J.E. Brant, a native of Ohio, who came with the family to Owen
county, Indiana, in his boyhood, locating in the western part of the county,
near Patricksburg, where he grew up on the farm, attending the public
schools, and in his early manhood entered Asbury University preparatory
to engaging in the ministry of the M. E. church. His first assignment
was to the pastorate of the Ashboro church, at about the time of the open-
ing of the Civil war. His second appointment to duty located him at
Prairieton, Vigo county. In 1862 he raised a company of volunteers,
mostly Clay county boys, who were organized on the 15th day of August,
he himself made captain, and mustered into the service on the 2d day of
September, as Company I, Eighty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer
Infantry. From captain he was promoted to major, the title clinging to
him all through life, and from major to lieutenant colonel. After the war
he married Mary A. McAllister, eldest daughter of Dr. R. B. McAllister,
a well known physician in both Owen and Clay counties. In the latter
years of the sixties and up to 1870 he was again located in Clay county,
as pastor of the First M. E. church, Brazil, when he initiated the move-
ment for the raising of the funds for the building of Hendrix Chapel.
Both personally and professionally, Emery Brant was a familiar character
with Clay county people, having preached frequently at Wesley Chapel,
Jackson township, Center, Perry township, and at other points. While
in the army, he officiated also as chaplain, He was also a presiding elder,
and of high standing in the church generally. He died at Bloomington,
February 21, 1904, survived by his wife, who still resides there. His
remains rest in Rose Hill cemetery at that place.