Click on the photo to see it in full size

Click on the photo to see it in full size

KATIE RYAN'S YOUTH & BACKGROUND

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CLICK HERE to see more about Katie Ryan's family, her father's military history, her mother's deathbed conversion to Catholicism and much more.
 

JOSEPH W. GREENEN'S YOUTH AND BACKGROUND

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CLICK HERE to see more information about Joseph Greenen's family, their origins in Ireland, immigration, illustrious railroad careers and much more.
 

JOSEPH BEGINS HIS RAILROAD CAREER

There are still many unanswered questions regarding the details of this family's employment with the Railroad.  It is known that Peter Greenen (Joseph's father) has been defined in various U.S. census reports as "farmer" and "laborer" ...and it is believed that he did devoted substantial time to both "careers."  It is also known that all of his sons followed in his footsteps in pursuing careers in Railroading. Difficult and painstaking research by Andy Sauer and Dan Drew finally paid off in November of 2000 and a great deal of the Greenen Railroad history can now be tracked with certainty.
 

This history goes back to the formation of the Columbus, Piqua, and Indiana Railroad which was incorporated in 1849, less than a year following Peter's arrival in the Urbana Ohio area.  Since the Greenen family geographic movements can be seen to correspond exactly to the expansion of this railroad (via "buy outs" by parent railroads over time) there can be no doubt that the study of this expansion and general westward progression is also a study of this family's work history as one can see after studying the matter.

Pictured here is a typical train engine from about 1865... early in the railroad career of J.W. Greenen. Click on the photo to see it full size

To follow this progression of railroad "buy outs" and expansions, the reader must revisit the history of Joseph's father, Peter Greenen where the progression is given in complete detail.  CLICK HERE to visit that page.

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COURTSHIP & MARRIAGE OF J.W. & KATIE

It is confirmed in the book History of Catholicity in Indiana (published about 1898) That Joseph's brother Michael sought employment in Indianapolis during the civil war years.  It is probable that Joseph did also... and that both young men probably returned home to Urbana, Ohio in the winter to finish their schooling, as Michael is documented to have done.  By the end of the Civil War, (1865) it appears that both had become permanent residents of Indianapolis.  Joseph would have been 23 at the time; and Michael 21.  CLICK HERE to see the Greenen article in the History of Catholicity in Indiana.

Meanwhile, the wonderful collection of receipts found in the Wayne County Courthouse by researcher Arnold Dean, clearly indicate that Sarah ("Katie") Ryan and her sister, Julia, were enrolled in the boarding School at St. John's in Indianapolis during 1864, at which time Katie would have been 16 years old. The receipts indicate payment of both tuition as well as rail transportation to and from Richmond to attend school.  Note that the receipts indicate that the school was run by the "Sisters of Charity" ...but careful research by Andy Sauer have proven that the sisters running the school were the Sisters of Providence, headquartered in Terre Haute... and that this order of nuns (as well as several others) were referred to "generically" as the "Sisters of Charity" because of their work with the sick and wounded during the civil war; and are not to be confused with the "Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent DePaul."  CLICK HERE  to see a sample of a receipt for "Katie's" schooling in Indianapolis

Saint John's was the earliest Catholic church in Indianapolis; and quite probably the Church that Joseph and Michael attended upon moving from Urbana to Indianapolis.  By the time Katie was 18, Joseph (5 years elder than "Katie") would have been a handsome, ambitious, and hard working bachelor and would probably have met Katie at St. Johns.  She was a bright and pretty young lady who had come up in a "troubled family."  Her home in Richmond was now fatherless and supported by a widow's pension since the death of her father, John Ryan, during his service with the Union Forces during the Civil War.

We also know that J.W. was assigned to duty in Richmond with the Railroad about this time, and that the couple's first two sons were born in Richmond.  It is therefore quite possible that J.W. and Katie might actually have met in Richmond or "on the train" as Katie made trips from home to school and back and J.W. might have had duties which required commuting... or even duties aboard the train.  It is also possible that J.W. requested assignment to Richmond to facilitate his courtship of "Katie" after she graduated from St. Johns.
In 1868, two consolidation/mergers occurred to form the Columbus, Chicago and Indiana Central Railway Company. This merger would have greatly expanded the Railroad and resulted in divisions operating to Chicago and to Logansport, Indiana, a major canal terminal and rail center.  The nation was recovering from the Civil war which had now been over for three years.  It was, perhaps, in connection with this railroad consolidation that J.W. found himself assigned to Richmond, Indiana about this time.

