Robert W. Nixon, History of Rush County
Robert W. Nixon, a well-known farmer of Jackson township and former trustee of that township, was born in Washington township, this county, on May 4, 1864, and is the son of James R. and Jane (Abernathy) Nixon.The father was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, whence in early childhood he was brought to Rush County, where he was reared and educated.During the active years of his life he followed farming in Washington township, but later in life he moved to Union township, where he bought 104 acres of land and lived there up to the time of his death.His widow, who was born and reared in Union township, now lives on this farm.They became parents of seven children, of whom four are living, namely, Robert W., Sallie A, Kate and Lulu.Robert W. Nixon secured his education in the public schools of Washington township and was one of the first pupils to attend Raleigh consolidated school, which was the first consolidated school in the state.On completing his studies, Mr. Nixon went to Rushville and entered the employ of W. T. Brann & Son, grocers, with whom he remained for four years.Then, having married, he received from his father-in-law a gift of thirty-eight acres of land in Jackson township, to which he at once moved and began its cultivation.He was successful in his farming operations and bought 122 acres which, together with fifty additional acres given him by his father-in-law, makes his total holdings 210 acres, all of which lies in Jackson township.In addition to a general line of farming, Mr. Nixon gives attention to stock raising, marketing about 100 head of hogs a year.He is thoroughly practical and up-to-date in all his operations and is numbered among the enterprising and influential farmers of his community.On August 27, 1880, Mr. Nixon was married to Cora I. Gartin, who was born in Jackson township, this county, on May 1, 1866, the daughter of John G. and Arkansas (Porter) Gartin, both of whom were natives of Rush county, where Mr. Gartin followed the vocation of farming during his active life.He and his wife were the parents of four children, all of whom are living, namely, Cora I., Omer G., Audit P., and Edmund N.To Mr. and Mrs. Nixon has been born one child, Chalmer G., August 12, 1893, who is unmarried and remains at home.Politically, Mr. Nixon is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party and has taken an active part in local public affairs, having served one term as trustee of Jackson township, to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.He and his wife are earnest members of Hannegan Church of Christ and give their support to every worthy benevolent or charitable object.
From Centennial History of Rush County, Indiana, Edited by A. L. Gary and E. B. Thomas, 1921, Volume II, pages 238 and 239.