The Princeton union., November 04, 1909, Page 3

Owen Bracken has gone to live with his son, James, five miles from Orrock. Despite his age almost 90 years Mr. Bracken is active and enjoys good health. He says, however, that he can't work like he used to the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. He has lived on one farm in Greenbush for forty years.

The Princeton union., February 05, 1920, Page 1

Owen Bracken, Civil War Veteran, Celebrates Hundredth Anniversary of His Birth. Entertains His Friends and, to Show Them He is Still Young, He Dances an Irish Jig.

On Monday, at the home of his son, James, in Greenbush, Owen Bracken, veteran of the civil war, appropriately celebrated the hundredth anniversary of his birth. For several years the old gentleman has felt confident that he would live to be a centenarian, and on Tuesday his ambition was realized.

Mr. Bracken is a remarkable man for his age. Although somewhat shaky from the ravages of time, he enjoys good health. He was particularly active at his birthday celebration and insisted on dancing a jig for the entertainment of the assembled guests. He then passed around the cigars and asked that the Union remember him to Joe Armitage, who never fails to send him a box of the fragrant weeds upon his birthday.

A bountiful luncheon was served by Mr. Bracken's French cook, and it was a merry party that sat at the festal board, the old warrior being the jolliest of all. He attributes the prolongation of his life to the viands prepared for him by his French cook.

The Union hopes that the old gentleman will remain with us for a long time and enjoy good health during his declining years.

The Princeton union., February 03, 1921, Page 4

Reaches Good Old Age of 101. Owen Bracken, pioneer and civil war veteran, celebrated his 101st birthday at the home of his son, James, in Milo Township yesterday.

Many friends and neighbors called up on the old gentleman and he greatly enjoyed the day. While he was unable to dance a jig with his old-time alacrity, he gave a few steps to show that he has not forgotten how to so do. Mr. Bracken received a number of presents, and the tokens of esteem were much appreciated by him. He said that these birthday celebrations always make him feel younger and he believes he will at least reach the age of 102. There is a saying that the first 100 years are always the hardest, and probably Owen has arrived at this conclusion.

The Union congratulates Mr. Bracken and hopes he may live to celebrate his 150th birthday anniversary.