Joseph William Greenen married Sarah Catherine Ryan April 21, 1870
          The wedding was at St. Mary's Church in Richmond, Indiana.
        CLICK HERE to see Marriage Document. (not yet on line)

Joseph William Greenen’s son Charles Peter born Feb. 11,1871 in Richmond, Indiana.
            Andy thinks he was baptized there but no document on it at this time.
Joseph William Greenen’s son John Joseph born April 18,1873 in Richmond, Indiana.
          Baptized July 17, 1873 Saint Johns in Indianapolis.  (Andy has certificate.)

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REASSIGNMENT TO INDIANAPOLIS

Just 3 months following the birth of his son, John Joseph ("Josie")  in 1873... and just six days after his baptism, Joseph suffered the loss of his 21 year old "baby brother," Thomas, in a railroad accident.   Undoubtedly, if not already assigned there, Joseph and Katie would have travelled to Indianapolis to be with his parents and bury his brother.

Sometime before 1875, J.W. was re-assigned to duty in Indianapolis.

Joseph William Greenen’s son Alfred Clement born Jan. 29, 1875 in Indianapolis
             Baptized March 14, 1875 at Saint John's.  Andy has baptismal certificate.

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THE FAMILY MOVES TO PIQUA

Sometime before October 1877, J.W. Greenen was re-assigned to duty in Piqua Ohio, also a major four directional crossing with a round house, maintenance facilities and switchyards.

Joseph William Greenen’s son Thomas William born Oct. 13, 1877 Piqua, Ohio
         Frank, a twin to Thomas William Greenen, survived only to age 15 months.

While in Piqua, Joseph would have received the news of the death of his father, Peter Greenen, in a horrible railroad accident in Indianapolis July 9, 1878.

In February of 1879, the family suffered the loss of their 15 month old son, "Frank," who was twin to Thomas W. Greenen and who might have had health problems and "special needs" throughout his short life.

Joseph William Greenen’s daughter Blanche Cecelia born Feb. 15, 1880 in Piqua, Ohio.
           She was baptized at St. Mary Church in Piqua.   CLICK HERE to see Baptism Certificate. (Not yet on line)

The 1880 Census shows the J.W. Greenen family living in Miami County (Piqua) Ohio, with children listed as in our records, and also shows an Irish "Nanny" and a black housekeeper as  members of the household.

Charles Peter Greenen:
John Joseph Greenen: (aka Joseph J. Greenen):
Alfred Clement Greenen:
Thomas William Greenen:
Francis * ("Frank") Greenen:  This child was the twin of Thomas William Greenen.  (See "story" below.)
Blanche Cecelia Greenen:

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*  It appears that there was little talk or memorializing of little "Frank" Greenen within the family or among descendants.  As of 1999, the only record of his existence had been an entry in one of Charles D. Greenen's worksheets which indicated that this family had a child named Frank... and the assumption was that he had died in childhood.   When searching the records at St. Mary Church in Piqua, Ohio, however an unmistakable entry was found in the burial records.  The record is clear and unmistakable and is translated (from Latin:) February 13, 1979: I have buried the body of Francis Greenen, age 15 months.  This information indicates clearly that this child would have been a twin toThomas William Greenen;however he does not show up in the baptismal records of the parish.  This fact leads us to believe that the child may have had problems which were noticed even at birth... or before the date scheduled for baptism... and that he was baptized as an "emergency" prior to the baptism of his twin, Thomas.

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RETURN TO INDIANAPOLIS - PERMANENTLY

In 1883 and 84 two consolidations occurred resulting in the formation of The Chicago St. Louis and Pittsburgh Railway Company. Again, these mergers increased the railroad's operations and assets, and, perhaps, required reconfiguring of management personnel.  By this time, Joseph W. Greenen had worked his way well up the ranks of the railroad management heirarchy; and it is probably during this time that he became terminal manager at Indianapolis.  He would have just finished a 6 year tour of duty in Piqua.

Click on photo to see it full size

Evidence for his having achieved high rank by this time is the large exquisite home he purchased and raised his family in following their return from Piqua.  The home was at 120 N. Arsenal Ave. in Indianapolis.

