is a son of Captain John E. Greer, well known throughout the county as one of the pioneers, who made a large property during his lifetime. The captain was a native of Kentucky and was one of seven children, viz: James M., of Montgomery county; John E., deceased; Mrs. Mary Carrell, deceased; Lyman M., of Indiana; Mrs. Ruth Williams; Alexander C., of Montgomery county, and Mrs. Amanda Poor, deceased.

The birth of Captain Greer occurred January 1st, 1829, and at two years his parents moved up into Indiana, where he continued to reside until the breaking out of the Civil War. He entered the Union army and participated in much of the severe service during the four years’ war. The following from the Independence Tribune is to the point: “Captain John E. Greer, of Independence township, is dead, at the age of sixty-eight years. In the early part of the Civil War he enlisted at Waverly, Indiana, and went to the front as Lieutenant in Co. ‘F,’ 5th Ind. Cav., and was with his regiment, afterward merging into the 90th, in three years of war—except while a prisoner in the hands of the Confederates—and was promoted to a captaincy for bravery. His regiment was the first to enter Knoxville, Tenn., and was engaged in twenty-two battles.

“During the service, Captain Greer was captured and was, for months, a prisoner in Libby prison. He was active in digging the famous Straight tunnel, but before he could get away was transferred to Belle Isle and from there was exchanged, after being in captivity one year.

“After his return home, Captain Greer was elected to the Indiana Legislature. About 1877 he removed to this county and purchased a farm in Rutland township and gathered his children about him, adding largely to his acreage. He prospered and also became prominent in public affairs.”

The wife of John E. Greer was Margaret Petree, of Decatur county, Indiana. She bore him ten children, as follows: Nancy E. Pettet, of Montgomery county; William M. and Joseph G., deceased; David P.; Lucy C. Wagaman and Abram L., of Montgomery county; Margaret V., deceased; James E., of the Indian Territory; Annie L. Holden and Oliver L., both of Montgomery county.

David P. Greer, on February 16th, 1877, married Alice Jolly. Mrs. Greer is a native of the “Hoosier State,” and is a daughter of Samuel J. and Frances (McDowell) Jolly. Her children are Oliver G., who married Maude Perkins, and lives in Sycamore township, with his two children, Ruby Z. and Opal E.; Tula F. resides in Independence with her husband, Orion Page; Icey M. and David O. are young people at home.

The beautiful rural home which Mr. Greer now owns is the result of his own untiring efforts since coming to the county. He began with the small capital of four hundred dollars, and now owns one of the best quarter sections in the county, well stocked and in a good state of cultivation. He devotes his land to general farming, and takes a special interest in the breeding of Poland China hogs, having this year 100 head of these fine animals.

In a fraternal way, Mr. Greer is a member of the Modern Woodmen, of the A. H. T. A., and of the Home Builders’ Union. He has taken an intelligent and helpful interest in matters pertaining to good government in the two places where he has lived in the county, there being but three years since his coming that he has not held a place on the school board. In political life he is also quite active, being one of the staunch workers of the Republican party. He served two terms as justice of the peace in Rutland township, was township treasurer two terms and has been a delegate to numerous county and state conventions, during the past twenty years, having been a delegate to the state convention which nominated Governor Morrill. He and his family have the good wishes of a very large circle of friends in the county and the esteem in which Mr. Greer is held is most universal.