Nelson E. Greenburg and Anna C. Irwin Came to Elk City in 1872
shared by the Greenburg family

Nelson E. Greenburg was born in Sweden October 8th, 1822. At the age of 30 years he came to America. He enlisted in the Civil War in 1861 in Co. A Fifteenth Regiment Indiana Infantry on June 14, 1861 to serve three years and was honorably discharged on the 27th day of January 1864 at Landen, Tennessee. He reenlisted in Co. K 17th Regiment of Indiana Infantry Volunteer to serve three years or the close of the war. At Macon Georgia he received his last discharge on August 8th 1865. He served through the war without a wound.

On March 30th, 1871 he united in marriage to Annie C. Irwin of Fountain County, Indiana. To this union were born two children. His wife and children Harlie and Mrs. Mamie Francis of Wichita and one sister Mrs. Kate Mosier of Attica, Indiana survive him.

In the fall of 1872 he with his little family bid adieu to Indiana and started to Kansas, arriving at Elk City October 24, one year later he moved to the farm where he lived until his death. December 8, 8th 1912.

He was raised a Lutheran in Sweden. After coming to America he joined the Methodist church in Indiana and after coming to Kansas he joined the Friends church and remained a consistent Christian until his death.

A card of thanks was issued

We desire to extend our thanks to neighbors and friends who so kindly assisted us during the sickness and death of our dear husband and father.

Mrs. Annie Greenburg
Mrs. Mamie Francis,
Mrs. Harlie Greenburg and family.

Nelson E. Greenburg one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of this community, died at his home West of town Sunday. He was past 90 years of age and had lived a very useful life. Funeral services were held at the home of D. B. McFarland and internment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Anna C. Irwin Greenburg was born in Moskingdon County, Ohio., February 14, 1844 and departed this life at her home, 8 miles west of Elk City on Sunday morning, 12:30 am March 6, 1921 at the age of 77 years. She leaves to mourn her loss, two children, James H. Greenburg and Mrs. Mary J. Orwig, three grand children and three great grand children. She came to Kansas in 1872 living one year on the W. W. Hall farm on Elk river. In the fall of 1873 Mr. Greenburg bought the home west of town where she has since resided. She lived a consistent Christian life and had been a member of the friends Church for about 25 years. Mrs. Greenburg was a loving wife and mother, always looking for the good of her family and loved by all who knew her.

Funeral was conducted March 7, 2:30 p.m. by Mrs. N. Rainey at the home and burial took place in Oak Hill Cemetery beside her husband. Card of thanks sent by J. H. Greenburg and Family Mrs. J. Orwig and wife.

July 17, 1936
James Harley Greenburg was born in Indiana on February 15, 1872 and departed this life on July 17, 1936 at the age of 64. He was the only son of Nelson and Annie Greenburg. He settled with his parents on the homestead when one year of age, where he lived with his parents and sister Mamie. His father was called in death and his mother became blind.

On January 22, 1896 he was united in marriage to Mollie M. Fowler. To this union four children were born. One son dying in infancy. One daughter Mrs. H. S. Atteburry, Joe E Greenburg of Niotaze and Herbert Greenburg. Seventeen grandchildren, his sister Mami of Pacific Palisade, Calif., was unable to come on account of sickness. Joe did not attend the funeral as his wife was seriously ill.

His wife Mollie M., departed this life on March 13, 1905, leaving the three small children to his care. His mother became blind but was able to help care for the children. The children grew up and married and “Harley” as he was known by everybody remained on the old homestead alone with memories of the past. He was always ready to help in time of need and trouble and was respected by all who knew him.

In some manner he fell in his yard and broke his hip. He laid for five days in this condition without care of food and only a little water which was in a wash pan. His daughter Mrs. S. H. Attebury went to visit him and found him nearly dead in a semi-conscious condition. He was cared for and rushed by ambulance to an Independence hospital. It was needless to say all was done that could be done by his devoted children. In spite of the best medical skill the injury he received rapidly ran its course and the death angel gently closed the eyes of the poor, Pain racked body and bore to heaven his spirit to God who gave it. His death cast indescribable gloom and sadness over the lives of his daughter, sons and immediate friends and relatives. He passed away at the home of his daughter Mrs. H. S. Attebury of Mt. Tabor district.

Appearing in the newspaper reads:

Sunday, June 28, Greenburg, who resides alone on his farm, was gathering the eggs when he fell and fractured his hip. Knowing that there would be none to aid him for several days, he managed to crawl to the house which was two hundred yards away.

From that Sunday until the following Friday he lay there suffering from the pain caused by the fracture. He stated that he had a small amount of water which he obtained from the wash basin that was setting within his reach. Each day found him growing weaker and Friday, his daughter Mrs. Harve Attebury, who makes a weekly call to his home to take his produce to town, found him in a very weakened condition. She Immediately called an Elk City physician, who treated him until he had regained sufficient strength to be brought to the local hospital, where the hip was treated.

The attending physician stated that it was little short of a miracle that the aged gentleman was able to stand up under the ordeal.