By this time the family was complete, with Blanche, the baby and only girl now 3 or 4 years old.  In spite of the tremendous sufferings and heart aches of the 10 previous years, including the deaths of a brother, son, and father, Joseph W. Greenen, through hard work,  had made himself a successful man; and his family was well provided for.   Fortunately for us, we do not need to imagine how the family looked during the first holiday season after their return to Indianapolis, for a stunning photograph has been handed down:

Click on the photo to see it in full size

This photo, taken December 7, 1884, shows the J.W. Greenen family in their home at 120 N. Arsenal Ave. in Indianapolis.  Pictured (left to right) are Alfred Clement, 9; Thomas William, 8; Joseph William Greenen, 42; Charles Peter, 14; Blanche Cecelia, 4; Sara Catherine "Katie" Ryan Greenen 36; John Joseph (aka "Joe") 11.   Among other things, this photo is remembered for showing what appears to be rather severe rheumatoid arthritis in J.W.'s hands.  This (or a similar disability) ultimately rendered him wheel-chair bound by 1900.
 

INSCRIPTION ON REVERSE SIDE OF ABOVE PHOTO

	Charlie	13 years & 12 months
	Josie	11 years & 4 months
	Alfred	9 years & 4 months
	Tommie	8 years & 2 months
	Blanche	4 years & 10 months
	Pa	42 years & 1 month
	Ma	36 years & 10 month

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In addition to his position of terminal manager, J.W. also began a coal business upon his return to Indianapolis from Piqua.  The coal yard was located on South State street.  We have numerous entries from the Indianapolis City Directory between 1890 and 1910, thanks to research by cousin Gloria Greenen Bixler.  These will be scanned and posted as time allows.  In summary, the directory entries indicate that his eldest son, Charles, was initially in the coal business with him under the name of J.W. Greenen and Son.  Soon Charles fell in love with Amelia Dewenter, whose father owned the very successful Kruse & Dewenter furnace manufacturing business.  Charles married Amelia ("Aunt Millie") and became involved in the Kruse & Dewenter enterprise, ultimately assuming control of it.  Meanwhile, J.W.'s second son, "Joe" (John Joseph) joined his father in the coal business; and continued to manage it, ultimately owning it after his father's death.

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1890 Short haul locomotive

During 1890 two consolidations occurred and the Chicago St. Louis and Pittsburgh Railroad became the Pittsburgh Cincinnati Chicago & St. Louis Railroad Company. Although not documented, family tradition is that Joseph William Greenen worked for the railroad (through its many mergers and name changes) for 50 years; so the assumption is that he would not have retired till well after the 1890 merger/re-organization.   If he began work at 18, he would have finished 50 years of service in the year 1910 at age 68.  Regardless of exactly when he retired, it is known that he was presented with a very nice watch which (as of the year 2000) is in the posession of Cousin Andy Sauer.  It is a well known fact (also documented in pictures) that he was wheel-chair bound for the last several years of his life.  His wife Katie died in September of 1913... but not before the two of them enjoyed a few years of railroad travel.  His granddaughters have reported their recollections of those days when JW had free passes for railroad travel anywhere he wanted to go... with all the priviledges of high rank... and special attention to his wheel chair.

 

Click on the photo to see it in full size

And, most importantly for this section of the Greenen history, his decendents have kept many letters he wrote on railroad stationery with the letterhead of the Pittsburgh Cincinnati Chicago & St. Louis Railroad Company.

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THE CHILDREN GROW UP

Thus far, there has not been time to do much research regarding these years during which the children grew up.  By this time, St. John's had both grade and high school; and it is clear from Andy Sauer's research that the children probably all attended St. Johns.  Many records might be available; and, as time allows, these will be sought and whatever is found will be posted with a link here.

Meanwhile, we now have some AWESOME photos and documentation regarding the graduation of Blanche Greenen Drew and her first cousin, (Michael Geenen's daughter) Regina, from Saint John's in 1899 and 1897 respectively.
 

Thanks to research by Andy Sauer, referred to earlier, we can enjoy the available documentation regarding the attendance at St. John's Academy... including graduation... of both Blanche Cecelia Greenen (daughter of J.W. and "Katie") ...and her first cousin, Regina Greenen, daughter of J.W.'s brother, Michael. The letter at right should speak for itself! What is NOT documented here (because records are not available) is that Blanche's mother, Sarah ("Katie") Ryan also attended St. John's as a boarding student during the 1860's as has been pointed out above.  As for Regina's mother, Ellen Coffield Greenen, it is not known whether she also attended St. John's; but it is believed that she did NOT; as she was from Urbana and was married there, and probably attended school in Urbana.

