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‚Aichie Koritz, Field ~orker Federal VIriterst Project Lake County—Distvict #1 Gary, Indiana


After his riiarriage he lived on a farm near Glasgow for several years, later moving to Louisville, where he worked in a luriber yeard. He came to Gary in 1924, two years after the death of his wife.

	President Grant was the first president for whom he cast his vote and he continued to vote until old age prevented him rx‘oin walk. ing to the poils.

	P~lthough Lincoln is one or his favorite heroes, Teddy Roosevelt tops his 1i~t of great men and he never failed to vote for him.

	In 1926, he was tlae only one of three surviving meinebers of the Grand Army ol* the Republic in Ga~ and mighty proud of the fact t~t ho was the only one in the parade. In 1937 he is the sole survivor.

	He served in the army as a member of Company K of the 108th, ; Kentucky Infantry (Negro Volunteers).

	When General Morgan, the famous southern raider, crossed the Ohio on his raid across southern Indians ‚ John was one or the negro fighters who after heavy fighting, forced Morgan to recross the river and retreat back to the south. He also participated in several skirmishes with the cavalry troops coenmanded by the famous Nathan Be&fored. Forrest, and was a member of thej~egro garrison at Fort Pillow, on the Mississippi which was assaulted ana captured. This result ed in a massacre of the negro so idlers • John wa s in severa 1 other fights, but as he says, “never onct got a skinhurt.“

	At the present time, ~Lr. Eu.banks is resiuing with his daughter, ~ttbs • Bertha S b as and se~era 1 grandehi Idren ‚ in Gary, Indiana • He is badly crippled with rhe~matiam, has poor eyesight and his memory is failing. Otherwise his health is good. Most of his teeth are good and they are a source of wonder to his denti st • He is ninety..