The story of Sheridan’s first black family

By STEVEN J. GLENN
For The Reporter

Let’s travel back 80-some years in Indiana history!

The year was 1930 in Sheridan, long before the Civil Rights movement and long before marches and desegregation. Groups of Indiana Shakers (similar to Shakers) would scout southern black churches for black families to relocate to Indiana to work the farmland.

Julius Glenn, a descendant of slaves, took the Shakers up on their offer. He moved from Tennessee to Sheridan, Ind., and the Glenn family became the first black residents of Sheridan.

The Wilson Milk Company was a notable company located in Sheridan, and Julius later became employed at Wilson’s. The Wilson Milk Company was a prestigious job in 1930 Sheridan. Every Glenn family member worked for the milk company at one time or another. After a few years, Julius Glenn bought a home and some land in Sheridan.

Some years later, Julius married Edna Tapp from Crawfordsville, Ind. The Tapp family at that time was the only black family In Crawfordsville. Edna graduated from Normal College, which is now Indiana State University. Sadly, blacks were not allowed to teach in Sheridan. Edna Glenn became a housewife and mother to three children, Nathan, James, and Donald, who were all born in Sheridan.

Sheridan schools did not segregate like Indianapolis schools due to the fact there was only one black family there. The three Glenn children went from first grade to high school with their white counterparts. The Glenns were great students and athletes. All three graduated from Sheridan High School. In 1983, Sheridan High School had a celebration night for all three Glenn men. Special mention must be given to Mrs. Cline, a dedicated teacher who taught all three Glenn children. She and others took a genuine interest in the Glenns and deserve credit for their success.

Nathan and James graduated from Indiana University. Donald later graduated from Butler University. This was unheard of during this age. Nathan became an executive with International Harvester. James became a medical doctor and has a hospital named after him in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Donald became principal of Broad Ripple High School and served there for 10 years.

The Glenn family naturally endured extreme racism in the 1930s and 1940s, yet the kind acts of a few people propelled their success. I believe many families, black and white, have forgotten that without a quality education, there is no FUTURE.

The Glenn, Glover, and White reunion is held every year at Noblesville Park.

Editor’s note: Steven J. Glenn is the son of Donald Glenn. Thank you, Steven, for sharing this important piece of local history.