Click  on the photo to see it in full size

Click  on the photo to see it in full size

The photo at left is the "official" graduation photo of the class of 1899 of St. John's Academy. The photo clearly shows Blanche Cecelia Greenen (marked with an X) in a pose with I (personally) feel manifests the peaceful loving demeanor which tradition asserts was her "way" of being. Note that the family names of this group of graduates clearly indicates that St. Johns's was still predominently an Irish Catholic institution in 1899.

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Click  on the photo to see it in full size

This photo of the graduation  class of 1897 shows Blanche's elder cousin, Regina, marked with an X. Regina, daughter of J.W. Greenen's brother Michael, was obviously a beautiful girl.  Tradition confirms this!  Both tradition and the entry in "The History of Catholicity in Indiana" asserts that her family was one of the most prominent and respected Catholic families in Indianapolis. She had a number of brothers and sisters; and much information on this family has been gathered by Andy Sauer and our "Uncle Charlie" (Charles D. Geenen) and is in my files.  It will be posted with a link to this site as time permits.

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THE RETIREMENT ~ GRANDCHILDREN YEARS

Joseph William Greenen retired sometime before 1911... and probably before 1909.  In 1907 he would have reached the age of 65.  Because of his known infirmity, he may well have retired even much earlier than that; but no tradition or available documents show a date for his retirement.  It is known that he was presented a "retirement" pocket watch which is still in the possession of his great grandson, Andy Sauer.

In 1905, J.W. was the central figure in a huge, complicated, and emotional series of proceedings in connection with the settlement of the estate of his mother-in-law, Sarah Moore Ryan, who died that year.  Professional researcher Arnold Dean [elected President of the Wayne County Genealogy Society in 2001] was able to locate all the pertinent documents in connection with this estate settlement and hard copies are being kept in my (DCD) files.  Among the interesting facts revealed in these proceedings was that J.W. Greenen had taken on the payment of the taxes on the Ryan home in Richmond for many years; and probably had looked after his widowed (and probably handicapped) mother-in-law financially from the day he married her namesake daughter.  The documents also give specific information regarding the whereabouts and lives of all of "Katie" Ryan Greenen's siblings, nieces and nephews.

1909 was a very big year for the J.W. Greenen family in other ways as well.  "Joe" (John Joseph Greenen) their second son Married Esther Gagan Greenen (of Lafayette, Indiana) in the spring of that year.  Esther ("Aunt Essie") was from a very prominent family; and the wedding was a spectacular one.  A newspaper clipping is on file, thanks to their Grandson, Andy Sauer.  The clipping attests to the pomp and ceremony that surrounded the event and will be posted as time allows.  Tradition is that this couple visited Washington D.C. during their honeymoon and were received at a dinner by President Taft, thanks to the "influence" of Essie's father.

Three months later, in June of 1909, J.W. and "Katie's" youngest child and only daughter married James "Harry" Drew.  Two newspaper clippings of this wedding are also on file and attest that the wedding was very formal and a very significant social event in Indianapolis.  The wedding occurred at Holy Cross church in Indianapolis.  The clippings will be posted as time allows; but are an amazing study in "names and connections."  Review of the clippings reveals that there were very close connections between the Greenen family and the Keefe and Gagan families (of Lafayette and Anderson, respectively.)  Research by cousin Andy Sauer has revealed that both families were highly successful.  The Gagans being involved in the Hotel and real estate business in Layfayette; and the Keefe family in the furnace business in Anderson.

Meanwhile, as was the mode of those times, the grandchildren began to arrive; and J.W. and Katie must have thoroughly enjoyed the arrival, and many visits with each of them.

Following the marriage of their daughter, Blanche, J.W. and Katie's home would have become a proverbial "empty nest."  Tradition passed down by their grandchildren holds that the two of them "spent every winter" at a rest home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Available documents, however, confirm that they did this for only two or three winters... probably 1910 through 1912.  We can assume that their primary reason for doing this was the conviction that the warmer climate was beneficial to J.W.'s health problem.  Seveveral letters from Katie (and two from J.W.) to their daughter Blanche have been passed down, written on the stationery of the rest home, which was a Catholic institution.  The predominent theme of the letters is the state of their health and how much they missed Blanche's children, James and "Danny."  The letters are absolutely charming and will be posted to this collection as time permits.  The letters mention J.W.'s health quite often, but give no real hint that Katie is suffering from anything which would have predicted her death in 1913.

