MORTON E. DECKER was born in Posey township, Clay county,
Indiana, four miles southwest of Staunton, December 19, 1871, and is a
son of William W. and Loretta (West) Decker. His parents moved to
Brazil, Indiana, about 1875 or 1876, where he has since resided. He
graduated from the high school of that city in 1889, and then as a lad of
eighteen made a tour of the West, earning the money with which to pay
his expenses en route, and while in Salt Lake City he was stricken with
mountain fever for a month. Recovering sufficiently he went on to San
Francisco. While convalescing at the latter place he played a guitar and
French harp for a living. Afterward he found employment in the Davis
Brothers Golden Rule Bazaar. Later and in company with his uncle, O. B.
Decker, he engaged in the notion business outside of the city, selling, their
goods in the surrounding villages, and while thus employed the Messrs.
Decker formed the acquaintance of Dr. Lepper, who engaged them to give
open air concerts while selling his Rocky Mountain Tea.
    In 1891 Mr. Decker returned to Brazil and began work for his
uncle, Jesse A. Decker, in the furniture business, remaining with him for
about three years. In all this time his love for music had kept him in
touch with the profession and he with others organized the Concert Band.
It was while at Carbon one evening with this band that Dr. Decker and
his former friend and schoolmate, John C. Kidd, decided to engage in
business for themselves, and they entered the field of fire insurance and
real estate under the firm name of Kidd & Decker at Brazil. In 1894 Mr.
Decker purchased his partner’s interest and has since been in business
alone. He now owns considerable real estate in this city, has held several
public and private trusts and is one of the leading business men and citi-
zens, and during his life has been a total abstainer from drink and tobacco.
    Mr. Decker married Miss Anna Hollaway on the 4th of January,
1892. She was born in Putnamville, Putnam county, Indiana, February
23, 1872, a daughter of William H. and Caroline (Lancett) Hollaway.
The father was born in Pennsylvania and came to Indiana some time in
the ‘50s, locating in Owen county. He enlisted in the army for the
Civil war and was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. The
two children of Mr. and Mrs. Decker are Ada and Leone. In his life-
time Mr. Decker has had the pleasure of traveling through twenty-seven
states of the Union. He is a liberal giver to the churches, and is a
member of Brazil Lodge No. 215, I. 0. L. 0.; of the Modern Woodmen
of America, No. 3418; and of the Improved Order of Red Men, No. 61.
He is also a member of the Brazil Concert Band, with which he has been
connected for twelve or fifteen years, and in that time they have won many
state prizes and the reputation of being one of the best bands in Indiana.
Mr. Decker gives his political allegiance to the Republican party, and
at this time is chairman of the county central committee.