I was a student at Indiana University, majoring in Journalism, that summer and was interning at The Greensburg Daily News. One of my assignments was to pour through old, bound copies of the newspapers as far back as were  (read rest of story)

Sumitted By: Mary Ann

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Submitted By: Margaret Lowe


My grandmother, Elizabeth Batterton Lowe. was born in 1858. She was the oldest living resident of Greensburg. Her father, Davies Batterton, came to Greensburg from Bloomington to begin a seminary ( he later founded Battherton's Drug Store). Davies was a early Republican; he ran on the ticket for State Senate with Lincoln. My grandmother was so proud of her family's connection with Decatur County.
As the oldest resident, Grandmother rode in a special car in the parade. She shared the car with the celebrity, Frances Farmer. I often wondered what my grandmother and Frances Farmer talked about on that trip; but they seemed to walk away great friends.
Grandmother was asked to speak at the high school. She told everyone she loved them, and then quoted from memory, her favorite poem, "The Psalm of Life" by Longfellow
( "Tell me not in mournful numbers, life is but an empty dream, for the soul is dead that slumbers and things are not what they seem...."). My sister, Beth, and I helped Grandmother down the steps ( we were 9), and she looked at us, smiled, and with a twinkle in her eye said, "Now, girls, you see, I can be a sweet,little old lady!!!"
My grandmother died, in January 1960 at nearly 102. She was an amazing woman, a pioneer for the rights of women, a single mother, a working woman. She keenly knew the struggles of everyday people. She had seen Lincoln; she had seen the Civil War; she had seen Sputnik!.... and she had 9 year old granddaughters who loved to listen to her stories. The Centennial Celebration was a high light for her and she brought her spunk and wonderful sense of humor to the occasion. It was marvelous to share it with her.