 

The photo at left shows "Katie" Ryan Greenen... obviously with one of her grandchildren.  The photo caption does not indicate which child she is holding; but it could be any of the following grandchildren which she would have known before her death in 1913: From Charles P. Greenen & Amelia Dewenter: Charles Dewenter Greenen and Robert Greenen. From "Joe" (John Joseph Greenen & Esther Gagen: Mary Esther Greenen, and (? 2) others.  [need help with this recitation.] From Blanche Greenen & James "Harry" Drew: James Joseph Drew and Daniel Greenen Drew.

Click on the photo to see it full size

 

KATIE RYAN GREENEN'S DEATH

Katie's letters to her daughter, Blanche, during 1911 and 1912 give no indication of any serious illness.  She probably died suddenly, or after a short illness in September of 1913.  J.W. was left a widower in his wheel-chair bound condition; but tradition holds that he maintained a positive attitude for the rest of his life; but would have required considerable care.  It is known from tradition that he spent time alternating with his children Joseph, Tom, and Blanche in their homes.  It is also possible that he might have maintained the family home and that he might have been tended to by his sister in law, Margaret ("Aunt Maggie") whom we know never married and spent many years as a guest in the J.W. Greenen home over the years... (might have actually lived with them) ...particularly after the death of her mother in 1905 and the sale of that famous and venerable old "Ryan home" in Richmond.

Having a lifetime "free pass" for railroad travel, J.W. continued to travel and visit his children and grandchildren after the death of his wife.  The letter above is an example of the many letters and photos which document his many visits with his children and grandchildren.  CLICK HERE to see the (above) letter again, which "sets up" a visit to Kansas City in the fall of 1917 to visit his son and daughter in law Tom and Mayme, who were expecting their first child.  The photo at right below was clearly dated (by caption as well as its connection with Mary Helna's birth) and indicates that J.W. had either stayed the entire winter there... or made another trip there to meet his new granddaughter.  (Mary Helna was too young to remember; but recites a tradition that he "lived with them" for quite a long time.)  The photos below were taken during his time(s) in Kansas City... less than a year before his death.
 

Click on the photo to see it in full size

Click on the photo to see it in full size

At the time of his death, May 16, 1918, J.W. was in the care of his son "Joe" (John Joseph Greenen) in Indianapolis.
Additional letters and photos of J.W. and his grandchildren are in my possession and will be posted as time allows.

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JOSEPH W. GREENEN'S DEATH

 

Tradition holds that all five of J.W. Greenen's children came to his funeral, including Tom (who had to travel from Marcelene Missouri.)  It is not known where Alfred was living at the time. In the graveside photo at left, many of J.W.'s grandchildren are shown. J.W.'s son Thomas (still a bachelor) is seated in front with his nephew Daniel G. Drew to his right and William K. Drew to his left.  James J. Drew is seated at Thomas's right shoulder while Cecelia and Mary Louise Drew are seen over his left shoulder.  Standing in the dark suit is Joseph J. ("Joe") Greenen holding one of his children.   Standing in the light suit is James H. ("Harry") Drew holding Edward V. Drew. J.W.'s other 3 children, Charles P., Alfred C., and Blanche ("Harry's" wife) are NOT shown in the photo.  It is believed that Charles P. Greenen actually took this picture.  Charles P.'s two sons, Charles D. and Robert, are not shown.

Click on the photo to see it in full size This is a gravesite photo taken on the day of J.W. Greenen's burial.

This photo from the year 2001 shows the gravesites of J.W. Greenen and his wife Sarah ("Katie") (Ryan) Greenen at Holy Cross Cemetery in Indianapolis.  [Not shown is the identical stone of "Katie's" sister Margaret Ryan who is buried to the immediate left beside her sister.]  Note that the dates of death are accurate; but that both birth years are incorrect "guesses" ...probably given to the funeral directors by a family member who did not have the correct dates at hand; but who was willing to have his best guess be memorialized.  J.W. Greenen's actual date of birth was November 29, 1842; and "Katie's" was February 29, 1848.

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