Famous Citizens of Clay County Indiana

 

All biographies were collated by Glen Brown

 

About Orville Redenbacher, Popcorn Entrepreneur

Orville Redenbacher was born on a farm located near Brazil; IN in Clay County is truly synonymous with Gourmet Popcorn on a world-wide scope. Like other famous names associated with foods, Orville Redenbacher's development of gourmet popcorn has delighted epicureans and put smiles on popcorn connoisseurs all around the world.  His name has become household name for many Americans who like popcorn. Of course, no Americans are more proud than those citizens located in Brazil, Clay County, Indiana.......(more>>>)

About George North Craig, 39th Indiana Governor

George North Craig was born in Brazil, Indiana on 06 August 1909.  He graduated from Brazil High School and then attended Indiana University where he received his law degree in 1932.  He then started his legal career with his father, a staunch democrat, in his firm located in downtown Brazil.  He married Kathlyn L. Heiliger and both had two children.....(more>>>)

About Charles B. Hall, Tuskegee Airman

Born 25 August 1920, and a native of Brazil, Indiana, this Clay County citizen probably did not know how famous he would become.  Growing up in a southwestern, rural Indiana town where the African-American population was quite small; was a feat that in itself tells of the strength of this young gentleman and his family.  He made history as one of the first of 43 black pilots trained for combat..... (more>>>)

About James (Jimmy) Riddle Hoffa, Teamster's President

Born 14 February 1913, as one of 5 children, Jimmy grew up fast when his coal miner father who worked in the many mines in Clay County died from lung diseases that were customary for those working digging coal.  To support the family, his mother took in laundry and the children had after-school jobs to buy food & pay the bills.  Jimmy regarded his mother as a strong woman who believed in duty and discipline.  In 1922, the Hoffa's moved to Clinton, Vermillion County, Indiana for about 2 years. .... (more>>>)