Larry Tippin to discuss recent Pearl Bryan research at museum

Courtesy photo A studio portrait of Pearl Bryan, about the age of 18.

The Putnam County Museum will host Larry Tippin, Putnam County historian and PCM board member, when he presents a freshly researched, two-part presentation of the history of the Bryan Family in Putnam County, and the “Life and Times of Pearl Bryan.”

The talks will take place on consecutive Thursday evenings, June 22 and June 29, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Museum, 1105 N. Jackson St., Greencastle.

Alexander Bryan was a successful and respected farmer and businessman, with landholdings in Floyd Township and in Greencastle. His wife was the daughter of Col. A.S. Farrow, a likewise successful and respected citizen of the county.

Courtesy photo The Bryan Home south of Greencastle on the east side of U.S. 231.

Tippin has recently researched the story of this vibrant and energetic family, their children and friends, their history and backgrounds. His studies have led to a picture of family life in 1890s Putnam County, with the attendant triumphs and tragedies.

One of those tragedies was the murder of 22-year-old Pearl, the next-to-youngest Bryan child, in 1896. The media frenzy that developed around the events of the January night she died created rumors, half-truths, innuendos and outright wrong perceptions about Miss Bryan, who is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Greencastle.

Tippin will illuminate the actual life of Pearl and the important events occurring in Greencastle in the year 1895 which contributed to her tragedy.

He read through more than 3,000 pages of trial transcripts, medical reports, newspaper articles and other court records, to determine the truth. These original source documents and transcripts were key to his revelations concerning the short life of Pearl Bryan.

This program is free and open to the public.